June 17, 2008
RICH TOWNSHIP HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT 227
BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING
JUNE 17, 2008
The Board of Education of Rich Township High School District 227 met on Tuesday, June 17, 2008, in the District Administrative Center, Olympia Fields, Illinois.
Mr. Brunson called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. and asked everyone to stand for the Pledge of Allegiance.
Mr. Brunson requested a roll call.
Present: Brookins, Brunson, Imoukhuede, Moten, Norwood, Owens, Upshaw
Absent: None
Also Present: Mr. Hunigan, Dr. McDonald, Dr. Leak, Mrs. Cotton-Ramey, Mrs. Treichel, Mr. Offill, Ms. Waite, Mr. West, Mr. Owens, Ms. Jones, Ms. Brown, Ms. Audrey Smith, Mr. Stefanski, Mr. Chapman, Ms. Birts, Ms. Farr, Mrs. Sokol, Ms. Veazey, Mrs. Veazey, Mr. Toner (SouthtownStar), Mr. Stewart, Ms. Varnado, Ms. Henderson, Mr. Parham, Mr. Clement, Ms. Madison, Dr. Kirkwood, Ms. Kula, Ms. Milligan, Mr. Milligan, Mr. and Mrs. Motton, Ms. Parham, Ms. Javonna Smith, Mr. Daggy, Ms. Kamysz
Mr. Brunson went over the Board Goals of Student Achievement, School Climate, and Community Relations.
Recognition of Citizens Pertaining to Agenda Items
Mrs. Sokol was recognized. She thanked the members of the Olympia Fields Education Commission for all their hard work and the District staff for their assistance in partnering for more opportunities for our students.
Mrs. Sokol noted there was a negative perception in the communities regarding the hiring of Mr. Motton for the District Police Liaison position. She asked the District to reconsider the hiring.
Mrs. Sokol asked if the District was still a member of the Superintendent’s Commission for the Study of Demographics and Diversity.
Ms. Waite was recognized. She asked about the District Police Liaison position. She questioned whether there was a problem with supervision of security at the present time. She also asked how many individuals were interviewed for the position. In addition, she questioned why the District does not bid for recycled paper.
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Mr. Chapman was recognized. He stated that the District Police Liaison position creates another level of bureaucracy in the District, which he felt is unneeded. He also stated that he felt there is a conflict of interest with Mr. Motton and Mrs. Norwood’s position at District 159 and Mr. Imoukhuede’s position as a trustee for the Village of Matteson. He noted Mr. Motton is President of the District 159 Board of Education and also a trustee for the Village of Matteson.
Mr. Veazey was recognized. He spoke regarding the administrative and exempt staff salaries. He noted that he had requested a copy of the salaries prior to the Board meeting and had been informed they were not available until after they were discussed and approved by the Board. Mr. Veazey stated he was informed he needed to file a Freedom of Information request for the salaries.
Mr. Brunson responded that this was correct. After the Board makes a decision on salaries, Mr. Veazey can file a Freedom of Information request and receive them.
Mr. Stewart was recognized. He stated he wanted to know the answers to the above questions also.
Special Presentation
Mr. Stefanski, a teacher at Rich East, presented an overview of a recent trip to New York City with student Johnny Cheung. Johnny won the trip through a contest in Mr. Stefanski’s Honors Economics Class. They had participated with 3,300 teams across the State of Illinois and had come in first.
Mrs. Owens commented that this type of contest presented a wonderful opportunity for students. She asked Mr. Stefanski to consider sponsoring a club for students as more students need to know what is taking place in the stock market.
Consent Agenda
Mr. Brunson asked to have Fred Jacobeit’s retirement removed from #6 J. of the Consent Agenda. Mr. Brunson asked to have #6K. – the approval of the District Police Liaison removed from the Consent Agenda. Mr. Imoukhuede asked to have #6Q. – Administrative and Exempt Staff Salaries removed from the Consent Agenda.
Mr. Brunson requested approval of the Consent Agenda as amended. Mrs. Moten moved and Mrs. Brookins seconded the following:
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(08-101) It is moved that the Board of Education approve the Consent Agenda as amended above.
