Fruitport Board of Education
Regular Monthly Meeting
October 20, 2020 7:00 p.m.
Middle School Auditorium
Zoom Conference Log-In:
https://zoom.us/j/96080038050?pwd=Q0FERlVMMnZOOTc4UlB0R2xpUUI0dz09
I. The Regular meeting of the Board of Education was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Board President, Dave Hazekamp.
II. The PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE was recited.
III. ROLL CALL: Present – Jill Brott, Elroy Buckner, Tim Burgess, Kris Cole, Susan Franklin, Dave Hazekamp, and Steve Kelly.
IV. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Item 20-115. MOTION by Brott, SECOND by Buckner to approve the agenda with the following changes: table Audit Report Presentation V-2.
MOTION CARRIED 7-0
V. PRESENTATIONS
Dave Hazekamp read aloud an Above and Beyond Award recognizing Jenn Finnerty and Patty Stasiak for their efforts and dedication to students and staff during this pandemic.
VI. COMMUNICATIONS
None.
VII. REMARKS FROM THE PUBLIC
Parent, Liza Baldwin addressed the Board regarding five-day face-to-face education at the secondary level. She believes that students need to be back in school full time with in person instruction. She stated that 11 local schools are in school five days a week.
Whitehall community member, Brian Hosticka introduced himself and spoke about his campaign for the 91st State Representative seat. He added that he stands with and supports public education.
Student, Jaelyn Baldwin addressed the Board regarding the secondary hybrid schedule. She stated that she is struggling with online learning and would like to return to five-day face-to-face education.
Parent, Rachel Villegas addressed the Board regarding online learning and the secondary hybrid schedule. She stated that the mental health of her kids is being affected from only going to school two days per week. She would like to see them in school five days per week.
Parent, Tracy Staal addressed the Board regarding the current secondary hybrid schedule. She would like to see a student survey conducted to determine their thoughts on the current schedule. As a parent, she believes five days of face-to-face instruction is in the best interest of her students.
Parent, Richard Birtwistle IV addressed the Board regarding the districts COVID-19 policies and mitigation strategies. He stated that the policies and strategies are all unconstitutional and unlawful. He would like to see all students return to school without mask and social distancing protocols.
Parent, Colleen Merkins shared her appreciation of the district’s board members and administration for the work they have put into COVID-19 policies and mitigation strategies during this pandemic. She expressed her desire to have five days of instruction instead of four days at the secondary level.
Parent, Steve Olson thanked everyone for their hard work. He wanted to know what the criteria was for eventually moving back to the classroom full-time along with the criteria for closing a school and going all virtual.
Parent, Tabitha Glenn addressed the board regarding the district’s hybrid schedule. She stated that she is a frontline RN worker and has first-hand experience with COVID-19 patients. Her children are mentally struggling with the hybrid schedule. She would like to keep kids safe, but at what cost? Tabitha is in favor of five-day face-to-face instruction.
VIII. SUPERINTENDENT/ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS
Superintendent, Bob Szymoniak shared information on the positive COVID-19 testing formula for returning to school or going all virtual. He stated that the Board will reconfirm the instructional plan in November. Bob also provided information on the district’s Operational Millage on the November 3rd election ballot.
IX. CONSENT AGENDA
Item 20-116. MOTION by Cole, SECOND by Brott to approve the Consent Agenda as listed below:
1. Approval of Regular Meeting Minutes of September 21, 2020
2. Acceptance of Bills, Monthly Financial Report, and ACH Transactions
3. Acceptance of Student Activity Summary Report
4. Acceptance of Credit Card and Utilities Report
5. Approval of Capital Projects Progress Report
6. Approval of the Personnel Report
MOTION CARRIED 7-0
X. GENERAL BOARD BUSINESS
1. Downtown Development Authority Resolution.
Item 20-117. MOTION by Cole, SECOND by Burgess to adopt a resolution opting out of the DDA as presented. Roll Call: Brott, Yes; Buckner, Yes; Burgess, Yes; Cole, Yes; Franklin, Yes; Hazekamp, Yes; Kelly, Yes.
