MINSTER – The Minster Board of Education met Monday, Jan. 10, for their organizational meeting, followed by their regular monthly meeting.
During the organizational meeting, Sandra Schulze, Rich Bruns and Nick Rentz were sworn in as Board of Education members. Trina Nixon was elected president and Sandra Schulze was elected vice president. The regular meeting date and time was kept at the third Monday of the month at 7 p.m. in the elementary school large group meeting room.
The board then appointed the following members to various committees and advisory groups.
Trina Nixon will head up the District Leadership Team; Sandy Schulze will participate in the Tri-Star Career Compact Advisory Council; Ted Oldiges, the Athletic Council; Rich Bruns, the Recreation Committee; Jeff Monnin, the Scholarship Fund; Leslie Tyler, the Community Fund; Superintendent Boeke, the Community Improvement Committee
The treasurer and superintendent were then authorized to perform duties aligned to their positions.
Finally the board reaffirmed that all policies in effect on the date of the organizational meeting are continued in full force and effect unless modified by subsequent action of the board. The Board then moved to the regular meeting.
The board accepted $13,645.20 from the Herkenhoff Charitable Trust for various teacher grants.
In reports to the board, Superintendent Brenda Boeke shared a progress report on the strategic plan to assure academic success in the district.
Elementary Principal Leanne Keller reported that the third grade reading test had 59 of 63 students meeting the Third Grade Guarantee promotion cut score. Keller noted the retention provision for not meeting the promotion score is not applicable for the 2021-2022 school year.
She reported that a large majority of the staff will be participating in a study of the book “Lost & Found” by Ross Greene to learn about behavioral intervention from a skill-based philosophy.
Junior/Senior Principal Austin Kaylor said the semester exam schedule will be Jan. 12-14. He also explained the addition of the “stay list” which permits students caught up with all assignments and owing the school no money may leave at 1:15 on Fridays but those having obligations to fulfill must “stay.” Buses will run at normal times and supervision will be provided for those not wishing/able to leave at 1:15.
He further said the annual College Credit Plus informational session will be held Wed., Jan. 12. This year 104 students are taking 416 semester hours through Franklin University and 35 students taking 140 semester hours through Rhodes State. Additionally, there are 11 students taking 33 semester hours through Rhodes State for online courses.
Finally he reported that Student-Led Conferences and High School Orientation will be done in person Feb. 9 and 15.
During the curriculum and instruction update, band director Jen Beair shared a slide presentation of the band’s trip to Florida. The students and chaperones were said to have had a great time and that wonderful memories were made.
Treasurer Laura Klosterman shared the W-2’s and 1099’s will be sent to employees/contractors soon. She also shared information on the real estate tax estimates and values for 2021. The only increase in 2021 tax year over 2020 was due to new construction. The next reappraisal will occur in 2023 with collections reflected in fiscal year 2024 and 2025. She also shared the district’s tax rate overtime has decreased due to reappraisal/triennial update every three years. Klosterman said she expects the district to be on the 20 mill floor after the 2023 reappraisal. When that happens, the district would see the full value of any growth in property values versus currently only seeing growth on new construction.
The board approved her written report, the minutes, the financial report, payment of bills, permanent appropriations FY2022 and a Now & Then certificate for payment to Ernst Sporting Goods for Junior High girls basketball uniforms.
During the Superintendent’s consent agenda the Board approved the annual membership dues to the Ohio School Boards Association and Ohio School Boards Association Legal Assistance Fund for 2022.
Boeke then noted January is School Board Recognition Month. She recognized each board member with a certificate and cookies. Boeke paraphrased Gov. DeWine’s proclamation thanking them “For their important role in creating and monitoring district plans to make sure students have the tools and skills to reach their full potential.”
In new business the board approved the service consulting agreement with Educational Consortium for Telecommunications Savings (ECTS) which is the consulting firm used to administer our E-Rate funds. The board also approved policy 5336- Care of Students with Diabetes. This revised policy allows the school to maintain a supply of injectable or nasally administered Glucagon for use in emergency situations.
In personnel recommendation the board approved Dustin Frericks as a part time tutor at the high school, updated the contract of Vickie Sherer to regular custodian, and approved the new position of Assistant Treasurer. Klosterman noted she hopes to have the position filled by April.
The next regular meeting is scheduled for Feb. 21, 2022. The board then went into executive session to discuss the employment and compensation of a public employee with no action taken.
