November 20, 2006
RICH TOWNSHIP HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT 227
BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING
TO BE HELD AT RICH CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL
3600 WEST 203RD STREET, OLYMPIA FIELDS, IL
NOVEMBER 20, 2006
7:30 P.M.
MINUTES
The Board of Education of Rich Township High School District 227 met on Monday, November 20, 2006, in the Media Center at Rich Central High School, Olympia Fields, Illinois.
Mrs. Owens called the meeting to order at 7:35 p.m. and asked all to stand for the Pledge of Allegiance.
Mrs. Owens requested a roll call.
Present: Brookins, Brunson, Jasinevicius, Moten, Owens
Absent: Cohn, Norwood
Also Present: Mr. Hunigan, Dr. Leak, Dr. McDonald, Mr. Hampton, Mrs. Treichel, Dr. Kirkwood, Mr. Macon, Dr. Craig, Mr. and Mrs. Phillips, Ms. Hagemaster, Ms. High, Ms. Neumann (Tribune), Mr. Kaufmann, Mr. Jones, Ms. Dinwiddie, Mr. Rapp, Mr. Monaco (ISC4), Ms. Jones, Mr. and Mrs. Milligan, Ms. Prather-Hawk, Ms. Hopkins, Ms. Robinson, Mr. Simpkins, Ms. Baecher, Ms. Madison, Mr. and Mrs. Simpkins, Ms. Hill, Ms. Ramey, Ms. Freeman, Ms. Gregor-Whitmire, Mrs. Martin, Mr. Mnyofu, Ms. Terrell, Ms. Washington, Ms. Muhammad, Mr. Veazey, Ms. Smith, Mr. Grace, Mr. Lites, Mr. Woods, Mr. High, and students Phillip Simpkins, Dami Gomih, Taylor Sands, Matt Lagermann, Lorne Boutte, Rahshell Washington, Naja Hawk, Eric Moler, and Brian Terrell.
Recognition of Students
Mr. Hunigan called Mr. Macon forward to recognize students. Mr. Macon asked Dami Gomih and his parents to come forward. He noted Dami was being recognized because she is an exemplary student and is enthusiastic about life. She is highly motivated to be successful. She also starred in the recent Rich Central play.
Mr. Macon called Phillip Simpkins and his parents forward. He noted that Phillip was being recognized because he is highly motivated and talented. He is on Student
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Council and is a Student Ambassador. He also starred in the recent Rich Central play.
Mr. Hunigan called Dr. Craig forward. Dr. Craig asked Taylor Sands and her parents to come forward. He noted that Taylor had a major role in the Rich East play. She was being recognized for her devotion to the theatre.
Dr. Craig asked Matt Lagermann and his parents to come forward. Dr. Craig noted that Matt had had a major role in the Rich East play. He was being recognized for his devotion to the theatre.
Mr. Hunigan called Dr. Kirkwood forward. Dr. Kirkwood asked Lorne Boutte and his parents to come forward. He noted Lorne was being recognized because he was an outstanding golfer and a good citizen at Rich South.
Dr. Kirkwood asked Rahshell Washington and her parents to come forward. He noted Rahshell was being recognized because of her involvement with tennis and track.
Mr. Macon asked Ms. Kylie Gregor Whitmire, a Rich Central teacher, to stand and be recognized for her work when Channel 7 broadcast from Rich Central recently.
Recognition of Teachers
Mr. Macon noted Ms. Candy Dinwiddie, a Rich Central teacher, was being recognized because she is a role model and advocate for her students at Rich Central. She spends many hours above and beyond the regular school day helping her students.
Dr. Craig noted that Ms. Jennifer Christiansen, a Rich East teacher, was being recognized because of her exemplary work in the classroom. In addition Jennifer assists in many functions at Rich East and is working on her Master’s degree.
Dr. Kirkwood noted that Ms. Andrea Clark, a Rich South teacher, was being recognized because she works tirelessly for her students. She is a coach of a sport every season. She is a great role model for the students at Rich South. She is always there for her students.
Student Representatives
Naja Hawk, Rich Central’s student representative, Eric Moler, Rich East’s student representative, and Brian Terrell, Rich South’s student representative, reported on what is happening at their campuses.
