Sycamore Board of Education - Sycamore Community Schools

Sycamore Community Schools
Board of Education
Minutes
1
Regular Meeting
E.H. Greene Intermediate School
April 18, 2012
The Board of Education met in Regular Session at E.H. Greene Intermediate School on
Wednesday, April 18, 2012 at 5:30 p.m.
Mrs. Cole, President of the Board, called the meeting to order.
Present:
Others Present:
(Exec. Session)
Others Present:
(7:00 p.m.)
Mrs. Adamec; Mrs. Cole; Mr. Mercurio; Mr. Richter; Mrs. Staubach.
Adrienne James, Superintendent; Beth Weber, Treasurer; Frank Forsthoefel
and Keith Kelly, Assistant Superintendents.
Laurie Frank, Assistant Director of Student Services; Jennifer Manoukian and
Ann Marie Reinke, Assistant Directors of C & I; Erika Daggett, Chief
Information Officer; Chris Davis, Karen Naber, Marianne Sweetwood, Ron
Brooks, Linda Overbeck, Anne Van Kirk, Principals; Leslie Combs, Assistant
Principal; Marvin Blade, Michael Pahutski and Joni Davis – Duke Energy;
Lee Adamcik, Trane; David Armentrout and Ben Pflaumer – Eco
Engineering; Elizabeth Evers, Rebecca Miller, Karen VanWagenen, Colleen
Greissinger, Liz Roth, Ken and Carrie Miller, Cheryl Tallman, Alexis Walker,
Megen Gundler, Ann Scranton, Neil Gartner, Vickie Westfall, Linda Gartner,
JJ and Mason Taylor, Beth Quinones, Mark Torlone, Mary Palmer, Julie
Thorp, Shirley Wong, Tial Tinkai, Beth McCormick, Patty, Chris and Oliver
Banzhaf, Mary Rollins, Mary Kay and Nicole Crone, Marsha Brody, Lonnie
Stover, Ben Brenner, Debbie Richter, and others.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
At 5:30 p.m., Mr. Richter moved, seconded by Mrs. Staubach to adjourn to
Executive Session in accordance with ORC 121.22G1-Personnel –
Employment/ Regulated Individual and ORC 121.22G4 - Negotiations.
Executive
Session
Item #12-082
Vote: Mr. Richter, aye; Mrs. Staubach, aye; Mrs. Adamec, aye; Mrs. Cole, aye;
Mr. Mercurio, aye.
The board recessed Executive Session at 6:52 p.m. There was no formal action
taken in Executive Session.

Sycamore Board of Education – Regular Meeting 2
April 18, 2012
The regular meeting was re-convened at 7:00 p.m.
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
A moment of silence was held in honor of Barbara Duncan, retired child nutrition manager, who
passed away on April 17, 2012.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Mr. Richter moved, seconded by Mrs. Staubach to approve the agenda and
addendum as presented.
Vote: Mr. Richter, aye; Mrs. Staubach, aye; Mrs. Cole, aye; Mr. Mercurio, aye;
Mrs. Adamec, aye.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Mrs. Adamec moved, seconded by Mr. Mercurio to approve the minutes of
the meetings of March 21, March 27 and April 4, 2012, as presented.
Vote: Mrs. Adamec, aye; Mr. Mercurio, aye; Mr. Richter, aye; Mrs. Staubach, aye;
Mrs. Cole, aye.
Presentation – Symmes Players
Approval of
Agenda
Item #12-083
Approval of
Minutes
Item #12-084
The Symmes Players, 3 rd and 4 th grade students from Symmes Elementary, performed several
scenes from their upcoming production of Flat Stanley, Jr. The show will be presented May 4 th ,
5 th and 6 th in the Little Theatre at Sycamore High School. Parent directors this year are Rachelle
Penilla and Stacey Koffel. The producer is Mrs. Kerstine.
Celebrate Excellence Educator Award
Dr. James introduced nominees for the Hamilton County Celebrate Excellence Educator award.
Developed to recognize and honor excellent educators within the public schools of Hamilton
County, the award is given to an educator who holds a certified license, demonstrates a high
commitment toward student achievement, has the ability to challenge students at all levels and
continues to improve personally and professionally. Dr. James shared excerpts from each
nomination.

