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

MORRISON COMMUNITY UNIT DISTRICT #6

June 20, 2006

 

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 5:00 P.M. at the Morrison Unit Superintendent’s Office in said district on June 20, 2006.

 

On roll call, the following were present: Steve Swanstrom, Dave Boyles, Kent Forth, Greg Houldson, and Sally Gray.  Joy Tegeler and Kevin Schlueter were absent. Also present were Superintendent Jody Ware and Recording Secretary Wendy Krajnovich.

 

President Sally Gray called for any changes or corrections to the minutes of the last regular Board meeting held on May 23, 2006.  Hearing none, she called for a motion to approve the minutes of the previous meeting.

 

Motion: Boyles; Second: Forth; To approve the minutes for the regular meeting of May 23, 2006.  Ayes – 5; Nays – none; motion carried.

 

5:15 P.M. CLOSED SESSION

Motion: Swanstrom; Second: Boyles; To enter into closed session for the purpose of reviewing minutes of the previous closed session and the appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of an employee.  Ayes: Swanstrom, Boyles, Forth, Houldson, Gray; Nays – none.  Motion carried.

 

**Note: In accordance with the Open Meetings Act, no final action can be taken in closed session.  If the Board’s closed session discussion results in an action to be taken, final action must be taken in open session preceded by a public recital of the nature of the matter being considered.

 

7:12 P.M. RETURN FROM CLOSED SESSION

Motion: Forth; Second: Boyles; to conclude the closed session and reconvene in open session.  Ayes – Swanstrom. Houldson, Forth, Boyles, Gray; Nays – none.  Motion carried.

 

Motion: Swanstrom; Second: Boyles; To approve the closed session minutes of May 23, 2006.  Ayes – Swanstrom, Boyles, Forth, Houldson, Gray; Nays – none.  Motion carried.

 

At this time also present were High School Principal Janet Ward, Junior High Principal Darryl Hogue, Elementary Principal Steve Wroble,  Arnie Vegter, Tim Duncan, Sammy Biggs, Aaron Gerlach, Austin Rickels, Randy Gerlach, Dianne Rosenow, and one media representative.

 

CONDUCT A PUBLIC HEARING CONCERNING THE AMENDED BUDGET 05-06

Board President Sally Gray declared the hearing open.  Dr. Jody Ware noted that the auditor will be here on July 17th.  There were no Board member comments.  There were no public comments.  President Gray declared the hearing closed at 7:15 P.M.

 

COMMUNICATIONS/PUBLIC COMMENTS

Superintendent’s Report

Dr. Jody Ware recognized members of the Boys’ Track Team who were present for their achievements and presented them with certificates from the Board of Education.  Arnie Vegter also presented awards and a check for $5,000.00 from the Morrison Boosters.

 

Building Administration

Elementary Principal Steve Wroble reported that the elementary teachers were receiving training on electronic gradebook to get grades online.  This will not be implemented until the 2007-2008 school year district wide, but some elementary teachers are already on board. 

 

 

 

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

MORRISON COMMUNITY UNIT DISTRICT #6

June 20, 2006

 

Junior High Principal Darryl Hogue reported he received good comments from the eighth grade graduation ceremony.  Teacher Ranae Rickels has received a grant from the Morrison Education Foundation to purchase outdoor lab tables.  New for next year will be Counselor Kay Obalil working with groups and doing other projects. 

 

High School Principal Janet Ward said there were sixteen students with perfect attendance and no tardies for the fourth quarter.  A survey of future plans of graduating seniors were: 31 plan to attend a four year college; 55 plan to attend a two year college; 5 plan to go directly to work; 4 will enter the military, and 7 are undecided.  The graduated senior class is buying a bench for the front of the high school as their class gift.

 

Public Comments

There were no public comments.

 

Board Comments

There were no comments from the Board.

 

INFORMATIONAL REPORTS

Financial Report as of May 31, 2006

The financial report was reviewed. 

 

Treasurer’s Report as of May 31, 2006

The treasurer’s report was reviewed.

 

Financial Comparisons: FY04, FY05, FY06

The financial comparisons report was reviewed.

