MINUTES: Meeting of the Monona Grove School District, Board of ...

MINUTES: Meeting of the Monona Grove School District, Board of Education, held
Wednesday, May 14, 2008, in the Nichols School Multi Purpose Room,
Starting at 6:00 P.M.
BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: Mike DuPlayee, Susan Fox, John Kitslaar, Phil McDade,
Peter Sobol, Susan Manning
BOARD MEMBER ABSENT: Jill List
ADMINISTRATORS PRESENT: Gary Schumacher, Mary Ellen Van Valin
I. Opening of Meeting – John Kitslaar
II.
III.
Declaration of Public Notice
Motion to Move into Closed Session Pursuant to Wisconsin Statutes 19.85 (1)(c)(e) for
Consideration and Deliberation Regarding Monona Grove Education Association (MGEA)
Bargaining, AFSCME Local 60 Bargaining, Compensation for Non Represented Employees,
And Staff Leave of Absence Request
Mike DuPlayee moved that the Board move into closed session pursuant to Wisconsin Statutes 19.85
(1)(c)(e) for consideration and deliberation regarding Monona Grove Education Association (MGEA)
bargaining, AFSCME-Local 60 bargaining, compensation for non-represented employees, and staff
leave of absence requests. Peter Sobol seconded. Roll Call Vote: DuPlayee – aye; Fox – aye; Kitslaar
– aye; McDade – aye; Sobol – aye; and Manning – aye. Motion carried.
IV.
Motion to Move Back Into Open Session – Approximately 7:10 P.M.
Mike DuPlayee moved that the Board move back into open session. Susan Fox seconded and the
motion carried.
V. Public Appearances
The following individuals addressed the Board:
1. Janice Stone, Winnequah Middle School Band Teacher, 3731 Crestview, Cottage Grove
2. Randy Parvin, 503 Frost woods Road, Monona
3. Dave Gronski, 4403 Winnequah Road, Monona
The following individuals registered comments with the Board:
1. Paula Doherty, 4636 Tonyawatha Trail, Monona
2. Fran Pfefferkorn, 618 Clear Spring Court, Monona
3. Andrew Homburg, 610 Clear Spring Court, Monona
4. Daniel Hutchinson, 614 Clear Spring Court, Monona
5. Ellen Moen, 5405 Pheasant Hill Road, Monona
6. Jeff Knight, 601 Owen Road, Monona
VI.
School Board Reorganization
A. Election of President – Superintendent Gary Schumacher Presiding
Susan Fox requested ballot vote for Board officer election.
Results from ballot vote – John Kitslaar and Phil McDade were nominated for Board
President. John Kitslaar accepted nomination and Phil McDade withdrew his name.
Another vote was held and John Kitslaar was elected School Board President.

B. Election of Vice President – John Kitslaar Presiding
Results from ballot vote – Phil McDade and Mike DuPlayee were nominated for Board
Vice President. Both accepted the nomination. Another vote was held and Phil McDade
was elected School Board Vice President.
C. Election of Treasurer – John Kitslaar Presiding
Results from ballot vote – Peter Sobol and Susan Manning were nominated for Board
Treasurer. Peter Sobol accepted nomination and Susan Manning withdrew her name.
Another vote was held and Peter Sobol was elected School Board Treasurer.
D. Election of Clerk – John Kitslaar
Results from ballot vote – Mike DuPlayee and Susan Manning were nominated for Board
Clerk. Mike DuPlayee accepted nomination and Susan Manning withdrew her name.
Another vote was held and Mike DuPlayee was elected School Board Clerk.
E. Scheduling of Regular Board Meetings, Dates, Locations
Mike DuPlayee moved that the Board continue on the same schedule, of one Board
meeting per month on the second Wednesday of the month (with the exception of July)
with the locations rotating between the communities (even months in Cottage
Grove and odd months in Monona.) Peter Sobol seconded and the motion carried.
F. Scheduling of Board Standing Committees, Dates, Locations
Phil McDade moved that the standing committees meet on the following schedule:
Third Wednesday of month – Personnel & Policy (6:00 P.M.) and Curriculum
(7:15 P.M.) in the community where the Board meeting is held for that month.
Fourth Wednesday of month – Business Services (5:00 P.M.) in the Board Room at
Nichols School.
Mike DuPlayee seconded. Discussion was held regarding beginning Business Services at
6:00 P.M. and possibly having all meetings on one evening. No changes were made and
the motion carried.
John Kitslaar asked that Board members notify him of their preference for committee
assignments.
G. Designation of Legal Counsel
Mike DuPlayee moved approval of a resolution naming the following firms as legal
counsel for the Monona Grove School District: Lathrop and Clark Law Offices; WASB
Counsel; Quarles and Brady; Joseph Hill Law Office; and LaFollette, Godfrey & Kahn.
Phil McDade seconded and the motion carried.
H. Designation of Official Newspaper
Phil McDade moved approval of a resolution naming the “The Herald Independent” as
the official newspaper of the school district. Mike DuPlayee seconded and the motion
carried.
I. Designation of Official Bank Depositories
Mike DuPlayee moved approval of a resolution naming the following institutions as

