I. Call to order and Roll Call – President Nolte called the meeting to
order at 7:35 p.m. with the following ROLL CALL:

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

ABSENT

Also present:

Dr. Ken 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
Mrs. Catherine Seger, Recording Secretary
Members of the staff, community, and press
Representatives from Johnson Controls

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

III. Welcome to Visitors - Mrs. Nolte extended a welcome to visitors.


IV. Communications - Mrs. McDonald, board secretary, read communications received during the previous month.

V. Agenda addendum items – Dr. Cull requested that a motion approving NSBA attendees be placed on the agenda for action.

VI. Superintendent’s Report -

Dr. Cull gave his report, a copy of which is attached to these minutes. He complimented the band program on the good job they had done at the recently held Illinois Grade School Music Association District VII Jazz Band Contest. He also reported that ISAT Testing begins the Tuesday following the break. There will also be testing done on the 2nd grade level.

Dr. Cull asked the board to set a special meeting date for the annual goals’ setting session. Discussion ensued. Board members set the date for May 10 and May 11 as they are all available. The administration will prefer for this session.

The district is participating in a grant for violence prevention. Pursuant to this grant, it is necessary to send out a random questionnaire survey. Dr. Cull wanted board members to be aware of this survey.

The annual Itasca town meeting is scheduled for May 6.

Dr. Cull requested that Ms. Esposito and Dr. Medwick up-date the Board of Education on the after-school program recently begun in District 10.

Ms. Esposito reported that Benson’s first session had just concluded. They had met every Tuesday with two sections. This program focused on reinforcement of the reading curriculum. Attendance had been very good and the teachers gave good feedback. Ms. Esposito was very pleased with the results.

Franzen held the program on Mondays. The focus had been on reading for this session and the next session was on math. Attendance had been very good and parents were very good about picking up students on time. Mrs. Nolte thanked Ms. Esposito and Dr. Medwick for their report.

President Nolte stated that good comments about the program were coming from the community.

Mrs. McDonald commended Benson School for the community leader’s luncheon which she had recently attended. She stated she was very proud of the event and students/staff had done an excellent job in preparing for it. -

The board had held a special meeting prior to the regular meeting and had met with representatives from Johnson Controls to discuss HVAC issues. He suggested that at this time, board members revisit the presentation to discuss whether or not the board senses a need to take any action tonight or later at a special meeting within the next couple of weeks if they are planning to have work done during this summer in part or in whole. Discussion ensued.

Dennis Torii expressed an idea to contact the people who installed the ventilation system in order to give them an opportunity to address the problems.

Mr. McCann stated that the District has had a good relationship with Johnson Controls and regardless of what is done, hopes that this good relationship continues. He said that if anything is done, in his opinion, it should be done in phases.

Mrs. Dale wanted to know if any asbestos tiles would have to be moved.

Mr. Hervas is interested in finding out if the ring of schools surrounding O’Hare airport are having similar difficulties and also would like to know if the state has anything available to help districts pay for such.

Numerous other questions were raised relating to financing – issuance of bonds - can a bond be replaced without having a referendum? It is legal with performance contracting to do a bond financing program. It would become part of the general operating fund of the district. To be tax neutral makes it more appealing.

The consensus of the board was that while the District needs to do something, the possibility of phasing the project is more tangible.

Mr. McCann asked if any board members would be opposed to removing a window in one classroom at each building. Mrs. Dale stated that because of security issues, the window would have to open from the top or have some other type of security restriction.

Dr. Cull suggested that he assumed no action was planned for this evening. If that is a correct assumption, he suggested that he be allowed to get some information from other districts and discuss with Johnson Controls about phasing options. In addition, he would like to investigate financing further. If we were to maintain a constant tax rate, it would make everything more palatable.

Mrs. Dale asked about the Peacock roof and if it were feasible for that to be part of the phasing. This may be something that can be done this summer that doesn’t need much lead time.

Dr. Cull suggested that if he can get some information, he believes that we may need a special meeting prior to the April meeting.

In addition, Superintendent Cull would like to check with the original manufacturer of the Univents and see if anything could be done. In addition, he could possibly contact the District’s attorney and determine if anything further could be pursued.

Dr. Cull briefly discussed the tentative budget. He thanked the administrators for their help in putting the budget together. Discussion ensued.

Superintendent Cull stated that the tentative budget was not listed on this evening’s agenda. This was done so that the board would have ample time to review the budget and ask questions both at this meeting and at the April Board meeting. If necessary, a special meeting could also be conducted.

Patrick expressed his opinion that there was a lot to review in the budget. He also thanked Dr. Cull and the administration for the good work done in preparation of the budget.

Mrs. Nolte asked for discussion. Some discussion ensued with members of the Board of Education. President Nolte stated that if people have individual questions, they should be forwarded to Dr. Cull. If broader questions, please give Superintendent a call and have him prepare responses that may be useful to all board members.

VII. Board Requested Reports:

A. N.D.S.E.C. - Mr. Torii reported on the February meeting, a copy of the minutes were included in the board packet and are attached to these minutes. The vote on the hearing impaired project was tabled and will likely be brought up in May. He suggested that most likely there will be be some type of tuition adjustment made. He requested information from Dr. Cull regarding how much is received from N.D.S.E.C. and how much the district pays to N.D.S.E.C. – The Federal government has imposed more requirements on the schools to provide more services and the State is providing less money.

B. Middle School – Dr. Nickisch, principal of F.E. Peacock Middle School, reported that Peacock had just received an award for the Charger, the school newspaper. He acknowledged Mr. Travis, editor of the paper, for his support and endeavors with the project.

