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 12, 2008 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, Mike Short, Phillip Duling, Jeff Jarboe, Shawn Young, and Dean Swan. Dawn Bachtold was absent.

Others present were Tara Tighe, Cliff McClure, John Rawdin, Trent Eshleman, Jeff Graham, Barry Wright, Stan Daro, Andy Bennett, Rick Brackmann, Dave Harber, Christine Williams, Amy Teske, Jimmy Shields, Marvin Barger, Marilyn Weber, Tim Hess, Barbara Hess, Lori Johnson, Marilee Watson, and Kevin?(guy by marvin).

Jeff Jarboe made a motion to approve the consent agenda. Phillip Duling seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all board members being present, the motion passed.

Dean Swan read a letter dated March 12, 2008 from Dave Harber resigning from the Curriculum Coordinator position and requesting reassignment back to full-time High School librarian.

Dean Swan read a letter dated March 11, 2008 from Jodi Lareau resigning from her position as Teacher of the Hearing Impaired effective at the close of the 2007/2008 school year.

Dean Swan read a letter dated March 11, 2008 from Jodi Lareau resigning from her coaching positions as High School Freshman girls basketball and Junior High 7^th grade girls basketball.

Dean Swan read a letter dated March 7, 2008 from Emily Chase resigning from her position as Teacher of the Hearing Impaired effective at the close of the 2007/2008 school year.

Dean Swan read a letter dated March 3, 2008 from Kelly Neukomm resigning from her coaching position as Junior High 8^th grade girls volleyball coach.

Dean Swan read a letter from Superintendent Larry Eyre thanking Andy Bennett, Dean Swan, and Mike Short for meeting with the Iroquois West Steering Committee.

Dean Swan read an email from Kevin Heiser thanking Mark Coplea for having a very successful basketball season.

Dean Swan read a letter dated February 28, 2008 from Cindy Phillipchuck of Gibson Area Hospital thanking the District and staff for their assistance during the District’s wellness week presentation.

Dean Swan read a letter from IHSA regarding the High School’s cumulative grade point averages for volleyball, cross country, and girls and boys basketball.

At this time, Mr. McClure introduced Lori Johnson and Marilee Watson to the Board. Ms. Johnson addressed the Board regarding the PBL Choral Boosters activities and fundraisers for the school year, and then extended an invitation for the Board to attend the upcoming variety show and cheesecake kick-off which is to be held on April 19, 2008 at 7:00 p.m. Ms. Johnson gave each Board member a free dinner ticket and admission to the show.

Ms. Tighe addressed the Board with regard to the recent Policy Review Committee’s meeting. Ms. Tighe stated the committee met for an entire day going through any changes that may be needed in current policies. Ms. Tighe explained that hopefully the committee will have to meet for one more all day meeting, and thereafter, the committee will meet on a bi-monthly basis. Ms. Tighe handed each Board member a new packet of policies to review.

Mr. McClure advised the Board that the Building and Grounds Committee recently met. The committee would like to donate the small ticket shed to the Village of Buckley for their youth baseball league. Mr. McClure stated he has spoken with the District’s attorney regarding this matter, and he has approved the committee donating this shed to the Village of Buckley for this purpose. The committee also discussed the District’s space usage plan over the next two years to integrate the additional elementary sections that the Board has agreed to add this year and also planning for all-day Kindergarten for the 2009/2010 school year.

With regard to the Junior High, Mr. McClure advised the Board of the minor changes, such as moving some staff member’s rooms around.

With regard to the High School, Mr. McClure stated the vocational staff would like to turn their metal shop into an additional computer lab. Next summer, the restrooms in the lobby will be renovated and a separate set of restrooms on the first floor will be closed and turned into a storage area. The office area will be renovated to be more accommodating to staff.

With regard to Clara Peterson, Mr. McClure explained there will be no structural changes, but renovating a storage closet into a custodial office. The Prep and Early Childhood programs will be moved to Eastlawn at the beginning of the 2009/2010 school year to give more space for all-day Kindergarten. Mr. McClure stated that Prep and Early Childhood will be placed on the first floor at Eastlawn where they will be ADA accessible. The District will need to purchase some new student desks and teacher desks due to all-day Kindergarten for the 2009/2010 school year.