A. Approval of the minutes of the Education Committee Meeting, the Special meeting and Closed Session of May 12, 2008; the Special Meeting, Closed Session, Policy Committee, and Regular Meeting of May 20, 2008; 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 17, 2008, as follows:
Payroll
Gross Payroll May 23, 2008 1,467,443.69
Gross Payroll June 10, 2008 1,436,807.00
Bills Payable
Education 757,241.27
Operation and Maintenance 155,581.80
Capital Project Fund 1,409,728.51
Transportation 395,564.87
Tort 1,772.00
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 17, 2008 for the Career Preparation Network as follows:
Payroll
Gross Payroll May 23, 2008 4,859.64
Gross Payroll June 10, 2008 4,859.64
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Bills Payable
Education 142,689.27
- 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 teaching contracts
It is moved that the President, Secretary and Superintendent be authorized to sign contracts as follows:
Full Time 2008-2009 Step and Lane
Lisa Berens Step 3, BA Lane
Science, Rich Central
Timothy Daggy Step 2, BA Lane
Physical Education, Rich East
Arielle Fleming Step 2, BA Lane
Language Arts, Rich South
Sandra Gaitor Step 1, BA Lane
Business Education, Rich Central
Tiffany Kamysz Step 4, MA Lane
Special Education, Rich East
Krista Nelsestuen Step 1, BA Lane
Business Education, Rich Central/Rich East
Brent Offill Step 9, BA Lane
Physical Education, Rich South
Quincy Owens Step 1, BA Lane
Language Arts, Rich South
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Kristin Randall Step 1, BA lane
Language Arts, Rich East
Tiffany Templin Step 1, BA lane
Language Arts, Rich East
Joseph Tucker Step 1, BA Lane
Math, Rich Central
Craig West Step 14, BA lane
Art, Rich Central
Amanda Wiltjer Step 1, BA Lane
Science, Rich East
Provided all the requirements of the State of Illinois and the North Central Association are met.
F. Approval of job share
It is moved that the Board of Education approve the job share of Amy Bloodgood and Sarah Harger for the 2008-2009 school year.
G. Approval of administrative resignation
It is moved that the Board of Education approve the resignation of administrative staff member Jeff Craig effective June 30, 2008.
H. Approval of certified resignations
It is moved that the Board of Education approve the resignations of certified staff members Patrick Baker (Music, Rich Central), Paul Chandler (Physical Education, Rich East), Eileen Dowd (Language Arts, Rich East), Patrick O’Boye (Special Education, Rich East), and John Ritchie (Science, Rich Central), effective at the conclusion of the 2007-2008 school year.
I. Approval of administrative retirement
It is moved that the Board of Education approve the retirement of administrative staff member Celeste Nelson effective at the conclusion of the 2009-2010 school year.
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J. Approval of certified staff retirements
It is moved that the Board of Education approve the retirements of certified staff members James Bolognani (PE/South), Linda Carter (Counselor/Central), Bonnie Dickey (Psychologist/East), Paula Marron (Special Education/Central), Paul Panczuk (Dean, East), Nancy Pawluk (Counselor/East), Rick Rapp (Language Arts/Central), Luisa Regalado (Foreign Language/Central), Ruth Rich (Foreign Language/Central), Cynthia Vernon (Science/South), JoAnn Wayne (Reading Specialist/South), Noreen Wessendorf (PE/East), and William Yarborough (Counselor/East) effective at the conclusion of the 2011-2012 school year.
L. Request for approval of Coaching Positions
It is moved that the Board of Education approve the coaching positions of Terrone Parham as the Head Boys’ Basketball Coach and Bryan Craig as the Head Girls’ Basketball Coach effective with the 2008-2009 school year.
M. Request for approval of prevailing wage rates
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 08-52.
N. Authorization for a Supplemental June Bills Payable List for District 227
Suggested Motion: 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, 2008, District 227 bills payable list in an amount not to exceed $1,000,000.00; 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 08-50.
O. Authorization for a supplemental June Bills Payable List for Career Preparation Network
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Suggested Motion: 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, 2008, 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 08-51.
