Itasca School District #10
Itasca, IL 60143
BOARD OF EDUCATION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
January 9, 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 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. There were a number of thank you notes from certified staff for the flash drives and from support staff for the nuts and chocolates.
V. Additional Agenda Items – Mrs. DiCiolla requested that building inspections be added as a discussion item. This topic will be discussed following Dr. Tornatore’s Curriculum report.
VI. Superintendent’s Report – Dr. Cull reviewed the Superintendent’s report, a copy of which is attached to these official minutes.
The 14th Annual School Law Conference will be on Saturday, January 26th, 2008 at Hamburger University at McDonald’s Office Campus in Oakbrook, Illinois. Conference information was included with the Board packet. Please let Deb Mitsui know this evening if you would like to attend the conference. Mrs. DiCiolla asked that Dr. Cull bring back a couple of additional copies of the law conference binder that will be distributed to conference attendees.
The annual ED-RED Legislative Dinner is scheduled for Monday, January 28th, 2008, at the Chicago Marriott O’Hare Hotel. Dr. Paul Green will deliver the keynote address. Please contact Deb Mitsui by Friday, January 11th if you would like to attend.
Dr. Cull asked if the Board would like to continue its membership with the National School Boards Association (NSBA). The yearly membership cost is $1,400. Membership provides discounts for Board members and administrators attendance at annual national conferences. Our Board has not attended a national conference for a number of years. Membership also provides (for the School Board President) a monthly magazine, American School Board Journal and a monthly newspaper, School Board News. In order to make a decision regarding the membership, Board members asked Dr. Cull to inquire about upcoming conference locations, if there is a subscription option, and if we receive a discount for continued membership renewal.
Dr. Cull asked for the Board’s consensus to hold a special meeting for the purpose of reviewing Mission and Goals for the 2008-2009 school year. The Board agreed to set the meeting for 6:00 p.m. before the regularly scheduled February 13th, 2008 Board of Education Meeting. Mrs. Miller asked Dr. Cull to email the 2007-2008 Mission and Goals to Board members prior to February 13th date.
VII. Board Requested Reports
A. NDSEC – Ms. Pawinski, District #10 representative to N.D.S.E.C. reviewed the Operational Board Briefs.
On December 19th at a special meeting called by the Operational Board, a motion was passed to approve the relocation of the Transitional Program to the NDSEC Administrative Office (132 E. Pine Street in Roselle) and NDSEC administrative office staff to leased office property (255 East Lake Street, Bloomingdale). Additional costs related to the relocation of the Transitional Program will be borne by the high school. The feeder districts will each be paying 1/9 of the cost related to relocating the administrative staff.
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.
C. Curriculum – Dr. Tornatore, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum & Instruction, reviewed her report. A copy of her report is attached to these official minutes.
Additional Agenda Item: Building Inspections – At the December 12th, 2008 Board of Education meeting, Dr. Cull had been instructed by the Board to contact the district’s architect, Wight & Company, for the possibility of procuring Wight to do a pre-10-Year Life Safety Inspection. A copy of the proposal was provided to each Board member. Their cost for the inspection is $26,000. The inspection will identify new additions, major improvements, and non-compliance items in accordance with the applicable Illinois Administrative Code. Mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems will be inspected. Board members asked if the inspection would cover structural issues. Wight specifically said that the inspection is not a forensic structural study. Discussion ensued. Administration stated they are confident that if Wight identifies structural problems while checking mechanicals, their findings will be brought to our attention. Mrs. Dyra asked if the Board could be provided with a copy of the template for the Life Safety Inspection. Dr. Medwick responded that currently, the template is being revised. Additionally, the State Board of Education will soon be launching its new web-based Health/Life Safety (H/LS) Processing System. Wight will enter the data collected into the processing system for the district. When the district is required to do the 10-Year Life Safety Inspection in 2010, the estimated cost for Wight to update the inspection will be between $8,000 and $10,000. Mr. Maier asked if there could be an agreement with Wight for the update inspection not to exceed $8,000. Dr. Cull will make that inquiry with Wight. Dr. Cull will also inquire as to how long it will take for Wight to complete the inspection. Wight’s contract for the Board’s request for a pre 10-Year Life Safety Inspection will be on placed as an action item on the February 13th, 2008 Board Of Education agenda.
Discussion continued concerning the timeframe for spending the bond monies. Dr. Cull stated that he had contacted PMA and spoke with Mrs. Linda Rafanello who told him that the deadline for spending the funds is 2012. Language in the bond agreement states “It is expected that the work of acquiring and constructing the Project and the expenditure of amounts deposited into the Project Fund will continue to proceed with the due diligence through March 7, 2010, at which time it is anticipated that all Sale Proceeds and investment earnings thereon will have been spent.”
