I. The meeting was called to order at 7:30 p.m. The following ROLL CALL:
PRESENT ABSENT
Mrs. Diann Dale
Mrs. Nancy DiCiolla
Mr. Chuck Hervas
Mrs. Maureen McDonald
Mrs. Nolte
Mr. Patrick Powers
Mrs. Rose Zelenka
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
Mr. Charles Kapachinski, Director of Technology
Mrs. Catherine Seger, Recorder
Interested Staff and Community Members
II. Pledge of Allegiance – Mrs. Nolte, President, led everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance.
III. Welcome to visitors . – Mrs. Nolte welcomed all visitors to the meeting
IV. Communications – Mrs. McDonald, Secretary, noted that the Board had received at least thirty cards from staff members for holiday gifts received in addition to other acknowledgements. A Christmas card had been received from Wight and Company wishing all a happy holiday season and informing the board that they were going to make a donation to the American Cancer Society.
V. Superintendent’s Report – Superintendent Cull reviewed his report, a copy of which is attached to these official minutes. Included in his report was information regarding the annual law conference sponsored by the law firm of Franczek Sullivan. If anyone is interested in attending, Dr. Cull will send him or her information together with the registration packets. Individuals have to register for specific sessions.
District #10 builds the calendar around Lake Park’s breaks. One new problem for next year is that Lake Park will have school on Veterans’ Day and actually have that day focused on Veterans. Itasca District #10 would do something similar. The day before Thanksgiving would replace the Veteran’s Day holiday.
Dr. Cull noted that the candidate filing dates were listed in his report – January 18, 2005 through January 25, 2005, 5:00 p.m.
An item not included in his report was that he had received a letter from Chief Heher. He has been making efforts to move polling places out of the schools and his efforts have been successful. Polling places will be either at the Park District, the Village Hall, or the Library. The District’s responsibility is to make sure people are aware of this fact.
It was recommended that a letter be sent thanking the Chief of Police for his efforts. Mrs. Dale stated that she had gotten letters that are being put out in the Franzen Falcon. Parents are happy about this change in polling places.
VII. Board Requested Reports:
A. N.D.S.E.C. – Dr. Cull gave the report. He is involved in negotiations with the N.D.S.E.C. staff. He noted that Mrs. Cheryl Conley, Director of N.D.S.E.C., has been under stress and pressure. Negotiations are very difficult in a special education cooperative. N.D.S.E.C. is still looking for a site for a program for elementary school children.
B. Middle School – Dr. Nickisch delivered the Middle School Report, a copy of which is attached to these minutes. He up-dated the board on discipline, counselor and student/parent contacts. Two of the four out of school suspensions were related to one incident.
Peacock recently won the 8th grade boys’ basketball tournament. He is proud to announce one of the teachers is a finalist as a Golden Apple Award. Her name is Carol Nulph. She will be going to the House of Blues on February 12th to be a part of the finalist brunch. Carol and Peacock will both receive a plaque. The finalist will be selected some time around the first week of March. If Carol is one of the finalists, she will have television cameras following her around at Peacock.
D. Technology – Mr. Kapachinski, Director of Technology, reviewed his report, a copy of which is attached to these minutes. He stated that December was a rather quiet month. The telephone system has been installed at Peacock. It was completed on 12/21 and had gone very well. Everything has been running very smooth thus far. Any existing issues should be resolved within the next couple of weeks. Earlier in the year, several of the phone service contracts were re-negotiated. He would like to do an assessment to find out if it would be possible to further reduce charges. There is some new technology in place so we may not need as many lines. There is a problem with the voice mail system. A new up-grade to the virus protection program is being tested. Peacock is finished and we hope to do the other schools and the district office within the next few weeks.
E. Character Counts! – Dr. Cull reviewed the report of the routine meeting held earlier this evening in which the standing committees reported on activities. Events Committee is looking at having an event later this year. They would like to sponsor a student dance in April as well as some type of event in October. Brian Meyer from the Itasca Park District has held two sessions with WIBA parents showing the sports’ video and then having parents sign a contract. The two sessions each lasted about ½ hour and were very well received. In addition to the school district, the park district is going to require parents to attend these sessions. Dr. Cull and Mrs. Cindy DiLuca, coalition chairperson, had attended the Seniors Citizens’ meeting. It too had gone very well. Mrs. DiLuca did a good job of presenting Character Counts! She had volunteers doing skits on the different pillars. Dr. Cull though it had been a good outreach for the coalition.