official bank depositories for the Monona Grove School District: Bank of Sun Prairie;
Wisconsin Community Bank; Monona State Bank; Office of State Treasurer – Local
Government Investment Pool; M & I Bank; PMA Financial Network, Inc. (and the
Statutorily Authorized Vehicles to Which they Recommend); U.S. Bank; and Wisconsin
Investment Services Cooperative. Phil McDade seconded and the motion carried.
J. Designation of Membership in Professional Organizations
Phil McDade moved approval of a resolution naming the following organizations
as the professional organizations in which the Monona Grove School District
are members: Wisconsin Association of School Boards; CESA 2; and Dane County
School Boards Consortium. Mike DuPlayee seconded and the motion carried.
K. Designation of CESA 2 Representative
Phil McDade moved that Mike DuPlayee be designated as the CESA 2 representative for
the Monona Grove School District. Peter Sobol seconded and the motion carried.
L. Designation of Monona Grove School District Safety Officer
Peter Sobol moved that Mark Scullion be designated as Safety Officer for the Monona
Grove School District. Mike DuPlayee seconded and the motion carried.
VII.
Program Update: Monona Grove New Teacher Mentor Program – Nancy Evans
Nancy Evans, Tim Gollup, and Marilyn Habeck gave an update on the Monona Grove New Teacher
Mentor Program. Job descriptions and an organizational chart were shared with the Board.
VIII. Artist in Residence – Kristin Sobol
Kristin Sobol, a Monona resident, shared a power point presentation of a ceramic mural project that is
being proposed for Winnequah School. Jeanne and David Aurelius are ceramic artists and would be
working with the school district as artists in residence. Ms. Sobol reported total costs for the project
would be approximately $12,000 and organizers are planning to fund this project with private donations,
fundraising events, and grants.
IX.
Correspondence and Announcements
John Kitslaar announced that the seventh Board member, Jill List, was not present for tonight’s meeting
as she had a previous commitment and was out of town.
X. Superintendent’s Report & Updates
A. Update on School Resource Officer Joint Agreement
Dr. Schumacher reported the City of Monona and the School Board have approved the school
resource officer joint agreement but Cottage Grove has not given it their approval yet. He stated he
will be contacting village officials for their decision and report back at a future meeting.
B. Announcements
Dr. Schumacher recognized the following accomplishments:
1. Monona Grove High School Senior, Kendrick Henes, for being named Elks Lodge 410 Student
of the Year.
2. Winnequah Middle School Strings Teacher, Maureen McCarty, for taking her fiddling class to

the Angelus Retirement Center in Cottage Grove for a performance.
3. Monona Grove High School students, Jennifer Bloesch and Aubrey Lauersdorf, as nominees
for the 2008 All State Scholars.
4. Monona Grove High School student, Hayley Martin, for representing the high school at the
statewide National History Day competition.
5. Monona Grove School District students Danielle Duerst, Sarah Wohlers, Lindsay Schwabe,
Chassity Her, Nick Love, and Cindy Lien for their efforts in Special Olympics competition.
Also recognized their advisor Tracy Ellingson, special education teacher at Cottage Grove
School.
6. Monona Grove High School student Aubrey Lauersdorf for being named a National Merit
Scholar.
7. Monona Grove High School student Alex VanAbel for scoring a perfect 36 on his ACT.
8. Renovation project at Winnequah School received the “Building Renovation of the Year
Award” by the Monona Chamber of Commerce.
9. Monona Grove High School student Greg Morschauser received an award from Pat Dorn at a
recent high school concert.
Dr. Schumacher asked that Board members establish a date soon for the dedication of Glacial
Drumlin School. He will place this on the agenda for the June Board meeting for discussion.
XI.
Old Business
A. Discussion and Possible Approval of Adding an Administrator (Assistant Principal) at
Maywood School
Dr. Schumacher presented a proposal to the Board of Education for possible funding options for
adding an Assistant Principal back into the proposed budget for 2008-2009.
Susan Fox moved that a .80 FTE Assistant Principal for Maywood School be included in the 2008
-2009 budget. It was further moved that the Monona Grove School Board President appoint a task
force to examine the future of 4K through grade six programming in Monona to include staffing,
and all Monona facilities usage, including potential closing of Maywood School, and sixth grade
programming at Winnequah School along with whatever other topics task force members feel is
appropriate to strategically analyze this matter. Susan Manning seconded. Discussion was held
regarding funding. Administration will present at the next Board meeting information for funding
this position within the proposed budget for 2008-2009. After discussion of the motion, a roll call
vote was requested: Sobol – aye; DuPlayee – aye; McDade – aye; Kitslaar – aye; Fox – aye; and
Manning – aye. Motion carried.
B. Update on Planning to Implement the Modified Block Schedule at Monona Grove High
School – Dr. Paul Brost
Dr. Brost and Monona Grove High School teachers Diane Jensen and Kate Ziegelmaier reported on
the training they have received and implementation of the modified block schedule that will be
implemented at the beginning of the 2008-2009 school year. They reported overall feedback from
staff and students were positive and feel staff and students are ready to move forward toward
implementation.
C. Update on EPAS – Bill Breisch, Ed O’Connor
Bill Breisch, Director of Instruction and Ed O’Connor, Assessment Coordinator, presented
information on use of ACT’s EPAS/College Readiness Standards. Discussion was held on a
document prepared by Mr. Breisch and Mr. O’Connor on the school district’s five year trends
(2003-2007).

