January 15, 2008
RICH TOWNSHIP HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT 227
BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING
JANUARY 15, 2008
MINUTES
The Board of Education of Rich Township High School District 227 met on Tuesday, January 15, 2008, in the Media Center at Rich South High School, Richton Park, Illinois.
Mr. Brunson called the meeting to order at 7:35 p.m. and asked everyone to stand for the Pledge of Allegiance.
Present: Brookins, Brunson, Imoukhuede, Moten, Norwood, Owens, Upshaw
Absent: None
Also Present: Mr. Hunigan, Mr. Hampton, Dr. McDonald, Mrs. Ramey, Dr. Leak, Dr. Kirkwood, Dr. Craig, Mr. Rainey, Dr. Byrd, Dr. Freeman, Ms. Mitchell, Ms. Jackson, Ms. Bailey, Mr. Pipikios, Mr. Watkins, Ms. Walton, Ms. Hollins, Ms. Daniel, Ms. Randolph, Ms. Willis, Ms. Kriha, Ms. Truehart, Coach Norwood, Ms. Spells, Ms. Henderson, Ms. Smith, Ms. Chachakis, Mr. Harston, Jr., Ms. Warren, Ms. Brown, Ms. High, Mr. and Mrs. Veazey, Mr. Hopman, Ms. Simington, Mr. Varnado, Mr. Jones, Dr. Imoukhuede, Ms. Shelton, Ms. Creamean, Mr. Schweiger, Ms. Nelson, Ms. Muhammad, Ms. Knight, Ms. Taylor, Mr. and Mrs. Milligan, Ms. Hernandez, Ms. Thompson, Ms. Walker, Ms. Wilson, Ms. Christain, Ms. Welms, Ms. Neumann, Mr. Hardin, Mr. Kriha, Ms. Brown, Ms. Gilmore, Mr. and Mrs. Parnell, Mr. Mnyofu, Mr. Beneo, Mr. Toner, Ms. Douglas, Ms. Varnado, Ms. Coleman, Mr. Mekarski, Ms. Yarborough, Ms. Malak, Mr. Griffin, Ms. Waite, Ms. Sokol, Ms. Stokes, Ms. Madison, Ms. Southall, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Durley, Ms. Powell, Ms. Crapps, Ms. Smith, Mr. Young, Mr. Thompson, and student representative Dallas Crain (Rich South).
Mr. Brunson went over the Board goals for the year – Student Achievement, School Climate, and Community Relations.
Recognition of Citizens Pertaining to Agenda Items
Mr. Brunson recognized Coach Norwood from Rich South. Coach Norwood and his student athletes thanked the Board for the brand new weight room at Rich South and at the other two campuses.
Mr. Brunson recognized Mr. Mekarski, Village Manager for the Village of Olympia Fields. Mr. Mekarski gave a vote of support, on behalf of the Educational Commission of the Village of Olympia Fields, for the appointment of Mr. Rainey as the Principal at Rich Central High School. Mr. Mekarski also spoke on behalf of a Memorandum of Agreement he was recommending with the Village of Olympia Fields. This Agreement
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will give the Village permission to put surveillance equipment on the District’s technology equipment and allow the Village higher surveillance for the Metra stations and corridor. In the event of a terrorist attack, the Metra lines will be used for evacuation. This equipment will give the Village a higher level of safety for residents.
Recognition of Students
Mr. Rainey was recognized. He noted Rich Central’s student, Juan Southall, could not be present as he had a basketball game, but his mother was representing him. Juan was being recognized for his exceptional performance in the classroom and his extraordinary leadership outside of the classroom. Mr. Rainey applauded Juan, who wants to be an accountant, for his ambition and maturity.
Dr. Craig was recognized. He asked Alyssa Hernandez and her family to come forward. Alyssa was recognized for her outstanding achievements, which include Secretary of the National Honor Society, President of Student Council, Snowball, Prom Planning Committee, Spanish Club, AIDS Walk Organizer, and in her “spare” time – a writer for the school newspaper. She is also 2nd in her junior class.
