MINUTES OF THE
REGULAR MEETING OF THE EAST LANSING BOARD OF EDUCATION
7:30 P.M.
Hannah Community Center
December 9, 2002
Preliminary
Call to Order
Board President Barbara McMillan called the meeting to order at 7:35 p.m.
Roll Call
Present:
William Donohue, Charles Hackney, Barbara McMillan, Daphne
O’Regan, Susan Schmidt, Rodney Stokes, George Wyatt (arrived at
8:00 p.m.) and Superintendent Thomas Giblin.
Absent:
Marissa Terry, student representative
Approval of Agenda
Motion 02/03-94 Moved by Ms. Schmidt, supported by Dr. Donohue, that the
agenda for the regular meeting of December 9, 2002 be approved as submitted.
Motion carried unanimously.
Approval of Minutes
Ms. McMillan noted that the agenda should reflect approval of the minutes for
the meetings of November 25, 2002 and December 4, 2002.
Dr. O’Regan questioned the meaning of the acronym MDF under “Report from
the Data Department” on page 2 of the November 25 th minutes. It was
suggested that it may stand for multi data function, but Ms. Schmidt requested
that the correct meaning (Main Distributed Frame) be written out in the minutes.
Motion 02/03/95 Moved by Ms. Schmidt, supported by Dr. Donohue that the
minutes of the regular meeting of November 25, 2002 and the special meeting
of December 4, 2002 be approved as corrected. Motion carried unanimously.
Ms. Gina Finney, Director of Human Resources introduced Kelley A. Peatross as
the new Director of Human Resources. Ms. Finney has submitted her
resignation due to a family move out-of-state. Ms. Peatross thanked the Board
and said she looks forward to working with East Lansing Public Schools.
Minutes of the East Lansing Board of Education
December 9, 2002
Information
Ms. McMillan requested that the order of several agenda items be changed to allow
the Board to recognize the student athletes earlier in the evening.
Tom Hunt, Athletic/Activity Director thanked the Board for recognizing this fine
group of athletes and introduced Bob Brown, the girl’s Cross Country coach. Mr.
Brown introduced Megan Newton who was named cross country female runner of
the year by the Lansing State Journal. Megan also has the distinction of being our
only athlete who has been all-state, won the conference, and medalled four years in
a row. Mr. Brown also introduced Megan’s parents, Jim and Sally, and thanked
them for their support.
Tom Hunt introduced Nick Archer, coach of the boy’s soccer team and noted that
Mr. Archer was chosen as the State of Michigan Division 2 Coach of the Year for
soccer. Mr. Archer said that the soccer team has displayed a lot of dedication and
hard work and brought a great deal of pride to the District. He also pointed out that
the team members are students first with an overall 3.24 team grade point average.
Mr. Archer thanked the parents, coaches and community for their unselfish support
of the team. The Board congratulated and presented plaques to players, Kevin
Hagan, Mike Hagbom, Joe Hamilton, Eric Hughey, Dan Kelley, Jon Lacross, Josiah
Magnusson, Josh Moses, Jeff Pedersen, John Pizanis, Nate Leach-Proffer, Simon
Robinson, Evan Rosen, Ben Sinder, Mike Tijerina and John Tshiamala. Team
members Adam Saper, David Smiadak, Andrew Babcock, Alex Seaman, Chase
Cawthorne, Andrew Harrison, Pete Boss and Jon Wyatt were not available to
receive their plaques. Coaches Henry Rojas, Abu Towghi and Jeff Lyon were also
honored.
Ms. McMillan introduced Pam Andrews, principal of Donley Elementary School.
Donley was the recipient of the Golden Apple Award for improved 4 th grade MEAP
scores. Ms. Andrews introduced two of their staff members. Sue Ziara, a TITLE 1
teacher and Dave Anderson, a second grade teacher, were both a vital part of and
an inspiration to the Donley teaching staff. Ms. Andrews said she felt very fortunate
to be a part of this staff.
Communications
Public Comment from Citizens
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Minutes of the East Lansing Board of Education
December 9, 2002
Scott Boehme, Gainsborough Dr., East Lansing, founder of the website
www.saidnews.com (Society for Accurate Information and Distribution) informed the
Board that the website is now affiliated with the Amber Alert Network. Any
abduction would be displayed on the website ticker with complete details and
contact information.
Terry Linger, 818 N. Harrison, East Lansing, presented the Board with a document
he had prepared outlining proposals to increase district revenue and decrease
expenses without program cuts. Mr. Linger is opposed to any more cuts and
believes there are other ways of generating revenue.
Blanket Motion
Motion 02-03/96 Moved by Ms. Schmidt, supported by Mr. Wyatt, and carried
unanimously that the following items be approved as a blanket item:
VI. C. That the Board approve the financial statement ending November 30,2002.
VI. D. That the Board approve the field trip of Mr. Aldrink’s Business/
Management/Applied Skills class to Beaner’s offices and Paramount Coffee
offices. The Curriculum Council has approved this field trip.
Report from the Superintendent
Dr. Giblin noted that there had been discussion at a recent budget information
committee meeting regarding a contract between MSU and the district. The
contract deals with the responsibilities for operating Spartan Village Elementary
School including payment of utilities, facility maintenance and programs such as
ESL. The most recent contract included a clause permitting MSU to opt out of
certain responsibilities in the event Spartan Village and/or Red Cedar Schools were
closed. There have been concerns about the added language and why this most
recent contract was not taken to the Board for a vote. Dr. Giblin explained that this
was an oversight and he takes full responsibility for the omission. He also noted
that this contract is clearly a matter of public record and it is standard practice for
attorneys to review these documents. He indicated that more information will be
forthcoming upon review.
