Itasca School District #10
Itasca, IL 60143
BOARD OF EDUCATION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
May 9, 2007
I. President Powers called the meeting to order at 7:37 p.m. with the following ROLL CALL:
PRESENT ABSENT
Mr. Patrick Powers
Mrs. Maureen McDonald
Mr. Fred Maier
Mrs. Nancy DiCiolla
Mr. James McCann
Ms. Debbi Pawinski
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 then turned the meeting over to Dr. Cull.
Dr. Cull explained that the Board would be making a transition this evening. Three new Board members will be seated. On behalf of the community and children of school district 10, Dr. Cull presented Mr. Patrick Powers, Mrs. Maureen McDonald, and Mrs. Rose Zelenka with plaques in recognition of their commitment and years of service to the Board of Education.
IV. April 17th, 2007 Election Results – VOICE VOTE
A motion was made by Mr. Maier and seconded by Ms. Pawinski that the Board of Education of Itasca School District #10 recognize the results of the April 17, 2007, election and thereby acknowledges Leslie Dyra, Valerie Hogan, and Kathryn Miller as duly elected members of the Board of Education.
The motion carried on the following VOICE VOTE: All AYES: NAYS none.
V. Adjournment Sine Die – following a brief recess, Vice-President McCann called the meeting back to order.
VI. Administration of the Oath of the Office – Dr. Cull administered the oath of office to the newly elected members.
VII. Board Election of Board Officers –
A. Vice-President McCann asked for nominations for President. Mr. Maier nominated Mr. McCann. Ms. Pawinski nominated Mrs. DiCiolla. Following an opportunity for additional nominations, a motion was made by Mr. Maier and seconded by Mrs. DiCiolla to close the nominations. The Board President election proceeded on the following ROLL CALL VOTE:
BOARD MEMBER VOTED FOR
Mr. Maier Mr. McCann
Ms. Pawinski Mrs. DiCiolla
Mrs. Dyra Mrs. DiCiolla
Mrs. Miller Mrs. DiCiolla
Mrs. Hogan Mrs. DiCiolla
Mr. McCann Mr. McCann
Mrs. DiCiolla Mrs. DiCiolla
B. Vice-President McCann asked for nominations for Vice President. Mr. Maier nominated Mr. McCann who declined the nomination. Ms. Pawinski nominated Mr. Maier. Mrs. DiCiolla nominated Mrs. Hogan. Following an opportunity for additional nominations, a motion was made by Mr. Maier and seconded by Mr. McCann to close the nominations. The Board Vice-President election proceeded on the following ROLL CALL VOTE:
BOARD MEMBER VOTED FOR
Mr. Maier Mr. Maier
Mr. McCann Mr. Maier
Mrs. Hogan Mrs. Hogan
Mrs. Miller Mrs. Hogan
Ms. Pawinski Mr. Maier
Mrs. DiCiolla Mrs. Hogan
Mrs. Dyra Mrs. Hogan
C. Vice-President McCann asked for nominations for Secretary. Ms. Pawinski nominated Mr. Maier to serve as Secretary of the Board of Education. Mr. Maier accepted the nomination. An opportunity was given for further nominations. A motion was made by Mrs. DiCiolla and seconded by Mrs. Miller to close the nominations. The Board Secretary election proceeded on the following ROLL CALL VOTE:
BOARD MEMBER VOTED FOR
Mr. McCann Mr. Maier
Mrs. DiCiolla Mr. Maier
Mr. Maier Mr. Maier
Mrs. Hogan Mr. Maier
Mrs. Dyra Mr. Maier
Mrs. Miller Mr. Maier
Ms. Pawinski Mr. Maier
VIII. Communication – Mr. Maier read communications received during the past month.
IX. Additional Agenda Items – President DiCiolla recommended calling a special meeting to discuss the consideration of the monetary contribution of $100,000 to Itasca Park District for the "Play For All" park adjacent to Elmer H. Franzen Intermediate School. Mrs. DiCiolla stated that the discussion for the contribution did not have a motion to vote. Mr. McCann suggested that the monetary contribution issue be placed on the June Board agenda to be discussed at that time. No action was taken.
