November 17, 2003
RICH TOWNSHIP HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT 227
MINUTES
BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING
NOVEMBER 17, 2003
The Board of Education of Rich Township High School District 227 met on Monday,
November 17, 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 (8:45 p.m.), Owens
Also Present: Mr. Detmar, Ms. Tomiak, Mr. Spielbauer, Ms. Morrissette, Ms. Jones, Ms. Moore, Ms. Damon, Mr. J. Gordon, Ms. Srog, Ms. Baker, Ms. Garvick, Ms. Thomas, Ms. Johnson, Ms. LaRue, Mr. McLaughlin, Ms. Henderson, Ms. Bailey, Mr. Brim, Mr. Mayer, Mr. Goranson, Mr. Dwyer, Ms. Anderson, Mr. Elliott, Mr. D. Gordon, Ms. Nelson, Ms. Ebben, Ms. Bickhem, Ms. Czmyr, Mr. Schweiger, Ms. Feltenstein, Ms. Witt, Ms. Paris, Ms. Stelzer, Mr. Yarborough, Mr. and Mrs. Caldwell, Mr. Hughes, Mr. Bartley, Ms. Franklin, Mr. Bowden, Ms. Jones, Mr. Genzler, Ms. O’Dea, Ms. Paulett, Ms. Malak, Ms. Dinwiddie, Mr. Zipprich, Mr. and Mrs. Frigo, Ms. Miller, Ms. Marron, Mr. Bartling, Mr. Dornink, Ms. Pawluk, Ms. Taylor, Ms. High, Ms. Franklin, Ms. Baecher, Mr. Anderson, Mr. Curran, Ms. Pugh, Ms. Streeter, Ms. Hicks, Ms. Beutler, Mr. Kirkman, Mr. Nugent, Ms. Losnedahl, Ms. Spann, Mr. Holmes, Ms. Spoolstra, Ms. Argue, Mr. Connell, Ms. Kolosh, Ms. Rich, Mr. Schmeski, Ms. Christain, Mr. Rado, Ms. Sowles, Mr. and Mrs. McEldowney, Ms. Stovall-Henderson, Ms. Tyler, Ms. Doughney, Ms. Swanson, Ms. Holman, Mr. McAlister, Ms. Cooper, Ms. Phelan, Mr. and Mrs. Wayne, Ms. Habas, Ms. Mimms, Ms. Blood, Mr. Gasperec, Ms. Cash, Ms. Segura, Mr. Ware, Mr. North, Mr. Pipikkos, Mr. Avinger, Mr. Treichel, Ms. Monk, Mr. Veazey, Mr. Horvath, Mr. Jacobeit, Mr. Stewart, Ms. Benard, Ms. Jones, Mr. Misch, Mr. Pfau, Mr. Panczuk, Mr. Davis, Ms. Regalado, Ms. Addison, Ms. Czupryn, Mr. Klye, Mr. Cirrincione, Mr. Carbajal, Ms. Katterheinrich, Mr. Fisher, Mr. Keopke, Ms. Perrot, Ms. Towery, Ms. Hernandez, Ms. Bronnenberg, Ms. Knight, Mr. Kaufmann, Ms. Cribbs, Mr. and Mrs. Blackful, Ms. Epstein, Mrs. Martin, Dr. Kirkwood, Ms. Williams, Mr. Fash, Ms. Jarmon, Ms. McLeary, Ms. LeBeau, Ms. Cukierman, Ms. Garcia, Mr. Williams, Ms. VanLieshout, Ms. Spaniak, Ms. Kriechbaum, Ms. Brookins, Ms. Thomas, Mr. Marturano, Ms. Daiker, Ms. Cosentino, Ms. Davis, Ms. Herron, Mr. O’Toole, Ms. Madison, Ms. Roach, Ms. Bradford, Ms. Esposito, Mr. Scott, Dr. Knutson, Ms. Panega, Mr. Tandy, Mr. Cahill, Mrs. Treichel, and student representatives Bryan Davis (Central), Chris Allen (Phoenix), Latoiya Miller (East), and David Scott (South).
Recognition of Citizens Pertaining to Agenda Items
Mr. Terry McAlister was recognized. He spoke in regards to the selection of the insurance broker for the District. He noted that the District had already gone through a selection process,
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and he wanted to know why the broker the committee had selected was not on the agenda for approval.