D. Technology Update – Mr. Kapachinski, Director of Technology, was not able to be present. Dr Cull reviewed his report, a copy of which is attached to these minutes.
Mr. Maier inquired if the replacement LCD projectors had been reported to the insurance company. Dr. Cull responded that the claim is under review by the district’s insurance company.
E. Update on Superintendent Goals - Dr. Cull gave a brief overview on each of the Superintendent’s Goals.
F. St. Matthew’s Parking Lot Discussion - Mrs. DiCiolla reported that she had recently met with Dr. Cull, the Itasca Park District Director, Mr. Hervas (the park district’s attorney), and a representative from St. Matthew’s Church. Previously, there had been an oral agreement between the park district, the church, and the school district for the park district to snow plow St. Matthew’s parking lot and to mow their lawn. Mrs. DiCiolla stated that a written agreement between the park district and St. Matthews was entered into. Apparently three words were added along the way; that the park district can “cancel at anytime”. Mrs. DiCiolla stated that her concern for the District 10 is that if a snowstorm hits, the park district can immediately cancel with St. Matthews and therefore not plow the parking lot. Our Franzen staff and parents will not have a lot to park in. Dr. Cull added that the oral agreement came about some time ago because the park district asked the school district to allow them to use a portion of their property adjacent to Franzen School for tennis courts. The tennis courts eliminated parking space for staff and visitors at Franzen School. St. Matthew’s allowed Franzen to use their parking lot, thus an agreement was formed. The school district does have a written contract agreement with the park district for snow removal and lawn care for the school district’s grounds. The school district has asked if the contract may be amended to include St. Matthew’s snow plowing and grounds maintenance. The park district has agreed to write an amendment to our contract for them to include St. Matthew’s, and extending it an additional year with no additional costs to the district. The park district and school district’s attorneys will review the amended contract. Currently, we have an oral agreement with St. Matthew’s that allows us to use their parking lot and we assist them for parking lot repairs. The district will pursue a written contract with St. Matthew’s once our amended contract with the park district has been approved.
G. Superintendent Search – Mrs. Dyra reported that all six candidates are scheduled for interviews. The slate will be narrowed down to two or three candidates. It is the search committee’s intent to make an announcement by the February 13th, 2008 Board of Education Meeting.
H. Freedom of Information – Dr. Cull – There were none received.
I. Opportunity for Community Input Regarding Board Requested Reports – There were none requested.
VIII. Action Items -
A. Consent Agenda - A motion was made by Mrs. DiCiolla and seconded by Mrs. Hogan that the Board of Education approve Action Memorandum FY08-#24; The Consent Agenda.
· Approval of Minutes:
December 12, 2007 Special Closed Session (Personnel)
December 12, 2007 Regular Meeting
· Approval of Expenditure Reports, Dec, 2007
Mrs. Miller referenced page 60 of the Expenditures report and inquired about the false alarm charges happening at Peacock. Dr. Nickisch responded that there is an ongoing problem with the ADT burglar alarm at Peacock. It is going off for no apparent reason. Once that happens, the Itasca Police Department is alerted, they investigate the alarm and the district is charged for the visit. ADT is working on correcting the problem.
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
Mrs. DiCiolla
Mr. Sprandel
Mrs. Miller
Ms. Pawinski
Mrs. Dyra
Mr. Maier
B. A motion was made by Mrs. Dyra and seconded by Mr. Maier that the Board of Education approve Action Memorandum FY08-#25; Authorization for the Superintendent to Purchase Gas & Electric Contracts.
Following a further opportunity for questions, discussion, and community input, the motion carried on the following ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES NAYS ABSTAIN
Mrs. Dyra
Mrs. Hogan
Mr. Sprandel
Ms. Pawinski
Mrs. Miller
Mrs. DiCiolla
Mr. Maier
C. A motion was made by Mrs. Miller and seconded by Mr. Maier that the Board of Education approve Action Memorandum FY08-#26; Hiring of Centurion Fee Collection Service Corporation.
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. Sprandel
Mr. Maier
Mrs. Dyra
Ms. Pawinski
Mrs. Miller
D. A motion was made by Ms. Pawinski and seconded by Mr. Maier that the Board of Education approve Action Memorandum FY08-#27; Policies Second Reading.
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
E. A motion was made by Mrs. Dyra and seconded by Ms. Pawinski that the Board of Education approve Action Memorandum FY08-#28; Resolution Naming Depositories.
