MINUTES
PEKIN COMMUNITY HIGH SCHOOL BOARD OF EDUCATION
REGULAR MEETING
MONDAY, 28 NOVEMBER 2011
6:30 P.M.
The Pekin Community High School Board of Education met on Monday, 28 November 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 requested that all 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 6:32 p.m.
Roll Call
Members present upon roll call were: Joe Alesandrini, Karen Hohimer, Larry Howard, Paul O’Neal, and Ryan Wrigley. Absent were Members Eric Hill and Carl Johnson.
Mr. Alesandrini noted the presence of a quorum and mentioned that Members Hill and Johnson had both reported their absences prior to this meeting.
Approval of Minutes
After requesting any additions or corrections, President Alesandrini recommended Board approval of the minutes of the Student Achievement Committee meeting of 22 September 2011; the Policy Committee, regular Board, and closed session Board meetings of 24 October 2011; and the Student Achievement Committee meeting of 27 October 2011 as presented.
Motion by Hohimer, Second by Wrigley to Approve the Minutes of the Student Achievement Committee Meeting of 22 September 2011; the Policy Committee, Regular Board, and Closed Session Board Meetings of 24 October 2011; and the Student Achievement Committee Meeting of 27 October 2011 as Presented.
Motion passed by roll call vote: Ayes – Hohimer, Wrigley, Howard, O’Neal, and Alesandrini. Nays – None. Absent – Hill and Johnson.
Communications, Public Comments, & Participation
Board Applause
Member Wrigley devoted his Board applause to Joe Alesandrini as President of the
Illinois Association of School Boards (IASB). The recent Triple I Conference in Chicago offered wonderful learning experiences as well as a good time, due in large part to Mr. Alesandrini’s honorable leadership. Many Board members signaled their agreement with
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Mr. Wrigley’s remarks.
Vice President O’Neal thanked the PCHS Culinary Arts Program for its recent efforts in selling cheesecakes.
Member Howard congratulated PCHS senior Elizabeth Alesandrini who beautifully sang the National Anthem at the first general session of the Triple I Conference this month. He marveled at her calm, poised demeanor.
Secretary Hohimer echoed Board praise for the Triple I Conference.
President Alesandrini thanked all present who attended the Triple I Conference and noted that it only happens as a joint effort with two other organizations, the Illinois Association of School Administrators (IASA) and the Illinois Association of School Business Officials (IASBO). He professed to having little to do with its organization which is largely completed by IASB staff members. He is proud of the conference and gladly reported that membership is up. He is gearing down in his responsibilities now that he is Immediate Past President of the IASB and has transferred many files to the new President, Carolyne Brooks. Mr. Alesandrini also extended his appreciation to the administration, faculty, staff, and students of Pekin High for the manner in which they honored the passing of Pekin High graduate Jordan Bastean and his service to his country as a Marine serving in Afghanistan. He has never been prouder of our school community at any time during his quarter century of service on Pekin High’s Board of Education.
Student Council
President Maddi Carr reported on the work of several Student Council committees over the past month. The annual Canned Food Drive was a tremendous success—the best, she asserted, in her four years at Pekin High—delivering 100 meals to needy families in the community. This year the quality of food was as high as the quantity. The winning student contributed approximately 1600 items and will, Maddi has no doubt, select the prize allowing parking at the top of Dragon Hill.
The Community Service Committee is making cards for nursing homes and cooperated with the Culinary Arts Program to make and serve a meal at the Salvation Army. The Halloween party for Life Skills students went well, she noted, and that committee is preparing for Santa calls to grade school students, then plans to merge with Community Service to form a “PCHS Cares” group which will request that advisory periods prepare care packages for Marines and/or Pekin Hospital.
The Holiday Spirit Week Committee is getting ready for activities during the first full week of December which will include dress-up days such as winter gear, “all that glitters,” and holiday characters; the sale of candy canes with messages; and more. Movie Buyout will once again be held on mandatory attendance day, 16 December 2011. Students can vote on their choice of five films. The faculty/staff breakfast will round out first semester on the 21st. Another committee is already working on a “Red Out” event for February 2012.
