CALL TO ORDER

The Southeastern Community Unit School District #337 Board of Education met at 7:30 p.m. in the Board of Education Office in Bowen, Illinois, on Wednesday, April 11, 2007.  President Lyle Paben called the meeting to order at 7:32 p.m. in the multi-purpose room to accommodate the visitors.

ROLL CALL

Board Secretary Burdette Rosendale called the roll with the following members present: Rod Bruenger, Dave Neill, President Lyle Paben, Pat Phelps, Board Secretary Burdette Rosendale, Rick Ramsey, and Vice-President Robb Wood.  

ADMINISTRATORS

RECORDING SECRETARY

Superintendent Michael D. Owen, High School Principal Todd Fox, Junior High Principal Tami J. Roskamp, and Elementary Principal/District Technology Director Nancy Akers were in attendance.  Anita Marlow, Recording Secretary, was also present.

VISITORS

Fifteen 8^th grade students from Mrs. Shoup’s American History Class were visitors.  Bobby Gooding and Mark Cox were also present.

MINUTES APPROVED

On a motion by Phelps and seconded by Ramsey, the minutes of the special meeting held at 2:00 p.m. on March 12, 2007, and the regular meeting held at 6:00 p.m. on March 12, 2007, were approved.  Roll call vote:  Bruenger, yes; Neill, yes; Paben, yes; Phelps, yes; Ramsey, yes; Rosendale, yes; and Wood, yes.  7 yes; 0 no.  Motion carried.

FINANCIAL

Following discussion, a motion to approve the bills, activity funds, and financial statements through February 2007 was made by Wood and seconded by Bruenger.  Roll call vote:  Neill, yes; Paben, yes; Phelps, yes; Ramsey, yes; Rosendale, yes; Wood, yes; and Bruenger, yes.  7 yes; 0 no.  Motion carried.

WESTERN DIVISION GOVERNING MEETING

Superintendent Owen discussed attending the Western Division Governing Meeting to be held  in Macomb on May 8, 2007.

HIGH SCHOOL BREAKFAST PROGRAM

Superintendent Owen reported the need to start a breakfast program at the high school. Annually, at the end of October if the number of students qualifying to receive free/reduced meals is at the 40% level, breakfast must be offered in that building.  A start-up grant of $3,500 is available but cannot be used for salaries.  If the grant is accepted, the breakfast program must be in effect for three years.  Projected data shows this trend will continue.

HIGH SCHOOL COOKS’ SALARIES TO BE ADJUSTED

 On a motion by Neill and seconded by Wood, the high school cooks’ salaries will be adjusted to 7½ hours per day because of the requirements for adding the breakfast program.  This will start for the 2007-2008 school year.  Roll call vote:  Paben, yes; Phelps, yes; Ramsey, yes; Rosendale, yes; Wood, yes; Bruenger, yes; and Neill, yes.  7 yes; 0 no.  Motion carried.

BOWEN STORM DRAINS

A discussion was held regarding the storm drains that will be installed in Bowen starting this summer.  Jeff Conte of Klingner and Associates PC had met with Superintendent Owen to discuss the possibility of ways for the school to tie into the system.  At this time the plans are not conducive for this.

STUDENT MANAGEMENT  INFORMATION SYSTEM UPGRADE APPROVED

Principal Akers led a discussion regarding an upgrade to the student management information system.  The current provider, Software Technology Incorporated (STI), is offering a web-based student information system, Information NOW.  This system would allow teachers to input data directly to their building office as well as a parent component.  Principal Akers was asked to look into a wide area network for the district.

A motion was made by Neill and seconded by Paben to purchase the STI Information NOW.  Roll call vote:  Phelps, yes; Ramsey, yes; Rosendale, yes; Wood, yes; Bruenger, yes; Neill, yes; and Paben, yes.  7 yes; 0 no.  Motion carried.

FIRST READING OF POLICY  - ACCEPTABLE USE  OF DISTRICT TECHNOLOGY SYSTEM BY EMPLOYEES

Principal Akers attended a workshop regarding district technology use by employees.  Discussion was held on the first reading of an Acceptable Use of District Technology System by Employees Policy.

ELEMENTARY STAFF QUESTIONNAIRE

Principal Akers presented a staff questionnaire she had prepared.  Verbal agreement was given to proceed with the survey requiring all staff to complete it.

JUNIOR HIGH

Principal Roskamp reported:

·        Recognition of the history class students attending the meeting

·        Recognized Instructors Melissa Ferguson and Renee Kiah and music students for accomplishments at the Music Solo/Ensemble Contest

·        Recognized the Science Fair winners and Sponsor Sara Ramsey

·        Laptop grant and wireless update – Consultant from the ISBE has observed the progress and was pleased

·        Summer use of the gymnasium at Bowen – schedule being prepared

·        Planned School Improvement Day activities on April 20

·        Four teachers have visited Mendon and Quincy Schools observing literacy blocks

·        Community Survey draft she has prepared – approval was given to distribute

·        Invited board members to “On the Radio” musical program to be presented April 13^th

HIGH SCHOOL

Principal Fox reported:

·        Softball co-op with Central

·        Baseball co-op with Central – discussed start-up costs involved

·        Recognized Regional Science Fair winners and Sponsor Carolyn Phillips

·        Athletic Banquet

·        Need to renew IHSA membership at no cost 

·        Renewal of two-year football co-op agreement with Camp-Point Central

·        Breakfast program for 2007-2008

IHSA MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL

On a motion by Ramsey and seconded by Bruenger, the Board approved the IHSA membership.  Roll call vote:  Ramsey, yes; Rosendale, yes; Wood, yes; Bruenger, yes; Neill, yes; Paben, yes; and Phelps, yes.  7 yes; 0 no.  Motion carried.

