December 13, 2004
RICH TOWNSHIP HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT 227
BOARD OF EDUCATION MINUTES
DECEMBER 13, 2004
The Board of Education of Rich Township High School District 227 met on Monday, December 13, 2004, in the Media Center at Rich Central High School, Olympia Fields, Illinois.
Mrs. Owens called the meeting to order at 7:37 p.m.
Present: Brookins, Brunson, Burnette, Cohn, Jasinevicius, Norwood, Owens
Also Present: Mr. Derrick Gordon, Ms. Carolyn Martin, Ms. Stella Love, Ms. Sarah Harger, Ms. Andrea Hlavacs, Mr. Robert Farrell, Ms. Lakenia Robinson, Ms. Phyllis Baxter, Ms. Rita Crapps, Chris, Sue and Mike Perry, Ms. LaDonna Turner, Mr. Derrick Johnson, Ms. Carolyn Richardson, Ms. Sally McCotter, Ms. Teresa Rogerson, Ms.Herberdenia Phillips, Mr. Cliff Phillips, Ms. Damonique Webb, Ms. Trasie Harston, Ms. Faye Rogers, Ms. Ebony Rogers, Ms. Lynette Cato, Ms. Jacquel Rice, Dr. Ronaye Bush, Ms. Margaret Adebayo, Ms. Alesia Nichols, Mr. Jeff Huck (FGM), Mr. Komaa Mnyofu, Mr. Delundon Spearman, Mr. Fred Veazey, Mr. James Middleton, Mr. Mike Curran, Ms. Esther Scott, Mr. Lamar Cato, Mrs. Margurite Martin, Mr. Jack Mayer, Mr. Tom Brim, Dr. Roudell Kirkwood, Ms. Patricia Cox, Ms. Brandi Lake, Mr. Lake, Mr. Arthur Yogi Ward, Ms. Maggie Hatchett, Ms. Jan Moore, Mr. Renaldo Salonis, Ms. Jasmine Clayton, Mr. Howard Hunigan, Mr. Guy Cahill, Mrs. Ruth Treichel, Ms. Cynthia Sah, Dr. Selma McDonald
Recognition of Students
Mrs. Owens stated that the Board would like to recognize students who had made significant achievements at their campuses.
Rich Central
Dr. McDonald was recognized. She called Christopher Perry and his parents forward for recognition. She noted the reasons Christopher was being recognized. Christopher was presented with a certificate of achievement from the Board of Education, and Mrs. Pizzimenti took his picture. Dr. McDonald called Ebony Rogers and her parents forward for recognition. She noted the reasons Ebony was being recognized. Ebony was presented with a certificate of achievement from the Board of Education, and Mrs. Pizzimenti took her picture.
Rich East
Dr. Bush was recognized. She called Marianne Asante-Appiah and her parents forward for recognition. She noted the reasons Marianne was being recognized. Marianne was presented with a certificate of achievement from the Board of Education, and Mrs. Pizzimenti took her
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picture. Dr. Bush called Brian Johnson and his parents forward for recognition. She noted the reasons Brian was being recognized. Brian was presented with a certificate of achievement from the Board of Education, and Mrs. Pizzimenti took his picture.
Rich South
Dr. Kirkwood was recognized. He stated Jasmine Clayton was not able to attend the meeting, but he wanted to recognize her. He called Jacquel Rice forward and noted the reasons Jacquel was being recognized. Jacquel was presented with a certificate of achievement from the Board of Education, and Mrs. Pizzimenti took her picture.
Phoenix Campus
Mrs. Martin was recognized. She called Brandi Lake and her parents forward and noted the reasons Brandi was being recognized. Brandi was presented with a certificate of achievement from the Board of Education, and Mrs. Pizzimenti took her picture.
Student Representatives
Jevon Moore, Rich South’s student representative, Brandi Lake, the Phoenix Campus student representative, Delundon Spearman, Rich Central’s student representative, and Domonique Webb, Rich East’s alternate student representative, reported on what is happening at their campuses.
At 8:00 p.m. Mr. Burnette moved and Mrs. Norwood seconded the following:
(05-27) It is moved that the Board of Education go into 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: Brookins, Brunson, Burnette, Cohn, Jasinevicius, Norwood, Owens
Nay: None
Motion 05-27 carried.
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At 8:20 p.m. Mr. Burnette moved and Mr. Cohn seconded the following:
(05-28) It is moved that the Board of Education reconvene its regular meeting.
Results of the roll call vote were as follows:
Aye: Brookins, Brunson, Burnette, Cohn, Jasinevicius, Norwood, Owens
Nay: None
Motion 05-28 carried.
