The last board meeting in which Tara Robinson was the sitting school board president had a number of expenses on the agenda.
The annual consolidated plan unanimously was approved. A district’s consolidated plan details how a school district plans to use any federal grant monies that are awarded to the district and allow for the district to apply for grants.
A resolution declaring the temporary mobile classrooms outside PJHS as surplus property unanimously was approved. That has to be done in order to demolish, and a proposal from Bear Construction for $53,687 to demolish the two units also was approved. At one time, the district’s population warranted the additional units, but that is no longer the case, and the cost to bring the units up to code was just under $100,000.
The district was awarded a school maintenance project grant in the amount of $50,000. A bid was published to replace glass, doors, frames, and hardware replacement and installation, with the lowest bid returned at $148,803 by Commercial Glazing. After the grant, the district will be responsible for the additional $99,803.
Money spending didn’t stop there. A resolution approving salary increases for all the administrators also was approved, effective July 1. Those totals weren’t included in the board packet posted online, but compensation reports are available on the website. The current K-5 instructional coach also is being promoted to PES Principal.
The big expense was the adoption of an English Language Arts Curriculum for Kindergarten through fifth grade. The six-year curriculum license from Amplify was $214,317.44 and, essentially, commits the district to using the same curriculum for the next six years. Assistant District Supt. Carol Zurales added she received two grants for a total of $8,400 to implement the new curriculum. Zurales had a committee of several teachers who piloted curriculums before bringing this curriculum to the board for approval.
An obscure authorization to purchase electrical and gas rates and lock them in for the next four years was approved with board member Tim Stoub voting no. The authorization gave no details on pricing or vendors but allowed the administration to work with a consultant and lock in rates for the next four years. Stoub asked for information regarding the resolution and if the locking in of rates would affect the district’s ability to move forward with solar in the future. The consultant was present at the meeting and said most contracts have provisions for solar.
Supt. Brandon Owens explained the resolution as such and Business Manager Adrian Fulgencio confirmed, “It is an authorization for the administration to secure supply contracts for electricity and gas with stipulations. Essentially, when the time is best to lock in rates, the administration would do so as long as they meet the expectations and parameters approved by the board. The numbers agreed upon are not published, because we would not want that information visible to potential bidders.”
In board reports, Owens mentioned there were 20 FOIA requests in the last month. Board member Jodi Becker asked about the financial impact, but Owens didn’t have a dollar amount. He added, “It’s definitely a time consuming process.”
In public comments, Jim Bowden addressed the board regarding finances. John Maxedon mentioned how two new administrators were being introduced before the board confirmed their employment. He specifically asked how culture was going to be addressed, adding that two new people were starting in new roles, and he asked how their experience would be different. He postured, “It’s your job, what are you doing?” Owens responded it was their job to provide the necessary support and said he thought culture would improve with the right people in place. Outgoing Board President Tara Robinson interrupted the exchange and the tension was evident. Maxedon ended by telling the board, “You’re short changing it.”
In the good news portion of the board meeting, sophomore Olivia Robinson was awarded the student of the month. Junior high students of the month were sixth grader Gabby Bush, seventh Grader Emma Long, and eighth grader Gemma Breheny.
The Eighth Grade Girls Basketball Team was recognized for their participation in the IESA Class 3A Tournament this month, including the following students: Scarlett Bergman, Gemma Breheny, Spencer Cann, Ella Clay, Olivia Grzeskowiak, Charley Isbell, Mary Klawitter, MaKayla Kraft, Harper McMaster, Giana Pagliarulo, Payton Pape, and Sophia Stachniak.
Wrestlers Jimmy O’Connor and Jonah Young also were recognized for their participation in the IESA State Wrestling Tournament.
Board member Rick Uthe thanked outgoing President Tara Robinson and board member Roger Bettenhausen for their combined 40 years of service to the school district, adding that Robinson was often a mentor to Uthe.
Robinson said, “It’s definitely a commitment and a passion project; I feel like we have great administrators in place and good kids and good families, so the good work will continue.”