I. The meeting was called to order at 6:35 p.m. The following ROLL CALL:
PRESENT ABSENT
Mrs. Nolte
Mrs. DiCiolla
Mrs. McDonald
Mr. Hervas
Mrs. Dale
Mrs. Zelenka
Mr. Powers (arrived following 1st closed session)
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
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
II. Closed Session
Motion made by Mrs. McDonald and seconded by Mrs. DiCiolla that the Board of Education enter a closed session for the purpose of discussing personnel and negotiations. The motion carried on the following ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES NAYS
Mrs. DiCiolla
Mrs. Dale
Mr. Hervas
Mrs. McDonald
Mrs. Zelenka
Mrs. Nolte
The Board entered a closed session at 6:36 p.m.
A motion was made by Mrs. McDonald and seconded by Mrs. DiCiolla that the board return to open session. The motion carried on the following ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES NAYS
Mrs. DiCiolla
Mr. Hervas
Mrs. Dale
Mrs. McDonald
Mrs. Zelenka
Mrs. Nolte
The board returned to open session at 7:34 p.m.
Mrs. Nolte stated that while in closed session, the board had discussion personnel and negotiations and no action was taken.
III. Pledge of Allegiance – President Nolte led everyone present in the Pledge to the Flag.
IV. Welcome to Visitors – President Nolte welcomed all visitors to the meeting.
V. Communications – Mrs. McDonald, Secretary, read communications received during the previous month.
VI. Agenda Addendum Items – Nothing added to the agenda.
VII. SuperintendentÕs Report – Dr. Cull reviewed the SuperintendentÕs Report, a copy of which is attached to these minutes. As a requirement at this time of the year, the district will need to do an inter-fund loan to meet cash flow issues as the district will not receive the next tax payment until June. This will assist in meeting payroll and expenses.
The District is going to get pre-billed for next year from Johnson Controls. The $40,000 in interest will be left in the Operations and Maintenance account.
Tax Extensions have been received. The tax extension came in at a figure equal to what Dr. Cull was anticipating. After June, we will be able to subtract the June payment out of the total extension and that will allow the actual dollars to show up in FY 06. The next hard number will be after June 30.
There are a number of transitions on the board. A special board meeting will occur on Monday April 25. Dr. Cull reviewed with the existing board what will happen at that meeting. It will begin at 6:30 with the existing board with the following order of business. There will be a public hearing on the waiver requests. We need some waivers for Casimir Pulaski, VeteransÕ Day, and LincolnÕs Birthday/PresidentsÕ Day. This hearing must be done on a different day. Following the hearing, the currently seated board will canvass the April 5th election. After the canvass, the meeting will be adjourned sine di and then reconvene. The new board members will take their seats and restart the meeting. The new board will elect the officers. We might add one more order of business to the meeting and that is to establish a salary committee.
Dr. Cull then introduced Deb Parenti from Lake Park High School. Dr. Cull has been mentoring her as Ms. Parenti is in an alternative certification initiative. She talked about her experiences in the program and thanked Dr. Cull, the board, and the staff for allowing her to work with us. She then presented Dr. Cull with a gift in appreciation for his help.
VIII. Board Requested Reports:
A. N.D.S.E.C. – Mrs. Zelinska reviewed the N.D.S>E.C. report. The minutes were included in the board packet. N.D.S.E.C. is currently involved in teacher negotiations.
B. Middle School - Dr. Nickisch, principal of F.E. Peacock Middle School, gave his report, a copy of which is attached to these minutes. He stated that on Friday, April 15, parents will receive student report cards and the 2004-05 perception survey for parents will be included. This is the first time placing the survey into the report card envelope. Parents are being asked to complete and return it to their childÕs school. We are hoping to get some good results out of this. On April 20, Peacock will have its Fine Arts Festival. There will be displays as well as a choral program at 7:00. Dr. Nickisch noted that the change of date was due to a scheduling conflict on the calendar. On May 5 and 6, there will be two productions of Good Man Charlie Brown. The Discipline and Medication Committee will be meeting and recommendations will be made to the board at the regular May meeting. The discipline report indicated that offenses somewhat declined from previous month.
Mrs. Dale asked about the perception surveys being distributed. She wanted to know if they are being returned in a labeled envelope and how will they maintain confidentiality. Dr. Nickisch replied that a separate envelope is being provided so that these surveys will be kept confidential.
C. Curriculum Report – Dr. Tornatore, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction, reviewed the Curriculum Report, a copy of which is attached to these minutes. She stated that the results of the Stanford Achievement Testing would be sent home earlier responding to parentsÕ request. These will be sent home during the summer as soon as the District receives them.
She reported that the annual Tour of Itasca is being conducted on May 13, 2005.
Dr. Tornatore discussed the work of the Media Center Committee. The theme on which they are focusing is to analyze research as it relates to teaching reading in the schools.
Mrs. DiCiolla asked that the committee share their information with the board its global type data and then choose one or two goals for District #10.