Mrs. Owens asked if there were any additions or deletions to the consent agenda. Mr. Cohn mentioned that he would like to have more information on tax abatements before they are put on the agenda for approval next year. There being no additions or deletions, Mr. Burnette moved and Mr. Brunson seconded the following:
(05-29) It is moved that the Board of Education approve the Consent Agenda items as listed:
a. Approval of the minutes of Regular and Closed Session meetings of November 15, 2004, the Budget and Finance Committee and the Policy Committee of November 22, 2004, the Special and Closed Session meetings of November 22, 2004, and the Education Committee and Property Committee meetings of December 2, 2004, as distributed.
b. Approval of payroll and bills payable
It is moved that the Board of Education approve the payroll and bills payable dated December 13, 2004, as follows:
Payroll
Gross Payroll November 24, 2004 1,263,371.69
Gross Payroll December 10, 2004 1,188,992.21
Bills Payable
Education 607,909.47
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Operation & Maintenance 218,727.89
Transportation 223,326.59
Site & Construction 9,980.16
Life Safety 18,337.61
Total Bills Payable 1,078,281.52
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 December 13, 2004, for the Career Preparation Network as follows:
Payroll
Gross Payroll November 24, 2004 6,137.29
Gross Payroll December 10, 2004 6,137.29
Bills Payable
Education 4,383.07
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 Resolution Providing for Real Estate Tax Abatement for Carmax of Tinley Park
It is moved that the Board of Education approve the Resolution Providing for Real Estate Tax Abatement for Carmax of Tinley Park, in accordance with Business Office Memorandum 05-30.
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- Approval of Resolution Providing for Real Estate Tax Abatement for Shurgard Storage Center
It is moved that the Board of Education approve the Resolution Providing for Real Estate Tax Abatement for Shurgard Storage Center of Country Club Hills, in accordance with Business Office Memorandum 05-29.
- Approval of Resolution Providing for Real Estate Tax Abatement for Country Inn and Suites
It is moved that the Board of Education approve the Resolution Providing for Real Estate Tax Abatement for Country Inn and Suites of Matteson, in accordance with Business Office Memorandum 05-28.
- Approval of Resolution Providing for Real Estate Tax Abatement for International Code Council (formerly BOCA)
It is moved that the Board of Education approve the Resolution Providing for Real Estate Tax Abatement for International Code Council (formerly BOCA) of Country Club Hills, in accordance with Business Office Memorandum 05-31.
- Approval of Real Estate Tax Abatements (Miller Auto Mall)
It is moved that the Board of Education:
1) Approve the “Resolution Providing for Real Estate Tax Abatement” for Miller Auto Mall/Bauer Cadillac/GMC.
2) Approve the “Resolution Providing for Real Estate Tax Abatement” for Miller Auto Mall/Miller Buick Pontiac.
3) Approve the “Resolution Providing for Real Estate Tax Abatement” for Miller Auto Mall/Shaver Mitsubishi.
4) Approve the “Resolution Providing for Real Estate Tax Abatement” for Miller Auto Mall/Miller Chevy Olds.
5) Approve the “Resolution Providing for Real Estate Tax Abatement” for Miller Auto Mall/Miller Car Mart VW.
6) Approve the “Resolution Providing for Real Estate Tax
Abatement” for Miller Auto Mall/Hawkinson Nissan.
7) Approve the “Resolution Providing for Real Estate Tax Abatement” for Miller Auto Mall/Capital Lincoln Mercury.
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8) Approve the “Resolution Providing for Real Estate Tax Abatement” for Miller Auto Mall/Sutton Ford.
9) Approve the “Resolution Providing for Real Estate Tax Abatement” for Miller Auto Mall/Planet Toyota.
in accordance with Business Office Memorandum 05-27.
- Award of Bid for Glycol
It is moved that the Board of Education accept the lowest responsible bid, meeting specifications, for the Glycol Project at Rich Central and Rich South High Schools to H20 Services, Inc. in the amount of $61,553.40, in accordance with Business Office Memorandum 05-32.
- Request for approval of new courses
It is moved that the Board of Education approve the addition of Health Education Credit Recovery with PLATO, English 9C Credit Recovery with PLATO, and Forensic Science to the District’s taxonomy beginning with the 2005-2006 school year.
- Approval of administrative contract
It is moved that the Board of Education approve the administrative contract of Howard Hunigan as Superintendent of Schools for Rich Township High School District 227 beginning January 1, 2005.
- Approval of European Trip Fundraising Efforts
It is moved that the Board of Education approve the fundraising efforts for the Rich South student European trip tentatively scheduled for the summer of 2005 and sponsored by Sarah Harger and Andrea Hlavacs.
