Itasca School District #10

Itasca, IL 60143

 

BOARD OF EDUCATION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

 

February 13, 2008

 

I.       Call to order and roll call – The meeting was called to order at 7:30 p.m. by President DiCiolla with the following ROLL CALL:

 

PRESENT                                        ABSENT

         Mrs. DiCiolla

         Mrs. Dyra

         Mrs. Hogan

         Ms. Pawinski

         Mr. Sprandel

         Mr. Maier

         Mrs. Miller

 

         Also in Attendance:

Dr. Kenneth Cull, Superintendent of Schools

Dr. Marcia Tornatore, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum & Instruction

Dr. Joanna Medwick, Principal, Elmer H. Franzen Intermediate School

Dr. Reinhard Nickisch, Principal, F.E. Peacock Middle School

         Ms. Deb Mitsui, Recording Secretary

 

 

II.      Pledge of Allegiance – Mrs. DiCiolla led all present in the Pledge of Allegiance.

 

III.     Welcome to Visitors – Mrs. DiCiolla welcomed everyone present.

        

IV.          Communications – Mr. Maier read communications received during the past month.

 

V.      Additional Agenda Items – There were none requested.

 

VI.          Superintendent’s Report – Dr. Cull reviewed the Superintendent’s report, a copy of which is attached to these official minutes.

 

Dr. Cull drew the Board’s attention to the monthly enrollment report and what our staffing needs may be for the 2008-2009 school year. At the first grade level, it looks like we may be able to go back to four classrooms. We will continue to monitor the current grade two enrollment count. The target enrollment for Franzen is 26 students per classroom.

 

Ms. Pawinski asked Dr. Cull to provide an update on Response to Intervention (RTI) at next month’s Board meeting.

 

 

VII.                 Board Requested Reports

 

A.  NDSEC – Ms. Pawinski, District #10 representative to N.D.S.E.C. reviewed the Operational Board Briefs.

 

    

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.

             

              Mrs. Hogan asked what happens to 8^th grade students who remain ineligible after attending the summer school bridge class offered at Lake Park High School. Dr. Nickisch responded that the student may petition Peacock to allow them to be promoted. We would investigate whether or not the student should be promoted. The state allows us to hold back or to promote students.

             

 

C. Curriculum – Dr. Tornatore, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum & Instruction, reviewed her report. A copy of her report is attached to these official minutes.           

 

 

D. Technology Update – Mr. Kapachinski, Director of Technology, reviewed his report, a copy of which is attached to these minutes.

 

Mrs. Hogan asked Mr. Kapachinski for an estimated cost for the uninterruptible power supply units. They are approximately $2000 per unit. Mr. Kapachinski was asked to provide estimated printer replacement costs and an outline of the additional tasks at next month’s meeting. Discussion continued with Mrs. DiCiolla asking if Mr. Kapachinski had a recommendation for staffing needs. Mr. Kapachinski responded that he would like the Boards consideration for hiring at least one additional technology department staff member. Dr. Cull added that Mr. Kapachinski’s request, along with the other requests for staffing needs would be reviewed in the budget process, all together at one time.

 

Mr. Kapachinski was asked if there is a policy for the review process for new software. There is a policy that new software must be previewed on a preview computer. Beyond that, there is no sign off form which states that the software works perfectly. Once the software has been previewed and if the staff requests it to be ordered, we try to deploy it.

 

 

E. Discussion on 2008 Summer Projects - Dr. Cull gave a brief overview of a design development report provided by Wight & Company for the 2008 ceiling replacement projects for Benson and Franzen. He indicated that a firm budget figure was not yet available. The scope of the work includes replacement of ceilings, insulation, lighting, and intercoms at Benson and Franzen.

