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, AUGUST 15, 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 Tara Tighe, Cliff McClure, John Rawdin, Trent Eshleman, Stan Daro, Amy Teske, Marilyn Weber, Marvin Barger, Christine Williams, Barry Wright, Bob Kerns, Mike Brehm, Jerry Butts, Andy Bennett, Deb Larson, Jeff Graham, Janice Crank, Rick Brackmann, Dave Harber, Carol Camp, and Jimmy Shields.

 

Mr. McClure informed the Board that the District will be in a cash flow crisis if we do not receive Iroquois County tax money soon.  Mr. McClure stated that he talked with the Iroquois County Clerk’s office and we should be receiving tax money by Friday of this week. 

 

Dave Dowling made a motion 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 from the PBL Boosters Club thanking the Board for their contribution towards the recent golf outing.

 

Dean Swan read a letter dated July 27, 2007 from David Acevedo resigning from his High School Spanish position.

 

Dean Swan read a letter dated July 13, 2007 from Michelle Huller resigning from her position as teacher aide a Clara Peterson.

 

Dean Swan read a letter dated July 11, 2007 from Jessica Stutz resigning from her position as social worker.

 

Dean Swan read a letter dated July 12, 2007 from Cindy Woods resigning from her position as teacher aide at the Junior High School.

 

Dean Swan read a letter dated August 15, 2007 from Emily Chase requesting to exhaust her sick and personal days and then take a Family Medical Leave Act leave for twelve (12) weeks thereafter.

 

Mr. McClure introduced Deb Larson from the Illinois School Board Association to the Board.  Ms. Larson addressed the Board with regard to TAG professional development for Board members. TAG provides for in-service training for Board members.  Ms. Larson handed each Board member a packet containing information regarding TAG.  Ms. Larson advised that this is a 12-18 month program and is free of charge to the District due to a grant for district’s not meeting AYP. 

 

Deb Larson left the meeting at 7:25 p.m.

 

Mr. McClure introduced Jerry Butts to the Board.  Mr. Butts addressed the Board with regard to the recent insurance bid opening and advised that Insurance Providers Group won the bid at $86,027.00.  Mr. Butts stated that the District selected a good time to bid insurance.  Mr. Butts recommended to the Board to choose a $5,000.00 deductible as opposed to the $1,000.00 deductible quoted from Insurance Providers Group as this would further reduce the cost of the insurance to $84,000.00.  Phillip Duling made a motion to approve Insurance Providers Group as the insurance provider for PBL CUSD No.10 with a $5,000.00 deductible. Dave Dowling seconded the motion.  Upon roll call, all members present voted aye, there being no nay votes the motion carried.

 

Jerry Butts left meeting at 7:31 p.m.

 

Mr. McClure advised the Board the finance committee recently met.  Mr. McClure went over the tentative Budget to be put on display with the Board pointing out each of the fund balances.  The Education Fund has budgeted $10,231,496.00 in revenue and $10,595,691.00 in expenditures for a deficit balance of

 -$364,195.00.  The Operations and Maintenance Fund has budgeted revenue of $571,674.00 and expenditures of $775,900.00 for a deficit balance of -$204,226.00.  Bond and Interest Fund has budgeted $533,602.00 in revenue and $527,697.00 with a balance of $5,905.00.   Transportation Fund has budgeted $679,365.00 in revenue and $683,171.00 with a deficit balance of -$3,806.00.  IMRF has budgeted $324,572.00 in revenue and $271,344.00 in expenditures with a balance of $53,228.00.  Site and Construction/Capital Improvement Fund budgeted $1,000.00 in revenue and $353,357.00 in expenditures for a deficit balance of  -$352,357.00. Mr. McClure advised the Board that Working Case Fund is abolished at the end of every school year.  Fire Prevention and Safety Fund budgeted $59,510.00 in revenue and $58,660.00 in expenditures with a balance of $850.00.  Mr. McClure stated he feels the budget accurately reflects the anticipated revenue and expenditures for the 2007/2008 school year.  The finance committee also discussed various projects the District needs to complete and how to finance these projects through health/life safety bonds.  Mr. McClure advised that Kevin Heid and Kevin Wilson from First Midstate were in attendance at the finance committee and had prepared different bond schedules. The District is looking to seek approximately $2 million in bonds.  The committee requested some additional schedules from Mr. Heid, and the finance committee is planning to meet again prior to the September Board meeting and will likely have a recommendation at that time.  Mr. McClure stated that the building and grounds committee needs to meet as soon as possible so these projects can be prioritized. 

