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.
IV. Communication – No communications.
V. Additional Agenda Items – There were no additional agenda items added.
VI. Superintendent's Report – Superintendent Cull reviewed the Superintendent's Report, a copy of which is attached to these official minutes.
The Budget Workshop will take place after the tax extension has been made which will be the end of March or the first week of April. Dr. Cull will e-mail Board members asking for their preference of a meeting date of April 16th or April 23rd. Discussion ensued with regards to seating of new Board members which will not take place until the May 9th Board Meeting. The Budget Meeting will be an open meeting and individuals running for office are welcome to sit in and participate as much as possible in the meeting.
Earlier today, Dr. Cull received an e-mail from the Illinois Association of School Boards (IASB) regarding some confusion as to who canvasses the election votes, the local school boards or the election committee. The IASB recommends checking with the county to ask what they intend to do. If canvassing is done as in the past, the county election committee will be the proper authority to canvass the votes. The district will be in compliance with our policy as listed in Section 2 - Board Policy # 2:30, which does place the responsibility of canvassing school board election votes with the county election committee.
The Shape of Itasca meeting is scheduled for May 7th, 2007. With the timing of elections and the seating of new Board members, Mr. Powers will be making the presentation on behalf of the Board.
Each of the Board members was provided a packet of material related to Dr. Cull's evaluation. Mr. Powers will e-mail Board members with a list of possible evaluation meeting dates.
Presently, Dr. Cull has no further information on the rooftop gym ventilation unit at Peacock. At this time, we are renting a unit on a month-to-month basis. We have had an architect out to draw up specs that will eventually go out to bid.
Following the superintendent's report is a listing of "Possible Projects" for working cash bond proceeds. Updated lifespan information is included in the list. Those items underlined are projects that may be considered for work this summer.
Mrs. Zelenka arrived at 7:48 p.m.
VII. Board Requested Reports
A. N.D.S.E.C. – In the absence of Miss Pawinski, District #10 representative to N.D.S.E.C., Dr. Cull reported on the February 12th meeting. Routine personnel issues were addressed. Project user fee agreements for 2007-2008 were distributed at the meeting indicating that NDSEC will be using the same space in our buildings for 2007-2008 with no need to expand at this time.
Mrs. Zelenka inquired about the discussion topic listed in the Operational Board Briefs, "Services for Students Turning 21". Dr Cull explained that this new ruling would only affect the high school. District 10 does not service IEP students above the age of 15.
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. The number of counselor/student contacts seems exceptionally high, however the majority of those contacts were related to 8th grade student placements and schedule changes for Lake Park High School.
Dr. Nickisch provided a graduation update related to the hours of community service still needing to be completed. Parents of graduating 8th graders who have not completed their community service were recently mailed letters informing them of the requirement and implications of failing to complete all service hours.
The Discipline, Medication and Wellness Committee will be meeting in late April. Dr. Nickisch asked for one Board member (who will be continuing on the Board) to volunteer to be on the committee. Mr. Maier volunteered to sit on the committee.
Mr. Powers asked for an update for 8th grade students on academic probation. Dr. Nickish said the number of students at academic risk is decreasing. Peacock staff is working with those students and adjusting their schedules for study halls where they can connect with an advisor. Mr. Nickisch will provide an update for the Board at the April meeting.
C. Curriculum Report – Dr. Tornatore, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction, reviewed her report. A copy of her report is attached to these official minutes.
100 percent of students in the English as a Second Language (ESL) program for three years or less have met all of the standards on the state required IMAGE test. A new test, ACCESS, (for grades K-8) will also be administered for the second year in a row this spring.
The 2006 Illinois Standard Achievement Test (ISAT) scores will be posted on the district website. Dr. Cull prepared a report showing comparisons of Lake Park Feeder District's ISAT results for 2006. The report also provided a history of ISAT results from 2002 through 2006. Considerable discussion ensued regarding the ISAT test score results. Mrs. Zelenka commented that at the middle school level some of our students were below the state standard level.
