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, FEBRUARY 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:  David Dowling, Jeff Jarboe, Mike Short, Phillip Duling, and Shawn Young.    Absent were Dean Swan and Dawn Bachtold.

 

Others present were Cliff McClure, Stan Daro, Amy Teske, Marvin Barger, and Trent Eshleman.

 

Phillip Duling moved to approve the consent agenda.  Dave Dowling seconded the motion.  Upon roll call, all members present voted aye, there being no nay votes the motion carried.

 

President Mike Short appointed Jeff Jarboe as Secretary Pro-Tem.

 

Jeff Jarboe read a thank you from the family of Dorothy Nelson.

 

With regard to the policy committee, Mr. McClure informed the Board a meeting was held with Joe Tomlinson, Jeanne Peterson, and Amy Teske regarding the board policy customization process.  Mr. McClure stated Mr. Tomlinson has a great deal of experience in this area and is agreeable to customize the administrative procedures and exhibits as well.  Mr. McClure advised that most of the administrative work will be done through the Unit Office.  Mr. McClure went over Mr. Tomlinson’s outline with regard to the customization process.  Mr. Tomlinson suggested that an administrator be appointed to head this project.  Once the customization process begins, it is anticipated this project will take approximately two years to complete.   Mr. Tomlinson’s rate is $75.00 per hour, and he will be submitting a statement once he has reached the $3,000.00 threshold so the District can obtain a better grasp on how much the customization process will cost.  Mr. McClure reiterated to the Board that Mr. Tomlinson will do a good job for the District and suggested that Tara Tighe be appointed as the administrator to head this project.

 

With regard to the building and grounds committee, Mr. McClure informed the Board the blueprints from FGM have a mistake.  There is no door on the east side of the boys’ restroom.  The Board agreed a door needs to be added back in the boys’ restroom.  Mr. McClure advised the Board he has checked on Medicaid funds, and there are enough Medicaid funds to cover this project.  A discussion was held regarding the storage closet, and it was decided to keep the storage closet.   Mr. McClure suggested the district bid this project as a whole package.   Mr. McClure advised the Board with regard to the bids for the bleachers.  All the bids were reasonable, and the low bidder with a seating capacity of 220 was from Sturdi-Steel in the amount of $29,800.00.  This bid beat the next lowest bidder by $6,000.00.  Mr. McClure stated the all-weather track bids were much higher than expected and suggested to the Board to table both the bleacher and all-weather track projects for the time being to see if the District can work on some financing issues.  A discussion was held regarding the all-weather track bids and how to determine what items could be cut in order to get the cost for the track to be more reasonable.  The District wants to be able to host sectional and/or State track meets.  Mr. McClure advised the Board that Automated Sprinkler came to the school and walked through the Junior High, and after talking with them, it was agreed that there are some repairs that they need to do. Automated Sprinkler will come back to do this work during spring break and will send correspondence with regard to the extra work that needs to be done.  Mr. McClure stated the meeting with Automated Sprinkler went well, and the Junior High gym floor work is scheduled to take place during spring break.  Mr. McClure informed the Board that Mr. Bennett has submitted his list of upcoming summer projects, and the projects are as follows:

           

            1).        Install Eastlawn playground

            2).        Renovate home football bleachers

            3).        Visitor bleacher installation (if approved)

            4).        All-weather track (if approved)

            5).        High school restroom renovation (if approved)

            6).        Clara Peterson floor tile replacement

            7).        High School lobby tile replacement

            8).        High school restroom partitions and Eastlawn restroom partitions

            9).        Chemical system for High School boiler

            10).       Landscaping at Eastlawn

            11).       Fix gym floor in Junior High entrance

            12).       Restrooms at softball filed

            13).       Refinish High School gym floor

            14).       Install additional traffic control signs

 

With regard to the extra-curricular committee, Mr. McClure advised the Board the golf program was discussed again, and the committee decided to survey the PBL students 6th through 12th grade to determine which sporting programs have the most interest.  Mr. McClure stated that Mr. Overstreet has a meeting scheduled with the committee that is in charge of the potential code of conduct.

 

With regard to the finance committee, Mr. McClure explained to the Board the administrative cost cap and how the District cannot go over five percent (5%) in what the District paid in administrative costs the previous year.  The District is over by $1,000.00, so the committee is recommending the District transfer funds from Function 2570 to Function 2520 in the Education Fund.  Mr. McClure informed the Board if the District just transfers the funds from one function code to another the District can forego the hearing process.  Mr. McClure held a discussion with the Board regarding repurchase agreements with Farmers-Merchants National Bank of Paxton and that the estimated return on the repurchase agreements is 4.25%.

Mr. McClure stated this is something the District would be interested in pursuing during the months of December through June due to the fact that the District’s CDs dwindle towards the second half of the school year.  At the beginning of the school year, the District has more money to invest on a longer term basis due to tax payments.   However, towards the end of the school year, it is more of a month-by-month process.  Mr. McClure informed the Board he is waiting to hear from the District’s attorney to proceed, and Farmers-Merchants National Bank of Paxton is willing to work with the District through the learning process.  The District’s auditor is agreeable to this procedure as well.

 

With regard to the personnel committee, Mr. McClure advised the Board of the potential reduction in force  of certified and ESP staff for the 2007/2008 school year and of the certified staff up for tenure at the end of the 2006/2007 school year.  Mr. McClure informed the Board the personnel committee is recommending the District advertise for a part-time Kindergarten teacher, part-time High School English teacher, and one full-time elementary teacher.  Mr. McClure stated the District could fill more positions at a later time.  A discussion was held with regard to the difficulty of finding a part-time High School English teacher and that the District may have to consider hiring a full-time High School English teacher in order to find someone and to meet the needs of the District.

