June 18, 2007
RICH TOWNSHIP HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT 227
BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING
MINUTES
JUNE 18, 2007
The Board of Education of Rich Township High School District 227 met on Monday, June 18, 2007, in the Board Room at the District Administrative Center, Olympia Fields, Illinois.
Mr. Brunson called the meeting to order at 7:35 p.m. He requested everyone to stand for the Pledge of Allegiance.
Present: Brookins, Imoukhuede, Moten, Norwood, Owens, Upshaw, Brunson
Also Present: Ms. Gladney, Mr. Key, Ms. Toth, Mr. Abrams, Mr. Sterling, Mr. Rainey, Mr. Jones, Ms. Christain, Ms. Conrad, Ms. Stokes, Mr. Milligan, Ms. Cotton-Ramey, Ms. High, Dr. Kirkwood, Dr. Leak, Mr. Pfau, Ms. Ellis-Bowen, Ms. Malak, Ms. Bailey, Mr. Veazey, Dr. McDonald, Ms. Tucker, Mr. Johnson, Mr. and Mrs. Brazzale, Ms. Madison, Mr. Mnyofu, Mr. and Mrs. Kriha, Mr. Dandridge, Mrs. Martin, Mr. Hunigan, Mr. Hampton, Mrs. Treichel
Recognition of Citizens (Public Forum)
Mr. Veazey was recognized. He asked for information on why the old administrative system was scrapped and the new system put in place, the differences between the old system and the new system and the process for filling the new administrative positions.
Special Presentations
Mrs. Moten, as Vice President of the Board of Education, read the certificates for the newly elected Board members from the Cook County Clerk’s Office. She then presented the certificates to Jacqueline Upshaw, Emmanuel A. Imoukhuede, and W.A. (Tony) Brunson.
Mr. Lim from Gilbane Construction, presented engraved shovels to former Board members Jeff Cohn and Paul Jasinevicius and to those sitting Board members who were not able to attend the groundbreaking ceremonies – Yvette Moten, Melonese Brookins, Emmanuel A. Imoukhuede, Jacqueline Upshaw, and Sonya Norwood. Mr. Lim thanked the Board members for their support of the construction projects for the District.
Mr. Dandridge and Mr. Key gave a presentation on the new Rich Central webstreaming station WGORC. Questions were asked about how to get information on this webstation
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out to the community. Mr. Hunigan noted that Ms. Foston will be a key player regarding this.
Ms. High gave the Board an update on scholarships for students. She noted that District students had received over $4,000,000 in scholarships. Marcus Johnson, a student at Rich South, and his father spoke on how Ms. High had helped in securing scholarships for Marcus.
Ms. High talked about working with the students from their freshman year through their senior year. She asked the Board members to continue to send her e-mails on scholarship opportunities.
Approval of Consent Agenda
Mr. Brunson asked for approval of the Consent Agenda. Mrs. Owens moved and Mrs. Norwood seconded the motion to approve the Consent Agenda. Mr. Imoukhuede asked that Item 5J. be removed from the Consent Agenda. Mrs. Owens amended her motion and moved that the Consent Agenda be approved with Item 5J. removed from it. Mrs. Norwood seconded the following:
(07-130) It is moved that the Board of Education approve the Consent Agenda items as listed minus Item #5J:
A. Approval of the minutes of the regular meeting and closed session meetings of May 21, 2007, the Education Committee meeting of June 5, 2007, the Personnel Committee regular meeting and closed session of June 7, 2007, and the Budget and Finance committee meeting of June 11, 2007, as distributed.
B. Approval of payroll and bills payable
It is moved that the Board of Education approve the payroll and bills payable dated June 18, 2007, as follows:
Payroll
Gross Payroll May 25, 2007 1,433,447.79
Gross Payroll June 7, 2007 1,387,720.69
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Bills Payable
Education 641,401.90
Operation and Maintenance 148,157.18
Capital Project Fund 421,296.56
Transportation 273,760.20
Tort 248.00
Site & Construction 315.10
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 June 18, 2007, for the Career Preparation Network as follows:
Payroll
Gross Payroll May 25, 2007 4,704.61
Gross Payroll June 7, 2007 4,704.61
Bills Payable
Education 221,280.40
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 prevailing wage rates
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It is moved that the Board of Education adopt the Resolution entitled “A Resolution Adopting the Prevailing Wage Rates for Laborers, Workmen and Mechanics Employed on Public Works of Rich Township High School District 227, Cook County, Illinois,” in accordance with Business Office Memorandum 07-51.