Dr. Cull responded that the majority of our students are in the meets category but in no areas are we below the state standard when adding together both meets and exceed categories. Overall, at 90% of the levels, the students either met or exceeded the state's standards.
Mr. Powers commented that our true measure of success will be how the students do at the next level. The students and staff are doing an exceptional job, but there is still room for improvement.
Mrs. DiCiolla asked if we might be able to see a favorable improvement in next year's ISAT science scores with the implementation of the new science curriculum. Dr. Tornatore responded that we would be able to see how we had done in the past, but that we should not look at one year to make that determination. It takes time for staff to extract the elements that teach to the frameworks.
Mrs. Zelenka asked if Dr. Tornatore would again be providing a longitudinal study for the Board. Dr. Tornatore said that test scores from this year's ISAT could not be compared to former ISAT's. It is a different test with different measures of standards and would not equate from year to year. There are different calculations for each subject area. We will be looking at will be trends and focusing on areas to improve upon.
Mrs. Zelenka asked if teachers go beyond teaching frameworks? Dr. Tornatore responded that in some cases, just to teach to the frameworks fills in an entire annual lesson plan book.
Dr. Cull said that we are fortunate to have the support of the Board to be able to offer a well-rounded education for our students. We are still able to offer Encore subjects at Peacock Middle School as well as art, music and physical education to all three buildings.
Mrs. Zelenka asked if the State would continue to raise the measurement standards for Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP). Dr. Cull said that currently the number is 47.5 percent to be considered making AYP. Next year the percentage will be raised to 55%. That number continues to increase until the year 2014 where it will be 100%.
D. Technology – Mr. Charles Kapachinski, Director of Technology, gave his report, a copy of which is attached to these official minutes. As of February 19th, parents are now able to access the student grade book. Letters were mailed to Peacock Middle School parents explaining use of the program.
Since October the district has seen a major influx of SPAM. Mr. Kapachinski has spent the past three to four months researching the next-generation of SPAM solutions. A program has been purchased and deployed.
Daylight Savings Time updates have been completed and all computers are running properly with their time stamps running correct to the second.
The district will be undergoing an audit to insure a secure environment and will outline any issues that need to be addressed. The audit will be contracted out to a security specialist. An audit of this nature was conducted about 4 years ago with very positive results.
Mr. Powers asked the cost of the security audit and timeframe of the project. Mr. Kapachinski anticipates the cost range as $1,500 to $2,000 and will be conducted in April or May. The audit will be done before the staff takes leave for summer break. The assessment is "transparent" and will not affect day-to-day activities. It will detect holes or access to our system, i.e., grades, payroll, etc. This check does not detect student activities. There were concerns in the past with students accessing inappropriate websites, but that was a programming issue that has since been rectified. Those sites should be blocked.
E. Character Counts! – Mrs. DiCiolla, Board representative to the Character Counts! Coalition, reported on the meeting held earlier this evening. The coalition participated in Winter-Fest. Various members of the coalition shared how they are implementing the pillars in their facilities. The schools are doing a great job. Itasca Park District is maintaining a sport database for participants who have viewed the "Victory With Honor" video. Anyone who signs up to use the facilities must see the video.
F. Quarterly Financial Report – Dr. Cull reviewed the quarterly financial report. North DuPage Special Education Cooperative is sending more money directly to districts, creating an increase in IDEA revenue this year compared to budget.
We are in the preliminary stages of developing next year's budget. We have a multi-year negotiated contract with the teaching staff which helps accurately predict the salary schedule and more accuracy in budgeting those costs. Preliminary renewal information of our medical benefits estimates our rates will increase by 5.8 %.
Mr. McCann referenced line item "Other Revenue" regarding sale of stock. Dr. Cull reported that Cindy Kuta, Itasca School District Bookkeeper, brought to his attention a check the district is receiving but was not clear of its purpose. Dr. Cull investigated the source of the check and found that there was a time when the district had a relationship with an insurance company. That company became a stock company. Unknowingly, we became owners of stock in that company. It was an over-sight of a transition. Dr. Cull has consulted our auditor and the stock was sold.
