January 10, 2005
RICH TOWNSHIP HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT 227
BOARD OF EDUCATION MINUTES
JANUARY 10, 2005
The Board of Education of Rich Township High School District 227 met on Monday, January 10, 2005, in the Phoenix Room at the Phoenix Campus, Park Forest, Illinois.
Mrs. Owens called the meeting to order at 7:35 p.m.
Present: Brookins, Brunson Cohn (8:30 p.m.), Jasinevicius, Norwood, Owens
Also Present: Brenda High, Willard High, Thurston Magill, Sheriss Coleman, Naamiya Warner, Thomas Falkenthal, Marvin Webster, Dr. Selma McDonald, Thomas Brim, Mike Curran, Christy Hagemaster, Melanie Czupryn, Judy Lohr, Michael Lopez, K. Dunn (Turner Construction), Jan Coburn, Chris Coburn, C. J. Coburn, Janette Ramos, Lynda Hemmerling(Star Newspapers), Dr. Roudell Kirkwood, Roxie Griffin, Cliff and Robin Moore, Dr. Ronaye Bush, Jeff Craig, Cynthia Pizzimenti, Jeff Huck, Marguerite Adelcap, Bob Kaufmann, Yasir Roundree-Palmer, Lawrence Blackful, Angela Ikezoe, Michael Ikezoe, Maggie Hatchett, Crystal Gladney, Don Pfau, Marianne Asante-Appiah, Leslie Hernandez, Nike Adosokan, Mr. Hunigan, Dr. Brockelman, Mr. Cahill, Mr. Skinner, Mrs. Treichel, and student representatives Rachel Pierce (Central), Fred Williams III (Rich East), Jevon Moore (Rich South), and Brandi Lake (Phoenix Campus).
Acceptance of Resignation
Mrs. Owens requested acceptance of a resignation. Mr. Brunson moved and Mr. Jasinevicius seconded the following:
(05-34) It is moved that the Board of Education accept the resignation of Edwin A. Burnette effective January 7, 2005.
Results of the roll call vote were as follows:
Aye: Brookins, Brunson, Jasinevicius, Norwood, Owens
Nay: None
Motion 05-34 carried.
Appointment of School Board Member
Mrs. Owens requested a motion to appoint a new school board member. Mrs. Norwood moved and Mr. Jasinevicius seconded the following:
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(05-35) It is moved that the Board of Education appoint Rose C. Long to fill the vacant position on the Board until the April, 2005, election.
Results of the roll call vote were as follows:
Aye: Brookins, Brunson, Jasinevicius, Norwood, Owens
Nay: None
Motion 05-35 carried.
Administration of Oath of Office
Ms. Ruth Treichel, as a Notary Public, administered the Oath of Office to the entire Board of Education.
Adoption of Policy Handbooks
Mrs. Owens requested a motion to adopt the policy handbooks. Mr. Jasinevicius moved and Mrs. Brookins seconded the following:
(05-36) It is moved that the Board of Education adopt the Policy Handbooks.
Results of the roll call vote were as follows:
Aye: Brookins, Brunson, Jasinevicius, Long, Norwood, Owens
Nay: None
Motion 05-36 carried.
Adoption of Code of Conduct for Board Members
Mrs. Owens requested a motion to adopt the Code of Conduct for Board Members. Mr. Jasinevicius moved and Mrs. Brookins seconded the following:
(05-37) It is moved that the Board of Education adopt the Code of Conduct for Board Members as will be read.
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Mr. Jasinevicius read the Code of Conduce for Board Members.
Results of the roll call vote were as follows:
Aye: Brookins, Brunson, Jasinevicius, Long, Norwood, Owens
Nay: None
Motion 05-37 carried.
Special Recognition of Dr. Griff Powell, Former Interim Superintendent
Mrs. Owens stated that Dr. Powell could not attend the meeting due to the weather. She noted how much the Board had appreciated his work as interim superintendent for the District. She noted he had done an outstanding job.
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 Coburn 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 Thurston Magill and his parents forward for recognition. She noted the reasons Thurston was being recognized. Thurston was presented with a certificate of achievement from the Board of Education, and Mrs. Pizzimenti took his picture.
Rich East
Mr. Craig was recognized. He called Marianne Asante-Appiah and her parent forward for recognition. He 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 picture. Mr. Craig called Marvin Webster and his parents forward for recognition. He noted the reasons Marvin was being recognized. Marvin was presented with a certificate of achievement from the Board of Education, and Mrs. Pizzimenti took his picture.
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Rich South
Dr. Kirkwood was recognized. He called Jevon Moore and his parents forward for recognition. He noted the reasons Jevon was being recognized. Jevon was presented with a certificate of achievement from the Board of Education, and Mrs. Pizzimenti took his picture. Dr. Kirkwood called Leslie Hernandez and her parents forward for recognition. He noted the reasons Leslie was being recognized. Leslie was presented with a certificate of achievement from the Board of Education, and Mrs. Pizzimenti took her picture. Dr. Kirkwood called Nike Adesokan and his parents forward and noted the reasons Nike was being recognized. Nike was presented with a certificate of achievement from the Board of Education, and Mrs. Pizzimenti took his picture.
