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MINUTES The Pekin Community High School Board of Education met on Monday, 23 May 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, Karen Hohimer, Larry Howard, Carl Johnson, Paul O’Neal, and Ryan Wrigley. Absent was Member Eric Hill. President Alesandrini noted several changes to this meeting’s agenda:
Approval of Minutes President Alesandrini recommended Board approval of the minutes of the SAC meeting of 24 March 2011, the O & M Committee meeting of 19 April 2011, the Policy Committee and regular and closed session Board meetings of 25 April 2011, and the special and special closed Board meetings of 09 May 2011 as presented. Motion by Hohimer Second by Johnson to Approve the Minutes of the SAC Meeting of 24 March 2011, the O & M Committee Meeting of 19 April 2011, the Policy Committee and Regular and Closed Session Board Meetings of 25 April 2011, and the Special and Special Closed Board Meetings of 09 May 2011 as Presented. Motion passed by roll call vote: Ayes – Hohimer, Johnson, Howard, O’Neal, Wrigley, and Alesandrini. Nays – None. Absent – Hill. Communications, Public Comments & Participation Board Applause Member Johnson wished all staff and students a good summer and congratulated them on a great school year. Member Wrigley congratulated all who participated in the Dragon Pride event and commended the PCHS Manufacturing/Welding Program for the excellent job students do as exemplified by their display at Dragon Pride. Vice President O’Neal commended this year’s graduates for a job well done. Member Howard congratulated the PCHS Boys Baseball Program which was picked to finish seventh of eight teams in the Mid-Illini Conference but stuck it out to complete a very successful season. Secretary Hohimer thanked the Class of 2011 for its Senior Gift of charitable contributions to Camp Big Sky and The Children’s Advocacy Center, both of which serve the youth of Pekin. President Alesandrini thanked all faculty, administration, and grounds crew members who worked to make Commencement 2011 a success. This is difficult enough when the weather is fine, he observed, but yesterday’s intermittent storms made the task all the more challenging. Superintendent Davis followed up on a report at last month’s regular Board meeting by informing Members that two students, Jacob Hudson and Devon Simmons, competed in regional Skills USA competition recently. Teams from all 50 states, Canada, Puerto Rico, and Guam were included in Pekin High’s division which started with 7,500 teams. Jacob and Devon finished 15th. Jacob will represent PCHS at the Skills USA national competition once again in June after finishing 18th there last year. He will attend the University of Illinois in the fall of 2011 and Devon will be returning to Pekin High for his senior year. We expect great things from both young men as they continue their education, observed Mrs. Davis. Student Council No report. Public Comments and Participation None. Approval of Warrants Motion by Howard, Second by Wrigley to Approve the April 2011 Monthly Warrants in the Amount of $1,669,371.76 as Per Summary Information Found on Pages 40-41 of Agenda Support Material and in Detailed Information under Separate Cover. Motion passed by roll call vote: Ayes – Howard, Wrigley, Hohimer, Johnson, O’Neal, and Alesandrini. Nays – None. Absent – Hill. Financial Reports as of 30 April 2011 Bank Balances on Hand $21,119,978.70 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 and the setting of a price for sale or lease of property owned by the public body. Motion by O’Neal, Second by Hohimer to Adjourn to Closed Session. Motion passed by roll call vote: Ayes – O’Neal, Hohimer, Howard, Johnson, Wrigley, and Alesandrini. Nays – None. Absent – Hill. The Board adjourned to closed session in the Superintendent’s Office at 6:37 p.m. and returned to open session in the Board Room at 7:20 p.m. Consent Agenda President Alesandrini noted an additional change to the Consent Agenda. All verbiage after the word “differential” should be struck from item 5.1.1.4, the Non-Differential Stipend for William Sturm. Expenses for this position will be paid by the District rather than by Softball Program fundraising proceeds. Mr. Alesandrini read the categories contained in the Consent Agenda.
