Regular Board of Education Meeting May 19, 2014 Below are the minutes of the regular meeting of the Board of Education of Grandville Public Schools, Kent and Ottawa Counties, a general powers school district, which was held in the boardroom of the Administration Building, located at 3839 Prairie Street SW, in the city of Grandville, on Monday, May 19, 2014. President Palmer called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. PRESENT: Members Buck (via speaker phone), Wondergem, Garbarino, Cheydleur, Vredevoogd and Palmer ABSENT: Member Blitchok ALSO PRESENT: Superintendent Ron Caniff, Assistant Superintendent Dr. Scott Merkel, Assistant Superintendent Debra Reese, and Supervisor of Human Resources Connie Stark. Public Comment: Mr. Jim Arizola expressed his opinions on the need for the school district and community to promote and appreciate a more racially and ethnically diverse student population. Approval of Agenda It was moved by Garbarino and supported by Vredevoogd to approve the agenda as presented. Agenda Approval Ayes: All MOTION CARRIED Board Members’ Reports Member Cheydleur announced that the City of Grandville will hold its Michigan Week BBQ celebration at the library amphitheater on Wednesday, May 21. The GMS jazz band will be performing at this event. She noted that she attended the Senior Academic Awards program on May 15th and it was a joyous occasion to see so many receive deserved recognition for their academic achievements. She attended the West Michigan Mental Health Foundation’s Stomp Out Stigma event on Saturday, May 17, and she noticed a huge crowd from GHS participating. She was proud to see the GHS pep band’s presence as well. Member Wondergem inquired about potential changes to our grading system at GHS. Superintendent Caniff noted that we will remain status quo with changes implemented two years ago. Member Vredevoogd congratulated the 7th and 8th grade girls’ track team for its first place performance at the MKO league track meet. Member Buck commented that it is good to see the high school stadium get used almost every day. The fact that so many groups are able to use the stadium due to the synthetic turf has proven to be a sound investment of our resources. She noted that the “be nice.” flyover was completed, and it was great to see GHS in the news with an aerial photo spelling “Grit,” the school’s theme this year. She attended a community leaders meeting on May 13 and noted that KDL has placed a millage proposal on the ballot on August 5th along with the Senior Meals program. She also noted that she was glad to see the housing development created at the intersection of 44th Street and Wilson. The housing will accommodate families that have one or more members who are disabled. She extended a warm welcome to these families to our community and noted that the organization operating the facility is first rate. Board Members’ Reports Board President’s Report President Palmer reminded board members to arrive at graduation at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 29, where details regarding the issuance of diplomas will be finalized. She reminded members that the next meeting on June 2 is intended to be a work session. In preparation for the work session, she encouraged the board to reflect on goals that it would like to establish for the district for next school year. She also was pleased to see the feature in M-Live regarding the GHS aerial photo with the students spelling out, “Grit.” Superintendent’s Report Superintendent Caniff noted that the students did a wonderful job at the baccalaureate service on Sunday, May 18. He also enjoyed the jazz band performance at the Canal Street Café on Friday, May 16. Caniff praised Sheila Bosworth, a parent volunteer, for her work in organizing last week’s “Purple Week” activities to raise funds for leukemia and bone cancer research at the Van Andel Institute. Caniff also praised the seniors on their academic accomplishments, which were awarded Thursday evening, May 15th. Lastly, Caniff displayed a video produced by high school instructor Terry Blevins. The video was a lip sync contest among teachers to raise funds for the Vinny Awards ceremony for students involved in video production. Old Business None Consent Action Agenda – Approval of Minutes, Ratification of Disbursements, and Personnel 4A. – 4C. It was moved by Garbarino and supported by Cheydleur to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of May 5, 2014 and the closed session minutes of that meeting; ratify the disbursements made by the Grandville Public Schools for the month of April 2014; and, approve personnel-hires. Board President’s Report Superintendent’s Report Old Business Consent Action – Minutes, Disbursements, and Personnel Ayes: All MOTION CARRIED Regular Action Agenda – Kent ISD Budget Resolution 5A. It was moved by Garbarino and supported by Vredevoogd to approve the attached resolution expressing support for Kent Intermediate School District’s 2014-2015 General Fund budget. Regular Action – KISD Budget Ayes: All MOTION CARRIED Regular Action Agenda – Tenure and Probationary Status Recommendation 5B. It was moved by Vredevoogd and supported by Garbarino to approve the attached list of professional staff members who shall acquire tenure in accordance with the Michigan Teacher’s Tenure Act. It was further moved and supported that the Board of Education approve the attached list of teachers who will continue to be employed on probationary status. Regular Action – Tenure & Probationary Recommendations Ayes: All MOTION CARRIED Regular Action Agenda – Auditorium Projector Purchase and Installation 5C. It was moved by Garbarino and supported by Vredevoogd to approve the bid from Secant Technologies for new and replacement auditorium technology equipment which includes installation and integration assistance for new video projection equipment for $30,674.00 and an additional $1,750.00 for installation of a new 30’ projection screen, for a total project cost of $32,424.00. Ayes: All MOTION CARRIED Regular Action – Purchase & Installation of Auditorium Projector and Screen Regular Action Agenda – 2014-15 School Year Calendar 5D. It was moved by Vredevoogd and supported by Garbarino to approve the attached 2014-2015 school-year calendar, which is aligned with the Kent ISD common calendar. Regular Action – 2014 Calendar Ayes: All MOTION CARRIED Regular Action Agenda – City of Wyoming Parks and Recreation Appointment 5E. It was moved by Cheydleur and supported by Garbarino to approve the recommendation to the Wyoming City Council that Megan Harley be reappointed as Grandville Public Schools representative on Wyoming’s Parks and Recreation Commission. Regular Action – City of Wyoming Parks & Recreation Appointment Ayes: All MOTION CARRIED Regular Action Agenda – Purchase of Real Property 5F. It was moved by Vredevoogd and supported by Garbarino to authorize the administration to execute the agreement to purchase real property located at 3471 Wilson Avenue for $102,000.00 plus closing costs, real estate commissions, real estate transfer fees, and title insurance policy and recording costs. It was further moved and supported that the Board of Education authorize the administration to execute the agreement to purchase real property located 4066 Prairie for $99,000.00 plus closing costs, real estate transfer fees, title insurance policy and recording costs, with the seller continuing to occupy the property until June 1, 2015. Regular Action – Purchase of Real Property Roll Call Vote: Ayes: Members Wondergem, Garbarino, Buck, Vredevoogd, Cheydleur, and Palmer Nays: MOTION CARRIED With no further business, the meeting was adjourned by President Palmer at 8:24p.m. ____________________________________ Karen Cheydleur, Acting Secretary Grandville Board of Education Adjournment