HARTFORD UNION HIGH SCHOOL

                                                                        BOARD MINUTES

                                                                           March 5, 2007

 

Board President, William T. Priegel, in Drama Lecture, at Hartford Union High School, called a regular meeting of the Hartford Union High School Board of Education to order at 7:02 PM on March 5, 2007.

 

                                           CALL TO ORDER, ROLL CALL, ADOPTION OF AGENDA

                                                              AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

 

PRESENT:        David A. Kling, William T. Priegel, Shirley A. Reis, Mary Koehl, Principal/Director of Curriculum and Michael L. Kremer, Ph.D. District Administrator.

           

EXCUSED:        Crystal A. Berg and Tracie L. Black

 

Kling/Reis, to call the meeting to order and approve the agenda as presented.  Roll Call:   3  -  0.  Motion unanimously carried.

 

Mr. Priegel led the Board and Administration in the Pledge of Allegiance.

 

                                                APPROVAL OF UNANIMOUS CONSENT AGENDA

 

Reis/Kling, to approve the Unanimous Consent Agenda as follows:

 

Minutes:  Community Input Meeting of February 6, 2007 and February 12, 2007 Regular Meeting Minutes, both as printed.

 

Vouchers:  Payroll vouchers in the amount of $313,457.33, Prepaid and Regular Vouchers in the amount of $534,953.51, Grand Total of all Vouchers of $848,410.84.

 

Treasurer’s Report:  The Treasurer’s Report for the period ending January 31, 2007 in the amount of $6,002,600.14.

 

Acceptance of Gifts:  As presented.

 

Acceptance of Budget Transfer Request:  None

 

Bid Acceptance: None

 

Personnel Recommendations:  Resignations:  Sheila Hess, Food Service Part-time – effective 2/23/  Leaves:  Linda Ansay, IMC Secretary – effective 4/5/07; Pollyanna Bopp, Student Supervisor, effective 3/6 and 3/8/07; Mary Gerdzunas, In-House Detention Supervisor, effective 2/26/07; Jane Grundy, Special Ed Aide, effective 2/13 and 2/23/07; Krista Hoffmann, Special Ed Aide, effective 2/26 and 2/28/07; Lynn Simon, Special Ed Aide, effective 2/19/07; Cindy Tate, Food Service Part-time, effective 3/16 and Sherry Walters, Food Service Part-time, effective 4/23 and 4/24/07  Appointments:  Margaret Grant, Food Service Part-time, effective 3/5/07, 3.75.hr/day, 180 days; Laura Gruber, Food Service Part-time, effective 3/5/07; and Jennifer Schomer, Long Term Substitute – FACE, effective 3/8/07  Other: John Smith, Information Technology Teacher, effective with 2007-08 school year, returning from a leave of absence.

 

And move the WIA Incentive Grant Training Report after the approval of the unanimous consent agenda.

 

Roll Call:   3  -  0.  Motion unanimously approved.

 

WIA Incentive Grant Training

Laurie Barz, Director for MPTC Campus Hartford spoke about the Grant received for welding training to be offered by Milwaukee Area Technical College, (MATC), Moraine Park College (MPTC), Gateway Technical College (GTC), and Waukesha County Technical College (WCTC).  The award received by MPTC will partner with HUHS to provide the training at HUHS because of our facilities.  Classes will include welding, math and blueprint reading and each class will be approximately 200 hours in length.  This will provide training for employees to meet specific welding skills requested by manufacturers. 

 

Reports, Communications and Any Other Action Necessary

 

Student Board Representative Reports

Student Council Board representatives Peter Hoeschele, Paul Stucker and Brad Lentz were present.  Peter Hoeschele and Brad Lentz let Brad Stucker speak.  He wanted to share that the International Club Talent Show held last weekend was very successful, and the audience tonight is very supportive of the Music Department.

 

                                                  COMMITTEE AND BOARD MEMBER REPORTS

Treasurer’s Report

Mr. Dudzik and Mrs. Black do meet regularly to review accounting information.  Mrs. Black isn’t available this evening so a report won’t be given.  Expenditures are available upon request, the board received a condensed overview of the monthly expenditures. 

