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, NOVEMBER 14, 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, Mike Short, Phillip Duling, Shawn Young, and Dean Swan.  Jeff Jarboe was absent.

 

Others present were Tara Tighe, Cliff McClure, John Rawdin, Trent Eshleman, Jeff Graham, Stan Daro, Amy Teske, Marilyn Weber, Marvin Barger, Christine Williams, Barry Wright, Travis Tate, Dave Harber, Eric Brackmann, Mark Prina, and Jimmy Shields.

 

Dave Dowling made a motion to approve the consent agenda.  Dawn Bachtold seconded the motion.  Upon roll call, all board members being present, the motion passed. 

 

Dean Swan read a letter dated November 5, 2007 from Staci Ward requesting a six (6) week maternity leave.

 

Dean Swan read a letter dated November 6, 2007 from Lacey Smith requesting a maternity leave through March 31, 2008.

 

Dean Swan read a letter dated October 19, 2007 from GCMS Superintendent Charles Aubry thanking the District for hosting the recent teacher institute.

 

Dean Swan read a letter dated October 24, 2007 from Jim Zenner resigning from the High School head football coaching position.

 

Mr. McClure introduced Todd McNutt from MCS Office Technologies and Jim Zalesiak from Tee Jay Central, Inc.  Mr. McClure advised they are here to discuss building security systems within the District.  Mr. McNutt informed the Board that Tee Jay Central, Inc. has partnered up with MSC Office Technologies for the doors only.  Mr. McNutt explained how the door readers are designed and how they work and that faculty and staff will use a flob key for entrance into the buildings.  There will be a small video station on the secretaries’ desks that will show all people wanting to enter the building.  Mr. McNutt stated there is a push buzzer for lockdown situations too.  This system allows the District to program games, activities, and other events so the doors will stay unlocked during a certain timeframe.  Mr. McNutt stated that the video cameras are activated only when someone pushes the buzzer.  When someone pushes the buzzer, the video station at the desk will alert you.

 

Todd McNutt and Jim Zalesiak left the meeting at 7:20 p.m.

 

Tara Tighe informed the Board of the recent Policy Review Committee meeting.  Each Board member was given a packet with policies to be reviewed and possible approval for the December Board meeting.  Ms. Tighe stated the audio taping policy will be tabled until the December Board meeting. 

 

Mr. McClure advised the Building and Grounds Committee met on October 30, 2007 and discussed the completion of the all-weather track.  Mr. McClure stated the track was completed under budget.  With regard to the new storage building, Mr. McClure advised that Dan Moore and Shawna Knapp from FGM have stated that it would be okay if the District would do most of the work ourselves.  Shawn Young advised the Fund Raising Committee met last night, and the Committee feels the District needs to place a deadline for the last date to purchase bricks.   A discussion was held and the Board decided March 31, 2008 as the last date to purchase bricks.  Shawn Young stated the Committee will continue to sell bricks throughout the winter sports season.  Mr. McClure advised that he has spoken with Kevin Harms, President of the Junior Football League, regarding space they are wanting in the new storage building and potential costs.  Mr. McClure stated hopefully he would be able to recommend a contribution amount from the Junior Football League towards the new storage building at the December Board meeting. 

 

Mr. McClure stated the Committee discussed the possibility of centralizing the District’s cafeteria due to high cost maintenance at Eastlawn and Clara Peterson’s kitchens.  Mr. McClure met with Fox River, and it is his opinion that centralizing the District’s cafeteria is not a viable option at this time due to the fact that the additional equipment and vehicle needed to centralize will cost somewhere between $90,000.00 and $300,000.00.   Mr. McClure stated that another option for the District was to downgrade to a Type II ventilation system which consists of convection ovens.  Eastlawn and Clara Peterson’s kitchens have space for this type of oven, and the cost for this renovation/upgrade would be $25,000.00 per kitchen.  Mr. McClure advised that Dan Moore and Shawna Knapp from FGM would need to check the kitchens out and approve this before the District can proceed.  A discussion was held regarding the Type II ventilation system. 

 

Mr. McClure informed the Board that Jason Ronna would like to build a small pavilion at Memorial Field in memory of his father, Bud Ronna.  The size of this pavilion would be comparable to a single car garage.

 

Todd McNutt and Jim Zalesiak re-entered the meeting at 7:45 p.m.

