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MINUTES The Pekin Community High School Board of Education met on Monday, 25 April 2011, 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 Joe Alesandrini asked all to stand for the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. Call to Order President Alesandrini called the regular meeting of the Board of Education to order at 6:30 P.M. and noted the presence of a quorum. Roll Call Members present upon roll call were: Joe Alesandrini, Eric Hill, Karen Hohimer, Larry Howard, Carl Johnson, and Paul O’Neal. Absent was Member Ed Harr. President Alesandrini said he had no changes to the tentative agenda for this meeting at this time. Approval of Minutes President Alesandrini recommended Board approval of the minutes of the LMRC meeting of 13 January 2011; the O & M Committee meeting of 15 March 2011; and the special, special closed, regular, first closed session, and second closed session Board meetings of 21 March 2011 as presented. Motion by O’Neal, Second by Hohimer to Approve the Minutes of the LMRC Meeting of 13 January 2011; the O & M Committee Meeting of 15 March 2011; and the Special, Special Closed, Regular, First Closed Session, and Second Closed Session Board Meetings of 21 March 2011 as Presented. Motion passed by roll call vote: Ayes – O’Neal, Hohimer, Hill, Howard, Johnson, and Alesandrini. Absent – Harr. Communications, Public Comments & Participation Seven Semester High Honors – Class of 2011 The Board recognized the fifteen senior students who earned high honors each of their first seven semesters at Pekin High. Principal Mike Davis read a brief biographical description of honorees and each received the “High Honor Award” medallion and the “Lamp of Knowledge” pin this evening. As names were read, parents were also asked to stand and be recognized. Board Members came to the front of the dais to join Administrators in congratulating and shaking hands with honorees. Those honored were:
Principal Davis requested a round of applause, thanked the honorees for their hard work, and wished each of them the best of luck in the future. President Alesandrini informed parents that they were welcome to stay for the remainder of this evening’s meeting and waited briefly to continue as most of the audience left the Board Room. Student Council President Jen Duke reported on several events planned by Student Council for the final quarter of this school year. All committees have met with success this semester. Student Council Week was held 11-15 April 2011. Among other events scheduled for the week, the Fundraiser Committee sponsored a Bags Tournament during lunches with many students and faculty members participating and watching. The entry fee was $5.00 per person or $10.00 per team. The outdoor movie scheduled for Thursday that week was moved indoors due to wind issues. Tickets were sold at $3.00. Several charities received the proceeds from these events totally approximately $800—the Boys’ and Girls’ Club of Pekin, Whitney’s Walk, and the American Red Cross for the Japanese relief effort. The theme for this year’s Senior Citizens’ Prom was “Coney Island.” Rain did not dampen attendance. A king and queen were elected and, in keeping with the theme, cookies on a stick were served. A few activities remain this semester. The Senior Send-Off is scheduled for 17 May 2011 during Period 4 and will feature a cookout with burgers and hotdogs and games to provide seniors an opportunity to say farewell to classmates. Another party will be held for Life Skills students on 03 May, just two days before Cinco de Mayo, so tacos and other Mexican foods will be served. Newly-elected local Student Council officers will attend this year’s state convention on the 5th and 6th of May. Jen introduced Maddi Carr, next year’s president-elect, to the Board and provided a list of her many high school accomplishments and activities. Jen expressed her pride and confidence in Maddi. Maddi, who said she has hoped to be able to serve in this post for the last three years, thanked Jen for the great job she has done over the past year, adding that it will be difficult for her to fill Jen’s shoes. Minutes – Board of Education President Alesandrini added his thanks to Maddi’s and congratulated Jen for doing an outstanding job. He and the Board look forward to hearing from Maddi next year. Secretary Hohimer seconded his sentiments. Board Applause Member Hill praised the Pekinois, Pekin High’s student newspaper, for its new website. Still under construction, it offers up-to-date news of the school and the world beyond. He encouraged its staff to continue their