October 21, 2002
RICH TOWNSHIP HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT 227
BOARD OF EDUCATION MINUTES
OCTOBER 21, 2002
The Board of Education of Rich Township High School District 227, Cook County, Illinois, met on Monday, October 21, 2002, in the Media Center at Rich Central High School, Olympia Fields, Illinois.
Mr. Burnette called the meeting to order at 7:40 p.m. and requested a roll call.
Present: Caldwell, Freund, Lohr, Norwood, Owens, Burnette
Absent: White
Also Present: Ms. Stadt, Mr. Spielbauer, Dr. Donausky, Mrs. Daiker, Ms. Sowles, Ms. Benard, Mrs. Jones, Ms. Woods, Ms. Davis, Mr. Mnyofu, Mr. Lea, Mrs. Carter, Mr. Hawthorne, Mrs. Hicks, Mr. and Mrs. Radostits, Mr. Burd, Mr. Tarrell, Ms. Powell, Mr. Zaret, Mr. Veazey, Ms. Pilgrom, Ms. Cruz, Ms. Saldana, Mr. and Mrs. Buckley, Ms. Wall, Mr. Ray, Ms. Curtis, Ms. Rich, Mrs. Blood, Ms. Krapf, Mrs. Bernardi-Zajac, Ms. Thomas, Mr. Bartling, Dr. Epstein, Mr. Bartley, Ms. Bartley, Mr. Frangella, Mrs. Spann, Mrs. Gochenour, Mr. Claudon, Ms. Ebben, Mr. Bean, Mrs. Wessendorf, Ms. Dubbert, Ms. Kelly, Mr. Maroscher, Ms. Borman, Ms. Johnson, Mr. Hayes, Mr. Brim, Mr. Curtis, Mr. Cohn, Dr. McDonald, Ms. Bass, Mr. Cook, Dr. Knutson, Mr. Tandy, Mr. Cahill, Mrs. Panega, Mrs. Treichel, Ms. Hemmerling (“Star”), and student representatives Diane Meeks (Phoenix), Latioya Miller (East), and Kalea Polk (South).
Mr. Burnette noted he was going to change the order of the agenda and go to Recognition of Citizens.
Recognition of Citizens
Mrs. Kelly was recognized. She noted that her daughter was a senior at Rich East, and she had some concerns regarding the Rich East Green and Gold game. Mr. Burnette suggested she meet with the Rich East principal.
Ms. Angel Wood was recognized. She spoke on the change from block scheduling at Rich South.
Mr. Mnyofu was recognized. He asked questions regarding the District’s deficit, the proposed policy on harassment, and the triangles (rainbow colored) of the Multicultural Committee.
Mr. Cohn was recognized. He noted that the PSAE test scores are now public information. Mr. Cohn questioned the specific plans for improving the PSAE and ACT scores for the District.
Mr. Zaret was recognized. He noted that the Rich East band had made great strides this past year, and he was very pleased.
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Approval of Consent Agenda
Mr. Burnette asked if any Board member wished to removed any item from the Consent Agenda. There being none, Mr. Freund moved and Mrs. Lohr seconded the following:
(03-40) It is moved that the Board of Education approve the Consent Agenda items as listed:
a. Approval of the Regular and Closed Session meeting minutes, the Public Hearing and the Committee of the Whole meeting minutes, all of September 9, 2002, the Special and Closed Session meeting minutes of September 30, 2002, and the Policy Committee and Budget and Finance Committee meeting minutes of October 7, 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 October 21, 2002, as follows:
Payroll
Gross Payroll September 25, 2002 1,197,990.54
Gross Payroll October 10, 2002 1,165,773.77
Bills Payable
Education 920,890.82
Operation & Maintenance 252,089.59
Transportation 261,861.00
Site & Construction 924,883.49
Life Safety 55,037.44
Total Bills Payable 2,414,762.34
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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 October 21, 2002, for the Career Preparation Network as follows:
Payroll
Gross Payroll September 25, 2002 4,527.27
Gross Payroll October 10, 2002 4,527.27
Bills Payable
Education 5,825.43
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 he had gone over the personnel items with Mrs. Lohr.
Mr. Cahill stated he had reviewed the bills with Mrs. Owens.
Results of the roll call vote were as follows:
Aye: Caldwell, Freund, Lohr, Norwood, Owens, Burnette
Nay: None
Motion 03-40 carried.