G. Instructional Technology Report – Dr. Cull referenced the Graphtech Report (under separate cover) that had been previously delivered to Board members. Graphtech's opinion is:
o We are not supporting instructional technology very well.
o We can definitely improve our support of instructional technology
o We can probably improve the efficiency of our support of instructional technology.
Our challenge is to find a way to improve the way in which we support instructional technology. Our technology budget is "bare bones" at best. We have cut staff in the area of tech, although the technology provided continues to increase; for example the parental portal. The loss of laptops is a hardship for staff. Teachers have had to take one of the student desktop computers in their classrooms for their use. We need to prioritize that instructional types of technology are of the highest priority. Training and materials should be helping teachers do their jobs with a quick response time to problems.
Mrs. DiCiolla commented that when we ordered the school technology hardware report the reviewers had nothing but positive statements regarding technology. Dr. Cull said the reports have two different focuses. The technology hardware report inventoried our types and numbers of equipment. The Graphtech report focuses on the instructional technology within the district.
Mr. McCann asked how Graphtech's recommendations for improvement would impact our technology plan. Dr. Cull responded that we are looking at the same structure of our technology plan with the need to work with the existing funding to make things better.
Dr. Cull and Mr. Kapachinski have had several conversations on how best to remedy these concerns. Dr. Cull suggested forming a collaborative committee or council where we would be in regular dialog on a consistent basis. Mr. Powers added that since the input was solicited from the teaching staff, it would be a good idea to have them involved. The Board asked that Dr. Cull report back to them with a recommendation for a committee.
Mrs. Zelenka inquired about the process of ordering and implementing new software. Dr. Tornatore explained the process for software purchases. First, the item is previewed and evaluated. A request is then sent to Mr. Kapachinski's attention for approval, which is then forwarded onto Dr. Tornatore for ordering. Much of the software is user friendly. For larger district wide programs instruction is typically offered by one of our staff members, Dr. Tornatore or a contracted instructor.
H. Freedom of Information – There were no requests at this time.
I. 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-#39; Consent Agenda.
á Minutes of the February 14, 2007 regular meeting
á Minutes of the February 14, 2007 special meeting
á Expenditure Reports for the month of February, 2007
á Resignation of Beata Pendergast, Part Time Inclusion Assistant at Benson Primary School
á Resignation of Marisa DeAstis, Teacher Aide at Benson Primary School
á Hiring of Luciana Romeo, Teacher Aide at Benson Primary School
Mrs. Zelenka asked if the maintenance on copiers from the treasurer's report was for all the copiers in the district. Dr. Cull will follow up to check which copiers apply.
Following a further opportunity for questions, discussion, and community input, the motion carried on the following ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES NAYS ABSTAIN
Mr. Maier
Mrs. DiCiolla
Mr. Powers
Mrs. McDonald
Mrs. Zelenka
Mr. McCann
B. A motion was made by Mrs. DiCiolla and seconded by Mrs. McDonald to approve Action Memorandum FY07-#40; Tax Extension Reduction Allocation Resolution.
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
Mr. Powers
Mrs. Zelenka
Mr. McCann
Mrs. DiCiolla
C. A motion was made by Mr. McCann and seconded by Mr. Maier to approve Action Memorandum FY-#41; the 2007-2008 School Calendar.
Mrs. Zelenka pointed out that there might be a drop in student attendance if the full day parent/teacher conference is scheduled the same week as Thanksgiving. She also asked if we would continue to offer two evening conferences to parents. Dr. Cull responded yes. Evening conferences will still be offered on two consecutive weeks prior to the week of Thanksgiving.
Mr. Maier inquired as to the number of Teacher Institute Days listed on the 2007-2008 Calendar. The calendar that is submitted to the Regional Office of Education (ROE) shows 4 Teacher Institute Days. The Calendar presented to the Board shows 6 days. By ROE guidelines, we are limited to holding 4 Institute Days per school year.
Following a further opportunity for questions, discussion, and community input, the motion carried on the following VOICE VOTE: All AYES: NAYS none.
