Another Levy Looming on the Horizon

Signs - signs - everywhere a sign - (those who remember that song are as old as I am!!)

 

August 6th is a one-issue special election, as everybody knows.  There is passion on both sides of the aisle.

 

But, before we go on, let me say one thing:  Those of you who do not live in the district, and those who do not pay any Swanton school taxes are not invited to the discussion.  This is OUR issue to decide, and just because you might be someone who works in the school system doesn't give you the right or the privilege of weighing in on the question. 

 

So, sit down and SHUT UP.

 

Now then.  Can someone please explain to me why we keep hurling insults at those with whom we disagree?  Each side screeches that the other side is  LYING.  Really??  Is that really what's happening here?  Or is it more a matter of who has what information, and whether that information is complete or incomplete??

 

When I was a member of the school board, a resident of the district was so upset with me and another board member that she sought to have us removed.  Try as she might, she could find no statutory basis on which to make that happen, and the effort died.  This same person subsequently ran for and was elected to serve on that same school board - and, guess what??  She came to realize that she didn't have all of the facts during her earlier campaign.  She came to realize that, in spite of her conviction that we were doing WRONG, she was actually the one who was in error.  Discovering "the rest of the story" gave her an entirely new perspective. 

 

Did the situation itself become altered and thus change her mind?  No - it was that she finally got all of the FACTS and realized her mistake.  She had been quite passionate about her former position - and she discovered that she was wrong to have held that position, once she learned all of the facts.  She freely admits now that she should have/could have asked, but for whatever reason, she didn't at that time. 

 

Did her former position make her EVIL or a LIAR or anything else worthy of personal attack?  No.  She simply was not in possession of all of the facts, and the stories she got from others whom she trusted were simply incomplete. 

 

Now, I'm no Pollyanna who lives with the mistaken notion that nobody ever tells a lie for personal gain.  Of course people lie!  But to immediately hurl that accusation at another without knowing the whole story is just wrong.  Nine times out of ten, the opposition isn't deliberately lying - it simply doesn't have the same pieces of information that you have. 

 

I am a firm believer that a decision - ANY decision - should be made only after all the facts are known and considered.  Whether that is about the person you're about to marry, or the job you're considering, or whatever - you should never decide anything until you have looked at all sides of the equation and considered the ramifications of each option before you made your final choice.  Choosing to ignore any fact only makes your ultimate choice more about emotion instead of clear thinking.  Is there any doubt as to which method is the better of the two??

 

So then we run into the question of what items are demonstrable facts and what items are opinions?  The line has been blurred here.  How can you sort it all out before August 6th?

 

I suggest that you read carefully everything you can on the issue.  Do not rely on someone's memory - insist on source documentation wherever possible.  Memory is fallible - source documents are not.

 

And, above all, please realize that your neighbors might hold a different opinion than you, but that doesn't make them liars.  Keep the personal attacks OUT of things.  Stick to the facts at hand!  Recognize that EVERYBODY agrees that improvement is needed in our facilities - we only differ in how we personally believe it would be best to accomplish that goal.

 

The vote we take on August 6 will have far-reaching consequences.  Keep your emotions out of it.  Do your homework and evaluate the facts.  Only then will you be prepared to cast your ballot and only then will your choice truly be in the best interest of this district and our children.

 

 

 

Fresh Start

The 2012-13 school year has begun!  The first classes have been held - the first football game - the first kindergarten class has survived separation anxiety - our local Swanton Enterprise had a great photo on the front page of the newest additions to the teaching staff, as well as the coaching staff on the inside page - a new bus was purchased, and the emergency levy was renewed at the Aug. 7th special election.  A 2-year contract with our secretaries' union was ratified smoothly . . .

Looks like we're off and running!

Although the school board has met regularly each month, you can't tell from the podcast list on the district website, which only goes up to May 15, 2012.  Were no further meetings recorded after that date??  Shame on me for not physically being in attendance - I counted on being able to know what was discussed at school board meetings by listening to the digital recordings, which is mighty hard to do if they don't exist.  

I don't know about You, but if I have prior commitments on those nights that prevent me from being there, I don't want to rely on the Enterprise for information on what transpired - especially since they don't always send a reporter to cover the meetings.  And waiting for the Bulldog Bulletin means getting most of the information long after the fact - not the best option, either.  I'm going to check with some board members to see what's going on with the recordings.

At the most recent board meeting, there was an acceptance of the Ohio School Facilities Commission (OSFC)  "Classroom Facilities Assistance Program", as listed on the agenda for that evening.  Part of the resolution that was passed to accept this proposal involves recognition that "if the districts' electors fail to pass the local proposition with (13 months), the funds reserved for (our) project will be released."  That means if our district doesn't pass a new levy to help pay for a new building, the state will pull its share of the funding and give it to someone else. 

I assume there was some discussion of this at the board meeting on Aug. 14th, but without a digital recording, there is no way for those of us who weren't there to know what was said.  Was the amount needed mentioned?  Was there talk of what type of levy was being considered??  Inquiring minds want to know - especially those who own property and/or have a job whose tax dollars will pay for this.

Well, if you go to the district website and click several times to get to the "detailed agenda" which includes attachments, you'll find the document from the state that lists some particulars (see pgs. 2&3).  The scope of the project is to build a new K-6 building - demolish Crestwood, Park, and the "Cherry Street High School" (translation: the 1904 building).  The local "share" of this project appears to be around $8 million, after some "ELPP Expenditures" are credited.  A tidy sum.

For those of you who believe that these demolitions are a requirement of the state, please know that is not the case.  There were other avenues available that would have allowed one or more of the existing buildings to remain standing for other purposes, but the direction chosen was for demolition of all 3.   As a card-carrying member of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, it is personally painful for me to acknowledge that the 1904 building is to be destroyed.  I can give you many examples of similar structures that have been saved, updated for current technology, and are being used (LEED platinum, too) in Ohio and Michigan - but here in Swanton our history is not near as important as something new and shiny.  (small wonder that our downtown is so lifeless . . . )  But that is a topic for another blog!  I'm sure those who made the decision believe they made the best choice possible, given all the parameters.  Now that the decision has been made, we should all do our best to rally behind it.

So let's start this new school year with enthusiasm and expectation that it will be a good one, for students, staff, and administration - and then go out, and MAKE it happen!

One More Thing . . .

I neglected to mention in my earlier article that, although the authority and responsibility for these difficult decisions on reductions in force (RIFs) rests on the Board of Education, the decision was not made arbitrarily nor was it made in a vacuum.  

