TCSC Board Meeting

Facilities & Transportation, Scott Wessel
Student Services, Shayne Clark
Food Services, Adam Proulx
Technology Services, Steven Gingerich

As you look over this month’s financial reports, the end of April results in a negative cash balance of -$58,203. The projection report shows that, with all things staying the same, we will end the year with -$1,174,273.  We have discussed that this would happen and that we would need to use the Rainy Day.  This was not unexpected. On the agenda is a recommendation that we transfer $500,000 of the $800,000 additional appropriation from the Rainy Day Fund to the Education Fund. That will put things in the positive until at least July. 

Other cash balances include $1,127,000 in Debt Service and $1,439,650 in the Operation Fund.

We will need to watch our payment coming from the county in June.  With the delayed payment in property taxes, our payment from the county may be delayed as well.  We should have sufficient cash balances in the Operation Fund to cover expenses until any late payment is made.  This is just something we are aware of and are watching.

1. Updates on Pandemic:
   • Teachers closing out their rooms this week
   • Students in the pick up and return items next week
   • Prom and Graduation.
   • Schools are closed through June 30.  This includes all direct instruction, including athletics.
   • Plans are being made to conduct summer classes, Band and SAE, virtually through June 30.
   • Meal services through May 22
   • Commendation for all - students, staff, parents
2. Facilities: Roof Replacement
3. Laptop Recommendation
4. Four-Block Recommendation

At the March 20 Emergency Meeting of the TCSC School Board, the Superintendent was given the authorization to carry out the functions of the school corporation. The following items were listed as new business items for the April 14, 2020 meeting of the school board that were not acted on due to the COVID-19 crisis.  

• Consideration to approve the adoption of textbooks for Language Arts beginning with the 2020-2021 school year.
• Consideration of Student Handbook changes for 2020-2021.
• Consideration of Athletic Handbook changes for 2020-2021.
• Consideration to approve items as surplus - Laptop Computers.
• Consideration to approve items as surplus - Band Uniforms.

The corporation has proceeded as if these items were approved by the Board.  It is recommended that the Board ratify and approve of the following actions taken. 

The end of April shows that we have a negative cash balance of -$58,203.  We have discussed that this would happen and that we would need to use the Rainy Day Fund to help in this area.  Earlier this year, we approved the appropriation of $800,000 from the Rainy Day Fund.  It is recommended that we transfer $500,000 of that appropriation to the Education Fund. That will put things in the positive until at least July. 

A number of Board Policies have been submitted for consideration.  Many of these are changes that are reflective of the actions the board took during the initial stages of the COVID-19 crisis upon the legal recommendation of ISBA,  NEOLA has update these policies to reflect those actions for future instances similar to COVID-19.  It is recommended that the Board approve the policy changes for First Reading.

The 2020-2021 Textbook Rental and Fees are being submitted for approval.  This recommendation includes rental for new textbooks that were approved last month, as well as the other textbooks considered tonight.  It also includes the $75 Technology Fee assessed at grades 2 through 12.  It is recommended that the Board approve the the 2020-2021 Textbook Rental and Fees.

Mrs. Rayl is recommending that elementary grading scale be changed to better align with the middle and high school.  This scale was included in the elementary handbook that was submitted to the Board last month. It is recommended that the Board approve the change to the elementary grading scale.

This is a busy time of year in filling positions; schools are in competition to find the best candidate possible. In addition, we do not know what may happen with some teachers who may be looking for other positions, or deciding to leave for other reasons.  By giving the Superintendent permission to hire, we can go ahead and secure qualified candidates without having to wait for the Board to act on resignations, and allows us to get the commitment from the candidate before they accept another position.  It is recommended that the Superintendent be granted permission to hire staff between the Board meetings of June, July and August. 

Last year we went through the bid process for a Food Service Provider.  This agreement was good for one year and can be renewed for up to four years. At this time it is recommended that we renew the contract with Aramark for 2020-2021.  Aramark has provided the corporation with a Food Service Director who has worked hard to implement the federal nutrition requirements and to promote the food services provided to students.  It is recommended that the Board approve the food service contract renewal with Aramark for 2020-2021.

We have finished the first year using WillSub (ESS Subfinder).  It is felt that WillSub has met our expectations. It is recommended that TCSC extend its agreement with ESS to provide substitutes for TCSC for the 2020-2021 school year.

The Property and Casualty Insurance with Assured Partners was set to expire on April 25. That has been renewed. The Executive Summary and a listing of the loss experiences of Property, Auto, and Liability are attached. As the summary indicates, the loss experience for property and auto has been very good - 9% and 13% respectively.  However, the loss experience for liability is at 206%.  It is recommended to approve the extension of the Property & Casualty Insurance with Assured Partners and they have represent Tipton well in the past.  It is recommended that we accept the quote from Wright Specialty for $114,652.

TCSC is seeking approval to use of up to four (4) eLearning Days to use for inclement weather for the 2020-2021 school year. Previously, the board has approved the use of these days for Professional Development.  These days would be in addition. It is recommended that the Board approve the the use of up to four eLearning Days for inclement weather for the 2020-2021 school year

Three office chairs in the Administrative Office area are damaged.  It is recommended that these chairs be declared as surplus and be disposed.

Per Indiana Code, a public hearing was held on May 4, 2020, to receive public comment on the proposed contract for the incoming Superintendent of Schools.  It is recommended that the board approve this contract.

The board has reviewed and considered applicants for the position of Superintendent of Schools.  It is recommended that Dr. Ryan Glaze be appointed to the position effective July 1, 2020.

• May 14 - Last day for students to turn in assignments (unless other arrangements have been made with the teacher.
• Week of May 11 - Buildings are open to staff (main entrance only), 9:00 - 3:00. Please follow the directions of your principals.
• May 18 - Facilities & Technology Committee, 6:00 PM
• Week of May 18 - Students come in to return computers and get their personal items.
• May 22 - Official Teacher Work Day. Grades are to be submitted.
• May 25 - Memorial Day
• May 26 - Grades to be sent home.
• July 14-19  - Tipton County Fair (Lori will send a sign-up schedule)
• July 25 - Graduation, 10:00 AM