- Approval of teaching contracts
It is moved that the President, Secretary and Superintendent be authorized to sign contracts as follows:
6th Assignments
James Bolognani .1 of Step 15, MA Lane
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William Chatman .1 of Step 9, BA+15 Lane
Tony Marturano .1 of Step 15, MA Lane
John Benney .1 of Step 15, MA Lane
Ron North .1 of Step 15, MA Lane
Conrad Wayne .1 of Step 15, MA Lane
Janis Westlund .1 of Step 15, MA Lane
provided all the requirements of the State of Illinois and the North Central Association are met.
- Approval of contract for Interim Director of Human Resources
It is moved that the Board of Education approve the contract for Donald J. Skinner as the Interim Director of Human Resources for Rich Township High Schools beginning January 1, 2005.
- Resolution Authorizing Non-Pro-Rata Distribution of Property Tax Receipts
It is moved that the Board of Education approve the “Resolution Authorizing Non-Pro-Rata Distribution of Property Tax Receipts,” in accordance with Business Office Memorandum 05-24.
- Resolution Abating the 2004 Tax Levy for General Obligation School Bonds (Alternate Revenue Source), Series 1999, of Township High School District Number 227, Cook County, Illinois
It is moved that the Board of Education adopt the “Resolution Abating the 2004 Tax Levy for General Obligation School Bonds (Alternate Revenue Source),
Series 1999, of Township High School District Number 227, Cook County, Illinois,” in accordance with Business Office Memorandum 05-25.
- Reject All Bids–Storefront Replacement
It is moved that the Board of Education reject all bids for the storefront replacement project at Rich East High School and re-bid a changed scope of work and project packaging, in accordance with Business Office Memorandum 05-33.
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Results of the roll call vote were as follows:
Aye: Brookins, Burnette, Cohn, Jasinevicius, Owens
Nay: Brunson
Abstain: Norwood
Motion 05-29 carried.
Financial Considerations
Mr. Cahill introduced Ms. Cynthia Sah, who gave a report on the audit for the District. She noted that the District had achieved Financial Recognition.
Mr. Jasinevicius moved and Mrs. Norwood seconded the following:
(05-30) 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 2003-2004, in accordance with Business Office Memorandum 05-17.
Results of the roll call vote were as follows:
Aye: Broookins, Brunson, Burnette, Cohn, Jasinevicius, Norwood, Owens
Nay: None
Motion 05-30 carried.
Mr. Cahill requested adoption of the 2004 tax levy. Mr. Jasinevicius moved and Mrs. Brookins seconded the following:
(05-31) It is moved that the Board of Education adopt the resolution entitled “Resolution of Rich Township High School District 227, Cook County, Illinois, providing for the Levy of Taxes for the Year 2004,” in accordance with Business Office Memorandum 05-22.
Mr. Cahill noted that the 2004 levy remains unchanged from that proposed to the Board of Education at its November 15, 2004, meeting. He indicated that there had been a hearing before tonight’s Board meeting to give the public an opportunity to make any comments or ask
questions on the levy. No comments had been made and no questions asked.
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Results of the roll call vote were as follows:
Aye: Brookins, Brunson, Burnette, Cohn, Jasinevicius, Norwood, Owens
Nay: None
Motion 05-31 carried.
Mr. Cahill requested approval of a resolution to instruct the County Clerk how to apportion the 2004 tax levy. Mr. Jasinevicius moved and Mrs. Brookins seconded the following:
(05-32) It is moved that the Board of Education approve the “Resolution to Instruct County Clerk How to Apportion 2004 Tax Levy Extension Reductions for Rich Township High School District No. 227, Cook County, Illinois,” in accordance with Business Office Memorandum 05-23.
Mr. Cahill noted that the Cook County Tax Cap legislation requires every school district to identify which funds it wants the County Clerk to limit in case the District’s 2004 aggregate tax levy extension is greater than the limit set by the legislation.
Results of the roll call vote were as follows:
Aye: Brookins, Brunson, Burnette, Cohn, Jasinevicius, Norwood, Owens
Nay: None
Motion 05-32 carried.
Mr. Cahill noted that the Discussion on Proposal for Assuming Responsibility of Township Treasurer is being postponed until January 10, 2005.
Personnel Office Report
Mr. Hunigan stated that the personnel office items were in the Board Packet. He asked Board members if they had any questions or comments on the personnel office items. There were none. Mr. Hunigan noted that he would be adding a few sections of classes for second semester.
