06-14-2018 Beebe and Vawter honored with Golden Apples by Watervliet school board; Hartford School B

Beebe and Vawter honored with Golden Apples by Watervliet school board

By Kristy Noack School may be out for the summer for kids throughout the Watervliet district, but school board meetings are still in session. The June meeting, held Monday the 11th, was short on to-do items but long on appreciation for two retiring staff members.

APPLES OF WATERVLIET SCHOOL DISTRICT’S EYES… The Watervliet Board of Education bestowed Golden Apples to Dianne Vawter and Debb Beebe Monday evening. Vawter and Beebe retired from the district after 31 and 27 years of service, respectively. Pictured are (from the left): Watervliet School Board President Bill Spaulding, paraprofessional Dianne Vawter, South Elementary school secretary Debb Beebe, and Superintendent Kevin Schooley. (TCR photo by Kristy Noack)

The board honored Debb Beebe and Dianne Vawter, as the two have stepped away from the Watervliet School District following decades of service. Beebe became an employee of the district in 1991, first as a lunchroom aide. In 1995, she became the secretary at South Elementary School, a position she held until her recent retirement. Superintendent Kevin Schooley said, “She has been the face of South School for 27 years.” South School Principal Carole Fetke shared an email she received about Beebe from a Panther parent. The email stated Beebe “could teach customer service to anyone.” Vawter spent 31 years in the Watervliet School District. She worked at both North and South schools as a paraprofessional. She shared her love of reading with the littlest of Panthers. Vawter initially volunteered at South School in 1982 and was a former vice president of the PTO. Superintendent Schooley referred to both retirees as “long-term contributors to the children of Watervliet.” He also shared, “It has been my pleasure to work with both of you.” Speaking of Beebe’s and Vawter’s long tenure with the school, Watervliet Board of Education President Bill Spaulding remarked, “That kind of service and servant’s heart, public schools couldn’t do it without.” Beebe and Vawter were presented Golden Apples by Spaulding and Schooley on behalf of all board members.

Three-year teacher contract approved The Watervliet Education Association and Watervliet Board of Education approved a three-year teacher contract. WEA membership approved the agreement at their meeting last week, with the board ratifying it Monday evening. Increases to base salaries over the three-year period will be one-half percent for the first and second years and one percent the third year. The agreement addressed insurance by fixing the amount at the statutory hard cap figures. There were no major language changes to the agreement, although some grey areas were further clarified. Extra duty pay was updated with some revisions.

Berrien RESA Parent Advisory appointees named The board unanimously approved the appointment of Leah Dibble and Wendy Stainbrook as the Watervliet representatives to the Berrien RESA Parent Advisory Board for Special Education Services. “I think they will be a good voice for the kids and a good voice for Watervliet,” Schooley said. Construction update Schooley gave a brief update regarding construction projects currently underway within the district. Locker rooms at the high school are being renovated, with a competition date anticipated sooner than expected. A new classroom is being bricked in and the door was cut in on Tuesday. Science rooms are “further along than expected,” according to Schooley. The high school gym floor will be refinished beginning June 29. The gym is currently accommodating volleyball and basketball camps. The weight room has been temporarily relocated to the lunch room. The gym floor should take three to three and-a-half weeks and should be available for use in early August, just in time for fall sports. Other business In other business, the board accepted the resignation of Rachel Schultz. Schultz who had been on leave for the past year taught at North Elementary School. She tendered her resignation, as she wants to remain home with her young children. The board also approved paying General Fund expenses in the amount of $1,234,126.47. Of that figure, $727,159.20 is related to payroll.

