March 21, 2005
RICH TOWNSHIP HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT 227
BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING
MONDAY, MARCH 21, 2005
MINUTES
The Board of Education of Rich Township High School District 227 met on Monday, March 21, 2005, in the Media Center at Rich South High School, Richton Park, Illinois.
Mrs. Owens called the meeting to order at 7:35 p.m.
Present: Brookins, Brunson, Cohn, Jasinevicius, Long, Norwood, Owens
Also Present: Mr. Tom Brim, Ms. Robin Moore, Mr. Fred Veazey, Mr. Mike Curran, Ms. Collette Walton, Ms. Carla Moore, Mr. and Mrs. Bill Brazzale, Ms. Brenda High, Mr. Thurston Magill, Mr. Willard High, Ms. Adrienne Harris, Mr. Arrie Christain, Ms. Lynda Hemmerling (Star), Mr. Eddie Mosby, Mr. Jack Mayer, Mr. Kevin Brookins, Mr. Kendall Evans, Mr. Victor Harris, Sr., Ms. Tonya Harris, Ms. Monesha Harris, Ms. Theresa Echols, Ms. LaDonna Swanson, Dr. Roudell Kirkwood, Mrs. Margurite Martin, Dr. Selma McDonald, Mr. Jeff Craig, Mr. Brent Gossett, Mr. Torrance Hill, Mr. Yasir Roundtree-Palmer, Mr. William Brown, Mr. Chris Harris, Ms. Renetta Gossett, Mr. Darryl Gossett, Ms. Maggie Hatchett, Mr. Sylvester Pilgrim, Mr. Komaa Mnyofu, and student representatives Brandi Lake (Phoenix), Delundon Spearman (Central), and Christopher Harris (alternate South).
Recognition of Students
Rich Central
Mrs. Owens recognized Dr. McDonald, who called the Rich Central High School Jazz Band forward for recognition. Dr. McDonald noted the outstanding awards which the Jazz Band had received. The Board congratulated the Band on its awards, and Mrs. Pizzimenti took the Band’s picture.
Rich East
Mrs. Owens recognized Mr. Craig, who called Ross Brazzale and Monesha Harris forward for recognition. He read a paragraph about each student, noting the reasons they were being recognized. The Board congratulated the students and their pictures were taken.
Rich South
Mrs. Owens recognized Dr. Kirkwood, who called Adrienne Harris and Krystina Allbritton forward for recognition. He read a paragraph about each student, noting the reasons they were being recognized. The Board congratulated the students and their pictures were taken.
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Phoenix Campus
Mrs. Owens recognized Mrs. Martin, who called Evan Mosby forward for recognition. She read a paragraph about Evan, noting the reasons he was being recognized. The Board congratulated Evan and his picture was taken.
Student Representatives
Delundon Spearman, Rich Central’s student representative, Brandi Lake, the Phoenix Campus student representative, and Christopher Harris, the alternate student representative from Rich South, reported on what is happening at their campuses.
Closed Session
At 8:00 p.m. Mr. Cohn moved and Mrs. Norwood seconded the following:
(05-62) It is moved that the Board of Education go into closed session for the appointment, employment, discipline, dismissal or compensation of an employee or officer.
Results of the roll call vote were as follows:
Aye: Brookins, Brunson, Cohn, Jasinevicius, Long, Norwood, Owens
Nay: None
Motion 05-62 carried.
At 8:30 p.m. Mr. Cohn moved and Mrs. Norwood seconded the following:
(05-63) 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, Long, Norwood, Owens
Nay: None
Motion 05-63 carried.
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Mrs. Owens recognized Ms. Rich, who reported on the District’s Mentoring Program. She introduced LaDonna Swanson, who is the mentor coordinator from Rich East. Ms. Rich noted that there were 50 new full-time teachers in the District this year, most of whom are teachers directly out of college. There was discussion on the mentoring program, and Board members asked Ms. Rich questions on the program.
Mrs. Owens recognized Dr. Brockelman, who reported on the District Improvement Plan. She noted that the Improvement Plan is a road map for the District and part of a bigger map called the Strategic Plan. There was discussion and a question/answer period on the District Improvement Plan. Dr. Brockelman noted that this plan was not the finished product.
Mr. Brunson moved and Mrs. Long seconded the following:
(05-63) It is moved that the Board of Education accept the District Improvement Plan as submitted.
Results of the roll call vote were as follows:
Aye: Brookins, Brunson, Cohn, Jasinevicius, Long, Norwood, Owens
Nay: None
Motion 05-63 carried.
Approval of Consent Agenda
Mrs. Owens asked if any Board members wished to make any changes to the consent agenda. Mr. Jasinevicius removed #j and #k from the consent agenda. Mr. Brunson moved and Mrs. Brookins seconded the following:
(05-64) It is moved that the Board of Education approve the Consent Agenda items as listed with the removal of #j and #k.
