Putnam City Schools

Putnam City Board of Education Meeting Minutes
November 2008

REGULAR BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING
Monday, November 3, 2008

The Putnam City Schools Board of Education of Independent School District No. One of Oklahoma County, State of Oklahoma, met in regular session Monday, November 3, 2008 at 6:00 p.m. in the Board room at the Administration Building, 5401 NW 40th, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. The agenda and meeting notice were posted on Friday, October 31, 2008 at 4:30 p.m. in accordance with 25 O.S. § 311.

Members present: Julie Jenison, president; Jerry Cramer, vice-president; Becky Haliburton, Gail LoPresto, and Mark Bledsoe, members; Superintendent Mr. Paul Hurst; Debbie Baldwin, clerk; and others.

ITEM #1 - INSPIRATIONAL MESSAGE, MOMENT OF SILENCE, AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – MARK LEBSACK.

Mark Lebsack, Assistant Principal at Western Oaks Middle School, gave the Inspirational Message, Moment of Silence, and Pledge of Allegiance.

ITEM #2 - PUBLIC PARTICIPATION.

There was no public participation.

ITEM #3 - CONSENT AGENDA: ALL OF THE FOLLOWING ITEMS, WHICH CONCERN REPORTS AND ITEMS OF A ROUTINE NATURE NORMALLY APPROVED AT BOARD MEETINGS, WILL BE APPROVED BY ONE VOTE UNLESS ANY BOARD MEMBER DESIRES TO HAVE A SEPARATE VOTE ON ANY OR ALL OF THESE ITEMS. THE CONSENT CONSISTS OF THE DISCUSSION, CONSIDERATION, AND APPROVAL OF THE FOLLOWING ITEMS:

a. Minutes for regular board meeting October 20, 2008.
b. Minutes for special board meeting October 27, 2008.
c. Financial report and bimonthly bills for purchase order numbers 902071510
through 907441124 inclusive for time period from October 13-28, 2008
for the 2008-2009 school year with the exception of purchase order number
907285705 for Triangle A & E.
d. School Activity Fund Subaccount Request List including 980 – Model United Nations
Club at Putnam City High School.
e. School Activity Fund Transfer List including Putnam City North and Putnam City West.
f. Declaration of obsolete/surplus items.
g. Elementary and Secondary Fundraisers.

NOVEMBER / DECEMBER FUND-RAISERS
Board of Education Meeting
November 3, 2008

CORONADO
Activity / Subaccount Pizza dinner / Fifth Grade Fund $ 500.00
Date: November (fifth grade field trip)

HARVEST HILLS
Activity / Subaccount Candy Grams / Cancer Research Fund $1,700.00
Date: Nov., Dec., Feb. (PC Cancer Drive)

Activity / Subaccount Book Fair / Media Center $2,500.00
Date: Nov. and April (books, student promotional materials, media
luncheons, conferences and travel)

LAKE PARK
Activity / Subaccount Sell speed stackers / General $ 300.00
Date: November (PE equipment)

NORTHRIDGE
Activity / Subaccount Take-Home Book Fair / Media $1,000.00
Date: November 10-19 (library, materials, books, incentives)

ROLLINGWOOD
Activity / Subaccount Fall pictures / Pictures $ 300.00
Date: November (misc. office/classroom activities, equipment,
materials and supplies)

WILEY POST
Activity / Subaccount Fall Family Bingo Night / Arts in Education $5,000.00
Date: November 20 (art supplies, Windy City Players, butterfly garden,
field trips)

WINDSOR HILLS
Activity / Subaccount 5 K and Children’s Fun Run / Cancer Answer? Run $3,000.00
Date: November 15 (PC Cancer Drive)

Activity / Subaccount Santa pictures / General $ 500.00
Date: November 21 (misc. student, staff, and office materials)

COOPER MIDDLE
Activity / Subaccount Fall Dance / Electives $ 300.00
Date: November 21 (student incentives and supplies, and teacher supplies)

PUTNAM CITY NORTH
Activity / Subaccount Raffle for OKC Thunder Tickets / Swimming $1,000.00
Date: December 1-5 (swim meet expenses)

h. Overnight Travel Requests.
i. Out of State trips:
1. Putnam City West High School FCCLA students to Dallas,
Texas, November 20-22, 2008.
2. Western Oaks Middle School Choir and Orchestra to Arlington,
Texas, May 9, 2009.
j. Retirements and resignations as listed on Attachment A.

