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, DECEMBER 10, 2008 AT 7:08 P.M. AT THE PAXTON-BUCKLEY-LODA BOARD ROOM IN PAXTON, ILLINOIS.

President Mike Short called the meeting to order at 7:08 p.m.

Upon roll call, the following board members answered present: David Dowling, Mike Short, Phillip Duling, Jeff Jarboe, Dawn Bachtold, Shawn Young, and Dean Swan.

Others present were Cliff McClure, Amy Teske, Barry Wright, Trent Eshleman, John Rawdin, Stan Daro, Mike Brehm, Tara Tighe, Dave Harber, Jeff Graham, Bob Maney, Christine Williams, and Marilyn Weber.

Jeff Jarboe made a motion to approve the Treasurer’s Report. Phillip Duling seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all board members being present, the vote was unanimous and the motion passed.

Dave Dowling made a motion to approve the minutes of the previous month. Dawn Bachtold seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all board members being present, the vote was unanimous and the motion passed.

Dean Swan made a motion to approve payment of all current bills. Dave Dowling seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all board members being present, the vote was unanimous and the motion passed.

Dean Swan read a letter from Amy Johnson dated December 9, 2008 requesting a six (6) week maternity leave beginning in March 2009.

Dean Swan read a letter from Theresa Carley dated December 5, 2008 requesting an eight (8) week maternity leave beginning in April 2009.

Dean Swan read an email from John Kleinsteiber complimenting three Junior High students on their demeanor and politeness while collecting food for the Junior High food drive.

Dean Swan read a letter dated November 18, 2008 from Liza Barnhart resigning as a paraprofessional with an effective date of November 26, 2008.

Dean Swan read a letter dated November 17, 2008 from the Love and Logic Committee thanking the Board for their support for the Love and Logic workshop held on November 8, 2008.

Mr. Eshleman reported to the Board that the Policy Review Committee met last week. The Committee held a discussion regarding the vote of “present” and “abstained”, deleted some items with regard to the Board’s self-evaluation, and succession of authority. Mr. Eshleman stated the Committee is looking into the succession of authority in case of an emergency.

Mr. McClure informed the Board that the Personnel Committee met, and the District will likely be adding 4.5 FTE for the 2009/2010 school year. The District should break even financially with filling the District’s current positions and adding the 4.5 FTEs. Mr. McClure added that the Committee is also looking into adding a Life Skills special education teacher at the High School for the next school year. The Committee also discussed the possibility of eliminating some of the Addendum C positions, namely playground supervision duties. Mr. McClure explained to the Board that when the playground supervision stipends began the District paid certified staff this stipend because teachers were losing their lunch hour to supervise the playground. The District now has over thirty (30) teacher aides that can supervise the playgrounds as part of their regular duty and day.

Mr. McClure reported the Finance Committee recently met. A spreadsheet detailing the District’s expenditures, revenue, and comparison to budget was given to each Board member. Mr. McClure stated that the good news is the District is taking in more revenue than its expending. However, the bad news is the District may not receive all of its funds from the State. The Transportation Fund is running behind and the State is in a huge financial mess. Mr. McClure stated that the District has a very good chance of gaining revenue through commercial wind farms that are coming into the area. This would be a huge financial benefit to the District.

Mr. McClure advised the Board that the Building and Grounds Committee met. The Committee discussed the High School bleacher project and how this project is near completion. The chair backs should be replaced over the holiday break. With regard to the new softball complex, volunteers are working on drainage and the footings for the new dugouts have been set. The Committee also discussed a number of health/life safety projects for the upcoming summer, such as the High School toilet room renovations and lobby tile replacement. Mr. McClure informed the Board that the maintenance department will be focusing on maintenance projects within all buildings and not new projects.

Mr. McClure stated the Transportation Committee met and suggested releasing bids for student transportation services in January for a February opening. Mr. McClure advised there are potentially three (3) companies that would like to bid transportation services, one from the Kankakee area, one from Arizona, and then First Student out of Danville. Mr. McClure informed the Board that he and Marvin are going to meet and review the places Marvin has set out for emergency pickups due to inclement weather. These routes would be used sparingly.

