RICH TOWNSHIP HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT 227
BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING
JULY 15, 2008
The Board of Education of Rich Township High School District 227 met on Tuesday, July 15, 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, Mr. Hampton, Mrs. Marda Cotton-Ramey, Mrs. Treichel, Dr. Kirkwood, Mrs. High, Mr. Daly, Ms. Jordan, Mr. Abrams, Ms. Pietruszynski, Ms. Bunn, Mr. Kramer, Dr. Epstein, Ms. Thomas, Mr. Furgason, Ms. Birts, Mr. Southern, Ms. Henderson, Ms. Waite, Ms. Hernandez, Mr. Pipikios, Mr. Scott, Mr. Argue, Ms. Toth
Mr. Brunson went over the Board Goals of Student Achievement, School Climate and Community Relations.
Recognition of
Citizens Pertaining to Agenda Items
No citizens wished to be recognized pertaining to agenda items.
Closed Session
At 7:32 p.m. Mrs. Brookins moved and Mrs. Owens seconded the following:
(09-01) 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:
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Aye: Brookins, Brunson, Imoukhuede, Moten, Norwood, Owens, Upshaw
Nay: None
Motion 09-01 carried.
At 7:45 p.m. Mrs. Moten moved and Mr. Imoukhuede seconded the following:
(08-108) 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 09-02 carried.
Consent Agenda
Mr. Brunson requested approval of the Consent Agenda. Mrs. Norwood moved and Mrs. Owens seconded the following:
(09-03) It is moved that the Board of Education approve the Consent Agenda items as listed.
A. Approval of the minutes of Personnel Committee of the Whole meeting and closed session of June 9, 2008; the Committee of the Whole meeting of June 17, 2008; the Board meeting of June 17, 2008; the Education and Property Committee meetings of June 18, 2008; and the Special Meeting of the Board of June 23, 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 July 15, 2008, as follows:
Payroll
Gross Payroll June 25, 2008 $3,974,602.29
Gross Payroll July 10, 2008 457,924.59
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Bills Payable
Education 126,276.72
Operation and Maintenance 22,357.69
Capital Project Fund 7,073.05
Transportation 13,197.32
Special end of year bills payable (June 30, 2008)
Education 283,604.44
Operations & Maintenance 181,912.21
Capital Project Fund 2,696,478.65
Transportation 79,032.03
Tort 95.00
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 July 15, 2008, for the Career Preparation Network as follows:
Payroll
Gross Payroll June 25, 2008 4,859.64
Gross Payroll July 10, 2008 1,709.92
Bills Payable
Education 908.97
Special
end of year bills payable (June 30, 2008)
Education 15,521.65
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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 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
Nicholas Chavarria Step 1, BA Lane
Social Studies, Rich Central
Nicole Frazekas (Koch) Step 1, BA Lane
Language Arts, Rich South/East
Shannon Holman Step 6, MA Lane
Social Studies, Rich Central
Jeffrey Miller Step 15, MA Lane
Science, Rich Central
Melissa Piettuszynski Step 1, BA Lane
Social Studies, Rich East
Millard Southern, Jr. Step 13, BA Lane
Music/Choir, Rich Central
Debra Thomas Step 1, MA Lane
Special Education, Rich East
Sarah Tolzien Step 1, BA Lane
Language Arts, Rich South
Part-Time
Teachers- 2008-2009
Leah Maloney Step 7, BA Lane
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Social Studies, Rich East
Nicolas Ochoa Step 1, BA Lane
Social Studies, Rich South
Provided all the requirements of the State of Illinois and the North Central Association are met.
F. Approval of leave of absence
It is moved that the Board of Education approve the Family Medical Leave of Danielle Morrissette from September 23, 2008 through December 19, 2008.
G. Acceptance of resignations
It is moved that the Board of Education accept the resignations of certified staff members Andrew Basa, Timothy Foecking, Lauren Freeman, Christopher Maniatis, Mitch (Lee) Martin, Sheila Phelan, and Matthew Tiffy at the conclusion of the 2007-2008 school year.
H. Closed Session Minutes and Audio Tapes
It is moved that the closed session minutes of the closed session meetings from December, 2007, through May, 2008, remain closed to the public for privacy reasons, and that the 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 09-03 carried.