With regard to Eastlawn, Mr. McClure stated there are many renovations to be completed in the next two years. This summer, Ms. Harber’s room will be renovated into a classroom by having all cabinetry removed, and the office area will be moved to the first floor. The boys locker room will be made into an elementary chorus/band room which will have easier access to the stage/gym area. The old chorus/band room will be renovated into two classrooms. Mr. McClure advised the Board once all these renovations are completed Eastlawn will be full and have no additional rooms. Mr. McClure added the renovation costs will be minimal to the District.

Mr. McClure advised the construction of the new storage facility will begin soon, and bids have been received for the High School and Clara Peterson roof projects and High School bleacher project. Mr. McClure explained a copy of the bid tab was placed in the Board packet, and bids were very good and under estimate. Advanced Wayne Cain & Sons was the bid winner on both roof projects. The District will need to do a change order for this bid to account for additional disposal costs, and Chris Miller has advised this will be fine. Chris Miller advised the District can approve the bid and then sign a change order. Mr. McClure advised this company did the roof for the new Junior High. With regard to the High School bleachers, the bid winner was Interkal. Mr. McClure added he was very pleased with the bid for the High School bleachers. The bleacher bid was for chair back seats on the first three (3) rows, and Mr. McClure suggested due to the fact the bid was under estimate that the District should look into extending the chair backs to whole sections or as many chair backs as the District could get since the bid was so much under estimate. Mr. McClure recommended the Board approve all bids.

Beth Nuss entered the meeting at 7:35 p.m.

Mr. McClure stated the committee discussed the traffic patterns and playground area at Clara Peterson. Dan Moore of FGM came to the building and grounds committee meeting and toured the Clara Peterson facility. Mr. McClure advised that the committee advised Mr. Moore of the desired improvements at Clara Peterson, such as repaving the back playground area and staff parking. Some suggestions were to place the current staff parking area back into grass and repair the driveway into Clara Peterson and make it one way and use the playground area as staff parking with angled parking spaces. Mr. McClure stated he has talked with the City about this option, and the City is open to the possibility of adding a couple of exits onto Park Street.

Mr. McClure informed the Board that the Paxton Park District has approached the District regarding Nelson Field. The park district is planning to replace the green fencing in the outfield and would like for the District to donate towards this project. The cost for replacing the fence is approximately $5,000.00, and the committee suggested a monetary amount of $1,000.00 towards this project. Mr. McClure also informed the Board of another meeting between Mike Short, Andy Bennett, Bill Ingold, and Mark Prina regarding the District’s utilization of Nelson Field. Mr. McClure advised the committee is considering doing some more extensive renovations at Nelson Field to make it a better place to play softball and big enough to host both Junior High and High School sectionals and super-sectionals. If the Board is agreeable to this option, the District would not need to extensively renovate the softball field at Clara Peterson. Mr. McClure stated another meeting between the District, City, and Park District is necessary to see how this plan could work. The City Council discussed this option at their most recent meeting but took no action.

Mr. Harber addressed the Board with regard to the District’s after-school program, Newton’s Academy and Dopplar Math. Mr. Harber stated the after-school programs served 120 students in the District, student/teacher ratio is 1-4, and will be finishing for the school year in one week. Mr. Harber stated the ISAT testing in the District is almost complete, with some make up tests to be given, and the IAA (Illinois Alternative Assessment) will be given to students after spring break.

Mr. McClure advised the Board that he has met with Stan Daro, PBLEA President, regarding the 2008/2009 school calendar. Staff members have reviewed this calendar and some minor changes in school improvement and early dismissal days have been made since the last Board meeting. Mr. McClure stated the District will start registration for the 2008/2009 school year one week earlier than previous years. Dave Dowling made a motion to approve the 2008/2009 school calendar pending the approval of the waiver for parent/teacher conferences. Shawn Young seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all board members being present, the motion passed.

Mr. McClure stated the District is disposing of and donating the white ticket booth to the Village of Buckley for use by their youth baseball league. Shawn Young made a motion to donate the white ticket booth to the Village of Buckley for use by their youth baseball league. Dean Swan seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all board members being present, the motion passed.

