Mark Holsinger, Project Architect from Tanner and Stone and Paul Throcmorton, Project Coordinator from Gilbane Construction Management Firm, addressed the Board providing an update on the high school project and a status report on the next phase of the building project, a new middle school.  Several punch list items are being accomplished at the high school, and there will be a bid opening for construction of the middle school at the site of the former high school.  The former gym will retained to serve as the middle school gym.

Other items discussed included quotes on fencing for new tennis courts.  New courts are necessary as the current courts area will be part of the middle/primary project.

An update on the health insurance situation was provided.  Final review of the proposal package will be forthcoming from the Council of Governments.

Concerning the academic program, Minford has moved into Continuous Improvement with achieving 15 of the 27 standards required by the State.  Working to improve the educational program, Minford is designated a Baldrige District.  The Baldrige system promotes rising expectations and improvements similar to the idea of Total Quality Management.  Baldrige concepts have been incorporated into the new state operating for Ohio's schools, and are a part of State Superintendent Zelman's program and have the support of the Ohio Education Association.

On the athletic program, track athletes will be performing in indoor track activities as part of Winter conditioning.

Todd Warnock, Interim Assistant Principal for the Middle School, was introduced to the Board and he provided the middle school report.

In action, the Board:
 

• Authorized the Treasurer to advertise for bids to purchase one or more school buses.

• Recognized Ed Cox, Track and Scott Caudill, Boys Basketball Volunteer Coaches.

• Accepted a donation from the Minford Lions' Club to the Model United Nations Program, Tracy Alley, Advisor.

• Approved the Agreement between the Board and the Minford Education Association (M.E.A.) For a two year period.

• Approved the request for retirement of Claudette Murphy, Bus Driver and Cook as of February 28, 2001.  Claudette has served thousands of students over her 25 years with Minford.  She is wished the best in her retirement and she will be remembered as the example of a bus driver who is dedicated to safety for her students.

• Employed Carla Parker as substitute custodian.

• Employed Sally Jo Eshem as a home instruction teacher.

• Granted excluded certified personnel the same fringe benefits as received by the bargaining unit M.E.A. in the new agreement.  Salary shall remain as per contract.

• Approved the request to change Sharon Bayes name to Sharon Burchett on all records.