Call to Order

• PRESIDENT: Dr. Burnett opened the meeting at 6:00pm

Pledge of Allegiance

• Dr. Burnett led the Pledge of Allegiance.

Roll Call

• PRESENT: C. Lee, K. Berry, C. Carlson, K. Laesch, S. Carlin, R. Writer, and H. Burnett
• ABSENT: None
• OTHERS PRESENT: Superintendent Patricia Robinson, Phil Place, Carrie Brunsting, Mark Kurland, Michelle Munyon, Mark Frey, Shelby Beasley, Ryan Frontczak, Tammy Holmer, Sondra Staggs, Michelle Horvath, Kristine Rettig

Adoption of Agenda

• MOTION by C. Carlson, SECONDED BY Member R. Writer the agenda for the board meeting of December 19, 2022 be adopted as written.
• ROLL CALL VOTE: C. Lee, K. Berry, C. Carlson, K. Laesch, S. Carlin, R. Writer, and H. Burnett
• NAYS: None
• MOTION ADOPTED

Recognition of Visitors

• Dr. Burnett and Mrs. Robinson welcomed all.
• J. Pecoraro

Points of Pride

• Buck Staff Recognition December Winner: Michelle Horvath, Moccasin 3rd Grade Teacher. Mrs. Laesch recognized Mrs. Horvath as this month’s winner.
• Nominees included:
  • Brenda Hemphill, Moccasin 4th Grade Teacher
  • Dale Groves, BMS 5th Grade Teacher
  • Donna Southwell, BHS Interventionist
  • Holly Martin, BHS Special Education Teacher
  • Jacque Coffel, Moccasin Lunchroom & KidKare Aide
  • Jennifer Shumaker, BS Paraprofessional
  • Josh Wegener, BHS Social Studies Teacher
  • Lindsay Harroff, Moccasin 2nd Grade Teacher
  • Lisa Eliason, Enviroclean Custodian
  • Marilyn Harmon, Moccasin Paraprofessional
  • Rebekah Marschke, Moccasin 4th Grade Teacher
  • Ryan Frontczak, BMS Dean of Students & Assistant Athletic Coordinator
• School Board Member Recognition, Chris Lee 2016-2022 – The Board honored Mr. Lee for his service to Buchanan Community Schools.

Superintendent / Department Reports

• Updates for BHS & CTE, BMS, Moccasin, Ottawa, Athletics & BVA, Business Office, Food Service, Information Technology, Transportation, and Assistant Superintendent

Presentations

• School Highlight – Mr. Mark Frey, Buchanan High School Assistant Principal and CTE Director shared with the board the exciting things happening with CTE.

Information/Reports & New Business

• Superintendent & Buck Parent Conversations, November 29th Meeting – Mrs. Robinson confirmed these are open meetings for the community or parents to come ask questions and have an open dialogue with her.
• BHS Student Council, November 30” Meeting – Mrs. Robinson met with the BHS student council and discussed the bond.
• Parent Advisory Committee, November 30th Meeting – Mrs. Robinson shared they touched on a lot of different topics, the bond, safety and security, elementary Spanish club, curriculum and programming as well as ADA compliance issues.
• Moccasin & BHS Bond Feedback, December 5” & 6′ Meetings – Mrs. Robinson informed the board these were casual meetings for staff to come share their thoughts or concerns about the bond with her.
• Human Resources Committee, December 7′” Meeting – Mrs. Berry updated the board they spoke of a wage opener with the paraprofessional group, retirement, new hires, potential new hires, and open positions.
• Facilities Planning Committee, December 13th Meeting – Mr. Carlson shared they spoke of bus drivers taking the buses home, our sinking fund, ADA compliance issues at Moccasin, BMS parking lot, BHS family restroom, and air conditioning.

