A regular meeting of the Elwood Unified School District #486 Board of Education was held Monday, January 4, 2010 in the Board Room.

The meeting was called to order at 5 PM by the president, Henrietta Hoard. Members present were Sue Bartley, vice president, Tina Kimberlin, Phyllis Osborne, Ruth Watson and Brian Vincent. Bobby Hall was absent. Also present were Mike Newman, superintendent, Steve Taylor, principal, Darrell Burgoon, assistant principal, Debbie Sigrist, clerk, Joel Euler, attorney, Missie Mulvaney, Anita Sontheimer, Harry Elder and Becky McFee.

The board members read the pledge and then Ruth Watson read the quote.

Phyllis Osborne moved and Tina Kimberlin seconded the motion to approve the consent agenda (amended agenda, warrant register and minutes). The motion was unanimously approved.

Sue Bartley moved and Tina Kimberlin seconded the motion to move to executive session for 15 minutes at 5:01 PM to discuss student personnel. The motion was unanimously approved.

The executive session was needed to protect the privacy rights of identifiable individuals. Present were Mike Newman, Darrell Burgoon, Steve Taylor and Harry Elder.

The meeting resumed in regular session at 5:16 PM.

The Contingency Fund will not need to be used during January.

Mr. Newman reported we have used 3 snow days and have 3 days left.

Mr. Newman passed out a financial report comparing 08-09 expenditures and revenues with 09-10 expenditures and revenues as of December 09. We have spent $97,032 less than last year. Mr. Newman is pleased where we are at this point. We did receive the 2nd half of the December state aid payment. The board agreed to delay discussion of 2010-2011 budget cuts/concerns until the governor and legislature take further action. The governor has stated he will not make any further cuts to education funding, but there are legislators who want to make more education cuts.

Mr. Burgoon presented amended policies on “Exams” and “Out-of-District Students”.

Sue Bartley moved and Tina Kimberlin seconded the motion to approve the amended “Exams” and “Out-of-District Students” policies. The motion was unanimously approved.

Mr. Taylor passed out his report. He went over future athletic/quiz bowl activities. He asked the board members to help with the Elwood Basketball Tournament January 19-23 in the Hospitality Room or elsewhere if they could.

Mr. Newman reported the Legislative Luncheon was tomorrow at Seneca. Sue Bartley stated she would go.

Tina Kimberlin moved and Brian Vincent seconded the motion to executive session for 70 minutes at 5:35 PM to discuss personnel. The motion was unanimously approved.

The executive session was needed to protect the privacy rights of identifiable individuals. Present until 6:12 PM were Mike Newman & Steve Taylor. Darrell Burgoon left the meeting at 6 PM. Joel Euler was present for the entire executive session.

The meeting resumed in regular session at 6:45 PM.

Sue Bartley moved and Ruth Watson seconded the motion to extend Mike Newman’s contract 1 year (2011-2012) with the salary to be determined later. The motion was unanimously approved. The board would like a report of teachersalaries/supplemental salaries/job descriptions and a report of support staff salaries and job descriptions.

Tina Kimberlin moved and Phyllis Osborne seconded the motion to hold a special board meeting to discuss personnel issues Monday, January 18 at 6:15 PM. The motion was unanimously approved.

Sue Bartley moved and Phyllis Osborne seconded the motion to adjourn. The meeting was adjourned at 6:50 PM.

Debbie Sigrist, Clerk USD 486 Board of Education