Certified Grace Jayjack-Ortega – Social Studies Department beginning with the 2011-2012 school year; Bachelor of Science Degree–Bradley 2010; at a salary of BA, Step 1 as per contract. Julie Praxmarer – Math Department beginning with the 2011-2012 school year; Bachelor of Science Degree–Marquette University, Milwaukee 2010; at a salary of BA, Step 2 as per contract. Support Ronda Creasong – Assistant Attendance Clerk beginning 25 May 2011; at a salary of Category II, Step 3 as per contract. Kelly Forbes – Part-time Health Official beginning with the 2011-2012 school year; at a salary of $18.08 per hour as per contract. Laurie Fuelberth – Read 180 Lab Aide beginning with the 2011-2012 school year; at a salary of Category III, Step 12 as per contract. Substitute Support Kelly Forbes – Substitute Nurse beginning 06 May 2011; at a salary of $14.00 per hour as per contract. Non-Differential Stipend William Sturm – Assistant Softball Coach beginning with the 2010-2011 school year; at a stipend of $3503.16, equivalent to 12 percent differential. Differential Cynthia Hinderliter – Department Chairperson for Instructional Technology beginning with the 2011-2012 school year; at a salary of department chairperson differential as per contract. Volunteer Jayden Riley – Chaperone for the JROTC Program effective 09 May 2011.
Kirk Edwards – Head Girls Track Coach effective at the end of the 2010-2011 school year. Jennifer Eveland – Senior Class Advisor effective at the end of the 2010-2011 school year. April Handy – Math Teacher effective at the end of the 2010-2011 school year. Josh Prichard – Assistant Varsity Wrestling Coach effective at the end of the Ray Ramos – Assistant Football Coach effective at the end of the 2010-2011 school year. Stacy Snoble – Science Teacher effective at the end of the 2010-2011 school year. Laurie Whitaker – Special Education Teacher effective at the end of the 2010-2011 school year.
Leland & Mary Sorenson – Donations of $25.00 each to the PCHS Band, Noteables, and Scholastic Bowl Programs. Motion by Howard, Second by O’Neal to Approve Consent Agenda Items 5.1.1-5.1.3 as Presented. Motion passed by roll call vote: Ayes – Howard, O’Neal, Hohimer, Johnson, Wrigley, and Alesandrini. Nays – None. Absent – Hill. Opening of Closed Minutes Motion by Hohimer to Open Minutes of the 24 May 2010, 28 June 2010, and 26 July 2010 Closed Session Board Meetings; the 07 July 2010 Closed Session Special Board Meeting; and the 24 January 2011 Second Closed Session Board Meeting as Presented. No second was necessary since the motion came from committee. Motion passed by roll call vote: Ayes – Hohimer, Howard, Johnson, O’Neal, Wrigley, and Alesandrini. Nays – None. Absent – Hill. Policies for a First Reading Policy Committee Chairperson Hohimer noted that five policies reviewed by the committee—2:250, 5:40, 6:250, 8:10, and 8:90—were not included for a first reading because suggested PRESS changes were confined to footnotes and/or legal citations and the body of the policies was not altered. President Alesandrini indicated that he found the wording of item 2 near the top of Policy 6:190, “Instruction: Extracurricular and Co-Curricular Activities,” cumbersome. It was suggested that verbiage be changed to read, “Student fees are reasonable and do not exceed the actual cost of operation.” Motion by Hohimer to Lay Over Policies 2:80, 2:140, 3:50, 3:60, 4:15, 5:50, 5:150, 5:200, 5:285, 5:300, 6:100, 6:150, 6:160, 6:185, 6:190 as altered, 6:225, 7:260, 7:280, 8:95, and 8:110 for Action at a Future Date as Presented. No second was necessary since the motion came from committee. Motion Passed by Roll Call Vote: Ayes – Hohimer, Howard, Johnson, O’Neal, Wrigley, and Alesandrini. Nays – None. Absent – Hill. Minutes – Board of Education Athletic Trainer Services for the 2011-2012 School Year Superintendent Davis referred Members to backup information containing the agreement with Midwest Orthopædic Center for the 2011-2012 school year which maintains a close working relationship with Athletic Director Rick Kestner and calls for athletic trainer services