MINUTES

PEKIN COMMUNITY HIGH SCHOOL BOARD OF EDUCATION

REGULAR MEETING

MONDAY, 28 FEBRUARY 2011

6:30 P.M.

The Pekin Community High School Board of Education met on Monday, 28 February 2011, in the Board of Education Room located in The Holman Center for Career and Technical Education, Pekin Community High School, City of Pekin, County of Tazewell.

Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag

President Alesandrini asked all to stand for the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.

Call to Order

President Joe Alesandrini called the regular meeting of the Board of Education to order at 6:45 P.M.

Roll Call

Members present upon roll call were Joe Alesandrini, Ed Harr, Eric Hill, Karen Hohimer, Larry Howard, Carl Johnson, and Paul O’Neal.  President Alesandrini declared that a quorum had been established.

Approval of Minutes

President Alesandrini recommended Board approval of the minutes of the SAC meeting of 16 December 2010 and the regular, first closed session, and second closed session Board meetings of 24 January 2011.

Motion by O’Neal, Second by Hill to Approve the Minutes of the SAC Meeting of 16 December 2010 and the Regular, First Closed Session, and Second Closed Session Board Meetings of 24 January 2011.

Motion Passed by Roll Call Vote:  Ayes – O’Neal, Hill, Hohimer, Howard, Johnson, and Alesandrini.  Nays – None.  Present – Harr.

Communications, Public Comments, and Participation

Board Applause

Member O’Neal noted he is always impressed by the Pekin High Speech Team’s repeated wins at area competitions.

Secretary Hohimer expressed her sadness regarding the death of a Pekin High student, Breann Scheiner, last week.  She is proud of the manner in which students she saw at Breann’s visitation comported themselves.

Member Johnson commended junior Samantha Thomas for her performance at a recent show choir competition in Manteno in which she qualified as a finalist in her division.

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Regular Meeting

28 February 2011

Page Two

Member Harr applauded Student Council for staging several performances of Dr. Seuss’s book, Thidwick the Big-Hearted Moose, at area elementary schools and Pekin Library, the latter of which is scheduled later this week.

Vice President Howard reminded the Board that he yielded his Board Applause time to Mrs. Farley and Latin Club representatives at the January 2011 meeting.  They delivered a detailed account of fundraising efforts undertaken on behalf of freshman Brooke Svendsen which included the sale of a specially-designed t-shirt in which Brooke and her mother took particular interest.  Latin Club’s goal was to raise a few hundred dollars, but fundraising receipts snowballed and, at the final tally, raised $3,208.20, all of which was donated to Children’s Hospital of Illinois which handles Brooke’s treatment.  She did not, as it turns out, suffer a bout with pneumonia as once feared and she is now cancer-free.  Mr. Howard expressed pride in the students and staff of Pekin High for their caring, compassionate response to this fundraising effort.  This makes him all the more proud to be a member of Pekin High’s Board of Education.

President Alesandrini referred to a 27 January 2011 article in the Pekin Daily Times on job education development in which Economic Development Council for Central Illinois President Vickie Clark cited Pekin High’s vocational training program and its partnerships with Illinois Central College to provide job skill education as “one of Pekin’s best strengths.”  Our vocational education program is outstanding, he agreed, thanks in part to the support of the community and staff and the Board’s approval of necessary funding.  He said it is nice to see the program receive the recognition it deserves.

Student Council

President Jen Duke reported on recent Student Council activities.  Spirit Week, which was held 14-18 February 2011, featured themes for each day, such as “Pairs Day” on Monday.  An assembly held that day included a pairs fashion show, a dance competition, and games similar to Homecoming Week with various activities pitting class against class.  The week culminated with “Love for PCHS” Day on the 18th.  iFlurtz forms, which pair students with peers who have similar personalities and interests, were sold during lunch hours and proceeds were donated to House of Hope. 

Library Family Fun Night will feature the reading of Thidwick the Big-Hearted Moose by Theodor Geisel, a.k.a. Dr. Seuss, with the presentation of a play based on the book at Pekin Library on 01 March 2011.  Council members have already performed their rendition of the book at area elementary schools.  Wednesday, 02 March 2011, is Geisel’s birthday.  Students will have the opportunity to win a $25 gift card by guessing in which of his books various quotes can be found.

