MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE PAXTON-BUCKLEY-LODA COMMUNITY UNIT SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 10 BOARD OF EDUCATION OF FORD, CHAMPAIGN, VERMILION, IROQUOIS, AND LIVINGSTON COUNTIES OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS HELD WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2007 AT 7:00 P.M. AT THE PAXTON-BUCKLEY-LODA BOARD ROOM 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:  Dawn Bachtold, David Dowling, Jeff Jarboe, Mike Short, Phillip Duling, Shawn Young, and Dean Swan. 

 

Others present were Tara Tighe, Cliff McClure, John Rawdin, Trent Eshleman, Stan Daro, Jeff Graham, Amy Teske, Marilyn Weber, Marvin Barger, Christine Williams, Barry Wright, Andy Bennett, Travis Tate, Mike Brehm, Dave Harber, Janice Crank, Jeff Funk, Mayor Bill Ingold, and Jimmy Shields.

 

Dean Swan made a motion to approve the consent agenda.  Phillip Duling seconded the motion.  Upon roll call, all board members being present, the motion passed. 

 

Dean Swan read a letter dated October 15, 2007 from Tara Medlin resigning from her teacher aide position effective December 21, 2007.

 

Dear Swan read a letter dated September 27, 2007 from Rhonda Wooten resigning from her teacher aide position effective October 12, 2007.

 

Dean Swan read a thank-you letter dated September 27, 2007 from Joanne Guyot.

 

Dean Swan read a letter dated September 24, 2007 from Joshua Polson resigning from his Clara Peterson custodial position effective September 28, 2007.

 

Mr. McClure introduced Attorney Jeff Funk from Miller, Tracey, Braun & Miller of Monticello, Illinois.  Mr. Funk handed each Board member a packet of information regarding tax increment financing (TIF) districts.  Mr. Funk began by stating TIF districts are something the City, or municipality, can act on, and when a TIF district is created, the tax value stays at the level before the TIF district was created and those funds generated from the TIF are used for purposes of development.  Mr. Funk advised that there are number of steps the City has to go though prior to the issuance of a TIF district and the purpose of a TIF district is to help a city grow.  Mr. Funk explained that if the TIF district attracts new families to come to Paxton, then the City would be obligated to help the school district with incurred costs.  As an example, Mr. Funk stated that if 100 new students came to PBL because of the TIF district, then the City would be obligated to help the school build or add classrooms to accommodate the additional 100 students.  Mr. Funk then went over what the calculation would be as follows:

 

            $6,781.32 annual per capita tuition - $2777.96 State Aid per student = $4,003.36

 

            100 students X $4,003.36 = $400,336.00

 

Mr. Funk stated that the maximum amount a school district could receive from a TIF district is 25% of the calculated total.  However, Mr. Funk pointed out with it being a new TIF district there will not be sufficient funds to compensate the school.  Mr. Funk suggested that the District could enter into an intergovernmental agreement with the City regarding the payment above, reimbursement for capital costs incurred because of additional students in the TIF district such as classrooms, textbooks, technology, but not salaries, rehabilitation costs of buildings, and other matters.  Mr. Funk advised the District needs to be cautious to be certain to receive the tax monies due the District when it comes to TIF districts.  Mr. Funk also pointed out that residents of a TIF district have to pay taxes on new bonding issues.  In closing, Mr. Funk stated that a TIF stays in place 23 years; however the District can negotiate a shorter timeframe with the City.  Mayor Bill Ingold stated that it will take approximately 6-9 months before the TIF district will be up and running towards development. 

 

Attorney Jeff Funk and Bill Ingold left at 7:30 p.m.

 

Mr. McClure informed the Board the Wellness Committee recently met and discussed healthy choices for school snacks at elementary parties throughout the school year.  The Committee also discussed wellness week to take place some time in February or March of next year and ways of getting students and staff involved during that week.  Mr. McClure stated the Wellness Committee plans to meet quarterly, and the next meeting is scheduled for November.

