RICH TOWNSHIP HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT 227
BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING
MINUTES
AUGUST 14, 2007
The Board of Education of Rich Township High School District 227 met on Tuesday, August 14, 2007, in the Board Room at the District Administrative Center, Olympia Fields, Illinois.
Mr. Brunson called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. He requested everyone to stand for the Pledge of Allegiance.
Present: Brookins, Brunson, Imoukhuede, Moten, Norwood, Owens, Upshaw
Also Present: Mr. Hunigan, Dr. Leak, Dr. McDonald, Mr. Hampton, Mrs. Ramey, Mrs. Treichel, Mrs. High, Ms. Dudek, Mr. Daly, Ms. Christain, Ms. Bassette, Mr. White, Ms. Rago, Ms. Yarborough, Ms. Mmanabor, Mr. Semenske, Mr. Willis, Mr. Kehoe, Mr. Burks, Mr. Davis, Mr. and Mrs. Walker, Ms. Lett-Hill, Ms. Simington, Dr. Craig, Dr. Kirkwood, Mr. Hemingway, Mr. Veazey, Mr. Pfau, Mr. Mnyofu, Ms. Smith
Recognition of Citizens Pertaining to Agenda Items
No citizens wished to be recognized pertaining to agenda items.
Approval of Consent Agenda
Mr. Brunson requested approval of the Consent Agenda. Mrs. Moten moved and Mrs. Norwood seconded the following:
(08-04) It is moved that the Board of Education approve the Consent Agenda items as listed.
A. Approval of the minutes of the regular Board meeting of July 10, 2007; the Property Committee meeting of July 16, 2007; the Policy Committee meeting of July 16, 2007; the Technology Committee meeting of July 25, 2007; and the Education Committee meeting of August 2, 2007; as distributed.
B. Approval of payroll and bills payable
It is moved that the Board of Education approve the payroll and bills payable dated August 14, 2007, as follows:
Minutes
Page 2
8/14/07
Payroll
Gross Payroll July 10, 2007 419,901.67
Gross Payroll July 25, 2007 332,848.99
Bills Payable
Education 641,713.53
Operation and Maintenance 168,599.49
Capital Project Fund 4,790,531.30
Transportation 26,549.13
Site & Construction 1,949.83
Tort 7,528.15
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 August 14, 2007, for the Career Preparation Network as follows:
Payroll
Gross Payroll July 10, 2007 1,709.92
Gross Payroll July 25, 2007 1,709.92
Bills
Payable
Education 1,240.00
D. Request for approval of classified and exempt personnel report
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Page 3
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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. Request for approval of new teaching contracts
It is moved that the Board of Education approve teaching contracts as follows:
Full
Time
Sue Amati Step 3, MA Lane Business/South
Sandra Balough Step 6, BA Lane Special Education/East
Debra Buffington Step 14, MA Lane Foreign Language/Central
Kona Burks Step 1, MA Lane Language Arts/Central/East
Lisa Calgaro Step 1, BA Lane Language Arts/South
Margarita Delgado Step 1, BA Lane Math/South
Heather Davis Step 2, BA Lane Math/Central/South
Kelly Ann Dudek Step 7, BA Lane Language Arts/Central
Amber Egan Step 7, BA+15 Lane Science/East
Kelly Hackl Step 1, BA Lane Physical Education/Central
Johnny Jones, Jr. Step 2, BA Lane Social Studies/Central/South
Stephenie Joerger Step 1, MA Lane Social Studies/East
Casey Kasper Step 2, BA Lane Special Education/East
Robert Kehoe Step 7, MA Lane Special Education/East
Christine Marianovich Step 6, MA Lane Special Education/East
Nancy Mmanabor Step 1, MA Lane Special Education/East
Kimberly Pawlicki Step 4, BA Lane Math/East
Martha Rago Step 15, MA Lane Science/South
Brett Semenske Step 4, BA Lane Science/East
Melonie Smith Step 8, MA Lane Math/Central/East
Nancy Wolski Step 1, BA Lane Science/Central/East
Andrea Woods-Mells Step 14, MA Lane Language Arts/South
Diane Yarborough Step 11, MA+30 Lane Language Arts/South
Provided all the requirements of the State of Illinois and the North Central Association are met.
