05/31/11  Dr. Terry Barker, Superintendent of the Union North United Schools presented the school board with stipend recommendations for 2011 to be paid retroactivity. Barker said those certified staff with direct contact with students would receive $225 if they hold bachelors’ degree and $275 if the hold a master’s degree. Administrators would be among those receiving a stipend. He also proposed that non-certified staff receive stipends depending upon the number of hours they are employed. He said the stipends for non-certified staff would range from $50 to $200.  All proposed stipends would be a one-time payment.  The board voted unanimously to approve the request.

The board also approved the hiring of  Fort Wayne firm, Barton-Coe and Vilamaa Architects and Engineers, Inc.  to design Phase II of the renovations to the high school. Barker said they had only paid Hebard and Hebard Architects for Phase I. Board member David Grenert said he has been in contact with a community member familiar with the work done by Kari Vilamaa and indicated that he had been given a most favorable recommendation. The board voted 5-0 in approval.

The board also approved contracting with Ted Annis of Ted’s Auction Center to dispose of surplus items. Barker said, “We have been packing items in the metal room, but we haven’t gotten a full inventory yet.” Barker indicated that the would like to hold the auction on July 11. Annis will receive 15 percent of the proceeds. Other expenses associated with an auction include a $50 fee for a clerk, $50 fee for a cashier, and approximately $600-$700 for advertising. Barker said the cap on advertising would be set at $750.  Barker said he had included the matter in the agenda as a discussion item rather than seeking a motion; however, Grenert made a motion to hire Annis so that they could secure the date. The board voted unanimously in favor.

The board accepted the resignation of math teacher Joseph Vanderppol, effective May 18, 2011. Due to decreased enrollment in Industrial Arts classes, the contract of teacher Tom Conrad will be reduced from full-time to a 64.28 percent starting with the 2011-2012 school year.

The next meeting of the board is scheduled for June 19. They will hold a second meeting on June 23 if needed.