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 located within Morrison High School in said district on May 8, 2007.

On roll call, the following were present: Kent Forth, Greg Houldson, Kevin Schlueter, Steve Swanstrom, Joy Tegeler, and Sally Gray. Board member Dave Boyles was absent. Also present were Superintendent Jody Ware, Harvey Zuidema, Sara Tenboer, Kelly Tenboer, Andrew Tenboer, Betsy Prombo, Jim Ridley, Jim Prombo, Sharon Boyles, and Ted Tilton, Substitute Recording Board Secretary Katie Kuehl, and two media representatives.

President Sally Gray called for any changes or corrections to the minutes of the last Board meeting. Greg Houldson would like the action item 2007-08 IHSA Membership to reflect that discussion was held and Joy Tegeler questioned the cost of membership. The Superintendent replied that there was no cost to this membership.

Motion: Schlueter; Second: Houldson; To approve the minutes for the regular meeting of April 24, 2007 with the above change noted. Ayes – 6; Nays – none; motion carried.

Motion: Houldson; Second: Tegeler; To approve the closed session minutes for the regular meeting of April 24, 2007. Ayes – 6; Nays – none; motion carried.

Adjournment Sine Die of Old Board

Dr. Jody Ware noted that this week is Staff Appreciation week. This is a time to step back and thank teachers, administrators, support staff, and the decision makers of the district namely the Board of Education. Dr. Ware thanked the Board members who will be leaving their position this evening. She thanked Joy Tegeler for her 12 years of knowledge and financial expertise. Thanked Kent Forth for his 13 years of thoughtful decision-making and as the only Morrison High School graduate, his historical knowledge of the district. Finally, she thanked Dave Boyles, who was unable to make the meeting but was represented by his wife Sharon, for 13 years of thought out facts, his challenges, and his creative ways of thinking- such as extra curricular funding. These individuals have made a positive influence in the education of many students. In conclusion, Dr. Ware thanked them for the time commitment and endurance they have given to Morrison Community Unit District #6 over these years. Board President Sally Gray thanked those who were leaving the Board for their time commitment. She briefly spoke to each one and focused on the strengths they brought to the Morrison CUSD #6 Board of Education. Mrs. Gray noted that Kent Forth was quiet except when he had a strong opinion about something. Dave Boyles was analytical, rationally thinking through every decision. Joy Tegeler was the number cruncher, the only person other than the Superintendent and Director of Fiscal Management who understood the budget.

Sharon Boyles read a statement on behalf of Dave Boyles. This statement noted the excellence in the education system at Morrison CUSD #6. He is grateful for the opportunity to serve on the Morrison Board of Education.

Steve Swanstrom noted it was a pleasure serving with Joy Tegeler, Kent Forth, and Dave Boyles. They had some real tough decisions to make and sometimes they had split decisions but they always stuck together after the decisions were made. He will miss the debates with Dave Boyles.

Kent Forth stated that he agreed with Dave Boyles’ statement. He noted that he had an enjoyable time with these “characters”. He will not know what to do with his Tuesday nights with out a Board meeting.

President Gray adjourned the meeting of the previous Board of Education by consent at 6:42 P.M.

ORGANIZATIONAL MEETING – CONVENING OF NEW BOARD

Board President Sally Gray appointed Dr. Jody Ware President Pro-Tem for the purpose of electing new board officials.

Newly elected Board members Greg Houldson, Jim Prombo, Jim Ridley, and Ted Tilton were sworn in by Sally Gray, the Board member with the longest service.

Jim Ridley asked Sally Gray and Steve Swanstrom how long they had served on the Board. Sally has been on the board for 16 years and Steve for 15 years.

On roll call, the following were present: Greg Houldson, Jim Prombo, Jim Ridley, Kevin Schlueter, Steve Swanstrom, Ted Tilton, and Sally Gray. Also present were Superintendent Jody Ware, Harvey Zuidema, Sara Tenboer, Kelly Tenboer, Andrew Tenboer, Betsy Prombo, Substitute Recording Board Secretary Katie Kuehl, and two media representatives.

BOARD REORGANIZATION

Election of Board Officers

Ted Tilton requested that the Board enter executive session for the purpose of discussing Board election nominations. President Gray stated that discussing board officers is not one of the exceptions for going into closed session.

