The Pekin Community High School Board of Education met on Monday, July 24, 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.

Call to Order

President Howard called the regular meeting of the Board of Education to order at 6:30 p.m.

Roll Call

All members were present upon roll call: Jim Mangan, Mark Rossi, Gary Lowe, Karen Hohimer, Betty Scott, Joe Alesandrini, and Larry Howard.

Approval of Minutes

President Howard addressed the minutes as outlined in the agenda.

Motion by Lowe, second by Hohimer to approve the minutes of the Regular meeting and the closed sessions of June 26, 2006, the Special meeting and closed session of June 29, 2006 and to make the Policy Committee minutes of June 26, 2006 a matter of record.

Motion passed by roll call vote: Ayes – Lowe, Hohimer, Mangan, Rossi, Scott, Alesandrini and Howard; nays – none.

Communications, Public Comments and Participation

Board Applause

Jim Mangan applauded Paula Davis and Larry Carr on the way they handled the pickets and their attempted intimidation on our employees. He said he appreciated the way the two handled the situation.

Mark Rossi – echoed Mr. Mangan’s comments and applauded the contractor for getting the stadium work done ahead of schedule.

Larry Howard – Commended Science Teacher Jill Carter who was named as 1 of the 25 women in leadership by WEEK-TV. She will be interviewed and recognized at a luncheon in the fall.

Student Council

Caroline Lourgos, Student Council President, informed the Board that all new Student Council members went to Millikin University for a leadership program and met people from all over the State. They are working on finalizing details of the football frenzy and other upcoming events.

Minutes – PCHS Board of Education
Regular Meeting
July 24, 2006
Page Two

Approval of Warrants

Motion by Alesandrini, second by Scott to approve the monthly warrants in the amount of $1,741,576.70 as per summary information found on pages 19 & 20 of the agenda and in detailed information under separate cover.

Motion passed by roll call vote: Ayes – Alesandrini, Scott, Mangan, Rossi, Lowe, Hohimer and Howard; Nays – none. Warrants attached as Exhibit A

Financial Reports as of June 30, 2006

Bank Balances $12,495,166.47
District Investments – Principal $12,114,560.38
Health Care YTD ($ 70,220.12)

Unfinished Business

Policies For a Second Reading

Motion by Alesandrini, second by Lowe to adopt policy 2:50 - Board Member Term of Office and Policy 4:150 – Facility Management and Building Programs as presented on pages 25 through 29 in the agenda material.

Motion passed by roll call vote: Ayes – Alesandrini, Lowe, Mangan, Rossi, Hohimer, Scott and Howard; nays - none.

Resolution For the Sale of Property

Motion by Alesandrini, second by Mangan to approve the Resolution for the Sale of Property located at 213 Ironwood Drive, Tazewell County, Illinois.

Motion passed by roll call vote: Ayes – Alesandrini, Mangan, Rossi, Lowe, Hohimer, Scott and Howard; nays – none.

New Business

Consent Agenda

President Howard reviewed the Consent Agenda. He informed the Board that Dawn Miller’s name should be pulled from the consent agenda, under employment - support personnel, as she decided not to take the job.

Minutes – PCHS Board of Education
Regular Meeting
July 24, 2006
Page Three

1. Employment As Per Contract For The 2006-2007 School Season / Year

Certificated Staff: Tonya Barra - Part time in the Special Education Department at a salary of BA Step 5 and will be paid .5 of the contractual rate for that step.

Differential Positions for Non-Athletic Differentials and for Athletic Differentials as presented on pages 32 and 33 of the agenda material. Differentials attached as Exhibits B & C.

Support Staff: Lori Preston – Attendance Clerk at a salary of Category 5 Step 0; Rick White – PTEC Secretary at a salary of Category 4 Step 13; and Tim Bonnette for maintenance, beginning July 10, 2006, at a salary of Step 5 as per the custodial/maintenance schedule

2. Volunteers: Football Coaches – Ted Minger, Zac Williams and Ken Memken; Softball Coaches – Dick Ronna, Bethanie Whittaker and Kevin Wise; Baseball Coach – Rick Dwyer; Girls’ Soccer Coach – Michelle Bodily. JROTC – Mike Coffey, Sandra Coffey and Laura Schoon; Band Camp – Jackie Siddle, percussion; John Siddle, Brass; and Sarah Cash, Woodwinds.

Leaves of Absence

Linda Tosch – medical leave of absence for the 2006-07 school year; and Kelly Sandberg – additional six weeks unpaid leave (after her FMLA leave is up) returning at the beginning of the second semester of the 2006-07 school year.

Resignations

Certificated Staff: Christina Delzenero - Special Education and Dance Team Coach effective at the end of the 05-06 school year; Joe Stoner - Alternative School Instructor effective August 2, 2006 and Boys’ Head Basketball Coach effective immediately; and Angie Codron – Science Instructor and Girls’ Head Basketball Coach effective July 14, 2006.

Differentials: Eileen Mervis-Roberts – Assistant Varsity Girls’ Basketball Coach effective at the end of the 05-06 school year.