F. Approval of administrative contract
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It is moved that the Board of Education approve the eleven month administrative contract for David Daly as the Instructional Leader for Math at Rich East beginning July 15, 2007.
G. Acceptance of resignations
It is moved that the Board of Education accept the resignations of certificated staff members Kimberly Heinz, Beverly Herron, Carol Medrano, and Tondelenia Shaw effective with the conclusion of the 2006-2007 school year.
H. Acceptance of retirements
It is moved that the Board of Education accept the retirement requests of certificated staff as follows:
Praseela Feltenstein End of School Year 2010/2011
Henrietta Hayes December 2010
R. Jeff Horvath End of School Year 2010/2011
Tony Marturano End of School Year 2010/2011
Dale Nordmeyer End of School Year 2010/2011
Sandra Spann End of School Year 2010/2011
Wayne Wirta End of School Year 2010/2011
Patricia Wozny End of School Year 2009/2010
I. Renewal of SCOPE Dues
It is moved that the Board of Education approve the renewal of its membership in SCOPE and payment of dues for the 2007-2008 membership year.
J. Renewal of Illinois Association of School Boards Dues
It is moved that the Board of Education approve the renewal of its membership in the Illinois Association of School Boards for the 2007-2008 school year.
Dr. McDonald introduced the new staff present at the 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 08-04 carried.
Report of the Director of Fiscal Services
Mr. Hampton requested approval to lay the tentative District Budget on the table. Mrs.
Moten moved and Mrs. Brookins seconded the following:
(08-05) It is moved that the Board of Education lay the tentative 2007-2008 Rich Township High School District 227 budget on the table; direct that copies be made available for public inspection for a period of not less than 30 days expiring on or before September 11, 2007; hold a public hearing on said budget September 11, 2007, and direct the secretary to have inserted in the local newspaper the attached notice of said availability for inspection and public hearing, in accordance with Business Office Memorandum 08-01.
Mr. Hampton noted that he had made a presentation on the Budget at the Budget and Finance Committee meeting held on Monday, August 13, 2007.
Results of the roll call vote were as follows:
Aye: Brookins, Brunson, Imoukhuede, Moten, Norwood, Owens, Upshaw
Nay: None
Motion 08-05 carried.
Mr. Hampton requested approval to lay the tentative Career Preparation Network budget on the table. Mrs. Moten moved and Mr. Imoukhuede seconded the following:
(08-06) It is moved that the Board of Education lay the tentative 2007-2008 Career Preparation Network budget on the table; direct that copies be made available for public inspection for a period of not less than 30 days expiring on or before September 11, 2007; hold a public hearing on said budget September 11, 2007, and direct the secretary to have inserted in the local newspaper the attached notice of said availability for inspection and public hearing, in accordance with Business Office Memorandum 08-02.
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Mr. Hampton noted that Rich Township High School District 227 is a member of the Career Preparation Network consortium.
Results of the roll call vote were as follows:
Aye: Brookins, Brunson, Imoukhuede, Moten, Norwood, Owens, Upshaw
Nay: None
Motion 08-06 carried.
Mr. Hampton requested approval of a resolution authorizing legal counsel intervention in PTAB cases. Mrs.Upshaw moved and Mrs. Brookins seconded the following:
(08-07) It is moved that the Board of Education adopt the attached resolution authorizing the law firm of Hauser, Izzo, DeTella & Petrarca, LLC, to intervene on the District’s behalf on all matters pertaining to Property Tax Appeals Board (PTAB) cases, subject to advance administrative review.
Mr. Hampton noted that the District saved $500,000 by having a law firm intervene in its Property Tax Appeals Board cases.
Results of the roll call vote were as follows:
Aye: Brookins, Brunson, Imoukhuede, Moten, Norwood, Owens, Upshaw
Nay: None
Motion 08-07 carried.
Mr. Hampton requested approval of the audit proposal for Fiscal Year 2006-2007. Mrs. Upshaw moved and Mrs. Norwood seconded the following:
(08-08) It is moved that the Board of Education accept the audit proposal dated
July 24, 2007, and engage the services of certified public accountants, McGladrey & Pullen, Mokena, Illinois, for the conduct of the District’s annual audit and related services for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2007, in an amount not to exceed $38,000, in accordance with Business Office Memorandum 08-04.