Nominations were taken for Board President:

Steve Swanstrom nominated Sally Gray. Jim Ridley nominated Ted Tilton. There were no other nominations. The nominations for President were closed. By show of hands, Sally Gray was elected Board president 4-3.

Nominations were taken for Vice President:

Kevin Schlueter nominated Steve Swanstrom. Jim Ridley nominated Greg Houldson. Greg Houldson refused the nomination. By uncontested ballot, Steve Swanstrom was elected Vice President.

Nominations were taken for Secretary:

Jim Prombo nominated Ted Tilton. Steve Swanstrom nominated Kevin Schlueter. By a show of hands, Ted Tilton was elected Secretary 4-3.

Nominations were taken for Secretary Pro-Tem:

Jim Prombo nominated Kevin Schlueter. By uncontested ballot, Kevin Schlueter was elected Secretary Pro-tem.

Establishment of Board Meeting Schedule

President Gray entertained a discussion to change the night of Board meetings. Steve Swanstrom noted that he preferred to leave the meetings on Tuesday nights. Jim Prombo stated that it is a long-term tradition in Morrison to have Board meetings on the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month and Wednesday is church night. The Board decided to leave the Board meetings the second and fourth Tuesday of the month.

Committee Assignments

Jim Prombo asked if a Board member was on a committee would they remain on that committee or could new members be appointed. President Gray noted that due to on going committee issues Board members previously serving on a committee would remain on that committee.

President Sally Gray made the following recommendations for Board Committees:

Policy Committee – Jim Prombo

Strategic Planning Committee – Greg Houldson

Personnel/Negotiations – Steve Swanstrom / Kevin Schlueter

Finance Committee – Jim Ridley

Facilities Committee – Ted Tilton

Citizens’ Advisory Committee – Greg Houldson

Extra-Curricular Committee – Jim Ridley

Energy / Utility Committee – Steve Swanstrom

Health Insurance Committee – Jim Ridley

Wellness Committee – Greg Houldson

Approval of Agenda

Jim Prombo requested that personnel items be removed from the consent agenda.

Communications/Public Comments

Superintendent’s Report

Dr. Ware reported that this is Staff Appreciation Week and all employees were given a bottle of water and coozie with pictures of all the buildings in the Morrison School District. She also complemented the art teachers and CAPA for their hard work on the art show at Odell Library May 5 and 6^th. The artwork by the students was excellent. Dr. Ware noted that High School art teacher Stuart Roddy attended an art show the same weekend with his personal work in it and he won best of show. Dr. Ware notified the Board that a wellness grant written by Darryl Hogue and Tracy Henson was approved for the Northside School for $2,500 and the Southside School for $2,500. The Board was informed of a condenser problem in the High School cafeteria walk in refrigerator. The condenser is a 1968 condenser mounted inside the refrigerator and cannot be repaired. This problem will be very costly as the new condensers mount on the outside of the building. On Friday night, five household refrigerators were brought in and Sheila Richmond spent all day Saturday cleaning and restocking these refrigerators.

Building Administration

The principals were not present for the meeting.

Public Forum

No one signed up to speak during the public forum.

Board of Education Comments

Greg Houldson noted that he also heard that the art show at Odell Library was excellent.

INFORMATIONAL REPORTS

High School Parenting Class Textbooks

Mrs. Simmons, Parenting Teacher and Mrs. Ward reviewed two textbooks. The book currently used in the Parenting Class has a 1980 copyright. A recommendation was made to the Board of Education to consider the purchase of 30 copies of the book from Glencoe/McGraw-Hill: Parenting Rewards and Responsibilities. The cost of these books and the supplemental materials is $1,338.69. The textbooks would be paid for using the working cash bonds. The Board members were given an opportunity to review the book. Dr. Ware noted that all textbooks must have Board approval. This makes the Board aware of what books are being used and that they follow the curriculum standards for the district.

FY07 Amended Budget

In preparation for the auditor, Dr. Ware and Katie Kuehl, Director of Fiscal Management amended the FY07 Budget. Amending the budget provides the Board of Education a more accurate picture of the revenues and expenditures throughout the year. The amended budget must be displayed for 30 days prior to adoption. In addition, a notice must be published in the local paper. The budget will go on display Wednesday, May 9, 2007. A public hearing will take place at the regular scheduled meeting on Tuesday, June 19, 2007. The budget will be adopted at that time. The Superintendent also noted that the district’s auditor is scheduled to be in the district July 16^th-20^th.

