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The
Neshaminy Board of School Directors met in public session on July 23, 2002
in the Board Room of the District Offices, Maple Point Middle School.
The following persons were in attendance:
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BOARD MEMBERS:
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ADMINISTRATORS:
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Mr.
Steven Schoenstadt, President
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Mr.
P. Howard Wilson
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Mrs.
June Bostwick, Vice President
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Mr.
Richard Marotto
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Mrs.
Yvonne Butville*
Mr. Harry Dengler, Jr. |
Mr.
Joseph V. Paradise
Mr. Bruce Wyatt |
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Ms.
Carol Drioli**
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Mrs.
Kimberly Jowett
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ADMINISTRATORS ABSENT:
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Dr.
William Spitz
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Dr.
Raymond J. Boccuti
Mr. Harry P. Jones
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BOARD MEMBERS NOT PRESENT:
Mr. Richard M. Eccles
SECRETARY:
Mrs. Anita Walls
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SOLICITOR: Kristina S. Wiercinski, Esquire
OTHERS:
Approximately twelve persons from the public, staff and press |
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* Arrived at 6:36 p.m.
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** Left at 7: 40 p.m.
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1. Call to Order
Mr.
Schoenstadt called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.
2. Pledge of
Allegiance
Mr.
Schoenstadt requested that those in attendance join in the salute to the
flag.
3. Announcements
Mr.
Schoenstadt stated that he would like to call George H. Mecleary, Jr.
Esquire to the front of the room. Mr.
Schoenstadt presented a plaque from Mr. Howard Wilson and the Board of
School Directors which read as follows:
�George H. Mecleary, Jr., Esquire is hereby recognized for his
outstanding service and dedication to the children of the Neshaminy School
District. School Board
Member: 1995-2002. Board
President: 1997 and 1998. Presented
by the Neshaminy Board of School Directors and Mr. P. Howard Wilson,
Superintendent of Schools presented July 2002.�
4.
Items for Discussion
a)
Appointment of Board member to fill a vacant seat from Region 3
Mr.
Schoenstadt stated that each candidate would be asked to take a seat and
present a summary of their background and experience to the Board members
and would then be asked a few questions.
John
J. DiLeonardo � Mr. DiLeonardo
stated that he has a BA in Political Science and Economics from LaSalle
University and a MBA in Finance from St. Johns University and recently
acquired a Masters in Educational Leadership from Villanova University. After graduating from college Mr. DiLeonardo attended flight
school in Pensacola, Florida as a naval officer and has thirty years
combined active and reserve military service in U.S. Navy and U.S. Coast
Guard. Mr. DiLeonardo spent a year on Wall Street with Prudential Bache
Securities, and moved into Healthcare Finance and Operations.
Mr. DiLeonardo has experience with many of the large plans and
presently is an independent consultant working with providers and lenders
with regards to operational issues. Mr.
DiLeonardo is a resident for sixteen years of Bucks County and has four
children. Mr. DiLeonardo
advised that he has been a supervisor administrating for the last six
years the Neshaminy class-cut and make-up programs for the high school,
therefore, giving him experience working with the administrators and
principals. Mr. DiLeonardo further advised that he is an undergraduate
teacher and has been an Adjunct Professor of Economics and Finance at Penn
State University at Abington, Bucks County Community College and also
Burlington County Community in New Jersey.
Mr.
Schoenstadt opened the interview to Board questions: Mr. Schoenstadt inquired whether Mr. DiLeonardo while in the
service did any budget developing. Mr.
DiLeonardo advised that one of his collateral duties was finance and
supply office for the entire unit. This encompassed a multi-million dollar
budget, capital expenditures, operating expenditures, comparable to a
chief financial officer for a small company.
Mrs.
Drioli inquired whether Mr. DiLeonardo was still serving Neshaminy with
regards to the make-up program, and if so, was he aware that he would not
be able to maintain that position. Mr.
DiLeonardo stated that if you want to play a pivotal part in getting
involved in the policy making and well being of the student population he
presumed that this was the place to be.
