September 11, 2007
RICH TOWNSHIP HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT 227
BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING
MINUTES
SEPTEMBER 11, 2007
The Board of Education of Rich Township High School District 227 met on Tuesday, September 11, 2007, in the Media Center at Rich Central High School, Olympia Fields, Illinois.
Mr. Brunson called the meeting to order at 8:00 p.m. and requested everyone to stand for the Pledge of Allegiance.
Roll Call:
Present: Brookins, Brunson, Imoukhuede, Moten, Norwood, Owens, Upshaw
Absent: None
Also Present: Mr. Hunigan, Dr. Leak, Dr. McDonald, Mrs. Ramey, Mr. Hampton, Mrs. Treichel, Mrs. Martin, Dr. Kirkwood, Dr. Craig, Ms. High, Mr. White, Mr. Pfau, Mr. Milligan, Mr. Joyce, Ms. Freeman, Mr. Cusic, Ms. Data, Ms. Durley, Mr. Pipikios, Mr. Griffin, Ms. Roderick, Ms. Simington, Dr. Imoukhuede, Ms. Madira, Ms. Milligan, Ms. Carter-Ellis, Ms. Varnardo, Ms. Shelton, Mr. Jasinevicius, Ms. Smith, Ms. Bassette, Mr. Mnyofu, Mr. Veazey, Mr.. Perkins, Ms. Nelson, Ms. Southern, Mr. Richardson, Ms. Birts, Ms. Julian, and student representatives Mickietha Hampton (East), Arielle Smith (Central), and Dallas Crain (South).
Mr. Brunson read the District’s Goals to the Board and public.
Recognition of Citizens Pertaining to Agenda Items
Mr. Veazey was recognized. He asked about the teachers who were assigned a 6th assignment. Mr. Hunigan responded that 6th assignments were given because of the need of increased student enrollment. This is done after teachers’ schedules are already in place.
Dr. McDonald added that teachers who receive 6th assignments must be 3rd year teachers and must meet expectations in all areas.
Recognition of Students
Dr. Kirkwood was recognized. He asked Jazmine Perkins and her parents to come forward. Dr. Kirkwood noted that Jazmine exemplifies excellence. She plans on attending the University of Chicago to study to be a pediatrician.
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Dr. Craig was recognized. He noted that Jacina Sims could not be present, but she was being recognized because she was one of the top students at Rich East.
Mrs. Martin was recognized. She noted that John Anyasor was not able to be present at the meeting, but he was very instrumental in leadership at Rich Central. He plans to attend Columbia University.
Recognition of Teachers
Mrs. Martin called Jeff Joyce forward. She noted Mr. Joyce was being recognized for all the special things he does around Rich Central.
Dr. Craig called Bruce Spielbauer forward. He noted Mr. Spielbauer was being recognized because he goes above and beyond the call of duty in helping staff, especially with PowerSchool.
Dr. Kirkwood called Juanita Southern forward. He noted Ms. Southern was being recognized because she is totally involved in Rich South.
Student Representatives
The principals at Rich Central, Rich East and Rich South introduced their student representatives for the year.
Rich Central’s student representative Arielle Smith, Rich East’s student representative Mickietha Hampton, and Rich South’s student representative, Dallas Crain, gave reports of what is happening at their schools.
Mr. Brunson announced that Mrs. Moten has agreed to be the mentor for the student representatives. If they have any questions, they should give her a call.
Approval of Consent Agenda
Mr. Brunson requested approval of the Consent Agenda. Mr. Imoukhuede moved and Mrs. Norwood seconded the following:
(08-17) It is moved that the Board of Education approve the Consent Agenda items as listed.
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Approval of the minutes of the Special Meeting of the Board (Board Retreat) of July 27 and July 28, 2007; the regular and closed session meetings of August 14, 2007; the Budget and Finance Committee meeting of August 13, 2007; and the Policy Committee meeting of August 20, 2007; as distributed.