Mr. McClure recommended to the Board to approve School Board policy numbers 4.170-AP1, 4.170-AP2, 4.170-AP3, 4.170-AP4, 4.170-E5, 4.170-E6, 5.20, 5.20AP, 5.30AP1, 5.35, 5.35-AP1, 5.35-AP3, 5.90, 5.100, 5.120-AP1, 5.120-AP2, 5.130, 5.140, 6.170-AP1, 6.170-AP2, 6.170-E1, 6.170-E2, 6.190, 6.240, 6.250-E, 6.255, 6.260, 6.270, and 6.310. Jeff Jarboe made a motion to approve School Board policy numbers 4.170-AP1, 4.170-AP2, 4.170-AP3, 4.170-AP4, 4.170-E5, 4.170-E6, 5.20, 5.20AP, 5.30AP1, 5.35, 5.35-AP1, 5.35-AP3, 5.90, 5.100, 5.120-AP1, 5.120-AP2, 5.130, 5.140, 6.170-AP1, 6.170-AP2, 6.170-E1, 6.170-E2, 6.190, 6.240, 6.250-E, 6.255, 6.260, 6.270, and 6.310. Phillip Duling seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all board members being present, the motion passed.

Mr. McClure recommended to the Board to approve the bid from Wayne Cain & Sons for the High School and Clara Peterson roof projects in the amount of $429,700.00 and to give permission for the Superintendent to sign a change order for over $15,000.00. Dave Dowling made a motion to approve the bid from Wayne Cain & Sons for the High School and Clara Peterson roof projects in the amount of $429,700.00 and to give the Superintendent permission to sign a change order for over $15,000.00. Shawn Young seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all board members being present, the motion passed.

Mr. McClure recommended to the Board to approve the bid from Interkal for the High School bleacher replacement project in the amount of $115,679.00 and first alternative bid in the amount of $6,679.00. Shawn Young made a motion to approve the bid from Interkal for the High School bleacher replacement project in the amount of $115,679.00 and first alternative bid in the amount of $6,679.00. Jeff Jarboe seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all board members being present, the motion passed. A discussion was held regarding re-bidding the other bleacher sections as well due to the fact the change order cannot go over $12,000.00.

Mr. McClure advised the Board that it has been the tradition of the District’s payroll employee to assist in the investments of the District and the person that does most of the leg work, such as signing and reinvesting the District’s certificates of deposit. The most recent investment winner was Loda Federated Bank, and Amy Teske cannot sign the paperwork involved with this investment as she does not have an authorized signature at this bank. Mr. McClure recommended adding Amy Teske’s signature to all District bank accounts, authorize her signature for District investment purposes, and to also add Jeanne Peterson’s signature to the District’s Revolving Fund account. Phillip Duling made a motion to approve adding Amy Teske’s signature to all District bank accounts and for investment purposes and to also add Jeanne Peterson’s signature to the District’s Revolving Fund account. Dean Swan seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all board members being present, the motion passed.

Mr. McClure informed the Board that Farmers-Merchants National Bank of Paxton would like to enter into an agreement with the District with regard to ACH ODFI transfers regarding payroll. Mr. McClure explained that in the past year Farmers-Merchants National Bank of Paxton has taken over the District’s checking account, and we have not had one of these agreements in place. This agreement is for protection for both entities. Mr. McClure stated the District’s attorney has reviewed this agreement and finds it acceptable. Dave Dowling made a motion to approve the ACH ODFI agreement with Farmers-Merchants National Bank of Paxton. Shawn Young seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all board members being present, the motion passed.

Mr. McClure advised the Board of the District’s Title I E-Plan and stated Dr. Brehm has prepared the District’s Title I e-plan, a copy of which was provided in your board packets. Mr. McClure stated at the top of the plan is a summary explaining the purpose of the plan, which is required by Federal law and needs to be approved by the Board of Education. Dean Swan made a motion to approve the District’s Title I E-Plan. Phillip Duling seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all board members being present, the motion passed.

Mr. Hess addressed the Board with regard to the PBL marching band uniforms. Mr. Hess gave a presentation showing various band uniform designs which include royal blue and some navy blue as well. The current band uniforms are over eleven years old, dated, and no longer serviceable. Mr. Hess stated he is not looking to replace the marching band uniforms immediately, but looking for a timeline to gather quotes and samples, and then have a finalized design so that bids could be obtained from various companies. Mr. Hess would like to begin the order process in January 2009 and have them ready for the District for the 2009/2010 school year. Mr. Hess stated some companies offer a 5% discount if paid in full prior to manufacturing, and the District would probably need to order 90 uniforms for an estimated cost of $31,950.00. Mr. Hess explained the cost of the uniform depends upon the material used to make the uniform. Some uniforms are made of 100% wool or 50% polyester and 50% wool. Mr. Hess and Ms. Nuss recommend the uniforms be made of 50% polyester and 50% wool. Mr. McClure stated that whatever uniform is decided upon that the color scheme of the uniform should be royal blue and gold as these are the designated school colors. The Board agreed with Mr. McClure’s suggestion. Mr. McClure thanked Mr. Hess for his presentation so the District can take into account this expense for next year’s budget.

