December 2009 Minutes

Spring Valley C.C.S.D. #99
Regular Meeting of the Board of Education
John F. Kennedy School Library
800 North Richards Street, Spring Valley, IL 61362
Wednesday, December 16, 2009 - 7:00 p.m.

The Spring Valley C.C.S.D. #99 Board of Education met on Wednesday, December 16, 2009 at 7:00 p.m. in the John F. Kennedy School Library with President Raymond Nolasco presiding.

1. Roll Call:
Board of Education Members Present: Raymond Nolasco, Jack Kusek, Jim Faletti, and Trisha Bogatitus
Board of Education Member Jim Scarpaci arrived at 7:22 p.m.
Board of Education Members Absent: Melanie Malooley Thompson and Greg Case
Also Present: James M. Hermes, Kimberly Lisanby-Barber, Gina Herrmann, and Cynthia Vallero

2. Pledge of Allegiance

At this time a moment of silence was held in memory of James M. Coutts, Sr., father of Cynthia Vallero.  Superintendent Hermes commented that Mr. Coutts was a life long resident of Spring Valley who participated in the construction of John F. Keneney School and coached many of the youth of Spring Valley.

3. Approval of Regular Meeting Agenda:
MOTION by Faletti and seconded by Kusek that the Board of Education Approve the Regular Meeting Agenda.
Roll Call: Faletti, Kusek, Bogatitus, and Nolasco voted aye.  No nays.  Motion carried.

4. Introduction/Recognition of Special Guests:
Speech sponsors Mrs. Kathy Sarver Eldridge and Mr. Adam Oldaker were present and introduced Katie Destri, Brenna Faletti, Al Baldonado, and Alonzo Ceballos.  These studented received the Judges Choice Award at the State Speech Contest.  Each student was awarded a medallion and congratulated by members of the Board of Education.

5. Public Comment, Correspondence, and Announcements:
None at this time.

December 16, 2009 Board of Education Meeting Minutes Page 2

6. Consent Agenda:
a. Approval of November 18, 2009 Regular Meeting Minutes
b. Approval of November 18, 2009 Closed Session Minutes
c. Approval of the Financial Report
d. Approval of the Treasurer’s Report
e. Approval of District Bills
f. Approval of Imprest Fund Expenditures
g. Approval of Activity Fund Expenditures
MOTION by Bogatitus and seconded by Kusek that the Board of Education Approve the Consent Agenda.
Roll Call: Bogatitus, Kusek, Faletti, Scarpaci, and Nolasco voted aye.  No nays.  Motion carried.

7. Discussion Only Items:
a. Technology Report:
Mr. Tomsha’s technology report was reviewed and Mrs. Barber and Mrs. Herrmann reported on the technology plans for the district.  Mrs. Herrmann reviewed the current tech plan as well as that of CUSD #300 and remarked that it would be an excellent plan for Spring Valley District #99 to follow in the future. Mrs. Barber stated that she is currently in the process of applying for grants that will assist with funding for future computer purchases.

b. Facilities Update:
Superintendent Hermes stated that he has received information from the State Board of Education regarding the construction grant.  He was informed that they will begin updating the listing of schools based on two types of bonds - schools already started with construction and schools who have not started construction.   He was informed that Spring Valley C.C.S.D. #99 is in a good position to receive funding and should receive notice soon.  Superintendent Hermes informed the Board of Education that he is working with the Bill VanDusen, District Architect, to make sure that the paperwork is ready to go.  Mr. Hermes also stated that lights were replaced in the building at no cost to the  Illinois Clean Energy Grant received.   A walk-thru at Peru Parkside School will be conducted on January 6th by Mr. Hermes and District #99 board members to view the construction of their new facility.

c. 403b Plan:
Superintendent Hermes stated that his is currently in the middle of meeting with four different companies and reviewing their 403b Plans and overall costs.  He also informed the Board of Education that those staff members interested are excited about the process but that more information needs to be obtained in order to make sure the correct decision is made.  He will have recommendations to present at the January meeting of the Board of Education.