Over the past several weeks, meetings were held with the following groups of people:

• Building principals
• Transportation/Custodial Supervisors
• Building Engineers
• SEA Leadership
• SSSA Leadership
• Superintendent
• Treasurer/CFO

Each of these groups gave their input which was carefully taken into consideration by the Board.  So as you can clearly see, the Board did their due diligence appropriately before making their decision. 

RIFs are not pleasant, but are sometimes necessary.  None of the cuts made are meant to reflect anything negative on the people currently holding these jobs. 

It was a hard decision, but our current school Board did what they were elected to do.  While we may mourn the cuts that had to be made, we should also be grateful that this group of men and women were willing to do the hard thing required of them. 

Deja Vu All Over Again

Last night was a very important meeting of your Swanton Board of Education.  To accommodate an expected larger crowd, the venue was changed to Park School, where the audience sat on a section of uncomfortable bleachers to listen to the BOE conduct business and a joint presentation on the district's financial situation by treasurer Joyce Kinsman and acting superintendent Les Schultz. 

A number of folks had indicated their desire to address the Board, and were allowed to do so early.  While board president Kris Oberheim reminded everyone of the time stipulations by reading the policy covering the issue, no one was cut short in their comments - even though more than one took more than their allotted 3 minutes.

The overriding theme of the comments, in my opinion, seemed to be:  "(we) understand the financial situation of the district, but DON'T CUT my (job), (favorite class), (department), etc. because it will hurt the kids." 

Hey - ya know what??  When a budget needs to be trimmed, whether it's a school district budget or a personal budget at home, everyone connected to that budget - including the kids - is affected.  That's how life works in the real world.  What's that old adage?  "Life ain't fair." 

I'm not sure if the meeting was recorded last night, so it is unclear whether a podcast will be forthcoming (especially since the meeting recordings are woefully behind on the district website).  But the information shared jointly by Ms. Kinsman and Mr. Schultz was solid and well presented.  Questions were allowed from the audience at various points, and several people were able to ask and receive answers. 

At issue were the proposed budget cuts being considered by the Board.  In case you don't get the Swanton Enterprise, the list of items being considered included the elimination of 2 teachers and 2 secretaries, with another teacher and library aide having their time reduced.  An elementary music position and industrial arts position were being considered for elimination, and the Spanish teacher position reduced to half-time. 

Other items on the list included strength and conditioning coach, department chairs, grade level chairs, the middle school annual and newspaper, elementary student council advisors and the Spanish Club and middle school quiz team advisors.  These are all "supplemental" positions, which pay a set percentage on top of the regular teachers' regular salaries of those who hold these positions.  

Several references were made by members of the audience to what Swanton "used to have", in regard to programs and teachers, etc.  No one waxed nostalgic over the debacle in 2002 when the district was placed into "fiscal caution" by the state of Ohio for poor financial management.  No one remembered the embarrassment and angst from back then, when virtually every resident of the district swore to "never let THAT happen again!"  No one mentioned the income tax levy that took several times at the ballot before it was passed - mostly because residents were angry that the money they had already been giving wasn't being handled properly and why would the response be to throw more money at the problem?  Only one person where I was sitting remembered the income tax collecting far more than anticipated - which is how we happen to have a positive balance in the bank right now to help carry us through these difficult financial times.  One perennially angry person made the ignorant statement that the board was trying to balance the budget on the "backs of the teachers."  Puh-leez

Mr. Schultz was forthright about the ever-increasing demands of the State for graduation requirements.  Where a high school diploma used to be had for 18 credits, it now requires 24 - and these items are in core subjects like math, science, reading/literature, etc. 

Repeatedly during the PowerPoint presentation, we were reminded that - if nothing changed, at our current rate of expenditure the district will be out of money by the 2014-15 fiscal year.  That isn't just a comment on deficit spending - it also reflects the loss over time of the carryover balance that is in the bank right now, as the district would continue to dip into that fund to make up for shortfalls each year. 

Clearly cutbacks in expenses must occur.  The only question to be decided is which particular items will be on the chopping block.  If the Board decides to cut this one, these people will be angry.  If the Board decides to cut that one, those people will be angry.  It's a "no win" situation, but no one runs for school board to be popular.  (Trust me.)

It was also emphasized that the renewal of the Emergency Levy must occur.  The audience was introduced to Anne Cook, who is the new levy chairman and who shared how the committee plans to address the August ballot.  (hmmm . . . maybe she can even convince our self-nominated "Outstanding Board Member" to actually VOTE this time, since that person didn't bother to vote when the levy was on the ballot this spring . . . )

When the Board left to go into executive session to hammer out the final details, my husband and I left.  Many others stayed to hear first-hand what decisions were made.  The Board had to decide last night what to cut, because the May filing deadline to the state of the updated 5-Year Forecast is upon them.  We said a prayer for wisdom for our 5 school board members.

And this morning, the results were the same as listed on the district website.  You can read it all here.

An Agreement Is Reached

Yes - you read the title correctly - yesterday's marathon session between the Swanton Board of Education negotiation team and the teachers' union (SEA) team did finally reach an agreement on the contract.  I'm not sure when the SEA team will present the contract's particulars to its membership, but once that happens and the Temporary Agreement (TA) is ratified by them, it will then go to the full school board for a vote.  Will there be a special meeting held to do this?  Not sure - but at the very latest, the school board should have it before them at their regular April meeting.

I believe a huge "thank you" belongs to those teachers who were willing to speak up to their SEA team "representatives" for what they felt was fair.  Had those brave souls remained silent, we might still be at impasse - with an implemented contract instead.  Thank You!!

Another huge "thank you" belongs to our community for learning the facts and standing firm in their resolve to not allow our board to offer what they cannot afford.  Thanks to You All!

To the people who did the negotiating for the school board, another huge "thank you" is in order.  Being held hostage by the SEA for almost a full year on this thing was not pleasant for anyone, and being able to finally say that it is DONE is a great relief to all involved.

As details of the TA are made public, I will share them here.

Cautiously Optimistic

A few teachers have asked a building administrator about their rights as SEA union members and how to best use those rights.  This is a huge first step in the right direction - I cannot emphasize that enough.  

Those of you out there in the SEA who may believe you are all alone in your desire to make things right in our district can take heart - you are NOT alone!  Stand firm on what is right and our entire district will benefit from your courage!

Challenge to the SEA

I have just seen the most recent propaganda piece by the SEA which has charged the Board of Education with breaking Ohio law in their implementation of the contract.  Specifically, the complaint (as listed in the flyer) states that a pay freeze on steps effective Sept. 1, 2011 was implemented.

