DATE:

Wednesday, March 12, 2003

LOCATION:

ITASCA VILLAGE HALL 100 North Walnut Street Itasca, Illinois 60143

I. Call to order and roll call - The meeting was called to order at 6:30 p.m. by President Susan Nolte with the following ROLL CALL:

AYESNAYS

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

II. Closed Session – Motion made by Mr. McCann and seconded by Mr. Torii that the Board of Education enter a closed session for the purpose of discussing personnel. The motion carried on the following ROLL CALL VOTE:

AYESNAYS

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

The board entered a closed session at 6:33 p.m.

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

AYESNAYS

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

The board returned to open session at 7:33 p.m.

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

Additional 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
Mrs. Dawn Turner, Principal, Raymond Benson Primary School
Dr. Marcia Tornatore, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum & Instruction
Mr. Charles Kapachinski, Director of Technology
Mrs. Catherine Seger, Recording Secretary
Members of the staff and community

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

IV. Welcome to Visitors – Mrs. Nolte welcomed visitors to the meeting.

V. Communications - Secretary Maureen McDonald read correspondence received during the previous month.

VI. Agenda Addendum Items – None

VII. Superintendent’s Report -

Dr. Cull reviewed his report, a copy of which is attached to these official minutes. At the past couple of meetings, there has been discussion regarding the recognition of a board member. Mr. Raymond Benson has asked that it again be discussed at this time. Dr. Cull must report back to Mr. Benson. It was determined that the tree be planted honoring the former member of the Board of Education.

Discussion ensued regarding the costs of the Peacock project being done by Wight and Company.

Dr. Cull noted that the 2003-04 Calendar was on the agenda for tonight and explained the rational for taking a full day on January 16.

The goal planning session was discussed and a date was set for Thursday May 15. This date should be confirmed after everyone has checked schedules.

VIII. Board Requests for Reports

Board Requested Reports:

A. N.D.S.E.C – Mr. Torii, N.D.S.E.C. representative, noted that the minutes were contained in the board packet. He reminded everyone that an alternative member of the council needs to be designated and if anyone is interested, please notify either Mrs. Nolte or Mr. Torii. In an effort to get more involvement, N.D.S.E.C. may have to schedule evening meetings. Dr. Cull was in attendance at the last meeting in which 6 staff members were dismissed (for contract reasons). A Special Education data profile report was given indicating that there are 2,000,000 students in the State of Illinois with 5% representing special needs children. There are currently 146 students being serviced in Itasca. The Early Identification Program diagnoses children from birth to 3 years of age. This program is funded by N.D.S.E.C. and the consensus with other districts is to discontinue the program. Mr. Torii believes that this program should remain intact and if necessary, pay the tuition as shared with other districts. Another issue is the increased needs of N.D.S.E.C. particularly due to a 22% insurance increase.

Mr. Torii also reported that the IMRF retirement funds are running short.

Dr. Cull clarified that N.D.S.E.C’s insurance had increased by 22% but District #10 does not anticipate that great of an increase. Some discussion ensued.

B. Middle School – Dr. Nickisch, principal of F.E. Peacock Middle School, presented the middle school report, a copy of which is attached to these minutes. He announced that the Discipline and Medication Committee would hold their first meeting on March 19. Also, yesterday the first meeting of the graduation committee was held. Graduation is set for June 4. He then reviewed a graduation eligibility status report with members of the Board of Education and the audience.

Dr. Nickisch reported that both the Jazz band and Choir had received Division 1 ratings and he is hopeful that the Concert band will also earn a Division 1 rating. This is the highest rating and is given by their peers.

Dr. Nickisch showed an excellent tape of the Peacock This Morning newscast. He thanked Mr. Kapachinski, Mrs. Bernal and Mr. Travis for their help in putting this tape together.

C. Curriculum – Dr. Tornatore reported on the workshops that have taken place this year. They had been designed to be building specific. During the past month, Benson has been working on level books. Specialists have been brought in to work with them. Franzen had a tech lab aide training the teachers to work with academically able children. Students are able to read a novel and be quizzed. Teachers can then graft the results to determine the child’s needs. Peacock has been trained in the Broadcast studio. Roscor gave free in-service as the district purchased from them. Dr. Tornatore praised Bryen Travis and Sandy Bernal for their part in structuring the day for the teachers. An additional day was dedicated to “Project Criss,” a program of outstanding instructional teaching strategies. All Peacock teachers will receive Level 1 training.