- Approval of the minutes of the Technology Committee meeting of February 16, 2005; the Budget and Finance Committee meeting, the regular Board meeting, and closed session of February 21, 2005; the Special meeting and closed session of February 26, 2005; the Special meeting and closed session of February 27, 2005; and the Special meeting and closed session of March 4, 2005; as distributed.
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b. Approval of payroll and bills payable
It is moved that the Board of Education approve the payroll and bills payable dated March 21, 2005, as follows:
Payroll
Gross Payroll February 25, 2005 1,332,610.29
Gross Payroll March 10, 2005 1,212,615.53
Bills Payable
Education 529,126.99
Operation & Maintenance 347,124.11
Tort 1,469.51
Transportation 247,853.38
Site & Construction 17,647.00
Life Safety 17,793.83
Total Bills Payable 1,161,014.82
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 March 21, 2005, for the Career Preparation Network as follows:
Payroll
Gross Payroll February 25, 2005 6,137.29
Gross Payroll March 16, 2005 6,137.29
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Bills Payable
Education 4,334.95
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 Family and Medical Leave/Parental Leave
It is moved that the Board of Education approve the request of certificated staff member Karen Cash for a Family and Medical Leave/Parental Leave for the first semester of the 2005-2006 school year.
- Approval of Appointment of Director of Human Resources
It is moved that the Board of Education approve the appointment of Dr. Selma McDonald as the Director of Human Resources beginning July 1, 2005.
- Approval of Resolution Authorizing Dismissal and Non-Renewal of Part-Time Probationary Teachers
It is moved that the Board of Education approve the Resolution Authorizing Dismissal and Non-Renewal of Part-Time Probationary Teachers as distributed.
- Approval of Resolution Authorizing Dismissal and Non-Renewal of First Year Probationary Teachers
It is moved that the Board of Education approve the Resolution Authorizing Dismissal and Non-Renewal of First Year Probationary Teachers as distributed.
Minutes
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i. Approval of Resolution Authorizing Dismissal and Non-Renewal of a Fourth Year Probationary Teacher
It is moved that the Board of Education approve the Resolution Authorizing Dismissal and Non-Renewal of a Fourth Year Probationary Teacher as distributed.
l. Approval of resignations
It is moved that the Board of Education approve the resignation of certificated staff members James Irwin and Barry Jones effective at the conclusion of the 2004-2005 school year.
Results of the roll call vote were as follows:
Aye: Brookins, Brunson, Cohn, Jasinevicius, Long, Norwood, Owens
Nay: None
Motion 05-65 carried.
Mr. Brunson moved and Mrs. Long seconded the following:
(05-66) It is moved that the Board of Education, as administrative district for the Career Preparation Network, approve the retirement of Thomas R. Hysell, Director, effective June 29, 2005.
Results of the roll call vote were as follows:
Aye: Brookins, Brunson, Cohn, Long, Norwood, Owens
Nay: Jasinevicius
Motion 05-66 carried.
Mr. Brunson moved and Mrs. Norwood seconded the following:
(05-67) It is moved that the Board of Education, as administrative district for the Career Preparation Network, approve the Amended Contract of Employment for the Director of the South Suburban Career Preparation Network, Thomas R. Hysell, as attached.
Minutes
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Results of the roll call vote were as follows:
Aye: Brookins, Brunson, Cohn, Long, Norwood, Owens
Nay: Jasinevicius
Motion 05-67 carried.
Financial Considerations
Mr. Hunigan requested approval of student fees for the 2005-2006 school year. He noted that the athletic/activity fee had been incorporated into the general student fee, and the Driver’s Education Behind the Wheel fee had been increased to $112.00 as per the task force recommendation.
Mr. Brunson moved and Mrs. Long seconded the following:
(05-68) It is moved that the Board of Education approve the “Student Fee Schedule” for the 2005-2006 school year as presented for Rich Central, Rich East, Rich South, and the Phoenix Campuses in accordance with Business Office Memorandum 05-47.
Results of the roll call vote were as follows:
Aye: Brookins, Brunson, Cohn, Jasinevicius, Long, Norwood, Owens
Nay: None
Motion 05-68 carried.
Committee Reports
Mrs. Norwood requested a first reading of a proposed policy, “Students with Disabilities - Graduation.” Mr. Brim noted that this policy gives a student with an individualized education program the right to graduate with his/her class after four years of high school even though the student has not completed his/her high school education. There being no objections, a first reading of the policy was held.
Mrs. Norwood noted that the Policy Committee had discussed the “Use of School Facilities” policy. The Committee had decided to eliminate #e under Rental Classifications and Restrictions. A revised policy will be on the April agenda for a first reading.