Mr. McClure informed the Board the Extra-Curricular Committee met. The golf program was discussed again, and Willow Pond has provided the District with information stating they would allow students to use their golf course for free. Willow Pond has stated they would only charge for range balls. The Committee is waiting to hear back from Lakeview and Brook Hill and should have information from them in January. The Committee discussed the possibility of sending parents/guardians a letter regarding supervising elementary and Junior High students at High School athletic events. Mr. McClure stated the Committee is looking to send this letter out prior to the start of the next school year. A discussion was held regarding this letter, and Mr. McClure advised the Board that this is a concern of most of the other conference schools. The Committee also discussed the possibility of adding another coach for Junior High track as last year there were 120 Junior High students in track and only these coaches. Junior High athletic director’s contract was discussed due to the fact that Junior High athletics begin in late July.

Mr. McClure recommended the Board approve the Levy that was discussed during the levy hearing. Mr. McClure stated the truth in taxation notice was published in the Paxton Record and News Gazette according to school code. Dean Swan made a motion to approve the 2008 Levy. Dave Dowling seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all board members being present, the vote was unanimous and the motion passed.

Mr. McClure recommended the Board approve the District’s improvement plan and PBL Junior High’s improvement plan. Dawn Bachtold made a motion to approve the District’s improvement plan and PBL Junior High’s improvement plan. Dave Dowling seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all board members being present, the vote was unanimous and the motion passed.

Ms. Tighe addressed the Board and gave a PowerPoint presentation on Stanford 10 results from Grades 1^st through 11^th for the 2007/2008 school year. The test results were sent home to parents/guardians in November. Ms. Tighe explained how the test results will aid the District in Math and Reading interventions. She also stressed that all-day Kindergarten was a wise decision of the Board which will eventually help the District’s national percentage rate throughout all grade levels. Mr. McClure stated the High School is looking into developing a freshmen academy to assist incoming freshmen adjust to High School and mentor them throughout their High School years. Mr. McClure also advised that the High School Guidance Department and administration are developing class status requirements, such as freshman must have so many required credits to be considered a sophomore. Ms. Tighe added that the District is working on a classroom instructional model as well. A lengthy discussion was held regarding District-wide curriculum, how the District is challenging students that are at a higher level, and how AP classes teach students to learn in a different manner. President Mike Short suggested that a couple of board members attend the High School staff meetings to gain insight on the staff’s concerns regarding weighted grading.

Mr. McClure informed the Board of the recent Triple I Conference in Chicago. Mr. Duling advised that the Board was defeated on both IASB position statement stances. He also stated the conference was great and suggested the District create a dashboard on its website. Mr. Dowling stated he attended a session on special education law, technology, and smart boards. Mr. McClure stated that he attended a session on audits and GASB standards. Next year’s audit is going to be a more rigorous process, and the District will experience a different audit procedure. Mr. McClure stated that Russ Leigh will be coming to the January Board meeting to discuss the 2009 audit procedure. The District could likely see additional findings in its audit next summer. Mr. Eshleman stated he went to a session on technology and learned about free resources, video conferencing, and Wii-motes. Mr. Graham advised he went to a session on freshmen orientation which focused on 8^th grade students transitioning into High School. Ms. Tighe attended a session on freshman academy and freshman at-risk.

Mr. McClure recommended the Board approve the policies that were reviewed during the Police Review Committee report. Jeff Jarboe made a motion to approve School Board Policy Nos. 2.80E, 2.105, 2.220, 4.60, 4.60AP1, 4.70, 4.90, 4.160, 4.160AP, 4.170, 5.90, 5.100, 5.150, 5.150AP, 5.240, 5.250, 5.290, 5.330, 6.60, 6.60AP, 6.120, 6.160, 6.230, 6.300, 7.50, 7.100, 7.210, 7.230, 7.240, 7.280AP, 7.290, and 7.300. Dawn Bachtold seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all board members being present, the vote was unanimous and the motion passed.

