Itasca School District #10
Itasca, IL 60143
BOARD OF EDUCATION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
November 14, 2007
I. Call to order and roll call – The meeting was called to order at 6:30 p.m. by President DiCiolla with the following ROLL CALL:
PRESENT ABSENT
Mrs. DiCiolla Ms. Pawinski
Mrs. Dyra
Mrs. Hogan
Mr. Sprandel
Mr. Maier
Mrs. Miller
II. Closed Session – A motion was made by Mrs. Dyra and seconded by Mrs. Hogan that the Board of Education enter into a closed session for the purpose of discussing negotiations and personnel. The motion carried on the following ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES NAYS
Mr. Maier
Mrs. Dyra
Mrs. Miller
Mrs. Hogan
Mr. Sprandel
Mrs. DiCiolla
The Board entered a closed session at 6:31p.m.
A motion was made by Mr. Maier and seconded by Mrs. Dyra that the Board of Education return to open session. The motion carried on the following ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES NAYS
Mrs. Miller
Mrs. DiCiolla
Mr. Sprandel
Mrs. Dyra
Mrs. Hogan
Mr. Maier
The Board returned to open session at 7:35 p.m.
President DiCiolla stated that while in closed session, the Board had discussed negotiations and personnel and that no action was taken.
Also in Attendance:
Dr. Kenneth Cull, Superintendent of Schools
Dr. Marcia Tornatore, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum & Instruction
Dr. Dawn Turner, Principal, Raymond Benson Primary School
Dr. Joanna Medwick, Principal, Elmer Franzen Intermediate School
Dr. Reinhard Nickisch, Principal, F.E. Peacock Middle School
Mr. Mike Celer, Auditor
Mr. Arnold Uhlig, Treasurer
Ms. Deb Mitsui, Recording Secretary
III. Pledge of Allegiance – Mrs. DiCiolla led all present in the Pledge of Allegiance.
IV. Welcome to Visitors – Mrs. DiCiolla welcomed everyone present.
V. Communications – Mr. Maier read communications received during the past month.
VI. Additional Agenda Items – There were none requested.
VII. Superintendent’s Report – Dr. Cull reviewed the Superintendent’s report, a copy of which is attached to these official minutes.
Dr. Cull noted two items not included in his report. Peacock Middle School has been honored by being placed on the “Illinois Honor Roll” of schools. Peacock earned the award as a result of increasing the number of students meeting and exceeding standards for the past three years.
An executive summary report from Pekron Consulting was distributed to Board members. Pekron is an environmental health and safety firm that conducts the indoor air quality survey for the schools. A full report for each of the schools is available for viewing at the district office.
Board members inquired about the notation on the Capital Project Tracking report regarding ceilings at Benson and Franzen needing immediate attention. Dr. Cull responded that the ceiling issue was noted on Johnson Control’s first performance contact (2001). At that time, the Board chose to complete only heating, ventilation, air conditioning and lighting projects. The sagging/drooping ceilings (partly due to age and/or poor workmanship) at Benson and Franzen appear to be getting worse and the problem needs to be addressed.
Mrs. DiCiolla requested a change in the agenda order and asked Mr. Mike Celer, Auditor, to present his report. Mrs. DiCiolla prefaced Mr. Celer’s report with a brief discussion regarding the audit report. The Franzen property that had been given to Itasca Park District had not been removed from the district’s land assets figure. The Board requested that the audit be revised to reflect that decrease. Approval of the 2007 Audit will be tabled for this evening’s agenda and will be on next month’s agenda for Board approval in December. Dr. Cull will provide the specifications of the property to Mr. Celer in order to make the adjustment to the land assets amount. Mr. Celer need not be present at the December meeting.
Auditor’s Report – Mr. Mike Celer presented the audit report prepared by his firm. A graphic analysis was handed out to go along with the audit. During discussion, Mr. Celer answered questions from Board members.
When asked how District 10 compared to other school districts, Mr. Celer directed the Board to page 16 of the audit which showed that our fund balance for FY07 was designated for use in FY08. Therefore, the district is basically breaking even with its finances.
VIII. Board Requested Reports
A. NDSEC – Dr. Cull highlighted topics discussed at the October 15th meeting.
Board members asked about future facility options for NDSEC. Dr. Cull explained that there is a new law stating that any student with an IEP graduating from high school must have a staffing for their exit program.