Now - all of you who have read the Swanton Enterprise Letter to the Editor by Russ Griggs know that allegation is false.  All of you who have taken the time to go to the district website and read the actual contract language know that the allegation is completely FALSE.

Yet, this is the latest tactic by the OEA rep to stir up trouble in our community, and the SEA leadership is allowing him to do it by following his directives.  In addition, he has deliberately had them LIE about the facts by filing an Unfair Labor Practice (ULP) which will now require more expenditure of district money to mediate in Columbus.  While the SEA members will bear no cost in the matter, your school district is now required to use precious district funds to state their case!  It would certainly be appropriate if the charges had even a hint of truth in them, but they are patently FALSE - and what's worse is that the OEA rep know they are false! 

So here is the challenge to the SEA members in our district:  Go to the school district website, all of you, to this page  - scroll down the page to the bottom and look in the right column for this button:  Swanton Teachers Deserve a Fair Contract.  There in the center of the page, click on "2011-2012 Board Implemented Contract" and read exactly what was put into place this past December.  In other words, do not take my word for it - read it for yourself!!

Then, SEA members, read over the flyer your "leadership" just put out that charges the BOE with breaking the law.  Use that educated brain that the good Lord has given you, and decide for yourself whether the OEA rep/SEA "leadership" has told the truth in this matter. 

THEN you must do one of two things:  either stand behind what has been done, fully understanding what you're doing - OR join with the others within your membership to remove those "leaders" from their positions of authority over you, and elect new ones to take their place.  That includes your OEA rep.  You either keep them all or toss them all.

This is a watershed situation and your personal character will be revealed.  You must choose.  You either stand with the Truth, or you stand with lies.  There is no middle ground.

Which will it be??

TV Land

Bewitched

The vast majority of our teaching staff at Swanton are great.  They love their job, they honestly do care for the kids in their classrooms, and they do their best on a regular basis. 

I know there are a few bad apples - there are in any district - but by and large, we have good people. 

So why is it that when contract time rolls around every couple of years, some of these same people suddenly lose their good sense?  It's as if their OEA rep is able to to hypnotize them to swallow hook, line, and sinker, any and all drivel he can concoct.  He becomes their Svengali - their own perfectly good grey matter is put on a shelf and they blindly do whatever he commands.  It is downright bizarre! 

And not only does the SEA negotiating team fall victim - they pass it onto the rank and file, who take all they are told at face value with no visible attempt at discernment whatsoever.  All those years of working with school board members as parents and friends suddenly mean nothing because the OEA rep has declared it through the SEA negotiating team!  (I hear the theme from "Twilight Zone" playing in the background . . . )

Here are just 2 examples: 

• A teacher "unfriended" two students from Facebook because their dad serves on the F.A.C.T. Committee. 
• Another member of the F.A.C.T. Committee had some teachers cancel their insurance coverages through his firm for the same reason - his participation with F.A.C.T.

They are bewitched.

I've Got A Secret

If it wasn't so lame, it would be laughable.  I'm talking here about the flyer put out by the SEA that speaks about the "secret" committee that lurks in dark corners, beholden to no voter, who conjures up evil intent against the teachers of our district:  the F.A.C.T. Committee!  Quick - get out your garlic necklace!!

After all those many articles in the Bulldog Bulletin and discussions at regular school board meetings, the people who put out that flyer can call it a "secret committee" with a straight face??

good grief

Now maybe the flyer creator(s) don't bother reading the Bulldog Bulletin.  It's possible.  It's also possible the board meetings where F.A.C.T. Committee members were introduced and spoke were not attended by these flyer folks. 

The F.A.C.T. Committee is made up of 5 business leaders of our community.  Four live within the community and one has his business in the village.  It was deliberately constructed to include NO school board member and NO teacher so as to avoid any undue influence from either side.  It functions as an independent advisory committee to the school board on matters of financial concern.  There is nothing "shadowy" about them and they make no decisions - decisions are the sole responsibility of the school board, who makes all of their decisions at public meetings (which you may listen to via podcast if you're unable to attend). 

Any one of the F.A.C.T. Committee members would be glad to share with you about what they have talked about in their so-called "secret meetings" !!  The current chairman of that committee is local resident Bill Pilliod.  Give him a call!  Set up a time to meet him for coffee uptown and bring a few friends along - he'd be happy to chat with you.

"Secret" committee indeed.  How ridiculous.

What that screed about the F.A.C.T. Committee tells me is that the OEA rep is grasping at straws - but the more flyers he has the SEA do, the more desperate they sound and the more people are annoyed with them. 

It's time that people ask questions instead of blindly accepting whatever nonsense is fed to them.  Ask the school board - Ask the superintendent - Ask a member of the F.A.C.T. committee - and get to the bottom of the real story instead of filling your head with rhetoric cooked up by an OEA rep.

If At First You Don't Succeed - Lie - Lie Again

apologize in advance for the title of this entry - with a journalism background, I am well aware of the power of words.  I have tried very hard to avoid provocative phrases and words in my postings, knowing that sharing the truth, even when stating it carefully, will still anger some people.  But this latest nonsense from the SEA has really frosted my cake.

Did you go to the home basketball game recently and get YOUR copy of their flyer??  They had plenty of them!  And they were passing them out to anyone and everyone they could!  Yup - these folks who look you right in the eye and claim solemnly that their biggest concern is "the children" thought nothing of trashing a home basketball game with their propaganda.  Every time I think they can't stoop any lower - they prove me wrong. 

What they might not realize is that these assaults are not winning them any friends - far from it.  As people learn the TRUTH, these ridiculous accusations by the SEA against the school Board are shown for the lies that they are.  Folks don't appreciate being lied to, ya know?  Half-truths and innuendos do not make you popular, no matter what your OEA rep tells you. . .

For those few who might not have seen this garbage from the SEA, allow me to share the highlights. 

First, the flyer whines that the Board's December implementation of the proposed contract was "not a contract" because they didn't agree to it.  It states that it is "indicative of a complete breakdown in the employee-management relationship".  Right you are!!  When you have one side of "negotiations" threatening to strike at the very first session (April 2011),  it's a safe bet to figure things are going to be a bit rocky.  When that same side refuses to present a counter proposal since June 2011, you can safely figure things are not going well.  When that same side refuses to actually talk until they see how Issue 2 fares in the November election, it's bad.  When a federal mediator is called in to help and even THAT person is unable to get them to see reason after several attempts, it's a fairly accurate statement to declare there's a "breakdown" in the "relationship". 

So that little piece in the flyer - while only a small piece of the story - is true.  They just neglected to tell you exactly which side caused the "complete breakdown".  a-hem

But then it gets completely wacko.