Sycamore Board of Education – Regular Meeting 3
April 18, 2012
The following were nominated by parents, students or colleagues for this award:
Ben Brenner
Margaret Copfer
Linda Gartner
Lynn Huff
Rebecca Miller
Beth Quinones
Lonnie Stover
Cheryl Tallman
Mark Torlone
Ms. Miller was chosen as Sycamore’s representative to the Hamilton County event. The Board
thanked the honorees for their commitment to their students.
Presentation – Energy Conservation Project – Duke Energy Rebate
Representatives from Duke Energy presented a check for $496,000 in energy rebates for the
district’s energy conservation project. Mrs. Weber recognized Lee Adamcik of Trane along with
Ben Pflaumer and David Armentrout of Eco-Engineering for their work to secure the rebate for
the district. She commended the Sycamore maintenance and custodial department and Dr. Kelly
for their support of the installation process.
Presentation – Sycamore Planning Commission – Leadership Academy Committee Report
Jane Garfield, Ann Scranton and Karen VanWagenen of the Sycamore Planning Commission
presented research and recommendations for the development of a Sycamore Leadership
Academy. The committee was charged with determining program viability, pros and cons, goals
and objectives and structure and then to determine next steps. They reviewed the City of
Montgomery leadership academy structure along with similar programs at other school districts
They determined it is a viable option for Sycamore. They developed a mission statement for
the program: To bring together groups of residents to create an understanding and internalize an
appreciation of how the district actually operates so that participants can be advocates and
supporters of the district. They reviewed a recommended structure and format. Recommended
next steps are to: 1) form committee to finalize the program, 2) determine a financial budget, 3)
develop an application review process, and 4) identify who will run the program. Mrs. Staubach
and Dr. James thanked the committee for their work.
Resident Participation
None

Sycamore Board of Education – Regular Meeting 4
April 18, 2012
SUPERINTENDENT’S AGENDA
Facilities Update
Dr. Kelly provided an update on the district energy conservation project. He provided pictures
of the progress on site work at the Maple Dale and district office project.
Mrs. Weber noted that bids were opened on March 23, 2012 for the construction of the Maple
Dale and district office projects. While the majority of contracts for the projects were awarded
at the April 4, 2012 Board meeting there are a few that are still outstanding. The district did
not receive bids on two packages, glazing and metal panel. The district received an
incomplete bid for demolition and landscaping, so this bid will be rejected and re-quoted. In
order to finalize the budget and keep the project on schedule, the district will utilize a
resolution of urgent necessity to secure competitive quotes for glazing, metal panel,
demolition, landscaping and playground installation. This process will be complete in order to
make recommendations to the Board at its May 2 nd meeting.
Authorization to Advertise for Bids – District Paving Projects
Mrs. Staubach moved, seconded by Mr. Richter to authorize the Assistant
Superintendent of Human Resources & Business Operations to advertise for
bids for district paving projects. Estimated cost is $90,000. To be funded
from Capital Improvement funds.
Advertise for
Bids – District
Paving
Item #12-085
Vote: Mrs. Staubach, aye; Mr. Richter, aye; Mrs. Adamec, aye; Mrs. Cole, aye;
Mr. Mercurio, aye.
Authorization to Advertise for Bids – Blue Ash Elementary School Gymnasium Floor
Replacement
Mrs. Adamec moved, seconded by Mr. Mercurio to authorize the Assistant
Superintendent of Human Resources & Business Operations to advertise for
bids for the replacement of the gymnasium floor at Blue Ash Elementary
School. Estimated cost is $60,000. To be funded from Capital Improvement
funds.
Advertise for
Bids – Blue
Ash Gym
Floor
Replacement
Item #12-086
Vote: Mrs. Adamec, aye; Mr. Mercurio, aye; Mrs. Staubach, aye; Mrs. Cole, aye;
Mr. Richter, aye.