 

District Financial Institution

As of late this spring, Metro Bank was purchased by THE National Bank.  They will continue to honor the contract and relationship that MCUD#6 has with Metro.

 

Standards and Poor’s School Report

In a recent press release, MCUD#6 is recognized for showing a significantly higher percentage of students that scored proficient or above on the state’s reading and math tests when compared to other school districts with similar levels of economically disadvantaged students.

 

National Center for Missing and Exploited Children

Dr. Ware reported she had attended the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children with Police Chief Ernie Huling.  Topics covered were: school safety, school-community policing partnerships, risk factors and protected factors of children, search and seizure procedures, FERPA liability, school liability during crisis, using Center resources, and strategic planning analyzing.  All expenses were paid by NCMEC using federal funds. 

 

05-06 Retentions

Possible retentions were reviewed by the Board in March.  Final retentions are: 1 Kindergartner (who moved); 3 first graders; 2 fifth graders; 1 sixth grader; 1 eighth grader (could be promoted if successfully completes summer school).

 

High School Cross Country Team

There continues to be interest from students in developing a cross-country team.  Projected expenses for creating a team were reviewed.  Dave Boyles said this will be discussed at the extracurricular meeting in July.

 

05-06 Teacher Feedback Status

Dr. Jody Ware reported that for the fourth year she has reviewed feedback from teachers to get information on what is working well and what isn’t.  Technology received high praise.  There are Block 8 concerns regarding planning time.  Class sizes, and student behavior and discipline are also areas of concern.

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

MORRISON COMMUNITY UNIT DISTRICT #6

June 20, 2006

 

PRIME Report

The Junior High PRIME program was created to assist students who were at risk of failing.  A report from Kaye Obalil for the 05-06 year statistics was very favorable.  The Board expressed interest in continuing the program for next year and it will be factored in the budget.

 

Preschool Screening Results

Amy Heusinkveld coordinated several preschool screening sessions to identify children who would benefit from the program and a written report of results was provided for the Board.  A Morrison Early Childhood Consortium has been formed with Morrison Schools and community preschool programs.  Brochures are available listing the 2007 screenings and other information.

 

CONSENT AGENDA

Motion: Boyles; Second: Forth; To approve the items on the consent agenda consisting of: District bills as of June 20, 2006;Ffinancial report as of May 31, 2006; Treasurer’s report as of May 31, 2006; Financial comparisons FY04, FY05, FY06; closed session disposal of tape: December 14, 2004; and personnel recommendations.  Ayes: Swanstrom, Houldson, Forth, Boyles, Gray; Nays – none.  Motion carried.

 

ACTION ITEMS

Prevailing Wage

Motion: Swanstrom; Second: Forth; To adopt the resolution ascertaining the prevailing rate of wages for workers employed on public works in Morrison Community Unit District #6.  Ayes: Forth, Houldson, Swanstrom, Boules, Gray; Nays – none.  Motion carried.

 

R.C. Smith/Scenic Stage Transportation Contract

Approval of the transportation contract with R.C. Smith/Scenic Stage for the 2006/2007 school year was tabled until the July Board of Education meeting due to some questions about fuel cost billing.  Motion carried.

 

Adopt Amended 2005-2006 Budget

Motion: Boyles; Second: Swanstrom; to adopt the amended 2005-2006 budget.  Ayes: Boyles, Swanstrom, Houldson, Forth, Gray; Nays – none.  Motion carried.

 

Risk Management Plan

A model risk management plan was submitted to the district attorney, and has been returned with significant changes.

Motion: Swanstrom; Second: Houldson; to approve the 2005-2006 Risk Management Plan as prepared by our district attorney.  Ayes: Houldson, Forth, Swanstrom, Boyles, Gray.  Nays – none.  Motion carried.

 

Bi-County Preschool Room Rental

Bi-County Special Education will be operating their preschool program from a classroom at Northside Elementary School.

Motion: Forth; Second: Boyles; To engage in a classroom space lease agreement with Bi-County Special Education for the 2006-2007 school year.  Ayes: Boyles, Houldson, Swanstrom, Forth, Gray.  Nays – none.  Motion carried.