to be spread across five different sports and a total of 56 events. Motion by Wrigley, Second by Hohimer to Approve of the Agreement with Midwest Orthopædic Center for Athletic Trainer Services for the 2011-2012 School Year in the Amount of $4480.00 as Presented. Motion Passed by Roll Call Vote: Ayes – Wrigley, Hohimer, Howard, Johnson, O’Neal, and Alesandrini. Nays – None. Absent – Hill. Summer School 2011 Teachers and Staff Assistant Superintendent Ruwe referred Members to the dates and staff members pertaining to Summer School 2011 found in the agenda. He reminded the Board that teachers are hired only if there is a need for their services as determined by course enrollment which has historically been set at fifteen to sixteen students. Classes with larger enrollments can compensate for offering smaller courses. All staff listed are current faculty members with the exception of Rick Shemansky who is a substitute teacher for the District. Director at $26.54 per hour as per contract: Josh Gschwend. Secretary at $8.25 per hour as per contract: Rachel Gianessi. Teachers at $26.54 per hour as per contract:
Substitute teachers at $26.54 per hour as per contract:
Motion by Hohimer, Second by O’Neal to Employ the Teachers and Staff Recommended for Summer School 2011 for the Dates and at the Hourly Wage Rates Indicated. Motion Passed by Roll Call Vote: Ayes – Hohimer, O’Neal, Howard, Johnson, Wrigley, and Alesandrini. Nays – None. Absent – Hill. Staff Workers for Summer Employment, 2011 Superintendent Davis recommended the following list of staff workers for summer employment, 02 June-17 August 2011, at the wage rates indicated for each category. Locker Maintenance at $11.00 per hour:
Supervision of Student Workers at $11.00 per hour:
Student Workers at $8.25 per hour:
Mrs. Davis explained that students will be asked to move equipment and other classroom materials as well as complete cleaning and small painting projects. Locker maintenance involves changing the combination mechanism for each locker and making repairs as necessary. Motion by Hohimer, Second by Johnson to Employ Summer Staff and Student Workers Recommended for the Dates and at the Hourly Wage Rates Indicated. Motion Passed by Roll Call Vote: Ayes – Hohimer, Johnson, Howard, O’Neal, Wrigley, and Alesandrini. Nays – None. Absent – Hill. 2010-2011 Amended Budget Superintendent Davis reported that significant changes have been made to the 2010-2011 budget due to several factors including bond abatement, the sale of the Construction Trades house, and increased corporate personal property replacement tax revenue. Law requires that the amended budget be placed on display for one month prior to Board action at its next regular meeting in June. Motion by O’Neal, Second by Wrigley to Place the 2010-2011 Amended Budget on Display for Public Inspection with Adoption at the June 2011 Board of Education Meeting. Minutes – Board of Education Motion Passed by Roll Call Vote: Ayes – O’Neal, Wrigley, Hohimer, Howard, Johnson, and Alesandrini. Nays – None. Absent – Hill. Third Party Administrator for Health Insurance Superintendent Davis asked for Board approval to renew the District’s contract with United Healthcare River Valley for a second year. This typically was not done in the past since it was difficult to pin down a fixed cost for third party administration of our health insurance program, but the amount of $274,402.00 has been set for these services for 2011-2012. Motion by Hohimer, Second by Wrigley to Renew the District’s Contract with United Healthcare River Valley as Its Third Party Administrator for Health Insurance, Effective 01 June 2011, at a Fixed Cost of $274,402.00. Motion Passed by Roll Call Vote: Ayes – Hohimer, Wrigley, Howard, Johnson, O’Neal, and Alesandrini. Nays – None. Absent – Hill. Renewal of Contract with Aramark Food Services Superintendent Davis reported that the District is happy with the service received from Aramark and the increase it is requesting is well within the tolerable range. This is the second year of the District’s current contract with the