November 15, 2004
RICH TOWNSHIP HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT 227
BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING
MINUTES
NOVEMBER 15, 2004
The Board of Education of Rich Township High School District 227 met on Monday, November 15, 2004, in the Media Center at Rich Central High School, Olympia Fields, Illinois.
Mrs. Owens called the meeting to order at 7:35 p.m.
Present: Brookins, Brunson, Cohn, Jasinevicius, Norwood, Owens
Absent: Burnette
Also Present: Mrs. Martin, Mr. McAlister, Mrs. Hicks, Ms. Gladney, Mr. Huck, Mrs. Pierce, Rachel Pierce, Ms. Moore, Dr. Kirkwood, Mr. and Mrs. Kennebrew, Ms. Kennebrew, Jeremy Kennebrew, Mr. Gibson, Mr. Linn, Mr. Curran, Mr. Veazey, Mr. and Mrs. Rogerson, Sean Rogerson, Ryan Rogerson, Ms. Varea, Ms. Wells, D’Mario Wells, Mr. Kredens, Mr. Kaufmann, Becca Kaufmann, Mr. Craig, Ms. Towery, Mr. Paulsen, Mr. Borus, Mr. Lopez, Mr. and Mrs. Blonquist, Traci Blonquist, Mr. Coherty, Ms. Dabrowski, Mrs. Henderson, Ms. Muhammad, Ms. High, Mrs. Nelson, Ms. Jackson, Mr. Jackson, Ms. Smith, Dr. Bush, Ms. Neumann (Tribune), Ms. Hemmerling (Star), Aletha Martin, Candice Martin, Steffrin Winfrey, Ms. Hatchell, Dr. McDonald, Mr. Pfau, Dr. Powell, Mr. Hunigan, Mr. Cahill, Dr. Brockelman, Mrs. Treichel, and student representatives Delundon Spearman (Central), and Chris Gladney (Phoenix/alternate).
Announcement by President Owens
Mrs. Owens announced that Mr. Howard Hunigan had been selected to be the next Superintendent of Rich Township High School District 227. Mr. Hunigan stated he was honored to receive the position and very excited about being the Superintendent for District 227.
Recognition of Students
Dr. Powell announced that the Board would be recognizing students from each campus. He thanked the Marcus Theatres, Pizza Hut, and the Career Preparation Network for supplying gifts or gift certificates for the students this month.
Rich Central
Dr. McDonald, Rich Central’s principal, called Candace Martin forward for recognition. She noted the reasons Candace was being recognized. A certificate was presented by Mrs. Owens, and a “thank you” bag was given to Candace by a Board member. A photograph of Candace was taken by Mr. Cohn. Dr. McDonald also recognized Michael Abrams, who was not able to be present.
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Rich East
Mr. Craig, Rich East’s principal, called D’Mario Wells forward for recognition. He noted the reasons D’Mario was being recognized. A certificate was presented by Mrs. Owens, and a “thank you” bag was given to D’Mario by a Board member. A photograph of D’Mario was taken by Mr. Cohn. Mr. Craig also recognized Steven Curry, who was not able to be present.
Rich South
Dr. Kirkwood, Rich South’s principal, called Sean Rogerson and Traci Blonquist forward for recognition. He noted the reasons these students were being recognized. A certificate was presented by Mrs. Owens, and a “thank you” bag was given to each student by a Board member. Photographs of the students were taken by Mr. Cohn. Dr. Kirkwood also recognized Pia Moraga, who was not able to be present.
Phoenix Campus
Mrs. Martin, the Phoenix Campus principal, called Steffrin Winfrey forward for recognition. She noted the reasons Steffrin was being recognized. A certificate was presented by Mrs. Owens, and a “thank you” bag was given to Steffrin by a Board member. A photograph of Steffrin was taken by Mr. Cohn.
Recognition of Snowball Student Leaders
Mrs. Owens asked the three Snowball Student Leaders to come forward for recognition. Dr. Powell stated the reasons for recognizing these three students who had contributed so much to Snowball. Becca Kaufmann, Rachel Pierce, and Jeremy Kennebrew came forward and were presented with Certificates of Recognition and a “thank you” bag. A photograph of the three students was taken by Mr. Cohn.
Recognition of Citizens Pertaining to Agenda Items
Mrs. Owens recognized Mr. Varia, who spoke in favor of students going on foreign trips. Mrs. Owens stated that the Board would be considering foreign travel later on the agenda.
A student from Rich East was recognized. She asked the Board to consider reinstating a Dance Club at Rich East. Mrs. Owens responded that the Board would take her request under consideration.
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Mr. Brunson questioned whether the group had considered who would be the sponsor. Ms. Davis’ name was given as a possible sponsor of the club.
