Itasca School District #10
Itasca, IL 60143
BOARD OF EDUCATION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
February 14, 2007
I. Call to order and roll call – The meeting was called to order at 7:34 p.m. by President Powers with the following ROLL CALL:
PRESENT ABSENT
Mr. Patrick Powers
Mrs. Maureen McDonald
Miss Debbi Pawinski
Mr. Fred Maier
Mrs. Nancy DiCiolla
Mr. James McCann
Mrs. Rose Zelenka
Also in attendance:
Dr. Kenneth Cull, Superintendent of Schools
Dr. Marcia Tornatore, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum & Instruction
Mr. Charles Kapachinski, Director of Technology
Dr. Reinhard Nickisch, Principal, F.E. Peacock Middle School
Dr. Joanna Medwick, Principal, Franzen Intermediate School
Dr. Dawn Turner, Principal, Raymond Benson Primary School
Ms. Debora Mitsui, Recorder
II. Pledge of Allegiance – President Powers led all present in the Pledge of Allegiance.
III. Welcome to Visitors – Mr. Powers welcomed visitors and thanked the audience members who had attended the preceding special Board meeting to review the Mission and Goals for Itasca School District #10.
IV. Communication – Mrs. McDonald, Board Secretary, read a thank you note from a staff member.
V. Additional Agenda Items – There were no additional agenda items.
VI. SuperintendentÕs Report – Superintendent Cull reviewed the SuperintendentÕs Report, a copy of which is attached to these official minutes. The report was self-explanatory. Dr. Cull commented on two items that were not on the report. The individual student Illinois Standards Achievement Test (ISAT) reports have been received at the district office. The reports are very comprehensive. Dr. Marcia Tornatore has drafted a cover letter to accompany the student reports that are being mailed to parents. Copies will be provided to the Board. We should expect to receive the Illinois Standards Achievement Test (ISAT) school reports very soon.
Conversation ensued regarding the districtÕs continuing nationally normed testing. Dr. Cull stated that the new Illinois Standards Achievement Test (ISAT) includes ten Stanford questions. The district has committed to administering the Stanford for one more year. Consequently, we will be seeking alternative diagnostic assessments such as pre and post testing within the same school year and grade.
Mrs. DiCiolla asked if the Illinois Standards Achievement Test (ISAT) must be administered to be eligible to receive funding. Dr. Tornatore replied that by implementing state assessment with district 10 students we are complying with one of the many requirements stipulated by Illinois State Board of Education, which allows us to qualify for state funding.
Dr. Cull also discussed the timing of seating our new Board members. The consolidated election will be held on April 17th. School Boards are no longer required to canvass the election results. The last day for proclamation of results by the county clerk or election commission to the school board secretary and to the State Board of Elections is May 8th, 2007. The last day for school boards to reorganize is May 15th, 2007. Majority of the current school Board constitutes a quorum to seat the new board. At the May 9th regular Board of Education Meeting we will motion to adjourn sine die and seat our new Board members.
VII. Board Requested Reports
A. N.D.S.E.C. – Mrs. Pawinski, District #10 representative to N.D.S.E.C. was unable to attend the Monday, February 12th meeting. Dr. Cull attended the meeting and highlighted the finance committeeÕs report which spoke reported the state of their monthly billing. Their financial structure is very sound under the new leadership of Dr. Rita Stevenson.
B. Peacock Middle School – Dr. Nickisch, principal of F.E. Peacock Middle School, delivered his report, a copy of which is attached to these minutes. January was a normal month regarding discipline issues, however student counselor contacts rose. School counselor, Dr. Susan West, has been dealing with student issues related to the myspace.com. website.
Mr. McCann asked if there had been any concerns related to myspace.com at the elementary or primary levels. Dr. Medwick stated she had sent letters home last year alerting parents of the dangers of these types of websites. Dr. Turner said there had been no issues related to myspace.com at her building.
The 8th grade graduation ceremony is scheduled for Tuesday, June 5th at 7:00 p.m. At this time, the number of students on our academic probation list is very low. The 8th grade staff is providing a number of options for interventions for these students. Additionally, students must meet community service requirements in order to graduate. Dr. Nickish will provide the Board with updated student service hours in the March Middle School report.
Since receiving information from Lake Park High School regarding placement of Peacock graduates, the number of students being placed in advanced English classes has rose from 24 students to 58. Students who had previously tested below a certain score were allowed to take a make-up Reading test which qualified them for a higher placement.