 

Mr. McNutt stated the total contract price is $50,544.14 which would include an additional door for the Junior High.  Mr. McClure advised that the District currently has $88,736.00 in Health/Life Safety Funds, and if the District would choose to do both the High School phone and the security system projects, the cost would be $92,415.00 for a difference of $3,679.00.  Champaign Telephone Company’s contract price is $41,871.60 for the High School phone system.  The District has used Champaign Telephone Company previously and provides an enhanced 911 alert, and they will add clocks in classrooms that do not have master clocks in them.  Dean Swan made a motion to approve the proposal from MCS Office Technologies in the amount of $50,544.14 and approve the installation of District-wide security systems.  Shawn Young 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 approve the proposal from Champaign Telephone Company in the amount of $41,871.60 for the installation of the High School phone system.   Phillip Duling seconded the motion.  Upon roll call, all members present voted aye, there being no nay votes the motion carried.

 

Todd McNutt and Jim Zalesiak left the meeting at 7:55 p.m.

 

 

 

With regard to the Building and Grounds Committee, Mr. McClure added that the Committee discussed the possibility of hiring an additional person to help out with maintenance in the District.

 

Mr. Eshleman advised that 438 parent/teacher conferences were held at Clara Peterson with 40 conferences to be held on other dates than the designated parent/teacher conference nights.  Ms. Tighe stated that 317 parent/teacher conferences were held at Eastlawn.  Mr. Graham reported that 292 parent/teacher conferences were held at the Junior High.   Sixth grade had an attendance of 87%, Seventh grade attendance was 86%, and Eighth grade attendance was 60%.   Mr. Rawdin advised that 209 parent/teacher conferences took place at the High School with 48 parents in attendance.

 

Mr. McClure went over the tentative 2007 Levy and advised the estimated EAV is $123,095,949.00.  The Levy is as follows:

 

Fund                             Rate                 2007 Levy         2006 Extension              Difference

Education                      3.65                  $4,493,002        $4,282,441                    $210,561

OMB                               .50                  $   615,479        $   586,635                    $  28,844

IMRF                              .13                  $   160,024        $   153,346                    $    6,678

FICA                              .13                  $   160,024        $   163,346                    $    6,678

Transportation                 .20                  $   246,191        $   224,212                    $  21,979          

Working Cash                  .05                  $     61,547        $     58,663                    $    2,884

Special Education            .04                  $     49,238        $     46,930                    $    2,308

Tort                                .10                  $   123,095        $   141,613                    $ -18,518

Health/Life Safety            .05                  $     61,547        $     58,663                    $    2,884

 

Bonds                             .429                $   527,038        $   533,602                    $ -  6,564

 

Total Aggregate             4.85                  $5,970,147        $5,705,849                    $264,298

Total                             5.279                $6,497,185        $6,239,451                    $257,734

 

Mr. McClure advised that the bond levy is an estimate and that Iroquois County has not provided accurate numbers yet.  Dave Dowling made a motion to approve the tentative 2007 Levy.  Dean Swan seconded the motion.  Upon roll call, all members present voted aye, there being no nay votes the motion carried.

 

Mr. McClure stated that in all likelihood a Levy hearing will not be necessary.  However, the Board should go ahead and schedule a date and time for a Levy hearing if necessary.  Dave Dowling made a motion to set the 2007 Levy hearing, if necessary, on December 12, 2007 at 7:00 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 suggested the Board approve the recommended polices of the Policy Review Committee.  The Policy Review Committee has agreed to table the audio taping policy until the December Board meeting.  Dawn Bachtold made a motion to approve Policy Nos. 2.125, 2.140-E, 2.170, 2.170-AP, 2.250-AP2, 4.120, 4.120-AP, 5.130, 5.180, 6.145, 6.160, 6.235, 7.60-E3, 7.90, and 7.190-AP4.  Shawn Young seconded the motion.  Upon roll call, all members present voted aye, there being no nay votes the motion carried.

 

Mr. McClure advised the Board needs to elect a delegate for the Triple I conference in Chicago.  The Board elected Dave Dowling as the delegate.  Mr. McClure advised the Board of two position statements --   the first was in regards to residency issues and the second was in regards to a constitutional convention.   

Mr. Eshleman advised the Board of Clara Peterson’s fall activities.  Clara Peterson had maximum capacity at its open house, great attendance at parent/teacher conferences, tree walk at Pells Park, fire safety day, Clifford Day, personal hygiene presentation in P.E., cheerleading camp, 2nd grade fieldtrip to Nutcracker at ISU, Halloween parade, book fair, Title I dinner, and holiday programs. 

 

Ms. Tighe advised the Board of Eastlawn’s fall activities.  Eastlawn had Native American exhibit, Springfield fieldtrip, Grandparents day, mystery day, geography bee, blood drive, playground installation, red ribbon week, parent/teacher conferences, school newspaper, PIT Crew book fair, BB/BS, and holiday programs.

