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, APRIL 18, 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, Jeff Jarboe, Mike Short, Phillip Duling, Shawn Young, and Dean Swan. 

 

Others present were Andy Bennett, Tara Tighe, Cliff McClure, John Rawdin, Trent Eshleman, Stan Daro, Amy Teske, Marilyn Weber, Marvin Barger, Christine Williams, Dave Harber, Barry Wright, Rick Brackmann, Diane Kaiser, Bob Kerns, Dave Harber, John Overstreet, Mike Brehm, Mike White, Doug Anderson, Chase Sanders, Caitlyn Carson, Jacob Veatch, Katie Pilcher, Darrin Jarboe, Liz Foster, Tiffany Apland, and Nancy Dewey.

 

Mr. McClure introduced the PBL FFA to the Board.  Each FFA member informed the Board of the various activities and accomplishments for the 2006/2007 school year.  PBL FFA has received many high rankings, such as a gold rating and winning their section Heritage, poultry judging placed 8th nationally, business management team placed 6th nationally, the landscaping team placed 10th  nationally, and the ag sales team competed at the national level.  The FFA group participated in the Heritage program which promotes citizenship and community involvement, such as voter registration, mock elections, and letters to legislators.  The FFA group also recruits 8th grade students, supports the Arbor Day celebration, held a summer ag camp, and the annual toy show. In closing, Mr. Anderson introduced each FFA member to the Board.

 

Mr. Anderson, Mr. White, and all PBL FFA members left the meeting at 7:07 p.m. 

 

Dean Swan 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.

 

Mr. McClure made special mention to the Board of the interest received thus far on the District’s repurchase agreements in the amount of $978.08.

 

Dean Swan read a thank you from the family of Gwen Thilmony-Benoit.

 

Dean Swan read a resignation letter dated April 13, 2007 from Joseph Meyer resigning from his position as High School Math teacher at the close of the 2006/2007 school year.

 

Dean Swan read a resignation letter dated March 27, 2007 from Samantha Lee resigning from her position as High School Junior Varsity girls’ basketball coach.

 

Dean Swan read a resignation letter dated March 27, 2007 from Travis Duley resigning from his position as High School FBLA sponsor.

 

Dean Swan read a letter dated March 19, 2007 from Christine Zimmerman requesting the new High School all-weather track be named after James Frederick Guyot.

Dean Swan read a letter dated April 18, 2007 from Brian Stagen requesting the new High School all-weather track be named after James Frederick Guyot.

 

Mr. Overstreet informed the Board the Junior High and High School students have been surveyed regarding extra curricular activities the District currently offers and could possibly offer in the future.  Mr. Overstreet stated wrestling seems to be a popular choice for the High School, however the Junior High population did not seem interested, and approximately 54% of the student body is interested in bowling.  Mr. Overstreet stated the survey addressed sportsmanship and how to address the issues of discipline.  The High School and Junior High responses to these questions were similar in that they felt a one year suspension of extra-curricular activities was too harsh.  With regard to the issue of passing five classes, the students wanted to go back to the four class option.  The Junior High was 75% in favor of drug testing.

 

Mr. McClure advised the Board the insurance committee will be meeting tomorrow at 3:30 p.m.  Health Alliance and Personal Care have both responded back to the District with regard to their renewal rates for the 2007/2008 school year.  Health Alliance’s renewal rate will be a 23% increase, and Personal Care’s renewal rate will be a 5% increase.  Mr. McClure explained the reason behind the high percentage increase through Health Alliance is due to a high claims loss ratio of 95.7%.  Health Alliance did show the District their loss ratio of $341,709.00.  Mr. McClure informed the Board with the new health insurance rates from Health Alliance and Personal Care it will cost the District an additional $145,780.00.  Mr. McClure advised the Board that the District is discussing the possibility of joining a cooperative for next year’s health insurance and benefits, and other potential health care plans.

 

Ms. Bachtold addressed the Board with regard to the recent special education meeting.  Ms. Bachtold stated the cooperative is seeking an additional school psychologist, either full-time or part-time, and/or a diagnostician.  Ms. Bachtold also advised the District had an overpayment related to the District’s share of payments, and the District will receive a refund in the range of $30,000.00 - $45,000.00. 

