Board of Education

The Rock Island-Milan Board of Education said goodbye to longtime member Russ Kennel at the Regular Meeting on Tuesday, April 28. Mr. Kennel had served on the Board for 5 years and decided not to go for re-election. Mr. Loy described Russ as a dedicated volunteer who not only brought a much needed fiscal background and experience to the Board, but developed into a true leader that the Board and administration looked up to. When there were difficult decisions to be made, the community could count on Mr. Kennel taking the time to listen and analyze from all perspectives before acting. We wish Mr. Kennel well in his “retirement.”

Returning board members Bill Cleaver, Jim Veasey and Dave Rockwell were sworn in by Regional Superintendent Joe Vermiere. New board member Dr. Jim Bishop was also sworn in. Dr. Bishop is a 1978 Rock Island High School graduate and has a dental practice. He and his wife Cathy have two daughters in the Rock Island-Milan School System. The board voted Bill Cleaver as President and Earl Strupp as Vice President. Associate Superintendent Mike Oberhaus was elected as Treasurer and Secretary of the board.

Board member Dave Rockwell thanked everyone for their participation at the Night of 1000 Dreams. Although the final numbers haven’t been tallied, the event was a huge success and raised funds for the Development Program. The money goes directly back into the schools for additional programs and activities.

Rock Island Education Association President Bob Smith reported that Linda Golden, teacher at Thurgood Marshall, received a $5,000 grant from the NEA for the study of energy alternatives. Her students will benefit from the program by developing critical thinking skills as they learn about alternative energy and sustainable practices.

Superintendent’s Report
Superintendent Loy read excerpts from an editorial by Roger Ruthhart, Managing Editor of the Rock Island Argus. The article commended the Rock Island-Milan School District for its innovation and forward thinking. Read the article >>

He also provided the Board with a quick review of the recommended non-renewal of 22 non-certified staff members, including 21 part-year paraprofessionals and one part-year secretary. He shared that when (and if) the federal stimulus money is released to our district, finding a way to bring back our reduced building/library paraprofessionals is on top of the administration’s list.

Career Development Update
Rock Island High School Assistant Principal Ed Veasey updated the board on the Career Development program. The focus on career education at the high school is the culmination of many initiatives to raise academic and technical achievement in high school and prepare students for the future beyond the classroom. This year the high school has seen new courses implemented with great success. Two students from the CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant) program, Brianna and Lexis (pictured), shared their future plans with the board after completing their clinical training at Trinity. Both intend to further their career in the health sciences and pursue a degree in nursing.

For the 2010-2011 year the high school is looking to build on agricultural related programs and adding new electives in anatomy, psychology, graphic arts, computer science and networking as well as upgrading the welding lab. The implementation of senior capstone/internships with local businesses and organizations will round out the program and provide students with real world experience in their career field. Quad City Illinois Chamber of Commerce Vice President Paul Rumler commended the school district for the leadership and ability to implement the program.

Elementary Math Series Pilot
A 2008 textbook committee review of math texts prompted the district to provide professional development training for all elementary teachers this school year. Assistant superintendent of Curriculum Bill Osbourne shared that the teachers have received four or five half-day inservice days, focusing on both math and reading. This training has led the district to pilot a new elementary math series next year, Kendall/Hunt’s Math Trailblazers. Three schools are piloting the new textbook next fall: Earl Hanson, Ridgewood and the new Rock Island Center for Math and Science, along with specific grades at the rest of the elementary schools. Read the Curriculum Newsletter

Building Excellence Update
Construction projects at Longfellow, Eugene Field and the Primary Academy are progressing. The work at the Rock Island Center for Math & Science has been slow and the foundation is expected to go in sometime next week.  Other projects in the design phase are Earl Hanson, Washington, Edison and Rock Island High School Café remodel. Read more at the Building Excellence construction blog >>

Other items:

• Board members Jerry Tutskey and Bill Cleaver attended the National School Board Association conference in San Diego.The board is also continuing to look at scheduling a TAG (Targeted ) training in the near future.
• Board member Earl Strupp reported that 14 classrooms in the Rock Island-Milan School District have a chess program. Clubs at Washington and Edison are in place and he is currently looking to coordinate a club at the high school level.
• The school district received a letter of commendation from the State of Illinois Board of Education for its excellent financial profile. This is the highest category obtainable for the School District Financial Profile. The board commended the leadership of Associate Superintendent Mike Oberhaus and the cabinet for guiding the district’s finances in a prudent manner.
• Letters to Rock Island-Milan Elementary and Jr. High students went home on Tuesday, April 28, regarding the potential swine flu pandemic and reviewed the standard precautions for flu and cold season. A news item has also been added to the web site for current information >>

Download full agenda–>

ROCK ISLAND-MILAN SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 41
Board of Education Regular meeting
Rock Island High School Library

TUESDAY, APRIL 28, 2009 6:00 P.M.

