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

PRESENT Mr. Chuck Hervas Mrs. Susan Lynch Nolte Mr. James McCann Mrs. Maureen McDonald Mr. Patrick Powers Mr. Neal Schawel Mr. Dennis Torii

ABSENT

Also present:

Dr. Glenn Acksel, Superintendent of Schools
Dr. Reinhard Nickisch, Principal, F.E. Peacock Middle School
Ms. Dawn Esposito, Principal, Raymond Benson Primary School
Dr. Marcia Tornatore, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum & Instruction
Mrs. Catherine Seger, Recording Secretary
Interested citizens of the community

II. President Nolte led all present in the Pledge of Allegiance

III. President Nolte welcomed visitors to the meeting and asked for questions or comments. No questions asked nor comments made.

IV. Mr. Schawel, board secretary, read correspondence received during the previous month..

V. Agenda Addendum Items – No additional items added to the agenda.

VI. Superintendent’s Report –

Dr. Acksel reviewed the Superintendent’s Report, a copy of which is attached and made a part of these minutes. He reminded everyone of the district Science Fair scheduled for Saturday, February 10. He also noted that Itasca District #10 received the SCHOOL SEARCH BRIGHT RED APPLE AWARD for the fifth consecutive year and commended staff and administrators for their efforts in achieving this prestigious award. No questions were asked nor comments made to the superintendent regarding the Superintendent’s Report.

VII. Board Requested Reports:

A. N.D.S.E.C. – Mr. Torii, N.D.S.E.C. representative, stated that no meeting had been help in December, therefore, there was no report. A meeting was held on Monday, January 8, 2001 and the report on that meeting will be made in February

B. Curriculum and Instruction – Dr. Tornatore, Assistant Superintendent, reported on preparations for the March Institute as well as other areas of curriculum. A copy of her report is attached to these official minutes.

C. Middle School – Dr. Nickisch, Middle School principal, reviewed the Middle School Report, a copy of which is attached to these official minutes. He reviewed the Five-Year Discipline Intervention Profile with members of the board and the audience as well as the athletic achievements.

D. Technology Report – In the absence of Mr. Kapachinski, Dr. Acksel reviewed this month’s Technology Report, a copy of which is attached.

E.Character Counts! – Mr. Schawel, Character Counts! school board representative, reported on the meeting held earlier this evening. Focuses of the coalition planning committee are funding and possibly hiring someone to facilitate the coalition.

F. Kindergarten - Dr. Tornatore presented an excellent report regarding full-day kindergarten. Considerable discussion ensued.

G. Freedom of Information - No Freedom of Information requests during the previous month.

I. Opportunity for Community Input Regarding Board Requested Reports – No community input at this time.

VIII. Consent Items:

Motion made by Mr. Hervas and seconded by Mrs. McDonald that the minutes of the December 13, 2000 Levy Hearing and regular meeting; the expenditures for the month of December, the employment of Debora Mitsui and Johanna Heppeler and resignation of Marlene Rein be approved. Following an opportunity for questions and discussion, the motion carried on the following ROLL CALL VOTE:

AYES NAYS
Mr. Hervas
Mr. Schawel
Mrs. Lynch Nolte
Mr. Powers
Mrs. McDonald
Mr. Torii



IX. Action Items

A. Auditor –

Motion made by Mrs. McDonald and seconded by Mr. Schawel that Mathieson, Moyski & Celer be contracted to conduct the FY 2001 audit. Following an opportunity for questions, discussion, and community input, the motion carried on the following VOICE VOTE: ROLL CALL VOTE:

AYES NAYS
Mrs. Lynch Nolte
Mrs. McDonald
Mr. Torii
Mr. Powers
Mr. Hervas
Mr. Schawel
Mr. Hervas

X. Board Requested Reports – None at this time.

XI. Adjournment – There being no further business, President Lynch adjourned the meeting at 8:46 p.m.





___________________________________ Neal Schawel, Secretary Board of Education

________________________________ Susan Lynch Nolte, President Board of Education