Dr. Kirkwood was recognized. He asked Laraya Parnell and her family to come forward. Laraya was recognized for her continuing standard of excellence, including a 4.2 grade point average, her Prairie State Achievement Exam scores, her involvement in Snowball, Soccer, Gospel Choir, Spanish Honor Society, Student Council, and her rank as #1 student in the Class of 2008. Laraya has received a 4-year scholarship to Howard University.
Recognition of Staff
Mr. Rainey asked Sharon Creamean, a Rich Central art teacher, to come forward. Ms. Creamean was being recognized for her efforts in maintaining the continuity of learning when an assigned teacher was unable to perform duties in the classroom due to an injury.
David O’Toole and Jennifer Brown were recognized by Dr. Craig of Rich East for their innovative approach to co-teaching. The team has a 98.8% ABC rate
Rhonda Travis of Rich South was recognized by Dr. Kirkwood for her commitment to her students. Ms. Travis has been teaching for 25 years, 14 of them in District 227. She is the Jr. Class Sponsor, a District Mentor, part of Rich South’s 35th Anniversary Committee, and a backbone of the Language Arts Department at Rich South.
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Student Representatives
Dallas Crain, Rich South’s student representative, gave updates on the athletics and extra-curricular activities at Rich South.
Mr. Rainey from Rich Central recognized the Rich Central band for its exceptional performances in Atlanta. He also noted that the Rich Central PTSO was taking 200 students to “The Great Debaters” on Wednesday, January 16, 2008.
Dr. Craig mentioned the new processes that have been implemented this semester at Rich East. He also talked about the new auto dialer system and PowerSchool.
Special Presentation
The Rich South administrators gave a Power Point presentation on what is taking place at South regarding the school’s efforts to increase student achievement. Dr. Kirkwood recognized the staff, students and parents from Rich South present at the meeting. He noted student achievement is a team effort at Rich South.
Mr. Hunigan noted that over the next Board meetings, all the schools will be sharing what they are doing to support the District’s goals.
Questions were asked from Board members. Board member Upshaw applauded Dr. Kirkwood and his leadership team for creating a culture at Rich South that fosters learning.
Mr. Imoukhuede applauded the staff and principal at Rich South for the great presentation. He commended the achievements of the male mentoring program and asked for more information on the girls’ mentoring programs.
Approval of Consent Agenda
Mr. Brunson requested approval of the Consent Agenda. Mr. Hunigan asked the Board to remove Ms. Vernon’s name from the Consent Agenda as her Early Bird Science class was not needed due to low enrollment.
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Mr. Imoukhuede moved and Mrs. Brookins seconded the following:
(08-49) It is moved that the Board of Education remove the Early Bird Science class to be taught by Ms. Cindy Vernon from the agenda due to low enrollment.
Mr. Brunson requested a voice vote. Following the voice vote, Mr. Brunson declared the motion carried.
Motion 08-49 carried.
Mrs. Moten moved and Mrs. Upshaw seconded the following:
(08-50) It is moved that the Board of Education approve the Consent Agenda items as listed, minus the Early Bird Science Class.
- Approval of the minutes of the Special Meeting and Closed Session, Regular Meeting, Personnel Committee Meeting and Personnel Committee Closed Session, all of December 11, 2007, and the Community
Relations and Long-Range Planning Committee Meeting and Education Committee Meeting, of December 12, 2007, as distributed.
- Approval of payroll and bills payable
It is moved that the Board of Education approve the payroll and bills payable dated January 15, 2008, as follows:
Payroll
Gross Payroll December 10, 2007 1,404,712.67
Gross Payroll December 20, 2007 1,443,688.79
Bills Payable
Education 1,628,274.88
Operation and Maintenance 262,665.78
Capital Project Fund 1,183,854.91
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Transportation 256,812.51
Tort 1,915.86
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 January 15, 2008, for the Career Preparation Network as follows:
Payroll
Gross Payroll December 10, 2007 4,859.64
Gross Payroll December 20, 2007 4,859.64
Bills Payable
Education 167,959.64
- 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:
2007-2008 School Year
Second Semester
Arielle Fleming B.A., Step 1, Language Arts, South/East
Robert Genardo M.A., Step 12, Language Arts Central/East
Jason Korkosz B.A., Step 1, Physical Education, Central/South
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Patrick O’Boye M.A., Step 1, Special Education, East
6th Assignments, Second Semester
George Bunn Social Studies, Central
William Chatman Foreign Language, South
Krystyna Dabrowska Applied Tech., South
(Change from Early Bird Class)
Mary Gray Science, Central
Corina Irvin Business, Central
Selena Marshall Math, Central
Debra Nicholson Math, Central
Dale Nordmeyer Art, South
Chris Pipikios Science, South
Erik Polcaster Foreign Language, South
Wayne Wirta Math, South
Early Bird Class, Second Semester
Laura Delgado Foreign Language, Central
Eric Dykstra Foreign Language, East
Provided all the requirements of the State of Illinois and the North Central Association are met.