Support Staff: Brandy Edwards – Deans’ Office effective at the end of the 05-06 school year; Sue Swingle – Chief Attendance Clerk effective at the end of the 05-06 school year; Kathy Simms – Special Education Aide effective at the end of the 05-06 school year; Cathy Plunkett - Alternative School Aide effective July 17, 2006; and Jody Miller – Special Education Aide effective July 19, 2006.

Motion by Scott, second by Hohimer for approval of the Consent Agenda items 1 through 4.

Member Rossi asked if there is anything in writing that says when these folks are allowed to stack more leave on top of what the statute says we have to give. Superintendent Davis responded saying, no, but said there is a collective bargaining agreement that addresses additional leaves of absence and that the request can be made. The Board has the option of approving the request.

Minutes – PCHS Board of Education
Regular Meeting
July 24, 2006
Page Four

Member Rossi asked that we might want to be more specific about when we will or will not grant additional leaves. Superintendent Davis stated that before FMLA, staff members would use sick leave as maternity leave, some as much as 90 days.

Superintendent Davis answered member Mangan’s question on part-time personnel by saying that the full time positions have been filled and there is still a need for a part-time person. She informed the Board that 4.5 additional Special Education teachers have been added this year.

Member Mangan asked if the PTEC secretary position was posted and if there was more than one applicant. Superintendent Davis responded that it was posted and there were several applicants. Interviews were conducted and based on skills, it was determined that Mr. White was the best candidate for the position. His step 13 was based on previous experience.

Motion passed by roll call vote: Ayes – Scott, Hohimer, Rossi, Lowe, Alesandrini and Howard; nays – Mangan.

Approval of the 2006-07 Student Handbook

Motion by Alesandrini, second by Hohimer for approval of the 2006-07 Student Handbook with the changes as presented.

Referring to the map on page 30 in the handbook – it was noted that the entrance and exit on Parkway Drive need to be made more clear.

Assistant Superintendent Ruwe informed the Board about the discipline for a student who comes to school with alcohol.

A suggestion was made on page 10c by replacing the word “distribution” with “sharing” under the Disciplinary Consequences paragraph. The paragraph would read, “Sale, transfer, or sharing of alcohol, drugs, (legal or illegal), or drug paraphernalia, possession of a firearm ….”

On page 9e, it was suggested to be consistent regarding electronic devices with those on page 13.

They talked about the absence of a student when spraying or fogging for pesticides takes place. Superintendent Davis said that if we create a health hazard for one of our students, we would not make them suffer a consequence because of it or hold them accountable for finals. We would ask them to put their name on a list so they could be notified two days prior to the spraying.

A question was asked about the soda machines. Superintendent Davis informed the Board about the changes in the soft drink machines in going with more healthy drinks, water, diet drinks, and the milk machine that has been put in the cafeteria.

Minutes – PCHS Board of Education
Regular Meeting
July 24, 2006
Page Five

Member Mangan expressed concern about the language on page 10 regarding students taking a breathalyzer test. The sentence, “Students suspected of consuming alcohol may be required to take a breathalyzer test”. He expressed concern about the word “may” and felt it should be changed to “shall” to avoid a potential discrimination charge. In the same principal on the bottom of page 12, about cheating on academic tests, “Students who chose to use unauthorized material or cheat when taking academic assessments, are subject to academic and/or disciplinary action”. He said he has a problem with the word “or” as it also sets up a possible discrimination charge.

Discussion took place on the wording regarding the taking or not taking a breathalyzer test. Member Rossi said he felt the words “shall take a breathalyzer test, if possible” should be added.

Superintendent Davis said we do have the equipment. Discussion took place on when a breathalyzer test would be necessary to be given and the consequences given.

Superintendent Davis informed the Board of the present practice when a student is confronted with being in possession of, or smelling of alcohol.

Assistant Superintendent Ruwe explained that this is put in the handbook to make everyone aware that the breathalyzer is in the building and that we can do this. He addressed the suggestions to change the wording previously mentioned.

Member Lowe suggested that using the word “shall” could be more discriminative than using the word “may”.

On page 10, paragraph 8b, they talked about adding “if they refuse, then turn the matter over to the police”. to the breathalyzer paragraph. Member Alesandrini suggested that the Superintendent ask the attorney about adding this phrase.

Superintendent Davis said she would contact the attorney and ask whether the sentence should read, “Students suspected of consuming alcohol may be required to take a breathalyzer test or may be offered a breathalyzer test”. Then follow up that statement with, “Refusal to take the breathalyzer test will result in automatic police involvement”.

Superintendent Davis commented that we need to make sure we have a process in place so that if students are suspected, that we are consistent in what we do in determining how we arrive at a conclusion.

With regard to the suggested change for page 12 regarding Cheating on Academic Assessments, Superintendent Davis explained that when teachers find kids who are cheating, there is an automatic academic consequence. If it goes beyond the student just looking over another’s paper, then we have the “and/or” disciplinary consequence and sometimes there are circumstances where it is both.

