Sycamore Community Schools Board of Education Minutes

Sycamore Community Schools
Board of Education
Minutes
Regular Meeting
E.H. Greene Intermediate School
February 16, 2011
The Board of Education met in Regular Session at E.H. Greene Intermediate School on
Wednesday, February 16, 2011, at 6:00 p.m.
Mrs. Adamec, President of the Board called the meeting to order.
Present: Mrs. Adamec; Mrs. Cole; Mr. Mercurio; Mr. Richter; Mrs. Staubach.
Others Present:
(Exec. Session)
Others Present:
(7:00 p.m.)
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Adrienne James, Superintendent; Beth Weber, Treasurer; Frank Forsthoefel
and Keith Kelly, Assistant Superintendents.
Jennifer Manoukian and Ann Marie Reinke, Assistant Directors of
Curriculum and Instruction; Martha Angello, Director of Student Services;
Laurie Frank, Assistant Director of Student Services; Ron Brooks, Karen
Naber, Linda Overbeck, and Marianne Sweetwood, Principals; Shawn
Rosekrans, Assistant Principal; Erika Daggett, Chief Information Officer;
Kevin Wittman, SEA President; Jennifer Thiel, Pam Berry, Ruth McCormack,
Dan Hanus, Jerri Hanus, Andrew Hanus, Zachary Hanus, James Hanus,
Rachel Morris, Sam Hammer, Georgia St. John, Casey Wright, Jeffrey
Silverstein, Rashika Joshi, Danielle Ungerbuehler, Gretchen Fisher, Alex Bao,
Nick Gonzalez, Joseph Bruner, Laura Birckhead, Amona Al-Refaei, Grace
Kendrick, Steven Froh, and others.
At 6:00 p.m., Mrs. Cole moved, seconded by Mr. Richter to adjourn to
Executive Session in accordance with ORC 121.22G1-Personnel –
Employment/ Regulated Individual.
Vote: Mrs. Cole, aye; Mr. Richter, aye; Mrs. Adamec, aye; Mr. Mercurio, aye;
Mrs. Staubach, aye.
The board recessed Executive Session at 6:55 p.m. There was no formal action taken in
Executive Session.
The regular meeting was re-convened at 7:00 p.m.
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
1
Executive
Session
Item #11-033

Sycamore Board of Education – Regular Meeting 2
February 16, 2011
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Mr. Richter moved, seconded by Mrs. Cole to approve the agenda and
addendum as presented.
Vote: Mr. Richter, aye; Mrs. Cole, aye; Mr. Mercurio, aye; Mrs. Staubach, aye;
Mrs. Adamec, aye.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Mr. Mercurio moved, seconded by Mrs. Staubach to approve the minutes of
the meetings of January 19 and February 3, 2011, as presented.
Vote: Mr. Mercurio, aye; Mrs. Staubach, aye; Mr. Richter, aye; Mrs. Adamec, aye;
Mrs. Cole, aye.
Presentation
Approval of
Agenda
Item # 11-034
Approval of
Minutes
Item # 11-035
Maple Dale Elementary Principal Ron Brooks introduced third grade teachers Ruth McCormack,
Jennifer Thiel and Pam Berry. Students, James Hanus, Megan Moreno, Beth Rashun Newbolt-
Thomas, Ian Livingston, Karli Wierwille, Daniel Halstead, Deryk Frank, Imani Joshi and Audrey
Griffith presented their “Wax Museum” projects. For this project students researched the
biographies of well-known scientists and inventors and created posters summarizing information.
For the public speaking part of the project, students dressed up as their subjects and became
“figures” in a wax museum. The figures came to life as the students shared information about
their subjects.
Resident Participation
None
SUPERINTENDENT’S AGENDA
Facilities Update - Maple Dale /District Offices/Energy Conservation Project
Dr. Kelly and Mrs. Weber provided an update on the Maple Dale Elementary School, district
offices and energy conservation projects. Dr. Kelly noted that representatives from Trane have
met with principals and building maintenance and custodial staff to coordinate the installation of
the energy conservation improvements. This will occur over the next 10-11 months. At Maple
Dale, soil and geothermal testing will begin February 19 th . Mrs. Weber noted that the
Certificates of Participation issued to fund the district office project will be sold in late February.
Mrs. Weber reviewed the process to negotiate the contract with C+R Architecture.