 

Additional Contract Days – Director of Technology

Motion: Forth; Second: Boyles; to approve five additional days for the district Director of Technology at the daily rate of $229.49.  Ayes: Swanstrom, Houldson, Forth, Boyles, Gray.  Nays – none.  Motion carried.

 

Car Bids for District Car

Motion: Swanstrom; Second: Boyles; To accept the bid from Lindsay Harkness Chevrolet for a 2005 Chevrolet Impala at the cost of $17,537.33.  Ayes – Houldson, Swanstrom, Boyles, Forth, Gray.  Nays – none.  Motion carried.

 

 

 

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

MORRISON COMMUNITY UNIT DISTRICT #6

June 20, 2006

 

2006-2007 Property Insurance

Motion: Swanstrom; Second: Forth; To accept the 2006-2007 Property Insurance coverage from Selective Insurance at the rate of $48,139.00.  Ayes – Houldson, Boyles, Forth, Swanstrom, Gray.  Nays – none.  Motion carried.

 

06-07 Salaries

Motion: Houldson; Second: Swanstrom; To approve the 2006-2007 salary increases for the Educational Support Personnel and for district administration: Janet Ward - $72,467.20, Darryl Hogue - $63,000.00, and Steve Wroble - $67,078.96.  Ayes: Boyles, Swanstrom, Houldson, Forth, Gray.  Nays – none.  Motion carried.

 

06-07 Salary for the District Superintendent

Motion: Boyles; Second: Forth; To approve the 2006-2007 salary increase for the Superintendent of Schools to $107,250.00.  Ayes: Houldson, Boyles, Forth, Swanstrom, Gray.  Nays – none.

 

High School Homeroom for Seniors

In May a proposal was made by High School Principal Janet Ward to move the homeroom period to the end of the school day, and to release the senior students 25 minutes early, waiving the requirement for them to attend homeroom to alleviate overcrowding and the shortage of supervision.

Motion: Swanstrom; Second: Boyles; To pilot the high school homeroom proposal for seniors for the 2006-2007 school year.  Ayes: 5, Nays – none.  Motion carried unanimously.

 

Worker’s Compensation Self-Insurance Trust

Motion: Forth; Second: Houldson; To continue to participate in the Worker’s Compensation Self-Insurance Trust IASB Sponsored Board Legal Liability Program for the 2006-2007 school year at the rate of $51,885.00.  Ayes: boyles, Houldson, Swanstrom, Forth, Gray. Nays – none.  Motion carried.

 

N.I.A. Executive Board Election

Motion: Boyles; Second: Swanstrom; To vote for Mike Noble and Drew Hoffman to represent our district on the Northwestern Illinois Association (NIA) Executive Board.  Ayes: 5; Nays – none.  Motion carried unanimously.

 

Acceptance of Milk/Bread Bid

Motion: Swanstrom; Second: Forth; To accept the bid proposal from Interstate Brands (Wonder Bread) and Swiss Valley Farm Company for the 2006-2007 school year.  Ayes: Houldson, Swanstrom, Boyles, Forth, Gray.  Nays – none.  Motion carried.

 

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Policy Committee

Dave Boyles reported that all policies are current.

 

Strategic Planning

No report.

 

Personnel/Negotiations

Steve Swanstrom said there is nothing to report.

 

Finance Committee

The Board reporesentative to this committee was not in attendance.  Dr. Ware said there will be a meeting scheduled after the district audit.

 

Facilities Committee

The summer construction projects have not yet begun.

 

 

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

MORRISON COMMUNITY UNIT DISTRICT #6

June 20, 2006

 

Citizen’s Advisory Committee

Dr. Ware reported a position needs to be filled on this committee.

 

Extra-curricular Committee

Dave Boyles reported a meeting is scheduled for July 17th.

 

Insurance Committee

Nothing to report.

 

Local Wellness Committee

Dr. Ware reported that positive comments have been received regarding the creation of the new elementary physical education position.

 

Energy/Utility Committee

Steve Swanstrom reported that storage is 63% filled.

 

ADJOURNMENT

President Sally Gray adjourned the meeting by consent at 9: 15 P.M.

 

 

 

(President)____________________________________________

 

 

 

(Secretary)____________________________________________      Date Approved___________________________