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| PCHS Board of Education Regular Meeting: December 2006 |
| MINUTES PEKIN COMMUNITY HIGH SCHOOL BOARD OF EDUCATION REGULAR MEETING MONDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2006 6:30 P.M. The Pekin Community High School Board of Education met on Monday, December 18, 2006 in the Board of Education Room located in The Holman Career and Technical Education Building of Pekin Community High School, City of Pekin, County of Tazewell. Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag President Howard asked all to stand for the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. Public Hearing on the 2006 Tax Levy President Howard called the Public Hearing open to the public. Hearing no comments, President Howard declared the Public Hearing closed. Call to Order President Howard called the regular meeting of the Board of Education to order at 6:33 p.m. Roll Call Members present upon roll call were: Jim Mangan, Gary Lowe, Karen Hohimer, Betty Scott, Joe Alesandrini, Mark Rossi and Larry Howard. Absent – none. Approval of Minutes President Howard addressed the minutes as outlined in the agenda. Motion by Scott, second by Hohimer to approve the minutes of the Regular Meeting and Closed Session of November 27, 2006, the Special meeting and Closed session of December 4, 2006, and to make the Policy Committee meeting minutes of November 27, 2006 a matter of record. Motion passed by roll call vote: Ayes – Scott, Hohimer, Mangan, Rossi, Lowe, Alesandrini and Howard; nays – none. Communications, Public Comments and Participation Board Applause Mrs. Scott commended the music department for a great Vespers Program, the mini musical drama, and the concerts by both choirs. Mr. Alesandrini said he wanted to show his appreciation to a group of community members who have been working on the Pekin Insurance Holiday Tournament on December 27, 28 & 29 at the high school. He invited all members and the public to attend. Mrs. Hohimer announced that tomorrow afternoon Best Buddies will be caroling at Hallmark Nursing Home from 2 to 3 p.m. President Howard commended the JROTC students who rang bells for the Salvation Army. Approval of Warrants Motion by Alesandrini, second by Lowe to approve the monthly warrants in the amount of $1,471,873.32 as per summary information found on pages 21 & 22 of the agenda and in detailed information under separate cover. Motion passed by roll call vote: Ayes – Alesandrini, Lowe, Mangan, Rossi, Scott, Hohimer, and Howard; Nays – none. Warrants attached as Exhibit A Financial Reports as of November 30, 2006 Bank Balances $17,709,140.38 Unfinished Business Tax Levy for 2006 Larry Carr stated that at last month’s meeting he discussed the tax levy and how it was arranged under PTELL. The tax levy certificate on page 27 of the agenda material lists the taxes in the total amount of $9,509,809. He recommended the Board adopt the tax levy as presented. Motion by Alesandrini, second by Lowe to adopt the 2006 tax levy as presented for a total amount of $9,509,809. Members voiced pro and con statements regarding the tax levy. Member Mangan stated he feels that school boards have a license to steal from the taxpayer and this board has used that license in the past several years. He asked the members to vote “no” on this $9.5 million tax levy, and reduce it by at least $2.1 million. That would still leave plenty of money in the reserves. A question was asked of Mr. Carr on how this reduction would affect our taxing ability next year and the year thereafter. Mr. Carr answered that it wouldn’t last very long if that levy was adopted, because once that lower levy is adopted, you cannot increase it and those dollars can never be collected back. Motion passed by roll call vote: Ayes – Alesandrini, Lowe, Hohimer, Scott and Howard; nays – Mangan and Rossi. A copy of the tax levy is attached as exhibit “B”