Student Representatives
Diane Meeks, the Phoenix Campus student representative, Latioya Miller, Rich East’s student representative, and Kalea Polk, Rich South’s student representative, reported on what is happening at their campuses.
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Special Reports
Summer School Report
Mr. Cook reported on Summer School 2002. He noted most of the classes taught in summer school are remedial classes. Mr. Cook recommended a one-day cut off from the time of registration to the time of enrollment. He also recommended that the District do away with late registration. Mr. Cook noted that it is in the best interest of students if the District secures teachers who currently teach in the District to teach summer school.
Mr. Tandy noted that there was a possibility of changing summer school to one semester only. The students would attend for a longer period of time and the classes would be more rigorous. The Board agreed with this concept.
Financial Considerations
Mr. Burnette requested that Mr. Cahill begin with #6c. Mr. Cahill requested approval of a partial abatement of the Working Cash Fund. Mr. Freund moved and Mrs. Owens seconded the following:
(03-41) It is moved that the Board of Education authorize approval of the attached Resolution abating the working cash fund of Township High School District Number 227, Cook County, Illinois, in accordance with Business Office Memorandum 03-13.
Mrs. Lohr noted she is opposed to abating a portion of the Working Cash Fund.
Mr. Cahill noted that the District had a deficit of 2.8 million dollars in its operating funds as of June 30, 2002, instead of the 3.1 million dollars originally noted. He also stated that this year’s budget will end up showing a 4.0 million dollar deficit, for a total two-year deficit of 6.8 million dollars. By abating a portion of the Working Cash Fund, we consciously “eat” into reserves in order to set our available operating cash at 7.2 months.
Results of the roll call vote were as follows:
Aye: Caldwell, Freund, Norwood, Owens, Burnette
Nay: Lohr
Motion 03-41 carried.
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Mr. Cahill requested approval to issue teachers’ orders. Mr. Freund moved and Mrs. Owens seconded the following:
(03-42) It is moved that the Board of Education authorize approval of the attached Resolution establishing the rate of interest to be paid on unpaid teachers’ orders of Township High School District Number 227, Cook County, Illinois, in accordance with Business Office Memorandum 03-11.
Mr. Cahill noted the Board members had received a revised Resolution which noted a floating interest rate for the teachers’ orders. The District will come back to the Board in January 2003 to begin the process of issuing funding bonds to repay the teachers’ orders accrued.
Mr. Cahill noted that the teachers’ orders would be completely transparent to the teachers.
Results of the roll call vote were as follows:
Aye: Caldwell, Freund, Lohr, Norwood, Owens, Burnette
Nay: None
Motion 03-42 carried.
Mr. Cahill requested approval for the issuance of debt certificates. Mrs. Lohr moved and Mrs. Owens seconded the following:
(03-43) It is moved that the Board of Education authorize approval of the attached Resolution of Township High School District Number 227, Cook County, Illinois, authorizing and providing for an Installment Purchase Agreement for the purpose of paying the cost of school building improvements, and authorizing and providing for the issue of $3,000,000 General Obligation Limited Tax Debt Certificates, Series 2002, evidencing the rights to payment under such Agreement, prescribing the details of the Agreement and Certificates, and providing for the security for and means of payment under the Agreement of the Certificates, in accordance with Business Office Memorandum 03-12.
Mr. Cahill noted that the District is not able to pay everything that needs to be paid with teachers’ orders, so it is necessary to issue debt certificates. These certificates would be issued and subsequently repaid in the same manner and instrument proposed for the teachers’ orders–i.e., issuance of funding bonds.
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Results of the roll call vote were as follows:
Aye: Caldwell, Freund, Lohr, Norwood, Owens, Burnette
Nay: None
Motion 03-43 carried.
Mr. Cahill requested approval to create a Task Force on Structural Budget Imbalances. Mrs. Owens moved and Mrs. Norwood seconded the following:
(03-44) It is moved that the Board of Education authorize the creation of a “stakeholder” Task Force to address the District’s structural budget imbalances and to report its findings and recommendations to the Board Budget and Finance Committee no later than December 31, 2002, in accordance with Business Office Memorandum 03-14.