Mr. Richard Treichel was recognized. He spoke on behalf of Mr. and Mrs. McEldowney. He stated he had worked with the McEldowneys for over 20 years, and they had the highest integrity.
Ms. JoAnn McEldowney was recognized. She stated that she wanted to thank the Board and the District for the 30 years she had served as the District’s insurance broker.
Ms. Ruth Rich was recognized. Ms Rich, as president of the RTHSEA, stated that a committee process had been utilized. If the Board does not accept the results of the committee process, then it cannot expect members of the teachers’ association to serve on District committees.
Approval of Consent Agenda
Mrs. Owens requested a motion to approve the consent agenda. Mr. Brunson moved and Mr. Burnette seconded the following:
(04-38) It is moved that the Board of Education approve the Consent Agenda items as listed:
- Approval of minutes of the Education Committee of the Whole meeting of October 20, 2003; the regular and closed session minutes of October 20, 2003; and the Personnel and Properties Committee meetings of October 27, 2003, as distributed.
- Approval of payroll and bills payable
It is moved that the Board of Education approve the payroll and bills payable dated November 17, 2003, as follows:
Payroll
Gross Payroll October 24, 2003 1,154,128.06
Gross Payroll November 10, 2003 1,198,402.43
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Bills Payable
Education 285,706.72
Operation & Maintenance 95,083.99
Transportation 165,616.22
Site & Construction 8,515.75
Total Bills Payable 554,922.68
- 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 November 17, 2003, for the Career Preparation Network as follows:
Payroll
Gross Payroll October 24, 2003 5,260.92
Gross Payroll November 10, 2003 5,260.92
Bills Payable
Education 105,385.49
- 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 personnel items had been discussed with Mr. Burnette
Results of the roll call vote were as follows:
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Aye: Brunson, Burnette, Cohn, Jasinevicius, Lohr, Owens
Nay: None
Motion 04-38 carried.
Student Representatives
Bryan Davis, Rich Central’s student representative, Latoiya Miller, Rich East’s student representative, Chris Allen, the Phoenix Campus student representative, and Davie Scott, Rich South’s student representative, reported on what was happening at their campuses. Davie Scott specifically mentioned the Family Fun Nights at Rich South. He asked the Board members to consider donating items to Rich South to be used for the Family Fun Nights. These Family Fun Nights will be held the third Wednesday of every month beginning November 19, 2003.
Financial Considerations
Mr. Cahill requested acceptance of the Independent Auditor’s Report. Mr. Brunson moved and Mr. Cohn seconded the following:
(04-39) It is moved that the Board of Education accept the Independent Auditor’s Report on the general purpose financial statements of Rich Township High School District No. 227 for the fiscal year 2002-2003, in accordance with Business Office Memorandum 04-09.
Mr. Brunson noted that two auditors had been at the Budget and Finance Committee meeting held prior to the Board meeting. These auditors had gone over the District’s audit in detail with those in attendance.
Results of the roll call vote were as follows:
Aye: Brunson, Burnette, Cohn, Jasinevicius, Lohr, Owens
Nay: None
Motion 04-39 carried.
Mr. Cahill requested approval of the 2003 Tentative Tax Levy, Authorization to Publish Truth-in-Taxation Notice, and Adopt Hearing Date. Mr. Cohn moved and Mr. Brunson seconded the following:
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(04-40) It is moved that the Board of Education approve a Tentative Tax Levy totaling $40,488,945, authorize the publication of the Truth-in-Taxation Notice, and set a Hearing date for December 15, 2003, at 7:30 p.m., in accordance with Business Office Memorandum 04-10.
Mr. Brunson stated that the tentative levy had been discussed at the Budget and Finance Committee meeting held prior to the Board meeting.
Results of the roll call vote were as follows:
Aye: Brunson, Burnette, Cohn, Jasinevicius, Lohr, Owens
Nay: None
Motion 04-40 carried.
Mr. Cohn requested establishment of the 2003-2004 tuition charge. Mr. Brunson moved and Mrs. Lohr seconded the following:
(04-41) It is moved that the Board of Education establish the tuition charge for non-resident students attending the Rich Township High Schools for 2003-2004 at $11,692.37, in accordance with Business Office Memorandum 04-11.
