Beth Rumsey, Staff Writer

Michael Brandes, lay coach for the Milan varsity football team, spoke to the board concerning an incident of “bad conduct” by school board member Randy Kirk at the regular Milan School Board meeting held Monday, September 22. According to Brandes, Kirk engaged in a verbal confrontation with Brandes at a Milan-Lawrenceburg football game held at Lawrenceburg on September 5.

“What kind of example is he setting for the kids?” asked Brandes. Noting that Kirk’s behavior was inexcusable, Brandes stated that Kirk had betrayed the trust of the people who elected him into office. He then requested Kirk consider resigning from the board.

Volunteer coach, Jeffery Sharp, also spoke before the board concerning the incident. According to Sharp, he was embarrassed by Kirk’s actions as the incident occurred in front of the Lawrenceburg coaching staff, thereby causing the Milan team to lose the respect the team previously earned.
Sharp also noted that he believes that Kirk violated several of the Indiana School Board Association code of ethics such as thinking about the kids first and winning the community confidence. “This type of behavior does not encourage confidence,” said Sharp.

Both Brandes and Sharp explained to the board that they had personally accepted the apology offered by Kirk. Brandes noted that, although he accepted Kirk’s apology, he could “no longer accept his bad conduct.” Sharp told the board that it would be arrogant of him to accept an apology on behalf of the community.

Kirk responded by accepting full responsibility for his actions. He noted that the board had other issues to consider. “I apologize for the distraction,” he said. “It won’t happen again.”

Patron Rhonda Beck requested the board consider a policy that ensure the board members follow the same rules as the students and staff.

Board president Tim Tuttle noted that the board did not have the power to act on this incident, as Kirk was not acting on the board’s behalf. Attorney Larry Eaton stated that as an elected official, the board does not have the authority to discipline Kirk’s actions, but can restrict attendance to certain school activities.

Tuttle told those attending the meeting that all information regarding the incident will be taken under advisement.

The following personnel recommendations were unanimously approved: Laura Barrett as part-time kindergarten instructional aid; Clayton Wullenweber and Don Meyer as substitute custodians; Nancy Hershman as high school SADD sponsor; and Michael Meyers as boys reserve basketball coach.
Other recommendations included extending maternity leave for Stefani Bedel seven days and approving John Prifogle for the varsity boys assistant basketball coach. Also unanimously approved were the recommendations to hire Rick Koch, Wes Peek, Steven Gutzwiller and Tom Cook for the driver’s education program.

Fundraising requests included the sale of items from Kleinhann by the Junior Club, the 8th grade class sale of raffle tickets for products from Wayne’s Meats and to hold a chili supper; the sale of items from Club’s Choice for the elementary PTO; and the National Junior Honor Society to hold penny wars with proceeds going to charity. All requests were approved unanimously.

In other business:

• The board unanimously approved the cafeteria study presented by Tri Angle Design.

• The resolution to appeal a shortfall in the 2007 property tax for $134,520 was unanimously approved.
• Permission to advertise for lawn care in 2009 was approved.

• Interim superintendent Gene Pitts reported that enrollment was down 23 students from last year.

• The proposed 2009-2010 school calendar was given to the board for consideration. This will be addressed at a later meeting.

• Principals from the elementary, middle and high schools updated the board on the progress of ISTEP testing, delayed due to the power outage caused by the windstorm. Each noted that testing was on schedule, and should be completed within the week.

All board members were in attendance, along with interim superintendent Gene Pitts and Attorney Larry Eaton to advise. The next meeting will be held on Monday, October 20 beginning at 7 p.m. in the administration office.