I. Call to order and Roll Call – President Lynch called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. with the following ROLL CALL:

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

ABSENT

Also in attendance:

Dr. Glenn Acksel, Superintendent of Schools
Dr. Reinhard Nickisch, Principal, F.E. Peacock Middle School
Dr. Joanna Medwick, Principal, Elmer H. Franzen Intermediate School
Ms. Dawn Esposito, Principal, Raymond Benson Primary School
Dr. Marcia Tornatore, Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction
Mr. Charles Kapachinski, Director of Technology
Mrs. Catherine Seger, Recording Secretary
Staff and citizens of the community

II. Pledge of Allegiance – President Nolte led everyone present in the Pledge of Allegiance.

III. Welcome to Visitors –

Mrs. Lynch welcomed visitors to the meeting. She introduced Dr. Ken Cull. Dr. Cull will replace Dr. Acksel as Superintendent of Schools beginning July 1, 2001 following Dr. Acksel’s retirement.

Superintendent Acksel introduced Kelly Benhart to members of the Board of Education and the audience. Three weeks ago, Kelly Benhart, a former Peacock student, was at a junior high basketball game in which a young player had his heart stop. Kelly who has an understanding of CPR, was able to save the young boy’s life. She is being honored by the Board of Education this evening. Upon her graduation from Peacock, she had received the Wesley Usher Award, a prestigious award given at graduation yearly. Dr. Acksel presented Kelly with a plaque thanking her on behalf of the community of Itasca. She is a credit to her family and community. Ms. Benhart thanked everyone present and introduced the young man whose heart had stopped.

IV. Communications – Secretary Neal Schawel stated that there had been no communications during the previous month.

V. Agenda Addendum Items – None

VI. Superintendent’s Report –

Superintendent Acksel reviewed his report that had been distributed to members of the audience. He reviewed and highlighted several items in the report including the April 3 school board election. He also reminded everyone of the Shape of Itasca sponsored by the Itasca Bank and Trust annually to be held at the Holiday Inn on Monday, May 7, 2001.

Spring break is approaching. Students will be dismissed for spring break beginning after school on Thursday, March 22 and teachers will begin break following the work day on Friday, March 23. School resumes on Monday, April 2.

Discussion ensued regarding the canvass of the April 3 election. Dr. Acksel recommended that a special meeting be held. He suggested Monday, April 9, 2001, at 12:00 noon. Mr. Powers, Mr. Hervas, and Mrs. McDonald will be available at that time. Mr. Torii was going to see if he was available but in the event he is unavailable, another board member will be in attendance via the telephone. A copy of the superintendent’s report is attached and made a part of these official minutes.

VII. Board Requested Reports:

A. N.D.S.E.C. – Mr. Torii reported on the February 12 meeting. Classes are being established for the 2001-2002 school year. Five classes will be held in District ##10. Discussion ensued. One class at Benson School will be an Early Childhood Class which is being promoted as a way of keeping District #10 students in District #10 facilities. This class could probably stay permanently in the primary building. Another class being considered, one for primary autistic students, should be reviewed on an annual basis.

Dr. Acksel suggested that it is advantageous to the culture of the school and is a learning experience for the students. He recommended that this time next year, the Board of Education review the status of the autistic class.

Dr. Acksel also stated that if there were no questions, he would like to proceed and authorize the principal to begin a search for the early childhood teacher. We will host the class. N.D.S.E.C. will be able to move the equipment, etc., into the building this summer.

A copy of the minutes from this meeting is attached to these official minutes.

B. Curriculum – Dr. Tornatore, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction, reported on the completion of the Science Fair which included 90 participants with 66 projects.

The DAC Committee consisting of leaders at each grade level meet several times throughout the school year. The DAC team has been meeting to revise the Technology Plan as there is a need to update the plan. Dr. Tornatore discussed the vision of the plan that has been developed by the committee. Discussion ensued.

The March 23 Institute Day was reviewed by Dr. Tornatore. A copy of her report is attached to these minutes.

C. Middle School – Dr. Nickisch, Principal of F.E. Peacock Middle School, presented information to members of the Board of Education regarding the addition of a component being required by students. This addition relates to community service of students. Eighth grade students will have completed 18 hours of community service by graduation. A formal process (form) will be developed. This is in connection with the community’s Character Counts! Program. Several board members commented on how this was a good idea for the community and that other schools are doing things like this. Discussion ensued.

C. Technology Up-Date – Mr. Kapachinski, Director of Technology, gave a report on technology. He discussed an issue that had arisen at Benson Primary School. The student server had recently crashed but was corrected quickly. Benson is previewing software and installing a lot of packages. He also discussed the fund accounting and student management systems. Mr. Powers asked if the bookkeeper was continuing to have some difficulties with the fund accounting system. She is more comfortable with the program now. He also questioned Mr. Kapachinski about the hiring of an additional technician. Mr. Kapachinski is hoping to have the new person hired soon.

