October 18, 2004
RICH TOWNSHIP HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT 227
BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING
MINUTES
OCTOBER 18, 2004
The Board of Education of Rich Township High School District 227 met on Monday,
October 18, 2004, in the Media Center at Rich Central High School, Olympia Fields, Illinois.
Mrs. Owens called the meeting to order at 7:55 p.m.
Present: Brookins, Brunson, Burnette, Cohn, Jasinevicius, Owens
Absent: Norwood
Also Present: Mr. and Mrs. Yulanders Lewis, Sr., Mr. Yulanders Lewis, Jr., Ms. Shirley Muhammed, Ms. Julia Argue, Ms. Donna Wolf, Mr. Will Tsang, Ms. Carmelita Smith, Ms. Ruth Smith, Ms. Sabrina Collins, Ms. Dorothy Price, Mr. Brandon Collins, Ms. Janice Neumann (Tribune), Mr. Tony Marturano, Ms. Krystyna Dabrowska, Mr. Ronald Walker, Ms. Cynthia Walker, Mr. William Hearn, Ms. Ginny Fenski-Mathers, Mr. Bill Brazzale, Mr. Ross Brazzale, Mr. Don Pfau, Mr. Terry McAlister, Mr. Bob Kaufmann, Ms. Becca Kaufmann, Mr. Fred Veazey, Ms. Lynda Hemmerling (Star), Ms. Barbara Hicks, Ms. Crystal Gladney, Mr. Chris Gladney, Ms. Mildred Gladney, Ms. Celeste Nelson, Dr. Selma McDonald, Dr. Roudell Kirkwood, Mr. Jeff Craig, Ms. Annette Demchuk, Ms. Renee Arceneaux, Ms. Pat Wozny, Ms. Jane Addison, Dr. Ronaye bush, Ms. Grace Addison, Ms. Maggie Hatchett, Mr. Frank Anderson, Ms. Robin Moore, Ms. Jan Moore, Ms. Yvette Moten, Mr. Gibran McDuffie, Mr. Komaa Mnyofu, Dr. Griff Powell, Mr. Howard Hunigan, Mr. Guy Cahill, Mrs. Ruth Treichel, Mrs. Cynthia Pizzimenti, and student representatives Delundon Spearman (Central), Grace Addison (Alternate, East), Jevon Moore (South), and Brandi Lake (Phoenix Campus).
Recognition of Students
Dr. Powell announced that the Board would be recognizing students from each campus. He thanked the Marcus Theatres, Pizza Hut, the Career Preparation Network, and the District Food Service for supplying gifts or gift certificates for the students this month.
Rich Central
Dr. McDonald, Rich Central’s principal, called the following Rich Central students forward for recognition: Rebecca Kaufmann, Julia Disney (not present), and Ronald Walker. She 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 Mrs. Pizzimenti.
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Rich East
Mr. Craig, Rich East’s principal, called the following Rich East students forward for recognition: Brandon Collins and Will Tsang. 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 Mrs. Pizzimenti.
Rich South
Dr. Kirkwood, Rich South’s principal, called the following Rich South students forward for recognition: Yulanders Lewis and Renee Arceneaux. 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 Mrs. Pizzimenti.
Phoenix Campus
Ms. Fenske-Mathers, the Phoenix Campus counselor, called the following Phoenix Campus student forward for recognition: Christopher Gladney. She noted the reasons this student was being recognized. A certificate was presented by Mrs. Owens, and a “thank you” bag was given to Christopher by a Board member. Photographs of the student were taken by Mrs. Pizzimenti.
Recognition of Citizens Pertaining to Agenda Items
Mr. Terry McAlister was recognized. He questioned the Board on its aggressive minority hiring. He noted that the main purpose of the school district is to education students, and he felt the District should be hiring the best people for the job, no matter what their race.
Ms. Carmelita Smith was recognized. She addressed the Board on bullying. She stated that her daughter has been bullied at Rich Central, and the principal has not yet returned her telephone call. Mrs. Owens informed Ms. Smith that the Superintendent will be in touch with her.