 

Mr. Bennett advised the Board that the demolition work has begun on the new all-weather track, fencing is getting lined up, and concrete will be hauled away in the next week.  Mr. Bennett stated that Iroquois Paving would like a 2 week notice as to when to stake out things, and the District is not too far from that point.  Mr. Bennett added that he feels things are coming along fine, and he is staking out the area for concrete for the visitor bleachers and working on the backstops on the home side bleachers as well.  Mr. McClure advised the District does not have bids, specs, or advertisement for the High School restroom renovation project yet. 

 

Mr. Wright informed the Board that he is working with teachers to get their referrals for students to attend summer school and hopefully will have a roster compiled by the next Board meeting.   Mr. Wright added the High School will be offering English and Driver’s Education for the summer.   

 

Mr. Eshleman addressed the Board with regard to Clara Peterson’s handbook changes.  Mr. Eshleman stated Clara Peterson will add language with regard to medication at school and a copy of the School Medical Authorization form to school packets, cell phone criteria consistent with other buildings, Kindergarten and pre-school extra milk prices, add dress code language, and correct some minor items overlooked from last year such as the new lunch schedule and upgrade their handbook’s table of contents. 

 

Ms. Tighe addressed the Board with regard to Eastlawn’s handbook changes.  Ms. Tighe stated Eastlawn will add language with regard to medication at school, add language for no skate shoes or “heelies” at school, eliminating students’ social security numbers information, add language regarding tardies and punishment, add language regarding electronics and cell phones, and some minor playground language changes.  Mr. McClure added that it might be a good idea for administrators to do a 1 page highlight of any and all changes/updates made to the buildings’ handbooks from the previous year. 

 

Mr. Graham addressed the Board with regard to the Junior High’s handbook changes.   Mr. Graham stated that the Junior High will update language with regard to fighting, destruction to property, and theft; delete/add old names and classes; add medical authorization language; add remediation/retention referral form under teacher recommendation part of Social Promotion/Retention; and re-word Friday Night School with regard to explanation and consequences.

 

Mr. Rawdin addressed the Board with regard to the High School’s handbook changes.   Mr. Rawdin stated

the High School will change the language in the extra-curricular activities section with regard to sports/activities, eligibility, and some minor language changes; include a list of courses available; updated course requirements; eliminate the use of admit slips; add no food or drink in lobby during lunch; add 8:15 a.m. as the start of school; add Safety Keepers to student organizations; change parking lot access during the day from “with principal permission” to “will not be allowed”; omit pay phone section; change PE credit from 1/8th to 1/4th per semester; add dress code language to include “hats and hoods”; and add disciplinary language with regard to inappropriate language from student to teacher.   A lengthy discussion was held regarding students not being allowed to go to their vehicles during school.

 

Mr. Brehm updated the Board with regard to the acceptable use policy regarding e-mail within the District.  Mr. Brehm stated this language needs changing, and the District’s attorney is working on this matter.  Mr. Brehm advised that teachers have websites, and the District needs guidelines for these websites.  The District will be implementing an acceptable use policy sheet for each employee to sign, and the District will be archiving all incoming and outgoing e-mail for all employees by law.  Mr. Jarboe suggested the District should send parents/guardians some type of notification that all e-mails will be archived. 

 

Mr. Overstreet addressed the Board with regard to High School extra-curricular activities.  Mr. Overstreet stated there were only minor language changes and adding language to 5 classes as opposed to 4 classes. 

 

Mr. McClure added that summer school is different this year in that the priority list is first and then the District will add students that want to attend but do not have to attend.  The District is looking to make summer school more of an RTi model. 

 

Mr. McClure advised the Board the District has received a contract from Russell Leigh & Associates for the 2007 audit.  The amount of the contract is $5,100.00, which is the same as last year’s contract.  Mr. McClure stated that Mr. Leigh does an admirable job and has helped the District this year with regard to the activity fund.  A motion was made by Jeff Jarboe to approve the 2007 audit contract from Russell Leigh & Associates in the amount of $5,100.00.  Phillip Duling seconded the motion.  Upon roll call, all members present voted aye, there being no nay votes the motion carried.

