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March 2007

BRIDGMAN PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT
Bridgman, Michigan
Minutes of Regular Meeting
March 15, 2007

Call to Order: The Regular Meeting of the Bridgman Public School District Board of Education was held on Thursday, March 15, 2007 in the Media Center of Bridgman High School, 9964 Gast Road, Bridgman, MI 49106. The meeting was called to order by President Fodor at 7:00 p.m.

Members Present: Richard Fodor, Judy Kelly, Lisa Kiewel, Scott MacMartin, Alfred Ottusch, Eric Ramso, Patricia Strebeck

Members Absent: None

Additions to Agenda:  None

Superintendent's Comments:  Kevin Ivers, Superintendent, reported the resignation of Sandra Ives, effective at the end of the 2006-07 school year. Jason Holok, BHS special education teacher, was recently selected as the Parent Advisory Committee's Special Education Teacher of the Year. Jason was one of five Bridgman employees who were nominated. A lockdown drill, which will be observed by our local police and fire departments, will take place in April. A budget update presentation was given at each building on the March 13 Professional Development Day.

Principals' Comments:  John Wittmuss, BES Principal, reported on events scheduled in March which include a Ronald McDonald assembly on March 22, Everyone Gets a Book Day on March 27 and parent/teacher conferences on March 28 & 29. The BES Behavioral Plan, adopted three years ago, has been re-examined and will be presented to interested parents on April 26 at 6:00 p.m.

George Waning, RMS Interim Principal, reported on the 7th grade field trip to Five Pines on February 23. Activities of the day included wilderness activities and tubing. Parent/Teacher conferences will be held March 27, 28
and 29.

Jim Hutfilz, BHS Principal, reported Michigan Merit Examination testing was conducted March 13, 14 & 15. Brandee Naumann, Holland Roorda, Ji Youn Kim and Scott Herrman were award winners at the 32nd Annual Krasl Art Show. The 2007 prom will be held April 21 at the Blue Dress Barn in Millburg. Parent/Teacher conferences will be held on March 27.

Student/Staff Recognition:  Miranda Strefling was presented a certificate for being selected as the Bridgman High School Student of the Month for March.

Public Comments: Kathy Sanden, B.E.A. President, reported teachers are working on web homework pages.

Board Member Kiewel reported the playground sign at Bridgman Elementary has Communications: been installed and looks great. She thanked all those involved with this project.

The Board congratulated staff members involved with the 2007 Berrien County PAC Excellence Education award.

Approval of Minutes:  The following minutes were approved as presented: February 15, 2007 Regular & Retreat (w/change) Meetings and March 1, 2007 Planning, Operational Assessment, Executive & Closed Committee Meetings.

Financial Reports: The January Treasurer's Report was given by Pat Strebeck, Board Treasurer, and was accepted as presented, pending audit.

It was moved by Member Strebeck, supported by Member Kiewel, to approve the February bills for payment. Motion carried 7-0.

Action Items: It was moved by Member Kiewel, supported by Member Ottusch, to approve a leave of absence request for Laurie Hartzell for ½ time for the 2007-08 school year. Motion carried 7-0.

It was moved by Member Strebeck, supported by Member Ottusch, to deny a leave of absence request for Christine Scott for the 2007-08 school year. Motion carried 7-0.

It was moved by Member Kiewel, supported by Member MacMartin, to approve a leave of absence request for Cornelia Mitchell for the 2007-08 school year. Motion carried 7-0.

It was moved by Member Kiewel, supported by Member Strebeck, to approve the following probationary teachers layoff for the 2007-08 school year: BES - Nick Foxworthy, Justin Hahaj, Barbara Jewell, Rebecca Hoehn, Susan Barry, Erma Marschke, Margaret Todd, Carrie VanDenburgh (BES/BHS) RMS - Lindsey Barnes, Lacy Payne, Krista Hansen (RMS/BHS), Ann Shell (RMS/BHS) BHS - Aaron Locke, Lisa Kreitner, Erik Haskins, Jason Holok, Suzy Barnes. Motion carried 7-0.

It was moved by Member Kiewel, supported by Member Ottusch, to approve an overnight trip request for HOSA (Health Occupations Student Association) for State competition to Traverse City, MI, April 18-20, 2007. Motion carried 7-0.

Committee Reports: Planning Committee - Pat Strebeck
Budget Update - Craig Harley presented updated budget projections based on Governor Granholm's Proposed Budget.

Foundation Update - Two people will be contacted with foundation information.

Operational Assessment - Lisa Kiewel
February 28, 2007 Town Hall Meeting - There was positive feedback from the Town Hall Meeting.

Communications & Vision/Mission Statement Goals - An update was given by Kevin Ivers on these goals.

Website evaluation committee report - The use of students to input information was discussed.

Executive Committee - Dick Fodor
Booster Club and Parent Group policies - Kevin Ivers will meet with building principals to review the policies and make any necessary changes.

Upcoming Dates: March 20 - Recreation Advisory Committee Meeting, 7:00 p.m. @ BHS Cafeteria
April 10 - Joint Board Committees Mtg., Instructional Council proposals, 7:00 p.m. @ BHS
April 12 - Lakeland Fine Arts Festival, 7:00 p.m. @ BHS
April 26 - Regular Board Meeting, 7:00 p.m. @ BHS

Adjournment: It was moved by Member Ottusch, supported by Member MacMartin, to adjourn. Motion carried 7-0 and the meeting adjourned at 7:35 p.m. The Retreat scheduled for after the Regular meeting was canceled.