Next the writer(s) of the flyer reveal their mind-reading proclivity by stating that the Board's "full intention" is to "set a precedent where it will NEVER AGAIN be required to bargain in good faith." (emphasis added)  Say, what???  According to the SEA flyer, the Board will cause the teachers to lose the ability to negotiate over working conditions such as class sizes, etc.

I would not have believed it, had I not read it for myself. 

Lest we forget, here is what has their undies in a bunch:  they want a raise in the face of deficit spending, AND they don't want to pay 10% of their insurance premium.  That's it!!  That's what has them so hot and bothered!  How DARE the Board insist that they pay anything more than what they already pay - which is peanuts by any stretch of the imagination, whether you're comparing with other schools in the county or any other job in the nation that requires its employees to pay a portion toward benefits.  Please note that the benefit package itself was not changed - it's still the best one in the county.  All we had asked was for them to pay 10% of the premium - and on those months when the district took a moratorium on the premium (which means "skip a payment") the teachers would also skip that month's payment. 

How draconian!!  How UNFAIR!  How HURTFUL to our children!!

Puh-leez.

The flyer states the teachers are "doing everything within their power" to get the Board back to the table, but they need "your help".  The SEA kindly provided the contact information for each individual Board member so that You, John or Jane Q. Public could call or email to show how strongly you feel this is "unfair and unreasonable" of the Board toward the teachers, the poor dears.  Your calls, cards and letters will help "protect the integrity of education" of our kids, because - after all - the SEA only cares about "the children", right? 

Ex-cUUUUUse me, but when the very first meeting has the SEA declaring that if their demands are not met, they will STRIKE, who in their right mind could honestly view that as "doing everything within their power" to "bargain in good faith"??  How do they look at themselves in the mirror after statements made about "doing everything in their power" when they have presented NO counter proposal since last June??  As they maintained that attitude throughout the entire process, that is why the Board had to declare impasse in December and implement the contract, albeit for only 1 year (to June 30, 2012). 

Which reminds me - someone posted on Facebook in December that they were angry that former Board President Rick Ueberroth had said any strike days would be made up at the end of the year - in this person's opinion, that was a terrible thing to do to the kids.  (summer vacation, etc)  Here's the thing:  the last time the SEA went through this tired routine, the Board in office at that time made preparations to keep school open during the strike by contracting to have substitute teachers in the classrooms.  (As we all know, there are hundreds of teachers out of work who would give their right arm to have a job in NW Ohio.)  This Board preparation resulted in SEA members at Crestwood speaking in the presence of the children about the criminals that the Board was going to put into the classroom.  When a little kid tearfully asks his mom "what is a rapist?" you know something is very very wrong.  That is why if the SEA decides to strike over paying a measly 10% of their insurance premiums, school will be CLOSED until they return to the classroom with the days being made up at the end of the year.  

In their haste to get their flyer printed off, the SEA accidentally forgot to include contact information for their negotiating team members (with their OEA rep, who has a cavalier attitude toward the districts he represents - after all, his actions in those districts have no effect on him).  So in the interest of fairness, below is a list of the contact information of their team - feel free to contact them with your comments:

Josh Eppert   josh.eppert@swantonschools.org   419-320-7935  (lives in Old West End Toledo)
Deisa Thielman   deisa.thielman@swantonschools.org   419-877-5594 (lives in Anthony Wayne school district)
Renee' Gothke  renee.gothke@swantonschools.org   419-877-5532  (lives in Anthony Wayne school district)
JoEllen McDonnall  joellen.mcdonnall@swantonschools.org   419-822-9035  (lives in Delta/P-D-Y school district)
and spokesman Steve Brehmer  steve.brehmer@swantonschools.org  419-825-3266  (the only one in this group who lives in the Swanton school district)

Please do not hesitate to contact your school board members with any questions you might have on this or any other issue in the district (they all are required to live in the district in which they are elected).

And I'm sure the SEA team members would also love to hear from you as well - just make sure you have fresh batteries in your B.S.-O-Meter before you call . . .

A New Year - A New Board - But Some Things Never Change

The organizational meeting of the Swanton School Board was held this past Tuesday night.  I did not attend, but was told it lasted a whopping 11 minutes - might be a new record!  The organizational meeting is primarily a housekeeping meeting, where routine matters are handled that cover the entire year ahead.  This includes electing a president and vice president of the Board.

This year, Kris Oberheim was elected to the position of President of the school board.  Having worked with Kris, I am confident she will do a great job - the board is in good hands.  The vice president slot went to Michelle Tyson.

No doubt the podcast of the meeting itself will be placed on the school website soon, but voice recordings - while great - aren't able to give you the full picture of what happens at school board meetings.

Case in point:  in attendance that evening were more than two dozen teachers, all sporting new buttons that said something like, "I don't want to strike, but I will"

*sigh*

I took my grandson uptown to Club Salon for his haircut yesterday, and a couple of the gals there were talking about the signs in people's yards and these buttons, and they were NOT speaking favorably about those who had either one of them.  In talking with others, too, I find little support for the stance our teachers' union is taking.

When the "strike" word is used at the very first negotiation meeting by the SEA (which it was - last April 2011), you know it's going to be an unpleasant situation.  Their peers in surrounding districts are even disgusted with them.  Yet they continue to follow the lead by their OEA rep, down the road to trouble.  It's too bad no one has the courage to tell him to take a hike - he is certainly doing them no favors. 

Most of the rank-and-file don't even know what's going on - they are trusting their leaders to do what is best for all of them.  But the reality is that when cuts have to come, the newest teachers are the ones thrown under the bus by their fellow union members.  It's a shame to lose the fresh enthusiasm and energy that come with new teachers and be left with some who are just going through the motions (every district has them).  But that's how it works, and the losers in this game are always our kids. 

It's unfortunate and it's a shame - but it's reality.  I just keep praying for a change of heart in these people.

Ya know, once we had to implement the contract in December, I had really hoped that the SEA would maybe grumble a bit about it but focus their energy on negotiating the next contract.  By implementing the contract, it can only go for 1 year - which means that it will expire at the end of June 2012.  THAT means that negotiations for the NEXT contract will need to begin in March!  But instead of the SEA regrouping to focus on the next round of negotiations, they're telling people they hope to have a particular new board member move to rescind the contract just implemented.

I am not making this up.

Look though we may, it is mighty hard to find the logic in that approach.  And in the meantime, our kids are the ones who get the short end of the stick as the teachers "work to the contract" which means that anything not specifically spelled out in writing within the contract pages is not done. 

It doesn't have to be this way, but until enough members of the SEA stand up for what is right, that's the way it will remain. 

