May 21, 2007
RICH TOWNSHIP HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT 227
BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING
MAY 21, 2007
The Board of Education of Rich Township High School District 227 met on Monday, May 21, 2007, in the Media Center at Rich East High School, Park Forest, Illinois.
In the absence of the President, Mrs. Moten, Vice President, called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. and asked everyone to stand for the Pledge of Allegiance.
Present: Brookins, Imoukhuede, Moten, Norwood, Owens, Upshaw
Absent: Brunson
Also Present: Dr. Craig, Dr. Leak, Dr. McDonald, Mrs. Frangella, Ms. Pastore, Mr. and Mrs. Brazzale, Ms. High, Mr. and Mrs. Demchuk, Ms. Cotton-Ramey, Mr. and Mrs. Walker, Mr. Pfau, Ms. Gregor-Whitmire, Ms. Martin, Ms. Demchuk, Ms. Bona, Mr. Veazey, Ms. Freeman, Ms. Crapps, Dr. Kirkwood, Mr. Pipikos, Ms. Long, Ms. Smith, Mr. Kredens, Ms. Madison, Mr. Atkins, Dr. Imoukhuede, Mr. Hunigan, Mr. Hampton, Mrs. Treichel
Recognition of Student Representatives
Mrs. Martin asked Naja Hawk to come forward for recognition as the student representative from Rich Central. A certificate was presented to Naja for her faithful attendance and reporting at Board meetings.
Recognition of Retirees
Dr. Craig asked Ms. Jan Behrens to come forward. Ms. Behrens was recognized for her 29 years of working in the attendance office at Rich East. He noted he couldn’t say enough great things about her.
Dr. Kirkwood asked Ms. Emma Pastore to come forward. Ms. Pastore worked in the Rich South food service department for 21 years. Dr. Kirkwood made mention of Ms. Pastore’s caring and kind demeanor and the fact that she was an extraordinary cook.
Recognition of PTSO Boards
Mrs. Martin called Mr. Fred Veazey, Ms. Javonna Smith, Mr. Tim Farr and Ms. Paula Farr forward for recognition as members of the Rich Central PTSO board. She noted that the Board had given $3,900 worth of scholarships to students during the Central Honors Program. She asked Mr. Veazey, PTSO President, to say a few words. He stated that everything the PTSO does is for the benefit of students and the community.
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Dr. Craig called co-presidents Ms. Annette Demchuk and Ms. Valerie Bona forward for recognition of the Rich East PTSO. He noted that the PTSO raised money for “Dollars for Dreams” scholarships, sponsored staff appreciation day, the senior breakfast, which are a few of the PTSO’s accomplishments during the last year.
Dr. Kirkwood called Mr. Yogi Ward and Ms. DelRita Crapps forward for recognition as members of the Rich South PTSO board. He noted the PTSO helps with parent/teacher conferences, the GFS fundraiser, gave $5,000 in scholarships, and helped with the Principal’s Honors Banquet. Dr. Kirkwood noted that several of the members do not have students in school but still continue to help out.
Recognition of Citizens/Public Forum
Mrs. Moten recognized Ms. Rose Long. Ms. Long thanked the Board, Dr. Craig and Mr. Hunigan for support of the Rich East band program.
Approval of Consent Agenda
Mrs. Moten requested approval of the Consent Agenda. Mr. Imoukhuede moved and Mrs. Brookins seconded the following:
(07-120) It is moved that the Board of Education approve the Consent Agenda items as listed.
a. Approval of the minutes of the Education Committee meeting of April 23, 2007; the minutes of the regular and closed session meetings of April 24, 2007; the minutes of the special, reorganizational and closed session meetings of May 14, 2007, and the minutes of the Education Committee meeting of May 15, 2007, as distributed.
b. Approval of payroll and bills payable
Suggested Motion: It is moved that the Board of Education approve the payroll and bills payable dated May 21, 2007, as follows:
Payroll
Gross Payroll April 25, 2007 1,412,660.54
Gross Payroll May 10, 2007 1,336,681.63
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Bills Payable
Education 828,776.68
Operation & Maintenance 338,611.71
Capital Project Fund 190,979.63
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Transportation 137,582.44
Tort 387.50
Site & Construction 148.67
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 May 21, 2007, for the Career Preparation Network as follows:
Payroll
Gross Payroll April 25, 2007 4,704.61
Gross Payroll May 10, 2007 4,704.61
Bills Payable
Education 16,519.95
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.
