By Selina R. Vert
Education Reporter
BRIMLEY — The Brimley Area School Board met Monday, Dec. 15, 2003, with all board members present.
The board began by unanimously approving payment of $439,413.12 in bills — $404,089.78 from the general fund, $16,214.37 from capital projects, $16,007.60 for food service and $3,101.37 for athletics.
NEW BUSINESS
Of the two applicants who interviewed for the position of JV and Varsity cheerleading coach, Superintendent Al Kantola recommended the hiring of former Junior High Coach Kristina Wilcox. The board approved his suggestion with all members voting, “yes.”
Bookkeeper Sally Piche requested a reduction to temporary part-time employment status in order to complete her coursework to become a certified Business Education teacher. She would continue to work Tuesdays and Thursdays and would be responsible for all accounts payable. A substitute bookkeeper would be employed on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays to handle all payroll duties.
Kantola recommended the board approve her reduction to part-time status because Piche would make herself available if difficulties arose and the school wouldn't have to worry about hiring and training a new bookkeeper for just a few months.
Treasurer Maryann Charles said she is happy Piche wants to further her education but knew her scheduling issues when she signed her contract. Charles added that the job has too much responsibility to split between two people, and brought up the issue of pro-rating insurance, sick leave and vacation hours. She recommended that Piche go on a temporary leave of absence.
Kantola said that Piche originally requested a leave of absence, but he felt it would be better to retain an experienced person in the department or at least a few days a week rather than have to fully train a new hire.
Trustee William Kinsella motioned to grant Sally Piche the reduction to part-time status. His motion was carried with all board members voting, “yes,” except Charles, who voted, “no.”
Requests for leaves of absence from a kitchen aid and teacher were approved unanimously.
The position of playground supervisor was vacated at the last board meeting. School employee Mary Brown, the applicant with the most senority, was hired for the position by a unanimous vote of the board.
Brown was then hired as a temporary kitchen aide to cover a leave of absence by the regular aide. When the regular aide returns, Brown will transfer back to the playground supervisor position. Sharon Sutton was hired as a temporary playground supervisor until Brown returns to the position. Walter Shields was also hired as a temporary playground supervisor due to another leave of absence.
The board has yet to receive applicants for the open crossing guard position. Kantola said that they are filling in with existing staff and substitutes.
A recommendation to hire Mary McGrath, one of two applicants for the JV and Varsity cheerleading coach, passed unanimously.
Last year's “Learning Without Limits” pilot program that gave every freshman a laptop computer has been changed to the “Freedom to Learn Program” and give laptops to the sixth graders. Kantola said that funding was reduced because of budget cuts, so the school has the option to apply for the grant. He talked it over with the sixth grade teachers, who were very excited at the prospect.
Kantola said the school's cost would be $25 per computer while the state would pay $250 for a lease with Hewlitt Packard. The board unanimously approved the grant application.
Twice a year, NEOLA recommends revision in board policy due to changing laws, new requirements by state or federal government or new court rulings. In order for the school to adopt the policy revisions, two readings must be held at separate board meetings. The board unanimously approved the first reading of NEOLA policy revisions.
Revisions included the designation of a board officer in charge of electronic transfer of school funds; a new policy regarding the education of students with limited English proficiency (LEP) as required by “No Child Left Behind” legislation; the clarification of non-discrimination and the identification of LEP students; a change in reference to the school code number; a new policy regarding the board's right to establish group health plans and privacy protection for those plans; a new policy concerning the possession of cell phones and electronic devices by students (students may have them on school property during school hours as long as they are not turned on); clarification of the due process rights of suspended or expelled students; clarification of the weapon restriction on school property; a revision to follow new legislation that allows 30 hours of “snow days;” and a revision addressing changes in federal law regarding access to student records.
The Professional Studies Committee and School Improvement Team recommended that the school adopt a character education program called “Changing Lives,” which consists of a weekly grade-appropriate lesson on a specific character trait students should possess — kindness, responsibility, honesty, integrity, punctuality, enthusiasm, leadership, persistence. Students learn about the trait and partake in various activities to reenforce it. The program has already been implemented in St. Ignace, Rudyard and Detour schools.
Ninth and tenth grade Science and Math Teacher Chris Whealy conducted a trial run using the word, “dedication,” with a short story about Nelson Mandella. They discussed how Mandella was wholly dedicated to his beliefs and faced persecution because of it. The students wrote essays about someone they know who is dedicated and why.
Whealy said the program kept the students interested and engaged. He said it was very productive and that the children need to be exposed to it.
The “Changing Lives” program would be somewhat expensive because the school would have to buy new materials every year. Kantola said that the Safe and Drug Free Schools Grant would provide funds and the startup cost would be minimal.
He added that they could also involve the surrounding community. “Everyone we've talked to in our communities feel we need some character development class,” he said.
The board unanimously approved the implementation of the “Changing Lives” character education program in grades K through 12 for the 2004-2005 school year.
The recently-formed Brimley Area Education Foundation requested a $500 donation from the board to cover start up costs of the organization. These include developing brochures and conducting initial mailings.
The board approved the donation with all members voting, “yes.”
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS
Elementary Principal Pete Routhier and High School Principal Brian Reattoir said the year is half over and everything is going great. They wished the board a happy holiday season.
Kantola said he had hoped to have another bid on the school surveillance system, but that they need to look carefully at the school's other financial needs before continuing on the project.
He said the school needed to begin replacing buses and is looking at buying a new one every two years for then next 10 years.
The school also needs a new fleet vehicle and drivers' education car. The current car is old and has a lot of miles on it. Kantola suggested they look into buying a seven-passenger van that can also be used for both drivers' education and transportation of staff and students.
Kantola added that funding is being taken away for drivers' education. They could be losing up to $80 per student, so charging students a fee may need to be considered.
Financial news was not all bad, according to Kantola. Instead of losing $196 per student next year, the school may only lose $100. This saves the school $50,000 as is “very welcome news,” said Kantola.
The newly formed Healthy Schools Committee has gotten a lot of interest. Kantola said that representatives from the Chippewa County Health Department, Sault Tribe, Bay Mills, MSU Extension and many parents attended the last meeting. The committee looks at improving the health of students by lifestyle or dietary changes.
The next Brimley Area School Board meeting is scheduled for Monday, Jan. 19, 2004, at 7 p.m., in the high school cafeteria.
