MINUTES
PEKIN COMMUNITY HIGH SCHOOL BOARD OF EDUCATION
REGULAR MEETING
MONDAY, 19 DECEMBER 2011
6:30 P.M.
The Pekin Community High School Board of Education met on Monday, 19 December 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.
Public Hearing on the 2011 Tax Levy
President Alesandrini convened the public hearing on the 2011 tax levy at 6:37 p.m. Three citizens of Pekin came in turn to the podium to address the Board.
Mr. Dave Wrigley of 2413 Apple Street cited several statistics to show that local unemployment is high as a sign of an ailing economy, yet the local property tax burden is heavier. Many who pay those taxes are senior citizens, he said, who do not have children in school and endure ceaseless cost-of-living increases and diminished investments, while others are unemployed renters who may not own property but must still pay taxes through their monthly rent obligation. He realizes that District revenue declines as property values fall. Businesses are asked to come up with cost-saving ideas so they can still offer savings to customers, yet decrease costs without cutting employees and salaries. He was here this evening to ask the District to follow the lead of the governing bodies of both Tazewell County and the City of Pekin and refrain from increasing taxes.
Mr. Bob Burress, 713 Deerfield Drive, said home foreclosures and bankruptcies are two signals of our poor economy. Companies have had to downsize. Food pantries beg for donations. Contributions to the Salvation Army are sluggish and retail stores suffer from declining sales and huge returns of merchandise. The current recession is the worst any of us have seen in our lifetimes, and no end appears in sight. Many cannot pay their property taxes. Social Security recipients have waited three years for a cost-of-living increase. Other governing bodies, such as the Cities of Pekin and East Peoria, have refused to vote for tax increases. Is District 303 doing right by taxpayers, he asked? It has ample reserves. Should it levy to the limit that the law allows, or should it do what’s best for taxpayers who always have recourse at the ballot box?
Mr. Dale Kuntz, 5 Fox Point Court, said he has considered the past performance of Pekin High and sees “no deal.” He shared a short poem, “Half a Deal or No Deal,” to introduce his point. Only half the students graduating from Pekin High, he said at its conclusion, have passed No Child Left Behind standards, yet the District is asking for more money. People look at that statistic and say, “No deal.” In Japan and elsewhere, young people are better educated. It’s time for taxpayers to say, “No more.” Radical changes in curriculum are needed; the high school was not built as a daycare center where students are turned into maladjusted adults. Educators should educate. They must be more educated than those they educate. Pekin public schools are like a black hole which sucks money out of the local economy. The school board needs to step up. Pekin deserves the
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Regular Meeting
19 December 2011
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excellence it is now paying for but is not receiving. Now is the time for a radical tune-up, he stated.
President Alesandrini thanked each of the speakers and declared the public hearing on the 2011 tax levy adjourned at 6:49 p.m.
Call to Order
President Alesandrini called the regular meeting of the Board of Education to order at 6:50 p.m.
Roll Call
Members present upon roll call were: Joe Alesandrini, Eric Hill, Larry Howard, Carl Johnson, Paul O’Neal, and Ryan Wrigley. Absent was Member Karen Hohimer.
Mr. Alesandrini noted the presence of a quorum.
Approval of Minutes
After requesting any additions or corrections, President Alesandrini recommended Board approval of the minutes of the Operations & Maintenance Committee meeting of 22 November 2011; the special closed session, regular, and closed session Board meetings of 28 November 2011; and the special and special closed session Board meetings of 05 December 2011 as presented.
Motion by Howard, Second by O’Neal to Approve the Minutes of the Operations & Maintenance Committee Meeting of 22 November 2011; the Special Closed Session, Regular, and Closed Session Board Meetings of 28 November 2011; and the Special and Special Closed Session Board Meetings of 05 December 2011 as Presented.
Motion passed by roll call vote: Ayes – Howard, O’Neal, Johnson, Wrigley, and Alesandrini. Nays – None. Present – Hill. Absent – Hohimer.
Communications, Public Comments, & Participation
Board Applause
Member Johnson wished all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Member Wrigley echoed Dr. Johnson’s holiday wishes and thanked those who came this evening to speak about the levy. He also had a great time attending the band concert recently which set the mood for Christmas.
Vice President O’Neal commended all who assisted with the various outreach programs conducted at Pekin High during the holiday season.
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19 December 2011
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Member Hill also conveyed Season’s Greetings to all.