Student Satisfaction Surveys

At the last meeting the Teacher Satisfaction surveys comments were shared with the Board. As part of the annual survey, the senior class also completed a form providing their thoughts about what they liked best about their school, what they liked least about their school, and one suggestion to improve their school. Their comments are shared with the School Improvement Teams and used for future planning. The Board briefly discussed several comments that they found interesting. Ted Tilton questioned the comment regarding one cookie at lunch. Dr. Ware responded by stating that due to the Wellness Policy, which limits the amount of fat and calories that the lunch program can provide a student, the cookies are limited to one per student. The Board also commented on the concern that the library is not accessible. Dr. Ware stated that this is a personnel issue and cannot be discussed further in open session.

Proclamation for National Teacher Day

The week of May 6-12 is declared National Staff Appreciation Week. This is a time when the Board of Education, students and community have an opportunity to thank the staff of Morrison Community Unit District #6 for their dedication to teaching and assisting our students. President Sally Gray read the proclamation signifying the appreciation of the Morrison Board of Education for the staff of Morrison Community Unit District #6. Dr. Ware noted several examples of teacher going above and beyond. They were Mr. Roddy and Mr. Nesti taking art students to Chicago on a Saturday field trip. Mr. Bean and Mrs. Palmer were recognized for hosting the Junior High Tri-Conference Music Festival. Mrs. Perrizo took the 5^th grade chorus to sing at the Lumberkings game. The Envirothon team, with Mr. Dolan as sponsor, placed seventh in the state competition.

2006 Tax Computation

The 2006 Tax Computation report was received from the Whiteside County Clerks’ office. Dr. Ware also updated the trend data sheet to include this year’s computation. The Board was provided an eleven-year trend data on the EAV. The 2006 tax levy was based on an EAV of $83,843,386 and the actual levy came in at $83,800,988. This is a decrease of $43,398. Dr. Ware complimented the Board and the finance committee for the excellent decision-making during the levying process as no funds was “left on the table”. Ted Tilton questioned why the EAV is not known when the tax bills are out. Dr. Ware explained that the Tax Levy is prepared in October or November for the taxes we receive beginning in June. At that time, the EAV is estimated by the County Assessor’s office.

Summer School Reading Program

Lori Kennedy, Reading Improvement teacher at Southside School, has asked for permission to run a summer school reading program for grades 3-5. This program took place last year and was very helpful for students who are challenged by reading. This program would take place from July 23, 2007-August 10, 2007. These dates would help “jump-start” students into the new school year. At this time, we do not have the funding for the Reading Improvement grant. However, if it is funded it will be an adequate amount of money for the summer reading program. The cost of last year’s program was $1,503. In order for Mrs. Kennedy to begin recruiting students for the 42 slot available for this program, Dr. Ware asked for the Board’s support of this program. Ted Tilton asked that the Board act on supporting this program. Dr. Ware responded that action would take place at the next Board meeting. Jim Prombo asked about the likelihood of a Title I summer program as in the past. Dr. Ware noted that there are not enough funds in the Title I grant to cover a summer program. Title I funds are consumed by Salaries, benefits and mandatory professional development.

CONSENT AGENDA

Motion to Approve Routine Items

Motion: Houldson; Second: Schlueter; To approve the consent agenda including: 1.) the disposal of closed session tape from October 25, 2005. On roll call voting Aye – Tilton, Swanstrom, Houldson, Ridley, Prombo, Schlueter, and Gray; Nays – none; motion carried.

ACTION ITEMS

Amended 2006-2007 Calendar

Each year the Board must amend the calendar to reflect the actual student attendance days. The 2006-2007 calendar has been amended to reflect: Two late start days – December 12, 2006 for fog and February 14, 2007 for snow. The calendar was also amended to reflect three days of cancellation: December 1, 2006, February 5, 2007, and February 13, 2007. The last student attendance day for the 2006-2007 school year will be Thursday, May 31, 2007.

Motion: Houldson; Second: Swanstrom; To amend 2006-2007 school calendar. Ayes – 7; Nays – none; motion carried.

