September 16, 2008
RICH TOWNSHIP HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT 227
BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING
SEPTEMBER 16, 2008
The Board of Education of Rich Township High School District 227 met on Tuesday, September 16, 2008, in the Media Center at Rich Central High School, 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.
Present: Brookins, Brunson, Imoukhuede, Moten, Norwood, Owens, Upshaw
Also Present: Mr. Hunigan, Mr. Hampton, Dr. Leak, Dr. McDonald, Mrs. Ramey, Mrs. Treichel, Ms. Willis, Ms Brown, Mr. Veazey, Ms. Hickey, Ms. Nelson, Mr. Sneed, Ms. Bailey, Ms. Lee, Mr. Lee, Ms. Stokes, Mr. Stokes, Mr. Pipikios, Mr. Alexander, Mr. Lewis, Mr. Craig, Mr. Sims, Ms. Rada, Mr. Rada, Mr. Douglas, Ms. McCarroll, Mrs. Lohr, Ms. Bunn, Mr. Woods, Mr. Drummond, Mr. Pickens-Dumas, Ms. High, Ms. Benard, Ms. Gregor-Whitmire, Ms. Jones, Ms. Henderson, Ms. Farr, Ms. Baxter, Mr. Baxter, Mr. Franklin, Ms. Moore, Ms. Birts, Ms. Foston, Ms. Tarleton, Ms. Anderson, Mr. Curran, Ms. Milligan, Ms. Welch, Ms. Holloway, Mr. Holloway, Ms. Baranowski, Mr. Gomih, Mr. Pfau, Ms. Durley, Ms. Sokol, Mr. Young, Ms. Waite, Ms. Varnado, Ms. Nady, Ms. Johnson-McClintok, Ms. Perry, Ms. Madison, Mr. Toner (SouthtownStar), and student representatives Toi Perry (Central), Alyssa Hernandez (East), and Paul Argue (South).
Mr. Brunson went over the Board Goals of Student Achievement, School Climate (Internal Learning Community), and Community Relations (External Learning Community).
Recognition of Citizens Pertaining to Agenda items
Mrs. Sokol was recognized. She asked about the reassignment of Dr. Kirkwood. She also asked about the performance pay listed on the agenda. She noted that the administrators worked very hard to bring up the District’s PSAE scores. She wanted to know if the performance pay was open ended.
Mr. Hunigan noted that these items would be addressed later in the meeting.
Mr. Pfau was recognized. He asked where the Board goals are taking the District. He stated he felt there was no consistency. The District was setting its standards way too low. He noted he would like to see improvement at all schools in all categories on the PSAE. He talked about school climate, noting the District has had six principals in the last three years.
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Mr. Pfau also stated that teachers are coaching and not showing up for parent conferences. The EZ Communicator is not working in the District. Mr. Pfau said he did not get a notice of the August 22 meeting. Mr. Pfau stated that the Rich East website was not up to date.
Mr. Woods was recognized. He talked about the good relationship the Classified Staff Union had with the District administration. He said he hoped it can continue.
Mrs. Brookins responded that there was a lot of open communication between the two parties during negotiations.
Mr. Veazey was recognized. He asked about the legal parameters of posting the agenda under the Open Meetings Act. He also asked about receiving a copy of the items listed on the agenda to be voted on prior to the meeting. He noted citizens might want to lobby community members regarding who is to receive a bonus.
Mr. Brunson noted that the Open Meetings Act requires the agenda to be posted 48 hours in advance of a meeting. In regards to the bonuses, Mr. Brunson noted Mr. Hunigan would get back to Mr. Veazey.
Mr. Brunson announced that the Village of Richton Park could not be at the Board meeting. The Village officials were dealing with the water situation from the flooding. They will be coming to the next Board meeting to present the District with a check in excess of $800,000 for Tax Increment Financing in the Village of Richton Park. \
Recognition of Students
Mr. Henry was recognized. He noted that the three Rich Central students to be recognized exceeded on the Prairie State Achievement Exam in reading and math. He asked Oludamilola Gomith, Jessica Holloway and Victoria Lee and their families to come forward. In addition to their accomplishments on the PSAE, Oludamilola, Jessica and Victoria are very involved in activities at Rich Central.
Mr. Kramer was recognized. He asked Michael Bauseman, Kyle Rada and Justin Sims and their families to come forward to be recognized. All three students scored high on their ACT and received exceeds in all categories of the PSAE. In addition, all three students are an integral part of Rich East campus activities.