- Open Closed Session Minutes
It is moved that the Closed Session minutes from June 7, 2007, through November 14, 2007, remain closed to the public for confidentiality reasons.
- Destruction of Audio Tapes
It is moved that the Board of Education authorize the destruction of audio tapes of closed session meetings which were taken prior to 18 months ago.
Results of the roll call vote were as follows:
Aye: Brookins, Brunson, Imoukhuede, Moten, Norwood, Owens, Upshaw
Nay: None
Motion 08-50 carried.
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Report of the Director of Fiscal Services
Mr. Hampton requested approval to appoint the Superintendent to prepare a tentative budget. He noted this was a necessary motion each year to begin the budgeting process.
Mrs. Moten moved and Mr. Imoukhuede seconded the following:
(08-51) It is moved that the Board of Education, District 227, Cook County, Illinois, appoint the Superintendent of Schools to prepare a tentative budget for said school district for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2008, and ending June 30, 2009, which tentative budget shall be filed with the Secretary of the Board.
Mr. Brunson requested a voice vote. Following a voice vote, Mr. Brunson declared the motion carried.
Motion 08-51 carried.
Report of the Executive Director of Teaching and Learning
Dr. Leak requested approval to hire Educational Consultants, Inc. She noted this consulting firm would be used in the math leadership role at Rich South while the District seeks a permanent replacement for the Math Instructional Leader. Mrs. Owens moved and Mrs. Norwood seconded the following:
(08-52) It is moved that the Board of Education approve the hiring of Educational Consultants, Inc. for Math Department Leadership at Rich South High School as per the attached Contractual Agreement.
Results of the roll call vote were as follows:
Aye: Brookins, Brunson, Imoukhuede, Moten, Norwood, Owens, Upshaw
Nay: None
Motion 08-52 carried.
Dr. Leak requested approval to hire Professional Development Plus. She noted this firm would be used to prepare Junior students for the Prairie State Achievement Exam. Mrs. Brookins moved and Mrs. Upshaw seconded the following:
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(08-53) It is moved that the Board of Education approve the hiring of Professional Development Plus for Reading Consultant Services as per the attached Contract Agreement.
Results of the roll call vote were as follows:
Aye: Brookins, Brunson, Imoukhuede, Moten, Norwood, Owens, Upshaw
Nay: None
Motion 08-53 carried.
Dr. Leak requested approval of the Title 1 E-Plan. She noted this plan was necessary to assure the state and federal government that the district is addressing the needs of all students, regardless of circumstance. Mrs. Owens moved and Mrs. Brookins seconded the following:
(08-54) It is moved that the Board of Education approve the District Title 1 E-Plan for submission to the Illinois State Board of Educations.
Results of the roll call vote were as follows:
Aye: Brookins, Brunson, Imoukhuede, Moten, Norwood, Owens, Upshaw
Nay: None
Motion 08-54 carried.
Summary of Committee Reports
Mr. Imoukhuede reported on the Community Relations and Long-Range Planning Committee meeting of December 12, 2007. There was discussion on a marketing plan, the strategic plan, and scheduling forums at the campuses. Mr. Imoukhuede is planning another Community Relations meeting before the end of January or in early February.
Mrs. Brookins reported on the Education Committee meeting of December 12, 2007. She noted that the 4-year plan for counselors, their involvement in advisory periods, advanced placement results and the English curriculum had been discussed. The English curriculum has been standardized. More information is needed from the counseling departments. The departments are not standardized across the District. In addition, the
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District needs to look at the Advanced Placement results and have more training for teachers of Advanced Placement classes.