D. YMCA Youth Center Annual Report – Matt Merrill
Matt Merrill & Diane DiSalvo of the EAST YMCA presented the center’s 2007 Year in Review
report. Discussion was held regarding the potential for youth centers in both communities.
E. Monthly Construction Report – Mike Huffman
Mike Huffman reported Glacial Drumlin School should be completed by June 16, 2008, and the
second phase of the Winnequah School project will begin immediately after school ends and will be
completed for the start of the 2008-2009 school year. Road work on Highway BB should be
completed by August 21, 2008. A tour of Glacial Drumlin will be held before the next regularly
scheduled Board meeting on June 11, 2008. Mr. Huffman reviewed the budget statement and stated
final budget numbers should begin appearing on the report.
1. Alliant Energy Report (Shared Savings Program) – Mark Scullion
Jeff McCarthy from Alliant Energy and Mark Scullion presented information on a recent audit of
the construction of Glacial Drumlin School which indicates that the energy systems and school
design are more energy efficient than most systems. It was reported that the geothermal system
contributes to this as does the building design, the natural lighting, and water heaters. It is
anticipated that the school district could recognize an annual savings in excess of $100,000.
F. Discussion and Possible Approval of Energy Performance Contracting RFP
Peter Sobol reported the school district received five proposals from companies wishing to work
with our district to improve the energy systems in all district buildings. The Energy Committee will
be interviewing three of the firms and select one to recommend to the Board of Education to
conduct energy performance contracting for our district.
XII.
New Business
A. Report on Wisconsin Association of School Boards (WASB) Seminar – Susan Fox, John Kitslaar,
Susan Manning
Susan Fox, John Kitslaar, and Susan Manning gave an overview of a Wisconsin Association of
School Boards seminar they attended.
XIII. Committee Reports and Recommendations
Curriculum Committee – Phil McDade
A. Confirm Next Meeting Date – Wednesday, May 21, 2008, 7:15 P.M., Nichols School, District
Office Board Room
Personnel & Policy Committee – Mike DuPlayee
A. Report From the Personnel & Policy Committee Meeting of April 16, 2008
Mike DuPlayee reported the Committee reviewed Board Policy 453.5 – Life Threatening
Allergy Policy which will be introduced for possible approval, Administrative Rule 453.5 –
Managing Students with Life Threatening Allergies that will be placed on the school
websites and not included along with the policy, and reviewed changes to the 2008-2009
student handbooks.
B. Discussion and Possible Approval of Board Policy 453.5 – Life Threatening Allergy Policy

