OWOSSO PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Board of Education Minutes
October 26, 2015
Report 15-41
President Jenc called the meeting of the Board of Education to order at 7:01 pm. The meeting was held in
the media center located at Owosso High School, 765 E. North Street, Owosso, Michigan.
Present:
Absent:
Jenc, Mowen, Ochodnicky, Opanasenko-Lubkin, Paez, Webster
Grant (Motions of the Board of Education that were unanimous did not Grant)
Pledge of Allegiance
President Jenc reported that the meeting’s agenda has been amended to include Board Report 15-40, New
Hire Certified Staff (at place).
Building Reports
Dr. Kari Selleck, Director of Curriculum commended Owosso High School teacher Alan Dorman and
Eric Murray for attending two consecutive weeks of intensive Bio-Medical Engineering training over the
summer months at Lawrence Tech. Staff member spent many hours preparing for the District’s first
cadre of students that have taken advantage of the new course. Dr. Selleck thanked Mr. Dorman and Nick
Krueger for being instrumental in offering the class at OHS.
Mr. Alan Dorman thanked the Board of Education for the opportunity to share information about the
course titled Principals of Bio-Medical Science. He explained that the course is the first in a four-year
sequence. The second year course is Human Body Systems, which is followed by Investigate Medical
Interventions, and the final year is a capstone course where students can design their own pathway. Mr.
Dorman stated that the course is project-based. During the first course, the entire year involves students
investigating the death of victim, Anna Garcia. Students have been investigating the crime scene of Anna
Garcia and are developing theories on what caused her death. To date, the students have examined and
documented the crime scene, had a Flint, Michigan detective describe how a crime scene is investigated,
learned about the various pathways if students are interested in becoming a police officer, investigated
hair, fingerprints, shoe prints, drugs found at the crime scene, typed blood from the crime scene,
conducted a blood splatter analysis, extracted DNA, and read and analyzed autopsy reports. Mr. Dorman
reported that the students have just published an initial report of what they believe is the cause of death at
this point in their investigation. The students will learn the actual cause of Anna Garcia’s death in May
2016. Throughout the year, students will investigate 40 possible career paths related to the death. The
class will culminate in May and students will make their final determination of death based on the
evidence they collected throughout the entire year. Students will take a computer-based exam at the end
of the year and if they score a six or above, they earn transcriptable credit from a selected university,
which will follow them and is similar to an Advanced Placement class.
Mr. Dorman introduced four students that are enrolled in the Principals of Bio-Medical Science class and
asked them to explain what they like about the class.
Mosiah Valdez explained that he likes the fact that the class is lab based and allows students to think on
their own and come up with their own conclusions.
Usman Khan commented that he also likes the class because there is constant lab work and it is all
application based.
Randy Dorff agreed that the labs are a big plus for the course. He also stated that he is amazed by how
closely the simulations relate to real life. The class offers practical applications that will benefit him in
his future career goals as a forensic pathologist. The class is very unique with one main goal, which is to
determine Anna Garcia’s manner of death.
Alia Dada stated that her favorite aspect of the class is the hands-on applications and all of the labs. The
course is different because students learn through their hands-on work. Her favorite part of the class has
been the DNA analysis of blood typing. Alia remarked that she has thoroughly enjoyed the class and
hopes to continue the series throughout high school.
The Board asked the students questions about the class and how it differs from other courses.
Superintendent Tuttle remarked that her minor in college was exercise and health science and Mr.
Dorman’s description of the course’s criteria is very advanced and similar to a college class.
Mr. Dorman explained that when setting up the course, Project Lead the Way (PLTW) requires that
specific equipment be purchased in order to teach the class. As a result, students that have taken the
course will have the ability to walk into a college setting and be completely prepared.
Dr. Selleck commented that getting this program off and running required a lot of involvement, but it is a
testimony to the creativity and cooperation that the District has with the RESD and Lawrence Tech. She
also thanked OHS Principal Jeff Phillips for his part in the fruition of the new program.