Sycamore Board of Education – Regular Meeting 3
February 16, 2011
Contract - CR Architecture + Design
Mrs. Weber reviewed the process for selection of the architect finalization of the contract.
Mrs. Staubach moved, seconded by Mrs. Cole to approve a contract with CR
Architecture + Design for design fee associated with Maple Dale Elementary
School and district offices. Cost is $1,015,466 for Maple Dale Elementary
School and $124,000 for district office project.
Vote: Mrs. Staubach, aye; Mrs. Cole, aye; Mr. Richter, aye; Mrs. Adamec, aye;
Mr. Mercurio, aye.
2011 Summer School Tuition Rates
Mr. Richter moved, seconded by Mrs. Cole to approve the following summer
school tuition rates.
High School Original Credit $375
Credit Recovery $325
Semester Credit $190
Grades 5-8 $135
Grades K-4 $110
Students participating in the federal free and reduced price lunch
program will receive a waiver of tuition for summer school.
Vote: Mr. Richter, aye; Mrs. Cole, aye; Mrs. Staubach, aye; Mrs. Adamec, aye;
Mr. Mercurio, aye.
Curriculum Recommendations
Contract – CR
Architecture +
Design
Item # 11-036
2011 Summer
School Tuition
Rates
Item # 11-037
Mrs. Reinke and Mrs. Manoukian provided information on recommended changes to
instructional standards in language arts, math, science and social studies. Ohio is participating
along with 45 other states in the national common core project for language arts and math. The
curriculum will be updated in line with these standards and will require some re-ordering of
courses, re-allocation of materials, etc. Language arts standards are also integrated into all core
areas including technology. Standardized testing will be based on the new standards. The
standards for science and social studies are still developed for Ohio.

Sycamore Board of Education – Regular Meeting 4
February 16, 2011
Revised Ohio Standards in Science and Social Studies
Mr. Mercurio moved, seconded by Mrs. Cole to adopt the Revised Ohio
Standards in science and social studies.
Vote: Mr. Mercurio, aye; Mrs. Cole, aye; Mrs. Adamec, aye; Mr. Richter, aye;
Mrs. Staubach, aye.
National Common Core Standards in Math and Language Arts
Mr. Richter moved, seconded by Mrs. Cole to adopt the National Common
Core Standards in math and language arts.
Vote: Mr. Richter, aye; Mrs. Cole, aye; Mr. Mercurio, aye; Mrs. Staubach, aye;
Mrs. Adamec, aye.
Financial Literacy and College and Career Readiness
Mrs. Cole moved, seconded by Mr. Richter to approve the following
resolution.
WHEREAS the Sycamore Community Schools’ Board of Education believes
in and supports the importance of teaching financial literacy and college and
career readiness; and,
WHEREAS the Sycamore Community Schools’ Board of Education believes
that preparing students for post secondary education, equipping them with the
prerequisite skills needed for a successful career, and teaching students to
become financially literate, including the ability to read, analyze, manage and
communicate about the personal financial conditions that affect material wellbeing,
will position them for success in later life;
THEREFORE, be it resolved that the Sycamore Community Schools’
Board of Education supports and believes strongly in the importance of
teaching financial literacy and college and career readiness in both the
middle grades (7 and/or 8) and in the high school.
Vote: Mrs. Cole, aye; Mr. Richter, aye; Mr. Mercurio, aye; Mrs. Staubach, aye;
Mrs. Adamec, aye.
Adoption of
Ohio Standards
– Science and
Social Studies
Item # 11-038
National
Standards in
Math and
Language Arts
Item # 11-039
Financial
Literacy &
College &
Career
Readiness
Item # 11-040