Public Comment

• None

Adoption of Consent Agenda

• MOTION by R. Writer, SECONDED BY Member C. Lee, the Board of Education approves the consent agenda for the regular board meeting of December 19th 2022 be adopted as written:

1. Minutes:
   • 11-21-2022 Regular Meeting
2. Warrants:
   • Treasury & Expenditure Reports – November 2022
3. Retirement:
   • Wendy Murphy – Ottawa Literacy Coach, 32 years of service
4. Recommendations to Hire as submitted by:
   • Ottawa Elementary Principal, Mrs. Stacey Denison

5. Coaching Recommendation for Spring 2022-23 submitted by Athletic Coordinator, Mr. Reid McBeth:

• ROLL CALL VOTE: C. Lee, K. Berry, C. Carlson, K. Laesch, S. Carlin, R. Writer, and H. Burnett
• NAYS: None 
• MOTION ADOPTED

Buchanan Virtual Academy Graduation

• MOTION by K. Laesch, SECONDED BY Member R. Writer, upon satisfactory completion of district requirements for high school graduation, the Board of Education hereby approves:
  • Buchanan Virtual Academy Students:
    • Monique Bevier
• ROLL CALL VOTE: C. Lee, K. Berry, C. Carlson, K. Laesch, S. Carlin, R. Writer, and H. Burnett
• NAYS: None
• MOTION ADOPTED

Support Staff Leave of Absence – Amber Breden

• MOTION by C. Carlson, SECONDED BY Member K. Berry, the Buchanan Board of Education grants an unpaid leave of absence to Amber Breden, Moccasin Media Assistant, from December 14th through December 23, 2022 to celebrate her wedding and honeymoon in accordance with board policy 4430.
• ROLL CALL VOTE: C. Lee, K. Berry, C. Carlson, K. Laesch, S. Carlin, R. Writer, and H. Burnett
• NAYS: None
• MOTION ADOPTED

Support Staff Leave of Absence – Sophia Williams

• MOTION by K. Berry, SECONDED BY Member C. Carlson, the Buchanan Board of Education grants an unpaid leave of absence to Sophia Williams, Operations Utility Staff Coordinator, from December 21, 2022 through January 4, 2023 to celebrate her daughter’s wedding in Jamaica.
• ROLL CALL VOTE: C. Lee, K. Berry, C. Carlson, K. Laesch, S. Carlin, R. Writer, and H. Burnett
• NAYS: None
• MOTION ADOPTED

Summer Tax Resolution

• MOTION by C. Lee, SECONDED BY Member C. Carlson, the Buchanan Board of Education adopts the following resolution:
  • WHEREAS, this Board previously adopted a resolution to impose a summer tax levy to collect 100% of annual school property taxes, including debt service, upon property located within the District and continuing from year-to-year until specifically revoked by the Board.
  • NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT:

1. The Board, pursuant to 1976 PA 451, as amended (the Revised School Code), invokes for 2023 its previously adopted ongoing resolution imposing a summer tax levy of all of annual school property taxes, including debt service, upon property located within the District and continuing from year-to-year until specifically revoked by the Board and requests that each city and/or township in which the District is located collect those summer taxes.
2. The Superintendent or designee is authorized and directed to forward to the governing body of each city and/or township in which the District is located a copy of this Board’s resolution imposing a summer property tax levy on an ongoing basis and a copy of this resolution requesting that each such city and/or township agree to collect the summer tax levy for 2023 in the amount specified in this resolution. Such forwarding of the resolutions and the request to collect the summer tax levy shall be performed so that they are received by the appropriate governing bodies before January 1, 2023.
3. Pursuant to and in accordance with Section 1613(1) of the Revised School Code, the Superintendent or designee is authorized and directed to negotiate on behalf of the District with the governing body of each city and/or township in which the District is located for the reasonable expenses for collection of the District’s summer tax levy that the city and/or township may bill under MCL 380.1611 or MCL 380.1612. Any such proposed agreement shall be brought before this Board for its approval or disapproval.
4. All resolutions and parts of resolutions insofar as they conflict with the provisions of this resolution be and the same are hereby rescinded.

• ROLL CALL VOTE: C. Lee, K. Berry, C. Carlson, K. Laesch, S. Carlin, R. Writer, and H. Burnett
• NAYS: None
• MOTION ADOPTED

BEA Letter of Agreement – Melissa Lyon

• MOTION by C. Carlson, SECONDED BY Member K. Laesch, the Buchanan Community Schools Board of Education approves the attached letter of agreement with the Buchanan Education Association for Melissa Lyon.
  • Letter of Agreement Between the Buchanan -5C Education Association, MEA/NEA, and the Buchanan Community Schools Board of Education
    • Stipend for Additional Hours – Special Education Teacher Melissa Lyon
  • In consideration of their mutual covenants reflected in this Agreement, the Buchanan -5C Education Association, MEA/NEA (the Association), and the Buchanan Community Schools Board of Education (the Board), agree as follows:

