The Wayne Trace Local School District Board of Education met in regular session on April 14, 2014 at 7:15 p.m. in the Wayne Trace High School Lecture Hall.
Mr. Stephen Arnold led those in attendance in the pledge of Allegiance. Roll Call: Pat Baumle, Lisa McClure, Duane Sinn, Perry Sinn, Dick Swary – All present.
Recognition of Guests:
Tim McDonough – Defiance Crescent-News
Bob Burkley – announcing his candidacy for Paulding County Commissioner
The Governing Board held a public meeting on the issue of Ann Olwin retiring and seeking employment within the district. No comments were brought before the Board.
Report of the Treasurer:
Treasurer Gary Ginter reported that the Northwest Ohio Area Computer Services
Cooperative had issued the FY2015 Fee Schedule (see item C.) NOACSC provides district internet connections as well as Progress Book, INFOhio services, EMIS and student services, as well as fiscal support. Fees are up slightly from last year, the first increase in almost 10 years.
14-04-01 Consent Agenda Items:
A motion by Duane Sinn to approve the following consent agenda items:
A. to approve the minutes of the March 10, 2014 and March 27, 2014 Board meetings;
B. to approve the investment report and payment of bills as presented by the treasurer for March 2014;
C. to approve the Computer Services Agreement with Northwest Ohio Area Computer Services Cooperative (NOACSC) for the Fiscal 2015 year;
D. to authorize the Treasurer to advertise for bids for a replacement roof on the main gymnasium at the JH/HS campus;
E. to accept a $3,000 donation from Cooper Farms for the purpose of providing scholarships to teachers to be used for purchasing classroom supplies.
**Before we pass the consent resolution, are there any items you would like to move from the consent agenda to the discussion agenda for further discussion and/or for separate voting purposes?
Seconded by Perry Sinn. Roll Call Vote: Duane Sinn, Perry Sinn, Pat Baumle, Lisa McClure, Dick Swary – All Aye.
Vantage Report – Pat Baumle:
Mr. Baumle reported that the last Vantage Career Center Board meeting was short due to the annual All Boards Dinner, attended by Mr. Baumle and spouse, and Mr. Arnold and spouse. Mention was made concerning the outreach to students in non-traditional roles.
Grover Hill Elementary – Kevin Wilson, Principal:
Maintenance:
Leaky roof – Gregg and I have watched over this past winter and now into the spring for leaks. This is a very puzzling process. Let me share our frustrations with you. First, during the winter months when the snow began to melt we would find a leak in the hallway between the old and new sections of the building. Then, during our last heavy, windy rain we went to our logical locations to look for leaks and found none. But, as we were looking around we found a leak in the gym area. As we continued our search we found two more leaks in new areas. So, the old leaks were not there, but new leaks were. As I stated earlier we are puzzled and will continue to watch for roof leaks.
Here is an update on the kitchen tile issue. At this time I am contacting area businesses who have the ability to fix tile floors. I plan to have people come in to look at what we are dealing with. My hope is that we can just repair the areas in which the tile has come up. As Gregg and I talk, we do not have enough time during this summer to move everything out of the kitchen and have a new floor put down. So we both agree that getting tile to repair these two areas is best for everyone.
Academics:
On Saturday April 12, we will begin the OAA Booster sessions. This year we have three planned. We will be working with students on April 12, 26, and May 3. Currently we have 30 students signed up for these sessions. I have also asked the teachers to give names to me of those students who they feel need to be here. After I receive this list I will then be making phone calls to encourage the parents to send their children.
To assist my staff in working with the students on OAA reviews, I have been including a math question of the day for grades 1–6. Any student who has the correct answer will have their name place in a container for a weekly drawing. This has been well received by the students. I have included a copy of the daily math problems for you to look at.
With the Battle of the Books coming up in early April, Mrs. Noffsinger is working to ensure everything is scheduled and ready to begin. This will be my first experience with the Battle of the Books and I am looking forward to watching our teams in action. The GH Battle will take place on April 8 and then the GH winner will go to Paulding on April 16 for the Paulding County Battle.
Mrs. Davis’ 6th grade class will be taking the PARCC field test during the week of April 7, 2014. This year we have been selected to take the 6th grade “performance based assessment” or PBA from PARCC. This will give our students and staff a very good idea of how the new test should look. The results from this assessment will not be available until summer, but I will keep you informed as soon as the results are in.
