Date of Meeting: 6/26/2023
Format: In-person
Meeting Summary:
The meeting was called to order at 6:00. After the pledge of allegiance and roll call, the Board adopted the agenda and discussed facilities.
The Board has decided against seeking a bond levy to construct a new school building. The current permanent improvement levy (PIL) can be placed on the ballot for renewal in November. The Board must pass two resolutions to this effect no later than August 9. There was a discussion about whether to hire Rockmill Financial Consultants to generate cost estimates for needed facilities improvements. It was decided that without the consultant, adequate estimates can still be obtained to inform the Board’s eventual decision of whether to seek a renewal or replacement levy. The Board requested that the school district administration generate multiple alternative scenarios with cost estimates for each. Options might include replacing the roofs on the middle and high schools, closing and demolishing the outdated middle school building and acquiring modular classroom space, moving middle school students into the existing elementary and high school buildings, and other yet-to-be-determined options. The Board will hold meetings about facilities at 5:00 p.m. immediately preceding the July, August, and September monthly meetings.
The Board approved various resolutions in preparation for closing out FY 2023 and entering FY 2024. These concerned: renewal of various contracts for next year; setting lunch prices (no increase); participation in federal grant program; appropriations for next year; budget management subscription; property and liability insurance; personnel hirings; approval of student handbooks; setting K-5 school fees. There was a brief discussion about a possible future increase in fee (currently $45 for K-5).
In response to increased student behavioral issues, the Board approved a new agreement with ABA Outreach Services to provide professional development for teachers and classroom behavioral services. There will be a contracted professional in the school two days per week for the 2023-24 school year. Federal IDEA funds will cover the majority of the expense.
Superintendent Hawkins reported that Final Forms is up and running. This online portal allows parents to complete forms such as student information, medical, field trips, etc. He also reported two bullying incidents at the middle school and four handling with restraint at the elementary school during the 2022-23 school year.
In the absence of the athletic director, Board members Craig Mullaly and Paul McEwuen provided information: new boys basketball has been well received; baseball teams are doing well; 80 kids at football camp last week; wrestling team had some success at state championships; wrestling club looking at the possibility of offering a girls’ club shortly due to increased interest.
At 6:50, the regular meeting adjourned, and the Board moved into executive session to consider the evaluation of a public employee.
Which members of the board/council were present: All present: Jennifer Curall, Paul McEwuen, Craig Mullaly, Tom Siciliano, Amanda Waesch, Treasurer Connie Baldwin, Superintendent Andrew Hawkins
Was there a public notice of the meeting that included the time and place of meeting: Yes
Was an agenda of the meeting or handouts available to visitors: Yes
https://www.roversk12.org
Are minutes from previous meetings posted/available: Yes
Name of Observer: Rhonda Richardson