 

Mr. McClure stated the Policy Review Committee met and is going to recommend the deletion of Board Policy No. 2.112 – recording secretary as this policy is duplicitous.  Ms. Tighe addressed the Board and handed each Board member a summary sheet which shows what polices are up for review and recommendation at the November Board meeting. Ms. Tighe stated the Committee will be recommending a pooled waiver policy for certified staff only and a transportation/audio policy.  Ms. Tighe stated the audio language should be added to the transportation/video policy, and the Committee plans to send parental/guardian notification of this new policy similar to the video notification letter.  Ms. Tighe advised it is the Committee’s recommendation for the Board to approve this policy.  Jeff Jarboe advised that he was not in agreement with the transportation/audio policy.   Mr. Jarboe further stated that he has watched this school district go down a slippery slope as to what students can and cannot do.  Mr. Jarboe pointed out that he fought the transportation/video policy, and he was told at that time the District was not taking audio as it was considered eavesdropping.  Mr. McClure stated it is an issue of protection and safeguard for the student and the administration.  Mr. Jarboe rebutted by stating that principal offices need to be videotaped then too.  Mr. McClure advised that the audio and videos can only be accessed by the administration, bus director, and superintendent, when and if necessary and not every case is reviewed.  The District is not watching videos on a daily basis but only when necessary due to an incident on the bus, and then is only being used as a tool for investigation.  Mr. Jarboe stated that he does not like students’ conversations recorded as they ride on the bus.  Mr. Stan Daro addressed Mr. Jarboe stating that this policy is for protection purposes only.  Mr. McClure stated that the District is not keeping the records forever.  There is an approximate thirty (30) day window, unless it goes to Court and the video/audio is held by the State’s attorney.   Mr. McClure explained that the audio/video is kept on a stick and then transferred to a laptop and is kept indefinitely only if an event warrants it.  Dr. Brehm controls the software, and each administrator has the software.  The bus drivers cannot download the video and/or audio.  Shawn Young stated that he agrees with the Committee and feels the intent of the policy is for investigation and discipline purposes only and not personal.   Dawn Bachtold stated that the parents of the child and the victim would not be able to see the video unless litigation was pursued.  Mr. McClure added that not all administrators will get to view the audio/video either.  It will depend upon what administrator and grade level of the student is involved.  It is not for surveillance, it is for protection and investigation.  Marilyn Weber addressed the Board and stated what if a child is threatened on the bus and that there would be no way to prove this without audio.  Mr. Jarboe again stated that he wants to vote against this policy.  Mr. McClure stated that everything we do we have to place trust in people, but there is also technology to help people prove that they were doing the right thing.  Dean Swan stated that the District has been videotaping on the buses for 18 months without any issues of security breaches and that videos have been utilized in the investigation of bus incidents. Mr. McClure stated that there are approximately twenty (20) bus incidents per school year.

 

Ms. Tighe advised the Board that the new policies up for recommendation in November are Policy 2.140-E, guidance for Board member communications including email; Policy 2.250-AP2, protocols for record preservations and development of retention schedules; and Policy 5.130, responsibilities concerning internal information.   Revised/reformatted policies up for recommendation in November are Policy 2.125, Board member expenses; Policy 2.170, procurement of architectural, engineering, and land surveying services; Policy 2.170-AP, qualification based selection; Policy 4.120, food services; Policy 4.120-AP, food services; Policy 5.180, temporary illness or temporary incapacity; Policy 6.145, migrant students; Policy 6.160, limited English proficient students policy; Policy 5.235, access to electronic networks; Policy 7.60-E3, evidence of non-parent’s custody, control, and responsibility of student; Policy 7.90, release during school hours; and Policy 7.190-AP4, use of isolated time out and physical restraint.  Policies up for deletion in November are Policy 5.280, administrative procedure – paraprofessional working in a program supported with Title I funds; Policy 6.160-Exhibit 1, student home language survey; and Policy 6.160-Exhibit 2, notice to parents of students identified as limited English proficient.

 

Mr. Harber addressed the Board with regard to information on after school programs at Clara Peterson, Eastlawn, and the Junior High.  Mr. Harber stated this program is for students struggling with Reading and would last approximately 45 minutes after school.  Mr. Harber said this is supplemental instruction.  With regard to the High School program, it is for Math only, and these students are not identified.  This program is for students specifically having problems in Algebra I, Algebra IA, Algebra IB, and Pre-Algebra.  The program is for 3 nights a week for approximately 45 minutes each night.  Mr. Harber stated the 2 programs will probably start at the beginning of the second semester.  Mr. McClure recommended the Board approve these two new programs.  Dean Swan made a motion to approve the Clara Peterson, Eastlawn, Junior High, and High School after school programs.  Dawn Bachtold seconded the motion.  Upon roll call, all members present voted aye, there being no nay votes the motion carried.

