August 20, 2007

RICH TOWNSHIP HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT 227

 

POLICY COMMITTEE MEETING

AUGUST 20, 2007

 

 

The Policy Committee of the Board of Education of Rich Township High School District 227 met on August 20, 2007, in the Board Room at the District Administrative Center, Olympia Fields, Illinois.

 

Mrs. Upshaw called the meeting to order at 6:42 p.m.

 

Present: Upshaw (Chair), Owens (member)

 

Also Present: Mrs. Moten, Mr. Brunson, Mrs. Martin, Mr. Hunigan, Ms. Newman (Tribune), Mrs. Treichel

 

 

Mrs. Upshaw began the meeting with a discussion of Policy 6.190:  “Extracurricular and Co-Curricular Activities.” 

 

Mr. Hunigan noted that it was discussed with the principals whether the 2.0 grade point requirement was to be expanded to other types of activities such as prom or attendance at athletic events.  He stated that there were some legal implications which the District needs to look into. 

 

Mrs. Upshaw responded that this policy will be placed on a future agenda for follow up.

 

Mrs. Upshaw brought up the District’s immunization policy.  She asked if the District supplied support for students unable to get immunizations completed before the start of school.  She also asked how many children did not meet the immunization requirements. 

 

Mr. Hunigan noted that he does not have the statistics at this time but will work on getting them.  He added that the he will work with some of the health care providers to see about on site opportunities for families to secure immunizations before the start of school.

 

Mrs. Upshaw asked about individuals who are exempt from immunizations. 

 

Mr. Hunigan responded that the homeless are exempt from the requirements.  He added that there are also religious exemptions. 

 

Mrs. Owens noted that the District needs to refine its procedures to include exemptions.

 

Mrs. Moten added that the District should work with the villages to get involved in the process of securing immunizations for all students.  She asked about the number of students who were not able to attend school because they did not have the required immunizations.

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Mr. Hunigan answered that he will have that number in the Board packet this week.

 

Mr. Brunson added that parents can bring their students to the Markham Courthouse Health Clinic to get immunizations.

 

Mrs. Martin stated that information on immunizations is given out in the Spring to all incoming freshman students.  She added that the schools have been honoring the October 15 date for completion of immunizations.

 

Mr. Moten suggested a reminder on required immunizations be brought up at the mandatory meetings.

 

Mrs. Owens added that the District could partner with the foundation schools. 

 

Mr. Brunson asked if this discussion involved policy or procedure.

 

Mrs. Owens noted that the Superintendent is responsible for procedures. 

 

Mrs. Upshaw noted that no changes were needed for Board Policy 7.100 - Health and Dental Examinations, Immunizations, and Exclusion of Students.

 

Mrs. Upshaw brought up the Board’s policy 8.90 - Parent Organizations and Booster Clubs.  She noted that the President of the Board had sent a letter to the President of the Rich Central PTSO.

 

Mr. Brunson stated that the Board’s policy speaks to open enrollment.  He asked if this should be clarified in the policy.

 

Mrs. Upshaw noted that open is defined as paying membership dues.  She added there was confusion as to how the money remitted is given over to the PTSO.

 

Mr. Hunigan noted that the PTSO bylaws need to be clarified.  The grey area is when a person becomes an actual member.  He noted that dues are paid at registration. 

 

Mrs. Owens stated she felt that the PTSO should handle its own money. 

 

Mrs. Moten noted that the policy states the Superintendent shall designate an administrative staff member to serve as the liaison for the PTSO.

 

Mr. Hunigan stated he will do that. 

 

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Mr. Brunson noted that when parents pay at registration, they are given a card saying they are members of the PTSO. 

 

Mr. Hunigan stated that the District needs to get out of collecting money for the PTSO.  In the PTSO bylaws, they need to talk about when one becomes a member. 

 

Mrs. Owens added that the reason the District started collecting the membership dues was to increase the numbers in the PTSO. 

 

There was agreement that the District should get out of collection of the PTSO membership dues. 

Mr. Hunigan noted that he will be meeting with the PTSO groups monthly and will be discussing this topic at the first meeting.

 

Mrs. Upshaw brought up the integration of Board goals into the Board Policy Book.  After discussion, it was recommended that the placing of Board goals and belief statements be added to the Board’s agenda for the September meeting.

 

Mrs. Upshaw noted that a policy should be given to the Superintendent or School Board President if an individual wishes to have the policy reviewed.

 

Mrs. Owens mentioned that there are some revisions in policies regarding Special Education coming up.

 

Mr. Brunson mentioned the Ottoson School Law Conference.  He noted he was going to the conference.  They usually discuss new policies.  Mr. Hunigan added that he also plans to attend the conference.

 

At 7:30 p.m. Mrs. Upshaw adjourned the meeting.

 

 

 

                                                                        ______________________________________

                                                                        Chairperson