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December 17, 2022
SAULT STE. MARIE AREA PUBLIC SCHOOLS
SAULT STE. MARIE, MICHIGAN 49783
SPECIAL MEETING, BOARD OF EDUCATION
Phone 906/635-6609
Minutes – Saturday, December 17, 2022
101. I. CALL TO ORDER
Vice President Galer called the meeting to order at 10:00 a.m. in the Sault Area Middle School, 684 Marquette Avenue.
102. A. ROLL CALL OF BOARD
Board Members Present: Christine M. Curtis, Melissa S. Pingatore, Caitlin L. Galer, Daniel L. Smith, Lisa A. Young
Absent: None
103. B. ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA
It was moved by Member Smith, supported by Member Curtis, that the Board of Education adopt the agenda.
Yeas: Curtis, Pingatore, Galer, Smith, Young
Nays: None
Absent: None
Motion Carried.
104. II. COMMUNICATIONS AND BOARD REPORTS
A. REPORTS TO THE BOARD
1. Helpful Teacher of the Month (Heather Suggitt) – Mrs. Jo Anne Lussier
2. Helpful Employee of the Month (Jeanne Shibley) – Mrs. Jo Anne Lussier
3. Building Reports - Principals
a. Washington School – Dr. Sheri McFarlane
b. Lincoln School – Mr. Carl McCready
c. Sault Middle School – Ms. Jessica Rondeau
d. Sault Area High School and Career Center – Mrs. Jeanine Sherman
e. Malcolm High School – Mrs. Sandy Sawyer
4. Food Service – Mrs. Jordan Harris
5. Maintenance & Transportation – Mr. Tom Nelson
6. School Safety – Officer Trevor Adkins
7. Business Report – Mrs. Michelle Bennin
Superintendent Scott-Kronemeyer reported on the Helpful Teacher and Employee of the Month and presented reports to the Board. She thanked all who worked collectively on the updates.
Member Pingatore stated the reports were nice.
Mrs. Bennin sought approval for the November general fund bill list in the amount of $2,125,911.15 and food service bill list in the amount of $91,748.68. She reported the state aid cash flow was higher than projected due to the inclusion of the MPSERS offset and MPSERS UAAL, and the drawdown for the Michigan State Police Safety Grant was included in the State Sources Revenue.
Mrs. Bennin noted the cash and fund equity balances were up due to the increase in State Aid funding and she anticipated an upward trend in the upcoming months.
Mrs. Bennin reported the District’s transparency site was updated with all the required information.
105. B. SUPERINTENDENT REPORT
Superintendent Scott-Kronemeyer reported everyone was working hard to fill job vacancies. She thanked the retired staff who came out of retirement to fill some gaps.
Superintendent Scott-Kronemeyer reported on the new hires listed in the Consent Resolution and those positions still needing to be filled.
Superintendent Scott-Kronemeyer reported on the comprehensive team that conducted an investigation to hire a Special Education Supervisor. She indicated their collective findings showed it would be more beneficial, especially in terms of professional development and mentorship, to contract that position with the EUPISD as opposed to having a singleton.
Superintendent Scott-Kronemeyer reported on the Business Professionals of America (BPA) overnight travel request and recommended approval.
Superintendent Scott-Kronemeyer stated the Sault Early Learning Center was moving forward nicely. She reported there is a lot of work involved in the collection of services and furnishing across multiple funding sources. She reported the center would eventually be licensed/certified for children 6 weeks old to Kindergarten, but was slated to open first with a 3-4 year old preschool program and then build from there. She indicated the goal was to offer a high-quality daycare/preschool center for children to help attract and retain families to the area. She anticipated the cost to be no more than 7% of a family’s income or less if possible. She indicated, based on the demand in the area, there would need to be windows for openings at the Center.
Superintendent Scott-Kronemeyer proposed the Center could possibly provide an opportunity for college-level Early Child Care and Allied Health training. She noted her anticipation of hearing about a $2.5 million grant for the Center, and stated she would arrange for the Board to tour the Center closer to its opening.
Members Galer and Young indicated their amazement at seeing the transformation of the classrooms thus far and its help in attracting and maintaining young families to the area.
Superintendent Scott-Kronemeyer indicated a report on the Center was scheduled for the January 9 Rotary Meeting.
Member Smith commended Superintendent Scott-Kronemeyer on the progress she is making in what she likes to refer to as – caring for our baby blues all the way from 6 weeks old through Sault School Graduation.
Superintendent Scott-Kronemeyer reported students in the Lincoln School After School STEM Program made notes for Lisa Young’s departure from the Board. Superintendent Scott-Kronemeyer thanked Mrs. Young for her service on behalf of the students, staff, and community. She presented her with a Certificate of Appreciation.
