Aug 19, 2002
RICH TOWNSHIP HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT 227
The Board of Education of Rich Township High School District 227 met on Monday, August 19, 2002, in the Media Center at Rich Central High School, Olympia Fields, Illinois.
Mr. Burnette called the meeting to order at 8:30 p.m.
Present: Caldwell, Freund, Lohr, Norwood, Owens, White, Burnette
Absent: None
Also Present: Dr. Knutson, Mr. Tandy, Mrs. Panega, Mr. Cahill, Mrs. Treichel, Ms. Rich, Mr. and Mrs. Minor, Mrs. Habas, and student representatives Bernadette Ford (Central), and LaToiya Miller (East).
Mr. Burnette announced that he was going to alter the order of the agenda, and he stated the first item on the agenda would be #8b–Report on the Education Committee Meeting held prior to the Board meeting.
Mr. Freund gave an oral report on the Education Committee meeting. He noted four items had been discussed. The first item discussed was the RAMP program. RAMP is a program for incoming 9th graders, which is proving to be successful based on improvement students have shown.
The second item for discussion was the PSAE results. He noted the District administration and the Board are not happy with these results and are hoping that the intense efforts on improvement will bring up these scores.
The third item discussed was Rich South’s block scheduling. Mr. Freund noted that it was the consensus of the Board to eliminate block scheduling from Rich South after this year. He stated that numerous details about block scheduling indicate it has not been working. Mr. Freund indicated that the Board and administration will be establishing a timeline early in September for block scheduling’s elimination and for the establishment of an alternative delivery system for 2003-2004 for Rich South High School.
The last item discussed was the impact and role of coaches on student achievement and athletic scholarships. The Assistant Principals for Athletics/Activities were present, and they noted how they, as well as the coaches, are trying to assist the athletes with their achievement and scholarships.
Mr. Burnette next went to Item #2–Recognition of Citizens Pertaining to Agenda Items. Mrs. Barbara Minor was recognized. She wanted to know what concerns the Board members had with block scheduling at Rich South. Mr. Burnette went over a number of concerns that had been expressed. Mr. and Mrs. Minor stated their approval with the fact that block scheduling was going to be eliminated from Rich South.
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Ms. Rich was recognized. She noted she has personally witnessed teachers doing their best at Rich South, and that even the best teachers have difficulty with the time factor across the campus.
Mr. Burnette noted the next item for discussion was #10a–Modification of Cell Phone/Pager Policy. Mr. Burnette recognized Dr. Knutson who stated that, due to new legislation, the District was considering letting students bring cell phones and pagers to school as long as they were left in their lockers during the day. Students could then use them after school or after activities to make calls. After discussion, Mrs. Lohr moved and Mrs. Caldwell seconded the following:
(03-12) It is moved that the Board of Education accept the modification of cell phone/pager policy as attached.
Results of the roll call vote were as follows:
Aye: Caldwell, Freund, Lohr, Norwood, Owens, White, Burnette
Nay: None
Motion 03-12 carried.
Mr. Burnette next recognized the Student Representatives, #4 on the agenda. Latoiya Miller, Rich East’s student representative, reported on the first day of school at Rich East. She stated that she would like a different first day of school schedule.
Bernadette Ford, Rich Central’s student representative, reported on the first day of school at Rich Central. She noted that the ambassador program, using upperclass students to help freshmen, was very effective.
Mrs. Lohr scheduled the new student representative orientation for September 9 at 6:30 p.m. in the Board Room at Rich Central.
Approval of Consent Agenda
Mr. Burnette asked if anyone wished to removed any item from the Consent Agenda. There being none, Mr. Freund moved and Mr. White seconded the following:
(03-13) It is moved that the Board of Education approve the Consent Agenda items as listed:
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a. Approval of the Closed Session (Session 1) minutes of June 17, 2002, the regular, Closed Session (Sessions 1 and 2), and Policy Committee meeting minutes of July 15, 2002, and the Community Relations and Long-Range Planning Committee meeting, Special meeting, and Closed Session meeting minutes of August 5, 2002, as distributed.