I. Preliminary
A. Call to Order and Roll Call
B. Pledge of Allegiance
C. Approval of Board of Education Minutes . . . Action
It is recommended that the Board of Education approve the minutes of the
regular meetings of March 10 and April 14, 2009 and special meetings of
March 3 and 16, 2009 (including executive session minutes to be kept on file as
confidential) as presented.

II. Communications
A. Communications from Citizens
B. Requests from persons wishing to speak on certain agenda items at the
appropriate time during the meeting.

III. Reports
A. Reports from Board Members

•  Voting Members
•  Student Members

B. Report from Superintendent
C. Report from RIEA Representative
D. Citizens wishing to address the Board of Education on items not on the
agenda. Comments should be limited to three (3) minutes. (Matters regarding
specific employees or students are of a confidential nature and will not be heard in
open session.)

IV. Nomination of Agenda Items for Future Meetings of the Board

V. Action on Routine Matters
Act on Agenda Additions and/or Deletions
B. Approve Agenda
C. Blanket Motion
Opportunity will be given for the selection of items that need no discussion to
be approved at the appropriate time on the agenda. The following items are
recommended for the Blanket Motion:

• VIII. A. Board Policies IX. C. List of Donations
• VIII. C. Exec. Session Minutes IX. D. March Financials
• VIII. D. Head Start Grant IX. E. Investment Report
• VIII. E. Student Expulsion IX. F. Bills for Payment
• VIII. F. April Fund Raisers X. A-F. Personnel
• IX. B. Contracts (1-3)

VI. Organization
A. Review Canvass of Votes . . . Information/Action
It is recommended that the Board of Education review and accept the
electoral votes as canvassed by the Rock Island County Clerk’s office.
B. Presentation to Outgoing Member . . . Recognition
The Board will make a presentation to outgoing member Russ Kennel at this
time.
C. Adjourn Sine Die . . . Action
It is recommended that the Board of Education adjourn sine die. Mr. Loy will
conduct the meeting at this time.
D. Swearing In and Seating of Elected Member . . . Action
Regional Superintendent Joe Vermeire will swear in returning members Bill
Cleaver, Dave Rockwell, Jim Veasey, and new member Jim Bishop. The Board
will formally seat the four members who were elected April 7, 2009.
E. Election of Officers . . . Action
The newly elected Board shall continue the meeting with the election of
officers. The Superintendent of Schools will conduct the meeting during the
election of a president for two years. A newly elected president will then call
for the election of a vice president for a two-year term and for the election for
appointment of a treasurer and a secretary.
F. Resolution Naming Depositories . . . Action
It is recommended that the Board of Education reaffirm the designation of
official depositories for district funds.
G. Board Meeting Dates 2008-09 . . . Action
It is recommended that the Board of Education reaffirm the meeting dates for
the remainder of the 2008-09 school year.
H. Board Meeting Dates 2009-10 . . . Action
It is recommended that the Board of Education approve the meeting dates for
the 2009-10 school year.

VII. Education
A. Career Development Update . . . Information/Study
Mal Austin and Ed Veasey will provide an update on the Career
Development program.
B. Elementary Math Series Pilot . . . Information
Bill Osborne will provide an update on the selection process being used for a
new elementary math series.