Gail LoPresto made a motion to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. Becky Haliburton seconded the motion. Vote: Cramer, aye; Haliburton, aye; Bledsoe, abstain; LoPresto, aye; Jenison, aye.

ITEM #4 - CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON RECOMMENDATION OF EMPLOYMENT OF NEW PERSONNEL AS LISTED ON ATTACHMENT A.

Gail LoPresto made a motion to approve the recommendation of employment of new personnel as listed on Attachment A. Becky Haliburton seconded the motion. Vote: Cramer, aye; Haliburton, aye; Bledsoe, aye LoPresto, aye; Jenison, aye.

ITEM #5 - CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER NUMBER 906885705 FOR TRIANGLE A & E.

Mark Bledsoe made a motion to approve purchase order number 906885705 for Triangle A & E. Jerry Cramer seconded the motion. Vote: Cramer, aye; Haliburton, aye; Bledsoe, aye; LoPresto, abstain; Jenison, aye.

ITEM #6 - CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON MOTION TO APPROVE BOARD MEETING DATES AND TIMES FOR 2009.

Becky Haliburton made a motion to approve Board Meeting Dates and Times for 2009. Gail LoPresto seconded the motion. Vote: Cramer, aye; Haliburton, aye; Bledsoe, aye; LoPresto, aye; Jenison, aye.

ITEM #7 – CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON MOTION TO APPROVE THE LOWEST/BEST BID FROM MAC SYSTEMS FOR UPGRADE OF THE FIRE SUPPRESSION SYSTEMS AT ROLLINGWOOD, KIRKLAND, LAKE PARK, AND WINDSOR HILLS. ($974,884 FROM 24-240)

Jerry Cramer made a motion to approve the lowest/best bid from Mac Systems for the upgrade of the fire suppression systems at Rollingwood, Kirkland, Lake Park, and Windsor Hills. Gail LoPresto seconded the motion. Vote: Cramer, aye; Haliburton, aye; Bledsoe, aye; LoPresto, aye; Jenison, aye.

ITEM #8 – CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON MOTION TO APPROVE TRANSPORTATION AGREEMENT FOR HOMELESS STUDENTS.

Gail LoPresto made a motion to approve the Transportation Agreement for Homeless Students.
Becky Haliburton seconded the motion. Vote: Cramer, aye; Haliburton, aye; Bledsoe, aye; LoPresto, aye; Jenison, aye.

ITEM #9 – CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON MOTION TO REQUEST MAPS FUNDS TO SUPPLEMENT THE ATHLETIC LOCKER ROOM PROJECT AT PUTNAM CITY NORTH HIGH SCHOOL. ($750,000 FROM 24-280/33-280)

Mark Bledsoe made a motion to request MAPS funds to supplement the athletic locker room project at Putnam City North High School. Gail LoPresto seconded the motion. Vote: Cramer, aye; Haliburton, aye; Bledsoe, aye; LoPresto, aye; Jenison, aye.

ITEM #10 – CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON MOTION TO REQUEST MAPS FUNDS TO SUPPLEMENT THE KITCHEN REMODELING PROJECT AT ROLLINGWOOD ELEMENTARY. ($1,352,900 FROM 24-263/31-263)

Mark Bledsoe made a motion to request MAPS funds to supplement the kitchen remodeling project at Rollingwood Elementary. Becky Haliburton seconded the motion. Vote: Cramer, aye; Haliburton, aye; Bledsoe, aye; LoPresto, aye; Jenison, aye.

ITEM #11 – SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT.