Ms. Donna Wolf was recognized. She noted that a group of wrestlers have been practicing at Rich East since 1989, and they have now been informed that they can no longer practice at Rich East. Mrs. Owens stated that the matter will be investigated, and Ms. Wolf will receive an answer from the Board.
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Student Representatives
The Board heard reports from student representatives Brandi Lake (Phoenix), Jevon Moore (South), Grace Addison (alternate, East), and Delundon Spearman (Central).
Mr. Cohn addressed the students and stated he was very proud of them and appreciated their reports. He asked the student representatives to go back to their campuses and ask their fellow classmates what can be done at their school to make the school a “blue ribbon” school.
Approval of Consent Agenda
Mrs. Owens asked if any Board members wished to remove any item from the consent agenda. There being none, Mr. Brunson moved and Mrs. Brookins seconded the following:
(05-15) It is moved that the Board of Education approve the Consent Agenda items as listed.
- Minutes of the Personnel Committee and Closed Session meetings of September 13, 2004; the Regular and Closed Session meetings of September 20, 2004; the Ad Hoc Committee on Insurance, the Special and Closed Session meetings of September 27, 2004; and the Personnel Committee meeting of September 29, 2004, as distributed.
b. Payroll and bills payable
It is moved that the Board of Education approve the payroll and bills payable dated October 18, 2004, as follows:
Payroll
Gross Payroll September 24, 2004 1,144,879.64
Gross Payroll October 8, 2004 1,160,047.38
Bills Payable
Education 789,416.50
Operation & Maintenance 146,481.91
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Transportation 242,198.42
Construction 70,120.00
Total Bills Payable 1,248,216.83
c. Payroll and bills payable for the Career Preparation Network
It is moved that the Board of Education approve the payroll and bills payable dated October 18, 2004, for the Career Preparation Network as follows:
Payroll
Gross Payroll September 24, 2004 6,137.29
Gross Payroll October 8, 2004 6,137.29
Bills Payable
Education 1,635.31
d. 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.
- New teaching contracts
It is moved that the Board of Education approve teaching contracts as follows:
Part Time (Revised)
Diana Morgan .8332 of Step 16, MA Lane
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6th Assignment
Suzanne Garvick .1 of Step 15, MA Lane
provided all the requirements of the State of Illinois
and North Central Association are met.
- Letter of Agreement
It is moved that the Board of Education approve the Letter of Agreement regarding the Will Call List with the Classified Staff Union as attached.
- Retirements
It is moved that the Board of Education approve the retirements of the following certificated staff members effective at the conclusion of the 2004-2005 school year: Clyde Griffy, Ed Genzler, Mildred Williams, Sharon Frigo, Janis Westlund, Conrad Wayne, M. Lynn Carter, Diane Kolosh, and Barbara Hicks.
- Retirement
It is moved that the Board of Education approve the retirement of certificated staff member Ruth Monk effective at the conclusion of the 1st semester of the 2004-2005 school year.
- Acceptance of bid - Rich South Scoreboard
It is moved that the Board of Education waive any and all irregularities in the bidding process and accept the low, responsible bid and award a contract to Nevco in the amount of $4,300.00 for the supply of a “scoreboard” to be installed at the Rich South High School campus, in accordance with Business Office Memorandum 05-14.
- Working Cash Fund Loan to Education Fund
It is moved that the Board of Education approve the Resolution authorizing a loan of $3,000,000 from the Working Cash Fund into the Education Fund of Rich Township High School District 227, Cook County, Illinois, and direct the Township Treasurer to enter such loan
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upon her books and repay the same in like manner upon receipt of sufficient funds, in accordance with Business Office Memorandum 05-15.
Results of the roll call vote were as follows:
Aye: Brookins, Brunson, Burnette, Cohn, Jasinevicius, Owens
Nay: None
Motion 05-15 carried.
Financial Consideration
Discussion on Architectural Selection Process
Dr. Powell noted proposals for an architect service provider for the District were accepted by the Board, and nine proposals were made available to all Board members.
Mr. Brunson stated that the Master Facility Planning Committee is reviewing the state of the District’s facilities. It has found that Rich East is functionally obsolete. The District has applied for a State Grant to accomplish some of the needed activities and will need the services of an architectural firm. Mr. Brunson noted that he and Mr. Jasinevicius had reviewed the proposals from the nine architectural firms and were recommending four of the firms for the Board’s consideration.