On April 22 WTGH students will be participating in “Jump Rope for Heart”. This is a fun way for our students to raise funds for the American Heart Association. This is something that has been done in past years and we felt that it was important enough for our students to continue.
Another assembly taking place in April is one presented by the Sheriff’s Department. This assembly will deal with keeping children safe from drugs, kidnappings, and over all child safety issues.
I would like to report how happy I have been with the use of the additional 30 minutes to our school day. As I walk about the building I see students engaged in fun math activities such as around the world along with many other educational activities. I have also observed teachers reviewing skills taught throughout the week during this 30 minute. The teachers in grades 3–6 have their students actively engaged in OAA review lessons. There have been many positive comments made about the addition of the 30 minutes. I had one staff member tell me that they now feel they can get all of the lessons completed for the day. I have notice students who were reviewing their math facts and not wanting to quit. They just wanted to continue studying. This has been very well received.
Kindergarten registration is just around the corner. WTGH will be holding Kindergarten Screening on April 23 and 24 this year. At this time we have 41 students signed up for kindergarten registration. After the screening we will have a very good idea of how many Young 5s there are for next year. At this time we do have about 6 parents who want the Young 5s and several more have been inquiring about this program.
Other Items:
National Bookmobile Day will be celebrated at Grover Hill Elementary on Wednesday, April 16. The Bookmobile will be at Grover Hill Elementary from 4:00–7:30 p.m. During this time there will many fun activities for the students along with hourly drawing for prizes. From my understanding this is a national event and there should be some very positive press for this event.
Mark Holtsberry will visit WTGH on Thursday April 24. During his visit Mr. Holtsberry will be visiting the 5th grade student to discuss trees. He will introduce different tree types and at the end of his presentation each student will receive a tree to take home and plant.
I have been approached by the “Bottom of the Barrel Boys” who would like to come in to work with our students during Music. At this time we have set a tentative date of April 25. If this works out for everyone our students will be learning about the instruments used in Blue Grass music and maybe even have a chance to play the instruments.
Payne Elementary – Jody Dunham, Principal:
1. Building Updates;
a. Security:
i. Over break, an outside PA system was installed, along with additional outside security cameras, new motions sensors on the first floor and other inside security equipment.
b. Maintenance:
i. Over break, the 1971 bathroom floors were stripped and waxed and the 6 bathroom floors in the original structure were power washed and then had the grout repainted/sealed in a new color.
ii. We are in the process of preparing our repair and maintenance schedule for summer 2014. Summer job applications are being reviewed.
2. We are completing the interview process for filling the third grade teacher, music teacher, and elementary art teacher positions. Recommendations will be presented in the near future.
3. Singer and songwriter John Flynn recently performed at Payne Elementary. John’s song “Two Wolves” was included in the 26-song double-CD which won the Grammy in 2013 for Best Children’s Album: “All About Bullies, Big and Small”. The students enjoyed singing along to songs they had learned in music class.
4. The annual PTO Family Game Night was held on April 4. We wish to thank the PTO for providing our students and their families with this evening of fun.
5. The sixth grade team of Sydney Coyne, Addie Etzler, Nathan Gerber, Max Laukhuf, Zane Schaffer and Chloe Thompson won the WTPE Battle of the Books on April 9. They will be representing WTPE at the Paulding County Battle of the Books on April 16, 2014.
6. Our Saturday OAA preparation began on April 12. Students have also registered to attend sessions on Saturdays April 26 and May 3.
7. Kindergarten registration is scheduled for April 21 and 22. At this time, we have 38 students scheduled to attend the screening. I will be presenting the option of transitional kindergarten to families at this event.
8. The Paulding County Sheriff’s Department is provided our students with materials from the National Child Safety Council. They have also scheduled an assembly, Kerry Kazaam the Safety Man, on April 30th at WTPE.
9. Sixth grade orientation is scheduled to take place at WTJH on May 2.
10. The Ohio Achievement Assessments will be administered to students in grades 3-6 on May 7, 8, and 9.
11. Miss Hughes kindergarten class has finished their Pizza Hut BookIt! reading program for the year. They read a total of 2,390 books. The top readers were Kaiya Klopfenstein with 214 books, Octavia Stoller with 223 books and Tanner Laukhuf with 360 books.
12. Teachers and students have taken advantage of the 30 minutes extended day schedule. Students in kindergarten through 2nd grade have focused on math facts acquisition while grades 3-6 have concentrated on OAA preparation.
