RECORD OF MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION

MORRISON COMMUNITY UNIT DISTRICT #6

December 20, 2005

 

The regular meeting of the Board of Education of Morrison Community Unit District #6, County of Whiteside, State of Illinois, was duly called and held at 6:30 P.M. in the Morrison High School Media Center in said district on December 20, 2005.

 

On roll call, the following were present: Dave Boyles, Kent Forth, Kevin Schlueter, Ellen Smith, Steve Swanstrom and Sally Gray.  Board member Joy Tegeler was absent.  Also present were Superintendent Jody Ware, Junior High School Principal Darryl Hogue, Elementary Principal Steve Wroble, Recording Secretary Wendy Krajnovich, Dr. Mark Woods, Liz Woods, Becky West, Kevin Schisler, Roger Kallenbach, Carol Kallenbach, Bruce Zaagman, and one media representative.

 

President Sally Gray called for any changes or corrections to the minutes of the last four Board meetings and one closed session.  Hearing none, she called for a motion to approve the minutes of the four previous meetings and the  closed session.

 

Motion: Boyles; Second: Schlueter; To approve the minutes for the regular meeting of November 15, 2005,  the special meeting of November 17, 2005, the special meeting of November 29, 2005, the special meeting of December 13, 2005, and the closed session minutes of November 15, 2005.  Ayes – 6; Nays – none; motion carried.

 

TRUTH IN TAXATION HEARING

At 6:35 P.M., Board President Sally Gray opened the Truth in Taxation Hearing.  Dr. Ware presented the 2005 tax levy.  There have been no changes since she presented it to the Board in November.  She said she anticipates receiving $30,000 less than was received this year.  There were no comments from the Board or the public.   President Gray closed the hearing at 6:40 P.M.

 

COMMUNICATIONS/PUBLIC COMMENTS

Superintendent’s Report

Dr. Ware introduced Dr. Mark Woods and Nurse Practitioner Becky West who presented a check to the extracurricular fund from sports physicals.  She then introduced Kevin Schisler who presented the second check for this school year from the Athletic Boosters.  He spoke to the group about how proud he was that the Boosters had been able to buy equipment for the weight room last year, and felt its use had made a difference in the performance of the Morrison sports teams so far this year.   

 

Next Dr. Ware introduced Roger and Carol Kallenbach who told about their trip to Slidell, LA with the donated desks and other school equipment for St. Tammany Junior High School.  Their talk was accompanied by a picture slide show showing the devastation in that area.  Certificates of appreciation were given to the Kallenbachs, and to Bruce Zaagman, who provided the tractor for the trip.

 

BUILDING ADMINISTRATION

Junior High Principal Darryl Hogue reported that their new computer lab is up and running, and is in almost constant use.  The boys’ basketball program is underway.  Art instructor Ned Nesti recently took a group to Chicago for an art field trip.  Mr. Hogue, teacher Kaye Obalil, and thirteen students will be going to Sauk for character training.  The band and chorus groups have performed recently.

 

Elementary Principal Steve Wroble reported that Kindergarten and first grade presented Christmas programs on December 8th.  The fifth grade band concert was last Friday, and he noted that the students had come a long way since the beginning of the year.  The fourth grade recorder musical group has done several performances recently, including last week’s madrigal dinners.  Northside students decorated trees in the lobby at Wells Fargo Bank.

 

Dr. Ware read the report from high school principal Janet Ward who was absent.  She reported how proud she was that Morrison High School has twelve state scholars.  Registration for next fall has already begun with guidance counselor Patrice Johannsen.  The Key Club had 181 service hours for November.   Student Council sponsored a Giving Tree with 76 name tags for gifts for children.  Key Club took 51 tags and the rest were taken by students and

 

RECORD OF MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION

MORRISON COMMUNITY UNIT DISTRICT #6

December 20, 2005

 

teachers.  The recent Madrigal dinners put everyone in a festive mood.  Wrestling and swimming are underway.  Quiz Bowl has a 14-3 record.  High school will be having student teachers during the second semester.

 

Public Comments

There were no public comments.

 

Board Comments

There were no comments from Board members.

 

INFORMATIONAL REPORTS

Financial Report

The financial report as of November 30, 2005, was reviewed.

 

Treasurer’s Report

The treasurer’s report of November 30, 2005, was reviewed.

 

Financial Comparisons

The financial comparisons document for FY04, FY05, and FY06 was reviewed.

 

Parent/Teacher Conferences

Dr. Ware gave a report on Parent/Teacher conferences which were held on November 3rd & 4th.  New this year was a half release day for teachers to prepare for conferences.  A total of 1,076 conferences were held.

 

Board of Education Conference Review

Board members were asked to give a report on highlights of sessions attended at the recent annual Board convention held in Chicago. 

 

Kevin Schlueter reported he had attended four sessions: one on school finance; one on district cooperation by several small districts who chose to cooperate instead of consolidate; one presented by districts one year after consolidation; and one on IHSA sports.

 

Sally Gray reported on sessions with the topics of strategic planning and Roberts Rules of Order.  She also attended a session on software.

 

Dave Boyles attended the delegate convention, saying he was interested in the different issues presented by districts.