Tenured Staff List

Every year the Board of Education needs to take action to approve the probationary and tenure status of teachers. This year there are no teachers to be recommended for tenure status. It takes four years of probationary status to earn full-time tenure status. Jim Ridley questioned the process for hiring teachers back for the next school year. Dr. Ware stated that the Board is required to notify a probationary teacher 45 days prior to the last school day if they will not be returning and 60 days for tenured teachers. If a teacher is not notified that their contract will be terminated, the employment will continue automatically. Dr. Ware noted that the notice was given at the April 10, 2007, meeting for those teachers who may not be returning due to a grant not being funded. Historically, the first meeting in May is the meeting where those teachers are hired back. However, notification from the State of Illinois has not been received regarding any grants.

Addition: Jim Prombo requested in future the tenured list be presented to the Board earlier in the spring.

Motion: Prombo; Second: Schlueter; To accept the recommendation to approve the following teachers for 1^st year probationary status – Cory Bielema, Antony Deter, Mary Pons, and Adam Smith; 2^nd year probationary status – Sandra Bechtel, Lori Kennedy, Susan Ligons, Janet Scott, and Jennifer Williams; 3^rd year probationary status – Krista Baker and M. Diane Downs; 4^th year probationary status – Scott Vance. To approve the recall of the following part-time staff – Tamela Deter 0.67 time, Heather Stoudt – 0.50 time, and James Blakemore – 0.125 time. On roll call voting Aye – Prombo, Tilton, Schlueter, Houldson, Swanstrom, Ridley, and Gray; Nay – none; motion carried.

Resolution to Prepare FY08 Budget

Each year the Board of Education is required to pass a resolution directing a district individual the responsibility of preparing the budget for the new school year (2007-2008). A resolution attached to these minutes delegates that responsibility to the Dr. Jody Ware, Superintendent.

Motion: Schlueter; Second: Ridley; To adopt the resolution directing Dr. Jody Ware, Superintendent, to prepare the FY08 budget in tentative form. Ayes – 7; Nays – none; motion carried.

Establishment of EBay Account

The district has some items that could be displayed and sold on E-Bay. These items include a scorer’s table that was received from Barat College, choral risers, etc. E-Bay allows the opportunity to set a minimum bid and possibly sell items at a higher price than through sealed bids. Whiteside Area Career Center has placed may items on E-Bay and had great success. In order to sell on E-Bay an account would need to be established. Katie Kuehl, Director of Fiscal Management will set up, maintain, and list items to be sold on the account. There are listing fees and final fees involved in selling. These fees are determined by the minimum bid price and selling price.

Steve Swanstrom asked who would determine the value of the items. Dr. Ware responded that the Board will be asked to release these items and they could determine a minimum amount to sell the items for.

Motion: Houldson; Second: Tilton; To allow the establishment of a district E-Bay account. On roll call voting Aye – Houldson, Schlueter, Swanstrom, Tilton, Prombo, Ridley, and Gray; Nay – none; motion carried.

Textbook Adoption: Consumer Education

At the April 24, 2007 meeting, the Board of Education had the opportunity to review the textbook, The Confident Consumer by Sally R. Campbell. This text covers important issues in Consumer Education including Managing Personal Income, Spending, and Financial Planning. This book also has case studies for each unit. The purchase of 65 copies of this consumer education textbook would be $2,890.94. These books will be purchased with the working cash bond.

Motion: Swanstrom; Second: Prombo; To adopt the Consumer Education textbook, The Confident Consumer. On roll call voting Aye – Prombo, Tilton, Schlueter, Houldson, Swanstrom, Ridley, and Gray; Nay – none; motion carried.

Textbook Adoption: High School Computer Education

Information regarding the new high school computer textbook Century 21 Computer Applications and Keyboarding was presented at the April 24, 2007, meeting. The books currently being used by students have a 1989 copyright. These books would be purchased using working cash bonds. The total cost would be $2,961.59.

Motion: Prombo; Second: Schlueter; To adopt the computer textbook Century 21 Computer Applications and Keyboarding. On roll call voting Aye – Swanstrom, Schlueter, Houldson, Ridley, Tilton, Prombo, and Gray; Nay – none; motion carried.

