Central Community High School District #71

7740 Old U.S. 50, Breese, IL  62230

 

BOARD OF EDUCATION

REGULAR MEETING

Monday, September 17, 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 07-08 Budget

6.2              Summer 07 Life Safety Project Update

6.3              Purchase of New Tractor

6.4              Sale of Equipment (Tractor, Truck, Lawnmower)

 

7.0              New Business

7.1              Request to Install Concrete Pads (PAWS)

7.2              Request to Install Grass Baseball Infield (PAWS)

7.3              Approve Application for Recognition of Schools

7.4              Employ Assistant Softball Coach

7.5              Employ Assistant Baseball Coach

7.6              ESL Teacher Aide Update

7.7              Expansion of Tech Support Services

7.8              Review of School Report Card

 

8.0              Principal’s Report

 

9.0       Executive Session

 

10.0     Adjournment

 

 

The regular meeting of the Board of Education of Central Community High School was held on September 17, 2007 at 7:30 P.M. in the boardroom.

 

Members present were Mike Strieker, Mary Lou Voss, Dave Wellen, Rick Taphorn, Mike Nettemeier, Tina Winkeler and Tim Richter presided.   Visitors included Dale Holtmann (J. W. Boyle representative), Kevin Crask, Dennis Holtmann (PAWS representative) and Kelly Ross. 

 

The Budget Hearing was called to order at 7:15 p.m.   There were no visitors.  The hearing was closed at 7:30 p.m. on a motion by Dave Wellen, second by Tina Winkeler.   Roll call vote:  Aye – Mike Strieker, Rick Taphorn, Tim Richter, Tina Winkeler, Mary Loss Voss, Dave Wellen and Mike Nettemeier.  Nay – None

 

A revision to the agenda was made by Mr. Meyer.  The revision included the addition of New Business 7.8 Review of School Report card.  The agenda was reviewed and approved on a motion by Rick Taphorn, second by Tim Richter.  Roll call vote:  Aye – Mike Strieker, Rick Taphorn, 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 Mike Nettemeier, second by Mike Strieker.  Roll call vote: Aye – Mike Strieker, Rick Taphorn, 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 Mike Nettemeier, second by Tina Winkeler.  Roll call vote: Aye – Mike Strieker, Rick Taphorn, Tim Richter, Tina Winkeler, Mary Loss Voss, Dave Wellen and Mike Nettemeier.  Nay – None

 

SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT:

 

Mr. Meyer introduced Dale Holtmann, who is a representative from J.W. Boyle & Co. Ltd.  Mr. Holtmann reported on the annual audit and financial statements.

 

A copy of the letter that was on the Cougar website regarding the new Driver Education legislation was distributed to the BOE.  The students who are turning 16 this year fall into a situation where they may not obtain their license when they turn 16.  The administration and guidance personnel are looking into the possible options in the future for the future drivers.  The possible options include: (1) increase of classroom sections – however our current available personnel or available classrooms may prohibit this; (2) summer program (this would cut down on our summer driving hours we offer to students and increase our expense for our Driver Education instructors).  We will need to try to “catch up”, but don’t know the effective way to do that yet. 

 

Mr. Meyer also distributed a letter that was posted on the Cougar website regarding communication between teachers and parents.  The method of communication encouraged is via email and/or phone communication.  Mr. Meyer has received several positive responses on this current method, which confirms this method is working for Central.  An on-line grading program is not recommended because of the lack of personal communication between parent and teacher.  Mr. Jones and Mr. Meyer will continue to encourage this communication method as well as encouraging teachers to reply quickly and efficiently to any parent inquiries.

 

A report on the textbook and activity fees was handed out.  Currently, we have $32,379.00 in outstanding fees and have collected $54,027.00 in fees.  Comparing to last year at this time, the % of outstanding fees in regards to the number of total students, has not changed.   Judy Markus is preparing the first collection letter to go out to the students with outstanding fees.  This letter will remind the seniors that they will not be able to participate in the Graduation Ceremony if their fees have not been paid.  It will also remind all students of the option of e-pay.  

