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, JANUARY 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 7:03 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 Andy Bennett, Jeff Graham, Cliff McClure, John Rawdin, Stan Daro, Amy Teske, Tara Tighe, Marilyn Weber, Marvin Barger, Christine Williams, Barry Wright, Stan Daro, Anna Lovern (IASA), Dave Harber, Bob Kerns, Meg Thilmony, and Rocio Arrayave-Jamison.

Dawn Bachtold moved to approve the minutes of the previous meeting. Dave 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. Phillip Duling seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all members present voted aye, there being no nay votes the motion carried.

Mr. McClure showed to the Board members a spreadsheet he had composed showing the district has received 69% of its revenue for the year and has expended 49% of the budgeted expenses.

Shawn Young moved to approve payment of all current bills. Phillip Duling seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all members present voted aye, there being no nay votes the motion carried.

Dean Swan read a letter from Kelli Vaughn requested to fill in for Kelly Neukomm for 8^th grade girls volleyball coaching position during her maternity leave.

At this time, Mr. McClure introduced Anna Lovern from the Illinois Association of School Boards. Ms. Lovern addressed the Board regarding customization of the district’s board policy manual and handed out a brochure explaining the service. Ms. Lovern explained to the Board they would start off the process with a base of sample polices and then customize them to reflect the district’s policies. She advised any policies that are unique to the district will be placed into the base policy. Mr. Lovern stated the customization process is lengthy, and it begins with an initial fact finding visit to the district which will last approximately 1-2 hours. The full Board will need to be present at this visit as will any committee members. We will ask several questions to get a feel on how the district operates and to help decide on options to include in the policy manual. When the initial visit it over, Ms. Lovern stated we will take a copy of the current policy manual to help with the customization and then prepare a draft of the policy manual for the Board and committee to review. The Board and committee members will review the draft manual and work with the consultant on any changes or additions to the manual. Mr. Lovern advised this is where the fine tuning is done. Some of the Board members asked questions regarding the base policies, and Ms. Lovern explained that the base policy manual is a very generic manual that does not fit any district, but it includes all the pertinent language. Mr. Lovern stated once the policy manual has completed the edit stage and the Board is in agreement with the content of the manual, the board should approve the adopt the board policy manual all in one motion and not in piecemeal. Once this is done, the policy manual will be in place, and if any updating is necessary to the policy it will not be difficult to accomplish, and the district will not have to go through a customization again. Ms. Lovern stated they now offer “Press Plus” which is a full maintenance service and is different than the current “Press” subscription that the district has in place. “Press Plus” changes with your district’s information in the policy manual which saves staff and administration time and effort. Ms. Lovern informed the Board that in thetwoyears they have been offering “Press Plus” they have over 115 districts using this service. “Press Plus” costs $1,290.00 per year which is $740.00 more than “Press”. Ms. Lovern stated GCMS, Thomasboro, Gifford, St. Joseph-Ogden High School, Fisher, Praireview, and RCCSEC are some of the area districts that carry this service. The Board asked Ms. Lovern how long is the customization process, and she replied they will return a draft policy manual within 90 days of the initial visit to the district, but generally they’re return time has been more like 60 days. Mr. Lovern stated once this happens and the draft is in the district’s hands, it is up to the district as to how long the customization process takes and how soon the district returns the draft back for finishing the customization. Generally, Mr. Lovern advised it takes approximately 9 months from beginning through Board adoption and approval. The IASB consultant will remind the district of ROE compliance policies and ensure that these are in the district’s policy manual. Mr. Lovern advised that this procedure is strictly board policy and not administrative procedures as that is a completely separate service. Mr. Lovern stated that administrative procedures should be kept in a separate policy manual, and they are referred to as a project manual as they are always revising procedures. Ms. Lovern advised they do offer this service for administrative procedures, but it is a separate cost and is 50% more than the customization cost. Mr. McClure recommended to the Board to table this issue for now as this matter requires further discussion and thought.

Ms. Lovern left the meeting at 7:26 p.m.

Mr. McClure suggested to the Board to contact Joe Tomlinson to have him bid the board policy customization.

Mr. McClure introduced Peg Chandler to the Board. Ms. Chandler informed the Board about her trip to Japan and stated there were over 200 teachers nationwide that went on the Japan Fulbright Memorial Teacher Fund experience. Ms. Chandler presented a picture slide show on her trip to Japan. She said this was an amazing experience. Seminars were attended daily. Topics included: education, peace, and government. Ms. Chandler thanked the Board for allowing her to take advantage of this experience.

Mr. McClure introduced Dave Harber to the Board. Mr. Harber advised AYP is still not in almost one year later. He is looking for some time in March for this information to be released. A discussion was held regarding the 2006 ISAT/PSAE State assessments booklet. Mr. Harber stated Reading, Math, and Science are listed in the booklet. Mr. Harber informed the Board the information contained in the booklet will help the district identify struggling students in specific groups and will help move the district in the right direction. Mr. Harber stated that focus groups will be meeting in Roberts, Buckley, Loda, and Paxton in the next couple of months.

Mr. McClure advised the Board the transportation committee met in December and discussed the possibility of releasing bids for a new and/or used seven passenger van. Mr. McClure stated the van specifications were prepared by Mr. Eshleman and bids will be due on Monday, February 12, 2007 at 3:00 p.m. and bids will be opened at 3:30 p.m.

A motion was made by Dawn Bachtold to approve the release of bids for a seven passenger van with bids due on Monday, February 12, 2007 at 3:00 p.m. and bids to be opened at 3:30 p.m. Dean Swan seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all members present voted aye, there being no nay votes the motion carried.

