I. Call to Order and Roll Call: The budget hearing was called to order at 7:15 p.m. by President Powers with the following ROLL CALL:
PRESENT ABSENT
Mrs. Nancy DiCiolla
Mr. Fred Maier
Mr. Jim McCann
Mrs. Maureen McDonald
Mrs. Debbi Pawinski
Mr. Patrick Powers
Mrs. Rose Zelenka
Also in attendance:
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 and Instruction
Mr. Charles Kapachinski, Director of Technology
Mrs. Catherine Seger, Recording Secretary
Members of the staff and community
II. Budget Hearing - Mr. Powers turned the meeting over to Superintendent Cull for the budget hearing. Dr. Cull explained the budgeting process. The District has gone through the process that has developed this budget. The process begins in December as administration tries to plan. The budget is a plan and once written down and approved, it is out of date as new information becomes available. The total budget is $10,500,000. The board has charged the Superintendent to come to them with a balanced budget. That means that within any given year, the revenues and expenditures are equal. Eighty percent of expenses are salaries and benefits. Discussion about costs and benefits are things related to personnel. About 80% of the revenue comes from property taxes, high property value and low tax rate. Not much comes from the state and federal governments.
With that general overview, the preliminary budget was presented earlier in the year, it was made available to the public for 30 days. After the 30 days, we have a hearing.
Supt. Cull opened the meeting to the audience. Mrs. Leider asked if an adjustment had been made to the budget to hire a new teacher if necessary. Dr. Cull replied that there was a surplus in the Education Fund. Mr. Powers stated that the way the budget is presented (to be voted on later this evening) shows a surplus of about $91,000. Hopefully that can be maintained but if something else comes up, there is money with which to work.
President Powers thanked the audience for their attention and adjourned the budget hearing.
A nine minute break was taken.
III. Pledge of Allegiance – President Powers led all in the Pledge to the Flag.
IV. Welcome to Visitors. – Mr. Powers welcomed all visitors to the meeting.
V. Communications – Mrs. McDonald, Board Secretary, read a letter from the PACE (Parents Advisory Council for Education ) group, a parent group, discussing class sizes. The letter was dated July 8. Also included was a petition signed by more than 250 District 10 parents advocating the importance of small class sizes.
VI. Agenda Addendum Items – No items added to the agenda.
VII. SuperintendentÕs Report – Superintendent Cull delivered his report, a copy of which is attached to these official minutes. He noted that a page had been left out of the Talented Program Survey. He also discussed the school board conference in November and asked that board members planning to attend let the District Office know by July 20. Registration materials are now available. Mr. Powers, Mrs. Pawinski and Mrs. DiCiolla are planning to attend.
Dr. Cull reported that Title I Reading TeachersÕ salaries are paid all or in part by a grant. Thus, he is supporting the proposal to providing two .6 teachers for both Franzen and Benson. The teacher on leave is a tenured teacher and would have a job upon her return. Superintendent Cull also noted that Moss and BloombergÕs are merging with Tressler, Soderstrom, Maloney & Priess but stated that this will not make any difference to District #10.
A discussion of BensonÕs 2005-2006 enrollment ensued at this time. Dr. Cull stated that there has been no change in the number of students enrolled at this time. There are 88 students in first grade and 75 students in second grade. Administration is monitoring the enrollment on a daily basis. There is not expected to be much activity in July but more will come in August. Dr. Cull is asking for a consensus from the board to allow him some parameters authorizing him to hire additional help if necessary. This would be to either hire an aide or a teacher should the numbers warrant it. Dr. Cull will keep the board informed as to the status of this situation. It is also important to keep parents informed. Dr. Cull would like to wait until after the first week in August to make any decisions. With board authorization, he would feel comfortable doing that. It was decided that discussion on this issue would continue later on in the agenda.
VIII. Board Requested Reports –
A. N.D.S.E.C. – Mrs. Zelenka, Board representative to N.D.S.E.C., announced that she might have to give up her seat on the N.D.S.E.C. board. She is attempting to get her schedule worked out. Mr. Powers said that when the board reconvenes in September, there may need to be some discussion.
