September 15, 2003
RICH TOWNSHIP HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT 227
BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING
SEPTEMBER 15, 2003
MINUTES
The Board of Education of Rich Township High School District 227 met in a regular meeting on Monday, September 15, 2003, in the Media Center at Rich Central High School, Olympia Fields, Illinois.
Mrs. Owens called the meeting to order at 7:45 p.m. and requested a roll call vote.
Present: Brunson, Burnette, Cohn, Jasinevicius, Lohr, Norwood, Owens
Absent: None
Also Present: Dr. Knutson, Mrs. Panega, Mr. Tandy, Mr. Cohn, Mrs. Treichel, Mr. Wright, Ms. Chongswat, Mr. Jagielski, Mr. and Mrs. Brazzale, Mr. Pfan, Ms. High, Ms. Benjamin, Ms. Curl, Mr. Lagermann, Mrs. Benjamin, Mr. Veazey, Ms. Jarmon, Mr. Brim, Ms. Johnson, Ms. Hicks, Ms. Moore, Ms. Rich, Ms. Czupryn, Mr. Curran, Ms. Wynne, Mr. Gustafson, Ms. Larson, Ms. Helm. Mr. Herkes, Ms. Sands, Senator Crotty, Ms. Rosselli, Ms. LaCore, Mr. Heffernan, Mr. Magill, Ms.Dunlap, Ms. Koutavas, Mr. Licatesi, Mr. Spielbauer, Dr. McDonald, Dr. Kirkwood, Dr. Brown, Mr. Bean, Mr. Guritz, Ms. Newman (Tribune), and Student Representatives Latoiya Miller (East), Jasmin Donnelly (South), and Bryan Davis (Central).
Recognition of Citizens Pertaining to Agenda Items
Ms. Linda Benjamin was recognized. She stated she is a student at Rich East. She questioned the Board on why various clubs or their sponsors have been cut compared to athletics.
Mrs. Owens responded that the Board is trying to find money to reinstate as many programs as possible.
Mrs. Roxanne Benjamin was recognized. She also addressed the Board regarding budget cuts and the amount cut from extra-curricular activities vs. sports.
Dr. Knutson and Mr. Cahill noted that the decision on which activity sponsors or coaches were cut was made at the campus level.
Ms. Emily Reed expressed her concern on cuts in speech and art club.
Ms. Justine Gustafson expressed her concern on activity and club sponsor cuts.
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Approval of Consent Agenda
Mrs. Owens requested approval of the consent agenda. Mr. Burnette moved and Mr. Brunson seconded the following:
(04-21) It is moved that the Board of Education approve the Consent Agenda items as listed.
a. Approval of the Special meeting and Closed Session meeting minutes of August 11, 2003, the Superintendent’s Evaluation Process Committee and Closed Session minutes of August 11, 2003, and the Regular and Closed Session meeting minutes of August 18, 2003, as distributed.
b. Approval of payroll and bills payable
It is moved that the Board of Education approve the payroll and bills payable dated September 15, 2003, as follows:
Payroll
Gross Payroll August 25, 2003 918,059.40
Gross Payroll September 10, 2003 1,067,328.22
Bills Payable
Education 550,571.29
Operation & Maintenance 111,974.95
Transportation 46,758.46
Site & Construction 219,075.13
Total Bills Payable 928,379.83
c. Approval of payroll and bills payable for the Career Preparation Network
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It is moved that the Board of Education approve the payroll and bills payable dated September 15, 2003, for the Career Preparation Network as follows:
Payroll
Gross Payroll August 25, 2003 4,200.00
Gross Payroll September 10, 2003 5,260.92
Bills Payable
Education 2,179.29
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.
- Approval of 2003-2004 Application for Recognition of Schools
It is moved that the Board of Education approve the 2003-2004 Application for Recognition of Schools as attached.
Results of the roll call vote were as follows:
Aye: Brunson, Burnette, Cohn, Jasinevicius, Lohr, Norwood, Owens
Nay: None
Motion 04-21 carried.
