SAULT STE. MARIE AREA PUBLIC SCHOOLS

SAULT STE. MARIE, MICHIGAN 49783

REGULAR MEETING, BOARD OF EDUCATION

Phone 906/635-6609

 

Minutes – Monday, November 14, 2022

 

 

74.       I.          CALL TO ORDER

 

President DeWitt called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. in the Sault Area Middle School, 684 Marquette Avenue and via Zoom.

 

The Pledge of Allegiance was led by fall sport athletes: Abigail Walther, John Burke, Kenzie Bell, Gabe Litzner, Max Scott, Carter Oshelski, and Denvy McCord

 

75.                   A.        ROLL CALL OF BOARD

 

Board Members Present: Caitlin L. Galer, Lisa A. Young, Jay D. Wilson, Raymond J. DeWitt, Melissa S. Pingatore, Daniel L. Smith, Christine M. Curtis

 

Absent: None

 

76.                   B.       ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA

 

It was moved by Member Young, supported by Member Galer, that the Board of Education adopt the agenda as presented.

 

Yeas:  Galer, Young, Wilson, DeWitt, Pingatore, Smith, Curtis

Nays:  None

Absent:  None

Motion Carried.

 

77.       II.        COMMUNICATIONS AND BOARD REPORTS

 

                        A.        REPORTS TO THE BOARD

 

1.  Helpful Teacher of the Month (Amanda Paulus) – Mrs. Jeanine

     Sherman

 

Mrs. Sherman reported on Amanda Paulus as the Helpful Teacher of the Month.  Mrs. Paulus will be given $50 in Chamber Bucks sponsored by Parker Ace Hardware and Doug Laprade MEEMIC Insurance Agency in recognition for her accomplishments.  

 

2.  Helpful Employee of the Month (Jennifer Anderson) – Ms. Jessica

     Rondeau

 

Superintendent Scott-Kronemeyer introduced Jennifer Anderson as the Helpful Employee of the Month.  She was given $50 in Chamber Bucks sponsored by Parker Ace Hardware and Doug Laprade MEEMIC Insurance Agency in recognition for her accomplishments.

 

President DeWitt congratulated the Helpful Teacher and Employee of the Month.

 

3.  Fall Sports Update – Mr. Patrick Bennin

 

Mr. Bennin introduced the fall athletes who were in attendance and noted they were a good representation of a true student athletes across all sports. 

 

Mr. Bennin reported on the number of students who participated in fall sports (Volleyball, Soccer, Football and Cross Country) at the Freshman, Junior Varsity, or Varsity level.

 

Cross Country

 

Mr. Bennin reported the boys and girls cross country teams were both SAC champions with high GPAs.

 

Mr. Bennin introduced Gabe Litzner and noted he was the UP Finals Runner-Up for Division 1 and the Division 1 Champion. 

 

Mr. Bennin reported the Girls Cross Country Team took third place in UP Division 1.  He introduced Abby Walther and stated she was a good, solid athlete.

 

Mr. Bennin reported Cross Country Coach Jim Martin was selected into the MITCA Coach’s Association Hall of Fame.  He noted Jim had coached for more than 30 years and was great with the students.

 

Football

 

Mr. Bennin reported the Varsity Football record was 6-3 with a 3.3 team GPA.

 

Mr. Bennin introduced Maxwell Scott, Carter Oshelski, and John Bourke as being good football representatives and students.  He noted Maxwell and Carter also played basketball and John Bourke had signed to play for CMU next year.

 

 

Soccer

 

Mr. Bennin introduced and reported on Denvy McCord as an outstanding student and soccer player.  He noted the Soccer Coach did an excellent job with only 3 players on the bench, the team had a GPA of 3.4 and finished 3^rd in the UP Championship.

 

Mr. Bennin reported the Soccer Team had an inaugural Rivals vs. Cancer Game in memory of longtime Sports Editor and supporter Rob Roos who passed away this year with cancer.

