July 17, 2006
RICH TOWNSHIP HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT 227
BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING
JULY 17, 2006
MINUTES
The Board of Education of Rich Township High School District 227 met on Monday, July 17, 2006, in the Board Room at the District Administrative Center, Olympia Fields, Illinois.
Mrs. Owens called the meeting to order at 7:40 p.m. and asked everyone to stand for the Pledge of Allegiance.
Present: Brookins, Brunson, Cohn, Jasinevicius, Moten, Norwood, Owens
Also Present: Mr. Hunigan, Mr. Hampton, Dr. McDonald, Mrs. Treichel, Mr. Ducat, Mr. Kredens, Ms. Smith, Ms. Baio, Ms. High, Ms. April, Ms. Gregor-Whitmire, Ms. Freeman, Ms. Dinwiddie, Mr. Marshall, Mr. O’Sullivan, Mr. O’Brien, Ms. Moore, Ms. Gladney, Ms. Milligan, Ms. Fletcher, Ms. Anderson, Ms. Wozny, Mr. Hoffman, Mr. Reyes, Ms. Sokol, Mr. Mnyofu, Ms. Rich, Ms. Nulty, Mr. Wilson, Mr. Paige, Ms. Phillips, Ms. Farr, Mr. Hooks, Dr. Kirkwood, Mr. and Mrs. Veazey, Mr. and Mrs. Walker, Mr. and Mrs. Mathias, Mr. Oliver, Ms. Moreland, Mr. Im, Ms. Willis, Mr. Hemingway, Ms. Madison, Ms. Stovall-Henderson, Ms. Long, Dr. Craig
Mrs. Owens requested a moment of silence in memory of Melanie Czupryn, a staff member who had recently passed away.
Recognition of Citizens
Mrs. Owens recognized citizens who had filled out comment cards.
Ms. Javonna Smith was recognized. She spoke on what had happened at the last Board meeting regarding a confrontation. She noted that Board members are voted into their positions by the community.
Mr. Mnyofu was recognized. He stated that it was his opinion that a staff member made an unlawful intrusion into his son’s file. He has forwarded the information to his attorneys. He also stated that he had information that the District made a campaign contribution. He asked for more information on this contribution.
Ms. Long was recognized. She asked about the budget for the upcoming school year. She said she had been informed that there was a reduction of 25% for each school’s budget. She wanted to know if instructional programs had been cut. She also asked about the position of Director of Teaching and Learning. Had it been changed to Executive Director? Was there a change in job requirements and salary?
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Mrs. Owens noted that the position will not be an Assistant Superintendent position. She asked Ms. Long to make an appointment with the Superintendent to talk with him about the position.
Mr. Veazey was recognized. He noted that the PTSO has voiced concerns on the hiring process. Members of the PTSO have not been invited to serve on any committees.
Mr. Walker was recognized. He noted that he did not have a good feel about the process.
Ms. Sokol was recognized. She noted that the Village of Olympia Fields wants to support higher achievement in education by appointing an education commission. She stated she hoped this would be discussed at tonight’s Board meeting.
Mrs. Owens responded that the District is in consultation with its attorneys. The District will let her know when the meeting is set. It will be before the August Board meeting.
Ms. Walker was recognized. She stated that she was threatened at the last Board meeting and she did not feel anyone came to her defense.
Mrs. Norwood noted that derogatory comments were made toward the Board and the staff member. The two people were separated. She asked if anyone had talked to the Superintendent in the last 30 days regarding the situation.
Mr. Hunigan withdrew the motion regarding the Executive Director of Teaching and Learning from the agenda stating that it had not been properly posted.
Special Presentation
Ms. McIvor and Mr. Photakis gave a presentation on the construction at Rich East. Ms. McIvor noted that she will go into more detail on the construction at a Property Committee meeting.
Mr. Cohn asked if the new computers at Rich East will have sufficient electrical. Ms. McIvor responded that they will.
At 8:10 p.m. Mr. Cohn moved and Mr. Jasinevicius seconded the following:
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(07-01) It is moved that the Board of Education go into closed session to discuss
negotiations strategies and to discuss pending litigation.
Results of the roll call vote were as follows:
Aye: Brookins, Brunson, Cohn, Jasinevicius, Moten, Norwood, Owens
Nay: None
Motion 07-01 carried.