- Approval of payroll and bills payable
It is moved that the Board of Education approve the payroll and bills payable dated September 11, 2007, as follows:
Payroll
Gross Payroll August 10, 2007 400,026.79
Gross Payroll August 24, 2007 1,275,332.80
Bills Payable
Education 764,812.47
Operation and Maintenance 217,381.14
Capital Project Fund 4,612,633.81
Transportation 98,522.97
Tort 7,692.84
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 September 11, 2007, for the Career Preparation Network as follows:
Payroll
Gross Payroll August 11, 2007 4,859.64
Gross Payroll August 24, 2007 4,859.64
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Bills Payable
Education 1,000.00
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
Joseph Bozeman MA, Step 7 Alternative Education
District
Mark Crawford BA, Step 4 Family Consumer
Science/South
Mina Data BA, Step 1 Language Arts
Central
6th Assignment Semester 1
John Benney MA, Step 15 PE South
James Bolognani MA, Step 16 PE South
Jeffrey Bonomo MA, Step 6 Power Grade Tech
Central
William Chatman BA+15, Step 12 Foreign Language
South
Mary Gray MA+15, Step 5 Science/Central
Deborah Hardwick MA, Step 15 Business/South
Hope Henderson MA, Step 15 Business/Central
Phillip Jenicek BA, Step 3 Social Studies/Central
Selena Marshall MA, Step 15 Math/Central
Dale Nordmeyer MA, Step 15 Art/South
Sheila Phelan MA,Step 15 Family Consumer
Science/South
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Chris Pipikios BA, Step 6 Science/South
Erik Polcaster BA, Step 7 Foreign Language
South
Art Schuldt MA, Step 15 Health/Central
Bruce Spielbauer Ma, Step 15 Power Grade Tech
East
Pam Williams BA, Step 6 Family Consumer
Science/Central
Wayne Wirta MA, Step 15 PowerGrade Tech
South
Early Bird Class
Laura Delgado BA, Step 3 Foreign Language/
Central
Eric Dykstra BA, Step 2 Foreign Language/
East
Cindy Vernon BA, Step 10 Science/South
Provided all the requirements of the State of Illinois and the North Central Association are met.
- Acceptance of resignation
It is moved that the Board of Education accept the resignation of certificated staff Amy Paris effective with the end of the 2006-2007 school year.
Results of the roll call vote were as follows:
Aye: Brookins, Brunson, Imoukhuede, Moten, Norwood, Owens, Upshaw
Nay: None
Motion 08-17 carried.
Special Presentations
Comments and Questions on Summer School 2007
Mr. Brunson asked the Board if they had any comments or questions for Ms. Freeman on Summer School 2007.
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Mrs. Moten asked how many students were involved with credit recovery. Ms. Freeman said that was not a part of the registration process. She will keep it in mind for next year. Ms. Freeman passed out an updated Summer School report listing the number of freshmen who had attended summer school.
Mr. Brunson announced that he was moving the Start of School Reports until later on in the meeting.
Report of the Director of Fiscal Services
Mr. Hampton requested adoption of the Career Preparation Network budget. Mrs. Upshaw moved and Mrs. Brookins seconded the following:
(08-18) It is moved that the Board of Education adopt the 2007-2008 Career Preparation Network budget as presented on August 14, 2007, in accordance with Business Office Memorandum 08-07.
Results of the roll call vote were as follows:
Aye: Brookins, Brunson, Imoukhuede, Moten, Norwood, Owens, Upshaw
Nay: None
Motion 08-18 carried.
Mr. Hampton requested adoption of the District 227 budget. Mrs. Moten moved and Mrs. Norwood seconded the following:
(08-19) It is moved that the Board of Education adopt the 2007-2008 Rich Township High School District 227 budget as revised from that originally presented on August 14, 2007, in accordance with Business Office Memorandum 08-08.
Results of the roll call vote were as follows:
Aye: Brookins, Brunson, Imoukhuede, Moten, Norwood, Owens, Upshaw
Nay: None
Motion 08-19 carried.
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Mr. Hampton requested approval of an alternate construction project for Rich East. Mrs. Norwood moved and Mrs. Brookins seconded the following:
(08-20) It is moved that the Board of Education approve the “Alternate Construction Project for Rich East High School” in accordance with Business Office Memorandum 08-09.
Mr. Hampton noted that the parking at Rich East was limited, and East needed additional spaces. If approved, this agreement will give East 110 additional parking spots.
Results of the roll call vote were as follows:
Aye: Brookins, Brunson, Imoukhuede, Moten, Norwood, Owens, Upshaw
Nay: None
Motion 08-20 carried.
Mr. Hampton requested approval to hire a residency investigator. Mrs. Owens moved and Mrs. Brookins seconded the following:
(08-21) It is moved that the Board of Education approve the “Hiring of Diamond
Detective Agency, Inc. as the District’s Residency Investigator” in accordance with Business Office Memorandum 08-10.
Mr. Hampton noted the District needs to check and make sure the students who attend our schools live in our District. Diamond Detective Agency, Inc. is located in Chicago Heights.
Mr. Hunigan added that the District has a strong policy on residency.
Mr. Brunson mentioned that the District will be saving money by not educating students who do not live in the District.
Mr. Imoukhuede asked if the District had gone out for bid.
Mr. Hampton responded that this is a service and is exempt from the Illinois School Code regarding bidding.
