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castoncomets.org |
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Bylaws, Policies & Administrative Guidelines |
Snippets 2007-08 (Pg. 1)
The Snippets information is organized by a July through the following June format, generally corresponding to the school year. 7/3/07 Board Meeting Results And Other Info (7/4/07) - The June 30, 2007 Treasurer's Report (see excerpts) was unanimously approved as presented. Unanimously approved were claims totaling $324,367.34 that included $3,380 for 2nd qtr. School Board compensation (see details at "Bylaw" 0144.1); $11,233.94 transferred from the Debt Service Fund to the Extra-Curricular Textbook Rental Fund for unpaid textbook rental fees that are unreimbursed by the State; $40,640.67 as a 2nd qtr. payment to the Indiana State Teachers' Retirement Fund for teachers, principals, superintendent, etc; $564 for additional supplies to ceiling mount 20 video projectors; $540 for license renewal for 20 teachers to have webpages (K-6 and 7-12); $5,622.75 for the annual software license for Northwest Evaluation Association (NWEA) online assessments in K-12; $4,500 to Rochester Community Schools to transport Caston students to Century Career Center in Logansport for 150 days (August through May); and a partial year cost of $2,895 for extended learning "tutoring" for K-6 students. The Board was re-organized with the following officers unanimously elected: Bruce Cress, President; Dr. James Ayers, Vice-President; and Randy Sommers, Secretary. Also, unanimously approved were the employment of Jennifer Baxter to teach in the Elementary School effective this August 10 and Vance Monical as Director of Technology effective this July 9 as well as a letter of retirement from teacher Judy Uhrich. A request for institutional membership in the Indiana Association of Public School Superintendents for the 2007-08 school year with Superintendent Huffman being Caston's representative was approved by a vote of 4 to 1 with Phillips dissenting. (Phillips asked Huffman how many days this would result in him being off campus and Huffman responded that he didn't know. Phillips expressed concern last year when Huffman was off campus for at least 24 days to attend meetings, conferences, etc.) Unanimously approved was a request from Evan Ulery and the Caston Athletic Department to use Caston facilities on Saturday, August 11, 2007 for a fundraiser for David McCready and the Rehabilitation Hospital of Indiana Sports Program as well as a request from David Sommers to take the Varsity Cross Country Team to Brown County State Park, Nashville, IN, August 6-10, 2007.In response to a question by Phillips regarding technology use Superintendent Huffman indicated that Doug Olsson, Assistant Principal has the responsibility to oversee and encourage the integration and utilization of technology in the curriculum and classroom for K-12. 7/17/07 Board Meeting Results And Other Info (7/18/07) Unanimously approved were claims totaling $303,001.95 that included $3,973.83 for summer Driver's Education instructors Maribeth Brash and Bob Uhrich (It is intended that the program be self funded by the participants, each who paid a fee of $335, the same as in 2006. The number of participants: 2007 - 25; 2006 - 37; 2005 - 30; 2004 - 34; 2003 - 43.). Also included was $1009.86 for a desktop computer in Principal Dan Foster's office (Mr. Rickett used a laptop and the desktop is preferred by Mr. Foster.). Also unanimously approved were the resignations of Cory Max, secondary P.E./Health teacher and Brett Eberly, secondary Math and Varsity Boys' Basketball Coach and the employment of Andrew Firth as secondary P.E./Health teacher and Varsity Boys' Basketball Coach and Nathan Speitel as Jr. High Math teacher. The Elementary Student/Parent Handbook for the 2007-08 school year was also unanimously approved as presented. A "Classified Handbook" and its provisions as presented by Superintendent Huffman was discussed. "Classified" positions are generally thought of as those other than teacher, principal, superintendent, etc. It should be noted that no formal action occurred at this time...it was only discussed. Among Mr. Huffman's recommendations were:
Again, it should be noted that no formal action occurred at this time on any of the above "Classified Handbook" recommendations by Mr. Huffman...it was only discussed. However, in Phillips' opinion, some items were viewed more favorably among some Board members than other items. Bylaws, Policies & Administrative Guidelines Now In Libraries (7/30/07) - Recently the "Bylaws and Policies of the School Board" and the "Administrative Guidelines" have been placed in both the Fulton and Kewanna Libraries for community use. Although both are available online it is recognized that some who do not use the Internet would also like to refer to them. That is now possible! Do you know someone who would like to be aware of this? Overview Of 8/2/07 Board Retreat (8/6/07) DISCLAIMER - The following is Russ Phillips' perception of what occurred at the Retreat as well as some of his opinion. It may or may not reflect other participants' perception and opinion. It is not intended to be an "official" overview from the Board or the other participants. The publicized purpose of the Retreat was for School Board Training and to discuss Goals, etc. WHO, WHAT, WHEN - The Retreat was held in the Elementary School Library Classroom on Thursday, August 2, 2007 from 4:00 till 8:13P.M. Participating were all Board members, Superintendent Huffman, Principals Douglass and Foster and Jr.