At 8:55 p.m. Mr. Cohn moved and Mrs. Brookins seconded the following:
(07-02) 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, Moten, Norwood, Owens
Nay: None
Motion 07-02 carried.
Mrs. Owens requested approval of the Consent Agenda. Mr. Cohn moved and Mrs. Brookins seconded the following:
(07-03) It is moved that the Board of Education approve the Consent Agenda items as listed.
A. Approval of the minutes of the Budget and Finance Committee meeting and the Technology Committee meeting of June 14, 2006; the regular meeting and closed session (two sessions) meetings of June 19, 2006; the Property Committee meeting of June 19, 2006; the Policy Committee meeting of June 21, 2006; and the Personnel Committee (regular and closed session) meetings of June 26, 2006; as distributed.
B. Approval of payroll and bills payable
It is moved that the Board of Education approve the payroll and bills payable dated July 17, 2006, as follows:
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Payroll
Gross Payroll June 22, 2006 3,930,171.67
Gross Payroll July 10, 2006 289,267.33
Bills Payable
Education 199,639.14
Operation and Maintenance 141,003.34
Transportation 2,073.44
Tort 82.00
Site & Construction 38,191.87
Special End of Year Bills Payable (June 27, 2006)
Education 182,810.80
Operation & Maintenance 6,209.87
Transportation 291,130.88
Site & Construction 614.96
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 July 17, 2006, for the Career Preparation Network as follows:
Payroll
Gross Payroll June 22, 2006 4,519.75
Gross Payroll July 8, 2006 1,624.21
Bills Payable
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Education 1,195.00
Special End of Year Bills Payable (June 27, 2006)
Education 9,051.41
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.
E. Approval of new teaching contracts
It is moved that the Board of Education approve teaching contracts as follows:
Full Time 2006-2007 Step and Lane
Sara April Step 1, BA Lane LA
Amy Baio Step 1, BA Lane LA
Myra Fletcher Step 8, MA+30 Ln Math
Michael Hoffman Step 2, MA Lane Sp. Ed.
Joseph Hooks Step L, MA Lane Math
Young Im Step 1, BA Lane Math
George Leonard Step 4, MA Lane Soc. Studies
Angela Martinez Step 1, MA Lane Math
Brenna Moreland Step 1, MA Lane LA
Mason Newell Step 4, MA Lane Sp. Ed.
Yvonne O’Connell Step 2, MA Lane Science
Katherine Phillips Step 2, BA Lane Math
Pablo Reyes Step 1, MA Lane Math
Lawrence Robinson Step 6, MA Lane Choral
Audrey Smith Step 5, MA Lane Sp. Ed.
LaTricia Varnado Step 1, MA Lane LA
Keisha Willis Step 6, MA+30 Lane LA
Part Time 2006-2007 Step and Lane
Karen Cash Step 11, BA Lane Sp. Ed.
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Provided all the requirements of the State of Illinois and the North Central Association are met.
F. Acceptance of resignation
It is moved that the Board of Education accept the resignation of administrative staff member John Navickas effective July 10, 2006
G. Acceptance of resignations
It is moved that the Board of Education accept the resignations of certificated staff members Elizabeth Hamann, Amy Hannon, Joseph Malizia, Timothy Cyborski and Nancy Roach effective at the conclusion of the 2005-2006 school year.
H. Approval of Head Basketball Coach for Rich Central
It is moved that the Board of Education approve the hiring of Michael Curta as the Head Basketball Coach for Rich Central High School for the 2006-2007 school year.
I. Closed session minutes and audio tapes
It is moved that the closed session minutes and audio tapes of the closed session meetings from December, 2005, through June, 2006, remain closed to the public for privacy reasons.
J. Approval of membership in South Cooperative Organization for Public Education (SCOPE)
It is moved that the Board of Education approve the membership of Rich Township High School District 227 in South Cooperative Organization for Public Education for 2006-2007.
K. Approval of Boys’ Cooperative Tennis Program
It is moved that the Board of Education approve a cooperative tennis program with Rich Central, Rich East, and Rich South with the program being held at Rich South beginning with the 2006-2007 school year.
L. Removal of the District Boys’ Gymnastics Program
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It is moved that the Board of Education remove the District Boys’ Gymnastics Program from its available extracurricular programs beginning with the 2006-2007 school year.