Superintendent Tuttle recognized Para-professional Kathleen Didur on her retirement from Owosso
Public Schools after 15 years of service. Mrs. Didur was unable to attend the meeting.
Board of Education Student Representative Andrew Pond commented that he is very happy that student
council members are eager to participate in activities this year. There were approximately 30-40 students
that helped with decorations for the Homecoming dance. In addition, students are still asking how they
can join student council. This year’s snake dance was very successful and it was great to have many
elementary students participate in the event as well. The powder puff football game was sponsored by the
National Honor Society and raised over $3,500 for the United Way Campaign. The freshman class won
first place for their Homecoming float and the parade was well attended. The inter-class games went very
well and everyone enjoyed having the fifth graders participate in the games. Andrew expressed gratitude
to the many chaperones that helped make the Homecoming dance an enjoyable event. Student Council
members have been working on organizing fun activities that included a Volley brawl on October 24.
Student Council members are also exploring visiting a corn maze and/or a kick ball event. Andrew
explained that many of the activities are held to encourage students to become leaders. He stated that the
Can Drive is currently being focused on and student council is thinking of new ways to encourage student
participation. This year the Can Court candidates will be students rather than teachers and is scheduled to
be held on December 18. The Mr. Wonderful contest will be on November 3 and is always a very
entertaining event. Andrew stated that the National Honor Society expressed their appreciation to OHS
teachers and coaches by presenting each of them with candy and personally written note cards. The
National Honor Society is currently working on a community service project with the Humane Society.
NHS will also sponsor a Dodgeball tournament on November 11 at OHS. Andrew commented that there
are many clubs at OHS and he recently attended an International Club meeting that highlighted a foreign
exchange student who spoke about this differences between her school and OHS. The Gay Straight
Alliance Club meets every Wednesday to spread awareness about treating everyone equally, despite their
sexual orientation.
Board Correspondence
Superintendent Tuttle applauded Andrew Pond for his enthusiastic and thorough report.
Superintendent Tuttle announced that the administration building located on West North Street has been
officially sold to Covenant Eyes. This is the last unoccupied facility that was owned by the District.
Buildings that have been sold include the former Lincoln facility, Roosevelt School and North Street.
Superintendent Tuttle reported that collectively, the Administrative team has attended many events where
they have tried to educate the community about the bond proposal. She thanked the administrators for
conducting over 40 bond presentations. On October 15 the middle school hosted a Spooky Science night.
Elementary principals and Title I teachers helped organize the successful event that included trick or
treating and science experiments for students while parents were being educated about the bond.
Superintendent Tuttle praised Principal Jeff Phillips and his team for organizing the Academic
Achievement Awards Ceremony. There were 174 students in grades 10 through 12 that were honored for
earning a 3.5 or above grade point average.
Superintendent Tuttle reported that the Owosso band program hosted District V Marching Festival at
Willman Field on October 12. She proudly announced that the Trojan Marching Band earned a first
division rating from every judge (straight 1’s) for the 58th consecutive year. She thanked the students,
community, and Band Directors Jillian Schlegel, Jordan Sterk, and Mike Tolrud on an excellent job.
Superintendent Tuttle commented that the high school counseling office is doing some phenomenal new
activities. They recently held an early college event with the goal of getting every student to apply to at
least one college and fill out a FAFSA form. In addition, many staff members shared their stories with
students on how they got where they are today.
Superintendent Tuttle stated that the bond education campaign is continuing with building and classroom
champions assisting with getting information about the bond out to the community.
Superintendent Tuttle remarked that Bentley Bright Beginnings Early Childhood Center is completely full
and there are waiting lists for every classroom. She commented that the center’s enrollment affirms that
parents are very happy with the programs IB and STEM education.
Superintendent Tuttle reported that OPS enrollment is better than what was projected. Student numbers
showed an increase of 16 students since the February 2015 pupil count.
Superintendent Tuttle announced that the Madrigal’s were selected from over 100 applicants to perform at
the American Choral Director’s Association Fall Conference. She stated that their selection says a lot
about the District’s performing arts programs.
