MINUTES OF THE DECEMBER 8, 2004 LEVY HEARING AND REGULAR BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING
I. The Levy Hearing was called to order at 7:15 p.m. by President Nolte with the following ROLL CALL:
PRESENT ABSENT
Mrs. Dale Mr. Hervas
Mrs. DiCiolla
Mrs. McDonald
Mrs. Nolte
Mr. Powers
Mrs. Zelenka (arrived after the hearing)
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 and Instruction
Mrs. Catherine Seger, Recorder (arrived following roll call)
Members of the staff and community
II. Levy Hearing - President Nolte asked Superintendent Cull to review the levy. Following his review, an opportunity was given for questions and discussion. No questions were asked nor comments made. The levy hearing concluded at 7:20 p.m. President Nolte called a recess until 7:30 p.m. at which time the regular meeting would begin.
III. Pledge of Allegiance - The regular meeting began at 7:30 p.m. Mrs. Nolte led all present in the Pledge of Allegiance.
IV. Welcome to Visitors – President Nolte welcomed all visitors to the meeting.
V. Communications – No communications during the previous month.
VI. Agenda Addendum Items – Mrs. Dale added ÒDay Care.Ó Mrs. Zelenka added ÒFriends of the Nature CenterÕ and ÒTraffic.Ó
VII. SuperintendentÕs Report – Dr. Cull reviewed the SuperintendentÕs Report, a copy of which is attached to these official minutes. He asked that board members notify Dr. Tornatore if they would like a revised Testing Report . He also reminded members of the board of a couple of upcoming dinner meetings. ED-RED is sponsoring their dinner on January 31 at the Marriott on Higgins Road and N.D.S.E.C. is hosting their annual dinner meeting on January 26 at Oak Meadows facilities. Board members interested in attending either or both of these dinner meetings should notify Catherine Seger and she will make the reservations. Regarding the DistrictÕs Risk Management Review, Dr. Cull said that he has found out how often the district is inspected. Some of it is required. Mrs. Dale commended the superintendent on the financial log written by him that is on the districtÕs web-site.
VIII. Board Requested Reports:
A. Quarterly Financial Report – Dr. Cull reviewed this report. He stated that he thought there was good news in last yearÕs budget as it was balanced. This was a result of a good conservative budget and the prudent work done by the administrators as well as Mr. Kapachinski, Director of Technology. Mrs. Nolte reported that she had received a call from former board member and President, Mr. Raymond Benson and said the Chancellery was just sold for $138,000,000.
B. N.D.S.E.C. – Mrs. Zelenka, board representative to N.D.S.E.C., commented that the minutes included in the packet were self-explanatory. Mrs. Zelenka noted the committees. In addition, they have moved the time up to 3:00 p.m.
C. Middle School – Dr. Nickisch, principal of F.E. Peacock Middle School, reviewed the Middle School Report. He discussed the Discipline Report and stated that two of the students receiving disciplinary action have been transferred to an alternative school. He stated that with regards to bullying and teasing, students are now more comfortable in reporting these issues. Though the numbers should be at zero, at least students are coming forward. Trials for the Peacock Musical are planned to begin in January with the 3 day production scheduled for mid-May.
Dr. Nickisch also discussed the Drug Awareness Program through the Itasca Police Department and the police assessment regarding PeacockÕs safety procedures.
D. Curriculum – Dr. Tornatore, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction, delivered the Curriculum Report, a copy of which is attached. She commended teachers Amy Reuter and Sandy Bernal for their recent TAG presentation. The presentation was very well done. Dr. Tornatore also discussed the kindergarten and pre-school registration. Mrs. DiCiolla asked about the TAG Program and the childrenÕs ability to get feedback when they are being pulled out. ChildrenÕs questions need to be answered.
E. Technology - In the absence of Mr. Kapachinski, Dr. Cull gave the report that was self-explanatory. A copy of his report is attached to these official minutes. Dr. Cull explained that there is a good tight anti-virus system in place due to the efforts of the technology team.
The Peacock phone system is almost completely installed. Some issues have been resolved and it appears that the system is up and running. Mr. Powers asked about the embedded virus on the software. Mrs. Dale would like to see information regarding spending money (i.e., the phone system) ahead of time. Dr. Cull explained that the drop problem has been fixed and if the district chooses to add features, then they can do so. There is no need to spend additional money at this time because the original problem has been repaired. Discussion ensued.
F. Character Counts! – Mrs. McDonald, the Character Counts! representative to the Itasca coalition, reported that they had met earlier this evening, The Recognition Committee had awarded two students with ÒCaught You Being Good Awards.Ó Both students had found money and had turned it in. The Itasca Bank is giving recipients of this award a certificate to Starbucks for a free cup of coffee or hot chocolate. The coalition is working on a parentsÕ handbook highlighting what Character Counts! is about and also a sports video that will be shown to parents (mandatory). In addition, the Finance and Fund Raising Committee is trying to raise additional funds by asking businesses for money. Benson School is making Òholiday in a boxÓ donations to give to less fortunate families. A Conflict Resolution play is being written by Peacock students and it will be shown at all grade levels. Franzen will continue to do their quote of the week. A student reads a quote with the morning announcement. Also at Franzen, each classroom decorated a bell and it is hanging it in the front entranceway. At this point in the meeting, the Pursuing Victory With Honor video was shown. The video will be the key portion of the required program for parents of athletes in Itasca and WoodDale. All were pleased with the video.