fine efforts. Member O’Neal congratulated students involved in the Teen Safe Driving Program at Pekin High for their heartfelt efforts. Secretary Hohimer congratulated Cody Hendricks for his election as a senior in high school to Pekin’s City Council earlier this month. Member Johnson congratulated all students who worked hard to succeed this year, both graduates and underclassmen, as well as participants in this year’s spring drama selection, The Crucible. Dr. Johnson found the play as entertaining—and annoying in its way—as he did when he read it in high school. Vice President Howard shared an email he received regarding Pekin High’s Marching Dragons who recently returned from a trip to Florida where they performed at Disney World’s Magic Kingdom and Universal Studios under the direction of Karli Oblak. Its authors, Bob and Carol Beyer, said participants represented PCHS and the City of Pekin with professionalism and class which inspired pride in those who accompanied the trip as they witnessed the enthusiastic reception accorded to our band. Mr. Howard concurred whole-heartedly with their message. President Alesandrini applauded several groups. Several PCHS Auto Technology students, taught by Mr. Bob Deiss, finished first recently in Mid-Illini Conference competition held at Illinois Central College. This is the program’s second consecutive year for receiving top honors. Pekin High’s JROTC Drill Team placed third overall in the armed category in recent JROTC Western Region Drill Championship competition held in Phoenix, Arizona. Although not an official sport at Pekin High, the Varsity Hockey Team should be recognized, Mr. Alesandrini said, for winning the Central Illinois Prep League Hockey Tournament in March, completing a 15-5-5 season. Superintendent Davis added that two students in Pekin High’s Networking Program who won the State championship will go on to national competition. Mrs. Davis will report results to the Board at its next regular meeting and recognize the students at that time. This will be a virtual competition; no trip is required. Public Comments and Participation None. Approval of Warrants Motion by Howard, Second by Hohimer to Approve the March 2011 Monthly Warrants in the Amount of $1,748,815.88 as Per Summary Information Found on Pages 27-28 of Agenda Support Material and in Detailed Information under Separate Cover. Motion passed by roll call vote: Ayes – Howard, Hohimer, Hill, Johnson, O’Neal, and Alesandrini. Nays – None. Absent – Harr. Financial Reports as of 31 March 2011 Bank Balances on Hand $21,486,435.22 New Business Canvass of Election Ballots President Alesandrini noted that Board incumbents Larry Howard and Paul O’Neal, along with candidate Ryan Wrigley, had been elected to four-year terms on the District 303 Board of Education as officially reported in the “Statement of Votes Cast” as part of the canvass of precinct election returns supplied by the Tazewell County Clerk’s Office and included in agenda support material for review by Board members. No one questioned this document. Resolution to Adopt the Canvass of Election Ballots President Alesandrini read the resolution found on pages 38-39 of agenda support material. Motion by Hohimer, Second by Hill to Adopt the Resolution Declaring the Election of Three (3) Members to the Board of Education of Pekin Community High School District 303 for Terms of Four Years. Motion passed by roll call vote: Ayes – Hohimer, Hill, Howard, Johnson, O’Neal, and Alesandrini. Nays – None. Absent – Harr. Oath of Office, Administered by Joe Alesandrini, Board President President Joe Alesandrini invited re-elected Board members Larry Howard and Paul O’Neal, along with newly-elected Board member Ryan Wrigley, to join him at the side of the dais where he administered the Oath of Office. All four Members then took their appointed seats at the dais. Adjournment of Old Board President Alesandrini declared the old Board adjourned sine die. There were no objections. Call to Order of the New Board and Nomination of a President Pro Tempore President Alesandrini called the new Board of Education to order and asked for nominations for the office of President Pro Tempore. Member O’Neal nominated Joe Alesandrini for the office of President Pro Tempore of the Board of Education. No other nominations were made. By voice vote indicating unanimous consent, Joe Alesandrini was elected President Pro Tempore of the Pekin Community High School Board of Education. Nomination for and Election of the Office of President of the Board of Education Member Hill nominated Joe Alesandrini for the office of President of the Board of Education. No