D. Technology – Mr. Kapachinski reviewed his report, a copy of which is attached to these official minutes. He stated that a pre-implementation site survey has been completed to ensure all hardware and communication connections will accommodate the new program requirements. Earlier today, he had a conversation with SSTI and by the end of this week or mid-week, he should have a good idea of training dates, etc. He is recommending 5 days for the secretarial staff following summer break and then cover the district office. There has been a higher incidence than normal with help desk incidents.
The district is still having problems with Malware. He had purchased a new software program that is integrated with our current virus scan program.
There has been a recall of power supplies of the laptops – five out of 80 laptops.
Mr. Kapachinski discussed the plan for the SIS roll out. Mr. Powers asked for further clarification. The full scale roll out would be 07-08 but comments indicated it would be 06-07. Mr. Kapachinski explained the plan and the reason to move cautiously. In making mistakes, we are at risk of putting servers on the network unprotected.
F. Character Counts! - Mrs. McDonald, Character Counts! representative, reported on a meeting held earlier this evening. There will be a dance at Peacock on 4/29. It will be for 5th through 8th grade students. The cost of admission will be $5.00. There will be a DJ and a raffle held. Character Counts! will be participating in the Memorial Day parade. The park district has 3 more Character Counts! meetings set up for parents – 2 dates in April and 1 in May. The 2nd graders have sponsored a community leadersÕ lunch and they have collected more than $2,600 for Pennies for Patients. There was a Citizenship Assembly held at the end of March. Franzen has been previewing Character Counts! movies and Peacock 8th grade peer mediators group had produced a play – Breaking Down the Walls .
F. Appointment of a Salary Committee – This item was tabled. It may be put on the April 25 meeting agenda.
G. Internet Issues – Parent Mrs. Kim Leider, 5N319 Eagle Terrace, asked the board if they could discuss and evaluate the way the Internet is used in the classroom. She stated that it seems like there needs to be more supervision and asked the school to re-evaluate and try to improve risks and dangers associated with the Internet. Mrs. Nolte thanked her for her comments and stated that she had made some good points. This is also a concern of the board. Mrs. Dale said that she had sent Dr. Cull and Mr. Kapachinski information because a similar thing had happened to her daughter while she was doing a research project for science. She believes there may be a problem with the filter and asked that the new board take a good look at this. Mrs. DiCiolla asked Charles if it were possible to have whoever is in the Media Center walk by and make sure the students are working on the project. Could we have access to only web sites we want the children to see? Discussion ensued. Mr. Kapachinski stated that while this can be done, it is very limited. Mrs. Zelenka asked if there were educational servers. Further discussion ensued. Dr. Cull said that the district is very vigilant in watching over this situation and that this is an issue that is always around. Mr. Kapachinski is very cautious and protective of the DistrictÕs network. This is all part of an information system and we continue to try to find the balance between being functional and not being restrictive. Mr. Powers stated that it needs to be caught up front and dealt with immediately.
H. Freedom of Information – No requests received.
I. Opportunity for community input regarding board requested reports. No questions asked nor comments made.
IX. Consent Items - Motion made by Mrs. McDonald and seconded by Mr. Hervas that the minutes of the Board of Education March 9, 2005 regular and closed sessions; the Board of Education March 23, 2005 special meeting; the expenditures for the month of March, 2005; and Deanna MicalettiÕs request for leave of absence be approved. Following an opportunity for questions and discussion with an amendment made to the original motion as well as a sentence added to the March 23 minutes, the motion carried on the following ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES NAYS
Mr. Hervas
Mrs. Nolte
Mr. Powers
Mrs. Dale
Mrs. McDonald
Mrs. Zelenka
Mrs. DiCiolla
X. Action Items
A. National TeachersÕ Day Proclamation – A motion was made by Mrs. McDonald and seconded by Mr. Powers that the following proclamation be adopted:
RECOMMENDED MOTION: That the following proclamation be adopted by the Board of Education:
WHEREAS, teachers open childrenÕs minds to the magic of ideas, knowledge and dreams; and
WHEREAS, teachers keep American democracy alive by laying the foundation for good citizenship; and
WHEREAS, teachers fill many roles, as listeners, explorers, role models, motivators and mentors; and
WHEREAS, teachers continue to influence us long after our school days are only memories;
NOW THEREFORE WE, serving as members of the Board of Education of Itasca School District #10,
DO HEREBY PROCLAIM WEDNESDAY, MAY 4, 2005 AS
NATIONAL TEACHERSÕ DAY
We urge everyone to observe this day by taking time to recognize and acknowledge the impact of teachers on our lives.
Following an opportunity for questions, discussion, and community input, the motion carried on the following VOICE VOTE: All AYES: NAYS none.
B. Amended 2004-2005 School Calendar – A motion was made by Mr. Powers and seconded by Mrs. DiCiolla that the 2004-2005 school calendar be amended to show 06.08.05 as the last day of school. Following an opportunity for community input as well as questions and discussion, the motion carried on the following VOICE VOTE: All AYES: NAYS none.