Mr. McClure informed the Board of the District’s new 403(b) plan. CPI Qualified Plan Consultants is the District’s third-party administrator and will be handling the District’s 403(b) plan. Mr. McClure explained that the new 403(b) plan will allow for rollovers, 50 year catch-up, and hardship loans. All other loans and employer contributions will not be allowed in the District’s 403(b) plan. The District may use Tom Iorio with ASP Services out of Rantoul and Tom McCabe with Raymond James as vendors for the 403(b) plan. Through these two sleeves, the District will need at least twenty staff members to sign up through them. The District may add additional sleeves to its plan. Mr. McClure recommended the Board approve the District’s 403(b) plan and its approved vendors and representatives. Dave Dowling made a motion to approve the Paxton-Buckley-Loda CUSD No. 10 403(b) plan and its approved vendors and representatives. Jeff Jarboe seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all board members being present, the vote was unanimous and the motion passed.

Mr. McClure advised the Board that the superintendent evaluation instrument was emailed to you prior to tonight’s Board meeting. Jeff Jarboe has agreed to compile the superintendent evaluation comments. Mr. McClure stated he will be completing administrator evaluations and support staff evaluations prior to the February Board meeting.

Jeff Jarboe, Phillip Duling, and Dave Dowling were appointed to present diplomas at the High School graduation ceremonies.

Mr. McClure recommended the Board appoint Marilyn Weber, Jeanne Peterson, and Amy Teske as school board election designees. Dave Dowling made a motion to appoint Marilyn Weber, Jeanne Peterson, and Amy Teske as school board election designees. Upon roll call, all board members being present, the vote was unanimous and the motion passed.

Mr. Harber addressed the Board regarding the annual State library grant. The grant is for $1,000.00 which will be used to purchase various items for the library. Mr. Harber explained to the Board how technology has changed the library. Currently, the High School library has access to over 2,000 magazines and newspapers and has over 200 subscriptions. Students can utilize these magazines and subscriptions through e-library either at school or at home. Mr. Harber stated he would like to see the teachers better utilize the library and its services. Dawn Bachtold made a motion to approve the 2008 State library grant in the amount of $1,000.00. Jeff Jarboe seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all board members being present, the vote was unanimous and the motion passed.

Mr. McClure recommended the Board approve the 2008 Paxton-Buckley-Loda CUSD No. 10 Wind Farm Resolution. Mr. McClure stated it is in the District’s best interest to pass a Resolution regarding commercial wind farms. Several board members attended the Paxton City Council’s meeting held this past Monday. Mr. McClure stated that the wind farm would generate approximately 1.4 million dollars in revenue for the Education Fund alone over a two year period. There would not be any formula adjustments to the Operations & Maintenance Fund and Transportation Fund. If the wind farm should come into the area, the Operations & Maintenance Fund would receive $100,000.00 and Transportation Fund would receive $20,000.00 in additional revenue. Mr. McClure stressed to the Board that the District does not get an opportunity like this very often and should take advantage of this. The District’s tax rate and bond rate would drop and the community would see a tax reduction should the wind farm happen. A discussion was held regarding the wind farm and what size wind turbines would be utilized. Mike Short read the 2008 Wind Farm Resolution aloud. Dean Swan made a motion to approve the 2008 Wind Farm Resolution. Shawn Young seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all board members being present, the vote was unanimous and the motion passed.

Dr. Brehm gave each Board member a copy of his annual technology report. Dr. Brehm stated he will be creating a portal on the District’s website so the Board can access board packet documents and information. A discussion was held regarding Board members utilizing laptops during board meetings and other ways the Board can help reduce the volume of paper used.

Mr. McClure and Ms. Tighe presented the Board with a PowerPoint presentation regarding an academic hall of fame for the District. This hall of fame would honor former students from PBL, Buckley-Loda High School, Ford Central, and Roberts. Mr. McClure explained how the students and former students would be selected for the hall of fame, and once selected they would be honored at a public ceremony to be held annually. Pictures of the selected student would go on the wall of honor. Ms. Tighe and Mr. McClure stated a selection committee would need to be formed, and then funding, time, place for wall of honor, and place for induction would need to be determined. Mr. McClure stated he is planning on talking with the PBL Education Foundation about the academic hall of fame as well. The senior tea has former students come and speak to the seniors and is a huge success. Mr. McClure feels the academic hall of fame should be a big deal as well. Mr. McClure stated the District should start with an academic hall of fame and then maybe later on add an athletic hall of fame. The Board directed Mr. McClure and Ms. Tighe to move forward with this project.