b. Approval of payroll and bills payable
It is moved that the Board of Education approve the payroll and bills payable dated August 19, 2002, as follows:
Payroll
Gross Payroll July 25, 2002 339,226.80
Gross Payroll August 8, 2002 243,398.81
Bills Payable
Education 482,817.44
Operation & Maintenance 217,365.61
Transportation 95,330.68
Site & Construction 240,838.76
Life Safety 144,869.85
Total Bills Payable 1,181,222.34
c. Approval of payroll and bills payable for the Career Preparation Network
It is moved that the Board of Education approve the payroll and bills payable dated August 19, 2002, for the Career Preparation Network as follows:
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Payroll
Gross Payroll July 25, 2002 3,500.00
Gross Payroll August 8, 2002 3,500.00
Bills Payable
Education 3,199.91
d. Approval of classified and exempt personnel report
It is moved that the Board of Education approve the classified and exempt personnel report listing new hires, leaves of absences, promotions, resignations, retirements, terminations, and transfers, as presented by the Superintendent, provided all the requirements of the State of Illinois are met.
Mr. Tandy noted that he had reviewed the personnel items with Mrs. Lohr. Mr. Cahill indicated that the bills had been reviewed with Mrs. Owens.
Results of the roll call vote were as follows:
Aye: Caldwell, Freund, Lohr, Norwood, Owens, White, Burnette
Nay: None
Motion 03-13 carried.
Financial Considerations
Mr. Cahill requested award of a bid for Gym Floor Refinishing at Rich Central, Rich East and Rich South High Schools. Mrs. Lohr moved and Mrs. Norwood seconded the following:
(03-14) It is moved that the Board of Education waive any and all irregularities in the bidding process and award the bid for gym floor refinishing at Rich Central, Rich East and Rich South High Schools, to the lowest responsible bidder meeting specifications, PCS Industries, Crestwood, IL, in the amount of $17,489.52, including $4,858.20 in contingency allowance for water based finishes, in accordance with Business Office Memorandum 03-05.
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Mr. Cahill indicated that he anticipates that the amount spent will be closer to $12,000 as two floors will have oil based finishes.
Results of the roll call vote were as follows:
Aye: Caldwell, Freund, Lohr, Norwood, Owens, White, Burnette
Nay: None
Motion 03-14 carried.
Mr. Cahill requested cancellation and renewal of insurance coverage. Mr. White moved and Mrs. Owens seconded the following:
(03-15) It is moved that the Board of Education authorize the Director of Fiscal Services to (a) cancel insurance coverage for property, casualty, and liability with the Indiana Insurance Company (AM Best rated “A”) effective September 1, 2002, and (b) bind insurance coverage for property, casualty and liability with the Selective Insurance Company (AM Best rated A+) effective September 1, 2002, for $123,513, in accordance with Business Office Memorandum 03-06.
Mr. Cahill stated that in June, 2002, the Board had authorized the Director of Fiscal Services to bind insurance coverage for property, casualty and liability coverage with either Indiana Insurance Company or the Illinois School Insurance Cooperative at a price not to exceed $140,000. On July 18, 2002, coverage was bound with the Indiana Insurance Company. Subsequently, using a new broker, the District has been able to secure better coverage at a more affordable cost from Selective Insurance Company.
Results of the roll call vote were as follows:
Aye: Caldwell, Freund, Lohr, Norwood, Owens, White, Burnette
Nay: None
Motion 03-15 carried.