D. Character Counts! - Mr. Schawel, Character Counts! representative, reported on the meeting held earlier this evening. He thanked Dr. Nickisch for the planned community service program being initiated for middle school students as it relates to Character Counts! He also noted that the Tribune related a story that President Bush would like to triple funding for programs like Character Counts!. Mr. Schawel stated that the committee is in the process of attempting to hire someone part-time to be a Character Counts! coordinator for the entire community. He also reported that he had submitted a budget to the Village to consider matching the funds donated. The poster contest has begun and the drawings will be held following the Memorial Day Parade.


F. Community Use of School Facilities – Dr. Acksel reported on the difficulties experienced with organizations using the District facilities. He had met with Mr. Kevin Kelly who was in attendance at the meeting. Dr. Acksel reported that he had proposed to WIBA (WoodDale Itasca Basketball Association) that they furnish a deposit in the amount of $2,000 at the beginning of the school year. If this money is not used, it will be returned and replaced the following year. But if necessary, it will help the district to pay for any damages incurred throughout the year. Suggestions were given as to how this money would be funded by WIBA. Dr. Acksel suggested that it should not come entirely from WIBA but perhaps be made a part of the registration fee. It should be stated on the registration form that there is an additional $5.00 assessment and that it would be reimbursed if not used. Dr. Acksel is not recommending that other groups using District facilities be placed on this type of program as the district is not experiencing similar problems with these other groups.

A lengthy discussion continued with Mr. Kelly and members of the Board of Education. Dr. Acksel commended Mr. Kelly for his efforts and his conscientiousness in trying to solve this problem.

G. Freedom of Information – Dr. Acksel reported that one request had been received from Mr. Edward Izzi for District financial information and had been honored.

H. Opportunity for Community Input – A discussion ensued regarding the spring Goals’ Session with possible dates of Friday, May 11 and Saturday, May 12 or Friday, May 18 and Saturday, May 19. The consensus was to meet on Friday, May 11 and Saturday, May 12. If work is completed on Friday, May 11, there will be no need to meet on Saturday, May 12.

Mrs. Diann Dale, 325 South Princeton, asked for the number of students who will be in the Early Childhood program next year. While the number is an estimate, Dr. Acksel answered that, in any given year, there is generally 3 - 7 students enrolled in the class. The cap is 10 and there are typically several aides involved.

VIII. Consent Items:

Motion made by Mr. McCann and seconded by Mr. Torii that the minutes of the February 9, 2001 special closed meeting, February 10, 2001 special closed meeting, February 14, 2001 regular meeting, February 24, 2001 special closed meeting and the March 2, 2001 special meeting; the expenditures for the month of February, 2001 and the request by Colleen Hitzler for an additional year leave of absence; the resignation of Rebecca Lauer and Ryan Lewis; and the employment of Elaine Kozakis be approved. Following an opportunity for further discussion and questions, the motion carried on the following ROLL CALL VOTE:

AYESNAYS

Mr. Powers
Mrs. Nolte
Mr. Torii
Mr. Hervas
Mrs. McDonald
Mr. Schawel
Mr. McCann

IX. Action Items

A. Board of Education Policy Revision –

Motion made by Mrs. McDonald and seconded by Mr. Hervas that Board of Education Policy revision – Educational Support Personnel – 5:330 be approved for second reading. Following an opportunity for questions, discussion, and community input, the motion passed on the following VOICE VOTE: All AYES: NAYS none. Dr. Acksel commented that policy manuals will be recalled and up-dated probably in May.

B. Foreign Language Staff –

Motion made by Mr. Powers and seconded by Mr. McCann that the foreign language staff at F.E. Peacock Middle School staff be increased from 1.3 FTE to 2.0 FTE. Following an opportunity for discussion, questions, and community input, the motion carried on the following ROLL CALL VOTE:

AYESNAYS

Mr. McCann
Mr. Torii
Mr. Hervas
Mrs. Nolte
Mrs. McDonald
Mr. Schawel
Mr. Powers

C. FY2002 Tentative Budget –

Motion made by Mr. McCann and seconded by Mr. Hervas that the FY 2002 Tentative Budget be approved as presented and placed on display during regular business hours at the Administrative Center, 200 North Maple Street, Itasca, Illinois for thirty days prior to the budget hearing to be held on Wednesday, May 9, 2001 at 7:15 p.m. in the Itasca Village Hall, 100 North Walnut Street, Itasca, Illinois.

Discussion ensued regarding the formulating of the budget. Mr. McCann has prepared some materials and attempted to do a comparative study for the last two years. The 25-page report has each line item listed with some idea of what the last two budgets were, the proposed budget for this year, and the percentage change. It was done for both revenues and expenses. Included is a section giving a detailed fund analysis for the last two years as opposed for this year and a difference will be noted in the projected ending budget. Mr. McCann believed that this should give a sense of how funds are being received and flowing through. Each of the accounts are categorized by responsibility center so that there will be a proposed budget for each individual building. A copy of Mr. McCann’s report will be given to all board members.