Results of the roll call vote were as follows:
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Aye: Brookins, Brunson, Imoukhuede, Moten, Norwood, Owens, Upshaw
Nay: None
Motion 08-08 carried.
Mr. Hampton requested approval to hire “Perspective” as the District’s Employee Assistance (EAP) provider. Mrs. Moten moved and Mr. Imoukhuede seconded the following:
(08-09) It is moved that the Board of Education approve the “Hiring of
‘Perspective’ as the District’s Employee Assistance Program Provider” in accordance with Business Office Memorandum 08-05.
Mr. Hampton noted that this item had been discussed at the Budget and Finance Committee meeting held on August 13, 2007. This company will offer better services and support for the District’s staff.
Results of the roll call vote were as follows:
Aye: Brookins, Brunson, Imoukhuede, Moten, Norwood, Owens, Upshaw
Nay: None
Motion 08-09 carried.
Mr. Hampton requested approval to hire Miller Cooper & Co., Ltd. as an Independent Auditor for the District. Mrs. Upshaw moved and Mrs. Owens seconded the following:
(08-10) It is moved that the Board of Education approve the “Hiring of Miller
Cooper & Co., Ltd. as an Independent Auditor to Evaluate Handling of Cash Receipts for District 227” in accordance with Business Office Memorandum 08-06.
Mr. Hampton noted Miller Cooper & Co. would set policies and procedures for the handling of cash receipts. This had been discussed at the Budget and Finance Committee meeting held on August 13, 2007.
Results of the roll call vote were as follows:
Aye: Brookins, Brunson, Imoukhuede, Moten, Norwood, Owens, Upshaw
Nay: None
Motion 08-10 carried.
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Mr. Hampton requested approval of the Rich South Band Trip to China. Mrs. Owens moved and Mrs. Brookins seconded the following:
(08-11) It is moved that the Board of Education approve the Rich South band
trip to Beijing, China, in the summer of 2008.
Mr. Hunigan noted this was the official approval of the China trip. At the last meeting, the Rich South team came and presented to the Board.
Results of the roll call vote were as follows:
Aye: Brookins, Brunson, Imoukhuede, Moten, Norwood, Owens Upshaw
Nay: None
Motion 08-11 carried.
Personnel Office Report
Dr. McDonald reported on the New Teacher Inservice held August 7 – 10, 2007. She noted that academic expectations were stressed as was connecting everyday practice to the campus school improvement plan. Dr. McDonald also reported on the Classified Staff Inservice held August 8, 2007.
Dr. McDonald reminded the Board of the New Staff Reception scheduled for Tuesday, September 11, 2007, at 6:30 p.m. in the Rich Central Cafeteria.
Summary of Committee Reports
Board members summarized what took place in their committee meetings held since the last Board meeting. Minutes of these meetings are on the District’s web page.
Mrs. Upshaw reminded the Board of the Policy Committee meeting scheduled for August 20, 2007, at 6:30 p.m. at the District Administrative Center.
Minutes
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Special Reports
Mrs. Upshaw reported on her attendance at the Olympia Fields Education Commission. She noted that Mr. Rainey, Associate Principal at Rich Central, was the special guest at the meeting. She will make the minutes of the meeting available to Board members.
Board members reported on the recent Board Retreat. They talked about what they had gained from the Retreat.
Report of the Executive Director of Teaching and Learning
Dr. Leak requested approval of the School Restructuring Plans. She indicated the plans had been discussed at various meetings of the Board. After approval the plans will be made available to the public. Mrs. Brookins moved and Mrs. Owens seconded the following:
(08-12) It is moved that the Board of Education approve the restructuring plans for
Rich Central, Rich East and Rich South as attached.
Results of the roll call vote were as follows:
Aye: Brookins, Brunson, Imoukhuede, Moten, Norwood, Owens, Upshaw
Nay: None
Motion 08-12 carried.
Dr. Leak noted that a parent had brought up at the last Board meeting that she is concerned about some of the novels the students are required to read in school. Dr. Leak stated that every administrator took a book home and read it. The students will discuss the list at a student forum, and a committee will be organized to look at the list. The issue will be brought up again in the April Board meeting, and any new books introduced as reading material will be voted on. At the end of the year, the information will be posted on the District’s web site.