F. Approval of new teaching contracts
It is moved that the Board of Education approve teaching contracts as follows:
Full Time
Gail Conrad Step 6, BA+15 Lane
Language Arts/Rich Central
Kimberly Gales Step 5, BA Lane
Special Education/Rich East
Vernell Glover Step 1, BA Lane
Business/Rich East
Graylin McLeod Step 21, MA Lane
Dean/Rich East
Mary Schroeder Step 1, BA Lane
Special Education/Rich East
Provided all the requirements of the State of Illinois and the North Central Association are met.
G. Approval of resignation
It is moved that the Board of Education approve the
resignation of certificated staff member Laquesha Martin effective at the
conclusion of the 2006-2007 school year.
H. Approval of job shares
It is moved that the Board of Education approve the
job share requests of Amy Bloodgood with Sarah Harger, and Kameelah
Jones with Cynthia Morain, for the 2007-2008 school year.
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I. Approval of new coaching position
It is moved that the Board of Education approve the hiring of George Leonard as the Head Basketball Coach at Rich East High School beginning with the 2007-2008 school year.
K. Authorization for a Supplemental June Bills Payable List for Career Preparation Network
It is moved that the Board of Education authorize the Director of Fiscal Services to prepare and the Township School Treasurer to issue checks for a supplementary June, 2007, Career Preparation Network bills payable list in an amount not to exceed $1,200.00, that the same be reviewed by the Budget and Finance Committee Chairperson prior to disbursement, and the full Board at its July meeting, in accordance with Business Office Memorandum 07-53.
L. Authorization for a Supplemental June Bills Payable List for District 227
It is moved that the Board of Education authorize the Director of Fiscal Services to prepare and the Township School Treasurer to issue checks for a supplementary June, 2007, District 227 bills payable list in an amount not to exceed $600,000.00, that the same be reviewed by the Budget and Finance Committee Chairperson prior to disbursement and the full Board at its July meeting, in accordance with Business Office Memorandum 07-52.
M. Approval of Administrative and Exempt Staff Salaries
It is moved that the Board of Education approve the Administrative and Exempt Staff Salaries for 2007-2008 as listed on the attached sheet.
Results of the roll call vote were as follows:
Aye: Brookins, Brunson, Imoukhuede, Moten, Norwood, Owens, Upshaw
Nay: None
Motion 07-130 carried.
Mrs. Owens moved and Mrs. Moten seconded the following:
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J. It is moved that the Board of Education approve the following new administrative hires beginning with 2007-2008.
Robert Abrams Instructional Leader for Science
Rich East
Jacalyn Bailey Instructional Leader for Special Education
Rich Central
Iman Ellis-Bowen Instructional Leader for Special Education
Rich East
Rachel Gladney Instructional Leader for Science
Rich Central
Bridget Imoukhuede Instructional Leader
Rich South
Sherry Stokes Instructional Leader for Math
Rich Central
Maceo Rainey Associate Principal for Operations
Rich Central
Tina Malak Associate Principal for Teaching & Learning
Rich Central
Traci Toth Associate Principal for Teaching & Learning
Rich East
Edward Sterling Associate Principal for Teaching & Learning
Rich South
Margurite Martin Principal
Rich Central
Provided all the requirements of the State of Illinois and the North Central
Association are met.
Mr. Imoukhuede noted that he asked for Item 5J. to be removed from the Consent Agenda as a relative of his was listed on the agenda. He noted he did not want to vote on anything that involved a conflict of interest.
Results of the roll call vote were as follows:
Aye: Brookins, Brunson, Moten, Norwood, Owens, Upshaw
Nay: None
Abstain: Imoukhuede
Motion 07-131 carried.
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Dr. McDonald introduced the members of the administrative team by building.
Mr. Hampton requested approval of Items 6A. through 6I. as listed on the agenda. Mrs. Moten moved and Mrs. Upshaw seconded the following:
(07-131) It is moved that the Board of Education approve agenda items 6A. through 6I. as listed below:
A. Recommendation for approval of Worker’s Compensation Carrier
It is moved that the Board of Education approve the “Hiring of Workers Compensation Self-Insurance Trust for the 2007-2008 school year” in accordance with Business Office Memorandum 07-57.