1. Due to the challenges in filling certain special education positions, Buchanan Special Education Teacher Melissa Lyon has accumulated additional work hours outside of the regular school day during the 2022-23 school year.
2. While the parties acknowledge that all professional staff have work responsibilities that may extend beyond the regular school work day, the additional hours worked by Ms. Lyon are significant.
3. Effective October 28, 2022, the District will pay Ms. Lyon an additional stipend of $5,000 for each semester for the 2022-2023 school year pro-rated for the number of days of responsibility.
4. The stipend payment is made through payroll on a lump-sum basis, less applicable withholdings, at the end of each semester.
5. The need for additional hours is temporary and will end, whichever is first, after the official start date of the new Special Education Teacher or when additional time is no longer warranted as mutually agreed by Ms. Lyon and the Superintendent, The stipend for that semester will then be pro-rated as needed based on the number of days worked.
6. This Agreement is not intended to set a precedent and in no way modifies any other provision of the parties’ collective bargaining agreement.
7. This Agreement expires on June 30, 2023.
   • Signed, December 13, 2022: Patricia Robinson – Superintendent, for Board of Education; & Tom Brinks – President, for Buchanan Education Association.

• ROLL CALL VOTE: C. Lee, K. Berry, C. Carlson, K. Laesch, S. Carlin, R. Writer, and H. Burnett
• NAYS: None
• MOTION ADOPTED

BEA Letter of Agreement – Reclassification of Schedule C Advisors

• MOTION by R. Writer, SECONDED BY Member K. Berry, the Buchanan Community Schools Board of Education approves the attached letter of agreement with the Buchanan Education Association for the reclassification of Schedule C Advisors.
  • Letter of Agreement Between the Buchanan -5C Education Association, MEA/NEA, and the Buchanan Community Schools Board of Education
    • Reclassification of Schedule C Advisors
  • In consideration of their mutual covenants reflected in this Agreement, the Buchanan -5C Education Association, MEA/NEA (the Association), and the Buchanan Community Schools Board of Education (the Board), agree as follows:
    • Due to the scope of responsibilities associated with advisor positions:

1. HS Spirit Team Advisor is added to Class 6.
2. Junior Class Advisor in Class 7 is renamed Prom Committee Advisor.
3. Junior Class Advisor position is moved to the “other” section as a $200 stipend to align with the 9th and 10th grade sponsors.

(See SCHEDULE C document in full minutes HERE)

• ROLL CALL VOTE: C. Lee, K. Berry, K. Laesch, S. Carlin, R. Writer, and H. Burnett
• NAYS: None
• ABSTAINED: C. Carlson
• MOTION ADOPTED

BEA Letter of Agreement – Removal of Schedule C

• MOTION by C. Carlson, SECONDED BY Member R. Writer, the Buchanan Community Schools Board of Education approves the attached letter of agreement with the Buchanan Education Association for the removal of Schedule C Language.
  • Letter of Agreement Between the Buchanan -5C Education Association, MEA/NEA, and the Buchanan Community Schools Board of Education
    • Removal of Schedule C
  • In consideration of their mutual covenants reflected in this Agreement, the Buchanan -5C Education Association, MEA/NEA (the Association), and the Buchanan Community Schools Board of Education (the Board), agree as follows:

1. Rationale: Due to the extra-curricular schedule maintaining significant consistency each year the association is willing to forgo their review.
2. Effective Dates: October 4, 2022 – June 30, 2024.
3. Current Language: By June 15 of each year, the Superintendent and Leadership Team (including one principal for each building and Athletic Director) shall meet with the Association Team (President or designee and one representative from each building) to confirm the extracurricular positions budgeted and assigned for the ensuing fiscal/academic year.
4. The current language will be removed from the Agreement.
5. This Agreement is not intended to set a precedent and in no way modifies any other provision of the parties’ collective bargaining agreement.
6. This Agreement expires on June 30, 2024.
   • Signed, December 13, 2022: Patricia Robinson – Superintendent, for Board of Education; & Tom Brinks – President, for Buchanan Education Association.

