A REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF SCHOOL TRUSTEES OF THE VIGO COUNTY SCHOOL CORPORATION, VIGO COUNTY, INDIANA, WAS HELD AT THE ADMINISTRATION BUILDING, 686 WABASH AVENUE, TERRE HAUTE, INDIANA, ON THE 11^TH DAY OF MARCH, 2002, AT 7:00 P.M.

Mr. Gene Shike led the Pledge of Allegiance.

Mr. Tanoos stated that congratulations are in order to the Honey Creek Math Counts Team for winning First Place in the State of Indiana. He offered a special note of congratulations to Dr. Karen Goeller, Deputy Superintendent. Dr. Goeller’s daughter was named First in the State of Indiana in the Math Counts competition.

Mr. Tanoos announced that information has been received from the State of Indiana in reference to Four Star Schools. He noted that for the first time in the history of Vigo County we have four Four Star Schools. The schools are Consolidated, Dixie Bee, Honey Creek Middle School, and Rio Grande Elementary Schools. Mr. Tanoos commented that these four schools will be honored at a future Board Meeting.

Mr. Tanoos commented that in the lower level hallway there are a number of displays of Vigo County buildings created by Dixie Bee Elementary School students. Mr. Tanoos commended the students in Mrs. Teresa Titsworth’s class for their excellent work.

The Terre Haute South Vigo High School Lady Braves basketball team won the State Championship March 2, 2002, by defeating the team from South Bend Riley. Principal Jim Freese, and Head Coach Alan Maroska introduced members of the team and shared highlights of the championship game. Members of the team, coaches, and support staff were presented with special paperweights in recognition of their State Championship title from Superintendent Tanoos and the Board of School Trustees.

Mrs. Camilla Correll introduced Janet Reed, Executive Director of the Clay-Owen-Vigo Solid Waste District. Mrs. Correll noted that Ms. Reed developed a program that provides an Earth Wagon Environmental Library for each of the Vigo County School Corporation elementary schools which are filled with books, videos, and CD ROMS to enhance and promote responsible stewardship of the environment. Ms. Reed was presented with a Certificate of Appreciation from the Board of School Trustees.

Mrs. Camilla Correll introduced Mrs. Betty Lanke, who is a dedicated advocate for children’s literacy. Mrs. Correll noted that Mrs. Lanke developed a program that works with sponsors to provide a personalized book for every kindergarten child in the Vigo County School Corporation. This school year celebrates the tenth anniversary of the Give-A-Book Program. Mrs. Lanke was presented with a Certificate of Appreciation from the Board of School Trustees for her dedicated service.

Comments were received from Mr. George Amies, and Mr. Michael Misovich.

The following changes were made to the Consent Agenda:

Mr. May moved that the Consent Agenda be approved with the above noted changes. Mr. Hamblen seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.

The following Consent Agenda items were approved.

1. Minutes – Regular Meeting – February 25, 2002
2. Financial Status Report – Month Ending February 2002
3. Encumbrance Report – Month Ending February 28, 2002
4. Financial Summary of Extra-Curricular Account Activity – Period of

June 6, 2001 to December 31, 2001

5. Payment of Interim Claims in March
6. Professional Leave Requests

Mr. Shike, Chairperson of the Elementary Schools Planning Committee, reported back to the Board regarding their findings and recommendation.

Following discussion, Mr. Shike moved that the Board start the process for building new schools for Consolidated, Fayette, and Franklin Elementary Schools at their current sites with a total cap of $35 million dollars. Mr. Hamblen seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.

Mr. Shike presented members of his committee with Certificates of Appreciation for their dedicated service.

Mr. Tanoos presented the Personnel Report for approval.

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

Mr. Tanoos requested permission to award Crown Electric, Inc., a contract for this project totaling $282,820, and to reject all other bids.

Mr. May expressed concern that it didn’t appear that any of the bidders were in the security business

Following discussion, Mr. Tom moved to award Crown Electric, Inc., a contract for this project totaling $282,820, rejecting all other bids. Mr. Hamblen seconded the motion.

Dr. Minnis, Mr. Schuster, Mr. Tom, Mr. Burks, Mr. Shike, and Mr. Hamblen voted "yes." Mr. May voted "no."

Mr. Tanoos stated that due to the lack of clarity in the specifications, as perceived by vendors, the administration requests permission to reject all bids received for the custodial products. He also stated that the administration requests permission to redraft the bid specifications and re-bid these items.

Following discussion, Mr. Burks moved for approval, and Mr. Schuster seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.

Mr. Tanoos requested permission to award Commercial Interiors, Inc., the contract for ceiling renovation/replacement at North and South Vigo High Schools. The contract amount would total $48,060. He noted that it is also recommended that all other bids be rejected.

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

Mr. Tanoos requested permission to award Harrah Plumbing and Heating as the contractor for HVAC renovations at Lost Creek Elementary School. He stated that the contract amount would total $189,300.

Mr. Tom moved for approval, and Mr. Shike seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.

Comments were received from Mrs. Amy Amies, Mr. Michael Misovich, and Mr. George Amies.

Mr. Shike commented that he had received several phone calls this past week from licensed teachers who did not teach in Vigo County, but are substituting. He noted that he understands that we pay the retired teachers who taught in Vigo County, and are substituting at a different rate.

Mr. Orr responded that the agreement is to pay retired licensed teachers at a higher rate if they teach in their certificated area.

Mr. Shike thanked Mr. Orr for the clarification.

Mr. Shike commented that the Elementary Schools Facilities Planning Committee was composed of a good cross-section of individuals in the community. Mr. Shike noted that it is his opinion that the new facilities will make it possible for those already doing a good job to more easily do a better job for the students.

Mr. Tanoos stated that he feels he must defend the Board in a comment made from Mr.George Amies who said that the Board spent as much time on 35 million dollars as they did in closing Crawford Elementary School. Mr. Tanoos said in his opinion that was an irresponsible comment in knowing that this Board spends countless hours, not just at Board Meetings, but on a daily basis working for the students in this county. Mr. Tanoos said the Board spends more hours than anyone knows for the pittance they get paid. Mr. Tanoos commented that it is his opinion this Board has done an excellent job in planning, and they continue to do what is best for students. He stated that this Board and administration would never put a student in a school that was not safe. Mr. Tanoos said a memo was sent to him from Mr. Danner, and then he sent it to the Board. Mr. Tanoos stated that obviously Mr. Amies has obtained a copy of that letter. He stated that the memo, if looked at closely, was regarding the future use of the school after it closes, and does not talk about current use. Mr. Tanoos again stated that he doesn’t think it was a responsible statement to make it look as though this school corporation would put any student in a hazardous situation. He commented that the Board and administration will stand behind their decisions, and behind what is best for the students at Crawford, not what is best for property value.

Adjournment – 8:45 P.M.

Approved:

______________________________President ______________________________

______________________________Vice Pres. ______________________________

______________________________Secretary _______________________________

______________________________Dep. Secy.