Member Howard congratulated Director Karli Oblak and six students from the Pekin High Music Program who were selected from a pool of approximately 1300 students from 300 different schools to participate in the Illinois All-State Conference in January 2012 in Peoria. Representing PCHS in the All-State Band will be Alicia Moldenhauer and Elizabeth Green; in the All-State Orchestra, Ciara Beyer and Aimee Domascawicz; in the All-State Vocal Jazz Ensemble, Nick Brockamp; and in the All-State Future Music Educators Seminar, Adam Friedrich. These young musicians have done well for both their school and themselves, he said.
President Alesandrini mentioned that Board Secretary Karen Hohimer could not attend this evening’s meetings due to surgery and wished her a speedy recovery. He wished students, staff, and the community a happy and safe holiday season.
Student Council
Treasurer Travis Park substituted for President Maddi Carr, reporting that it is time to say goodbye to first semester and hello to second. The annual Canned Food Drive was a recent focus of Student Council’s efforts, and “PCHS Cares” netted a good amount of supplies for U.S. Marines and local hospitals. The Movie Buyout event raised money for the latter. Holiday Spirit Week went well, too. The annual faculty appreciation breakfast is coming up Wednesday, 21 December. Travis thanked all who have shown support for his organization and its many activities and wished everyone Happy Holidays.
Public Comments and Participation
None.
Approval of Warrants
Motion by Howard, Second by Wrigley to Approve November 2011 Monthly Warrants in the Amount of $3,503,460.38 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, Wrigley, Hill, Johnson, O’Neal, and Alesandrini. Nays – None. Absent – Hohimer.
Mr. Alesandrini noted that warrants can now be paid.
Financial Reports as of 30 November 2011
Bank Balances on Hand $25,691,519.38
District Investments – Principal $21,843,052.87
Health Care Transactions ($16,208.83)
New Business
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Regular Meeting
19 December 2011
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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; security procedures and the use of personnel and equipment to respond to an actual, a threatened, or a reasonably potential danger to the safety of employees, students, staff, the public, or public property; and student disciplinary cases.
Motion by O’Neal, Second by Wrigley to Adjourn to Closed Session.
Motion passed by roll call vote: Ayes – O’Neal, Wrigley, Hill, Howard, Johnson, and Alesandrini. Nays – None. Absent – Hohimer.
The Board adjourned to closed session in the Superintendent’s Office at 6:57 p.m. and returned to open session in the Board Room at 7:33 p.m.
Consent Agenda
Mr. Alesandrini made note of all names contained in the Consent Agenda and presented to the audience the book donated by Dunlap High School listed below. Member Hill thanked the school’s students and staff for this incredibly nice gift.
- Employment
Support
Susan Fast – Second Shift Custodian effective 05 December 2011 at a salary of Step 5 as per contract.
Volunteer
Ashley Fauser – Volunteer Coach for the Softball Program effective for the 2011-2012 school year.
- Resignations
Tanya Avalos – Secretary for the Deans’ Office effective 07 December 2011.
Mark Billings – Personal Assistant for the Special Education Department, Schramm Educational Center, effective 20 December 2011.
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19 December 2011
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Tanner Moldenhauer – Personal Assistant for the Special Education Department effective 21 December 2011.
Rick Shemansky – Assistant Girls Track Coach effective 23 November 2011.
- Retirement
Mark Henry – Science Department Teacher and Chairperson effective at the end of the 2013-2014 school year.
- Donations
Students and Staff of Dunlap High School – donation of the book, Semper Fi: The Definitive Illustrated History of the U.S. Marines, to the PCHS Library in memory of 2010 Pekin High graduate and Marine Lance Corporal Jordan S. Bastean.
Motion by Howard, Second by Hill to Approve Consent Agenda Items 5.1.1-5.1.4 as Presented.
Motion passed by roll call vote: Ayes – Howard, Hill, Johnson, O’Neal, Wrigley, and Alesandrini. Nays – None. Absent – Hohimer.
Student Discipline
Student 11-06-12
Motion by Wrigley, Second by O’Neal to Expel Student 11-06-12 for the Remainder of the 2011-2012 School Year and the Entire 2012-2013 School Year, Eligible to Return to PCHS for First Semester of the 2013-2014 School Year in August 2013, for Reasons of Gross Misconduct.
Motion Passed by Roll Call Vote: Ayes – Wrigley, O’Neal, Hill, Howard, Johnson, and Alesandrini. Nays – None. Absent – Hohimer.
Student 11-07-12
Motion by O’Neal, Second by Wrigley to Expel Student 11-07-12 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, Hill, Howard, Johnson, and Alesandrini. Nays – None. Absent – Hohimer.
