Wellsville Board of Education

Monday - January 11: The Wellsville BOE held two meetings yesterday evening in the Superintendent's Office. The first meeting was the annual organizational meeting and the second was the regular monthly meeting. Attending last night's meetings were Board members Tom Brophey, Ed Bauer, Karen Dash and Bill Miller. Also attending was Superintendent Rich Bereschik, Asst. Superintendent Lisa Ferguson, Treasurer Colleen Wickham, out going Board Member Danielle Meek and four students from Mr. Meek's Government Class.

The swearing in of newly re-elected Tom Brophey and newly elected Bill Miller was the first order of business. Both were sworn in by District Treasurer Colleen Wickham. Mrs. Wickham was kept busy. She conducted the swearing in of the officers too.

Ed Bauer was elected President for 2010 and Tom Brophey Vice-President. Over the years Bauer has been Board President three other times. The schedule of meetings was approved for the year. All meetings will be in the Superintendent's Office on the second Monday of each month except for April 19, August 16 and November 15. All meetings are scheduled to begin at 6:30 P.M.

As required yearly the Treasurer was authorized "a degree of flexibility to provide benefits of discount purchases and timely investments". This allows the Treasurer to request advances against all tax settlements, to pay bills, invest interim funds and deposit interest earn from those investments. Mrs. Wickham was also designated to attend the Ohio Public Records Training session to be up-dated on any changes.

Brophey was retained as the Legislative Liaison to the Ohio School Board Association. Committee assignments were made by President Bauer. All committee members are named first with alternatives second. The Athletic Board is Dash/Brophey, Bauer. Buildings, Grounds & Cafeteria - Brophey/Bauer, Dash. Policy - Bauer/Dash, Cook. Superintendent's Advisory Board - Dash/Brophey, Cook. Transportation - Brophey/Miller, Bauer. Finance/Audit - Bauer/Brophey, Dash. Student Achievement Leadership Team - Brophey, Dash. Personnel Committee - Brophey/Dash, Miller. CC Career Center - Mike Cook.

In the regular meeting the Financial Report shows a balance at the end of December at $1,901,449. Expenditures for December was $591,505. Interest earned in December was $4,501 bringing the year-to-date interest to $27, 819. Mrs. Wickham reported interest rates remain flat. The tax budget as prepared by the Treasurer for FY 2011 was approved. That will now be sent to the County Auditor for review. They check the millage and return it when approved.

The Superintendent was given the authorization to hire staff and to accept resignations between meetings. Hiring of Tony D'Angelo effective January 6, 2010, as Daw Middle School short hour cafeteria lunch/prep server per the Superintendent's authority was approved.

Pending receipt of any necessary paperwork Erin Orr, Betsi Deshler & Jacqueline Casey were approved as substitute teachers. Audrey Bach was approved as a classified substitute.

The Wellsville VFD was given the okay to use the practice field at Nicholson Stadium for the Fireman's Homecoming Festival from May 28 to June 6, 2010, pending receipt of any necessary paperwork.

Legislative Liaison Tom Brophey reported that pending House Bill 260 pertaining to election model reform eliminating special elections in April and August is currently before the State House. The Ohio School Board Assoc. opposes this legislation since it will lengthen the time between voting for levy issues.

For Buildings & Grounds Mr. Bereschik reported there were four heating units at Garfield that did not work. The district has purchased five new ones which allows to have one back-up. It is hoped to salvage parts out of the old ones for future repairs. Also, Mr. B relayed a request from Building & Grounds Superintendent Joe Traina that the Board consider buying a used four-wheel drive pick-up truck equipped with a snow plow for next year. Presently they use a small tractor with help from Mr. Swogger & Mr. Lloyd using their own equipment for snow removal.

For the Good News Report Garfield Principal Lisa Feguson reported that Mrs. Zelasko is out of the hospital. Mr. Bereschik reported that the Leo Club purchased toys for 25 children for Christmas. There were 25 students from the Y-Teens that participated in the Salvation Army Kettle Drive. Members of the Student Council, Y-Teens and Leo Club purchased 22 hoodies for students at WHS.

Results from the fall OGT show there were 14 seniors that have to retake the tests. Eleven students passed all parts of the test. Out of 26 Juniors who had one of more tests to take nine passed all parts. Those that did not pass are working with intervention tutors and will be retested in March.

Bereschik also reported that so far this year they have used one snow day. That leaves four. Next year there will only be a maximum of three allowed per state law. After that there will be no more snow days permitted. Any days cancelled will have to be made up at the end of the school year.

In closing remarks Ed Bauer thanked his fellow Board members for expressing their confidence in him. He thanked Mrs. Meek for her four years of service on the Board saying she was a definite asset, very active and did a "heckuva" a job. He stated he was sorry to see her leave. Mrs. Meek decided not to run for re-election in the November General Election. Mr. & Mrs Meek are the parents of a new baby girl that joined an older brother at home.

Karen Dash welcomed Bill Miller aboard stating he will find it a rewarding experience. Dash also thanked Mrs. Meek saying she appreciated their two years together on the Board. Dash also congratulated Bauer on his selection as President.

Bill Miller thanked everyone for their hospitality and especially thanked Mrs. Meek for her assistance getting him prepared to serve on the Board.

Tom Brophey asked Mr. B to express his appreciation to the snow cleaning crew. He noted they have been doing an outstanding job. Brophey went on, telling Mrs. Meek it's been a good four years serving with her on the Board. He stated Mrs. Meek was very enlightened on curriculum matters which was an enormous help. He then presenter her with a plaque of appreciation on behalf of the Board.

Stating that serving on the Board is often a thankless job Mr. Bereschik presented each Board member with a certificate of appreciation from the Ohio School Board Assoc. in honor of January being School Board Appreciation Month. Mr. B stated it is a pleasure working for the Wellsville Board members and thanked them for their support.

In honor of Mrs. Meek cake and refreshments were served following the meeting. Next meeting is February 8.

We would like to wish Danielle & Eric the best in raising their family. Enjoy every minute of it.

ole nib