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Member Howard recognized Maddi for being selected as this year’s DAR Good Citizen Award recipient and requested that she inform him if anyone dresses up as Scrooge during Spirit Week.
Public Comments and Participation
None.
Approval of Warrants
Motion by O’Neal, Second by Howard to Approve October 2011 Monthly Warrants in the Amount of $2,081,028.62 as per Summary Information Found on Pages 24-25 of Agenda Support Material and in Detailed Information under Separate Cover.
Motion passed by roll call vote: Ayes – O’Neal, Howard, Hohimer, Wrigley, and Alesandrini. Nays – None. Absent – Hill and Johnson.
Mr. Alesandrini noted that warrants can now be paid.
Financial Reports as of 31 October 2011
Bank Balances on Hand $26,049,898.87
District Investments – Principal $21,425,524.47
Health Care Transactions ($43,595.94)
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; collective negotiating matters between the public body and its employees or their representatives or deliberations concerning salary schedules for one or more classes of employees; and the purchase or lease of real property for the use of the public body, including meetings held for the purpose of discussing whether a particular parcel should be acquired.
Motion by Howard, Second by Wrigley to Adjourn to Closed Session.
Motion passed by roll call vote: Ayes –Howard, Wrigley, Hohimer, O’Neal, and Alesandrini. Nays – None. Absent – Hill and Johnson.
The Board adjourned to closed session in the Superintendent’s Office at 6:44 p.m. and returned to open session in the Board Room at 7:26 p.m.
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Consent Agenda
Mr. Alesandrini made note of all names contained in the Consent Agenda as well as donations to the Olive Lohnes Scholarship Fund which would be made matters of record.
Substitute Support
Michelle Shelby – Substitute Nurse effective 14 November 2011 at a salary of $14.00 per hour as per contract.
Volunteer
Shane Hawkins – Volunteer Coach for the Wrestling Program effective for the 2011-2012 school year.
Matthew Fuelberth – Custodian effective 26 October 2011.
Dorine Munsell – Teacher’s Aide for the Life Skills Program effective 15 November 2011.
Stephen Clements – CTE Department Teacher effective at the end of the 2013-2014 school year.
Deanna Merriman – Counselor effective at the end of the 2013-2014 school year.
Ellen Paullin & Mabel L. Thompson – Donations of $100 each to the Olive Lohnes Scholarship Fund.
Motion by Hohimer, Second by Howard to Approve Consent Agenda Items 5.1.1-5.1.4 as Presented.
Motion passed by roll call vote: Ayes – Hohimer, Howard, O’Neal, Wrigley, and Alesandrini. Nays – None. Absent – Hill and Johnson.
Student Discipline
Student 11-03-12
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Motion by O’Neal, Second by Wrigley to Expel Student 11-03-12 for the Remainder of the 2011-2012 School Year and First Semester of the 2012-2013 School Year, Eligible to Return to PCHS for Second Semester of the 2012-2013 School Year in January 2013, for Reasons of Gross Misconduct.
Motion Passed by Roll Call Vote: Ayes – O’Neal, Wrigley, Hohimer, Howard, Wrigley, and Alesandrini. Nays – None. Absent – Hill and Johnson.
Student 11-04-12
Motion by O’Neal, Second by Wrigley to Expel Student 11-04-12 for the Remainder of the 2011-2012 School Year and First Semester of the 2012-2013 School Year, Eligible to Return to PCHS for Second Semester of the 2012-2013 School Year in January 2013, for Reasons of Gross Misconduct.
Motion Passed by Roll Call Vote: Ayes – O’Neal, Wrigley, Hohimer, Howard, Wrigley, and Alesandrini. Nays – None. Absent – Hill and Johnson.
Student 11-05-12
Motion by Howard, Second by O’Neal to Expel Student 11-05-12 for the Remainder of the 2011-2012 School Year and First Semester of the 2012-2013 School Year, Eligible to Return to PCHS for Second Semester of the 2012-2013 School Year in January 2013, for Reasons of Gross Misconduct.
Motion Passed by Roll Call Vote: Ayes – Howard, O’Neal, Hohimer, Wrigley, and Alesandrini. Nays – None. Absent – Hill and Johnson.