• It is my pleasure to report that the district’s Oklahoma Parents as Teachers program received a $1000 grant from the Northwest Highway Wal-Mart Super Center. The grant will be used to purchase materials and supplies for the OPAT program. Congratulations to Christy Evans and all those working with this most valuable program.
• Another Wal-Mart grant has been awarded to Arbor Grove Elementary for the purchase of decodable books for the students to take home as they work on specific reading skills. Such skill development would be in particular vowel or consonant sounds, word families, specific blends, or vowel patterns. This grant, written by Joyce Lackey, will allow practice materials for use at home.
• I would also extend our collective appreciation to the faculty, staff, and students of Arbor Grove for their thoughtfulness in welcoming Mr. Redinger back from his tour of duty in Iraq. The program was most meaningful to all in attendance.
• Good news from Cooper Middle School! Ms. DeSouza has informed me that Ms. Patricia George, alternative education teacher, was honored by the Wal-Mart Neighborhood Market on North Rockwell as their Teacher of the Year. Congratulations to this fine teacher.
• Also from Cooper Middle School, four students were selected for the Central Oklahoma Honor Choir. Cooper also had 8 students selected for the Central Oklahoma Honor Orchestra. We wish these fine students continued success.
• The PCHS Science Department will be hosting the “Genetics Update Conference” on Wednesday, December 3. Last year this activity had almost 1000 students and teachers in attendance representing 30 schools. Also congratulations to the PCH band for receiving all 1’s at marching at a recent competition in Lawton.
• It is a pleasure to acknowledge that Alexandria Assalah, a student at Putnam City North High School, participated in the United States Senate Youth Scholarship Program earlier this month. We would like to extend our thanks and congratulations to this student for her participation in this worthwhile program.
• I would like to also congratulate Linda Brown and the PCW Performing Arts Department for the marvelous performances of “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat”. It was an absolutely delightful performance and was superb in all areas. This is another example of the talented kids, directors, and teachers we have in our fine arts programs in the district.
• The United States Air Force band unit known as the “Airmen of Note” will perform their distinctive mix of contemporary big band sounds and swing era classics at 7:30 pm on Tuesday, November 18, in the PCH auditorium. Admission to the performance is free but tickets are required. I think that ticket information is available on the district’s website.
• Putnam City North’s volleyball team was named the state 6A Academic Champion during the state tournament conducted at Moore High School. The volleyball team members had a cumulative GPA of 3.8 topping the other 31 teams in Class 6A. That certainly is an outstanding recognition of our student athletes.
• I do want to express my appreciation to the Board of Education members for their spirited involvement in the work session conducted last Monday evening. I also wish to express the same for the administrative staff also in attendance that evening. We conducted three distinct cooperative processing sessions in about two hours of work. Our first task was to isolate some enduring beliefs and values that we would want to articulate in a values statement. These stated values are designed to shape and inspire action in the district that would bring benefit to our students and community. I want to let the board know that I am still working to pull that together in a form for their review and editing. The second activity was identifying what we do well in the district. This was a most reflective activity that established a baseline for improvement initiatives that were identified in the third activity which was of the nature of “dreaming the dream”. This is to say if the district was everything it could be, what would that look like for our students and community? Our second work session will be to continue to refine that which was addressed in the third activity.
• In that regard I would like to suggest that we schedule our next work session as a part of our regular November 17 agenda. If you would please check your calendars to see if that would be acceptable for you. If you would prefer, we could schedule a special meeting for another evening work session if the November 17 idea will not work. If you would like another evening to be scheduled for this purpose, may I suggest Monday, November 24, at 6 pm. Please let me know of your individual preferences, and we will try to get that scheduled.
• Area residents will have a chance to take a walk or run in the park and contribute to cancer research when they take part in the Putnam City Cancer Classic, a 5K race and one mile fun run on Saturday morning, November 15. The event is scheduled at Stars and Stripes Park on Portland Avenue just south of Lake Hefner. The 5K race begins at 9 a.m. with the one mile fun run beginning at 10 a.m. Participants may register online at www.putnamcityschools.org/cancerclassic or on site the morning of the event from 7:00-8:30 a.m. Proceeds from the Cancer Classic go to support cancer research at the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation.

ITEM #12 - COMMENTS BY BOARD MEMBERS.

Jerry Cramer urged everyone to vote on Tuesday, November 4th. He thanked Paul Hurst for his leadership in the Board Work Session held October 27th. Mr. Cramer said it would be good to see long range building plans for the Putnam City District. He announced that he will not run for re-election to Putnam City School Board. He said it has been an honor and a pleasure to serve for the last five years. Mr. Cramer urged other area residents who care about the future of Putnam City students to step up and run for office.

