The Board of Education of the Cleveland Heights-University Heights City School District, Cuyahoga County, Ohio held its regular meeting in the public meeting room of the Board Building, at 2155 Miramar Boulevard, University Heights, Ohio, on April 14, 1997 at 6:00 p.m.

Mrs. Sumner, President, called the regular meeting to order at 6:01 p.m.

Present at Roll Call: Mrs. Christine Sumner, President

Mr. Stephen Wertheim, Vice President

Mrs. Denise Brown Thigpen

Mr. Eric Silverman

Also Present: Dr. Paul W. Masem, Superintendent

Mr. Robert E. Burmeister, Treasurer

Members of the Central Office Staff

Patrons of the School District

Representatives of the News Media

Absent: Mrs. Claudette Woodard

No. 97-04-051 It was moved by Mr. Silverman, seconded by

Vote on the motion was as follows:

Ayes: Mr. Silverman, Mr. Wertheim, Mrs. Sumner,

Mrs. Thigpen

Nays: None

The Board moved into Executive session at 6:03 p.m. and ended at 7:28 p.m.

The regular meeting reconvened at 7:30 p.m.

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It was recommended that the Board approve the following minutes:

Regular Meeting, March 10, 1997

Special Meeting, March 17, 1997

Special Meeting, March 20, 1997

No. 97-04-052 It was moved by Mr. Wertheim, seconded by

Mr. Silverman that the minutes be approved.

Vote on the motion was as follows:

Ayes: Mr. Wertheim, Mrs. Sumner,

Mrs. Thigpen, Mr. Silverman

Dr. Patricia Ackerman, Executive Director of Curriculum/Instruction, paid special recognition to the Camp Staff for their dedication and hard work in supervising the one-week science camp for elementary students.

Special recognition was paid to the Cleveland Heights High School Boys Basketball Team for their outstanding performance in winning the Ohio State Basketball Tournament in Columbus, Ohio. Awards were presented to the team, Mr. James Cappalletti, Assistant Coaches, Mr. Eric Vogel and Dr. Charles Shaddow.

It was recommended that the Board approve the Board Representation and Professional Leave items in the amount of $18,093.34 for the period of February 25, 1997 through March 31, 1997 (see official minutes).

It was recommended that the Cleveland Heights-University Heights Board of Education approve the following graded course of study for use in the grades and subjects designated, starting with the 1997-98 school year.

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As required by the Cleveland Heights-University Heights Board of Education and the Curriculum Advisory Council, a committee of teachers has studied the needs of the subject areas, followed the recommendations of the appropriate Career Prep task forces and has written the following courses of study using the guidelines of the State of Ohio Department of Education.

Diversified Health Occupations

Cosmetology

It was recommended that the Cleveland Heights-University Heights Board of Education approve the reinstatement of one evening spring vocal and/or instrumental concert at each middle school in the district.

No. 97-04-053 It was moved by Mr. Silverman, seconded by

Vote on the motion was as follows:

Ayes: Mrs. Sumner, Mrs. Thigpen,

Nays: None

It was recommended that the retirement of the following named personnel be accepted, effective on the date indicated:

Name Position

Smith, Mary Lee Cleaner

Effective 6/30/97

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It was recommended that the resignation of the following named personnel be accepted, effective the close of the day on the dates indicated for the reasons stated.

a. Certificated Staff

Crall, Royse Elementary Personal

Effective 6/16/97

Davis, Diane Middle School–Music Personal

Effective 6/16/97

c. Classified Staff

It was recommended that the following appointments to the staff of the Cleveland Heights-University Heights City Schools be approved, pending successful completion of the preemployment procedures including criminal history checks, effective on the dates indicated, with limited contracts and with the understanding that such personnel are subject to all the rules and regulations of the Board of Education and to all of the provisions of law pertaining to their employment.

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If the preemployment procedures are not successfully completed, it is understood that, pursuant to Board policy, the School District may immediately release the employee from employment and rescind a conditional offer of employment.

