August 18, 2003
RICH TOWNSHIP HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT 227
MINUTES OF MEETING
AUGUST 18, 2003
The Board of Education of Rich Township High School District 227 met in a regular meeting on Monday, August 18, 2003, in the Media Center at Rich Central High School, Olympia Fields, Illinois.
Mrs. Owens called the meeting to order at 7:35 p.m. and requested a roll call.
Present: Brunson, Burnette, Cohn, Jasinevicius, Lohr, Norwood, Owens
Also Present: Mrs. Czmyr, Miss Czmyr, Ms .Rich, Mr. Turner, Mr. Brim, Mr. Davis, Miss Pierce, Ms. High, Mr. Magill, Mrs. Martin, Ms. Jarmon, Dr. Knutson, Mrs. Panega, Mr. Cahill, Mr. Tandy, Mrs. Treichel, Star Newspapers reporter Erica Enigk, Mrs. Howard, and student representatives Bryan Davis (Central), and Jasmin Donnelly (South).
Recognition of Citizens Pertaining to Agenda Items
Miss Britton Czmyr was recognized. She asked the Board to consider reinstating the Winter Guard at Rich East High School.
Dr. Knutson noted that her request would be taken back to Mr. Perkins, Assistant Principal for Athletics/Activities at Rich East.
Approval of Consent Agenda
Mrs. Owens asked if any Board members wished to change or remove any item from the Consent Agenda. There being none, Mr. Burnette moved and Mr. Brunson seconded the following:
(04-10) It is moved that the Board of Education approve the Consent Agenda items as listed.
a. Approval of minutes of the Special meeting and closed session meeting of July 11, 2003, the Budget and Finance Committee meeting, the regular meeting and closed session meeting of July 21, 2003, the Special meeting and closed session meeting of July 28, 2003, and the Policy Committee meeting of August 4, 2003, as distributed.
b. Approval of payroll and bills payable
Minutes
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It is moved that the Board of Education approve the payroll and bills payable dated August 18, 2003, as follows:
Payroll
Gross Payroll July 24, 2003 321,098.60
Gross Payroll August 8, 2003 244,127.40
Bills Payable
Education 393,790.31
Operation & Maintenance 123,983.93
Transportation 34,272.65
Site & Construction 12,218.44
Total Bills Payable 564,265.33
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 18, 2003, for the Career Preparation Network as follows:
Payroll
Gross Payroll July 24, 2003 4,200.00
Gross Payroll August 8, 2003 4,200.00
Bills Payable
Education 896.15
Minutes
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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.
Results of the roll call vote were as follows:
Aye: Brunson, Burnette, Cohn, Jasinevicius, Lohr, Norwood, Owens
Nay: None
Motion 04-10 carried.
Student Representatives
Bryan Davis, Rich Central’s student representative, and Jasmin Donnelly, Rich South’s student representative, gave reports on the opening of school at their campuses.
Mr. Cohn challenged the student representatives to let the students at their campuses know that academic achievement is very important. District 227 has increased graduation requirements. He noted that he will be checking with the student representatives to see what they are doing to help the other students at their campuses achieve academically.
A student representative training session was scheduled for Monday, September 8, 2003, at 5:30 p.m. in the Board Room at Rich Central. Mr. Burnette, Mr. Cohn, and Mrs. Lohr stated they would be involved with the training.
Financial Considerations
Mr. Cahill requested adoption of resolutions regarding transfer of interest. Mr. Brunson moved and Mrs. Norwood seconded the following:
(04-11) It is moved that the Board of Education adopt the Resolutions authorizing and directing the transfer of interest from the Working Cash and Education Funds to the Site & Construction Fund, in accordance with Business Office Memorandum 04-04.
Minutes
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8/18/03
Results of the roll call vote were as follows:
Aye: Brunson, Burnette, Cohn, Jasinevicius, Lohr, Norwood, Owens
Nay: None
Motion 04-11 carried.
Mr. Cahill requested renewal of coverage for property, casualty, and liability insurance. Mr. Brunson moved and Mr. Jasinevicius seconded the following:
(04-12) It is moved that the Board of Education authorize the Director of Fiscal Services to renew insurance coverage for property and casualty insurance with the Selective Insurance Company (AM Best rated A+)/Northfield Insurance Company for the aggregate premium of $136,612.00, in accordance with Business Office Memorandum 04-05.
Mr. Cohn noted that the District should consider where it is spending its dollars and work to keep the money within the community.
Results of the roll call vote were as follows:
Aye: Brunson, Burnette, Jasinevicius, Lohr, Norwood, Owens
Nay: Cohn
Motion 04-12 carried.
Mr. Cahill reported on the Foundation meeting held August 7 and 8, 2003. He noted that the Foundation belief statements and mission statement had been identified. The Foundation’s contribution to the District overall will be improving student achievement. The Foundation is looking to develop a web page with links to the District’s web site.