C. Resolution authorizing notice of non-renewal of employment of a certain probationary teacher as presented on page 80 of the agenda packet - A motion was made by Mr. Powers and seconded by Mr. Hervas that the Board of Education adopt the resolution as found on page 80 of the Board agenda packet. Discussion ensued. An opportunity was given for further questions and discussion as well as community input. The motion was carried on the following ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES NAYS
Mrs. Dale
Mr. Powers
Mrs. McDonald
Mrs. Zelenka
Mr. Hervas
Mrs. DiCiolla
Mrs. Nolte
D. Resolution authorizing notices of dismissal to certain educational support personnel as presented on pages 82-85 of the agenda packet - A motion was made by Mrs. McDonald and seconded by Mr. Hervas that the Board of Education adopt the resolution as found on page 82-85 of the Board agenda packet. Following a considerable amount of discussion and an opportunity for community input, the motion carried on the following ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES NAYS
Mr. Hervas Mrs. Zelenka
Mrs. Nolte Mrs. Dale
Mrs. McDonald Mrs. DiCiolla
Mr. Powers
E. Inter-fund Loan - A motion was made by Mrs. McDonald and seconded by Mr. Patrick that the Board of Education approve an inter-fund loan of $500,000 from the Working Cash Fund to the Education Fund to be repaid by June 30, 2005. Discussion ensued. Mrs. Zelenka asked if this had been done last year. It had been done. Mrs. DiCiolla asked if we are confident that we can pay it back in June. The answer was yes. She noted that the board has to work on compiling a surplus fund. Following an opportunity for questions, discussion, and community input, the motion carried on the following ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES NAYS
Mrs. Nolte
Mrs. DiCiolla
Mrs. Zelenka
Mrs. McDonald
Mr. Powers
Mrs. Dale
Mr. Herva
F. Student Teacher - A motion was made by Mr. Hervas and seconded by Mrs. DiCiolla that the Board of Education approve Gavin Engel as a student teacher for 2005-2006 school year. Following an opportunity for community input, questions, and discussion, the motion carried on the following VOICE VOTE: All AYES: NAYS none.
G. Board of Education Fixed Meeting Days and Times – A motion was made by Mrs. McDonald and seconded by Mrs. DiCiolla that the Board of Education fix 7:30 on the second Wednesday of each month for their regular Board of Education Meetings. Following an opportunity for questions, discussion, and community input, the motion carried on the following VOICE VOTE: All AYES: NAYS none.
H. Board of Education Policies – A motion was made by Mr. Hervas and seconded by Mr. Powers that the Board of Education Policies #2:30 (Board Elections); #2:50 (Board Member Term of Office); #2:210 (Organizational School Board Meeting); #2:220 (School Board Meeting Procedures); #4:140 (Waiver of Student Fees); #5:200 (Terms and Conditions of Employment and Dismissal); #5:220 (Substitute Teachers); #5:240 (Suspension); #5:260 (Student Teachers); #5:270 (Employment At-Will, Compensation, and Assignment); #5:290 (Employment Termination and Suspensions) #6:20 (School Year Calendar and Day) #8:30 (Visitors to and Conduct on School Property) and #8:50 (Visitors to the School) be approved for first reading. Following an extensive discussion, it was decided to pull policies #2:220 (School Board Meeting Procedures: and #4:140 (Waiver of Student Fees) from the motion. Following a further opportunity for questions, discussion, and community input, the motion carried on the following VOICE VOTE: All AYES: NAYE none.
XI. Board Requested Reports – Dr. Cull stated that Mrs. Nolte had given such dedicated service to the Board of Education. He presented a plaque to her and thanked her for her 12 years of service to the Board of Education. Mrs. Nolte stated it had been a pleasure and thanked the community for their vote of confidence as well as past and current board members for their support.
Mr. Hervas thanked the community for allowing him to serve on the Board of Education. He stated that he had learned a lot about District #10 and was grateful for the wonderful years he has had on the Board of Education.
Mrs. Dale thanked Mrs. Nolte for being a good mentor and wished new board members all the best.
Mr. Latoria, community member, thanked all the board members that were leaving the Board for their hard work and dedication.
Closed Session – A motion was made by Mr. Powers and seconded by Mrs. DiCiolla that the Board of Education enter a closed session to discuss personnel and negotiations. The motion carried on the following ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES NAYS
Mr. Powers
Mr. Hervas
Mrs. DiCiolla
Mrs. Nolte
Mrs. McDonald
Mrs. Dale
Mrs. Zelenka
The Board of Education entered a closed session at 9:17 p.m.
A motion was made by Mrs. McDonald and seconded by Mrs. DiCiolla that the Board of Education return to open session. The motion carried on the following ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES NAYS
Mrs. DiCiolla
Mr. Hervas
Mrs. Dale
Mr. Powers
Mrs. McDonald
Mrs. Zelenka
Mrs. Nolte
The board returned to open session at 10:26 p.m. President Nolte stated that while in closed session, the board had discussed personnel and negotiations and that no action was taken.
XII. Adjournment – There being no further business, President Nolte adjourned the meeting at 10:27 p.m.