 

Mr. McClure informed the Board each year the buildings and grounds have to be inspected by the Regional Superintendent.  There were some minor violations in this year’s inspection, and the District has already taken care of most of the violations or will do so during normal summer maintenance.  Dean Swan made a motion to approve the District’s response to the Annual Building Inspection report.  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 that the District has received information from Lawrence E. Smith & Associates with regard to KidGuard student insurance, and the 2007/2008 insurance rates will be the same as last year’s rates with the same coverage levels.  Dave Dowling made a motion to approve the KidGuard student insurance with Lawrence E. Smith & Associates for the 2007/2008 school year.  Shawn Young seconded the motion.  Upon roll call, all members present voted aye, there being no nay votes the motion carried.

 

Mr. McClure explained to the Board that each year the Board needs to approve the District’s contracts with IESA and IHSA associations.  The High School has no cost involved, but needs to be approved for the District to participate, and IESA has a $75.00 fee and a $45.00 per year activity fee.  Dave Dowling made a motion to approve the District contract with IESA in the amount of $75.00 and a $45.00 activity fee for the 2007/2008 school year and the IHSA contract for the 2007/208 school year.  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 he would like to increase the District’s lunch fees to $1.50 for Clara Peterson and Eastlawn and $2.00 for the Junior High and High School.  The District has not increased the lunch fee for over 2 years.  The registration fee will remain the same as last year.  Mr. McClure said he is not requiring action for this item this month and would like for the Board to consider this.   Mr. Overstreet stated that the District’s fees are okay and are considerably less than other school districts.  The District may want to consider raising the athletic and registration fees for the 2008/2009 school year.  Mr. Brehm stated the District might want to look into the option of paying for school lunches online, and instead of students’ swiping cards, the District could go to finger scanning which would make the lunch lines go much faster.  A discussion was held regarding students losing their lunch cards and the expense that’s involved with this.

 

Mr. Harber addressed the Board with regard to the District’s recently held focus groups meetings.  Mr. Harber handed each Board member his analysis of the focus groups.   Mr. Harber stated that overall the focus groups turned out very well, and the District received a lot of positive feedback.  With regard to the survey the community members took at the focus groups, Mr. Harber will have the results of that as soon as it is available.  Mr. Harber stated that the District’s improvement plan is now 1 page as opposed to 150 pages, and that the District has 90 days to prepare a new school improvement plan.  Phillip Duling made a motion to approve the revisions and updates of the PBL CUSD No. 10 school improvement plan.  Dawn Bachtold seconded the motion.  Upon roll call, all members present voted aye, there being no nay votes the motion carried.

 

Jim Shields entered the meeting at 8:45 p.m.

 

The District’s improvement plan has a goal, target, and a means as to how to achieve the target.  They are aligned together.  Next month the administrators will present all their school improvement plans. 

 

Mr. McClure advised the Board has agreed to the 2007/2008 school year calendar but needs to approve the paper reduction, professional development, and early out days.  Mr. Daro, PBLEA President, has reviewed this calendar as well.  Dave Dowling made a motion to approve the 2007/2008 school year calendar with the paper reduction, professional development, and early out days.  Dean Swan seconded the motion.  Upon roll call, all members present voted aye, there being no nay votes the motion carried.

 

 

Mr. Eshleman and Ms. Tighe advised the Board that they and their staff members have been working on the Reading textbook adoption and will be bringing information and recommending approval at next month’s Board meeting.  Mr. Eshleman stated the mapping process has exposed the District’s weaknesses and has made our textbook choice pretty easy and has helped the District greatly.  Mr. McClure stated the District has budgeted a portion of this expense for this year and the remainder for next year. 

 

Mr. McClure informed the Board he has drafted a proposed Board of Education calendar for the 2007/2008 school year.  This calendar avoids the conflicts due to school holidays and breaks, and takes into account when the levies and budgets need to be adopted.   Mr. McClure stated he would like the Board to review this calendar and take action on it at next month’s meeting. 

 

At this time, Mr. Young addressed the Board on behalf of the PBL Boosters Club and announced that the PBL Boosters Club would like to donate $5,000.00 towards the new all-weather track at the High School.

 

Shawn Young made a motion to go into closed session to discuss the appointment, employment, compensation, and performance of specific employees of the public body; student disciplinary case; and discuss the minutes of meeting lawfully closed under this Act, whether for the purpose of approval by the body of the minutes or semi-annual review of the minutes as mandated by Section 2.06.  Dean Swan seconded the motion.  Upon roll call, all members present voted aye, there being no nay votes the motion carried. 

 

Closed session began at 9:08 p.m.