 

Mr. McClure introduced Rick Brackmann from the Ford County Special Education Association.  Mr. Brackmann handed each Board member a pamphlet reflecting the 2007 needs assessment and survey results.  Mr. Brackmann explained the parent form in which parents were asked to complete a survey regarding their child’s special education teacher.  There were a total of 35 surveys returned to the Cooperative and most survey results were in the “strongly agree” level.   Mr. Brackmann explained the school personnel form to the Board stating this form was mailed to all county administrators for their respective staffs to complete and send in. There were 3 questions contained in the survey, namely:  (1) What professional development activities would you like the district or cooperative to provide to assist with educating students with IEPs?, (2) Do you have any suggestions that would help improve the academic performance of students with IEPs?; and (3) Additional suggestions for serving students with IEPs.  Mr. Brackmann advised there were 24 responses received from this survey.  Mr. Brackmann also advised the Cooperative’s budget is currently on display, and their budget hearing is scheduled for Monday, August 20, 2007 at 6:45 p.m.

 

Ms. Tighe advised the Board that the policy review committee met on Tuesday, August 14, 2007 and is continuing to meet on a monthly basis.  Ms. Tighe stated things are progressing slowly as the committee is going through each and every policy.

Mr. Wright informed the Board there were 113 students in attendance for summer school this year.  Mr. Wright handed each Board member a sheet of paper detailing the attendance rates for each grade level.  The average attendance for students in grades K – 12 was 95%.  Mr. Wright also pointed out that each grade level increased their academic performance on Math with the exception of 2nd grade Reading.  Mr. Wright stated that the teacher did administer a reading fluency test, and 2nd grade did increase achievement in that area.

 

Mr. Bennett advised the Board with regard to summer maintenance.  Mr. Bennett stated that the all-weather track project is progressing well.  The gravel is finished, work on installing the fence has begun, and the asphalt will be completed by the first home football game.  Mr. Bennett stated that the District is working on the various threat assessments items and the ROE health life/safety inspections items as well.

 

Dean Swan made a motion to approve placing the FY 2008 PBL CUSD No. 10 Budget on display.  Dawn Bachtold seconded the motion.  Upon roll call, all members present voted aye, there being no nay votes the motion carried.

 

Mr. McClure advised the Board that communication regarding “Choice” is contained in their Board packet.  The first letter is addressed to neighboring school districts asking if they are interested in entering into an intergovernmental agreement with PBL to provide “Choice” services.  Mr. McClure stated he has received two (2) responses from neighboring districts that they are not interested in entering into an intergovernmental agreement with PBL.  Mr. McClure explained to the Board that another letter will be sent out to parents of children in Grades 6 – 8 prior to the start of school or on the first day of school which has been pre-approved by ISBE and meets the criteria of the NCLB Act.    Mr. McClure advised that Dave Harber has spent considerable time in preparing this letter and has talked with ISBE, and if any edits occur in the letter, then the letter has to be re-approved by ISBE.  Mr. McClure recommended the Board approve the letter to be sent home on the first day of school.  Shawn Young made a motion to approve the NCLB parent letter to be sent home with students on the first day of school.  Dean Swan seconded the motion.  Upon roll call, all members present voted aye, there being no nay votes the motion carried.

 

Mr. Harber addressed the Board with regard to the District’s AYP and handed each Board member a packet detailing AYP.  Mr. Harber stated the District as a whole has met AYP for the first time in 5 years.  The District must meet AYP for 2 years in a row to be removed from the watch list.  Mr. Harber stated that the High School and Eastlawn are making AYP.  The Junior High has not met AYP for 2 consecutive years. Mr. Harber also shared assessment scores in the areas of Reading and Math.

