MEETING MINUTES…WHITEHALL BOARD OF EDUCATION…February 21, 2018
The February 21, 2018 meeting of the Whitehall Board of Education was held at Whitehall Memorial Conference Room. President, George Everson called the meeting to order at
6:30 pm. Roll was called and a quorum established. Other Board members present: Byron Fields, Jason Molis, Kristen Carroll, and Julie Dokkestul. Absent: Leah Johnson and Dan Koxlien. Others present: Superintendent/9-12 Principal, Mike Beighley; Elementary Principal, Damon Lisowski; Special Education/Pupil Services Director, Vickie O’Dell; Maintenance Director, David Blaha; Finance Manager, Cheryl Maug; Trempealeau County Times Reporter.
Fields moved to approve vouchers as presented. Carroll seconded. Aye – All members. Motion carried.
Carroll moved to approve the following items of the Motion Calendar:
- Approve minutes of January 31, 2018 Regular Meeting
- Approve minutes of January 31, 2018 Executive Meeting
- Molis seconded. Aye – All Members. Motion carried.
Blaha presented information of replacing the 1971 (Tech Ed, Band, Choir and Boiler Room areas) building roof. Three bid requests were sent out and two replies were received: RTS $235,239 with 15 yr. warranty and R27.5 roof, Interstate Roofing $229,415 with 15 yr. warranty and R22.8 roof ($10,100 additional to upgrade to R30 roof). Blaha mentioned that the roof drains should also be replaced at this same time. Waiting on a quote from Certified Plumbing from Eau Claire for the roof drains and it is estimated that the cost will be approximately $15,000. Molis moved to approve the roofing bid from RTS Roofing, Inc. and have administration proceed with obtaining financing options.
Beighley shared a draft of the Unpaid Lunch Account Policy. The policy does not take food away from kids with negative account balances nor does it force an alternative meal. Parents may block purchases from a la carte, second helpings or all charges to their account with a written request sent to the school office. Students with a negative balance of more than $100 will not be eligible for out of town/overnight trips until the balance is paid in full. Seniors with negative balances must have them paid in full before participating in graduation ceremonies or class trips. Board recommended an additional clause that states students with negative account balances that move out of the district will result in a judgment being filed with the Trempealeau County Court.
High-quality two-way radios have been ordered for key staff and school vehicles. The two-way radio system will allow staff to be able to communicate more efficiently in the case of a crisis. The VHS radio system will also provide for direct communication with EMS. A Two-way Radio policy was reviewed. Board suggested that training also be provided.
The Co-op Joint Powers Agreement committee meeting to begin discussions of the draft agreement will be held Tuesday, February 27th. The goal will be to complete the agreement by May.
With the Future Skills lab trailer coming we now need to take a look at what the future holds for students. Need to take a look at how to change what we teach and allow students to explore future career options.
Administrative Reports:
O’Dell –
Presented resources available in the area to assist students and families with mental health illness. There are very limited resources that accept medical assistance or are free and many families do not have medical insurance and therefore, do not seek help.
D. Lisowski –
Reported on AGR progress. Students in grades 1-6 are tested at beginning of the year to set a base line. They are tested again at end of the semester and end of the school year to chart progress.
Elementary participated in Jump Rope for Heart. High/Middle school students helped out with running some of the stations.
Beighley (for Youngbauer) –
The new Early College Credit Program (ECCP), formerly Youth Options, allows students in grades 9-12 to enroll in an institution of higher education for the purpose of taking courses for high school credit, college credit or both. ECCP will permit summer enrollment (beginning with summer of 2019) whereas Youth Options did not.
Everson recessed to Executive session pursuant to S.S. 19.85 1(c) to discuss staffing models for 2018-19 and mid-year staff evaluations for 2017-18 and to approve retirement of Quasi-Administrator. Time: 7:22 pm.
Cheryl Maug
Recording Secretary