The Pekin Community High School Board of Education met on Monday, December 17, 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.

Public Hearing for the 2007 Tax Levy

President Alesandrini asked if anyone would like to address the Board regarding the 2007 Tax Levy. Hearing none, he closed the hearing at 6:32 P. M.

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: Edward Harr, Betty Scott, Gary Lowe, Karen Hohimer, Paul O’Neal, Larry Howard, and Joe Alesandrini.

Approval of Minutes

President Alesandrini recommended Board approval of the minutes of the regular meeting of November 26, 2007, closed meeting of November 26, 2007, the special meeting of November 26, 2007 and the SAC committee meeting of October 25, 2007.

Motion by Scott, second by Hohimer to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of November 26, 2007, closed meeting of November 26, 2007, the special meeting of November 26, 2007 and the SAC committee meeting of October 25, 2007.

Motion passed by roll call vote: Ayes – Scott, Hohimer, Harr, O’Neal, Howard and Alesandrini. Nays – None. Present - Lowe

Minutes – Board of Education
Regular Meeting
December 17, 2007
Page Two

Communications, Public Comments and Participation

Board Applause

Betty Scott applauded the vespers on Sunday, December 16 and the Madrigal dinner which was nicely done.

Ed Harr thanked the staff for another semester of school.

Gary Lowe – nothing at this time.

Karen Hohimer – nothing at this time.

Paul O’Neal said that he also attended the Madrigal performance and it was a lot of fun, the students did an excellent job.

Larry Howard pointed out the two Lite Rock award winners, Patrick Simoncini and Breanna Mabis.

Joe Alesandrini said he gave each of the Board members a gift tonight from the Pekin Insurance Holiday Tournament. He also reminded everyone that the tournament is December 27, 28, 29, 2007

Student Council

Megan Nolan reported that Student Council just wrapped up their spirit week. They added two new events. The food fair and the door decorating contest. Each went over well. After break Student Council will be going over the policies and procedures with the new second semester council members.

Approval of Warrants

Motion by Howard, second by O’Neal to approve the monthly warrants in the amount of $1,760,798.06 as per summary information found on pages 21 and 22 of the agenda and in detailed information under separate cover.

Motion passed by roll call vote: Ayes – Howard, O’Neal, Harr, Scott, Lowe, Hohimer and Alesandrini Nays – None. Warrants attached as Exhibit A

Minutes – Board of Education
Regular Meeting
December 17, 2007
Page Three

Financial Reports as of November 30, 2007

Bank Balances $19,455,757.50
District Investments – Principal $19,206,265.02
Health Care YTD ($ 165,058.91)

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, when an action against, 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 Howard, second by Scott to adjourn to closed session.

Motion passed by roll call vote: Ayes – Howard, Scott, Harr, Lowe, Hohimer, O’Neal and Alesandrini. Nays – None.

New Business

Consent Agenda

President Alesandrini reviewed the Consent Agenda:

1. Employment as Per Contract

Certified

Joel Steger – Credit Recovery Instructor for Session III, January 14 – February 20, 2007. Salary: $22.29 per hour as per contract.

Minutes – PCHS Board of Education
Regular Meeting
December 17, 2007
Page Four

Differentials

Corrie Salmon – Boy’s Assistant Swim Coach for the 2007-2008 school year at a differential of 12%

Substitutes

Jennifer Jaquet – Substitute for Jill Larson in Spanish for the remainder of the 2007-2008 school year effective January 7, 2008, at a salary as per contract .

2. Resignations

Certified

Robert Lawrence – Automotive Technology Instructor effective November 26, 2007.

Support

Becky Groenwald – Special Education Personal Assistant effective December 12, 2007.

Retirement

Michael R. Layne – Maintenance Worker effective January 2, 2008.

3. Donations

Band Boosters Club – Purchase of band equipment totaling $1,263.00.

John Neumann – Donation of Automobile for use by the Automotive Department valued at $5,400.00.

Jim Nelson – Donation of $1,200.00 of measuring tools to be used by the Drafting Department.

Minutes – PCHS Board of Education
Regular Meeting
December 17, 2007
Page Five

NRA – JROTC received a $4,500 grant from the National Rifle Association for the improvement of our JROTC Rifle Team.

Motion by Lowe, second by Harr for approval of the Consent Agenda items 1 through 3 as presented.

Motion passed by roll call vote: Ayes – Lowe, Harr, Scott, Hohimer, O’Neal, Howard and Alesandrini; Nays – None.

Student Discipline

Motion by Howard, second by Scott to expel student number 07-08-08 for the remainder of the 2007-2008 school year.

Motion passed by roll call vote; Ayes – Howard, Scott, Harr, Lowe, Hohimer, O’Neal and Alesandrini; Nays – None.

Motion by Howard, second by O’Neal to expel student number 07-07-08 through first semester of the 2008-2009 school year.

Motion passed by roll call vote; Ayes – Howard, O’Neal, Harr, Scott, Lowe, Hohimer and Alesandrini; Nays – None.

Tax Levy for 2007

Carla Schaefer asked the Board to approve the 2007 Tax Levy at a total amount of $9,908,780.00.

Motion by Lowe, second by Hohimer for approval of the 2007 Tax Levy with a Total Amount of $9,908,780.00 with Detail Indicated on the Certificate of Tax Levy Form.

Betty Scott asked based on information given to the Board members last month, the tax rate will be the exact same amount as last years. Carla said with the bonds the rate will be about .02 less.