D. Reading Adoption Committee – Dr. Tornatore introduced the Reading Committee beginning with Sarah Leikin, who discussed standards and research conducted and aligning state standards with curriculum. Linda Schaschwary talked specifically about kindergarten and how the committee had looked at research and state standards to teach kindergarten. Joan Kurth discussed Phonemic Awareness and Phonics Instructions including Decoding Strategies. Pam Mitchell discussed Comprehension and the strong point of Harcourt. Jodie Rieger and Debbie Sitkiewicz reviewed assessment in Harcourt Series. Sharon Laughlin talked about goals specific to the 6th grade. Linda Wit discussed extensions and Nicole Vorgias reviewed the topic of leveled books.

Dr. Tornatore reported that 100% of the committee had chosen Harcourt. Some discussion ensued. Board members (especially Mr. Hervas!) thanked the committee for their outstanding work. Dr. Tornatore also thanked the committee. Mrs. Dale asked that in upcoming months, Dr. Tornatore report back to the board with up-dates on the work of the Reading Committee.

Dr. Cull discussed the idea of “focusing” goals – goals for the next school year – in which there would be fewer goals but related to such things as reading, No Child Left Behind, etc.

E. Technology Up-Date – Mr. Kapachinski, Director of Technology, discussed his report, a copy of which is included with these minutes. He reported that several technical issues had arisen including problematic zip drives. These issues have been resolved.

F. Character Counts! – Mrs. McDonald reported on the Character Counts! meeting which was held earlier this evening. The Event Committee is sponsoring a poster contest in which children will design a Memorial Day poster. Every child submitting a poster will get either a blockbuster certificate or a $5.00 certificate to be used at this summer’s Itasca Fest. The Recognition Committee is sending out letters to businesses for the “Show Your Character Award.” The Park district/IAA will require that parents of students participating in baseball have to attend a mandatory meeting about good sportsmanship and how it is related to Character Counts! The Itasca Character Counts! banners have been received. Currently there are 6 but more will be ordered as the need arises. These banners will be placed throughout the downtown area. There will be 18 banners sponsored by the park district, churches, Lions’ Club, Garden Club, Seniors, etc. They will be put on light poles downtown. Mrs. McDonald distributed the survey to board members and asked that they be completed. These surveys are attempting to determine how Itasca is doing relative to other communities in the area. Students will also be receiving the surveys. Mrs. McDonald also reported that Pam Mitchell, a Benson primary teacher, had given a report on the Character Counts! activities occurring in the schools.

G. Health Services – Dr. Cull reviewed a report that had been requested by Mrs. Dale. A copy of his report is made a part of these minutes. The report was generally in comparison to last year’s services. The district is down about one hour of service from last year and picking up on that is the hourly certified school nurse. Dr. Cull also discussed the AED that is to be installed at Peacock. There is one in the budget for next year. Eventually there will be one in every building. Discussion ensued.

H. Quarterly Financial Report – Superintendent Cull reviewed his report that had been distributed to members of the board and the audience. He stated that he has begun looking at the budget for the next school year and explained how this report was developed. The administration did initial planning for the budget for next year. It was determined what was needed to continue all the programs. When that was completed, it was determined that there was about a $1,000,000 deficit pending for next year. Knowing that this was not a realistic figure to bring to the board, administration began paring back some of the requests and got it down to a $531,000 deficit. The board reviewed this “first look” of the budget and said that they were uncomfortable with a $531,000 deficit. Dr. Cull noted that the district will be affected by new growth and that Doral may be of some help. But with the direction to cut the initial deficit, he came up with the 2nd attempt. He is bringing this forward now in an effort to prepare to do the tentative budget booklet. Superintendent Cull reviewed his “2nd attempt” discussing both revenues and expenditures. Discussion ensued. Some concerns were raised as to what the assessor’ is doing with new growth. Cuts in travel expenses and capital outlay need to be reviewed. Dr. Cull is looking for some type of consensus from the board in order to create a draft budget. He also stated that he should know what the tax extension would be probably by April 1. Further discussion ensued. The consensus was to use the second cut figures to develop the tentative budget.