-Sr. High Assistant Principal Olsson. The retreat was facilitated by Robert Poffenbarger, retired Rochester School Superintendent. The Retreat was open to the public, however, none attended. OVERVIEW - The Retreat included reports about progress on last year's goals as presented by the administrators. Many ideas/topics were expressed, however, the same idea/topic was often mentioned by only one or two individuals so it remains to be determined where there is consensus. There were no specific goals formally adopted at this Retreat for the 2007-08 school year, the emphasis was on discussion and sharing. There was discussion by the total group and in two subgroups on a variety of ideas and topics such as the Century Career Center, student and staff attendance, student dress, consistent enforcement (i.e. accountability) of expectations for students and staff, imparting and acquiring an education is "serious business," rather than being preoccupied with test scores view education and the desired outcomes more broadly, accelerating learning for more capable students, create a long-term maintenance plan for facilities and grounds, putting more emphasis on using common unassigned time for group planning and collaboration, review our programming and practices with a What are we doing?...Why are we doing it?...What result do we expect? mindset, regarding staff evaluation the process is what's most important and the specific tool/form is not that critical, narrative input as well as quantitative data is important in the decision-making process, investigating why students don't take tests more seriously, consider including End of Course Assessment results into one's class grade, goals need to be S.M.A.R.T. (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Results Oriented, and Time bound), more emphasis needs to be put on accommodating different learning styles and abilities throughout and particularly in grades 7-12, posting online grades for grades 7-12 needs to be done promptly and meaningfully, effectiveness vs. cost of special education resource services including speech therapy, at this time there is no speech teacher for Caston, accountability and follow up is the key to future progress, this is an accreditation year for Caston and it's a K-12 process, and the Board and administrators should have discussions more often like this. LAST YEAR'S GOALS - Goal #1 pertained to becoming a Four Star School. Administrators presented printed reports of performance. However, most of the time and discussion was focused on student attendance as opposed to academic performance. The Elementary improved its attendance to 96.3% as compared to 96.0% the previous year. The Jr.-Sr. High improved its attendance to 94.6% as compared to 94.1% the previous year. However, it was reported that to be in the upper quartile in the state requires an attendance rate of about 97%. Academic performance data, including "cut" scores, for the 2006-07 school year regarding being a Four Star School has not yet been published by the Indiana Department of Education. It is important to be familiar with the many variables that help to explain test performance and data. Caston administrators are an excellent resource from which to gain this understanding. Goal #2 does not fit the S.M.A.R.T. criteria, particularly lacking in specificity, measurability and being results oriented. Goal #3 also is lacking in this and does not identify "...those things we want to be a priority." WHAT NEXT? Since this retreat was focused on discussion and sharing and no goals were specifically formulated it is my assumption this will continue to be considered at upcoming Board meetings. 8/7/07 Board Meeting Results And Other Info (8/13/07) - The July 31, 2007 Treasurer's Report (see excerpts) was unanimously approved as presented. Unanimously approved were claims totaling $202,610.93 that included $997.85 to pay Erin Kline to do summer maintenance cleaning of computers; $3,322.80 to Defco, Inc. to repair lights in south parking lot; $7,000 to Fissel Electric Service to do electrical work to suspend from ceilings video projectors; and $1,254.80 for a one year anti-virus software license for the computer network. Unanimously approved were: Employment of Dana Kreamer as 6th grade teacher, Dave McCready as In-School Suspension/Study Hall Monitor, Rachelle Sarver on a temporary contract to fill in for medical leave of Christy Skinner, and staff for summer curriculum writing; extending by 1/2 hour the work day of the Elementary, Jr.