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
Ms. Pawinski
Mrs. Miller
Mr. Maier
Mrs. Hogan
IX. Board Requested Reports – There were none requested.
X. Adjournment – There being no further business, President DiCiolla adjourned the meeting at 9:25 p.m.
_______________________________ _____________________________
Fred Maier, Secretary Nancy DiCiolla, President
Board of Education Board of Education
BOE Action Memorandum FY08 - #24
Consent Agenda
January 9, 2008
Included in the consent agenda:
December 12, 2007 Special Closed Session (Personnel)
December 12, 2007 Regular Meeting
- Approval of Expenditure Reports, December, 2007.
- Approval of the hiring of Lindsay Bell, Aide at Benson.
The Superintendent recommends that the Board approve all items on the consent agenda.
BOE Action Memorandum FY08 - #25
Authorization to Purchase Natural Gas and Electricity Contracts
January 9, 2008
We purchase our natural gas from a school district cooperative that purchases natural gas futures. We also purchase electricity from MidAmerica Energy Company (MEC). MEC also purchases futures dependent on market conditions. As market conditions fluctuate, it may be advantageous for District 10 to lock in either a gas or electric rates going forward. Often, the opportunity to purchase occurs quickly, in a small window of opportunity (four hours). Rather than lose these opportunities by waiting for Board approval, I am requesting pre-approval to make these purchases. This is similar to the annual authority you advance me to hire teachers over the summer when the Board does not meet.
The Superintendent recommends that the Board authorize the Superintendent to purchase natural gas and/or electricity contracts as necessary.
BOE Action Memorandum FY08 - #26
Hiring of Centurion Service Corporation for Delinquent Fee Collection
January 9, 2008
As discussed briefly at the last meeting, I have been investigating the possibility of procuring the services of a collection agency to collect our delinquent school fees. Although this is not a huge issue, it is a growing issue. Hiring this service will do two important things. First, it will allow students whose fees have not been paid to participate in extra curricular activities. Currently, we exclude students whose fees are delinquent from these activities. Second, it takes a time consuming, uncomfortable job away from our school secretaries and principals and puts it in the hands of professionals.
I met with the owner of Centurion. He services several school districts and has a clear understanding that collection of school fees cannot be done in a heavy-handed manner. I am confident Centurion can help us in a very professional manner. Their fee is 50% of the fees collected.
Currently, we are owed about $1,600 by a dozen or so families. Some of those fees are delinquent from the 2006-2007 school year.
The Superintendent recommends that the Board of Education hire Centurion Services for the collection of delinquent school fees.
BOE Action Memorandum FY08 - #27
Second Reading of Policies
January 9, 2008
The Board’s policy committee, Mrs. DiCiolla and Mr. Maier, met to review recommended policy changes from the Illinois Association of School Board. The Board reviewed these policies at the first reading at the December 12, 2007 meeting. One minor change was made in 6.235 as a result of that reading. If the second reading is approved, they become official policy of District 10. The following chart summarizes the policy title and action recommended. Polices follow this action memorandum.
|
|
|
|
|
2.125
|
Board Member Expenses
|
Minor Changes.
|
|
2.150
|
Committees
|
Added Finance Committee
|
|
2.170
|
Procurement of Services
|
Changed to reflect new law
|
|
4.120
|
Food Services
|
Changed to reflect new law
|
|
4.180
|
Pandemic Preparedness
|
New Policy
|
|
5.130
|
Internal Information
|
New Policy
|
|
5.180
|
Temporary Illness
|
Changes work days to school days
|
|
6.160
|
English Language Learners
|
Updates language and requirements
|
|
6.235
|
Access to Electronic Networks
|
Minor Changes.
|
|
7.130
|
Student Rights
|
Right to voluntary prayer
|
|
7.190
|
Student Discipline
|
Inhalant. Broader "umbrella" language.
|
|
7.70
|
Attendance and Truancy
|
Specifies Actions
|
|
7.90
|
Release During School Hours
|
Address Emergency closings
|
The Policy Committee recommends that the above policies be approved for second reading and implemented as District 10 policy.
BOE Action Memorandum FY08-#28
Resolution Naming Depositories
January 9, 2008
WHEREAS, the District must name depositories to be custodian of its funds, and
WHEREAS, the District may name brokers(s)/dealer(s) and intermediaries to assist in the investment of District funds.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the following shall be named:
Harris Bank, Roselle, IL
PMA Financial Network, Inc.
Illinois School District Liquid Asset Plus
Itasca Bank and Trust Company
LaSalle Bank, Chicago
U.S. Bank N.A.
BE IT FURTHER RESOVED that the Superintendent or his designee may sign any and all resolutions, agreements and documents as are necessary to open these accounts if they had been presented to the Board.
BE IT RESOLVED that this Resolution is passed by the Itasca School District #10 Board of Education, Itasca, Illinois, this 9th day of January, 2008.
President, Board of Education
The Superintendent recommends the approval of this resolution.