Sycamore Board of Education – Regular Meeting 5
April 18, 2012
Approval of Contract – Cincinnati Center for Autism
Mrs. Staubach moved, seconded by Mrs. Adamec to approve a contract with
Cincinnati Center for Autism for educational program for student with a
disability being served on an IEP. Estimated cost is $40,000.
Contract –
Cincinnati
Center for
Autism
Item #12-087
Vote: Mrs. Staubach, aye; Mrs. Adamec, aye; Mrs. Cole, aye; Mr. Mercurio, aye;
Mr. Richter, aye.
Approval of Transportation Radio Communication System Purchase
Mr. Richter moved, seconded by Mrs. Staubach to approve purchase of a
transportation radio communication system from Mobilcomm Motorola for
$43,456 including trade-in per state pricing #573077-0. To be funded from
Capital Improvement fund.
Transportation
Radio
Communication
System
Item #12-088
Vote: Mr. Richter, aye; Mrs. Staubach, aye; Mrs. Cole, aye; Mr. Mercurio, aye;
Mrs. Adamec, aye.
Approval of Job Descriptions
Mrs. Staubach moved, seconded by Mrs. Adamec to approve the following
job descriptions:
Assistant Superintendent
Director of Academic Affairs
Assistant Director of Academic Affairs
Director of Business Operations
Approval of Job
Descriptions
Item #12-089
Vote: Mrs. Staubach, aye; Mrs. Adamec, aye; Mr. Mercurio, aye; Mr. Richter, aye;
Mrs. Cole, aye.
Other Superintendent
The Sycamore Alumni and Friends Association will host the world’s largest reunion on May 12,
2012 at the OASIS conference center.
The Sycamore High School Theater department will present Into the Woods on April 13-14 and
April 20-21

Sycamore Board of Education – Regular Meeting 6
April 18, 2012
Sycamore High School teacher Ron Hochstrasser has been named Environmental Teacher of the
Year.
TREASURER’S CONSENT AGENDA
Mrs. Staubach moved, seconded by Mrs. Adamec to approve the treasurer’s
consent agenda as follows:
1. Acceptance of the following donations:
Treasurer’s
Consent
Agenda
Item #12-090
Sycamore High School
$50.00 018-9067 D. William Lange DMD Inc.
$100.00 018-9067 Donald S. Heithaus Trust
Donations for German Exchange Club - Sister City activities
Sycamore Junior High
$250.00 001-0000 June Haverland
Donation of recumbent bicycle for gym and physical therapy use
Blue Ash Elementary
$2,825.00 001-0000 Blue Ash Elem PTA
Donation for Grace Lin, author, visit
Maple Dale Elementary
$2,825.00 001-0000 Maple Dale Elem PTO
Donation for Grace Lin, author, visit
Montgomery Elementary
$2,825.00 001-0000 Montgomery Elem PTO
Donation for Grace Lin, author, visit
Symmes Elementary
$2,825.00 001-0000 Symmes Elem PTO
Donation for Grace Lin, author, visit

Sycamore Board of Education – Regular Meeting 7
April 18, 2012
2. Approval of the following appropriation transfers:
From: $200.00 001-2700 Operation of Bldg/Maint
To: $200.00 001-2600 Business Services
From: $48,439.12 003-2700 PI-Operation of Bldg/Maint
From: $41,369.00 003-2900 PI-Central Support Services
From: $2,414.41 003-5200 PI-Site Improvements
To: $41,369.00 003-1100 PI-Regular Instruction
To: $50,853.53 003-2800 PI-Transportation
Transfer for printer replacement and purchase of buses
3. Approval of the following appropriation increases:
Community Recreation
$548.39 013-3200 Community Services
Increase for spring community rec camps
Public School Support
$4,141.12 018-1100 Regular Instruction
$2,500.00 018-2200 Instructional Support
Increase for bookstore, snacks and supplies for math night and
payments to Cooperating teachers
Other Local Grants
$7,598.94 019-2900 Central Support Services
Increase for Butler Health Plan Wellness Grant
Student Managed Activity Funds
$7,650.00 200-4600 Public Service
Increase for SHS Class of 2012 activities
District Managed Activity Funds
$7,540.75 300-4100 Academic Student Activities
Increase for HS musical
Ed Jobs
$5,700.00 504-7400 Advances Out
Increase for return of advance