 

The Fall Governing Board Meeting for the Kaskaskia Special Education District was held on Tuesday, September 4.  Mrs. Voss and Mr. Meyer attended the dinner and meeting.  A new law was discussed regarding the number of students one Special Education teacher can have in class.  As of January 1, 2009, the number will be based on a sliding scale.  Central should not be affected by this.  Also, a discussion was held on how students will be identified in their IEP.  It will not be solely based on diagnostic testing, but rather a combination of testing. 

 

The Illinois Association of School Boards (IASB) will be holding their Semi-Annual Conference on Thursday, October 25th at Germantown Elementary School.  Several members expressed interest in the conference and will be attending.   

 

Mr. Meyer distributed a list of staff members who will be evaluated by Mr. Meyer and Mr. Jones during the school year.  There are 2 teachers who are in their fourth year of service at Central and will be eligible for tenure at the end of 2007-08.  Mr. Meyer will evaluate Mr. Jones, as well as the office staff and Maintenance.  All evaluations will be completed by March. 

 

An annual review of our Crisis Management Plan and safety drills was held on Tuesday, September 11 with the Crisis Management Team and Mrs. Voss, who represents the BOE.  A “Code Red” and  “Code Yellow” drill will be conducted over the next few weeks, as well as a Fire Drill and Emergency Storm Drill (in March).

 

Fisher Tracks, Inc. of Boone, Iowa will be replacing our long-jump runway surface the first week of October.  They will be in the area for another project.  We have removed the previous surface for their arrival and they will put down a new synthetic surface.

 

Formal verification has been received regarding the Rural Education Achievement Program (REAP) grant fro the U.S. Department of Education.  The amount to be received this year has increased to $28,988.00 (last year we received $26,650.00).  We are planning to use this grant in our Technology fund as we have in the past, which is an automatic approved expenditure for this type of grant.

 

Continual talk and research regarding a creation of a school foundations or organization is still in the works.  In talking with Brian Braun, Central’s school attorney, although a “Foundation” may sound good, it is very costly to create and maintain.  Per. Mr. Braun, a Board Committed can achieve the same results as a “Foundation” without the costs.  Mr. Braun also recommended a 7-9 person committee with 2-3 Board Members included. 

 

There has not been a need to make revisions to the 2007-08 Budget since last month’s presentation.  We have prepared the budget with very conservative revenues and liberal expenditures.  Storm damage expenses, which could range from $150,000 to $175,000, will be treated as an “in” and “out” of an expense in the budget.  Storm damage included the HVAC unit above the main gym, Varsity baseball field fence, which has been repaired by Grassroots, down spouts that were blown off /damaged, west side damage to both storage building, football water system and damage to the insulation of the duct work in the main gym.    A motion to approve the 2007-08 Fiscal Year Budget was made by Dave Wellen, second by Rick Taphorn.  Roll call vote: Aye – Mike Strieker, Rick Taphorn, Tim Richter, Tina Winkeler, Mary Loss Voss, Dave Wellen and Mike Nettemeier.  Nay – None

 

Mevert Professional Associates, Inc. (M.P.A) has sent their final bill of $27,241.02.  Overall, the summer project was a success with minimal issues.    A motion to approve the final payment to Johannes Construction for $27,241.02 was made by Mike Nettemeier, second by Dave Wellen.  Roll call vote: Aye – Mike Strieker, Rick Taphorn, Tim Richter, Tina Winkeler, Mary Loss Voss, Dave Wellen and Mike Nettemeier.  Nay – None

 