D. A Motion was made by Mrs. McDonald and seconded by Mr. McCann that The Board of Education approve Action Memorandum FY07-#42; the Technology Plan for 2007-2010.
Dr. Tornatore thanked the District Advisory Committee (DAC) for their work on the Technology Plan. Currently, there are approximately 26 members on the DAC team. Dr. Tornatore outlined the requirements and guidelines that are set forth by the State department for the structure of the Technology Plan due June 2007. Mr. Powers asked if we were approving the budget outlined in the Technology Plan this evening. Dr. Tornatore said no, we are not restricted to the budget outlined in this plan. If you approve the district budget, then we are prepared that this is what we will be able to purchase. If you decide that you cannot approve that amount, this document does not override it. Dr. Tornatore would resubmit the Technology Plan with a revised budget.
Dr. Cull has "flattened out" the budget to reflect $120,000 per year. Some items were pushed to future years, some ordered a year earlier than scheduled to accommodate the $120,000 allotments in future budgets. The technology budget would best be viewed as a utility cost. Flattening out the budget allows us to build in the opportunity for purchases and enhancements to our technology plan.
Mr. Powers thanked Dr. Tornatore and the DAC team for their work in completing the Technology Plan.
Following a further opportunity for questions, discussion, and community input, the motion carried on the following ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES NAYS ABSTAIN
Mr. Maier
Mrs. DiCiolla
Mr. Powers
Mrs. McDonald
Mrs. Zelenka
Mr. McCann
E. A Motion was made by Mrs. McDonald and seconded by Mrs. DiCiolla that The Board of Education approve Action Memorandum FY07-#43; the Approval of FY08 Mission and Goals.
Following a further opportunity for questions, discussion, and community input, the motion carried on the following VOICE VOTE: All AYES: NAYS none.
IX. Board Requested Reports – There were no requests for reports.
X. Adjournment – There being no further business, President Powers adjourned the meeting at 9:36 p.m.
March 14, 2007
Included on the Consent Agenda:
- Minutes of the February 14, 2007, regular meeting
- Minutes of the February 14, 2007, special meeting
- Expenditure Reports for February, 2007
- The resignation of Beata Pendergast, Part Time Inclusion Assistant at Benson
- The resignation of Marisa DeAstis, Teacher Aide - Benson
- The hiring of Luciana Romeo, Teacher Aide - Benson
The Superintendent recommends that the Board of Education approve the consent agenda.
BOE Action Memorandum FY07 - #40
Approval of Tax Extension Reduction Allocation Resolution
Our tax extension will be made later in the month of March. The extension is made with specific dollar amounts in each fund. By approving this resolution, the Board is authorizing me to adjust amounts among funds as necessary to meet our budgetary needs. The total amount of tax dollars we receive is not adjusted: only the allocation to each fund.
The Superintendent recommends the approval of the Tax Extension Reduction Allocation Resolution.
March 14, 2007
Following you will find a copy of administration's recommendation for the 2007-2008 school calendar. In making the calendar, we first consult with Lake Park to align our spring and winter breaks with theirs. Lake Park starts on August 13, 2007, to assist in getting the entire first semester completed by winter break. One significant difference between this calendar and the calendar of the last two years is that this calendar eliminates some "chopped up" weeks by moving parent conferences and one institute day to the same week as Thanksgiving. That eliminates a four-day week before Thanksgiving and another four-day week in January. Students will be off the entire week of Thanksgiving.
This calendar was reviewed and recommended by the District Advisory Committee in February.
The Superintendent recommends that the Board of Education approve the presented calendar for the 2007 – 2008 school year.
March 14, 2007
The Superintendent recommends that the Board of Education approve the 2007 – 2010 Technology Plan.
March 14, 2007
At the special meeting before the regular, February meeting, the Board reached consensus on the Mission and Goals for 2007-2008. Action this evening will formalize their adoption.
The Superintendent recommends that the Board of Education approve the Mission and Goals for 2007-2008.