Member Young expressed appreciation for everyone’s thoughtfulness over the past few years of serving on the Board. She expressed desire for the Board to continue moving forward with doing what is best for the kids.
106. C. AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION
Michelle Ribant commented on the appointment of school board members.
III. BOARD ACTIONS
107. A. CONSENT RESOLUTION – Superintendent Scott-Kronemeyer
Superintendent Scott-Kronemeyer reviewed the consent agenda items and referenced all of the philanthropy, kindness, and thoughtfulness shown in the Gifts and Donations section.
1. Minutes – Special and Regular Minutes of November 14, 2022; Special Minutes of November 21, 2022; Special and Closed Minutes of December 14, 2022
2. November General Fund Bill List in the amount of $2,125,911.15 and Food Service Bill List in the amount of $91,748.68
3. New Hires
a. Brenda TenEyck – Special Education ECDD Paraprofessional – Soo Township School Complex
b. Jessica Kinney – Playground Supervisor – Washington School
c. Chloe Schmutzler – First Grade Teacher – Washington School
d. Richard Rouche – Assistant Hockey Coach – Sault Area High School
e. Ross Waskin – Special Education Paraprofessional – Lincoln
School
4. Gifts and Donations
a. Local U.S. Coast Guard families made a large donation of
children’s clothing and boots to multiple schools.
b. Bill Rose of Rose Machine Shop donated his time to reproduce the
tailstock spindle screw and fix the tailstock sprue for the Grizzly
wood lathe in the CTE Woodshop.
c. Mike and Gwen Worley donated a $400 Big Lots gift card to
Malcolm School
d. Sault Wesleyan Church donated $200 to the Malcolm Market
e. American Legion Post 3 donated $300 to the Malcolm Fall Feast
f. Sault Tribe donated $350 to Malcolm School
g. The crew of the U.S. Buckthorn donated food to the Washington School food pantry
h. Quarter to 5 donated several large boxes of Teaching Supplies
i. Don and Chris McLean donated snacks to the Washington School food pantry.
j. Debra Perrault donated multiple sets of new snow pants and boots for students at Washington School
k. National Office Products donated two paper cutter bleads to the Career Center Welding Program.
It was moved by Member Smith, supported by Member Pingatore, that the Board of Education approve the Consent Resolution with Member Young abstaining from the November 21 Special Minutes because she was absent.
Yeas: Curtis, Pingatore, Galer, Smith
Nays: None
Abstain: Young (from minutes as noted in motion)
Absent: None
Motion Carried.
108. B. 2022-2023 BUDGET AMENDMENT - Mrs. Michelle Bennin
Mrs. Bennin reviewed the most significant revenue changes, expense adjustments, and the result in an increase in revenues. She noted a decrease to expenditures and an increase in funding equity.
Mrs. Bennin indicated a second budget amendment is typically brought to the Board in May.
Mrs. Bennin reported this is the second year of contract salaries and benefits and first year of decreased ESSER funds.
Mrs. Bennin reported on recognized revenues over expenditures and noted a 6% increase to fund equity.
Upon inquiry, there were not questions.
Member Smith thanked Mrs. Bennin for a well explained report.
It was moved by Member Smith, supported by Member Pingatore, that the Board of Education approve the first 2022-2023 Budget Amendment.
Yeas: Curtis, Pingatore, Galer, Smith, Young
Nays: None
Absent: None
Motion Carried.
109. C. OVERNIGHT TRAVEL REQUEST – Mrs. Suggitt, Mrs. Greener, Ms. Watchorn
Superintendent Scott-Kronemeyer reported the BPA Regional Conference provides an excellent opportunity for the students to compete and learn.
It was moved by Member Young, supported by Member Smith, that the Board of Education approve the overnight travel request to Escanaba for the BPA Regional Leadership Conference.
Yeas: Curtis, Pingatore, Galer, Smith, Young
Nays: None
Absent: None
Motion Carried.
110. D. FRESHMAN GIRLS BASKETBALL COACH – Superintendent Scott-Kronemeyer
Superintendent Scott-Kronemeyer reported that after a thorough review, Mr. Bennin recommended Michael Goetz as the Freshman Girls Basketball Coach.
It was moved by Member Pingatore, supported by Member Curtis, that the Board of Education approve the recommendation to hire Michael Goetz as Freshman Girls Basketball Coach for Sault Area High School.
Yeas: Curtis, Pingatore, Galer, Smith, Young
Nays: None
Absent: None
Motion Carried.