Becky Haliburton congratulated Putnam City West on their fantastic production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. She said she enjoyed attending the student recognition programs at Northridge Elementary and Hefner Middle School.

Mark Bledsoe said he had the pleasure of being a judge for a recent middle school culinary challenge and said students did a great job of cooking appetizers. He complimented one of the Putnam City bus drivers, Tom O’Connor, on doing a phenomenal job of handling an incident Monday morning in which a district student was hit by a pickup truck. Mr. Bledsoe announced that he will be a candidate in February’s board election for Office No. 2, the seat he currently holds.

Gail LoPresto said she enjoyed Windsor Hills Elementary open house. She also said she enjoyed attending the Luau at Capps Middle School organized by Library Media Specialist Melanie Dry. Mrs. LoPresto congratulated Putnam City High School’s football team on their win Friday night. She commended Putnam City West’s football coaches for their effort and for their ability to work well with students and install values. Mrs. LoPresto congratulated Putnam City West staff and students for their production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. She also said she planned to take part in the upcoming Cancer Classic. Mrs. LoPresto thanked Mr. Hurst for his leadership in the Board Work Session October 27th. She thanked the Putnam City Foundation for sponsoring Challenge Day at the high schools.

Julie Jenison thanked the Foundation for all the good things they do including their part in Challenge Day at the high schools. She thanked Kelly Suchy for her presentation to the Foundation on the district’s Ready for Kindergarten program. She said she also appreciates Christy Evans for her hard work with Smart Start and the recent grant she received. Mrs. Jenison thanked Mr. Hurst for his leadership in the Board Work Session. She also thanked the board for their vision, time and energy in the work session. Mrs. Jenison mentioned the Culinary Contest that Sodexho is sponsoring and thanked them for getting kids interested in healthy eating.

ITEM #13 - CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON MOTION TO ENTER INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION FOR THE PURPOSE OF DISCUSSING NEGOTIATIONS PURSUANT TO 25 O.S. § 307 (B)(1) AND (2).

Mark Bledsoe made a motion at 6:30 p.m. to enter into executive session for the purpose of conducting an informal evaluation, as required by district policy, of the Superintendent and to discuss transfer/assignment of Transportation administrative personnel pursuant to 25 O.S. § 307 (B)(1) and (7). Jerry Cramer seconded the motion. Vote: Cramer, aye; Haliburton, aye; Bledsoe, aye; LoPresto, aye; Jenison, aye.

ITEM #14 – CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON MOTION TO RETURN TO OPEN SESSION AND TO REQUEST THE BOARD CLERK TO RECORD THE MINUTES OF THE EXECUTIVE SESSION.

Gail LoPresto made a motion at 8:05 p.m. to return to open session and to request the Board Clerk to record the minutes of the executive session. Mark Bledsoe seconded the motion. Vote: Cramer, aye; Haliburton, aye; Bledsoe, aye; LoPresto, aye; Jenison, aye.

MINUTES OF EXECTIVE SESSION: Board President Julie Jenison; Vice President Jerry Cramer; members Gail LoPresto, Mark Bledsoe, and Becky Haliburton; Superintendent Paul Hurst; Associate Superintendent Dr. Ann Millerborg; and Jim Hooper, Executive Director of Operations; met in executive session for the purpose of conducting an informal evaluation, as required by district policy, of the Superintendent and to discuss transfer/assignment of Transportation administrative personnel pursuant to 25 O.S. § 307 (B)(1) and (7).

ITEM #15 – CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON NEW BUSINESS.

There was no new business.

ITEM #16 - CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON MOTION TO ADJOURN.

Mark Bledsoe made a motion at 8:05 p.m. to adjourn. Gail LoPresto seconded the motion.
Vote: Cramer, aye; Haliburton, aye; Bledsoe, aye; LoPresto, aye; Jenison, aye.

_______________________________________                                

REGULAR BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING
Monday, November 17, 2008

The Putnam City Schools Board of Education of Independent School District No. One of Oklahoma County, State of Oklahoma, met in regular session Monday, November 17, 2008 at 6:00 p.m. in the Board room at the Administration Building, 5401 NW 40th, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. The agenda and meeting notice were posted on Friday, November 14, 2008 at 4:30 p.m. in accordance with 25 O.S. § 311.