X. Superintendent's Report – Superintendent Cull reviewed the Superintendent's Report, a copy of which is attached to these official minutes.
Dr. Cull suggested investing in some training for the Board by employing a facilitator from the Illinois Association of School Boards. The facilitator could speak about the roles and responsibilities of a Board member as well as provide a customized meeting focusing on our Board as opposed to a generalized workshop. The meeting would be similar to the budget workshop; a 3-4 hour evening session would probably be best. Mrs. Hogan and Mrs. Miller were both interested in that option but would also be interested in attending formal training workshops. Mrs. DiCiolla commented on an article in the Daily Herald which stated that new board members may be required to attend a finance meeting. Dr. Cull said that there are funds available in the budget for Board members to attend workshops. Board members should contact Deb Mitsui with their requests and she will take care of registration arrangements. There was no clear consensus on employing a facilitator to come to the district - we will wait.
Mrs. DiCiolla asked that Board policy manuals be provided to new Board members. Dr. Cull responded that the policy manual is a living document and is updated regularly. The policy is available on the district's website.
Mrs. DiCiolla also asked that Dr. Cull provide to new Board members the document he creates explaining tax flow and the consumer price index. Dr. Cull explained that document was produced around the levy time and would prefer to present it in the context of the levy. Dr. Cull said that he will make himself available to new Board members should they have any questions.
Dr. Cull asked the Board's consideration to do an official scientific survey of the community on the topic of District 10 schools. With a new Board it might help with setting goals for improvement. A lengthy discussion ensued on the focus of the survey, types of surveys available, what other districts are doing, and costs involved. There was not a consensus to do so at this time. Mrs. DiCiolla asked that Dr. Cull investigate these questions and bring the information back to the Board.
Dr. Cull asked Dr. Nickisch to introduce Ms. Sini Thomas. Ms. Thomas will be replacing Dr. Susan West, school counselor, at Peacock. Ms. Thomas flew in from Nevada today to meet with Dr. Cull. Dr. Nickisch said that Ms. Thomas brings many years of experience from a challenging school environment and will be a great resource to the district.
XI. Board Requested Reports
A. N.D.S.E.C. – Ms. Pawinski, District #10 representative to
N.D.S.E.C., reported on the April 9th, 2007 meeting. NDSEC Adaptive PE Teacher, Pam Delnagro, has been selected to be one of five U.S. officials in the Special Olympics to be held in Shanghai, China, in October 2007. Ms. Delnagro will be present at the May 21st NDSEC Board meeting to discuss the opportunity. Ms. Pawinski was unable to attend the School Safety Seminar on April 23, 2007. The next regular meeting of the Operational Board is scheduled for Monday, May 21st, 2007.
Mr. Maier inquired about the funding for the Olympics trip. Ms. Pawinski responded that Special Olympics would be funding it.
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.
April was a busy month with a number of significant interventions. Dr. Nickisch provided a graduation update.
There are five 8th grade students who are ineligible to participate in graduation ceremonies. Three of the students are ineligible because of discipline issues, two due to a low grade point average. A final check on all other 8th grade students will be made on Friday, May 25th.
Ten students still need to complete the necessary minimum number of community service hours. That number includes the five students with discipline issues and low grade point averages that were mentioned earlier.
Mr. Maier asked what alternatives the students with low grade point averages would have for being able to enroll in the fall at Lake Park High School. Dr. Nickisch replied that there is a strong consideration for retention when failing in all subjects. The State of Illinois does give some flexibility, looking beyond grades to the student's standardized test results, which are part of the student profile. This summer, Lake Park High School will be offering extension classes for those students.
A total of 282 Peacock parent surveys representing the total number of families within the district were mailed on May 7th, 2007. Completed surveys are due back to Peacock Middle School by Friday, May 25th, 2007.
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.