Sycamore Board of Education – Regular Meeting 5
February 16, 2011
Contract with Hamilton County Developmental Disabilities Services (HCDDS)
Mr. Mercurio moved, seconded by Mrs. Staubach to approve a contract with
Hamilton County Developmental Disabilities Services for students placed in
HCDDS for the 2011-2012 school year. Tuition rates will be $22,500,
$27,500 or $32,500 based on student placement. No increase in rates from
last year.
Vote: Mr. Mercurio, aye; Mrs. Staubach, aye; Mr. Richter, aye; Mrs. Adamec, aye;
Mrs. Cole, aye.
New Job Description and Revisions to Job Description
Mrs. Staubach moved, seconded by Mrs. Cole to approve following new job
description and revisions to job description:
� Groundskeeping/Maintenance Helper
� Delivery Driver/Child Nutrition/Groundskeeping/ Maintenance
Helper
Vote: Mrs. Staubach, aye; Mrs. Cole, aye; Mrs. Adamec, aye; Mr. Mercurio, aye;
Mr. Richter, aye.
Resolution to Abolish Classified Staff Position
Mr. Richter moved, seconded by Mrs. Staubach to approve abolishment of
the following classified staff position effective 3/1/11.
a. One (1) Secretary/Receptionist- Sycamore High School
Vote: Mr. Richter, aye; Mrs. Staubach, aye; Mrs. Adamec, aye; Mrs. Cole, aye;
Mr. Mercurio, aye.
Other Superintendent
HCDDS
Contract
Item # 11-041
Job
Descriptions –
New and
Revisions
Item # 11-042
Abolish
Classified Staff
Position
Item # 11-043
Dr. James noted that the district is working with Knowledgeworks to create a plan for meeting
student needs for college and career readiness. A community forum and staff work session will
be held in support of this planning process.
Cindy Parrott, Sycamore High School teacher, was named University of Cincinnati Chapter of
Sigma Chi High School Science Teacher of the Year for the Greater Cincinnati area. The award
recognizes and honors excellence in high school science teaching and mentoring of high school
students.
The district was notified that the seventeen National Merit semi-finalists are officially finalists.

Sycamore Board of Education – Regular Meeting 6
February 16, 2011
Sycamore High School photography students have work displayed in the New Voices Exhibit at
the Cincinnati Art Museum.
The Sycamore High School boys’ varsity swim team won the Greater Miami Conference title.
Upcoming events include the high school academic fair and kindergarten registration night.
TREASURER’S CONSENT AGENDA
Mrs. Staubach moved, seconded by Mrs. Cole to approve the treasurer’s consent
agenda as follows:
1. Acceptance of the following donations:
Sycamore High School
$150.00 019-9604 NKOA
Donation for Neediest Kids of All
$320.00 200-9616 Various parents
Donations to Class of 2014
$2,200.00 300-9629 Sycamore Theater Boosters
Donation to HS Musical
$100.00 007-9067 Rachel Wentzel
Donation to José Cerda Software Development Scholarship
$50.00 019-9623 Cousins of Ms. Barrow
$500.00 019-9623 G. Richard Thomas & Sally Hayes
$25.00 019-9623 Robert Detrick
$25.00 019-9623 Jane Hopson
$50.00 019-9623 Karen Kramer
Donations to Transition Fund in memory of Kathleen Barrow
$500.00 007-9067 Geetha Shanker
Donation to Venkat Shanker memorial scholarship
Sycamore Junior High
$4,500.00 300-9513 Sycamore Athletic Boosters
Donation for purchase of John Deere Gator
$100.00 300-9512 David and Leah Malof
$150.00 300-9512 Dr. Shannon and Julie Miller
$150.00 300-9512 John and Wendy Chism
Donations for future vocal music trips
Treasurer’s
Consent
Agenda
Item #11-044

Sycamore Board of Education – Regular Meeting 7
February 16, 2011
Blue Ash Elementary
$3,990.00 001-0000 Blue Ash PTA
$1,000.00 001-0000 Herbert Messer
Donation for library bookshelves
$700.00 001-0000 Blue Ash PTA
Donation for copy paper and usage
2. Approval of appropriation transfers:
From: $13,704.89 001-1100 Regular Instruction
From: $300.00 001-1200 Special Instruction
From: $2,700.00 001-2400 Administration
To: $2,145.00 001-2100 Pupil Support
To: $859.89 001-2200 Instructional Support
To: $11,400.00 001-2700 Operation of Bldg. & Maint.
To: $2,300.00 001-2800 Transportation
Transfers for City of Reading contract, electronic transcripts, copy
machine supplies, professional development, and workers compensation
payment.
From: $600.00 018-2700 Operation of Bldg. & Maint.
To: $600.00 018-3200 Community Services
Transfer for theater rental fund
From: $3,107.68 516-2200 Instructional Support
To: $2,100.00 516-1200 Special Education
To: $1,007.68 516-2100 Pupil Support
Transfer due to IDEA B revision to adjust allocations for benefits
3. Approval of the following appropriation increases/decreases:
Permanent Improvement
$270,450.00 003-5300 Architectural Services
$8,744,550.00 003-5600 Building Improvements
Increase for HB 264 Energy Conservation project
Public School Support
$1,709.00 018-3200 Community Services
Increase to pay theater coordinator from theater rental proceeds
Other Local Grants
$ (8,314.65) 019-2900 Central Support Services
Decrease appropriation for Learn 21 grant, which was transferred to
HCESC