G. IASA/IASB/IASBO CONFERENCE – President Nolte asked attendees to speak about some of the sessions they had attended. Mrs. Dale stated that she had attended numerous workshops. She said that the best one she attended was presented by Bensenville that had passed a tax referendum. Their board set goals for the district that would reflect student achievement. She also attended a workshop on student handbooks. Mrs. DiCiolla attended five of them with two related to negotiations. She stated that activity funds were hit very hard. Also discussed was the importance of a balanced budget as well as three-year budget projections. Very clear internal controls need to be in place. There is going to be changes for the external auditor. The auditor must communicate with the board. The standard report should include a variance explanation between budget and actual. Cash flow monitoring was discussed. It is going to be even more critical on internal auditing including auditing activity funds, travel reimbursement, importance of back-up for reimbursement, collection of student fees and computer access and usage and timeliness of deposits. Mrs. Nolte reported on two workshops she had attended. One workshop was on collective bargaining including one session from Schaumburg and one from Lincoln. Mrs. Nolte had gotten a list of all of the terms that were agreed to for the 2004-2005 year and the general salaries. Dr. Medwick went to a workshop on referendums and public relations that she thought gave good insight. Dr. Tornatore discussed several sessions she had attended including a couple on referendums. She thought they were well prepared and gave specific rules about the process. She attended another session regarding on-line systems for test scores. Dr. Turner attended several workshops including one on referendums presented by Carol Stream. Dr. Cull attended a couple of workshops on referendums. He is starting to get the community informed. Recent articles in the newsletters have all been about finance. He attended a workshop on reducing benefit costs and one on board/superintendent relationships.
H. Activity Accounts – Mrs. DiCiolla discussed the parameters written in the School Code regarding Activity Accounts. There needs to be accountability for public funds. The district must have procedures in place to safe-guard our assets. The designated treasurer should control the authorization of checks. The board is to receive the total of receipts and disbursements. It is important to follow. Mrs. Dale asked if the district is moving towards making a uniform practice. Dr. Cull answered that it is.
I. Freedom of Information – Dr. Cull reported on one request that had been responded to in a timely manner.
Day Care – Mrs. Dale stated that Mrs. Kleeman, director of the Day Care at St. LukeÕs had said there was some misinformation that their program is full. Their before and after school programs are open. They donÕt want that word to continue. In addition, she had spoken to John Twarp, the vice-president of WIBA. An after school program will affect some of the time WIBA spends in the gymnasium. Their main concern is requiring later practices because they would have to give up some of their school time hours. Discussion ensued. The consensus of the board was to advise the park district that though the district is not trying to be uncooperative, they do not want to participate in a before/after school program.
Friends of Spring Brook Nature Center of Itasca – Mrs. Zelenka stated that this is a relatively new organization and they are trying to develop a 501C3 so that the Nature Center could eventually support itself. It is important that they start getting funds. Mrs. Zelenka is a member of the board and the board is asking for another member that could be a representative on the board. It could be someone who is very interested in the Nature Center or a member of the staff or community. They are hoping to soon finalize the board appointment The school board will appoint a representative. Discussion ensued. It was suggested that the IEPTO and the PTO be contacted.
Traffic – Mrs. Zelenka discussed the traffic problem at Rush and Washington. She asked if anyone from the school district could go out and help for the time the buses are out. Dr. Cull stated that anything the board wanted could be done. The district has been waiting to do this cooperatively with the Village. One suggestion is to move the crossing guard at Cherry and Washington to Rush and Washington. Discussion ensued. It was determined that the district should spend the money and pay for an additional crossing guard at Rush and Washington. Continue to work with the police department and the Village about getting this situation fixed longer term.
J. Opportunity for Community Input Regarding Board Requested Reports - Kara Fleming – 310 South Elm, stated that the Day Care at St. LukeÕs has been impacted. They have cut and given away their day care room.
IX. Consent Items –
A motion was made by Mrs. McDonald and seconded by Mr. Powers that the minutes of the November 10, 2004 closed session and regular meeting; the expenditures for the month of November, 2004; and the resignation of Keli Georgas be approved. Following some discussion including some revisions made on the original minutes, the motion carried on the following ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES NAYS
Mrs. DiCiolla
Mrs. Dale
Mrs. Nolte
Mrs. Zelenka
Mrs. McDonald
X. Action Items
A. 2004 Levy – A motion was made by Mr. Powers and seconded by Mrs. DiCiolla that the following resolution be adopted by the Board of Education: BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education of Itasca School District 10, DuPage County, Illinois, approve the levy on the equalized assessed value of the taxable property of the School District #10, DuPage County, Illinois for the 2004 year as follows:
EDUCATIONAL $6,669,773
OPERATIONS/MAINTENANCE $1,055,175
TRANSPORTATION $ 412,918
ILLINOIS MUNICIPAL RETIREMENT $ 117,068
SOCIAL SECURITY $ 145,164
TORT LIABILITY $ 28,096
SPECIAL EDUCATION $ 85,850
TOTAL $8,514,044
BOND $ 708,560
TOTAL $9,222,604
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the amounts of the levy as set forth herein above shall be certified and submitted to the County Clerk of DuPage County, Illinois, and that the President and Secretary of the Board shall certify the tax levy as required by law.