Members present: Julie Jenison, president; Jerry Cramer, vice-president; Becky Haliburton, Gail LoPresto, and Mark Bledsoe, members; Superintendent Mr. Paul Hurst; Debbie Baldwin, clerk; and others.

ITEM #1 - INSPIRATIONAL MESSAGE, MOMENT OF SILENCE, AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – ADRIENNE HAUCK.

Adrienne Hauck, Assistant Principal at Hefner Middle School, gave the Inspirational Message, Moment of Silence, and Pledge of Allegiance.

ITEM #2 – INFORMATION AND STAFF REPORTS:
• BUDGET PRESENTATION – SHANNON MEEKS,
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF FINANCE

Shannon Meeks gave a summary of the Fiscal Year 2008-2009 budgets by fund.

ITEM #3 - PUBLIC PARTICIPATION.

There was no public participation.

ITEM #4 - CONSENT AGENDA: ALL OF THE FOLLOWING ITEMS, WHICH CONCERN REPORTS AND ITEMS OF A ROUTINE NATURE NORMALLY APPROVED AT BOARD MEETINGS, WILL BE APPROVED BY ONE VOTE UNLESS ANY BOARD MEMBER DESIRES TO HAVE A SEPARATE VOTE ON ANY OR ALL OF THESE ITEMS. THE CONSENT CONSISTS OF THE DISCUSSION, CONSIDERATION, AND APPROVAL OF THE FOLLOWING ITEMS:

a. Minutes for regular board meeting November 3, 2008.
b. Financial report and bimonthly bills for purchase order numbers 905949120
through 908009715 inclusive for time period from October 13-28, 2008 with the
exception of purchase order number 907392001 for Triangle A & E for the
2008-2009 school year.
c. School Activity Fund Transfer List including Putnam City North.
d. School Activity Fund Cash Summary for 1st quarter, July 1 – September 30, 2008.
e. Declaration of obsolete/surplus items.
f. Elementary and Secondary Fundraisers.
NOVEMBER / DECEMBER FUND-RAISERS
Board of Education Meeting
November17, 2008

APOLLO ELEMENTARY
Activity / Subaccount Cancer Drive / Cancer Fund $ 500.00
Date: November (Cancer fund)

Activity / Subaccount Singing Christmas cards / Chorus $ 75.00
Date: December (Music, program materials)

ARBOR GROVE ELEMENTARY
Activity / Subaccount Candy grams / Leadership $ 400.00
Date: December (School projects, butterfly garden)

DOWNS ELEMENTARY
Activity / Subaccount Candy grams / General $ 250.00
Date: December (Cancer fund)

LAKE PART ELEMENTARY
Activity / Subaccount Skate party / Activity $ 250.00
Date: November (8th grade end of year activity)

WESTERN OAKS ELEMENTARY
Activity / Subaccount Candy canes and grams / STUCO $ 200.00
Date: December (Cancer fund)

CAPPS MIDDLE SCHOOL
Activity / Subaccount Candy sale / Cat Chat $ 100.00
Date: November (Angel Tree service project)

Activity / Subaccount Candy grams / Leadership $ 300.00
Date: December (Cancer research)

COOPER MIDDLE SCHOOL
Activity / Subaccount Penny competition / General $ 500.00
Date: Ongoing (Student activities and supplies)

Activity / Subaccount Johnnies’ Night / General $ 200.00
Date: Ongoing (Various student and staff activities)

Activity / Subaccount Pancake Breakfast / Band & Orchestra $2,000.00
Date: December (Supplies)

Activity / Subaccount School play Stocking Stuffers / Drama $ 200.00
Date: December (Future productions)

Activity / Subaccount Candy sale / Vocal Music $ 500.00
Date: Ongoing (Trip expenses)

Activity / Subaccount Pictures with Santa / Orchestra $1,000.00
Date: Ongoing (Music, repairs, supplies, clinicians, instruments,
contest and contest fees)


g. Overnight Travel Requests.
h. Retirements and resignations as listed on Attachment A.

Gail LoPresto made a motion to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. Mark Bledsoe seconded the motion. Vote: Cramer, aye; Haliburton, aye; Bledsoe, aye; LoPresto, aye; Jenison, aye.