Dr. Nickisch also reported on the organization of the Graduation committee which will be having their first meeting on March 19. The purpose of the committee is to prepare and create the events for graduation as well as the 8th grade dinner dance.


On Friday, April 12, Henry Hyde will visit Peacock to receive a check for the sales of the CD created by District #10. Proceeds are going to the September 11 relief fund. Congressmen will be receiving copies of the CD’s

President Nolte added compliments regarding the Charger and stated that it was both interesting and entertaining.

When Mrs. Nolte asked how the community service was coming along, Dr. Nickisch replied that that up to about 50% of the students had met their quota. A community service up-date will be provided in the near future.

A copy of the Middle School report is attached to these minutes.

C. Curriculum – In Dr. Tornatore’s absence, Dr. Cull delivered the curriculum report, a copy of which is attached. In referencing the reports, he highlighted the Science Fair and how successful it had been. In addition, the March workshops have gone well and the District will be offering courses in Gifted Education with a goal of having all District #10 teachers receiving recognition from the State. The staff is excited about receiving this at the building.

Mrs. Dale asked if the gifted training would only be provided at Franzen. All teachers are invited to participate.

D.Technology Up-Date – In the absence of Mr. Kapachinski, Director of Technology, Dr. Cull delivered the report. He noted that no expenditures were listed for this month due to the fact that Mr. Kapachinski had been out of the district. A copy of the report is attached. A decision to make purchases out of this year’s budget for Franzen faculty laptops and in July, purchase laptops for Peacock’s staff, both from the current year’s budget and the 2002-2003 budget, appears to be imminent.

E. Character Counts! – Mrs. McDonald, Character Counts! coalition representative, stated that while she had not attending this evening’s meeting, she had met with Alva Kreutzer, coordinator, who will be applying for grants. Mrs. Kreutzer had requested that partners in the coalition write letters in support of these grants. Mrs. McDonald read the letter signed by the board president, Mrs. Nolte. She thanked Dr. Cull for writing the letter in a timely manner.

F. Freedom of Information – Dr. Cull reported that no requests had been received.

G.Opportunity for input regarding board requested reports - No comments or questions at this time.

VIII. Consent Items –

A motion made by Mrs. McDonald and seconded by Mr. McCann that the minutes of the February 13, 2002 regular meeting and the expenditures for the month of February, 2002, be approved. Following an opportunity for questions and discussion, 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

IX. Action Items

A. Board of Education Policy Revision – Policy #4:10 – Fiscal and Business Management; Policy #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

A motion was made by Mr. McCann and seconded by Mrs. McDonald that Board of Education Policy Revision – Policy #4:10 – Fiscal and Business Management; Policy #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 second reading.

Mr. Torii suggested that Policy #6:60 – Curriculum Content – be amended to include a phrase, “…but not restricted to…” under item 9. This would include all ethnic groups not listed. Mr. McCann and Mrs. McDonald agreed to the amendment. Following a further opportunity for questions, discussion, and community input, the motion carried on the following VOICE VOTE: All AYES: NAYS none.

B. 2001 Tax Reduction Allocation –

A motion was made by Mr. Hervas and seconded by Mr. Torii that the Board of Education approve the following resolution:
WHEREAS, the Board of Education of Itasca School District #10 of DuPage County, Illinois, has heretofore levied taxes for the tax year 2001 and certified such levies to the County Clerk of DuPage County, Illinois; 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 make 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 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 School 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 2001 tax 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 2001 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 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 forthwith upon its adoption. Adopted this 13th day of March, 2002.

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

C. Interfund Loan –

A motion was made by Mr. McCann and seconded by Mrs. McDonald that an interfund loan of $300,000 be made from the Education Fund to the Operations and Maintenance Fund and an interfund loan of $35,000 to the IMR Fund and repaid June 30, 2002.

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

AYES NAYS

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

D. NSBA Convention

A motion was made by Mrs. McDonald and seconded by Mr. Powers that the request made by Susan Nolte, Dennis Torii, Maureen McDonald and Chuck Hervas for reimbursement for attending a National conference as per Board of Education Policy #2:125 – Board Member Expenses – be approved. Following an opportunity for community input, questions, and discussion, the motion carried on the following ROLL CALL VOTE:

AYES NAYS

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

X. Board Requested Reports -

Mr. Hervas a reported on Supreme Court voucher case which he had witnessed and believed it will have a national impact in June. He predicted that the Supreme Court will approve 5 – 4 and will keep the Board of Education posted in this regard.

Mrs. Nolte will not be at the board meeting in April and Mr. Torii will chair the meeting.

Mr. Torii again requested a report on the financial transactions of the District with N.D.S.E.C.

XI. Closed Session

Mrs. McDonald made a motion seconded by Mr. Hervas that the Board of Education enter a closed session to consider information concerning the employment of personnel. The motion carried on the following ROLL CALL VOTE:

AYES NAYS

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

The Board entered a closed session at 9:30 p.m.

Motion made by Mr. Hervas and seconded by Mr. Torii that the Board of Education return to open session. The motion carried on the following ROLL CALL VOTE:

AYES NAYS

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

The Board returned to open session at 10:16 p.m.

President Nolte stated that while in closed session, the board had discussed the employment of personnel and no action was taken.

XII. Adjournment

There being no further business, President Nolte adjourned the meeting at 10:17 p.m.

___________________________________ Mrs. Maureen McDonald, Secretary Board of Education

________________________________ Mrs. Susan Nolte, President Board of Education