Mrs. Zelenka was unable to attend the meeting but she was able to get a copy of the minutes. Among items approved were the billsÕ, the fiscal year budget, the prevailing wage resolution, and the audit. Insurance was changed to Blue Cross and Blue Shield and the calendar for next year as well as the teachersÕ contract was approved. Mrs. Zelenka noted that Dr. Cull was responsible for the teachersÕ contract.
An additional item regarding the SuperintendentÕs Report was raised. Mrs. DiCiolla asked a question about the TAG Program. After reading the surveys, a common idea was apparent as to if it would be a good idea to include the TAG teachers in a conference with the parents. Discussion ensued. It was determined that this was a good suggestion.
B. Middle School – Dr. Nickisch, principal of F.E. Peacock Middle School, gave his report, a copy of which is attached tothese minutes. He noted that on September 8, there will be a Curriculum Night at Peacock followed by a Talented and Gifted meeting. One new element included will be the involvement of the Itasca Police Department. They will be available for a discussion on substance abuse and gang activity. In the fall, Peacock is going to unveil the Military Wall of Honor. Mr. McCann asked if any of these people can return to Peacock and talk to the students. Dr. Nickisch replied that is being considered. We are looking for an initiation for some time in late November. It has been in two Village newsletters. Mr. Maier asked if Dr. Nickisch had tried to coordinate this with the VFW. Mrs. Zelenka asked why the Parent Advisory Committee was ending in February and did not go to the end of the school year. Discussion ensued.
C. Curriculum –Dr. Tornatore, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction, reported that several new teachers are going to meet with administration for an extensive two-day program. Medical training is also very important. Dr. Tornatore stated that what was done last year was very beneficial to everyone and the District had met all the requirements. Trainings included OSHA, special needs medical training, and general first aid. Mrs. Barchfeld, school nurse, does the training in the buildings. DAC will meet throughout the year. These teachers represent a variety of grade levels, etc. They take information back to the schools and discuss it with their colleagues. Next year, the committee will continue to work with the grading process. There will be a parent report card survey. Dr. Tornatore also talked about the Writing Process. This was an area that the state dropped but the District is moving forward with it. The state has made some changes and writing is back beginning at the 2006-07 school year. Mr. McCann asked if there is still a consideration for a reduction of the grading periods. Should there be 4 quarters or 3 trimesters? Discussion ensued. No decision has been made. Mrs. Zelenka asked Dr. Tornatore if she could get a tally of how many other districts are going to trimesters. Dr. TornatoreÕs report is attached to these minutes.
D. Technology - In the absence of Mr. Kapachinski, Director of Technology, Dr. Cull reviewed the technology report, a copy of which is attached to these minutes. He specifically discussed the network being shut down and turned back on the first day of schools. The process of implementing the Student Information System has begun. Some training is set for the beginning of August. Mrs. Zelenka asked aboutt the $16,000 used for the purchase of the student management system. It was purchased out of the 2004-05 budget.
E. 8th Grade Springfield Trip – Dr. Cull discussed this item. He stated that the memo included in the packet is not a recommendation from the administration. He is not asking for anyone to vote on anything tonight.