 

Due to the closing of school, Items 9.1 and 9.2 on the Agenda were tabled until the March 2007 Board of Education meeting.

 

A lengthy discussion was held regarding AP courses at the High School.

 

Mr. McClure informed the Board that the first focus group meetings are scheduled for Saturday, March 3, 2007 at the PBL Unit Office beginning at 8:30 a.m.  It was decided to hold several focus group meetings in one day as opposed to several days.  Mr. McClure stated he would like to have one or two Board members present at the focus group meetings.

 

Mr. McClure informed the Board he has prepared a tentative calendar for the 2007/2008 school year.  This calendar has been forwarded to Stan Daro, PBLEA President, who has forwarded this calendar on to staff for comments.  The calendar for 2007/2008 proposes beginning the school year in the middle of August as other schools in the area are beginning that time as well.  Mr. McClure went over the tentative 2007/2008 calendar with the Board pointing out all the school holidays, school improvement days, ISAT/PSAE test dates, graduation date, and early dismissals.  Mr. McClure stated after the staff has looked the calendar over, he will be recommending a 2007/2008 school calendar for approval at the March 2007 Board of Education meeting.

 

With regard to the High School restroom renovation, Mr. McClure informed the Board that FGM will be releasing bids for this project on February 26, 2007 with a bid due date of April 11, 2007 so there will be time to review the bids before the April board meeting.   Shawn Young made a motion to approve the release of bids for the High School restroom renovation project on February 26, 2007 with a bid due date of April 11, 2007.  Dave Dowling seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all members present voted aye, there being no nay votes the motion carried. 

 

Due to the closing of school, Item 9.6 was tabled until the March 2007 Board of Education meeting.

 

Mr. McClure recommended to the Board to transfer funds from Function 2570 to Function 2520 in the Education Fund due to the administrative cost cap.  Jeff Jarboe made a motion to approve the transfer of funds from Function 2570 to Function 2520 in the Education Fund .  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 on the bid opening for a seven passenger van. Shields Auto Mart of Paxton was the low bid winner in the amount of $14,558.48 for a used 2006 Chevrolet Uplander with 9,895 miles.  Shelby Motors of Urbana bid two (2) new vans, one in the amount of $20,692 and the other in the amount of $22,105.  The used van from Shields Auto Mart of Paxton meets the needs of the District’s specifications, and it is the transportation committee’s recommendation to accept the bid from Shields Auto Mart of Paxton.  Shawn Young made a motion to approve the bid of Shields Auto Mart of Paxton for a used 2006 Chevrolet Uplander with 9,895 miles in the amount of $14,558.48.  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 that Item 10.3 on the Agenda will tabled until more information is available. 

 

Mr. McClure recommended to the Board to approve the 504 Policy for the District.  Dave Dowling made a motion to approve the 504 Policy of the District.  Shawn Young 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 Joe Tomlinson’s hourly rate in the amount of $75.00 and for Mr. Tomlinson to customize the District’s board policy manual, administrative procedures, and exhibits.  Jeff Jarboe made a motion to approve Joe Tomlinson’s hourly rate in the amount of $75.00 per hour and for Joe Tomlinson to customize the District’s board policy manual, administrative procedures, and exhibits.  Phillip Duling 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 2007 summer school dates of July 9, 2007 through August 8, 2007 with summer school hours being 8:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m.  Mr. McClure informed the Board that Mr. Wright is working on staff for summer school.  Phillip Duling made a motion to approve the 2007 summer school dates of July 9, 2007 through August 8, 2007 with summer school hours being 8:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m.  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 District to participate in repurchase agreements with Farmers-Merchants National Bank of Paxton pending approval from the District’s attorney.  Dave Dowling made a motion to approve the District to participate in repurchase agreements with Farmers-Merchants National Bank of Paxton pending approval from the District’s attorney.  Jeff Jarboe 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 at the April board meeting he will have a Board of Education calendar of meetings for the 2007/2008 school year to accommodate certain date discrepancies throughout the school year.

 

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

 

Closed session began at 8:05 p.m.

 

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

 

Closed session ended at 9:04 p.m.

 

Mr. McClure recommended to the Board to rehire the PBL administrative staff for the 2007/2008 school year, namely John Rawdin, Tara Tighe, Trent Eshleman, Jeff Graham, Barry Wright, Christine Williams, and Mike Brehm.  Shawn Young made a motion to rehire the PBL administrative staff for the 2007/2008 school year, namely John Rawdin, Tara Tighe, Trent Eshleman, Jeff Graham, Barry Wright, Christine Williams, and Mike Brehm.  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 acknowledge the following certified staff members as tenured:  Ruth Davis, Veronica Kirkpatrick, Staci Ward, Amy Swan, Tara Tighe, Jodi Lareau, Brad Pickens, Sheila Pickens, and John Rawdin.  Dave Dowling made a motion to acknowledge the following certified staff members as tenured:  Ruth Davis, Veronica Kirkpatrick, Staci Ward, Amy Swan, Tara Tighe, Jodi Lareau, Brad Pickens, Sheila Pickens, and John Rawdin.  Phillip Duling 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 advertise for a part-time Kindergarten teacher, part-time High School English teacher, and one elementary teacher for the 2007/2008 school year.  Shawn Young made a motion to advertise for a part-time Kindergarten teacher, part-time High School English teacher, and one elementary teacher for the 2007/2008 school year.  Dave Dowling seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all members present voted aye, there being no nay votes the motion carried. 

 

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

 

Meeting adjourned at 9:12 p.m.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

____________________________________________       _______________________________________

President, Board of Education                                       Secretary, Board of Education