Results of the roll call vote were as follows:
Aye: Brookins, Cohn, Jasinevicius, Moten, Norwood, Owens
Nay: None
Abstain: Brunson
Motion 07-03 carried.
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6. Financial Considerations
Mr. Hampton requested approval to hire Gilbane as the Construction Manager for
Phase I. Mr. Cohn amended the motion as follows:
It is moved that the Board of Education “Approve the hiring of Gilbane Building Company as the Construction Manager for
all of Phase I of the project, additions and renovations to existing Rich East, Rich South and Rich Central High Schools, in the following
amounts: Pre-Construction Phase Service Fee of $320,000 and Construction Phase Service Fee of $2,264,151,” in accordance with Business Office Memorandum 07-02 and in accordance with further legal review by our attorneys.
Mr. Cohn moved and Mrs. Brookins seconded the motion as amended:
(07-04) It is moved that the Board of Education “Approve the hiring of Gilbane Building Company as the Construction Manager for
all of Phase I of the project, additions and renovations to existing Rich East, Rich South and Rich Central High Schools, in the following
amounts: Pre-Construction Phase Service Fee of $320,000 and Construction Phase Service Fee of $2,264,151,” in accordance with Business Office Memorandum 07-02 and in accordance with further legal review by our attorneys.
Results of the roll call vote were as follows:
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Aye: Brookins, Brunson, Cohn, Jasinevicius, Moten, Norwood, Owens
Nay: None
Motion 07-04 carried.
Mr. Hampton requested the award of bid for transportation services. Mr. Brunson moved and Mrs. Brookins seconded the following:
(07-05) It is moved that the Board of Education “Approve the hiring of Kickert, Paige and Illinois School Bus Joint Venture for Transportation Services for the 2006-07, 2007-08 and 2008-09 school years,” in accordance with Business Office Memorandum 07-01.
Results of the roll call vote were as follows:
Aye: Brookins, Brunson, Cohn, Jasinevicius, Moten, Norwood, Owens
Nay: None
Motion 07-05 carried.
Mr. Cohn asked to lay on the table #6C until a Technology Committee meeting could be scheduled. Mr. Cohn moved and Mrs. Brookins seconded the following:
(07-06) It is moved that the Board of Education lay on the table the Award of Bid, Computer Systems until a Technology Committee meeting has been scheduled.
Results of the roll call vote were as follows:
Aye: Brookins, Brunson, Cohn, Jasinevicius, Moten, Norwood, Owens
Nay: None
Motion 07-06 carried.
Personnel Office Report
Dr. McDonald introduced the new members of the teaching staff. She commended the building principals on securing the staff. Dr. McDonald noted that the new staff reception is scheduled for September 18, 2006, at 6:15 p.m. at Rich Central.
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Dr. McDonald noted she would put the status of resignations in the weekly Board packet.
Mr. Cohn welcomed all the new teachers. He noted that the District staff has the student’s best interests at heart.
Mr. Hunigan reinstated #7B – Administrative Contract—back on the agenda. He noted that the position had been properly posted on the web site. He added that the nature of the position had not changed – just the administrative structure. Mr. Brunson moved and Mrs. Norwood seconded the following:
(07-07) It is moved that the Board of Education approve the Twelve Month Administrative Contract for Dr. Donna Simpson Leak as the Executive Director for Teaching and Learning for District 227 beginning July 1, 2006.
Results of the roll call vote were as follows:
Aye: Brunson, Cohn, Jasinevicius, Norwood, Owens
Nay: Moten
Abstain: Brookins
Motion 07-07 carried.
Summary of Committee Reports
Mrs. Norwood reported on the Policy Committee of June 21, 2006. She noted that the Policy Committee is reviewing a draft of a new policy book.
Mrs. Norwood requested a first reading of a proposed 2.0 Athletic/Activity Policy (6.160). She noted that students will need to have a 2.0 grade point average in order to participate in athletics or activities.
Mr. Cohn noted that all athletes should understand that they are eligible to play the first quarter of the new year.
Mr. Hunigan stated that the District will begin study tables for the students. This policy is not meant to exclude anyone from participating. The District wants to raise its standards. The District will begin providing services to the students so that they can maintain the 2.0 grade point average.
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Mr. Cohn noted that Dr. McDonald had reported on the Personnel Committee meeting during her report.
Mrs. Norwood reminded the Board of the Policy Committee meeting scheduled for Friday, July 28, at 8:00 a.m. in the District Administrative Center.