Following an opportunity for community input, the motion carried on the following ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES NAYS
Mr. Powers
Mrs. Dale
Mrs. Zelenka
Mrs. DiCiolla
Mrs. Nolte
Mrs. McDonald
B. Board Meeting Schedule – A motion was made by Mrs. McDonald and seconded by Mr. Powers that the 2005 regular Board of Education meetings be held at 7:30 p.m. and preceded by a closed session meeting, when necessary, in the Itasca Village Hall, 550 West Irving Park Road, Itasca, Illinois, on:
January 12 May 11 October 12
February 9 June 8 November 9
March 9 July 13 December 14
April 13 September 14
Following an opportunity for questions, discussion, and community input, the motion carried on the following VOICE VOTE: All AYES: NAYS none.
C Planning and Budget Calendar – A motion was made by Mr. Powers and seconded by Mrs. McDonald that the FY2005 Planning and Budget Calendar be approved as presented. Following an opportunity for discussion, questions, and community input, the motion carried on the following ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES NAYS
Mrs. DiCiolla
Mrs. McDonald
Mr. Powers
Mrs. Nolte
Mrs. Zelenka
Mrs. Dale
D. Board of Education Policies - A motion was made by Mrs. McDonald and seconded by Mr. Powers that the Board of Education Policies #4:30 – Operational Services, Revenue and Investments; #4:90 – Operational Services, Student Activity Fund Management; #5:35 (General Personnel, Compliance with the Fair Labor Standards Act; #5:280 – Educational Support Personnel, Duties and Qualifications; #6:65 – Instruction, Student Social and Emotional Development; #7:70 – Students, Attendance and Truancy; #7:250 – Students, Student Support Services; #7:325 – Students, Student Fund Raising Activities and #8:30 – Community Relations, Conduct on School Property be approved for first reading. Considerable discussion ensued with suggested changes to be made prior to adoption. Staff member Dee Dee Castello question the board about having in-services for paraprofessionals. More discussion ensued. N.D.S.E.C. will be providing in-services. Mrs. Dale asked if the district would be paying testing fees for staff. That has not been determined as yet.
Dr. Cull stated that some school districts have a board policy committee. The board committee members review their policy and make recommendations to the board. It was decided that District #10 Board of Education would have a Policy Committee. President Nolte appointed Mrs. Dale and Mrs. DiCiolla to serve on that committee.
Following a further opportunity for questions, discussion and community input, the motion carried on the following VOICE VOTE: All AYES: NAYS none.
E. Closed Session Minutes – A motion was made by Mrs. McDonald and seconded by Mr. Powers that the Board of Education make available for public record closed session minutes as listed in the board packet on page and included under separate cover. Following some questions, discussion and community input, the motion was rescinded and was tabled to the next meeting.
F. Kindergarten Prep Tuition Increase – A motion was made by Mrs. McDonald and seconded by Mr. Powers that the Board of Education approve an increase in the Kindergarten Prep Tuition from $800.00 to $950.00. Following some discussion, Superintendent Cull stated that the tuition collected does not cover the cost of the program. Following a further opportunity for questions, discussion and an opportunity for community input, the motion carried on the following ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES NAYS
Mrs. DiCiolla
Mrs. Dale
Mrs. Nolte
Mrs. Zelenka
Mrs. McDonald
Mr. Powers
G. Permanent Transfer – A motion was made by Mr. Powers and seconded by Mrs. McDonald that the Board of Education approve a permanent transfer of $20,000 from the Working Cash Fund to the Bond and Interest Fund. Following an opportunity for questions, discussion, and community input, the motion carried on the following ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES NAYS
Mrs. Zelenka
Mrs. Nolte
Mrs. McDonald
Mr. Powers
Mrs. Dale
Mrs. DiCiolla
H. School Technology Services – A motion was made by Mrs. McDonald and seconded by Mr. Powers that the Board of Education hire School Technology Services to perform an audit for a cost not to exceed $7,500.00. Mrs. Dale suggested that the service technology item be tabled as someone else may be able to provide this service. Discussion ensued. The motion was rescinded and this item was tabled.
XI. Board Requests for reports – Mrs. DiCiolla asked about an item listed in the financial reports - $2,979 (Vendor American Music). This amount covered a donation.
XII. Adjournment – There being no further business, Mrs. Nolte adjourned the meeting at 10:35 p.m.
