DATE:

Wednesday, May 12, 2004

LOCATION:

ITASCA VILLAGE HALL 100 North Walnut Street Itasca, Illinois 60143

PRESENT	ABSENT
Mrs. Diann Dale Mrs. Maureen McDonald Mrs. Susan Nolte Mr. Patrick Powers Mrs. Rose Zelenka	Mr. Chuck Hervas

II. Closed Session –

A motion was made by Mrs. Dale and seconded by Mrs. McDonald that the board enter a closed session for the purpose of discussing the Superintendent’s Contract and the employment or dismissal of personnel. The motion carried on the following ROLL CALL VOTE:

AYESNAYS

Mrs. Nolte
Mr. Powers
Mrs. Dale
Mrs. McDonald
Mrs. Zelenka

The board entered a closed session at 6:39 p.m.

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

AYESNAYS

Mrs. Zelenka
Mrs. Nolte
Mrs. McDonald
Mr. Powers
Mrs. Dale

The board returned to open session at 7:53 p.m. Mrs. Nolte stated that while in closed session, the board had discussed personnel and the Superintendent’s contract and no action was taken.

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

III. Pledge of Allegiance – President Nolte led all present in the Pledge of Allegiance.

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

V. Communications –

Mrs. McDonald, Secretary read correspondence received during the previous month. This included notes from staff for flowers sent in appreciation for “Administrative Assistants’ Day as well as other acknowledgements.

Mrs. Nolte read correspondence received from Dr. Glenn Acksel thanking the board and the Itasca School District for their generous contribution made to the John Acksel Scholarship Fund when Dr. Acksel retired. The tradition of awarding a scholarship is continuing.

VI. Agenda Addendum Items –

No additional agenda items were added. However, the question arose as to whether or not the board needed to elect a new vice-president since Mr. Torii, vice-president, recently resigned. It was decided that this would be done after a new board member is appointed. All board members are saddened over Mr. Torii’s resignation.

VII. Superintendent’s Report –

Dr. Cull reviewed his report, a copy of which is attached to these minutes. He had some good news on health insurance as stated in his report. He also asked for some discussion on the dedication of the gymnasium at Benson School He asked board members to discuss the philosophy of naming areas of the schools after specific individuals. Discussion ensued. The consensus was that it was not a good practice.

Though this was not on the agenda, Dr. Cull brought the board up to date on the Skate Board Park issue. The attorney had prepared a hold harmless document for the Park District to sign as it was believed that the area in question is partly on School District property. The Park District had not done anything with the document for the following reasons: They believe the area in question is not on District #10 property and if the District is expecting the Park District to indemnify for their being on school property, then the Park District will need to indemnify the school district for when park district property is being used. If we want to pursue this, the District will need to bear the cost of a surveyor and if it isn’t on our property, there is no issue. If the park is on District property and the District asks for indemnification, then the Park District will also request indemnification. Discussion ensued. Mr. Powers will have someone look at the property and determine if the School District owns any of the land.

VIII. Board Requested Reports:

A. N.D.S.E.C. – Mrs. Dale asked Dr. Cull to give the report. Dr. Cull reviewed the meeting at which some staff had been released. With the resignation of Mr. Torii, Mrs. Zelenka has volunteered to be the representative and Mrs. Dale will continue as the alternate.

B. Middle School – Dr. Nickisch, principal of the middle school, updated members of the board on graduation requirements. As of this date, two students are ineligible. On May 7, 30% of our students as of had not completed community service. As of today, only nine students have not completed their community service.

Parent surveys will be put on the website and results will be tablulated in the process. Dr. Nickisch’s report is attached to these official minutes.

C. Block Scheduling Report – This item was tabled to next month as it was requested by Mr. Hervas who is absent this evening. Though it was tabled, some discussion ensued. Dr. Cull asked that if there were more specific topics requested, please advise the administration as to the nature of these topics: One topic requested by Mrs. Dale was regarding common time – what it is and what is being taught and how many students are in these classes. Mrs. Dale noted that the class sizes do not add up and that there are varying numbers per the Superintendent’s report and the block scheduling report. If this is actually the total enrollment for world culture as far as instruction, then what was board approved and how was that worked out. The 6th grade Spanish was deleted and what was dropped from the Language arts program. With regards to Science, there were a great number of labs that would be able to be performed versus the amount that actually transpired. More discussion ensued. Mrs. Nolte questioned Mrs. Dale as to what information she would like to obtain from this report. Mrs. Dale believes that due to block scheduling, it is apparent to her that students are not receiving enough reading instruction. Discussion ensued. Sixth grade reading teacher Sharon Laughlin discussed how the reading curriculum is spread out throughout the entire three years. Dr. Cull stated that one piece missing from this discussion was Dr. Nickisch’s report and how he is supervising the curriculum. Following more discussion, President Nolte suggested that Mrs. Dale review her list of questions for the report with Mrs. Nolte.