 

Purchase of Flowers, Cards & Guidelines

Board President Priegel felt a discussion on the money spent toward flowers and cards for staff should be reviewed given the budget cuts at the present time.  It was felt by the board in attendance that the good will that is generated from this gesture out way the cost which is nominal.  Mr. Priegel was asked to work on guidelines and anyone board member wishing to give suggestions should e-mail him and this will be brought back to the April meeting.  The board received Information on guidelines used by HEA and HSA, both the professional and support unions as well as other area districts. 

 

Teacher/Staff Retirement Breakfast

Dr. Kremer met with the Professional Staff officials (HEA) and discussed the past practice last year with the luncheon and the union partially contributing to the cost last year.  The HEA will not contribute this year.  They suggested a breakfast which will be less expensive and more staff may attend.  Motion by Kling/Reis that the Board and Administration to pay the cost of the breakfast. Motion unanimously approved. 

 

COMMUNICATIONS

 

1st Class Activities – Mrs. Reis wanted to commend the four firms honored as 2007 Business Friends of Education, Dave’s Job Shop, Mantz Automation, Signicast Corp., Steel Craft Corp., as well as Helgesen Industries who was nominated.  Thirteen companies earned the award state wide and four of them were from Hartford.  These companies have all been supportive of programs at HUHS. 

 

Announcement of Acceptance of Gifts – Mr. Kling presented the gifts.

 

DEPARTMENT REPORTS

Science Department Report

Mr. O’Brien, Department Chair, presented a five minute video on AP courses along with graphs, charts and test scores provided to the Board.  There is a definite increase in the upper level courses, test scores on the WKCE 10th grade science area are 11.2% above the state average since 2002 and the level of proficiency from 8th and 10th grade WKCE testing is approximately 11% higher as well.  Mr. O’Brien was thanked for his report.

 

ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS

 

Weight Room Fundraiser

Mr. Schlitt and Mr. Redders shared information about a fundraiser for that area.  This comes from a need to replace equipment originally placed in that area in 1994, needing replacement and the size of the area.  The Booster Club has already donated $10,000 toward this project to expand, remodel and renovate the fitness center/weight room and replace the outdated equipment that it has.  The expansion is to remove a wall and add approximately 300 sq. ft., which can be accomplished with our custodial department.  The money will come totally from fundraising and a letter went to Chamber members in January about the fundraiser and levels of giving.  Some smaller contributions have come in and the cost will range from $55,000 to $70,000.  Both were thanked for their efforts in this fundraiser.

 

Dialogue Focused on Class Size Report and Budget 2007-2008

Mr. Priegel thanked everyone for attending this evening’s important meeting.  Dr. Kremer explained the declining enrollment and the gap in state funding creating the need for approximately $800,000 in budget cuts over the next three years. He talked about all of the communications that have taken place over the past few months to gather information, come to consensus on areas that could be cut and getting that information out to the public.  In turn, many communications and e-mails were received in regards to the process and where we find ourselves today.  The impact this year will be slightly higher class sizes; fewer low enrollment courses offered; maintain almost all upper level sequence courses; modification of services and programs (Administration, Technology Reorganization and Music Program); elimination of courses; less safe and secure environment; less secretarial and clerical support; creation of a fiscally responsible budget and technology.  There will be a Data Retreat in August, Strategic Planning and Mission in October.  The Data Retreat will address the flat to declining test scores/ACT in comparison to other area school districts. Dr. Kremer is very concerned that he hasn’t received any letters, e-mails or phone calls in regard to the declining student achievement.  His greatest concern for the District if we want to change our image, it shouldn’t be for Outstanding (whatever program), but focusing on student achievement. 

 

Presented this evening are Reductions: one administrator, loss of teaching staff three by attrition (retirements), one full time secretary, numerous part-time staff, one CASH aide, Student Council will be supervised by Counseling in a transition year with one teacher still involved (two less advisors); three less interns, only interns in Science this year; reduce co-curriculars by $10,000; mail only D’s & F’s Progress reports; no longer supply Kleenex; New Revenues:  Student fees, parking fees, Co-curricular fee and Athletic Fee; New Programs: 0.4 FTE Supervisor of Pupil Services; one teacher contingency position; addition in Music Position 0.17 FTE; Increase in ELL Position 0.17 FTE and two-4hr/Student Supervisor contingencies if needed. 