Mr. Cahill noted that he was planning a joint meeting of the Property Committee and Master Facility Planning Committee for Wednesday, October 27, at 7:00 p.m. in the Rich Central Media Center to discuss the architectural process.
Mrs. Owens stated that Mr. Brunson should give her the names of the four architectural firms selected by Mr. Brunson and Mr. Jasinevicius, and Board members should give her the names of the firms they select. This should be done by Friday, October 22. Following this process, the above meeting will be scheduled.
Personnel Office Report
New Process for Employment and District Agressive Efforts on Minority Hiring
Mr. Hunigan noted that, in past years, the District had been seeking qualified candidates to fill positions at a late date. He proposes to start the process earlier in the year so that the District can
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secure the best candidates for its open positions. Mr. Hunigan noted that he is working on an on-line application process for all staff. In addition, beginning next week, all vacancies will be listed on the web site.
Mr. Hunigan noted that he has organized a District recruiting team to begin the process of going to recruiting fairs, black colleges and universities. He stated that he would get a list of all recruiting fairs to the Board in the near future. He noted the District is interested in hiring the best qualified candidates but with special attention to minority candidates so that the staff is more in line with the school population.
Committee Reports
Mr. Burnette reported on the Personnel Committee of the Whole meeting held on September 29, 2004. He noted that the Summative Evaluation of the Superintendent had been finalized and the Board members had worked on constructing a job description for the Superintendent. The Board members had not come to closure on the job description yet.
Mr. Jasinevicius reported on the Master Facility Planning Committee meeting of September 29, 2004. He noted that Mr. Licatesi had given a power point presentation on life safety. There had also been a presentation by Ms. Nona Meyers, and the architects had given a presentation on what our schools might look like in the future.
Mr. Cohn reported on the Technology Committee meeting of October 7, 2004. He noted that the Foster Group and the Bonaparte Electrical Company had discussed what their proposals would deliver to the school district. Mr. Cohn noted that these companies would be coming back to the District with a final proposal of what their services would cost the District.
Mrs. Brookins reported on the Education Committee meeting of October 14, 2004. She noted that the main purpose of the meeting had been to review the PSAE results from last year. In addition, the Curriculum Coordinators for each campus had given a report on what they are doing in their subject area and across the content areas.
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Special Reports
Mrs. Owens reported on the IASB Fall Dinner Meeting. She noted that Mr. Emil Jones had spoken about educational funding and noted his disappointment that more citizens do not show concern about funding for education.
Mr. Jasinevicius talked about House Bill 750. Mrs. Owens asked that this item be put on the agenda for next month’s meeting.
Report of the Superintendent
Dr. Powell stated that the Board was going to have to make a decision on the graduation date(s) and time(s). He noted that the majority of the parents and students want a weekend night and an off-site graduation. He noted that the Tinley Park Convention Center seats 4,000, and has been tentatively reserved for Sunday, May 22, 2005. Dr. Powell noted that the District may have difficulty getting staff to commit to a Sunday graduation. He informed the Board that his recommendation was that graduations be held on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday nights, May 17, 18, and 19, 2005, and that they be held in the school gyms.
Mr. Burnette questioned whether Sundays had been considered by the parents and students.
Mr. Cohn asked that the Board be given a breakdown of all costs for a graduation in house or off site.
Mrs. Owens noted that the Board needs more information before making a decision on graduation. A decision will be made at the next Board meeting in November.
Dr. Powell informed the Board that The Foster Group had dropped its price for its technology audit, and he was recommending that the Board accept the proposal from The Foster Group.
Mr. Jasinevicius moved and Mr. Cohn seconded the following:
(05-16) It is moved that the Board of Education accept the proposal of The Foster Group to perform a technology audit for District 227 at the reduced price.
Results of the roll call vote were as follows:
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Aye: Brookins, Brunson, Burnette, Cohn, Jasinevicius, Owens
Nay: None
Motion 05-16 carried.
Dr. Powell read the rough draft of the goals for the District’s strategic initiative. There was discussion on the measuring of the goals. Mr. Burnette noted that there was a competing school of thought that goals should be general and objectives should be measured. Mr. Cohn responded that he was looking for something measurable.