Sycamore Board of Education – Regular Meeting 8
February 16, 2011
$6,000.00 019-3200 Community Services
Increase to support SAFA director, funds from SAFA
Student Managed Activity Funds
$1,400.00 200-4100 Academic Student Activities
$500.00 200-4600 Public Service
Increases for Unified for Unifat fundraising/donation and Class of 2014
District Managed Activity Funds
$17,972.14 300-4500 Athletics
Increase for athletics due to collection of gate receipts and entry fees
Title I
$22,954.00 572-1100 Regular Instruction
$35,620.29 572-2200 Instructional Support
Increase to allocate remainder of grant funds for teacher benefits, supplies
and professional development
Title IIA
$80.74 590-1100 Regular Instruction
Increase due to additional grant allocation
4. Approval of the following cash transfers:
From: $11,718.65 001-0000 General Fund
To: $11,500.00 300-9511 JH Drama
To: $218.65 590-9011 Title IID
Advances to JH Musical and Title IID grant
From: $12,200.00 007-9082 MWC
To: $12,200.00 019-9004 MWC
Transfer for MWC activities for remainder of the year
Vote: Mrs. Staubach, aye; Mrs. Cole, aye; Mr. Mercurio, aye; Mr. Richter, aye;
Mrs. Adamec, aye.
Financial Report – January, 2011
Mr. Richter moved, seconded by Mrs. Staubach to approve the January, 2011
financial report as presented.
Vote: Mr. Richter, aye; Mrs. Staubach, aye; Mr. Mercurio, aye; Mrs. Adamec, aye;
Mrs. Cole, aye.
Financial
Report-
January, 2011
Item #11-045

Sycamore Board of Education – Regular Meeting 9
February 16, 2011
PERSONNEL CONSENT AGENDA
Mrs. Staubach moved, seconded by Mrs. Cole to approve the personnel
consent agenda as follows:
1. Change of status for the following individual as indicated:
a. Anna Ledford, child nutrition server, from 4 hours per day to
5 hours per day at Sycamore Junior High School effective
2/17/11. This is a replacement position.
2. Employment of the following individuals as indicated:
a. Daniel Frank as percussion accompanist for Sycamore Junior
High School musical at the rate of $350. Funded by
Sycamore Junior High School musical fund.
b. David Swift as bass accompanist for Sycamore Junior High
School musical at the rate of $350. Funded by Sycamore
Junior High School musical fund.
c. Substitute teacher and/or home instructor at appropriate rate
on an as needed basis effective 2/17/11:
1. Sara Badinghaus
2. Adam Bookbinder
3. A. Irving Brown
4. Traci DeBra
5. Joe Freudenberg
6. Juli Hissong
7. Rachel Howard
8. Fady Khalilieh
9. Leah Madigan
10. Luke Owens
11. Sara Ramprasad
12. Stacey Runion
13. Meghan Sholtes
14. Christopher Smith
15. Kimberly Yash
d. Substitute educational assistant at appropriate rate on an as
needed basis effective 2/17/11:
1. Rachelle Penilla
Personnel
Consent
Item # 11-046

Sycamore Board of Education – Regular Meeting 10
February 16, 2011
e. Substitute custodian at appropriate rate on an as needed basis
effective 2/17/11:
1. Gregory Hendrix
f. Certified lifeguard on an as needed basis at a rate of $8 per
hour:
1. Teresa Sandoval
g. Stephanie Reisert as child nutrition server at Montgomery
Elementary School for 4 hours per day on step 1 at the rate of
$12.23 per hour effective 2/22/11. This is a replacement
position.
3. Settlement agreement with Noralee Duncan as presented.
Vote: Mrs. Staubach, aye; Mrs. Cole, aye; Mr. Richter, aye; Mrs. Adamec, aye;
Mr. Mercurio, aye.
OTHER BOARD OF EDUCATION BUSINESS
Legislative Liaison Report
Mrs. Adamec noted that district representatives are meeting with State legislators representing
the district to discuss current legislation and the upcoming State Budget process.
Planning Commission Report
Sycamore Planning Commission teams are working toward completion of their studies on late
start/early release and effective communication media.
ADJOURNMENT
At 8:20 p.m., the meeting was adjourned by acclamation. Adjourn
Item # 11-047