Report on Flipped Classroom Implementation
Science Department Teacher Sherry Spurlock stepped to the podium and thanked the Board for providing her this opportunity to speak about the flipped classroom teaching technique that she is currently employing in some of her classes. She has always wanted to be a teacher, she said, and when she began her professional high school career, she yearned to find a better way to teach science than the way she had been taught. Technology offered some assistance in her search, along with the help of two mentors at Pekin High. Superintendent Davis and Assistant Superintendent Ruwe encouraged her to investigate the flipped classroom. Last summer, Mrs. Davis and Administrative Assistant Owens agreed to the incorporation of the technique as a pilot in some of her classes this year. Referring to an infographic brochure used with parents at teacher/parent conferences, Mrs. Spurlock explained that the normal routine of lectures and notetaking during class time, reinforced with homework to be done outside of class, prevents the teacher from being there when students have questions about assignments. That may lead to frustration as students continue to struggle without the help they need, then return to school the next day complaining that they “don’t get it.” Flipped classrooms require students to watch podcasts at home that the teacher has produced and take notes there so
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that class time can be devoted to completing problems and working in small groups which allows for peer assistance and communal problem-solving while the instructor serves as a resource. Students must show they have mastered the content to continue from one topic to the next. Credit is given only after students explain or show their mastery of the content; failure is not an option. This puts students in control of and responsible for their own learning, not the teacher.
The technique may sound deceptively simple. Mrs. Spurlock and her students constantly strive to make it work. Some days are good, some are not. Some students have been resistant to change and a few who did well with more traditional classroom methods have been hesitant to engage in anything that might jeopardize their success.
Several students were present to share their reactions to the flipped classroom technique. Bryce Barnes, an AP Physics student, likes the opportunity to take more organized notes at home at his own pace since he controls the podcast replay. The material is easier for him to understand and he is motivated by the realization that it must be demonstrably mastered before he can advance. Several Chemistry students also commented. Alexis Sapp confessed that this subject is not her strongest, but the new teaching style has helped her maintain an A average. She finds she is able to remember the material more easily so that quarter and semester exams are not as daunting. Heather Wyatt admitted that she is one of those who does not like change, but she does enjoy this class. She feels this technique is good for college-bound students by teaching them personal responsibility for their own learning. She used to memorize material for a test; now she feels she actually knows the material so it will not be so easily forgotten. Courtney Baker appreciates the opportunity to proceed through the material at her own pace. Robby Lange enjoys the independence of going from lab to small group to wherever he needs to be to get what he needs at the time. Podcasts can be played over again and terms can been looked up as necessary in the privacy of his own home, sparing him possible embarrassment. Luke Friedrich concurred with many of his peers’ observations.
Returning to the podium, Mrs. Spurlock said many observers might find her classroom atmosphere rather chaotic since many activities proceed concurrently. Before showing a video of a flipped class which had been condensed down to five minutes, she took care to point out that she was helping some students more than others just because they needed her more and this technique allowed for that kind of individualized accommodation. Appropriately, Rimsky-Korsakov’s “Flight of the Bumblebee” served as background music to the fast-motion video in which the camera followed her as she attended to the needs of her students during a typical flipped class period.
Mrs. Spurlock responded to several questions from the Board following her presentation. Some students did express a desire to return to a more traditional classroom style, perhaps because they do not embrace the concept of personal responsibility for their own learning. Students who instruct their peers know what they’re talking about most of the time, but typically others in the group will question any misinformation. Preparing all those podcasts takes a great deal of time; her family situation mercifully allows her to make the commitment. Technology resources such as those found in Pekin High’s
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Library accommodate any special requirements posed by students who may lack computers at home or need technical assistance. She finds that grades in flipped classes are about the same as those in traditional classes, but the conversations she hears between students reveal a higher level of content understanding and promote a better grasp of each student’s strengths and weaknesses. In terms of covering the material, she is slightly ahead of where she was last year in flipped AP Physics but on the mark in Chemistry. Member Wrigley commented that it sounds like this technique affords a great transition to college, and Member Howard said the students’ responses in the video reveal that they appreciate and respect what she is doing to elevate the level of student engagement. He applauded her for her efforts and complimented the students who accompanied her this evening for their courage and poise in appearing before the Board.
