The Pekin Community High School Board of Education met on Monday, October 22, 2007 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 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.
Roll Call
Members present upon roll call were: Edward Harr, Betty Scott, Karen Hohimer, Paul O’Neal, Larry Howard, and Joe Alesandrini. Absent: Gary Lowe
Approval of Minutes
President Alesandrini recommended Board approval of the minutes of the regular meeting of September 24, 2007, special meeting of October 9, 2007, closed meeting of October 9, 2007, LMRC meeting of September 13, 2007, O & M meeting of September 17, 2007 and the Policy meeting of September 24, 2007.
Motion by Scott, second by Harr to approve the minutes of the regular and policy meetings of September 24, 2007, special and closed meeting of October 9, 2007, LMRC meeting of September 13, 2007 and the O & M meeting of September 17, 2007.
Motion passed by roll call vote: Ayes – Scott, Harr, Hohimer, O’Neal, Howard and Alesandrini. Absent: Lowe
Communications, Public Comments and Participation
Student Council
Megan Nolan told the board of the upcoming activities planned by student council. The council is voting on the top 4 movies for movie buyout scheduled for the day before
Minutes – PCHS Board of Education
Regular Meeting
October 22, 2007
Page Two
Christmas break. They are also planning a dodge ball tournament. Activities for holiday spirit week have been planned with each day having a different theme. Student council is also planning their annual canned food drive; she stated they provide food for over 60 families every year. The last activity they are planning is the Life Skills party of which they have given the theme of High School Musical.
Donations
Paula Davis told the board that Mr. Bob Ziebold and the Ziebold family trust had made a donation to the school that constituted some special recognition. Mrs. Davis told the board that the Ziebold family had set up a scholarship in honor of their son, Lieutenant Colonel Ronald J. Ziebold who was a 1957 graduate of Pekin High School. Mrs. Davis asked Bob Ziebold if he would like to say anything. Mr. Ziebold told the board that his son would be very pleased to know that they have set up the scholarship for the JROTC. Mr. Ziebold told the board that he was disappointed that the money came in a little short from the amount they had discussed. He proceeded to give Mrs. Davis one quarter to make the amount an even $30,000.00.
Board Applause
Betty Scott commented on how she had attended the fine arts festival concert and that she thought it was very well attended, and it was amazing to see all the kids singing together.
Ed Harr congratulated the JROTC for being one of the teams to be asked to compete in the competition and how well our team did.
Karen Hohimer said that she would like to echo Mr. Ziebold.
Paul O’Neal said he would like to thank Mr. Ziebold and that he does love this place.
Joe Alesandrini said he had two awards to present. Last week at Central Illinois division of Illinois School Boards, two members received awards. Receiving master board member status was Mrs. Betty Scott, and maintaining that level was Mr. Larry Howard.
Approval of Warrants
Motion by Howard, second by Hohimer to approve the monthly warrants in the amount of $1,588,293.22 as per summary information found on pages 23 and 24 of the agenda and in detailed information under separate cover.
Minutes – Board of Education
Regular Meeting
October 22, 2007
Page Three
Motion passed by roll call vote: Ayes – Howard, Hohimer, Harr, Scott, O’Neal and Alesandrini. Nays – none. Absent: Lowe Warrants attached as Exhibit A
Financial Reports as of September 30, 2007
Bank Balances $17,446,715.78
District Investments – Principal $17,080,265.02
Health Care YTD ($ 54,529.87)
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; student disciplinary cases and litigation, affecting or on behalf of the particular public body has been filed and is pending before a court or administrative tribunal, or when the public body finds that an action is probable or imminent, in which case the basis for the finding shall be recorded and entered into the minutes of the closed meeting.
Motion by O’Neal, second by Scott to adjourn to closed session.
Motion passed by roll call vote: Ayes – O’Neal, Scott, Harr, Hohimer, Howard and Alesandrini. Nays – none. Absent: Lowe.
New Business
Consent Agenda
President Alesandrini reviewed the Consent Agenda:
1. Employment as Per Contract
Support
Minutes – PCHS Board of Education
Regular Meeting
October 22, 2007
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Sarah Dunker – Special Education Teacher’s Aide, at a salary of category III step 0 as per salary schedule; Joy Evans – Food Service Aide, at a salary of $9.47 per hour as per contract; Wendy Hamm – Student Supervisor, at a salary of $8.81 as per salary schedule.