ITEM #5 - CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON RECOMMENDATION OF EMPLOYMENT OF NEW PERSONNEL AS LISTED ON ATTACHMENT A.

Becky Haliburton made a motion to approve the recommendation of employment of new personnel as listed on Attachment A. Gail LoPresto seconded the motion. Vote: Cramer, aye; Haliburton, aye; Bledsoe, aye LoPresto, aye; Jenison, aye.

ITEM #6 - CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER NUMBER 907392001 FOR TRIANGLE A & E. ($285.46 FROM 9-11)

Mark Bledsoe made a motion to approve purchase order number 907392001 for Triangle A & E. Becky Haliburton seconded the motion. Vote: Cramer, aye; Haliburton, aye; Bledsoe, aye; LoPresto, abstain; Jenison, aye.

ITEM #7 - CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON MOTION TO APPROVE THE FISCAL YEAR 2009 BUDGET GUIDE.

Gail LoPresto made a motion to approve the Fiscal Year 2009 Budget Guide. Jerry Cramer seconded the motion. Vote: Cramer, aye; Haliburton, aye; Bledsoe, aye; LoPresto, aye; Jenison, aye.

Summary of the 2008-2009 Budget:

2008-2009 GOVERNMENTAL FUND BUDGETS
General
Fund Building
Fund Child Nutrition
Fund MAPS
Fund Sinking
Fund
Fund Balance
July 1, 2008
$3,233,753
$4,229,026
$809,590
$5,468,667
$626,944
Revenue &
Lapsed Funds
115,935,254
5,485,658
7,086,113
10,000,000
15,623,804

Total Available
119,169,007
9,714,684
7,895,702
15,468,667
16,250,748

Expenditures
115,756,520
5,931,000
7,045,680
15,468,667
15,506,317
Fund Balance
June 30, 2009
$3,412,487
$3,783,684
$850,022
$0
$744,431
ITEM #8 – CONSIDERATION OF AND TAKE ACTION ON A RESOLUTION DETERMINING THE MATURITIES OF, AND SETTING A DATE, TIME, AND PLACE FOR THE SALE OF THE GENERAL OBLIGATION COMBINED PURPOSE BONDS OF THE PUTNAM CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT.

Mr. Stephen McDonald of Stephen H. McDonald & Associates was present at the meeting to answer questions. He recommended that the Bonds be sold on the 9th day of December, 2008, at 12:00 o’clock Noon at the Putnam City Administration Building.

Mr. Mark Bledsoe made a motion to approve a resolution determining the maturities of, and setting a date, time, and place for the sale of the $12,140,000 of General Obligation Combined Purpose Bonds of the Putnam City School District. Jerry Cramer seconded the motion. Vote: Cramer, aye; Haliburton, aye; Bledsoe, aye; LoPresto, aye; Jenison, aye.

ITEM #9 – CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON MOTION TO APPROVE AGREEMENT WITH PENN SQUARE MALL FOR STUDENT HOLIDAY SEASON PERFORMANCES.

Gail LoPresto made a motion to approve the agreement with Penn Square Mall for student holiday season performances. Jerry Cramer seconded the motion. Vote: Cramer, aye; Haliburton, aye; Bledsoe, aye; LoPresto, aye; Jenison, aye.

ITEM #10 – CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON MOTION TO APPROVE A MAPS REQUEST FOR THE OUTSIDE SOFTBALL/BASEBALL FACILITY AND FENCING AT PUTNAM CITY WEST HIGH SCHOOL. ($1,976,900)

Gail LoPresto made a motion to approve a MAPS request for the outside softball/baseball facility and fencing at Putnam City West High School. Jerry Cramer seconded the motion. Vote: Cramer, aye; Haliburton, aye; Bledsoe, aye; LoPresto, aye; Jenison, aye.

ITEM #11 – CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON MOTION TO APPROVE A MAPS REQUEST FOR CENTRAL ELEMENTARY UPGRADES, SECURITY, AND EXPANDED TECHNOLOGY CAPABILITIES. ($307,000)

Jerry Cramer made a motion to approve a MAPS request for Central Elementary upgrades, security, and expanded technology capabilities. Becky Haliburton seconded the motion. Vote: Cramer, aye; Haliburton, aye; Bledsoe, aye; LoPresto, aye; Jenison, aye.