Dr. Tornatore gave a brief description of the 6-8 social studies adoption to be presented. The series publisher is Holt, Rinehart, and Winston. This is not a textbook loan year for 6-8 grade, so the cost of the adoption will be a little over $30,000. Mr. Dan Peel, 6th grade social studies teacher, Mrs. Mary Kabat, 7th grade social studies teacher, and Mr. Jason Crockett, 8th grade social studies teacher shared the highlights of the Holt, Rinehart, and Winston social studies series. All of the teaching related materials are free with our purchase of textbooks for all three-grade levels. The textbooks will be available online. The online program offers auditory assessment. Teacher created assessment will be able to test the abilities of each individual student, i.e., talented and gifted (TAG), and English as a Second Language (ESL). The series incorporates special Illinois supplemental activities at no cost.
Dr. Tornatore thanked the social studies committee for their long hours of reviewing different vendors. The committee has already begun work in identifying specific units of instruction to be taught from the new series. Discussions for staff development have started.
Mr. Maier asked if there would be difficulty integrating the new series software with our current operating system. Dr. Tornatore responded that the software had been previewed and approved. Mrs. Miller asked the lifecycle of a new textbook series. Dr. Tornatore said each series has an average of a ten-year lifecycle. A question was asked about updates with the series. Dr. Tornatore said that additional lesson plans and current events are available through online links for the series. Mrs. Hogan asked about support related to software. Dr. Tornatore said that the company has assured her that continual staff developmental support would be available as long as we need it. Mrs. DiCiolla asked about passwords for online textbook use at home. Dr. Tornatore explained that for every textbook purchased, free online service is provided. A disk comes with the textbook. The password will also be provided to the library for students who do not have online access from home.
Dr. Tornatore spoke about the recommendation of the proposed grading scale for grades 3-8. With this proposed grade scale change, the district would be aligning itself to Lake Park High School and its sender schools in the assignment of percentages to corresponding letter grades. The proposed grading scale identifies rounding of percentages and the accompanying grade. With this grading scale, it would allow the same admittance standards being applied for freshmen Honor's classes when our students enter high school. A lengthy discussion ensued regarding changing the grading scale. Board members were concerned with lowering our standards. Dr. Tornatore said 8th grade teachers initially presented the proposal for discussion at Peacock's Leadership Council. Surveyed staff, district-wide meetings, and input from District Advisory Committee along with parent and community members have recommended the proposed grading scale. It will provide an equal opportunity for our students. Dr. Tornatore was asked whether or not Lake Park would accept our grading scale and convert it to theirs. Lake Park's answer was no. Dr. Nickisch said that if we move ahead with the proposed grade scale change he would keep historical data with a comparison between the new grading scale and the old grading scale, particularly the number of students who score 67 or below.
D. Technology – Mr. Charles Kapachinski, Director of Technology, reviewed his report, a copy of which is attached to these official minutes. A redeployment of the patch management system is underway. The previously used system is no longer being supported. This new patch management should be completed and fully functional within the next two to three weeks. This software program pushes out necessary patches and security components to our computers and servers. The summer project planning has begun and we will hope to be started as early as June 1st. Redeployment and decommissioning of 108 computers will take place throughout the district. The telephone systems at Benson Primary and Franzen Intermediate Schools are being upgraded. Mr. Kapachinski asked for the Board's approval to move forward on these two projects in order to ensure their completion in advance of the start of the 2007-2008 school year.
The district has just completed its second full year with the "new" student management system.
The "automated enrollment form" has been updated and made available to each of the buildings for use during the enrollment process.
Mr. Maier asked how the decommissioned computers were disposed of. Mr. Kapachinski replied that our computers are purchased through Dell. Dell has a recycling program which we use and receive cash back for some of the machines. They scrub the machines and then send us certificates of authenticity that they have been cleared and hard drives scrubbed.
Mrs. DiCiolla asked if the hired summer help is experienced in the type of work that will be necessary. Mr. Kapachinski replied that last summer, one of the aides from Peacock who was familiar with our systems, worked with the technology team.
Mrs. Hogan inquired if any of the scrapped machines were ever used as a teaching tool. Mr. Kapachinski said that some of the machines are dissected for parts. There is an exhibit in the lab at Peacock Middle School of a dismantled computer.