company. Motion by Howard, Second by Hohimer to Renew the District’s Contract with Aramark Food Services for the 2011-2012 School Year at an Increase of 1.3 Percent as Presented. Motion Passed by Roll Call Vote: Ayes – Howard, Hohimer, Johnson, O’Neal, Wrigley, and Alesandrini. Nays – None. Absent – Hill. Lease Agreement for Postage Machine Superintendent Davis said the District solicited bid quotes for a new postage machine and found Walz Leasing of East Peoria significantly less expensive than its competitors. Our current contract with Pitney Bowes is due to expire soon. Motion by O’Neal, Second by Wrigley to Enter into a Lease Agreement with Walz Leasing for a Mailing Machine for a Period of 60 Months with a Monthly Payment of $139.42 as Presented. Motion Passed by Roll Call Vote: Ayes – O’Neal, Wrigley, Hohimer, Howard, Johnson, and Alesandrini. Nays – None. Absent – Hill. Minutes – Board of Education Bid for a Tractor for Buildings and Grounds Mrs. Davis reminded the Board that the District is nearing the end of its intergovern-mental agreement with the Pekin Park District for mowing services. To acquire the equipment we’ll need to assume full responsibility for mowing, the District advertised for bids for a tractor and received only one, from Bobcat of Peoria, Inc., based on our specifications. The tractor is similar to one purchased by the Park and personnel there have attachments and services they are willing to share with the District by virtue of a cooperative intergovernmental arrangement. The bid is for $32,657.40. We’re scheduled to receive the new equipment, both tractor and mowing attachment, approximately five weeks following submission of our order. The attachment will be purchased with District funds from next fiscal year and its cost was too low to necessitate the bidding process. Motion by Howard, Second by Hohimer to Accept the Bid from Bobcat of Peoria, Inc., for a Tractor for Buildings and Grounds in the Amount of $32,657.40 as Presented. Motion Passed by Roll Call Vote: Ayes – Howard, Hohimer, Johnson, O’Neal, Wrigley, and Alesandrini. Nays – None. Absent – Hill. Bids for the Sale of the Building Trades House, 813 Deerfield Drive, Pekin Superintendent Davis reported that she was thrilled to inform the Board that a bid for the Building Trades House at 813 Deerfield Drive in Pekin had been received from Heidi Shaw and her husband Bob, new residents to the city, in the amount of $199,000, along with earnest money in the amount of $1,000 as required. She was not sure if financing had been approved, but a conversation with the buyers leads her to believe that this is not an issue. Motion by Hohimer, Second by O’Neal to Accept the Bid from Heidi and Bob Shaw for the Building Trades House, 813 Deerfield Drive in Pekin, in the Amount of $199,000 as Submitted. Motion Passed by Roll Call Vote: Ayes – Hohimer, O’Neal, Howard, Johnson, Wrigley, and Alesandrini. Nays – None. Absent – Hill. Bid Summer Work to Repair the B Building Foundation Wall Operations and Maintenance Committee Chairperson Howard informed the Board that a tabulation of bids for summer work to repair the lead in the B Building Foundation Wall had been received from BLDD Architects, Inc. Venovich Construction of Tremont has submitted the lowest bid in the amount of $229,000. It was noted that the bid was slightly under the amount projected for this work by BLDD which may indicate that contractors are eager for the opportunity. Minutes – Board of Education Motion by Howard to Enter into a Contract with Venovich Construction of Tremont to Complete the B Building Foundation Wall Repair Project in the Amount of $229,000 as Motion Passed by Roll Call Vote: Ayes – Howard, Hohimer, Johnson, O’Neal, Wrigley, and Alesandrini. Nays – None. Absent – Hill. Bid for Summer Work to Replace the Theatre Dimmer Panel O & M Committee Chairperson Howard reported that a tabulation of bids for summer work to replace the Theatre dimmer panel had been received from BLDD Architects, Inc. Central Illinois Electrical Service (CIES), LLC., of Bartonville submitted the lowest overall bid