Wellsville Board of Education Meeting - 8/17/09

The regular meeting of the Board of Education last evening was called to order by Board President Tom Brophey. Members Ed Bauer, Mike Cook, Karen Dash, and Danielle Meek were all present. Superintendent Rich Bereschik, Assistant Superintendent Lisa Ferguson, OAPSE Representative Ed Swogger and Treasurer Coleen Wickham was also present.

Coleen Wickham reported the district is presently in good financial shape with a little over $518,000 in July receipts and a little more that $516,000 in expenditures leaving a balance of $2.6 million. Investment interest earned for July was $5,207.

Under Legislative Update Brophey reported that State HB1 was approved July 17. This bill is the two year state budget that the Governor & State Legislators struggled to get enacted due to the many budget cuts for various funds. Brophey remarked the "ink is hardly dry" and there is already talk that a budget corrections bill may be in the making. There is anticipated additional budget cuts and education funding may be in jeopardy.

Bauer remarked that calamity days are reduced from five to three days for the new school year. Next year there will be none. Calamity days are the "snow days" enjoyed by many. With the new state legislature any days off after three will have to be made up with make up days probably added to the end of the school year calendar.

Mike Cook reported that the CC Career & Tech Center has hired an assistant superintendent for the new school year. The Center has also recently purchased a little over 23 acres of adjacent property for $169,000. Enrollment numbers at the Center are high with just about everything filled to the max.

Ed Swogger reported that all the school district's buildings are ready to go for the upcoming new school year. Much work has been done over the summer months especially with painting. Brophey praised the job that Swogger, Joe Traina & the crew have accomplished.

Since Mr. B left his reading spectacles at home Lisa Ferguson gave the "Good News" report stating that the district will be hosting two student teachers for the fall semester plus two additional KSU education students for their Fall Experience. One of those students is Wellsville's Katie Barnes. The new Promethean Boards are installed. These are interactive "whiteboards" that engage the students with images, audio & video projected from a computer. According to the Promethean web site the whiteboards bring the "classroom to life".

The number of students going out for football, volley ball and band are up. It was noted that 57 students are in this year's band. Mr. B remarked that not too many years ago that number was only 17.

The Board approved a one year contract to hire Maria McNicol as the high school health & physical education teacher. McNicol will be paid the Bachelor's Degree with zero years experience pay rate. They also renewed McNicol's contract for athletic trainer services for five months. Cook abstained from both of these votes. McNicol has served the district as athletic trainer for 15 years. She's a familiar figure along the sidelines. Bereschik remarked that with the teaching contract approved for McNicol all certified positions for the new school year have been filled.

With much praise & wishes for good luck the Board accepted the resignation of Mrs. Cathy Brown retiring as secretary at Garfield. Mrs. Brown had 18 years with the school district.

Other motions passed was the approval of the use of CARTS where transportation by school vehicles is impractical. Mr. B remarked that there is no one currently in need of this and the service is an alternative back-up should the need arise.

Tom Brophey was approved to appoint a delegate & alternative to attend the Ohio School Board's Assoc. Conference in November. Marcus Prendes was approved to serve as a volunteer assistant varsity football coach. Contracts for a school psychologist and technologist with CC ESC totalling a little over $99,000 was approved for the new school year. An increase for substitute teachers pay from $70/day to $80 was approved. This was action was taken to make Wellsville competitive with other area school districts. Last year there were times when substitutes were not available because of the higher rate paid by other districts. A list of seven teachers to be mentors for new teachers was approved. A 3day/2 night field trip for the district's 7th & 8th graders to Washington, DC next May was also approved. A list of 28 substitute teachers, 5 substitute bus drivers and 19 non-certified alternatives was also approved.

Cafeteria meal prices were approved for the '09-'10 year. Free breakfast for all students will still be available. Bereschik remarked that with the outstanding job cafeteria employees are doing the district is able to offer this all important meal and still keep the food service in the black. The free breakfast is offered to all students regardless of their family's income.

Contracts were approved for Pittsburgh's Turner Dairy for milk supplies and Nickles Bakery for bread. Ms. Wickham's contract as Food Service Director was also renewed.

In closing remarks Ed Bauer stated that last month's action to raise rates to $80/meeting paid to Board members was the first in 38 year for the district. The $10 raise will only effect newly elected or newly appointed members and Wellsvile is one of the lowest rates in the state. State law allows a maximum of $125/meeting to be paid if approved. Brophey added that from what he has been able to determine from other districts while attending statewide functions most pay the maximum allowed by law. Bauer also commended the custodial staff and what they have done enhancing the appearance of both Daw Jr. Hi & the Garfield buildings. Mrs. Dash wished good luck to all the sports teams and Mrs. Meek reiterated both comments also wishing good luck to the teams and commenting on what a remarkable job the custodial staff accomplished. Brophey asked Mr. Swogger to relay to his co-workers his appreciation on behalf of the Board.

School starts next Wednesday for all students. Teachers will have in-service days Monday & Tuesday. The next Board meeting is scheduled for September 14 at 6:30 P.M. at the Garfield Elementary School.



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