E. Character Counts! – Mrs. DiCiolla, Board representative to the Character Counts! Coalition gave her report. Character Counts! will be participating in the Memorial Day Parade. Student's will be wearing the pillar costumes and carrying the Character Counts! banner. Pillar costumed characters will also be present at Itasca Fest. Two students are being chosen as 8th grade Graduates of Good Character from the middle schools in the community. They will each receive a $25.00 savings bond and a plaque that will be on display in their building.
F. Budget Information – Dr. Cull spoke about Draft 2 of the 2007-2008 Budget. Members of the previous board and returning members had met previously to review the first draft of the budget. Changes have been highlighted. There are no substantial changes. Dr. Cull would like to give the new Board members ample time to review the budget. It is his intent to bring the Draft 2 (with any updated information added) back at the June meeting to be acted on as the Tentative 2007-2008 Budget. It will be posted for 60 days. Since there is no Board meeting in July, we will not act on the Final Budget until the Board Meeting on August 8, 2007. Assuming that the continuing Board is comfortable with Draft 2, Dr. Cull would like to meet with the new Board members to explain or answer any questions they might have. Mrs. Dyra, Mrs. Hogan, and Mrs. Miller agreed they would prefer to meet all together at one time. Dr. Cull will e-mail them with possible meeting dates. A legal meeting notice will be posted.
G. Appointment to Friends of Spring Brook Nature Center- Mr. Maier- Mr. Maier explained that Appointment of Friends of the Nature Center is a corporation within the State of Illinois that was established on October 12, 2004. The purpose of the Board is to support the Nature Center in developing increasing program participation. The Board is made up of members from various governmental agencies within the community. Each agency appoints a member to serve on the Board. A total of seven Board members each serve a two-year term. Former Board member, Mrs. Rose Zelenka, was the school Board representative. The Board meets on the 4th Wednesday every other month. The next meeting is scheduled for June 27th, 2007. Mrs. Leslie Dyra volunteered to be the school Board representative. Mr. Maier added that Friends of Spring Brook Nature Center might be looking for an additional person from the community to serve on the Board.
H. Freedom of Information – One request was received and has been taken care of.
I. Opportunity for Community Input Regarding Board Requested Reports. – Mr. Mike Latoria, parent and community member, asked to speak. Mr. Latoria asked for an update on numbers of grade levels per building. Dr. Cull responded that there is an adopted class size guideline for each building. Class size average for Benson Primary School is 24 students per classroom. At Franzen Intermediate School the number is 26 students per classroom and at Peacock Middle School that number is 28 students per classroom. The number of 2nd grade students moving onto 3rd grade will not prompt adding an additional class.
Mr. Latoria asked a question regarding the $100,000 contribution for the "Play for All" park adjacent to Franzen Intermediate School. He asked if the district was sure they could afford the contribution. Mr. Latoria asked if the district had considered alternate uses (and gave examples) for the $100,000 contribution to the park district. Dr. Cull explained that the funds committed to the park project were part of a bond sale for specific operations and maintenance projects and cannot be used for items such as salaries.
Additional discussion included the transfer of the former school property to the park district. Dr. Cull said that the land was given to the park district because the school district did not want the liability of the park on our property. Mr. McCann said the cost of replacing the park would have been far more than the $100,000 contribution. This was a way to get out from under the liability and to have access to the park and playground equipment.
Mrs. DiCiolla called on the Board to set a special meeting date for the purpose to discuss and understand the donation to the park district. The special meeting will be held on May 30th at 6:30 p.m.
Mr. McCann said that we had acted on the $100,000 contribution. Mrs. DiCiolla responded that it had not been voted on. The minutes will be reviewed. Dr. Cull said that whether it was voted on or by consensus, he felt that it was clear that he was directed by the Board to commit the $100,000. The park district is relying on those funds. Dr. Cull was directed to contact Mrs. Mary Fran Leno from the Park District to notify her of the special meeting.
Mr. Tom Reynolds, Itasca community member, asked to speak. Mr. Reynolds said that he wanted to lend his support regarding the intergovernmental agreement and felt that Franzen Intermediate School would have the most to benefit from the "Play for All" park. He did not know how much the park's construction costs were when it was first built, but hoped that the contribution would be kept at a significant amount.