Substitute Teachers
Brenda Fosdick – Nurse’s office substitute, at a salary of $16.00 per hour as per salary schedule; Stephen Gardner – Substitute custodian, at a salary of $9.01 per hour plus .30 differential for second shift as per salary schedule; Kealy Werner – Substitute in any subject, certified in Physical Education, at a salary of $16.00 per hour as per salary schedule.
Differentials
Rick White – National Honor Society Advisor for the 2007-2008 school year at a differential of 1%; Mike Williamson – Assistant Wrestling Coach for the 2007-2008 school year at a differential of 14%.
Volunteers
Brian Scotti – Volunteer Boys Basketball Assistant Coach
Joel Peterson – Volunteer Boys Basketball Assistant Coach
Pat Taphorn – Volunteer Boys Basketball Assistant Coach
Dave Carrington – Volunteer Wrestling Assistant Coach
Non-Differential Stipend
Tara Laaker – Choreography Services for Cheerleading, Stipend: $1,500 paid for by the Booster Club.
Resignations
Lisa Kalusa – Student Supervisor, effective October 12, 2007
Differentials: Jack Stoudt – Assistant Boys Football Coach effective at the end of the 2007 football season; William McCormick – Assistant Boys Tennis Coach for the 2007-2008 school year; Dale Patton – Head Football Coach effective at the end of the 2007 football season.
Minutes – PCHS Board of Education
Regular Meeting
October 22, 2007
Page Five
Motion by Howard, second by Hohimer for approval of the Consent Agenda items 1 through 2 as presented.
Motion passed by roll call vote: Ayes – Howard, Hohimer, Harr, Scott, O’Neal and Alesandrini; Nays – none. Absent: Lowe.
Policies for the First Reading
Mr. Alesandrini reminded the Board of the policies listed for the first reading and asked the Board to lay them over for the future.
Motion by Hohimer, second by Scott to lay the policies over for a future meeting.
Motion passed by roll call vote; Ayes – Hohimer, Scott, Harr, O’Neal, Howard and Alesandrini; Nays – none. Absent: Lowe.
New Student Academic Improvement Programs
Mrs. Davis told the Board that in an attempt to attack issues for our student achievement, she asked the Board to create two new positions. One is the Mathematics Tutoring Services Coordinator and the second is Student Development Coordinator. Outlined is the salary and benefits. We have students who deal with anger management. The Student Coordinator would help these students. On the Mathematics side we would have a tutoring program where kids could come any hour for tutoring services. This service would help kids move forward. We haven’t developed the Reading Coach yet, but plan to add that in the near future.
Motion by Howard, second by Hohimer for approval to create the programs and positions presented – Math Lab & Tutoring; Student Development Coordinator; Reading Coach; Read 180; Keytrain Tutoring.
Ed Harr asked if these positions would be filled immediately. Mrs. Davis said yes, the positions would be posted immediately and filled as quickly as possible. Larry Howard stated that this was just part of our on going effort to increase the graduation rate and decrease the drop out rate.
Motion passed by roll call vote; Ayes – Howard, Hohimer, Harr, Scott, O’Neal and Alesandrini; Nays – none. Absent – Lowe.
Minutes – PCHS Board of Education
Regular Meeting
October 22, 2007
Page Six
Triple I Conference Resolutions
Joe Alesandrini told the board that the ISB has a delegate assembly that has submitted, by mail resolutions for the board to review. Historically the board has gone along with the recommendations handed down. Two resolutions Mr. Alesandrini wanted to discuss was new resolution #3 which the board did receive an adopt recommendation for which discusses prioritizing public school funds for pre-school. There was some concern from the resolution committee. There is some concern since we are a high school district. The second one is item #10 titled Conflict of Interest Prohibition. It was submitted by East Peoria school district. It would prohibit a person from serving on a school board who is a current student. Mr. Alesandrini asked the board if they had any questions or concerns. Betty Scott said that she supported the second item discussed regarding the school board referring to the situation in Dunlap. Mr. Howard said he was comfortable going along with the items. Mr. Alesandrini said very few get overturned. Mr. Alesandrini said he was hearing from the discussion to vote no to the prioritizing for funding for pre-school and vote yes to the school board item. Everyone agreed.
