1. education
2. school

School City of Mishawaka
Mishawaka, Indiana
March 24, 2015
Together, we will equip our students with the knowledge, skills, and
character necessary to excel in a dynamic and evolving world.
Battell Elementary School
715 East Broadway
Mishawaka, IN 46545
Meeting called to order by Board President
at 7:00 p.m.
CALL TO ORDER
Jeffery E. Emmons, President
Dennis R. Wood, Vice President
Holly Parks, Secretary
William D. Pemberton, Member
Larry E. Stillson, Member
Dr. Terry E. Barker, Superintendent
Daniel R. Towner, Executive Director for Curriculum and Instruction
Randy J. Squadroni, Business Manager
Gregg A. Hixenbaugh, Executive Director for Human Resources & Legal Counsel
OFFICIAL GUESTS:
Carolyn Freeman, Coordinator for Assessment and High Ability Programs
Pamela L. von Rähl, Executive Director of Joint Services
Brad Addison, Principal, Emmons School
James Aldrich, Director of Athletics
Michael Babcock, Assistant Principal, John J. Young Middle School
Rochelle Brandenburg, Principal, Twin Branch School
Jerome Calderone, Principal, Mishawaka High School
Barton Curtis, Assistant Principal, Mishawaka High School
Michael Faulkner, Assistant Director of Athletics
Dean Fecher, Principal, Beiger School
C. Mike Fisher, Principal, John J. Young Middle School
Jenifer Fisher, Attendance Coordinator, Mishawaka High School
Ashley Litwin, Assistant Principal, John J. Young Middle School
Janine Mabry, Principal, Liberty School
Patricia Morris, Program Supervisor, Joint Service Campus Program
John Ross, Assistant Principal, Mishawaka High School
Dr. Theodore Stevens, Principal, LaSalle School
David Troyer, Assistant Principal, Mishawaka High School
Matthew Wood, Principal, Battell School
Jeffrey Yohe, Principal, Hums School
Debbie Fox, PTA Council President
Patricia Bellovich, Secretary to the Superintendent
Jeanine Reynolds, President, MEA
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Media Representatives: The School City of Mishawaka appreciates the presence of representatives from the
media. Please identify yourselves to Pat Bellovich to have your attendance noted in the Board minutes.
Persons who are hearing impaired or deaf and who require an interpreter for this meeting should notify Mr. Gregg A.
Hixenbaugh in writing at the School City of Mishawaka, 1402 South Main Street, Mishawaka, IN 46544, or by telephone at
(574) 254-4500. Notification must occur by noon on the Friday prior to a Board Meeting.
Regular Meeting of the Board – March 24, 2015
This meeting is a meeting of the School Board in public
for the purpose of conducting the School Corporation business
and is not to be considered a public community meeting.
There will be time for public comment as indicated on the agenda.
VISITORS REQUESTING PERMISSION TO ADDRESS THE BOARD
ON A SPECIFIC AGENDA ITEM
Visitors requesting permission to address the Board on a specific agenda item are requested to sign in on
the registration form upon arrival at the meeting. Each statement made by a participant on any specific
agenda item may be limited at the discretion of the presiding officer. Visitors will be restricted to one
appearance per item.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – Kathryn Habel, Adriana King, and Erik Guerrero
2015 – 45.
ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA – President Emmons
It is recommended that the agenda for the March 24, 2015 Regular Meeting of the Board
be adopted as presented.
Motion by
2015 – 46.
46.1
Stillson
second by
Parks
vote
5-0
RECOGNITION – Dr. Barker
BATTELL SCHOOL PRESENTATION
The program will begin with an overview of Battell’s High Five Club by Principal
Matthew Wood. The program will continue with a presentation about Kahoot by 6th grade
teacher Mrs. Lashbrooke. Mr. Wood and PTA President Pam DeSchepper will then
recognize the following individuals who have provided support to Battell School.
Mr. Brian Thomas and Family
Mr. Craig Kapson
Mr. Brian Rutherford
The following students will also be recognized:
Book Bonanza Champions:
Aislin Bailey
Leydy Galeano
Connor DeSchepper
Orlando Gillon
Cameron Krych
Alexis Schlemmer
SCM Girls Volleyball Champions
Aislin Bailey
Adriana King
Emma Brothers
Alivia Martin
Victoria Fish
Ella Martin
Katie Habel
Zara McCollough
Tara Harrison
Arianna McLean
Cionna Heiden
Breanna Melville
Cyla Nemeth
Kate-Marie Perry
Alaina Pollock
Alexis Schlemmer
Victoria Willamowski
Brandy Williams
The program will conclude with a performance by the Battell School choir, led by Mrs.
Konwinski.
