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, MARCH 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 7:05 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, Trent Eshleman, Cliff McClure, John Rawdin, Stan Daro, Amy Teske, Tara Tighe, Marilyn Weber, Marvin Barger, Christine Williams, Barry Wright, Rick Brackmann, Diane Kaiser, Bob Maney, Joe Meyer, Noelle Meyer, Dave Harber, and Don Kier.

Jeff Jarboe moved to approve the consent agenda. 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 dated March 2, 2007 from Robert Lindsey resigning as High School Assistant Baseball Coach.

Jim Shields came in to the meeting at 7:10 p.m.

Dean Swan read a letter dated March 26, 2007 from Tammy Kaiser resigning as Junior High/High School Cook.

Dean Swan read a letter dated February 15, 2007 from Kelly Neukomm resigning as 8^th Grade Girls Basketball Coach and 6^th Grade Girls Basketball Coach.

At this time, Mr. McClure recognized Mr. Don Kier, who is an administrator at Iroquois West School District.

Mr. McClure introduced Rick Brackmann to the Board. Mr. Brackmann handed out the Ford County Special Education Cooperative special education child count data to the Board. Mr. Brackmann advised the PBL school district is right around the State average and is six percent (6%) above the National average. Mr. Brackmann advised the percentages on the spreadsheet are reflective of the current school year.

Mr. McClure advised the Board on the Building and Grounds committee meeting held on March 13, 2007. Mr. McClure stated there is approximately $362,514.33 left in the Site and Construction Funds, and the committee is recommending to proceed with the all-weather track and the visitor bleachers at the High School. Mr. McClure informed the Board that Mr. Bennett and Mr. Swan have put in a lot of hours with regard to the all-weather track. It is the committee’s opinion if Iroquois Paving would agree to change orders on the contract it would greatly reduce the cost of the all-weather track and would end up costing approximately $348,700.00. Mr. McClure advised the Board that he has spoken with Scot Fairfield, and he has looked at the changes and is agreeable with these changes. Mr. McClure pointed out to the Board that the contract price does not include any architectural, engineering, or equipment fees with regard to this project. Mr. McClure stated the committee is recommending that the district approve the contracts for the all-weather track and visitor bleachers. Mr. Swan stated that the list of summer projects will be affected by the construction of the all-weather track and visitor bleachers. Mr. McClure replied that some of the summer projects will be pushed back one year. A discussion was held regarding the formation of a committee to do some additional fund raising. Mr. Young stated that the purpose of this committee would be more for the equipment side of the project and to possibly aid in the storage of the equipment. Mr. McClure advised the Board he could meet with Scot Fairfield and Iroquois Paving tomorrow if the Board is agreeable to proceed with these projects. A discussion was held regarding the fact that no design changes have occurred in the all-weather track and that the district has been in contact with Iroquois Paving throughout the entire process and they are very interested in this project. Mr. McClure advised that Mr. Brehm would like to be involved in the fund raising committee as well.

Mr. McClure advised the Board of a letter that was received with regard to the traffic patterns at Clara Peterson and that there were concerns about the students’ safety in crossing the south parking lot and how the staff parks at Clara Peterson. Mr. McClure stated the Building and Grounds committee discussed this situation, and the committee suggested the staff park to the very south to leave spaces by the playground area, and in the next month or so the committee will have a better idea on the traffic pattern issue. Mr. Eshleman stated he has sent out a letter reminding parents/guardians of the drop-off and pick-up designated areas. Mr. McClure informed the Board that in April or May we will have a better game plan for the traffic patterns at Clara Peterson.

Mr. McClure informed the Board the FFA report will take place next month.

Mr. McClure introduced John Rawdin, PBL High School Principal, to the Board. Mr. Rawdin advised the Board of the implementation of the High School Physical Science. Mr. Rawdin stated that current 8^th graders will re-register for either Physical Science or Biology for the Fall of 2007, and beginning with the 2007/2008 school year, any new 8^th grader wishing to be considered for Biology their Freshman year in High School must be in the 80th percentile rank on the Stanford 10 achievement test, have a year-end grade of an “A” in 8^th grade Science, and a signed parent permission form. All 6^th and 7^th graders and their parents/guardians will be informed of these opportunities. Mr. Rawdin stated that beginning with the 2008/2009 school year, the teachers of Biology and Advanced Biology will refocus their courses to be exclusively the study of Biology rather than the current mix of Physical Science and Biology. Mr. Rawdin added that Advanced Biology will continue to be offered at the High School as long as there are sufficient numbers of students registering for it. Physical Science will be redefined and a recommended course for all college-bound High School students focusing on Geology, Astronomy, and Environmental Science. Mr. Rawdin reiterated that it is the High School Science Department’s objective to prepare all students for the PSAE within the three year span between the students’ Freshman and Junior years.