 

Volleyball

 

Mr. Bennin reported the Volleyball Team won the SAC Championship, the Division 1 Championship, was the Regional Semi-finalist, and the team had a 3.7 GPA.

 

Mr. Bennin introduced outstanding students and volleyball players Clare Erickson and Kenzie Bell.  They noted their appreciation for all the community support and that of Mr. Bennin.

 

Booster Club

 

Mr. Bennin reported the athletic department concentrated its efforts on getting the student body involved.  He stated the student athletes were great salesmen and a lot of help in this area.  He reported the Booster Club was huge in getting people involved and in promoting community and school spirit.  He introduced Booster Club President Nick Huyck. 

 

Mr. Huyck reported the Booster Club was comprised of 6 board members who work to boost athletics.  He indicated the initial goal was to raise $50,000 to help support and improve athletics in multiple areas, but the generosity of the community had raised the bar to $59,000.  He reported a lot of the money was used to replace the old sound system at the athletic field, purchase uniforms for the wrestling team, and ponchos for the soccer team.  He stated Cloverland Electric helped raise the large U.S. flag over the athletic field to honor Veterans at a football game, student fan buses were sponsored for playoffs, a volleyball serving machine was purchased, and they are looking to keep the spirt moving for winter and spring sports and future events.      

 

Mr. Huyck indicated the Booster Club was considering adding a student liaison to their board to help teach students how a board functions, possibly with demonstrating Roberts Rules of Order, and in any way that can help athletics and administration.  He noted the possibility of reporting at the December meeting on a Chippewa County Community Foundation Scholarship Endowment.

4.  Business Report – Mrs. Michelle Bennin

 

Mrs. Bennin presented the October General Fund and Food Service Bill Lists and sought approval for the Business Report.  She noted the financial statements were updated with final audit numbers. 

 

Mrs. Bennin reported the first State Aid payment was received in October and she expects to receive all of the categoricals by the end of November.

 

Mrs. Bennin reported on the request for additional door locks at the high school and indicated the expected completion date would be in December. 

 

5.  2021-2022 Audit Presentation – Mr. Kim Lindsay

 

Mr. Kim Lindsay, Rehmann Field Audit Principal, thanked Michelle Bennin and her team for their assistance with the June 30, 2022 audit.

 

Mr. Lindsay reported on the unmodified opinion given to the audit. He noted one suggestion on segregation of duties for strengthening internal controls.

 

Mr. Lindsay reported there were no findings or reportable conditions with the COVID related or ESSER funds.

 

Mr. Lindsay reported on the net position in the financial statements caused by the pension liability and retiree healthcare portion to the IRS.

 

Mr. Lindsay reported on the Government-side data changes to revenues and expenses. 

 

Mr. Lindsay reported on the Summary of Balance Sheets for the General Fund, Debt Service Funds, Capital Projects Fund, Student Activities, and Food Service.  He reported multiple budgets were required for the General Fund and noted Student Activities had its own special revenue fund. 

 

Mr. Lindsay reported on fund equity and indicated it was at 20%.

 

Mr. Lindsay reported some transitions were made from the General Fund to the Capital Projects Funds. 

 

Mr. Lindsay reported on the General Fund Revenue Sources and stated there was an increase in State Aid from last year to this year.  He indicated all other funds were status quo.

 

Mr. Lindsay reported on General Fund Expenditures and reviewed the percentage of the General Fund Expenditures among Instruction, Support, Community Service, Facility Improvement, Debt, and Transfers.

Mr. Lindsay reported on the General Fund results for Budgeted Revenues and Expenditures.  He noted overall budgeting was very good.

 

Mr. Lindsay reviewed current Bond Debt and indicated it would be paid off at the end of fiscal year 2026.

 

Mr. Lindsay reported on the net deprecation of Capital Assets for roof work, a bus, and a few various other items.