Name Position Salary

a. Classified Staff

DiVito, Raymond Fireperson/Asst. Cust. $26,400

Effective 3/20/97 260 Days Step 1

Assignment: Coventry Elementary

90 Day Probation Ends 7/24/97

Eklund, David School Bus Driver $10.51/hr.

Effective 3/10/97 200 Days Step 1

Assignment: District

90 Day Probation Ends 10/1/97

Gammons, Marva General Office-Attend. $7,482

Effective 1/27/97 203 Days Step 1, p.r. 53%

Assignment: Wiley Middle School

90 Day Probation Ends 6/10/97

Harris, Deborah Lunchroom Aide $8.13/hr.

Effective 1/21/97 190 Days Step 1

Assignment: Coventry Elementary

90 Day Probation Ends 6/4/97

Mapson, Trina Lunchroom Aide $8.13/hr.

Effective 2/27/97 190 Days Step 1

Assignment: Canterbury Elementary

90 Day Probation Ends 10/1/97

Sanders, Terrence Special Ed Aide $9.15/hr.

Effective 1/9/97 190 Days Step 1

Assignment: Bellefaire School

90 Day Probation Ends 5/19/97

b. Supplemental Assignments

Heights High School Assignment Compensation

Coffey, Ollie* Asst. Coach JV Baseball 2,192.00

Fields, Lamont* Head Coach JV Softball 2,192.00

Gries, Donald* Head Coach Boys LaCrosse 3,288.00

Holland, Bernice* Asst. Coach Girls Track 2,192.00

Holland, Claude Asst. Coach Girls Track 2,192.00

Horwitz, Harvey Asst. Coach Boys Track 2,192.00

Kellon, Jeff* Asst. Coach Girls Track 2,192.00

Lahl, James Asst. Coach JV Tennis 1,753.00

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Lauretig, Chris* Asst. Coach JV Baseball 1,096.00

LeDonne, Don Head Coach Girls Track 3,288.00

Mann, Dick Head Coach Boys Track 3,288.00

O’Brian, Chris* Asst. Coach FR Baseball 1,096.00

Readance, Don* Head Coach V Softball 3,288.00

Saylor, Terry* Head Coach Girls LaCrosse 3,288.00

Sidel, Tina* Asst. Coach Girls LaCrosse 2,192.00

Smith, Willie Asst. Coach Boys Track 2,192.00

Woods, Dennis* Head Coach V Baseball 3,288.00

Yarnel, James* Asst. Coach Boys Track 2,192.00

Young, Chris* Asst. Coach Boys LaCrosse 2,192.00

Young, Steven* Head Coach V Tennis 2,192.00

Monticello Middle School

Altonen, Jeffrey Instrumental Music Concert 657.50

Davis, Dianne Vocal Music Concert 657.50

O’Connell, Kevin Head Coach Boys Baseball 876.50

Jackson, Richard Head Coach Boys Baseball 876.50

McCandless, Peggy Head Coach Softball 1,753.00

Jeske, Jason* Head Coach Boys Track 1,753.00

Scott, Sidney Head Coach Girls Track 1,753.00

Ricciarelli, Denise Asst. Coach Track 1,315.00

Kanner, Larry Head Coach Boys Tennis 1,753.00

Vicarel, Don Chess Advisor 658.00

Scott, Sidney Girls Intramural Co-Advisor 876.50

McCandless, Peggy Social Director 877.00

Maclin, Crystal Cheerleader Co-Advisor 438.50

Jeske, Jason Boys Intramurals 1,753.00

Green, Carolyn Student Council Advisor 877.00

Frost, Deborah Cheerleader Co-Advisor 438.50

Challenger, Vicki Newspaper Co-Advisor 438.50

Bradley, Michael Girls Intramural Co-Advisor 876.50

Alexander, Elizabeth Newspaper Co-Advisor 438.50

Roxboro Middle School

Goldstein, Harvey Head Coach Boys Tennis 1,753.00

Hunter, Mack* Head Coach Boys Baseball 1,753.00

Murray, Thomas Asst. Coach Boys Track 1,315.00

Oden, Debra Head Coach Girls Track 1,753.00

Oden, Jamal* Head Coach Boys Track 1,753.00

Stepp, Randolph Head Coach Softball 1,753.00

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Wiley Middle School

Mussarra, Frank Head Coach Boys Baseball 1,753.00

Valentine, Maleeka Head Coach Softball 1,753.00 Daniels, Derrell Head Coach Boys Track 1,753.00

Finley, Virmeal Asst. Coach Track 1,315.00

Gravitt, Valerie* Head Coach Girls Track 1,753.00

It was recommended that the following change be made in the contract status of the following personnel:

Name From: To:

a. Classified Staff

Bell, Marcia Probation Title I Aide

Assignment: Boulevard/District $9.15/hr.