Mr. Cahill noted that the tuition charge is based on the financial calculations provided by the District’s auditors. Mr. Brunson announced that the tuition charge decreased this year.
Results of the roll call vote were as follows:
Aye: Brunson, Burnette, Cohn, Jasinevicius, Lohr, Owens
Nay: None
Motion 04-41 carried.
Mr. Cahill requested acceptance of a used vehicle. Mrs. Lohr moved and Mr. Brunson seconded the following:
(04-42) It is moved that the Board of Education accept with gratitude a 1990 Plymouth Sundance vehicle from Carl and Gloria Reed.
Mr. Cahill noted that the vehicle will be used in the vocational program at Rich Central.
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Results of the roll call vote were as follows:
Aye: Brunson, Burnette, Cohn, Jasinevicius, Lohr, Owens
Nay: None
Motion 04-42 carried.
Mr. Cahill requested award of the group health insurance bid, provider and broker services. Mr. Cohn moved the following:
(04-43) It is moved that the Board of Education award its Group Health, Dental and Life Insurance Broker Services to Renaissance Financial Services (“RFS”) for a period of not less than one year with option for up to four one-year renewals, and direct the same to retain provider Blue-Cross/Blue-Shield of Illinois at the specified premium and plan coverage levels for the 2003-2004 plan year commencing October 1, 2003, all as provided for in the RFS response to the District’s August 19, 2003, Request for Proposals, in accordance with Business Office Memorandum 04-12.
Mrs. Owens requested a second. The motion died for lack of a second.
Personnel Office Report
Mr. Tandy requested acceptance of a resignation. Mrs. Lohr moved and Mr. Brunson seconded the following:
(04-44) It is moved that the Board of Education accept the resignation of Interim Principal Reginald Brown effective November 24, 2003.
Mr. Tandy noted that the District appreciates the services Dr. Brown provided and wishes him the best.
Results of the roll call vote were as follows:
Aye: Brunson, Burnette, Cohn, Jasinevicius, Lohr, Owens
Nay: None
Motion 04-44 carried.
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Mr. Tandy requested acceptance of a resignation. Mr. Jasinevicius moved and Mr. Brunson seconded the following:
(04-45) It is moved that the Board of Education accept the resignation of certificated staff member Jermaine Durning effective at the conclusion of the first semester of the 2003-2004 school year.
Mr. Tandy noted that Ms. Durning is a teacher in the language arts department at Rich South. She has resigned for personal reasons.
Results of the roll call vote were as follows:
Aye: Brunson, Burnette, Cohn, Jasinevicius, Lohr, Owens
Nay: None
Motion 04-45 carried.
Mr. Tandy requested approval of teaching contracts. Mrs. Lohr moved and Mr. Burnette seconded the following:
(04-46) It is moved that the Board of Education approve teaching contracts as follows:
Part Time
Eileen Hatherley .5923 of Step 1, MA Lane
6th Assignment
Cynthia Stelzer .0287 of Step 15, MA Lane
provided all the requirements of the State of Illinois and the North Central Association are met.
Results of the roll call vote were as follows:
Aye: Brunson, Burnette, Cohn, Jasinevicius, Lohr, Owens
Nay: None
Motion 04-46 carried.
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Mr. Tandy requested reinstatement of an activity coach. Mr. Burnette moved and Mrs. Lohr seconded the following:
(04-47) It is moved that the Board of Education approve the reinstatement of an activity coach as listed on the attached sheet.
Mr. Tandy noted that the number of students participating in Speech have increased at Rich Central beyond that anticipated.
Results of the roll call vote were as follows:
Aye: Brunson, Burnette, Cohn, Jasinevicius, Lohr, Owens
Nay: None
Motion 04-47 carried.
Report of the Director of Teaching and Learning
Ms. Panega reported the South Cook ISC4 System of Support. She noted that South Cook ISC4 had received a grant to deliver a System of Support to school districts who had been identified by the ISBE as being on the academic early warning list. These services of support are to help the districts get off this list. The support services will include the following four components: 1) Data Analysis; 2) Curriculum Development, Assessment, Standards Aligned Classroom; 3) Induction and Mentoring; and 4) Student, Parent, and Community Involvement. Ms. Panega stated she will continue to keep the Board updated.