Sycamore Board of Education – Regular Meeting 8
April 18, 2012
4. Approval of the following cash transfers:
From: $247,000.00 001-7200 General Fund
To: $46,000.00 003-5100-9001 Permanent Improvement-
Tech
To: $201,000.00 003-5100-9000 Permanent Improvement
Transfers for PI fund purchases of printers and buses
Vote: Mrs. Staubach, aye; Mrs. Adamec, aye; Mrs. Cole, aye; Mr. Mercurio, aye;
Mr. Richter, aye.
Fiscal Year 2012 Third Quarter Update
Mrs. Weber provided an update on the district’s financial status as of March 31, 2012, including an
overview of revenue and expenditure trends compared to projections. Total revenue is above
projection due to a one time receipt of delinquent property taxes, increased tax increment financing
payments from the City of Blue Ash, and faster than anticipated receipt of property tax through
March. It is unlikely that the property tax trend will hold through the fiscal year. She noted that
final settlement of property taxes will be received in April. On the expenditure side, operating
costs are in line with expectation. Higher than anticipated personnel costs were offset by lower
than anticipated non-personnel costs.
Financial Report – March, 2012
Mr. Richter moved, seconded by Mrs. Adamec to approve the March, 2012
Financial Report as presented.
Vote: Mr. Richter, aye; Mrs. Adamec, aye; Mrs. Cole, aye; Mr. Mercurio, aye;
Mrs. Staubach, aye.
Financial
Report-March
2012
Item # 12-091
TREASURER’S AGENDA
Policy Revision Project
Mrs. Weber noted that an administrative review of sections I (instruction)
and J (student) of the policy manual is complete. The review was
undertaken to ensure compliance with Ohio Revised Code and potential
changes to operations and practice. She asked the Board to schedule a
review session in the next few weeks with the goal to approve the updates at
the May 16 th Board of Education meeting. This will allow integration of any
changes into student handbooks for the 2012-2013 school year.

Sycamore Board of Education – Regular Meeting 9
April 18, 2012
PERSONNEL CONSENT AGENDA #1
Mr. Richter moved, seconded by Mrs. Adamec to approve personnel consent
agenda #1 as follows:
1. Resignations as indicated:
Personnel Consent
Agenda #1
Item #12-092
a. Robyn Jordan, science teacher at Sycamore High School,
resigning effective 7/31/12.
b. Keith Kelly, Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources and
Business Operations, resigning effective 6/30/12.
c. Susan Runion, language arts teacher at Sycamore Junior High
School, disability retirement effective 4/30/12.
d. Mary Lou Vadas, intervention teacher at Montgomery
Elementary School, retiring effective 6/30/12.
e. Ying Xiong, global language teacher at Sycamore Junior High
School, resigning effective end of 2011-2012 contract year.
f. Judy Herren, child nutrition server at Symmes Elementary
School, retiring effective 6/30/12.
2. Change of status for the following individuals as indicated:
a. Change in rate of pay that was approved at the 3/21/12 Board
meeting for following individuals for stipend for mentoring
student teachers placed in Sycamore Community Schools by
various universities.
1. Joseph Roach from $129.93 to $259.85
2. Karen Sheff from $129.93 to $151.58
3. Employment of the following individuals as indicated:
a. Janice Bartels as FOCUS (Focus on Children Understanding
Skills) facilitator at the rate of $24.72 per hour on as needed
basis.
b. Daniel Frank as conductor for Sycamore High School Spring
play. Rate of pay is $500. To be paid from Sycamore High
School musical fund.

