Cpl. Tim Curley noted that the Vigo County School Corporation and the Terre Haute Police Department work cooperatively to keep the schools free from drugs. He stated that the use of the canine units, under the direction of Officer Dan Parker, is a key element in the routine inspection program. Officer Parker introduced other members of the unit and their dogs. The officers shared positive statistics regarding the work of the canine unit.

Officer Parker presented Mr. Tanoos with a plaque in appreciation of his work with the Terre Haute Police Department Canine Unit.

Leslie Ballard, English teacher and English Department Chairperson at Terre Haute South Vigo High School, was honored for being named Outstanding Supervising Teacher through the Association of Teacher Educators – Indiana Unit, and the education faculty at Indiana State University.

Dr. Marianne Mazley-Allen, English teacher and English Department Chairperson at Terre Haute North Vigo High School, was honored for being named Indiana 2001 High School Teacher of Excellence by the Secondary Section of the National Council of Teachers of English.

Comments were received from the following citizens: Kamala Brown-Sparks, Clayton Sparks, Michael Misovich, Judy Krischak, Hannah DeAngelo, Robert Hellman, George Amies, Amy Amies, Chris Antonak, Alan Fisher, Scott Myers, Clark Cottom, Darrin Barton, Lisa Neidlinger, Debra Hills, Jeff Hills, Georgia Mell, Ray Klotz, Mike Short, Tommy Kleckner, Rick Menestrina, Matt Bula, Erica McNeil, Anne Lee, Bob Clary, Marie Campbell, Vernice Rogers, Dollene Stewart, Charlene Robinson, Dennis Huey, Vanessa Williams, Mick Love, Sherry Pruitt, and Tess Brooks.

Mr. May moved approval of the Consent Agenda. Mr. Hamblen seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.

The following Consent Agenda items were approved:

1. Minutes – Regular Meeting – December 10, 2001
2. Accounts Payable Docket for Interim Payments in December
3. Financial Status Report – Month Ending December 2001
4. Encumbrance Report – Period Ending December 31, 2001
5. Transfer of Appropriations – General Fund
6. Transfer of Appropriations – Capital Projects Fund
7. Transfer of Appropriations for 2002 Budget
8. Permission to Purchase Equipment from Extra-Curricular Funds
9. Professional Leave Requests
10. Gifts

1. West Vigo Middle School – Monetary Gifts totaling $3,500 from

Mr. & Mrs. Jami Patterson, Mr. & Mrs. James Short, Ms. Lisa Gibson and Mr. & Mrs. Max Gibson.

2. Chauncey Rose Middle School – Monetary Gift of $500.00 from Fraternal Order of Police #85.
3. Fuqua Elementary School – Monetary Gift of $500.00 from Terre Haute Regional Hospital.
4. Consolidated Elementary School – Mini Grant in the amount of $400.00 from TREES, Inc.

Mr. Thornton noted that Section D of the Board Policy Manual has been reviewed for changes and/or updates. He explained that all changes are indicated in bold print or by strike-through, as noted in the board packet.

Mr. Tanoos stated that these updates will be brought back for second reading at the January 28^th Board Meeting.

Mr. Azar reviewed the policy revision for textbook collections, and noted the collection date would begin on January 1 of each year instead of after the month of May.

Mr. Tanoos stated that this revision will be brought back for second reading at the January 28^th Board Meeting.

Mr. Tanoos presented the Personnel Report for approval.

Mr. May moved that the Personnel Report be approved. Mr. Hamblen seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.

Mr. Tanoos reported that in 1997 the School Corporation deeded the Lange School Building at 1401 Lafayette Avenue to Hamilton Center. He noted that at the time of this conveyance, the corporation did not deed the vacated portion of 14 ½ Street-abutting lots conveyed. Mr. Tanoos requested permission to adopt a resolution authorizing the conveyance of this vacated portion of 14 ½ Street to Hamilton Center, and provide the Center with a deed and resolution to accomplish this.

Mr. Shike moved for approval. Mr. May seconded the motion. Mr. Tom, Mr. Shike, Mr. Hamblen, Mr. May, Dr. Minnis, and Mr. Schuster voted for approval. Mr. Burks "abstained."(Mr. Burks is employed by Hamilton Center)

Mr. Tanoos requested permission to award a contract for the purchase of nineteen 78 passenger rear engine medium duty transit school buses, and one 60 passenger forward powered medium duty transit special education school bus to Speedway International Trucks, Inc. The total award of all buses is $1,341,272. Mr. Tanoos noted that the Board approved budget for bus replacement for 2002 is $1,400,000.

Mr. Tom moved for approval. Mr. Schuster seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.

Mr. Tanoos requested permission for a leave of absence for Senator Mark Blade from his position as Director of Purchasing and Warehousing, effective January 7, 2002, and continuing as long as the Indiana Senate is in session to fulfill his duties as State Senator for District 38. Mr. Tanoos noted that Senator Blade will be in his office on Fridays, and when the General Assembly is in recess.

Mr. Shike moved for approval. Mr. Burks seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.

Mr. Tanoos requested approval for the following Grants:

1. I STEP UP – Educate Indiana
2. Gifted and Talented Grant for 2001-2002
3. Improving America’s Schools Act of 1994 – Title VI Grant

Dr. Minnis requested that a study to construct replacement facilities for Consolidated, Fayette, and Franklin Elementary Schools be separated from the closing of Crawford Elementary School. Mr. May concurred with Dr. Minnis.

Mr. May moved that a study to construct replacement facilities for Consolidated, Fayette, and Franklin be voted on as a separate item. Mr. Shike seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.

Dr. Minnis requested that Mr. Shike be the chairperson for the Feasibility Study regarding Consolidated, Fayette and Franklin Elementary Schools. Dr. Minnis asked Mr. Shike to proceed with the selection of committee members.

Mr. May moved to delay the decision on whether to close Crawford Elementary School or to keep it open. The motion died for lack of a "second".

Considerable discussion took place among Board Members regarding Crawford School with members discussing student population before and after 6^th graders moved into the middle school, redistricting, census figures, and the potential for increased enrollment.

Mr. Burks moved that Crawford Elementary School be closed at the end of the 2001-2002 school year. Mr. Tom seconded the motion. Mr. Tom, Mr. Burks, Mr. Shike, Mr. Hamblen and Mr. Schuster voted "yes." Mr. May and Dr. Minnis voted "no."

Comments were received from the following citizens: Dennis Huey, Kamala Brown-Sparks, Carol Siverly, Georgia Mell, Michael Misovich, George Amies, Lori Martin, and Jeff Hills.

Mr. May inquired about the possibility of having more than one time during a Board meeting for Information and Proposals from Board Members. He also requested that the administration do further study on Trimester, and survey how parents and teachers feel about it. Mr. May also brought up the issue of per diem pay for Board Members. He commented that he is not sure it is fair for Board Members to make less than the minimum salary.

Dr. Minnis noted that Mr. Lisby had already provided the Board with information regarding Trimester

Monday, January 28, 2002 – 7:00 P.M. – Administration Building

Monday, February 11, 2002 – 7:00 P.M. – Administration Building

Approved:

_____________________________President ______________________________

_____________________________Vice Pres. ______________________________

_____________________________Secretary ______________________________

_____________________________Dep. Secy.