Many local businesses submitted bids for the purchase of a new tractor.  All submitted bids met or exceeded specifications.  Sievers Equipment Co. from Hamel, Illinois submitted a bid for a Case IH DX40 for $27,496.00.  With an alternate bid of $1,470.00 and no trade-in allowance, their final bid was $28,966.00.  Reichman Bros from Breese, Illinois submitted a bid for a John Deer #3520 for $25,600.00.  With an alternate bid of $1200.00 and a trade-in allowance of $6,000.00, their bid was $20,800.00.  N.C. Pries Implement from Hoyleton, Illinois submitted a bid for a Case IH DX40 for $27,808.00.  With an alternate bid of $2,647.00 and no trade-in allowance, their bid was $30,455.00.  A&W Equipment from St. Rose, Illinois submitted a bid for a New Holland TC40DA for $27,250.00.  With an alternate bid of $3,550.00 and a trade-in allowance of $2,800.00, their bid was $28,000.00.  Jansen Farm Equipment from Carlyle, Illinois submitted a bid for an AGCO ST 41A for $29,800.00.  With an alternate bid of $2,100.00 and a trade-in allowance of $6,000.00, their bid was $25,900.00.  Jansen Farm Equipment also submitted a bid for a Massey Ferguson 1540 for $29,800.00.  With an alternate bid of $2,100.00 and a trade-in allowance of $6,000.00, their bid was $25,900.00.  Vandalia Tractor Sales from Vandalia, Illinois submitted a bid for a New Holland TC40DA for $26,770.00.  With an alternate bid of $2,725.00 and an $8,000 trade-in allowance, their bid was $21,495.00.  Mr. Meyer recommended the purchase of the John Deer #3520 from Riechman Bros.  A motion to purchase the John Deer #3520 with the R4 industrial turf tires for $20,800.00, which includes a trade-in allowance of $6,000.00 for our existing Case tractor was made by Tim Richter, second by Dave Wellen.  Roll call vote: Aye – Mike Strieker, Rick Taphorn, Tim Richter, Tina Winkeler, Mary Loss Voss, Dave Wellen and Mike Nettemeier.  Nay – None

 

Several bids were received for the sale of our Ford Truck, Snapper lawnmower and Case tractor.  Since the highest bid for the Case tractor was $3,699.00 and we are able to utilize a trade-in allowance of $6,000.00, the Case tractor will be used as trade-in for the purchase of a new tractor and all bids for the Case tractor can be rejected.  The highest bid for the Snapper lawnmower was submitted by Don Rakers of Aviston, Illinois for $505.00.  The highest bid for the 1990 Ford truck was submitted by Michael Eversgerd of Germantown, Illinois for $551.00.  A motion to reject the sale of the 1974 Case tractor and accept the highest bids for the Snapper lawnmower and the 1990 Ford truck was made by Rick Taphorn, second by Tina Winkeler.   Roll call vote: Aye – Mike Strieker, Rick Taphorn, Tim Richter, Tina Winkeler, Mary Loss Voss, Dave Wellen and Mike Nettemeier.  Nay – None

 

Dennis Holtmann (representative of the PAWS Organization) discussed PAWS’ interest in installing permanent bleachers for the Softball fields and JV Baseball fields.  This would eliminate the need to mow the grass or spray the weeds underneath the current temporary bleachers.  It would also keep the fans drier during the wet spring.  If Central would provide the concrete, PAWS would donate the labor and material to complete this project.  A motion to approve the installation of permanent bleachers for the softball and JV baseball fields, with PAWS donating the labor and materials and Central paying for the concrete was made by Tim Richter, second by Rick Taphorn.  Roll call vote: Aye – Mike Strieker, Rick Taphorn, Tim Richter, Tina Winkeler, Mary Loss Voss, Dave Wellen and Mike Nettemeier.  Nay – None

 

