I. Call to order and roll call – The meeting was called to order at 6:30 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 present:
Dr. Ken Cull, Superintendent of Schools
Mrs. Catherine Seger, Recorder
Mrs. Debora Mitsui
II. Closed Session – A motion was made by Mrs. DiCiolla and seconded by Mrs. Pawinski that the Board of Education enter a closed session for the purpose of discussing personnel. The motion carried on the following ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES NAYS
Mrs. DiCiolla
Mr. McCann
Mrs. Zelenka
Mrs. Pawinski
The Board entered a closed session at 6:35 p.m.
A motion was made by Mrs. Pawinski and seconded by Mrs. Zelenka that the Board of Education return to open session. The motion carried on the following ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES NAYS
Mr. McCann
Mrs. DiCiolla
Mrs. Pawinski
Mrs. Zelenka
The board returned to open session at 7:14 p.m.
Vice-President McCann stated that while in closed session, the board had discussed personnel and no action was taken.
Additional present:
Dr. Reinhard Nickisch, Principal, F.E. Peacock Middle School
Dr. Dawn Turner, Principal, Raymond Benson Primary School
Dr. Marcia Tornatore, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum & Instruction
Mr. Charles Kapachinski, Director of Technology
Members of the staff and community
III. Budget Hearing – Vice-President McCann called the budget hearing to order at 7:15 p.m. He asked Superintendent Cull to make some comments regarding the budget. Dr. Cull gave a summary of the time line that had been followed to develop the FY07 Budget. There is a requirement in the State of Illinois that during the first quarter in the fiscal year, school districts must adopt a budget. District 10 began looking at needs and revenues/expenditures and developed a draft of the budget early in 2006. In early spring, the board hosted a public budget workshop. The board adopted a tentative budget on June 14, 2006. Once the tentative budget was adopted, notice was given and the budget was posted for public comment. This tentative budget has been on display for more than 55 days. That period will close with the budget hearing this evening. The purpose of the hearing is to answer any questions from the community regarding the final budget. The only changes in the tentative budget versus this budget are the hiring of a new teacher at the primary building. Dr. Cull reviewed the fund balances. He stated that the budget was about $11,000,000 with a small surplus. There was no input from the community. The budget hearing was closed at 7:22 p.m. Vice President Jim McCann declared a recess until 7:30 p.m.
IV. Pledge of Allegiance – Vice President McCann led all present in the Pledge of Allegiance.
V. Welcome to Visitors – Mr. McCann, on behalf of the Board of Education, offered Dr. Medwick condolences on the recent loss of her sister. He also congratulated Mrs. Maureen McDonald on the birth of her newest grandchild.
He then welcomed all visitors to the meeting.
VI. Communications – There were no communications during the previous month. –
VII. Agenda Addendum Items – Dr. Cull removed Board of Education Action Item #1 since it required five votes. Mrs. DiCiolla asked if this item could be discussed. Dr. Cull said it could be discussed but no action could be taken on it because of the five-vote requirement.
VIII. SuperintendentÕs Report – Superintendent Cull reviewed his report, a copy of which is attached to these official minutes. He highlighted the results of the Parent TAG Survey and also reminded board members of the annual joint conference scheduled for November 17, 18, and 19. He asked that board members notify him if they intend to participate by September 30. As of todayÕs date, there are 96 students enrolled in kindergarten. Dr. Cull recommended that we add a full time instructional assistant to help the teachers in those classes.
Superintendent Cull reported on the recent testing of the indoor air quality. All was okay with the exception of one area in a hallway at Benson. The problem was repaired and there will be more testing done early in the fall.
Dr. Cull reviewed the potential costs of retirement incentives as requested recently by Mrs. DiCiolla. The teachers need to be 55 and have 15 years of service in the district. If a teacher gives a notice one year prior to the year they retire, they get the most for their incentive. Assuming all eligible teachers did this, it would cost the district about $130,000 in 2008 and $150,000 in 2009. The most difficult thing to project is that there is an additional way to retire. Teachers can retire between 55 and 60 under an early retirement option. It states that regardless of their age, they can retire at full pension as they would get at age 60. Teachers and employers would have to pay a penalty. The cost is a percentage of the final yearÕs salary. The cost is hard to determine in that exact retirement dates are unknown. Discussion ensued. Dr. Cull will attempt to estimate this cost by arbitrarily picking the age of 58 and then estimate what the districtÕs penalty might be. The board has the right to limit the ERO to 10% of the eligible employees. This is definitely something to consider when planning the budget for next year.