The annual Dragon Spotlight talent show, “Talent for the Decades,” was staged 24 February from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m.  Twenty-one acts were selected from a wide range of auditions.  Student Council members decorated the Theatre and sold t-shirts to promote the event.  A sell-out crowd attended and all went smoothly, Jen reported.  Hannah Finley won the competition with a vocal performance of her own composition.

Minutes – Board of Education

Regular Meeting

28 February 2011

Page Three

Other events include the Hopewell District Convention which is scheduled for Friday, 04 March; the Easter Seals Telethon on Saturday, 05 March, at which Student Council will present a check for $12,000; and MORP will be held on Friday, 18 March, featuring the theme, “Out of this World,” complete with a spaceship and other appropriate decorations and a photo booth.  Planning is just beginning for the annual Senior Citizens Prom, the Senior Sendoff event, and additional fundraising activities.  Council is also revising its constitution this semester.  President Alesandrini thanked Jen for her outstanding report.

Vice President Howard, who attended Dragon Spotlight last week, asked Jen if Student Council had considered moving the show to a venue which would afford more seating capacity.  Since it’s always sold out, that would be a great way to broaden attendance, making this ever-popular event even more spectacular.  Mr. Alesandrini added that those who missed seeing faculty participants dance can catch the act on Pekin High’s web site.  Outtakes at the end of the video are just as fun to watch.  Jen has wondered if this clip might be used during Dragon Day for new freshmen. 

Public Comments and Participation

None.

Approval of Warrants

Motion by Hohimer, Second by Johnson to Approve the January 2011 Monthly Warrants in the Amount of $1,859,053.09 per Summary Information Found on Pages 19-20 of the Agenda Support Material and in Detailed Information under Separate Cover.

Motion Passed by Roll Call Vote:  Ayes – Hohimer, Johnson, Harr, Hill, Howard, O’Neal, and Alesandrini.  Nays – None.

Financial Reports as of 31 December 2010

              Bank Balances              on Hand                         $22,853,687.16

              District Investments – Principal            $22,719,047.84

Health Care Transactions                             $15,098.59

New Business

Closed Session

President Alesandrini made the request for 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; the purchase or lease of real property for the use of the public body; and student disciplinary cases.

Motion by Howard, Second by Hohimer to Adjourn to Closed Session.

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Regular Meeting

28 February 2011

Page Four

Motion Passed by Roll Call Vote:  Ayes – Howard, Hohimer, Harr, Hill, Johnson, O’Neal, and Alesandrini.  Nays – None.

The Board adjourned to closed session in the Superintendent’s Office at 7:02 p.m. and returned to open session in the Board Room at 7:40 p.m.

Consent Agenda

• Employment

Certified

Joel Steger – Credit Recovery Instructor for Session 5 (28 February-07 April 2011) of the 2010-2011 school year; at a salary of $23.17 per hour as per contract.

Substitute Certified

Darci Stoecker – Substitute for the English and other departments; at a salary of $16.00 per class period as per contract.

Support

Jo Ann Cook – Student Supervisor effective 08 March 2011; at a salary of Category I, Step 0 as per contract.

Chad Jungers – Second shift Maintenance Worker and Theatre Manager effective 23 February 2011; at a salary of Step 9 as per contract.

Substitute Support

Jennifer King – Substitute Personal Assistant and/or Teacher Assistant for the Special Education Department effective 09 February 2011.

Daryle Wright – Substitute for the Maintenance Staff and Assistant to the Theatre Manager effective 15 February 2011; at a salary of Step 0 as per contract.

Differentials

Jessica Slusser – Assistant Girls Soccer Coach beginning with the 2010-2011 school year; at a salary of 10 percent differential as per contract.

Bill Toel – Head Boys Tennis Coach beginning with the 2010-2011 school year; at a salary of 13 percent differential as per contract.

Volunteer

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Regular Meeting

28 February 2011

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Bill Walraven – Volunteer Assistant Coach for the Baseball Program effective for the 2010-2011 school year.

Motion by Howard, Second by Hohimer to Approve Consent Agenda Item 5.1.1 as

Amended.

