Grundy Reporter

Verona Area School District Board met Dec. 11.

Here is the minutes provided by the Board:

The Verona Area Board of Education met on Monday, December 11, 2017 in the District Administration Building. Board President, Noah Roberts called the meeting to order at 7:04 p.m. Clerk, Tom Duerst confirmed the meeting was properly noticed.

Present: Amy Almond, Tom Duerst, Kristina Navarro-Haffner, Noah Roberts, Meredith Stier Christensen and Renee Zook.

Absent: Russell King

Student Recognition: Chinese exchange students and teachers visiting from\ Chongren Road Elementary School in Wuhan, China were recognized at the Board meeting.

Principal Ann Princl and Carolyn Janhke, president of VAIS Governing Council shared information about the program and the experience of hosting the Chinese exchange students and staff.

Audience Portion: There was no one present to address the Board.

Announcements: Tom shared information and dates for individuals who are interested in running for the VASD School Board in the Spring 2018 elections. All candidates must complete the appropriate paper work and turn in (to either Tamera Stanley or Tom Duerst) on or before 5:00 p.m., January 2, 2018. Tom stressed the importance of getting the paperwork in ahead of the deadline if possible so that the paperwork can be reviewed and verified. This will allow some time for corrections to be made if needed. Tom also announced that he will be seeking re-election to the at-large seat he currently occupies.

Amy extended a “Thank You” to the community for attending the listening session for the Building 2020 updates.

BOARD BUSINESS

*Consider approval of minutes (11/20/17 regular Board meeting, 11/27 Joint meeting with City, and 12/4 Special Board meeting) Motion (Stier Christensen) to approve the minutes from the 11/20/17 regular Board meeting, second (Duerst) and one abstention (Navarro-Haffner). Motion carried (5- 0).

Motion (Stier Christensen) to approve the minutes from the 11/27/17 Joint meeting with City, second (Duerst) and one abstention

(Almond). Motion carried (5- 0).

Motion (Stier Christensen) to approve the minutes from the 12/4/17 Special Board meeting with corrections noted on the motion and time and of adjournment, second (Duerst) and one abstention (Almond). Motion carried (5- 0).

First reading of proposed changes to / adoption of the following Board Policies/ Rules:

370 - Curricular Activities and Programs

640 - School Funding Sources

840 - Public Gifts to the Schools

840 – Rule, Procedures for the Acceptance of Gifts and Sponsorships

850 - Sales and Solicitations Involving the Schools

850 – Rule School Fundraising and Solicitation Procedures

850 – Rule 2 Procedures Governing Facility Naming Rights Associated with Sponsorships

851 - Advertising Involving the Schools

852.1 - Material Distribution to Students Through the Schools

881.1 - Relations with School Support Organizations

731.31 - Use of Drones on School Property or at District-Sponsored Events

731.31 – Rule, Use of Drone Procedures

731.31 – Exhibit

Release and Hold Harmless Page 4 of Policy

Kelly Kloepping was in attendance to give a brief overview of the proposed language changes to the above Board policies and rules. The Board had questions about some of the policy language and provisions. Proposed changes will be brought back for a second reading at the 12/18 Board meeting.

Report on Core Team Proceedings Dean reported that the last Core Team meeting was held on Monday, December 4th. The majority of their time together was about discussing “Value Engineering” options. Value Engineering is construction industry language for exploring options to reduce project scope and / or cost. Dean also reported that there are smaller team check-ins on the weeks opposite Core Team meetings. These are mostly conducted over the phone but one was held face to face on the 11th. Items discussed at the 11th meeting included the PAC, LMC, the Large Group Instruction Room (LGI) and building security. Tom made a suggestion to visit other recently built schools.

Update on selection of Design-Assist Subcontractors Dean extended a “Thank you” to both Amy Almond and Tom Duerst for their involvement with the pre-interviews and interviews for our design assist subcontractors. Dean shared that we have awarded the subcontract for site work to Maschuda Contractors Inc. The HVAC subcontract has been awarded to General Heating and Cooling for the new high school. The renovations subcontract for the HVAC will go to H&H. The electrical contract has not yet been awarded.

WASB convention reminder Dean reminded the Board members about the WASB convention in January with encouragement to inform Tamera of intent to attend.

Review of future agenda items: Dean reviewed the future agenda items listed in the Board narrative. Recommendation was made to put a placeholder on the January 8th and January 22nd , 2018 for a start time of 6:00 p.m.

PERSONNEL ITEMS

*Consider approval of teaching contracts for Angelica Oses , FTE: 1.00, Special Education Teacher, GE, K-5, second: Motion (Stier Christensen) approve teaching contracts for Angelica Oses, FTE: 1.00, Special Education Teacher, GE, K-5, second (Almond). Motion carried (6-0).

FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS / MEETING DATES

The Board referred to the dates listed in the Board narrative.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Finance, Building, Grounds and Transportation Committee: Amy reported that the FBG&T Committee met earlier today. They discussed the following items:

• Purchasing of Natural Gas and locking in rates

• Bids for the Savann Oaks roof replacement and update on securing bids for the Savanna Oaks window replacements.

• Re-keying Country View and the possibility of the Policy and Personnel committee creating a policy for the use of facilities and return of keys

• Adding a new maintenance person with a focus on HVAC expertise

Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment: Meredith reported that the committee met December 1st to discuss the district report card results. Ed O’Connor from CESA II was present to go through the district report card and provide an explanation of the different metrics used. Meredith recommended that the Board invite Mr. O’Connor to speak with the Board in order to get a better understanding of how the district report card works. Meredith and Noah both mentioned that Mr. O’Connor was very helpful for them in understanding building to building comparisons using the report card is not recommended as it’s not designed for such comparisons.

Personnel and Policy: Meredith reported that the committee met on December 8th. They reviewed the recent teacher certification changes and licensing updates. The committee then adjourned to closed session under Section 19.85 (1) (c) Wis. Stats. for the purpose of: (a) Discussing compensation related information and data concerning non-Union support staff members and (b)Discussing compensation related information and data concerning administrative staff members. The committee did not have time to discuss the evaluation of the superintendent as was listed on the agenda.

ADJOURN to closed session: Motion (Stier Christensen) to adjourn to closed session at 9:17 pm under Section 19.85 (1)(e), Wisconsin Statutes, for the purpose of discussing, strategizing and deliberating site planning and development issues involving funding and cost sharing of public improvements serving the new high school site; closed session discussion is necessary to preserve negotiation and bargaining positions and flexibility, second (Duerst). Roll call vote, all ayes (6-0).

ADJOURN: Motion (Stier Christensen) to adjourn, second (Almond). Motion passed 6-0 at 10:30 p.m.

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