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, MARCH 9, 2005 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: Steve Bloomstrand, David Dowling, Jeff Jarboe, Jean Schwartz, Al Schweighart, Mike Short and Dean Swan. 

 

Others present were Marvin Barger, Andy Bennett, Carol Camp, Stan Daro, Nancy Dewey, Trent Eshleman, Scot Fairfield, Jim Flaherty, Bill Lee, Cliff McClure, Lynn Rubarts, Brian Taylor, Tara Tighe, Marilyn Weber and Shawn Young.

 

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

 

Shawn Young arrived at 7:03 p.m.

 

David Dowling moved to approve the Treasurer’s Report.  Steve Bloomstrand 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 an invitation from the Junior Class, inviting the school board to the PBL prom on April 30, 2005.

 

Dean Swan read a letter from Angela Webster resigning her position as Job Coach at the High School.

 

Dean Swan read a letter from James Flaherty resigning as High School principal as of June 30, 2006.

 

Will Brumleve and Nick Leon arrived at 7:09 p.m.

 

Mr. McClure introduced Brian Taylor from the Skillman Corporation.  He gave an update on the progress of the new building.  Furniture has been delivered and is being installed, and remedial painting in the commons and the gymnasium has been completed.  The PBL staff has competed most of the finishing of floors.  Scot Fairfield from FGM Architects, informed the board that he  has gone through the punch list and there are few items that still need attention, but most of the items have been completed.  There is still some outside work that needs to be completed, and it will resume when the weather warms up.  Mr. Fairfield is going to still be working with the contractors to finish up their final work.  The building dedication will be held at 2:00 p.m. on April 10th and the Open House will follow from 2:30 – 4:30 p.m.  The invitations will be sent on Friday of this week or Monday of next week.  The PBL Foundation will be providing the cake, tea and coffee for the reception.  The junior high band and the junior high show choir will be performing at the dedication and open house.  Mr. McClure also discussed the signage for the entryway and the building plaque.

 

Mr. McClure reported to the board on the meeting that he attended in Springfield last Friday, February 25 regarding the No Child Left Behind AYP appeal.  Mr. McClure doesn’t think they will overturn our appeal.  He did feel like they listened to the district’s concerns and they believe that some changes do need to be made to the No Child Left Behind Act. 

 

Mr. McClure discussed the food service director position.  He has spoken with Chris Miller about this position and he has approved it.  Mr. Daro has also signed off and acknowledged that this position will be exempt from the bargaining unit.  Dean Swan made a motion to approve the food service director position job description.  David Dowling seconded the motion.  Upon roll call, all members present voted aye, there being no nay votes the motion carried.

 

Mr. McClure introduced Scot Fairfield from FGM Architects to discuss the bid opening for the Clara Peterson and High School Windows, Eastlawn Roof, and High School Masonry.  Western Waterproofing from Springfield, Illinois, was the low bidder on the Masonry Project.  Mr. Fairfield called the contractor to make sure the bid was accurate and they have honored their bid.  Mr. Fairfield recommended the board accept their bid of $34,961.00 The estimate for the masonry project was $50,000.  Jeff Jarboe made a motion to approve the masonry bid from Western Waterproofing in the amount of $34,961.  Steve Bloomstrand seconded the motion.  Upon roll call, all members present voted aye, there being no nay votes the motion carried.  Mr. Fairfield recommended the board accept the bid for

Eastlawn roof project from Martinsville Roof, in the amount of $27,705.  The estimate was $45,000.  Jean Schwartz made a motion to approve the Eastlawn roofing bid from Martinsville Roofing in the amount of $27,705, contingent upon Mr. Fairfield talking to the company about honoring their bid.  Al Schweighart seconded the motion.  Upon roll call, all members present voted aye, there being no nay votes the motion carried.  Mr. Fairfield recommended the board accept the bid for the Window and Door Replacement Project at Clara Peterson and High School, from Piggush Simoneau, Inc., from Kankakee, in the amount of $456,910.  This company is a general contractor and will be subbing most of the work to Valley Glass.  Mr. Fairfield has spoken with the both companies and feels very comfortable with both.  The estimate for this project was $576,000.  David Dowling made a motion to accept the bid for the window and door replacement from Piggush Simoneau in the amount of $456,910.  Jeff Jarboe seconded the motion.  Upon roll call, all members present voted aye, there being no nay votes the motion carried.  Mr. Fairfield also stated that the project completion date for all three projects is August 1, 2005.