P. Destruction of Audio Tapes
Suggested Motion: 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.
R. Approval of Membership in the Illinois Association of School Boards
Suggested Motion: It is moved that the Board of Education approve the District’s Membership in the Illinois Association of School Boards for the 2008-2009 School Year.
Results of the roll call vote were as follows:
Aye: Brookins, Brunson, Imoukhuede, Moten, Norwood, Owens, Upshaw
Nay: None
Motion 08-101 carried.
Mr. Brunson requested approval to remove Fred Jacobeit’s retirement from the agenda. Mrs. Brookins moved and Mrs. Moten seconded the following:
(08-102) It is moved that Fred Jacobeit’s retirement be removed from the agenda.
Results of the roll call vote were as follows:
Aye: Brookins, Brunson, Imoukhuede, Moten, Norwood, Owens, Upshaw
Nay: None
Motion 08-102 carried.
Mr. Brunson requested approval to hire Mr. Nathaniel Motton as the District Police Liaison.
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Mr. Hunigan shared the process the District had gone through in coming to a decision to recommend Mr. Motton for the position. He noted that 16 individuals had applied for the position, six had been interviewed, with two finalists being recommended to his office. He also stated that there is a possibility that grant money will be available to pay for the position.
Board members shared their opinions as to whether or not Mr. Motton should be hired for the position and their reasons for coming to these conclusions.
Mrs. Owens called the question.
Mr. Imoukhuede moved and Mrs. Owens seconded the following:
(08-103) It is moved that the Board of Education approve the hiring of Nathaniel Motton as the District Police Liaison effective July 1, 2008.
Results of the roll call vote were as follows:
Aye: Brookins, Imoukhuede, Norwood, Owens
Nay: Brunson, Moten, Upshaw
Motion 08-103 carried.
Mr. Brunson requested approval of administrative and exempt staff salaries. Mr. Imoukhuede noted that his wife was a staff member and that is why he requested the salaries be removed from the consent agenda. Mr. Imoukhuede moved and Mrs. Owens seconded the following:
(08-104) It is moved that the Board of Education approve the Administrative and Exempt Staff salaries for 2008-2009 as listed on the attached sheets.
Mrs. Brookins asked the administration to set a goal where the District looks at merit-based pay instead of a blanket pay increase. She noted she doesn’t believe everyone earns the same increase.
Mrs. Owens responded that she will ask for a series of meetings to determine salary increases for administrative and exempt staff. She will make this a major project of the Personnel Committee.
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Results of the roll call vote were as follows:
Aye: Brookins, Brunson, Moten, Norwood, Owens, Upshaw
Nay: None
Abstain: Imoukhuede
Motion 08-104 carried.
Mr. Brunson noted that most administrative and exempt staff had received a 3.5% increase.
Dr. McDonald was recognized. She introduced the new staff members who were present at the meeting.
Mr. Imoukhuede noted that Mr. Quincy Owens, one of the new teachers, had been in his Boy Scout troop many years ago. Mrs. Norwood also mentioned that she has known Quincy and his family for many years.
Summary of Committee Reports
Mr. Brunson reported on the Committee of the Whole meeting held prior to the Board meeting. He noted that Board Docs had given a presentation on electronic board packets.
Mrs. Upshaw requested a second reading of the following new and revised Board policies:
Fiscal and Business Management 4.10
Purchases and Contracts 4.60
Student Classification 6.350
Harassment of Students Prohibited 7.20
Residence 7.60
Preventing Bullying, Intimidation
and Harassment 7.180
There being no objection to the second reading, Mrs. Upshaw requested the new and
revised policies be incorporated into the District’s policy books.
Mrs. Upshaw moved and Mrs. Brookins seconded the following:
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(08-104) It is moved that the new and revised Board policies listed above be accepted into the Board Policy Books effective June 17, 2008.
Results of the roll call vote were as follows:
Aye: Brookins, Brunson, Imoukhuede, Moten, Norwood, Owens, Upshaw
Nay: None
Motion 08-104 carried.