 

 

F. Discussion on Building Inspections - Dr. Cull also reviewed two proposals submitted by Wight & Company. Their proposal for a Physical Condition Assessment would provide a complete and detailed visual investigation of the district’s three schools as well as the administrative center that would identify the building’s physical shortcomings, conditions, and needs. Data obtained from their investigation would be compiled into a document. The document would be grouped into three categories, each with varying levels of priority for safety, repair and replacement. The fixed fee proposal for the Physical Condition Assessment is $30,000.00. Any additional services (if required and approved) would be billed on a time and materials basis using Wight’s standard hourly rates.

 

     The second proposal, 10 Year Health/Life Safety Survey, (which will be required by the Illinois State Board of Education in 2010) would identify new additions, major improvements, and non-compliance items in accordance with the applicable Illinois Administrative Code. The survey would include reviewing the mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems as part of the engineering services. The fixed fee proposal for the 10 Year Health/Life Safety Survey is $21,000.00. To update the 10 Year Life/Safety Survey in 2010, there would be an additional fee, not to exceed $9,500 in order to file the data in the ISBE H/LS processing system.

    

Wight & Company representatives, Ms. Stella Koop and Mr. Ken Osmun, were available to answer Board members questions.

 

     Discussion continued with the Board agreeing to a consensus to include the Proposal for the Physical Condition Assessment on the March Board of Education Agenda as an action item.

 

    

G. Freedom of Information – Dr. Cull – There were none received.

 

 

H. Opportunity for community Input Regarding Board Requested Reports. – There were none requested.

 

                 

                

VIII.   Action Items -

 

A.       Consent Agenda - A motion was made by Mr. Maier and seconded by Ms. Pawinski that the Board of Education approve Action Memorandum FY08-#29; The Consent Agenda.

 

·      Approval of Minutes:

January 9, 2008 Regular Meeting Minutes

January 11, 2008 Closed Session Minutes (Discussion of Personnel)

January 12, 2008 Closed Session (Discussion of Personnel)

January 21, 2008 Closed Session (Discussion of Personnel)

January 23, 2008 Closed Session Minutes (Discussion of Personnel)

January 28, 2008 Closed Session Minutes (Discussion of Personnel)

·      Approval of Expenditure Reports, Jan., 2008

·      Approval of hiring of:

Erin O’Neill, Aide at Benson

Nancy Pericone, Custodian at Peacock

·      Approval of retirement of:

Ilse Bolle (Art at Benson and Franzen) effective

June 2009

Donna Dengler (Art at Peacock) effective June 2009

 

 

 

Mrs. Miller asked for the status of the alarm system at F.E. Peacock Middle. Dr. Nickisch said that ADT had been out to do repairs. It has been working recently however, we are asking for an assessment from another company.

 

Art teachers, Mrs. Bolle and Mrs. Dengler, have submitted their letters of intent to retire June of 2009. Mrs. Hogan spoke on behalf of the Board when she thanked them for their many years of service to the district.

 

Following some discussion, corrections and/or deletions/additions were made on the original minutes and the motion carried on the following ROLL CALL VOTE:

 

AYES                          NAYS                   ABSTAIN

Mrs. Hogan

Mr. Maier

Mrs. Dyra

Ms. Pawinski

Mrs. Miller

Mr. Sprandel

Mrs. DiCiolla

 

 

B.      A motion was made by Mrs. Dyra and seconded by Mr. Maier that the Board of Education approve Action Memorandum FY08-#30; Hiring of the Superintendent.

 

Mrs. DiCiolla thanked the Board for their work with the Superintendent search process.

 

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. DiCiolla

Mr. Maier

Mrs. Hogan

Mrs. Dyra

Mrs. Miller

Ms. Pawinski

 

Mrs. DiCiolla called a brief recess to allow the Board, administration, and audience the opportunity to congratulate Dr. Marcia Tornatore on her appointment as Superintendent of Schools.

 

The meeting was reconvened at 9:05 p.m.

 

C.      A motion was made by Mr. Maier and seconded by Mrs. Pawinski that the Board of Education approve Action Memorandum FY08-#31; Utilization of Wight & Co. Integrated Services to Deliver Summer 2008 Projects at Benson and Franzen Schools.