Phoenix Campus
Ms. Argue was recognized. She called Sheriss Coleman and her parents forward for recognition. She noted the reasons Sheriss was being recognized. Sheriss was presented with a certificate of achievement from the Board of Education, and Mrs. Pizzimenti took her picture.
Student Representatives
Rachel Pierce, Rich Central’s alternate student representative, Fred M. Williams III, Rich East’s alternate student representative, Jevon Moore, Rich South’s student representative, and Brandi Lake, the Phoenix Campus student representative, reported on what is happening at their campuses.
Special Presentation
Mr. Tom Brim, Director of Special Education for School District 227, gave a Power Point presentation on the number of District students in special education. He stated that there are 606 student in special education this year compared with 557 students in special education during the 2003-2004 school year. There has been a 34% increase in the number of special education students in the District since the 2000-2001 school year. Following the presentation, there was a question and answer period for the Board.
Approval of Consent Agenda
Mrs. Owens asked if there were any additions or deletions to the consent agenda. There being none, Mr. Jasinevicius moved and Mrs. Norwood seconded the following:
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(05-38) It is moved that the Board of Education approve the Consent Agenda items as listed:
a. Minutes of the Policy Committee, Levy Hearing, Regular Meeting and Closed Session of December 13, 2004, as distributed.
- Closed Session Minutes
It is moved that the closed session minutes from June, 2004, through November, 2004, remain closed to the public for privacy reasons.
c. Approval of payroll and bills payable
It is moved that the Board of Education approve the payroll and bills payable dated January 10, 2005, as follows:
Payroll
Gross Payroll December 16, 2004 1,282,050.23
Bills Payable
Education 323,385.24
Operation & Maintenance 167,791.96
Transportation 31,863.51
Site & Construction 16,180.00
Life Safety 20,910.44
Total Bills Payable 560,131.15
d. 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 January 10, 2005, for the Career Preparation Network as follows:
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Payroll
Gross Payroll December 16, 2004 6,137.29
Bills Payable
Education 3,606.14
e. 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 new teaching contracts
It is moved that the President, Secretary and Superintendent be authorized to sign contracts as follows:
Part Time
Karlene Hubbard .2122 of Step 15, MA Lane
Tracy Hill .9061 of Step 1, MA Lane
Phillip Jenicek .2122 of Step 1, BA Lane
Erica Buys .5304 of Step 1, BA Lane
Phanna Chou .5304 of Step 1, BA+15 Lane
Juanita Southern .5304 of Step 1, MA+15 Lane
6th Assignment
Mike Blomarz .1 of Step 15, MA Lane
Amy Paris .1 of Step 3, 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:
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Aye: Brookins, Brunson, Cohn, Jasinevicius, Norwood, Owens
Nay: None
Abstain: Long
Motion 05-38 carried.
Financial Considerations
Mr. Cahill requested approval of a resolution authorizing legal counsel intervention in PTAB cases. Mr. Brunson moved and Mr. Jasinevicius seconded the following:
(05-39) It is moved that the Board of Education adopt the attached resolution authorizing the District’s legal counsel to intervene on the District’s behalf on all matters pertaining to Property Tax Appeal Board (PTAB) cases, subject to advance administrative review, in accordance with Business Office Memorandum 05-36.
Mr. Cahill noted that the District needs to be proactive regarding Property Tax Appeal Board cases, and, without intervention, adverse decisions would most likely result in high tax losses for the District. He noted that legal fees are shared with the foundation districts.
Results of the roll call vote were as follows:
Aye: Brookins, Brunson, Cohn, Jasinevicius, Long, Norwood, Owens
Nay: None
Motion 05-39 carried.
Mr. Cahill requested a motion to adopt the 2005-2006 budget calendar. Mrs. Brookins moved and Mrs. Norwood seconded the following:
(05-40) It is moved that the Board of Education adopt the 2005-2006 Budget Calendar and authorize the Superintendent and Director of Fiscal Services to prepare the Tentative 2005-2006 Budget and make it available for public inspection for a period of not less than 30 days expiring on or before June 20, 2005, in accordance with Business Office Memorandum 05-35.
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Mr. Cahill noted that, new this year on the budget calendar, was the completion of the master schedule by February 7, 2005. This will save the District a significant amount of money by reducing the need for 6th assignment contracts. Mr. Cahill stated that he would be bringing the budget to the Board for adoption at the June 20, 2005, meeting.
Results of the roll call vote were as follows:
Aye: Brookins, Brunson, Cohn, Jasinevicius, Long, Norwood, Owens
Nay: None
Motion 05-40 carried.
Personnel Office Report
Mr. Hunigan introduced Mr. Donald Skinner, the Interim Director of Human Resources. Mr. Skinner told the Board a little about himself, including the fact that he had been Personnel Director for Palatine School District for 30 years. Mr. Skinner noted that he was looking forward to working with the Administrative Staff and the Board.