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e. Approval of teaching contracts
It is moved that the President, Secretary and Superintendent be authorized to sign contracts as follows:
Full Time 2007-2008 Step and Lane
Eric Dykstra BA, Step 2
Foreign Language, Rich Central
Rodney Freeman MA, Step 5
Special Education/Applied Tech., Rich South
Brad Wieher BA, Step 3
Language Arts, Rich East
Stacie Wolf BA, Step 1
Special Education, Rich East
provided all the requirement of the State of Illinois and the
North Central Association are met.
f. Destruction of Audio Tapes
It is moved that the Board of Education authorize the destruction of audio tapes of closed session meetings which were recorded prior to 18 months ago.
g. Approval of Summer School Director
It is moved that the Board of Education approve Lauren Freeman as the 2007 Summer School Director.
h. Approval of contract for Interim Director of the South Suburban Career Preparation Network
It is moved that the Board of Education approve the contract for Thomas Hysell as the Interim Director of the South Suburban Career Preparation Network as attached.
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i. Acceptance of donation
It is moved that the Board of Education accept with gratitude the donation from the Olympia Fields Woman’s Club to be used in the District’s Snowball Program.
j. Acceptance of resignation
It is moved that the Board of Education accept the resignation of certificated staff member Kim Nowak at the conclusion of the 2006-2007 school year.
Results of the roll call vote were as follows:
Aye: Brookins, Imoukhuede, Moten, Norwood, Owens, Upshaw
Nay: None
Motion 07-120 carried.
Report of the Director of Fiscal Services
Mr. Hampton requested approval of agenda items 8a. through 8j.
Mr. Imoukhuede moved and Mrs. Brookins seconded the following:
(07-121) It is moved that Item 8h. be removed from the agenda.
Results of the roll call vote were as follows:
Aye: Brookins, Imoukhuede, Moten, Norwood, Owens, Upshaw
Nay: None
Motion 07-121 carried.
Mr. Imoukhuede moved and Mrs. Brookins seconded the following:
(07-122) It is moved that the Board of Education approved agenda items 8a, 8b, 8c, 8d, 8e, 8f, 8g, 8i, and 8j as listed:
a. Recommendation for Hiring – Milk Products
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It is moved that the Board of Education approve the “Hiring of Krystal Dairy, Inc. for Milk Products” in accordance with Business Office Memorandum 07-41.
b. Recommendation for Hiring – Bread Products
It is moved that the Board of Education approve the “Hiring of Alpha Baking Company for Bread Products” in accordance with Business Office Memorandum 07-42.
c. Recommendation for Hiring – Carbonated Beverages
It is moved that the Board of Education approve the “Hiring of Pepsi Americas for Carbonated Beverages” in accordance with Business Office Memorandum 07-43.
d. Recommendation for Hiring – Non-Carbonated Beverages
It is moved that the Board of Education approve the “Hiring of Pepsi Americas for Non-Carbonated Beverages” in accordance with Business Office Memorandum 07-44.
e. Award of Bid – Duplicating Paper
It is moved that the Board of Education accept the low bid meeting specifications for non-recycled duplicating paper for the Central, East and South campuses, for the 2007-2008 school year, from Midland Paper, Wheeling, IL, in the amount of $76,982.50” in accordance with Business Office Memorandum 07-45.
f. Approval of Supplier of Band Uniforms for Rich East
It is moved that the Board of Education approve “DeMoulin Bros. & Co. as the supplier for Band Uniforms and Associated Accessories” in accordance with Business Office Memorandum 07-46.