Following a further opportunity for questions, discussion, and community input, the motion carried on the following ROLL CALL VOTE:

AYESNAYS

Mr. Powers
Mrs. Nolte
Mr. Hervas
Mr. Schawel
Mr. Torii
Mr. McCann
Mrs. McDonald

D. 2000 Tax Reduction Allocation –

Motion made by Mr. Hervas and seconded by Mrs. McDonald that the following resolution be adopted:

WHEREAS, the Board of Education of Itasca School District #10 of DuPage County, Illinois has heretofore levied taxes for the tax year 2000 and certified such levies to the County Clerk of DuPage; and WHEREAS, the extension of the taxes heretofore levied by the board may be reduced, in the aggregate, if such aggregate extension exceeds the extension limitation established in Section 1-5 of the Property Tax Limitation Act (P.A. 87-17) ("Act"); and

WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 1-10 of the Act, the County Clerk is obligated to made reduction proportionally for each of the District’s funds unless otherwise requested by the board; and WHEREAS, the Act permits the board to request that the County Clerk reduce the extension other than proportionally among the various funds of the District;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of Education of Itasca Schools District #10< DuPage County, Illinois, as follows;

1. The Superintendent of Schools is authorized to determine the appropriate amount for reduction in the aggregate extension of the 2000 levy of the District, including the allocation of the reduction among the various funds of the District, should the aggregate extension of the District for 2000 need to be reduced by operation of the Property Tax Limitation Act.
2. The county Clerk is authorized to accept the written request of the Superintendent of Schools stating the method and allocation of any such reduction at the request of the Board of Education under Section 1-10 of the Act.
3. This resolution shall be in effect upon its adoption.


Following an opportunity for questions, more discussion and community input, the motion carried on the following VOICE VOTE: All AYES: NAYS none.

E. NDSEC Transportation Contract –

Motion made by Mr. Torii and seconded by Mr. McCann that the transportation contract recommended by the NDSEC Governing Board between NDSEC and Laidlaw Transit, Inc., be approved. Following an opportunity for questions, discussion, and community input, the motion carried on the following ROLL CALL VOTE:

AYESNAYS

Mr. Torii
Mrs. Nolte
Mrs. McDonald
Mr. Hervas
Mr. McCann
Mr. Schawel
Mr. Powers

F. Irving Park Road Expansion –
Motion made by Mr. Hervas and seconded by Mr. McCann that the following resolution be adopted:

A resolution in opposition to the widening of Irving Park Road (Rte 19 to five lanes through the Village of Itasca)

WHEREAS, the Illinois Department of Transportation ('IDOT') has indicated its plan to expand Irving Park Road (RTE19) to five (5) from Prospect Road on the east to the I-290 overpass on the west, through the corporate limits of Itasca, Illinois: and WHEREAS, the proposed widening would increase the width of Irving Park Road by approximately thirty (30) feet for the entire length of the project: and WHEREAS, this roadway passes and impacts residences, business, parks, recreation, public service and public safety facilities; and WHEREAS, this proposed plan would negatively impact the character, quality of life and safety of the Village of Itasca, its residents and businesses; and WHEREAS, the taking of this quantity of Usher Park will destroy part of the mute swans' habitat, the existing pond, and would cause the destruction of the dedicated veteran's memorial; and WHEREAS, the current and planned improvements to alternative routes such as Rohlwing Road, Lake Street, Thorndale Avenue, Prospects Road and I-290 can adequately accommodate high density traffic without funneling it through the center of Itasca's business and historical district; and WHEREAS, a significant number of Itasca residents and business owners have expressed their opposition to such and expansion; and WHEREAS, the State of Illinois could realize significant savings by reducing the magnitude of this project, while still improving the roadway and its ability to accommodate traffic flow.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE Board of Education of Itasca School District #10 as follows:

SECTION ONE: That the Board of Education of Itasca School District #10 opposes IDOT's plan to expand Irving Park Road (RTE 19) to five (5) lanes from Prospect to the I-290 over pass.

SECTION TWO: That IDOT should revisit the previously to expand Irving Park Road (RTE 19) to three (3) lanes through the Village of Itasca and to work with the Village of Itasca in the spirit of cooperation to improve traffic flow without risking the safety of destroying the character of a fine community.

SECTION THREE: This Resolution shall be in effect immediately from and after its passage and approval.

Following an opportunity for community input, discussion, and questions, the motion carried on the following VOICE VOTE: All AYES: NAYS none.

X. Board Requests for Reports – None at this time.

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

___________________________________ Neal Schawel, Secretary Board of Education

________________________________ Susan Lynch, President Board of Education