Committee Reports
Mr. Burnette reported on the Personnel Committee meeting of October 27, 2003. He noted the meeting had focused on the preventative maintenance positions and the Assistant Superintendent position. Mr. Burnette emphasized that the preventative maintenance/maintenance work must be done without using the foremen for any work which the foremen have not done in the past. He also noted that Mr. Tandy, Assistant Superintendent, has drawn up a list of his major job responsibilities.
Mr. Jasinevicius reported on the Properties Committee meeting of October 27, 2003. He noted that various items which still need to be completed on the auditorium were discussed. The painting and how the painting situation was being resolved was a major discussion item of the
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meeting. Mr. Jasinevicius noted that the remaining work which needs to be completed will be taken care of over Thanksgiving break. He stated that he had attended a Gospel Chorale in the new auditorium on Friday, November 14.
Mr. Brunson thanked Mr. Jasinevicius for all his work.
In the absence of Mrs. Norwood, Dr. Knutson reported on the Policy Committee meeting of November 10, 2003. Three policies had been discussed. The first policy was #2.225–School Board Meetings–Verbatim Record of Closed Meetings. Dr. Knutson noted that this policy was needed in order to meet the legislature’s requirements that all closed meetings be recorded beginning with January 1, 2004. The second policy was #7.400–Dual Credit Course. Dr. Knutson stated that a 3-credit college course equals l/2 credit at our high schools. He also noted that a maximum of four Carnegie units of credit may be counted towards the requirements for a student’s high school graduation. The third policy was #7.40–Part-Time Attendance by Private, Parochial, and Home Schooled Students. Dr. Knutson noted that the words “Home Schooled” were being added to our already approved policy.
Dr. Knutson requested a first reading of these policies. There being no objections, there was a first reading of the policies. They will be on the agenda for approval on December 15, 2003.
Mrs. Owens reported on the Committee of the Whole meeting of November 12, 2003. She noted the insurance broker issue had been discussed. Mrs. Owens stated that the independent consultant had stated that either of the two brokers could, in fact, render services acceptable to the District.
Mr. Brunson reported on the Budget and Finance Committee meeting of November 17, 2003. He noted that, in addition to the items mentioned above, two proposed tax abatements had been discussed–one for Sutton Ford and one for Planet Toyota. He stated these abatements were consistent with those we had done in the past and help the future economic development in the area. Mr. Cahill noted that the District is making it a part of the abatement that the developers hire a student intern from District 227.
Mr. Cohn scheduled an Education Committee meeting for Monday, December 1, 2003, at 6:30 p.m. in the Rich Central Media Center.
Special Reports
Mr. Jasinevicius reported on his attendance at the recent Technology and Learning Conference. He noted he had been introduced to many new kinds of technology and had brought back
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information which was being reviewed by Ms. Panega, the District’s Director of Teaching and Learning. Mr. Jasinevicius introduced two of the individuals who had also attended the conference and stated a presentation would be made to the Board at a later date.
Mr. Lohr noted that she had attended the conference in the past and felt that it was an excellent conference.
Mr. Brunson reported on the IASB Report to the Membership for the Joint Conference. He noted that the IASB Resolutions Committee had reviewed submitted resolutions and had made recommendations for resolutions to be voted on at the Conference. He stated he will be going with the recommendations of the IASB Resolutions Committee unless the Board had other suggestions. There were no additional suggestions.
Report of the Superintendent
Dr. Knutson gave an update on the auditorium at Rich South. He noted the railings which had initially been installed were slightly above specifications and not in compliance with ADA rules. These railings have been changed, but are not yet painted. The District has received a Certificate of Occupancy. Dr. Knutson noted that the District is working on a reconciliation of some of the subcontractors’ fees. The auditorium is being used for classes during the school day.
Mr. Brunson asked about training. Dr. Knutson noted that some of the training has to be redone. The training sessions are being videotaped.
Mr. Jasinevicius requested that the issue of the wood dance floor be resolved as soon as possible.
Old Business
Mrs. Lohr noted she had attended the Snowball II closing ceremony. She congratulated Ms. O’Hara on another excellent Snowball.