Mr. DiLeonardo stated at some point it becomes not a financial
issue but a matter of purpose.
Dr.
Sptiz inquired what Mr. DiLeonardo�s top three policy issues are.
Mr. DiLeonardo stated safety in the academic environment, academic
performance of the students, and fiscal matters.
Mrs.
Bostwick inquired how Mr. DiLeonardo felt that policy would make a
difference in performance. Mr.
DiLeonardo did not know how far reaching the district�s impact is in
terms of standards and performance, but ultimately he felt policies could
effect performance.
Joseph B. Erb � (Withdrew 7/22/02)
Michael Thomas Kaye - Resident of
Middletown Township for the past seventeen years. Currently owns a business in Middletown, married for
twenty-four years and has two children, one a student at Neshaminy Middle
School. Mr. Kaye is currently
a Board member for Victoria Commons Condominium Association and Mr. Kaye
stated that the reason for applying for the Board position was that he
would like to have a say in the things that are happening with the school
district and also educationally.
Mr.
Schoenstadt opened the interview to Board questions: Mr. Schoenstadt inquired whether Mr. Kaye had any experience
in budget development or financial
control. Mr. Kaye advised
that he started his own company, and
he is the president of a condominium association and has
participated in setting the budget.
Ms.
Drioli inquired what impact Mr. Kaye would have. Mr. Kaye advised that he would initially try to fit in and
lend his expertise in management.
Dr. Spitz inquired of Mr. Kaye what educational issues concerned
him. Mr. Kaye advised that he
was concerned with the marginal students, below a C average regarding
learning the basics. Mr. Kaye
advised that he has encountered students that have graduated that are
lacking the basic skills.
Georginna Ramella – Ms. Ramella advised that she has an
Associates degree in Pre-Allied Health from Bucks County Community College
and has chosen to be a stay at home mother.
Ms. Ramella stated that she was asked previously by the press what
her credentials were. Ms.
Ramella stated that her degree is not educational or business, but she
does not feel that it should prevent her from being a Board member.
Ms. Ramella believed
that she could be an asset to the Board with fresh new ideas, full of
energy, and since she does stay at home it allows her to be very involved
with her children at school and meet many parents.
Ms. Ramella is a Sunday School Teacher at church and
very active in the Awana program. Ms.
Ramella stated that she is very well known in her neighborhood and she
knew she wanted to raise her children in the Neshaminy School District and
has been a home-owner for eight years.
Ms. Ramella would like to become a Board member in order that she
may become involved in the important decisions that are being made for our
children’s future. Ms.
Ramella stated that she felt the Board was doing a wonderful job and she
would like to become part of the team.
Mr. Schoenstadt opened the interview to Board questions:
Ms. Drioli asked that if she was not selected as a Board member at
this time, would she be available for other projects within the District.
Ms. Ramella stated that she would be willing to be involved at any
level. She realized that big
decisions would be forthcoming regarding the high school and she would
love to become involved.
Dr. Spitz inquired whether Ms. Ramella had any views regarding what
issues are important when building a new high school versus renovating the
school. Ms. Ramella stated
that the only information she presently had was from the newspaper and she
would definitely need to know more. Ms.
Ramella advised that she would like to have the public be invited into the
high school and receive a guided tour to see the reasons for a new high
school or renovating.
Phil Schieber: Mr.
Schieber advised that he has been a professional in information technology
and information systems auditing. Mr.
Schieber is recently retired and does some consulting to keep the income.
Mr. Schieber has been very active in community services for the
past thirty years. Mr.
Schieber has been on the Board of Directors of Frankford Hospital close to
thirty years. Recently, Mr.
Schieber was elected to the Jefferson Health System Board.
In that capacity Mr. Schieber has developed the ability to work as
a team member, know what the issues are confronting a Board, how to
conduct oneself as a Board member. Mr. Schieber has been very active on a Finance committee
which included the budgeting, monitoring
the scheduling of the hospital, and investments of the hospital.
