MEMPHIS COMMUNITY SCHOOLS 34110 BORDMAN RD, MEMPHIS, MI 48041

BOARD OF EDUCATION MINUTES - Regular Meeting

Monday, April 27, 2020 7:00 PM Teleconference

The regular meeting of the Memphis Community Schools Board of Education was held on Monday, April 27, 2020, at 7:00 p.m., via Teleconference.

The meeting was called to order by President, Dave Rhein, at 7:01 pm.

The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.

ROLL CALL:

MEMBERS PRESENT: Dave Rhein, Chris Pare, Karyn McCue, Marty Cook, Audrey O'Connor, Amanda Bobcean, Susan Durst

MEMBERS ABSENT: None

AMENDMENT OF AGENDA:

On a motion by McCue, supported by O'Connor, to adopt the agenda for the April 27, 2020, regular board meeting, as presented.

Roll Call Vote: Rhein - Yes, Pare - Yes, McCue - Yes, Cook - Yes, O'Connor - Yes, Bobcean - Yes, Durst- Yes

Ayes: All (7) Nays: (0) Motion Carried

REGISTRATION OF PUBLIC COMMENT: Two participants registered for public comment following the Reports portion of the meeting.

CONSENT AGENDA:

Under consent agenda you are approving the minutes from the regular meeting on March 23, 2020, as presented.

You are also approving General Fund bills in the amount of $184,887.22 and AP Payroll checks in the amount of $17,344.64 for a total of $202,231.86 with checks numbered 65021 through 65085, and ACH Transfers in the amount of $455,855.86 for a total of $658,087.72 and check numbers 64930 and 64967 voided, and no additional bills.

Personnel: None

On a motion by Cook, supported by Pare, to approve the items under consent agenda as presented.

Roll Call Vote: R Rhein - Yes, Pare - Yes, McCue - Yes, Cook - Yes, O'Connor - Yes, Bobcean - Yes, Durst- Yes

Ayes: All (7) Nays: (0) Motion Carried

REPORTS: See Board Link for detailed reports. C. Pare~ If parents and families need anything please let the Board know. A. O'Connor~ Asked when Kindorgartcn Kic;koff i:, ~ M21y 13''· 21t 6 pm Virtually. M. Cook N Asked about Coop Football Program with Landmark Academy, needing Board approval by June 1 ''. D. Rhein~ Approval will be on May Board Meeting Agenda. A. O'Connor~ Can we tell how many students are participating online? M. Karaffa~ Most students are responding and participating. M . Cook~ Any students not on track to graduate? M. Karaffa ~

Only 1 student may not graduate. K. Kujat~ Locker clean out started a~d students' belongings will be bagged up for pick up at a later date. C. Pare ~ Would like the Cleaning Plans for the district shared at the next Board meeting including any supplies needed.

PUBLIC COMMENT: Registered participants shared concerns with the Board.

OLD BUSINESS: None

NEW BUSINESS: A. ESS Substitute Agreement (fonnerly PCMI) for 2020-21 School Year

On a motion by Pare, supported by Bobcean, to approve the ESS Substitute Agreement for the 2020-21 School Year, as presented.

Roll Call Vote: Rhein - Yes, Pare - Yes, McCue - Yes, Cook - Yes, O'Connor - Yes, Bobcean - Yes, Durst- Yes

Ayes: All (7) Nays: (0) Motion Carried

B. Summer Tax Resolution~ 2021

On a motion by O'Connor, supported by Cook, to approve the Summer Tax Resolution for 2021, as presented.

Roll Call Vote: Rhein - Yes, Pare - Yes, Mccue - Yes, Cook - Yes, O'Connor - Yes, Bobcean - Yes, Durst-Yes

Ayes: (7) Nays: (0) Motion Carried

C. Administrative Contract Discussion

Bill Lengemann, Attorney for Matthew Karaffa introduced himself and requested that discussion be held in Open Session. Roy Henley, Attorney from THRUN law finn, and Jean Sturtridge, Attorney from St. Clair County RESA, introduced themselves to the Board. The Contract Renewal of Matthew Karaffa, Jr/Sr High School Principal reason for discussion.

Mr. Henley began questioning of witness, Sarah Grewe, fonner Jr/Sr High School Math Teacher. Mr. Lengemann followed with questions for Ms. Grewe.

On a motion by Cook, supported by Durst, to remove Roy Henley, as Facilitator of this Discussion and Meeting.

Roll Call Vote: Rhein - No, Pare - No, McCue - No, Cook - Yes, O'Connor- No, Bobcean - No, Durst -Yes

Ayes: (2) Nays: (5) Motion Failed

Ms. Sturtridge explained the investigation she conducted upon receiving the complaint against Mr. Karaffa. Mr. Lengemann followed with questions for Ms. Sturtridge on her investigation and procedures when conducting investigations. Mr. Lengemann asked about notes and facts requested in FOIA request, and why they were not shared. Ms. Sturtridge stated that they are not public records.

Mr. Henley began questions for Brad Gudme, Memphis Superintendent, followed by questions from Mr. Lengemann.

Mr. Lengemann questioned Matt Karaffa. Mr. Henley followed with questions for Mr. Karaffa.

