Meeting of February 9, 2000 regular Board of Education meeting

I. The meeting was called to order at 7:30 p.m. by board President Susan Lynch with the following roll call:

PRESENT Mr. Hervas Ms. Lynch Mr. McCann Mrs. McDonald Mr. Powers Mr. Schawel Mr. Torii

ABSENT

Also present:

Dr. Glenn Acksel, Superintendent of Schools
Dr. Joanna Medwick, Principal, Elmer H. Franzen Intermediate School
Ms. Dawn Esposito, Principal, Raymond Benson Primary School
Dr. Marcia Tornatore, Assistant Superintendent
Mrs. Catherine Seger, Recording Secretary

II. President Lynch led the Pledge of Allegiance.

III. Ms. Lynch welcomed all visitors to the meeting.

IV. Communications –

Mr. Schawel, secretary, read a letter from a District parent, Mrs. Gould, regarding Mrs. Nancy Werling, the transitional first grade teacher. The letter commended Mrs. Werling’s outstanding efforts working with students having learning difficulties.

V. No additional agenda items.

VI. Superintendent’s Report –

Dr. Acksel reviewed the superintendent’s report, a copy of which is attached to these official minutes. In his report, he stated that the Kindergarten Prep Program continues to be a positive program and was immediately filled. He reminded everyone of the Science Fair scheduled for Saturday, February 12 and also reminded the board that the tentative budget will be presented at the March Board of Education meeting with adoption scheduled for May.

Dr. Acksel reported that Peacock Middle School is scheduled for a site visit in conjunction with a possible National Blue Ribbon Award. The first night of the site visit includes an informal meeting with parents and members of the Board of Education. The representatives are from the U.S. Department of Education and will be in the District on March 7th, 13th, 14th, and/or 15th. Dr. Acksel will keep board members posted as to confirmed dates.

Mr. Jack Mensching, President of Itasca Bank, has announced that the Itasca Bank is contributing $4,000 to Peacock Middle School. Barbara Love, an employee retiring from the bank, taught Junior Achievement at Peacock and worked with Mr. Dan Peel’s class. Typically, the bank gives it’s retirees the option of a gift or a donation to a non-profit organization and Ms. Love requested that the bank contribute the $4,000 to Peacock in her name.

Dr. Acksel reported that Assistant Superintendent Marcia Tornatore has been appointed to the DuPage District YMCA Advisory Board.

He also added a request for a leave of absence under the consent items.

President Lynch recommended that board members attend the Science Fair. She congratulated Peacock for the National Blue Ribbon Award.

VII. Board Requested Reports

A. N.D.S.E.C. – Mr. Torii, N.D.S.E.C. representative, discussed N.D.S.E.C. meeting highlights from the meeting held January 10. There is a meeting scheduled for Monday, Feb. 14th. Mr. Torii gave members of the Board an opportunity for questions.

B. Assistant Superintendent - Dr. Tornatore reviewed the Assistant Superintendent Report which is included with these minutes. She reviewed the work of the curriculum committee. The math committee will continue next year. Dr Tornatore reported that teachers Amy Reuter and Pam Mitchell, Benson School, had made an excellent presentation at the Gifted Conference in downtown Chicago. They established a newsletter written by the 2nd grade students. The teachers were commended on a well done presentation.

An opportunity was given for discussion.

C. Middle School - In the absence of Dr. Nickisch, Dr. Acksel delivered the Middle School Report, a copy of which is attached. He reported on a project undertaken by the students, parents, and staff at Peacock in an effort to assist a family in need and expressed his belief that the project is a result of the Character Counts! Program being initiated in Itasca.

D. Technology Up-date – Dr. Acksel reviewed the technology up-date in the absence of Mr. Kapachinski, Director of Technology. He noted that Mr. Kapachinski will be in attendance at the March meeting. Mr. Kapachinski is planning to discuss the hiring of additional technicians with the board. Discussion ensued.

Mr. Schawel asked if it was necessary to revisit the technology plan. Dr. Acksel replied that he initially believed the plan was too long. Discussion ensued. A suggestion was made that at the next meeting, Mr. Kapachinski be requested to look into the possibility of outsourcing some of the instructional type of activity because there is not enough time and assistance to install hardware in addition to staff training. This may help the situation.

