Board highlights

district 227 board of education meeting

Tuesday, May 20, 2008 – 7:30 pm

Rich East high school

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Recent Rich Central graduate and former student representative, Arielle Smith, introduced Rich Central’s new student representative to the Board of Education, Jasmine Jamison. Smith was presented with a certificate and gift of appreciation for her service to the Board. Principal Maceo Rainey congratulated Arielle Smith on her leadership, vision and the example she continues to set for those students who are beginning their path toward success. “To lead a student body, you must lead with a high level of integrity, dignity, and vision,” said Rainey, “Arielle Smith has these qualities.”

Recent Rich South graduate and former student representative, Dallas Crain, was presented with a certificate and gift of appreciation for his service to the Board. Dr. Roudell Kirkwood, principal of Rich South High School, commended Crain on his accomplishments at Rich South. “He is involved with Student Council, shows exceptional potential, and received a full athletic scholarship to Marian College in Indianapolis,” said Dr. Kirkwood. “We will miss him for his leadership at Rich South High School where ‘we can’t spell success without u.’ ”

Recent Rich East graduate and former student representative, Mickietha Hampton, accepted her gift and certificate of appreciation. Dr. Jeff Craig, principal of Rich East High School, praised Hampton for her extraordinary achievements. “If we could give the greatest personal growth award, it would be to Mickiethia. She’s strong socially, culturally, academically, personally and professionally. She has held various offices throughout her high school years,” Dr. Craig said. “And her presence, and impact, at Rich East has been invaluable. She is honest and her record is impressive. We wish her the best as she plans for St. Xavier this coming year.”

Principal Maceo Rainey honored retiree, Deborah Bernardi-Zajac, for her service to the district. “For 30 plus years, the school community has watched her bring the bricks and the mortar each and every day,” Rainey said. “I want to present you with this brick for the foundation that you have built.”

Deborah Bernardi-Zajac responded, “I would like to say thank you to all those who have encouraged me these 34 years. I have seen students emerge as triumphant young men and women,” she said. “I take credit for part of it, but I give credit to my colleagues who’ve walked the hallways with me every day. For those who are here today, thanks for your courage and your confidence to continually move our young people forward.”

Superintendent Howard Hunigan praised Margurite Martin for “her tireless efforts to support and guide the students of District 227 and for always going the extra mile to ensure that each student, regardless of circumstance or challenge, is given an equal opportunity to learn, grow and thrive.”

Board President Tony Brunson stated that Mrs. Martin “embodies the epitome of our mantra, ‘Failure is Not an Option.’”

Dr. Roudell Kirkwood added that Mrs. Martin worked as a “Star” at Rich South and thanked her for paving the way for the success at Rich South.

Margurite Martin responded, “My heart is overwhelmed with all the love and support I’ve received over the past 36 years. I’d like to admonish you all – don’t’ forget the children…I love you.”

Dr. Roudell Kirkwood praised VeRita Quinn for her dedication to the district and her impact on the students she has wholeheartedly served. “Mrs. Quinn has spent 12 years with Rich South, and we want to thank her for all of her hard work. We want to congratulate her on her retirement.”

Other retirees David Holmes, Johnnie Miles, Lloyd Bernier, Dale Nugent, Paul Piekosz, who were not present, were also recognized for their commitment and service to District 227.

Principal Maceo Rainey presented Rich Central PTSO president Fred Veazey with a chain link to symbolize the need for connectivity between teachers, parents, students and the community. “This is a symbol of that which links all of us together,” Rainey said.

Fred Veazey responded, “I’d like to thank the 227 Board for this recognition. We are always reluctant to take any kind of recognition. We think Rich Central is a good school, but we want it to be better and we think that we are on the right track,” he said. “We know that with the leadership of Mr. Rainey and support of the community, we’re going to get there.”