There is no intent to cancel next yearÕs trip. He would assume next yearÕs trip is going to proceed as scheduled. But teaching staff does have some concerns about the educational experience of this trip. He believes that the teaching staff needs to spend some time studying this issue. Following some discussion, he asked if this was a Òsacred cow.Ó Mr. Powers encouraged members of the Board to express their opinion on this topic. Mrs. DiCiolla would like to leave it up to the families. She would rather put it up to the parents. Mr. Powers said that it is a concern raised by the 8th grade team and he thought it would be good for to go forward to investigate whether or not to continue with it. Superintendent Cull said this issue needs to be looked at and if is strongly felt that this is not a good use of instructional time, then a decision needs to be made. Mr. Maier said he does not think it is a Òsacred cowÓ and he would encourage the 8th grade team and administration to see what can be done with this issue. Mr. McCann said he would speak for the Òcows.Ó His view is that it is important because he thinks schools are turning out constitutional illiterates and that hands on experience is important. He feels it is worth the effort. Dr. Nickisch added that the staff was not complaining about the time commitment including the 4 hours spent engaged in the learning experiences. The guides are not child friendly and seem to have a low tolerance for students. It is difficult for staff to deal with this situation. Mrs. McDonald asked about the cost of the trip. It is fully parent paid. Educational Tours is the facilitator. Also, she asked what is done with the students who do not attend. If they come to school, there is a parallel curriculum that goes with Springfield. Mrs. Zelenka agreed with Mr. McCann and believes it is a really good trip. More discussion ensued. Mrs. Pawinski agrees with Mrs. Zelenka and Mr. McCann. Mrs. McDonald agrees with Mr. Maier. Mr. Powers thinks it is not worth the time to investigate and if the 8th grade team wants to bring it up again, they are welcome to do that. He thanked members of the Board for their discussion.
F. Freedom of Information – There had been eight requests and received plus another one had been received this past Monday. All requests had been complied with.
G. Parent Input on Benson Enrollment - Mr. Randy Drolin stated that he was asked to be the spokesperson for PACE, a group that had united as a Parents Advisory Council for Education. Among their concerns was student/teacher ratio. He thanked Dr. Cull for his comments and stated that the class size would be an issue in the future as they suspect there is population influx in this area. He had two recommendations. One was that the board employ a more proactive planning process, and two that the board actively communicate these options to the parents of School District #10. Mr. Powers thanked Mr. Drolen for his comments and asked for any further input from the community. (Mr. Drolen stated that he would provide the District Office with a written copy of his presentation.) President Powers next opened the discussion to members of the board. Mrs. DiCiolla said that it appeared to her this issue is being monitored. Discussion ensued. She supports Dr. CullÕs plan. The District has the classroom facilities. Mrs. Zelenka asked for clarification for the aides – at a count of 96 a teacher aide or aides is hired and at 100 a teacher would be hired at the next student. All aides are currently working in the reading program or with students with IEPÕs. If this were to happen, Dr. Cull said he would really want to talk with the teachers involved. Mrs. Zelenka asked for clarification of responsibilities. That would be up to the teachers. Mr. McCann stated he did not have any problem with Dr. CullÕs proposal but he said he is confused as to when and how we get to that number. He does not see any trends. Is this standard and if this is, what are we going to adhere to? Are we in a position at this time to adhere to the 25-student standard? Mrs. Zelenka believes a teacher should be hired at 96. Mrs. McDonald is in agreement with Dr. CullÕs request to hire the aides but is leaning a little towards Mrs. ZelenkaÕs idea of hiring a teacher at 96. Mr. Maier asked why the transitional class was cancelled. He liked the idea of having different options available and would be interested in idea of possibly initiating another transitional class. That is not under discussion at this time. A question as to what room would be used for an additional class. There is ample room for another classroom. Mrs. DiCiolla asked about having the standard as a focus. Mrs. Pawinski agreed with Mrs. Zelanka that the primary grade students need lower class sizes. The District should either put an aide in that room or bring in another teacher. Mr. McCann asked from a class size perspective, where does District #10 stand in comparison to the other districts. Superintendent Cull answered that if District #10 is not the lowest in class sizes, we are close to being the lowest. Dr. Cull reiterated that his purpose is that he be allowed the parameters to do what needs to be done. Mr. Powers said that as a general feeling, the board and administration is as concerned about class sizes as parents and District #10 does have one of the lowest student/teacher ratio within the other districts. That was a standard (25) that worked fine in other years. We are going to try and look ahead as best as we can but it is hard to do with students transferring in and out. He feels very comfortable directing the Superintendent to follow the proposal that is on the table. More questions were raised from the audience. Lisa Lore stated that she has a son in 1st grade and an important element necessary to teach the children was student/teacher ratio. She asked if there would there be a way to cut the budget in other areas. She has a valid point and President Powers extended an open invitation for parents and community members to attend the open budget workshops before the District has annually. He would invite them to please attend these workshops. Eighty percent of the budget is salaries and benefits and the District has had to make cuts in the past.
