Central Community High School District #71

7740 Old U.S. 50, Breese, IL  62230

 

BOARD OF EDUCATION

REGULAR MEETING

Monday, November 19, 2007  7:30 PM

 

 

AGENDA

 

 

1.0       Call to Order

 

2.0              Roll Call

 

3.0              Approval of Agenda

 

4.0              Approval of Minutes

 

5.0              Routine Business

5.1              Financial Report

5.2              Payment of Bills

5.3              Recognition of Visitors / Public Comment

5.4              Communications / Correspondence

5.5              Information

 

6.0              Old Business

6.1              Approve Policy Revision and Procedure on Facility Usage

6.2              Building Committee Report/Update

6.3              Authorize Purchase of School Van

 

7.0              New Business

7.1              Preliminary 2006 Tax Levy / Set Truth in Taxation Hearing

7.2              Approve PAWS Activity and Purchase of Marquee

7.3              Approve Retirement Request

7.4              Employ Assistant Director of the Musical

7.5              Employ Volunteer Basketball Coach

7.6       a.  Accept Resignation of Basketball Cheerleading Coach

7.6       b.  Approve Reassignment of Cheerleading Coach

 

8.0              Principal’s Report

 

9.0       Executive Session

 

9.0              Adjournment

 

 

The regular meeting of the Board of Education of Central Community High School was held on November 19, 2007 at 7:30 P.M. in the boardroom.

 

Members present were Mary Lou Voss, Dave Wellen, Mike Strieker, Mike Nettemeier, Tina Winkeler and Tim Richter presided.   Absent from the meeting was Rick Taphorn.  Visitors included Cindy Spencer (IEA representative), John Bagby (ESL Aide), Jackie Koerkenmeier and Kelly Ross. 

 

Revisions to the agenda were made by Mr. Meyer.  The revisions included the additional requests for retirement in 7.   The agenda was reviewed and approved on a motion by Tina Winkeler, second by Mike Nettemeier.  Roll call vote:  Aye – Mike Strieker, Tim Richter, Tina Winkeler, Mary Loss Voss, Dave Wellen and Mike Nettemeier.  Nay – None

 

The minutes of the previous meeting were reviewed and approved on a motion by Tina Winkeler, second by Tim Richter.  Roll call vote: Aye – Mike Strieker, Tim Richter, Tina Winkeler, Mary Loss Voss, Dave Wellen and Mike Nettemeier.  Nay – None

 

The financial report was reviewed and accepted on a motion by Dave Wellen, second by Mike Nettemeier.  Roll call vote: Aye – Mike Strieker, Tim Richter, Tina Winkeler, Mary Loss Voss, Dave Wellen and Mike Nettemeier.  Nay – None

 

SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT:

 

Mr. Meyer received several letters/correspondence regarding many events at Central.  Keri Garret, Regional Superintendent of Schools, sent a congratulatory letter to the School, Volleyball team and the Cross Country team  on their recent appearance at the State competitions.  She also sent a letter to Ms. Voytas and the Band on their awards at the recent Centralia Parade.

 

We still have outstanding student/textbook fees.  The first letter to attempt to collect this money was sent out.  The second letter will be mailed after Christmas.  Since the Seniors can’t participate in Graduation Ceremonies if they still have outstanding bills with the school, more seniors have paid this year than the freshman, sophomores or juniors.  Judy Markus will continue working to reduce the outstanding bills.

 

The dishwasher in the kitchen has been under some extensive and costly repair.  The booster heater needed repair, which was completed by R&B Plumbing/Strieker Electric.  The cost for this was ~$4000.00.

 

The “Silver Cougars” reception will be held on Thursday, December 13th at 10:00 A.M.  This is an informal gathering of retired board members, administrators, teachers and staff members of Central High School.  The cost of admission is the same as in years past: one canned food item for the Food Drive.  This is usually well attended with plenty of conversation. 

 

Mr. Meyer has signed an agreement with American Red Cross to serve as an Evacuation Center and Shelter.  They have provided Central with (2) Emergency Safety kits.  More kits will be provided in the future for each room. 