Superintendent Davis congratulated Mrs. Spurlock for the time and effort she has and continues to devote to this endeavor. Mrs. Davis has had the pleasure of visiting one of her flipped classrooms and found the students engaged and the study groups successful. President Alesandrini quipped that the students who has spoken could now return home to watch a podcast.
Opening of Closed Minutes
Chairperson Hohimer reported that the Policy Committee had reviewed closed minutes from 21 March through 22 August 2011 and recommended that minutes from the 21 March 2011 second closed session and the 22 August 2011 closed session Board meetings be opened to the public.
Motion by Hohimer to Approve Opening Minutes of the 21 March 2011 Second Closed Session and the 22 August 2011 Closed Session Board Meetings as Presented. No second was necessary since the motion was made on behalf of the Policy Committee.
Motion Passed by Roll Call Vote: Ayes – Hohimer, Howard, O’Neal, Wrigley, and Alesandrini. Nays – None. Absent – Hill and Johnson.
Policies for a First Reading
Policy Chairperson Hohimer noted that three policies reviewed by the committee—1:30, 2:130, and 5:170—were not included for a first reading because suggested PRESS changes were confined to footnotes and/or legal citations, or because current policy is more detailed and thorough than the PRESS version, and therefore the body of these policies was not altered.
Motion by Hohimer to Lay Over Policies 1:10, 1:20, 2:10, 3:10, 3:30, 3:70, 7:30, and 8:50 for Action at a Future Date as Presented. No second was necessary since the motion was made on behalf of the Policy Committee.
Motion Passed by Roll Call Vote: Ayes – Hohimer, Howard, O’Neal, Wrigley, and Alesandrini. Nays – None. Absent – Hill and Johnson.
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IHSDO (Illinois High School District Organization) Dues, 2011-2012
Superintendent Davis noted that Pekin High has been part of the Illinois High School District Organization (IHSDO) since its inception; in fact, former Superintendent Ken Schwab was a founding member. The IHSDO successfully represents the interests of both high schools and schools in general around the State. Lobbying against recent legislation regarding PTELL, the IHSDO helped prevent its passage which was in the District’s best interest. Membership dues for 2011-2012 are based on a $0.40 per student cost (2010 students as of August 2011) plus a base charge per district of $150.00.
Motion by Howard, Second by Hohimer to Pay IHSDO Dues in the Amount of $954.00 for the 2011-2012 School Year as Presented.
Motion passed by roll call vote: Ayes – Howard, Hohimer, O’Neal, Wrigley, and Alesandrini. Nays – None. Absent – Hill and Johnson.
Estimated Tax Levy for 2011
Director of Business Operations Schaefer referred to the handout distributed earlier of the PowerPoint presentation regarding the District’s estimated tax levy for 2011 and invited Board members to ask questions at any point. The Property Tax Extension Limitation Law, or PTELL, was designed to curb growth in property tax extensions by limiting the increase in dollars collected (extension) over the prior year to the lesser of either the Consumer Price Index (CPI) or five percent. Simply stated, the CPI is the rate of inflation and is set at 1.5 percent for the 2011 levy which impacts the 2012-2013 budget. CPIs over the past four years have ranged from a high of 4.08 percent in 2007 to a low of 0.1 percent in 2008. Equalized Assessed Valuation (EAV) of all property feeding into the District is down two percent this year, the second straight in which we have seen a decrease in the EAV. Last year we were a little over $631 million; this year we’re estimating the EAV at approximately $620 million.
New property is also an important factor in calculating the tax rate for the District. New property this year is down significantly—54 percent from the year prior. Mrs. Schaefer pointed out that a TIF district did expire last year and came on as new property, but even excluding the TIF district, we’d still be down about $3.3 million dollars in new property.
The Board of Review is required to notify the District of all who submit a complaint for a value change greater than $100,000. Twelve parties appealed their EAV this year and we were represented by the law firm of Miller, Hall, and Triggs at each of those hearings. Had all who filed a complaint won their appeal, the District’s assessed value would have decreased by $3.7 million. Settlements to date have, however, resulted in a $1.65 million decrease in assessed value.