B. Recommendation for Approval of Resolution Authorizing Distribution of Property Tax Receipts to Account for Refund
It is moved that the Board of Education approve the “Resolution Authorizing Distribution of Property Tax Receipts to Account
For Refund” in accordance with Business Office Memorandum 07-62.
C. Recommendation for approval of Property Tax Abatement Arrearage (CarMax)
It is moved that the Board of Education approve the “Payment of Property Tax Abatement Arrearage to CarMax Auto Superstore, Inc. in the amount of $51,371.00,” in accordance with Business Office Memorandum 07-56.
D. Recommendation for approval of Alternate Construction Projects for Rich Central High School, Rich South High School, and Rich East High School
It is moved that the Board of Education approve the
“Alternate Construction Projects for Rich Central High School, Rich South High School and Rich East High School” in accordance with Business Office Memorandum07-54.
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- Recommendation for approval of Bloom Township Trustees of Schools
It is moved that the Board of Education approve the “Hiring of Bloom Township Trustees of Schools as the Rich Township High School District 227 Treasurer for a Three-Year Term” in accordance with Business Office Memorandum 07-55.
- Recommendation for Approval of Serving Counters for Rich Central
It is moved that the Board of Education approve the “Contract of Lippert, Inc. for the amount of $16,048.00” in accordance with Business Office Memorandum 07-59.
- Recommendation for Approval of Serving Counters for Rich South
It is moved that the Board of Education approve the “Contract of ML Rongo Inc. for the amount of $33,376.00” in accordance with Business Office Memorandum 07-60.
- Recommendation for Approval of Wireless Local Area Network for Rich
Central High School
It is moved that the Board of Education approve “Contract of Sentinel Technologies in the amount of $74,470.00” in accordance with Business Office Memorandum 07-58.
- Recommendation for Approval of 2001 and 2002 Tax Rate Objection
Settlement
It is moved that the Board of Education approve the
“2001 and 2002 Tax Rate Objection Settlement” in accordance with
Business Office Memorandum 07-61.
Mr. Hampton noted these items had been discussed at the Budget and Finance Committee
meeting held on June 11, 2007.
Mr. Koutavas stated that the Board-approved technology plan calls for a wireless local
area network to be installed at Rich Central. The wireless network will support access to
the file servers and the internet for students and staff using any wireless laptop cart or
device.
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Mrs. Norwood asked about getting laptops at a discount. Mr. Hunigan noted the District
is redoing some of its older computers and working on a check-out system for these
computers. Mr. Koutavas will be bringing a recommendation to the Technology
Committee.
Mrs. Moten noted that we need to make our offer visible to the community. In addition,
she wanted to stress the importance of keeping the Media Centers open in the evening.
Mr. Hunigan responded that there is a plan the administration is working on. He will
be coming to the Board with that plan in July.
Results of the roll call vote were as follows:
Aye: Brookins, Brunson, Imoukhuede, Moten, Norwood, Owens, Upshaw
Nay: None
Motion 07-132 carried.
Summary of Committee Reports
Mrs. Brookins reported on the Education Committee meeting of June 5, 2007. She noted
that the District Improvement Plan had been finalized.
Mrs. Owens reported on the Personnel Committee meeting of June 7, 2007. She noted
the meeting had been a closed session to discuss personnel issues.
Mrs. Moten reported on the Budget and Finance Committee meeting of June 11, 2007.
She noted that the items listed under the Report of the Director of Fiscal Services had
been discussed.
Mr. Brunson asked the community members to come to the committee meetings
as this is where the work of the Board takes place.
Special Reports
Mr. Brunson noted that he has asked the Education Committee chair and her Committee
to also handle the Technology Committee.
Mr. Brunson stated that he has asked Mrs. Upshaw to be the Board’s liaison with the
Olympia Fields Education Commission. She will make reports back to the Board
following a meeting of the Commission.
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Report of the Executive Director of Teaching and Learning
Dr. Leak presented the District Improvement Plan for consideration. She noted that the Plan had been discussed at the recent Education Committee meeting. After the Plan has been approved by the Board, it will be available to the public.
Mrs. Brookins moved and Mrs. Norwood seconded the following:
(07-133) It is moved that the Board of Education approve the District
Improvement Plan as presented.
After a voice vote, Mr. Brunson declared the motion carried.