 

Mr. McClure informed the Board that registration for the 2007/2008 school year took place last week, and the building administrators have enrollment numbers for the Board.  Mr. Eshleman advised the Board that Clara Peterson’s total enrollment for Kindergarten – 2nd Grade is 342 students.  If you included Prep students, the enrollment total is 398 students.   Kindergarten has 112 students, 1st Grade has 117, and 2nd Grade has 114.   The average size class for Kindergarten is 16.  Ms. Tighe advised the Board that Eastlawn’s total enrollment is 337.  However, she is expecting the total to increase to 343 students.  Ms. Tighe stated 3rd Grade has 127 students, 4th Grade has 109 students, and 5th Grade has 107 students, and the average class size is 25 students.  Eastlawn’s enrollment has increased by 30 students since last year.  Mr. Graham advised the Board that the Junior High’s total enrollment is 360 students with 111 in 6th Grade, 127 in 7th Grade, and 122 in 8th Grade.  Mr. Graham also stated the Junior High’s enrollment is down 22 students from last year.   Mr. Rawdin advised the Board that the High School’s total enrollment is 454 students with 122 students in 9th Grade, 111 students in 10th Grade, 116 students in 11th Grade, and 105 students in 12th Grade.  Mr. Rawdin stated that High School enrollment numbers are changing daily.  Mr. McClure informed the Board that PBL enrollment is up by 11 students from last year’s first day attendance number.

 

Mr. McClure informed the Board that the High School is still looking for a candidate to fill the Spanish position.  Mr. Rawdin has an interview on Monday, and he is also looking into Illinois Virtual High School.  Mr. Rawdin stated the cost for Illinois Virtual High School is approximately $75,000.00 by the time you include all the hardware, proctor, and service fees associated with this program. In addition, there is a $450.00 per student fee associated with this program that more than likely the District will have to pay.  If the District chooses this route, this online class will not start until the middle or end of September.  Mr. Rawdin advised the Board he is going to contact Parkland College to see if they have any instructors available.  A discussion was held regarding the cost of Illinois Virtual High School, the requirements for foreign language that students need in order to go on to college, and the possibility of PBL not being able to offer Spanish I and II for the 2007/2008 school year.  The Board made it clear that Spanish courses must be offered.

 

Mr. McClure advised the Board that the High School is experiencing a backlog of approximately 26 drivers education students that do not have their behind the wheel training.  Mr. McClure stated that this backlog is due to the District not replacing Mr. Seng’s position when he retired several years ago.  Mr. McClure also pointed out that Justin Kean, Jim Zenner, and Rick Johnson have been driving before school, after school, and during the summer months in order to try and catch up with the program.  The District also lost Samantha Lee who did behind the wheel training.  Mr. McClure stated that the law will more than likely be changing as of January 1, 2008 in which students must have a driver’s permit for 9 months prior to receiving their driver’s license.  Mr. McClure explained that it will be very difficult for the District to catch up  26 students in drivers’ education.  He stated that the District could hire an additional person or part-time person to reduce the back log.  Ms. Crank stated that there are approximately 120 students every year enrolled in drivers’ education and that the backlog is only the behind the wheel portion of the program.  The classroom portion of the program is not behind.  A lengthy discussion was held regarding the backlog, how to catch students up on their behind the wheel training, and the possibility of hiring a part-time teacher to do behind the wheel training only. 

 

Mr. McClure stated that the High School’s open house is scheduled for September 6th from 6:30 – 8:00 pm. The Junior High’s open house is scheduled for September 11th from 6:30 – 8:00 p.m.   Eastlawn’s open house is scheduled for August 22nd from 6:00 – 7:00 p.m., and Clara Peterson’s open house is scheduled for September 20th from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.