 

Brian Taylor and Scot Fairfield left the meeting at 7:34 p.m.

 

Mr. McClure has spoken with Chris Miller regarding the sale of Loda Grade School.  The building committee has talked about a minimum bid price.  This amount will be set after closed session.

 

Mr. McClure discussed the tentative 2005-2006 School Calendar.  As soon as the waiver for the school improvement days has been approved and the PBLEA has had a chance to look over the proposed calendar, the calendar will be brought back to the April board meeting for approval.

 

Mr. McClure discussed with the board the Reduction in Force for certified staff.  The finance committee discussed these reductions at a committee meeting.  It was the recommendation of the finance committee and Mr. McClure to approve the reduction in force for the following certified staff members.  Carol Thilmony, Title I specialist from 7/8 time to 2/8 time.  Jeff Jarboe made a motion to approve the reduction in force of Title I specialist Carol Thilmony from 7/8 time to 2/8 time.  Steve Bloomstrand seconded the motion.  Upon roll call, all members present voted aye, there being no nay votes the motion carried.  Erin Quarnstrom as speech language pathologist.  Dean Swan made a motion to approve the reduction in force of Erin Quarnstrom as speech language pathologist.  Jean Schwartz seconded the motion.  Upon roll call, all members present voted aye, there being no nay votes the motion carried.  Carrie Claudnic as speech language para-professional.  David Dowling made a motion to approve the reduction in force of Carrie Claudnic as speech language para-professional.  Al Schweighart seconded the motion.  Upon roll call, all members present voted aye, there being no nay votes the motion carried.

 

It was the recommendation of the finance committee and Mr. McClure to approve the reduction in force for the following non-certified staff members.  Jean Schwartz made a motion to approve the reduction in force of Billie Woodruff as Teacher Aide.   Jeff Jarboe seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all members present voted aye, there being no nay votes the motion carried.  David Dowling made a motion to approve the reduction in force of Jeanne Peterson as Teacher Aide.  Jean Schwartz seconded the motion.  Upon roll call, all members present voted aye, there being no nay votes the motion carried.  Jeff Jarboe made a motion to approve the reduction in force of Kathleen Lee as Teacher Aide.  Steve Bloomstrand seconded the motion.  Upon roll call, all members present voted aye, there being no nay votes the motion carried.

 

It was the recommendation of the finance committee and Mr. McClure to approve the reduction in force for the following part-time and extra curricular positions.

Dean Swan made a motion to approve the reduction in force of Mark Portwood as head golf coach.  Steve Bloomstrand seconded the motion.  Steve Bloomstrand, Dean Swan, Jean Schwartz, Jeff Jarboe, Mike Short and David Dowling voted yes,  Al Schweighart voted no. Six yes and one no the motion carried.  Steve Bloomstrand made a motion to approve the reduction in force of Christine Koester as High School newspaper sponsor.  David Dowling 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 approve the reduction in force of Donald Shields as Assistant Speech coach at the High school.  Dean Swan seconded the motion.  Upon roll call, all members present voted aye, there being no nay votes the motion carried.  David Dowling made a motion to approve the reduction in force of Sherrill Jacobs as Junior High Ticket Manager.  Jeff Jarboe seconded the motion.  Upon roll call, all members present voted aye, there being no nay votes the motion carried.  David Dowling made a motion to approve the reduction in force of Jessica Hendershot as Junior High Lunch Supervisor.  Jean Schwartz 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 reduction in force of Shelley Garrrelts as Head Cook at Loda Grade School.  Al Schweighart seconded the motion.  Upon roll call, all members present voted aye, there being no nay votes the motion carried.  Steve Bloomstrand made a motion to approve the reduction in force of Tamara Ross as Head Cook 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 discussed with the board, policy approval 6:300.  It mandates that students with disabilities with an IEP after completing four years of high school may receive a certificate of completion and participation in graduation ceremonies in lieu of a diploma.  Dean Swan made a motion to approve policy 6:300.  Jean Schwartz seconded the motion.  Upon roll call, all members present voted aye, there being no nay votes the motion carried.

