Board Minutes - July 2007

LEWIS CASS INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL DISTRICT
61682 Dailey Road, Cassopolis, Michigan 49031
(269) 445-6204

MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION

(ORGANIZATIONAL & REGULAR MEETING)
July 11, 2007

Mr. Ostrowski called the organizational meeting of the Lewis Cass Intermediate School District Board of Education to order at 5:32 p.m. in Conference Room #1 of the Administrative Services Center on Wednesday, July 11, 2007.

Members present:       Mr. Curtis, Ms. Adams, Ms. Simmons, Mr. Hart, Mr. Maager (arrived 5:38 p.m.)

Members absent:          None

Administrators present: Mr. Ostrowski, Mr. DeVos, Ms. Scelzo, Mr. Withers,   Mr. Hamilton, Mr. Wood, Mr. Chism, Mr. Bennett, Ms. Forburger

Simmons, supported by Ms. Adams, to approve the agenda as presented.  All in favor.  Motion carried.

Ms. Scelzo administered the oath of office to re-elected board members:  Donald Curtis and Lee Maager.

Moved by Mr. Hart, supported by Ms. Simmons, that Donald Curtis be nominated for President; Ann Simmons be nominated for Vice-President; Patricia Adams be nominated for Treasurer; and Lee Maager be nominated for Secretary.

Roll Call Vote.  Ayes:  Ms. Adams, Ms. Simmons, Mr. Hart, Mr. Curtis

                        Nays:  None

All in favor.  Motion carried.

Moved by Ms. Simmons, supported by Ms. Adams, that regular meetings of the Lewis Cass Intermediate Board of Education be held on the second Wednesday of each month at the LCISD Administrative Services Center at 61682 Dailey Road, meetings to be convened at 5:30 p.m. and no new business to be introduced after 7:30 p.m.  All in favor.  Motion carried.

Moved by Ms. Adams, supported by Mr. Hart, that the Superintendent’s Secretary be appointed the designee for posting notices of meetings.  All in Favor.  Motion carried.

Moved by Ms. Simmons, supported by Ms. Adams, that the security bonds be set at a minimum of $10,000 for the treasurer and $100,000 for employees.  All in favor.  Motion carried.

Moved by Ms. Adams, supported by Mr. Hart, that the depositories will continue to be the Banks of Cass County and the School Board Association (MILAF).  All in favor.  Motion carried.

Moved by Ms. Simmons, supported by Mr. Hart, that the signatures of the Superintendent, Chief Financial Officer, Accounting Supervisor, and the Board Treasurer be authorized to sign checks for General Deposit, Clearing, and Payroll accounts.  All in favor.  Motion carried.

Moved by Ms. Adams, supported by Mr. Hart, to approve the membership in the Michigan Association of School Boards organization.  All in favor.  Motion carried.

Moved by Mr. Hart, supported by Ms. Simmons, to appoint Thrun Law Firm, P.C. as legal counsel for state level matters and labor negotiations and that a retainer be paid.  All in favor.  Motion carried. 

Moved by Mr. Hart, supported by Ms. Simmons, to appoint LaPointe & Butler, P.C. as legal counsel for special education matters and that a retainer be paid.  All in favor.  Motion carried.

Moved by Ms. Simmons, supported by Mr. Maager, that Leader Publications be designated as the newspaper of general circulation for the 2007-08 school year which publishes the Niles Daily Star, Dowagiac Daily News, Vigilant, Argus, and the West/North/South Leaders.  All in favor.  Motion carried.

Moved by Mr. Hart, supported by Mr. Maager, that board members get a per diem of $30 per meeting plus mileage.  All in favor.  Motion carried.

Moved by Ms. Simmons, supported by Mr. Maager, to approve the minutes of June 20, 2007, as presented.  All in favor.  Motion carried.

Moved by Mr. Maager, supported by Mr. Hart, to accept the Treasurer’s Report as presented.  All in favor.  Motion carried.

Moved by Ms. Adams, supported by Ms. Simmons, that the Board of Education hereby approves payment of bills which includes General Fund totaling $432,313.11; Special Ed Fund totaling $402,621.06; and Food Service totaling $3,286.44.

Roll Call Vote.  Ayes: Mr. Maager, Mr. Hart, Mr. Curtis, Ms. Simmons, Ms. Adams

                          Nays: None

All in favor.       Motion carried.

Moved by Ms. Adams, supported by Mr. Hart, to change the August Board Meeting date from August 8 to August 15, 2007.  All in favor.  Motion carried.

Moved by Mr. Maager, supported by Ms. Adams, that Ann Simmons be appointed as representative to the Berrien Cass School Boards Association.  All in favor.  Motion carried.

Moved by Ms. Simmons, supported by Mr. Hart, that the Board of Education approve the 1^st Reading of the following new/revised/replacement policies:  Glossary, 3121, 3362, 4121, 4362, 5350, 5517, 5517.01, 5630.01, 6520, and 9150.  All in favor.  Motion carried.

Moved by Mr. Hart, supported by Ms. Adams, that the Board of Education go into closed session at 6:12 p.m. to discuss the superintendent’s evaluation.

Roll Call Vote.  Ayes:  Ms. Simmons, Mr. Curtis, Mr. Maager, Mr. Hart, Ms. Adams

                         Nays:  None

All in favor.       Motion carried.

Moved by Ms. Simmons, supported by Mr. Hart, to return to regular session at 6:45 p.m.  All in favor.  Motion carried.

Moved by Mr. Hart, supported by Ms. Simmons, to extend the superintendent’s contract through December 31, 2009.  The Board expressed that Mr. Ostrowski meets or exceeds all expectations and has confidence in his leadership.  All in favor.  Motion carried.

Respectfully submitted,

_________________
Lee Maager
 Secretary

These minutes are subject to board approval.