Student Representatives
Delundon Spearman, Rich Central’s student representative, was recognized. He spoke on what is happening at Rich Central, including the possibility of Rich Central working towards becoming a “Blue Ribbon” school. He noted he will present a report on this at the December meeting.
Chris Gladney, the Phoenix Campus student representative, was recognized. He spoke on what is happening at the Phoenix Campus.
Approval of Consent Agenda
Mrs. Owens asked if there were any additions or deletions from the consent agenda. Dr. Powell passed out an addition to the consent agenda. There being no additional additions or deletions, Mrs. Brookins moved and Mr. Jasinevicius seconded the following:
(05-20) It is moved that the Board of Education approve the Consent Agenda items as listed.
- Approval of minutes of the Special Meeting and Closed Session of October 2, 2004; the Technology Committee Meeting of October 7, 2004; the Special Meeting and Closed Session of October 13, 2004; the Education Committee Meeting of October 14, 2004; the Regular Meeting and Closed Session of October 18, 2004; the Special Meeting and Closed Session of October 18, 2004; the Special Meeting and Closed Session of October 20, 2004; the Special Meeting of October 27, 2004; and the Special Meeting and Closed Session of November 3, 2004; as distributed.
- Approval of payroll and bills payable
It is moved that the Board of Education approve the payroll and bills payable dated November 15, 2004, as follows:
Payroll
Gross Payroll October 25, 2004 1,239,459.95
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Gross Payroll November 10, 2004 1,190,694.25
Bills Payable
Education 702,505.34
Operation & Maintenance 254,969.27
Transportation 291,155.69
Site & Construction 114,232.84
Life Safety 16,879.53
Total Bills Payable 1,379,742.67
- 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 15, 2004, for the Career Preparation Network as follows:
Payroll
Gross Payroll October 25, 2004 6,137.29
Gross Payroll November 10, 2004 6,137.29
Bills Payable
Education 148,131.73
- 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.
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- Approval of extra schedule positions
It is moved that the Board of Education approve the reinstatement of five Level B Basketball Coaches to the District’s extra-schedule positions.
- Removal of students from District
It is moved that the Board of Education approve the removal of the following students from the District’s rolls:
Rich South
Patrice Downs
Johnathan McPhee
Adriel Holley
- Authorization to Submit Serious Safety Hazard Finding
It is moved that the Board of Education authorize the submission of a “Serious Safety Hazard Finding” to the Illinois Department of Transportation for review and determination, in accordance with Business Office Memorandum 05-21.
- Condensate Tank Bid Installation Award
It is moved that the Board of Education award a bid for installation of a condensate return tank at Rich East High School to the apparent low, responsible bidder meeting specifications, G. F. Connelly Mechanical Contractors, Inc. at the base bid price of $17,624.00, in accordance with Business Office Memorandum 05-19.
- Resolution Designating Assistant to Board Secretary for Election
It is moved that the Board of Education adopt the “Resolution Designating Assistant to Board Secretary for School Board Election,” in accordance with Business Office Memorandum 05-20.
- Establishment of 2004-2005 Tuition Charge
It is moved that the Board of Education establish the tuition charge for non-resident students attending the Rich Township High Schools for 2004-2005 at $11,120.67, in accordance with Business Office Memorandum 05-18.
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- Acceptance of Termination
It is moved that the Board of Education accept the 30 day written notice of termination of Griff E. Powell, Interim Superintendent, effective December 31, 2004.
- Approval of Resolution for Judith K. Lohr
It is moved that the Board of Education approve the Resolution honoring Judith K. Lohr’s 29 years of service on the Board of Education as attached.
- Acceptance of Resignation
It is moved that the Board of Education accept the resignation of certificated staff member Audre Budrys Nakas effective at the conclusion of the first semester of the 2004-2005 school year.
- Approval of new teaching contracts
It is moved that the Board of Education approve teaching contracts as follows:
Full Time
Carl Cogar Step 9, MA+30 Lane
Full Time (Revised)
Margo Anderson Step 7, MA Lane
Part Time to Full Time
Susan Szafranski Step 1, BA+15 Lane
Part Time
Estella Hunt .2155 of Step 18, MA+30 Lane
Jerry Kinder .1061 of Step 15 MA Lane
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Part Time - Revised
Tracy Hill .8729 of Step 1, MA Lane
Diana Morgan .8785 of Step 16, MA Lane
O. Eliot Pope .7061 of Step 1, BA Lane
6th Assignment
Brent Bronnenberg .1 of Step 15, MA Lane
Francisco Carbajal .1 of Step 5, BA Lane
John Detmar .1 of Step 15, MA Lane
William Hayes .1 of Step 15, MA Lane
Cynthia Morain .1 of Step 8, MA Lane
Daniel Osika .1 of Step 15, MA Lane
JoAnn Wayne .1 of Step 15, MA Lane
Thomas Williams .1 of Step 5, BA Lane
Mark Zaban .1 of Step 16, BA+15 Lane
Jean Paul Zwickert .1 of Step 5, MA Lane
Provided all the requirements of the State of Illinois and the North Central Association are met.