2007 Illinois School Report Card
Paula Davis highlighted on some of the items attached regarding the 2007 Illinois School Report Card. The first point is the pupil - teacher ratio, which is higher in our school district than the state average as well as the administrator – student ratio. When you look under teacher information, you will find that the average teaching years of experience is 12.8 years. We have had a fair amount of turn over and have a youthful staff. We have a well educated group. We have a higher amount of teachers with master’s degrees. Paula also noted that our graduation rate increased again this year. We are at 87.6% which is higher that the state averages. She noted if you look at the Prairie State achievement we have a little bit of a drop this year in the reading section. We are moving in the right direction in the math and science area. We have not made AYP this year, we haven’t made reading or math, but we have approved tonight two new programs to help with that achievement. We will continue to be diligent in our efforts to move forward. Paula stated that our goal is to keep pressing on; she reported that the standards increase each year, but she is confident we will make progress.
Channel One Agreement
Paula told the Board that this was the same Channel One that we had from before. She said that we have a youthful staff who would like to use it. There is not much change
Minutes – PCHS Board of Education
Regular Meeting
October 22, 2007
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from before, we have the study period everyday that would allow for the 12 minute broadcast. Mrs. Scott asked about advertising. Paula Davis told her there was advertising during the broadcast. Paula told the Board that the teachers were interested in the fact the students would see other geographical areas of the world. She said the teachers wanted access. Betty Scott asked about cost to the district, Paula said there was no cost.
Motion by Hohimer, second by Howard for Board Approval of the Channel One Agreement Presented.
Motion passed by roll call vote; Ayes – Hohimer, Howard, Harr, Scott, O’Neal, and Alesandrini; Nays – None. Absent: Lowe.
Stonegate Subdivision School District Boundary Information
Paula Davis told the Board she was concerned about the Stonegate subdivision boundary lines. Six lots have been recoded to Morton school district that have been in the Pekin High school district in the past. The lots are clearly in Pekin school district. Paula has met with county administrators and it is her opinion that there may be a need for legal services. She would like to move forward, we don’t want to give away property tax dollars that have been ours.
Motion by Howard, second by Scott to Authorize the Superintendent to Proceed on this Issue if that Requires Legal Council and she Deems Necessary.
Motion passed by roll call vote; Ayes – Howard, Scott, Harr, Hohimer, O’Neal and Alesandrini; Nays – None. Absent: Lowe.
Student Discipline
Motion by Howard, second by O’Neal to expel student number 070208 for the remainder of school year 2007-2008.
Motion passed by roll call vote; Ayes – Howard, O’Neal, Harr, Scott, Hohimer and Alesandrini; Nays – None. Absent: Lowe.
Motion by Howard, second by O’Neal to expel student number 070308 for the remainder of school year 2007-2008.
Minutes – PCHS Board of Education
Regular Meeting
October 22, 2007
Page Eight
Motion passed by roll call vote; Ayes – Howard, O’Neal, Harr, Scott, Hohimer and Alesandrini; Nays – None. Absent: Lowe.
Motion by Howard, second by Scott to expel student number 070408 for the remainder of school year 2007-2008.
Motion passed by roll call vote; Ayes – Howard, Scott, Harr, Hohimer, O’Neal and Alesandrini; Nays – None. Absent: Lowe.
Reports
Policy Committee
No meeting.
O & M Committee
Board member Larry Howard reported that the O & M Committee had not met since last month, but they were getting information from the architect and working on getting quotes. The Board did a walk through the building.
LMRC
Paula Davis said that the Board had approved the new programs discussed at the last LMRC meeting and that they were planning on meeting again on November 8, 2007.
Student Achievement Committee
Paula Davis said that the Student Achievement Committee had met on September 27, 2007. A valedictorian survey will be completed, they are looking at a system to honor students. The next meeting is October 25, 2007.
Future Agenda Items:
None
Minutes – PCHS Board of Education
Regular Meeting
October 22, 2007
Page Nine
Announcements by President:
Joe Alesandrini reminded Board members to turn in their basketball season ticket requests.
He said the next meeting will be held after the Joint Annual Conference.
Adjournment:
President Alesandrini declared the meeting adjourned at 9:22 P. M.
______________________________ ______________________________
President Joe Alesandrini Secretary Karen Hohimer