Mr. Cahill went over suggested Board of Education parameters and priorities for the Task Force. He noted the goal of the Task Force is to identify by December 31, 2002, up to $5,000,000 in budget savings and resource re-allocations. He also noted that it is proposed that the task force be comprised of 15 members, including 5 “lay” citizens, 5 certificated staff, 1 classified staff, 2 Board members, and 3 building and central administration staff. The Director of Fiscal Services would facilitate the work of the task force.
Ms. Rich reminded the Board that the certified staff has a process for selecting members for committees.
Results of the roll call vote were as follows:
Aye: Caldwell, Freund, Lohr, Norwood, Owens, Burnette
Nay: None
Motion 03-44 carried.
Mr. Cahill requested approval to create a Budget & Finance Committee Advisory Panel. Mrs. Owens moved and Mrs. Lohr seconded the following:
(03-45) It is moved that the Board of Education authorize the re-establishment of the advisory panel to the Board’s Budget and Finance Committee to review and
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validate projections and budgets and to semi-annually report findings to the Board Budget and Finance Committee, in accordance with Business Office Memorandum 03-15.
Mr. Cahill noted this advisory panel would be on-going and would review and validate projections and budgets and report its findings to the Budget and Finance Committee. He noted that it is proposed that the advisory panel be comprised of five members, including three citizens, one Board of Education member, and one administrator. The Director of Fiscal Services would facilitate the work of the advisory panel.
Results of the roll call vote were as follows:
Aye: Caldwell, Freund, Lohr, Norwood, Owens, Burnette
Nay: None
Motion 03-45 carried.
Mr. Tandy requested approval of teaching contracts. Mrs. Lohr requested that the contract of Joseph Malizia be removed from the agenda. Mrs. Lohr moved and Mr. Freund seconded the following:
(03-46) It is moved that the Board of Education approve teaching contracts as follows:
Part Time - Revised
Sue Misch .24 of Step L, MA Lane
Jolene Evans .19 of Step L, MA+30 Lane
6th Assignment (1st Semester & 2nd Semester)
James Santomieri .1 of Step 15, MA Lane
Katherine Krebs .1 of Step 15, MA Lane
Edwin Bye .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 the positions these individuals would be filling.
Results of the roll call vote were as follows:
Aye: Caldwell, Freund, Lohr, Norwood, Burnette
Nay: None
Absent: Owens
Motion 03-46 carried.
Report of the Director of Teaching and Learning
Mrs. Panega noted she had given her report at the Education Committee meeting held prior to the Board meeting.
Committee Reports
Mrs. Norwood reported on the Policy Committee meting held on October 7, 2002. She noted various policies and rules had been discussed. Mrs. Norwood requested a first reading of the following policies: 7.20 (Harassment of Students Prohibited), 2.260 (Uniform Grievance Procedure), 6.170 (Title I Program), 7.70 (Student Transfers), 7.40 (Part-Time Attendance by Private and Parochial Students), and 6.50 (Special Education).
The Board members agreed that this would constitute a first reading.
Mr. Freund reported on the Education Committee meeting held prior to the Board meeting. He noted that Mr. Hysell had given a short report on the Career Preparation Network, Mrs. Panega had facilitated a discussion on Curriculum Reform Initiatives, and Mr. Lea had led a discussion on Weighted Grades.
Mr. Freund reminded the Board of the Education Committee meeting scheduled for Monday, October 28, 2002, at 6:30 p.m. in the Media Center at Rich Central.
Mr. Burnette reminded the Board of the Properties Committee meeting scheduled for Monday, October 28, 2002, at 7:30 p.m. in the Media Center at Rich Central.
Mrs. Lohr reminded the Board of the Personnel Committee meeting scheduled for Monday, November 4, 2002, at 7:30 p.m. in the Media Center at Rich Central.
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Mr. Burnette brought up the Multicultural Committee’s decision to allow rainbow-colored triangles to be placed on the doors of various offices and the establishment of a GSA (Ga/Straight Alliance) Club at Rich East. Mr. Tandy asked Mr. Maroscher to address the Board and audience on the meaning of these triangles and the formation of GSA (Gay/Straight Alliance) at Rich East. Following Mr. Maroscher’s address, there was a lengthy discussion about this issue from both the Board and members of the audience. Mr. Burnette concluded the discussion by noting that there will be follow up by the Board and Administration on this issue.