Student Representatives
Ms. Latoiya Miller, Rich East’s student representative, Ms. Jasmin Donnelly, Rich South’s student representative, and Mr. Bryan Davis, Rich Central’s student representative gave reports on activities at their campuses.
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Mrs. Owens commented that the student representatives should be commended for their leadership and sharing of what is happening at their schools.
Mrs. Lohr asked the students to bring information on their school plays to the Board meetings.
Ms. Jasmin Donnelly expressed her appreciation of the student representative training session.
Financial Consideration
Mr. Cahill requested adoption of the 2003-2004 District 227 Budget. Mr. Burnette moved and Mr. Brunson seconded the following:
(04-22) It is moved that the Board of Education adopt the 2003-2004 Budget and Budget Resolution as revised from that presented July 21, 2003, in accordance with Business Office Memorandum 04-06.
Mr. Cahill noted he had received a considerable amount more in General State Aid than the District had anticipated. He also mentioned that the Board has restored $340,000 in the area of activities/athletics.
Board members noted that the Board is trying to cut as little as possible from programs for students.
Results of the roll call vote were as follows:
Aye: Brunson, Burnette, Cohn, Jasinevicius, Lohr, Norwood, Owens
Nay: None
Motion 04-22 carried.
Mr. Cahill acknowledged his staff who were present at the meeting to answer any questions which might come up on the budget: Ms. Dunlap, Ms. Wynne, Mr. Koutavas, and Mr. Licatesi.
Mr. Cahill requested adoption of the 2003-2004 Career Preparation Network Budget. Mr. Cohn moved and Mr. Brunson seconded the following:
(04-23) It is moved that the Board of Education adopt the 2003-2004 Career Preparation Network Budget and Budget Resolution, as presented July 21, 2003, in accordance with Business Office Memorandum 04-07.
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Mr. Cahill noted it was necessary for our district to adopt this budget as administrative agent for the Career Preparation Network.
Results of the roll call vote were as follows:
Aye: Brunson, Burnette, Cohn, Jasinevicius, Lohr, Norwood, Owens
Nay: None
Motion 04-23 carried.
Personnel Office Report
Mr. Tandy requested approval of teaching contracts. Mrs. Lohr moved and Mr. Brunson seconded the following:
(04-24) It is moved that the Board of Education approve teaching contracts as follows:
Full Time
James Irwin Step 9, MA+45 Lane
Part Time
Ginny Burd .1878 of Step L, MA+45 Lane
Sue Misch .0895 of Step L, MA Lane
Timothy Nelson .4033 of Step 1, BA Lane
Wendy Robinson .3812 of Step 1, BA+15 Lane
Andy Ventress .4696 of Step L, MA+45 Lane
James Wessendorf .0939 of Step L, MA+30 Lane
Part Time (Revised)
Gregory Schweiger .8939 of Step 4, BA Lane
6th Assignment
Conrad Wayne .1 of Step 15, MA Lane
Bridget Veasley-Bell .1 of Step 15, MA Lane
Art Schuldt .1 of Step 15, MA Lane
Ruth Monk .1 of Step 14, BA Lane
William Hayes .1 of Step 15, MA Lane
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Clyde Griffy .1 of Step 15, MA Lane
Dale Fruendt .1 of Step 15, MA Lane
Adrian Frana .1 of Step 15, MA Lane
Jack Eddy .1 of Step 14, BA Lane
provided all the requirements of the State of Illinois and the North Central Association are met.
Mr. Tandy noted that all teachers are subject to a very thorough interview process. He noted it was important for staff members to care about kids and be competent in their position. He also thanked the staff members who had agreed to accept a 6th assignment.
Results of the roll call vote were as follows:
Aye: Brunson, Burnette, Cohn, Jasinevicius, Lohr, Norwood, Owens
Nay: None
Motion 04-24 carried.
Mr. Tandy requested approval of foreign students. Mr. Jasinevicius moved. and Mr. Burnette seconded the following:
(04-25) It is moved that the Board of Education approve the attendance of foreign exchange students Patrick Zillmer from Germany and Daniel Arvelo from Venezuela at Rich South High School for the 2003-2004 school year without payment of tuition.
