Board of School Trustees Update

This is an update of the School Board of Trustees Board Meeting that was held on March 19, 2008 at 7:00 p.m. at Lincoln Jr. High.

Business items:

1. Appointment of a New Superintendent: Board President, Todd Samuelson, explained the process the Board has used to choose a new superintendent. The Board is still in the process of making a selection from the final three candidates. Mr. Samuelson hopes to be able to announce a new superintendent at the April 3rd board meeting held at the Administration Building Board Room.

2. Ratification of Teacher Contract: The Board ratified the 2-year teacher contract last evening. The teachers received a 3% increase in salary the first year and also a 3% increase in salary the second year. The first year there will be a .25% added on to the VEBA. Extra-curricular will also have 3% increase both years. The Board will pay for a single plan, with the exception of $1.00, plus single dental and single vision. The Board will now pay more than the single plan for family insurance. Several items of language were changed including bereavement leave, transfer language, and collaboration language.

3. Classified Conditions of Employment: The classified will also receive a 3% increase each year. They will receive the same insurance and bereavement leave benefits. The bus drivers will also receive a 3% increase each year. In addition, the bus drivers will receive an increase from $3,000 to $3,500 paid for their insurance.

4. LJH Academic Growth Plan: Mr. Funston updated the Board on the academic growth plan and the ISTEP results at Lincoln Junior High.

5. Strategic Plan: Mr. Tyree updated the strategic plan.

6. Textbook Adoption: Mr. Tyree presented the top two selections for each book proposed for adoption in world language and language arts, grades K-12. The books now go on display for any interested community member. These books may be viewed at the Administration Building Board Room at 611 Berkley. Office hours are from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily. Please call (574) 936-3115 to make an appointment to view these books as the Board Room is used for many meetings during the week as well.

7. Legislative Report: Mr. Gifford gave a brief report on the end of the legislative session and how it affects schools. Mr. Gifford will be able to give a more detailed report a later date.

8. ENL/Migrant Summer School: Mr. Tyree asked for permission to apply for the ENL/Migrant summer school grant. The Board approved.

9. Savings on Spring Projects: Mr. Tyree reported savings on spring projects of $56,000.00. The Board approved of two additional projects 1) putting new vinyl on the walls of the Plymouth High School auditorium (right now the auditorium still has the vinyl from the original building project in the 70’s), 2) approved purchasing a wide deck lawnmower to help with mowing of the many lawns of the school corporation (this is needed partly because of the expanded lawns at Menominee Elementary).

The next Board Meeting will be held April 3, 2008 in the Board Room at 611 Berkley Street at 7:30 p.m.