Minutes – PCHS Board of Education Resolution For Abatement of Taxes Larry Carr talked about the Resolution on pages 28 & 29 of the agenda material to abate taxes for three years, 2006 to 2009. The current levy will be abating $350,000 this year, and $900,000 for the next three years as he was asked to lock that in by the Board. He talked about the transfer from the Transportation Fund into the Education Fund and the hearing on that transfer that would have to be held in January of 2007. Motion by Alesandrini, second by Scott to adopt the Resolution For Abatement of Taxes for 2006 – 2009, along with funding sources indicated in section 2. A copy of the Resolution is attached as exhibit “C” Member Mangan argued that abatements do not give back and indicated that it is a gimmick that is used to fool the taxpayers. Motion passed by roll call vote: Ayes – Alesandrini, Scott, Rossi, Lowe, Hohimer and Howard; nays – Mangan. Instructional Material Fee Waivers Larry Carr asked for approval by the Board to extend the $75 fee waiver through the 2007-2008 school year. Motion by Alesandrini, second by Hohimer for approval for the District to extend the $75 Instructional Material Fee Waivers through the 2007-2008 school year. Members Rossi and Scott said they would vote present because they have students attending Pekin High. Motion passed by roll call vote: Ayes – Alesandrini, Hohimer, Mangan, Lowe and Howard; nays – none; present – Rossi and Scott. Staff Pay Adjustment Larry Carr indicated that at the last meeting, he recommended to the Board that the regular certified and non-certified personnel receive a pay adjustment, but the Board suggested to include the administration also. The increase would apply only to regular salaries and not to differentials, overtime, or extra duty. Payment is not to be considered a part of any pay schedule. The payments must also be within TRS guidelines with respect to not exceeding the 6% limitation during the final years of service. The cost is approximately $93,480. Motion by Alesandrini, second by Hohimer to approve giving all administrators, regular certified and non-certified staff a one-time pay adjustment equal to 1% of their annualized regular contract. Member Rossi said he felt this is a worthwhile gesture, but he did not agree with the process. He felt a wrong precedent is being set here just because the District had a windfall. Member Mangan asked if this would increase pensions, if taxes would be taken out of that money, if this adjustment would affect salary differences if a consolidation took place, and whose idea was it to do this. Larry Carr replied that this could have an effect on pensions, that taxes would be taken out, and it does not have anything to do with the salary schedule. He said this was discussed by the administration and the Board President. Member Mangan indicated that the Board did not know about this previously and felt it should have been discussed by all members of the Board. He continued to talk about this as not representing the taxpayers, that this process is discriminatory as it gives larger bonuses to those with a higher pay scale. He said this is the public’s business and their tax dollars are being taken when they’re not needed and is just another added insult to what has been done this evening and in the past. The process of this bonus is backward and he does not agree with it. Superintendent Davis responded to Mr. Mangan by saying that nothing like this has been done while she has been at this school and there have never been two, five-year contracts in a row. No one had any idea personal property would increase the way it did. The state increased the homestead exemptions and the interest income increased. This was discussed, taxes were abated, and families were given a break by waiving instructional fees. The group we felt didn’t receive any consideration was the employees. She said it takes a long time to develop mutual respect and trust with the employees and it is in the spirit of that mutual respect and trust that this recommendation is being made. Superintendent Davis said she stood behind the recommendation and feels it is the right thing to do. Member Mangan indicated this money is the taxpayers’ money and we are not being fair to them. President Howard said the school Board is obligated to represent more than just the taxpayers. They represent the students, the faculty, the parents, and a lot of people. He feels the actions taken this evening represent touching several bases and they are doing the right thing. Member Rossi said he feels there is no better finance person in the State of Illinois than Larry Carr and the contract was negotiated in good faith; there is a written contract, but he questioned if the union would return the favor the next time need their support is needed? President Howard stated that opinions only would be given regarding this question and asked the Recording Secretary for a roll call vote. Motion passed by roll call vote: Motion passed by roll call vote: Ayes – Alesandrini, Hohimer, Lowe, Scott and Howard; nays – Mangan and Rossi.