F. Springbrook Nature Center Board Representative – Mrs. Zelenka, board representative, has talked to some people in the community to find a representative on the Nature Center Board. She has not heard anything from anyone as yet. But should have someone soon.
C. Curriculum Report – Dr. Tornatore reviewed the Curriculum Report, a copy of which is attached to these minutes. She stated that textbook funds are being given to grades K-4 this year. The writing committee has been meeting every year and have determined that they value the materials the district currently uses. The DAC team has been meeting regarding the calendar and will be making a recommendation for the 2005-06 school calendar. Next year, the writing process will be the focus.
G. Freedom of Information – No requests received.
H. Opportunity for Community Input Regarding Board Requested Reports - Mrs. Dale asked about Middle School and the busing problems incurred. Dr. Nickisch answered that two of the students that were removed from the bus had been placed on special education buses. The question of why girls do not participate in tournaments as the boys was asked. Dr. Nickisch stated this was not by fault or design. There were no girls’ tournaments scheduled during that time (break time). For the girls, it is just timing. He knows that in this area, there are no tournaments scheduled during the break.
VIII. Consent Items –
A motion was made by Mrs. McDonald and seconded by Mrs. DiCiolla that the minutes of the December 8, 2004 regular meeting; the expenditures for the month of December, 2004; the employment of Rebecca Stines; and the resignation of James Wiedman be approved. Following an opportunity for questions, discussion and an introduction of Ms. Stines by Dr. Turner, the motion carried on the following VOICE VOTE:
AYES NAYS
Mr. Hervas
Mrs. DiCiolla
Mrs. Nolte
Mrs. Zelenka
Mrs. McDonald
Mr. Powers
Mrs. Dale
IX. Action Items –
A. Board of Education Policies – It was suggested that these policies be voted on individually.
A motion was made by Mr. Powers and seconded by Mrs. McDonald that Policy #4:30 - Operational Services, Revenue and Investments be approved for second reading. Following an opportunity for questions, discussion and community input, the motion carried on the following VOICE VOTE: All AYES: NAYS none.
A motion was made by Mr. Powers and seconded by Mrs. DiCiolla that Policy #4:90 – Operational Services, Student Activity Fund Management, be approved for second reading. Following an opportunity for questions, discussion, and community input, with some changes made to the policy, the motion carried on the following VOICE VOTE: All AYES: NAYS none.
A motion was made by Mr. Powers and seconded by Mrs. McDonald that Policy #5:35 – General Personnel, Compliance with the Fair Labor Standards Act be approved for second reading. Following an opportunity for questions, discussion, and community input, the motion carried on the following VOICE VOTE: All AYES: NAYS none.
A motion was made by Mr. Powers and seconded by Mrs. McDonald that Policy #5:280 – Educational Support Personnel Duties and Qualifications be approved for second reading. Following an opportunity for questions, discussion, and community input, the motion carried on the following VOICE VOTE: All AYES: NAYS none.
A motion was made by Mr. Powers and seconded by Mrs. McDonald that Policy #6:65 – Instruction – Student Social and Emotional Development be approved for second reading. Following an opportunity for community input, discussion and questions, the motion carried on the following VOICE VOTE: All AYES: NAYS none.
A motion was made by Mr. Powers and seconded by Mrs. McDonald that Policy #7:70 – Students, Attendance, and Truancy, be approved for second reading. Following a further opportunity for questions, discussion, and community input, the motion carried on the following VOICE VOTE: Five AYES: NAYS Two.
A motion was made by Mr. Powers and seconded by Mrs. McDonald that Policy #7:250 – Students, Student Support Services, be approved for second reading. Following an opportunity for further discussion, questions, and community input, the motion carried on the following VOICE VOTE: Six AYES: NAYS One.
A motion was made by Mr. Powers and seconded by Mrs. McDonald that Policy #7:325 – Students, Student Fund Raising Activities be approved for second reading. Mrs. Dale commented that she had called other districts and this policy does not apply to in-house activities. She has found another school district that approves PTO’s or Lions’ Club activities. She does not interpret this to include the outside organizations. She either wants to interpret this policy as not including those outside organizations or she would like to send a letter to Barry Moss to see if he can re-write the policy. Discussion ensued. Mrs. McDonald said that when papers go home with students in regards to activities, it is only inviting students to attend. All flyers have to be approved by the Superintendent. He does not consider that to be promoting the fund. Mr. Powers stated that this does not involve the PTO or any in-school groups. A further opportunity for questions, discussion and community input was given. The policy was amended. Mrs. Lori Mack of Itasca asked for and was given clarification. The motion carried on the following VOICE VOTE: All AYES: NAYS none.