Motion 07-133 carried.
Report of the Superintendent
Mr. Hunigan talked about graduation 2008. He noted that the Tinley Park Convention Center will not schedule graduations on Fridays or Saturdays any more. Currently, next year’s graduation is scheduled for Sunday, May 18, 2008. After discussion, Mr. Hunigan noted that the District will keep the reserved day but will resurvey the parents to see if they would like a different location or date.
Mr. Hunigan noted that he is very excited about the purchase of band equipment for Rich Central. He added that new equipment had not been purchased for a number of years. The District is beginning its replacement cycle with Rich Central. In the future, a replacement cycle will be built into the budget.
Mr. Hunigan informed the Board that new computers were being purchased so that every classroom in the District will have a computer. This will involve purchasing $105,000 in computers from Revere Computers. The training for the new Student Management System begins on Tuesday, June 19.
Report of the President
Mr. Brunson noted the next Board meeting will take place on Tuesday, July 10, 2007, in the District Administrative Center. He added that all meetings will now take place on the second Tuesday of the month.
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Mr. Brunson requested approval of a Resolution to be submitted to the Illinois Association of School Boards. The Resolution needs to be submitted by June 20 to the Resolutions Committee, which will then submit the Resolution to the Delegate Assembly, which will submit it to the legislators to become law. The Resolution involves limiting driver’s education to students who are at least 17 years of age and have a “C” grade point average. After discussion, the motion died as no one moved or seconded it.
New Business
Mrs. Upshaw scheduled a Policy Committee meeting for July 16, at 7:00 p.m. at the District Office.
Mrs. Brookins scheduled a Technology Committee meeting for July 9, at 6:00 p.m. at the District Office.
Mrs. Norwood scheduled a Properties Committee meeting for July 16, at 6:00 p.m. at the District Office.
Recognition of Citizens
Mr. Cohn was recognized. He talked about the June 12, 2007, election of officers for the Rich Central PTSO.
Mr. Brazzale was recognized. He talked about the need for vocational education in the District.
Mrs. Brookins responded that she would put vocational education on the agenda for the next Education Committee meeting.
Mr. Mnyofu was recognized. He began talking about the June 12 Rich Central PTSO meeting. Mr. Brunson declared Mr. Mnyofu out of order because his remarks reflected adversely upon the character or motives of another person.
Mr. Veazey and Mr. Milligan were recognized. They talked about the June 12, 2007, election of officers for the Rich Central PTSO.
Mr. Pfau was recognized. He asked if a meeting is canceled that it be put on the web site right away.
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Mrs. Brookins responded that the District is working on this.
Mr. Imoukhuede and Mrs. Norwood asked the Board President to allow Mr. Mnyofu to address the Board for his remaining time.
Mr. Brunson asked for a motion to go into closed session.
At 9:25 p.m., Mrs. Owens moved and Mrs. Moten seconded the following:
(07-132) It is moved that the Board of Education go into closed session to discuss a student discipline matter and to discuss 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.
Results of the roll call vote were as follows:
Aye: Brookins, Brunson, Moten, Norwood, Owens, Upshaw
Nay: Imoukhuede
Motion 07-133 carried.
At 10:45 p.m. Mrs. Owens moved and Mrs. Moten seconded the following:
(07-133) It is moved that the Board of Education reconvene its regular meeting.
Results of the roll call vote were as follows:
Aye: Brookins, Brunson, Imoukhuede, Moten, Norwood, Owens, Upshaw
Nay: None
Motion 07-134 carried.
Mrs. Owens moved and Mrs. Moten seconded the following:
(07-134) It is moved that Student A discussed in closed session be expelled from the Rich Township schools for the 2007-2008 school year. Student A will be able to receive services at the R.I.S.E. alternative school during the expulsion.
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Results of the roll call vote were as follows:
Aye: Brookins, Brunson, Imoukhuede, Moten, Norwood, Owens, Upshaw
Nay: None
Motion 07-135 carried.
At 10:46 p.m. Mr. Imoukhuede moved and Mrs. Upshaw seconded the following:
(07-135) It is moved that the Board of Education adjourn its regular Board meeting.
Results of the roll call vote were as follows:
Aye: Brookins, Brunson, Imoukhuede, Moten, Norwood, Owens, Upshaw
Nay: None
Motion 07-136 carried.
____________________________________ ______________________________
President Secretary