-Sr. High, and Guidance Secretaries; final approval to advertise 2008 budgets; and declaring various cookware and cooking appliances as surplus and available to local non-profit organizations on a first come, first see basis until August 17, 2007 and thereafter make available to whoever, including school staff, at no cost (Phillips thinks it unwise to distribute to school staff at no cost, it just doesn't look good). A first reading on several policies (some new, others revisions) took place including: Define the Athletic Director as an "administrator"; The employment of administrators prior to approval by the Board is authorized when their employment is required to maintain continuity in the educational program. Employment shall be recommended to the Board at the next regular meeting (Phillips feels this is unwise and unnecessary due to the significance of the position and because a special meeting can always be called to act on employment at that time); A requirement that staff, volunteers, and employees of contracted services report their conviction of? (or arrest? or filing of criminal charges?) to the Superintendent within two days of the occurrence, Current Policies 3121, 4121, (this received considerable discussion due to inconsistent wording in the several policies ,some new, on this topic and clarification of the reasoning for this is being sought); and, Stating the limited circumstances under which a student's or employee's social security number may be disclosed or released. Possible revisions to the Classified Handbook (does not include Bus Drivers or Cafeteria Workers, they have separate "Handbooks") were further discussed. It is Phillips' understanding that the Board does not support the Combination Leave provision previously discussed due to the potential cost to Caston. Several other proposed benefits for employees covered in the Classified Handbook were discussed at length. However, in Phillips' opinion there are some significant inequities and unfairness in current benefits of two different categories of classified employees: Bus Drivers and Cafeteria Workers. Making the situation even more unfair is the fact that possible improvements and new benefits that Mr. Huffman has recommended would not be received by Bus Drivers and Cafeteria Workers, other than the Cafeteria Manager. Currently no Cafeteria Workers, except the Manager, participate in the school's health insurance program. Cafeteria Workers, excepting the Manager, receive from Caston only one-half the contribution that all other classified employees receive towards the payment of their health insurance and present practice has this paid from School Lunch Funds although it is legally permissible for it to be paid from the General Fund. Over the years the opinion has been expressed by administration that the Cafeteria should be self-funded from its receipts from breakfast and lunch fees. However, at one time Caston's contribution to the Cafeteria Manager's health insurance was paid from the General Fund. It has also been projected that if every Cafeteria Worker were to participate in the health insurance program under a "single" plan with the same provision as other Classified employees and it be funded with School Lunch Funds that it would increase the cost of a school lunch by a minimum of $.60 per child. However, every other Caston employee (teachers, principals, superintendent, board members, secretaries, aides, bus drivers, etc.) participating in the health insurance program has Caston's contribution being paid from the General Fund or another tax supported fund. Caston has the discretion to do the same for Cafeteria Workers. There are 4 Cafeteria Workers who work 7 hours daily and 3 others that work 4 hours. Bus Drivers are paid on the basis of 3 hours per day, however, Caston contributes twice as much towards their health insurance when compared to Cafeteria Workers. Phillips believes this represents an unfairness. However, bus drivers receive no personal illness days, family illness days, or bereavement leave days and cafeteria workers and other classified employees do. Phillips believes this represents another unfairness. Retirement Compensation/Severance Compensation for Classified Employees - An employee meeting the criteria would receive one or the other of this compensation (click here for details), but not both. There are 17 "classified" employees and if each were, upon retirement, to receive the maximum compensation, i.e. $10,000, this would represent a total payout by Caston of $170,000. The maximum severance compensation that may be received is $6,500 (this now appears to be $5,850 based upon $45 instead of $50 per accumulated personal illness days). Apart from any additional retirement compensation Caston may wish to grant it should be noted that these employees participate in the Indiana Public Employees Retirement Fund (PERF) and Caston contributes an amount equal to 6% of the employee's salary for their future retirement. At this time the Board has taken no formal action to approve or not on these recommended changes to the Classified Handbook, except for extending by one-half hour the work day of the secretaries for the Elementary and Jr.