Public Information

There are all kinds of information that - once written - become a matter of "public record" and, thus, available to anyone and everyone who asks for a copy.   Sometimes a public record deserves to be shared even when individuals haven't actually asked for it yet, just so that the information is shared with as many as possible.  The following text was prepared by interim Superintendent Russ Griggs and emailed to SEA (teachers' union) spokesman Steve Brehmer.  It contains a lot of information in a concise manner that you may find interesting.  Take a look - see what you think.  (emphasis added)

*****

"Swanton teachers deserve a fair contract"

Such a statement immediately implies that Swanton Teachers have been treated unfairly. Let us take a look at the circumstances surrounding recent and current conditions related to Swanton Teachers.

Swanton Teachers currently are and will continue to have the second highest starting pay for teachers in Fulton County.


Top teacher pay for Swanton Teachers in Fulton County is and will remain the third highest.


In recent contracts, past three years, Swanton Teachers received the highest base pay increases in Fulton County. They are among the highest raises in the state of Ohio. In 2008-09 base pay increased 3.7%, in 2009-10 base pay increased 4%, in 2010-2011 base pay increased 3 %.


No Swanton Teacher will receive a decrease in gross pay. As a result of what the board implemented:


Twelve (12) teachers will receive a 37% increase in gross salary from 2009-2012


Twenty nine (29) teachers will receive a 14-36% increase in gross pay from 2009-2012


Twenty six (26) teachers will receive a 7-10% increase in pay from 2009-2012


The average pay increase for teachers over three years is 18%


With the base freeze for 2011-2012 the average increase for Swanton Teachers is 3%


Forty seven (47) Swanton Teachers will receive 3-5% increases for this year 2011-2012


Twenty Eight (28) Swanton Teachers will not receive a raise out of 88 teachers for this year (2011-2012)


Swanton Teachers currently pay the lowest share of health insurance premiums for the best health insurance plan in Fulton County. The board has implemented a 10 % share of premium from the teachers beginning in February 2012


The single plan has a deductible of $100.00, the family plan has a $300.00 deductible.


Out of pocket health plan expenses for Swanton Teachers are the lowest in the county.


In a recent story on TV, the spokesperson for the Swanton Teacher Association reported that the Board of Education was unwilling to talk to the teachers.

In the five months I have been interim superintendent, four negotiating sessions took place, three with federal mediators. During those five months the SEA has refused to give a counter proposal to the board, refused to accept the board proposals and refused to take the board offer to the teachers. The SEA uses the same negotiator who has also failed to settle contracts in Delta and Springfield Local Schools. All the other local districts in Fulton and Lucas County have settled their contracts. The Swanton board has not required teachers to do anything that all the other teachers in the county, except Delta, have already agreed to in recent contracts.

Everyone deserves a fair contract. The SEA demands for base increase would make Swanton teachers the highest beginning paid teachers in the county. The same OEA representative will represent Wauseon in negotiations later this year. His goal then will be to make Wauseon teachers number one once again with a fair contract there.

I also learned from a TV news report that the SEA voted to authorize a strike. The SEA decided to release this information to the media, not the school board, and blast the board for not talking to the teachers at the same opportunity. Regardless of the outcome of the threat of strike, the Swanton taxpayers will need to renew the Emergency levy in 2012, at a higher millage rate due to declining tax values, pass a sizable increase in taxes either property or income, and possibly face a bond issue for a new building. In addition, cuts in expenditures and programs will need to take place. All of these things may be necessary in the next three to five years.

The threat of a strike has a negative impact on a school district. An actual strike tears the community apart as witnessed by the long term damage done in district where strikes have occurred.

*****

This document is not empty rhetoric - it clearly lays out the facts.  I'm not sure why the SEA believes that these facts will miraculously change once the new board takes office in January, but their spokesman Mr. Brehmer has stated to the media that they are waiting for that to happen. 

Here's what I think:  The children of Swanton Local School District deserve an excellent education and the Taxpayers of the same district deserve to have their tax dollars spent wisely to accomplish that educational goal.  Going bankrupt by refusing to contain costs/expenditures never improves a family's home budget - why would it be any different for a school district??  Answer:  It is no different at all. 

At least now you know the "rest of the story" and not only what has been stated by the SEA negotiating team to the media.

December News

Our December meeting included board recognition of several students and student groups and their great achievements - but I'm sure all of that has now been overshadowed by the very last thing we addressed on our agenda that night, which was for the board to implement our last best offer of a contract to our teachers.

Our two negotiating teams have held various meetings to discuss the contract since April 2011.  A federal mediator was eventually agreed to by both sides, and yet an agreement was not reached.  I read on Facebook today the following posting by the Swanton Enterprise:

The Swanton teachers’ union approved authorization yesterday to send the board of education a 10-day strike notice after 10 months of negotiations proved unsuccessful.The Swanton Education Association voted unanimously at a general membership meeting to allow its bargaining team to set a strike date should the BOE continue to decline further contract talks. More in Tuesday's Enterprise

Interesting that we learn of these things on Facebook!  Such is modern life these days.

A press release was prepared by our interim superintendent, Russ Griggs, as follows:

The Board of Education of Swanton Local Schools and the Swanton Education Association have been negotiating since April 2011 for a successor collective bargaining agreement. The Board’s contract with the SEA expired August 31, 2011. The parties were unable to reach agreement even with the assistance of a federal mediator. Because the parties were at impasse, the Board voted on December 13, 2011 to implement its last best offer to the SEA.

The Board understands that the SEA took a vote on December 15, 2011 to authorize a strike. The Board has not received official notice of the vote and has not received any ten day strike notice from the SEA.

The Swanton Board of Education is committed to maintaining quality education in the district, and providing fair wages and benefits to the district’s teachers and other employees. Like many other area school districts, however, the district’s expenditures exceed and are projected to continue to exceed its revenues and it must act within the limits of fiscal responsibility.

Questions may be directed to the district’s Interim Superintendent, Russ Griggs, who will be available Monday, December 19, 2011 in the Board of Education office.

Anyone interested in knowing the terms of the contract implemented and the financial pieces related to it are welcome to ask Mr. Griggs for a copy of a notice he sent to all teachers on Wednesday afternoon.  As it is public record, anyone may ask for a copy.

 

I can only express my great disappointment in this latest action by the union. 

 

November News

Our regular meeting for November followed the standard format of opening, financial reports and minutes being approved, etc.  A slightly unusual donation was made by my cousin, Norm Bratton (Jr.) - when his mom passed away recently, he discovered a small bank balance for the Class of 1942 in a savings account that she had managed as treasurer.  This amount ($28.36) he had issued to the district on a bank check.  Board member Mona Dyke suggested that it go toward the Swanton Foundation as other similar donations had done before, and the rest of us agreed.