Mike DuPlayee moved approval of Board Policy 453.5 – Life Threatening Allergy Policy. Susan
Manning seconded and the motion carried.
C. Confirm Next Meeting Date – Wednesday, May 21, 2008, 6:00 P.M., Nichols School, District
Office Board Room
Business Services Committee – Peter Sobol
A. Report From the Business Services Meeting of April 23, 2008
Peter Sobol reported on the Business Services Committee meeting of April 23, 2008, which was
chaired by John Weinberger. He stated the Committee had input on the 2008-2009 proposed
budget, reviewed and approved student/adult fees for 2008-2009, received an update on the
purchase of water heaters at Monona Grove High School, and reviewed several budgets as presented
by Mary Ellen Van Valin.
B. Discussion and Possible Approval of Student/Adult Fees for 2008-2009, Including Monona Grove
School District General Fees, Food Service Fees, Pool Fees, and Summer School/Jump Start Fees
Mike DuPlayee moved approval of the student/adult fees for 2008-2009, including Monona Grove
School District general fees, food service fees, pool fees, and summer school/jump start fees as
presented by Mary Ellen Van Valin. Phil McDade seconded. Discussion was held. Motion carried.
C. Presentation of Monthly Budget Statement
Peter Sobol presented the monthly budget statement with no comments or questions from Board
members.
D. Confirm Next Meeting Date – Wednesday, May 28, 2008, 5:00 P.M., Nichols School, District
Office Board Room
XIV. Consent Agenda
Phil McDade moved that the Board remove Agenda Item E and discuss after approval of the consent
agenda. Mike DuPlayee seconded and the motion carried.
Phil McDade moved approval of the remainder of the Consent Agenda items:
A. Minutes of the April 5 th , 9 th , and 16 th , 2008, School Board Meetings
B. Hiring of Staff
1. Lindsey Dederich, Track Coach, Winnequah Middle School, Index 6, 2007-2008 only
2. Renee Gaudreau, Educational Paraprofessional, Special Education, 7.5 hours per day,
Monona Grove High School
3. Eric Melby, Track Coach, Winnequah Middle School, Index 6
4. Kelly O’Neill, Track Coach, Winnequah Middle School, Index 6
C. Staff Resignations
1. Colleen Blackney, Satellite Cook Manager, Taylor Prairie School, effective May 2, 2008
2. Alicia Bonadonna, Educational Paraprofessional, Special Education, Nichols & Winnequah
Schools, effective June 11, 2008
3. Lindsey Dederich, Educational Paraprofessional, Special Education, Winnequah Middle
School, effective June 12, 2008
4. Casey Meehan, Social Studies Teacher, Monona Grove High School, effective June 12, 2008
5. Nick Pretasky, CARE Teacher, Winnequah Middle School, effective June 12, 2008
6. Kristin Varness, Sixth Grade Teacher, Winnequah Middle School, effective June 12, 2008
D. Staff Contract Amendments – none submitted
E. Staff Leave of Absence Request – Removed from Consent Agenda

F. Gift Donations
1. Cash donation of $775.00 for Monona Grove High School band uniforms donated by Friends
of Monona Grove Bands\
2. Cash donation of $1,000.00 for Winnequah Middle School ELS students donated by MESLS
G. Youth Options Application for Nicole Cardarella, Monona Grove High School student, to enroll
in Sign Languages I at Madison Area Technical College
H. Budget Transfers – complete list on file at the District Office as part of the official minutes of the
meeting.
I. Approval of Vouchers Payable
1. Debt Service Fund Vouchers (wire transfer) in the amount of $2,588,221.87
2. General Fund Vouchers No. 177738-178310 in the amount of $1,163,324.24
3. Building Project Fund Vouchers No. 10128-10135 in the amount of $1,197,219.92
Mike DuPlayee seconded and the motion carried.
The Board discussed Agenda Item XIV. E. Staff Leave of Absence Requests
Phil McDade moved approval of a leave of absence request submitted by Jenny Baerwolf, Special
Education Teacher, Maywood School, for the 2008-2009 school year. Mike DuPlayee seconded and
the motion carried.
Phil McDade moved approval of a leave of absence request submitted by Sarah Hinton, French
Teacher, Winnequah Middle School, for the 2008-2009 school year as an unpaid leave of absence.
Mike DuPlayee seconded and the motion carried.
XV.
Adjournment
Phil McDade moved that the meeting be adjourned. Mike DuPlayee seconded and the motion carried.
The meeting was adjourned at 10:46 P.M.

MINUTES: Meeting of the Closed Session of the Monona Grove School District, Board of
Education, held Wednesday, May 14, 2008, in the Nichols School Conference Room,
Starting at 6:00 P.M.
BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: Mike DuPlayee, Susan Fox, John Kitslaar, Phil McDade,
Peter Sobol, Susan Manning
BOARD MEMBER ABSENT: Jill List
ADMINISTRATORS PRESENT: Gary Schumacher, Mary Ellen Van Valin
Board members met in closed session regarding Monona Grove Education Association (MGEA)
bargaining, AFSCME Local 60 bargaining, compensation for non represented employees,
and staff leave of absence requests with no action taken.