90 Day Probation Ended 2/28/97

Holland, Lynda Probation Gen. Office

Assignment: Coventry $7,058.50

90 Day Probation Ended 3/5/97

Jackson, Joyce Lunchroom Aide Kindergarten Aide

Assignment: Noble Coventry

Effective 3/31/97 3 1/4 hours/day 3 hours/day

45 Day Probation Ends 6/2/97 $8.36/hour $9.15/hour

Jones, Charlyne Probation School Bus Driver

Assignment: District $10.51/hr.

90 Day Probation Ended 2/13/97

Lockhart, Christopher Probation School Bus Driver

Assignment: District $10.51/hr.

90 Day Probation Ended 2/13/97

Mitchell, Lora Probation Conf. General Office

Assignment: Human Resources $19,888

90 Day Probation Ended 3/18/97

Rutledge, James Probation Special Ed. Aide

Assignment: Bellefaire $10.20/hr.

90 Day Probation Ended 2/13/97

Stennis, Marvin Probation Special Ed. Aide

Assignment: Bellefaire $9.15/hr.

90 Day Probation Ended 2/11/97

It was recommended that the leave of absence for the following named personnel be granted, effective on the dates indicated, for the reasons stated below.

It was recommended that the person(s) listed below be approved as Community Services Staff for such time during the 1996-97 school year as their services may be required.

Eisner, Gregory Swim Instructor $ 5.15/hour

Silverman, Francine Heights Youth Theater $25.00/session

Catheline, Michael GED Testing Proctor $19.70/hour

It was recommended that the Cleveland Heights-University Heights Board of Education approve the following pay schedules for persons employed as substitutes in the designated capacities, effective April 1, 1997.

Aide $6.52/hr. $7.93/hr.

Early Childhood $5.50/hr. $6.00/hr.

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It was recommended that the following personnel be compensated at the following rate up to the indicated number of days based on their 1996-97 salary for extended time.

It was recommended that the persons listed below be approved as day-to-day substitutes for such time during the 1996-97 school year as their services may be required.

Teachers – $77.00/Day

Adams, Virginia

Bowden-Hancock, Bette

Burke, Jennifer

Cowan, David

Gaujean, Nadine

Green, Alice

Hilliard, Norman

Keita, Hasani

LaFrance, Carol

McCarthy, David

Miller, Linda

Morgan, Betty

Womack, Lisa

Wood, Janice

Bus Driver - $10.00/Hr.

Rance, Anthony

Ayes: Mrs. Thigpen, Mr. Silverman,

Mr. Wertheim, Mrs. Sumner

WHEREAS, the Superintendent of Schools and members of his staff recommend an eight (8) day suspension, without pay, for Employee "A", School Bus Driver of the Cleveland Heights–University Heights School District; and

WHEREAS, said suspension has been recommended on the grounds of endangering students, destruction of Board property, and neglect of duty, as set forth in a letter dated April 3, 1997 to Employee "A" from the Business Manager, Alan P. Wolf; and

WHEREAS, Employee "A" has been afforded the opportunity to meet with the Business Manager on April 3, 1997, and given the opportunity, prior to the Board meeting of April 14, 1997, to present reasons why this suspension should not take place.

NOW, THEREFORE, be it resolved by the Board of Education of the Cleveland Heights–University Heights City School District, Cuyahoga County, Ohio that the Board does hereby find and determine that there has been good and just cause for the eight (8) day suspension of Employee "A" for the reasons aforestated.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that on the grounds and for the reasons aforestated, an eight (8) day suspension, without pay, be imposed on Employee "A" effective Wednesday, April 16, 1997 through Friday, April 25, 1997.