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Mrs. Norwood requested a second reading of Policy #5.130 - “Suspension.” There being no objections, a second reading was held. Following the second reading, Mr. Brunson moved and Mrs. Long seconded the following:
(05-69) It is moved that the Board of Education adopt the following revised policy into its policy books:
Policy 5.130 - Suspension
Results of the roll call vote were as follows:
Aye: Brookins, Brunson, Cohn, Jasinevicius, Long, Norwood, Owens
Nay: None
Motion 05-69 carried.
Mr. Cohn and Mrs. Norwood scheduled a joint Education Committee meeting and Policy Committee meeting for April 25, 2005, at 6:30 p.m. at Rich East High School.
Special Reports
Mr. Brunson reported on the Scariano School Law Conference held February 26, 2005. He noted it had been a very informative conference, but he felt that District administrators should attend the conference. Mr. Jasinevicius noted that he concurred with this suggestion.
Mrs. Owens reported on the Snowball 1 closing ceremonies held March 13, 2005. She noted that she was truly in awe of the spirit of the students and the enthusiasm expressed.
Mr. Hunigan mentioned that Mr. Burnette had received special recognition at Snowball 1.
Mrs. Norwood reported on the Board Retreat. She stated that the Board members had discussed school climate. She commended the students of the District for their behavior at the time of a crisis. Mr. Cohn noted that he would like the Board members to carry the message to the students about how proud the Board is of them for the way they handled themselves during the situation involving a Lincoln-Way Board member.
Report of the Superintendent
Mr. Hunigan requested approval of the 2005-2006 school calendar. Mr. Brunson moved and Mrs. Brookins seconded the following:
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(05-70) It is moved that the Board of Education approve the school calendar for 2005-2006 as presented.
Mr. Hunigan noted that District 227's winter break corresponds with the foundation schools’ winter break.
Results of the roll call vote were s follows:
Aye: Brookins, Brunson, Cohn, Jasinevicius, Long, Norwood, Owens
Nay: None
Motion 05-70 carried.
Mr. Hunigan requested approval of the discipline section of the Parent/Student Handbook. He recognized Mrs. Martin, chair of the discipline sub-committee, who explained the various changes which were being recommended for the handbook. Mrs. Brookins questioned not letting male students wear earrings. Mrs. Owens noted that the Policy Committee will discuss this issue in the future. Mr. Hunigan noted that, in the future, the Policy Committee should make the recommendations for the discipline section of the handbook. Mr. Brunson moved and Mrs. Norwood seconded the following:
(05-71) It is moved that the Board of Education approve changes to the discipline section of the Parent/Student Handbook for the 2005-2006 school year as attached.
Results of the roll call vote were as follows:
Aye: Brookins, Brunson, Cohn, Jasinevicius, Long, Norwood, Owens
Nay: None
Motion 05-71 carried.
Mr. Hunigan introduced Dr. Selma McDonald as the new Director of Human Resources for the District beginning July 1, 2005.
Report of the President
Mrs. Owens reminded the Board that the next regular Board meeting would take place on Monday, April 25, 2005, at 7:30 p.m. in the Rich East Media Center.
Minutes
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Mrs. Owens reminded the Board of the Special Meeting scheduled for Thursday, April 21, 2005, at 7:30 p.m. to canvass the election and reorganize the board. This meeting will be held in the Rich Central Media Center.
Mrs. Owens reminded the Board of the sign-up sheet going around for the Illinois Association of School Boards Spring Dinner Meeting, scheduled for Wednesday, March 30, 2005, at 6:00 p.m. at the Double Tree Hotel, Alsip.
Mrs. Owens reminded the Board of the sign-up sheet going around for the SCOPE Dinner/Meeting scheduled for Wednesday, April 27, 2005, at 6:30 p.m., at the Double Tree Hotel, Alsip.
Mrs. Owens reminded the Board of the National School Board Association Conference, which will take place April 15 - 18, 2005.
Mrs. Owens reminded the Board and audience of the School Board elections Tuesday, April 5, 2005.
Recognition of Citizens
Mr. Veazey was recognized. He noted the Rich Central PTSA would have liked to have given input into the Discipline Sub-Committee’s decisions on the Parent/Student Handbook.
Mr. Veazey reminded the Board of the candidate forum scheduled for Thursday, March 24, at Rich Central.
Mr. Mnyofu was recognized. He questioned whether the earring policy extended to staff members also.
Mrs. Moore was recognized. She thanked the Board for paying attention to the Rich Central PTSA.
At 10:30 p.m., Mrs. Long moved and Mrs. Norwood seconded the following:
(05-72) It is moved that the Board of Education adjourn its 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 05-72 carried.
_____________________________________ ___________________________________
President Secretary