Mr. Lengemann questioned witness, Beth Phillips, current HS Teacher. Mr. Henley followed with questions for Mrs. Phillips. Mr. Lengemann questioned witness, Lori Sanborn, current JH Teacher. Mr. Henley followed with questions for Mrs. Sanborn. Mr. Lengemann questioned witness, Josh Eash, current Band and Choir Director for the district. Mr. Henley followed with questions for Mr. Eash. Mr. Lengemann questioned witness, Lisa Drewek, parent of an Elementary and HS student, and current Class Sponsor. Mr. Henley followed with questions for Mrs. Drewek.

On a motion by Pare, supported by O'Connor, at 11:00 p.m., to extend the Board Meeting until 12:00 a.m.

Roll Call Vote: Rhein - Yes, Pare - Yes, McCue - Yes, Cook - Yes, O'Connor - Yes, Bobcean - Yes, Durst- Yes

Ayes: (7) Nays: (0) Motion Carried

Mr. Lengemann questioned witness, Adam Rickert, current HS Special Ed English Teacher. No questions from Mr. Henley. Mr. Lengemann questioned witness, Dawn Urban, former JR Special Ed Teacher. Mr. Henley followed with questions for Ms. Urban.

After all witnesses were questioned, discussion continued. Mr. Karaffa's Contract Language and Evaluation :rating were discussed.

Closing Statements:

Mr. Henley: Board heard all evidence - Employee has shown problems with professional conduct, problem behavior subject to correction as time goes by. Does not imply behaviors toward all staff. Mrs. Sturtridge's investigation concludes severe problems in workplace behavior. Investigation sufficient enough upon Board determination of agreement, to not renew or to tenninate the contract.

Mr. Lengemann: Presented actual documentary data and witness statements of hard facts. Mr. Karaffa interviewed after conclusion of investigation. Evidence shows Mr. Karaffa treats people professionally. Teachers have seen culture and feelings of staff move through the school. Mr. Karaffa shows to be positive role model for teachers with a positive environment. Non-renewal of contract could end in litigation of $240,000. No Cause to not renew contract. Asking for renewal of contract.

M. Cook ~ Questions for Mr. Gudme regarding having documented pe:rfonnance for Mr. Karaffa, support of IDP for complainant, and response to FOIA request. C. Pare~ Was book and video approved for classroom use? Mr. Karaffa stated that book was approved for us. K. McCue ~ Problems with lack of people who are making complaints coming forward to discuss their allegations. A. O'Connor~ No comments. A. Bobcean ~ Concerned with morals of reasons for non-renewal of contract as serious criminal reasons not being the case for non-renewal and Evaluation being Effective. S. Durst~ Did not receive all information until Ap1il 23'\ just prior to Board Meeting. Was Mr. Karaffa's behavior was so threatening why wasn't he removed from his position and suspended? Mr. Gudroe did not feel that he was a threat after speaking with him upon completion of investigation. Could teacher have a mentor if she wanted? Mr. Gudme stated that the teacher did not accept offer of having a mentor. Was Mr. Karaffa offered any Conflict Resolution, Leadership Development, or Mentoring classes? Mr. Gudme said he was not. D. Rhein~ Was the teacher given an IDP, following the 2018-19 school year Effective Evaluation? Mr. Karaffa stated that the teacher was given an IDP in December, that included areas discussed in the Evaluation.

On a motion by Rhein, supported by Cook, at 12:04 a.m., to continue the meeting.

Roll Call Vote: Rhein - Yes, Pare - Yes, McCue - Yes, Cook - Yes, O'Connor - Yes, Bobcean - Yes, Durst- Yes

Ayes: (7) Nays: (0) Motion Carried

K. McCue ~ Did not like receiving information so late for the meeting, or not having any infonnation or responses that Mr. Karaffa shared.

D. Administrator 2020-1 Contract

On a motion by Cook, supported by Bobcean, that the Board of Education take no further action on Board Resolution 2020-1, the resolution to consider the Non-renewal of contract of Matthew Karaffa as Administrator.

Roll Call Vote: Rhein - Yes, Pare - Yes, McCue - Yes, Cook - Yes, O'Connor - Yes, Bobcean - Yes, Durst- Yes

Ayes: (7) Nays: (0) Motion Carried

E. FOIA Response - No Comments

SUPERINTENDENT'S COMMENTS: Teachers and Staff doing a great job with Online Learning and communicating with Memphis families. Will be setting up a Committee Meeting to discuss finances. May 15th state Revenue news updates expected from the State. Locker clean out has begun this week and students' items will be labeled for pick up at a later date. Lawn maintenance will stait now that the Governor's restrictions for lawn care have been lifted.

BOARD ROUND TABLE: C. Pare~ Would like to discuss student needs during meeting. Schools need to be kept cleaner than ever moving forward. Good job with Food Service providing · food and deliveries for families. D. Rhein ~ Looking forward to meeting in a Board Room setting, and getting back to Strategic Planning and District Goals.

CLOSED SESSION: None

ADJOURNMENT:

On a motion by Cook, supported by Pare, to adjourn the meeting at 12:18 a.m.

Roll Call Vote: Rhein - Yes, Pare - Yes, McCue - Yes, Cook - Yes, O'Connor - Yes, Bobcean - Yes, Durst- Yes

Ayes: (7) Nays: (0) Motion Carried