 

Two plaques have been displayed at the entrance to the front of the school.  Clinton County Relay for Life was recognized as recipients of Nationwide Top Ten Per Capita Award for 2006 and 2007.  It is a great achievement for the surrounding communities.      

 

Mr. Meyer reminded the Board that the Social Studies department will be in attendance at the December Board meeting to present their recommendations and seek approval on their curricular changes and new course offerings for 2008-09 school year.   

 

Drivers Education will be holding a 4-hour Rules of the Road class on December 1st.  This will allow those students with a May12 – September 30 birthday to obtain a driving permit under the “old rule” of a 3-month waiting period vs. the new rule of a 9-month waiting period effective January 1, 2008.  Students still have to take the class during the spring semesters.  The fee for taking this 4-hour class on December 1st is $35.00 to cover cost of the teacher, any administrative expenses and any mailings associated with the class.  Mr. Meyer explained that in order to keep up with the new rule, we may need to offer a summer Drivers Education class.  Also, Mr. Jones commented that in talking with the Department of Motor Vehicles in Centralia, they would be willing to come out to Central to give the eye tests, which would save both the facility and the parents/students some time.  They have decided to do this on December 11th.

 

Mrs. Cindy Spencer presented information regarding the library evaluation she is required to do for the Per Capita Grants.  The grant is $425.00.  Linking for Learning is a resource she used to evaluate the library.  Mrs. Spencer’s evaluation concluded that the library’s strong point is our information access.  Circulation has not gone down as indicated.  Central is ranked #3 as far as circulation with the Public Library System.  We borrow more books than we loan.  “AskAwayIllinois” is a statewide initiative to provide service to our students 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for a fee of $25/year.  As a school, we do not have to provide personnel to resource this service. 

 

Mr. Meyer recommended some changes to our Facility Usage agreement.  The changes include charging a base custodial rate of $10/hour for usage of our facility when an organization uses our facility and no custodians are on duty.  This will cover the overtime a custodian will have to work as well as fulfilling the requirement for having a certified AED/CPR at the facility – all custodians are AED/CPR trained.  Other suggestions recommended at the last board meeting were incorporated into the policy.  Those included “being responsible for any damages incurred” and “following the guidelines of the school”.   A motion to approve the policy revision and procedure on facility usage was made by Mike Nettemeier, second by Dave Wellen.  Roll call vote: Aye – Mike Strieker, Tim Richter, Tina Winkeler, Mary Loss Voss, Dave Wellen and Mike Nettemeier.  Nay – None

 

The Building Committee met on November 8th to review and prioritize our Ten-Year Life Safety Survey items and discuss potential renovations or maintenance projects for the summer of 2008.  Looking at the current funding, the committee focused on the Life Safety projects that were not yet completed.  The gym floor project is put on hold for now.  One of the top projects on the Life Safety list is a new Fire Alarm System.  The next meeting is scheduled for December 5th.  The committee will bring their proposals to the next Board Meeting.

 

Mr. Meyer received 2 bids for a new van.  The specs for the new van were met with both bids, although both did not bid vinyl seats.  Breese Motors’ bid came in at $13,725 (including a trade-in of $10,075).  Upgrades not included in that price were tow mirrors, keyless entry, brake controller and title/license.  Jansen Chevrolet’s bid came in at $10,906 (including a trade-in of $10,000).  Upgrades not included in that price were tow mirrors, brake controller and title/license.   A  motion to approve the purchase of a van from Jansen Chevrolet for $10,906 plus upgrades of towing mirrors, brake controller and license/title was made by Dave Wellen, second by Dave Wellen.  Roll call vote: Aye – Mike Strieker, Tim Richter, Tina Winkeler, Mary Loss Voss, Dave Wellen and Mike Nettemeier.  Nay – None

 

