By: Jacob Kessler
The North Central Board of Education held their meeting on Tuesday August 10th. The meeting was called to order at 6:30pm followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
The board first heard items from board members with Mr. Burnett stating that he welcomes back all the staff and students who are returning to start the new school year.
The board then moved to hear issues from the public with Kyle Prueter from Great Lakes Biomedical speaking first. Mr. Prueter gave a presentation for the student drug testing program that the school is looking into.
He stated to the board that the program is not meant to be viewed as a “got you program”, but rather a way to help students get off a path before it goes too far. The students will be tested at the school and results would be available before the company leaves for the day.
Any positive tests will be sent to a lab to verify what type of drug it is. It will then be sent to a physician who will also verify it and then make contact with parents to see if they were on any medications at the time of testing. All tests conducted will also be random.
Chuck White then addressed council regarding Critical Race Theory. Mr. White has previously addressed council regarding the issue and has been looking for an update.
Mr. White asked the board about a letter that was sent out to residents from Mr. Hanak, regarding the board’s stance on the matter, and was hoping to receive clarification on its meaning. Mr. White also asked if the board had heard of Resolution 20 from the State Board that was introduced on July 14th, 2020.
The Resolution is called “Each Child Our Future” and Mr. White’s view that it screams Critical Race Theory. He continued to say that Dave Yost is against the resolution but that the Governor is for it, and that with this resolution, CRT is already in the state curriculum.
Mr. White stated that he would like to see a resolution to ban CRT at North Central Schools. Chris Sobczak was present as well and stated that he supports what Mr. White was saying followed by Greg Sobczak who stated that even with a statement put out against it, teachers can still bring it into the classroom. Mr. Hanak then stated that he will prepare a resolution for the next meeting.
The board then moved to hear the treasurers report. Minutes from the July 20th, 2021, meeting were presented followed by the financial statements for July.
Approval was requested for Homer Hendricks to be a delegate with Anthony Burnett as alternate for the 2021 OSBA annual business meeting in November.
Each of the items for the treasurer’s report were approved by the board. The board then moved to hear the Administrators report.
Enrollment numbers are in at 584 students, but the number is still subject to change. The county released a statement regarding covid procedures for all of the schools.
Mr. Hanak shared certain points from the statement for clarification. The statement regarding CRT that was released on July 29th from Mr. Hanak on behalf of the board was read.
The board was asked if they would like to adopt this as a resolution with general consensus on the issue being to have a resolution for the next meeting as stated earlier.
The only issue brought up was to be careful in regards to the staff with everyone agreeing that they have faith in the staff. Open house is to take place on August 16th from 5:30pm to 7:00pm for every grade other than kindergarten with their open house taking place on August 12th. The first day of school will be August 18th.
The next regular scheduled meeting will be held on Tuesday, September 14th at 6:30pm. A motion was made to hold a special board meeting on August 23rd, to discuss the Enterprise Zone Agreement and WEDCO discussion with AquaBounty. The motion was approved. The board then heard reports from the Principal and Athletic Directors.
Kindergarten open house will be taking place on Thursday, August 12th at 6:00pm as stated earlier. Mrs. Fellers Young Five and preschool students and families will be meeting at the school at 5:00pm on the same night as well.
Some student assemblies are currently being worked on and there will hopefully be more information to share regarding those at future board meetings.
The board heard names of new staff members as well as a list of future days that school will be closed. The board then moved to hear recommendations from the Superintendent.
A motion was made for In Lieu of Transportation. The motion reads, “Be it resolved that nonpublic transportation by bus may be considered unreasonable and that the Superintendent shall inform eligible parents of this action so that payment in lieu of transportation may be arranged.” The motion carried.
A motion was made to approve the 2021-2022 handbook for the school’s transportation which also carried.
A motion was made to approve payrates for substitutes for each area of the school. The motion carried followed by another motion to give complimentary passes to members of the community.
Those community members are listed as Board Members and spouses, administration and spouses, North Central School employees, and adult passes to all seniors 65 years and older in the community. This motion also carried.
A motion was approved for Great Lakes Biomedical to conduct Random Drug Tests for student athletes starting in the Fall. The next motion was also approved which will cover the fees charged to student lunch accounts when paying with bank cards through the payment system.
A motion was approved for the purchase of ten HALO multi sensors from Johnson Controls with a total cost not to exceed $25,000. A motion was made and approved for the Tech Coordination agreement for services with NWOCA. Another motion was made and approved for revisions of the employee policies for non-bargaining unit employees, with the technology director being added onto the policies.
A motion was made and approved that included the following, one year supplemental contracts for certified employees and classified employees, resignations and retirements, rescinded contracts, Elementary, Junior High and High School Teacher and staff handbooks, Elementary student and parent handbook, Junior High and High School Athletic student and parent handbook, Coaches athletic handbook, NwOESC teacher and paraprofessional substitute list, disposal of textbooks, and an agreement for services with Midwest Community Health Associates for athletic trainer services.
A motion was made to approve the Administrative Contract for Travis Creek, who is the technology director, for three years.
The board then voted to enter into executive session at 8:33pm and returned at 9:22pm. The motion was then made to adjourn at 9:22pm which carried.
Jacob can be reached at jacob@thevillagereporter.com