Fruitport Board of Education
Regular Monthly Meeting
September 20, 2021 7:00 p.m.
Board Room
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 –Elroy Buckner, Tim Burgess, Susan Franklin, and Dave Hazekamp.
Absent – Kris Cole and Steve Kelly.
IV. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Item 21-149. MOTION by Buckner, SECOND by Franklin to approve the agenda as presented.
MOTION CARRIED 4-0
V. PRESENTATIONS
None.
VI. COMMUNICATIONS
None.
VII. REMARKS FROM THE PUBLIC
Parent, Daniel Lee thanked the Board for keeping masks a parent decision. He questioned how many students in quarantine are getting sick.
Parent, Susie Halter spoke about different viruses and wondered why the focus was only on COVID-19. She expressed her concern on what the mitigation strategies are doing to students.
Parent, Tabitha Glenn thanked the Board for giving parents the choice to mask their students. She asks the Board to look at the risk vs. the benefit of the district’s mitigation strategies.
Superintendent, Jason Kennedy responded to various concerns. He explained he is trying to find the right balance to keep kids safe.
Parent, Sonia Sellenger addressed board members regarding students wearing masks. She expressed her appreciation for allowing parents to make the choice. She is hoping that students will be in the classroom more this year because they have missed much already.
Parent, Kendra Hansen stated that she agreed with previous parent comments and hoped schools would focus on “education”.
Parent, Eli Cooper spoke about the district’s COVID-19 mitigations strategies and wondered if having COVID-19 antibodies would eliminate a quarantine.
District Liaison to Public Health Muskegon County, Amy Upham addressed many of the concerns brought forward. She explained the differences between various viruses and why COVID-19 mitigation strategies are important. She also spoke about the vaccine and the positive effects it is showing. She asked parents to visit: maskupmuskegon.org for answers to COVID-19 related questions.
Parent, Jamie Russell had questions on COVID-19 antibodies and field trips.
VIII. SUPERINTENDENT/ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS
Superintendent, Jason Kennedy spoke about his communication style. He also informed the Board that he will be working with administrators to set goals and strategies to move the district forward. Jason read aloud a tribute to Board Member Jill Brott who passed away on September 9, 2021.
IX. CONSENT AGENDA
Item 21-150. MOTION by Buckner, SECOND by Burgess to approve the Consent Agenda as listed below:
- Approval of Special Meeting Minutes of August 26, 2021
- Acceptance of Bills, Monthly Financial Report, and ACH Transactions
- Acceptance of Student Activity Summary Report
- Acceptance of Credit Card and Utilities Report
- Approval of Capital Projects Progress Report
- Approval of 2021 Bond Report
- Approval of the Personnel Report
MOTION CARRIED 4-0
X. GENERAL BOARD BUSINESS
- Board Member Vacancy, Policy, and Process.
Jason Kennedy gave an overview on filling the vacant board seat. A timeline was discussed and set as follows: Post vacancy through 4:00 p.m. on September 27, 2021. Special Meeting to be held on September 28th at 6:00 p.m. to review applicants. October 4th interview and select candidate. - FHS Ribbon Cutting Ceremony and Open House.
Jason Kennedy reviewed the Ribbon Cutting invitation and gave details of the event being held on September 29, 2021.
XI. BUSINESS AND FINANCE COMMITTEE REPORTS & RECOMMENDATIONS
- Report of a committee meeting held September 13, 2021.
Elroy Buckner reported on a Business and Finance Committee meeting held September 13, 2021. Dave Hazekamp, Kris Cole, Elroy Buckner, Jason Kennedy, and Mark Mesbergen were present. The committee discussed a Superintendent Mentor, Audit Update, Bond Update, a Bargaining Update and the ECC Salary and Tuition. - Early Childhood Center Tuition Increase.
Item 21-151. MOTION by Buckner, SECOND by Burgess to approve an increase of $10.00 weekly to the cost of daycare.
MOTION CARRIED 4-0 - Early Childhood Center Salary Increase.
Item 21-152. MOTION by Buckner, SECOND by Franklin to approve a $2.00 per hour increase for ECC staff.
MOTION CARRIED 4-0.
XII. PERSONNEL COMMITTEE REPORTS & RECOMMENDATIONS
None.
XIII. STUDENT AFFAIRS COMMITTEE REPORTS & RECOMMENDATIONS
- Overnight Trip Request.
Item 21-153. MOTION by Franklin, SECOND by Buckner to approve the middle school trip to Washington DC, April 27, 2022 – May 1, 2022 as presented.
MOTION CARRIED 4-0
XIV. BOARD MEMBER REPORTS AND DISCUSSIONS
Susan Franklin spoke about Jill Brott’s funeral. She was pleased to see how well attended it was. She also commented on the successful elementary tailgate party held on September 17th .
Dave Hazekamp presented a Welcome Basket of gifts from the community to Jason Kennedy.
XV. AGENDA ITEMS for FUTURE MEETINGS & SCHEDULING OF ANY SPECIAL MEETINGS
- Business and Finance Committee will meet October 11, 2021 at 11:30 a.m.
- Personnel Committee will meet October 11, 2021 at 5:00 p.m.
- Student Affairs Committee will meet October 13, 2021 at 12:00 p.m.
- Special Board Meeting to review board vacancy applications September 28, 2021 @ 6:00 p.m.
- Special Board Meeting to interview and select new board member October 4, 2021 @ 6:00 p.m.
XVI. REMARKS FROM THE PUBLIC
Parent, TJ Ellis spoke about the Robotics program. He mentioned that competitions will be in person this year and Fruitport will host a competition. He explained the various components required of the machine to compete.
Staff member, Pam Gustafson shared a peanut butter cake that she made in honor of Jill Brott. She mentioned it was Jill’s favorite.
Parent, Jamie Russell thanked the superintendent and Board of Education for their hard work making tough decisions.
Parent, Susie Halter read aloud information on the transmission of COVID-19.
XVII. CLOSED SESSION TO DISCUSS NEGOTIATIONS
Item 21-154. MOTION by Buckner, SECOND by Franklin to enter Closed Session to discuss negotiations.
MOTION CARRIED 4-0
The Board of Education entered Closed Session at 8:23 p.m.
Item 21-155. MOTION by Franklin, SECOND by Buckner to move back into Open Session.
MOTION CARRIED 4-0
The Board of Education came out of Closed Session at 9:19 p.m.
XVIII. ADJOURNMENT
Item 21-156. MOTION by Buckner, SECOND by Franklin to adjourn.
MOTION CARRIED 4-0
The meeting adjourned at 9:19 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Susan Franklin
Acting Board Secretary
Maribeth Clarke
Recording Secretary