Mr. McClure handed each Board member a copy of the District’s financial profile through ISBE. Mr. McClure advised the District is on the highest financial health status according to ISBE, and this is generally due to the District receiving early tax money which can be somewhat misleading. ISBE calculates this according to the three main funds, namely Education, Operations & Maintenance, and Transportation. Mr. McClure added that the District’s auditor has advised the District’s fund balances are increasing and are within budget.

Tim Hess and Beth Nuss left the meeting at 8:20 p.m.

Mr. McClure informed the Board that the Mayor of Buckley, Ardell Goetting, approached him regarding the possibility of Buckley getting a gas station and would like for the Village of Buckley to be place on the agenda for abatement of property taxes.

Mr. McClure advised the Board that tuition for the 2008 High School summer school session will increase to $125.00.

Mr. McClure informed the Board that the District received three Freedom of Information Act requests since the last Board meeting. The requests were from a telephone company, Illinois Policy Institute, and the News-Gazette.

Mr. McClure advised the Board that the PBL Safety Keepers received a $2,000.00 grant to do a program on distracted teen drivers. A mock crash has been scheduled to take place. Reggie Green, a retired drivers education instructor, and Nancy Dewey, PBL teacher, will provide leadership on the mock crash.

Mr. McClure informed the Board that Roberta Schneider, one of the District’s crossing guards, recently received the Extra Mile Award for the year.

Dean Swan made a motion to go into closed session. Dave Dowling seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all board members being present, the motion passed.

Closed session began at 8:40 p.m.

Jeff Jarboe made a motion to come out of closed session. Phillip Duling seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all board members being present, the motion passed.

Closed session ended at 10:23 p.m.

Mr. McClure recommended to the Board to approve the resignations of Jodi Lareau as Hearing Impaired teacher, 7^th grade girls basketball coach, and Freshman girls basketball coach; Emily Chase as Hearing Impaired teacher; and Kelly Neukomm as 8^th grade girls volleyball coach. Phillip Duling made a motion to approve the resignations of Jodi Lareau as Hearing Impaired teacher, 7^th grade girls basketball coach, and Freshman girls basketball coach; Emily Chase as Hearing Impaired teacher; and Kelly Neukomm as 8^th grade girls volleyball coach. Dave Dowling seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all board members being present, the motion passed.

Mr. McClure recommended the Board approve the reassignment of Dave Harber from Director of Curriculum Instruction to High School Librarian after the fall semester of the 2008/2009 school year. Dave Dowling made a motion to approve the reassignment of Dave Harber from Director of Curriculum and Instruction to High School Librarian after the fall semester of the 2008/2009 school year. Shawn Young seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all board members being present, the motion passed.

Mr. McClure recommended to the Board to hire Linda Schoonveld as a teacher aide. Phillip Duling made a motion to approve the hiring of Linda Schoonveld as a teacher aide. Dean Swan seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all board members being present, the motion passed.

Mr. McClure recommended to the Board to hire Stacia Johnson as part-time guidance counselor for the Junior High for the 2008/2009 school year. Dean Swan made a motion to approve Stacia Johnson as part-time guidance counselor for the Junior High for the 2008/2009 school year. Phillip Duling seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all board members being present, the motion passed.

Mr. McClure recommended to the Board to approve the reassignment of Susan Harber from special education teacher to 3^rd grade teacher for the 2008/2009 school year. Phillip Duling made a motion to approve the reassignment of Susan Harber from special education teacher to 3^rd grade teacher for the 2008/2009 school year. Dave Dowling seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all board members being present, the motion passed.

Jeff Jarboe made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Dean Swan seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all board members being present, the motion passes.

The meeting adjourned at 10:28 p.m.

President, Board of Education Secretary, Board of Education