Mrs. Owens suggested that the Education Committee meet and give direction as to how to proceed with goals and objectives for the District’s strategic initiative.
Dr. Powell requested approval of limited grant writing services. He noted that he would recommend the Board bring specific grants to Ms. Baader for her to pursue. Mr. Cohn moved and Mr. Brunson seconded the following:
(05-17) It is moved that the Board of Education contract with Geraldine M. Baader for limited grant writing services based on the Board’s approval of the specific grants being pursued.
Results of the roll call vote were as follows:
Aye: Brookins, Brunson, Burnette, Cohn, Jasinevicius, Owens
Nay: None
Motion 05-17 carried.
Report of the President
Mrs. Owens reminded the Board that the next Board meeting will take place on Monday, November 15, 2004, at 7:30 p.m., in the Rich Central High School Media Center.
Mrs. Owens reminded the Board of the Snowball II Closing Ceremonies scheduled for Sunday, November 7, 2004, at 1:00 p.m. at Camp Manitoqua.
Mrs. Owens gave an update on the superintendent selection process. She noted the Board members had spent an entire Saturday interviewing candidates. In addition, they had held a subsequent interview session. They have selected one finalist and will be doing reference checks on the finalist and will proceed from there.
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Mrs. Owens asked if any Board member wished to be the IASB delegate at the Joint Conference in Chicago in November. Mr. Brunson volunteered and was appointed by Mrs. Owens.
Old Business
Mrs. Owens noted that the District 227 Foundation was going through a restructuring process. More organizations need to get involved in the foundation. Mrs. Owens asked Board members to compile a list of businesses to invite to the foundation meeting and get these names to her by Friday.
New Business
Mr. Cahill reminded the Board of the Tax Forum on Wednesday, November 3, 2004, at 7:00 p.m. at Rich South.
Mr. Cahill scheduled a Master Facility Planning Committee meeting for Wednesday, October 27, at 7:00 p.m. in the Rich Central Media Center.
Mr. Cahill tentatively scheduled a Master Facility Planning Committee meeting for Wednesday, December 1, at 7:00 p.m. in the Rich Central Media Center.
Mr. Jasinevicius announced the dates for the 2005 school board election. October 27 is the first day that prospective candidates may circulate nominating petitions for signatures for the April 5, 2005, school board election. January 18 is the first day to file nominating papers for the election, and January 25 is the last day to file nominating papers for the election.
Recognition of Citizens
Mrs. Moore was recognized. She questioned the Board President on the procedures for speaking at Board meetings. Mrs. Owens responded that she will make sure each person is given three minutes to address the Board.
Mr. Pfau was recognized. He talked about the fact that school buses are arriving late with the teams for sporting events. Mrs. Owens responded that Dr. Powell look into the situation.
Mr. Veazey was recognized. He stated that the PTSA members will volunteer to help with the Rich Central graduation. He noted he was encouraged to hear discussion on hiring of minority teachers and vendors.
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Mr. Duffy was recognized. He talked about IIT’s technology programs for students. He noted applications are available.
Mr. Ward was recognized. He stated he is the PTSO President at Rich South, and he invited the Board members to attend PTSO meetings. The next meeting is November 18 at 7:00 p.m. at Rich South.
Mr. Mnyofu was recognized. He thanked Dr. Powell for the requested information on District vendors. He noted that it was his perception that there were no black vendors on the list.
At 10:10 p.m. Mr. Cohn moved and Mr. Jasinevicius seconded the following:
(05-18) It is moved that the Board of Education go into closed session to consider student discipline matters, the possible acquisition of property, and 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, Owens
Nay: None
Motion 05-18 carried.
At 11:00 p.m., Mrs. Brookins moved and Mr. Jasinevicius seconded the following:
(05-19) 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, Burnette, Cohn, Jasinevicius, Owens
Nay: None
Motion 05-19 carried.
11:02 p.m. Mrs. Brookins moved and Mr. Jasinevicius seconded the motion to adjourn. After a voice vote, Mrs. Owens declared the meeting adjourned.
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President Secretary