The PAWS Organization has also been working with Coach Kevin Crask in the proposal of installing a grass infield on our Varsity baseball field.    Coach Crask discussed the need for the grass infield.  Currently there is only one other school in our conference besides Central that does not have a grass infield.  This comes to a disadvantage to our baseball team.  At the present time, our baseball teams practice on a dirt infield.  However, when traveling to play at other schools, they play on grass infields, which is drastically different as far as the play of a ball and how a ball moves on land.  Currently IHSA will not allow a school without a grass infield to host any post-season play.   On the other hand, when teams who have a home grass infield travel to play at Central, they are at a disadvantage as they are not used to playing on a dirt infield.   And currently we have one of the best dirt infields around as it is able to take in quite a bit of water on probable rain-out days.  In talking with Ryan Heimann of Grassroots, a state of the art grass infield can be installed for under $13,000.  And the outside service to maintain the infield would be the same as maintaining the football and soccer fields.  PAWS is willing to provide the financial and physical support to make this happen.  PAWS would like to fully pay for the installation of a grass infield and maintenance for the grass infield.  The future maintenance was addressed as a concern.  Commitment for the maintenance of the grass infield will be on yearly basis for PAWS.  A motion to allow PAWS to install a grass infield on the Varsity baseball field with a yearly commitment from PAWS on maintenance of the field was made by Mike Strieker, second by Rick Taphorn.   Roll call vote: Aye – Mike Strieker, Rick Taphorn, Tim Richter, Tina Winkeler, Mary Loss Voss, Dave Wellen and Mike Nettemeier.  Nay – None

 

A motion to approve the application for Recognition of Schools to be filed with the Illinois State Board of Education for 2007-08 was made by Tina Winkeler, second by Tim Richter.  Roll call vote: Aye – Mike Strieker, Rick Taphorn, Tim Richter, Tina Winkeler, Mary Loss Voss, Dave Wellen and Mike Nettemeier.  Nay – None

 

A motion to employ Mrs. Elizabeth Jack as Assistant Softball coach was made by Rick Taphorn, second by Mike Strieker.  Roll call vote: Aye – Mike Strieker, Rick Taphorn, Tim Richter, Tina Winkeler, Mary Loss Voss, Dave Wellen and Mike Nettemeier.  Nay – None.  Mrs. Jack brings her experience to the team as she was a very active athlete/softball player at Columbia High School. 

 

A motion to employ Mr. Nathan Rueter as Assistant Baseball coach was made by Tim Richter, second by Mike Nettemeier.  Roll call vote: Aye – Mike Strieker, Rick Taphorn, Tim Richter, Tina Winkeler, Mary Loss Voss, Dave Wellen and Mike Nettemeier.  Nay – None.  Mr. Rueter has been a volunteer coach for the baseball team for the past 3 years.  His experience includes playing time at the high school and college level. 

 

There have been some unfortunate actions taken with our ESL Teacher Aide.  Through many frustrating phone calls and emails to the Illinois Department of labor and Illinois Department of Employment Securities, Mr. Meyer has found out that we can’t legally employ the Foreign National unless she has a working visa.  In order to obtain a working visa, the employee must be permanent and full time.  And at this time, Central can’t commit to a permanent position for the ESL Teacher Aide.  Mr. Brian Braun, Central’s school attorney, suggested to terminate her services with the school.  Her last day was Friday, September 14 and was paid in full for her purchased services.  We have advertised again and will hopefully find someone to help our ESL students. 

 