Motion passed by roll call vote; Lowe, Hohimer, Harr, Scott, O’Neal, Howard and Alesandrini; Nays – None. Certificate attached as exhibit B

Minutes – PCHS Board of Education
Regular Meeting
December 17, 2007
Page Six

Resolution for Abatement of Taxes

Carla Schaefer said that during last months meeting they discussed abating 1.5 million dollars in taxes over 2007-2012 tax years. Carla asked that the Board approve the resolution for abatement of taxes for the tax years 2007-2012 along with funding sources indicated in section 2.

Motion by Hohimer, second by Scott for Recommendation of Board Approval of the Resolution for Abatement of Taxes for the Tax Years 2007-2012 Along With Funding Sources Indicated in Section 2.

Mr. Alesandrini said he does have a question from a public member asking if we have this money why don’t you just make one lump sum payment. Mr. Alesandrini explained that bonds have an early payment penalty.

Motion passed by roll call vote; Ayes – Hohimer, Scott, Harr, Lowe, O’Neal, Howard and Alesandrini; Nays – none. Resolution for Abatement of Taxes attached as exhibit C

Instructional Material Fee Waivers

Carla Schaefer said that as we have done the past few years, she’s asking the Board to waive the $75.00 Instructional Material Fee through the 2008-2009 School Year.

Motion by Harr, second by Hohimer to Recommend Board Approval that the District Extend the $75.00 Instructional Material Fee Waivers Through the 2008-2009 School Year.

Betty Scott said that she would be voting present since she does pay fees and doesn’t want to vote in favor of putting money in her pocketbook. Joe Alesandrini said he does also, but will be voting in favor of waiving fees for this Board.

Motion passed by roll call vote; Ayes - Harr, Hohimer, Lowe, O’Neal, Howard and Alesandrini; Nays – none. Present – Scott.

Curriculum Changes

Mr. Ruwe asked the Board approve the changes recommended at the last Board meeting on November 26, 2007.

Minutes – PCHS Board of Education
Regular Meeting
December 17, 2007
Page Seven

Motion by; Howard, second by Hohimer for Approval of Curriculum Changes as Presented at the November 26, 2007 Board Meeting and the changes as presented on page 30.

Mr. Ruwe added that the reasons for and also suggested future changes are due to the work of our BD teachers currently. There will be times where we may be looking to change the names of some of the courses to put them more in line with what we are try to accomplish. The changes are all meant to be in the best interest of our students. Mr. Ruwe thanked Mrs. Bethanie Whittaker and the Special Education teachers for their hard work.

Motion passed by roll call vote; Ayes – Howard, Hohimer, Harr, Scott, Lowe, O’Neal and Alesandrini; Nays – None.

Board of Education Retreat

Mrs. Davis asked the Board for direction in deciding on a Board Retreat. She stated they haven’t had a Board retreat in a number of years. In the past they have had an outside facilitator and included the Board, Administration and alliance members. She asked for thoughts on how to proceed with the retreat. Mr. Howard said that they have had great success with the interest based bargaining. Mr. Howard said he does not see a need for a retreat for goal setting. Paula recommended that we could showcase a different department each month. That is something we have done in the past. Fortunately we have been able to focus on educating our kids. We have great productivity from our staff. Maybe during Board applause we could have each department discuss what’s going on in their specific department. Ed Harr stated that he has no problem with not having a retreat. He sat on the grade school Board and this one is much different. He just wants an update on how things are improving. Betty Scott said she could see a Board Retreat for bargaining. Joe Alesandrini said when that process comes about, all the Board members get training. Betty Scott also said she’d like a Board self evaluation to be part of the Board Retreat.

Reports

Policy Committee

Paula Davis said that we have received a new press packet and will be having a meeting prior to the next Board meeting.

Minutes – PCHS Board of Education
Regular Meeting
December 17, 2007
Page Eight

O & M Committee

Mr. Howard said that he does not have a report, but will prior to the next Board meeting.

LMRC

Paula Davis said that they had met last week. Computer lab usage was an issue at the end of the semester. They are going to work on the scheduling of the labs to help the usage issue. Paula said the Math lab is running and we have several volunteers available to help. We have Matt Sanders in the lab and he’s available all day to be of assistance to students. The next meeting is at 3:00 P. M. January 10, 2008.

Student Achievement Committee

Mrs. Davis said the Student Achievement Committee will meet on December 20, 2007 at 1:30 P. M. They will continue discussion regarding the valedictorian requirements.

Worker’s Compensation Insurance

Paula said we are doing a number of things because our rating has changed and our premium has gone up. Indiana Insurance hasn’t found anything, but we are making some changes. One is that we have a shoe program with our custodians. We are buying shoes for everyone in that department to help eliminate injuries.

Auditor’s Management Letter

Paula discussed the Auditor’s Management Letter with the Board. The concern is the Student Activity funds. Paula would like to have a meeting with all the Booster clubs to plan together what needs to be done. We owe it to our public when we are out there fundraising, to let them know how the money is being spent. The auditors need original receipts for expenses and amounts received.

Future Agenda Items

None

Minutes – PCHS Board of Education
Regular Meeting
November 26, 2007
Page Nine

Announcements by President:

Does anyone have anything to share regarding the conference.
Betty Scott said that a lot of information in the finance section didn’t get covered. Betty thought the topic of finance could have used more time. Joe said that several people talked to the track resurfacing booth. Betty Scott talked about the storm tracking device that she learned about at the conference.
The Governor hasn’t signed the education funding yet. We are fortunate
that we do have money available unlike other school districts. Joe said that we hope the state gets it act together and signs the bill.
3. Joe, on behalf of the Board and Administration wished everyone happy
holidays and a happy new year.

Adjournment:

President Alesandrini declared the meeting adjourned at 8:00 P. M.

______________________________ ______________________________
President Joe Alesandrini Secretary Karen Hohimer