Middle SchoolÕs Parent Advisory Committee has met twice since October. One of the topics of discussion is declining parent attendance at school functions. Recommendations included redesigning Curriculum Night by streamlining the program to focus more on core presentations with some time for parents to meet their childÕs teacher.
Dr. Cull credited Dr. Nickish for initiating PeacockÕs Middle School Parent Advisory Committee. At the end of last year, Dr. Medwick and Dr. Turner started an Advisory Committee for kindergarten – 5th grade. Mrs. DiCiolla asked if the kindergarten – 5th advisory committee followed the same format as middle school. Dr. Cull responded that it does.
Mr. Powers inquired if there had been any further parental contact regarding students with serious grade issues. Dr. Nickish responded that staff continue to communicate concerns with parents and that students in academic distress are routinely counseled. Dr. Nickish noted that of the 8th grade students on academic probation, a relatively high percentage of them were transfer students who entered at the 8th grade level. They are coming to us less prepared and must work to catch up to the rest of their class. The staff works to find ways to connect with those students. Probations are sometimes necessary leverage for students to continue to make good on their grades. They must continue to apply themselves in order to participate in extra curricular activities. Lake Park High School has indicated to Dr. Nickish that they may lower advanced class placements for students who choose not to work up to their potential during 4th quarter.
C. Curriculum Report – Dr. Tornatore, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction, reviewed the curriculum report, a copy of which is attached to these official minutes. Dr. Tornatore acknowledged the additional necessary work that the building secretaries, Domenica Fricano, Janet Robertson, Linda Purtell and district officeÕs Dee Bora have accomplished. They are responsible for keeping current the accurate demographic data, which is critical for the districtÕs Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) reports.
The Social Studies Committee is continuing to analyze samples from vendors for the social studies adoption. Their recommendation will be built on a need for materials looking for series that is web-based and connected to the State frameworks. The cost of a textbook is between $65.00 to $70.00. Requests for funds will be in the neighborhood of $25,000 for sixth through eighth grade levels. This request includes support materials for the series.
Mrs. Zelenka asked if Dr. Tornatore had investigated which social studies series neighboring districts were using. Dr. Tornatore said she identifies the latest copyrights for publishers and inquires as to which districts they have been sold to. Every district has their own adoption cycle as well as their own financial burdens. Our choices are based on what the State of Illinois learning descriptors suggest. We do take into consideration what Lake Park High School is teaching. Dr. Tornatore has asked that one of the Lake Park social studies teachers attend our committee meeting to ask if our vendor choices meets their needs.
Mr. McCann asked that when the social studies adoption is presented to the Board, Dr. Tornatore provide a report on all of our adoption cycles. The report should include adoption date, and the life cycle expectancy of the series.
The District Advisory Committee (DAC) will be coming to conclusion regarding the technology plan as well as the district calendar for the 2007-2008 school year. Both the technology plan and calendar will be submitted to the Board at the March Board of Education Meeting.
Mrs. DiCiolla asked if the Harcourt Publisher for the social studies textbook series had any relation to the Harcourt Assessment Company. Dr. Tornatore responded that they might be related but that assessment was a different division than textbooks. The State department has taken on stronger contracts so that school districts will not experience the same problems with Illinois Standards Achievement Tests (ISAT) next year.
Mrs. DiCiolla asked if there might be more than one technology plan (a back-up plan) provided to the Board based on budget. Dr. Cull responded that the technology plan is evaluated on an annual basis. The financial reference is always for the year ÒofÓ. In previous years, the tech plans were developed out of wish lists. As budget constraints became more real, buildings met and decided what was needed and the funding could not be made available. Funds were available to do the basics. As we get down to the budget cycle the Board must understand that the budget is a utility cost. If we have to make budget cuts we will treat it like we do electricity. There should be a fixed dollar amount for fixed amounts of technology.
D. Technology – Mr. Charles Kapachinski – Parental access to the online grading system will be available within the next two weeks. Letters are being mailed to Peacock parents providing information for accessing and logging on to the system. Additionally, parents and community members will be an offered new service that has been subscribed to providing electronic content (newsletters) to those who sign up. This service will be initially offered to Peacock and then to Franzen and Benson. Final deployment of a new patch management service will be taking place during February and March. Microsoft is no longer supporting the original patch management system that has been in place within our district for several years. The new patch management service will keep our system running optimally and functioning in a stable manner. With the changes to Daylight Savings Time, a push out of necessary updates will be implemented well before the month of March.