 

Dr Cull said that utilizing their “Integrated Services” would allow Wight & Company to serve as our agent throughout the entire process from bidding to job site inspections to completion. Their fee of 4.5% of project cost is less than the typical general contractor’s mark up.

 

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. Miller

Ms. Pawinski

Mrs. DiCiolla

Mr. Sprandel

Mrs. Dyra

Mrs. Hogan

 

 

D.   A motion was made by Mr. Maier and seconded by Mrs. DiCiolla that the Board of Education approve Action Memorandum FY08-#32; K-5 Social Studies Instructional Materials Adoption.

 

Dr. Tornatore introduced the Social Studies Committee members. The committee presented a brief presentation of the McMillian, McGraw-Hill K-5 Social Studies adoption.

 

A total of $21,593.50 in Illinois Textbook Loan funds will be used to purchase the materials. The remaining cost of the series is approximately $31,000.00.

 

 

E.    A motion was made by Mrs. Hogan and seconded by Mrs. DiCiolla that the Board of Education approve Action Memorandum FY08-#33; Amendment to Park District Maintenance Agreement.

 

Following a further opportunity for questions, discussion, and community input, the motion carried on the following ROLL CALL VOTE:

 

AYES                          NAYS                   ABSTAIN        

Mr. Maier

Ms. Pawinski

Mrs. DiCiolla

Mrs. Miller

Mr. Sprandel

Mrs. Dyra

Mrs. Hogan

 

 

F.    A motion was made by Mrs. Dyra and seconded by Mrs. Miller that the Board of Education approve Action Memorandum FY08-#34; Approval of the Title I Plan.

 

Submitting a Title I Plan is a new requirement of the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) in order to receive Title 1 grant funds.

 

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. Sprandel

Mrs. Dyra

Mrs. Hogan

Mr. Maier

Mrs. DiCiolla

 

IX.     Board Requested Reports – There were none requested.

 

 

X.      Adjournment – There being no further business, President DiCiolla adjourned the meeting at 9:45 p.m.

 

 

____________________________                    _____________________________

Fred Maier, Secretary                                  Nancy DiCiolla, President

Board of Education                                     Board of Education

 

 

BOE Action Memorandum FY08 - #29

 

Consent Agenda

February 13, 2008

 

 

 

Included in the consent agenda:

 

 

• Approval of Minutes:

 

January 9, 2008 Regular Meeting Minutes

January 11, 2008 Closed Session Minutes (Discussion of Personnel)

January 12, 2008 Closed Session Minutes (Discussion of Personnel)

January 21, 2008 Closed Session Minutes (Discussion of Personnel)

January 23, 2008 Closed Session Minutes (Discussion of Personnel)

January 28, 2008 Closed Session Minutes (Discussion of Personnel)

• Approval of Expenditure Reports, January, 2008.

 

• Approval of the hiring of:

Erin O’Neill, Aide at Benson

Nancy Pericone, Custodian at Peacock

 

·      Approval of the retirement of:

Ilse Bolle (Art at Benson and Franzen) effective June, 2009

Donna Dengler (Art at Peacock) effective June, 2009

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Superintendent recommends that the Board approve all items on the consent agenda.

BOE Action Memorandum FY08 - #30

 

Hiring of the Superintendent

February 13, 2008

 

 

 

 

 

After nearly five months of work and deliberation, the Board of Education of Itasca School District 10 is proud hire Dr. Marcia Tornatore as Superintendent of Schools effective July 1, 2008.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Upon passage of this Board of Education Action Memorandum FY08-#30, The Board of Education hires Dr. Marcia Tornatore as Superintendent of Schools effective July 1, 2008, under a four-year contract at a base salary of $132,700.

