Special Board Meeting

Paul Johnson, Ph.D. called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m.

The following Board of Education members were present:

Paul Johnson, Ph.D.
John Kime
Adam Stone
Traci Wetterau
Debra Hoover

Paul Johnson, Ph.D. led the Pledge of Allegiance.

Paul Johnson, Ph.D. started the discussion with a presentation of how the board of education got the point of being involved in making a decision.  Additionally, the following comments were made:

Adam Stone noted:

The critical focus needs to be on increasing student achievement and closing the gaps, combined with a return on investment as stewards of tax payer funds.  The board has been investing tremendous resources into students, with lower than peer and state average returns the last several years.  Moving forward, ESC services will work with staff to help close the gaps in achievement.

Mr. Stone commented that the decision has been a bit of an enigma because so many don't understand what function an ESC provides.  Mr. Stone thanked employees and the community for the input provided as the board worked through the process.
Mr. Stone asked Mr. Cook to address how NCOESC will transition employees.

Mr. Cook stated that NCOESC will extend employment offers to all MOESC employees serving Bucyrus to join them and continue serving Bucyrus.  Ultimately, the decision rests with the employee if they will choose to transition to NCOESC.

Mr. Stone concluded by saying that there is no time to waste for our students, it has to be now for them.

Ms. Wetterau commented on the discussions held with the administration back in November and December regarding their recommendation to the board that terminating the contract with MOESC would be in the best interest of students.  Ms. Wetterau stated the decision is ultimately based upon what is in the best interest of students.

Mrs. Hoover commented that there were no issues with the MOESC personnel serving our students, it was a decision that was instigated from the administration making the board aware of problems in November and December.  Mrs. Hoover agreed with Mr. Stone that students can not afford the wait any longer.  The district has been hobbling along the last two years with services.  Mrs. Hoover stated that reading is near and dear to her heart, and she is extremely concerned about making sure the district positions students to succeed in that area.

Lastly, Mrs. Hoover hopes the MOESC employees will transition to NCOESC.

Mr. Kime commented that the presentations given by both entities were helpful in his decision making process, and that this was a necessary step.  Change is never easy, but he concluded that the trend report necessitated the change in an effort to benefit each and every student.

The special May 8, 2019 meeting was adjourned at 5:51 p.m.