Mr. Meyer discussed the need for more assistance in the area of Technology support at Central.  The increase of equipment over the years has increased the technological support that is needed to maintain all of this equipment.  Mrs. Wiegmann and Mr. Garrett have done a tremendous job with supporting our Technology area.  However with the technology growing each year, it is difficult to keep up with any issues, problems, maintenance, installation, etc of the equipment.  Mrs. Wiegmann and Mr. Garrett have 3 periods each day that is dedicated to Technology.  Those 3 periods however are not necessarily 3 concurrent periods.  Also, it could not be worked out with the master schedule to where Mr. Garrett and Mrs. Wiegmann could split out the day with technology (morning vs. afternoon).  In talking with Mrs. Wiegmann and Mr. Garrett, Mr. Meyer concluded that the “trouble-shooting” is what takes up most of their time.  Neither of them have the time to “trouble-shoot” a problem for more than 1 hour as they have to normally get to a class.  Mr. Meyer presented 4 options to the board to help with this issue.  The first option would to leave everything currently as it is now.  This would not help the technology department grow as it should and would not solve any problems.  The second option would be to expand Mrs. Becky Boeschen’s hours an additional 8 hours each week.  This would provide Mrs. Wiegmann and Mr. Garrett additional help throughout the day.  In talking with Mrs. Wiegmann and Mr. Garret, they are aware of Mrs. Boeschen’s abilities and experience in the technology area.  Mrs. Boeschen would be able to block out a long period of time to make the service calls (that can last up to 3-4 hours).  Mrs. Boeschen also would be available any part of the day to help with minor problems that pull Mrs. Wiegmann and Mr. Garrett away from their classrooms.  This would also allow for Mrs. Wiegmann and Mr. Garrett time to “teach” our teachers new software programs and how they work, which has been lacking in the past.  The cost to expand Mrs. Boeschen’s hours would be $8,600.00.  Option #3 would be to expand the duties of Mrs. Wiegmann or Mr. Garrett.  Neither of them are willing to leave the classroom.  And the cost to hire a part-time teacher with benefits would be ~$18,000.  Also, it would be difficult to keep a part-time teacher on staff as they would naturally be attentive to taking a full-time position if offered elsewhere.  The fourth option would be to use contractual services.  This would be the most costly option.  At the minimum, the rate for a consultant is $50-$75/ hour.  And there would not be a tech person on campus, as they would only send the consultant out when it’s convenient for them.  The consultant/teacher relationship has proven to be strained.  Very seldom can a consultant explain in a “teacher’s language” the answer to a problem.  A discussion was had about a full-time tech position.  This would cost the school district much more than any of the options presented by Mr. Meyer.  Mr. Meyer recommended option 2, to expand Mrs. Boeschen’s hours 8 additional hours each week.  A motion was made by Mike Strieker to increase Ms. Becky Boeschen’s hours an additional 8 hours/week for technology assistance, second by Rick Taphorn.  Roll call vote: Aye – Mike Strieker, Rick Taphorn, Tim Richter, Tina Winkeler and Mike Nettemeier.  Abstain – Mary Lou Voss.  Nay – Dave Wellen. 

 

The School Report Card was received just prior to the meeting.  Included in the report card were demographics, the percentage of low income students, attendance rate, parental contact percentage, student to staff ratio, pupil to administration ratio, average class size, teacher information, expenditure by function, total tax rate, ACT assessment, graduation rate, overall performance and percentage of students not tested.

 

 

 

PRINCIPAL’S REPORT:

 

The Big Brother Big Sister program has found several matches within the elementary schools with our interested students.  The great interest from Central for this program provides positive feedback on the students here at Central.   Mr. Meyer thanks those participating students. 

 

Our Curriculum Mapper program is up and running.  A training session was presented to the School Improvement Team on August 31st.  They will pass on the training within their department to use the program formally on October 5th.  After the training session, Mr. Jones believed that the comfort level for this program has increased.   

 

An all-school assembly was held on Friday, August 24th, introducing  all fall sports teams and football cheerleaders to their peers. 

 

Fall sports pictures were taken on Wednesday, September 12th.  Thanks to Mrs. Prange and Barb Bailey for organizing the day.  Also, thanks to the teachers for their patience and understanding in regards to the use of the public address system all day.   

 

 

The board adjourned at 10:35 p.m. on a motion by Dave Wellen, second by Mike Strieker.  Roll call vote: Aye – Mike Strieker, Rick Taphorn, Tim Richter, Tina Winkeler, Mary Loss Voss, Dave Wellen and Mike Nettemeier.  Nay – None

 

Mary Lou Voss                     Mike Strieker 

Board President                                    Board Secretary