I. Freedom of Information - Dr. Cull reported on one request that had been received during the previous month. It was complied with in a timely manner.

J. Opportunity for Community Input - Mei Mei Moy, District employee as Accounts Payable Secretary, discussed her position that is being eliminated. She requested that the board consider letting her stay another year to be vested in the IMRF pension plan. District teacher, Pam Mitchell, discussed how the Reading Intervention Program cannot replace staff that may need to be cut. Community resident, Ron Putzell, 321 S. Oak, district parent and community member, expressed his concern about cutting the technology budget too much. He had been a member of the DAC Committee and was instrumental in the development of the Technology Plan. Rose Zelenka, 608 East Irving Park Road, district parent and community member, talked about the possible cut of a reading teacher as well as the purchase of defibrillators Parent and resident Bob Olender reported that he had taken training for CPR and first aide. The organization also teaches AED and they might consider possibly donating the time.

IX. Consent Items:

Motion made by Mr. McCann and seconded by. McDonald that the minutes of the February 12, 2003 regular meeting, the expenditures for the month of February, 2003, and the resignation of Sarah LaBella be approved. Following an opportunity for further questions and discussion, the motion carried on the following ROLL CALL VOTE:

AYESNAYS

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

IX. Action Items

A. Policy Revisions – Second Reading

Motion made by Mrs. McDonald and seconded by Mr. McCann that Policy #2:200 – Types of Board Meetings; Policy #2:210 – Organizational Board Meeting; Policy #5:100 – Staff Development Program; Policy #5:180 – Temporary Illness or Incapacity; Policy #7:190 – Student Discipline be approved for second reading. Following an opportunity or further questions, discussion, and community input, the motion passed on the following VOICE VOTE: All AYES: NAYS none.

B. Textbook Adoption –

Motion made by Mr. Hervas and seconded by Mrs. McDonald that the Board of Education approve the adoption of the Harcourt Reading Series for Kindergarten through sixth grade as recommended by the Reading Committee. Following an opportunity for community input, questions, and discussion, the motion carried on the following ROLL CALL VOTE:

AYESNAYS

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

C. Approval of Board Members to Attend Conference

Motion made by Mr. McCann and seconded by Mrs. Dale that the requests made by Maureen McDonald, Chuck Hervas, Susan Nolte, and Dennis Torii for reimbursement for attending a National Conference as per Board of Education Policy #2:125 – Board Member Expenses – be approved. Following an opportunity for questions, comments, and community input, the motion passed on the following ROLL CALL VOTE:

AYESNAYS

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

D. 2002 Tax Reduction Extension Allocation

Motion made by Mr. McCann and seconded by Mr. Hervas that the resolution regarding the 2002 Tax Reduction Extension Allocation be approved by the Board of Education. Following an opportunity for discussion, questions, and community input, the motion carried on the following VOICE VOTE: All AYES: NAYS none.

E. 2003-04 School Calendar

Motion made by Mrs. McDonald and seconded by Mr. McCann that the 2003-2004 school calendar be approved as presented. Following an opportunity for questions, comments, and community input, the motion carried on the following VOICE VOTE: All AYES: NAYS none

F. Inter-fund Loan

Motion made by Mr. McCann and seconded by Mr. Torii that an inter-fund loan of $75,000 be made from the Education Fund to the Transportation Fund and repaid June 30, 2003. Following an opportunity for community input, questions, and discussion, the motion carried on the following ROLL CALL VOTE:

AYESNAYS

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

President Nolte, on behalf of the Board of Education and the District, acknowledged Mr. McCann for his 4 years of service on the Board of Education. He replied that it has been a very good four years and he has enjoyed himself.

Mrs. Nolte also reminded everyone that the next regularly scheduled monthly meeting will be on Tuesday, April 8, 2003, Peacock Middle School Learning Center.

XI. Board Requests for reports. - None made at this time.

XII. Adjournment

There being no further business, President Nolte adjourned the meeting at 10:30 p.m.

__________________________ Maureen McDonald, Secretary Board of Education

__________________________ Susan Nolte, President Board of Education