Report of the
Director of Fiscal Services
Mr. Hampton, Director of Fiscal Services, gave an update on the construction projects at each campus. At Rich East, the lighting has been completed. The west end of the building, including HVAC, electrical, plumbing, lighting and floors will be completed by the first week in August. The east end of the building was completed last summer. Rich
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Central is on schedule with 80% of the exterior lighting finished, and 80% of the football field completed. Staircases will be constructed by the end of July, and tile will be laid down the week of July 21. The press box will also be completed by mid-August. A ribbon-cutting ceremony for Rich Central is tentatively scheduled for August 7. The Rich South Media Center infrastructure is complete, and the infrastructure for the computer lab will be completed by the end of July. The football field is 80% complete, and the entire construction project is under budget for $850,000. Final completion for all three campuses should be done by the end of October. A tour of the buildings is tentatively scheduled for the end of July.
Mr. Hampton noted that the final numbers on the financial statements would be in the weekly packet for Board members. The District will be in the black for this year. He noted that the Budget and Finance Committee needs to meet the first part of August to discuss the final numbers for 07-08 and the first draft of 08-09 budget figures.
Mrs. Moten asked about the students who are interning for the architects. Mr. Hampton noted that he will invite the students to the August board meeting.
Summary of
Committee Reports
Mr. Hunigan noted that the Committee of the Whole meeting which was supposed to meet prior to the Board meeting had been canceled.
Mrs. Upshaw requested a second reading on the following new and revised Board policies:
School Board 2.260
Operational Services 4.110
Personnel 5.100
Instruction 6.60
Students 7.70
Students 7.220
There being no objection to a second reading, Mrs. Upshaw moved and Mrs. Moten seconded the following:
(09-04) It is moved that the new and revised Board policies listed above be accepted into the Board Policy Books effective July 15, 2008.
Results of the roll call vote were as follows:
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Aye: Brookins, Brunson, Imoukhuede, Moten, Norwood, Owens, Upshaw
Nay: None
Motion 09-04 carried.
Mr. Brunson congratulated Mrs. Upshaw on her fine work as Chair of the Policy Committee.
Mrs. Norwood gave a summary of the Property Committee meeting held Wednesday, June 18, 2008, at 6:30 p.m. at the District Administrative Center. She noted that an update on construction at all three buildings had been given. Mr. Thiele from Gilbane reiterated that the projects at all three buildings will be completed on time and under budget. Mrs. Norwood noted that the students love the new cafeteria. A tour of the buildings will be given before school starts. Mrs. Norwood thanked Mr. Hunigan and Mr. Hampton for the wonderful job they had done.
Mr. Hunigan thanked the community and Gilbane for helping at Rich South during the recent tornado disaster.
Mrs. Norwood noted that two students, both seniors at Rich South, won the national Championship at the Heritage African/American Bowl.
Mrs. Brookins gave a summary of the Education Committee meeting held Wednesday, June 18, 2008, at 7:30 p.m. at the District Administrative Center. She noted that an update on vocational education had been given. In addition, Mrs. High updated the Board members on the SECME program. Mr. Revere and Mr. McCann gave a presentation on the technology audit. Dr. Leak went over the mission of the School Within A School program. Questions were asked by the committee members.
Mr. Imoukhuede reminded the administration that he is waiting for a report on his suggestion of a 2.0 graduation requirement.
Mr. Brunson gave a summary of the Special Meeting of the Board held Monday, June 23, 2008, at 6:30 p.m. at Rich South. He noted the purpose of the meeting was to increase articulation between the elementary schools and the high school. Mr. Brunson noted that District 227 will be having more of these articulation meetings. He added that it was an open meeting and all citizens are invited to attend.
Mrs. Owens reported on the Personnel Committee of the Whole meeting held Monday, June 9, 2008, at 6:00 p.m. at the District Administrative Center. She noted that the Superintendent’s salary was discussed. The PSAE scores are going to be in soon, so the
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meeting to discuss the Superintendent’s performance goals has been postponed. The police liaison position was also discussed.
Mr. Imoukhuede noted that Mr. Rainey, Rich Central’s principal, gave a presentation at a recent Matteson Board meeting. These meetings are covered by television. Mr. Rainey showed how the District’s children are truly achieving. He gave awards and made presentations to students. Mr. Imoukhuede applauded Mr. Rainey for using this medium in Matteson to recognize the schools.
Report of the
Superintendent
Mr. Hunigan requested a motion to remove a previous motion from the table regarding BoardDocs.com software. Mrs. Brookins moved and Mr. Imoukhuede seconded the following:
(09-05) It is moved that the Board of Education remove the motion regarding BoardDocs.com software from the table.