D. Curriculum – Dr. Tornatore, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction, reviewed her report, a copy of which is attached to these minutes. She noted that the ESL teachers, Mrs. Pat Butler and Mrs. Nancy Bernal, meet with her monthly. They have been very successful in working with Dr. Tornatore. She also discussed the electronic report card and student tours - second grade students who will be going to Franzen next year and fifth grade students that will be attending Peacock.

Dr. Tornatore reviewed her Family & Consumer Science report with members of the board comparing the overlapping curriculum. Discussion ensued.

The two kindergarten teachers, Linda Schaschwary and Donna Suptela, gave a brief but thorough presentation of the kindergarten reading curriculum. It was very informative and offered the board an opportunity to ask questions. Mrs. Nolte thanked the teachers for their excellent presentation.

E. Technology - Mr. Kapachinski, Director of Technology, reviewed his report that is attached to these minutes. He stated that the firewall has been replaced and there has been very few problems. He also reported that the new long distance service will be installed for next year. He discussed security issues, primarily with viruses and hot fixes His concern is that when teachers came back last fall, a lot of viruses hit the network. This year he is going to let the teachers know that they can leave their laptops with him over the summer. He will up-date files and be sure that they are physically secured as well.

One other item not included in his report was that in the past, Mr. Kapachinski has always been able to be ahead of himself. He expressed some concern about getting this life cycle for 41 desktop computers. His concern is that the budget is not being approved until June 9 and he would like to request that the board allow him to purchase these computers on June 1 at a cost of $30,000. He would like to order them now but money to come out of next year’s budget.

President Nolte congratulated Mr. Kapachinski on the decrease in phone charges. A question was asked about the student management system and if it could be put off another year. The system will still be serviceable until August, 2005.

Also, is there any possibility that teachers getting new laptops could get desk tops instead? Discussion ensued. Dr. Medwick stated that it would probably not be a good idea as teachers take their laptops home and do some of their work at home. More discussion ensued. Dr. Cull said that the district is looking for web access for staff so that they can do grading on line. Also, it would allow for parental access from home. Further discussion ensued.

F. Character Counts! – Mrs. McDonald, Character Counts! representative, deferred to Dr. Cull. He reported what had occurred at the beginning of the meeting. Police officer Kathy Eagan had introduced Jerry Ragusin who will be the new DARE Officer. Discussion concerning a Character Counts! community wide event that will inform the community what the coalition is doing occurred. No specific decisions were made.

G. Budget Discussion – Dr. Cull reviewed the comments that were included in the packet. These consisted of answers to questions that had arisen at the April 26, 2004 budget meeting. The board reviewed the proposed cuts including taking out $5,000 in travel fund; possibly purchasing desktops versus laptops; and the lab at Peacock. They also discussed raising fees for students - $40.00 for Kindergarten; $80.00 for grades 1-5 and $120.00 for grades 6-8. It appears as if the board has come up with $100,000 in savings. However, this is still not enough to create a balanced budget so probably some positions will still be cut. Dr. Cull suggested that the board reinstate the media aide positions. Further discussion ensued regarding the cuts mentioned previously. This budget is still in discussion and in June, the budget will be brought to the board for final approval. Additionally, staff scheduled for laptops could be asked if they would rather have a desk tops. Mr. Powers suggested that every operating expense be reduced by 1%.

A motion was made by Mrs. Dale and seconded by Mr. Powers 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. Zelenka
Mrs. McDonald
Mr. Powers
Mrs. Dale

The board entered a closed session at 10:40 p.m.

A motion was made by Mr. Powers 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. Powers
Mrs. Dale
Mrs. Zelenka
Mrs. Nolte
Mrs. McDonald

The board returned to open session at 11:02 p.m.