-Sr. High Schools and the Guidance Department. The Board has requested it be provided data from other School Corporations with similar demographics to Caston regarding the topics under discussion. Phillips also believes that the total compensation package (salary and related benefits) must be looked at when considering increasing or adding new benefits. Each of these employees received a 2 1/2% increase for the 2007-08 school year. Furthermore, salary for the various positions is differentiated according to the type of position, training/education/skill required, and the level of responsibility of the position. "Scorecard" Posting From 8/7/07 Meeting (8/13/07) 8/21/07 Board Meeting Results And Other Info (8/23/07) - Unanimously approved were claims totaling $360,675.69 that included $16,494.03 as retirement pay for Judy Uhrich; $450 to Robert Poffenbarger for 4 hours of Board training on June 27, 2007 and for facilitating a 4 hour Board Retreat on August 2, 2007; $575 for annual membership in the Indiana Association of Public School Superintendents with Superintendent Huffman as Caston's representative; $1,932.06 to the Northern Indiana Educational Service Center (this is one-half of an annual membership fee of $3,864.13) that among its services provides technical support for Caston's computer network; $949.99 to purchase a new lawn vacuum that is used on the football and baseball fields; $9,963.00 to do concrete work near front Jr.-Sr. High entrance, loading dock and ramp at rear of school, and portions of walk outside southeast Elementary exit; $900.10 to Liming & Son Builders to construct Band Storage Room shelving; $3,826 for 7 new clarinets and 5 new flutes; $18,052.05 to Roeing Corporation for purchase and installation of a new server and backup system (the new server has 300 GB of storage compared to the previous server's 60 GB and the previous backup system was no longer functional); and, $3,838.08 to Verizon (this is an annual maintenance fee agreement for the telephone system). Several new, revised, or replacement policies received a second "reading." A motion to act on each individually was defeated by a 2 to 3 (Ayers, Cress, Sommers) vote. A motion was then made to approve all of the policies recommended by Superintendent Huffman and received a 4 to 1 (Phillips) vote. Phillips believes this is an unwise practice because it does not allow each policy to receive due consideration and to be voted upon based on its own merit. In Phillips' opinion certain policies are being approved that diminish school board authority and prerogatives and place this with the superintendent. For instance, a new policy, #1520, was approved that includes, "The employment of administrators prior to approval by the Board is authorized when their employment is required to maintain continuity in the educational program. Employment shall be recommended to the Board at the next regular meeting." (Phillips feels this is unwise and unnecessary due to the significance of the position, i.e. principals and assistant principal and athletic director, and because a special meeting can always be called to act on employment at that time. This precludes the Board, as a group, from meeting and discussing the recommendation to employ a prospective administrator before an offer of "employment" is made. The superintendent contacting each Board member individually to assess the level of support for a recommendation does not allow for a free flowing discussion when all Board members are present and can interact as a group. Furthermore, this policy could result in an awkward and embarrassing situation if the superintendent "employed" someone who days later was rejected by the Board. For these reasons Phillips did not support this recommended policy by Superintendent Huffman.) Another
policy approved in the 4 to 1 vote was a new policy, #1521, "Personal
Background Check" for administrators that are employed. It includes,
"The Superintendent shall establish the necessary procedures for obtaining
the background information which is to include the following: Unanimously approved was the recommendation that the Varsity and Junior Varsity Cheerleaders be allowed to attend the Capital One Bowl at Orlando, FL, December 28, 2007 - January 2, 2008 with all expenses paid by those attending. There are 16 girls eligible to attend and approximately 6 plan to do so. The per person cost is $769-$887 and does not include transportation cost to and from FL and daily lunch and dinner. Mr. Huffman's recommendation that Terry Ulerick, Transportation Director, be allowed to attend the National Transportation Convention October 28 - November 1, 2007 in Grand Rapids, Michigan at a cost of $1,013.30 plus tax was approved 4 to 1 (Phillips). (Mr. Ulerick was approved 4 to 1 (Phillips) to attend this same event in 2006 when held in Kansas City, MO. [added 10/18/07]).
