I. Call to order and Roll call:

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

PRESENT Mrs. Dale Mr. Hervas Mr. McCann Mrs. McDonald Mrs. Nolte Mr. Powers Mr. Torii

ABSENT

Also present:

Dr. Kenneth Cull, 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 for Curriculum and Instruction
Mrs. Catherine Seger, Recording Secretary
Various representatives from the staff, PARENT GROUPS and the community
Representatives from Johnson Controls

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

III. Welcome to Visitors – Mrs. Nolte welcomed everyone to the meeting.

IV. Communications – Secretary McDonald read various correspondence that had been received during the previous month.

V. Agenda Addendum Items – None

VI. Superintendent’s Report –

Superintendent Cull discussed the success of the science fair and how the 2002-2003 calendar had been put together. A couple of letters had been sent from the IASB to the 2nd grade teachers at Benson School highlighting programs. Dr. Cull congratulated the staff on their efforts.

The bulk of the superintendent’s report focused on the on-going issue regarding HAVC and other issues in the buildings. He began with a brief outline of how these issues had evolved and presented board members with a spread-sheet plan of projects involved. In addition, Johnson Controls provided a “Photo Tour” to members of the Board of Education. Dr. Cull reviewed items/projects being proposed with members of the Board of Education. Discussion ensued.

Mr. McCann asked for the total cost which did not include ancillary costs. He also asked about the priority of the problems when discussing all three schools. For example, if air quality reports were being used as a guide, then Benson’s would be the lesser priority. Probably Peacock, Franzen and Benson would be the prioritization order. Inquiry was made as to when the problem is worse and if the problem of not bringing enough fresh air into the buildings is consistent. The second issue is humidity which is seasonal and occurs in the cooling system (summer).

Discussion ensued regarding financing the project and how much capital expenditure would have to be cut? Dr. Cull explained legislation that allows districts to borrow for a period of approximately 10 years using debt certificates. No referendum is necessary. $3.1 million dollars for 10 years is about $380,000 per year. The $380,000 becomes a line item in the budget each year so that each year. Some money could come in the form of a savings from energy costs currently being incurred.

In addition, the possibility of taking part of working cash funds and putting a portion of the working cash fund into a 10 year bond, generating a higher interest rate, and using the interest to go directly toward payment.

If the board believes projects needs to be done, Superintendent Cull will need to investigate finance issue.

A discussion ensued with representatives from Johnson Controls.

Mrs. Nolte asked whether or not it would be possible to do these projects in such a way that they could be spread out and not everything done all at once.

Considerable discussion ensued. The consensus of the board is to further research this problem.

More discussion ensued. It was suggested that some type of financial forecast be done before a decision be made.

Dr. Cull suggested that a meeting be arranged with Johnson Controls to discuss phasing, etc. He will also furnish the board with the full air quality report for all three buildings and create a financial forecast.

Mrs. Nolte thanked Johnson Controls for attending the meeting and answering their questions.

VIII. Board Requested Reports:

A. N.D.S.E.C. – Mr. Torii reported on the recent meeting at which time the question of the formula as to how districts are being assessed in the cooperative. The coop is currently embroiled in a crisis of the implementation of a formula. N.D.S.E.C. will vote “no” to Hinsdale’s request that other districts participate in paying for their classrooms. A copy of the N.D.S.E.C. minutes is attached.

B. Middle School – Dr. Nickisch, principal of F.E. Peacock Middle School, delivered the Middle School Report. District 10’s 15th Annual Science Fair took place last Saturday, February 9, and though participation had been down slightly this year, the judges reported that the quality of the projects was a bit better than last year.

Principal Nickisch discussed a new plan for expanded block scheduling and also shared a piloted new report program that included a grade and a progress report. All students will have this reporting system next year. A copy of Dr. Nickisch’s report is attached to these minutes.

C. Curriculum – Dr. Tornatore, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction, reported on the drug education work and noted that a tobacco grant has been made available. She also related that the curriculum music committee has completed their analysis and have chosen Silver Burdett/Scott Forseman. She also discussed staff development. Plans are in place for institute days consisting of integration of technology and training for the Talented and Gifted Program. There is a copy of Dr. Tornatore’s report attached to these official minutes.

D. Technology – In the absence of Mr. Kapachinski, Dr. Cull gave the technology up-date, a copy of which is attached, and stated that the report reflects that the Operating System is being upgraded and all is going well.

Also the grade reporting system is being piloted and will be implemented next year.

E. Character Counts! - Maureen reported on the Goals’ session meeting – quite successful. Coordinator is looking for sources for grants – also trying to plan some type of event following the Memorial Day Parade.

F. Letter to Lake Park Board of Education – Mr. McCann stated that the draft included with the board packet was in final form, and if there were no objections, he would like to send it. Dr. Cull will obtain a copy of the letter (via Mr. McCann) and place it on District letterhead and send.
G. Freedom of Information - No Freedom of Information requests had been received.

H. Opportunity for community input regarding Board Requested Reports – None at this time.

VIII. Consent Items - Motion made by Mrs. McDonald and seconded by Mr. McCann that the minutes of the January 9, 2002 regular meeting, the expenditures for the month of January, 2002, the employment of Vladimir Mathelier and the resignation of Sarah Mason be approved. Following an opportunity for questions and discussion, the motion carried on the following ROLL CALL VOTE:

AYES NAYS

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

IX. Action Items

A. Auditor

A motion was made by Mr. Powers and seconded by Mr. McCann that Mathieson, Moyski & Celer be contracted to conduct the FY 2002 audit. Following an opportunity for questions, discussion and community input, the motion carried on the following ROLL CALL VOTE:

AYES NAYS

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

B. School Calendar for 2002-2003

A motion was made by Mrs. McDonald and seconded by Mr. McCann that the school calendar for 2002-2003 be approved as presented. Following an opportunity for community input, questions, and discussion, the motion carried on the following VOICE VOTE: All AYES: NAYS none.

C. Retirement Request

A motion was made by Mr. McCann and seconded by Mrs. McDonald that Joy Gustafson’s request for retirement effective June 30, 2003 be approved. Following an opportunity for questions, discussion, and community input, the motion carried on the following ROLL CALL VOTE:

AYES NAYS

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

D. Policy Revisions

Motion made by Mr. Powers and seconded by Mr. Torii that Board of Education revisions for Policies #4:10 – Fiscal and Business Management; #5:100 – Staff Development Program; Policy #5:200 – Terms and Conditions of Employment and Dismissal; Policy #5:220 – Substitute Teachers; Policy #5:300 – Schedule and Employment Year; Policy #5:330 – Sick Days, Vacation, Holidays and Leaves; Policy #6:60 – Curriculum Content; Policy #6:110 – Programs for Students At Risk of Dropping Out of School; Policy #7:190 – Student Discipline, and Policy #7:270 – Administering Medicines to Students be approved for first reading. Following an opportunity for questions, discussion, and community input, the motion carried on the following VOICE VOTE: All AYES: NAYS none.

X. Board Requests for reports

For information, Mr. Hervas stated that he is going to be in Washington D.C., with regards to the Zelman case. President Nolte suggested that he report back to the board.

In addition, Mrs. Nolte would like a progress report on the after-school program at a future meeting.

XI. Adjournment

There being no further business, President Nolte adjourned the meeting at 9:40 p.m.

___________________________________ Mrs. Maureen McDonald, Secretary Board of Education

________________________________ Mrs. Susan Nolte, President Board of Education