• ROLL CALL VOTE: C. Lee, K. Berry, C. Carlson, K. Laesch, S. Carlin, R. Writer, and
  H. Burnett
• NAYS: None
• MOTION ADOPTED

Transportation Letter of Agreement – Housing of Buses

• MOTION by C. Carlson, SECONDED BY Member K. Laesch, the Buchanan Community Schools Board of Education approves the attached letter of agreement with the Buchanan Community Schools Transportation Association for the housing of buses.
  • Letter of Agreement Between the Buchanan Community Schools Transportation Association and the Buchanan Community Schools Board of Education
    • In consideration of their mutual covenants reflected in this Agreement, the Buchanan -5C Education Association, MEA/NEA (the Association), and the Buchanan Community Schools Board of Education (the Board), agree as follows:

1. To change the Housing Buses to better accommodate the department and school district.
   a. B9. Working Conditions
   C. Housing Buses: Drivers who live in the district and have adequate space may take their buses home with the transportation director’s approval. Drivers who live outside the district will park their buses at the bus facilities.
2. This Agreement is not intended to set a precedent and in no way modifies any other provision of the parties’ collective bargaining agreement.
3. This Agreement expires on June 30, 2024 with the option to set a new expiration date if both parties are in agreement. The District Administration and/or Board of Education has the right to revoke this LOA If needed.
   • Signed, December 14, 2022: Patricia Robinson – Superintendent, for Board of Education; & Jennifer Schmidkunz – President, for Buchanan Education Association.

• ROLL CALL VOTE: C. Lee, K. Berry, C. Carlson, K. Laesch, S. Carlin, R. Writer, and H. Burnett
• NAYS: None
• MOTION ADOPTED

Closed Session – Student Discipline Hearings & Superintendent Evaluation

• MOTION by K. Berry, SECONDED BY Member R. Writer, the Buchanan Board of
  Education moves into closed session for a hearing on student discipline,
  Student #0002939048 and Student #4897524985, as well as to conduct the
  Superintendent’s evaluation. Time: 6:35pm
• ROLL CALL VOTE: C. Lee, K. Berry, C. Carlson, K. Laesch, S. Carlin, R. Writer, and
  H. Burnett
• NAYS: None
• MOTION ADOPTED

Return to Open Session

• MOTION by R. Writer, SECONDED BY Member C. Lee, the Buchanan Board of
  Education resolves to return to open session. Time: 9:15pm
• ROLL CALL VOTE: C. Lee, K. Berry, C. Carlson, K. Laesch, S. Carlin, R. Writer, and
  H. Burnett
• NAYS: None
• MOTION ADOPTED

Student Discipline – Expulsion Hearing

• MOTION by H. Burnett, SECONDED BY Member K. Berry, the Buchanan Board of
  Education holds the expulsion hearing in abeyance and student #0002939048
  continues on suspension until the student procedural question is addressed.
• ROLL CALL VOTE: C. Lee, K. Berry, C. Carlson, K. Laesch, S. Carlin, R. Writer, and
  H. Burnett
• NAYS: None
• MOTION ADOPTED

Student Discipline – Expulsion Hearing

• MOTION by H. Burnett, SECONDED BY Member R. Writer, the Buchanan Board of
  Education holds the expulsion hearing in abeyance regarding student 4897524985 returning the title IX proceedings back for further addressing.
• ROLL CALL VOTE: C. Lee, K. Berry, C. Carlson, K. Laesch, S. Carlin, R. Writer, and
  H. Burnett
• NAYS: None
• MOTION ADOPTED

Superintendent Evaluation

• MOTION by K. Berry, SECONDED BY Member R. Writer, the Buchanan Board of
  Education adopts the completed year-end evaluation for Superintendent, Mrs.
  Patricia Robinson.
• ROLL CALL VOTE: C. Lee, K. Berry, C. Carlson, K. Laesch, S. Carlin, R. Writer, and
  H. Burnett
• NAYS: None
• MOTION ADOPTED

Questions & Comments from Board Members

• Board members wished everyone a happy holidays and thanked Mr. Lee for his service on the board.
• Mrs. Berry congratulated Wendy Murphy on her retirement.
• Dr. Carlin reiterated that we are lucky to have Mrs. Robinson.

Next Board Meeting

• Monday, January 9th at 6pm.

Adjournment

• 9:20 pm