111. E. SPECIAL EDUCATION SUPERVISOR – Superintendent
Scott-Kronemeyer
Superintendent Scott-Kronemeyer referenced her earlier report and stated she was seeking approval for a Memo of Understanding with the EUPISD that takes the duties of the current Special Education Director, Dr. McFarlane with a few other additional duties to an 8 hour, 208 day workload. She noted it is not a one-to-one position, rather services from the pool of Special Education Supervisors in the EUPISD.
Superintendent Scott-Kronemeyer noted the Sault Schools is 1/3 the size of the region and our reimbursements will go to the EUPISD.
Member Galer indicated she had originally wanted a District Special Education Supervisor, but switched after learning of all the opportunities.
It was moved by Member Smith, supported by Member Young, that the Board of Education approve the Superintendent to develop an agreement with the EUPISD for Special Education Supervision to begin no later than July 1, 2023.
Yeas: Curtis, Pingatore, Galer, Smith, Young
Nays: None
Absent: None
Motion Carried.
112. F. ZOOM BOARD MEETINGS – Superintendent Scott-Kronemeyer
Superintendent Scott-Kronemeyer reported on the required set-up for holding online meetings, the number of people who have logged into the meetings over the past year, and her recommendation for offline student discipline hearings.
Member Young indicated she was in favor of continuing to offer meetings via Zoom or other similar platform so parents and the public could keep informed on what is going on in the district, regardless if they cannot beat the meeting in person. She further indicated student hearings did not need to be available online.
Upon inquiry from Member Galer, Superintendent Scott-Kronemeyer indicated special meetings could not be lumped in with student discipline hearings as sometimes other business as necessary is brought in.
Member Curtis questioned the amount of time and who needed to set up the online platform based on the low amount of participation. She questioned if it was a good use of our staff time.
Member Smith indicated he didn’t have a strong preference either way, but understood the added work for it was not good.
Member Young indicated she liked watching the meetings online when she was sick in bed and out of town.
Member Smith suggested possibly using a cell phone for facetime viewing of the meetings.
Member Galer suggested possibly offering the meetings through Google Meet or Teams to save on setup. Member Pingatore stated if viewers had an audio connection, they could at least listen to the meeting if an issue arises.
Member Galer raised for discussion the possibility of getting a microphone system for the meetings as poor acoustics had been raised by the public at previous meetings and the closed captions didn’t match up to what was actually being said.
Member Galer indicated once or twice there have been issues with online people being stuck out in the waiting room for meetings. She suggested the possibility of a more permanent room that doesn’t require setting up or tearing down, would improve sound quality, and could also provide a sense of transparency for online access.
Upon inquiry from Member Young, it was reported the district did not have a specific person to setup and take down the equipment for the meetings and the extra load fell on the Superintendent or a volunteer.
Member Young indicated how nice it is to see people at the meetings so the Board can recognize them and to provide an opportunity for more parents to get involved.
Vice President Galer inquired if the Board was ready for a motion.
Member Smith made a motion to eliminate the existing Zoom process with the caveat that the Board continue to research and cost out the purchase and installation of a microphone and recording system.
Member Galer indicated the Middle School Library was not acoustically viable given its current structure. Superintendent Scott-Kronemeyer suggested looking into using a band room or something similar for optimum quality and use.
Member Smith reported previous board meetings were rotated among the schools in the district, but this wasn’t part of his motion.
Vice-President Galer announced a motion had been made by Member Smith. Member Curtis stated she supported the motion to eliminate the zoom meetings and include a possible move to a room with a microphone system in a recording environment.
Yeas: Smith, Curtis
Nays: Pingatore, Galer, Young
Absent: None
Motion failed.
Upon inquiry from Member Smith, Superintendent Scott-Kronemeyer reported the Middle School has the broadcasting hardware and software that Marcia Sgriccia used in her Video Broadcasting Class.
Superintendent Scott-Kronemeyer reported room 601 has a built-in camera that could be used for broadcasting, but it would need to be configured to show her PowerPoint reports and the closed captioning. Member Smith suggested the Superintendent provide the Board with opinions and options.
Upon inquiry from Member Curtis, Superintendent Scott-Kronemeyer reported managing the platform for online board meetings was/ not part of what the EUPISD contract offers.
Upon inquiry from Member Smith, it was noted that Eric Galer of the EUPISD donated his time for 5 years managing the online meeting platform until he moved on to another job.
Discussion ensued in an appropriate meeting room.
Member Pingatore clarified that it is better to use the term streaming software as to not limit the Board to a specific platform or product. She confirmed she did not want to stop providing online streaming while other options are being considered.
