DATE:

Wednesday, May 14, 2003

LOCATION:

ITASCA VILLAGE HALL 100 North Walnut Street Itasca, Illinois 60143

I. Call to order and roll call - President Nolte called the meeting to order at 8:25 p.m. with the following ROLL CALL:

Also in attendance:

Dr. Kenneth Cull, Superintendent of Schools
Dr. Reinhard Nickisch, Principal, F.E. Peacock Middle School
Mrs. Dawn Turner, Principal, Raymond Benson Primary School
Dr. Marcia Tornatore, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum & Instruction
Mr. Charles Kapachinski, Director of Technology
Representative from Johnson Controls’
Members of the staff and community.

II. Pledge of Allegiance - Mrs. Nolte led all present in the Pledge of Allegiance.

III. Welcome to Visitors – President Nolte welcomed visitors to the meeting.

IV. Communications – Mrs. McDonald, Secretary, reviewed correspondence received during the previous month from various staff members who had sent thank you cards. In addition, Mrs. Turner, Principal of Benson School, sent a thank you note to the Board of Education acknowledging her appreciation for allowing her the opportunity to attend the reading convention.

V. Agenda Addendum Items – Police issue to be addressed with the board per Mrs. Dale’s request.

VI. Superintendent’s Report – Superintendent Cull reviewed his report, a copy of which is attached to these minutes. He reminded everyone of the Goals’ session scheduled for tomorrow evening, May 15, 6:30 p.m., in the District office. Other items highlighted were technology purchases, on-line applications, and he reported that he has followed up on the tree being planted honoring Mr. Wright (the tree hasd been ordered from Schwartz’s nursery who has donated delivery and planting). The nursery suggested that the tree not be planted until the fall. Dr. Cull will write a letter to Mr. Wright and send a copy to Mr. Benson. Superintendent Cull also stated that he had brought Mr. Wright to the Regional Office of Education for a recognition breakfast this morning.

VII. Board Requested Reports:

A. N.D.S.E.C. – Mr. Torii, N.D.S.E.C. representative, had attended the N.D.S.E.C. meeting on Monday and the minutes are included in the packet. The meeting contained discussion about budgetary types of issues that included dismissal of employees as well as discussion of the shelter and space problem. Dr. Cull has been actively involved in the Policy Committee.

C. Curriculum – Dr. Tornatore, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction, praised ESL teachers for meeting so frequently with her. There are two ESL teachers – one services Benson and the other services Franzen and Peacock. (Nancy Bernal and Pat Butler) The Report Card Committee is a confirmed committee for next year. As part of her report, she discussed the Talented and Gifted Program at each of the buildings.

Discussion ensued. Mrs. Dale asked if a parent would be on the report card committee. Dr. Tornatore stated that any board member could attend any committee meeting. Dr. Cull suggested that it might be a good place for a parental survey on the report card.

Discussion ensued concerning the TAG Committee at Peacock. One consensus was that it was geared too much to leadership and not enough related to academic excellence. Further discussion ensued. Mr. Torii commended the staff for their work with the TAG program.

A copy of Dr. Tornatore’s report is attached to these minutes.

C. Technology – Mr. Kapachinski, Director of Technology, presented his report, a copy of which is attached. He highlighted the virus scan program as well as the zip drives. He also reported that the upgraded payroll system is not live at this point but was hopeful that problems would soon be resolved.

B. Middle School – This item had been tabled from earlier in the meeting. Dr. Nickisch reviewed his report, a copy of which is attached to these minutes. Dr. Nickisch reported that Peacock has finished 2nd in the Lake Park Math contest. Also, Miguel Cacuciolo and Alex Chen were winners in the stock market game. He distributed graphics made by Mr. Dan Peel as Peacock had finished 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th in the state in the stock market game. Principal Nickisch reported that graduation is set for June 4 at Lake Park East auditorium, 7:00 p.m. With regards to student eligibility, 9 students are on academic probation status. He also discussed the community service of the students who have not completed their quota. He expects most everyone to complete this criteria. Discussion ensued. Peacock participated in the track meet on Monday and the Girls’ team placed third. It was noted that Peacock has excellent physical education teachers.
E. Character Counts! - Mrs. McDonald, Character Counts! representative, reported on this evening’s meeting. Ninety posters have been entered into the Memorial Day festivities. Itasca Bank and Trust and the Library will display the posters in their lobbies. The Recognition committee will be choosing an award for the “Show your Good Character” award. Thirteen people have been nominated and will be presented with the award in the fall. All 18 banners have been sold and will be displayed downtown.

There had also been a report from Johanna Heppeler representing the public schools and how they are integrating Character Counts! into the curriculum. Benson is working on an end-of-the-year assembly. Franzen is working on Trustworthiness pillar and Peacock students are sending items to servicemen.

The surveys have been returned and results will be made available this fall.

F. Freedom of Information - One Freedom of Information request had been received and answered in accordance with the Freedom of Information Act.

G. Opportunity for community input regarding board requested reports – No questions or comments.

Mrs. Dale wanted to discuss a question raised at the recent Town Meeting regarding parking on Clover Ridge. No parking should be allowed on that street and it was not being enforced. Discussion had ensued regarding the possibility of enclosing the 3 foot section of the chain link fence. Dr. Cull acknowledged that administration should address this issue and report to the board.