Mr. Cohn stated he realized the important of having foreign exchange students but, under the No Child Left Behind Act, our District is not accepting students. He noted he felt the Board should think about this.
Results of the roll call vote were as follows:
Aye: Brunson, Burnette, Jasinevicius, Lohr, Norwood, Owens
Nay: Cohn
Motion 04-25 carried.
Mr. Tandy requested reinstatement of various activities/athletics. Mrs. Norwood moved and Mr. Brunson seconded the following:
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(04-26) It is moved that the Board of Education approve the reinstatement of activities/athletics as listed on the attached sheets.
Mr. Tandy noted that one of the goals of the Board is to reinstate as many activities and athletics as possible.
Mrs. Owens stated that each building is making recommendations as to which activities/athletics to restore based on the number of students at each school involved in the activities/athletics.
Mr. Cohn questioned whether students had been involved in the selection process.
Dr. McDonald spoke that a student meeting had been held in which students could ask questions and voice their opinions.
Mrs. Lohr pointed out that the remaining cuts are almost 50% athletics, 50% activities.
Results of the roll call vote were as follows:
Aye: Brunson, Burnette, Cohn, Jasinevicius, Lohr, Norwood, Owens
Nay: None
Motion 04-26 carried.
Report of the Director of Teaching and Learning
Mrs. Panega reported on the September 3 Half Day Institute. She noted the focus had been on increasing student achievement, curriculum articulation, and establishing consistence across the board with foundation schools.
Mr. Cohn noted that he had attended the schools’ open houses, and he was pleased to see the teachers having the state standards posted in their classrooms.
Committee Reports
Mrs. Norwood reported on the Policy Committee meeting of September 8, 2003. She noted that the policies re: No Child Left Behind had again been presented. There was discussion on the Operations Section of the Board Book, and various policies had been identified for review. Mr. Daniels and Mr. Hopman had passed out information regarding the GPA of students participating in athletics at their schools. There was discussion on raising the grade point average for students involved in athletics and activities. Dr. Knutson noted there had been discussion on students receiving dual credit for college/high school classes. There had also been discussion on holding an open forum for parents and students to discuss policies.
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Mrs. Norwood requested a second reading and approval of new or revised policies for inclusion into policy books. Mrs. Lohr moved and Mr. Brunson seconded the following:
(04-27) It is moved that the Board of Education approve the following new or revised policies for inclusion into its policy books:
Policy 4.110 Transportation (Revised)
Policy 5.190 Certification (Revised)
Policy 5.400 Duties and Qualifications of Educational Support Personnel (New)
Policy 6.210 Education of Homeless Children (New)
Policy 6.170 Title 1 Programs (Revised)
Policy 6.180 School Accountability (New)
Policy 6.190 Migrant Students (New)
Policy 6.200 Limited English Proficient Students (New)
Policy 7.60 Residence (Revised)
Policy 7.110 Health Examinations, Immunizations, and Exclusion of Students (Revised)
Policy 7.120 Student Rights and Responsibilities (Revised)
Policy 7.390 Student and Family Privacy Rights (New)
Results of the roll call vote were as follows:
Aye: Brunson, Burnette, Cohn, Jasinevicius, Lohr, Norwood, Owens
Nay: None
Motion 04-27 carried.
Mr. Burnette reported on the Personnel Committee of September 8, 2003. He noted that the purpose of the meeting was to discuss various positions which are being considered for possible reductions or other options for five positions. These positions are: Assistant Superintendent for Personnel, District Office Secretary, Preventative Maintenance, Custodian, and Food Service Snack Bar. The idea was to provide an opportunity for Board members to get information to make a decision on these positions. Four of the five positions are subject to impact bargaining. The meeting was for information purposes only. At this point, members of the committee have not decided to make a recommendation to the Board. The Food Service Snack Bar position has been resolved. In regards to the classified positions, impact bargaining is currently going on.
Mr. Cohn reminded the Board of the Education Committee meeting scheduled for October 20, 2003, at 6:30 p.m. in the Media Center at Rich Central. He stated that the focus of the meeting will be the disaggregation of the PSAE test scores. He encouraged everyone to attend.