Mr. McClure advised the Board that Mr. Daro would like to add an AP Art class at the High School. Mr. Daro addressed the Board stating that he is not sure he is ready to teach AP Art. He needs to take the certification to teach the course this summer and could possibly be ready by the Fall. Mr. Daro stated the cost of the AP Art textbooks are high, and he is requesting the AP training needed for this course. Mr. Daro suggested to the Board to postpone offering the AP Art course to students one school year. Mr. McClure stated the Board could go ahead and approve the AP Art course now and plan to offer the course to students at the start of the 2008/2009 school year. Mr. Daro added that this course will be an excellent asset to the District. A discussion was held to see if the District could co-op the AP Art course with GCMS. Mr. Rawdin stated there are many students in Art I and some in Art II, and he thinks students will naturally progress into this course. A discussion was held regarding whether the AP Art course will meet a High School history requirement.

Mr. McClure introduced Joe Meyer, High School Algebra and Geometry teacher, to the Board. Mr. Meyer gave an overview to the Board of what “Project Lead the Way” is and its potential to the PBL school district. The idea Mr. Meyer’s feels is the best solution is a national program called “Project Lead the Way”, which is a secondary engineering program. Mr. Meyer advised this program is a sequence of courses that the student would take from his/her Freshman years through his/her Senior year. These are ambitious courses for High School students and especially for those students interested in robotics, engineering, and architecture. Mr. Meyer informed the Board that the cost for the 2007/2008 school year would include instructor training, a laptop computer that is capable of the software suite, AutoCAD software suite licensing, and course supplies and would cost approximately $8,125.00. Mr. Meyer explained that you must buy the software program in order to be a part of “Project Lead the Way” and that the first year is the most expensive. Mr. Meyer stated the first year the High School would offer the course to all Freshman through Senior students. Most of the courses after the initial course will be offered at Parkland College in 2008/2009. Mr. Meyer advised this program is something he would like to get in place for the 2007/2008 school year. A discussion was held regarding what other High School teacher would be able to teach this course, and Mr. Meyer suggested that Ed Nieman is certified in this program and is excited to participate in this project as well. Mr. Meyer explained that the AutoCAD licensing is an every year expense, and the program is co-oped with Parkland College. The district would need to register as a new district and sign a four (4) year contract. Mr. Meyer requested that the Board approve for him to go ahead and fill out an application. There is no obligation with the application, and the district will then receive a four (4) year contract for the district to approve and sign. Mr. Meyer stated some of the other area schools that are involved with this program are Danville, Decatur, Peoria, Bloomington, and Unit 4 is contemplating adding this program. Mr. Meyer stated he thinks the High School students have the ambition and talent for a program like this. A discussion was held regarding the High School’s current elective courses and which course will eventually be phased out with the introduction of this new program. Dawn Bachtold moved to approve Joe Meyer to complete the application process for “Project Lead the Way”, the High School AP Art course for the 2008/2009 school year, and the proposed High School Physical Science curriculum changes. Dean Swan seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all members present voted aye, there being no nay votes the motion carried.

Mr. McClure introduced Dave Harber to the Board. Mr. Harber advised the Board that the focus group meetings are going well and that the information and comments from these meetings are good to know. President Mike Short felt the focus groups were a good thing and enlightening. Mr. Harber added the District has been receiving good feedback and that there are two (2) other focus groups meetings scheduled for March 17^th and March 24^th beginning at 8:30 a.m. Mr. Harber handed out to each Board member the official PBL CUSD No. 10 State report card. Mr. McClure recommended to the Board to approve the State Report Card. Phillip Duling made a motion to approve the State Report Card and to release the State Report Card to the PBL school community. Dawn Bachtold seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all members present voted aye, there being no nay votes the motion carried.

Mr. Harber went over the District’s five (5) year progress report with the Board and stated the District made strong gains with IEP students in Math and regular education students did not suffer at any time during the gain. Mr. Harber explained that this means the District is not taking away from one group to aid another group. Mr. Harber advised that the Curriculum Committee met and discussed the Curriculum Mapper software and would like to renew this. The Assessment Committee met and reaffirmed switching to Stanford 10 in Grades 1 through 11 in Reading and Math, and Grades 4 through 11 in Science, Reading, and Math.