One of the important decisions made that evening was to hire Joyce Kinsman as our new CFO/Treasurer.  Mrs. Kinsman has been the treasurer for the Pike-Delta-York district for the past 9 years and brings a lot of applicable experience to the position in Swanton.  She may not be as tall as our former treasurer, but she has every bit of the spunk - and expertise.  We are glad to have her aboard!  She will officially begin her duties here in mid-December.

The next "big" thing on our agenda was a PowerPoint presentation by two seniors who participate in the recently formed "Interact" group at the high school.  First, let me give some information on this organization.  "Interact" is Rotary International's service club for young people (age 12 -18).  Interact clubs are sponsored by local Rotary clubs, which provide support and guidance, but the clubs are self-governing and self-supporting.  Each year, Interact clubs complete as least 2 community service projects, one of which fosters international understanding and goodwill.  Our new Swanton Rotary Interact club meets once a week in the high school media center.  Rotarians help facilitate their weekly meetings.  Our group has been broken into 3 committees:  Community Service, School Spirit, and Community Relations.

Right now, our high school Interact club has three short term projects they are working on: 

• Selling granite tiles to SHS seniors and SHS alumni.  Tiles are laser engraved, and will be on permanent display in the high school.
• Students plan to clean up the creek bank on the East side of the football stadium, and also plan to work with the Village to stem erosion there.
• A fundraiser to obtain an English bulldog as a school mascot.

It was this last project that the PowerPoint presentation addressed at our board meeting.  The boys did a nice job pleading their case, and we really admire and appreciate their willingness to bring this presentation to the Board.  Of course, we are talking about a living creature here, and so there are other concerns that should be addressed.  Board member Kris Oberheim owns 2 of this type of dog, and can speak from experience on their care, temperament, etc.  She had several pertinent comments and questions for the guys and suggested that they do some more research as the Board would do as well, before a decision is made. 

I'm not sure why the club didn't consider finding a current owner among our residents (Ted Haselman also owns one - who else out there does??) and possibly work with that owner to have that pet be a mascot at the games, etc.  But perhaps they DID consider that and decided they preferred to try this route instead.  I don't know.  Having been a dog owner my entire life, I had a lot of questions on their proposal - but Mrs. Oberheim's comments were sufficient that night.

We next approved a 3 year agreement to have Rose Photography continue as our official district photographer. 

Another important action taken that night was to agree to place a renewal of the Emergency Levy on the ballot this coming Spring.  It would NOT be a "new" tax levy - it is a renewal of an existing levy.  This levy collects around $825,000 annually, and given the state of our 5 yr. forecast it is clear to see that its renewal is important for our district.

Our December meeting was set for Tuesday the 13th, and we approved a revision of board policy 9270.

A quick discussion was held on the Swanton Rec program.  There is some interest in doing a new joint venture with the Village on this program, which would include using the school district as a taxing agent to obtain money for Swanton Rec in a fashion similar to that of the Swanton Public Library.  The former board's goal was for Swanton Rec to become its own entity . . . but that plan has apparently derailed.  If the school district is used as its taxing agent, I'm not sure how the taxes collected will be spent:  programs?  handed over to the Village for park maintenance?  It might be a bit too early for these kinds of questions, but they will eventually need to be addressed.

Michelle Tyson had attended the OSBA conference in Columbus recently, and said a few words about that.  I don't know what seminars or sessions she attended during her stay.

We had one executive session that night, to discuss employee employment and negotiations.  A new meeting date was scheduled with the SEA bargaining team for Dec. 8th.  Depending on its outcome, we will take action at our Dec. 13th board meeting.

Second Round

Our first set of interviews for the open Treasurer's position in the district went really well, and our second round was held this past week.  As a side note, only two of the five candidates had the presence of mind to send a "thank you" note after the first interview . . . it was noticed by all of us, and a good reminder to everyone out there looking for a job:  Send A "Thank You" Note after the interview!!

Newly elected board member Shannon Crow was able to attend the second round of interviews, which was admirable.  Mr. McClure was still on vacation, and unable to come.  Michelle Tyson did not participate. 

Each of our 3 finalists had plusses and minuses for us to consider.  We should be able to have a strong candidate in the treasurer's slot before January 1st. 

Our next regular board meeting is scheduled for Tuesday evening, November 22nd. 

Treasurer Interviews

The Board has conducted the first round of interviews for our district treasurer's position.  Our hope is to have a top candidate in place by the first of next year, 2012. 

Last week we spoke with five individuals on two separate evenings.  Also invited to sit in were newly elected board members, Shannon Crow and Mike McClure.  Ms. Crow came, but Mr. McClure was out of town.  Michelle Tyson also did not attend - I do not know the reason.

Second interviews will now be scheduled.  We have several good candidates, and we are confident that a top-notch person will soon be added to our district family in Swanton.

Stay tuned!

Election Results

Okay!  Unless you happen to live under a rock, you know by now that our two newly elected school board members are Mike McClure and Shannon Crow.  They will be invited to participate in the interview process for the open treasurer position in our district.  Once that position is filled, the next major hiring decision of the board will be to seek a new superintendent after the first of the year.

In addition, Issue 2 has been decided - so now the teachers' union (SEA) and their OEA leader will cease their delaying tactics and let our district get back to business of contract negotiations. 

On a sad note, the Swanton library tax did not pass in Lucas County . . . probably because it is a new tax, although I have seen other jurisdictions where renewals did not pass, either.  With our economy in such a sorry state, I wonder how the school district emergency levy renewal will do this coming Spring . . . 

Fortunately, the total vote on the library was "YES"!  So that's the good news!

Hoopla, Indeed

So - were your children among those whose bags of goodies included candy with a sticker on the back that mentioned the teachers' contract??

If not, you don't know what I'm talking about . . .

During the Swanton "Halloween Hoopla" uptown this past Saturday, some people were dropping candy into kids' bags that had a sticker.  I don't have one in front of me right now, so I can't quote it verbatim - but it was something like:  "Did you know our teachers have been working without a contract since September 1?"  

In our children's candy bags. 

I am not making this up.

Here's the kicker:  the statement on the sticker is TRUE.  That's right - the statement is true . . . as far as it goes, anyway.

The fact is that our local teachers' union (SEA) leadership is working very closely with their state union (OEA) rep who is holding off on settling several of his clients' contracts while he waits for November 8th.  He is waiting to see if Issue 2 will pass or fail.