Ayes: Mrs. Thigpen, Mr. Silverman,

Mr. Wertheim, Mrs. Sumner

It was recommended that the Board approve home instruction for homebound students in accordance with State Board of Education Rules (3301-51-3-E-1), (see official minutes).

It was recommended that the Board approve the payment of tuition in cases of handicapped students attending special education classes in another district for the 1996-97 school year (see official minutes).

It was recommended that the Board approve the payment of tuition and transportation in cases of handicapped students attending special education classes in another district for the 1996-97 school year (see official minutes).

Ayes: Mr. Silverman, Mr. Wertheim, Mrs. Sumner,

Mrs. Thigpen

Nays: None

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It was recommended that the Board of Education approve the acceptance of the following donations:

1. Computer, printer and software to Roxboro Elementary School, from Mr. Knooihuizen, Victory Parkway, Hudson, Ohio 44236.

 

2. Computer equipment to Heights High School from Mr. Paul Martin, 3611 Runnymeed Boulevard, Cleveland Heights, Ohio, 44121.

 

3. Computer equipment to Educational Resources, from David and Christine Bell, 3040 Scarborough Road, Cleveland Heights, Ohio, 44118.

 

4. Computer equipment to Educational Resources, from Tandem Computers, Inc., 3 Summit Park Drive, Independence, Ohio 44131.

 

5. Two B flat clarinets to the Music Department at Heights High School, from Mr. Clark Knierman, 2311 Ardleigh Drive, Cleveland Heights, Ohio 44106.

 

6. 1984 Honda, Serial #JHMAK5433ES007762, to the Auto Tech Program at Heights High School, from Mr. Michael J. Conkey,2948 Coleridge Road, Cleveland Heights, Ohio 44118.

No. 97-04-057 It was moved by Mr. Silverman, seconded by

Mr. Wertheim that the Business item be approved.

Vote on the motion was as follows:

Ayes: Mr. Wertheim, Mrs. Sumner,

Nays: None

Mr. Alan Wolf, Director of Business Services, introduced representatives from Burgess and Niple, Limited, who gave a slide presentation and a report outlining the facilities conditions and needs of the district.

Mr. Alan Wolf discussed the Lunch Cooperative Program (discussion ensued).

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It was recommended that the Board of Education confirm the action of the Treasurer in placing the investments listed below.

CONFIRMATION OF INVESTMENTS

Special Meeting of April 14, 1997

03/03/97 Repo 1,659,000.00 03/04/97 4.850% 1 223.50

03/03/97 BA 486,921.67 08/27/97 5.530% 177 13,078.33

03/03/97 Repo 7,171,038.08 03/04/97 5.280% 1 3,153.87

03/04/97 Repo 1,097,000.00 03/05/97 4.850% 1 147.79

03/04/97 Repo 9,198,777.04 03/05/97 5.280% 1 1,348.96

03/26/97 Repo 1,288,000.00 03/27/97 5.100% 1 182.47

03/26/97 Repo 5,241,997.54 03/27/97 5.310% 1 773.08

03/27/97 Repo 1,221,000.00 03/28/97 5.100% 1 172.98

03/27/97 Repo 5,242,772.19 03/28/97 5.320% 1 774.65

03/28/97 Repo 1,201,000.00 03/31/97 5.100% 3 601.80

03/28/97 Repo 5,243,548.41 03/31/97 5.330% 3 776.22

03/31/97 Repo 1,724,000.00 04/01/97 5.100% 1 244.23

03/31/97 Repo 5,245,877.42 04/01/97 5.330% 1 2,329.01

Total Days 265

Total $190,727,019.09 $69,687.99

Appropriation Adjustment #8

It was recommended that the Board approve the adjustments to the 1996-97 appropriations listed (see attached).