Personnel Office Report
Mr. Tandy requested approval of teaching contracts. Mr. Burnette moved and Mrs. Lohr seconded the following:
Minutes
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8/18/03
(04-13) It is moved that the Board of Education approve teaching contracts as follows:
Full-time
Andrew Basa Step 9, BA+15 Lane
Vikkeda Bass Step 2, MA Lane
Krystyna Dabrowska Step 3, MA Lane
William Dwyer Step 1, BA Lane
Mary Gray Step 1, BA+15 Lane
Jonathan Havens Step 1, BA+15 Lane
Tyrone Johnson Step 2, BA Lane
Marc Moad Step 11, BA+15 Lane
Kenneth Phelps Step 14, BA Lane
James Safarik Step 10, MA Lane
David Stanko Step 5, BA+15 Lane
Kari Tomiak Step 5, MA Lane
Sarah Wurster Step 2, MA Lane
Lanada Jones Step 2, MA Lane
Dana Teeter Step 2, BA Lane
Part-Time
Gregory Schweiger .8 of Step 4, BA Lane
Audrey Albanese .3 of Step 13, BA Lane
Lenore Kriechbaum .8 of Step 1, BA Lane
Part-Time (Revised)
Diana Morgan .8 of Step 21, MA Lane
provided all the requirements of the State of Illinois and the North Central Association are met.
Mr. Tandy noted this was a group of highly qualified teachers.
Results of the roll call vote were as follows:
Aye: Brunson, Burnette, Cohn, Jasinevicius, Lohr, Norwood, Owens
Nay: None
Motion 04-13 carried.
Minutes
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8/18/03
Mr. Tandy requested acceptance of a resignation. Mrs. Lohr moved and Mr. Brunson seconded the following:
(04-14) It is moved that the Board of Education accept the resignation of administrative staff member Ronald Ray effective July 31, 2003.
Mr. Tandy noted that Mr. Ray, who was an Assistant Principal at Rich South, had accepted an administrative position at Hillcrest High School.
Results of the roll call vote were as follows:
Aye: Brunson, Burnette, Cohn, Jasinevicius, Lohr, Norwood, Owens
Nay: None
Motion 04-14 carried.
Mr. Tandy requested acceptance of resignations. Mr. Burnette moved and Mr. Brunson seconded the following:
(04-15) It is moved that the Board of Education accept the resignations of certificated staff members Brian Easter and Enyth Preacely effective July 31, 2003.
Mr. Tandy noted Mr. Easter had accepted another position and Ms. Preacely had relocated.
Results of the roll call vote were as follows:
Aye: Brunson, Burnette, Cohn, Jasinevicius, Lohr, Norwood, Owens
Nay: None
Motion 04-15 carried.
Mr. Tandy requested approval of an administrative contract. Mr. Cohn moved and Mr. Brunson seconded the following:
(04-16) It is moved that the Board of Education approve the administrative contract of Nicole Fishman as Associate Principal at Rich South High School beginning August 11, 2003.
Minutes
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8/18/03
Mr. Tandy noted that Ms. Fishman was bringing the necessary qualifications to her position and was a good fit for Rich South.
Dr. Knutson noted that Ms. Fishman had a high energy level and was very student oriented.
Results of the roll call vote were as follows:
Aye: Brunson, Burnette, Cohn, Jasinevicius, Lohr, Norwood, Owens
Nay: None
Motion 04-16 carried.
Mr. Tandy requested approval for reinstatement of various activities and athletics. Mrs. Norwood moved and Mr. Brunson seconded the following:
(04-17) It is moved that the Board of Education authorize the reinstatement of activities and athletics as listed on the attached sheets.
Mr. Tandy noted there was a sheet in each Board packet listing the activities and athletics which were being reinstated at this meeting, plus a compilation of all activities and athletics which have been reinstated to date.
Results of the roll call vote were as follows:
Aye: Brunson, Burnette, Cohn, Jasinevicius, Lohr, Norwood, Owens
Nay: None
Motion 04-17 carried.
Mr. Tandy reported on the New Teacher Inservice held August 11 - 14, 2003. He noted it had been a very practical inservice on topics teachers need before school starts.
Mr. Tandy reported on the Classified Staff Inservice held August 11, 2003. He noted that the inservice, which had been mandatory for new classified staff, included a full day of orientation on practical aspects of the job.
Mr. Tandy reported on the faculty inservice held August 15, 2003. He noted that Dr. Knutson, Mrs. Panega, and he had talked about the expectations of the staff for the 2003-2004 school year.
Minutes
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8/18/03
Mr. Tandy scheduled a New Staff Reception for 6:30 p.m. on September 15, 2003, in the student cafeteria at Rich Central.
Mr. Tandy noted that he would like to share with the Board members recommendations made not to fill certain positions. This could be done at a Personnel Committee meeting. Mr. Burnette scheduled a Personnel Committee meeting for September 8, 2003, at 7:30 p.m. following the Policy Committee meeting.
Report of the Director of Teaching and Learning
Mrs. Panega informed the Board that a comprehensive presentation on the Prairie State Achievement Exam and School Improvement Plans needs to be made. She stated that last year the presentation was made at an Education Committee meeting, and there had been a disappointing turn out. Mrs. Panega noted that she was looking to the Board for direction on the best venue for getting this information out. Mr. Cohn stated that one possible way was through the churches.