- Denial of invoice
It is moved that the October 21, 2004, invoice from McEldowney Financial Services in the amount of $26,060.93 be disapproved.
Results of the roll call vote were as follows:
Aye: Brookins, Brunson, Cohn, Jasinevicius, Norwood, Owens
Nay: None
Motion 05-20 carried.
Report of the Director of Teaching and Learning
Mrs. Owens recognized Dr. Brockelman, who reported on proposals for three new courses for the 2005-2006 school year. One proposed course, Forensic Science, which would be taught by Sherrie Towery, is ready to be piloted at Rich East. Ms. Towery talked about what would be included in the course. Dr. Brockelman stated that the class would not be piloted as an honors course.
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Dr. Brockelman reported on two classes with PLATO that would be piloted at the Phoenix Campus–Health Education Credit Recovery and English 9C Credit Recovery. These courses will be taught after school, and the students will be charged a fee. Students from the other three high schools will be able to take the courses but will have to go to the Phoenix Campus.
Dr. Powell noted that action will be taken in December on the addition of these courses to the District’s taxonomy.
Financial Consideration
Dr. Powell reminded the Board that a copy of the Independent Auditor’s Report was in their Board packet. He asked the Board members if they would like a presentation by the auditor. Board members stated they would like the presentation at the December 13 meeting. Mr. Cahill will take care of the arrangements.
Mr. Cahill requested approval of the 2004 tentative tax levy, authorization to publish the truth-in-taxation notice, and adopt the hearing date. He noted that the District will require $38,825,122 in local property tax monies including $34, 777,100 in “aggregate” corporate and special purpose taxes for the Education, Building, Transportation, Municipal Retirement, Social Security, Life Safety, and Working Cash Funds and Tort Immunity, Special Education, and Facility Leasing purposes. In addition, the District will require $4,048,022 in Debt Service levies. The District is maximizing the amount it can take in from levies. Mr. Cahill stated he was requesting a hearing for 7:30 p.m. on December 13, 2004, in the Media Center at Rich Central.
Mr. Brunson noted that the District was 3 - 4 million dollars in the hole two years ago, and this deficit has been reduced to a $60,000 deficit in the operating fund. The Board is working on a balanced budget in order to receive financial recognition from the Illinois State Board of Education. Mr. Brunson stated that the District had to cut programs in order to achieve a balanced budget. The Board hopes to bring the programs back as the District’s financial condition improves.
Dr. Powell stated that the architectural visits had not been completed, so an architect could not yet be selected. This will be on the agenda for December.
Mr. Cahill noted that the demographer will give a report at a joint meeting of the Board and the Master Facility Planning Committee on December 1 at 7:00 p.m. in the Rich Central Media Center.
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Committee Reports
Mrs. Norwood reported on the Policy Committee meeting held prior to the Board meeting. She noted the focus of the meeting had been a discussion on a potential facilities usage policy. The proposed policy will give the District discretion as to rental of its facilities, charging only overhead to non-profit organizations. In addition, Dr. Brockelman had developed a letter to be sent to parents/guardians regarding Supplemental Educational Services, which would be considered an administrative rule. Mrs. Norwood set a follow up Policy Committee meeting for 6:15 p.m. on December 13, 2004. A first reading of the Facilities Usage Policy will take place at the December 13 meeting.
Special Reports
Mr. Jasinevicius reported on his attendance at the Country Club Hills Strategic Planning Session. He noted that the main focus of the planning session had been a discussion on the widening of Pulaski Road.
Mr. Brunson stated he would report on the Ottosen Trevarthen School Law Conference at the December 13 meeting.
Report of the Superintendent
Dr. Powell asked the Board to consider what day or days to hold graduation. He pointed out that, according to the surveys conducted by the schools, the senior students and their parents prefer to hold the graduation on a weekend at a location other than the schools. Dr. Powell noted that his recommendation would be to hold the graduations on May 17, 18, and 19, at the three schools. This will guarantee the attendance by staff members, who do not want graduation to be on a weekend. He also noted that the Tinley Park Convention Center was available on Sunday, May 22, 2005, and a tentative contract had been received from the Convention Center. The graduations would be held at three different times, to be determined by lottery. After discussion, the Board decided the graduations should be held on the weekend since it was the students’ day.