Special Reports
Mr. Burnette asked if any members of the Board wished to be the Joint Conference Delegate in November. There being no volunteers, Mr. Burnette stated that he would be the delegate to the conference. He noted if any Board members had comments on the IASB Report to the Membership, they should let him know.
Report of the Superintendent
Dr. Knutson noted that since Rich South will be moving to a 7-period day, its graduation requirements will change. He informed the Board that a group will be convened to discuss this situation.
Dr. Knutson brought up the fact that it will be necessary to call a special meeting of the Board to approve the tentative tax levy, and the administration would like to schedule this meeting for November 4.
Report of the President
Mr. Burnette informed the Board that he would make a report on SCOPE in writing and send it to the Board members.
Mr. Burnette requested a closed session to discuss student discipline matters and to discuss the appointment, employment, discipline, dismissal or compensation of an employee or officer.
Mr. Burnette reminded the Board that the next regular Board meeting was scheduled for Monday, November 18, 2002, at 7:30 p.m. at Rich Central High School.
Mr. Burnette reminded the Board of the Snowball II Closing Ceremonies scheduled for Sunday, October 27, 2002, at 1:00 p.m. at Camp Manitoqua.
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Mr. Burnette reminded the Board of the IASB Joint Fall Dinner Meeting to be held on Wednesday, October 30, 2002, at 6:00 p.m. at the Holiday Inn Hotel & Conference Center in Tinley Park.
Mr. Burnette reminded the Board of the Board Retreat scheduled for November 1 & 2, 2002, at the Holiday Inn Hotel & Conference Center in Tinley Park.
Mr. Burnette noted there was a sign-up sheet going around for the Black Caucus Luncheon to be held on Saturday, November 23, 2002, at the Fairmont Hotel at 1:00 p.m.
Old Business
Mrs. Lohr noted that she had been selected as chair of the District’s 50th Anniversary Committee, which had been formed. She hoped that there would be a year-long celebration of the District’s 50th anniversary.
Mrs. Lohr moved and Mrs. Owens seconded the following:
(03-47) It is moved that the Board of Education extend its curfew until 11:30 p.m.
After a voice vote, Mr. Burnette declared the motion carried.
Motion 03-47 carried.
Closed Session
At 10:30 p.m. Mrs. Lohr moved and Mr. Freund seconded the following:
(03-48) It is moved that the Board of Education go into closed session to discuss student discipline matters and 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, Burnette
Nay: None
Motion 03-48 carried.
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At 11:28 p.m. Mrs. Lohr moved and Mrs. Caldwell seconded the following:
(03-49) 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, Burnette
Nay: None
Motion 03-49 carried.
Mrs. Lohr moved and Mrs. Norwood seconded the following:
(03-50) It is moved that the Board of Education extend its curfew to 12:00 Midnight.
Results of the roll call vote were as follows:
Aye: Caldwell, Freund, Lohr, Norwood, Owens, Burnette
Nay: None
Motion 03-50 carried.
Mrs. Lohr moved and Mrs. Norwood seconded the following:
(03-51) It is moved that the Board of Education go into closed session to discuss student discipline matters and 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, Burnette
Nay: None
Motion 03-51 carried.
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At 12:08 a.m. Mrs. Lohr moved and Mrs. Norwood seconded the following:
(03-52) 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, Burnette
Nay: None
Motion 03-52 carried.
Mrs. Lohr moved and Mrs. Owens seconded the following:
(03-53) It is moved that Student #1 discussed in closed session be expelled from Rich Township High Schools and placed in the most appropriate setting for her disability for the remainder of the 2002-2003 school year for the reasons discussed in closed session.
Results of the roll call vote were as follows:
Aye: Caldwell, Freund, Lohr, Norwood, Owens, Burnette
Nay: None
Motion 03-53 carried.
Mrs. Lohr moved and Mrs. Owens seconded the following:
(03-54) It is moved that Student #2 discussed in closed session be expelled from Rich Township High Schools for the remainder of the 2002-2003 school year for the reasons discussed in closed session.
Results of the roll call vote were as follows:
Aye: Caldwell, Freund, Lohr, Norwood, Owens, Burnette
Nay: None
Motion 03-54 carried.
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At 12:10 a.m. Mrs. Lohr moved and Mr. Freund seconded the motion to adjourn. After a voice vote, Mr. Burnette declared the meeting adjourned.
______________________________________ ___________________________________
President Secretary