Dr. Craig presented Rich East PTSO co-presidents Valerie Bona and Annette Demchuk with Certificates of Appreciation. “They have led our PTSO for the past four years.” Dr. Craig said. “Bake sales, PTSO conferences, fundraisers, homecoming, dances, senior and staff appreciation breakfasts – they do it all. This year, they sponsored nine scholarships for seniors. They’ve given countless hours to our staff and to our schools. We appreciate them tremendously.”

Dr. Kirkwood presented Rich South PTSO president Yogi Ward with a Certificate of Appreciation. “He works with and believes in the whole child. The PTSO not only works for students, but for teachers and administrators. They put on countless programs,” Dr. Kirkwood said. “These individuals make it happen, along with parents, citizens and members of our community.”

Yogi Ward responded with an inspirational message which included, “It is a big thing that we come together as one, even though we are three schools. We need to stay focused on what happens to our young people. Thank you for your support.”

Board Secretary, Melonese Brookins, presented a summary of the Education Committee meeting which included, among other items, 1) a more substantive approach to advisory periods, 2) the structure of our academies and possible improvements, and 3) senior surveys.”

Board Member, Jacquie Upshaw, presented a summary of the Policy Committee Report which included “27 new or revised polices, six of which are being presented this evening, and eleven which will be presented at our June meeting.” First Reading Policies include: 1) Fiscal and Business Management, 2) Purchases and Contracts, 3) Student Classification, 4) Harassment of Students Prohibited, 5) Residence and 6) Preventing Bullying, Intimidation and Harassment.

Ilandus Hampton, Director of Fiscal Services, presented eight items of recommendation including the hiring of Lowery McDonell for furnishings at Rich Central and Rich South and the hiring of Fox River Foods for supply products and food products. All were approved.

Jeff Revere, of Revere Consulting, presented a technology audit of the District.

Margurite Martin and the School-Within-A-School (SWS) and Night School staff presented an overview of the achievements of the alternative school programs.

Superintendent Hunigan commended the District 227 staff for an outstanding day of graduations. “I was so proud. The graduations went great,” he said. “I know all of the hard work that went into them, and I want to publicly thank Dr. Leak who coordinated all three graduations.”

Mr. Luther Walker, citizen, asked how many Board members have family member employed at the high school and inquired about the process of voting on contracts. Tony Brunson stated that his daughter was employed by the District, Emmanuel A. Imoukhuede indicated that his wife was employed by the District, and Sonya Norwood shared that her daughter and son were employed by District 227. They also shared that they do not vote on contracts involving their relatives.

Wanda Bradford, Assoc Vice President of RTHSEA at East Campus, stated that she “represented the 380 professional educators who make up the RTHSEA, a diverse group of teachers who have been committed to the district during the best of times and during times of difficult problems.” Ms. Bradford began discussing certain personnel-related issues. Her comments were interrupted by Board President, Tony Brunson, who stated that the Board meeting was not the appropriate venue to share such concerns. Mrs. Bradford discontinued her comments at that time. Members of the news media were present.

Sydney Milliken, a junior at Rich Central who will be graduating early, thanked Mr. Rainey for his leadership. “I have paid my dues at Rich Central and I am ready to get out of here. But recently, somebody make me think twice…my principal, Mr.Rainey. It’s been tremendous. He’s one of the most outstanding people in regards to the students. He really cares about his students.”

Brenda Mitchell, parent of Stephen Mitchell Jr., who graduated from Rich Central on Sunday said that her son, “got a second chance at Rich Central. He made a 360 degree turnaround because of the love and caring of staff, like Mrs. Martin and Mr. Rainey and teachers at Rich Central. I love you for making a difference in my son’s life.”

Upcoming Dates :

- Registration for 2008-2009: July 29, 30 and 31

- Next Board Meeting: District Office, Tuesday, June 17^th at 7:30 pm

- Property Committee Meeting: District Office, Wednesday, June 18^th at 6:30 pm at District Office

- Education Committee: District Office, Wednesday, June 18^th at 7:30 pm