To calculate the limiting rate used to figure taxes on new property, which differs from that used for existing property, one multiplies the prior year extension ($10,609,870) by the CPI (1.5%) which gives the increased levy ($10,769,018). After subtracting new construction ($6 million) from the EAV ($620 million according to the Tazewell County
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Assessment Office), one divides the increased levy by the revised total EAV ($614 million) to yield the limiting rate, 1.7539, which is the rate by which new property growth will be limited.
Regarding the estimated extension, Mrs. Schaefer pointed out that the 2.4919 percent represents the District’s capped increase, or 1.5 percent over the prior year on existing property plus the 1.75 percent limiting rate on new property. Without bonds, the District is increasing 2.49 percent, or $264,383, of which $159,148 comes from existing property and $105,235 from new property.
In the past, the Board has recommended abating payments on District bonds to help with our tax rate. We have abated $400,000, paying this amount with our own operating funds and thus excusing property owners from paying that amount with property taxes. Mrs. Schaefer recommended that an additional $300,000 be added to the $400,000 for a total abatement this year of $700,000. If approved, we will absorb the funding for the additional $300,000 through the accumulated interest existing in the District’s Debt Service Fund. Money has been set aside in that fund for replacement tax to pay for dollars the Board has approved to compensate for the loss money not placed on the tax bill. This fund has accumulated interest and it seems appropriate, said Mrs. Schaefer, to take the $300,000 and abate it for the 2011 levy year. The requested rate with the additional abatement would then equal $1.9342, whereas it would be $1.9825 without the additional abatement, which is about a $0.05 savings. Since 1998, the total amount saved through abatement is $4,773,149 with almost $1 million additional savings through bond refinancing. It speaks well of the District, asserted Mrs. Schaefer, that it has saved taxpayers close to $6 million over the past thirteen years which they approved to pay through their property taxes by approving the bonds.
Mrs. Schaefer summarized the effects of several adverse factors on District revenue.
- The 54 percent drop in new property translates into a revenue loss of $93,000.
- The 1.2 percent decrease in CPI results in a loss of $128,500.
- The 3.7 percent drop in Average Daily Attendance (ADA) will mean $451,000 less in State aid revenue.
She also reminded the Board that the capped levy dollar amount for 2011 is $264,383.
Comparing 2010 assessed property values with those of 2011 based on actual tax bills of sample homes from each of five townships feeding into the District, all homeowners save one in the north end of Pekin Township paid more taxes to the Pekin High. Pekin Township, the largest, was not in its quadrennial year requiring reassessment, but assessments declined nonetheless. Tax rates are calculated based on assessed values, which remained the same over both years in all other townships—Elm Grove, Cincinnati, Groveland, and Spring Lake. Increases in tax dollars to District 303 varied due to home value. The proverbial home valued at $100,000 experienced an increase of $45.00 based on the District’s rate. Mrs. Schaefer also figured the amount the first homeowner in Pekin Township would pay if the additional $300,000 were not abated as proposed, using
the tax rate of $1.9825, and found it would be $492.26 instead of $480.26. The
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additional abatement will thus save that taxpayer $12.
A history of District tax rates since 2001 shows an eight cent jump from 2009 to 2010 and a six cent jump the following year, both due to a decrease in the EAV. Decreases in the EAV push the tax rate up in order to get the dollars that the District is obligated to receive through the CPI and new property. We do try to control rate increases by abating taxes through the Debt Service Fund because doing so does not affect the extension going forward. A tax levy summary for 2011 shows each fund for which taxes are collected and a projected rate for that fund. For comparison purposes, amounts for the 2010 tax extension were also provided.
Mrs. Schaefer’s summary of abatements for the next two years include $700,000 in abated taxes for the 2011 levy if the Board approves the proposed addition of $300,000. When coupled with the $400,000 already in place for the following year, the total abatement for both years would be $1.1 million. She reported that bonds will be paid off during the 2014 levy year, or the 2015-2016 budget. She also requested that the student fee waiver, which has been in place since 2006-2007, be extended through the 2012-2013 school year at a cost to the District of an additional $97,500.
