Hanover-Horton School District
Board of Education Meeting in Review
December 19, 2016
The Board and Superintendent Denney recognized the Junior Medal of Honor recipients for both October and November and many athletes for their academic achievements. The Cross Country team was also recognized for their Regional Championship for the fourth consecutive year.
Student Council reported a very successful homecoming. Next on their agenda is preparing for the Snowfest to take place on January 27. This year instead of decorating the halls, they will be decorating the student section of the gym and also introducing decorated wagons.
During public comment, Mrs. Chris Hobson, elementary teacher, informed the Board that students are now able to nominate others for the Junior Medal of Honor. The nominations will be in the students own words.
The Board approved the second reading of the various changes of our NEOLA policies. These changes represent changes to keep us current and compliant to the ever changing laws and interpretations of them.
Also approved was the Michigan Municipal Finance Qualifying Statement. This is an annual statement that must be completed and submitted to qualify us to apply for loans or bonds if needed.
Mr. Kevin Oxley, Superintendent of the Jackson County Intermediate School District, presented summaries of three topics: JCISD Accreditation process, preparations for the upcoming countywide millage renewal election in May 2017 and an explanation of a necessary corrective action plan to insure IEP meetings are held in a timely manner.
Superintendent Denney reported to the Board members on the following:
- Thanking Michele Rogotzke for 8 years of Board service. Her term will expire the end of this month. He received an email from her explaining other commitments that did not allow her to attend this evening. She expressed her thanks for being able to help by serving on the board.
- Lame Duck Session is over. The Zero Tolerance Law passed, easing up the mandatory expulsion allowing districts to use their best judgment in each situation. Seclusion and Restraint passed, adding additional reporting and parent notification for use and type of restraint or seclusion used. The Energy Choice bill passed; unfortunately we did not make the initial deadline to qualify us for this.
- The items stalled in Lame Duck were changes to the MSPERS, the elimination of the Labor Day Requirement died in Congress, the State Aid change from gross revenue of taxes to net revenue of taxes, and the Fair Playoffs which was pushing the MHSAA to make some changes were all left on the table.
- Superintendent just received word from the Michigan Association of School Boards that the Appeals Court holds that Districts may ban Open Carry in Schools. Our School Board Policy states we are a weapons free school zone. Therefore, we have the right to ban weapons from our schools and properties.
- Merry Christmas
The Board Members were very pleased to be able to honor our outstanding athletes and the Junior Medal of Honor students and staff once again. Seeing the enjoyment of the students, parents and family is very rewarding. Merry Christmas!
The Board ratified the new Master Agreement with the Hanover Horton Education Support Personnel. The new contract will be for one year.