other nominations were made. By voice vote indicating unanimous consent, Joe Alesandrini was elected President of the Pekin Community High School Board of Education until the Board reorganizes one year from now. Nomination for and Election of the Office of Vice President of the Board of Education Member Howard nominated Paul O’Neal for the office of Vice President of the Board of Education. No other nominations were made. By voice vote indicating unanimous consent, Paul O’Neal was elected Vice President of the Pekin Community High School Board of Education. Nomination for and Election of the Office of Secretary of the Board of Education Vice President O’Neal nominated Karen Hohimer, by virtue of her excellent record at that post, for the office of Secretary of the Board of Education. No other nominations were made. By voice vote indicating unanimous consent, Karen Hohimer was elected Secretary of the Pekin Community High School Board of Education. Minutes – Board of Education Establishment of a Schedule Containing the Dates for the Regular Meetings of the Pekin Community High School District No. 303 Board of Education for 2011-2012 President Alesandrini observed that this schedule reflects past practice in setting dates for regular Board meetings in the coming year—the fourth Monday of each month in all but one instance. Motion by Howard, Second by Wrigley to Adopt the Schedule Containing the Dates for the Regular Meetings of the Pekin Community High School District No. 303 Board of Education for 2011-2012. Motion passed by roll call vote: Ayes – Howard, Wrigley, Hill, Hohimer, Johnson, O’Neal, and Alesandrini. Nays – None. Board Policies, Procedures, and Resolutions Motion by Hohimer, Second by O’Neal to Adopt the Board Policies, Procedures, and Resolution Adopted by Action of Previous Boards of Education. Motion passed by roll call vote: Ayes – Hohimer, O’Neal, Hill, Howard, Johnson, Wrigley, and Alesandrini. Nays – None. Establishment of the Fiscal Year for the School District as 01 July through 30 June Motion by Hill, Second by Wrigley to Adopt 01 July through 30 June as the Fiscal Year for Pekin Community High School. Motion passed by roll call vote: Ayes – Hill, Wrigley, Hohimer, Howard, Johnson, O’Neal, and Alesandrini. Nays – None. 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 and the purchase or lease of real property for the use of the public body. Motion by Howard, Second by Hohimer to Adjourn to Closed Session. Motion passed by roll call vote: Ayes – Howard, Hohimer, Hill, Johnson, O’Neal, Wrigley, and Alesandrini. Minutes – Board of Education The Board adjourned to closed session in the Superintendent’s Office at 7:11 P.M. and returned to open session in the Board Room at 8:40 P.M. Consent Agenda President Alesandrini read the employment positions to be approved, the resignation to be accepted, and the donation to be made a matter of record contained in the Consent Agenda.
Certified Lynn Brown – Dean of Students beginning with the 2011-2012 school year; Master’s Degree in Educational Administration–National University, San Diego 2008, Type 75 endorsement; at a salary of MA, Step 10 plus 27 percent differential as per contract. Larry Carr – Short-term replacement for Business Manager Carla Schaefer for an approximate 50-day period at a cost not to exceed $15,000. Michael Czajkowski – English Department beginning with the 2011-2012 school year; Bachelor of Science Degree–Illinois Wesleyan University 2011; at a salary of BA, Step 1 as per contract. Rachel Hodgson – English Department beginning with the 2011-2012 school year; Bachelor of Science Degree–St. Ambrose University 2011; at a salary of BA, Step 1 as per contract. Joel Schmieg – Dean of Students beginning with the 2011-2012 school year; Master’s Degree in Educational Administration–Eastern Illinois University 2011, Type 75 endorsement; at a salary of MA, Step 6 plus 27 percent differential as per contract. Ashlee Sharp – Math Department beginning with the 2011-2012 school year; Bachelor of Science Degree–Eastern Illinois University 2010; at a salary of BA, Step 1 as per contract. Joel Steger – Credit Recovery Instructor for Session 5, 18 April-23 May Cydnee Tucker – Math Department beginning with the 2011-2012 school year; Bachelor of Science Degree–Eastern Illinois University 2010; at a salary of BA, Step 1 as per contract. Substitute Certified Krista Webb – Substitute for the CTE Department; at a salary of $16.00 per class period as per contract. Differential Amanda Dial Collins – Vocal Music Assistant beginning with the 2011-2012 school year; at a salary of 10 percent differential as per contract.