Student 11-08-12
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Regular Meeting
19 December 2011
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Motion by O’Neal, Second by Wrigley to Expel Student 11-08-12 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, Hill, Howard, Johnson, and Alesandrini. Nays – None. Absent – Hohimer.
Policies for a Second Reading
Member Eric Hill, on behalf of the Policy Committee, presented eight policies for a second reading.
Motion by Hill to Adopt Policies 1:10, 1:20, 2:10, 3:10, 3:30, 3:70, 7:30, and 8:50 as Presented. No second was necessary since the motion was made on behalf of the Policy Committee.
Motion Passed by Roll Call Vote: Ayes – Hill, Howard, Johnson, O’Neal, Wrigley, and Alesandrini. Nays – None. Absent – Hohimer.
Tax Levy for 2011
Superintendent Davis recommended Board approval of the 2011 tax levy with a total amount of $10,874,255.00 with detail indicated on the Certificate of Tax Levy form as presented.
Motion by O’Neal, Second by Howard to Approve the 2011 Tax Levy with a Total Amount of $10,874,255.00 with Detail Indicated on the Certificate of Tax Levy Form as Presented.
Mrs. Davis expressed appreciation for the input provided by citizens at the public hearing on the levy held earlier as a welcome opportunity to engage in conversation. She has worked here for many years and the Board and Administration want to be good stewards of the taxpayers’ dollars. The record shows we have been, she stated. Reserves have been built on a fiscal policy of asking staff to look for ways to save rather than blindly spend taxpayer money. The Administration and Board has an obligation to citizens of the District—the education of young people so they may enjoy the benefits afforded by the democracy in which they live. To accomplish that goal, we ask a lot of our taxpayers. We do look for ways to economize. We look for ways to give back to taxpayers as well. Over the course of approximately ten years, the District has abated close to five million dollars. The motion before the Board now asks that the levy be set at the limit allowed by law, but the motion that follows will, if approved, abate $700,000 of the amount levied. The District does not have access to the type of revenue stream from which other taxing bodies may benefit. We are beholden to the State Board of Education which tells us what we are entitled to. We are told what dollars we will be given, and now do not get all of that, having yet to receive over $300,000 owed to us in State aid. This amount may or may not be paid. Nevertheless, we have obligated ourselves to deliver programs for
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Regular Meeting
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the benefit of our students now and in the near future and therefore believe we need to have a “savings account,” if you will, to allow us to deliver on the promise we’ve made to the citizens of this District. While she respects the views expressed tonight, she remembers conversations not that long ago regarding possible program cuts that helped fill this Board Room with those who did not want to see that happen. A balance must be struck, and that may not be fun. The District has honestly and forthrightly done everything possible to manage its finances responsibly, she stressed. Bonds have been refinanced, saving over $1 million which was abated to taxpayers. We fall under the regulations of PTELL; if we cut the levy, it remains cut year after year. Will that catch up to us next year? No. Nevertheless, doing this causes her grave concern. She has devoted almost thirty years of her life to the District. She knows its programs and their benefits to students, programs that perform an invaluable service to young people by allowing them access the benefits that life in this democracy affords. She is fully aware of the hardship faced by many taxpayers. That is why the District has continued its abatement program over the years, returning an average of $500,000 to taxpayers each year.
The Board considered the Administration’s recommendation to approve the 2011 tax levy as presented and several members expressed their opinions. During discussion, a motion to amend the original was made and debated.
Motion by Wrigley, Second by Johnson to Amend the Motion on the Floor by Reducing the Total Proposed Amount of the 2011 Tax Levy by $264,729.00 to the 2010 Level, or $10,609,526.00.
During debate, Mrs. Davis affirmed her obligation to advise the Board on this matter. If equalized assessed property values continue to decline, and the State continues to shift the burden of supporting schools to local communities, the District will surely face cuts. She has been here when that did indeed happen. The District continues to meet the needs of both sides. She pointed out that cash reserves can be depleted quickly, leaving us no alternative but to cut programs. She stressed that this was not a threat, but went on to say that holding the line on the levy is a decision that lasts forever, or at least until the District goes back to its voters via a tax referendum. She also reminded Board Members that they will have an opportunity to spend cash reserves because of mandated health/life safety work that may cost as much as $10 million to complete. That could be covered by issuing bonds as well as by using case reserves. Our building is very large and reserves have been built in part to respond to its maintenance needs.
Motion failed by roll call vote: Ayes – Wrigley and Johnson. Nays – Hill, Howard, O’Neal, and Alesandrini. Absent – Hohimer.
President Alesandrini asked the Board to return to the original motion on the 2011 tax levy in the total amount of $10,874,255.00.