Motion Passed by Roll Call Vote:  Ayes – Howard, Hohimer, Harr, Hill, Johnson, O’Neal, and Alesandrini.  Nays – None.

Student Discipline

Motion by Howard, Second by Hohimer to Expel Student 10-10-11 for the Remainder of the 2010-2011 School Year through First Semester of the 2011-2012 School Year or Until the Student Meets Graduation Requirements, Whichever Comes First, for Reasons of Gross Misconduct.

Motion Passed by Roll Call Vote:  Ayes – Howard, Hohimer, Harr, Hill, Johnson, O’Neal, and Alesandrini.  Nays – None.

Proposed Calendar for the 2011-2012 School Year

Superintendent Davis reported that the calendars included in agenda support materials on pages 24-25 have been reviewed by area superintendents and the Labor/Management Relations Committee.  She briefly reviewed key dates and noted that both Winter and Spring Breaks coincide with feeder districts’ calendars.  Once District 108 completes air conditioning work on two remaining buildings, it will be ready to fully align its calendar with ours, especially concerning the school year starting date.  Other feeder districts are close to that position as well.

Motion by Hohimer, Second by O’Neal to Approve the Proposed District Calendar for the 2011-2012 School Year as Presented.

Motion Passed by Roll Call Vote:  Ayes – Hohimer, O’Neal, Harr, Hill, Howard, Johnson, and Alesandrini.  Nays – None.

After-School Buses for Students Seeking Extra Help

Superintendent Davis reported that the Student Achievement Committee has discussed the potential for a late busing program for students seeking assistance if needed from teachers after school.  The buses would run at 3:30 p.m., one to designations south of Court Street, the other north.  Assistant Superintendent Ruwe has been working with the City bus company to determine drop locations along each route.  It is the goal of this proposal to provide time after school to serve students who need assistance in understanding course material.  Some students do not arrive in time each morning to get needed help.  The proposed program would also allow time for students to begin their homework here, to utilize the Library’s computer lab, or to work cooperatively with other students.  Students participating in after-school extracurricular activities such as weightlifting could avail themselves of this transportation opportunity as well. 

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Regular Meeting

28 February 2011

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Provisions for riding passes or tickets have been determined and eligible students must live outside the 1.5-mile radius mandated by our regular daily busing program.  We will do our best to insure that students utilize their time productively and don’t use the late bus to merely hang out.  Mrs. Davis discussed the possibility of surveying students to determine if a late busing program would help involve more students in after-school activities, such as sports, who now opt not to participate due to lack of transportation home.  The Administration is requesting that the program be initiated this semester and run for the remainder of the current school year as a pilot at a cost not to exceed $4,000.  It may be expanded to increase participation in future depending on survey results.

Motion by Johnson, Second by Howard to Approve After-School Buses for Students Seeking Extra Help as Presented.

President Howard speculated that the program presents a golden opportunity and will probably design itself based on the cooperation and degree of participation.  Mrs. Davis informed the Board that the District offers Supplemental Educational Services (SES), paid for with Title funds, to provided tutoring to a segment of our student population that is struggling academically.  The number of students who take advantage of SES is small.  We will be careful not to judge this new transportation program too quickly.  It will take time to spread the word and build participation.  President Alesandrini asked if there had been any conversation with CityLink to coordinate their services with those of the City.  Mrs. Davis said this can be investigated.  CityLink could serve students who live within the 1.5-mile radius, Mr. Alesandrini speculated.

Motion Passed by Roll Call Vote:  Ayes – Johnson, Howard, Harr, Hill, Hohimer, O’Neal, and Alesandrini.  Nays – None.

Update Organization Information for Safe Deposit Box Services

Business Manager Carla Schaefer reported that Herget Bank is requesting updated information regarding access to Pekin High’s safe deposit box.  The documents included in agenda support materials designate who at Pekin High can access the safe deposit box and whether we require one or more of these authorized users to be present whenever the box is opened.

Motion by Hohimer, Second by Hill to Approve Updated Safe Deposit Box Documents with Herget Bank as Present.

Motion Passed by Roll Call Vote:  Ayes – Hohimer, Hill, Harr, Howard, Johnson, O’Neal, and Alesandrini.  Nays – None.