Arlan Miller – Social Studies Teacher and Head Student Council Advisor effective at the end of the 2010-2011 school year. Erika Miller – Assistant Attendance Clerk effective 15 April 2011.
Karl Jordan – Donation of $10.00 to the PCHS Scholarship Fund in memory of Mr. Robert Ziebold, former Director of Buildings and Grounds. Motion by Hohimer, Second by Howard to Approve Consent Agenda Items 5.12.1-5.12.3 as Presented. Motion Passed by Roll Call Vote: Ayes – Hohimer, Howard, Hill, Johnson, O’Neal, Wrigley, and Alesandrini. Nays – None. Resolution of Notice to Remedy Motion by Howard, Second by Hohimer to Adopt the Resolution of Notice to Remedy for Mike Damron as Presented. Motion Passed by Roll Call Vote: Ayes – Howard, Hohimer, Hill, Johnson, O’Neal, Wrigley, and Alesandrini. Nays – None. 2010-2011 Mid-Illini Conference Academic Awards Superintendent Davis referred to the list contained in agenda support material of students who had received Mid-Illini Conference Academic Awards for 2010-2011 and asked that it be made a matter of record. Minutes – Board of Education Motion by Wrigley, Second by Hohimer to Make the Names of 2010-2011 Mid-Illini Conference Academic Award Winners a Matter of Record as Presented. Motion Passed by Roll Call Vote: Ayes – Wrigley, Hohimer, Hill, Howard, Johnson, O’Neal, and Alesandrini. Nays – None. Varsity Assistant Softball Coach for the 2010-2011 Season Superintendent Davis reported receiving a request from Director of Athletics Rick Kestner to add the position of Varsity Assistant Softball Coach for skill development for this school year only. The position is not part of the collective bargaining agreement and could be filled annually if there is a need for similar skill coaching. Other assistant coaching positions already exist as part of the Softball Program. The District currently does something similar in its Swim Program, adding an assistant coach on an as-needed basis. Motion by Howard, Second by Hohimer to Create the Position of Varsity Assistant Softball Coach for the 2010-2011 Season as Presented. Motion Passed by Roll Call Vote: Ayes – Howard, Hohimer, Hill, Johnson, O’Neal, Wrigley, and Alesandrini. Nays – None. Resolution for the Sale of the Building Trades House Mrs. Davis reported that another beautiful house constructed by the Building Trades Program at 813 Deerfield Drive is nearing completion and State law requires that a resolution for sale be adopted. Part of that document is a Notice of Sale which sets the minimum price acceptable to the Board at $198,900. The open house for this property is scheduled for 15 May 2011, 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. Motion by Hohimer, Second by O’Neal to Adopt the Resolution for the Sale of Lot 119 in Deerfield Estates, Section Five, Tazewell County, Illinois, Commonly Known as 813 Deerfield Drive, Pekin, Illinois, and to Adopt the Notice of Sale Which Sets the Minimum Bid at $198,900 as Presented. Motion Passed by Roll Call Vote: Ayes – Hohimer, O’Neal, Hill, Howard, Johnson, Wrigley, and Alesandrini. Nays – None. Request for Permission to Seek Bids for a Tractor for Buildings and Grounds Superintendent Davis noted that the need for a tractor to be used by the Buildings and Grounds Department for mowing has been discussed several times. The Pekin Park District is planning a new sports complex in the near future which prevents it from continuing its intergovernmental agreement to assist with the mowing of school grounds. Since the Park District has been using its own equipment, we will need an additional tractor for this purpose. It is time to seek bids so we can be ready by early summer. Member Johnson asked if mowing attachments to the tractor needed to be included in the request. All attachments will be part of bid specifications, responded Mrs. Davis. Member Wrigley asked if the District was interested in particular tractor brands. Mrs. Davis said only certain brands fit our needs. Buildings and Grounds Director Tim Bonnette has consulted the Park District to educate himself regarding equipment and repair issues. President Alesandrini wished to know if additional staff would be required to complete increased mowing demands. We will try to get through the approaching season, then assess staff needs, responded Mrs. Davis, speculating that, at most, a part-time seasonal worker may be required. Mowing usually peaks