Motion passed by roll call vote: Ayes – O’Neal, Howard, Hill, and Alesandrini. Nays – Johnson and Wrigley. Absent – Hohimer.
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Regular Meeting
19 December 2011
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Resolution for Abatement of Taxes
Motion by Howard, Second by Hill to Approve the Resolution for Abatement of Taxes for the Tax Year 2011 along with Funding Sources Indicated in Section 2 of the Resolution as Presented.
President Alesandrini reminded the Board that Section 1 of the Resolution includes an additional abatement of $300,000 to be added to the $400,000 already approved by the Board, bringing the total to $700,000 if this resolution is passed. This leaves $916,700 to be extended to the taxpayers for repayment of bonds which they have already approved. Mrs. Davis pointed out that PTELL limitations do not apply to abatements, so more could be abated than currently proposed. The bonds in question are due to be paid off by the 2014 levy, or during the 2015-2016 fiscal year. Abatements can be brought up at any time until the extension is filed, which is usually in February. Mrs. Davis observed that this issue should probably be discussed this evening or certainly as soon as possible; the longer the Board waits, the more dicey things become.
Motion Passed by Roll Call Vote: Ayes – Howard, Hill, Johnson, O’Neal, Wrigley, and Alesandrini. Nays – None. Absent – Hohimer.
Instructional Materials Fee Waiver
The instructional materials fee waiver was first approved by the Board for the 2006-2007 school year and every year since. We are the only district in the area to waive fees of this kind, said Mrs. Davis.
Motion by Howard, Second by Hill to Extend the $75.00 Instructional Materials Fee Waiver through the 2012-2013 School Year.
Motion passed by roll call vote: Ayes – Howard, Hill, Johnson, O’Neal, Wrigley, and Alesandrini. Nays – None. Absent – Hohimer.
Resolution for Re-Employment Granting Tenure
Motion by Howard, Second by O’Neal to Approve the Resolution for Re-Employment Granting Tenure for the Remainder of the 2011-2012 School Year as Presented.
Motion passed by roll call vote: Ayes – Howard, O’Neal, Hill, Johnson, Wrigley, and Alesandrini. Nays – None. Absent – Hohimer.
Approval of New Courses for the 2012-2013 School Year
Assistant Superintendent Ruwe reminded the Board that five new courses for the 2012-2013 school year had been presented at its November 2011 regular meeting: Publications 3, Publications 4, Manufacturing Maintenance, AP Microeconomics, and AP Macroeconomics. A full description of each has been provided in support materials for this meeting’s agenda. Registration for next year’s classes will begin in January 2012
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and, with Board approval, descriptions of these new courses will be included in registration packets. Only courses supported by adequate enrollment will be taught.
Motion by Wrigley, Second by Howard to Approve Five New Courses for the 2012-2013 School Year as Presented: Publications 3, Publications 4, Manufacturing Maintenance, Microeconomics, and Macroeconomics.
Motion passed by roll call vote: Ayes – Wrigley, Howard, Hill, Johnson, O’Neal, and Alesandrini. Nays – None. Absent – Hohimer.
Approval of Pilot Program for Literacy Coaching
Mr. Ruwe explained that the literacy coaching program is a pilot concept that proposes to allocate one period of second semester teaching time to assist faculty, particularly members of the CTE Department, who are searching for ways to incorporate the teaching of reading strategies into their lessons. They have reached out to the English Department chairperson, but she finds her time extremely limited.
Motion by O’Neal, Second by Howard to Allocate 0.10 Instructional Time (One Class Period of One Semester) for a Literacy Coaching Pilot Program during Second Semester of the 2011-2012 School Year, Not to Exceed $6,100.00, as Presented.
Motion passed by roll call vote: Ayes – O’Neal, Howard, Hill, Johnson, Wrigley, and Alesandrini. Nays – None. Absent – Hohimer.
Reports
Policy Committee
None.
President Alesandrini reported, in the absence of Chairperson Hohimer, that the Policy Committee had not met since the last regular Board meeting.
O & M Committee
Chairperson Howard reported that the O & M Committee also had not met since the last regular Board meeting. It is still waiting on information from the District architect and engineer regarding health/life safety issues. He drew the Board’s attention to the minutes of the 22 November 2011 O & M Committee meeting to underscore comments made earlier by Superintendent Davis regarding expenditures facing the District due to mandatory health/life safety improvements.
Labor/Management Relations Committee
None. Mrs. Davis reported that the LMRC did not meet in December 2011 for lack of agenda items.
Minutes – Board of Education
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