 

The impact in programs this year for the Music area:  No change in Orchestra, continue with one on one instruction; no change in the vocal music, an increase in current contract of Ms. Klockow to full-time, half of the lessons are on a one on one basis and will possibly need someone to pick up rest of lessons; loss of Marching Band at football games.  Numbers were down by sixty students in the band, weather last fall was very difficult.  The target for reductions was $800,000, however, we have only been able to identify $707,690.  The next two years will have to be looked at seriously, do feel we can work with $700,000 for 2007-08. 

CITIZENS AND DELEGATIONS

 

There were approximately 100 people in the audience in support of the Music Program.  Everyone was given an opportunity to speak on their concern or issue, a show of hands was asked for after each comment in support of that particular concern to allow others with different concerns to speak.  Concerns or comments:  City Band in support of Music Program; Family members support of program not wanting any changes; Outstanding Quality Program; Parents to pay for lessons; Private Lessons Elsewhere; Review Reductions again; Students distracted too many activities during school week, should focus on academics more; $700,000 doesn’t include technology needs.

 

(NO FURTHER AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION)

 

OLD BUSINESS

 

None

NEW BUSINESS

 

Proposal #07-1593 – Budget Adjustment Package for 2007-08 and the Preliminary Class Size Report.  No action was taken discussion by the board on class sizes going up, classes that were dropped because of low enrollment, and departments that have decreased enrollments.  Review will take place the next two weeks and a vote will take place at the March 19, 2007 Board meeting.

 

Proposal #07-1594 – Software License.  Kling/Reis, to approve the Software License needed to comply with usage laws. The cost is $47,435 that will come from Fund 10 as a one-time emergency expense.  Roll Call:  3  -  0.  Motion unanimously approved.

 

Proposal #07-1595 – First Reading of Board Policy 5114, Foreign Exchange Students.  Discussion on this policy, allowing exchange student from only the AFS Program or Rotary International Programs will be accepted and the policy should read ‘up to five’ students per year.  This is a first reading of this policy and it will be brought back as a second reading at the March 19, 2007 meeting for approval. 

 

Proposal #07-1596 – Youth Options Request – Fall 2007.  Reis/Kling, to approve the two Youth Options requests for the Fall 2007 semester.  The total cost is approximately $840.66 - $1,221.10 plus books and possible increase in tuitions that aren’t set until summer of 2007.  The amount will need to be included in the 2007-08 budget.  Roll Call:  3  -  0.  Motion unanimously approved.

                                                             ANNOUNCEMENT OF MEETINGS 

February 19, 2007                 5:00 – 7:00 PM – Board and Administration HEA Negotiation Workshop – Room 89

February 21, 2007                 5:00 – 8:00 PM – Board/HEA Negotiations – Room 89

February 28, 2007                 6:00 PM Annual Chamber Dinner – Chandelier Ballroom

March 5, 2007                       7:00 PM – Regular Board of Education Meeting – Library                  

March 12, 2007                     5:00 – 8:00 PM Board/HEA Negotiations – Room 89

March 19, 2007                     7:00 PM – Regular Board of Education Meeting – Drama Lecture       

March 23 & 24, 2007             6:00 – 9:00 PM and 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM Board Retreat – HUHS Library

March 26, 2007                     5:00 PM – 8:00 PM Board/HEA Negotiations – Room 89

August 23 & 24, 2007            Data Retreat Workshop                              

October 9, 10 & 11, 2007       Strategic Planning Sessions

 

 

ANNOUNCEMENT OF CLOSED SESSION

 

                        “Considering employment, promotion, compensation or performance evaluation data of any public employee over which the governmental body has jurisdiction or exercises responsibility.”  WI Stats. 19.85(1)(c)

 

PERSONNEL ISSUES

 

ADJOURNMENT

 

Motion by Reis/Kling to adjourn to closed session at 9:26 PM.  Motion unanimously approved.

 

Roll Call: 3  -  0.  Motion unanimously approved.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

 

William T. Priegel, President

Michael L. Kremer, Ph.D.

District Administrator

 

Approved:   3/19/07                    

 

/s/ David A. Kling                       

David A. Kling, Deputy Clerk