"Scorecard"
Posting From 8/21/07 Meeting (8/23/07)
9/4/07 Board Meeting Results
Including Discussion Of This Website And Other Info
(9/6/07)
- Attending this meeting were all Board members,
Superintendent Huffman, Corporation Attorney Bob Murray, Principals Douglass
and Foster, and Blake Mollenkopf. A
Public Hearing was conducted on the advertised CY 2008 General Fund, Debt
Service Fund, Transportation Fund, Bus Replacement Fund, Capital Projects Fund,
Special Education Pre-School Fund, and Rainy Day Fund Budgets.
Also included were the Capital Projects and Bus Replacement Plans.
The August 31, 2007 Treasurer's Report (see
excerpts) was unanimously approved as presented.
Unanimously approved were claims totaling
$250,577.94 that
included $535.95 for a Beginning of School Breakfast for all staff, i.e.
teachers, custodians, cafeteria, bus drivers, secretaries, aides, etc.; $16.26
for Bus Driver Inservice Treats; $234.57 for a token of appreciation
for staff at Christmas time; $367.00 to stripe the parking lots; and
$1,043.00 to pay teachers of grades 3-6 regarding curriculum development
work done during the summer for a new reading series. (Grades 1 & 2 will
continue to use their reading series from recent years. However, grades 3-6 will
use a new series, Scott Foresman. The teachers at these grade levels met during
the summer, paid at $135.00 per six hour day per teacher, to review the content
of this series relative to the Indiana State Standards and they also discussed
ideas related to the teaching of reading.) Regarding the Agenda topic, “Board member Web
Pages,” there were 18 minutes of various opinions expressed. Bruce Cress
stated that it had come to his attention that the website, www.castoncomets.org,
administered by Russ Phillips had become a “nuisance.” Cress took
issue with the disclaimer on the site that says no corporation funds are
utilized for this site. He expressed his opinion that Phillips’
“…calling…all the time…” and asking Superintendent Huffman and other
staff members questions is using their time and thus, corporation funds.
Phillips responded that throughout his nine years as a board member he
has been known to ask a variety of questions and to express his opinion on
various matters, not just during the time his website has been in existence. It
was first published on August 22, 2006. He stated the website is not the
cause of the questions. The website, as Joyce Zartman expressed, is “…his
way of talking to his constituents.” She further commented about the
irony of allegedly abusing staff’s time and yet Huffman on his “Community
Update” web page says, “Please feel free to stop by, give me a call, or
drop me a line, as my door is always open.” James Ayers made reference to
not invading on one’s freedom
of speech and expression. Huffman commented that the information
recently published on Phillips’ website about the Classified Handbook
and Huffman’s recommended improvement of benefits (at
this time the Board has taken no action on this) and how his
recommendation does not include these benefits for bus drivers and cafeteria
workers has created confusion and turned what he regarded as a “positive into
a negative.” Phillips believes that people, including the employees, want
to know and should know the issues and details while they are under
consideration and the rationale for recommendations made and not learn about
them only after decisions have been made. They want to be a part of the process,
not just be informed after the process has been completed and a decision made.
Zartman emphasized the “Disclaimer” on the website and Phillips many
references to his prefacing remark about it is his “opinion” that is
being expressed. In no way is he attempting to use the website to speak on
behalf of the Board. Huffman said that Phillips’ comment on the website about
its purpose being to tell the “untold story” suggests that
information is being kept from the public. Phillips believes that information is
not readily and easily available to the community, i.e. it is “untold,” and
he is responding to this need via his website. Bob Murray, Corporation Attorney,
stated there may be a legal issue of Phillips’ using “Caston” in
the website’s name, www.castoncomets.org.