Board Permission to Sell Miscellaneous District Property

The Automotive Technology Program has refurbished a 1991 Mercury Grand Marquis which is now ready for sale.  The District will utilize a sealed bid process which will be publicized in the newspaper.

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Regular Meeting

28 February 2011

Page Seven

Motion by Hohimer, Second by O’Neal to Grant Permission to Sell Miscellaneous District Property.

Motion Passed by Roll Call Vote:  Ayes – Hohimer, O’Neal, Harr, Hill, Howard, Johnson, and Alesandrini.  Nays – None.

Extension of Contract with Coldwell Banker Honig-Bell

Superintendent Davis reported that the Building Trades Program will complete another beautiful house in May 2011.  If it is not sold through a sealed bid process, a realtor’s services will be needed.  We have had good luck with Coldwell Banker Honig-Bell.  Mrs. Davis requested adding verbiage to the motion which would grant her permission to sign all documents necessary in the process of selling the Building Trades house.

Motion by Hohimer, Second by O’Neal to Extend the District’s Contract with Coldwell Banker Honig-Bell of Pekin, Illinois, for Realty Services and to Grant the Superintendent Permission to Sign All Documents Necessary in the Process of Selling the Building Trades House.

Motion Passed by Roll Call Vote:  Ayes – Hohimer, O’Neal, Harr, Hill, Howard, Johnson, and Alesandrini.  Nays – None.

License to Pel Industries, Inc. to Use PCHS Name and/or Logo(s)

Superintendent Davis informed the Board that last fall she had rejected the non-exclusive license agreement from Pel Industries, Inc. to print Pekin High’s name and/or logo(s) on apparel merchandise to be sold by retailers such as Walmart at no cost to the District.  Neither she nor other local superintendents had heard of this company.  Pel has been persistent, however.  Mrs. Davis emailed superintendents statewide; of the ten who responded, not one has signed an agreement such as this even though many have received the same request.  Local businesses do apparel work for the District.  Although she does not have strong feelings one way or the other on this issue, she does not want to take business away from local vendors.

Vice President Howard mentioned that he would be more comfortable with this request if he knew more about Pel and the quality of their work.  Member Johnson said the situation seems shady and sneaky.  President Alesandrini asked if we had ever signed such an agreement with any company and Mrs. Davis informed him that, to her knowledge, we had not.  He surmised that the company was trying to build up a resume so it could go to a retailer such as Walmart and say they had X number of school districts which had contracted with them.  Mr. Howard noted that this proposal could be allowed to die for lack of a motion.  Mrs. Davis indicated agreement with that course of action.  Mr. Alesandrini added that this agenda item was strictly informational at this point.  Administrative Assistant Rick White will inform Pel that their request has not been approved due to the lack of Board action.

No motion was made.

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Regular Meeting

28 February 2011

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Reports

Policy Committee

None; there had been no Policy Committee meeting since the last regular Board meeting, reported Chairperson Hohimer.  A large PRESS has been received, remarked Mrs. Davis, and will be ready for the Policy Committee to consider at its next meeting, 21 March 2011.

O & M Committee

Chairperson Howard also reported that the O & M Committee had not met since the last regular Board meeting.  He did have three key items to bring to the Board’s attention to update members on the District’s facility assessment.

• An energy grant has been submitted to the State Board of Education (ISBE) to partially cover the cost of replacing black exterior wall panels in G Building.  The ISBE is working through a huge backlog of grant proposals so we are still waiting for a status report on ours.  Mrs. Davis is optimistic that information will be received before the next regular Board meeting.
• Repair of B Building water leaks falls under a Health Life Safety amendment.  Approval of these amendments has been slowed due to the backlog of energy grant proposals.
• The dimmer system, which is in dire need of replacement, in F.M. Peterson Theatre has been added to the assessment.  This work falls under Health Life Safety as well and decisions regarding it are sluggish for the same reason as the water leaks issue.

Chairperson Howard hopes information will be available by the March meeting so that the bidding process can begin and decisions can be made on whether the work will be done in- or out-of-house.