Mr. Schieber has served as the Chairman of the Policy and Planning
Committee at Jefferson. Mr. Schieber further advised that he was involved with the
hiring of a new CEO. Mr.
Schieber advised that he does represent the Seniors and not all of us are
wealthy and are looking for relief from the property taxes.
Mr. Scheiber further advised that the residents of Flowers Mill do
recognize the need for education and the responsibility to finance the
education, however at the present time the system is not equal.
Mr. Scheiber stated that as a community and as a school Board the
spending issues need to be addressed.
Mr. Scheiber advised that the Board must look at the staff and
administration. Each and
every mandated program needs to be reviewed and determine if they are
doing what was intended. Mr.
Scheiber stated we should be looking for legal means and ways to go back
to the government agencies that put the mandated programs into effect and
have them rescinded or revised.
Mr.
Schoenstadt opened the interview to Board questions:
Mr. Schoenstadt inquired whether Mr. Schieber realizes that the
mandates imposed upon a school district are in fact from the state
legislators in PA, because the district is an arm of the state
legislature. The mandates that are imposed upon are not able to be
challenged by the school district legally.
Mr. Schieber advised that he recognizes this, but since he does not
sit on the Board he does not know exactly what steps have been taken by
the Board.
Ms. Drioli
inquired whether Mr. Schieber felt he could work with the Board or would
it constantly be combative. Mr.
Schieber stated that he could bring constructive criticism.
Mr. Schieber stated that he realizes there are other excellent
candidates, and if not chosen for the Board he would still be interested
in other possible positions.
Mrs. Butville
commented that PSBA has a group of lawyers and a legislative arm of that
organization that is constantly going through and trying to encourage
change. Mr. Scheiber stated
that he is constantly speaking with legislatures.
Edward T. Stack – Mr.
Stack advised that he is very interested in the high school issue and it
is something that will have a profound effect on the community.
Mr. Stack would like to be involved in the process, evaluate the
options, to make recommendations, but more importantly Mr. Stack believes
it is critical to get public support.
Mr. Stack stated it will have a major impact on the community and
the district will need to undergo a campaign and use all resources as a
district and Board to make the case known to the public.
Mr. Stack advised that all the information must be evaluated.
Mr. Schoenstadt opened the interview to Board questions:
Dr. Spitz inquired what Mr. Stack was referring to when he said
“make the case known to the public.”
Mr. Stack advised that he did not mean taking a position one way or
the other, but laying out a variety of options.
A great expense is going into running an inefficient operation and
those dollars being paid every year are the tax dollars.
Dr. Spitz inquired if appointed do you definitely plan on running
for a full term next year, and assuming Mr. Stack won, would you commit to
a full four year term. Mr.
Stack advised that he intended to run in the spring, however a final
decision would be made by the end of the year.
Mr. Stack advised that he does not think it is fair to say
“yes” or “no” at the present time because once on board if he
feels he is not doing an adequate job he would like to have the
opportunity to not run, or likewise if he is having a positive impact he
would then like to say he would stay on and have the Board’s support. Mr. Stack advised that he does not have any other
ambitions outside of the school district at this time and he is interested
in serving the term.
Irene Boyle: Mrs.
Boyle advised that as a mother and grandmother she likes to participate in
the policies that will continue to enhance the academic progress of the
children of Neshaminy School District.
Mrs. Boyle advised that one of the overriding concerns of the
district is financial and many people are trying to ascertain whether we
still have the ability to give the students the education that the
district always has. Mrs.
Boyle, as a budget analyst at Temple, has had extensive experience with
academic budgets and she feels that this experience will allow her to be
an asset to the Board. Mrs.
Boyle has had the opportunity to speak personally with people from all
areas and many people are concerned with the continued tax increases. Mrs. Boyle feels that the senior community and those with a
fixed income need an advocate on the Board to attempt to integrate their
concerns about the financing, yet maintaining quality curriculum which has
always been Neshaminy’s trademark.
As the only Democrat in contention, diversity of opinion can be a
good thing. The ability to
listen to different opinions can only make the Board stronger and appear
more receptive to the community.