Minutes – PCHS Board of Education Board Policies For a Second Reading Policy Committee Chairman Alesandrini announced that 10 policies are being presented for adoption and 2 policies will remain unchanged after review. Motion by Alesandrini, second by Lowe to adopt policies 6:230, 6:280; 6:290; 6:330; 7:80, 7:90, 7:220, 7:310, 7:340; 8:40; to keep policies 6:210 and 6:220 reviewed with no changes. Motion passed by roll call vote: Ayes – Alesandrini, Lowe, Mangan, Rossi, Hohimer, Scott and Howard; nays – none. New Business President Howard called for a closed session regarding the appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance or dismissal of specific employees of the public body or legal counsel for the public body, including hearing testimony on a complaint lodged against an employee of the public body or against legal counsel for the public body to determine its validity and for litigation, when an action against, affecting or on behalf of the particular public body has been filed and is pending before a court or administrative tribunal, or when the public body has been filed and is pending before a court or administrative tribunal, or when the public body finds that an action is probable or imminent, in which case the basis for the finding shall be recorded and entered into the minutes of the closed meeting Motion by Scott, second by Hohimer to adjourn to closed session for the purposes previously stated. Motion passed by roll call vote: Ayes – Scott, Hohimer, Mangan, Rossi, Lowe, Alesandrini and Howard; nays – none. The Board adjourned to closed session at 7:10 p.m. The minutes of the closed session are recorded and filed separately. The Board returned to open session at 7:25 p.m. Consent Agenda President Howard reviewed the Consent Agenda: 1. Employment As Per Contract For The 2006-2007 School Season / Year Support Staff: Cammy Rae – as a teacher’s aide for the Special Education Department beginning January 3, 2007 at a salary of Category III, Step 0. Resignation – Differential: Christina Kienitz – as Color Guard Instructor effective at the end of the 1st semester of the 2006-07 school year.
Minutes – PCHS Board of Education Motion by Scott, second by Lowe for approval of the Consent Agenda items 1 and 2. Motion passed by roll call vote: Ayes – Scott, Lowe, Mangan, Rossi, Hohimer, Alesandrini and Howard; nays – none. Board Policies For 1st Reading Policy Committee Chairman Alesandrini presented 21 policies for a first reading, the review of 1 policy with no changes, and asked they be laid over for action at a future meeting. Policy 2:10 School District Governance Brief discussion took place on the compensation for the secretary, as provided by law, how often to the school building committees meet and who serves on these committees. It was noted that the Recording Secretary receives compensation for performing the Board Secretary’s duties. Superintendent Davis provided information to the Board on the building committees. Member Scott asked if a parent representative for students with IEPs or the parents of gifted students were ever considered for these committees. Superintendent Davis said she would take that suggestion under advisement. She added there is a parent group with Title 1 students. Motion passed by roll call vote: Ayes – Alesandrini, Lowe, Mangan, Rossi, Hohimer, Scott and Howard; nays – none. New Courses for Approval Assistant Superintendent Tim Ruwe explained that due to new graduation requirements, new courses and re-named courses would be on the schedule for students beginning with the 2007-08 school year. The courses are Integrated Science 3-4 (formerly Applied Science), a science elective for sophomores; Principals of Engineering for sophomores, juniors and seniors – this is the third foundation-level class for Project Lead The Way; C++ 1 & 2 (formerly APC++) is a Computer Science course for Juniors and Seniors; Integrated Algebra 1 & 2 (formerly Integrated Math 1 through 6) for the first year, Integrated Algebra 3 & 4 for the second year, and Integrated Geometry for the third year. Integrated Geometry 510 – 610 would be for the Junior level LD Special Education students, and Integrated Geometry 530-630 would also be offered to Special Education students. Motion by Mangan, second by Scott for approval of new courses for the 2007-2008 school year: Integrated Science 3-4, Principals of Engineering, C++ 1 & 2, Integrated Geometry 510-610 and Integrated Geometry 530-630 as presented. Brief discussion took place on the cost of books, any additional staff needs, and the courses addressing state tests. Mr. Ruwe informed the Board that courses would be offered based on enrollment. Motion passed by roll call vote: Ayes – Mangan, Scott, Rossi, Lowe, Hohimer, Alesandrini and Howard; nays – none. Reports Policy Committee – Chairman Joe Alesandrini reported that the committee met this evening and completed their review of the October PRESS. They will present policies 6:60, 6:250, 6:340 and 8:30 for a first reading and recommend that policy 8:60 be deleted. The committee will review policies 2:140 and 7:270 at their next meeting. SAC – Superintendent Davis reported that the committee did not meet in December. She said they are still waiting for test scores. The next meeting will be on January 25, 2007.