After further discussion, the Board was in agreement to continue with online streaming while the Superintendent pursues possible options and costs for the best course of action.
113. G. NO-MIL INCREASE REFERENDUM – Superintendent
Scott-Kronemeyer
Superintendent Scott-Kronemeyer reported the Board has been talking about a no-mill increase for a while due to the unique opportunity that typically arises approximately every 25 years. She stated the failing systems in our schools could possibly be covered through a referendum as opposed to all the demands on the general fund.
Superintendent Scott-Kronemeyer reported it is typically a 10 month process of working with a partner to ensure detailed accuracy for fiscal agencies, to work with communities, constituents, and to hold meetings prior to the vote. She stated it requires a lot of time by the Board and everyone.
Superintendent Scott-Kronemeyer indicated she would continue to keep the Board abreast of her findings.
It was moved by Member Smith, supported by Member Curtis, that the Board of Education approve the Superintendent to move forward with a no-increase referendum in the fall of 2023.
Yeas: Curtis, Pingatore, Galer, Smith, Young
Nays: None
Absent: None
Motion Carried.
114. H. REVIEW AND APPOINT TWO SCHOOL BOARD MEMBERS –
Board Secretary Christine Curtis
Board Secretary Curtis provided seven letters of interest for the two recently vacated seats of Ray DeWitt and Jay Wilson.
Discussion ensued on possible ways to proceed to review appointing members within a 30 day window.
Member Smith suggested planning a meeting possibly after the January 9 board meeting.
Superintendent Scott-Kronemeyer indicated the first 30 days began with Ray’s resignation and then Jay’s.
Members Curtis, Young, and Smith stated they felt an interview was very important.
Member Curtis suggested conducting interviews the first week of January so all of the required members could be sworn in at the same time.
Superintendent Scott-Kronemeyer confirmed the finance meeting would be held on January 4th at 4:30.
After deliberation, the Board decided to hold a special meeting on Thursday, January 5, starting at 5:00 p.m. to conduct 15 minute interviews for each of the 7 candidates and for the Board to make a selection at its conclusion.
Member Curtis reported on how questions were addressed in the past and were presented collaboratively by the Board.
Superintendent Scott-Kronemeyer reported an email would go out to each of the 7 candidates to secure the meeting continued on without any break in between.
115. IV. BOARD GOVERNANCE AND BOARD POLICY ISSUES
Upon inquiry from Member Smith, Superintendent Scott-Kronemeyer reported meals would be provided to the children in the Sault Early Learning Center by the District’s Food Service Department and the cost would be factored into the Center’s cost. Member Smith noted the benefits of children from birth to four years being fed at minimal or no cost to the family.
Superintendent Scott-Kronemeyer reported the Early Learning Center is hoping to maximize all funding for families to benefit everyone.
Superintendent Scott-Kronemeyer reported there is special funding available for military-impacted children if those families need to utilize the Center.
Superintendent Scott-Kronemeyer explained high-quality child care increases the value of everyone’s livelihood.
Member Smith indicated quality early childcare was one of his top concerns over the years.
116. V. FUTURE PLANNING
Vice-President Galer reviewed future events.
December 19 – Lincoln School Concert
December 20 – Washington School Concert
January 9 – School Board Meeting – Sault Middle School – 7:00 p.m.
117. VI. CLOSED SESSION - M.O.M.A. 15.268 §8 (a)
It was moved by Member Curtis, supported by Member Smith, that the Board of Education move into closed session at 11:19 a.m. in accordance with the Michigan Open Meetings Act 15.268 §8 (a), to consider a periodic personnel evaluation.
Yeas: Curtis, Pingatore, Galer, Smith, Young
Nays: None
Absent: None
Motion Carried.
The Board reconvened in open session at 11:46 a.m.
118. VII. CLOSED SESSION - M.O.M.A. 15.268 §8 (c)
It was moved by Member Curtis, supported by Member Smith, that the Board of Education move into closed session at 11:47 a.m. in accordance with the Michigan Open Meetings Act 15.268 §8 (c), for strategy and negotiations.
Yeas: Curtis, Pingatore, Galer, Smith, Young
Nays: None
Absent: None
Motion Carried.
The Board reconvened in open session at 11:56 a.m.
119. VIII. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the Board at 11:57 a.m., it was moved by Member Smith, supported by Member Galer, that the meeting be adjourned.
Yeas: Curtis, Pingatore, Galer, Smith, Young
Nays: None
Absent: None
Motion Carried.
________________________________
Caitlin L. Galer, Board Vice-President
________________________________
Christine M. Curtis, Board Secretary
________________________________
Judy L. Sirk, Recording Secretary
