The regular/organizational electronic meeting was held starting at 6:30 p.m.
Organizational items, such as approving the legal name of the school district, bank resolutions, and scheduling of school board meetings for the next year were completed.
The board approved a five cent increase in the price of student breakfast and a ten cent increase in the price of student lunches for the 2020-2021 school year, based on the recommendation of the Food Service Supervisor. Milk price will be $.60 per carton. Adult lunch prices are not yet available.
The MHSAA Membership Resolution was approved by the board. This resolution must be approved by the board annually in order to play in any post-season sports tournaments during the upcoming school year.
Mr. Tim Evans was appointed the special liaison to the Michigan Association of School Boards, with Mrs. Kristin Flick appointed as the alternate.
Mr. Tim Evans was appointed as delegate to the Jackson County School Board Association, and Mr. Chris Blackledge was also appointed as the alternate.
Mr. Gary Schuette was appointed the school board representative on the Hanover-Horton Education Foundation Committee and the Lucile McGee Scholarship Committee.
Mr. Leon Densmore was appointed as the school board representative on the Ruth Creps Scholarship Committee.
The board approved a list of recommended workshops and in-service training sessions throughout the year for board members.
The board approved the length of school term for the 2020-21 school year, as required by the school code. School districts must provide 180 days and a minimum of 1098 hours of pupil instruction. This requirement may change for the 2020-21 school year, due to the governor’s executive orders regarding COVID-19.
The board approved the purchase and installation of new carpeting in the middle school. The existing hallway carpet was installed in 2008, and is in need of replacement.
The purchase of new high school/middle school cafeteria tables was approved.
The board approved the first reading of NEOLA policies, Vol. 34, No. 2 – February 2020; Special Update – March 2020; and Special Update, Title IX Regulations – July 2020.
In order to meet a new requirement for pupil accounting auditing, the board approved a list of courses offered by the district.
A budget revision for the Capital Project Fund #3 Expenses was approved. This revision was necessary after the preliminary work on the annual audit.
The purchase of Literacy Footprints kits for K-5 elementary students was approved. This literacy curriculum will be purchased with a portion of the CARES Act funds received by the district.
The board accepted, with deep regret and gratitute, the resignation of Mrs. Adrienne Spencer, who will retire on October 31, 2020. Mrs. Spencer has served as the district’s bookkeeper for over 38 years, and her expertise will be missed.
Superintendent Denney reported to the board members on the following:
- It has been a busy summer. Superintendent Denney has been working with various committees to set up options for the reopening of school in the fall, keeping in mind the safety of students and staff. A survey of families was done, and some of the results were: 75% of families have quality internet service; 50% of families have their own devices (computer, iPad, phone, etc.); 50% of families are comfortable returning to school at Phase 4; 32% of families prefer an online option at Phase 4; 20% of families prefer an online option at Phase 5. The district will continue to look at all learning options and safety guidelines, and will have a rough framework to send out soon; there are many variables to consider. The learning plan has to be submitted to the state by August 15th.
- New bottle fillers have been ordered for the middle and high school, to replace the traditional drinking fountains. Thermometers have been ordered, and sanitary stations will be provided for all classrooms. We are waiting to hear from the health department regarding students eating in the cafeteria, and we are looking at some kind of plexiglass-type screens in offices and classrooms.
- Handbook revisions will be ready for approval at the August board meeting.
- It is hopeful that the footings for the new gym will be poured soon. There may be issues with the supply chain, particularly as it pertains to steel for the gym. Air conditioning plans are moving forward.
- We are happy to be able to purchase the literacy kits for the elementary. Paying for them with CARES Act funds will not impact our ability to pay for COVID-related expenses.
- We are exploring the possibility of purchasing student devices.
- Adrienne Spencer will be missed. She has a wealth of knowledge in school finance and history of the district.
The board members commented on the following:
- Thank you to Superintendent Denney, administration, and staff for all their hard work, especially with the unknown territory we’re heading into for the fall.
- The board asks everyone to be patient and support teachers and the district. We will do everything we can to deliver a good education. Teachers are professionals who will do everything in their power to get students back on track.
- The board is glad to be able to support elementary teachers with new curriculum.
- Congratulations, thank you, and best of luck to Adrienne Spencer after serving many years as the district bookkeeper.
Meeting was adjourned at 7:45 p.m.