A Truth in Taxation notice must be published not more than fourteen days nor less than seven days before the public hearing scheduled for the 19 December 2011 regular Board meeting. A district is obligated to hold a hearing only if it plans to increase the rate by more than five percent, but we schedule one as standard practice each year. The Board will take action on the levy that evening as well, allowing Mrs. Schaefer to file the District’s Certificate of Tax Levy with the County Clerk which will become the rate that homeowners will see on their tax bills in the spring of 2012.
Secretary Hohimer complimented Mrs. Schaefer for the great job she did in presenting levy information and commented that anything the District can do to make things easier for taxpayers is appreciated. Mrs. Schaefer said she knows many parents are thankful for the student fee waiver each fall and President Alesandrini indicated he knows of no other district which extends this break to its constituents.
Motion by Wrigley, Second by Howard to Establish an Estimated Tax Levy and a Public Hearing on the Tax Levy at the 19 December 2011 Board Meeting as Presented.
Motion passed by roll call vote: Ayes – Wrigley, Howard, Hohimer, O’Neal, and Alesandrini. Nays – None. Absent – Hill and Johnson.
Resolution for Pre-Suspension Notification
Motion by Howard, Second by Wrigley to Approve the Resolution for Pre-Suspension Notification to Mike Damron as Presented.
Motion passed by roll call vote: Ayes – Howard, Wrigley, Hohimer, O’Neal, and Alesandrini. Nays – None. Absent – Hill and Johnson.
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Reports
Policy Committee
None.
Chairperson Hohimer reported that the Policy Committee had not met since the last regular Board meeting but should do so in the near future.
O & M Committee
Chairperson Howard reported that the O & M Committee met on Tuesday, 22 November 2011, regarding the Pekin CHSD #303 Conditions Assessment submitted by BLDD Architects last summer. The Board voted for a full assessment of District property when it approved a health/life safety audit, he reminded Members. The meeting was very productive with all committee members there, along with District Architect Lee Gerrietts and Chief Executive Officer James Gleason of GHR Engineers and Associates, Inc. Discussion revolved around the District’s high voltage switches which are old and no longer manufactured, making it difficult to secure parts. Consideration was given to replacing them with more modern equipment. The committee also examined our HVAC systems in A and F/G Buildings. Recommendations will be brought to the Board at a future date, and Mr. Howard expressed confidence in the people involved and the process they have undertaken. He is thrilled with the audit to date and the course it charts for addressing facility issues.
Labor/Management Relations Committee
Superintendent Davis informed the Board that the Labor/Management Relations Committee did not meet on 10 November 2011 for lack of agenda items. A required meeting of the new Joint Committee on Reduction in Force convened instead.
Joint Committee on Reduction in Force (RIF)
The State of Illinois, under Senate Bill 7, requires that each district meet by 01 December 2011 to consider its options regarding reduction in force (RIF) procedures. Mrs. Davis reported that the District’s new Joint Committee met on 10 November 2011 and discussed the possibility of maintaining RIF language contained in our current collective bargaining agreement. Alliance members on the committee will prepare a response which she expects to receive shortly.
Student Achievement Committee
The Student Achievement Committee, Mrs. Davis reported, met on 17 November 2011 and spent a good deal of time discussing the Instructional Practices Inventory (IPI) Program. Members had received IPI training earlier that concluded with a test which, to the best of her knowledge, all passed, allowing them to complete walkthroughs of Pekin High classrooms at some future date to gather data pertaining to the level of student
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engagement. A calendar of these walkthroughs will be discussed at the committee’s December 2011 meeting.
A second agenda item solicited reports of school and District committees such as LMRC, Assessment, Technology, and RtI from SAC members who serve on them. For instance, the representative from the Assessment Committee informed SAC that this group is working this year to fully implement the Discovery Education Program.
Curriculum and Textbook Update
Assistant Superintendent Ruwe reported on four new classes that could potentially be added to Pekin High’s curriculum for the 2012-2013 school year. The Board will be asked to approve each at its December 2011 regular meeting so they may be included in next year’s Curriculum Guide.
Publications 3 & 4
Currently the District includes Publications 1 and 2 in its curriculum as the course which generates the yearbook, The Pekinian. Some of the strongest students from this course return later as editors in an independent study capacity. To enable them to receive full credit each semester they do so, Publications 3 and 4 has been proposed. Students taking these classes will meet the same periods as Publications 1 and 2.