Phillips commented if that is felt to be the case it should be brought to his
attention formally with the pertinent information and he will take the matter
under advisement. Murray also repeated an earlier comment of his that just
because a Board member asks a question, Huffman does not have to answer it.
"Scorecard"
Posting From 9/4/07 Meeting (9/6/07)
9/18/07 Board Meeting Results
Including Missing Staff Evaluations, Goals Discussion, Request To Attend
Florida Conference And Other Info
(9/20/07) - Attending this meeting were all Board members,
Superintendent Huffman, Corporation Attorney Bob Murray and Principal Douglass. Unanimously
approved as presented and advertised were the CY 2008 General Fund, Debt
Service Fund, Transportation Fund, Bus Replacement Fund, Capital Projects Fund,
Special Education Pre-School Fund, and Rainy Day Fund Budgets.
Also included were the Capital Projects and Bus Replacement Plans. Mr. Huffman stated he had no
"Celebrations" to share.
By a 4 to 1 (Phillips) vote all
claims totaling $272,881.43 were approved. This included $3,414.00 for 3 laptop
computers for Principal Foster, a replacement for Mr. Byrn, and one paid for
from the Transportation Fund to view video from bus cameras and it will be kept
in the Administration Building and also used by Superintendent Huffman; $18,650
for an assessment program (DIBELS - Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy
Skills), including supplies, software, training, and 15 Palm One E2 personal
digital assistants, to track progress in reading for grades K thru 3; and $500
dues for Huffman to participate in monthly meetings (there are a couple
months in the winter when a meeting is not held) of the Upper Wabash
Valley Study Council. Phillips
made a motion to approve all claims except the Study Council dues,
however, it died for lack of a second. A colleague then made a motion to approve
all claims. In Phillips' opinion the Superintendent needs to
spend as much time as possible on the school campus directly involved in the
educational program of the two schools, thus, his reason for not supporting the
second motion. Phillips also spoke
to this issue one year ago as days began to add up for Huffman to be
away from campus. An additional reason Phillips did not support this is
explained later in this report. Unanimously
approved were removing two items from inventory: (1) A digital camera, purchased
Dec. 20, 2005 at a cost of $664.66, that was assigned to Melinda Shultz and used
for the yearbook was reported stolen, and (2) A laptop computer, purchased May
5, 2004 at a cost of $2,306.68, that was assigned to James Byrn and broken
beyond repair (The cover as a result of use had become unattached, however, it
will be kept on hand for parts to repair other laptops.). Approved
4 to 1 (Phillips) the request for Randy Sommers and Superintendent Huffman
to attend NSBA's Annual Conference in Orlando, Florida, March 29 - April 1,
2008. In the spring of 2007 Huffman,
Sommers and Bruce Cress attended the same conference in San Francisco at a cost
of just under $5,000. When Huffman was asked how the Corporation and
students specifically benefited from his and a couple Board members attendance
at the San Francisco conference he said, "Typically when I go to a
conference, especially a national conference, I pick up an item that I
would use in our opening day activity..." He also mentioned that this may
not be the only way he benefits from attending. Mr. Cress commented,
"...I've got a lot of good ideas..." from attending the national
conference. Huffman
commented about the new calling system that contacts each home with emergency
closing information and can also be used to communicate other information. The
system is being tried through April 2008 at no cost to the Corporation. After
that it would cost the Corporation $2.00 per student for the school year. Huffman
shared preliminary information regarding possible
goals for 2007-08: GOAL
#1 GOAL
#3 In a draft
(i.e. not in final form) of a brochure including the above goals Huffman also
includes: "Do you know what single factor has the largest impact on your
child's achievement? THE TEACHER EFFECT Makes all other differences pale
in comparison to anything else. Improved classroom instruction is the prime
factor to produce student achievement gains. Having an above average teacher for
five years running can completely close the achievement gap." With this in
mind, Phillips commented that he would like to see an additional goal that
directly addresses "...people being accountable for a quality job
performance..." Huffman responded, "I don't have a problem adding that
in...the one I really want to get accomplished is Goal # 1...if we get that done
we probably are holding people accountable..." Phillips thinks it should be
noted that there are many more teachers than just "math" and
"English Language Arts" teachers. He also believes that "quality