Sycamore Board of Education – Regular Meeting 10
April 18, 2012
c. The following individuals as 2012 summer maintenance
helpers effective 4/19/12:
1. Russell Hall Step 3
2. Stephen Heeg Step 1
3. Al Riesenberg Step 3
4 Chris Shrimpton Step 2
5. Cody Walker Step 1
d. Jerry Walker as district painter at the rate of $14.75 per hour
effective 4/19/12.
e. The following individuals to be employed as substitute teacher
and/or home instructor at appropriate rate on an as needed basis
effective 4/19/12:
1. Mildred Bateman
2. Leanne Berke
3. Leah Hosler
4. Gloriana Laskowski-Cohen
5. Joyce Lorey
6. Gary Tameris
7. Danielle Wagner
8. Stephanie Winterman
f. The following individuals to be employed as substitute
educational assistant on an as needed basis effective 4/19/12:
1. Danielle Dean
2. Anthony Johnson
3. Karen Lane
4. Lisa Renoit
4. Approval of the non-renewal of replacement personnel as follows:
Noreen Bouley
Paige Strickland
Janene Chavis
Jill Evans – 2/7 intervention teacher position at Montgomery only

Sycamore Board of Education – Regular Meeting 11
April 18, 2012
5. Approval of renewal of one-year limited teacher contracts for the
2012-2013 contract year for personnel listed below. Such renewal is
with the express understanding that said teachers shall be assigned
such specific positions as may be designated by the Superintendent in
accordance with their teacher certification/ licensure.
Blue Ash Elementary
Elizabeth Ames
Danielle Bly
Kasi Gruber
Elizabeth Hill
Abbey Holian
Ashley Sandor
Sherisse Washington
James Weeks
Sandra Willhoff
Maple Dale Elementary
Stephanie Becker
Kimberly Marino
John McInerney
Natalie Wade
Montgomery Elementary
Tracey Book
Amey Turner
Symmes Elementary
Julia Abanto-Bethune
Jill Evans
Julie Ferron
Angela Garrett
Dana Marsh
Annette Romansky
Edwin H. Greene
Cassandra Booker
Gayle Castle
Susanna Doran
Patcine Ferguson
Erin Gibbens
Andrew Gruber
Bridget Katchman

Sycamore Board of Education – Regular Meeting 12
April 18, 2012
Kelly Main
Susan Neumann
Kylie Parks
Louis Sandor
Rona Walter
Sycamore Junior High
Kelly Abbas
Benjamin Brenner
Veronica Dawson
Allison Ely
Jason Foley
John Kinsinger
Derek Messenger
Stacey Runion
Samantha Wuchter
Ning Zhang
Sycamore High School
Megan Brenner
Lesley Chapman
Dorothy Conrad
Fanta Davis
Mary Dillhoff
Sofia Feist
Michael Geyer
Carly Ghantous
Meredith Griga
Nicholas Hellwig
Jennifer Hester
Holly Hodel
Stanley Kaniecki
Laura Newton
Greg Pottebaum
Deanna Rosen
Laura Spitzmueller
Bonnie Stephenson
Sarah Strong
Brian Sweeney
Greg Ulland
Michael Vega
Gretchen Washington

Sycamore Board of Education – Regular Meeting 13
April 18, 2012
District
Belitta Croley
Regina Stauder
6. Approval of renewal of one-year limited contracts for the 2012-2013
contract year for occupational therapists listed below. Such renewal is
with the express understanding that said individuals shall be assigned
such specific positions as may be designated by the Superintendent in
accordance with their certification/licensure.
Asha Asher
Sally Ganz
Judi Pollak
7. Approval of a one-year limited contract for the 2012-2013 contract
year for Jamie Baker as 3/5 school nurse at Cincinnati Hills Christian
Academy. This position is funded by state auxiliary services funds
administered by Sycamore Community Schools on behalf of the nonpublic
schools.
8. The following teachers have taught the required number of years in the
district and either hold a professional or higher grade
certificate/license or have applied for same. In accordance with our
appraisal policy, they have been evaluated during the school year and
their performance is of high quality. Approval of continuing contracts
beginning with the 2012-2013 school year with the express
understanding that said teachers shall be assigned such specific
positions as may be designated by the Superintendent in accordance
with their teacher certification/ licensure.
Blue Ash Elementary
Stephanie Jones
Joy Nichols
Maple Dale Elementary
Brandi Studer
Montgomery Elementary
Kimberly Hightower
Ashley Thompson
Symmes Elementary
Tracey Blair
Edwin H. Greene Intermediate
Andrea Evans
Sycamore High School
Brenda Fisher
Kendra Hornschemeier
Andrew Oakes
LaToya Pitts
Carole Wood