 

Multi-District Institute

On Friday, February 17, 2006, Morrison Schools will again be hosting the Multi-District Institute with 565 teachers expected to attend.  The keynote speaker will be Dorothy Espelage, PhD. from the University of Illinois speaking on “Bullying in American Schools”.  Attendees can select from numerous educational sessions throughout the day.

 

First Reading: Plan on a Page

The official draft of the 2005-2009 Plan on a Page was presented.  This document was created throughout the strategic planning sessions held in November with the Board members, staff, and community members.  This will be adopted at the January 10, 2006, meeting.

 

First Reading: Policies

The Policy Committee met and revised some policies to reflect changes in new school laws.  Changes include Board meeting changes, school safety regarding sex offenders, employee applicant investigations and physicals, instructional changes, graduation requirements, student residence, and dental exams and diabetes screenings for students.

 

 

RECORD OF MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION

MORRISON COMMUNITY UNIT DISTRICT #6

December 20, 2005

 

Natural Gas Update

Board member Steve Swanstrom is guiding the district through the purchase of natural gas that can be placed in storage.  He keeps in contact with our utility consultant and gave a report on where our district stands at this time.

 

Activity Bus

Dr. Ware asked the Board to consider the request for bids for an activity bus to replace the district’s oldest van.  Since this bus could also be used for team transport, it would reduce the amount spent for van rental to travel to athletic meets.  The Board agreed and the notice will go out for bidders.

 

CONSENT AGENDA

Motion to approve routine items.

Motion: Smith; Second: Schlueter; To approve the consent agenda including 1) District bills as of December 20, 2005, 2) Ffinancial reports as of November 30, 2005, 3) Treasurer’s report as of November 30, 2005, 4) Financial comparisons FY04; FY05; FY06, 5) Personnel recommendations – Gilbert Lorenz as a substitute van driver, extended FMLA  for Wendy Connelly, and Todd Veltrop and Bill Popkin to share the position of Junior High 7th and 8th Boys Track Coach.  Ayes – Boyles,  Forth, Schlueter, Smith, Swanstrom, Gray; Nay – none, motion carried.

 

ACTION ITEMS

Adoption of 2005 Levy

Motion: Schlueter; Second: Boyles; to adopt the 2005 Levy as presented.  Ayes – Forth, Schlueter, Smith, Swanstrom, Boyles, Gray; Nay – none; motion carried.

 

Adoption of the 2005 Working Cash Levy

Motion: Boyles; Second: Swanstrom; To adopt the levy for working cash as presented.  Ayes – Schlueter, Smith, Swanstrom, Boyles, Forth, Gray; Nays – none; motion carried.

 

Early Graduation Request

Motion: Forth; Second: Smith; To accept the early graduation request for Morrison High School student Adam Fitzwater.  Ayes – 6; Nays – none; motion carried.

 

State Textbook Loan – Junior High Science

After a complete study, the administration and science teachers at Morrison Junior High School recommend that the district purchase the Holt Science and Technology: Short Course Series.  Cost of the series will be $22,126.  At this time the district is anticipating to receive approximately $14,010 from the State of Illinois through the State Textbook Loan program towards the purchase.

 

Motion: Boyles; Second: Schlueter; To adopt the Holt Science and Technology: Short Course Series.  Ayes – Swanstrom, Forth, Boyles, Smith, Schlueter, Gray; Nays – none; motion carried.

 

Gorenz & Associates Contract

Motion: Schlueter; Second: Boyles; To accept the engagement contract and conditions with Gorenz and Associates as our auditors for the FY06 audit.  Ayes – Schlueter, Smith, Swanstrom, Boyles, Forth, Gray; Nays – none; motion carried.

 

Release of Girls’ Basketball Jerseys

Athletic Director Gus Linke recommended the sale of two sets of old girls’ basketball uniforms.  New uniforms were purchased this season.  This strategy keeps the storage area of unused equipment and supplies to a minimum while benefiting the girls’ basketball teams and Morrison Athletic Boosters. 

 

Motion: Schlueter; Second: Forth; To approve the release of the unused girls’ basketball uniforms for sale.  Ayes – 6; Nays – none; motion carried.

 

RECORD OF MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION

MORRISON COMMUNITY UNIT DISTRICT #6

December 20, 2005

 

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Policy Committee

Dave Boyles reported that there is currently no backlog of policy changes.

 

Strategic Planning Committee

This was covered with the Plan on a Page item under Informational Reports.

 

Personnel/ Negotiations

No report was given.

 

Finance Committee

No report was given.

 

Facilities Committee

Kent Forth reported that a meeting was scheduled for January 5th with the architect to go over the required life/safety repairs.

 

Citizen’s Advisory Council

Ellen Smith reported that the meeting planned for December 19th will be rescheduled sometime in January.

 

Extra-curricular Committee

Dave Boyles reported that this committee will meet in January.

 

ADJOURNMENT

8:30 P.M.

Motion: Boyles; Second: Smith; to adjourn the meeting.  Ayes – 6: Nays – none.  Motion carried.

 

 

 

(President)

 

 

 


(Secretary)                                                                              Date Approved