Board of Education Minutes

HARBOR SPRINGS BOARD OF EDUCATION

SPECIAL BOARD MEETING

July 31, 2006

President Fuhrman called the special board meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. in the Middle School Large Group Room.

Members Present: Fischer, Davis, Morse, McDonald, Wendland, Burdick and Fuhrman (7)

Members Absent: (0)

A motion was made by Wendland, seconded by Burdick to approve the agenda as amended. Remove II. A. Superintendent’s Report – Annual Calendar Photo - retake. Motion carried unanimously.

President Fuhrman asked at this time if there would be any public input. No one responded.

Dr. Larson went into detail regarding the hiring of Wil Cwikiel as the Middle School Principal

  • The position was posted in all state bulletins and web sites
  • There were 45 applicants
  • The committee consisted of 12 people, ranging from middle school staff to board members
  • He thanked the committee for their work
  • 6 applicants were selected, 1 declined, moved forward with 5 applicants
  • Wil was selected as a non-traditional candidate because of his experience
  • Dr. Larson recommended a one-year contract; recommends that he work toward his administrative certificate and that he complete 6 graduate hours by the end of the 2006/07 school year; contract would start 8/1/06 – 6/30/07; compensation $75,000; stipend in lieu of health; usual terms of sick days and professional dues.
  • He will be up for renewal at the February meeting along with the other administrators
  • Quarterly reviews will be done and mentoring from the two senior principals
  • Wil had strong support from the committee and staff

The board discussed the following issues:

  • Tim Davis stated he believes in the process
  • John Fischer asked several questions:
  • Who will pick up the cost of the graduate courses
    • When will he take these classes
    • Does this affect NCA because Wil in non-certified
  • Gary Morse and John Fischer asked if the wage is a hard number
  • Gary Morse thanked the committee; noted that he is not an “outside of the box” kind of guy and this will be a risk
  • Rob Fuhrman stated he had spoke with MASB and the attorneys regarding a non-traditional candidate and felt positive about this step

A motion was made by Wendland, seconded by Davis to approve Wil Cwikiel for Middle School Principal for the 2006-07 School Year.

Ayes: Davis, Wendland, Burdick, Fuhrman, McDonald and Morse (6)

Nays: Fischer (1)

Motion carried.

President Fuhrman asked at this time if there would be any public input.

Patty Hines – Feels it is a big risk hiring Wil and she stands behind Mr. Fischer.

Margaret Twedten stated that Wil has the ability to motivate. The committee has done their job and we need to support it.

Dave Taylor – Thanked the board for going “outside the box” and hiring Wil.

A motion was made by Morse, seconded by Wendland to adjourn the regular board meeting at 7:33 p.m. Motion carried unanimously.

Respectfully submitted,

Laurie Wendland

Secretary