Minutes – PCHS Board of Education Driver Education – Gibson City Superintendent Davis reported that Project Ignition is a learning on-line project program. Because of an accident where one twin died, but the other survived because he was wearing a seat belt, a group of students in Gibson City designed a program to increase seat belt usage and reduce speeding among students in the community. They created a song, they made public service announcements, they have a Hall of Fame for kids who don’t get tickets, and they track the number of speeding violations and the compliance of seat belt usage. They engage their law enforcement to check kids. They have signs coming into and out of town to remind kids to wear their seat belts. Gibson City has moved through the process, going to the second level that has a $5,000 grant and as the winner out of 10 schools, were named the grand champions, and awarded a $10,000 stipend to use for these activities. She also reported that she is a member of the Secretary of State GDLTask Force for teenage drivers, and announced that Tazewell County has a Teen Initiative Program that approaches the issue of teen driving through Education, Engineering and Enforcement. She talked about what this program has done and will be doing in the future. She said there would be a parent meeting next semester for the parents of students who will be taking “behind-the-wheel” driver education. This year the meeting will not be mandatory, but next year it will be a mandatory meeting. She mentioned that WHOI has been outstanding in providing opportunities for kids that write their own public service announcements. Brief discussion took place about a concern that school buses do not have seat belts. A concern was also expressed that students seem to get very little “behind the wheel” instruction with a certified instructor, and parents are teaching the kids rather than having them learn from a certified instructor. Consolidation Study Information Superintendent Davis handed out quotes from Dr. Gary Harrison and Bill Owens of Galesburg, from Dr. Bill Phillips of Springfield and another quote was received via email from Dr. Robert Hall at WIU. She said she still thinks we have some work to do in discussing what it is that we expect. Dr. Harrison and Mr. Owens have proposed doing a typical study for $80.00 an hour prorated to the next quarter hour with an initial retainer of $8,000. The quote from Dr. Bill Phillips and clearly stated what he intends to analyze for each school district included in the study for a total cost of $12,500. The quote from Dr. Robert Hall said he and Dr. John Closen believe there is no need for a full-blown consolidation study, but indicated a need to review the finances of the new proposed district. Their cost would be $4,000 plus expenses. She asked for direction to see about a joint discussion meeting with 108 or have the consultants mentioned to attend the meeting. If 108 would choose not to go along with a study, then this Board needs to discuss the options presented. She said she would like to see the consultants come here so the Board could talk to them about our expectations. Board Members and the Superintendent discussed the consultants and what would be needed for a study and determining the tax rate that would be on the ballot. It was indicated that the full feasibility study would have to be done to get all the information needed. Superintendent Davis said that would narrow the consultants down to two. President Howard said Superintendent Davis would be bringing this as an action item with regard to a study. Superintendent Davis said she would get the resumes from the two consultants and would provide that information the members of the Board. Members talked about a meeting with the Committee for Consolidation Future Agenda Items Announcements by President 1. He announced that this was Larry Carr’s last levy meeting and he wanted to personally thank him for keeping this district on an even keel. He said Larry has the trust and faith of this Board and the staff. He applauded him for the work he has done and said he will be missed. He thanked fellow Board members for all the other things they do, i.e. Policy meetings, Operations & Maintenance meetings, Student Achievement meetings, and Labor Management Relations meetings. He wished students, staff and faculty a very merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. President Howard then declared the meeting adjourned at 8:35 p.m.
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