Sycamore Board of Education – Regular Meeting 14
April 18, 2012
9. Approval to recall Damien Payne from the district reduction in force
recall list effective for the 2012-2013 school year and place on the
district salary schedule as appropriate.
Vote: Mr. Richter, aye; Mrs. Adamec, aye; Mrs. Cole, aye; Mr. Mercurio, aye;
Mrs. Staubach, aye.
PERSONNEL CONSENT AGENDA#2
Mrs. Cole noted that she will abstain due to the non-renewal of a supplemental
contract for a family member.
Mrs. Staubach moved, seconded by Mrs. Adamec to approve personnel consent
agenda #2 as follows:
1. Approval of the non-renewal of supplemental contracts as presented.
Personnel Consent
Agenda #2
Item #12-093
Vote: Mrs. Staubach, aye; Mrs. Adamec, aye; Mr. Mercurio, aye; Mr. Richter, aye;
Mrs. Cole, abstain.
OTHER BOARD OF EDUCATION BUSINESS
Legislative Liaison Report
Mr. Mercurio noted that he attended the OSBA legislative conference along with Mr. Richter and
Mrs. Weber. The Legislature has been presented an unprecedented mid-biennium review by
Governor Kasich including several proposed changes to education law. Included in the proposals
are changes to the local report card issued by the Ohio Department of Education. Only 22 public
schools including 5 charters received an “A” grade on ODE’s simulation of the proposed model.
This compares to over 300 districts that are currently rated excellent or excellent with distinction.
Sycamore received an “A” in the simulation. House Bill 136 concerning school choice is dormant
at this time.
Planning Commission Report
Mrs. Staubach noted that a study team provided data from a survey researching why Sycamore
families choose private instead of public schools.
The Planning Commission will vote on officers and members-at-large at its next meeting. The
slate will be forwarded to the Board for consideration.

Sycamore Board of Education – Regular Meeting 15
April 18, 2012
Open Letter Response
Mrs. Cole noted that the Board received a letter from Mrs. Colleen Greissinger and Mrs.
Margaret Del Favero at the March 21, 2012 meeting noting their concerns about upcoming
contract negotiations with the SEA and renewal of contracts with administrators. It includes
their suggestions for reducing costs and changing procedures. Mrs. Cole asked if the Board had
reviewed the letter and if anyone wished to respond.
Mr. Richter noted that Board of Education has approached governance of the district’s finances
by providing parameters that cap the budget, slow expenditure growth and allow for continuous
improvement in a way that he feels represents the whole community. Mr. Mercurio noted that he
has met with Mrs. Greissinger to discuss many of the issues contained in her letter. He noted his
continued openness to meet with community members to discuss issues pertaining to the district.
Mrs. Staubach confirmed the Board’s practice to set budget parameters/limits allowing the
Superintendent to utilize those resources to support student achievement and the district’s vision.
She noted that the district’s excellent academic results along with changes to expenditure trend
support that this system is working. Mrs. Adamec noted that Board members take their
responsibility as elected officials very seriously. They strive to hear the many viewpoints of the
community they represent and to make decisions that they feel best serves that community as a
whole.
ADJOURNMENT
At 9:18 p.m. the meeting was adjourned by acclamation.
Adjourn
Item #12-094