Board of Education: Minutes
October Board Minutes
by JAMES HERMES
December 21, 2009
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
October 21, 2009 - 7:00 p.m.
The Spring Valley C.C.S.D. #99 Board of Education met on Wednesday, October 21, 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, Melanie Malooley Thompson, Greg Case, and Trisha Bogatitus
Board of Education Member Jim Faletti arrived at 7:06 p.m.
Board of Education Members Absent: Jack Kusek and Jim Scarpaci
Also Present: James M. Hermes, Kimberly Lisanby-Barber, Gina Herrmann, and Cynthia Vallero
2. Pledge of Allegiance
A moment of silence was held in memory of Mrs. Sandy Zeglis, a 31 year employee of Spring Valley C.C.S.D. #99, who passed away on October 18, 2009. Superintendent Hermes stated that Mrs. Zeglis will be greatly missed by the students and staff of the district.
3. Public Hearing for the February 12, 2009 Holiday Attendance Waiver:
A public hearing meeting was held in order for the district to have February 12, 2009 as a school improvement day. Students will be dismissed at 11:30 on that day.
4. Approval of Regular Meeting Agenda:
MOTION by Thompson and seconded by Bogatitus that the Board of Education Approve the Regular Meeting Agenda.
Roll Call: Thompson, Bogatitus, Case, and Nolasco voted aye. No nays. Motion carried.
5. Introduction/Recognition of Special Guests:
Mrs. Herrmann and Mrs. Barber introduced Rachel Gross, Mike Wallace, and Jodi Pattermann, new teachers in the district. Also introduced was Caitlyn Corwin, 7th and 8th grade science student teacher.
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6. Public Comment, Correspondence, and Announcements:
None at this time.
7. Consent Agenda:
a. Approval of September 23, 2009 Regular Meeting Minutes
b. Approval of September 23, 2009 Closed Session Minutes
c. Approval of the Financial Report
d. Approval of the Treasurer’s Report
e. Approval of the District Bills
f. Approval of Imprest Fund Expenditures
g. Approval of Activity Fund Expenditures
MOTION by Case and seconded by Bogatitus that the Board of Education Approve the Consent Agenda.
Roll Call: Case, Bogatitus, Thompson, Faletti, and Nolasco voted aye. No nays. Motion carried.
8. Discussion Only Items:
a. FY09 Independent Audit and Financial Report Presentation:
Duane Lockus, C.P.A. from Roenfeldt & Lockus, P.C. presented the audit report for Spring Valley C.C.S.D. #99 conducted for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2009. He stated that the district complied in all material respects with the requirements for the year ended June 30, 2009. Mr. Lockus reviewed the statement of assets and liabilities arising from cash transactions pointing out the capital projects balance of $5,100,000 the district borrowed to construct an addition of John F. Kennedy School. He explained that because of this debt the district received the financial rating of “review”.
b. Technology Report:
Luke Tomsha, Technology Director, was present and briefed the Board of Education on various projects. Apple training is being scheduled for teachers; he and the administration met with the new Apple salesman and are working on ideas for future plans; the students and teachers have been very involved in technology, using the lab a lot; and, he is working with teachers to introduce new ideas for the classroom.
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c. Facilities Update:
Superintendent Hermes stated that a committee has been formed consisting of Board of Education members, parents, teachers, and administration for the design of the new building. A meeting will be held on November 12th with Bill VanDusen, district architect, to discuss ideas. He also informed the Board of Education that Mr. VanDusen informed him that McClure Engineering will be doing the survey of the property. Mr. Hermes also stated that it might be time to discontinue the contract the district has with the Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Parochetti to farm the property to the north of John F. Kennedy School. Mr. Hermes explained that waiting to break the contract should construction begin in the Spring might be more costly to the district. It was the consensus of the Board of Education that the Mr. and Mrs. Parochetti should be notified that the district will be ending their contract for renting the property.
d. School Report Card:
The administration reviewed the School Report Card pointing out the comparisons between district and state in teachers’ salaries and teaching experience as well as financial expenditures and revenues. Also compared were the percentage of students meeting or exceeding the Illinois learning Standards where the district students scored above the state average. However, the district’s poverty level and classroom sizes exceeded the state average. Superintendent Hermes also pointed out that the district’s instructional expenditure per pupil and operating expenditure per pupil is quite below the state average, ranking Spring Valley C.C.S.D. #99 373 out of 378 districts in the State of Illinois.
e. Levy Update:
Superintendent Hermes stated that he is beginning to work on the levy and will try to maintain the current tax rate.
f. First Reading on Policy Updates:
Superintendent Hermes presented the Board of Education with a list of policy updates for their review. Action will take place at the next regular meeting.