Mrs. Upshaw presented the following revised policies for a first reading:
School Board 2.260
Operational Services 4.110
Personnel 5.100
Instruction 6.60
Students 7.70
Students 7.220
There being no objection, a first reading was held on these revised policies.
Mrs. Norwood reminded the Board of the Property Committee meeting scheduled for
Wednesday, June 18, 2008, at 6:30 p.m. in the District Administration Building.
Mrs. Brookins reminded the Board of the Education Committee meeting scheduled for Wednesday, June 18, 2008, at 7:30 p.m. in the District Administration Building.
Report of the Superintendent
Mr. Hunigan asked to have consideration of the Board Docs software tabled until the July meeting. Mrs. Owens moved and Mrs. Brookins seconded the following:
(08-105) It is moved that consideration of the purchase of Board Docs software be tabled until the July Board meeting.
Following a voice vote, Mr. Brunson declared the motion carried.
Motion 08-105 carried.
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Mr. Brunson requested award of a bid for duplicating paper. Mr. Hunigan noted that the reason the District was using non-recycled paper was because the bids for recycled paper were submitted incomplete and the District was on a timeline for ordering paper.
Mr. Imoukhuede moved and Mrs. Norwood seconded the following:
(08-106) 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 2008-09 school year from the Murnane Paper Co., Elmhurst, IL, in the amount of $83,616.40, in accordance with Business Office memorandum 08-49.
Results of the roll call vote were as follows:
Aye: Brookins, Brunson, Imoukhuede, Moten, Norwood, Owens, Upshaw
Nay: None
Motion 08-106 carried.
Report of the President
Mr. Brunson stated that he had inquiries regarding the Board meeting locations. He noted that three Board meetings each year are held at each campus and three are held at the District Office.
Mr. Brunson reminded the Board that the next Board meeting would take place Tuesday, July 15, 2008, at 7:30 p.m. in the District Administrative Center.
Mr. Brunson reminded the Board of the Special Meeting of the Board scheduled for Monday, June 23, 2008, at 6:30 p.m. to discuss articulation with the foundation schools.
Mr. Brunson thanked Mr. Hunigan for opening up Rich South during the recent tornado disaster in Richton Park. Rich South housed in excess of a dozen people. Mr. Brunson also thanked staff members for helping out as well as the surrounding businesses for supplying food, water, and needed essentials.
Mr. Hunigan and Mrs. Norwood noted they appreciated the overwhelming response of the community during this time of need.
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Mr. Brunson also thanked Gilbane Construction for making sure there were showers in workable condition at Rich South.
New Business
Mrs. Owens scheduled a Special Meeting of the Board for 6:00 p.m. on July 15, 2008, for an update on the Superintendent’s Performance Goals. This meeting will be a closed session and will be held at the District Administrative Center.
Mrs. Upshaw applauded the Superintendent for the work he is doing regarding immunizations for students.
Mr. Imoukhuede expressed thanks to the community and schools for helping with his daughter. He noted that it takes a village to raise a child. His daughter just received her Ph.D. in bioengineering from California Institute of Technology.
Mrs. Upshaw reminded the Board of the District’s “go green” strategy.
Recognition of Citizens
Mr. Veazey was recognized. He commented on the District’s process for interviewing candidates. He noted that consistency needs to be stressed.
Mrs. Owens stated that the Board and Administration have been working very hard on the interviewing process. She noted there is a consistent process.
Adjournment
At 9:15 p.m. Mr. Imoukhuede moved to adjourn and Mrs. Norwood seconded the motion. Mr. Brunson noted that Mrs. Sokol wished to address the Board. Mr. Brunson requested a roll call vote on the motion to adjourn.
Aye: Imoukhuede, Norwood, Owens
Nay: Brookins, Brunson, Moten, Upshaw
Motion defeated.
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Mr. Brunson recognized Mrs. Sokol. Mrs. Sokol noted that she was not questioning anyone’s ethics. She stated perception is imported and she was disappointed perception was not given more priority.
At 9:20 Mr. Imoukhuede moved and Mrs. Norwood seconded the motion to adjourn. Following a voice vote, Mr. Brunson declared the meeting adjourned.
_________________________________ ________________________________
President Secretary