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Special Presentations
Math Update
Dr. Leak introduced Mr. Tony Monaco and Ms. Myrna Hill from the Intermediate Service Center 4. Mr. Monaco and Ms. Hill gave a presentation on the District’s Corrective Action Plan in Math. Mr. Monaco noted that they began working with the District in October. He talked about the detracking of Algebra and Geometry. Ms. Hill discussed the implementation of KeyTrain and the addition of external partners – Dr. Tim Kanold and SECME. She noted that the District cares about its students, and it has been a pleasure working with the staff.
Communication Plan for the District 227
Ms. Nikitta Foston, Community Relations/Marketing Coordinator for the District, reported her communication plan for the District. She introduced a 5-step plan:
1. To Inform
2. To Promote
3. To Involve
4. To Create
5. To Build
Board members complimented Ms. Foston on her plan.
Closed Session
At 8:30 p.m. Mr. Jasinevicius moved and Mrs. Brookins seconded the following:
(07-39) It is moved that the Board of Education go into closed session for the appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific employees of the District or legal counsel for the District, including hearing testimony on a complaint lodged against an employee or against legal counsel for the District to determine its validity; and it is moved that the Board of Education go into closed session for litigation, when an action against, affecting or on behalf of the particular District has been filed and is pending before a court or administrative
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tribunal, or when the District finds that an action is probable or imminent, in which case the basis for the finding shall be recorded and entered into the closed meeting minutes.
Results of the roll call vote were as follows:
Aye: Brookins, Brunson, Jasinevicius, Moten, Owens
Nay: None
Motion 07-39 carried.
At 9:15 p.m. Mr. Jasinevicius moved and Mrs. Brookins seconded the following:
(07-40) It is moved that the Board of Education reconvene its regular meeting.
Results of the roll call vote were as follows:
Aye: Brookins, Brunson, Cohn, Jasinevicius, Moten, Owens
Nay: None
Motion 07-40 carried.
Consent Agenda
Mrs. Owens requested approval of the Consent Agenda. Mr. Hunigan noted that Mrs. Margurite Martin’s request for retirement was on the Consent Agenda. He added that Mrs. Martin had given the District 35 years of service. He thanked her for her years of service to the District.
Mr. Hunigan noted that Mr. David Holmes had asked that his retirement request be removed from the Consent Agenda.
Mr. Brunson moved and Mrs. Moten seconded the following:
(07-41) It is moved that the Board of Education approve the Consent Agenda as amended.
a. Approval of the minutes of the regular and closed session
meetings of October 16, 2006; the special meeting of October 16, 2006; the special meeting of October 23, 2006; the Joint Budget and Property Committee meeting of October 23, 2006; the Education Committee
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meeting of November 8, 2006; and the special meeting and closed session of November 13, 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 November 20, 2006,
as follows:
Payroll
Gross Payroll October 25, 2006 1,346,811.29
Gross Payroll November 10, 2006 1,398,267.49
Bills Payable
Education 1,026,516.65
Operations & Maintenance 242,240.65
Capital Project Fund 1,126,390.94
Transportation 141,634.35
Site & Construction 752,140.68
Tort 3,695.35
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 November 20,
2006, for the Career Preparation Network as
follows:
Payroll
Gross Payroll October 25, 2006 4,704.61
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Gross Payroll November 10, 2006 4,704.61
Bills Payable
Education 9,189.44
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 require-
ments of the State of Illinois are met.
e. Approval of teaching contracts
It is moved that the Board of Education approve the
teaching contracts as follows:
6th Assignments
Rich Tarka Step 16, BA+15 Lane
Math, Rich South
Wayne Wirta Step 15, MA Lane
Math, Rich South
Provided all the requirements of the State of
Illinois and the North Central Association
are met.
f. Approval of administrative retirement
Suggested Motion: It is moved that the Board of Education
approve the retirement of administrative
staff member Margurite Martin effective
June 30, 2008.
g. Approval of retirement
Suggested Motion: It is moved that the Board of Education
approve the retirement of certified staff
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member Gary Kirkman effective at the conclusion of the 2006-2007 school year.
h. Approval of Family & Medical Leave and Parental Leave
of Absence
It is moved that the Board of Education approve
the Family and Medial Leave and Parental Leave of
Absence for certificated staff member Kelly Burton
effective November 27, 2006, through May 25,
2007.
i. Approval of Family & Medical Leave and Parental Leave of Absence
It is moved that the Board of Education approve
the Family and Medical Leave and Parental Leave
of Absence for certificated staff member Stephanie Segura effective January 8, 2007, through May 25, 2007.
j. Approval of Parental Leave of Absence
It is moved that the Board of Education approve the
Parental Leave of Absence for certificated staff
member Yvonne Lavin effective January 4, 2007,
through February 17, 2007.