BOE Action Memorandum FY08 - #31

 

Utilization of Wight & Co. Integrated Services to Deliver Summer 2008 Projects at Benson and Franzen

February 13, 2008

 

 

The process of delivering a large project over the summer takes a great deal of planning and expertise. The process of planning for summer 2008 projects has been going on for over two months. Typically, summer projects would be put out to bid by the school district. Then, the low, qualified bidder wins the project. The bidders are general contractors who subcontract specific expertise to other companies. General contractors, rightfully so, build in a profit into their bid. That profit is typically 7%. Once project planning and delivery begin, Dr. Medwick takes the lead role to protect District 10’s investment and interests. She is very skilled at this task. However, neither Dr. Medwick nor Dr. Cull have the technical expertise in construction and electrical contracting to really know if work is being done properly.

 

Wight and Company, District 10’s architect, offers a relatively new service called “Integrated Services.” What Integrated Services does is put Wight, with their management and technical expertise, as the eyes and ears of District 10 on the work site. They serve as our agent throughout the entire process from bid to job site inspections to completion. Their fee of 4.5% of project cost is less than the typical general contractor’s mark up. There are also other benefits of this delivery model.

 

·      Wight will offer the project to the district at a fixed cost. If bids or actual expenses come in at less that the fixed price, Wight rebates the full difference to District 10. District 10 has access to all documents and costs to verify.

 

·      Because of the fixed cost offering, there will be no change orders in addition to the fixed cost. Invariably in these projects, crews run into something unforeseen but still in the scope of the project. Those costs are “add-ons” with a general contractor. With Wight Integrated Services, the costs are managed by Wight in the fixed cost.

 

·      Perhaps most importantly for District 10, Wight will provide on-site technical supervision of the project that we cannot provide. Dr. Medwick will still oversee the projects in that Wight’s representatives will need to clear major issues with her. No money will be paid out without Dr. Medwick’s final approval. Also, because of the transition in Superintendents during this project, I think Wight can provide additional continuity.

 

A comparison of Integrated Services delivery versus general contractor delivery follows

 

The Superintendent recommends that District 10 utilize Wight and Company’s Integrated Services delivery system for projects at Benson and Franzen in the summer of 2008.

BOE Action Memorandum FY08 - #32

 

K-5 Social Studies Instructional Materials Adoption

February 13, 2008

 

 

Dr. Tornatore has overseen the process of reviewing social studies material for grades K-5. Grades 6-8 were adopted last year. The process was collaborative in nature with teachers guiding the decision-making process. The Illinois Textbook Loan Program will subsidize a portion of the cost for the adoption.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Superintendent recommends the purchase of K-5 Social Studies materials from McMillian, McGraw-Hill for a cost not exceed $32,000.

BOE Action Memorandum FY08 - #33

 

Amendment to Park District Maintenance Agreement

February 13, 2008

 

 

The Board of Education of District 10 approved a maintenance agreement with the Itasca Park District in December of 2006. Since that time, Mrs. DiCiolla has been working with representatives from St. Matthew’s to protect the school district’s interest in using the church’s parking facility for Franzen staff parking. At a meeting held on December 17, 2007, with representatives from St. Matthew’s, District 10 and the Itasca Park District an agreement to amend our maintenance agreement was arrived at. That amendment extends the agreement to December 31, 2010. It also brings St. Matthew’s parking and lawn maintenance into our agreement with the park district at no additional cost for the life of the agreement (2010).

 

The amendment follows this memorandum. Although not part of tonight’s action item, the original maintenance agreement with the park district is also enclosed.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Board President recommends that the Board of Education approve the First Amendment to the Park District/ School District Intergovernmental Maintenance Agreement.

BOE Action Memorandum FY08 - #34

 

Approval of the Title One Plan

February 13, 2008

 

 

Submitting this plan is a new requirement in order to receive Title One grant funds. The funds are used in District 10 to support reading teachers and aides. The full plan document follows this memorandum.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Superintendent recommends that the Board approve the Title One plan.