FOOTBALL CO-OP AGREEMENT

A motion was made by Phelps and seconded by Ramsey to renew the football co-op agreement with Camp Point-Central. This is a two-year commitment.   Roll call vote:  Rosendale, yes; Wood, yes; Bruenger, yes; Neill, yes; Paben, yes; Phelps, yes; and Ramsey, yes.  7 yes; 0 no.  Motion carried.

BASEBALL CO-OP EXPENSES

On a motion by Bruenger and seconded by Neill, the Board moved for the district to cover the baseball co-op start-up expenses.  Roll call vote:  Wood, yes, Bruenger, yes; Neill, yes; Paben, yes; Phelps, yes;  Ramsey, yes; and Rosendale, yes.  7 yes; 0 no.  Motion carried.

8^th GRADE AMERICAN HISTORY CLASS VISITORS

President Paben complimented the students in attendance on their good behavior. 

DISTRICT

Superintendent Owen reported:

·        Comparison of electric/gas bills at the old high school building and the new portables – members were pleased with utility costs considering the cold temperatures and the increase in rates

·        Guidance in comparing operational costs at the Plymouth vs. Bowen buildings

·        Financial update from the Capital Development Board

·        Insurance company’s obligations  for fire

2007-2008 SCHOOL CALENDAR

The Board approved the 2007-2008 school calendar as presented by Superintendent Owen on a motion by Rosendale and seconded by Paben.  Roll call vote:  Bruenger, yes; Neill, yes; Paben, yes; Phelps, yes;

Ramsey, yes; Rosendale, yes; and Wood, yes.  7 yes; 0 no.  Motion carried.

HIGH SCHOOL BLEACHERS

Following a lengthy discussion, a motion was made by Wood and seconded by Rosendale, to approve Base Bid 1 from Carroll Seating Company for installation of bleachers at the high school.  Roll call vote:  Neill, yes; Paben, yes; Phelps, yes Ramsey, yes; Rosendale, yes; Wood, yes; and Bruenger, no.  6 yes; 1 no.  Motion carried.

IESA MEMBERSHIP RENEWED

On a motion by Rosendale and seconded by Paben, the Board approved the IESA membership renewal.  Roll call vote:  Paben, yes; Phelps, yes; Ramsey, yes; Rosendale, yes; Wood, yes; Bruenger, yes; and Neill, yes.  7 yes; 0 no.  Motion carried.

ASSISTANT TREASURER’S BOND

Superintendent Owen discussed the cost of an assistant treasurer’s bond for himself.  Approval was given to  pay the $695 fee.

IEPA FEE

Superintendent Owen discussed the IEPA fee of $500 for water run-off/erosion control  at the high school building site.

ASBESTOS ABATEMENT AT HIGH SCHOOL

Discussion was held regarding the asbestos abatement at the high school. Superintendent Owen was directed to contact Klingner and Associates PC regarding this issue.

JUNIOR HIGH PARKING LOT

Core samples of the parking lot surfaces at the junior high have been taken and Superintendent Owen was directed to follow up.

EXECUTIVE SESSION

On a motion by Rosendale and seconded by Wood, the Board entered executive session at 10:07 p.m. for the purpose of considering information regarding the appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance or dismissal of specific employees of the public body, student discipline matters relating to individual students, collective negotiating matters or deliberations concerning salary schedules.  Roll call vote:  Phelps, yes; Ramsey, yes; Rosendale, yes; Wood, yes; Bruenger, yes; Neill, yes; and Paben, yes.  7 yes; 0 no.  Motion carried.

OPEN SESSION

The Board returned to open session at 11:00 p.m. on a motion by Rosendale and seconded by Wood.  Roll call vote:  Ramsey, yes; Rosendale, yes; Wood, yes; Bruenger, yes; Neill, yes; Paben, yes; and Phelps, yes.  7 yes; 0 no.  Motion carried.

HIGH SCHOOL DEAN OF STUDENTS/

DISTRICT ATHLETIC DIRECTOR

On a motion by Bruenger and seconded by Ramsey, the Board offered a contract to Cyle Rigg as High School Dean of Students/District Athletic Director.  Roll call vote:  Rosendale, yes; Wood, yes; Bruenger, yes; Neill, yes; Paben, yes; Phelps, yes; and Ramsey, yes.  7 yes; 0 no.  Motion carried.

EXTRA-CURRICULAR ASSIGNMENTS

On a motion by Neill and seconded by Phelps, the Board approved the extra-curricular assignments as listed (See listing below).  Roll call vote:  Wood, yes, Bruenger, yes; Neill, yes; Paben, yes; Phelps, yes; Ramsey, yes; and Rosendale, yes.  7 yes; 0 no. Motion carried.

ADJOURNMENT

On a motion by Neill and seconded by Wood, the meeting was adjourned at 11:06 p.m.  Roll call vote:  Bruenger, yes; Neill, yes; Paben, yes; Phelps, yes; Ramsey, yes; Rosendale, yes; and Wood, yes.   Motion carried.