Discussion ensued as to how smaller class sizes affect student learning at the primary level. Parents asked if the board could possibly call a special meeting if there is an influx of children – some type of open forum. President Powers answered that if the trend starts to show the District is having a growing population problem, then the more input from the community, the better. However, this issue also affects the entire community. Dr. Cull added that any input does not need to be given only at this meeting. He is collecting all of this and if anyone has specific suggestions, please get them to Dr. Cull. The best conduit to go to is through the Superintendent.
H. Opportunity for community input regarding board requested reports – No additional comments made nor questions asked.
IX. Consent Items – A motion was made by Mr. McCann and seconded by Mrs. McDonald that the minutes of the June 8, 2005 Closed Meeting and Regular Meeting, the expenditures for the month of June, 2005, the resignations of Bonnie Bernholdt and Samuela Bovelli, the employment of James Bergmann, Jason Crockett and Barbara Stelk, the re-employment of Jennifer Albig, Cari Cieszkowski, Krista Griffin and Linda Szramiak, and the request for a leave of absence from Sherri Kling be approved. Mrs. Zelenka asked if the motion could be divided up sothat resignations and employment could be done separately. Both Mr. McCann and Mrs. McDonald rescinded the motion.
A motion was made by Mr. McCann and seconded by Mrs. McDonald that the resignations of Bonnie Bernholdt and Samuela Bovelli, the employment of James Bergmann, Jason Crockett and Barbara Stelk, the re-employment of Jennifer Albig, Cari Cieszkowski, Krista Griffin and Linda Szramiak, and the request for a leave of absence from Sherri Kling be approved. Following an introduction of Mr. Bergmann, Mr. Crockett and Ms. Stelk by the principals to the Board of Education, and a further opportunity for questions and discussion, the motion passed on the following ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES NAYS
Mrs. McDonald
Mr. Maier
Mr. Powers
Mrs. Pawinski
Mrs. Zelenka
Mr. McCann
Mrs. DiCiolla
A motion was made by Mr. McCann and seconded by Mr. Maier that the minutes of the June 8, 2005 Closed Meeting and Regular Meeting, and the expenditures for the month of June, 2005 be approved. An opportunity was given for further questions and discussion and a discussion ensued. The motion carried on the following ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES NAYS
Mr. McCann
Mrs. DiCiolla
Mrs. McDonald
Mrs. Zelenka
Mr. Maier
Mr. Powers
Mrs. Pawinski
IX. Action Items
A. Closed Session Minutes – A motion was made by Mrs. McDonald and seconded by Mrs. DiCiolla that the Board of Education make available for public record closed session minutes as listed in the board packet on page 85 and included with the packet under separate cover. Following a further opportunity for questions, discussion and community input, the motion carried on the following ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES NAYS
Mr. Maier
Mr. Powers
Mrs. McDonald
Mrs. Zelenka
Mrs. Pawinski
Mrs. DiCiolla
Mr. McCann
B. FY 06 Final Budget – A motion was made by Mrs. McDonald and seconded by Mr. Maier that the Board of Education adopt the FY 06 Final Budget. Following an opportunity for further discussion, questions, and community input, the motion carried on the following ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES NAYS
Mrs. McDonald Mrs. DiCiolla
Mrs. Zelenka
Mrs. Pawinski
Mr. Powers
Mr. McCann
Mr. Maier
C. Resolution to Join the Employee Benefits Corporation – A motion was made by Mr. McCann and seconded by Mrs. McDonald that the Board of Education adopt the resolution as listed in the board packet on page 86. (Resolution attached to these minutes.) Following an opportunity for questions, discussion, and community input, the motion carried on the following ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES NAYS
Mr. McCann
Mr. Powers
Mrs. DiCiolla
Mrs. Pawinski
Mrs. McDonald
Mr. Maier
Mrs. Zelenka
X. Board Requested Reports – No reports requested at this time.
XII. Adjournment – There being no further business, President Powers adjourned the meeting at 9:00 p.m.