Dr. Cull asked the Board and audience to recognize Mrs. Debbie Iosco who is a special education teacher at Franzen Intermediate School. Mrs. Iosco was nominated as Sam's Club "Teacher of the Year." One of Mrs. Ioscos' students nominated her for this award. One of the benefits of her award was a $1,000 check for Franzen Intermediate School.
XII. Action Items –
A. Consent Items – A Motion was made by Mr. Maier and seconded by Ms. Pawinski that The Board of Education approve Action Memorandum FY07-#52; Consent Agenda.
á Minutes of the April 4, 2007 Special Meeting (Superintendent's Evaluation)
á Minutes of the April 11, 2007 Regular Meeting
á Minutes of the April 16, 2007 Special Meeting (Budget Workshop)
á Expenditure Reports for the month of April, 2007
á Acceptance of the resignations of Sherrie Klint (teacher on leave), Mike Meniw (custodian), and Krista Griffin (aide)
Following a further opportunity for questions, discussion, and community input, the motion carried on the following VOICE VOTE: All AYES: NAYS none.
B. A motion was made by Mr. Maier and seconded by Mrs. Hogan to approve Action Memorandum FY07-#49; Fixing Date and Time of Regular Board of Education Meetings.
Following a further opportunity for questions, discussion, and community input, the motion carried on the following VOICE VOTE: All AYES: NAYS none.
C. A motion was made by Mrs. Miller and seconded by Ms. Pawinski to approve Action Memorandum FY-#53; Paid Holidays for 12-Month Staff.
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. Dyra and seconded by Mrs. Miller that The Board of Education approve Action Memorandum FY07-#54; Approval of the Auditor.
Following a further opportunity for questions, discussion, and community input, the motion carried on the following ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES NAYS ABSTAIN
Ms. Pawinski
Mrs. Dyra
Mrs. DiCiolla
Mrs. Hogan
Mrs. Miller
Mr. Maier
Mr. McCann
E. A Motion was made by Mrs. Miller and seconded by Mr. Maier that The Board of Education approve Action Memorandum FY07-#55; Appointment of Treasurer.
Dr. Cull explained that smaller districts are required to appoint a treasurer. The district hired Mr. Arnold Uhlig last year. The district has been pleased with his service.
Following a further opportunity for questions, discussion, and community input, the motion carried on the following ROLL CALL VOTE.
AYES NAYS ABSTAIN
Mr. McCann
Mrs. Dyra
Mrs. DiCiolla
Ms. Pawinski
Mrs. Miller
Mr. Maier
Mrs. Hogan
F. A Motion was made by Mr. Maier and seconded by Mrs. Miller that The Board of Education approve Action Memorandum FY07-#56; Approval of $300,000 Inter-fund loan.
Following a further opportunity for questions, discussion, and community input, the motion to table Action Memorandum FY-#49, carried on the following ROLL CALL VOTE.
AYES NAYS ABSTAIN
Mr. Maier
Mr. McCann
Mrs. Hogan
Mrs. Miller
Ms. Pawinski
Mrs. DiCiolla
Mrs. Dyra
G. A Motion was made by Ms. Pawinski and seconded by Mrs. Dyra that The Board of Education approve Action Memorandum FY07-#57; Awarding of Contract for Facility Improvement.
Mr. Maier asked why additional funds had been added. Dr. Cull replied that our architect recommended that the additional work items be included.
Following a further opportunity for questions, discussion, and community input, the motion carried on the following ROLL CALL VOTE.
AYES NAYS ABSTAIN
Mrs. Miller
Ms. Pawinski
Mr. McCann
Mrs. Dyra
Mrs. Hogan
Mr. Maier
Mrs. DiCiolla
H. A Motion was made by Mrs. Dyra and seconded by Mr. Maier that The Board of Education approve Action Memorandum FY07-#58; Awarding of Contract for Gymnasium Roof-top Unit Replacement.