Ms. Nelson was recognized. She asked Frank Baxter and Bolu Oladini and their families to come forward. Frank exceeded in all areas of the PSAE, has a 3.6 grade point average, outstanding attendance and is involved in many activities at Rich South. Bolu has a 4.4
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grade point average, exceeded in all areas of the PSAE, and is also involved in many activities at Rich South.
Recognition of Teachers
Mr. Henry asked Bryan Craig to come forward. He noted that Brian, a guidance counselor at Rich Central and head varsity basketball coach, is an exemplary model for students.
Mr. Kramer asked Jonnie Bass to come forward. He noted that Ms. Bass is a phenomenal educator who has been an employee of District 227 for 19 years. She is an exceptional leader and trusted guide for the students.
Ms. Nelson asked Elisa Baranowski to come forward. She noted that this was the 4th year for Ms. Baranowski teaching in the math department at Rich South. She is an excellent example for students. She gives her best to students and Rich South.
Student Representatives
Student representative, Toi Perry, spoke on the events taking place at Rich Central, including Homecoming and the upcoming fundraiser at Rich City Skate on September 27.
Student representative, Alyssa Hernandez, talked about Rich East Homecoming and the pride students feel in their upgraded facilities. Special education students will be included in Student Council activities.
Rich South student representative, Paul Argue, shared the Rich South Homecoming theme, “A Night in Central Park.” He thanked the Rich South custodial staff for moving so quickly to resolve the flooding issue following the weekend of rain.
Special Presentation
Ms. Hope Henderson gave a presentation on Summer School 2008, which included a recommendation for a winter and spring registration, as well as a counselor to assist during the registration process. This year, Huntington Learning Center was part of Summer School through the District’s Title I program. Mrs. Owens suggested the District consider providing a means for students who can’t afford Summer School to attend tuition free. Mrs. Moten asked about having a class in earth science for incoming freshmen. Dr. Leak noted she would certainly look at earth science for students who are not low in reading abilities.
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Next summer, there will be a program for incoming freshmen who score low on the reading test. This will not be a credit class.
Mrs. Moten asked if the number of students attending summer school increased from the previous year. Mrs. Henderson said she would get that number for Mrs. Moten.
Mrs. Henderson noted that summer school was in the black $19,752.79 this year.
Approval of Consent Agenda
Mr. Brunson requested approval of the Consent Agenda. Mr. Imoukhuede moved and Mrs. Norwood seconded the following:
(09-23) It is moved that the Board of Education approve the Consent Agenda items listed.
Approval of the minutes of the Joint Budget/Property Committee Meeting (regular and closed session) of August 14, 2008; the regular Board meeting of August 19, 2008; the Special meeting (regular and closed session) of August 22, 2008; and the Community Relations and Long-Range Planning Committee meeting of August 27, 2008; as distributed.
Approval of payroll and bills payable
It is moved that the Board of Education approve the payroll and bills payable dated September 16, 2008, as follows:
Payroll
Gross Payroll August 25, 2008 1,382,656.23
Gross Payroll September 10, 2008 1,453,789.58
Bills Payable
Education 862,243.74
Operation and Maintenance 233,180.70
Capital Project Fund 2,395,385.79
Transportation 46,720.57
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Tort 50,834.00
Site Construction 1,800.00
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 16, 2008, for the Career Preparation Network as follows:
Payroll
Gross Payroll August 25, 2008 4,954.02
Gross Payroll September 10, 2008 4,954.02
Bills Payable
Education 2,511.73
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.
Approval of teaching contracts
It is moved that the President, Secretary and Superintendent be authorized to sign contracts as follows:
Part Time 2008-2009 Step and Lane
Annetta Brewer .6 of Step 11, BA Lane
Social Studies/Rich South
Full Time 2008-2009
Elizabeth Hickey Step 1, BA Lane
Language Arts/Rich Central
Lauren Infelise Step 1, BA Lane
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Language Arts/Rich South
John Rolence Step 1, BA Lane
Language Arts/Rich South
6th Assignments
Monshea Aguirre Step 6, BA Lane
Math/Rich Central
Candice Buza Step 4, BA Lane
Physical Education/Rich South
Robert Fredrick Step 15, MA Lane
Business/Rich East
Kathy Gray Step 13, MA+15 Lane
Special Education/Rich East
Ayannah Jordan Step 7, MA Lane
Special Education/Rich East
Jodi Jordan Step 4, BA Lane
Science/Rich South
Selena Marshall Step 15, MA Lane
Math/Rich Central
Rich Murphy Step 15, MA Lane
Business/Rich South
Dale Nordmeyer Step 15, MA Lane
Art/Rich South
Yvonne O’Connell-Lavin Step 4, MA Lane
Science, Rich Central
Chris Pipikios Step 7, BA Lane
Science/Rich South
Debra Taylor Step 16, BA+15 Lane
Special Education/Rich Central
Early Bird Classes
Eric Dykstra Step 3, BA Lane
Foreign Language/Rich East
Nissa Conway Step 10, BA Lane
Foreign Language/Rich East
Evening School
Maya Miller Language Arts
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Provided all the requirements of the State of Illinois and the North Central Association are met.
