VIGO COUNTY SCHOOL CORPORATION

BOARD OF SCHOOL TRUSTEES MEETING

ADMINISTRATION BUILDING – 686 WABASH AVENUE

MONDAY, AUGUST 27, 2007

 

 

M I N U T E S

 

 

A meeting of the Board of School Trustees of the Vigo County School Corporation was held at the Vigo County School Corporation Administration, 686 Wabash Avenue, Terre Haute, Indiana on August 27, 2007, at 7:13 P.M. following the Public Hearing on the 2008 Budget.

 

The following Board Members were present:  Mr. Gene Shike, Mrs. Jackie Lower,

Mr. Guille Cox, Dr. Joseph Minnis, Mr. Paul Lockhart, Ms. Alpa Patel, and

Mr. Mel Burks.

 

Resolution of Memoriam

 

Mr. Gene Shike presented a Resolution of Memoriam for Mr. Robert Mardis.

 

Spotlight

 

Mr. Lisby introduced the students and adults that traveled to Tajimi, Japan over Spring Break this past school year in our continuing student exchange program. 

 

Special Diploma Presentation

 

President Lower and Superintendent Tanoos presented a special Diploma from Gerstmeyer Technical High School to Mr. Patrick J. Deal.  Mr. Deal left for military service while in the 11th grade at Gerstmeyer High School.  He served with the United States Marine Corps, received the National Defense Medal, the Merit Mast, the Rifle Sharp Shooters Badge, and the Good Conduct Medal.

 

First Call for Citizens Comments

 

Comments were received from Mr. Bernard Ridens, Executive Director of the Vigo County Taxpayers Association.

 

Consent Agenda

 

Mr. Shike moved approval of the Consent Agenda.  Mr. Lockhart seconded the motion.  The motion passed unanimously.

 

The following Consent Agenda items were approved:

 

            1.            Minutes – Regular Meeting - August 13, 2007

 

            2.            Request or approval to purchase from Extra Curricular Account

 

            3.            Encumbrance Report

 

            4.            Stipend Authorizations

 

            5.            Financial Status Report

 

            6.            Accounts Payable Docket

 

            7.            Professional Leave Requests

 

Discussion

 

1.         Student Driving/Riding and Parking Policy – Second Reading

 

            This proposed policy was presented to the Board at the August 13, 2007 Board

            Meeting and was presented this evening for “Second Reading.”  In addition to

            the “First Reading” presentation, a letter from Mr. Bauer was included that

            spoke to the Board’s question concerning the Waiver/Release form.

 

            This proposed policy will be brought to the September 10, 2007 Board Meeting

            as an action item on “Third Reading.”

 

2.         VCSC General Diploma Requirements – Second Reading

 

            This proposed policy revision was presented to the Board at the August 13, 2007

            Board Meeting and was presented this evening for “Second Reading.”  In addition

            to the “First Reading” presentation, a letter from Mr. Bauer was included that

            spoke to the Board’s question concerning making this action retroactive to impact

            students beginning in the 2003-2004 school year.

 

New Business

 

Personnel Report

 

Mr. Tanoos presented the Personnel Report to the Board for approval.

 

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

 

Master Agreement Between the Board of School Trustees and the VCTA

 

Mr. Tanoos stated that the Vigo County School Corporation and the Vigo County Teachers Association reached a tentative agreement regarding the Master Agreement that was presented to the teachers on August 14, 2007 for ratification.  He noted that the new Master Agreement contains a salary increase of 3%, and recommended Board Approval.

 

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

 

(Please See Proceedings for insurance and additional changes.)

 


Staff Mileage

 

Mr. Tanoos stated that during staff bargaining the issue of the current .375 cents per mile staff mileage reimbursement was discussed.  He noted that a review of the current rate has prompted a recommendation by the administrators to raise the staff mileage reimbursement to .43 cents per mile effective August 14, 2007.  The current standard IRS mileage rate is .485 cents per mile.  Mr. Tanoos requested Board Approval for the increase.

 

Mr. Lockhart moved for approval.  Mrs. Lower seconded the motion.  The motion passed unanimously.

 

Grant

 

Mr. Tanoos requested permission for approval of an Early Intervention Grant Program through the Indiana Department of Education.  He noted that the Vigo County School Corporation has received notice that the district has been awarded $104,084.00 that will be distributed to four schools.

 

Mr. Cox moved for approval.  Dr. Minnis seconded the motion.  The motion passed unanimously.

(Please See Proceedings)

Comments/Correspondence/Information

Second Call for Citizens Comments

Comments were received from Mr. Bernard Ridens and Mr. Donald Hyde.

Information and Proposals from Board Members and Superintendent Tanoos

Mr. Tanoos commented that the opening of school this year was exceptionally good.  He also noted that State School Superintendent, Dr. Suellen Reed. would be at Honey Creek Middle School on Tuesday in honor of their winning the National Middle School Science Award.

Dr. Minnis asked why it is now a good idea for smaller buses, and it wasn’t a few years ago.

Mr. Tanoos replied that cost studying shows the smaller buses to be more feasible now. 

Mr. Tanoos also noted that any staff member could drive the smaller buses now as long as they pass the drug test and meet all safety requirements.


Adjournment:  8:15 P.M.

Approved:

______________________________President   ______________________________

______________________________Vice Pres   ______________________________

______________________________Secretary   ______________________________

______________________________Dep. Secy.

 

 

 

A tape of Board Meeting Proceedings is available for review, upon request, in the Superintendent’s Office

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Vigo County School Corporation Will Equip Students With Lifelong Skills and Prepare Them to Become Productive and Responsible Citizens.