Mrs. Miller asked who oversees the projects. Mrs. Medwick replied that she and the district architect, Wight & Company oversee the projects. Wight & Company ensures that the construction firms are bonded, and capable of completing the projects.
Mrs. DiCiolla commented on the lifecycle warranty having ended for the gymnasium rooftop unit and asked if there had been a plan for replacement. Dr. Cull responded that five years ago, Johnson Controls handled the HVAC project. At that time, different project scenarios were proposed to the Board, so it has been on the radar for the past five years. It is with the Board's recommendation, which projects are to be addressed.
Following a further opportunity for questions, discussion, and community input, the motion carried on the following ROLL CALL VOTE.
AYES NAYS ABSTAIN
Mrs. Miller
Mrs. DiCiolla
Mrs. Dyra
Ms. Pawinski
Mrs. Hogan
Mr. McCann
Mr. Maier
I. A Motion was made by Mrs. Miller and seconded by Ms. Pawinski that The Board of Education approve Action Memorandum FY07-#59; Awarding of Contract for Roof Work.
Following a further opportunity for questions, discussion, and community input, the motion carried on the following ROLL CALL VOTE.
AYES NAYS ABSTAIN
Mrs. DiCiolla
Mrs. Hogan
Mr. McCann
Mr. Maier
Mrs. Dyra
Ms. Pawinski
Mrs. Miller
J. A Motion was made by Mrs. Dyra and seconded by Ms. Pawinski that The Board of Education approve Action Memorandum FY07-#60; Placement of Student Teachers.
Following a further opportunity for questions, discussion, and community input, the motion carried on the following VOICE VOTE. All AYES: NAYS none.
K. A Motion was made by Mr. Maier and seconded by Mrs. Dyra that The Board of Education approve Action Memorandum FY07-#61; Proposed Grade 3-8 Grading Scale.
Mrs. Laura Fischer, a District 10 parent, asked to speak. Mrs. Fischer said that she has children in the district who are doing very well academically and would not want district 10 students excluded from the opportunity for Honor's classes at Lake Park High School.
Mr. Latoria suggested speaking with a representative from Lake Park High School. Dr. Tornatore replied that she had been in numerous discussions with Lake Park staff.
In response to Mrs. Hogan's question, Dr. Tornatore confirmed that Lake Park would not convert our grades for the children affected in our honors classes.
Following a further opportunity for questions, discussion, and community input, the motion carried on the following VOICE VOTE.
AYES NAYS ABSTAIN
Ms. Pawinski
Mrs. Dyra
Mrs.Hogan
Mrs. Miller
Mr. Maier
Mr. McCann
Mrs. DiCiolla
L. A Motion was made by Ms. Pawinski and seconded by Mrs. Miller that The Board of Education approve Action Memorandum FY07-#62; Adoption of Grades 6-8 Social Studies Series.
Mr. Maier thanked Dr. Tornatore and the social studies committee for providing an informative presentation.
Following a further opportunity for questions, discussion, and community input, the motion carried on the following ROLL CALL VOTE.
AYES NAYS ABSTAIN
Ms. Pawinski
Mrs. Dyra
Mrs. DiCiolla
Mrs. Hogan
Mrs. Miller
Mr. Maier
Mr. McCann
M. A Motion was made by Mr. Maier and seconded by Ms. Pawinski that The Board of Education approve Action Memorandum FY07-#63; Second Reading of Policies.
Following a further opportunity for questions, discussion, and community input, the motion carried on the following VOICE VOTE: All AYES: NAYS none.
XIII. Board Requested Reports – There were none requested.
Dr. Cull cautioned the Board that Board requested reports for Board meetings sometime take a few minutes to answer but that some requests may take many days of work to complete. Those requested reports that require significant time should be voted on by the full Board with an understanding of what other tasks may be postponed as a result of the request.
XIV. Adjournment – There being no further business, President DiCiolla adjourned the meeting at 10:17 p.m.
BOE Action Memorandum FY07 - #49
Fixing Date and Time of Regular Board of Education Meetings
April 11, 2007 (Tabled)
May 9, 2007