Acceptance of resignations
It is moved that the Board of Education accept the resignations of certified staff members Robert Genardo and Andrea Woods Mells effective August 26, 2008.
Approval of Associate Principal for Teaching & Learning at Rich Central
It is moved that the Board of Education approve the reassignment of Sherry Stokes, current Instructional Leader for Math at Rich Central, to Associate Principal for Teaching & Learning at Rich Central effective September 17, 2008.
Acceptance of check for Snowball
It is moved that the Board of Education accept with gratitude the check in the amount of $200.00 from the Olympia Fields Woman’s Club to be used for the District’s Snowball Program.
Closed Session Audio Tapes
Suggested Motion: It is moved that the closed session audio tapes prior to 18 months ago be destroyed.
Results of the roll call vote were as follows:
Aye: Brookins, Brunson, Imoukhuede, Moten, Norwood, Owens, Upshaw
Nay: None
Motion 09-23 carried.
Report of the Director of Fiscal Services
Mr. Hampton requested adoption of the 2008-2009 Career Preparation Network Budget. He noted the budget had been presented for a hearing at 7:25 p.m. prior to the Board meeting. The Career Preparation Network consists of Rich Township District 227, Homewood-Flossmoor District 233, Crete-Monee District 201-U, Bloom District 206, and Prairie State College. District 227 is the administrative agent for CPN. Mrs. Moten moved and Mr. Imoukhuede seconded the following:
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(09-24) It is moved that the Board of Education adopt the 2008-2009 Career Preparation Network budget, presented on August 19, 2008, in accordance with Business Office memorandum 09-05.
Results of the roll call vote were as follows:
Aye: Brookins, Brunson, Imoukhuede, Moten, Norwood, Owens, Upshaw
Nay: None
Motion 09-24 carried.
Mr. Hampton requested adoption of the 2008-2009 District 227 Budget. He noted the budget had been presented for a hearing at 7:20 p.m. prior to the Board meeting. Mrs. Moten moved and Mr. Imoukhuede seconded the following:
(09-25) It is moved that the Board of Education adopt the 2008-2009 Rich Township High School District 227 Budget, as revised from that originally presented on August 19, 2008, in accordance with Business Office memorandum 09-06.
Results of the roll call vote were as follows:
Aye: Brookins, Brunson, Imoukhuede, Moten, Norwood, Owens, Upshaw
Nay: None
Motion 09-25 carried.
Mr. Hampton requested approval of the Classified Staff Union Negotiations Agreement. He
noted the Classified Staff had ratified the contract on September 10, 2008. This will be a 4-year contract, with a 4.835% increase, including benefits. The contract eliminates the longevity step, giving a bonus for those employees entering their 20th year and their 25th year.
Mrs. Norwood suggested getting a cake to celebrate the signing of the contract. Mr. Hunigan responded that he would have a cake for the next Board meeting.
Mr. Imoukhuede congratulated the Board and the Classified Staff on the win/win situation.
Mrs. Brookins moved and Mrs. Owens seconded the following:
(09-26) It is moved that the Board of Education approve the Classified Staff Union Negotiations Agreement between the Board of Education and the Classified Staff union for the four-year period of July 1, 2008, through June 30, 2012,
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as presented to the Board and ratified by the Classified Staff Union on September 10, 2008.
Results of the roll call vote were as follows:
Aye: Brookins, Brunson, Imoukhuede, Moten, Norwood, Owens, Upshaw
Nay: None
Motion 09-26 carried.