g. Recommendation for Approving the Supplier for a Diesel Front Mower for Rich East
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It is moved that the Board of Education approve “Burris Equipment Co. as the Supplier for a Diesel Front Mower” in accordance with Business Office Memorandum 07-47.
i. Recommendation for Hiring of Contractor for Pond Erosion Repair at Rich Central High School
Suggested Motion: It is moved that the Board of Education approve the “Hiring of Walsh Landscape Construction for Pond Erosion Repair at Rich Central High School,” in accordance with Business Office Memorandum 07-49.
j. Recommendation for Hiring of Contractors for Rich South, Rich East and Rich Central High Schools
It is moved that the Board of Education approve the “Hiring of Martin Cement Company, Gough, Chicago Heights Construction Co., Revcon Construction Co., Bennett & Brosseau, Glass Designers and Design Consulting Engineers, and The Levy Co,” in accordance with Business Office Memorandum 07-50.
Mr. Hampton asked the Board members if they had any questions. Mrs. Brookins asked about
the company from which the District was getting the band uniforms. Mr. Hampton responded
that the company was located in Greenville, IL and had supplied the band uniforms for Central
and South.
Results of the roll call vote were as follows:
Aye: Brookins, Imoukhuede, Moten, Norwood, Owens, Upshaw
Nay: None
Motion 07-121 carried.
Mr. Imoukhuede moved and Mrs. Brookins seconded the following:
(07-122) It is moved that the Board of Education defer Item #8h to a future date.
Results of the roll call vote were as follows:
Aye: Brookins, Imoukhuede, Moten, Norwood, Owens, Upshaw
Nay: None
Motion 07-122 carried.
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Report of the Director of Personnel
Dr. McDonald reported on the May 10 retirement dinner. She stated that 13 retirees had been
recognized. She also noted that on May 17 interviews had been conducted for the principal at Rich Central. Two finalists were referred to the Superintendent. The Bell Schedule Committee has approved a new bell schedule for the upcoming year, which will include an enrichment period within the student’s day.
Report of the Executive Director of Teaching and Learning
Dr. Leak presented a new book for Fashion Merchandising. She requested approval of the textbook for the 2007-2008 school year. Mrs. Norwood moved and Mrs. Brookins seconded the following:
(07-123) It is moved that the Board of Education adopt the new textbook as listed on the attached sheet for use at Rich Central, Rich East and Rich South High Schools beginning with the 2007-2008 school year.
Results of the roll call vote were as follows:
Aye: Brookins, Imoukhuede, Moten, Norwood, Owens, Upshaw
Nay: None
Motion 07-123 carried.
Summary of Committee Reports
Mrs. Moten reported on the Special Meeting/Reorganizational Meeting of May 14, 2007. . Mr. Brunson was re-seated on the Board, Mr. Imoukhuede and Mrs. Upshaw were seated as new members of the Board. New officers were elected. Mr. Brunson was elected President of the Board, Mrs. Moten was elected Vice President of the Board, and Mrs. Brookins was elected Secretary of the Board.
Mrs. Brookins reported on the Education Committee meeting of May 15, 2007. Items discussed were: Articulation with Foundation Schools, PSAE Scores, and Freshman and Honors Academies. She encouraged everyone to attend the committee meetings.
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Special Reports
Board members reported on their attendance at the National School Boards Association Conference held in April. They outlined various sessions they had attended.
Mrs. Moten reported on the Design Team for Foundation meeting held on May 14, 2007. She noted there would be three more meetings before the Foundation Board was selected. Mrs. Moten asked the Board members that if they had anyone they would like to recommend, they should bring the names to her. By fall, the Board should be in place.
Mrs. Moten reported on the Community Forum. She noted the Forum was well attended. The survey taken at the Community Forum will be on the website. She mentioned that Mr. Imoukhuede, as the new Chair of the Community Relations Committee, can move that committee forward.
Report of the Superintendent
Mr. Hunigan reported on the upcoming groundbreaking ceremonies scheduled for May 30, 2007. Rich Central’s ceremony will take place at 1:30 p.m.; Rich South’s ceremony will be held at 2:30 p.m.