MOTION CARRIED 7-0
XI. BUSINESS AND FINANCE COMMITTEE REPORTS & RECOMMENDATIONS
1. Report of a committee meeting held October 12, 2020.
Elroy Buckner reported on a Business and Finance Committee meeting held October 12, 2020. Dave Hazekamp, Elroy Buckner, Kris Cole, Mark Mesbergen, Paul Matz, and Bob Szymoniak (remotely) were present. The committee discussed the Audit, the TowerPinkster Contract, an OAK Contract, a Forklift Request, the District’s Instructional Plan and Mitigation Strategies. Bob gave the committee a DDA update.
2. Acceptance of the 2019-20 Annual Financial Report.
Item 20-118. MOTION by Franklin, SECOND by Buckner to table this agenda item until November.
MOTION CARRIED 7-0
3. Tower Pinkster Contract.
Item 20-119. MOTION by Buckner, SECOND by Cole to approve the TowerPinkster contract for the potential upcoming bond proposal as presented.
MOTION CARRIED 7-0
4. Forklift Purchase.
Item 20-120. MOTION by Buckner, SECOND by Cole to approve the purchase of a forklift as presented.
MOTION CARRIED 7-0
5. OAK Contract.
Item 20-121. MOTION by Buckner, SECOND by Cole to approve the Owen-Ames-Kimball, Co. contract for the potential upcoming bond proposal as presented.
MOTION CARRIED 7-0
XII. PERSONNEL COMMITTEE REPORTS & RECOMMENDATIONS
1. Report of a committee meeting held October 14, 2020.
Steve Kelly reported on a Personnel Committee meeting held October 14, 2020. Steve
Kelly, Tim Burgess, Jeff Grossenbacher, and Bob Szymoniak (remotely) were present.
The committee discussed a Letter of Agreement with the Clerical Union, the District’s
Instructional Plan and Mitigation Strategies. Bob gave the committee a DDA update.
2. Fruitport Clerical Association’s Letter of Agreement.
Item 20-122. MOTION by Kelly, SECOND by Brott to approve the letter of agreement with the Clerical Association as presented.
MOTION CARRIED 7-0
XIII. STUDENT AFFAIRS COMMITTEE REPORTS & RECOMMENDATIONS
1. Report of a committee meeting held October 14, 2020.
Jill Brott reported on a Student Affairs Committee meeting held October 14, 2020. Susan Franklin, Jill Brott, Jeff Grossenbacher, Allison Camp, and Bob Szymoniak (remotely) were present. The committee discussed two overnight trip requests, the District’s Instructional Plan and Mitigation Strategies. Bob gave the committee a DDA update.
XIV. BOARD MEMBER REPORTS AND DISCUSSIONS
Kris Cole spoke about the marching band. He was proud to report that the band performed during Homecoming on October 16th and they entertained the crowd during Stadium Echoes on October 19th. The band also played in front of the MCBA on October 17th.
Steve Kelly acknowledged IRONMAN and shared his appreciation for being able to watch sporting events virtually.
Susan Franklin stated that the Fruitport Education Foundation is having a fundraiser and will be selling Fruitport apparel.
XV. AGENDA ITEMS for FUTURE MEETINGS & SCHEDULING OF ANY SPECIAL MEETINGS
1. Business and Finance Committee will meet November 9, 2020 at 11:30 a.m.
2. Personnel Committee will meet November 9, 2020 at 5:00 p.m.
3. Student Affairs Committee will meet November 11, 2020 at 12:00 p.m.
4. A Board Workshop will be held October 21, 2020 at 6:00 p.m. in the Board Room for the purpose of reviewing the superintendent evaluation tool.
XVI. REMARKS FROM THE PUBLIC
Parent, Eli Cooper addressed the Board regarding the secondary hybrid schedule. He would like students in school face-to-face five days per week. He stated that students want to return full-time and young people are not as apt to get sick.
High School Teacher, Deeann Skov shared her appreciation of Bob Szymoniak and Allison Camp. She thanked them for their hard work put into educational programming during this pandemic. She does believe education is happening.
Parent, Colleen Merkins addressed the Board regarding the conference schedule. She would like to see evening options for parents/guardians who work during the day.
XVII. ADJOURNMENT
Item 20-123. MOTION by Buckner, SECOND by Brott to adjourn.
MOTION CARRIED 7-0
The meeting adjourned at 7:54 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Steve Kelly, Board Secretary
Maribeth Clarke, Recording Secretary