Mr. McClure advised the Board a copy of Dr. Brehm’s technology report was included in the board packets. Dr. Brehm is available to answer any questions or commits with regard to his report. The Board expressed their appreciation for his technology expertise and all the fine work he does for the district.

Mr. McClure introduced Barry Wright to the Board. Mr. Wright informed the Board there are two options for summer school this year. The first option is having summer school Wednesday, May 30, 2007 through Friday, June 29, 2007, or the second option is having summer school Monday, July 9, 2007 through Wednesday, August 8, 2007. Mr. Wright stated with the two potential calendars, the second option may work a little better from the standpoint the students will have some time off before summer school begins and to allow time for summer camps and activities. Mr. Wright advised that Mr. Graham had a similar timeframe for summer school last year and attendance was very good. Summer school will be offered to Kindergarten through 8^th grade students in Reading and Math. Students in grades 9^th – 12^th will be offered English and Math if the numbers reveal there is a need. Mr. McClure stated that summer school will become more of an issue as the graduation requirements increase in the State. Mr. Wright stated he will be working with Mr. Harber regarding curriculum and with the other buildings regarding student numbers.

Mr. McClure informed the Board that the High School staff will administer the PSAE to all 11^th grade students on April 25^th and April 26^th, the ISAT test will be administered to all 3^rd – 8^th grade students March 12^th – March 23^rd, and the State will also assess 5^th and 8^th grade students in Writing.

Mr. McClure advised the Board on the current 504 policy in effect for the district and how the district has not updated this policy. Mr. McClure stated Ms. Tighe has volunteered as a part of her administrative internship to look further into this matter and has done some research on the 504 policy. Mr. McClure added that the district’s attorney is looking into this matter and reviewing it for implementation. Ms. Tighe advised the Board with regard to her research on this matter and stated the big issue is consistency.

Mr. McClure advised the Board he met with Tom McCabe of Farmers-Merchants National Bank of Paxton about potential short-term investments. Mr. McClure handed each Board member a piece of paper explaining how repurchasing agreements work. Mr. McClure stated this is still in the discussion process but is something the district should look into and discuss further at the February board meeting. Mr. McClure said this will be similar to a sweep account, but the district will be gaining a lot more interest on its repurchase agreements. The first year will be a little more labor intensive for the office staff, however this will allow the district to get a better grasp on what our bank balance is on a daily basis.

Mr. McClure recommended to the Board to add Jeanne Peterson’s signature to the High School activity fund account due to the fact that she has taken over most of the responsibility of this account. Mr. McClure stated the district will leave Amy Teske’s signature on this account so there will be three names on this account. A motion was made by Shawn Young to approve adding Jeanne Peterson’s name to the High School activity fund account. Dave Dowling seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all members present voted aye, there being no nay votes the motion carried.

Mr. McClure informed the Board to complete the statement of economic interest before you leave this evening and turn them into Amy Teske.

Mr. McClure advised the Board at the February board meeting Joe Meyer and Dave Harber will discuss Project Lead the Way. This is an engineering curriculum to provide to High School students, and even Junior High students if the district chooses. Mr. McClure stated this is something the district needs to look into because there are CAD licensing and computer updates that will be necessary to proceed with this curriculum.

Mr. McClure informed the Board he has spoken with Scot Fairfield, and Mr. Fairfield said he will provide whatever information is needed to the sprinkler contractor. Mr. McClure said all outstanding items for the Junior High will be completed over Spring break. The Bolte Company has been contacted, and they are needing dates to fix the flooring issues. Bacon and VanBuskirk stated they believe they have completed their work for the Junior High. Mr. McClure stated he expects plans for the High School bathroom project to be completed by Spring break and to have a budget in place for this project. On February 8, 2007 the track and bleacher bids will be opened at 1:00 p.m., and the van bids will be opened on February 12, 2007 at 3:00 p.m. Mr. McClure suggested to the Board that the committees should meet again and suggested the committees met on Thursday, February 8, 2007 after the opening of the track and bleacher bids.

Mr. McClure informed the Board that he will have a school calendar ready for the 2007/2008 school year for the February board meeting.

Mr. McClure advised the Board that he has been contacted by two construction companies with regard to the all-weather track and two companies for the bleacher project.

Dawn Bachtold made a motion to go into closed session to discuss the appointment, employment, compensation, and performance of specific employees of the public body. Dave Dowling seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all members present voted aye, there being no nay votes the motion carried.

Closed session began at 9:03 p.m.

Shawn Young made a motion to come out of closed session. Dave Dowling seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all members present voted aye, there being no nay votes the motion carried.

Closed session ended at 10:23 p.m.

Mr. McClure recommended the Board approve the hiring of Michelle Huller as a teacher aide at Clara Petersen Elementary. Jeff Jarboe made a motion to approve the hiring of Michelle Huller as a teacher aide at Clara Petersen Elementary. Dave Dowling 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 transfer of Art Nelson from Eastlawn Elementary custodian to High School custodian. Shawn Young Jarboe made a motion to approve the transfer of Art Nelson from Eastlawn Elementary custodian to High School custodian. Dave Dowling 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 hiring of Tara Medlin as a teacher aide at the High School. Phillip Duling made a motion to approve the hiring of Tara Medlin as a teacher aide at the High School. 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 approve the hiring of Aaron Williams as a custodian at Eastlawn Elementary pending a post screen physical examination. Dean Swan made a motion to approve the hiring of Aaron Williams as a custodian at Eastlawn Elementary pending a post screen physical examination. Dawn Bachtold seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all members present voted aye, there being no nay votes the motion carried.

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

Meeting adjourned at 10:29 p.m.

President, Board of Education Secretary, Board of Education