 

Mr. McClure advised the Board that the High School Guidance Department at last month’s meeting informed the Board of the proposed High School credits and graduation requirements.  Mrs. Crank informed the Board on how the grade placements were calculated and how they wanted to have standards but did not want to discourage students.  Mr. McClure recommended the High School Guidance Department to notify parents/guardians of Sophomore students with less than 5 credits.  Dave Dowling made a motion to approve the High School credits, grade placements, and graduation requirements.  Phillip Duling seconded the motion.  Upon roll call, all members present voted aye, there being no nay votes the motion carried.

 

Dean Swan made a motion to delete Board Policy No. 2.112, recording secretary.  Dave Dowling seconded the motion.  Upon roll call, all members present voted aye, there being no nay votes the motion carried.

 

Mr. McClure handed each Board member a spreadsheet detailing the current amendments and what projects are still incomplete from the 10 year health/life safety report.  Mr. McClure advised that Dan Moore of FGM prepared the current amendments, and they are ready to be sent off.

Mr. McClure advised at this time there will be a public bond hearing concerning the intent of the Board of Education to sell $2,000,000.00 of health/life safety bonds.  President Mike Short read the Order of Public Hearing aloud.  After reading the Order, President Mike Short asked the Board members and those persons attending the hearing for any comments, for any written testimony, and for any oral testimony.  President Mike Short announced all persons have been given the opportunity to speak, and the bond hearing is now adjourned.  Dawn Bachtold made a motion to adjourn the bond hearing.  Phillip Duling seconded the motion.  Upon roll call, all members present voted aye, there being no nay votes the motion carried.

 

Mr. McClure stated he has prepared a preliminary 2007 Levy.  He advised that some information from Ford County has been received, but he has received no information from Iroquois County.  The preliminary Levy shows an estimated EAV of $119,000,000.00 with a 1.4% increase over last year.  Mr. McClure advised the following are the rates he is currently suggesting, however this could change:

 

            Fund                 Rate                 2007 Levy                     Last Yr. Levy                 Difference

 

            Education         3.65                  $4,343,500.00                $4,282,441.00                $61,059.00

            O & M                 .50                  $   595,000.00               $   586,535.00               $  8,365.00

            IMRF                  .13                  $   154,700.00               $   153,346.00               $  1,354.00

            FICA                   .13                  $   154,700.00               $   153,346.00               $  1,354.00

            Transportation     .20                  $   238,000.00               $   224,212.00               $13,788.00

            Working Cash     .05                  $     59,500.00               $     58,663.00               $     837.00

            Special Educ.     .04                  $     47,600.00               $     46,930.00               $     670.00

            Tort                     .10                  $   119,000.00               $   141,613.00               $-22,613.00

            Health/Life Saf.    .05                  $     59,500.00               $     58,663.00               $     837.00

            Bonds                .443                $   527,038.00               $   533,602.00               $- 6,564.00       

 

            Total Ag            4.85                  $5,771,500.00                $5,705,849.00                $65,651.00

            Total                 5.293                $6,298,538.00                $6,239,451.00                $59,087.00

 

Mr. McClure stated that the District will probably not need a Truth in Taxation hearing this year, and he hopes to have more solid numbers at the November Board meeting.

 

Mr. McClure informed the Board that parent/teacher conferences are scheduled for November 5th and 6th at the 4 buildings from 3:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. on both days.  Mr. McClure pointed out that parent/teacher conferences can happen at any time during the school year by notifying the teacher.

 

Mr. McClure reported to the Board on unfunded mandates and showed them a thick binder of unfunded mandates since 1992.  Mr. McClure stated there are a lot of new things the District needs to do and there is more accountability.

 

Mr. Harber addressed the Board with regard to the State Report Card for the District and each individual building.  Mr. Harber stated that the State Report Card is placed on the District’s and State’s website for public viewing and that the District met AYP for the first time in 5 years.  Mr. Harber explained that the District needs to improve from a 55% level to a 62.5% level, and the District’s school improvement plan has been effective.  Mr. Rawdin commended the High School staff as they are working very hard.  The High School’s action plan is to focus on all core subject areas, increase academic achievement of IEP students by 10%, monthly Project Choices meeting, increase the number of co-taught classrooms, staff development and increase staff awareness, increase the number of minutes IEP students spend in regular education classrooms, parent input during IEP meetings, and invite parents to attend Project Choices team meetings.

Ms. Tighe stated that Eastlawn is focusing on Reading, co-teaching at all grade levels, recently purchased and implemented a new Reading series, and having staff continue working with and using Curriculum Mapper.