Hartford School Board approves contracts

By Jon Bisnett The May 17 business session of the Hartford School Board concluded with a fair degree of discord following approvals of administrative, directors, coordinators & specialists, and the superintendent contracts centering on repeated inquisitions on the part of veteran trustee and current Board Secretary Jason Meachum throughout the process. In closing the meeting President Ben Chambers challenged the board to review their own code of ethics before the next meeting saying, “I cannot continue to conduct a meeting of this nature.” Trustees Lisa Johnson and Ginny Wesaw Rice directly challenged Meachum for what they both characterized as “inappropriate” commentary, especially in light of three teachers and a group of students present earlier in the meeting. Meachum was steadfast in his resolve as to his right to ask questions and gave no consideration to the wave of criticism leveled at him. Johnson stated that she “felt embarrassed for Andy” (Superintendent Hubbard) over what had occurred earlier. While Rice adamantly stated, “Andy has done every single thing this board has asked of him… and more,” referring to time-consuming issues with Redwood construction problems. Hubbard offered little reaction, except to caution the board in low voice to be very careful as to conduct in regard to the Open Meetings Act, when it became evident that Meachum had reached out to other board members prior to the meeting in what could possibly be perceived as an effort to lobby the vote. Meachum remained calm yet unrelenting in that he felt nothing inappropriate in his actions and stands firm on his ability to lead the district, while making no apology for an emailed statement in which he questioned actions of Board President Chambers not to be in the best interest of the district. CONTRACTS One-year renewals for 2018-2019 Rob Sheffey, Instructional Tech; Angela Glover, Food Service Director; Kim deBoom, Student Information Coordinator; Erik Parker, Alt. Education Coordinator; Elizabeth Honoway, Behavior Support Specialist; Chris Boot, Dean of Students; David Janicki, Safety Coordinator; Stephanie Hallgren, Migrant Coordinator. Approved 6-1, with Meachum the only nay vote. 2-year renewals for 2018-2020 Dave Janicki, HS Principal; Ken Mohney, MS Principal; Ed Dickenson, Redwood Principal; Rebecca Drake, Business Manager; Brad Geesaman, Curriculum Director; Christine Quist, Assistant Principal. Approved 7-0. 2-year contract extension for Superintendent Andrew Hubbard Motion carried 6-1, with Meachum the only nay vote. Pursuant to the issue of questions presented by Secretary Meachum, what follows are excerpts from the official minutes of the meeting: “Mr. Meachum questioned whether these contracts should be reviewed and negotiated in advance – discussion followed. Mr. Meachum questioned the appropriate certification of the Alternative Education Director – discussion followed. Mr. Meachum stated his concern regarding the rate of pay for the Safety Director. He feels there should be an increase – discussion followed. Mr. Meachum asked for clarifications on the contract of the Business Manager pertaining to incentive pay and if others are paid the same – discussion followed. Mr. Meachum asked for clarification on the contract of the Curriculum Director pertaining to steps and if others are paid the same – discussion followed. Mr. Meachum asked for clarification on Superintendent’s contract pertaining to compensations– discussion followed. Mr. Meachum asked President Chambers to have more open communication with the Board – discussion followed.”

Other Business Following a presentation by coaches Brad Manning and Luke Golas, the board gave unanimous approval for the addition of a Power Lifting Club for the 2018-19 school year. The 2018-19 Budget Hearing is set for 6:45 p.m. on June 21, 2018. The board unanimously adopted the resolution of approval of the 2018-19 VBISD General Fund Budget as presented. The board discussed the Southwest 10 Conference Constitution; to be voted on at the June 21, 2018 meeting. The board also gave unanimous approval to the three-year contract with Edustaff starting the 2018-2019 school year. Contract remains the same, applicable to new employees only, and provides significant savings to insurance and retirement commitments. Board Members Reports Rick Vawter gave an update on the MASB conference he attended with a session on Urban Equity. The Board briefly discussed the collaboration with King Media.

Superintendent Report Superintendent Hubbard notified the Board that Hartford had 11 Scholar Athletes. He updated the Board on the ongoing communication with Kingscott and Miller Davis as well as the school attorney regarding Redwood Elementary. The District’s law firm Trune has engaged. Hubbard also reminded the Board about the Education Hero and MASB Awards Ceremony. Principal Dave Janicki and Special Education Teacher Alana Barone are being honored as the 2018 District Educational Heroes.