Results of the roll call vote were as follows:
Aye: Brookins, Brunson, Cohn, Jasinevicius, Moten, Owens
Nay: None
Motion 07-41 carried.
Financial Considerations
Mr. Hampton requested approval of 2006 Tentative Tax Levy. He noted that the District is proposing the adoption of a tax levy of $39,065,000, which is 4.9% higher than last year’s tax extension. This is less than 5% so the District does not need to conduct a levy hearing in December. Mr. Brunson moved and Mrs. Moten seconded the following:
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(07-42) It is moved that the Board of Education approve the
Resolution Regarding the Estimated Amounts
necessary to be levied for the year 2006, in
accordance with Business Office Memorandum
07-12.
Results of the roll call vote were as follows:
Aye: Brookins, Brunson, Cohn, Jasinevicius, Moten, Owens
Nay: None
Motion 07-42 carried.
Mr. Hampton requested approval to issue General Obligation Debt Certificates. He noted he was revising the motion to provide for the issue of $32,000,000 General Obligation Debt Certificates, which had been decided at a BINA hearing held earlier in the year. Mr. Jasinevicius had a number of questions regarding the total cost to the District for the preparation of the Debt Certificates. Mr. Coyne responded that the underwriters charge 1% of the total amount of the Certificates. Mrs. Moten moved and Mr. Brunson seconded the following:
(07-43) It is moved that the Board of Education adopt the
“Resolution authorizing and providing for an
Installment Purchase Agreement for the purpose
of paying the cost of purchasing real or personal
property, or both, in and for Township High School
District Number 227, Cook County, Illinois, and
authorizing and providing for the issue of
$32,000,000 General Obligation Debt Certificates
(Limited Tax), Series 2006, of said School District
evidencing the rights to payments under such
Agreement, prescribing the details of the
Agreement and Certificates, and providing for the
Security for and means of payment under the
Agreement of the Certificates,” in accordance with
Business Office Memorandum 07-13.
Results of the roll call vote were as follows:
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Aye: Brookins, Brunson, Cohn Moten, Owens
Nay: Jasinevicius
Motion 07-43 carried.
Mr. Hampton requested approval of a resolution authorizing legal counsel intervention in Property Tax Appeal Board (PTAB) cases. Mr. Jasinevicius asked if there was a minimum amount before legal intervention was requested. Mr. Hampton responded that the minimum amount was $10,000 or more that the District would have to pay back to the appealing party. Mr. Brunson moved and Mrs. Moten seconded the following:
(07-44) It is moved that the Board of Education adopt the
attached resolution authorizing the law firm of
Hauser, Izzo, DeTella & Petrarca, LLC, to intervene
on the District’s behalf on all matters pertaining to
Property Tax Appeals Board (PTAB) cases, subject
to advance administrative review, in accordance
with Business Office Memorandum 07-14.
Results of the roll call vote were as follows:
Aye: Brookins, Brunson, Cohn, Jasinevicius, Moten, Owens
Nay: None
Motion 07-44 carried.
Mr. Hampton requested approval to award the Underwriting Services Agreement jointly to Hutchinson, Shockey, Erley & Company and Loop Capital Markets. Mr. Brunson moved and Mrs. Moten seconded the following:
(07-45) It is moved that the Board of Education award
the Underwriting Services Agreement jointly to Hutchinson, Shockey, Erley & Company (HSE) 50% economics and Loop Capital Markets, 50% economics, in response to the District’s June 29, 2006, Request for Information in accordance with Business Office Memorandum 07-15.
Results of the roll call vote were as follows:
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Aye: Brookins, Brunson, Cohn, Moten, Owens
Nay: Jasinevicius
Motion 07-45 carried.
Mr. Hampton introduced Mr. Nelson High from Gilbane, who gave an update on construction. Mr. High thanked the District custodial staff for all its help. Mr. Hunigan noted that Mr. High had taken some of the District’s students to work with him on the various projects.
Report of the Director of Personnel
Dr. McDonald reported on the Educators’ Job Fair to be held on January 6, 2007, at 9:00 a.m. at Rich South. She also noted that the District would be hiring Ms. Brenda High to help identify scholarships for students and help them complete scholarship information and also to act as the SECME facilitator.