Mr. Hampton noted that we are under budget on our construction. At each school’s website there is a link for construction so the community can stay abreast of what is happening at the schools.
Mr. Hunigan reported on Graduation 2007. He noted 815 students graduated from the Rich schools. The graduation went well and was well attended.
Mr. Hunigan reported on the awards programs for the three schools. He emphasized that numerous awards had been given to the Rich students. At the next Board meeting, the Board will hear a presentation on scholarships.
Mr. Hunigan noted that registration dates for the 2007-2008 school year are July 31, August 1 and August 2.
Mr. Hunigan noted that the District Improvement Plan will be presented at the June Board meeting.
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Report of the President
Mrs. Moten noted that the next Board meeting will take place June 18, 2007, at the District Administrative Center at 7:30 p.m.
Mrs. Moten requested a motion to remove from the table the meeting dates for 2007-2007. Mr. Imoukhuede moved and Mrs. Upshaw seconded the following:
(07-124) It is moved that the Board of Education remove from the table the motion regarding approval of meeting dates and locations for 2007-2008.
Results of the roll call vote were as follows:
Aye: Brookins, Imoukhuede, Moten, Norwood, Owens, Upshaw
Nay: None
Motion 07-124 carried.
Mrs. Moten requested approval of meeting dates and locations for 2007-2008. Mr. Imoukhuede moved and Mrs. Brookins seconded the following:
(07-125) It is moved that the Board of Education approve the Board meeting dates and locations for 2007-2008 as distributed.
Results of the roll call vote were as follows:
Aye: Brookins, Imoukhuede, Moten, Norwood, Owens, Upshaw
Nay: None
Motion 07-125 carried.
Mrs. Moten noted that the Board meetings for District 227 will now be held on the 2nd Tuesday of each month. These dates will be posted on the website.
Mrs. Moten stated that a Board retreat would be planned for some time in July, 2007.
New Business
Mrs. Brookins scheduled an Education Committee meeting for June 5, 2007, at 6:00 p.m. in the District Administrative Center.
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Mrs. Norwood asked the Board members if they would consider scheduling closed sessions for prior to the Board meeting rather than after the Board meeting. The Board could then go back into closed session if necessary. She asked Mr. Hunigan to look into this possibility.
Recognition of Citizens
Mr. Brazzale was recognized. He thanked the teachers at Rich East for the education his son received. He noted his son was the 2006 Rich East valedictorian. Mr. Brazzale asked the schools to reintroduce vocational education into the schools.
At 8:45 p.m. Mrs. Brookins moved and Mrs. Norwood seconded the following:
(07-126) It is moved that the Board of Education go into closed session 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, and to discuss a student discipline matter.
Results of the roll call vote were as follows:
Aye: Brookins, Imoukhuede, Moten, Norwood, Owens, Upshaw
Nay None
Motion 07-126 carried.
At 9:45 p.m. Mrs. Norwood moved and Mrs. Owens seconded the following:
(07-127) It is moved that the Board of Education reconvene its regular Board meeting.
Results of the roll call vote were as follows:
Aye: Brookins, Imoukhuede, Moten, Norwood, Owens, Upshaw
Nay: None
Motion 07-127 carried.
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Mrs. Norwood moved and Mr. Imoukhuede seconded the following:
(07-128) It is moved that Student #1 discussed in closed session be expelled from the Rich Township High Schools for the first semester of the 2007-2008 school year. Student #1 will be placed in an alternative setting for the second semester of the 2007-2008 school year.
Results of the roll call vote were as follows:
Aye: Brookins, Imoukhuede, Moten, Norwood, Owens, Upshaw
Nay: None
Motion 07-128 carried.
At 9:46 p.m. Mrs. Owens moved and Mrs. Norwood seconded the following:
(07-129) It is moved that the Board of Education adjourn its meeting.
Results of the roll call vote were as follows:
Aye: Brookins, Imoukhuede, Moten, Norwood, Owens, Upshaw
Nay: None
Motion 07-129 carried.
_________________________________ __________________________________
President Secretary