Mr.
Schoenstadt opened the interview to Board questions:
Ms. Drioli pointed out that there
is not anything more diverse then this Board as far as opinions are
concerned. Ms. Drioli
inquired if Mrs. Boyle were in a position to raise taxes or maintain the
status quo of programs, where would she go.
Would she want to reduce taxes at the expense of the children?
Ms. Drioli stated that anything that would be done by the Board now
would have an effect on the programs the district offers, and is she
willing to cut the programs that the district offers in an effort to lower
taxes. Mrs. Boyle stated that programs are the priority, however,
there must be some way to control the increase of taxes.
Dr. Spitz inquired that since Mrs. Boyle is very concerned
regarding the seniors, how does that go along with the position that she
was against closing any school. Mrs. Boyle stated that she was against the closing of
Tawanka. Mrs. Boyle stated
that she did not ascertain that the closing of Tawanka would mean a
reduction of taxes to the people.
Mr.
Schoenstadt invited all the candidates to reenter the room.
Ms. Wiercinski advised that a motion must be made to open
nominations. Ms. Drioli made the motion to open the nomination and Dr.
Spitz seconded the motion.
Ms. Drioli
advised that she would like to nominate Edward Stack.
Mr. Schoenstadt seconded the nomination.
Dr. Spitz advised that he would like to nominate Georginna Ramella.
No one seconded the motion. Mr.
Dengler made a motion to close nominations and Dr. Spitz seconded the
motion. Ms. Wiercinski
advised that since there was no second to Mrs. Ramella’s nomination,
only Edward Stack is nominated.
Mr.
Schoenstadt requested a show of hands of all those in favor of the
nomination of Edward Stack to the Neshaminy School Board.
Upon motion of Ms. Drioli, and seconded by Mr. Schoenstadt, the
Board approved the nomination with seven ayes.
Mr. Eccles was not present.
Mr.
Schoenstadt congratulated Mr. Stack.
Mr. Dengler
made an announcement that when the time came for approval of the Personnel
Report he would need to abstain due to the fact that his son was on the
report.
Motion: Election
of New Board Member
Mr.
Schoenstadt presented the following motion:
WHEREAS, board member George H. Mecleary’s resignation on July
15, 2002 created a vacancy
on the Neshaminy Board of School Directors, and
WHEREAS, it is necessary to appoint an applicant to fill his term
which expires December 2003.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that after interviewing and
considering several
qualified applicants, the Neshaminy Board of
School Directors elects Edward T. Stack to fill
the unexpired term of George H. Mecleary.
Mrs.
Butville seconded the motion. The
Board approved the motion with seven ayes.
Mr. Eccles was not present.
Loyalty
Oath: The loyalty oath of office was
administered to Mr. Edward T. Stack by Mr. Joseph V. Paradise, Notary
Public for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
Mrs. Butville advised that all those
applicants that submitted a resume should each be considered for one of
the committees that will be formed in the future since each has expressed
an interest in the students of this district and the workings of this
district and they would be excellent candidates for these upcoming
committees.
Mr. Schoenstadt advised that a
monumental task lies ahead in order to evaluate and determine what
direction to take with the high school, if any.
Part of that decision process will be the creation of several
public committees to help make analysis and determinations.
The input from several committees will be necessary to determine
the direction. Mr.
Schoenstadt thanked all the applicants once again for showing an interest.
b).
Additional Reimbursement from the Commonwealth of PA.
Mr. Schoenstadt stated that the state
legislatures in their wisdom created a school code which gave us a
deadline for filing the budgets which is June 30th .
Under state law if the budgets were not prepared the district would
be severely penalized. The
district finalized the budget and got the tax bills out in a timely
manner. After the June 30th deadline passed a state
budget, which violated state law, since is was late, mandated that the
districts reopen their budgets and were given only three options.
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Send out a refund (District elected not to do a refund since
it would amount to approximately $23 per taxpayer.
However, since the bills are already out it would have cost
approximately $l4.50 per taxpayer to send out the refund.)
