Present:  Janice Kerekes, District1; Carol Studdard, District 2; Betsy Condon, District 3; Johnna McKinnon, District 4;  and Ashley Gilhousen, District 5.

Jackie Cory, Director of Instructional Personnel Services, recognized employees retiring during the 2015-2016 school year.  There were 167 employees retiring with a total of 3,940 years.  See attached list for employee names.

Susan Glover, Director of School Food & Nutrition, gave an update on the school district's lunch program.  There will be no price increases on school lunches for the 2016-2017 school year.  

Mrs. Kerekes explained that she pulled this item to ask that it be delayed until after the Primary elections on August 30th since two board members are up for re-election.  Following brief discussion, consensus was to bring the item back on the September agenda.  

Speaker from the Audience:  Tracy Butler - Ms. Butler expressed concerns about moving forward with this contract.  

Dave Broskie, Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources, explained the cost savings this would bring to the district.   There was discussion about the lack of trust between the district and the unions, and differing opinions on the contract under consideration.  Following discussion, Mrs. Studdard moved to call the question and subsequently the Replacment Contract was approved.

There were none.

Chairman McKinnon opened the public hearing.  The following speakers addressed the item, specifically pertaining to harrassment and discrimination issues:   Daniel Barkowitz and  Brandye Mackey.  With no other speakers, the public hearing was closed.  Board discussion followed with consensus to have staff review the language pertaining to the concerns addressed.

Chairman McKinnon opened the public hearing.  Being no one present to speak to the item, the public hearing was closed.

Bill Garrison - Sexual identity and support for LGBT rights.

Julie Robson - Bus issues  

Daniel Barkowitz - Transgender Equity

Fred Gottshalk - Biased media reporting

Superintendent Van Zant reported on the groundbreaking of four new community gardens in the district.

With the recent violence and mass shootings around the country, Mr. Van Zant assured everyone that keeping students safe is the district's top priority as everyone returns to school in just a few weeks.  He urged everyone to pray for law enforcement officers in light of recent attacks.

Board members commended public speakers for their input and echoed the Superintendent's comments about keeping student safety a top priority.

Chairman McKinnon reminded the Board of Executive Session to follow immediately after adjournment.