Report of the Executive Director of Teaching and Learning
Dr. Leak reported that she had a meeting with the Foundation Districts regarding offering various courses at the 8th grade level. The Illinois Textbook Loan Program is targeted to serve grades 9 – 12 this year. The District has been allocated additional funds to adopt textbooks. Dr. Leak’s office is cementing enrollment forms for all the District’s schools. The District is also looking into how to offer AP courses to more students.
Summary of Committee Reports
Mr. Jasinevicius reported on the combined Budget/Property Committee of October 23, 2006. Discussed at the meeting were construction projects, the Debt Certificates, and increasing the District’s debt capacity.
Mrs. Brookins reported on the Education Committee meeting of November 8. She noted that the 2.0 Athletic/Activity Requirement, Foundation School Articulation, School Within A School program, and Advanced Placement Academy had been discussed.
Mrs. Moten reported on the Community Relations and Long-Range Planning Committee meeting of November 15, 2006. She noted that four candidates had been interviewed for the position of consultant for the District’s foundation. She noted that one of the consultants could not attend the meeting and had been interviewed by teleconference. Another meeting will be scheduled to interview this individual in person.
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Mr. Cohn noted that all four candidates had been outstanding.
Mr. Cohn reminded the Board of the Technology Committee meeting scheduled for Wednesday, November 29, at 7:00 p.m. in the District Administrative Center.
Special Reports
Board members reported on their attendance at the Joint Conference in Chicago.
Report of the Superintendent
Mr. Hunigan reported on the “Failure Is Not An Option” Conference. A team of teachers from each school had attended the conference. He noted he will be asking staff who attended the conference to give a report.
Mr. Hunigan noted that School Improvement Teams from each school would be attending an audio conference on school improvement to be held on December 12, 2006, sponsored by the Illinois State Board of Education.
Mr. Hunigan reported that he had a meeting with the parent group, principal, and band instructor at Rich East. Rich East should be able to secure band uniforms by the beginning of 2007.
Mr. Hunigan reporting on the hiring of Ms. Brenda High as the scholarship coach and SECME facilitator. He introduced Ms. High to the audience and Board.
Report of the President
Mrs. Owens reminded the Board that the next Board meeting would take place on Monday, December 18, 2006, at Rich South, beginning at 7:30 p.m.
Old Business
Mr. Brunson and Mrs. Owens reported on the proposal the Board is making at the National School Boards Association conference in San Francisco in April 2007. Mrs. Owens noted that the Community Relations Committee and Mr. Brunson are to work on what the presentation is going to look like. A practice run will be held prior to the San Francisco conference.
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Recognition of Citizens
Mr. Mnyofu was recognized. He talked about the Freedom of Information request he had made for the $250 check.
Ms. Evans was recognized. She noted that more discipline was needed among the students at Rich Central.
Ms. Smith was recognized. She talked about the quality of the lunch program.
Mr. Veazey was recognized. He noted the PTSO at Rich Central had concerns about the financial management of funds/accounts at Rich Central. He also asked that the library be open as much as the gymnasium.
Ms. Jones was recognized. She asked about Special Education programs. She recommended there be a Special Education Advisory Board.
Closed Session
At 10:35 p.m. Mrs. Brookins moved and Mr. Jasinevicius seconded the following:
(07-46) It is moved that the Board of Education go into closed session to consider a student discipline matter.
Results of the roll call vote were as follows:
Aye: Brookins, Brunson, Cohn, Jasinevicius, Moten, Owens
Nay: None
Motion 07-46 carried.
At 11:15 p.m. Mrs. Brookins moved and Mr. Jasinevicius seconded the following:
(07-47) It is moved that the Board of Education reconvene its regular meeting.
Results of the roll call vote were as follows:
Aye: Brookins, Brunson, Cohn, Jasinevicius, Moten, Owens
Nay: None
Motion 07-47 carried.
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Mrs. Brookins moved and Mrs. Moten seconded the following:
(07-48) It is moved that Student #1 discussed in closed session be expelled for the remainder of the 2006-2007 school year. Student #1 may attend the R.I.S.E. alternative school for the remainder of the 2006-2007 school year. If Student #1 is not successful at R.I.S.E. for the first semester of the 2006-2007 school year, the student will receive no services for the remainder of the school year.
Results of the roll call vote were as follows:
Aye: Brookins, Brunson, Cohn, Jasinevicius, Moten, Owens
Nay: None
Motion 07-48 carried.
At 11:20 p.m. Mrs. Brookins moved and Mrs. Moten seconded the following:
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(07-49) 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, Owens
Nay: None
Motion 07-49 carried.
_________________________________ ______________________________
President Secretary