 

Mr. Lindsay reported the district received and expensed $2.8 million in pandemic related funds in fiscal year 2022 with a remaining $2.5 million from ESSER II and ESSER III funds.  He noted their funds would be available through September 20, 2023 and September 20, 2024.

 

Mr. Lindsay reported the Fiscal Year 2022 foundational allowance increased by $450 to $9,150.

 

Upon inquiry, there were no questions on the audit for Mr. Lindsay.

 

Mr. Lindsay mentioned watching CEPI communications for application deadlines on categorical funding. 

 

6.  Middle School Drop-off/Pick-up – Superintendent Scott Kronemeyer

 

Superintendent Scott-Kronemeyer reported on the restructuring of the Middle School drop-off and pick-up starting tomorrow afternoon to help alleviate congestion backup and for the safety of the students. She indicated notices had gone out to parents and the community over a variety of communication platforms.

 

Superintendent Scott-Kronemeyer thanked Mr. Herb Henderson, LSSU Criminal Justice Students, the local police department, and parents for helping to facilitate the change. 

 

Upon inquiry from Member Curtis, Superintendent Scott-Kronemeyer reported the LSSU students would only be helping with the first day.

 

Member Young indicated she was aware of some concern for parents having to take a right exit onto Marquette.  Superintendent Scott-Kronemeyer indicated parents are still allowed to drive straight or turn left at the Minneapolis crossing but hoped it would discourage others who did not need to exit that way to help alleviate congestion.

 

Member Galer indicated there was some concern for parents who had to take their children to Lincoln School after stopping at the Middle School.

 

 

78.                   B.        SUPERINTENDENT REPORT

 

Superintendent Scott-Kronemeyer reported on the new hires and indicated the district was caught up with filling bus driver positions.  She noted one driver would be taking a 4-month leave of absence. 

 

Superintendent Scott-Kronemeyer indicated she had not heard any comment on the proposed policies and recommended the Board’s approval.

 

79.                   C.        AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION

 

There was none.

 

 

80.       III.       BOARD ACTIONS

A.        CONSENT RESOLUTION – Superintendent Scott-Kronemeyer
           

President DeWitt reviewed the consent agenda.

 

1.  Minutes – Special, Closed, Regular Minutes for October 10, 2022
2.  October General Fund Bill List in the amount of $2,013,320.71 and

     Food Service Bill List in the amount of $8,060.73
3.  New Hires

     a.  Brandie Schmitt – Intervention/Tech Paraprofessional –

          Washington and Lincoln Schools

     b.  Christopher Causley – Paraprofessional – Lincoln School

     c.  Isaac Terrian – 7^th Grade Boys Basketball Coach – Sault Area 

          Middle School

     d.  Heather Hopkins – JV Girls Basketball Coach – Sault Area High

          School

     e.  Aleksander Rankovic – Maintenance – Sault Area Public Schools

     f.  Matthew Vassar – Bus Driver – Sault Area Public Schools

     g.  Chris Nieporte – Bus Driver – Sault Area Public Schools

4.   District Policies
      Policy 6108 – Authorization to Use Electronic Fund Transfers and

      Automated Clearing House Arrangements
      Policy 6460 – Vendor Relations

      Policy 6700 – Fair Labor Standards Act

     Policy 7440.03 – Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems
      Policy 9150 – School Visitors

5.   Gifts and Donations
a.  Soo Coop Credit Union Employees donated $138 in dress down

           funds to the Sault High Food Pantry.
b.  The crew of the USS Buckthorn gave a large donation of food
     items to the Washington School Food Pantry.

      c.  Diane Leflar made a large donation of hand knitted hats and mittens

           for student in need.

      d.  Soo Co-op Credit Union, Soo Motors, and Allstar Graphics donated

           toward the purchase of 300 student section t-shirts.

It was moved by Member Wilson, supported by Member Curtis, that the Board of Education approve the consent agenda items as presented with Member Young abstaining from the Minutes and Member Wilson abstaining from the Special and Closed Minutes.