Wayne Trace Jr/Sr High School – Greg Leeth, Principal:
1. *Lori Heiby and the FFA students organized and presented of the FFA Annual Awards Banquet on April 8, 2014. FFA officers Matthew Klopfenstein, Arlen Stoller, Austin Conlon, Chuckie Chastain, Bryce Eutsler, Levi Noggle, and Miranda Smith were excellent in their presentation of various awards and the opening and closing ceremonies. Congratulations to all of those members who received awards that evening.
2. Several student activities have occurred since the last board meeting. The Student Council held a St. Patrick’s Day dance, the marketing club took an overnight trip to Chicago, the high school choir spent several days in New York City during spring break, and the Spanish I and II classes attend a Spanish concert at Niswonger’s Performing Arts Center in Van Wert. I am very pleased that the Board of Education and administration support these learning experiences.
3. Junior high teachers are working diligently to prepare students for 7th and 8th grade OAA testing which will occur May 7, 8, and 9. Two OAA Booster sessions will be offered to students on April 19 and April 26 from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
4. Speaking of testing, beginning next school year, high school students will be taking what is being called the Next Generation Assessments. These tests will be given for English I, II, and III; Algebra I, Algebra II, and Geometry; Physical Science and Biology; and American History and American Government. The results of these tests will provide a Value Added score for the teacher of these subjects.
As I understand it today, these tests will be made up of two components, the “performance-based” section taken three quarters of the way through the year and the “end of year” taken in May. Each component is given within a 20 day window of time.
We will be field testing the Algebra II end of year test, given between May 5 and June 6 this year. This test is expected to take four hours.
This year’s freshmen will still take the OGT in addition to the new tests.
5. Kenny Speice informed me that the EPA has approved our plans for the change to the peroxide water system. That changeover will occur in June.
6. My recent visit to intervention specialist Mrs. Valerie DeVelvis’s English 10/11 class confirmed that all teachers have high expectations for their students. Mrs. DeVelvis’s class had recently finished reading To Kill a Mockingbird and was in the process of writing about the book. Because students in the classroom work at different academic levels, Mrs. DeVelvis differentiated the writing assignment. While one group was responsible for writing a seven paragraph “cubing” a character, the other group was assigned a two paragraph essay explaining what the two most important lessons learned from reading the novel. Both writing assignments provided sufficient stretch for the students for who whom they were assigned without frustrating them.
Upcoming Events:
April 12 – National Honor Society Glow in the Dark 5K at 7:45 p.m.
April 25 – Wayne Trace Athletic Boosters Reverse Drawing
April 28-May 3 – 8th grade Washington D.C. trip
April 30 – KRA training in the Lecture Hall, 8:30-3:00
May 2 7 – grade orientation for current 6th grade students 12:15 p.m.
May 3 – Prom
May 6 – Two hour delay for staff in-service
May 7-9 – OAA testing 7th and 8th grades
May 10 – Spanish Club trip to Detroit 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
May 15 – Senior awards night 7:00 p.m.
May 19 – Relay for Life
May 21 & 22 – Senior exams
May 23 – Seniors’ last day – graduation practice 8:00-10:00 a.m.
May 25 – Graduation
May 27-28 – KRA training in the Lecture Hall 8:30-3:00
May 29-30 – Underclassmen exams (subject to change)
May 30 – Underclassmen awards and last day for underclassmen (subject to change)
Committee Reports: NONE
Superintendent’s Report:
Mr. Arnold provided the following updates:
A. Curriculum:
Math Textbook Adoption: Through the concerted efforts of Chris Feichter, our building principals, and several interested teachers, we are prepared to make recommendation for math textbooks, which are the next set of books on our approved textbook rotation.
OAA: We are gearing up for these tests to be taken on May 7-9
Race to the Top: The four-year window ends at the conclusion of this year. However, some professional support may be available for another year.
Elementary School Technology: Through a combined effort of area curriculum coordinators, we are getting ready to re-apply for the elementary Straight A Grant and another Monsanto Grant. The elementary grant will aid in the purchase of an additional forty computers at each elementary building.
JH/HS Technology: Our 1:1 policy committee met on April 9 to begin formulating policies for the 2014-2015 school year. We continue to be on pace to have a computer in the hands of each 7-12 grader near the start of the 2014-15 school year.
B. Personnel:
OAA Tutors: For the past several years, we have offered additional OAA prep services on two-three Saturdays prior to the test. We are recommending that we continue this service and employ the list of teachers in consent item A. The number of hours will remain consistent with previous years.