There were contract offers made by the district through our representatives before school began and after (right up until late October), but they were all rejected.  Nope - it was more important to the OEA rep to wait to see what happens with Issue 2, and unfortunately our SEA leaders have chosen to follow his lead.

If Your child received one of these candy bars (Kit Kat, I think . . . ) with a sticker, please share your opinion of that with a teacher or two.  They are only human, and you can't expect them to be mind-readers.  Let them know what you thought of their actions, instead of only sharing it with school board members.  Your message will carry much more weight coming directly from You.

October 2011

I really need to get more clever in my post titles . . . *sigh*

The Swanton Board of Education had 2 meetings in October.  The first was a special meeting held on the 11th to discuss negotiations.  Our interim superintendent hadn't been warned  informed about how things happen in our district, and had no idea that anyone at all - let alone a sizable group of teachers - would bother to attend a special meeting that would consist only of an executive session.  Thus he had set out only enough chairs for those participating in the meeting itself, and as the teachers began streaming into the building, chairs had to be quickly brought out.  He apologized to those in the audience.  We retired to the back room, held our executive session, came out about an hour later and adjourned.  Not a whole lot of excitement there.  (Ms. Tyson did not attend)

Our regular board meeting was held on October 18th, and all board members were present.  After our standard opening procedures, a special commendation was presented to retiring Park School secretary, Carol Arvin, in recognition of her many years of service.  Walking into Park School just won't be the same without her smiling face to greet you!  Mrs. Arvin will be greatly missed, and we wish her well on her retirement.

During our Hearing of the Public, a parent addressed the Board about our policy on cell phone discipline, specifically the confiscation portion. 

In attendance that evening was our acting treasurer, Arlene Wilson, who then presented the treasurer's reports.  Under "old business", minutes of our two prior meetings were approved as presented, as were the budgets for the class of 2015, Middle School student council, and Crestwood.  Financial reports were also approved as presented, but I have to say that some of those reports routinely give me more questions than answers - such as, why are we buying so much pizza (among other things) ? 

Under "new business" for the treasurer, we approved two payments in lieu for students' transportation to private schools.  That is required by law . . . when I think of all the gas money I shelled out for hauling my 3 kids to private school, and then did the same for my grandson, it makes my eyes water.  C'est la vie

We then were presented the contract for our audit.  We discussed the merits of the cash accounting approach vs. GAAP before approving the contract as presented.

Our 5 year forecast was next on the agenda.  This is required to be filed with the state twice each year, with the Oct. 31st deadline rapidly approaching.  You can see it here.  Also important with the raw numbers is to read over the explanatory notes - you can see them here.   You might notice that even with Personnel Services holding steady (meaning: no increase in salaries) in fiscal years 2013-2016, our carryover keeps disappearing.  In 2012 we show a $1.3 million deficit spending.  In 2013 that jumps to $2 million - and in 2014 it's up to $2.8 million in deficit spending.  The carryover monies by 2014 are down from $6.2 million in 2012 to $1.3 million - with no salary increases. 

Now, a forecast is just that: a forecast.  It is our best guess, given what we know today.  If more people get back to work, our income tax revenue will go up.  If the economy picks up overall, our property tax revenue will also increase.  Will either of those two things happen to a significant degree to offset these negative numbers in our forecast?  I'm not a betting man, but if I were - I would not bet on it.

Under the superintendent's section of our meeting, we approved personnel as presented.  We decided to change our November meeting date to accomodate the state conference, so our next meeting will be Nov. 22nd.  We also approved our standard contract with the NWO ESC for those students who are assigned there for instructional services.

With the recent change in ballot timing, we have to place our request for renewal of the Emergency Levy on the March 2012 ballot.  We took the first step toward its placement on the ballot at our October meeting and will finalize the process in November.

Building reports had been submitted by each principal, and while I recognize that these reports are part of their job - I still really appreciate the time each one puts into telling us as a Board what things are happening in their respective buildings.  Instead of a cursory overview, we are given really good information - thanks to Mrs. Lutz, Mrs. Baz, Mr. Haselman and Mr. Gfell!

A discussion on the Swanton Rec program informed us that they are still working toward becoming an independent entity - which was our goal several years ago.  The money collected through a school district-based levy is dwindling, and the Rec Board is working to make sure the program will be self-sustainable.  I asked Kris Oberheim if she knew how many of our participating kids paid reduced fees or no fees at all, and learned that it is only 2 or 3 kids.  Soccer rules and coach code of conduct documents were presented to us for our approval, which we gave.

Under #8 - Comments from Board Members - Michelle Tyson had a small plaque indicating her (self-)nomination as "Outstanding Board Member" which she had received at a regional OSBA dinner recently.  She gave it to Chris Wood for display in the Board Office.

Kris Oberheim and Mona Dyke spoke about the "mix it up" lunch at the middle school, which went really well, with great participation from the students.

We had an executive session at the end, to discuss negotiations and employee employment.  We then came out and adjourned.

Soon we will be holding interviews for the open Treasurer's position in our district.  Our plan is to include the newly elected board members in the process after Nov. 8th.

Which reminds me:  please take your vote seriously!  Do not vote for someone or something because of relationships with friends - vote based on what is best for our district and our state. 

September 2011

A special meeting of the school board was held at the end of August to discuss our treasurer search with Lucas Co. ESC assistance.  We talked about preparing a brochure of the position for potential candidates, timelines, etc.  Obviously this is an awkward time to search for a school district treasurer, but we need to get moving.  No time like the present!

Our September meeting began (after the usual preliminaries) with discussion and recognition of the district's new Excellent rating by the State of Ohio.  Interim Superintendent Russ Griggs mentioned that he was in contact with the State Board of Education to find a person able to present the Excellent banner to our students in an upcoming assembly program. 

Brooke Butler sat in for interim treasurer Arlene Wilson, and took our minutes that evening.  Minutes of previous meetings were approved as presented.  Financial reports and investments of the treasurer's office were presented and approved as well.  Various budgets were presented to the BOE, such as the High School building account, the Class of 2013 budget, student council budget, etc.  and these were all approved as presented.

Two additions to the "transportation in lieu" list were presented and approved.  (This is for families who send their children to a private school where our district does not offer transportation.  When this happens, the family may apply to the school district and request those transportation dollars be given to them, in accordance with state law. )

Several donations were gratefully accepted and applied to the costs of the high school Bulldog Blast event:

• Swanton Rotary Club  $100
• Kroger  $40 in gift cards
• Swanton Athletic Boosters  $250
• SACC  $250
• Dental Health Associates  $250
• Oak Valley Realtors  $250
• SPORTS  Group  $250

A big "Thank You!" to these organizations!