 

Mr. Graham stated at the Junior High the school improvement committee is currently working to attach frameworks to “I can . . . “ statements with Curriculum Mapper.  Mr. Eshleman stated Clara Peterson’s goals are to improve academic achievement for all students in the area of Reading/Literacy, improve building-wide student achievement in all academic areas by increasing instructional time on task, and continue horizontal and vertical alignment of the taught and assessed curriculum to Illinois State Learning Standard descriptors and map the curriculum to effectively increase student achievement and ISAT test scores throughout the District.  Mr. Eshleman also stated that he would like to see full-day Kindergarten by 2009/2010.  Dawn Bachtold made a motion to approve the District’s State Report Card, Clara Peterson’s State Report Card, Eastlawn’s State Report Card, PBL Junior High’s State Report Card, and PBL High School’s State Report Card, and to release these State Report Cards to the public.  Phillip Duling seconded the motion.  Upon roll call, all members present voted aye, there being no nay votes the motion carried.

 

Mr. McClure reminded the Board that the Triple I conference is scheduled for November 16th and 17th and that he will have more information on this at the November Board meeting.

 

Mr. McClure informed the Board that the District has received 2 proposals for pest extermination services.  The first proposal was from Orkin, who has been the District’s vendor for the past 2 years, in the amount of $2,488.32.  The second proposal was from Terminix in the amount of $2,269.00.  Mr. McClure stated the District has used both companies previously and would recommend the less expensive proposal from Terminix.  Shawn Young made a motion to approve Terminix as the District’s pest exterminator for the 2007/2008 and 2008/2009 school years in the amount of $2,269.00 per year.  Dawn Bachtold seconded the motion.  Upon roll call, all members present voted aye, there being no nay votes the motion carried.

 

Mr. McClure informed the Board that the High School is looking into establishing a before and after Drivers Education program.  Mr. Rawdin and Mrs. Crank have done a lot of work on this matter, and there are currently 66 students impacted by the new legislation that is set to become law January 1, 2008.  Mr. McClure stated the District can only offer 1 position at this time, and Elsie Riddle has agreed to teach the after school instruction portion of the Drivers Education class.  Mrs. Crank advised by having an after school program for Drivers Education they could move 30 students up to second quarter instead of second semester so they could obtain their driver’s permit prior to January 1, 2008. There will still be 36 students affected by this new legislation.  A discussion was held regarding transportation for students in the after school program, and it was determined that the after school program is voluntary therefore busing is not an issue.  Mr. McClure also pointed out that extra-curricular conflicts would need to be worked out between the High School athletic director and staff.  Dean Swan made a motion to approve Elsie Riddle as the instructor for the after school Drivers Education program and to provide an after-school Drivers Education program.  Phillip Duling seconded the motion.  Upon roll call, all members present voted aye, there being no nay votes the motion carried.

 

Mr. McClure advised the Board that he intends to send out a 403(b) notification letter to participating staff members regarding the new legislation on 403(b) annuities. 

 

Mr. McClure commended several people between GCMS and PBL who helped plan and present the all day professional development day and has received a lot of positive feedback.

 

Mr. McClure also commended the several volunteers who helped with the Eastlawn playground project, especially Andy Bennett and Kathleen Lee.

 

Mr. McClure recommended the Board approve the resignations of Tara Medlin as teacher aide effective December 21, 2007; Rhonda Wooten as teacher aide effective October 12, 2007; and Joshua Polson as Clara Peterson custodian effective September 28, 2007.  Dean Swan made a motion to approve the resignations of Tara Medlin as teacher aide effective December 21, 2007; Rhonda Wooten as teacher aide effective October 12, 2007; and Joshua Polson as Clara Peterson custodian effective September 28, 2007.  Phillip Duling 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 Christina Barr as a hearing-impaired teacher for the second semester of the 2007/2008 school year.  Jeff Jarboe made a motion to approve Christina Barr as a hearing impaired teacher for the second semester of the 2007/2008 school year. Phillip Duling seconded the motion.  Upon roll call, all members present voted aye, there being no nay votes the motion carried.

 

Shawn Young made a motion to adjourn the meeting.  Dave Dowling seconded the motion.  Upon roll call, all members present voted aye, there being no nay votes the motion carried.

 

The meeting adjourned at 9:08 p.m.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                                                                                                                                           

President, Board of Education                                       Secretary, Board of Education