Title I RIF: Each year, it is necessary to send reduction-in-force (RIF) letters to our Title I teachers, as we’re never certain of our funding until mid-summer.
New Contracts: Consent items C,D,E,F, and G all include offering new contracts to current employees with the recommendations of the employee’s current supervisors.
Winter Coaching Contract: Recommendation to employ Josh Nelson as our new Assistant HS/Head JH wrestling coach early so he can begin working with club wrestlers.
New Teacher Contracts: Consent items S,T,U, and V include offering contracts to new teachers.
C. Buildings and Grounds:
JH/HS Peroxide System: We have approval from the EPA, so plans are to move forward with this project in June
Gym Roof: Recommending Treasurer Gary Ginter be authorized to obtain bids to repair the main gym roof at the JH/HS campus, with the right to reject all bids.
Summer Help: Expect a list of recommendations for our summer helpers at the May BOE meeting.
D. Events:
Boys Basketball: Congratulations go out to our varsity boys basketball team for its outstanding performance this season.
Cheerleading: Congratulations go out to our competition cheerleading squad for its outstanding performance this season.
Large Group Band and Choir: Congratulations go out to our HS band and choir for excellent performances at this years’ OMEA regional competition.
Glow-in-the-Dark: Congratulations go out to those individuals who made this another outstanding event.
Reverse Draw: The annual Athletic Booster Club event is scheduled for April 25, dinner starts at 6:30 p.m.
DC Trip: The annual trip is scheduled to leave on April 28 and return on May 3.
FFA Trip: Recommendation for approval of the FFA trip to the State Convention.
E. Operations:
Calamity Days: Recommendation that we continue our current plan and extend another eleven school days for the primary purpose of providing more instructional time prior to the OAA’s.
NEOLA: Expect updates on policy change recommendations at the May BOE meeting.
Enrollment: Current enrollment stands at 1,030 students.
Young 5’s Program: Expect an update from the elementary principals.
Hall of Fame: The committee will convene in the next few weeks to announce our recommended inductees at the May BOE meeting.
Graduates: Mr. Leeth will provide a list of seniors to be approved for graduation, contingent upon completing all graduation requirements.
Cooper Farm Scholarship: The treasurer’s office received correspondence that Cooper Farms wishes to provide scholarship money for teachers to purchase classroom supplies.
14.4.2 Consent Agenda Items:
A motion by Pat Baumle to approve the following consent agenda items:
A. upon the recommendation of the Superintendent and Principals, to approve the following teachers as OAA Booster Class tutors for the 2013-2014 school year:
WTGH – Allyssa Alvarez, Trisha Beining, Jessica Davis, Jessica Jacobs, and Kathy Sinn
WTPE – Becky Jacobs, Lisa Laukhuf, Kelly Stouffer, and Teresa Pfeiffer
JH/HS – Teresa Homier, Marla Kemler, Joni Klopfenstein, and Kim Miller
B. upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, to reduce 2.0 Federally Funded Title 1 Grant positions pending on the amount of the Federal allocation Wayne Trace Local Schools will receive in July of 2014;
C. upon the recommendation of the Superintendent and JH/HS Principal, to offer a one-year contract beginning with the 2014-2015 school year to the following certified personnel:
• Dave Alt (approximately 45 days)
• Zachary Miller
• Karen Wagonrod
D. upon the recommendation of the Superintendent and Principals, to offer two-year contracts beginning with the 2014-2015 school year to the following certified personnel:
• Allyssa Alvarez
• Shawn Gerber
• Alexis Ricker
• Kara Thomas
• Anne Wieland
E. upon the recommendation of the Superintendent and Principals, to offer three-year contracts beginning with the 2014-2015 school year to the following certified personnel:
• Stephanie Cox
• Susan Johnson
• Melissa LaBounty
• Brittany Brenneman
• Belinda Miller
• Wilbur Speller
• Kelly Stouffer
F. upon the recommendation of the Superintendent and JH/HS Principal, to offer a continuing contract beginning with the 2014-2015 school year to the following certified personnel:
• Heather Hatcher
• Chelsea Miller
G. upon the recommendation of the Superintendent and Principals, to offer two-year contracts beginning with the 2014-2015 school year to the following classified personnel:
• Katharine Scarbrough
• Jeffrey Tempel
H. upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, JH/HS Principal, and Athletic Director, to offer a one-year supplemental contract for the 2014-2015 school year to the following certified personnel:
• Josh Neilson – Assistant HS/Head JH Wrestling
I. upon recommendation of the Superintendent and Director of Curriculum and Instruction, to adopt the enVision Math textbooks and supplemental materials from the Pearson Company for use in grade K-6;
J. upon recommendation of the Superintendent and Director of Curriculum and Instruction, to adopt mathematics textbooks and supplemental materials from theHoughton Mifflin Harcourt Holt McDougal Company for use in grades 7-12 inpre-Algebra, Algebra 1, Geometry, and Algebra 2;
K. upon recommendation of the Superintendent and Director of Curriculum and Instruction, to adopt mathematics textbooks and supplemental materials from the Brooks/Cole, Cengage Learning Publisher (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Holt McDougal Company) for use in grades 9-12 in Advanced Math and Calculus;
L. upon the recommendation of the Superintendent and JH/HS Principal, to approve the annual overnight eight grade trip to Washington, D.C., on April 28 – May 3, 2014;
M. to authorize the superintendent to contract services with XTEK Partner, Inc. for the purpose of purchasing technology supplies for the elementary schools, at a cost not to exceed $110,000;
N. to commend Coach Jim Linder, the assistant coaches, and the varsity boys basketball players for compiling a 23-4 record; GMC, sectional, & district championships, and finishing as regional runners-up;
O. to commend Coach Chrissy Sinn, the assistant coaches, and the cheerleading competition squad for earning a fourth place finish at the state OASSA cheerleading competition;
P. to commend Miss Sharon Spinner, Mrs. Joni Wenninger, and the HS band and choir for each earning an excellent rating at this year’s OMEA regional music contest;
Q. to commend Miss Joni Klopfenstein, Mrs. Heather Hatcher, Miss Stacie Wenninger, seniors Haley Linder & Arlen Stoller, junior Kayla Zuber, and the WT National Honor Society for hosting a highly-successful fund-raiser on April 12, with proceeds benefiting 1988 WT graduate Steve Hall;
R. to approve the list of seniors for graduation on May 25, 2014, as presented by Mr. Greg Leeth and Mrs. Sarah Franz, contingent upon completing all graduation requirements;
S. upon the recommendation of the Superintendent and WTGH Principal, to offer Elyse Myers a one-year limited contract as a 4th grade teacher at WT Grover Hill Elementary, beginning with the 2014-2015 school year, with placement on salary schedule to be determined;
T. upon the recommendation of the Superintendent and WTGH Principal, to offer Wendy Baker a one-year limited contract as a 4th grade teacher at WT Grover Hill Elementary, beginning with the 2014-2015 school year, with placement on salary schedule to be determined;
U. upon the recommendation of the Superintendent and WTPE Principal, to offer Ashley Liebrecht a one-year limited contract as a 3rd grade teacher at WT Payne Elementary, beginning with the 2014-2015 school year, with placement on salary schedule to be determined;
V. upon the recommendation of the Superintendent and Elementary Principals, to offer Ken Ogle a one-year limited contract as the elementary art teacher, beginning with the 2014-2015 school year, with placement on salary schedule to be determined;
W. upon the recommendation of the Superintendent and JH.HS Principal, to approve an overnight trip for invited FFA members to the FFA State Convention in Columbus, OH on April 30 – May 1, 2014;
X. upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, to extend the regular school days by thirty minutes for eleven days beginning approximately April 17;
Y. to approve the resignation of Sharon Spinner as head drama club advisor.
**Before we pass the consent resolution, are there any items you would like to move from the consent agenda to the discussion agenda for further discussion and/or for separate voting purposes?
Seconded by Perry Sinn. Roll Call Vote: Pat Baumle, Perry Sinn, Lisa McClure, Duane Sinn, Dick Swary – All Aye
14.4.3:
“Pursuant to Ohio Revised Code Section 121.22(G)(1), a motion by Perry Sinn to adjourn to executive session at 8:23 pm for the purpose of considering the employment of an employee of the School District.”
Second by Dick Swary. Roll Call Vote: Perry Sinn, Dick Swary, Pat Baumle, Lisa McClure, Duane Sinn – All Aye. Return from executive session at 8:30 p.m.
14.4.4:
On a motion by Pat Baumle, seconded by Lisa McClure, the Board moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:31 p.m.
The next Board meeting will be held May 12, 2014.