 

Yeas:  Galer, DeWitt, Pingatore, Smith, Curtis, Young, Wilson

Nays:  None

Abstain:  Young, Wilson (from minutes as noted in motion)

Absent:  None

Motion Carried.

 

81.                   B.        AUDIT – Mrs. Michelle Bennin

It was moved by Member Wilson, supported by Member Pingatore, that the Board of Education approve the audit for year ended June 30, 2022, as presented.

 

Yeas:  Galer, Young, Wilson, DeWitt, Pingatore, Smith, Curtis

Nays:  None

Absent:  None

Motion Carried.

 

82.                   C.        ELECTRONIC DOOR LOCKS – Mrs. Michelle Bennin

 

It was moved by Member Galer, supported by Member Young, that the Board of Education approve the bid from D/A Central for a total project cost of $64,219.40 for the addition of door locks at Sault High.

 

Yeas:  Galer, Young, Wilson, DeWitt, Pingatore, Smith, Curtis

Nays:  None

Absent:  None

Motion Carried.

 

 

84.       IV.       BOARD GOVERNANCE AND BOARD POLICY ISSUES

Raised for discussion was the need to hire a Special Education Director/Supervisor effective June 30, 2023, due to the separation of that position from the Washington School Principal position. 

 

Superintendent Scott-Kronemeyer reported on historical facts of how and when the Principal and Special Education Director positions were merged and the increased number of students with disabilities post COVID.

 

Discussion ensued on preparing a separate job description, posting the opening, hiring a qualified candidate and remuneration.

 

President DeWitt asked the Board to contact the Superintendent with any questions prior to next month’s meeting.

 

Superintendent Scott-Kronemeyer indicated she would prepare a job description according to what is required by law and board policy. 

 

Member Curtis indicated she appreciates the Superintendent giving the Board some time to consider this item.

 

Member Galer reported she and Member Young attended a MASB State Legislation Session at the EUPISD.  She stated input was sought on identifying top issues from last year that needed to be worked on.  Member Galer indicated Staffing/Teacher Shortages, District Administration, Mental Health, Preschool/Daycare Shortage, and Broadband Availability to Households were among some of the issues discussed. 

 

Member Smith received clarification from Malcolm Principal Sandy Sawyer on the invitation for the Board to attend their Thanksgiving Feast on November 23.

 

Member Wilson personally thanked Nick Huyck and the Booster Club for making a positive connection and support with the whole community.  He indicated they were doing an amazing job and were making a difference.

 

Member Young indicated she attended a MASB Workshop in August and was wondering if the district had any complaints about book findings/inappropriate book content. Member Young referenced teacher provided grade-level reading book lists and possibly establishing a committee or policy to review book content and complaints.  Superintendent Scott-Kronemeyer referenced the right to Freedom of Speech, historical books in the public library, and public review during Book Fairs.  She stated a review process and policy could be established in case there was a need. 

 

 

85.       V.        FUTURE PLANNING
                       

President DeWitt reviewed future events.

 

December 6 – Middle School Music Band Concert

December 12 – Board of Education Meeting – 7:00 p.m.

December 15 – Sault High School Concert

December 19 – Lincoln School Concert

December 20 – Washington School Concert
                       

 

86.       VI.    ADJOURNMENT

There being no further business to come before the Board at 8:11 p.m., it was moved by Member Galer, supported by Member Young, that the meeting be adjourned.

Yeas:   Galer, Young, Wilson, DeWitt, Pingatore, Smith, Curtis

Nays:  None

Absent:  None

Motion Carried.

 

 

 

________________________________

                                                                                            Raymond J. DeWitt, Board President

 

 

 

________________________________

                                                                                            Christine M. Curtis, Board Secretary

 

 

 

________________________________

                                                                                   Judy L. Sirk, Recording Secretary