 

Jeff Jarboe 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 10:03 p.m.

 

Shawn Young made a motion to appoint Mike Short, PBL Board of Education President, to preside over the expulsion hearing.  Dave Dowling seconded the motion.  Upon roll call, all members present voted aye, there being no nay votes the motion carried. 

 

Dawn Bachtold made a motion to go into closed session to convene in closed session pursuant to the Open Meetings Act, 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(9) which permits a closed session to hear student disciplinary cases.  Jeff Jarboe seconded the motion.  Upon roll call, all members present voted aye, there being no nay votes the motion carried. 

 

Closed session began at 10:04 p.m.

 

Dave Dowling made a motion 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 10:16 p.m.

 

Jeff Jarboe made a motion that Student “A” is found to have violated School Board Policy 7:190 under circumstances so related to the school program so as to warrant discipline.  Phillip Duling seconded the motion.  Upon roll call, all members present voted aye, there being no nay votes the motion carried.

Dawn Bachtold made a motion to go into closed session pursuant to the Open Meetings Act, 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(9) to determine what, if any, discipline might be appropriate.  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 10:17 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 10:21 p.m.

 

Phillip Duling made a motion that Student “A” has been found to violated school rules but that Student “A” has fulfilled his punishment by serving a 10 day out-of-school suspension in lieu of an expulsion of up to 2 years.  Shawn Young seconded the motion.   Upon roll call, all members present voted aye, there being no nay votes the motion carried. 

 

Dawn Bachtold 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 10:24 p.m.

 

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

 

Closed session ended at 11:03 p.m.

 

Mr. McClure recommended to the Board to approve the resignations of Joe Meyer as High School Math teacher at the close of the 2006/2007 school year, Travis Duley as High School FBLA sponsor, and Samantha Lee as High School JV girls basketball coach.  Dean Swan made a motion to approve the resignations of Joe Meyer as High School Math teacher at the close of the 2006/2007 school year, Travis Duley as High School FBLA sponsor, and Samantha Lee as High School JV girls basketball coach.  Dawn Bachtold seconded the motion.  Upon roll call, all members present voted aye, there being no nay votes the motion carried. 

 

Mr. Short read aloud the Notice of Remedy regarding Jill Manley.  Mr. McClure recommended to the Board to approve the Notice of Remedy regarding Jill Manley.  Dave Dowling made a motion to approve the Notice of Remedy regarding Jill Manley.  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 release of the following closed session minutes:  April 11, 1989; March 12, 1990; June 15, 1994; July 13, 1994; December 14, 1994; January 11, 1995; February 22, 1995; May 10, 1995; May 13, 1995; August 16, 1995; January 24, 1996; February 14, 1996; April 29, 1996; June 11, 1997; July 16, 1997; February 4, 1998; February 11, 1998; March 11, 1998; November 11, 1998; April 14, 1999; May 12, 1999; June 9, 1999; July 14, 1999; August 1, 1999; August 11, 1999; September 15, 1999; August 16, 2000; January 24, 2001; May 16, 2001; July 18, 2001; September 19, 2001, October 17, 2001; February 13, 2002; April 10, 2002; May 15, 2002; August 14, 2002; September 18, 2002; March 9, 2005; and, April 13, 2002.  Shawn Young made a motion to approve the release of the following closed session minutes:  April 11, 1989; March 12, 1990; June 15, 1994; July 13, 1994; December 14, 1994; January 11, 1995; February 22, 1995; May 10, 1995; May 13, 1995; August 16, 1995; January 24, 1996; February 14, 1996; April 29, 1996; June 11, 1997; July 16, 1997; February 4, 1998; February 11, 1998; March 11, 1998; November 11, 1998; April 14, 1999; May 12, 1999; June 9, 1999; July 14, 1999; August 1, 1999; August 11, 1999; September 15, 1999; August 16, 2000; January 24, 2001; May 16, 2001; July 18, 2001; September 19, 2001, October 17, 2001; February 13, 2002; April 10, 2002; May 15, 2002; August 14, 2002; September 18, 2002; March 9, 2005; and, April 13, 2002.  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 adjourn the meeting.  Dave Dowling seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all members present voted aye, there being no nay votes the motion carried. 

 

Meeting adjourned at 11:10 p.m.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                                                                                                                                           

President, Board of Education                                       Secretary, Board of Education