Board Minutes - July, 2011

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

MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION

(ORGANIZATIONAL & REGULAR MEETING)
July 27, 2011

Members present:        Mr. Curtis, Ms. Simmons, Ms. Adams, Mr. Gordon, Mr. Atkinson (arrived 5:40)

Members absent:           None

Administrators present:  Mr. Colby, Ms. Butchbaker, Mr. Chism, Mr. Wood

Moved by Ms. Simmons, supported by Ms. Adams, that board members retain current positions held in 2010-11.  All in favor.  Motion carried.

Regular Meetings of the Board

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

Moved by Ms. Adams, supported by Ms. Simmons, 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. Simmons, supported by Mr. Gordon, that the depositories will continue to be the Banks of Cass County and the Michigan Liquid Asset Fund (MILAF).  All in favor.  Motion carried.

Moved by Ms. Adams, supported by Mr. Gordon, to approve the memberships in the Michigan Association of School Boards and School Equity Caucus organizations.  All in favor.  Motion carried.

Retainer Contracts

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

Mr. Atkinson arrived.

Moved by Ms. Simmons, supported by Mr. Gordon, that Leader Publications be designated as the newspaper of general circulation for the 2011-12 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. Gordon, supported by Ms. Simmons, that board members get a per diem of $30 per meeting plus mileage.  All in favor.  Motion carried.

Moved by Mr. Gordon, supported by Ms. Simmons, to approve the minutes of June 22, 2011, as presented.  All in favor.  Motion carried.

Payment of Bills

Moved by Ms. Adams, supported by Ms. Simmons, that the Board of Education hereby approves payment of bills which includes General Fund totaling $423,738.90; Special Ed Fund totaling $479,691.20; and Food Service totaling $7,163.38.

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

                          Nays: None

All in favor.        Motion carried.

Moved by Ms. Adams, supported by Mr. Gordon, that the Board of Education set the 2011 Millage Rate at .2026 for the general fund and 2.0291 for Special Education.  All in favor.  Motion carried.

Moved by Ms. Adams, supported by Ms. Simmons, that the Board of Education approve the hiring of Natasha Johnson.

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

                         Nays: None

All in favor.  Motion carried.

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

Moved by Ms. Adams, supported by Ms. Simmons, that the Board of Education approve the three year (2011-14) certified staff agreement as presented. 

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

                         Nays: None

All in favor.  Motion carried.

Moved by Ms. Adams, supported by Ms. Simmons, that the Board of Education grant a one year Meritorious Leave as recommended by the administration. 

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

                          Nays: None

All in favor.  Motion carried.

Moved by Ms. Simmons, supported by Mr. Gordon, that the Board of Education adjourn to Closed Session at 6:03 p.m. for the purpose of discussing Attorney/Client Communication.

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

                          Nays:  None

All in favor.  Motion carried.

The Board returned to open session at 7:30 p.m. 

Moved by Ms. Simmons, supported by Ms. Adams, to adjourn at 7:30 p.m.  All in favor.  Motion carried.

Respectfully submitted,

_________________
David Gordon
 Secretary

These minutes are subject to board approval.