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Regular Meeting of the Board – March 24, 2015
Principal Wood discussed the growth in Acuity. He said that there has been much success.
Although they are waiting for the third assessment, progress can already been seen since
Readiness 1. The High Five Club is designed to encourage and reward students for their success.
Students can earn performance awards such as pizza and candy bars for making progress in
Acuity. Sixth grade teacher Lisa Lashbrooke then demonstrated the learning tool “Kahoot”. It is
an interactive game she uses to help students get ready for tests. The Board members and
administrators were given the opportunity to play by answering questions about Battell School.
Following the demonstration, Mr. Wood presented a certificate of appreciation to Mr. Brian
Thomas and his family for their generous donation of an AED machine to Battell. After that, PTA
Vice President David Willamowksi presented awards to Mr. Craig Kapson and Mr. Brian
Rutherford for their outpouring of extra support provided to the students at Battell Elementary.
The program concluded with a song, “Furry Leez”, performed by Battell’s choir and led by Mrs.
Lizbeth Konwinski.
President Emmons said that the generosity of all of the supporters in the community is greatly
appreciated.
COMMENTS AND QUESTIONS FROM THE FLOOR
2015 – 47.
47.1
QUESTIONS FROM THE FLOOR – President Emmons
COMMUNICATION WITH PTA
Deb Fox reported that the PTA membership drive is completed and all of the schools are in good
standing with the state PTA. She also reported that the Reflections winners will be recognized by
the state PTA in Indianapolis and after that, they will be recognized at a school board meeting.
47.2
REPRESENTATIVES OF SCHOOL EMPLOYEES
None
47.3
REPRESENTATIVES OF MISHAWAKA EDUCATION FOUNDATION
Gerry Mahoney spoke on behalf of MEA. She is the Director of Beyond the Cave at MHS. This
program is in its sixth year. It is staffed by volunteers and its purpose is to help student explore
career options and plan for college and for their future. Mrs. Mahoney said that career speakers
come in to talk to students, and so far this year, there have been seven such speakers. Mrs.
Mahoney also announced that the MEF will host the MBA’s After Hours on May 14 at
Mishawaka High School. Dr. Barker commended Mrs. Mahoney saying that he appreciates the
energy she brings to Beyond the Cave.
47.4
GENERAL PUBLIC
Anyone wishing to address the Board on general topics is invited to do so under this item.
These individuals must register their intention to participate in the public portion of the
meeting upon their arrival at the meeting. Each statement made by a participant may be
limited at the discretion of the presiding officer. It is requested that names and addresses
be stated at the beginning of such comments. Individuals may speak only once during this
section of the agenda. As per Board Policy, personnel issues will not be addressed during
open sessions of the Board. Concerns about individual employees of the district should be
brought to the superintendent or designee.
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Regular Meeting of the Board – March 24, 2015
2015 – 48.
CONSENT AGENDA – President Emmons
48.1
APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF THE MARCH 10, 2015 MEETING OF THE
BOARD
It is recommended that the minutes of the March 10, 2015 Regular Meeting of the Board
be approved as presented.
48.2
BILL WARRANTS AND PAYROLL
It is recommended that the bill warrants and payroll in the amount of $1,475,277.54 be
approved for payment from the appropriate fund.
48.3
FINANCIAL REPORT
It is recommended that the financial report, dated February, 2015, be approved as
presented.
48.4
FIELD TRIP REQUESTS
It is recommended that the Board of School Trustees grant approval for the Field Trip
requests as listed and documented.
48.5
PERSONNEL REPORT
It is recommended that the Personnel Report, dated March 24, 2015, be approved.
Motion by
Stillson
second by
Wood
vote
2015 – 49.
COMMUNICATION TO SECRETARY OF THE BOARD – Secretary Parks
2015 – 50.
INSTRUCTION
50.1
Action
50.2
Discussion Items – Dr. Barker
50.3
Reports – Mr. Towner
•
5-0
Annual Performance Reports – 2014
Mr. Towner said that the Annual Performance Report will be published in the South Bend
Tribune on March 30. Enrollment numbers have slightly declined; other items are similar
to previous years. There is improvement in some areas of academic achievement as well
as the overall attendance and high school graduation rates. Mr. Towner noted a concern
that the number of Students with 10% or More Days Absent for any Reason increased
throughout the district.
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Regular Meeting of the Board – March 24, 2015
2015 – 51.
51.1
BUSINESS AND OPERATIONS
Action
51.1a ACCEPTANCE OF DONATIONS – Dr. Barker
Superintendent’s Recommendation: It is recommended that the Board of School
Trustees accept the following donations as listed and documented.