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Use the fund toward the debt service
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Reinstate programs which may have been
eliminated
Motion: Reopen
the 2002-2003 Budget & Adopt the Revised 2002-2003 Budget
Mr.
Schoenstadt presented the following motion:
WHEREAS, the Neshaminy Board of School Directors is required to
reopen its 2002-2003
budget during the month of July 2002 to
reflect the increased State allocations under Sections
2502.13, 2502.40, 2509.3 and 2591.1 for the
fiscal year 2002-2003 provided by the General
Assembly through the act known as the
“General Appropriation Act of 2002,” and
WHEREAS, the increased State allocations are estimated to exceed
the State revenue figures
utilized by Neshaminy School District at the
time of adoption of its original fiscal year
2002-2003 budget by $701,260 including
Increased Basic Education Subsidy
$310,850
Increased Non-Public Transportation Subsidy
$285, 700
Reimbursement for charter schools costs
$104,710
Total:
$701,260
NOW,
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Neshaminy Board of School Directors
reopen
the 2002-2003 budget.
BE
IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Neshaminy Board of School Directors adopt a
revised
operating
budget in the amount $126,963,567 including the following increases to
restore
funding
to:
Regular Education, Materials & Supplies (prev 5%)
$85,000
Regular Education, Textbooks, Elementary
90,000
Hoover D-Wing Roof Replacement
250,000
Building Improvement Services – Electrical
transformer
replacement to provide for proper harmonics
for education technology
276,260
Total:
$701,260
Dr. Spitz advised that he
thought the district was only allowed to use the funds to restore funding
or programs that have been cut. Mr.
Paradise advised that electrical improvements were initially cut from the
budget.
Mrs. Butville seconded
the motion. The Board
approved the motion with seven ayes.
Ms. Drioli was not present.
Mr. Eccles was not present.
Public Comment
Mr. Solis Basen, resident of
Middletown Township, stated that he heard the motion was just passed and
felt that it should have been addressed at a public meeting.
This motion was to be discussed regarding the money which was
awarded by the state. Mr.
Basen stated that there was nothing in the newspaper or notification that
a motion would be made.
Mr. Schoenstadt responded that
the public agenda was announced and publicized and it was also in the
agenda. Mr. Basen
questioned is the funding for the teacher’s retirement fund going to be
tapped again next year because of the losses that we are mandated to make
up. If that is so, why is
this money not being put into a fund for that purpose next year.
Mr. Schoenstadt responded that
the district was given specific mandates of what could be done with the
funds. Mrs. Butville further
responded that districts have been criticized for not putting away money
for that, but yet, we are not allowed to put away money.
Mr. Basen questioned why the budget is being reopened and Mr.
Schoenstadt advised that the district was mandated to do so by the state.
Dr. Spitz stated that the
district needs to do a better job publicizing what items will be on the
agenda. It is very difficult
for members of the public to know what is on the agenda.
Mrs. Butville advised it is on the website and in the Courier
Times.
Mr. Stephen Rosinski, of Lower
Southampton, commented that when he arrived
at 7:30 p.m. he thought he would be early, however, he arrived and
the appropriations were already done.
Mr. Schoenstadt advised that
the Courier Times knew that the meeting started at 6:30 p.m. and that both
meetings were continuous. The
newspaper does not really always provide accurate information and that at
a continuous and ongoing public meeting the Board
would deal with all the issues.
Mr. Paradise advised that the
list of scheduled meetings available in advance and the formalized
meetings are on the website, however , in this case this was a special
meeting that was being held only because the state mandated the district
to have this meeting and there was a specified time to proceed.
Mr. Schoenstadt advised that
before the end of the meeting there would be additional public comment.
5.
Items for Approval:
a)
Overnight Trip – Mr. Wyatt
i)
Vocal Music Trip – Neshaminy High School – March 2003
This trip is scheduled for
three school days which is the established number of schools days
permitted for this type of trip and it also includes a weekend.
The estimated cost per student is $1000 at no cost to the district.