Mrs. Norwood asked if the seniors’ novels were also being look at. Dr. Leak responded that the administration will also be looking at these novels.
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Mr. Imoukhuede asked if the classes had all their textbooks for school. Dr. Leak responded that all the books were in except Pre-Calculus 2008. This book has not been released for distribution yet.
Report of the Superintendent
Mr. Hunigan reported that the libraries at the three campuses would be extending their hours until 6:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday. He noted this is something the Board has been asking for. The details are being worked out. The extension of hours will be communicated to the parents, students and community.
Mr. Hunigan reported on Institute Days, August 13 and 14. He noted that this was a short Institute as staff members were introduced to PowerSchool. Every classroom in the District has a computer, and the District is looking to improve communication. The District is looking for parents to begin pulling up grades and student assignments right away.
Report of the President
Mr. Brunson reminded the Board that the next Board meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, September 11, 2007, at 7:30 p.m. in the Rich Central Media Center.
Mr. Brunson requested approval of Board goals. Mrs. Owens moved and Mrs. Brookins seconded the following:
(08-13) It is moved that the Board of Education approve the Board Goals for
2007-2008 as attached.
Results of the roll call vote were as follows:
Aye: Brookins, Brunson, Imoukhuede, Moten, Norwood, Owens, Upshaw
Nay: None
Motion 08-13 carried.
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Recognition
of Citizens
Mrs. Walker was recognized. She talked about the District’s reading list. She noted that she gives books to her children to read before school. She then discusses the books with her children and puts the books in the proper context.
Mr. Veazey was recognized. He applauded the Board for hiring an independent auditor for cash accounting. He complimented the Board on getting the libraries open past 3:30 p.m. Mr. Veazey asked if anything else has been done about dress codes for faculty and staff. He noted that it was his opinion that the public comments were summarized too briefly in the District’s “Highlights.” Mr. Veazey asked when the PSAE/ACT results would be available. He also asked about a response to his letter. Mr. Brunson said the letter is in the process of being sent. Mr. Veazey commented that the individuals who come to the Board meetings are looking to improve the District.
Dr. Leak replied that the PSAE scores should be available by August 24. The ACT scores will be released on August 15.
Mr. Mnyofu was recognized. He commented on the Board’s motion to destroy audio tapes. He noted that the District needs to check with the Public Records Commission before destroying tapes. Mr. Mnyofu stated he was glad the District was working on getting an independent audit of school funds as they relate to cash intake. He added that in 2003 the U.S. Golf Association held the U.S. Open at Olympia Fields Country Club. The District had allowed parking facilities to be used. Mr. Mnyofu noted he had made a Freedom of Information request for all receipts from all events. There was a deposit made for $4,000 but no record of receipts.
Mr. Hampton asked Mr. Mnyofu to give him a call. He stated he needed to go back and check his records.
Mr. Mnyofu asked if the letter sent by President Brunson in June 2007 was authorized by the Board. Mr. Brunson responded that the Board received copies of the letter, but the letter was his response to why he did what he did.
Special
Presentations
Mr. Hunigan announced that this was going to be the year to implement SECME in the District. He introduced Mr. Alvin Willis and Ms. Brenda High, who talked about their attendance at the 8-day SECME Summer Institute June 23 – July 1. They showed projects they had worked on and talked about workshops they had attended.
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Mr. Hunigan noted that the SECME staff was coming to District 227 in late September or early October. They will meet with the Board. They are now ready to work as partners in the District.
Unfinished
Business
Mrs. Brookins asked about an instructor to teach Chinese. Mr. Hunigan noted the one being considered did not get certified. He stated the District was still looking.
Mrs. Brookins asked about residency investigations in the District. Mr. Hunigan responded that the administration is working on it.
Closed
Session
At 9:34 p.m. Mrs. Owens moved and Mrs. Brookins seconded the following:
(08-14) 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 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
08-14 carried.
At 9:50 p.m. Mrs. Owens moved and Mrs. Brookins seconded the following:
(08-15) 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 08-15 carried.
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At 9:51 p.m. Mrs. Owens moved and Mrs. Brookins seconded the following:
(08-16) 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, Upshaw
Nay: None
Motion 08-16 carried.
______________________________________ ______________________________
President Secretary