Curriculum Director Dr. Kari Selleck reported that October 21was an early release day for students and
the afternoon provided teachers an opportunity to learn together in a variety of subjects and IB topics.
She commented that teachers enjoyed having this time during the day as opposed to an evening PD. Dr.
Selleck personally observed great learning happening, which is a result of the extended leadership that the
District has with teachers leading their peers.
Dr. Selleck stated that the present 10th grade students will be presenting their IB personal projects in
March 2016. The GLAD hour (grade level advisory day) is held one day per month and has allowed each
teacher to advise a small group of ninth through twelfth grade students on grade level specific needs.
This includes freshmen team building, bonding opportunities, and expectations of a high school student.
Sophomores have been working on their personal project and recently submitted an overview and plans
for their personal project. The projects should be a passion of the students that they spend time
investigating and learning about. A service component is also included in the project. Lance Little, Sarah
Collins, administrators, and GLAD advisors are helping students to make their projects a success.
Junior class members are focusing on college applications and their post high school experience.
Members of the senior class have been listening to a variety of speaking groups about job opportunities
that exist in the community and preparing for graduation.
Dr. Selleck commented that the GLAD hour has been a great benefit to the achievement of items that
cannot occur during a regular school day.
Dr. Selleck reported that a literacy trainer who has been working with staff for the past three years will be
in the District on October 27 and 28. She remarked that she is thrilled about the substitute teacher bill
that will help alleviate the shortage of qualified substitutes.
Public Participation:
President Jenc stated that the Board of Education is a public body and recognizes the value of public
comment on educational issues. Time has been included in the meeting’s agenda for public participation.
Members of the audience were reminded that they should announce their name and group affiliation when
applicable and to limit their participation time to three minutes or less. Comments should be directed to
the Board and be relevant to the business of the Board of Education. This is not an opportunity for
dialogue with the Board of Education. The rules of common courtesy should also be observed.
Tom Manke reported that his Facebook pages Friends and Community News and Views and Friends and
Community Owosso just hit their 18,000 mark of viewers. Mr. Manke stated that his site ran a story about
the school bond millage on September 22 and asked readers for an open dialogue about the proposal. His
viewers were asked what the District should do if the proposal fails. There were 3,572 people that read
his post and he thanked Trustee Marlene Webster for answering many of the questions that were posed.
Mr. Manke stated that he doesn’t know what the majority thinks about the bond, but he plans to run
another story supporting the bond prior to November 3. He commented that he also wanted to run a story
and post a picture about Owosso’s Homecoming and the 500 well behaved students that attended the
dance.
Josh Dewley, LHS teacher reported that the school will host a blood drive on October 30. He explained
that donors are desperately needed and asked people to contact him if they would like to donate.
For Action:
 Moved by Mowen, supported by Webster to approve the September 28, 2015 regular meeting
minutes, current bills, and financials as presented. Motion carried unanimously.
 Moved by Ochodnicky, supported by Opanasenko-Lubkin to adopt as their second reading
Replacement Policy 7250 – Commemoration of Facilities. Motion carried unanimously.
 Moved by Mowen, supported by Ochodnicky to approve the out-of-state travel for the Owosso High
School Trojan Marching Band trip to Disney World in Orlando, Florida on March 10-16, 2016.
Motion carried unanimously.
 Moved by Opanasenko-Lubkin, supported by Mowen to authorize the Operations Department to
dispose of two vehicles that are no longer usable due to their reliability and keeping the cost of the
vehicles operational. The vehicles to be declared as obsolete are a 2001 Dodge pickup truck and a
1994 Ford van. Motion carried unanimously.
 Moved by Mowen, supported by Opanasenko-Lubkin to approve the hiring of Amy Miglinas as a
Guidance Counselor at Owosso High School. Mrs. Miglinas will replace Mrs. Kristen Gazley who
has submitted her letter of resignation. Mrs. Miglinas is an OHS graduate and has seven years of
experience as a guidance counselor. Motion carried unanimously.