The monies are being raised through a variety of fundraising
activities. The
goal is to provide adjudication and performing opportunities
for the students.
Mr. Dengler inquired which
cruise line was being used. Mr.
Wyatt advised he was not aware of that information.
Mr. Dengler stated he felt this was a wonderful trip.
Mrs. Butville inquired
regarding safety issues on a cruise.
Mr. Stack advised that an I.D. is issued and along with that is a
photograph. Customs takes
control of the ship upon arrival in port and if there is someone
unaccounted for the ship is locked down. Also, drinks are controlled on the ship with the I.D. card.
There was board consensus for
the trip.
b)
September 11, 2002 Memorial
Mr. Wilson stated that he
wanted the board members to be aware that a memorial was being planned for
the Neshaminy High School stadium in remembrance of the September 11, 2001
tragedy. It will be sponsored
by the Langhorne Ministerium and the Langhorne Fire and Emergency.
c)
Certified and Support
Personnel Actions - Mr.
Wilson presented the following for approval:
·
Elections – Certified Personnel
·
Contract Staff Positions
·
Long Term Substitute Positions
·
Resignations and Leaves of Absence -
Certified Personnel
·
Elections – Support Personnel
Mr. Wilson requested the
approval of the Certified and Support Personnel Actions.
Mr. Schoenstadt requested a motion to accept the Personnel report
as presented by the Administration on the Administration’s
recommendation. Dr. Spitz
moved the personnel actions be approved and Mrs. Jowett seconded the
motion.
Mr. Schoenstadt advised that
as with all Personnel Action reports the Board votes up or down, there is
no discussion, unless a Board member has a specific discussion
requirements at which time the Board would need to call an Executive
Session since it involves individuals.
Mr. Stack inquired what the
effective date is of these appointments.
Mr. Wilson advised it would be September 3, 2003, unless they are
guidance counselors and that effective date is August 16th .
The Board approved the
Personnel Action Report with six ayes.
Mr. Dengler abstained and Ms. Drioli and Mr. Eccles were not
present for the vote.
Public Comment – Reopen
Mr. Stephen Rosinski,
of Lower Southampton, advised that he arrived for a meeting at 8:00
p.m. and most of the business was already taken care of.
Ms.
Wiercinski advised that the most accurate information regarding times and
agenda are the section in the newspaper under public notices that gives
the information most accurately and that is the official notice.
Also, the television is also a good source for times.
The website would have the
information over the weekend prior to the meeting.
Mr.
Schieber stated that in the interest of being constructive suggested that
since the Board members knew what the agenda was on Friday,
it would be sufficient time to get a paid advertisement to the
Courier for Monday.
Mr.
Schneider, Langhorne Borough, stated that the only thing standing between
Sam and his eagle badge at scouts is the necessity to cover a public
meeting at which two or three points of view are given.
He was coming at 8:00 p.m. to hear the budget debate.
Mr. Schneider was helping instruct him.
Mr. Schneider does not get cable and does not check the website.
Mr. Schneider could only rely on the Courier Times.
At the very least the Board should consider that people were coming
out primarily for the budget discussion and it could have been held to the
end of the meeting, rather then adhereing to the agenda.
Dr. Spitz
advised that no one on the Board had any knowledge that people were
looking at 8:00 p.m. Mr.
Wilson advised that the notice sent to the paper was correct.
Mr. Schoenstadt stated that the Courier Times knew better because
our work sessions since January have been at 7:00 p.m.
The Courier provided inaccurate information.
Mr.
Schoenstadt advised that the Public Relations Director will communicate
and coordinate with the Courier. From
this point on there should be fewer miscommunications and the district
will ensure the information is accurate and monitor it carefully.
Mrs.
Butville moved the meeting be adjourned and if anyone from the audience
would like to stay to hear what they missed, the Board members would be
willing to review same. Mr.
Dengler seconded the motion. The
Board approved the motion with seven ayes.
Mr. Schoenstadt adjourned the meeting at 8:00
p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Anita E.
Walls
Board Secretary |