WHEREAS, this Board of Education and the Boards of Education of several other School Districts previously approved an Agreement for the establishment of the Ohio School Health Benefits Cooperative, executed that Agreement and authorized and approved related matters; and

WHEREAS, it is now the recommendation of that Cooperative that the Agreement be amended to change the name of the Cooperative to the "Employee Benefits Cooperative"; and

WHEREAS, an amended Agreement is now on file in the office of the Treasurer of this Board reflecting that change;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of Education of the Cleveland Heights-University Heights City School District, County of Cuyahoga, State of Ohio, two-thirds of all members of this Board elected thereto concurring, that:

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Section 1. This Board hereby approves the amendment of Section 1 of the Agreement for the Establishment of the Ohio School Health Benefits Cooperative by amending that Section to change the name of the Cooperative to the "Employee Benefits Cooperative".

Section 2. The President of this Board and the Treasurer are hereby authorized and directed to do all things which are necessary to effect such amendment and to deliver a certified copy of this Resolution to the Comptroller of the Cooperative.

Section 3. It was found and determined that all formal actions of this Board concerning and relating to the adoption of this Resolution were adopted in an open meeting of this Board, and that all deliberations of this Board and any of its committees that resulted in such formal action, were in meetings open to the public, in compliance with the law.

Section 4. This Resolution shall be in full force and effect from and immediately upon its adoption.

No. 97-04-058 It was moved by Mr. Silverman, seconded by

Mrs. Thigpen that the Finance items be approved.

Vote on the motion was as follows:

Ayes: Mrs. Sumner, Mrs. Thigpen,

Nays: None

Dr. Masem, Superintendent, congratulated the district for being recognized for two consecutive years as a School Match Award-Winning School System.

Dr. Masem also congratulated the Cleveland Heights-University Heights City School District for being identified by the State of Ohio as a recipient of the Ohio’s BEST Practices award. Ohio’s BEST, (Building Excellent Schools for Today and the 21^st Century)

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was established in 1993 to improve educational opportunities and results for all Ohio schoolchildren. The 1997 BEST Practice’s award goal is to make materials for science activities available to teachers, at Taylor Academy, to conduct science experiments with students in class.

Mr. Wertheim, Vice-President, spoke about the Ohio Supreme Courts decision concerning school funding. Mrs. Sumner recommended that the following resolution be adopted:

WHEREAS, the Supreme Court rendered a decision on March 24, 1997, in the DeRolph vs. Ohio school finance case; and

WHEREAS, the decision finds the current system of financing elementary and secondary schools violates Section 2, Article VI, of the Ohio Constitution; and

WHEREAS, the court has directed the General Assembly to create an entirely new school finance system; and

WHEREAS, the court has stated, "The time has come to fix the system." Now, therefore be it

RESOLVED, that the Cleveland Heights-University Heights Board of Education urges the members of the General Assembly to seize this opportunity to create a new school financing system that provides for equity and adequacy, that is based on the cost of providing a basic education of high quality for all students, that recognizes the cost of providing services to students with special needs, that does not level down-and-as directed by the court, eliminates the "emphasis of Ohio’s school funding system on local property taxes,"; and be it further

RESOLVED, that the Cleveland Heights-University Heights Board of Education believes, in order to comply with the court’s decision, the General Assembly needs to establish an open process including public hearings and testimony to immediately begin to study, draft appropriate legislation and transition from the present method of school financing to one in conformity with the court’s decision; and be it further

Resolved, that the Cleveland Heights-University Heights Board of Education pledges its support to the Governor and the General Assembly as they take on this important task and urges the entire school community to do the same.

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No. 97-04-059 It was moved by Mr. Wertheim, seconded by

Mr. Silverman that the Board President’s

recommendation be approved.

Vote on the motion was as follows:

Ayes: Mrs. Thigpen, Mr. Silverman,

Mr. Wertheim, Mrs. Sumner

Nays: None

No. 97-04-060 It was moved by Mr. Silverman, seconded by

Mrs. Thigpen that the meeting be adjourned.

Vote on the motion was as follows:

Ayes: Mrs. Thigpen, Mr. Silverman,

Nays: None

The meeting was adjourned at 9:10 p.m.

______________________________

Christine M. Sumner, President

_______________________________

Robert E. Burmeister, Treasurer

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