Committee Reports
Mrs. Norwood reported on the Policy Committee meeting held prior to he Board meeting. She stated that the Committee had discussed a new Facilities Use policy. A Policy Committee meeting has been set for 6:15 p.m. on Monday, January 10, 2005, at the Phoenix Campus to continue discussion on the policy.
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Mrs. Norwood requested a first reading of the following policies: Student Social and Emotional Development and Student Support Services. There being no objections, a first reading was held.
Mr. Cahill reported on the Master Facility Planning Committee meeting of December 1, 2004.
He noted that Dr. John Kasarda had prepared and presented a report on demographic trends and enrollment projections. Mr. Cahill noted that Dr. Kasarda has projected increased enrollment figures for the next eight years. Mr. Cahill stated that the District’s facilities are not adequate enough to support the growth anticipated in the student population.
Mr. Brunson pointed out that in the next 2 - 3 years the District could have several hundred more students and something needs to be done almost immediately.
Mr. Cohn stated he would like the District staff to present to the Board the actual Special Education numbers.
Mrs. Brookins reported on the Education Committee meeting of December 2, 2004. She noted that Dr. Brockelman had presented information on the District’s Institute Day, which is scheduled for Monday, January 14, 2005. Dr. Dan Creely, professor at Northeastern Illinois University, will be the facilitator. The purpose of the Institute Day will be to actively discover engaged learning and techniques to improve climate and to build supportive teams within buildings. Mrs. Brookins noted that the District will have a 3-year staff development plan. She also pointed out that 75% of the teachers in the District are non-tenured. Mrs. Brookins stated that the Education Committee had also briefly discussed tracking in the classroom. This will be a topic for discussion at a future Education Committee meeting. In addition, the Education Committee had discussed the superintendent’s initiative, outlining basic goals in the summative evaluation.
Mr. Jasinevicius reported on the Property Committee meeting of December 2, 2004. He noted that there had been discussion on how to get more minority-owned and female-owned companies doing business with the District. There was also discussion on whether a construction manager or a general contractor should be hired by the District to handle a construction project. The District is in the process of selecting an architect.
Mrs. Brookins reminded Mr. Cahill that she had requested a copy of the priority project matrix. Mr. Cahill will get this matrix to the Board in the Board packet.
Mr. Brunson stated that the Board members had completed their architectural field trips. He asked when a decision will be reached in the architect for the District.
Mrs. Owens asked that this decision not be made until the Superintendent has a chance to review all details.
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Mr. Cohn asked that the Long-Range Planning Committee be included in making future decisions about the District’s facilities. Mrs. Brookins asked that the Education Committee also be included.
Special Reports
Board members reported on the sessions they attended during the NovemberJoint Conference held in Chicago.
Report of the Superintendent
Mr. Hunigan stated that the Department of Teaching and Learning is looking at expanding the summer school offerings for 2005 and making summer school two semesters. He noted that he would be getting more information to the Board regarding this issue as well as sharing the kinds of classes which would be offered.
Mr. Hunigan stated he would like to commend the technology department for their work with the District’s e-mail. The District received a memo on December 8 stating that e-mail would be discontinued on December 10. The technology department was able to get another service provider and get the e-mail up and running very efficiently.
Mr. Hunigan stated the Village of Olympia Fields was looking for the District to provide an easement to the Village for a bike path. He asked Mr. Cahill to outline more details. Mr. Cahill noted this easement will be from Governors Highway to St. James Hospital and will not cost the District any money. The Village will maintain the easement. Mr. Cahill noted he will bring an Intergovernmental Agreement to the Board in January for consideration.
Mrs. Owens read a statement written by Dr. Powell thanking the Board for the opportunity to serve as its interim superintendent for the past 8 months. Dr. Powell’s last day in the District is December 31, 2004. She also read a plaque which will be presented to Dr. Powell at a future date. Mrs. Owens noted that Dr. Powell has done an outstanding job to help the District move forward. Mrs. Owens noted that Dr. Powell was presently out of town because of a death in the family.
New Business
Mrs. Brookins scheduled an Education Committee meeting for Wednesday, January 12, 2005, at 6:00 p.m. in the Media Center at Rich Central. Two subjects for discussion are detracking and curriculum.
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At 9:30 p.m. Mr. Cohn moved and Mr. Jasinevicius seconded the following:
(05-33) It is moved that the Board of Education adjourn its regular Board meeting.
Results of the roll call vote were as follows:
Aye: Brookins, Brunson, Burnette, Cohn, Jasinevicius, Norwood, Owens
Nay: None
Motion 05-33 carried.
___________________________________ __________________________________
President Secretary