E. Freedom of Information – There were no requests.
F. Opportunity for Community Input Regarding Board Requested Reports. – No questions asked nor comments made.
VIII. Action Items –
A. Consent Items – A Motion was made by Mrs. McDonald and seconded by Mr. Maier that The Board of Education approve Action Memorandum FY07-#34; Consent Agenda.
á Minutes of the January 10, 2007 regular meeting
á Expenditure Reports for the month of January, 2007
á Hiring of Beata Pendergast Part Time Inclusion Assistant at Benson Primary School
Dr. Nickish introduced Ms. Kelly Henneberry, seated in the audience. Ms. HenneberryÕs employment was approved at the January 10th Board of Education Meeting for the 6th grade language arts position for the 2007-2008 school year. Mrs. Henneberry will be replacing Mrs. Sharon Laughlin who will be retiring at the end of this school year.
Following a further opportunity for questions, discussion, and community input, the motion carried on the following ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES NAYS ABSTAIN
Mrs. Zelenka
Mr. McCann
Miss. Pawinski
Mrs. McDonald
Mr. Maier
Mr. Powers
Mrs. DiCiolla
B. A motion was made by Mr. McCann and seconded by Mrs. DiCiolla to amend the amount of the General Obligation Limited Tax Bonds, Serial 2007, of School District Number 10, DuPage County, Illinois, and for the levy of a direct annual tax to pay the principal and interest on said bonds from $2,750,000 to the amount of $2,658,000.
Following a further opportunity for questions, discussion, and community input, the motion carried on the following ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES NAYS ABSTAIN
Mrs. McDonald
Mr. Maier
Miss. Pawinski
Mrs. Zelenka
Mr. McCann
Mrs. DiCiolla
Mr. Powers
C. A motion was made by Mrs. DiCiolla and seconded by Miss. Pawinski to approve Action Memorandum FY-#35; Resolution providing for the issue of $2,658,000 General Obligation Limited Tax Bonds, Series 2007, of School District Number 10, DuPage County, Illinois, and for the levy of a direct annual tax to pay the principal and interest on said bonds.
Linda Matkowski of PMA Securities, Inc. provided an update to the bond issue. The bonds were priced this morning and Harris Bank won the bond bids. The final proceed amount is a little over $2,000,000 going into working cash funds but restricted to capitol outlay projects. The interest rate on the bonds totaled a little over 4 %. That information is contained in the pricing booklet provided to the Board. MoodyÕs InvestorÕs Service assigned an A1 rating to the district. MoodyÕs report expects the districtÕs financial position to remain healthy due to a steady growth in property tax revenues and stable enrollment. Closing is anticipated right before March. The funds will be deposited with a local bank.
Dr. Cull asked for questions from the Board.
Mrs. DiCiolla asked if amending the issuance of the bond amount from $2,750,000 to $2,658,000 would affect our tax structure. Mrs. Matkowski said it would not.
Mrs. Zelenka asked for the net proceeds amount. Mrs. Matkowski responded that the net proceed is $2,552,289. The funds will be restricted for purposes of board authorized working cash but only for restricted facility projects. It will be a separate working cash fund.
Mr. Powers asked if we would be earning interest. Mrs. Matkowski said that we would be earning interest and that it would be paid on a monthly basis. The interest can be transferred by bond action. The Board would choose what do with those funds.
Mrs. DiCiolla asked if there were any premiums, discounts or early redemptions? Mrs. Matkowski responded there are no premiums, discounts, and potential early redemptions that will affect the districts funds.
Dr. Cull thanked Mrs. Matkowski for her assistance on the districtÕs bond purchase.
Following a further opportunity for questions, discussion, and community input, the motion carried on the following ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES NAYS ABSTAIN
Mr. Powers
Mrs. DiCiolla
Mr. McCann
Mrs. Zelenka
Miss. Pawinski
Mr. Maier
Mrs. McDonald
D. A Motion was made by Mr. McCann and seconded by Mrs. McDonald that The Board of Education approve Action Memorandum FY07-#36; Approval of the Transportation Contract with Laidlaw Educational Services.
Dr. Cull commented that Itasca School District was the last feeder school district to be charged a fuel escalator. The district will now be assessed should gas prices increase above $2.25 per gallon. Mrs. Zelenka asked if LaidlawÕs recent merging with a United Kingdom company would have any impact on costs related to transportation contracts. Dr. Cull said in speaking with Mr. Robert Rutkowski, General Manager at Laidlaw Educational Services, he did not think it would impact the district short term but could not predict the long-term outlook.