ITEM #12 – SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT.

• The Putnam City Schools were recognized at a recent awards luncheon sponsored by the Association of Fundraising Professionals. The “Outstanding Youth Making a Difference” award was presented to the district for the outstanding contributions made to the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation. Accepting the award for the district was Ms. Patricia Hocker, principal at Windsor Hills Elementary and long time chair of the district’s cancer research fund raising committee, and Nathan Holliday, Student Council President at Putnam City West High School. The district has a long tradition of support for the OMRF. Congratulations and great appreciation are to be extended to all the students in the Putnam City Schools as well as the many adults who work to coordinate the many and varied fund raising activities that support this worthy cause.

• One of the activities sponsored by the district in cooperation with other community groups was conducted on Saturday at Stars and Stripes Park. The inaugural Cancer Classic 5K and one mile fun run drew over six hundred paid participants. While it was somewhat cold and windy, the crowd assembled there that morning demonstrated a great deal of enthusiasm for and commitment to the ongoing efforts to raise funds for cancer research. All of our schools were represented with many having a large number of participants in one or both of the scheduled events. While so many contributed, I do want to recognize again Ms. Hocker as well as Jason Hasty, Western Oaks Elementary, and Sara Kersey, Putnam City High School, and those involved on the Cancer Classic Committee who were so instrumental in the organization of this event. There were likewise many others involved including principals, teachers, staff, and students who deserve our collective appreciation for their work.

• It is my pleasure to announce that the district’s Ready for K! program recently received a $2500 grant from Smart Start Oklahoma to conduct sessions at Children’s Lighthouse. The funds will allow the program to provide kits for parents whose children attend Pre-K at the childcare center. Parents will have access to sessions conducted at the center this winter and spring. Congratulations to Kelly Suchy and all those involved in the Ready for K! program.

• I would like to recognize Rebecca Shoeb, a student at Putnam City North High School, for her participation on the Teen Board for the Oklahoma Heritage Association. This student was very involved in the preparations for the Oklahoma Hall of Fame presentations conducted recently at the Cox Convention Center. She also served as an escort for one of the presenters that evening. We do appreciate her involvement in this highly regarded recognition program.

• Congratulations to seven Putnam City middle school students and 32 district high school students who earned positions in the Central Oklahoma Directors’ Association (CODA) honor bands. These honors were earned following auditions conducted earlier this month at Edmond Santa Fe High School. As members of the honor bands the students will have the opportunity to work with guest clinicians and perform in a concert at the University of Oklahoma in January.

• Ralph Downs Elementary School recently had two students selected for the All-OMEA Children’s All-State Chorus. The students are William Foster and Gloria Ughamadu, fifth grade students at Downs. There was also a fourth grade student, David Green, from Harvest Hills selected for the Children’s All State Chorus. From Hefner Middle School, six students were selected for this group. These students are Lauren Carroll, Lori Covey, Kendall Haliburton, Alicia Henry, Kaylee Losawyer, and Jill Pullen. These students competed against 4th through 8th grade students from the entire state and will perform at the Oklahoma Music Educators Conference in Tulsa in January. Congratulations to these talented students.

• The Mayor’s Committee on Disability Concerns Awards Luncheon was conducted on October 28th. Two PCW students were recognized for poster design. Second place went to Nina Guidry and third place was awarded to Joel Ortiz. Nine other PCW students received Honorable Mention.

• Fourteen art students from the district’s high schools had their work included in the 2008 High School Print and Drawing Exhibition sponsored by the Norick Art Center at Oklahoma City University. High school students in grades 9 through 12 from across the state competed to have their work included in this exhibition. This year, the competition drew 805 entries from across the state, 151 of which were judged into the show. Of the 151 entries, 17 pieces or 11 percent of the 151 works accepted, were created by students from our high schools. Certainly, there is amazing talent among our young people.

• As you are aware, the first ever Middle School Culinary Contest was conducted at Cooper Middle School. Finalists from each middle school came together to prepare their favorite appetizer recipe and compete for the Grand Prize trophy and a gift certificate from Best Buy. Finalists were:

1. Ryen Chamberlin, Capps MS
2. Melanie Slates and Tamara Ellis, Cooper MS
3. Lauren Long, Hefner MS
4. Blair Kidd, Mayfield MS
5. And the winner was Rylie Swaim from Western Oaks MS with a dish called Bird of Paradise.