Mr. Powers made a motion to approve Policy #8:30 – Community Relations be approved for second reading. Mr. Hervas seconded the motion. A further opportunity was given for community input, questions, and discussion. The motion carried on the following VOICE VOTE: All AYES: NAYS none.
Mrs. Nolte thanked Mr. Powers, Mrs. DiCiolla and Mrs. Dale for doing their work on the policies. In the future, when Dr. Cull gets the policy packets from the IASB, he will call together the committee and make copies of the packets for them. Then they will have to make suggestions to the board.
B. 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 $10,500. Discussion ensued. Mr. Kapachinski said the company consisted of very reputable people. He knows a lot of people connected with the organization. They are familiar with District 10’s hardware and software. Mrs. Dale asked how long they have been in business. In addition, she would like a more detailed proposal to know what is being purchased. Mr. Powers would like to see another proposal because he doesn’t have anything to compare this one to. Mrs. DiCiolla asked that we have to make it clear as to what the objective is and cost concerns including whether or not there are any additional costs involved. Dr. Cull answered that the proposal is for $10,500 and it cannot go over that amount. Mr. Powers believes the District needs to be sure to get reports and recommendations out of this service. Following a further opportunity for questions, discussion, and community input, the motion carried on the following ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES NAYS
Mrs. McDonald Mrs. Dale
Mrs. DiCiolla
Mr. Hervas
Mrs. Nolte
Mr. Powers
Mrs. Zelenka
C. Requests for Student Participation in Fund Raising –
The motion was deleted as a result of the policy adoption.
D. Permanent Transfer of Interest
A motion was made by Mrs. DiCiolla and seconded by Mr. Hervas that the Board of Education approve a permanent transfer of interest from the Working Cash Fund to the Transportation Fund in the amount of $100,000. Discussion ensued. Dr. Cull explained that this is necessary as the Transportation Fund had finished the year in a negative budget. Following a further opportunity for questions, discussion, and community input, the motion carried on the following ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES NAYS
Mrs. Nolte
Mrs. McDonald
Mrs. DiCiolla
Mr. Powers
Mrs. Zelenka
Mr. Hervas
Mrs. Dale
E. Inter-fund Loan -
A motion was made by Mrs. McDonald and seconded by Mr. Powers that the Board of Education approve an inter-fund loan in the amount of $150,000 from the Education Fund to the Transportation Fund to be repaid by January 12, 2006. Following a further opportunity for questions, discussion, and community input, 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
F. Closed Session Minutes
A motion was made by Mr. Hervas and seconded by Mrs. McDonald that the Board of Education make available for public record closed session minutes as listed in the board packet and included under separate cover. Following an opportunity for questions, discussion, and community input, the motion carried on the following ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES NAYS ABSTAIN
Mr. Powers Mrs. Dale Mrs. DiCiolla
Mrs. McDonald
Mrs. Zelenka
Mr. Hervas
Mrs. Nolte
G. Student Teachers for 2004-2005 School Year –
A motion was made by Mrs. DiCiolla and seconded by Mr. Hervas that the Board of Education approve student teachers Michelle Groves and Zack Armstrong for the 2004-2005 school year. Following an opportunity for questions, community input, and discussion, the motion carried on the following VOICE VOTE: All AYES: NAYS none
H. Resolution Naming Depositories –
A motion was made by Mr. Hervas and seconded by Mrs. McDonald that the Board of Education adopt the following resolution:
WHEREAS, the District must name depositories to be custodian of its funds, and
WHEREAS, the District may name broker(s)/dealer(s) and intermediaries to assist in the investment of District funds.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the following shall be named:
Harris Bank, Roselle, IL
PMA Financial Network, Inc.
Illinois School District Liquid Asset Plus
Itasca Bank and Trust Company
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Superintendent or his/her designee may sign any and all resolutions, agreements and documents as are necessary to open these accounts if they had been presented to the Board.
BE IT RESOLVED that this Resolution is passed by the Itasca School District #10 Board of Education, Itasca, Illinois, this 12th day of January, 2005.
Following an opportunity for questions, discussion, and community input, the motion carried on the following VOICE VOTE: All AYES: NAYS none.
X. Board Requested Reports – Mrs. Dale asked about discussing personnel issues in closed session. This can be listed with negotiations as the reason for closed session.
President Nolte will not be in attendance at the February meeting.
XI. Adjournment -
There being no further business, President Nolte adjourned the meeting at 9:24 p.m.