 

Mr. McClure advised the Board that the District needs to set a date and time for the budget hearing, and he is recommending September 19, 2007 at 7:00 p.m.  Dawn Bachtold made a motion to approve September 19, 2007 at 7:00 p.m. at the budget hearing date.  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 the Pork Chop Kick-Off is scheduled for Friday, August 17, 2007 beginning at 5:00 p.m. and the Guyot track dedication is scheduled for Friday, September 14, 2007 at 6:45 p.m.

 

Dave Dowling made a motion to go into 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 began at 9:32 p.m.

 

Closed session ended at 10:45 p.m. 

 

Phillip Duling 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.

 

Mr. McClure recommended the Board accept the resignations of David Acevedo as High School Spanish teacher, Michelle Huller as teacher aide, Jessica Stutz as social worker, and Cindy Woods as teacher aide.  Phillip Duling made a motion to approve the resignations of David Acevedo as High School Spanish teacher, Michelle Huller as teacher aide, Jessica Stutz as social worker, and Cindy Woods as teacher aide.  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 hire Christina Harms as a teacher aide for the 2007/2008 school year.  Dave Dowling made a motion to hire Christina Harms as a teacher aide for the 2007/2008 school year.  Dawn Bachtold 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 Amanda Gooden as a teacher aide for the 2007/2008 school year.  Dawn Bachtold made a motion to hire Amanda Gooden as a teacher aide for the 2007/2008 school year.  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 hire Sonya Bowen as a teacher aide for the 2007/2008 school year.  Dawn Bachtold made a motion to hire Sonya Bowen as a teacher aide for the 2007/2008 school year.  Phillip Duling 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 Mary Hastings as a teacher aide for the 2007/2008 school year.  Dean Swan made a motion to hire Mary Hastings as a teacher aide 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 recommended the Board hire Carey Barfield as a teacher aide for the 2007/2008 school year.  Dawn Bachtold made a motion to hire Carey Barfield as a teacher aide 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.

 

Mr. McClure recommended the Board hire Kari Dudley as a teacher aide for the 2007/2008 school year.  Dave Dowling made a motion to hire Kari Dudley as a teacher aide for the 2007/2008 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 recommended the Board hire Steven Waugh as a teacher aide for the 2007/2008 school year.  Dave Dowling made a motion to hire Steven Waugh as a teacher aide for the 2007/2008 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 recommended the Board hire Samantha White as a teacher aide for the 2007/2008 school year.  Dave Dowling made a motion to hire Samantha White as a teacher aide for the 2007/2008 school year.  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 hire Joshua Polson as a custodian at Clara Peterson for the 2007/2008 school year.  Shawn Young made a motion to hire Joshua Polson as a custodian at Clara Peterson for the 2007/2008 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 recommended the Board reassign Brian Myers as a custodian at Eastlawn for the 2007/2008 school year.  Dave Dowling made a motion to reassign Brian Myers as a custodian at Eastlawn for the 2007/2008 school year.  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 hire Kristina Schuler as a social worker for the 2007/2008 school year.  Dawn Bachtold made a motion to hire Kristina Schuler as a social worker 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.

 

Mr. McClure recommended the Board hire Elsie Riddle as the High School Girls Physical Education teacher for the 2007/2008 school year.  Dawn Bachtold made a motion to hire Elsie Riddle as the High School Girls Physical Education teacher for the 2007/2008 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 recommended the Board hire Steven Waugh as an Assistant High School Football Coach for the 2007/2008 school year.  Dawn Bachtold made a motion to hire Steven Waugh as an Assistant High School Football Coach for the 2007/2008 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 recommended the Board hire Paul Smithpeters as an Assistant High School Football Coach for the 2007/2008 school year.  Dawn Bachtold made a motion to hire Paul Smithpeters as an Assistant High School Football Coach for the 2007/2008 school year. Dean Swan 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.  Dave Dowling seconded the motion.  Upon roll call, all members present voted aye, there being no nay votes the motion carried.

 

Meeting adjourned at 11:00 p.m.

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                                                                                                                                           

President, Board of Education                                         Secretary, Board of Education