 

Mr. Graham advised the Board of the Junior High fall activities.  The Junior High had 28 participants in boys’ baseball, 20 participants in girls’ softball and were the IESA regional champs, 34 participants in cross country and qualified for State finals, 22 participants in 6th grade girls’ basketball, 25 girls in 7th and 8th grade basketball, 96 participants in band and chorus, 32 participants in Speech team, 41 members in Student Council, great attendance at the fall open house, student of the week/month, 137 honor roll students, 42 participants in Panther squad, and student food drive.

 

Ms. Williams advised the Board of the High School fall activities.  The High School open house had 87 families in attendance, cross country team placed 1st in regionals and sectionals and 4th place in the State, volleyball placed 4th in the PBL Classic and 2nd place in the SVC, various FFA activities, marching band placed 1st in Hoopeston, Monticello, and Mahomet, musical Pippen on November 2-4, and 212 on honor roll.

 

Mr. McClure informed the Board that every year Mr. Harber applies for the Illinois Library Per Capita Grant.  This grant is worth $1,000.00, and there is no cost to apply.  Mr. Harber explained to the Board how the grant money is used and the provisions of the grant.   Phillip Duling made a motion to approve the 2007 Illinois Library Per Capita Grant.  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 he would like to wait until the December Board meeting before the Board approves the one year extension of the First Student transportation contract.  Mr. McClure advised that there are more changes to the contract than he anticipated and would like for the District’s attorney to review the contract before approval.

 

Mr. McClure suggested to the Board to approve the Schoolreach parent and staff communication system.   This system we can use to announce school closing, school functions, open houses, cancellations, and many other important announcements.  This system is currently being used by Blue Ridge and Clinton school districts.  Dr. Brehm has researched this system, and in his opinion it is the program to go with.  A discussion was held regarding the initial setup of the system and entering phone numbers.  Mr. McClure advised that the District could begin the implementation of this system as soon as possible and is compatible with our STI software program.  The cost of this system is $3,750.00 per year.  Dawn Bachtold made a motion to approve the purchase of Schoolreach in the amount of $3,750.00 per year.  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 approve the Paxton Swedes constructing a pavilion at Memorial Field in memory of Bud Ronna.  Shawn Young seconded the motion.  Upon roll call, all members present voted aye, there being no nay votes the motion carried.

Mr. McClure informed the Board of a new committee called Vision 20/20 which will consist of administrators and focus group members.  This committee will be responsible for updating the District’s mission statement and would comprise the new mission statement around the book called Good to Great.  Mr. McClure suggested that two Board members and some administrators participate on this committee, as well as community members.  Mr. McClure would like the committee to meet prior to Christmas break and then meet again in January so that the committee could recommend a new mission statement for approval by the February Board meeting.  Mike Short and Dean Swan volunteered to be on the committee.

 

Mr. McClure advised the Board that the District needs to determine what it is going to do with regard to the 403(b) annuity program.  The District will need to approve a vendor to handle the 403(b) annuities, and then will have to write a plan for the vendor to follow.  Mr. McClure added that there are too many new regulations, and it would be in the best interests of the District to have a vendor that is well-informed to supervise the contributions and withdraws. 

 

Mr. McClure stated that PBL Advantage has contributed $24,000.00 to the District to purchase smartboards and laptop computers.

 

Mr. McClure advised the Board that Dr. Brehm was the recipient of the Extra Mile Award and the Golden Apple Award.

 

Mr. McClure informed the Board of the recent MRSA scare.  Mr. Bennett has installed hand sanitizers in all of the cafeterias and locker rooms in the District, and the P.E. teachers have discussed this topic with the students.  Chad Vaughn, the District’s athletic trainer, will keep on top of this issue with the District’s athletes as well.

 

Mr. McClure suggested to the Board to have the High School cross country team come to the December Board meeting so that they can be recognized for their successful season.

 

Dawn Bachtold made a motion to go into 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 began at 9:04 p.m.

 

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

 

Closed session ended at 10:02 p.m.

 

Mr. McClure recommended to the Board to accept the resignation of Jim Zenner as head football coach.  Dean Swan made a motion to approve the resignation of Jim Zenner as head football coach.  Dave Dowling seconded the motion.  Upon roll call, all members present voted aye, there being no nay votes the motion carried.

 

Mr. McClure recommended to the Board to approve the maternity leaves of Staci Ward and Lacey Smith.  Phillip Duling made a motion to approve the maternity leaves of Staci Ward and Lacey Smith.  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 employment of Eric McMillan as Clara Peterson night custodian.  Shawn Young made a motion to approve the employment of Eric McMillan as Clara Peterson night custodian.  Dave Dowling 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.  Dean Swan seconded the motion.  Upon roll call, all members present voted aye, there being no nay votes the motion carried.

 

The meeting adjourned at 10:05 p.m.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                                                                                                                                           

President, Board of Education                                         Secretary, Board of Education