Report of the Superintendent
Mr. Hunigan reported on the mandatory meetings. He noted that parents/guardians of freshman, sophomore and transfer students as well as the students needed to attend these meetings. The dates are listed on the District’s web site.
Mr. Hunigan noted the dates and times for registration for the 2006-2007 school year.
Mr. Hunigan and various Board members reported on their attendance at the SECME program. Mrs. Brookins stated that the concept of how students are taught needs to be revamped. She would like math and science teachers to attend the next Education Committee meeting.
Mrs. Owens added that the organization is asking to partner with our District.
Mrs. Moten scheduled a Community Relations and Long-Range Planning Committee meeting for July 24 at 6:00 p.m. at the District Administrative Center. She noted that one of the topics to be discussed is the Foundation for the District.
Mr. Hunigan noted that the District is looking to institute a new attendance policy. He stated that students need to be at school on a regular basis. Mr. Hunigan introduced Mrs. Martin, who informed the Board of the committee’s work.
Mr. Cohn added that the District needs to add extra incentives during the winter months to keep the students involved. He also stated that the District needs to let parents know they are part of the team regarding attendance.
Report of the President
Mrs. Owens reminded the Board that the next regular Board meeting was scheduled for August 21, 2006, at 7:30 p.m. in the District Administrative Center.
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Mrs. Owens reminded the Board of the Board Retreat on August 5, 2006, from 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. in the District Administrative Center.
Old Business
Mr. Jasinevicius brought up the tax situation on the cooperatives in Park Forest. He noted that the District should get an independent appraisal.
Mrs. Owens stated the Board will need to discuss all the options.
Mrs. Brookins asked for an update on residency – how residence checks are going to be handled. She scheduled an Education Committee meeting for August 10 at 6:00 p.m. in the District Administrative Center.
Mrs. Brookins noted that she would like to discuss the student exit surveys at the next Education Committee meeting.
Mr. Cohn scheduled a Technology Committee meeting for July 21 at 5:00 p.m. in the District Administrative Center.
Mr. Jasinevicius scheduled a Property Committee meeting on July 24 at 7:00 p.m. in the District Administrative Center.
Recognition of Citizens
Ms. High was recognized. She spoke in support of the 2.0 eligibility requirement for students to participate in sports and activities. She also noted that college grants are available for students with a major in math and science.
Mrs. Veazey was recognized. She noted she was disappointed in the way the Executive Director for Teaching and Learning was hired.
Mr. Veazey was recognized. He stated he had concerns about the process of hiring the Executive Director for Teaching and Learning.
Mrs. Owens noted that the Board cannot share personnel items with the public.
Mrs. Norwood noted that she was meeting with the Superintendent on July 18. She invited Mr. and Mrs. Veazey to join her.
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Mr. Jasinevicius noted that the Superintendent should be able to hire his own staff.
Mr. Veazey asked for the process that is followed when an administrator is hired.
Mrs. Owens stated that the process will be available at the next Board meeting.
Mrs. Brookins added that members of the Personnel Committee do sit in on interviews.
Mr. Walker was recognized. He stated he did not understand why the title of the position had been changed.
Ms. Long was recognized. She stated it is the perception that the community is talking about. The Board needs to see what students are doing in the buildings.
Mrs. Owens suggested that Ms. Long make an appointment to talk to the Superintendent.
At 10:25 p.m. Mrs. Moten moved and Mrs. Brookins seconded the following:
(07-08) It is moved that the Board of Education go into closed session to discuss negotiations strategies and to discuss pending litigation.
Results of the roll call vote were as follows:
Aye: Brookins, Brunson, Cohn, Jasinevicius, Moten, Norwood, Owens
Nay: None
Motion 07-08 carried.
At 10:45 p.m. Mrs. Moten moved and Mrs. Brookins seconded the following:
(07-09) 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, Moten, Norwood, Owens
Nay: None
Motion 07-09 carried.
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At 10:46 p.m. Mrs. Moten moved and Mrs. Brookins seconded the following:
(07-10) It is moved that the Board of Education adjourn its meeting.
Results of the roll call vote were as follows:
Aye: Brookins, Brunson, Cohn, Jasinevicius, Moten, Norwood, Owens
Nay: None
Motion 07-10 carried.
________________________________________ ______________________________
President Secretary