Mr. McClure informed the Board that a copy of the recommended calendar for the 2007/2008 school year was sent in the Board packets. Mr. McClure stated the early dismissals due to paper reduction and/or professional development have not been decided yet. Mr. McClure went over the 2007/2008 calendar with the Board pointing out parent/teacher conferences, holidays, winter break, spring break, and High School graduation. Mr. McClure advised the district is in the process of planning a county-wide conference with GCMS to be held here. Mr. McClure recommended to the Board to approve the 2007/2008 calendar pending the approval of the ISBE waiver with regard to Abraham Lincoln’s birthday. Mr. McClure added at next month’s meeting there will be a greater breakdown of the early dismissals with regard to paper reduction and professional development. Shawn Young made a motion to approve the 2007/2008 school year calendar pending the approval of the ISBE waiver with regard to Abraham Lincoln’s birthday. Dean Swan 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 intergovernmental agreement with the Regional Office of Education and HR Solutions. Mr. McClure stated this will be a valuable agreement for the district’s administrators to have with HR Solutions. The cost of this agreement is $801.00 per year, and for the first year, the District will get 16 months of service. Dean Swan made a motion to approve the intergovernmental agreement with the Regional Office of Education and HR Solutions. 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 the ISBE waiver of Abraham Lincoln’s birthday and requesting for school to not be in session on February 12, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, and 2012. Dawn Bachtold made a motion to approve ISBE waiver of Abraham Lincoln’s birthday and requesting for school to not be in session on February 12, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, and 2012. Dave Dowling seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all members present voted aye, there being no nay votes the motion carried.

Mr. McClure advised the extra-curricular committee met regarding the extra-curricular activities offered through the school district. The committee would like to survey the Junior High and High School students to see what sports the students are interested in, such as wrestling, soccer, golf, etc. Mr. McClure stated he wanted to make sure the Board was in agreement to administering the survey online. Dave Dowling made a motion to approve the PBL administration to administer the extra-curricular activity survey to the Junior High and High School students. 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 a board member needs to be appointed to the District’s policy review committee. This committee will review and recommend policies to be adopted and approved by the full Board. President Mike Short appointed Phillip Duling to serve as the board member on the District’s policy review committee.

Mr. McClure recommended to the Board to move the April 11, 2007 PBL CUSD No. 10 Board of Education meeting to April 18, 2007 and to move the May 16, 2007 PBL CUSD No. 10 Board of Education meeting to May 14, 2007. Dean Swan made a motion to move the April 11, 2007 PBL CUSD No. 10 Board of Education meeting to April 18, 2007 and to move the May 16, 2007 PBL CUSD No. 10 Board of Education meeting to May 14, 2007. Dave Dowling seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all members present voted aye, there being no nay votes the motion carried.

Mr. McClure introduced Barry Wright, Assistant Junior High Principal, to the Board. Mr. Wright informed the Board that we are finalizing staff for summer school pending the number of students planning on attending summer school.

Mr. McClure advised the Building and Grounds committee is recommending the Board to approve the bid for the all-weather track from Iroquois Paving in the amount of $467,513.00. Shawn Young made a motion to approve the bid for the all-weather track from Iroquois Paving in the amount of $467,513.00. Dave Dowling seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all members present voted aye, there being no nay votes the motion carried.

Mr. McClure advised the Building and Grounds committee is recommending the Board to approve the bid for the visitor bleachers from Sturdisteel in the amount of $29,800.00. Dean Swan made a motion to approve the bid for the visitor bleachers from Sturdisteel the amount of $29,800.00. Shawn Young 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 approve the reduction in force of Daniel Gee as a teacher aide. Jeff Jarboe 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 Michelle Huller as a teacher aide. Shawn Young 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 Tara Medlin as a teacher aide. 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 approve the reduction in force of Tracey Dahlman as a teacher aide. 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 approve the non-renewal of certificated position of Colleen Stamm as 2/8^ths teacher. Dean Swan 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 insurance committee will meet on Monday, March 19^th at 3:30 p.m. and that the District’s commercial insurance package will need to be placed for bid this coming school year. Mr. Graham informed the Board that he received a fax from the Pontiac principal praising the Junior High players, students, and coaches on their good sportsmanship.

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

Closed session began at 9:02 p.m.

Dean Swan 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 10:55 p.m.

Mr. McClure recommended to the Board to accept the resignations of Robert Lindsey as High School assistant baseball coach, Kelly Neukomm as 8^th grade girls basketball coach and 6^th grade girls basketball coach, and Tammy Kaiser as Junior High/High School cook. Phillip Duling made a motion to approve the resignations of Robert Lindsey as High School assistant baseball coach, Kelly Neukomm as 8^th grade girls basketball coach and 6^th grade girls basketball coach, and Tammy Kaiser as Junior High/High School cook. Dawn Bachtold 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 hire Doug McCoy as High School assistant baseball coach. Shawn Young made a motion to approve Doug McCoy as High School assistant baseball 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 hire Sherry Williams as a Junior High/High School cook. Jeff Jarboe made a motion to approve Sherry Williams as a Junior High/High School cook. 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. Dean Swan seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all members present voted aye, there being no nay votes the motion carried.

Meeting adjourned at 10:58 p.m.

President, Board of Education Secretary, Board of Education