Report of the Executive Director of Teaching and Learning
Dr. Leak gave a presentation on the District’s Prairie State Achievement Exam scores. She noted the preliminary report was brought to the Board on August 22, 2008. Two weeks ago, the state released the data. Dr. Leak noted that the Superintendent had set a goal of an 8% increase in scores for the 2007-2008 year. The District was able to meet this goal with an 8.7% increase in scores.
Mr. Imoukhuede noted that the goal of the District is Adequate Yearly Progress. Improvement is not enough.
Dr. Leak responded that the State has a growth program to get to AYP, which is called Safe Harbor. Students at Rich Central and Rich East were able to meet and in some cases exceed this growth mark.
Mrs. Norwood added that this is the first time in 20 years Rich East has seen an increase in its ACT scores.
Mrs. Owens stated that when she first joined the Board there was no standard curriculum or common assessments or common textbooks. All of these things were added the last three years. We need to celebrate that. This is the beginning.
Dr. Leak congratulated the students and staff.
Mr. Imoukhuede again stated that improvement is good but AYP is what the District’s objective is. AYP the minimum requirement by the No Child Left Behind Act.
Mr. Brunson responded that this is a beginning for the District. It is not going to stop here. The District is headed in the right direction.
Mr. Hunigan noted that 71% of the high schools in Illinois did not make Adequate Yearly Progress. The District needs to look at its growth.
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Mrs. Brookins added that the District cannot overlook all the work that has been put in place.
Summary of Committee Reports
Mr. Imoukhuede reported on the Community Relations and Long-Range Planning Committee meeting of August 27, 2008. He noted the Community Relations Committee is looking for a consultant to conduct Strategic Planning for the District. Another meeting will be set to hear three presentations from consultants regarding Strategic Planning.
At 9:15 p.m. Mrs. Brookins moved and Mrs. Owens seconded the following:
(09-27) 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 haring 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 09-27 carried.
At 10:05 p.m. Mrs. Brookins moved and Mrs. Owens seconded the following:
(09-28) It is moved that the Board of Education reconvene its regular Board meeting.
Results of the roll call vote were as follows:
Aye: Brookins, Brunson, Imoukhuede, Moten, Norwood, Owens, Upshaw
Nay: None
Motion 09-28 carried.
Report of the Superintendent
Mr. Hunigan requested approval of a Rich South band trip. He noted the students wished to go to the inauguration in Washington, D.C. January 15 – 21, 2009. There will be 50
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students with 10 chaperones. Mrs. Owens asked about the nature of the band’s participation. Mr. Douglass responded that the band will be attending the festival during the week and will be filling out a separate application to get permission to be in the parade.
Mr. Imoukhuede moved and Mrs. Norwood seconded the following:
(09-29) It is moved that the Board of Education approve the Rich South Band Trip to Washington, D.C., January 15 – 21, 2009.
Results of the roll call vote were as follows:
Aye: Brookins, Brunson, Imoukhuede, Moten, Norwood, Owens, Upshaw
Nay: None
Motion 09-29 carried.
Mr. Hunigan requested approval of the Application for Recognition of Schools. He noted that this application states that the District is in compliance with all the regulations of the Illinois State Board of Education. Mrs. Owens moved and Mrs. Moten seconded the following:
(09-30) It is moved that the Board of Education approve the Application for Recognition of Schools for submission to the Illinois State Board of Education.
Following a voice vote, Mr. Brunson declared the motion carried.
Motion 09-30 carried.
Mr. Hunigan requested approval of the Assistant Superintendent for Finance and Operations. He stated he was recommending Mr. Ilandus Hampton, currently the Director of Fiscal Services, for this position. Mrs. Brookins moved and Mrs. Moten seconded the following:
(09-31) It is moved that the Board of Education approve Ilandus Hampton as the Assistant Superintendent for Finance and Operations for Rich Township High School District 227.
Results of the roll call vote were as follows:
Aye: Brookins, Brunson, Imoukhuede, Moten, Norwood, Owens, Upshaw
Nay: None
Motion 09-31 carried.
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Mr. Hunigan requested approval of the reassignment of Dr. Roudell Kirkwood, Rich South Principal. He noted Dr. Kirkwood would be performing other administrative duties at the District Administrative Center. Mrs. Owens moved and Mrs. Norwood seconded the following:
(09-32) It is moved that the Board of Education approve the reassignment of Dr. Roudell Kirkwood from the principalship at Rich South High School to administrative duties at the District Administrative Center from August 22, 2008, until June 30, 2009.
Following a voice vote, Mr. Brunson declared the motion carried.