Dr. Knutson responded that the information needs to be presented first to the Board.
Mr. Cohn scheduled an Education Committee of the Whole meeting for October 15, 2003, at 6:30 p.m. at Rich Central for a presentation on the results of the Prairie State Achievement Exam and the School Improvement Plans.
Committee Reports
Mrs. Norwood reported on the Policy Committee meeting of August 4, 2003. She noted that various policies on which she was requesting a first reading had been discussed. These policies are required under the No Child Left Behind Act. She also noted that the Grade Point Average of students participating in various activities had been discussed and that the Policy Committee would be looking at the Business section of the Board Book for review.
A first reading of the following policies was held:
4:110 Transportation
5:190 Certification–Professional Personnel
5:400 Duties and Qualifications–Educational Support Personnel
6:210 Education of Homeless Children
6:170 Title I Programs
Minutes
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6:180 School Accountability
6:190 Migrant Students
6:200 Limited English Proficient Students
7:60 Residence–Students
Dr. Knutson noted that information on working with the IASB on putting our policies on our web site would be in Board members’ packets this week.
Mrs. Norwood reminded the Board that the next Policy Committee meeting would take place on Monday, September 8, 2003, at 6:30 p.m., in the Board Room at the District Office.
Mr. Jasinevicius scheduled a Properties Committee meeting for October 27, 2003, at 6:30 p.m. in the Board Room at Rich Central.
Mr. Cohn reported on the Superintendent Evaluation Process Committee. He stated the Committee had asked the Board members to put together a Board Vision Statement and turn the statements in to him. The Superintendent Evaluation Process Committee would then provide the Superintendent a copy of the Board Vision Statement. The Superintendent would take the Board Vision Statement and prepare a District Vision Statement.
Special Reports
Mr. Cohn and Mrs. Lohr reported on the Back to School Picnic held August 14, 2003. They both felt that the event had been very enjoyable.
Report of the Superintendent
Dr. Knutson noted that the District had received a preliminary list of Choice schools under the No Child Left Behind Act. He stated that the District had 45 days to put together a plan regarding Choice. He noted that Rich Central and the Phoenix Campus had not been on the preliminary list as Choice schools, but that Rich East and Rich South were. Dr. Knutson noted that it was the District’s belief that Rich South may have made adequate yearly progress and the District was considering an appeal of the decision to have Rich South as a Choice school.
Dr. Knutson reported on a letter the District had received from Thornton Township High School District 205 asking Rich Township High School District 227 to enter into an intergovernmental agreement regarding acceptance of students from Thornton under Choice. After discussion, the Board decided that at this time it would not accept students from other schools under Choice.
Minutes
Page 10
8/18/03
Dr. Knutson reported on the opening of schools. He noted that the projected enrollment for the District was 3,528. At this time, the District had enrolled 3,574 students, for an increase of 46 students.
Report of the President
Mrs. Owens reminded the Board of the next Board meeting to be held on Monday, September 15, 2003, at 7:30 p.m. in the Media Center at Rich Central.
Mrs. Owens requested a closed session to consider the appointment, employment discipline, dismissal or compensation of an employee or officer and to discuss negotiations strategies.
Recognition of Citizens
Mr. Veazey was recognized. He requested a copy of the reinstated activities and athletics. Mr. Tandy will supply him with this list.
Mr. Veazey asked whether students could receive their books at registration. Mrs. Panega responded that the District was not set up at this time for that process but would consider it in the future.
Mr. Veazey questioned whether there was anything that needed consideration following the exit interviews with staff members. Mr. Tandy responded that overall the questionnaires had shown a positive working environment for employees.
Mr. Veazey questioned if there had been any Choice transfers to date. Dr. Knutson responded that Choice is not available at this time.
Mr. Veazey questioned whether the ACT results had been received. Mrs. Panega responded that the campuses have the results.
Mr. Veazey questioned what the status was of the Rich South auditorium. Mr. Jasinevicius responded that there had been a problem with the sewer lines which was being worked on.
Dr. Knutson stated he hoped all the problems could be resolved this month.
At 9:40 p.m. Mr. Burnette moved and Mr. Jasinevicius seconded the following:
Minutes
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8/18/03
(04-18) 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 and to discuss negotiations strategies.
Results of the roll call vote were as follows:
Aye: Brunson, Burnette, Cohn, Jasinevicius, Lohr, Norwood, Owens
Nay: None
Motion 04-18 carried
At 10:35 p.m. Mr. Brunson moved and Mrs. Norwood seconded the following:
(04-19) It is moved that the Board of Education reconvene its regular Board meeting.
Results of the roll call vote were as follows:
Aye: Brunson, Burnette, Cohn, Jasinevicius, Lohr, Norwood, Owens
Nay: None
Motion 04-19 carried.
At 10:36 p.m. Mr. Brunson moved and Mrs. Lohr seconded the following:
(04-20) It is moved that the Board of Education adjourn its meeting.
Results of the roll call vote were as follows:
Aye: Brunson, Burnette, Cohn, Jasinevicius, Lohr, Norwood, Owens
Nay: None
Motion 04-20 carried.
_______________________________________ __________________________________
President Secretary