Mr. Jasinevicius moved and Mr. Brunson seconded the following:
(05-21) It is moved that Rich Township High School District 227 hold its 2005 graduation on Sunday, May 22, 2004, at the Tinley Park Convention Center, at times to be arranged.
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Results of the roll call vote were as follows:
Aye: Brookins, Brunson, Cohn, Jasinevicius, Norwood, Owens
Nay: None
Motion 05-21 carried.
Mr. Beitler from National Investigations reported on the work National Investigations is doing at the campuses. He noted that a number of students had been dropped from the rolls because of their investigative work.
Dr. Powell presented the proposed calendar for 2005-2006. He asked the Board to review it. It will be on the agenda for adoption in January, 2005. The proposed calendar will be shared with the elementary superintendents.
Dr. Powell stated there was the possibility that one of the teachers in the District would be the recipient of a Fulbright Scholarship. With a Fulbright Scholarship, a teacher from a foreign country spends several weeks with our District while our teacher spends several weeks in a school in another country.
Dr. Powell led a discussion on travel. He noted he is not recommending that the District pay for the cheerleader trip. If the cheerleaders wish to raise funds for the trip, he will bring the trip to the Board for consideration. In regards to foreign travel, after discussion the Board decided to lift the ban on foreign travel but would like to consider each trip on an individual basis.
Mrs. Owens asked the principals to give the Board, in its next Board packet, a report on suspensions at their school.
Report of the President
Mrs. Owens reminded the Board that the next regular Board meeting will take place on December 13, 2004, at 7:30 p.m. at Rich Central.
Mrs. Owens reminded the Board that the Joint Conference will take place November 19 - 21, 2004, in Chicago.
Mrs. Owens asked the Board members if they wished to give their support of a Resolution in Support of House Bill 750. Mr. Cohn moved and Mrs. Brookins seconded the following:
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(05-22) It is moved that the Board of Education approve the Resolution in support of House Bill 750 as attached.
Results of the roll call vote were as follows:
Aye: Brookins, Brunson, Cohn, Jasinevicius, Norwood, Owens
Nay: None
Motion 05-22 carried.
Recognition of Citizens
Mr. Gibson was recognized. He spoke about veterans coming into schools and speaking on Veteran’s Day.
Ms. Towery was recognized. She asked if the dance club would be on an agenda. Mrs. Owens stated that the Board will consider the dance club.
Ms. Towery also stated she would be more than happy to dedicate her time to graduation.
Mrs. Moore was recognized. She stated the District had three students attend the IEA Music Festival.
Ms. High was recognized. She volunteered to have parents step in to help with graduation. She also stated she thought the District should have a basic music theory class incorporated into the curriculum.
Ms. Muhammad was recognized. She stated that students cannot hear the school announcements. She asked if they could be put on the website. She also asked for more information on Snowball.
Mrs. Brookins scheduled an Education Committee meeting for Thursday, December 2, at 6:00 p.m. in the Board Room.
Mr. Jasinevicius scheduled a Property Committee meeting for Thursday, December 2, following the Education Committee meeting.
At 10:10 p.m. Mr. Jasinevicius moved and Mrs. Norwood seconded the following:
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(05-23) 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: Brookins, Brunson, Cohn, Jasinevicius, Norwood, Owens
Nay: None
Motion 05-23 carried.
At 11:00 p.m. Mr. Brunson moved and Mr. Cohn seconded the following:
(05-24) It is moved that the Board of Education reconvene its regular Board meeting.
Results of the roll call vote were as follows:
Aye: Brookins, Brunson, Cohn, Jasinevicius, Norwood, Owens
Nay: None
Motion 05-24 carried.
Mrs. Brookins moved and Mrs. Norwood seconded the following:
(05-25) It is moved that student “A” discussed in closed session be expelled from Rich Township High Schools for the remainder of the 2004-2005 school year and the entire 2005-2006 school year.
Results of the roll call vote were as follows:
Aye: Brookins, Brunson, Cohn, Jasinevicius, Norwood, Owens
Nay: None
Motion 05-25 carried.
Mrs. Brookins moved and Mrs. Norwood seconded the following:
(05-26) It is moved that student “B” discussed in closed session be expelled from Rich Township High Schools for the remainder of the 2004-2005 school year.
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Results of the roll call vote were as follows:
Aye: Brookins, Brunson, Cohn, Jasinevicius, Norwood, Owens
Nay: None
Motion 05-26 carried.
At 11:02 p.m. Mr. Brunson moved and Mrs. Brookins seconded the motion to adjourn. After a voice vote, Mrs. Owens declared the meeting adjourned.
_________________________________ _______________________________
President Secretary