Becky Boeschen, Art Kampwerth and Mr. Meyer have worked together to develop a preliminary tax levy for the Board’s review.  The 2007 Tax Levy is for the funding to be collected in 2008.   The purpose is to maximize the levy to benefit the school.  We currently depend heavily on our levy funds.  A levy is a request for tax dollars, not an increase in tax %.  Last year, it was believed we had left funds out there to be received.  Becky and Art talked to Linda Mensing and it turns out that we didn’t actually leave funds “out on the table”.  EAV came in at $211,000,000 instead of $218,000,000 because of  Board of Reviews.  We actually came close to getting all the funds we requested.  In talking with Linda Mensing in regards to this year’s EAV, Linda said a 10% increase of EAV over last year would be low.  A 12% increase would be very conservative.  Other feeder schools are proposing a 15–20% increase.  Neighboring districts are proposing a 14-18% increase.  Most of the rates are set and/or maximized out.  The IMRF, FICA and TORT funds can only be levied for the funds we actually need.  Becky and Art put together the worksheet that is reviewed every year.  It proposes 3 options.  Levy A (option 1) proposes a 12.57% increase.   Mr. Meyer stated that this proposal would more than likely leave money “on the table”.  Levy B (option 2) proposes a 15.51% increase.  Mr. Meyer said that this increase may come up a little short, leaving some money on the table.  Levy C (option 3) proposes a 18.25%.  Mr. Meyer doesn’t think that EAV will increase 18.25%, but this will ensure us to get the money we requested without leaving any funds “on the table”.  Mr. Meyer reminded everyone that if the levy doesn’t increase as much as we think, we only will get what is available.  However, if we levy a smaller % and there ends up being more money available, we only receive what we ask for, not what is available.  Also noted was that it is a Quadrennial Year and all real estate will be re-evaluated this year.  A motion to set a Truth and Taxation Hearing on December 17 at 7:15 P.M. to take action on a proposed levy of 18.25% was made by Tina Winkeler, second by Mike Strieker.  Roll call vote: Aye – Mike Strieker, Tim Richter, Tina Winkeler, Mary Loss Voss, Dave Wellen and Mike Nettemeier.  Nay – None

 

The PAW Organization has planned an Auction/Dance similar to the one held several years ago for the primary purpose of raising funds to purchase a new marquee for the front of the school grounds.  Mr. Meyer has been talking to NEVCO and anticipates the cost of the marquee to be around $28,000.  The marquee will have a 12X3 display with a 12X3 illuminated display.  We would no longer have to “travel” outside to update the marquee; all updating can be done via computer/software.  PAWS is hopeful to match profit from the prior event.  The date for the Auction is set for March 1st, 2007 at the American Legion Hall in Albers.   A motion to approve PAWS to purchase a marquee with profit made from their Auction was made by Tim Richter, second by Dave Wellen.   Roll call vote: Aye – Mike Strieker, Tim Richter, Tina Winkeler, Mary Loss Voss, Dave Wellen and Mike Nettemeier.  Nay – None

 

Mr. Meyer has received 3 retirement requests over the past several weeks.  Mrs. Sarah Bender requested a retirement date at the end of the 2008-09 school year.  Mrs. Chris Greenberg requested a retirement date at the end of the 2009-10 school year.  Mr. Stan Eagleson requested a retirement date at the end of the 2010-11 school year.  Formal approval of all retirements will allow Mrs. Bender, Mrs. Greenberg and Mr. Eagleson to take advantage of the salary enhancement and severance package in the Collective Bargaining Agreement.  A motion to accept the resignation of Mrs. Sarah Bender in 2008-09, Mrs. Chris Greenberg in 2009-10 and Mr. Stan Eagleson in 2010-11 was made by Dave Wellen, second by Tina Winkeler.  Roll call vote: Aye – Mike Strieker, Tim Richter, Tina Winkeler, Mary Loss Voss, Dave Wellen and Mike Nettemeier.  Nay – None.