Dr. O’Regan inquired about additional initiatives with MSU. Dr. Giblin responded
that there are three that have been explored. There has been discussion regarding
the expansion of the early childhood lab school into our facilities. This would
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Minutes of the East Lansing Board of Education
December 9, 2002
produce a strong relationship with MSU and possibly create revenue and grant
writing opportunities. Hopefully there will be a formal report by June. The possibility
of an international baccalaureate primary school also is being explored. The
research has already begun, but there is probably a two year time frame for study of
the project. Another initiative involves the whole area of recruiting. MSU is
beginning to hire the next generation of faculty and they recognize that a strong vital
school district is an added attraction. The district is also submitting grants in the
areas of technology renovation and a national science grant.
Dr. O’Regan
emphasized the importance of having preliminary data together by spring to assess
the implications of these initiatives for allocating our facility use.
Dr. Giblin reported on a meeting Thursday night at 6 p.m. at the Hannah Community
Center for interested supporters of soccer. Although well under way, the soccer
fields on Abbott Rd. are not quite complete and there is need for much community
participation and support. He also noted that the recent presentations on the
phasing of construction at the high school and middle school are on the district
website. Also on the website is a signup for receiving school closing notifications by
email.
Dr. O’Regan asked about an issue that was initiated at a budget information
committee meeting regarding the status of the Whitehills Elementary School deed.
Dr. Giblin indicated that the deed language is under review and results would be
available when complete.
Action Items
Furniture for the Board/Seminar Room
Motion 02-03/97 Moved by Ms. Schmidt, supported by Mr. Hackney that the
Board accept the bid from Cornerstone Furniture Inc., in the amount of $29,948.
Dr. O’Regan encouraged the Board to vote against the purchase of the board
room furniture. Using a November, 2002 Capital Projects Fund spreadsheet as
the basis for her concerns, Dr. O’Regan initiated a discussion regarding the
effect such a purchase would have on the capital projects expenditures. Dr.
O’Regan was very concerned that she was unable to find a line item for the
alternative program, nor an identified source of funding for the service center.
She felt it would be imprudent of the Board to purchase a table while cutting
programs. Ms. Schmidt expressed concern about the characterization of the
item to be purchased as “just a table” to sit around. Dr. Giblin encouraged the
Board to look at the larger view when considering this purchase. Relocation of
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Minutes of the East Lansing Board of Education
December 9, 2002
the administrative offices was necessary to create more space for students at
the high school. The purchase of the Timberlane property was an investment
and an opportunity to create additional facilities that can be used by other groups
and organizations. The board room table and lectern under consideration for
purchase are media-friendly, wired for voice, data and video. The furniture
purchase would create the potential for use by other groups. Mr. Wyatt asked
about the ramifications of delaying the furniture purchase. Dr. Giblin explained
that setting up and taping the board meetings is a very labor intensive job and
also very hard on the equipment with the constant set up and breakdown. Dr.
O’Regan again expressed concern about funding for the alternative school. Dr.
Giblin indicated that this program is not at risk since there is money in the sinking
fund for that purpose.
Motion voted on and carried with one dissenting vote.
Aye:
William Donohue, Charles Hackney, Barbara McMillan, Susan
Schmidt, Rodney Stokes and George Wyatt
Nay:
Daphne O’Regan
Budget Revision
Motion 02-03/98 Moved by Mr. Stokes, supported by Ms. Schmidt that the Board
approve the budget revision to the 2002-2003 budget as presented.
Ms. Bolen reviewed the December budget revisions by noting the major changes
and differences between this year and last year. There was brief discussion
regarding the fact that the proposed budget was based on projections. The Board
was aware that the actual budget picture would differ from that preliminary sketch.
Motion voted on and carried unanimously
Committee Reports
Finance Committee
Mr. Hackney reported that the committee has not met since the last Board
meeting.
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Minutes of the East Lansing Board of Education
December 9, 2002
Interagency Committee
Ms. Schmidt reported that there was discussion at the last committee meeting
regarding the importance of educating realtor groups. She also noted the
importance of continued dialogue with the City and the University on a variety of
issues.
Personnel Committee
Mr. Stokes reported that the personnel committee has been unable to meet
since the last Board meeting.
Revenue Enhancement
Mr. Donohue noted that the Foundation has been discussing a number of
revenue enhancing ideas. They will be meeting Wednesday morning at 7 a.m.
to determine which of these ideas should be pursued. The Foundation hopes to
come to the Board in the near future with a list of possibilities such as marketing
bricks, sale of event seating, etc.
Policy
Mr. Wyatt has nothing new to report on policy.
Individual Board Member Reports
Dr. O’Regan reported that she attended a Marble Parent Meeting last week and
shared the budget deficit information with them. She said that they were
astounded and suggested that a letter be sent home outlining the budgetary
problems. It was noted that many people thought last year’s deficit was a onetime problem. Dr. Giblin pointed out how quickly a significant budget deficit can
be created simply by an increase in health insurances costs, for example. Mr.
Hackney mentioned that the budget information committee has been meeting
diligently since mid October. The meetings are taped and replayed on the
district TV channel 24.
Ms. McMillan thanked everyone for all time they spent on a recent retreat. Mr.
Wyatt thanked everyone for all of their hard work throughout the year and
expressed wishes for a happy holiday season.
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Minutes of the East Lansing Board of Education
December 9, 2002
Adjournment
Motion 02-03/90 Moved by Ms. Schmidt, supported by Dr. Donohue and carried
unanimously that the meeting be adjourned.
The meeting adjourned at 9:55 p.m.
_________________________________
SECRETARY
________________________________
PRESIDENT
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