Motion 09-32 carried.
Mr. Hunigan requested approval of Ms. Patricia Welch as the Interim Principal for Rich South High School. He noted he was excited to bring Ms. Welch forward as the Interim Principal. She was a Division Chair at Rich Central for a number of years, and she has been the Principal at Hillcrest High School for 13 years. Mr. Imoukhuede added that he has known Ms. Welch for many years. She is a person of the community. Mr. Imoukhuede moved and Mrs. Brookins seconded the following:
(09-33) It is moved that the Board of Education approve the hiring of Patricia Welch as the Interim Principal for Rich South High School beginning October 7, 2008.
Results of the roll call vote were as follows:
Aye: Brookins, Bruknson, Imoukhuede, Moten, Norwood, Owens, Upshaw
Nay: None
Motion 09-33 carried.
Mrs. Welch thanked the Board and Superintendent for the position. She stated she has a passion for young people and learning.
Mrs. Moten moved and Mr. Imoukhuede seconded the following:
(09-34) It is moved that #14F. regarding Performance Pay Increases for administrative staff be tabled until the October Board meeting.
Results of the roll call vote were as follows:
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Aye: Brookins, Brunson, Imoukhuede, Moten, Norwood, Owens, Upshaw
Nay: None
Motion 09-34 carried.
Mr. Hunigan updated the Board on his work as both the Superintendent and the Interim Principal at Rich South. He noted he is impressed with the Rich South students and staff.
Mr. Hunigan updated the Board on BoardDocs. He stated the contract with BoardDocs had been finalized. The Board is going electronic with its board packets. Training will be set up in the future. The Board will need approximately l l/2 hours of training. Administrators will need 2 hours of training.
Report of the President
Mr. Brunson reported on the Special Meeting of the Board held on August 22, 2008. He noted that a preliminary PSAE report had been given to the Board.
Mr. Brunson reminded the Board of the Board Retreat scheduled for Friday, September 19, 2008, at 12:00 noon at the District Administrative Center. He asked Board members to read their agenda for the retreat and get back to him with any changes they would like.
Mr. Brunson reminded the Board of the sign-up sheet for the South Cook Division Illinois Association of School Boards Fall Dinner Meeting scheduled for Wednesday, October 1, 2008, at the Oak Lawn Hilton.
Mr. Brunson reminded the Board that the next Board of Education meeting will take place on Tuesday, October 21, 200, at 7:30 p.m. in the Rich Central Media Center.
Unfinished Business
Mr. Imoukhuede, Mrs. Brookins, and Mrs. Moten noted they would be scheduling Committee meetings on Friday, September 19, 2008, during the Special Meeting of the Board.
Recognition of Citizens
Mr. Veazey was recognized. He asked about the students attending summer school who received services from Huntington Learning Center under Title 1. Dr. Leak noted that
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there were 42 students who participated in the program. There was money from the state to pay for 60 students.
Mr. Veazey again asked for the supporting documents for items on the agenda which are not confidential be supplied to the community at the same time the agenda is posted.
Mr. Veazey also asked about an analysis between students tested for PSAE this year and those tested last year in light of the new classification system for students which may have reduced the number of students tested and may have raised the outcomes.
Closed Session
At 10:25 p.m. Mrs. Owens moved and Mrs. Brookins seconded the following:
(09-34) It is moved that the Board of Education go into closed session to discuss student discipline matters 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 09-34 carried.
At 11:25 p.m. Mr. Imoukhuede moved and Mrs. Brookins seconded the following:
(09-35) It is moved that the Board of Education reconvene its regular Board meeting.
Results of the roll call vote were as follows:
Aye: Brookins, Brunson, Imoukhuede, Norwood, Moten, Owens
Nay: None
Motion 09-35 carried.
At 11:30 p.m. Mr. Imoukhuede moved and Mrs. Brookins seconded the following:
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(09-36) It is moved that Student #1 discussed in closed session be expelled from Rich Township High Schools for two complete calendar years with no educational services given to the student.
Results of the roll call vote were as follows:
Aye: Brookins, Brunson, Imoukhuede, Moten, Norwood, Owens
Nay: None
Absent: Upshaw
Motion 09-36 carried.
At 11:35 p.m. Mr. Imoukhuede moved and Mrs. Owens seconded the following:
(09-37) 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
Nay: None
Absent: Upshaw
Motion 09-37 carried.
______________________________ ______________________________
President Secretary