IX. Board Requested Reports
A. N.D.S.E.C. – Mrs. Pawinski, N.D.S.E.C. representative, stated that the last meeting was June 26. This was Director Cheryl ConleyÕs last meeting. Rita Stevenson is the new Director. N.D.S.E.C. is trying to get Keeneyville into N.D.S.E.C. The next meeting is Monday, August 14 at 3:00 p.m.
B. Middle School Report – Dr. Nickisch, principal of F.E. Peacock Middle School, reviewed his report. A copy of this report is attached to these minutes. He reminded everyone that this year there are several meetings that precede Curriculum Night. The first one is an ESL meeting for grades 3-8 at 6:30 p.m. and then a TAG meeting for parents. The Itasca Police Department will be available to provide parents with information on substance abuse and issues pertinent to the youth of this area.
Dr. Nickisch discussed an Internet Safety Program for parents given by members of the police department who are forensic experts. They will discuss some of the issues involving web sites and chat rooms and will offer parents helpful hints on how to protect their children. This will be opened to private schools as well.
Principal Nickisch reviewed the 4-year profiles of student perception surveys highlighting some questions/comments that will be addressed at the beginning of school. Discussion ensued.
The students that did not graduate at the end of the last school year have completed the bridge program at Lake Park. There were 7 who completed the courses and graduated.
Mrs. Zelenka asked about the Internet Safety program if it was geared towards all students including high school. Dr. Nickisch answered that it was for everyone and it would be made as public as possible. The police will also advertise it to get the word out to all.
C. Curriculum – Dr. Marcia Tornatore, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction, reviewed her report, a copy of which is attached to these minutes. She reported on the New TeachersÕ Induction Program scheduled for August 14 and 15. There are a number of new teachers attending. She also announced that she has hired a new secretary, Dee Bora. Dr. Tornatore discussed the procedure the District follows with regards to medical training.
The DAC (District Advisory Committee) will be re-writing the Technology Plan this year. It needs to be completed by March.
Dr. Tornatore discussed the work of the Summer Writing Committee. Three teachers representing each school have been meeting and have developed a specific plan to implement the Ò6 + 1 Traits of WritingÓ Program.
Dr. Tornatore reported that the district does not have the summary results from the State department on ISAT, IMAGE, and IAA assessment. She speculates that she may have it by October but cannot say for certain. We have BensonÕs state results and Benson made AYP. The delay is that the state does not want to release the test results until they are absolutely sure the results are correct.
Benson and Franzen will be sharing a report card presentation with parents. FranzenÕs presentation is scheduled for August 31 and BensonÕs will be held on September 14.
D. Technology – Mr. Kapachinski, Director of Technology, reviewed the Technology report, a copy of which is attached. A new e-mail server has been recently implemented. The new system has allowed personnel to access their e-mail off site. Further options for more training will be scheduled at the beginning of the school year. New student computer installations are nearly complete and should be ready before the beginning of the school year.
Laptops have been recalled and cleaned off. They are being re-imaged and returned to those teachers who have requested them. Some computers at all three buildings had to be re-located. This has been a very large project and is nearly completed.
The Voice Mail server crashed during the summer. Several changes have been implemented to insure that in the future, recovery time can be turned around within several hours.
New servers have been purchased and will be phased in individually after the student and faculty computers are operational.
Mrs. DiCiolla acknowledged Mr. Kapachinski for all the work done during the summer to prepare for the new school year. Dr. Cull also thanked Mr. Kapchinski.