For Information:
Superintendent Tuttle provided the Board with a personnel update. Kelly Snyder has accepted the 52
week Secretary position at Owosso High School. Dawn Horak has accepted the 10 Month Office
Secretary position at Owosso High School. Laura Hyatt has accepted the 2.5 hour Monitor position at
Central Elementary. Tammy McKay has accepted the 3.5 hour Paraprofessional position at Central
Elementary. Anthony Carsten has accepted the 2.25 hour Food Service Worker position at Emerson
Elementary. Kristen Gazley, Owosso High School Guidance Counselor has submitted her letter of
resignation effective October 20th. Kathleen Didur has submitted her letter of retirement effective
October 7, 2015 after 15 years of service.
Public Participation:
Tom Manke commented that recently there was cyber bullying occurring on Facebook that he believes
the Board is aware of. He stated that he spoke with the police and prosecutors about this and believes that
the organizers are a group of people in their early 20’s. Mr. Manke remarked that he has never witnessed
anything this nasty and was shocked that he couldn’t do anything about the comments that were made
about students. Mr. Manke added that schools in the surrounding area are also experiencing this same
problem with social media.
Superintendent Tuttle replied to Mr. Manke’s comments and stated that the District is aware of the
situation and is knowledgeable of who the perpetrator is. She commented that the District’s attorney is
involved in the situation. Unfortunately, cyber bullying has become a problem in all communities.
Board Member Comments/Updates:
Marlene Webster commented that just before arriving at the meeting she learned that OHS student Logan
Turner has relapsed is now on Hospice. She stated that she is certain that Logan’s family would
appreciate any support during this time. Mrs. Webster praised OPS staff and students for their efforts at
the HOPE Conference. Everyone went above and beyond by volunteering their time to help make the
conference a success. The OPS Food Service department catered the event and Mrs. Webster stated that
she cannot say enough about how great the department is to work with and how good the food is at a
reasonable price. She thanked Emerson Principal Terry Sedlar and his students for raising money for the
HOPE project. Mrs. Webster remarked that she is very proud that OPS is not only teaching students to be
involved in the community, but is modeling this as well.
Shelly Ochodnicky stated that it is reassuring to hear support for the bond proposal from local business
owners. She commented that the District owes a huge thank you to those that care and understand about
this investment. She stated that she feels that this campaign has been very positive and hopes that people
get out and vote on November 3.
Rick Mowen praised the Trojan Marching Band and the great band directors for continuing a wonderful
tradition of earning straight one’s at festival.
Janice Opanasenko-Lubkin remarked that she attended band festival and it was fantastic. It was great to
witness the performance, but even better to see the many positive postings on Facebook. She stated that
she is also looking forward to attending the Trojan Spectacular. Mrs. Opanasenko-Lubkin commented
that she hopes people make an effort to get out and vote on November 3.
Upcoming Board Meeting Dates:
November 9: Business Services/Strategic Planning & Curriculum Subcommittees, 5:00 & 6:00 pm
November 23: Regular Board Meeting, 7:00 pm
Important Upcoming Dates:
October 27: OHS Choir Concert, 7:00 pm
October 29: Trojan Spectacular, OHS Gum @ 7 pm
October 30: Bentley Bright Beginnings Parent/Child Day, 11 am – 1 pm
November 3: Election Day
November 5: Half Day for Elementary Only: Afternoon & Evening Parent/Teacher Conferences
November 7: 300 Club Sports Party, D’Mar Banquet & Conference Center at 7:00 pm
November 9: No School: Teacher Work Day
November 11: Veteran’s Day Celebrations
November 11: OMS Evening Parent/Teacher Conferences
November 12: OMS & OHS Evening Parent/Teacher Conferences
November 14: Band Craft Show at OHS, 9 am – 4 pm
November 21: Drama Club Performance, OHS Auditorium @ 7 pm
Adjournment:
Moved by Mowen, supported by Ochodnicky to adjourn at 7:59 pm. Motion carried unanimously.
Minutes recorded by Clara Pitt
Respectfully submitted,
________________________________
Shelly Ochodnicky, Secretary