RUSH COUNTY SCHOOLS

Regular School Board Meeting

February 28, 2011

 

Public Hearing        A public meeting was held at Rush County Schools Administrative

on Public Law 221  Offices on Monday, February 28, 2011, at 7:00 p.m.  Mrs. Leap reported

on Public Law 221 stating 49% of all high schools are on Academic Probation

 in certain categories with  RCHS being one on Academic Probation.  She also

said 75% of Indiana high schools are in the bottom two categories. Mr. Vance

reported RCHS has a school improvement committee, have 9 block remediation

plan and are on track, and have a 92.8 graduation rate. Students are taking duel

credit classes and getting workforce certification and gaining college credits. 

They will also be looking at grade nine assessments, math sequences, and review

personnel to make sure they have the best fit for kids.  RCHS will offer Algebra I,

then Algebra II, followed by Geometry to see if improvements come from that

sequence. Dr. Sickbert adjourned the public meeting.

                                                (See Exhibit Number 1 in the February 28, 2011 Minute File)

 

Call to Order            The regular meeting of the Board of School Trustees of Rush County

                        Schools was held at the Administrative Offices on Monday,

February 28, 2011 at 7:15 p.m.  The meeting was called to order by President Sickbert.

Members present were: Mr. Wilson, Mr. Barada, Mrs. Jackson, and Mr. Slaton.  Mr. Scott

and Mrs. Carter were not in attendance.

                                    (See Exhibit Number 2 in the February 28, 2011 Minute File)

 

Reports                    Tammy Jackman gave an update on the progress of the Milroy School PTO on their playground equipment.  She said there are five parents on the committee along with staff and student council.  Milroy has divided the plan into three phases.  At this time they have $16,000 for Phase I and will receive donations from the Milroy MEDC and New Salem Lions Club.  They plan to add a field backstop in honor of Elvin Comer, move one piece of equipment, add new playground equipment and basketball court.  Phase II will cost $25,500, Phase III $30,500, for a total of $72,000.  Angie Buckley reported for the Arlington School.  She said they had one piece of equipment they will move to the new school.  They are working with Playworld Midstates and hope to install a new basketball court and swings.  They have $10,000 and are in the process of obtaining a tax exempt number to apply for grants.  They will have a chicken fry on April 8, 2011 to help raise more money.

                                                (See Exhibit Number 3 in the February 28, 2011 Minute File)

 

Consent Items           Mrs. Jackson made a motion that the Consent Items consisting of Minutes of Previous Meeting, Personnel, Field Trips, Donations, and Claims/Payroll be approved.  Mr. Barada seconded the motion, and all members voted aye.

                                                (See Exhibit Number 4 in the February 28, 2011 Minute File)

 

Legislature Report    Dr. Williams gave a power point update on legislature House Bill 1001 currently reads the funding formula being changed per pupil from $5558 to $5246 in 2012 and 2013.  The ADM in 2010-11 was 106 students less than 2009-10.  The ADM will be reduced with declining student numbers foreseen for 2012 and 2013, reducing the tuition support. We are currently at $13,836,970 for 2011, 2012 would be $966,007 less or $12,870,963 and 2013 would reduce to $189,246 less or $12,681,697.

                                                (See Exhibit Number 5 in the February 28, 2011 Minute File)

 

Reduction in Force  Dr. Williams reported the possibility that Rush County Schools may find it necessary to reduce teaching positions.  The reductions will depend largely on enrollment for the 2011-2012 school year, but also on the potential impact of the budget formula.  The school corporation cannot call teachers back if they are not given notification of such a reduction in a timely manner.  It is strongly hoped that reductions will not be necessary, but Dr. Williams asked for the Board to consent to move forward on RIF by the May 1st deadline.  Mr. Barada made a motion authorizing Dr. Williams to consider reduction in force as a last resort for the 2011-2012 school year.  Mr. Wilson seconded the motion, and all members voted aye.

                                    (See Exhibit Number 6 in the February 28, 2011 Minute File)

 

Adopt  Resolutions   Dr. Williams asked the Board to consider adoption of a  Resolution on

on House Bill 1002 House Bill 1002, otherwise know as the  Charter Schools Bill and also      

and House Bill 1003 House Bill 1003, otherwise know as School Scholarships or School Voucher Bill.           

Mr. Barada made a motion to adopt the resolutions and Mr. Slaton seconded the motion,

and all members voted aye, except Mrs. Jackson, and the motion carried.

                                    (See Exhibit Number 7 in the February 28, 2011 Minute File)

 

Dispose Outstanding  Dr. Williams asked the Board to consider disposing of several outstanding

Checks                     checks at RCHS.  A motion was made by Mr. Slaton and seconded by

                        Mrs. Jackson and all members voted aye.

                                    (See Exhibit Number 8 in the February 28, 2011 Minute File)

 

Council of Clubs      Mr. Slaton made a motion to approve the Agreement for use of the

Agreement                baseball facilities between the Rush County Council of Clubs and Rush

                        County Schools as recommended by Dr. Williams.  Mrs. Jackson                                        

seconded the motion, and all members voted aye.

                                    (See Exhibit Number 9 in the February 28, 2011 Minute File)

 

 

Important Dates       Dr. Williams reminded Board members of the March 15, 2011, 6:30 p.m.

dinner meeting with the Rush County Farm Bureau at the Arlington School.

                       

                        April 5 – Regular School Board Meeting

 

Comments                Board members’ comments were heard at this time.

                                Administrators’ comments were heard at this time.

 

Adjournment            Mrs. Jackson made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:15 p.m., and it was seconded by Mr. Slaton and all members voted aye.

 

Executive Session     An executive session was held under IC 5-14-1.5-6.1 (6) (A) (B)

 

 

 

_______________________________                       ____________________________

Dr. Steve Sickbert, President                                      Jane Carter, Member

 

_______________________________                      _____________________________

Paul Barada, Vice President                                         Larry Scott, Member

 

_______________________________                      _____________________________

Anita Jackson, Secretary                                               Jeff Slaton, Member

 

                                                                                    _____________________________

                                                                                      John Wilson, Member