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, VIGO COUNTY INDIANA, ON THE 10^TH DAY OF SEPTEMBER, 2001, AT 7:11 P.M., (IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING THE STATUTORY MEETING) REGARDING THE 2002 BUDGET.

THE FOLLOWING BOARD MEMBERS WERE PRESENT: MR. MICHAEL TOM, MR. MEL BURKS, MR. GENE SHIKE, MR. ALFERD HAMBLEN, MR. MARK MAY, DR. JOSEPH MINNIS, MR. KENNETH SCHUSTER.

Mr. Tom presented Resolutions of Memoriam for Mr. Glen Ankney, Ms. Marcella Luttrell, and Mr. Emory Lutz, former employees of the Vigo County School Corporation.

Mrs. Cinda Taylor presented a brief overview of the Comprehensive School Reform Demonstration Grant. Mrs. Annette Engle, principal at Franklin Elementary School, presented specific details of the grant awarded to Franklin Elementary school last spring.

Mr. Tom moved, and Mr. Hamblen seconded, approval of the Consent Agenda. All Board Members voted "aye."

The following Consent Agenda items were approved:

1. Minutes – Public Hearing on 2002 Budget – August 27, 2001
2. Minutes – Regular Meeting – August 27, 2001
3. Encumbrance Report – Period Ending August 31, 2001
4. Financial Status Report – Month Ending August 2001
5. Professional Leave Requests
6. Gift – Crawford Elementary School – Notebooks and Pencils for Every Child in the School – Kirby Risk Company

Mr. Aballi presented a review of the Zero Tolerance Policy from the time it was adopted up to the present time. He noted there has not been any changes in the policy for the past two years. Considerable discussion took place with some Board Members expressing concern about the policy.

Mr. Burks noted that he would like to see the school district get away from the "zero tolerance" description so principals would have more leeway in determining whether to recommend expulsion for student misconduct. He stated that the only real "zero tolerance" violation is for possession or use of a firearm in school, which by law carries a mandatory one-year expulsion.

Mr. Tanoos noted that it is the school corporation’s philosophy to keep every child in school that we believe should be in school. He commented that in many cases, students receive discipline less stringent than expulsion, but sometimes a student must be expelled to maintain safety and order at a school.

Following considerable discussion, Mr. Burks asked that a committee be formed to review the zero tolerance policy to see if it should be changed. Mr. May and Mr. Hamblen volunteered to sit on the committee to represent the Board.

Mr. Tanoos responded that the committee would review the policy, look at similar policies from other school districts and report its findings and suggestions back to the Board. Mr. Tanoos further stated that the policy, has been reviewed by the legal staff of the Indiana School Boards Association, and its legality has not been questioned.

Mr. Blade presented a report to the Board regarding the bidding process and procedures.

Mr. Tanoos presented the Personnel Report for Board approval.

Mr. Hamblen moved, and Dr. Minnis seconded, approval. All Board Members voted "aye."

Mr. Tanoos presented the following grants for approval:

1. Comprehensive School Reform Demonstration Grant – Franklin

Elementary School.

2. Terre Haute South Vigo High School Service Learning Grant
3. West Vigo High School Service Learning Grant

Comments were received from Mr. Donald Hyde.

(none)

Terre Town Elementary School Jump Start Program

Monday, September 24, 2001 – 7:00 P.M. – Administration Building

Monday, October 8, 2001 – 7:00 P.M. – Administration Building

Approved:

______________________________President _______________________________

______________________________Vice Pres. _______________________________

______________________________Secretary _______________________________

______________________________Dep. Secy.