Manufacturing Maintenance
The CTE Department does a great job staying abreast of developments in the field. After consulting with local companies such as Excel Foundry and Machine, Inc. and F.L. Schmidt, a course entitled Manufacturing Maintenance has been proposed to include instruction in basic maintenance, print reading, diagnostics, and machine welding both in shop and on the work site. The focus of the course is to build those skills that local businesses will find useful. This course is a complement to an existing course, Manufacturing, and can only enhance the great relationship the CTE Department maintains with local businesses.
AP Micro- and Macroeconomics
Mr. Ruwe reported that there are a few things to be worked out with these courses regarding the need to meet the State consumer business requirement, but it may be satisfied in Microeconomics, he speculated. They will be part of the Social Studies curriculum and will be taught by Mr. Adam Boeker, our current Economics instructor.
Mr. Ruwe noted that he had nothing to report at this time regarding textbooks for next year. He will present a more formalized plan for the Board’s consideration at a later date.
Member Wrigley commented that he thinks the new Manufacturing Maintenance course is an excellent idea. In his field, people struggle with reading and understanding schematics. Mr. Ruwe observed again that it will build relationships with local
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businesses which may result in the donation of equipment to the program. The CTE Department is always searching for ways to better position our students in the world of work.
Triple I Conference
Superintendent Davis shared her enthusiasm for the Triple I Conference which Central Office administrators and most Board Members attended earlier this month, echoing the sentiments shared earlier during Board Applause. Speakers were good, even though their message was not always easy to take. She gained a lot of information on Senate Bill 7 and the changes it will bring to the District. Until rules are released by the State Board of Education—and some were about a week ago—it will be difficult to move forward with this legislation. The District does not want to be ahead of the curve here, she stressed. Let others make the mistakes from which we can learn. Mrs. Davis turned to the Board for their thoughts on the conference.
President Alesandrini asked how Members felt about Saturday morning’s general session. Mrs. Davis shared she was prepared for something more offensive. Member Howard said those present were the wrong audience; the message should be heard by students themselves. Mr. Alesandrini answered that students were indeed the intended market for this presentation. Agreeing to include it marked a departure for conference planners who expressed concern that it might offend some listeners. Still, all feedback received thus far has been positive. Member Wrigley said he was not offended in the least but could appreciate the fact that rough language might have upset some. He would like to see a program of this type presented at Pekin High. He continued that he spent most of his time at breakout sessions dealing with the theme of collective bargaining, something about which he knew very little. He appreciated the learning experience. Returning to the Saturday morning general session, Vice President O’Neal said he left wondering what its purpose was. He already knows kids engage in sex and drugs. Mr. Alesandrini responded that IASBO has attempted for several years to schedule this performance. The sound system was not functioning correctly for the first 20 minutes or so, and during the rap portions he wasn’t sure he’d be able to understand what was being communicated even if he could have heard it. It definitely was a departure from the norm for this conference, said Mr. Alesandrini, and Member Howard applauded Triple I organizers for trying something different this year. The quality of this conference was definitely higher, he said, having lagged in recent years. The first general session was the best he has ever seen. Mr. Alesandrini confessed that his busy schedule would not allow him to attend breakout sessions or to visit the exhibit hall, but he did get to the delegate assembly which was perhaps the shortest ever at just 45 minutes. Those attending the Central Illinois Valley Governing Meeting on Wednesday, 07 December, will have a chance to discuss the Triple I Conference further.
Future Agenda Items
None.
Announcements by the President
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- President Alesandrini asked Members to RSVP to Rick White if they planned to attend the IASB Central Illinois Valley Division Governing Committee Meeting Wednesday, 07 December 2011, at Jonah’s Seafood House in East Peoria.
- The next regular meeting of the Board of Education is scheduled for Monday, 19 December 2011, 6:30 p.m. This is one week early since Winter Break begins on the 22nd.
Adjournment
Hearing no objections, President Alesandrini declared this regular Board meeting adjourned at 8:34 p.m.
______________________________ ______________________________
Joe Alesandrini, Board President Karen Hohimer, Board Secretary |
