VIGO COUNTY SCHOOL CORPORATION

BOARD OF SCHOOL TRUSTEES

ADMINISTRATION BUILDING – 686 WABASH AVENUE

MONDAY, APRIL 14, 2008

7:00 P.M.

M I N U T E S

A meeting of the Board of School Trustees of the Vigo County School Corporation was held at the Vigo County School Corporation Administration Building, 686 Wabash Avenue, Terre Haute, Indiana on Monday, March 24, 2008 at 7:00 P.M.

The following Board Members were present: Mr. Mel Burks, Mr. Gene Shike,

Mrs. Jackie Lower, Mr. Guille Cox, Dr. Joseph Minnis, Mr. Paul Lockhart, and

Ms. Alpa Patel.

Pledge of Allegiance

The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mrs. Jackie Lower.

First Call for Citizen Comments

Comments were received from the following:

Michelle Lemon – In favor of Full Day Kindergarten

Mindy Shore – In favor of Full Day Kindergarten

Sue Stevenson – In favor of Full Day Kindergarten

Jennifer Russell – In favor of Full Day Kindergarten

Consent Agenda

Mr. Burks moved for approval of the Consent Agenda. Mr. Shike seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.

The following Consent Agenda items were approved:

1. Minutes – Regular Meeting – March 24, 2008

2. Finance Report – Stipend Authorizations

3. Professional Leave Requests

4. Gift

a. Dixie Bee Elementary School – Lighted Free Standing Sign

with an estimated cost of $5700.00 – Dixie Bee P.T.O.

Special Presentation

Ms. Meghan Speidel, former Terre Haute North Vigo student, presented an overview of her experience and duties as a 500 Festival Princess.

Board Discussion – Full Day Kindergarten

President Lower led a lengthy discussion in reference to the possibility of implementing Full Day Kindergarten in all of the Vigo County School Corporation elementary schools. Mrs. Donna Wilson, Chief Financial Officer, and Mrs. Camilla Correll, Director of Elementary Education, presented several facts and figures in regard to funding and other related issues.

The Board directed questions to Superintendent Tanoos, Mrs. Wilson, and Mrs. Correll, and Mrs. Taylor. Following discussion, the Board asked Superintendent Tanoos to schedule a meeting with the Vigo County Teachers Association in order to discuss this issue.

(See Proceedings)

New Business

Personnel Report

Mr. Tanoos presented the Personnel Report.

Mr. Shike moved for approval of the Personnel Report. Mr. Cox seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.

(See Proceedings)

Student Desks and Chairs

Mr. Tanoos stated that bids were received and opened on April 9, 2008 for student desks and chairs. He recommended that a contract be awarded to Lee Company, Inc., for an amount of $257,968.66, and that all other bids be rejected.

Mr. Lockhart moved for approval. Ms. Patel seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.

(See Proceedings)

Special Education Language Arts Textbook Adoption

Mr. Tanoos noted that the special education textbook adoption committee has reviewed and evaluated language arts textbooks for use with students who have mild disabilities. He recommended that the textbooks listed in the Board Packet be approved.

Mr. Shike moved for approval of the Special Education Language Arts Textbook Adoption. Dr. Minnis seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.

(See Proceedings)

Clarian Health Seat Belt Grant – West Vigo High School

Mr. Tanoos requested approval to accept a $2,500.00 grant from Clarian Health for the 2007-2008 school year. The funds will support a seat belt awareness program, and also be used to implement a teen night for students in Vigo County.

Ms. Patel moved for approval. Dr. Minnis seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.

(See Proceedings)

Committee Reports – Board Members

Board Members presented a brief update on current happenings in the committees they represent. Committees reported on were: ISBA Legislative Functions, Superintendent’s Unity Team, Parent Advisory Council, Superintendent/ Administrators Advisory Council, Vigo County Education Foundation, and Vocational Advisory Council.

Comments/Correspondence/Information

Second Call for Citizen Comments

Comments were received from the following:

Jenny Thomas – Commended staff working on funding

Michelle Lemmon – Hopeful remediation will also be considered in funding

Bernard Ridens – Prefers Full Day Kindergarten rather than No Child Left

Behind program and testing

Cheryl Hutchinson – In favor of Full Day Kindergarten and if not possible

include teaching assistants in non-title schools

Information and Proposals from Board Members and Superintendent Tanoos

Mrs. Lower encouraged people to attend Crackerbarrel sessions with legislators held at the Public Library each month.

Mr. Lockhart reported on the Vocational Construction Trades Non Profit Board, which provides input on the construction of the homes built in Sugar Grove Estates. He noted that the Open House for this year’s house is scheduled for May 28^th.

Mr. Cox commended Terre Haute South Vigo JETs Team, and inquired as to how many state awards in the field of academics have been won by the Vigo County School Corporation over the past ten years.

Ms. Patel commended the Parent Teacher Organizations in our schools for their dedication and help.

Superintendent Tanoos presented a review of the recent meetings and events that have taken place during the past two weeks, which included visits in the area from Senator Hillary Clinton and Senator Barack Obama.

President Lower commended the Science Department at Terre Haute South Vigo High School for their awards and for continuing to have a very successful school year.

Adjournment: 8:54

Approved:

_____________________________ President ______________________________

_____________________________ Vice Pres. ______________________________

_____________________________ Secretary ______________________________

_____________________________ Dep. Secy.

A CD of Board Meeting Proceedings is available for review, upon request, in the Superintendent’s Office.