For the Superintendent's section of our meeting, we first approved personnel changes as presented.  These included accepting the retirement of long-time school secretary, Carol Arvin, from Park Elementary.  The place won't seem the same without her!  A new Middle School secretary was hired - Shelly Fox.  Among other items, several student teachers from BGSU were assigned to the teaching staff at our buildings.

A Memorandum of Understanding between the board and the teachers' union (SEA) was approved as well, which will allow better utilization of teacher resources and matches with students' needs.

Our fire alarm system maintenance agreement was renewed at the same cost as last year. 

The Board approved a resolution with Ohio School Facilities Commission (OSFC) to re-submit our letter of intent.  This cost us no money to apply - it only holds our place in line.  For a while, money from the large tobacco settlement was used to fund this program in Ohio.  That money has all been spoken for, and thus the number of schools approved for funding this year and going forward will be significantly less than before.

Building reports from each of our principals had been received and reviewed by board members prior to our meeting.  I have to say, our administrators do a great job of keeping us informed of what is happening in their respective buildings each month.  At Crestwood and Park, a bus safety program was held for the students, and we also learned of the great start for the Dawg Pound this year.  The security cameras were installed at those buildings in the hallways and outside playground area (no cameras in the classrooms/restrooms). 

The Middle School held its first ever Open House this year, prior to school beginning.  It was a great success with students and parents.  A new secretary was hired (mentioned above) and 6th grade camp was scheduled.  Plans were in the works for their after-school program, which will include an hour of academic work, a snack, and a club activity which will be different each night.  Last year the program was very well attended, and we hope to continue that success.

The High School had a great attendance at their Bulldog Blast - over 300 people!  A parent/student meeting on the new Drug Testing policy for extra-curriculars was held on Aug. 24th.  The policy is included in the handbook for this year, but feel free to contact any board member if you have questions.

After every home football game, the high school and SACC will host a "Fifth Quarter" event for our students.   These events are staffed by SHS and SACC staff members and provide a healthy and safe environment for students on a Friday night. Food is also provided. The money that is used to defray the cost comes from local businesses that donate money (PNC, Target), pay for advertising (Allstate), or pay commission (Coca-Cola, Rose Photography).  The last event had around 200 students, which is great!  

Aaron Hall from the Swanton Recreation was in attendance to give us an update on the programs and answer questions.

We were finished with all public board business early that evening, and then had one executive session on personnel matters and negotiations with the SEA before we adjourned.

  

 

August News

The BIG news in August is, of course, that our district was declared "Excellent" by the state of Ohio for the 2010-11 school year.  This was awesome news!  Thanks and kudos to the students and staff who made this possible!  In several areas, we just squeaked by - and in several other areas, we just barely missed the mark.  We will need to remain focused and work even harder to maintain this rating. 

But for all of those people who said that Swanton was not capable of becoming "Excellent" - I say, "Take THAT, you nattering nabobs of negativity!!"  HA !!

The regular August board meeting was held on a date when I was out of town on vacation and Kris Oberheim was out of town for work, leaving only 3 board members in attendance that evening.  Arlene Wilson was in attendance as well.  She is filling in as interim treasurer while the board pursues finding a replacement for Cheryl Swisher, who left to take a treasurer's job in another district.

This was the night scheduled to welcome new staff to our district, and I was sorry to miss it.  Michelle Tyson arrived just in time for the meeting to begin, but Mona Dyke and Rick Ueberroth were there early enough to chat with the newcomers.

After adoption of the agenda, the new staff was introduced to everyone in attendance.  During the Hearing of the Public, no one indicated a desire to address the board, so the meeting moved forward.

Mrs. Wilson handled the items on the treasurer's portion of the agenda, and all items were approved as presented.  While discussing the financial statements, Mrs. Wilson noted that our district is in a stable financial condition - which is more than a lot of other districts can say.  The budgets and objectives of the middle school yearbook and outdoor education program were also presented and approved. 

Interim Superintendent Russ Griggs spoke briefly about the preliminary findings from the state of Ohio showing our district as "Excellent".  (and - as we know - the final findings were the same!!  woo-hoo!)

Personnel changes were approved, as was a slight change to the high school handbook presented by principal Steve Gfell.

Sandy Frisch was there from the Lucas County ESC, and presented a contract for our district to use their services to assist in our search for a new treasurer.  She shared a bit of how the process works, and the contract was approved.  A special meeting will be held on Aug. 30th to begin our search in earnest.

The contract with Wood County Juvenile Detention Education program agreement for the 2011-12 school year was also presented and approved. 

Properly trained and certified staff are required by O.R.C. 3313.713 to administer/pass medication to students, and five people were approved for this task for long term field trips and outdoor education situations.

Building reports had been provided to the board prior to the meeting that night.  No further discussion was held on these reports.

A report on the Swanton Recreation program was given by Michelle Tyson.  She and another representative from Swanton Rec had met with Todd Frendt of the Anthony Wayne Youth Foundation, and had brought back some ideas.  Rules and regulations for the soccer program had been prepared and planned for distribution to all players, as well as a Coaches' Code of Commitment and Conduct for the entire rec program.  These items were to be presented to the Swanton Rec meeting scheduled for the following night, so that the directors could look things over and make suggestions.  Their final proposal would be brought back to the board for discussion at our next regular meeting.   Rick Ueberroth asked if Shelley was going to get something to the board to look at, and she said "yes - at the next meeting."  He said nothing more, but hopefully we'll actually get it beFORE the next meeting so that we have a chance to review it ahead of time. 

Next on the agenda was the time for board comments.  Mona took a minute to speak at this time, and shared her hope that the current board would continue to work together over the next few months (until she and I leave and are replaced by 2 new people).  She noted that we sometimes have differing opinions on things, which is part of the value for any board - to have those different perspectives shared.  She mentioned the workload in front of us, including negotiations and a treasurer search, and that it is important that we express our opinions and listen to each other as we make decisions, and that no one should take another's opinion personally. 

Well said, Mona.

The final item on the agenda was -  (drum roll, please): the nomination for the Ohio School Board Association (OSBA) Outstanding Board Member.  You may remember this one from our last meeting, and the front page article in the Swanton Enterprise . . .

a-hem.

So.  Rick Ueberroth moves to nominate Shelley.  Shelley seconds the motion.  Mona states that her position on the matter has already been made at our last meeting and to each of them individually, and no more needs to be said.  Roll was then called, and the motion passed with 2 votes to 1. 

Let's remember that the other two other board members were not able to attend that night . . .

But!  Onward and upward!!   The meeting was then adjourned.