LMRC

Superintendent Davis reported that LMRC considered the proposed District calendar for the 2011-2012 school year that was just approved at this evening’s meeting.  The next LMRC meeting is scheduled for 10 March 2011.

SAC

Superintendent Davis reported that SAC met on 24 February 2011 and discussed results of the seventh- and eighth-grade placement testing which employed the Explore assessment.  Seventh-graders were tested for the first time this year to determine their eligibility for the District’s Eighth-Grade Algebra 1A/2A Program.  Eighth grade Explore results do not parallel those expected on the ISAT test taken this month in feeder districts.  Only 29 percent met college and career readiness standards in mathematics.  This is why the District has implemented its Directed Electives Program to build skills of students to be successful in high school coursework and meet college and career readiness standards.

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Regular Meeting

28 February 2011

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The ISBE has known for some time, at least since 2006, that the two testing systems, ISAT at the K-8 level and PSAE at the high school level, are not aligned.  The State Superintendent of Schools has acknowledged the complete disconnect between these systems.  Most experts agree that State assessment has not served its intended purpose of making sure students are meeting standards of appropriate rigor to ensure they will be well-educated coming into and going out of high school.

School improvement in Illinois is a dynamic, ever-changing process.  We are waiting to hear what the federal government will do to reauthorize the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, also known as the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001.  That will impact what our state decides to do.  By the 2014-2015 school year, a new state assessment will be implemented.  Much work needs to be done between now and then.  The Board will hear more about Common Core Standards which will push the teaching of algebra into eighth grade.  Eighty students have been registered for our Eighth Grade Algebra Program out of a class of 500.  That is sobering to say the least, Mrs. Davis asserted.

This District has had to endure a system created by No Child Left Behind, which was promoted with good intentions that are hard to dispute to improve educational opportunities for student achievement, yet failed in its mission.  It made schools such as Pekin High look bad because of test scores.  When students at grade levels below high school have to meet less rigorous standards, and educators there feel a sense of accomplishment for higher test scores that are achieved by meeting less rigorous standards, many students will not be prepared for the level of high school work necessary to meet the more rigorous benchmarks we have in place.  Every student will take what amounts to a college entrance exam in high school whether they plan to attend college or not.  To meet that expectation, we cannot have only 29 percent of our students meeting College and Career Readiness Standards in math.  There will be an increase in the number of directed electives courses next year.  We must intervene to move students forward.  Having gone to College and Career Readiness Standards two years ago, we’re better positioned for the advent of Common Core Standards.  Mrs. Davis said she has met with feeder school superintendents and plans are afoot to hold a meeting of teachers next fall to start the process of planning for the future by developing transition activities to get where we all need to go to raise that 29 percent figure.

Secretary Hohimer said she is aware of the high level of rigor demanded by Common Core Standards.  Elementary schools are going to have to step up.  Mrs. Davis pointed out that the District has initiated a variety of strategies to help students, including school improvement days for staff development, RtI initiatives, and SoS.  Considerable data exists which shows we have the curriculum to meet the needs of students who are prepared.  Whatever failure regarding this issue may exist, it is at the state level, not the local.  We will know more this coming summer about transition plans to new state standards and testing; for now, that process is unclear.  At some point, ISAT will be replaced for K-8 students.  

Mrs. Davis also reported that SAC members discussed at its last meeting the after-school bus proposal which the Board approved earlier this evening.  The next SAC meeting is scheduled for 24 March 2011.

Minutes – Board of Education

Regular Meeting

28 February 2011

Page Ten

Future Agenda Items.

None were suggested. 

Announcements by the President.

• President Alesandrini reminded the Board that the IASB Central Illinois Valley Division Spring Dinner Meeting, hosted by Pekin PSD 108, is scheduled for Wednesday, 02 March 2011, at Broadmoor High School.  Registration begins at 5:30 p.m., dinner at 6:00, and the business meeting at 7:00.  All Board members are registered to attend along with Board candidate James Alelsberger.  Name tags have been distributed.

• The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Board is Monday, 21 March 2011, at 6:30 p.m.  This is one week earlier than normal due to Spring Break which begins on 28 March.

Adjournment.

Knowing of no other business to come before the Board and hearing no objections, President Alesandrini declared this regular Board meeting adjourned at 8:16 p.m.

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