job performance" pertains to all employees, not just teachers. Huffman
continued, "...I can put together something on...accountability and
evaluations...because that's where accountability will come." Huffman
indicated he will work on drafting an additional goal pertaining to this and
bring it back to the next Board meeting. Huffman
stated, in response to a question from Phillips, that regarding Advanced
Placement classes for the High School, Caston has submitted an AP Course Audit
form and syllabus as required for each class being taught this year. Each has
been approved except Calculus AB. It was returned to Caston with revisions
requested that were made and then it was resubmitted. A further response has not
been received and at this time it is still pending. The following links
will take you to the "Course Home Page" that provides a link to the
"Course Description": Biology,
Calculus
AB, Chemistry
and English
Literature and Composition. A listing of the 37 AP courses available
with a course description may be found here. Joyce
Zartman commented about the possibility of a "first aid kit,"
including a mouthpiece for cpr, being located uniformly in each classroom so
that it could easily and promptly be located by substitutes or whoever might be
using the classroom at any given time. At
this meeting and also at the Board meetings of Sep. 4 and Aug. 21, 2007 the
topic of missing staff evaluations came up. Mr. Huffman mentioned the staff is
aware of the missing evaluations. He also commented that there are copies of the
missing evaluations in the Administration Building. Mr. Foster stated that upon assuming his
responsibilities as Jr.-Sr. High School Principal he noticed that there were no
past staff evaluations left in his office. Concern was expressed due to the
confidential nature of staff evaluations and discussion ensued regarding the
importance of such information being kept secure and under lock and key with
only authorized individuals having access. Upon Phillips asking what had been
done to identify who removed the evaluations from the office Mr. Huffman stated
he had talked "a couple" of times to former principal, Mr. Rickett,
and was told the evaluations had come up missing at an earlier time. Upon
Phillips questioning Corporation Attorney, Mr. Robert Murray, about the
seriousness of the situation, Murray stated that the removal of school property,
i.e. the evaluations, conceivably could represent a criminal action. The
additional reason Phillips voted against the claim for Study Council dues was
because participation in the Study Council for this school year had not appeared
on the agenda as in times past. A similar situation recently occurred regarding
planned attendance at the Indiana School Boards Association Fall Conference to
be held October 1st and 2nd in Indianapolis. It never appeared
on a Board agenda. Upon questioning the change in practice Huffman stated he is
no longer required to bring meeting requests before the Board unless it is a
national or out of state meeting. His basis for this is Policy
#3243 that includes, "The Superintendent shall prepare
administrative guidelines to implement this policy." Administrative
Guideline #3243 includes, "Attendance at educational meetings shall
be controlled by the Superintendent in accordance with Board
policy." In Phillips' opinion there are a several problems with this
having to do with accountability and checks and balances. First, the
Administrative Guidelines were not brought to the Board for approval/rejection.
Mr. Huffman stated that typically the Guidelines are not acted upon by a Board.
The effect is that the Board has given its authority to act on these requests to
Superintendent Huffman. In Phillips' opinion this is
another example of a policy being approved that diminishes school board authority and
prerogatives and places it with the superintendent. Click
here to see voting record on this policy. Secondly,
it becomes much more difficult for the Board to be aware of individuals
attending conferences, workshops, etc. and even then it often times will
probably be after the fact, if at all, when asked to approve a claim for
expenses. Phillips is interested in staying aware of staff's participation in
professional development activities but this becomes much more problematic given
Huffman's current practice. Lastly, it allows Huffman to attend unlimited
workshops, conferences, seminars, etc. without the Board's advance awareness of
his attendance. Board President Cress stated that if it is felt that
this policy/practice should receive further consideration it should be requested
that it be put on an upcoming Agenda. Phillips then made such a request and
understood Cress to say it would be placed on the next Agenda. "Scorecard"
Posting From 9/18/07 Meeting (9/20/07)
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