Mr. Skinner informed the Board that the minimum wage had increased to $6.50 an hour. He noted this will have a very minimal impact on the District.
Report of the Director of Teaching and Learning
Dr. Brockelman reported on the upcoming Institute Day, scheduled for Friday, January 14, 2005, from 8:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. She noted there will be a TEAM approach to the Institute. Teachers and administrative staff will be participating in small groups. Professor Dan Creeley from Northeastern Illinois University will be the facilitator. Dr. Brockelman informed the Board members to let her know if they would like to participate in the group sessions.
Dr. Brockelman also reported on the Prairie State Achievement Exam scores, which are listed on the School Report Cards. She noted that, according to the No Child Left Behind Act, all subgroups in the school, as well as the total population of the school, need to meet the requirements under NCLB Act.
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Committee Reports
Mrs. Norwood reported on the Policy Committee meeting held prior to the Board meeting. She stated that the Policy Committee had discussed a revised “Use of School Facilities” policy and “Suspension” policy. Mrs. Norwood noted she would be bringing these policies to the Board for a first reading in February. In addition, Mrs. Norwood requested a second reading of the policies “Student Social and Emotional Development” and “Student Support Services.” There being no objection, Mrs. Norwood moved and Mrs. Brookins seconded the following:
(05-41) It is moved that the Board of Education adopt for its policy books the following policies as attached: “Student Social and Emotional Development” (new policy)
“Student Support Services” (revised policy)
Results of the roll call vote were as follows:
Aye: Brookins, Brunson, Cohn, Long, Norwood, Owens
Nay: None
Absent: Jasinevicius
Motion 05-41 carried.
Mrs. Owens reminded the Board of the Master Facilities Planning Committee meeting scheduled for Wednesday, January 12, 2005, at 7:30 p.m., Rich Central Media Center.
Mrs. Owens reminded the Board of the Education Committee meeting scheduled for Wednesday, January 12, 2005, at 6:00 p.m., in the Media Center at Rich Central.
Report of the Superintendent
Update on First Days as Superintendent
Mr. Hunigan stated that he has had an exciting 10 days as Superintendent. He noted he will be beginning the process of visiting classrooms and scheduling meetings with students. He will also be meeting with community people in order to get the community involved with the school system.
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New Business
Mr. Brunson informed the Board of the South Cook IASB Legislative Breakfast scheduled for February 5, 2005, beginning at 8:30 a.m., at the Holiday Inn Matteson. Area legislators will be invited to attend.
Recognition of Citizens
Angela Ikezoe was recognized. She asked about the future of the Phoenix Campus. Mrs. Owens responded that no decisions or recommendations have been made. The Board is in the process of exploring options.
Robin Moore was recognized. She spoke regarding issues her child had registering at Rich Central. Mrs. Owens stated she would ask the administration to handle the situation.
Mr. Pilgrim was recognized. He questioned why the District had not hired a coach. Mrs. Owens noted that the Board was not at liberty to discuss personnel matters in open session. She asked the Superintendent to address the issue.
At 9:30 p.m. Mr. Jasinevicius moved and Mrs. Brookins seconded the following:
(05-42) It is moved that the Board of Education go into closed session to consider student discipline matters, to discuss the appointment, employment, discipline, dismissal or compensation of an employee or officer, and to consider negotiations strategies.
Results of the roll call vote were as follows:
Aye: Brookins, Brunson, Cohn, Jasinevicius, Long, Norwood, Owens
Nay: None
Motion 05-42 carried.
At 11:10 p.m. Mr. Jasinevicius moved and Mr. Brunson seconded the following:
(05-43) It is moved that the Board of Education reconvene its regular Board meeting.
Results of the roll call vote were as follows:
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Aye: Brookins, Brunson, Cohn, Jasinevicius, Long, Norwood, Owens
Nay: None
Motion 05-43 carried.
Mr. Cohn moved and Mr. Brunson seconded the following:
(05-44) It is moved that Student “A” discussed in closed session be placed in the R.I.S.E. alternative school for one calendar year.
Results of the roll call vote were as follows:
Aye: Brookins, Brunson, Cohn, Jasinevicius, Long, Norwood, Owens
Nay: None
Motion 05-44 carried.
Mr. Brunson moved and Mrs. Norwood seconded the following:
(05-45) It is moved that Employee “A” discussed in closed session be terminated from employment with Rich Township High School District 227 effective immediately.
Results of the roll call vote were as follows:
Aye: Brookins, Brunson, Cohn, Long, Norwood, Owens
Nay: Jasinevicius
Motion 05-45 carried.
At 11:15 p.m. Mr. Brunson moved and Mrs. Norwood seconded the following:
(05-46) It is moved that the Board of Education recess its Board meeting until January 12, 2005, at 5:45 p.m. in the District Office Board Room.
Results of the roll call vote were as follows:
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Aye: Brookins, Brunson, Cohn, Jasinevicius, Long, Norwood, Owens
Nay: None
Motion 05-46 carried.
_______________________________________ ___________________________________
President Secretary