 

With the resignation last month of the extra duty assignment of Assistant Director of the Musical, we advertised the position among our current staff.  Mrs. Katie Florczyk applied for the assignment.  Mrs. Florczyk teaches the drama classes at Central and also helped out with the Musical last year.  A motion to employ Mrs. Katie Florczyk as the Assistant Musical Director was made by Mike Strieker, second by Tim Richter.  Roll call vote: Aye – Mike Strieker, Tim Richter, Tina Winkeler, Mary Loss Voss, Dave Wellen and Mike Nettemeier.  Nay – None

 

Donny Petterson has approached Mr. Eagleson in regards to helping out the Boys Basketball coaching staff.  He would serve as a volunteer coach for our Boys Basketball program.  Donny was a prior team member on the Cougar Boys Basketball team and would like to gain some experience in the coaching field.  As is the case with any volunteer, Mr. Meyer feels that it is appropriate for the Board of Education to take formal action to “employ” the volunteer.  A motion to employ Donny Petterson as a volunteer Boys Basketball coach was made by Dave Wellen, second by Mike Nettemeier.  Roll call vote: Aye – Mike Strieker, Tim Richter, Tina Winkeler, Mary Loss Voss, Dave Wellen and Mike Nettemeier.  Nay – None  

 

PRINCIPAL’S REPORT:

 

Central held its first Open House on Tuesday, October 23rd.  Several parents picked up their child’s report card that night.  Chris Shumard, who handed out the report cards that night, reported that about 60% of the total report cards were picked up that night.  The remaining 40% were mailed the following day. 

 

On Friday, October 26th, Central’s teachers’ institute involved a representative from the Curriculum Mapper Inc.  The teachers worked on data entry most of the day.  The representative was around to answer any questions throughout the day.  The day ended with the teachers gathering together again to ask any questions before dismissal.  Teachers are using the entire school year to enter curriculum data from all their classes.       

 

The Marching Cougars earned 3 awards at the Centralia Halloween parade on October 27th.  Central placed 1st in overall band performance, Drum Line and Flag Corps.  Congrats to Vicki and her crew, as well as all of the volunteer help.   

 

The Fall Athletic Banquet was held on Tuesday, November 6th at the American Legion Hall in Albers.  Mr. Warnecke once again organized this event.  There were 385 dinners served in a timely manner.   

 

The Volleyball team finished 1st  place in the IHSA State Tournament held November 9th & 10th at Illinois State University.  This is the 3rd year in a row that the volleyball team has appeared at the State Tournament.  Congrats to Coach Cook and his team.  The team was honored during the Veteran’s Day Parade in Bartelso on November 11th.

 

Also, the Central student body earned a Sportsmanship Banner again for the good sportsmanship that was displayed during the tournament.       

 

Central will not hold its Winter Assembly on Tuesday, November 20th.  This will be held the following week.

 

The board entered into closed session at 9:15 p.m. to discuss a personnel matter, a extra-curricular issue and a student disciplinary issue on a motion by Tina Winkeler, second by Dave Wellen.  Roll call vote: Aye – Mike Strieker, Tim Richter, Tina Winkeler, Mary Loss Voss, Dave Wellen and Mike Nettemeier.  Nay – None  

 

The board returned to open session at 10.55 p.m. on a motion by Dave Wellen, second by Tina Winkeler.  Roll call vote: Aye – Mike Strieker, Tim Richter, Tina Winkeler, Mary Loss Voss, Dave Wellen and Mike Nettemeier.  Nay – None  

 

A motion to accept the resignation of Shannon Ripperda as Basketball Cheerleading Coach was made by Mike Strieker, second by Dave Wellen.  Roll call vote: Aye – Mike Strieker, Tim Richter, Tina Winkeler, Mary Loss Voss, Dave Wellen and Mike Nettemeier.  Nay – None  

 

A motion to re-assign Beth Loddeke to Basketball Cheerleading Coach was made by Tim Richter, second by Dave Wellen.  Roll call vote: Aye – Mike Strieker, Tim Richter, Tina Winkeler, Mary Loss Voss, Dave Wellen and Mike Nettemeier.  Nay – None  

 

 

The board adjourned at 11:05. on a motion by Mike Strieker, second by Dave Wellen.  Roll call vote: Aye – Mike Strieker, Tim Richter, Tina Winkeler, Mary Loss Voss, Dave Wellen and Mike Nettemeier.  Nay – None  

 

Mary Lou Voss                     Mike Strieker                          

Board President                                    Board Secretary