• I also want to announce that Jerry Kuntz, former wrestling coach at Putnam City High School was recently inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame. Mr. Kuntz was recognized for his lifetime of service to the sport of wrestling. He has represented Putnam City, the state of Oklahoma, and the USA in numerous national and international wrestling events over the last several years.

• Recently at the State Student Council Convention in Tulsa, Governor Brad Henry presented Jerry Rickerts a certificate proclaiming that November 10, 2008, is officially Jerry Rickerts Day in the state of Oklahoma. As you all know, Mr. Rickerts has been instrumental in the development of countless student leaders through his ongoing involvement with student government. Congratulations to this fine man.

ITEM #13 - COMMENTS BY BOARD MEMBERS.

Jerry Cramer said he was looking forward to continuing with the work session this evening. He thanked Shannon Meeks for his budget presentation. Mr. Cramer said he is proud of Putnam City students and staff for their commitment to raising funds for cancer research. Mr. Cramer said Jerry Rickerts has helped students in Putnam City and across the state for decades, playing a key role in development of student councils and student leadership.

Becky Haliburton thanked Adrienne Hauck for her inspirational message. She thanked Patricia Hocker and Jason Hasty for leading the planning for the Putnam City Cancer Classic. She thanked Dennis Elementary physical education teacher Billy Miller for his efforts and for bringing along the Southern Nazarene track team to assist with the Cancer Classic. Mrs. Haliburton thanked schools for doing a good job of putting on assemblies for Veterans Day.

Mark Bledsoe mentioned the Putnam City Cancer Classic and the award won by the district for its cancer fund drive. He also said the district does an excellent job of educating the whole child.

Gail LoPresto said she and her family participated in the Cancer Classic Fun Walk. She said she was very impressed with the number of people participating on such a cold morning. Mrs. LoPresto said she attended the Veterans Day Assembly at Mayfield. She commended students on the respect they showed to veterans. Mrs. LoPresto said Jerry Rickerts is very deserving of the honor he received for making a difference in the lives of many students.

Julie Jenison thanked Shannon Meeks for his budget presentation. She congratulated Jerry Rickerts for the honor that he received. Mrs. Jenison said she has recently been employed at Starbucks. She said she is trying to get them involved in a partnership with Putnam City Schools. She said the manager knew Lee Roland at Tulakes and is very impressed with him and his students. Mrs. Jenison said she attended Harvest Hills Veterans Assembly and enjoyed it very much. She commended the district for making Veterans Day assemblies a priority. Mrs. Jenison wished everyone a blessed Thanksgiving.

ITEM #14 - CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON MOTION TO CONDUCT A WORK SESSION FOR THE PURPOSE OF DISCUSSIONS BETWEEN THE BOARD OF EDUCATION AND THE ADMINISTRATION REGARDING ANY MATTER OF DISTRICT BUSINESS INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO, FINANCIAL ISSUES, PERSONNEL ISSUES, EDUCATIONAL ISSUES, CURRICULUM, ADMINISTRATIVE ISSUES, ENROLLMENT, AND PHYSICAL FACILITIES’ ISSUES. NO ACTION WILL BE TAKEN ON ANY ITEM.

Jerry Cramer made a motion to conduct a work session for the purpose of discussions between the Board of Education and the Administration regarding any matter of District business including but not limited to, financial issues, personnel issues, educational issues, curriculum, administrative issues, enrollment, and physical facilities’ issues. No action will be taken on any item. Mark Bledsoe seconded the motion. Vote: Cramer, aye; Haliburton, aye; Bledsoe, aye; LoPresto, aye; Jenison, aye.

Board members continued their discussion from the October 27, 2008 work session narrowing the list of important qualities that they envision Putnam City Schools should possess.

ITEM #15 – CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON NEW BUSINESS.

There was no new business.

ITEM #16 - CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON MOTION TO ADJOURN.

Mark Bledsoe made a motion at 7:45 p.m. to adjourn. Jerry Cramer seconded the motion.
Vote: Cramer, aye; Haliburton, aye; Bledsoe, aye; LoPresto, aye; Jenison, aye.