9. Administrative Reports:
a. Lincoln School Principal’s Report:
Mrs. Barber reported on the current enrollment of 252 students and a high poverty level of 61%. She also informed the Board of Education on building repair concerns as well as upcoming dates of importance. The curriculum committee met and discussed new standards and homework issues. She also stated that the SIP, tech, and curriculum committees will now be combined into one committee. Mrs. Barber also distributed information regarding the 2009 Legislative Session Overview which provided information
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regarding bills supported by the alliance that are now law, alliance amendments to bills,, bills opposed by the alliance that did not pass, insurance mandates and income tax credits opposed by the alliance, and alliance organizations appointed to task forces. She also invited the Board of Education to stay after the meeting when she will demonstrate how to access and review the legislative updates on the computer. Mrs. Barber also stated that the H1N1 flu shots will be given on October 29th to Lincoln School students with permission slips being sent home to parents and guardians.
b. John F. Kennedy School Principal’s Report:
Mrs. Herrmann reported on the current enrollment of 528 students and discipline action.
She also informed the Board of Education that letters will be sent home to parents and guardians of students who are failing a particular subject. She explained that this is providing intervention in order to help students succeed. Other items she discussed were: the assignment of aids to grade levels in order to help with RtI during downtime with the use of flash cards, maintaining student focus, and monitoring their progress; reading night will be held on October 29th; parent/teacher conferences will be held on November 5th and 6th; and H1N1 flue shots will be given to students on November 2nd, with permission slips being sent home to parents and guardians.
c. Superintendent’s Report:
Superintendent Hermes stated that the Spring Valley C.C.S.D. #99 school attorney, Jim Bartley, has volunteered to present an update on the FOIA to the Board of Education at their convenience and that the administration and Board of Education have been invited to attend the Hall Vision meeting they will be holding. He also stated that he had a conversation with Walt Baltikauski regarding snow removal for the 09-10 school year. Mr. Baltikauski asked if the Board of Education would be willing to approve a one year extension to last year’s contract with all fees remaining the same.
11. Action Items:
a. Accept FY09 Audit Report as Presented:
MOTION by Thompson and seconded by Bogatitus that the Board of Education Accept the FY09 Audit Report as Presented.
Roll Call: Thompson, Bogatitus, Faletti, Case, and Nolasco voted aye. No nays. Motion carried.
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b. Authorize Superintendent to Seek Snow Removal Bids for 2009-2010 School Year:
MOTION by Thompson and seconded by Faletti that the Board of Education Agree to a One Year Extension of the Current Snow Removal Contract with Baltikauski Snow Removal.
Roll Call: Thompson, Faletti, Case, Bogatitus, and Nolasco voted aye. No nays. Motion carried.
c. Approval February 12, 2009 Attendance Waiver:
MOTION by Thompson and seconded by Case that the Board of Education Approve the February 12, 2009 Attendance Waiver.
Roll Call: Thompson, Case, Faletti, Bogatitus, and Nolasco voted aye. No nays. Motion carried.
12. Executive Session:
None at this meeting.
13. Possible Action After Closed Session:
None
14. Adjournment: Time: 8:05 p.m.
MOTION by Thompson and seconded by Faletti that the October 21, 2009 Board of Education Meeting Be Adjourned.
Roll Call: Thompson, Faletti, Case, Bogatitus, and Nolasco voted aye. No nays. Motion carried.
ATTEST:
_________________________
Raymond Nolasco, President
_________________________
John A. Kusek, Secretary
November 18, 2009