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Mr. Cohn reminded the Board of the Properties Committee meeting scheduled for Monday, October 27, 2003, in the Rich Central Media Center at 6:30 p.m.
Mr. Jasinevicius requested an update on the Rich South auditorium. Mr. Cahill responded that the auditorium is for all intents and purposes complete, but there is a major concern on the part of the District with regard to the painting. The paint is not adhering to the floor and catwalk.
Mr. Cahill noted that the Board may need to schedule a special meeting to handle the situation regarding the painting.
Mrs. Owens responded that as soon as information is available the Board will schedule an emergency meeting regarding the painting of the auditorium.
Mrs. Owens introduced Senator Maggie Crotty, who was in the audience. Senator Crotty noted she was happy to be present in the meeting.
Special Reports
Mr. Tandy reported on the New Staff Reception held prior to the Board meeting. He noted a large number of new staff, both certified and classified, had attended the reception and had been introduced to the Board by the principals.
Mr. Cohn commented on Green Power Day, Saturday, September 6. He noted that Congressman Jesse Jackson had led a rally on increasing the economic development in the area.
Mrs. Lohr reminded the Board of the 50th anniversary of the District celebration to take place on October 18, 2003, and asked Board members to put the date on their calendars to attend. The District celebration part will take place following the football game in the Sloan Gym.
Report of the Superintendent
Dr. Knutson updated the Board on School Choice. He noted letters had gone out to all parents at Rich South and Rich East informing them of the process under School Choice. If parents are interested in the School Choice option, they are to contact their principal in writing. So far, Rich East has received 5 letters of request, and Rich South has received 4 letters of request.
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New Business
Mr. Burnette mentioned that Snowball II is scheduled for October 30 - November 2. The closing session will take place on November 2.
Recognition of Citizens
Ms. Brassale was recognized. She informed the Board that there is a benefit scheduled for Tim Rossi, a Rich East student who was seriously injured in a car accident. The benefit will take place on November 2, 2003. Ms. Brassale requested permission to post a flyer at the schools.
Mrs. Owens responded that Ms. Brassale should check with the principals of each school, but she did not foresee a problem.
Mr. Veazey was recognized. He noted he was president of the Rich Central PTSA, and one of the focuses of the PTSA was greater participation at student functions. Mr. Veazey asked the Board to encourage employees to live within the District so that they are part of the community.
Mr. Veazey asked if the administration was working on making textbooks available to students at registration. Mrs. Panega responded that the suggestion had been discussed at Executive Council and a meeting will be scheduled soon for further discussion.
Mr. Cohn asked if citizens’ addresses were requested on their comment cards so that, if the comments are not answered in the meeting, they can be addressed personally. Mrs. Owens responded that they were.
Mr. Guritz was recognized. He noted he was a former host of an exchange student. He was concerned about the Board’s questions regarding accepting of foreign exchange students. He noted that foreign exchange students add a great deal to the homes they stay in and the schools they attend. They afford students an opportunity to interact with students from another culture on a daily basis.
Ms. Benjamin was recognized. She stated that students from our districts are free to go to another country. It is up to the parents.
Mrs. Owens noted that the Board has asked Dr. Knutson to look into the reciprocity of foreign students.
Mr. Wynn was recognized. He asked the Board if a student can change a course or drop a course without parental knowledge.
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Dr. Knutson said that the District’s policy was that a student cannot. He asked Dr. McDonald to visit with Mr. Wynn following the meeting.
At 9:40 p.m. Mrs. Lohr moved and Mr. Brunson seconded the following:
(04-28) It is moved that the Board of Education go into closed session to discuss pending litigation 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: Brunson, Burnette, Cohn, Jasinevicius, Lohr, Norwood, Owens
Nay: None
Motion 04-28 carried.
At 10:15 p.m., Mrs. Lohr moved and Mr. Brunson seconded the following:
(04-29) 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 carried.
At 10:16 p.m., Mrs. Lohr moved moved and Mr. Brunson seconded the motion to adjourn. After a voice vote, Mrs. Owens declared the meeting adjourned.
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Secretary President