E. Freedom of information – Dr. Cull reported that no requests have been received.
F. Opportunity for Community Input Regarding Board Requested Reports – No questions or comments were made.
X. Consent Items – A motion was made by Mrs. Zelenka and seconded by Mrs. Pawinski that the minutes of the June 14, 2006 Regular Meeting, the expenditures for the months of June and July, 2006, the resignations of Sheila Weathers, Elizabeth A. Mueller, Melissa A. Jacobson, and Scott Nordlund, the resignation request from Deanna Micaletti be rescinded and replaced with a request for a part-time leave of absence, the employment of Annette Lavia, Sandi Schingoethe, Amy Prince, Joseph Cuzzone, Erin Kozakis, Milissa Riley, Barbara Horn, and Marita Bora, and the increase in salary for Deb Mitsui be approved. Some discussion ensued regarding the fact that the District has lost some very good teachers. Following a further opportunity for questions and discussion, the motion carried on the following ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES NAYS
Mrs. Pawinski
Mrs. DiCiolla
Mrs. Zelenka
Mr. McCann
Dr. Cull asked the principals to introduce the new teachers that were in attendance at the meeting.
XI. Action Items –
A. Resolution Conferring Land to the Village – This item was tabled to the next meeting, as it will require five votes. However, discussion of the item ensued. Mrs. DiCiolla questioned why the Village has not deeded the property that is the west wing of Benson School to the School District. Dr. Cull stated that different organizations have different priorities. Dr. Cull has been meeting with the Director of the Park District regarding property over the past two years. That is because the Park District is planning to do something with that property.
The Village has been meeting with the Park District Director and Dr. Cull regarding fees. Developers are going to have to pay some fees for parcels of land. Thus, ordinances have been reviewed. Dr. Cull is aware that the Village is not required to give other municipalities any of their developersÕ fees. We need to try to get as much as we can and accept what we get.
B. FY 07 Final Budget – A motion was made by Mrs. DiCiolla and seconded by Mrs. Pawinski that the Board of Education approve Action Memorandum FY07-#2; approval of FY07 Budget. Mrs. DiCiolla questioned whether or not the District would be received the grant money that had been approved. Dr. Cull answered that the money would be received but the timing of receipt would be slow. Mrs. Zelenka asked if there was enough money budgeted for the teacher aides. Dr. Cull said yes. Following a further opportunity for questions, discussion and community input, the motion carried on the following ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES NAYS
Mrs. DiCiolla
Mr. McCann
Mrs. Zelenka
Mrs. Pawinski
C. Photographic Services – A motion was made Mrs. Zelenka and seconded by Mrs. Pawinski that the Board of Education approve Action Memorandum FY07-#3; approval of the contract for Photographic Services. Following an opportunity for community input, questions, and discussion, the motion carried on the following ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES NAYS
Mrs. Pawinski
Mrs. DiCiolla
Mrs. Zelenka
Mr. McCann
D. Grand Piano – A motion was made by Mrs. DiCiolla and seconded by Mrs. Pawinski that the Board of Education approve Action Memorandum FY07-#4; awarding the contract for the purchase of a Grand Piano. Mrs. Zelenka asked how much money was raised and how much the District would be paying. Dr. Cull stated that the District raised $11,000 in donations and it is possible that someone may want to purchase the old piano. The community was thanked for their input. Following an opportunity for discussion, questions and community input, the motion carried on the following ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES NAYS
Mrs. Zelenka
Mr. McCann
Mrs. Pawinski
Mrs. DiCiolla
E. Release of Closed Session Minutes and Destruction of Audio Records – A motion was made by Mrs. Zelenka and seconded by Mrs. DiCiolla that the Board of Education approve Action Memorandum FY07-#5; approval of the release of closed session minutes and destruction of audio recordings. Mrs. Zelenka questioned the contents of the April 12, 2006 closed session meeting. Discussion ensued. There was also some discussion as to how the audio tapes would be destroyed. Dr. Cull will destroy the tapes. Following a further opportunity for questions, discussion and community input, the motion carried on the following ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES NAYS
Mrs. DiCiolla
Mr. McCann
Mrs. Zelenka
Mrs. Pawinski
XI. Board Requested Reports – No requests for reports at this time.
Dr. Cull presented Mrs. Seger with a plaque honoring her 27 years of service as recording secretary to the Board of Education as well as Secretary to the Superintendent. This is Mrs. SegerÕs last meeting as she will be retiring as of September 1.
XII. Adjournment – There being no further business, Vice-President McCann adjourned the meeting at 8:37 p.m.