Mrs. Dyra asked about State Performance Indicator Improvement Plans. Dr. Cull explained that all districts were sited because all of the students in early childhood have to be offered the opportunity to enroll for the following year. Some parents chose not to return. The goal was 100%, but because not all students returned, the goal was unachievable.
B. Middle School Report – Dr. Nickisch, principal of F.E. Peacock Middle School, reviewed his report. A copy of his report is attached to these official minutes.
Dr. Nickisch noted that Peacock had a 10% increase of students on the honor roll due to the new grading scale. On the other end of the spectrum, the population of students on academic probation is relatively stable, lower than some years but consistent with other years.
C. Curriculum – Dr. Tornatore, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum & Instruction, reviewed her report. A copy of her report is attached to these official minutes.
Dr. Tornatore gave a brief overview of the 6 & 1 Writing Traits Program. The Board asked how Itasca’s writing test scores compare with neighboring district scores. Those scores have not been made public. Dr. Cull will provide the scores.
Mr. Sprandel stated that on the writing test, our scores were much better than the statewide scores but yet lower than other subject area tests. Dr. Tornatore stated that we would continue to analyze our writing program as compared to our writing scores that we are receiving.
The Testing Committee members are currently reviewing two assessment packages, Learnia and MAPS.
D. Technology Update – Mr. Kapachinski, Director of Technology, reviewed his report, a copy of which is attached to these minutes.
Mrs. Dyra asked if staff members were going to be educated on confidential data and disposal of the media. We have not had any training at this time. Information is being collected for that purpose from other districts and Dr. Cull has been in contact with the ISBE for their recommendation on procedures.
E. Auditor’s Report – Mr. Celer presented his report earlier in this meeting.
F. Building Goals 2006-2007 & 2007-2008 – Dr. Cull briefly reviewed the process for creating the building’s goals and opened the floor for Board questions.
Board members asked clarifying questions which principals responded to. Consensus was that the goals look good but we should strive for more measurable results.
G. Superintendent Search – Mrs. Dyra reported that the superintendent search firm had completed their forums and leadership profiles have been compiled. To date, 24 applications have been received. The search firm has begun its initial screening process and will narrow down the number of candidates in order for the Board to conduct its face-to-face interviews.
H. Benson Park – Dr. Cull and Mrs. DiCiolla received a letter from the Itasca Park District requesting the school district to partner with them for improvements at Benson Park located on Mill Road. The park district is considering applying for an OSLAD Grant in order to make improvements to the Benson Park property. The school district owns a percentage of that property (3.3 acres). In order to apply for the grant, the park district must control (through deed or long term lease) all of the land involved in the “footprint” of the improvements. Discussion ensued. The Board agreed that they do not want to relinquish control of the 3.3 acres but would like to be able to let the park district use the 3.3 acres. Dr. Cull will draft a letter asking that the park district keep the Board informed of plans for the land and that they seek the Board’s approval for any semi-permanent structure that might be planned for the land.
I. Freedom of Information – One request was received and Dr. Cull responded to that request.
J. Opportunity for Community Input Regarding Board Requested Reports
IX. Action Items -
A. Consent Items – A motion was made by Mrs. Hogan and seconded by Mrs. Dyra that the Board of Education approve Action Memorandum FY08-#14; the Consent Agenda.
Mrs. DiCiolla mentioned Dr. Medwick’s letter to the Board giving official notification of her intention to retire June 30th, 2009. The Board thanked Dr. Medwick for her many years of service and wished her the best.
· Approval of Minutes:
October 10, 2007 Regular Meeting
October 10, 2007 Special Closed Session (Negotiations)
· Approval of Expenditure Reports, October, 2007
· Approval of the retirement of Dr. Joanna Medwick effective June 2009
· Approval of hiring Dory Drummond (aide at Benson), Melissa Campeglia & Laurie Pisellini (aides at Franzen)
· Approval of the placement of Sarah Baylor, student teacher at Benson
Following a further opportunity for questions, discussion, and community input, the motion carried on the following ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES NAYS ABSTAIN
Mr. Sprandel
Mrs. Dyra
Mrs. Miller
Mr. Maier
Mrs. Hogan
Mrs. DiCiolla
B. A motion was made by Mr. Maier and seconded by Mrs. Dyra that the Board of Education approve Action Memorandum FY08-#15; FY 2007 Audit.