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Results of the roll call vote were as follows:
Aye: Brookins, Brunson, Imoukhuede, Moten, Norwood, Owens, Upshaw
Nay: None
Motion 08-21 carried.
Mr. Hampton requested approval of the purchase of duplicating machines and supplies. Mr. Imoukhuede moved and Mrs. Brookins seconded the following:
(08-22) It is moved that the Board of Education approve the “Hiring of Cannon
Business Solutions for Duplicating Machines and Supplies” in accordance with Business Office Memorandum 08-11.
Mr. Hampton stated that the District had numerous problems with its copier machines. A copier committee was formed. Cannon came in and talked with the Committee. These new copiers will be multifunctional, and purchase of the copiers aligns with the District’s Technology Plan. Mr. Griffin and Ms. Roderick from Cannon were introduced. They noted they will conduct quarterly reviews as they relate to the copier machines. As part of the Illinois School Code, copiers and supplies are exempt from the bidding process.
Mrs. Norwood asked about the life expectancy of the copiers. Mr. Hampton replied 3 – 4 years.
Results of the roll call vote were as follows:
Aye: Brookins, Brunson, Imoukhuede, Moten, Norwood, Owens, Upshaw
Nay: None
Motion 08-22 carried.
Mr. Hampton gave a construction update regarding construction at the three schools. He noted that construction is on schedule with Rich East. Rich Central is one week behind schedule due to the storms. Rich South is six weeks ahead of schedule. The construction is scheduled to be completed in March. Two million dollars is left to spend on contingency projects.
Mrs. Norwood stated that the District definitely needs to get its fields at all campuses up to date.
Mr. Hampton responded that the fields will be addressed in the spring.
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Personnel Office Report
Dr. McDonald reported on the New Staff Reception held prior to the Board meeting. She stated that 89 new staff members were welcomed by the Board – 43 certified, 30 classified, and 16 administrative staff. The new format for the reception included Board members engaging with new staff.
Mrs. Brookins mentioned that she had enjoyed meeting new staff members.
Mr. Imoukhuede added that he had enjoyed the interaction. In the future, he hopes more time will be devoted to meeting the new staff members.
Summary of Committee Reports
Mrs. Upshaw reported on the Policy Committee meeting held on August 20, 2007. She stated that a full report of the meeting is in the minutes. The Policy Committee spent time on discussions related to immunizations, the PTSO, and adding Board Goals to the Policy Manual. New legislation on special education will be discussed at the next meeting.
Mrs. Upshaw moved and Mrs. Brookins seconded the following:
(08-23) It is moved that the Board of Education place its Board Goals in its Policy Book as Policy 1.40.
After discussion, Mrs. Upshaw moved and Mrs. Brookins seconded the following:
(08-24) It is moved that Motion 08-23 be withdrawn.
Results of the roll call vote were as follows:
Aye: Brookins, Brunson, Imoukhuede, Moten, Norwood, Owens, Upshaw
Nay: None
Motion 08-24 carried.
Mrs. Upshaw moved and Mrs. Brookins seconded the following:
(08-25) It is moved that the Board of Education place its Board Goals in its Policy
Manual.
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Results of the roll call vote were as follows:
Aye: Brookins, Brunson, Imoukhuede, Moten,, Norwood, Owens, Upshaw
Nay: None
Motion 08-25 carried.
Mrs. Brookins reminded the Board of the Education Committee Meeting scheduled for September 13, 2007, at 7:00 p.m. in the Rich Central Media Center. She invited the public to come out for the meeting.
Report of the Executive Director of Teaching and Learning
Dr. Leak informed the public and Board that the PSAE scores had been released to the District. They are not yet posted on the Illinois interactive report card. The scores will be reported on Thursday night at the Education Committee meeting. Dr. Leak reported that ENI (Evans Newton Inc.) has been working with the District regarding biology and chemistry.
Mrs. Brookins asked about work keys. Dr. Leak responded that every day in math and language arts classes a work keys question is given and students work on the question.
Mrs. Upshaw asked about books for classes. Dr. Leak noted that the classes are improvising and teaching what is in the books until all the books arrive.
Report of the Superintendent
Mr. Hunigan requested approval of the Application for Recognition of Schools. Mrs. Brookins moved and Mrs. Moten seconded the following:
(08-26) It is moved that the Board of Education approve the Application for
Recognition of Schools for submission to the Illinois State Board of Education.
Results of the roll call vote were as follows:
Aye: Brookins, Brunson, Imoukhuede, Moten, Norwood, Owens, Upshaw
Nay: None
Motion 08-26 carried.
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Mr. Hunigan reported on enrollment as of September 11, 2007. He noted enrollment figures as follows:
Rich Central 1773
Rich East 1347
Rich South 1387
Mrs. Upshaw asked whether the District has considered redistricting. Mr. Hunigan responded that the District is working on a 5-year plan. He will be bringing recommendations to the Board at a future meeting.