Following a voice vote, Mr. Brunson declared the motion carried.
Motion 09-05 carried.
Mrs. Brookins moved and Mr. Imoukhuede seconded the following:
(09-06) It is moved that the Board of Education approve the purchase of BoardDocs.com Software to be used to electronically submit the Board packets to the Board members and the community.
Results of the roll call vote were as follows:
Aye: Brookins, Brunson, Imoukhuede, Moten, Norwood, Owens, Upshaw
Nay: None
Motion 09-06 carried.
Mr. Hunigan noted that the electronic board packets will eliminate all the papers received by the Board. It will also help the District with communication.
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Mr. Koutavas noted that BoardDocs.com was a web-based application. It will allow the District to have the Board policies on line. The time line is 6 – 8 weeks for application and training. The District should be fully operational for the October Board meeting.
Mrs. Upshaw volunteered to be the Board’s representative regarding BoardDocs.com.
Mr. Hunigan asked to have Motion 8C. tabled. He noted there were still some things that need to be addressed regarding the administrative structure. Mr. Imoukhuede moved and Mrs. Norwood seconded the following:
(09-07) It is moved that the Board of Education table the motion regarding hiring of an Assistant Superintendent for the District.
Following a voice vote, Mr. Brunson declared the motion carried.
Motion 09-07 carried.
Mr. Hunigan requested approval of the Principal for Rich East High School. Mrs.
Owens moved and Mrs. Norwood seconded the following:
(09-08) It is moved that the Board of Education approve the administrative contract of Mark Kramer as Principal of Rich East High School effective July 28, 2008.
Results of the roll call vote were as follows:
Aye: Brookins, Brunson, Imoukhuede, Moten, Norwood, Owens, Upshaw
Nay: None
Motion 09-08 carried.
Mr. Hunigan introduced Mr. Kramer. He noted Mr. Kramer has a strong background in the business world. Dr. McDonald introduced the members of the interview committee who were present at the meeting.
Mr. Kramer thanked the Board for selecting him. He noted he was looking forward to working together with the staff and board.
Mr. Hunigan noted he would get back to the Personnel Committee regarding scheduling the Superintendent’s evaluation.
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Unfinished
Business
Mrs. Moten asked about scheduling additional meetings with the foundation schools. She wanted to know what the next steps were.
Mr. Hunigan stated that he will have a report for the Board in the Board packet.
Mrs. Moten asked about a Property Committee meeting to discuss Mr. Hampton’s meetings with the villages. Mr. Hampton stated he will schedule the meeting.
Mrs. Brookins noted she had attended the funeral of one of Rich Central’s former students. Mr. Rainey was there to represent Rich Central. He had a lot of motivational items to say at the funeral. She noted the District needs to start a foundation against gun violence. This should be incorporated into the District’s curriculum. The District can’t afford to lose any more children.
Mrs. Upshaw asked if the District was ready to start the new year. Dr. Leak responded that the District is above and beyond ready. The summer curriculum work has been completed. The textbooks have been ordered. The District is ready for the students to show up.
Mrs. Upshaw asked about the follow up to the new things that were introduced last year. She asked if the administration would let the Board know what worked and what didn’t.
Dr. Leak responded that some preliminary reports have already been given to the Superintendent’s Office. The district will be making adjustments on what worked and what didn’t work.
Mrs. Brookins asked about advisories. Dr. Leak responded that they are all set. She did not know if SECME was a part of the advisories.
Mrs. Norwood asked about the mandatory meetings.
Mr. Hunigan responded that the District was not having mandatory meetings this year because of having the first day for freshmen. What was covered in the mandatory meetings will be covered in the freshman first day.
Mrs. Norwood asked about an update on the Student Management System. Mr. Hunigan responded that the Board would receive an update at the August meeting.
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Recognition of
Citizens
Paul Argue was recognized. He stated he was a senior at Rich South, and he wanted to introduce himself. There are some things Rich South would like to do – a Homecoming Parade, a mentoring program, a leadership tour. He noted he was looking forward to coming back to school.
Mr. Brunson responded that Rich Central had tried to have a Homecoming parade, and Olympia Fields thought it would be too much of a traffic problem. He noted that the Board would make the same kind of accommodation.
At 8:36 p.m. Mrs. Owens moved and Mrs. Norwood seconded the following:
(08-09) It is moved that the Board of Education adjourn its regular Board meeting.
After a voice vote, Mr. Brunson declared the meeting adjourned.
______________________________ ______________________________
President Secretary