$350.00 – Mishawaka PTA to MHS for Science Olympiad competition expenses
$300.00 – Pat Bellovich to MHS for Science Olympiad competition expenses
$500.00 – AEP to Beiger for Robotics team
Laptop (Value $189.00) – Tim Sparrow to Twin Branch for classroom use
Motion by
Wood
second by
Parks
vote
5-0
51.1b APPROVAL OF BIDS FOR LIBERTY SCHOOL CHILLER REPLACEMENT –
Dr. Barker – Submitted by Mr. Squadroni
Superintendent’s Recommendation: It is recommended that the Board of School
Trustees approve the bids per the attached bid sheet for Liberty School chiller project as
presented. The request for proposal was sent out on Tuesday, March 3. Bids were
received on Thursday, March 19. The project will be funded through the Guaranteed
Energy Savings Project and the rainy day fund. The project is expected to be completed
in May. It is further recommended that the Business Manager be authorized to sign the
agreement.
Three bids were submitted. The lowest is $133,515.00 from Dynamic Mechanical Services. When
asked how we would pay for any other unanticipated mechanical failures, Mr. Squadroni said
that we do not have cash on hand, so the cash balance in the general fund would have to be used.
Mr. Trippel reported that upon Board approval, work could begin this week. The majority of the
work will be done during spring break. Mr. Trippel also noted that he is confident that the boilers
in all of the buildings are in sound working order.
Motion by
Stillson
second by
Pemberton
vote
5-0
51.1c RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF SCHOOL TRUSTEES APPROVING
AMENDMENT TO LEASE AND TAKING OTHER NECESSARY ACTIONS
REGARDING FIRST MORTGAGE REFUNDING BONDS, SERIES 2005 – Dr.
Barker – Submitted by Mr. Squadroni
Superintendent’s Recommendation: It is recommended that the School City of
Mishawaka Board of School Trustees adopt the resolution authorizing issuance of the
School City of Mishawaka Multi-School Building Corporation First Mortgage Refunding
Bonds and related matters. The recommendation is in order to take advantage of the
current low interest rates to lower debt service. The resolution also approves the school
corporation to pay maximum rent for the years 2016 through 2019. The maximum rent
will increase the property tax rates approximately .0408 per $100.00 of assessed value
during the four year time period. The resolution authorizes the proper officers of the
school corporation to execute and deliver such documents and take such actions as such
officers deem necessary to complete the refunding.
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Regular Meeting of the Board – March 24, 2015
Phil Faccenda from Barnes and Thornburg reported that the resolution is to approve the
refinancing of bonds. The refinancing is part of the strategic plan for addressing the revenue loss
from the circuit breaker. This plan was endorsed by the study committee. Mr. Faccenda indicated
that the 2006 and 2006B bonds will be eligible for refinancing next year.
Curt Pletcher from Umbaugh explained how the funds will be restructured. He said that the
anticipated savings from the refinancing is approximately 2.5 million.
Motion by
51.2
Stillson
second by
Wood
vote
5-0
Discussion Items – Dr. Barker
•
Purchasing Results presentation – Deena Dipert
Mrs. Dipert distributed information sheets to each Board member. The information sheets itemize
savings in all departments. Savings were achieved in many ways including eliminating restocking fees and delivery fees, getting bids for office supplies, watching for overstocking, and
elimination of duplication in school inventories. Dr. Barker commended Mrs. Dipert, saying that
her attention to detail has helped us to save money.
2015 – 52.
INFORMATION TO THE BOARD
•
For the second year in a row, Mishawaka High School was selected as a Best
Community for Music Education by Yamaha Corporation. Music teacher Dennis
Gamble is to be congratulated for this recognition.
SUPERINTENDENT’S COMMENTS – Dr. Barker
2015 – 53.
•
Parents and community members are reminded that the system wide Spring Break
is April 6, 2015 through April 10, 2015. It is further noted all School City of
Mishawaka schools and offices will be closed on Friday, April 3, 2015 for a
spring recess day.
•
The next Regular Meeting of the Board of School Trustees will be held on
Tuesday, April 14, 2015, at 7:00 p.m. at the Administrative Center, 1402 South
Main Street, Mishawaka, Indiana.
•
Dr. Barker noted that the high school production of The Pajama Game was excellent. He
also encouraged people to attend the elementary All City Choir Concert on March 26.
ADJOURNMENT
Adjournment Time: 8:20 p.m.
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Regular Meeting of the Board – March 24, 2015
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES
South Bend Tribune
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Mishawaka Enterprise
WHME Newsroom
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WNDU TV
WSBT TV
WSJV TV
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ABC 57
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U 93
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WGTC
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WSBT
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WRBR
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FOX 28
WFRN
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