Report of the President
Mr. Brunson informed the Board members that there would be a closed session on Thursday evening, September 13, at 6:00 p.m. in the Rich Central Media Center. The closed session will be for discussion of student discipline matters.
Mr. Brunson reminded the Board that the next Board meeting will take place Tuesday, October 9, 2007, at 7:30 p.m. in the Rich Central Media Center.
Mr. Brunson reminded the Board of the Ottosen School Law Conference scheduled for September 15, 2007, at 8:00 a.m. at the Hilton/Lisle.
Mr. Brunson noted that the next Board Retreat would take place on September 27, 2007, at 5:00 p.m. at the District Office.
Mrs. Norwood requested a Property Committee meeting for October 9, 2007, at 6:00 p.m. in the Rich Central Media Center.
Mr. Imoukhuede requested a Community Relations and Long-Range Planning Committee meeting on October 2, 2007, at 6:00 p.m. in the District Offices.
Recognition of Citizens
Mr. Mnyofu was recognized. He read a Freedom of Information request which had been sent to the District.
Mr. White was recognized. He noted he was encouraged by the enthusiasm of the new teachers in the District. He noted he felt one teacher at Rich Central was very weak. He
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is discussing the situation with Mrs. Martin. Mr. White stated there was a book issue in classes. He also asked the Board to address the boundary issue for Rich Central.
Mr. Pfau was recognized. He spoke on the safety of students walking to school. He noted that the sidewalks are not wide enough to handle snowplows.
Ms. Bassette was recognized. She asked about the Rich Central weight room. She stated that Mr. Hampton had mentioned acquiring equipment from Bally’s. She asked about commitments which have been made. Ms. Bassette requested a full list of reading books that contain the word nigger.
Dr. Leak responded that the list was completed. She will bring it to the October Board meeting.
Mr. Hampton stated that he will get Ms. Bassette the name of the regional vice president at Bally’s. He noted that Bally’s is in bankruptcy. He added that an audit was being conducted of the weight rooms. What takes place depends on the audit report.
Mr. Veazey was recognized. He asked if the District would be evaluating the results from summer school. He asked how the residency investigator gets his cases. Mr. Veazey noted that the Rich Central PTSO was in the process of tightening up its bylaws regarding how a person becomes a member. He also asked the Board to reconsider its rules regarding Recognition of Citizens. He hoped the Board would encourage the public to come and speak on issues. Mr. Veazey noted that students have concerns about class size. He would like this to be a topic at the next Education Committee meeting.
Mrs. Brookins noted she had looked at the “D” and “F” rates for summer school with Dr. Leak.
Special Presentations
Dr. Kirkwood, Dr. Craig and Mrs. Martin reported on the Opening of School. They stated that having the freshmen only all day the first day was an excellent idea. The freshmen enjoyed themselves instead of being intimidated by the upperclassmen.
Mr. Brunson noted that the report on Rich South’s field trip to Greece would take place at a future meeting.
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New Business
Mrs. Norwood asked why District 227 had started having its meetings on the second Tuesday of the month. She noted that the second Tuesday conflicts with other scheduled meetings.
Mr. Hunigan responded that he will look into the schedules of villages and school districts surrounding District 227.
Mrs. Brookins asked Dr. Leak to bring back a report on the 4-year counseling plan for each school at the next Education Committee meeting.
At 10:20 Mrs. Owens moved and Mr. Imoukhuede seconded the following:
(08-26)1. It is moved that the Board of Education go into closed session to discuss
pending litigation 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, Imoukhuede, Moten, Norwood, Owens, Upshaw
Nay: None
Motion 08-26 caried.
At 10:50 p.m. Mrs. Owens moved and Mrs. Norwood seconded the following:
(08-27) 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 08-27 carried.
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Mrs. Owens moved and Mrs. Norwood seconded the following:
(08-28) It is moved that the Board of Education execute the Settlement Agreement
and Release of Claim for Employee A as discussed in closed session.
Results of the roll call vote were as follows:
Aye: Brookins, Brunson, Imoukhuede, Moten, Norwood, Owens, Upshaw
Nay: None
Motion 08-28 carried.
At 10:55 p.m. Mrs. Owens moved and Mrs. Norwood seconded the following:
(08-29) It is moved that the Board of Education adjourn its regular meeting.
Results of the roll call vote were as follows:
Aye: Brookins, Brunson, Imoukhuede, Moten, Norwood, Owens, Upshaw
Nay: None
Motion 08-29 carried.
___________________________________ ______________________________
President Secretary