in the amount of $72,168 which includes both the base and alternate A-1 bids. It was noted that the base bid includes equipment in the backstage Theatre cage and the alternate includes the operating board equipment. Motion by Howard to Enter into a Contract with Central Illinois Electrical Service, LLC., of Bartonville to Replace the Theatre Dimmer Panel in the Amount of $72,168 as Presented. No second was necessary since this motion came from committee. Motion Passed by Roll Call Vote: Ayes – Howard, Hohimer, Johnson, O’Neal, Wrigley, and Alesandrini. Nays – None. Absent – Hill. 2011-2012 Student-Parent Handbook Changes Superintendent Davis reminded the Board that the entire Student-Parent Handbook for 2011-2012 had been sent under separate cover. She recommended the approval of changes to the Handbook as presented on pages 86 and 87 of agenda support materials due to the hard work of the Discipline and Parent Review Committees. There were no questions or comments regarding changes to the medical release procedure on Handbook pages 9 and 10. When asked by President Alesandrini if there were concerns or comments concerning changes to the out-of-school suspension (OSS) policy on page 15 of the Handbook, a Board Member, representing a different view, questioned the new policy of allowing students to receive credit at 90 percent of the grade earned on all assignments and tests for unexcused absences and out-of-school suspensions. A vigorous discussion ensued and included comments from members of the audience. Alternatives to the proposed change were offered and debated by Board members. There were no questions or comments regarding proposed changes to language concerning the Nurse’s Office on pages 38 and 39, harassment on pages 22 and 23, or clothing regulations found on page 24 of the Handbook. Motion by Hohimer, Second by Howard to Approve of the Proposed 2011-2012 Student Handbook Changes as Presented. Motion Passed by Roll Call Vote: Ayes – Hohimer, Howard, O’Neal, and Alesandrini. Nays – Wrigley. Abstentions – Johnson. Absent – Hill. Permission to Dispose of Surplus Equipment Superintendent Davis reported that the Cultural Studies and Career and Technical Education Departments need to dispose of surplus equipment. The District is considering another “garage sale” in the not-too-distant future similar to one held last year. It will be advertised with a list of materials which will be priced to sell quickly. Motion by Wrigley, Second by Howard to Approve the Disposal of Surplus Equipment. Motion Passed by Roll Call Vote: Ayes – Wrigley, Howard, Hohimer, Johnson, O’Neal, and Alesandrini. Nays – None. Absent – Hill. Reports Policy Committee No report. Chairperson Hohimer indicated the Policy Committee had not met since the last regular Board meeting. O & M Committee Chairperson Howard reported that the O & M Committee held a very productive meeting prior to this evening’s regular Board meeting and several bids were recommended for Board approval. LMRC Superintendent Davis reported that the May 2011 LMRC meeting was canceled due to an absence of agenda items. LMRC will next meet on 08 September 2011. SAC Mrs. Davis informed the Board that English Department Chairperson Sheila Coussens-Martin delivered a report on initiatives which have been implemented to help students meet college and career readiness English standards. Also, classroom visits were scheduled on 17 May 2011 for team members representing the Instructional Practices Inventory (IPI) Program, allowing them to observe students throughout the building to Minutes – Board of Education begin the process of assessing the level of student engagement in a variety of classrooms. SAC members will discuss their findings at their next meeting on 26 May 2011. Future Agenda Items. No items were suggested. Mr. Alesandrini asked Board members to contact him or Mrs. Davis 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.
Adjournment. Hearing no objections, President Alesandrini declared this regular Board meeting adjourned at 8:26 p.m.
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