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

The board continued discussion about staff cuts. It was commented that there is still money in the original budget for extra secretarial help. Dr. Turner asked the board to consider the 3rd option – that is to maintain the six secretaries at six hours per day. Discussion ensued. Dr. Turner also asked the board to consider increasing payment for transportation since it has never been raised.

Audience discussion ensued. One member of the audience spoke on increasing fees and believed that the board did not make many cuts. Another asked if the board is looking at cutting tech aides. Bryen Travis, Peacock choral music teacher, reinforced the idea of maintaining six secretaries at 6 hours each. He also asked if it was necessary that the budget be totally balanced this year? Discussion ensued.

H. Freedom of Information - None received during the previous month.

I. Opportunity for Community Input Regarding Board Requested Reports - None at this time.

IX. Consent Items –

A motion was made by Mrs. McDonald and seconded by Mr. Powers that the minutes of the April 14, 2004 regular Board of Education meeting; the minutes of the April 25, 2004 Special Board of Education meeting; the expenditures for the month of April, 2004; the resignations of Vicki LiGreci, Arianne Betlej, Melissa Domino, and Amy Hourigan; the request for leaves of absence from Deanna Micaletti, Gail Sage, and Lisa DiNovo; and the re-employment of Stacey McCarthy and Heather Schick be approved. Following an opportunity for questions and further discussion, the motion carried on the following ROLL CALL VOTE:

AYESNAYS

Mr. Powers
Mrs. Dale
Mrs. Zelenka
Mrs. Nolte
Mrs. McDonald

X. Action Items

A. 2004-2005 School Year Paid Holidays for 12 month employees – A motion was made by Mr. Powers and seconded by Mrs. McDonald that the Board of Education approve the following paid holiday holidays as listed on page 90 of the May agenda packet. Following an opportunity for questions, discussion, and community input, the motion carried on the following VOICE VOTE: All AYES: NAYS none.

B. Auditor – A motion was made by Mr. Powers and seconded by Mrs. McDonald that the Board of Education approve Mathieson, Moyski, Celer and Co., LLP to conduct the FY04 audit. Following an opportunity for questions, discussion, and community input, the motion carried on the following ROLL CALL VOTE:

AYESNAYS

Mrs. Dale
Mr. Powers
Mrs. McDonald
Mrs. Zelenka
Mrs. Nolte

C. Ethics Ordinance Resolution – A motion was made by Mrs. McDonald and seconded by Mr. Powers that the Ethics Resolution found on pages 96-107 of the May board packet be adopted by the Board of Education. Following an opportunity for questions, discussion, and community input, the motion carried on the following VOICE VOTE: All AYES: NAYS none

D. Treasurer/Bond/Depository of Funds – A motion was made by Mrs. McDonald and seconded by Mr. Powers 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 07-01-04. 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 questions, discussion, and community input, the motion carried on the following ROLL CALL VOTE:

AYESNAYS

Mrs. Nolte
Mrs. McDonald
Mr. Powers
Mrs. Zelenka
Mrs. Dale


E. Administrative/Educational Support Salaries – This item was deferred to the June meeting.

F. Superintendent’s Contract – A motion was made by Mr. Powers and seconded by Mrs. McDonald that the Superintendent’s three -year contract be approved at a base salary of $141,549 for the 2004-2005 school year. Following an opportunity for questions, discussion, and community input, the motion carried on the following ROLL CALL VOTE:

AYESNAYS

Mr. Powers
Mrs. Nolte
Mrs. McDonald
Mrs. Dale
Mrs. Zelenka

A motion was made by Mrs. Dale and seconded by Mr. Powers that the following fee schedule be approved by the Board of Education: $40.00 – Kindergarten; $80.00 – Grades 1-5; $120.00 – Grades 6-8; and $20.00 for interscholastic sport fees per sport. Following an opportunity for community input, questions, and discussion, the motion carried on the following ROLL CALL VOTE:

AYESNAYS

Mrs. McDonald
Mrs. Dale
Mrs. Nolte
Mr. Powers
Mrs. Zelenka

XI. Board Requested Reports - No requests made at this time.

XII. Adjournment – There being no further business, President Nolte adjourned the meeting at 11:37 p.m.

__________________________ Maureen McDonald, Secretary Board of Education

__________________________ Susan Nolte, President Board of Education