By Amy Joles (Contact / Staff Bio)
June 10, 2009 - 08:31 a.m. EST

CARO — Before new school board members are seated next month, the current Caro school board got down to business Monday night.

The board took action on a variety of issues, including a teacher buy-out package. Previously, the incentive was open to a maximum of eight teachers; however, 12 opted to take the incentive.

“Many of these positions will be filled with internal transfers,” said Neil Beckwith, Caro Schools Superintendent. “I think we would be down to about four to five that we would have fill externally and I think that’s manageable.”

The board approved all 12 resignations with regrets.

Teachers who took the voluntary separation agreement included: Kristy Colling, Phyllis Ford, Barb Holzworth, Linda Meunier, Fred Peter, Bridget Smith, Diane Reed, Norman Stephens, Paul Meunier, Kathleen Krzysik, Carol Mathewson and Jan Finkbeiner.

“The board of education appreciates the multiple years of service that you have put in,” said President Lori Offenbecher, addressing the 12 teachers. “Thank you for encouraging our young people to be the people they are today.”

In other business, board secretary Tammy Downing presented the board with information regarding a previous board member who allegedly did paid work for the district.

“This person was breaking the law because they were not disclosing the work they were doing for the school,” said Downing, adding that there were three occasions that the former board member was paid for services at the school.

“We weren’t here. How do we know if this person did not tell the board?” questioned trustee Hank Knier.

Downing said there is no written record of the services reported in board minutes.

“The law was broken and these are misdemeanors,” she said. “It is my obligation as a board member to make sure that it doesn’t happen again and I will be watching.”

Offenbecher said Downing had approached her with the information, asking her to file a police report on the matter. Offenbecher said she had refused to do that.

The board took no action on the matter and ended the discussion.

Prior to entering into closed session for contract negotiations, board vice president Wendy Jacot asked for the status of the Tigersharks Swim Club. The club was brought up briefly last month by parents during public comment.

Bill Pouliot, Director of Community Education, said the club’s ledgers were audited internally. When the school receives their annual audit, the account will be audited again.

“I don’t anticipate any problems with it,” he said.

Pouliot also said the coach’s position would be posted later this year. Former coach Larry Harmon resigned from the post due to conflict and allegations surrounding the program.

“We might lose some kids,” said Pouliot. “I think we’ll gain some, too. In my opinion, it will be a wash as far as losing or gaining.”

Other actions:

• The board approved the amended 2008-2009 budget.

• The board adopted the 2009-2010 budget.

• The board agreed to post the high school assistant principal’s position with the intent to hire after subsequent board approval of the candidate.

• The board agreed to enter into a two-year lease agreement with Randy Stephens on the building that formerly housed The Entertainer, located at 1205 E. Caro Rd. The building will house the district’s alternative education program, which is now located at 603 E. Frank St.

• The board approved use of school grounds for the 2009 Tuscola County Pumpkin Festival for a fireworks display, which will take place on the evening of Oct. 3.

• The board tabled a decision on raising admission fees for Caro’s sporting events.

• The board agreed to send interested gymnastic athletes to Vassar.

• The board approved a textbook purchase of $53,086.80.

Amy Joles is the editor of the Tuscola County Advertiser. She can be reached at joles@tcadvertiser.com.