BOARD OF EDUCATION REGULAR MEETING OCTOBER 16, 2013 ROLL CALL AND RECOGNITION OF GUESTS-- RECOGNITION OF RETIREE G. Dennis-- The Board of Education of North Greene Unit District No. 3, Greene and Scott Counties, Illinois, met in regular session on Wednesday, October 16, 2013, at 7:00 p.m. in the Administrative Education Center-Board Room, White Hall. Those answering roll call were: President Jeff Clanton, Members Brad Bell, Jeff Haskell, Kevin Nichols, and Joe Schnelten. Member Daniel Woodlock was absent and Member Jerry Reno entered later during the meeting. Superintendent Les Stevens, Secretary Barbara Neece, Bookkeeper Tiffany Mumford, Principals Keppen Clanton and Mark Scott, Maintenance Director Dale Coffman, and Transportation Supervisor David Beck were also in attendance. The Board of Education presented Glenda Dennis with a plaque of appreciation for her 35 years of service to the district and its students in recognition of her retirement as a former 6 th Grade Science and currently Junior High Physical Education teacher on August 30, 2013. Member Reno entered the meeting at 7:30 p.m. CONSENT ITEMS: A motion was made by Mr. Reno, seconded by Mr. Nichols, to MINUTES; approve the following consent agenda items: Minutes of the regular meeting of September 18, 2013; PAYMENT OF BILLS; Payment of bills for the month as listed; FINANCIAL REPORTS; Treasurer s Report and Update for the month of September; PRINCIPAL REPORTS; Principal Reports regarding upcoming events and recent activities; BUILDING & GROUNDS Building and Grounds Report and the Transportation Report for & TRANSPORTATION the month of September as presented; REPORT; APPROVAL Fundraisers for the High School Science Club to sell Yankee Candles OF FUNDRAISERS; November 1-14 to earn funds for a field trip and Halloween Carnival supplies in order to purchase trees for the campus, the High School Volleyball team to host a dinner on October 27 at Cookies Restaurant to earn funds for uniforms, and the Junior High P.E. classes selling candy during SIP Days to pay for equipment and skating rentals; reviewed and TEXTBOOK LISTS; approved textbook lists for 2013-14; acknowledged donation of t-shirts for the Volley for the Cure activity at the high school from Reflections Salon & Spa of Jacksonville. During the Treasurer s Report it was mentioned that the second installment of property taxes had been received. Principal Reports 1
highlights included the Illinois Department of Health being called by the Principal to request a building assessment which was to take place sometime during the last two weeks of October as a result of a grandparent concern that a grandchild had reported mold in a room at the elementary building; the junior high softball team won the Regional and Sectional championships and qualified for the State playoffs; banners have been installed along Main Street in White Hall in front of the school identifying the high school and junior high; SIP committees, booster groups, Crisis Plan committee, Common Core Curriculum committees have held planning meetings; and ISAT recognition breakfasts, PSAT testing for juniors, practice ACT tests, High School Homecoming and parent-teacher conferences have all taken place. The Board reminded that the parent s group was to be billed for the cost of the junior high girls softball program for the year. During the Buildings and Grounds Report, Maintenance Director Dale Coffman reported that there were still issues with the Roodhouse water hardness quality. He stated that the company that is providing the dishwasher water treatment chemical is willing to let the district try a softener on a trial basis at no charge but the district would be responsible for payment of the chemicals. Transportation Supervisor Beck reported that the two buses involved in recent accidents were in the process of being repaired. Insurance is covering the costs with reciprocation from the other driver s insurance carriers to be expected. SUPERINTENDENT REPORT-- Superintendent Stevens reported on the following items: 1. A request for a meeting of the Budget and Levy committee to establish the estimated amounts necessary to be levied for the 2013 Tax Levy year was set for November 19, at 4:30 p.m.; 2. Fall Housing enrollment numbers were reviewed, noting that with an overall total of 951, enrollment is approximately 9 less than the previous year ; 3. Reported on attendance at a IASA Vision 20/20 committee meeting regarding development of a Vision for the Future of Education in Illinois; 4. Attendance at the IASA Fall Conference October 9-11 where a program was presented regarding comparison of education in 1983 versus today, student growth connected to principal evaluations, stress and wellness in relation to the job of superintendent, and PERA training; Presented information of spending the Title VI grant funds for FY 14 in the amount of $17,827 and remainder of FY13 funds for lease/purchase of computers, $6,760, for supplies such as a DVD of 2
the IASA Fall Conference program presenter Jamie Vollmer s A Nation at Risk for staff development use, $4,180 for Activboards/short-throw projectors and Common Core State Standards curricular materials, $450 for Parent Involvement supplies, and $10,000 yet to be determined after input from administration and faculty; 5. Discussed purchase of bus cameras from Tort Funds, if allowable, for an estimated amount of $4,594.90; 6. Presented information on a proposal for purchase of a Smartphone application called Crisis Go that would provide the district s emergency response plan to all district staff and would integrate with the SIS program to provide staff with class rosters, building maps, evacuation routes, designated shelter areas and fire extinguisher and AED locations for a cost of $3,000 for the first year and annual renewal cost of $1,000 with payment made from Tort Funds; 7. Reminded members of the IASB Fall Dinner meeting to be held at Hamilton s Restaurant in Jacksonville on October 24, with a legislative forum to be the program; USE OF FACILITIES-- A motion was made by Mr. Reno, seconded by Mr. Nichols, to approve a request for a Men s Basketball League to use the Jr.-Sr. High School 1957 gym on Sundays from November 24-February 16 pending receipt of certificate of insurance and AED certificate. A motion was made by Mr. Haskell, seconded by Mr. Reno, to approve a local Girl Scout Troop led by Nancy Robinson to use the North Greene Elementary Cafeteria for meetings on alternating Thursdays, from October 17 through the end of the school year, with waiver of fees, pending receipt of certificate of insurance. Haskell, yea A motion was made by Mr. Reno, seconded by Mr. Haskell, to approve the use of the Jr.-Sr. High Commons by representatives of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources for a Hunter s Safety Education Program to be held on November 1, from 6:00-9:00 p.m. and November 2, 3
