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 24^TH DAY OF SEPTEMBER, 2001, AT 7:00 P.M., E.S.T.

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

Mr. Burks made the following comments regarding the horrible events that took place in New York City, Washington D.C., and Pennsylvania on September 11, 2001. "It is time for us, as citizens, to put away our differences, work together, and continue to develop what makes this nation great, and that is freedom. We can look around and know the purpose of what our responsibilities are, and it is important that we never let that leave our side and our heart. Being an American citizen is something very special, and we must never, never degrade it in any form or fashion." Mr. Burks then called for a moment of silence.

Board President Burks and State Senator Mark Blade led the Pledge of Allegiance.

Mr. Tanoos introduced Mrs. Pam Cox, Chairperson of Health and Nursing Services who sang God Bless America.

(none)

Mrs. Brenda Allen, Curriculum Coordinator of Language Arts, introduced the following second grade writing cadre teachers in attendance this evening: Mrs. Carole Hos, Mrs. Susan Newton, and Ms. Debbie Shepherd. Mrs. Newton presented a brief overview of the second grade writing cadre.

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

The following Consent Agenda items were approved:

1. Minutes – Statutory Meeting – September 10, 2001
2. Minutes – Regular Meeting – September 10, 2001
3. Accounts Payable Docket – September 24, 2001
4. Professional Leave Requests
5. Gift – Honey Creek Middle School – Sousaphone valued at

Mr. Tanoos presented the Personnel Report for approval.

Mr. May moved, and Mr. Tom seconded, approval. All Board Members voted "aye."

Mr. Tanoos requested approval for acceptance of the Educational Review Committee selected for 2001-2002.

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

Mr. Tanoos requested approval for the School Bus Drivers Wage and Benefit Handbook for 2001-2002. He noted that the total package equals a 4% increase.

Mr. Schuster moved, and Mr. Tom seconded, approval. All Board Members voted "aye."

Mr. Tanoos requested approval for the following grants:

Dixie Bee Elementary School Project Peace Grant

Terre Haute South Vigo Service Learning Grant

Reading Recovery Training Grant

Chauncey Rose Middle School Service Learning Grant

Rio Grande Elementary School Service Learning Grant

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

Comments were received from Mr. Robert Isom.

Mr. Shike stated that he has received calls regarding the Permit Policy, and there seems to be some inconsistency in the way it is being followed. He recommended that this policy be included as a discussion item on the agenda for the October 8^th Board Meeting to determine if the Board feels that changes in the policy are needed. He noted that it is his opinion that decisions based upon a policy should be consistent.

Mr. May concurred that consistency is needed in the Permit Policy, and also stated that it is his opinion that the wishes of the parent should be honored if at all possible.

Mr. Tanoos noted that the Permit Policy would be brought to the October 8^th Board Meeting as a discussion item.

Dr. Minnis asked if there are plans to add daycare centers at North Vigo and South Vigo, since it is his understanding there are funds allotted for this in the Capital Projects Fund.

Mr. Tanoos responded that this is a pilot study now taking place at West Vigo High School, and there are no immediate plans to extend it into North Vigo and South Vigo. He noted that the money is set aside for extending it into North and South Vigo at some point in the future.

Dr. Minnis noted that it is his hope that the pilot is studied thoroughly before the program is extended.

Mr. Tanoos responded that Mr. Pierce is doing that through the Consumer Sciences area, and has some base line data that he is developing.

Regarding the Zero Tolerance Policy, Mr. Tanoos noted that the administration has formed a committee and Mr. Burks has assigned Board Members to participate. Mr. Tanoos commented that a call was made to the Indiana School Boards Association and the Department of Education, and both inquires stated that the Vigo County School Corporation policy is legal, and does not break any laws. He stated that the Attorney General was called, but he will not respond unless it is through a legislator asking the question. He noted that the administration did not feel that was necessary to do, unless the Board would direct them further.

Title I State Regional Parent/Instructional Conference

Riley Elementary School Enrichment Class

DeVaney Elementary School Enrichment Classes

Lost Creek Elementary School Enrichment Class

Sugar Grove Elementary School Enrichment Programs

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

Monday, October 22, 2001 – 7:00 P.M. – Administration Building

Approved:

______________________________President ______________________________

______________________________Vice Pres. ______________________________

______________________________Secretary ______________________________

______________________________Dep. Secy.