Following a further opportunity for questions, discussion, and community input, the motion carried on the following ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES NAYS ABSTAIN
Miss Pawinski
Mrs. McDonald
Mrs. DiCiolla
Mr. Powers
Mrs. Zelenka
Mr. Maier
Mr. McCann
E. A Motion was made by Mrs. McDonald and seconded by Miss Pawinski that The Board of Education approve Action Memorandum FY07-#37; Approval of Interfund Loan of $100,000.
Following a further opportunity for questions, discussion, and community input, the motion carried on the following ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES NAYS ABSTAIN
Mr. Maier
Mr. Powers
Mrs. McDonald
Mrs. Zelenka
Miss Pawinski
Mrs. DiCiolla
Mr. McCann
F. A Motion was made by Mrs. McDonald and seconded by Mr. Maier that The Board of Education approve Action Memorandum FY07-#38; Approval of Student Teacher Placement.
Following a further opportunity for questions, discussion, and community input, the motion carried on the following ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES NAYS ABSTAIN
Mrs. McDonald
Mrs. DiCiolla
Mrs. Zelenka
Miss Pawinski
Mr. Powers
Mr. McCann
Mr. Maier
IX. Board Requested Reports – Mrs. DiCiolla requested that Dr. Cull provide timeline/life expectancy for the projected projects list. Mr. Powers suggested a brief description for the Òbigger ticketÓ items.
X. Adjournment – There being no further business, President Powers adjourned the meeting at 9:00 p.m.
February 14, 2007
Included on the Consent Agenda:
- Minutes of the January 10, 2007, regular meeting
- Expenditure Reports for January, 2007
- The employment of Beata Pendergast Part Time Inclusion Assistant at Benson
The Superintendent recommends that the Board of Education approve the consent agenda.
BOE Action Memorandum FY07 - #35
Resolution Authorizing the Issuance of Working Cash Bonds
February 14, 2007
The Board has been discussing this topic since November. By selling the Working Cash Bonds at this time, we are able to access funds for the projects we have discussed without increasing the tax rate to the tax payers. The resolution present for approval following this memo has some blanks in it. These blanks will be filled in on the night of the Board meeting to reflect actual market figures for February 14, 2007. Linda Matkowski, the representative from our financial advisors, PMA, will be on hand to distribute to up-to-date rates and figures and to answer any questions Board members may have.
The Superintendent recommends the approval of the resolution providing for the issuance of $2,685,000 General Obligation Limited Tax Bonds, Series 2007, of School District Number 10, DuPage County, Illinois and for the levy of a direct annual tax to pay the principal and interest on said bonds.
BOE Action Memorandum FY07 - #36
Extension of Transportation Contract
February 14, 2007
Laidlaw Educational Services has been providing contracted bus service to District 10Õs students for over 20 years. Again, this year, they have offered a one-year extension to our existing contract. They are proposing a very modest 2% increase. They are including a fuel escalator clause in our agreement for the first time. The language requires us to pay for actual fuel costs over and above $2.25 per gallon. We are the last school district in DuPage County to have this language added to the contract.
The Superintendent recommends the approval of a one-year contract extension with Laidlaw for a 2% increase.
BOE Action Memorandum FY07 - #37
Interfund Loan of $100,000 from Working Cash to IMRF/SS Fund
February 14, 2007
Although we have made progress in our fund balances, the nature of the cycle of revenues and expenses requires us to borrow money from working cash for cash flow purposes. In this case, we are projecting the Illinois Municipal Retire Fund/Social Security Fund to Ògo negativeÓ in March. The $100,000 loan to that fund will get us to June when we will receive tax revenue into the fund. I still anticipate the fund will end with a positive balance. Prior to taking this action, there are no interfund loans outstanding.
The Superintendent recommends the approval of an interfund loan from Working Cash to the IMRF/SS fund of $100,000 to be repaid by February of 2008.
BOE Action Memorandum FY07 - #38
Placement of Student Teacher
February 14, 2007
The following student teaching assignment is being requested for the 2006-2007 school year.
F. E. Peacock Middle School
Spring 2007
Student Name: Jonathan Brown
Dates: March 6 – June 7, 2007
Grade Level: Sixth Grade
Cooperating Teacher: Sharon Laughlin
Subjects: Language Arts/Reading
College: National-Louis University