Personnel Office Report
Mr. Tandy requested approval of teaching contracts. Mr. Owens moved and Mr. Freund seconded the following:
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(03-16) It is moved that the Board of Education approve teaching contracts as follows:
Full-time
Francisco Carbajal Step 3, BA Lane
Karen Cash Step 7, BA Lane
Evelyn Dorman Step 8, MA+45 Lane
Rodney Freeman Step 1, BA Lane
Melissa Henson Step 3, BA Lane
Darrel Kuipers Step 7, BA+15 Lane
Selena Marshall Step 15, MA Lane
Amy Pointon Step 1, BA+15 Lane
Kenneth Smith Step 1, BA+15 Lane
Codjhia Shelton Step 6, MA Lane
Noreen Williams Step 12, BA Lane
Pamela Williams Step 1, BA Lane
Part-Time
Rebecca DiClemente .4696 of Step 11, MA Lane
Janie Kocman .4 of Step L, MA Lane
Stephen McCormick .5 of Step 1, MA Lane
Tamara Smith .8 of Step 2, BA Lane
Betty Vallone .5 of Step 18, MA Lane
Andy Ventress .3333 of Step L, MA+45 Lane
John Ross .4 of Step L, MA Lane
Jim Kramer .3757 of Step 16, BA+15 Lane
Jolene Evans .0783 of Step L, MA+30 Lane
Keith Kluge .2 of Step L, MA+30 Lane
Virginia Burd .4 of Step L, MA+45 Lane
6th Assignments
David Connell .1 of Step 5, BA Lane
Robert Kaufmann .1 of Step 15, MA Lane
Tomi Thompson .1 of Step 15, MA Lane
provided all the requirements of the State of Illinois and the North Central Association are met.
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Mr. Tandy noted that the positions of these new staff members and the schools at which they will be located are in the Board packet.
Results of the roll call vote were as follows:
Aye: Caldwell, Freund, Lohr, Norwood, Owens, White, Burnette
Nay: None
Motion 03-16 carried.
Mr. Tandy requested acceptance of resignations. Mr. Freund moved and Mr. White seconded the following:
(03-17) It is moved that the Board of Education accept the resignations of certificated staff members Lawrence Cook and Margaret Dusa-Day effective immediately.
Mr. Tandy stated that Mr. Cook has accepted a position at another high school. Ms. Dusa-Day is pursuing other interests.
Results of the roll call vote were as follows:
Aye: Caldwell, Freund, Lohr, Norwood, Owens, White, Burnette
Nay: None
Motion 03-17 carried.
Mr. Tandy requested approval of a part-time leave of absence. Mr. White moved and Mrs. Lohr seconded the following:
(03-18) It is moved that the Board of Education approve the leave of absence request for Kameelah A. Jones under the Family and Medical Leave Act for the first semester of the 2002-2003 school year.
Mr. Tandy noted that Mrs. Jones, a language arts teacher at Rich East, was expecting a baby.
Results of the roll call vote were as follows:
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Aye: Caldwell, Freund, Lohr, Norwood, Owens, White, Burnette
Nay: None
Motion 03-18 carried.
Mr. Tandy reported on the New Teacher Inservice held August 13, 14 & 15, 2002. He noted that on August 13, the new teachers had received information from the District Office and had been given a virtual tour of the District. August 14 and 15 had been campus days, including a technology inservice.
Mr. Tandy reported on the Classified Staff Inservice held on August 13. He noted that the classified new hires had also been invited to attend the virtual tour of the District and had been given information from the District Office.
Mr. Tandy reported on the Faculty Inservice held August 16, 2002. He noted that all District staff had been invited to attend a meeting at Rich East. Dr. Knutson had spoken to the staff, and the longevity awards had been distributed. The rest of the day had been devoted to campus meetings and getting ready for the opening of school.
Report of the Director of Teaching and Leaning
Mrs. Panega noted she had no report based on the Education Committee meeting held prior to the Board meeting.
Committee Reports
Mrs. Caldwell reported on the Community Relations and Long-Range Planning Committee meeting of August 5, 2002. The meeting had focused on the establishment of a District foundation and the pledging of funds. A timeline is being followed for the various activities involved in the establishment of the foundation. Mrs. Caldwell noted that at the September 9 meeting she would set a date for the next Community Relations and Long-Range Planning Committee meeting.
Mrs. Owens scheduled a Budget and Finance Committee meeting for Tuesday, August 27, 2002, at 1:00 p.m. in the Board Conference Room.
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Special Reports
Board members reported on the Back to School Picnic held August 15, 2002. They noted it had been a very nice affair. Ms. Rich thanked the Board and administration for sponsoring the picnic. She stated it had created a welcoming atmosphere for new staff, and it had been enjoyed by all.
Mrs. Lohr reported on the Special Meeting of the Board held August 5, 2002. The topic of the meeting had been block scheduling.