Textbook Adoption: High School Accounting

Information and a copy of the textbook Accounting: Real World Applications and Connections were shared with the Board on April 24, 2007. The teachers particularly liked this book because of the excellent detail and quality of teaching supplements. The total cost is $4,038.96 for a set of 30 books and supplemental materials. These textbooks will be purchased with working cash bonds.

Motion: Schlueter; Second: Swanstrom; To adopt the high school accounting textbook, Accounting: The Real World Applications and Connections. On roll call voting Aye – Houldson, Schlueter, Swanstrom, Tilton, Prombo, Ridley, and Gray; Nay – none; motion carried.

Student Management System: STI - NOW

The district currently uses STI computer software for our student management system. A student management system includes: demographic and directory information regarding a student, attendance reporting, grades, scheduling, discipline reports, etc. This software is used everyday, all day long by building principals, school secretaries and classroom teachers. This software also prepares State reports such as General State Aid, the State Discipline report, and the Fall Housing report. There is an upgraded software program STI-NOW, which is much more user friendly and uses a web-based instead of windows-based operating system. Since this product is new, districts currently using STI can purchase the STI-NOW software for 75% off the list price until June 30, 2007. The discounted cost would be $3.75 per student. If approved, funds from the School Safety/School Improvement grant can be used to purchase this software. Building secretaries, a teacher from each school, Jim Winslow, and school administrators attended a presentation of this software on May 1, 2007. Everyone in attendance agreed that this product would make inputting and monitoring student information much easier. Dr. Ware offered the choice of waiting to implement this program in 2008-2009 instead of 2007-2008. However, everyone involved in the presentation believed that with a new elementary principal, high school secretary and high school guidance counselor this implementation process should begin as soon as possible. Board members expressed concern with the amount of this software. Dr. Ware explained that the $14,197.50 was a one-time cost and the district would pay an annual license fee of $6,512.00, which is comparable to what we already pay for the older version of the program. Jim Prombo asked how the level of support with STI has been. It was noted that STI has improved their level of support and most problems are resolved within 24 hours.

Addition: Jim Prombo expressed concern with security, students’ DOB, SSN and mother’s maiden name. Dr. Ware assured that this information only appears in the data base at the state.

Motion: Swanstrom; Second: Houldson; To approve the purchase of STI-NOW Student Management System. On roll call voting Aye – Prombo, Tilton, Schlueter, Houldson, Swanstrom, Ridley, and Gray; Nay – none; motion carried.

Contract: International K-9

This past school year was the first year the Board engaged in a contract with International K-9 to perform drug searches in our buildings. We had an excellent year with this company and had two scheduled drug searches. Prior to our third and fourth drug searches, we had the bomb threat. We were able to use the “bomb detection” canine to sweep all four-district buildings on Thursday and Friday, March 29 and 30^th. Our district was very fortunate to be in a situation where we only needed to make one phone call within minutes of discovering the threat message and having a plan of action utilizing the “bomb detection” dogs. The price is the same as it was in the 2006-2007 contract and will be paid for with funds from the School Safety/School Improvement Grant from the State of Illinois.

Motion: Houldson; Second: Prombo; To engage in a contract with International K-9 for the 2007-2008 school year at the cost of $1,500. On roll call voting Aye – Swanstrom, Schlueter, Houldson, Ridley, Tilton, Prombo, and Gray; Nay – none; motion carried.

Personnel Items

Jim Prombo questioned who Sara Drummet in and asked why she was leaving the district. Dr. Ware noted that Sara Drummet is a Special Education Aide at Morrison Jr. High. She has taken a teaching position at Montmorency School. Jim Prombo asked whether Todd Veltrop would resign his position as eighth Grade Boys’ and Girls’ Basketball Coach at the Junior High. Dr. Ware responded that if Mr. Veltrop is hired as Varsity Girls Basketball Coach he would resign as 8^th grade girls’ and boys’ basketball coach. That resignation would most likely take place at the next meeting.

Motion: Schlueter; Second: Houldson; To approved the personnel resignation of Sara Drummet as Junior High Special Ed Aide effective May 31, 2007; the employment of Todd Veltrop High School Girls Basketball Coach for the 2007-2008 school year; the resignation of Jamie Rodriguez as Junior High Wrestling Coach effective May 31, 2007. On roll call voting Aye – Houldson, Schlueter, Swanstrom, Tilton, Prombo, Ridley, and Gray; Nay – none; motion carried.