Recognition of Citizens
Mr. Elliott was recognized. He spoke on behalf of his daughter playing basketball. It was determined he had the wrong school district.
Minister Loraine Cooper was recognized. She stated that she hopes the incident regarding the students and the police line-up never happens again.
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Ms. Yvette Hernandez was recognized. She asked that someone contact her regarding her son, Al Hale. Mrs. Owens responded that Dr. Knutson will be in touch with her.
Ms. Ruth Rich was recognized. She mentioned she had some good news. The District’s Mentoring and Induction Program was one of only 24 programs recommended for approval by the State. Mrs. Owens stated she would like to see recognition of the program put on a future Board agenda.
At 8:50 p.m. Mrs. Lohr moved and Mr. Jasinevicius seconded the following:
(04-48) It is moved that the Board of Education go into closed session to consider student discipline matters, to discuss the appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, or dismissal of an employee or officer, and for negotiations strategies.
Results of the roll call vote were as follows:
Aye: Brunson, Burnette, Cohn, Jasinevicius, Lohr, Norwood, Owens
Nay: None
Motion 04-48 carried.
At 10:55 p.m. Mrs. Lohr moved and Mr. Cohn seconded the following:
(04-49) 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 04-49 carried.
Mrs. Lohr moved and Mr. Cohn seconded the following:
(04-50) It is moved that the Board of Education extend its 11:00 p.m. curfew until 11:15 p.m.
Results of the roll call vote were as follows:
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Aye: Brunson, Burnette, Cohn, Jasinevicius, Lohr, Norwood, Owens
Nay: None
Motion 04-50 carried.
Mrs. Lohr moved and Mr. Cohn seconded the following:
(04-51) It is moved that the Board of Education go into closed session to consider student discipline matters, to discuss the appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, or dismissal of an employee or officer, and for negotiations strategies.
Results of the roll call vote were as follows:
Aye: Brunson, Burnette, Cohn, Jasinevicius, Lohr, Norwood, Owens
Nay: None
Motion 04-51 carried.
At 11:10 p.m. Mr. Cohn moved and Mrs. Norwood seconded the following:
(04-52) 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 04-52 carried.
Mrs. Lohr moved and Mr. Brunson seconded the following:
(04-53) It is moved that Student #1 discussed in closed session be expelled for one full semester, but that this expulsion be held in abeyance pending no future suspendable offenses.
Results of the roll call vote were as follows:
Aye: Brunson, Burnette, Cohn, Jasinevicius, Lohr, Norwood, Owens
Nay: None
Motion 04-53 carried.
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Mrs. Lohr moved and Mr. Brunson seconded the following:
(04-54) It is moved that Student #2 discussed in closed session be expelled from Rich Township High Schools for one complete calendar year.
Results of the roll call vote were as follows:
Aye: Cohn, Jasinevicius, Norwood, Owens
Nay: Brunson, Burnette, Lohr
Motion 04-54 carried.
Mrs. Lohr moved and Mr. Brunson seconded the following:
(04-55) It is moved that staff member Cynthia Morain be reclassified and reassigned from the position of Science Curriculum Coordinator to a classroom teaching position effective November 17, 2003.
Results of the roll call vote were as follows:
Aye: Brunson, Burnette, Cohn, Jasinevicius, Lohr, Norwood, Owens
Nay: None
Motion 04-55 carried.
Mr. Cohn moved and Mrs. Norwood seconded the following:
(04-56) It is moved that the Board of Education extend its 11:15 p.m. curfew until
11:25 p.m.
Results of the roll call vote were as follows:
Aye: Cohn, Jasinevicius, Norwood, Owens
Nay: Brunson, Burnette, Lohr
Motion 04-56 carried.
Mr. Burnette, and Mrs. Lohr left the meeting at 11:15 p.m.
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At 11:21 p.m. Mr. Cohn moved and Mrs. Norwood seconded the following:
(04-57) It is moved that the Board of Education adjourn its regular meeting.
Results of the roll call vote were as follows:
Aye: Brunson, Cohn, Jasinevicius, Norwood, Owens
Nay: None
Absent: Burnette, Lohr
Motion 04-57 carried.
__________________________________ _____________________________
President Secretary