in spring and again in fall. The District used to designate groundskeepers as part of its Buildings and Grounds staff, but now all are categorized as maintenance. We will track this issue, she concluded, adding that Mr. Bonnette is optimistic that the mowing situation is under control. Motion by O’Neal, Second by Hohimer to Grant Permission to Seek Bids for a Tractor for Buildings and Grounds. Motion Passed by Roll Call Vote: Ayes – O’Neal, Hohimer, Hill, Howard, Johnson, Wrigley, and Alesandrini. Nays – None. Summer Work to Replace Exterior Window/Wall Panels in F and G Buildings Superintendent Davis expressed her pleasure in seeking the Board’s approval of the bid recommended by the Operations and Maintenance Committee for summer work to replace exterior window/wall panels in F and G Buildings. The District has been battling current panels, now over 20 years old, for some time. An energy grant has been received in the amount of $249,000 from the Illinois State Board of Education to help defray the cost of this project. The alternate bid format was used for F Building since we were not sure if both buildings could be completed before the new school year begins in August. Bids came in significantly below our architects’ projections with assurances that work can be finished on schedule. Venovich Construction of Tremont was the lowest bidder at $664,000.00 for base and alternate bids. Motion by Howard to Enter into a Contract with Venovich Construction of Tremont to Replace Exterior Wall Panels in the F and G Buildings in the Amount of $664,000.00 as Motion Passed by Roll Call Vote: Ayes – Howard, Hill, Hohimer, Johnson, O’Neal, Wrigley, and Alesandrini. Nays – None. Summer Work to Remodel Holman Center Toilet Room Minutes – Board of Education Mrs. Davis reported that both restrooms near Central Office are in immediate need of renovation; others throughout the Holman Center will be scheduled for work in future. Venovich Construction of Tremont was, again, the lowest bidder at $50,000.00 which was, again, below our architects’ projection for his project. Mr. Alesandrini warned that men’s and women’s facilities will be switched as a result of work to be completed and Mr. Howard observed that the much-maligned wash basin will be removed. Mrs. Davis said the District will be completing several significant projects this coming summer. Access to the building will be limited; information regarding those limitations will be released soon. Computer equipment will be made accessible to teachers in an area of A Building, added Mr. Howard. Vice President O’Neal asked if an absolute date of completion clause, beyond which the contractor would have to pay a penalty to the District for every day it exceeded the date, had been added into contracts for these projects. The District’s architects have advised against this, responded Mrs. Davis. Motion by Howard to Enter into a Contract with Venovich Construction of Tremont to Remodel the Toilet Room Adjacent to Central Office in the Holman Center in the Amount of $50,000.00 as Presented. No second was necessary since this motion came from committee. Motion Passed by Roll Call Vote: Ayes – Howard, Hill, Hohimer, Johnson, O’Neal, Wrigley, and Alesandrini. Nays – None. Textbook Request for the 2011-2012 School Year Assistant Superintendent Ruwe recommended the adoption of all textbooks contained in his report to the Board at last month’s regular meeting for the Cultural Studies (Drama), Math, and Social Studies Departments. All texts have been made available for examination for the required length of time. Motion by Howard, Second by Hohimer to Adopt the Textbooks Theatre: Art in Action, by Robert D. Taylor and Robert D. Strickland; Algebra 2: Common Core Standards, by Carter, Cuevas, Day, & Malloy; American History: A Survey, 13th Edition, by Alan Brinkley; and American Issues Reader: A Collection of Primary Sources for the 2011-2012 School Year as Presented. Motion Passed by Roll Call Vote: Ayes – Howard, Hohimer, Hill, Johnson, O’Neal, Wrigley, and Alesandrini. Nays – None. Yearbook Contract Business Manager Schaefer reported that the District is in the third and final year of its contract with Taylor, now Balfour, Publishing. A request for bids to publish our yearbook, The Pekinian, was announced and several have been submitted for her review and that of Publications Advisor Joel Steger. They