VIII. Consent Items –

A motion was made by Mrs. McDonald and seconded by Mrs. Dale that the minutes of the April 8, 2003 regular Board of Education meeting and closed session, April 23, 2003 Special Board of Education meeting, the minutes of the April 29, 2003 special Board of Education Salary Committee meeting, the expenditures for the month of April, 2003, the resignations of Meghan Beran, Kristen Wagener, Theresa Covey, John Rosado, and Theresa Pulice be approved. Followed a correction to the April 8 minutes by Mrs. McDonald and a further opportunity for questions and discussion, the motion carried on the following ROLL CALL VOTE:

AYESNAYS

Mr. Torii
Mrs. Nolte
Mrs. Zelenka
Mrs. McDonald
Mrs. Dale

IX. Action Items –

A. 2003-2004 School Year Paid Holidays for 12-month Employees - A motion was made by Mrs. Dale and seconded by Mr. Torii that the Board of Education approve the following paid holidays as listed in the board packet: July 4, September 1, October 13, November 11, November 27, November 28, December 24, December 25, December 26, December 31, January 1, January 19, February 16, April 9, and May 31. Following an opportunity for community input, discussion and questions, the motion carried on the following VOICE VOTE: All AYES: NAYS none.

B. Industrial Technology Classroom – Motion made by Mrs. McDonald and seconded by Mrs. Zelenka that the Board of Education approve the change order for the Industrial Technology Classroom upgrade. A considerable discussion ensued. Mr. Torii asked about the bidding process as it is his understanding that the district has an obligation to comply with some rules regarding public bidding, published, etc. He is concerned about the proposal with Johnson Controls. More discussion ensued. Dr. Cull explained that the bidding has been done by Johnson Controls and not by District #10 as Johnson Controls has a contract with District #10. Mrs. Nolte asked whether or not Johnson Controls would be able to save the district some money by scaling back on some costs. Dr. Cull replied that Johnson Controls has taken some initiative in that regard. Mrs. Zelenka was also concerned about the bidding process. An additional general concern was the spending of contingency funds too early when it might be needed later for a real emergency. Mr. Torii asked if the work had been completed at Franzen and some discussion ensued. Mrs. Nolte asked if this item could be deferred to next month or if there could possibly be a special meeting. More discussion ensued. The Johnson Controls’ representative offered help with any of the board’s concerns. More discussion ensued. Following a further opportunity for questions and discussion, the motion was defeated on the following ROLL CALL VOTE:

AYES	NAYS
Mrs. Nolte Mrs. McDonald	Mr. Torii Mrs. Zelenka Mrs. Dale

C. FY 2004 Tentative Budget

Motion made by Mrs. McDonald and seconded by Mr. Torii that the FY 2004 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, July 9, 2003, at 7:15 p.m. in the Itasca Village Hall, 100 North Walnut Street, Itasca, Illinois. A discussion ensued regarding the elimination of the Transitional First Grade. Following an opportunity for further discussion, questions, and community input, the motion carried on the following ROLL CALL VOTE:

AYES	NAYS
Mrs. Dale Mrs. McDonald Mr. Torii Mrs. Nolte	Mrs. Zelenka

D. Treasurer/Bond/Depository of Funds

Motion made by Mr. Torii and seconded by Mrs. McDonald that the Board of Education of Itasca School District #10, DuPage County, has this day in compliance with the provisions of Article 8-1 of the Illinois School Code appointed Shirley Ketter as Treasurer, whose mailing address is 418 South Home, Itasca, IL beginning 07-01-03. Her remuneration determined prior to this appointment was set at $2,700 per fiscal year payable in monthly installments of $225.00. The Board of Education has also designated the Itasca Bank and Trust Company, Itasca, IL, as the depository for school funds. Complying with the provision of Article 2 of the Illinois School Code, the bond for the treasurer has been fixed at $12,000,000 with said bond being an assurity bond. Following an opportunity for further discussion, questions, and community input, the motion carried on the following ROLL CALL VOTE:

AYESNAYS

Mrs. Zelenka
Mrs. Nolte
Mrs. McDonald
Mrs. Dale
Mr. Torii

Mr. Travis, choral music teacher, expressed his concern about the improvements of the Industrial Technology room being delayed as a result of the board’s decision. Mrs. Nolte stated that there was need of some clarification in areas that board members had concerns.

The Johnson Controls representative made a few comments about the board’s decision and recommended that improvements be done this year.

X. Board Requests for Reports - Mrs. Dale requested a report on Clover Ridge fence and on the bidding process. Mr. Torii asked to be informed as to how the Franzen project had been completed. The board should be kept informed on the enrollment for 1st grade for next year. Also, what is happening with the playground equipment situation.

XI. Closed Session - Motion was made by Mrs. McDonald 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. Nolte
Mrs. Dale
Mrs. McDonald
Mrs. Zelenka
Mr. Torii

The board entered a closed session at 10:46 p.m.

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

AYESNAYS

Mr. Torii
Mrs. Zelenka
Mrs. McDonald
Mrs. Dale
Mrs. Nolte

The board returned to open session at 11:07 p.m.
President Nolte said that while in closed session, the board had discussed personnel and no action was taken.

XI. Adjournment – There being no further business, President Nolte adjourned the meeting at 11:08 p.m.

__________________________ Maureen McDonald, Secretary Board of Education

__________________________ Susan Nolte, President Board of Education