Mrs. Lohr mentioned that Mr. Jim Gilchrist, a former Board member and past president of the Board, had recently died. Flowers had been sent to the family on behalf of the Board.
Report of the Superintendent
Dr. Knutson requested approval of a resolution in support of the creation of a School District 227 Foundation. He noted the approval of this resolution was the next step in the timeline for the Foundation. The resolution states that the Board of Education pledges a sum of $5,000 for start-up costs for the foundation. Mrs. Lohr moved and Mr. White seconded the following:
(03-19) It is moved that the Board of Education approve the Resolution in Support of the Creation of a School District 227 Foundation as attached.
Results of the roll call vote were as follows:
Aye: Caldwell, Freund, Lohr, Norwood, Owens, White, Burnette
Nay: None
Motion 03-19 carried.
Dr. Knutson presented short opening of school reports received from the four principals.
Dr. Knutson noted that the Rich East Alumni Association had been in effect for the past twelve years. The Association is very involved in helping plan the District’s 50th birthday celebration and also Rich East’s 50th birthday celebration. He noted that for the Association to have insurance coverage under the District’s umbrella policy, it is necessary to recognize the existing organization, which has been in existence since 1990. He noted that the Rich East Alumni Association has done wonderful things for the schools, and he feels that special recognition should go to the Association.
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Report of the President
Mr. Burnette reminded the Board of the Certified/Classified Staff Reception for New Staff scheduled for Tuesday, August 27, 2002, at 7:00 p.m. in the Rich Central cafeteria.
Mr. Burnette reminded the Board of the Board Self-Evaluation to be held on Monday, August 26, 2002, at 6:30 p.m. in the Board Room at Rich Central.
Mr. Burnette reminded the Board that its next regularly scheduled Board meeting would take place on Monday, September 9, 2002, at 7:30 p.m. in the Rich Central Media Center.
Mr. Burnette called attention to the four Open House dates for the high schools. He asked the Board members to try and arrange their schedules to attend as many of the Open Houses as possible.
Mr. Burnette requested a closed session to consider the appointment, employment, discipline, dismissal or compensation of an employee or officer.
Closed Session
At 9:50 p.m. Mrs. Lohr moved and Mr. White seconded the following:
(03-20) It is moved that the Board of Education go into closed session to consider the appointment, employment, discipline, dismissal, or compensation of an employee or officer.
Results of the roll call vote were as follows:
Aye: Caldwell, Freund, Lohr, Norwood, Owens, White, Burnette
Nay: None
Motion 03-20 carried.
At 11:00 p.m. Mrs. Owens moved and Mrs. Lohr seconded the following:
(03-21) It is moved that the Board of Education reconvene its regular Board meeting.
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Results of the roll call vote were as follows:
Aye: Caldwell, Freund, Lohr, Norwood, Owens, White, Burnette
Nay: None
Motion 03-21 carried.
Mrs. Owens moved and Mrs. Lohr seconded the following:
(03-22) It is moved that the Board of Education extend its curfew to 11:30 p.m.
Results of the roll call vote were as follows:
Aye: Caldwell, Freund, Lohr, Norwood, Owens, White, Burnette
Nay: None
Motion 03-22 carried.
At 11:01 p.m. Mr. Freund moved and Mrs. Lohr seconded the following:
(03-23) It is moved that the Board of Education return to closed session to discuss the appointment, employment, discipline, dismissal or compensation of an employee or officer.
Results of the roll call vote were as follows:
Aye: Caldwell, Freund, Lohr, Norwood, Owens, White, Burnette
Nay: None
Motion 03-23 carried.
At 11:39 p.m. Mrs. Owens moved and Mrs. Lohr seconded the following:
(03-24) It is moved that the Board of Education reconvene its regular Board meeting.
Results of the roll call vote were as follows:
Aye: Caldwell, Freund, Lohr, Norwood, Owens, White, Burnette
Nay: None
Motion 03-24 carried.
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At 11:40 p.m. Mrs. Owens moved and Mrs. Lohr seconded the motion to adjourn. After a voice vote, Mr. Burnette declared the meeting adjourned.
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President Secretary