Mrs. Norwood and Mrs. Moten reported on the Budget and Finance/Property Committee meeting of January 9, 2008. Mrs. Norwood noted the construction work which has taken place at all three campuses. She noted the Board took a tour of the Rich South weight room and cafeteria prior to the Board meeting. Mrs. Moten added that Gilbane has been a very good General Contractor. They have kept the District under budget and which has given the District the funds to complete alternate projects. Mrs. Moten added that the audit of the accounting practices was also discussed. The new procedures were implemented for the Big Dipper.
Mrs. Brookins reminded the Board of the Technology Committee meeting scheduled for Tuesday, January 22, at 7:00 p.m. in the District Office.
Report of the Superintendent
Mr. Hunigan requested approval of a Membership of Understanding with the Village of Olympia Fields. Mrs. Owens moved and Mr. Imoukhuede seconded the following:
(08-55) It is moved that the Board of Education approve the Memorandum of Understanding with the Village of Olympia Fields as attached.
Results of the roll call vote were as follows:
Aye: Brookins, Brunson, Imoukhuede, Moten, Norwood, Owens, Upshaw
Nay: None
Motion 08-55 carried.
Mr. Brunson thanked Mr. Mekarski from the Village of Olympia Fields for his comments. Mrs. Norwood asked Mr. Winchel from Northern Illinois University about the cameras. Mr. Winchel responded that cameras of this type have a 3 l/2 mile span and are used by many municipalities to provide a safer community.
Mr. Hunigan requested Mr. Rainey to come forward. He then requested a motion to approve Mr. Rainey as the Principal for Rich Central High School. Mrs. Norwood moved and Mrs. Moten seconded the following:
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(08-56) It is moved that the Board of Education approve the administrative contract of Maceo Rainey as Principal of Rich Central High School effective February 1, 2008.
Results of the roll call vote were as follows:
Aye: Brookins, Brunson, Imoukhuede, Moten, Norwood, Owens, Upshaw
Nay: None
Motion 08-56 carried.
Mr. Hunigan thanked Mrs. Martin for acting as the Interim Principal during the past year.
Board members welcomed Mr. Rainey to his new position, and stated they looked forward to working with him.
Mr. Rainey thanked his wife, the Superintendent, the Board of Education, the Olympia Fields Education Commission, and the Rich Central PSTO for putting their faith in him. He noted the community and the school will be working together to move Rich Central to a place of excellence. He stated he was excited about his new role.
Unfinished Business
Mrs. Brookins brought up the Board members meeting with foundation district Board members. Mr. Hunigan said he will arrange it.
Mrs. Moten asked for data from the guidance counselors. Dr. Leak responded that she will get the data to the Board members.
Special Presentation
Ms. Foston introduced the new public relations video. She stated it was part of the comprehensive marketing plan. It will be used on the District’s web site and for recruiting tours. Mr. Hunigan added that this is the first video for the web site. He hoped the District would be producing a series of videos.
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Mrs. Brookins asked the administration to look at dates to have a student forum.
At 9:20 p.m. Mrs. Moten moved and Mrs. Owens seconded the following:
(08-57) 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.
Results of the roll call vote were as follows:
Aye: Brookins, Brunson, Imoukhuede, Moten,, Norwood, Owens, Upshaw
Nay: None
Motion 08-57 carried.
At 10:00 p.m. Mrs. Moten moved and Mrs. Owens seconded the following:
(08-58) 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 08-58 carried.
Mrs. Moten moved and Mrs. Owens seconded the following:
(08-59) It is moved that the Board of Education uphold the dismissal of the employee discussed in closed session.
Results of the roll call vote were as follows:
Aye: Brookins, Brunson, Imoukhuede, Moten, Norwood, Owens, Upshaw
Nay: None
Motion 08-59 carried.
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At 10:05 p.m. Mrs. Brookins moved and Mrs. Moten seconded the following:
(08-60) 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 08-60 carried.
________________________________________ ______________________________
President Secretary