December 16, 2009 Board of Education Meeting Minutes Page 3

d. November 2009 IASB 1st Board Policy Manual Reading:
Superintendent Hermes requested that the information be reviewed for discussion at the January meeting.

e. IESA:
Discussion took place regarding participation in the IESA and the recommendations presented by athletic director Kellie Brandt and the various district coaches.  A breakdown of activities and schedules was reviewed with concerns being outlined.   The recommendation of the athletic director and coaching staff was to no longer continue with the IESA until there are enough facilities to accommodate all events.  However, the Board of Education decided to table the discussion and postpone any decision until more information can be obtained.   

f. Crisis Plan:
Mrs. Herrmann presented an updated Crisis Management Plan with emergency procedures and contingencies.  She stated that this plan will be reviewed with the staff so that they are fully aware should a situation arise.

8. Administrative Reports:
a. John F. Kennedy School Principal’s Report:
Mrs. Herrmann reported on attendance and student discipline.  She also reviewed the PBIS program and the policies that have been implemented.  She stated that the program is working out well with minimal problems.  Also discussed was the completion of grant work for the symphony math program; 2-5th grade reading textbook accounts established on-line by Mr. Crawley; the progress made on the tech plan and the technology use of district teachers.  Mrs. Herrmann reported that the tech committee would like to recommend that each student in the 6-8 grades have a laptop which would increase student motivation, interest, and self-directed learning.

b. Lincoln School Principal’s Report:
Mrs. Barber reported on student enrollment of 252 with a 61% poverty level.   She stated that the curriculum committee met and made recommendations for new textbooks.  The first would be K-5 science followed by 6-8 English and 6-8 reading.  Other areas of discussion  the State will be evaluating Lincoln School in January and Lincoln is currently preparing to pass the ECERS assessment that the state will be doing;  HB 508 which will change the age of student in Kindergarten; and new rules on how ethnicity and race are reported on federal and state reports.

December 16, 2009 Board of Education Meeting Minutes           Page 4    

c. Superintendent’s Report:
Superintendent Hermes reported on the TIFF meeting with the City of Spring Valley but that there was not much new in that area; the Red Cross would like to use the District’s facilities if needed due to an unexpected emergency; preparing a workload plan to send to the State; planning a union management meeting which will establish guidelines for staff recognition; and discussed the Race to the Top Initiative, a grant that would change the way teachers are evaluated.  He stated that there seems to be concern regarding this grant and that more discussion will be taking place regarding this matter.  He also stated that a workshop will be held on January 15th during the teacher institute by Ruby Payne, a national presenter on understanding poverty.  Mr. Hermes stated that this might provide an insight into how this relates to students and the understanding by staff members.

9. Action Items:
a. Presentation and Approval of the 2009 Tax Levy:
MOTION by Faletti and seconded by Bogatitus that the Board of Education Approve the 2009 Tax Levy as Presented.
Roll Call: Faletti, Bogatitus, Kusek, Scarpaci, and Nolasco voted aye.  No nays.  Motion carried.

b. Authorize the Superintendent to Seek Bus Bids:
MOTION by Bogatitus and seconded by Kusek that the Board of Education Authorize Superintendent Hermes to Seek Bus Bids.
Roll Call: Bogatitus, Kusek, Faletti, Scarpaci, and Nolasco voted aye.  No nays.  Motion carried.

10. Adjournment: Time: 8:30 p.m.
MOTION by Kusek and seconded by Scarpaci that the December 16, 2009 Board of Education Meeting Be Adjourned.
Roll Call: Kusek, Scarpaci, Faletti, Bogatitus, and Nolasco voted aye.  No nays.  Motion carried.

ATTEST:

_________________________
Raymond Nolasco, President

_________________________
John A. Kusek, Secretary

January 20, 2010