E. Character Counts! – Mr. Schawel reported on the progress of Character Counts! The planning committee decided to use the Memorial Day Parade as a kick-off for Character Counts! in Itasca. A lot is happening but something that is a community-wide event is necessary to involve more participation. A committee is being initiated to manage the kick-off.

F. Board Financial Report – Mr. Powers reviewed the proposed financial report. The budget has to be spread throughout the report. Once this is done, every month should be easily followed along. He asked if this is the type of report board members would like to have. Mr. Hervas commented that it was very helpful and appreciated the work Mr. Powers and the bookkeeper had done.

Discussion ensued.

Next month, when it is inserted into the budget, Dr. Acksel will include the rest of the financial information.

G. Public Hearing for a Waiver Requesting to Celebrate Presidents’ Day rather than Lincoln’s Birthday – Dr. Acksel reviewed requirements of the law stating that the Board of Education hold a public hearing to ask for a waiver to not celebrate Lincoln’s Birthday but rather, celebrate it on President’s Day. In this way, it will be celebrated the same day every year. The necessary forms and being sent to the State Board of Education and the Regional Office of Education. Dr. Acksel requested questions and none were asked.

H. Freedom of Information – No requests had been received.

I. Opportunity for Community Input – Mrs. Diane Dale raised a question as to when Dr. Tornatore will prepare a report regarding kindergarten. It will be prepared and submitted to Dr. Acksel, the administrators, Board of Education, and then to the PTO. Dr. Acksel will report on the findings and at some time, a decision will be made as to whether or not any changes are necessary.

Mrs. Dale also commented on an excellent letter written to Peacock parents/students at regarding the Marquez family.

Mr. Hervas questioned Dr. Tornatore about when a child should begin to read. Discussion ensued. Mr. Hervas stated that he is looking forward to reviewing the subject of reading and asked that the board consider these goals and review them carefully. Further discussion continued.

VIII. Consent Items

Motion made by Mr. Torii and seconded by Mr. McCann that the minutes of the January 12, 2000 closed session and regular meeting, January 26 and February 2, 2000 special meetings; the expenditures for the month of January 2000, Denise Reilly, Rebecca Lauer, and Lisa Quinlivan’s requests for a year’s leave of absence and the employment of Veronica Vranda be approved. Following an opportunity for questions and discussion, the motion carried on the following ROLL CALL VOTE:

AYESNAYS

Ms. Lynch
Mrs. McDonald
Mr. Torii
Mr. Powers
Mr. McCann
Mr. Hervas
Mr. Schawel

Dr. Tornatore introduced Mrs. Veronica Aranda to the Board of Education and members of the audience and President Lynch welcomed Mrs. Aranda to the staff.

IX. Action Items

• A. Board of Education Policy Revision – Professional Personnel – 5:200
  
  Motion made by Mrs. McDonald and seconded by Mr. McCann that Board of Education Policy revision – Professional Personnel – 5:200 be approved for second reading. Following an opportunity for questions, discussion, and community input, the motion carried on the following VOICE VOTE: All AYES/NAYS none
  
  B. Superintendent Search Firm –
  
  Motion made by Mr. Hervas and seconded by Mr. Schawel that Hazard, Young, Attea & Associates, LTD. be contracted to conduct the superintendent search. Following an opportunity for questions, discussion, and community input, the motion carried on the following ROLL CALL VOTE:
  
  AYESNAYS
  
  Mr. Powers
  Mr. Torii
  Mrs. McDonald
  Mr. McCann
  Ms. Lynch
  Mr. Schawel
  Mr. Hervas
  
  Dr. Acksel distributed a copy of the proposed time line for the superintendent’s search and noted that the Board of Education was right on schedule. He will contact the search firm and have them review the time line. In addition, he will ask Attorney Barry Moss to review the contract from Hazard.

X. Board Requested Reports – None at this time.

XI. Adjournment – President Lynch adjourned the meeting at 8:28 p.m.