Mr. McClure recommended to the Board to approve the survey and dissertation request of Vicki Good. Ms. Good is a former employee of the District, and she has begun working on her doctorate degree in education. She would like to administer a survey, and all District information would be protected and kept confidential. Mr. McClure stated that Ms. Good is willing to share what information she gains from the survey with the District. Dawn Bachtold made a motion to approve the survey and dissertation request of Vicki Good. Jeff Jarboe seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all board members being present, the vote was unanimous and the motion passed.

Mr. McClure reported to the Board that Mr. Hess will give his High School marching band uniform presentation at the January Board meeting.

Mr. McClure stated the High School holiday concert will be this Sunday at 1:30 p.m., Clara Peterson’s Kindergarten holiday programs will be on December 12^th, and Clara Peterson’s holiday programs will be on December 18^th at 7:00 p.m. in the High School gym.

Mr. McClure reported to the Board that the High School boys and girls cross country teams and the High School volleyball team received the IHSA academic achievement award.

Dave Dowling made a motion to go into closed session to discuss the appointment, employment, compensation, performance of specific employees of the public body pursuant to 5 ILCS 120/2(c)1 and discussion of minutes of meetings lawfully closed under this Act, whether for purposes of approval by the body of the minutes or semi‑annual review of the minutes as mandated by Section 2.06 5 ILCS 120/2(c)21. Dawn Bachtold seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all board members being present, the vote was unanimous and the motion passed.

Closed session began at 8:45 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 vote was unanimous and the motion passed.

Closed session ended at 11:07 p.m.

Mr. McClure informed the Board of the bus accident that occurred this evening. Preliminary indications show that the District was at fault. The Paxton Police performed a breathalyzer test on sight on the bus driver. Mr. McClure stated all administrators were on sight as well. The driver of the other vehicle received some bumps and bruises and was taken by ambulance for x-rays.

Mr. McClure recommended the Board approve the resignation of Liza Barnhart as a teacher aide with an effective date of November 26, 2008. Jeff Jarboe made a motion to approve the resignation of Liza Barnhart as a teacher aide with an effective date of November 26, 2008. Phillip Duling seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all board members being present, the vote was unanimous and the motion passed.

Mr. McClure recommended the Board approve the maternity leaves of Theresa Carley and Amy Johnson. Dawn Bachtold made a motion to approve the maternity leaves of Theresa Carley and Amy Johnson. Shawn Young seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all board members being present, the vote was unanimous and the motion passed.

Mr. McClure recommended the Board approve Kyle Smith as a volunteer High School boys basketball coach for the 2008/2009 school year. Dawn Bachtold made a motion to approve Kyle Smith as a volunteer High School boys basketball coach for the 2008/2009 school year. Dean Swan seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all board members being present, the vote was unanimous and the motion passed.

Mr. McClure recommended the Board approve the Agreement Between Student and Parents Regarding Student Discipline of Student “B”. Dean Swan made a motion to approve the Agreement Between Student and Parents Regarding Student Discipline of Student “B”. Jeff Jarboe seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all board members being present, the vote was unanimous and the motion passed.

Mr. McClure recommended the Board approve the transfer of Nancy Hall as a teacher aide from Eastlawn Elementary to Clara Peterson Elementary. Dave Dowling made a motion to approve the transfer of Nancy Hall as a teacher aide from Eastlawn Elementary to Clara Peterson Elementary. Dawn Bachtold seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all board members being present, the vote was unanimous and the motion passed.

Mr. McClure recommended the Board approve the destruction of audio recordings that are 18 months or older. Jeff Jarboe made a motion to approve destruction of audio recordings that are 18 months or older.

Upon roll call, all board members being present, the vote was unanimous and the motion passed.

Shawn Young made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Dean Swan seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all board members being present, the vote was unanimous and the motion passed.

The meeting adjourned at 11:22 p.m.

President, Board of Education Secretary, Board of Education