Member Mangan was also concerned about the words “and/or” regarding discipline for cheating on tests. Members discussed suggested changes in the language. It was agreed to take out the word “or” and add “possible”. “Students who choose to use unauthorized material, or cheat when taking an academic assessment are subject to academic and possible disciplinary consequences”.
Minutes – PCHS Board of Education
Regular Meeting
July 24, 2006
Page Six

It was mentioned that if there is an Administrative Procedure for this situation, then there should be a policy, as policies are a base for procedures. This was briefly discussed by the Board members.

President Howard asked the Board to decide if they are going to approve these changes.

Amended Motion by Alesandrini, concurred by Hohimer to approve the changes in the handout and the changes we have made – (pages 9 & 13 regarding Electronic Devices, page 10 regarding Disciplinary Consequences, and page 12 regarding Cheating on Academic Assessments) and after conversation with our attorney regarding paragraph 8b on page 10, Superintendent Davis will act specifically on the advice of the attorney, to add or delete statement as presented - “…Refusal to take the breathalyzer test will result in automatic police involvement”.

Motion passed by roll call vote: Ayes – Alesandrini, Hohimer, Rossi, Lowe, Scott and Howard; nays – Mangan.

Designation of Depositories

Larry Carr explained it is necessary to approve the depositories for the 2006-07 school year. He also noted that the name of Bank One of Illinois has been changed to Chase Bank, and the Herget National Bank is now Herget Bank.

Motion by Alesandrini, second by Lowe to approve the list of depositories for Pekin Community High School District 303 for the 2006-07 school year as listed on page 34 of the agenda material with the aforementioned changes.

Motion passed by roll call vote: Ayes – Alesandrini, Lowe, Mangan, Rossi, Hohimer, Scott and Howard; nays – none.

Reports

Policy Committee – Chairman Joe Alesandrini reported that the committee met this evening. They reviewed Administrative Procedure 6.100E – Guidelines and Applications for Using Animals in the School Facilities. At the next Board meeting, they will be recommending that selected minutes from closed meetings regarding students and named employees from 1985 to 2000 be opened to the public. The Booster Club Policy 8:90 will also be presented for a first reading.

O & M Committee – Chairman Mark Rossi reported this committee has not met. Superintendent Davis gave an update on the stadium work. Tri County Construction did finish their stadium work on time. She said we did get reported to the Health Department and the EPA, but an inspector came out and found the paint was not lead based. There was no foundation to any of those claims.

Minutes – PCHS Board of Education
Regular Meeting
July 24, 2006
Page Seven

Larry Carr reported that the Life Safety work is coming along well, but will run very close to the beginning of school. Another O & M meeting will be scheduled in the near future.

Senior Citizens’ Athletic Pass – Paula Davis reported that the Mid-Illini does not charge the senior citizens (60 + years) to get into their games. She talked about the reserved seating issue, and said she would bring back additional information on this.

No Child Left Behind Funding – Tim Ruwe reviewed the information presented in the agenda material regarding Title I, Title IIA, Title IID, Title IV, and Title V. He said we are down $47, 000 from last year and are receiving less money this year. He is in the process of getting the first budget approved, and should know something soon. Superintendent Davis added that Title I programs provide dollars for disadvantaged students. She said there will probably be at least one subgroup that does not meet AYP this year, and because of that we will have to set aside money from that amount for tutoring. The needs and demands have grown so we will have to rely on more from District dollars to provide for these programs.

Special Education Increased Costs – Superintendent Davis reported that the District has 143 incoming freshmen with IEPs this year which is 25% of the freshman class. Last year we exceeded our budget by over $200,000 in paying out-of-district tuition. Special Ed teachers have met as a group to develop more programs to see what they can do to meet AYP. A Bridge Program will be started and Special Education teachers will start a program called “House Calls” to engage parents through home visits. Based on where we are at this point, we will have to talk about staffing to intervene relative to meeting AYP.

Summer School Report: Tim Ruwe reported that this year 25 sections of 19 different courses were offered. Of the 19 courses offered, 14 had sufficient enrollment to justify conducting sections. The courses needed 17 –18 kids to pay the instructor’s salary for each section. Due to enrollment, a total of 20 summer school sections were offered. He indicated that 642 seats were filled with 59 of those being out of the district. At the close of summer school, a total of 536 seats were filled with 39 being out of the district. There were 106 seats lost over the course of summer school. The tuition fees amounted to $48,109.50 and expenses amounted to $37,020.21 leaving a balance of $ 11,089.29. He noted that this does not include the cost of supplies. He also informed the Board that the summer school tuition has not raised since 1996, but the out-of-district tuition has raised to $140 per section. He continued giving the enrollment and grade distribution for each course. He said there were very few discipline problems and that although some kids were catching up, the majority of the kids were trying to move ahead.

Future Agenda Items

Further reports on James Field.

Minutes – PCHS Board of Education
Regular Meeting
July 24, 2006
Page Eight

Announcements by President

He reminded Board members of the Recognition Luncheon on Wednesday, August 16th at 12:15 p.m. in the cafeteria and encouraged them to attend.

Adjournment:

President Howard declared the meeting adjourned at 8:35 p.m.

_________________________________ _______________________________
President Larry Howard Secretary Mark Rossi