MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE PAXTON-BUCKLEY-LODA COMMUNITY UNIT DISTRICT NO. 10 BOARD OF EDUCATION OF FORD, CHAMPAIGN, VERMILION, IROQUOIS AND LIVINGSTON COUNTIES OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS HELD WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2004 AT 7:00 P.M. AT THE PAXTON-BUCKLEY-LODA HIGH SCHOOL IN PAXTON, ILLINOIS.

President Mike Short called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.

Upon roll call, the following board members answered present: Steve Bloomstrand, David Dowling, Jeff Jarboe, Jean Schwartz, Alan Schweighart, Mike Short and Dean Swan.

Others present were Marvin Barger, Rick Brackmann, Mike Brehm, Will Brumleve, Trent Eshleman, Jim Flaherty, Bill Lee, Cliff McClure, Brad Pickens, John Rawdin, Lynn Rubarts, Brian Taylor, Jean Thackery, Tara Tighe, and Marilyn Weber.

Jeff Jarboe moved to approve the minutes of the previous meetings. David Dowling seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all members present voted aye, there being no nay votes the motion carried.

Dean Swan moved to approve the Treasurer’s Report. David Dowling seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all members present voted aye, there being no nay votes the motion carried.

Jean Schwartz moved to approve payment of all current bills. Jeff Jarboe seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all members present voted aye, there being no nay votes the motion carried.

Dean Swan read a thank you note from the Luke Vaughn family.

Dean Swan read a letter from Mary Ager requesting maternity leave.

Dean Swan read a letter from Denise Nuss resigning as teacher aide at the Clara Peterson.

Dean Swan read a letter from Kelli Vaughn resigning as Assistant Softball Coach.

Dean Swan read a brief sampling of 43 letters from Loda Grade School 4^th grade students thanking the board for allowing them to go to Springfield to tour Lincoln’s Home and the State Capitol.

Mr. McClure introduced Brian Taylor from Skillman Corporation to report on progress of construction of the new junior high. Brickwork is completed and the masons are cleaning up and getting ready to leave the project. Painting of the classrooms, taping and drywall work is continuing. The gymnasium athletic equipment has been installed. The gym flooring is going to start being laid and the large windows should be installed in the next two weeks. A concern at this time is getting the heat started in the building. Mr. McClure also informed the board that the District received $2.2 million from the Capital Development Board for completing over 50% of the project. The District will receive a final payment from the Capital Development Board when the building is 90% complete. Mr. Taylor will be conducting a pre-closeout meeting at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, October 14^th, in the new junior high regarding punch list procedures for contractors and 1:00 p.m. for owner representatives. Mr. McClure contacted Chris Miller regarding Loda Grade School and the board will have to pass a recommended motion to sell Loda Grade School by 2/3 vote and then Mr. Miller will develop a bidding procedure. Mr. Miller’s recommendation is to have it appraised to sell.

Mr. McClure discussed the revisions to the Ten-Year Health and Life Safety Audit. Mr. McClure recommended the board approve the Ten-Year Health and Life Safety Audit. Steve Bloomstrand made a motion to approve the Ten-Year Health and Life Safety Audit. Al Schweighart seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all members present voted aye, there being no nay votes the motion carried. Mr. McClure also informed the board that he has met with Kevin Hyde from First Midstate Investment Bankers to explore options on funding these health life safety projects. Mr. McClure would like for the finance committee to meet with Mr. Hyde prior to the November board meeting to discuss different options for financing the Health and Life Safety items.

Brian Taylor left the meeting at 7:19 p.m.

Nick Leon arrived at 7:21 p.m.

Mr. McClure and the principals discussed the 2003-2004 ISAT, PSAE, and STS assessment results with the Board. The principals also handed out the 2004-2005 School Improvement Plans and discussed what the plans are for this year. Mr. McClure also informed the board that the district is looking into incorporating the special education students into the regular classroom setting. This will help teach them the regular curriculum and possibly improve test scores. Mr. Flaherty discussed an alternative education program that could help with our graduation rate percentage.