Mrs. DiCiolla made a motion to table approval of the 2007 Audit until the December Board meeting for correction to the land assets. Mrs. Miller seconded the motion.
Following a further opportunity for questions, discussion, and community input, the motion carried on the following ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES NAYS ABSTAIN
Mr. Sprandel
Mrs. Miller
Mrs. DiCiolla
Mrs. Dyra
Mrs. Hogan
Mr. Maier
C. A motion was made by Mrs. DiCiolla and seconded by Mrs. Miller that the Board of Education approve Action Memorandum FY08-#16; Estimated 2007 Levy.
Following a further opportunity for questions, discussion, and community input, the motion carried on the following ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES NAYS ABSTAIN Mr. Sprandel
Mrs. Dyra
Mrs. DiCiolla
Mrs. Miller
Mr. Maier
Mrs. Hogan
X. Board Requested Reports – Mrs. Hogan requested a discussion on backpack weight. Parents in the district have approached her and are voicing their concerns. Dr. Cull will meet with administrators to determine the extent of the issue. Backpack weight will be a discussion topic on the December agenda.
XI. Closed Session
A motion was made by Mrs. DiCiolla and seconded by Mrs. Miller that the Board of Education enter into a closed session for the purpose of discussing negotiations. The motion carried on the following ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES NAYS
Mr. Hogan
Mr. Maier
Mrs. Dyra
Mrs. Miller
Mr. Sprandel
Mrs. DiCiolla
The Board entered a closed session at 9:55 p.m.
A motion was made by Mr. Maier and seconded by Mrs. Hogan that the Board of Education return to open session. The motion carried on the following ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES NAYS
XII. Adjournment – There being no further business, President DiCiolla adjourned the meeting at 10:58 p.m.
_______________________________ _____________________________
Fred Maier, Secretary Nancy DiCiolla, President
Board of Education Board of Education
BOE Action Memorandum FY08 - #14
Consent Agenda
November 14, 2007
Included in the consent agenda:
October 10, 2007 Regular Meeting
October 10, 2007 Special Closed Session (Negotiations)
- Approval of Expenditure Reports, October, 2007.
- Approval of the retirement of Dr. Joanna Medwick effective June 2009.
- Approval of hiring Dory Drummond (Aide at Benson), Melissa Campeglia and Laurie Pisellini (Aides at Franzen).
- Approval of the placement of Sarah Baylor, student teacher at Benson.
The Superintendent recommends that the Board approve all items on the consent agenda.
BOE Action Memorandum FY08 - #15
Approval of 2007 Audit
November 14, 2007
The Board of Education is required to approve the prior year’s annual audit. The audit document was sent to the Board under separate cover. A representative of our audit firm, Mathieson, Moyski, Celer and Co., LLP, will provide a brief presentation and will be available for questions.
The Superintendent recommends that the Board approve the FY2007 audit as presented.
BOE Action Memorandum FY08 - #16
Estimated 2007 Levy
November 14, 2007
The Board of Education is required to adopt an estimated levy at least 20 days before the actual levy. This estimated levy, once passed, is published in accordance with school code. Prior to the regular Board of Education meeting on December 12, 2007, at 7:15PM, we will hold a public hearing regarding the levy. The purpose of that hearing is to give the community an opportunity comment or ask questions. During the “action items” portion of the December agenda, the Board will vote on the levy. That levy will be the same as this, estimated levy.
Estimated 2007 Levy
|
|
2006 Ext
|
Req Inc
|
2007 Levy
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ed
|
6,875,736.50
|
10.0%
|
7,563,310
|
|
OM
|
1,034,516.53
|
10.0%
|
1,137,968
|
|
Trans
|
326,777.63
|
10.0%
|
359,455
|
|
IMRF
|
127,359.49
|
10.0%
|
140,095
|
|
SS
|
111,160.25
|
10.0%
|
122,276
|
|
Spec Ed
|
86,023.51
|
10.0%
|
94,625
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
8,561,573.91
|
|
9,417,729
|
|
|
|
|
10.0%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Bond
|
707,180.31
|
|
707,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
|
9,268754.22
|
|
10,124,729
|
|
|
|
|
9.24%
|
The levy is in the aggregate (total number) not by funds. So we will levy $9,417,729 not counting debt (bonds) and $10,124,729 including the bonds.
The Superintendent recommends that the Board approve the estimated 2007 levy as presented.