from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., with all fees waived, pending receipt of insurance. Schnelten, yea Haskell, yea A motion was made by Mr. Haskell, seconded by Mr. Reno, to approve the use of the Jr.-Sr. High Commons for a Gas Safety meeting on November 4 from 6:00-9:00 p.m., with waiver of fees, pending receipt of insurance. Haskell, yea DISTRICT REPORT The results of the District Report Cards for school year 2012-13 CARD-- were reviewed and discussion was held regarding the new format for reporting making the outcome seem lower than reality though progress is being realized. The new report format has not yet been released but will be published when available. Following review, a motion was made by Mr. Reno, seconded by Mr. Schnelten, to approve the posting of the District Report Cards for 2012-13 on the District s website. Nichols, yea POLICY REVISIONS- RESIGNATION-- Due to the absence of Member Woodlock, the second reading and action for adoption of Board Policy revisions was tabled to the next regular meeting in November. A motion was made by Mr. Reno, seconded by Mr. Nichols, to accept the irrevocable resignation due to retirement of High School Art Teacher Callie Sellars, effective the end of the 2015-16 school year and payment of retirement bonus of $10,000 following the last two years of service, per the Professional Negotiations Agreement. 4
DESIGNATION OF DELEGATE TO IASB CONFERENCE-- DISTRICT IMPROVE- MENT PLAN-- CYBER/IDENTITY CRIME LIABILITY INSURANCE-- Member Nichols will represent the Board as Delegate at the Joint Annual Conference in Chicago, November 22, 23, 24, to vote on submitted resolutions presented during the annual Delegate Assembly. Discussion on updates and revisions to the District Improvement Plan was tabled to a future meeting. Due to increased incidences of cyber and identity theft crimes, a recommendation from the district s insurance agent as well as various educational and financial organizations for carrying cyber/identity theft liability insurance was discussed. A quote for $1,000,000 coverage was provided by The Horton Group through Risk Specialists Companies (AIG) with a premium of $2,538.00. A motion was made by Mr. Reno, seconded by Mr. Clanton, to approve the recommendation for purchasing cyber/identity theft coverage and pay the premium of $2,538.00 with limits of $1,000,000 for a term of 12 months. Nichols, yea Schnelten, nay Haskell, nay Motion carried 4-yea; 2-nay; 1-absent. ADMINISTRATOR/ TEACHER SALARY REPORT FY13-- The Administrator/Teacher Salary and Benefits Report for FY13 was presented for review and approval of submission to the Illinois State Board of Education and posting on the district s website as required. Following review, a motion was made by Mr. Reno, seconded by Mr. Nichols, to approve the Fiscal Year 2013 Administrator/Teacher Salary and Benefits Report for submission and posting as presented. 5
DISCUSSION OF BUS Superintendent Stevens and Transportation Supervisor David Beck REPLACEMENTS/LEASE-presented a list of the present bus fleet and a proposed schedule for upgrade and replacement of buses for review and discussion. It was proposed to replace Bus #10, a 1999, 65-passenger district-owned unit by trading it in or selling out-right and use the funds saved from turning leased Bus #5 back in and enter into a new lease agreement. Further information will be provided at the November regular meeting for continued discussion in addition to discussion for purchase of cameras for the buses. DRIVER ED. CAR-- Discussion and questioning was also held concerning the continuation of rental of a second driver s education vehicle and whether two vehicles were necessary. High School Principal Clanton reported that the second vehicle would be beneficial during the second and fourth quarters when students have completed their classroom portion of driver education and more students would need to be driving. It was suggested that if the second vehicle is not currently necessary, that it be turned in rather than pay a lease payment when the car is sitting, especially during the summer months. The administration will look into the current need and cost for maintaining a second vehicle. CLOSED SESSION- A motion was made by Mr. Reno, seconded by Mr. Haskell, to go to 9:10 P.M.-- closed session at 9:10 p.m. to discuss Closed Session minutes for approval, per 5 ILCS 120/2 (c)(21); The appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific employees of the District including hearing testimony on a complaint lodged against an employee to determine its validity, as per 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(1); and Litigation, when an action against, affecting or on behalf of the particular District has been filed and is pending before a court or administrative tribunal, or when the District finds that an action is probable or imminent, in which case the basis for the finding shall be recorded and entered into the closed meeting minutes, per 5 ILCS120/2(c). Schnelten, yea Haskell, yea RECONVENE-10:04 P.M.- A motion was made by Mr. Bell, seconded by Mr. Reno, to return to open session at 10:04 p.m. 6
ACTION/REPORT CLOSED SESSION MINUTES-- Haskell, yea Review was held of the September 18, 2013, previous meeting closed session minutes during closed session and a motion was made by Mr. Haskell, seconded by Mr. Reno, to approve the minutes as presented. Haskell, yea ADJOURN-10:08 P.M.-- With no further business to come before the Board, President Clanton adjourned the meeting at 10:08 p.m. Jeff Clanton, President Barbara Neece, Secretary 7