Milan School Board hear about new laws

Beth Rumsey, Staff Writer

Interim Superintendent Stephen Gookins updated the Milan School Board of changes in the state law regarding criminal history checks on new employees at the regular meeting held on Monday, July 20. According to Gookins, this check will be on all employees who have direct contact with students including teachers, non-certified personnel, and lay coaches.

The current policy #8020 only required a limited criminal background check. Due to the state requirement for an expanded criminal history check, Gookins submitted to the board with a revised policy for their approval. The revision was unanimously approved.

Gookins has contacted Safe Hiring Solutions, with a quote of $28 per expanded check. According to Gookins, the state requires the applicant to pay the expense of the check. He also suggested that volunteers and chaperones that will be under the direct supervision of a teacher or sponsor be subject to the limited background check. The motion to approve the use of Safe Hiring Solutions as well as continuing to conduct a limited background check for volunteers and chaperones was unanimously approved.

The student transfer policy, approved at the May board meeting, was addressed. According to Gookins, preliminary enrollment numbers are down for the 2009-2010 school year. He suggested the tuition fee be waived. He noted that since the state is paying into the general fund, the money will follow the child.
“Charging tuition could discourage out of district students from attending Milan,” he said. The motion to waive tuition for out of district students was unanimously approved.

The following events were approved: the MHS cheerleaders to hold a one day cheer camp. Cost will be $15 for participants with proceeds to go towards the purchase of new uniforms. The sale of spirit shirts at a cost of $6 with proceeds to go towards student award activities and the athletic department. The choral department to hold a craft fair on Saturday, November 21 with proceeds to go towards the purchase of uniforms. The basketball program will hold the annual golf scramble on Sunday, September 13.
In other business:

• Melissa Sanders was approved as first grade Jumpstart teacher. The transfer of Brianna Kovacich Kraushar from 6th grade teacher to high school special ed teacher was approved.

• The motion to approve Denise Disney as an instructional aide for the Jumpstart program was unanimously approved.

• The motion to terminate Harold Taylor as freshman boys basketball coach was approved. The resignation of Jeffery Stutler as girls varsity basketball coach was approved.

• The motion to approve Leslie Vertz as girls golf coach was approved 4-0-1 with Randy Kirk abstaining.

• Book rental fees and the 2009-2010 athletic hand books were unanimously approved.

• The board granted permission for the interim superintendent to advertise the 2010 budget in the local papers.

• Upon the advice of corporation attorney Larry Eaton, the board approved that any resignation presented to the superintendent shall become official upon acceptance. Resignations will be reported to the board as an informational item.

All board members were in attendance. The next meeting will be held on Monday, August 17 beginning at 7 p.m. at the administrative building.