have selected Herff-Jones, the second-lowest bidder, based on referrals and its ability to keep yearbooks price at $32.00 per copy. Mrs. Schaefer said the lowest bidder of the group was not Taylor, and we have had no issues with Taylor’s services to date. Their bid was significantly higher, however. Motion by Johnson, Second by Wrigley to Approve a One-year Contract for the 2011-2012 School Year with Herff-Jones, Renewable for Up to Two Additional Years upon Satisfactory Performance, to Publish the District’s Yearbook, The Pekinian. Motion Passed by Roll Call Vote: Ayes – Johnson, Wrigley, Hill, Hohimer, Howard, O’Neal, and Alesandrini. Nays – None. PCHS JROTC Academic Team Trip to JROTC President’s Leadership Championship, June 2011 Mrs. Davis offered her congratulations to the PCHS JROTC Academic Team which has qualified for the 2011 JROTC President’s Academic Championship that will be conducted on 25-26 June 2011 at George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia. Pekin High’s team participated in two online contests to qualify for the national event, finishing in the top 50 percent in Round 1 and as one of the top 24 teams in Round 2, thus earning an invitation to a face-to-face scholastic bowl to be held at the university. Pekin High was first overall in its division and one of only two teams which qualified from the State of Illinois, along with and ahead of Marmion Military Academy in Aurora. This speaks volumes about our students and the leadership they receive from Master Sargeant Joe Fabish, Mrs. Davis said. They are requesting permission from the Board to compete in this championship. College Options is paying the team’s expenses including travel, food, and lodging. The JROTC Booster Club will be asked to supply extra spending money for cadets in need. Students will travel to Fairfax on Friday, 24 June 2011, complete on Saturday and Sunday, tour local sites on Monday, and return to Pekin on Tuesday, 28 June. The fact that a group outside our District is picking up expenses also speaks well of our JROTC Program, added Member Howard. Motion by Howard, Second by Hohimer to Approve the Attendance of the PCHS JROTC Academic Team at the JROTC President’s Academic Championship in Fairfax, Virginia, 24-28 June 2011, as Presented. Motion Passed by Roll Call Vote: Ayes – Howard, Hohimer, Hill, Johnson, O’Neal, Wrigley, and Alesandrini. Nays – None. Reports Policy Committee Chairperson Hohimer reported that the Policy Committee met before this regular Board meeting to review 24 policies contained in the most recent issue of PRESS. Several of those policies will be brought to the Board for a first reading at its next regular meeting. O & M Committee Chairperson Howard reported that the O & M Committee met on Tuesday, 19 April 2011, to consider bids for summer projects on which the Board acted earlier in this regular meeting. Bids were lower than expected. The District received the energy grant for which it applied. Things are supposed to turn out this way, Mr. Howard mused. LMRC Superintendent Davis reported that four items were on the 14 April 2011 LMRC agenda for discussion: uneven building temperatures; access to the building this summer; possible availability of the District Activities Calendar in digital form, which will be considered further and may be implemented in the 2012-2013 school year; and a schedule of meeting dates for 2011-2012. SAC Mrs. Davis informed the Board that the Math Department Chairperson, Shauna Schwader, delivered a report on initiatives which have been implemented to help students meet college and career readiness math standards. The English Department will present its report at the next SAC meeting scheduled for Thursday, 28 April 2011. Future Agenda Items. None was suggested. Mr. Alesandrini asked Board members to contact him if they later decide to suggest items for the regular meeting agenda. Announcements by the President. President Alesandrini reminded the Board of several upcoming events.
Minutes – Board of Education in Pekin High, now seventh- and eighth-graders, might wish to take advantage of this excellent chance to see the many things that are accomplished by students in classes across the curriculum.
Adjournment. Hearing no objections, President Alesandrini declared this regular Board meeting adjourned at 9:10 p.m.
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