 

Mr. McClure discussed with the board the pedestrian sidewalks at Pells and Center Street.  The City of Paxton has approached the District about concerns of additional foot and vehicular traffic due to the new junior high.  They are proposing to install sidewalks on both Pells and Center Street and would like for the District to help fund this project.  The City is asking for $6,000 to aide in the completion of this project.  Presently there is no or little sidewalk on either of these streets exiting our property.  This would ensure the safety of the many students who will walk to school each day.  The Building Committee and Mr. McClure recommend providing the City of Paxton $6,000 to complete sidewalks on both Pells and Center Street.  Steve Bloomstrand made a motion to provide the City of Paxton $6,000 to complete sidewalks on both Pells and Center Street.   Jean Schwartz seconded the motion.  Upon roll call, all members present voted aye, there being no nay votes the motion carried.

 

Mr. Flaherty discussed with the board the incentives for the PSAE test for reaching goals linked to performance on PSAE.  Listed below are the recommendations from a teacher’s committee:  1) Set a level or standard of achievement and if the school passes all students will be excused from first semester finals their senior year; 2)  If the school passes the PSAE and improves scores – seniors may have open campus at lunchtime on two different occasions to be determined by the school; and 3) Raffle – for every tests a student received meets or exceeds – names goes into the hat (1x – 2x or 3x) for gifts (lap top computer etc..)  Jeff Jarboe made a motion to approve the PSAE incentives pending Mr. Flaherty checking with IHSA on the school giving away a lap top computer, etc. as a gift.  Dean Swan 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 waiver of the Illinois School Code ILCS 5/18-8.05 (F) (2) (d) (2) of the school code citation.  Jean Schwartz made a motion to approve the waiver of ILCS 5/18-8.05 (F) (2) (d) (2) of the school code citation. Al Schweighart seconded the motion.  Upon roll call, all members present voted aye, there being no nay votes the motion carried.

 

In other business, Mr. McClure congratulated Dr. Brehm on the PBL web site. It was in the top 10 of exemplary websites in the state.

 

Mr. McClure and Mr. Flaherty have looked at a survey for state statistics that they would like to utilize when assessing the use of Title IV grant money.  The survey would contain questions regarding drug and alcohol use in community and weapon accessibility with an active consent from the parent to have 10-12 graders fill out.   The survey is from the Illinois Department of Health.  Parents would also have the right to look at the survey first.

 

Dean Swan made a motion to go into closed session to discuss employment of specific employees, collective negotiations and price for sale of real estate owned by PBL.  Jean Schwartz seconded the motion.  Upon roll call, all members present voted aye, there being no nay votes the motion carried. 

 

Closed session began at 8:44 p.m.

 

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

 

Closed session ended at 11:49 p.m.

 

Mr. McClure recommended the board set the minimum bid for Loda Grade School at $25,000. Set the bid date for April 22nd at 2:00pm.  The bidders will have a chance to increase their bid immediately following the bid opening at the PBL Unit Office.  Steve Bloomstrand made a motion to set the minimum bid for Loda Grade School at $25,000.  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 hiring Wendy Watkins as custodian at the Junior High.  Jeff Jarboe made a motion to approve hiring Wendy Watkins as Custodian at the Junior High.  Jean Schwartz 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 Peggy Seibring and Gayle Lemenager as Cheer Sponsors for the High School.  They will share the stipend.  Jeff Jarboe made a motion to approve hiring Peggy Seibring and Gayle Lemenager as Cheer Sponsors for the High School.  Steve Bloomstrand seconded the motion.

 

Mr. McClure recommended the board hire Chris Koester as National Honor Society Sponsor.  Dean Swan made a motion to hire Chris Koester as National Honor Society Sponsor.  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 accept the resignation of Angela Webster as job coach.  There will not be a need to rehire this position.  Steve Bloomstrand made a motion to accept the resignation of Angela Webster as job 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 accept the resignation of James Flaherty as High School principal effective June 30, 2006.  Al Schweighart made a motion to accept James Flaherty’s resignation as High School principal effective June 30, 2006.

 

Mr. McClure recommended the board approve the following custodial reassignments:  Doug Eichelberger to the Clara Peterson, Scott Swanson head custodian at Eastlawn, and Tim Vest head custodian at the New Junior High.  David Dowling made a motion to approve the custodial reassignments.  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 hire Tara Tighe as the Dean of Students at the Junior High and High School for the 2005-2006 school year.  Jean Schwartz made a motion to hire Tara Tighe as the Dean of Students at the Junior High and High School for the 2005-2006 school year.  David Dowling seconded the motion.  Upon roll call, all members present voted aye, there being no nay votes the motion carried. 

 

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

 

Meeting adjourned at 11:59 p.m.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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President, Board of Education                               Secretary, Board of Education