Mr. McClure introduced Rick Brackmann to give the board an update on the Ford County Special Education Cooperative. Mr. Brackmann expanded on the new theory of putting the special education students back in the classroom. This would give them a better understanding of what is being taught in the classroom.

Mr. McClure informed the board that they need to appoint two people to be the April 2005 School Board Election Designees to receive all nominating papers. Mr. McClure recommended that Lynn Rubarts and Marilyn Weber be appointed as the School Board Election Designees. Jeff Jarboe made a motion to appoint Lynn Rubarts and Marilyn Weber as the April 2005 School Board Election Designees. Dean Swan seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all members present voted aye, there being no nay votes the motion carried. Mr. McClure also informed the board that the first day to pick up and circulate petitions is October 27, 2004. The first day for candidates to file and the designees to receive petitions is on January 18, 2005 and the last day for candidates to file is on Tuesday, January 25, 2005.

Mr. McClure provided an overview of the 2004 Preliminary Levy figures. These figures are preliminary and are based on current information from Ford County Assessment office.

Mr. McClure reported on the activities of the fall institute that took place on Friday, October 8, 2004. It was directed towards special education services and getting those students back in the classroom.

Mr. McClure announced that parent/teacher conferences will be held on Monday, November 8^th and Tuesday, November 9^th from 3:30 – 7:00 both evenings.

Mr. McClure tabled the 2004 Illinois School Report Card item until the November meeting due to the report not being available yet from the State.

In other business, Mr. McClure asked for a board member to be part of a committee to study options for Health Insurance. David Dowling volunteered to be part of the committee.

Mr. Mike Short discussed with the board about former school board member coming back to present diplomas to their children or grandchildren at high school graduation.

The Regional Office of Education Health Life Safety Compliance report and school improvement plans are in line and the District is in compliance. The District has also completed a sex equity audit.

Jeff Jarboe made a motion to go into closed session to discuss employment of specific employees, pending litigation and student discipline. David Dowling seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all members present voted aye, there being no nay votes the motion carried.

Closed session began at 8:38 p.m.

Jean Schwartz moved to come out of closed session. David Dowling seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all members present voted aye, there being no nay votes the motion carried.

Closed session ended at 9:00 p.m.

Mr. McClure recommended the board approve Denise Nuss’ resignation as teacher aide. Dean Swan made a motion to approve Denise Nuss’ resignation as teacher aide. Al Schweighart seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all members present voted aye, there being no nay votes the motion carried.

Mr. McClure recommended the board approve the resignation of Kelli Vaughn as Assistant Softball Coach. Dean Swan made a motion to approve the resignation of Kelli Vaughn as Assistant Softball Coach. Al Schweighart seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all members present voted aye, there being no nay votes the motion carried.

Mr. McClure recommended the board approve the maternity leave request from Mary Ager. Jean Schwartz made a motion to approve the maternity leave request from Mary Ager. Jeff Jarboe seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all members present voted aye, there being no nay votes the motion carried.

Mr. McClure recommended the board hire Don Shields as Freshman Boys Basketball Coach. Jeff Jarboe made a motion to approve Don Shields as Freshman Boys Basketball Coach. Steve Bloomstrand seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all members present voted aye, there being no nay votes the motion carried.

Mr. McClure recommended the board hire Jeanne Peterson as teacher aide at the high school. David Dowling made a motion to hire Jeanne Peterson as teacher aide at the high school. Jean Schwartz seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all members present voted aye, there being no nay votes the motion carried.

Mr. McClure recommended that the board hire Kathleen Lee as part-time teacher aide at the Clara Peterson. This will make Ms. Lee a full-time employee with benefits. She is now working part-time as prep aide. David Dowling made a motion to hire Kathleen Lee as full time teacher aide at the Clara Peterson. Al Schweighart seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all members present voted aye, there being no nay votes the motion carried.

Jean Schwartz made a motion to adjourn. Dean Swan seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all members present voted aye, there being no nay votes the motion carried.

Meeting adjourned at 9:05 p.m.

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President, Board of Education Secretary, Board of Education