VIII. Operations
A. Third Reading of Board Policies . . . Action
It is recommended that the Board of Education approve the revisions to
Board policies 4:170, 5:29, 5:90, 6:120, 7:10, 7:100, 7:190, 7:20, 7:210, 7:230,
7:240, 7:290, 7:300, 7:50 and 8:30.
B. First Reading of Board Policies . . . Information
The Board of Education will review the revisions to Board policies 2:105,
2:220, 6:20, 4:60, 4:70, 4:80, 4:90, 4:150, 5:290, and recommended removal of
policy 8:40.
C. Review of Executive Session Minutes . . . Action
It is recommended that the Board of Education approve the list of Executive
Session Minutes to open and the list to remain on file as confidential.
D. Head Start Supplemental Grant . . . Action
It is recommended that the Board of Education approve the submission of the
Head Start Supplemental Grant as presented.
E. Student Expulsion . . . Action
It is recommended that the Board of Education approve Student Expulsion
No. 01/12/17 as presented.
F. April Fund Raisers . . . Action
It is recommended that the Board of Education approve the April Fund
Raisers.

IX. Business/Finance
A. Building Excellence Update . . . Information
Mike Oberhaus will update the Board on the Building Excellence plan.
B. Contracts . . . Action
1) Ridgewood Building Addition
It is recommended that the Board of Education award a contract to
Precision Builders, Inc., LeClaire, Iowa, in the amount of $1,685,000.00 for
the building addition at Ridgewood Elementary School.
2) Earl Hanson Folding Door Replacement
It is recommended that the Board of Education award a contract to Allied
Construction Services, Bettendorf, Iowa, in the amount of $17,230.00 for
folding door replacement at Earl Hanson Elementary School.
3) Rock Island High School Exterior Wall Surface Restoration
It is recommended that the Board of Education award a contract to
Western Waterproofing, Springfield, Illinois, in the amount of $86,735.00
for Exterior Wall Surface Restoration – Part 6 – at Rock Island High School
as presented.
C. List of Donations . . . Action
It is recommended that the Board of Education acknowledge the List of
Donations as presented.
D. March Financial Statements . . . Action
It is recommended that the Board of Education approve the March Financial
Statements.
E. Investment Report . . . Action
It is recommended that the Board of Education approve the Investment
Report for quarter ended March 31, 2009.
F. Bills for Payment . . . Action
It is recommended that the Board of Education approve the Bills for Payment
dated April 15, 2009 in the amount of $3,476,074.34.

X. Personnel
A. 2009-10 Certified Appointments . . . Action
It is recommended that the Board of Education approve the Certified
Appointments for the 2009-10 school year of Jaydiem Wilson, Stacy Lofgren
and Julie Hathaway as presented.
B. Certified Unpaid Leave of Absence . . . Action
It is recommended that the Board of Education approve the Certified Unpaid
Leave of Absence for the 2009-10 school year for Giovanna Davila as
presented.
C. Certified Resignations . . . Action
It is recommended that the Board of Education accept the Certified
Resignations of Sarah Todd and Alissa Grover as presented.
D. Non-Certified Appointments . . . Action
It is recommended that the Board of Education approve the Non-Certified
Appointments of Johnna Gamble and Valerie Mizeur as presented.
E. Non-Certified Resignations . . . Action
It is recommended that the Board of Education accept the Non-Certified
Resignations of Kristie DeSchinckel, Trisha DeWitt, Leann Garrison and
Kristy Robinson as presented.
F. Non-Renewal of Non-Certified Staff . . . Action
It is recommended that the Board of Education approve the Non-Renewal of
the list of 22 Non-Certified Staff members as presented.

XI. Adjournment

The Rock Island-Milan Board of Education began their regular board meeting by recognizing the Rock Island High School Drama Team for their success at winning the State title at the IHSA Championship. The team presented the state trophy to the Board of Education. They won with their 13-member performance of “The Elephant Man.”  The win marked the first time in 53 years that a school outside of the Chicago area has won the title. Coach Rino Della Vedova directed the production. The team include: Benjamin Simkins, 
Dylan Luloff, Michelle Bower,
 Julia Anders,
 Becca Beswick,
 Brittany Carton,
 Erin Gehn,
 Greer Burke-Anderson,
 Rachel Petersen,
 Ali Davis, 
Katie Frain,
 Tara Vandygriff and Jenna Hull.

Vic Boblett, Director of Development, drew the early bird Grand Prize ticket for the Night of 1000 Dreams. The lucky winner is Rocky parent Ken Simkins. He will have an opportunity to be a part of the night’s final Grand Prize episode and win a Seven Day Carnival Cruise through the Caribbean. The Night of 1000 Dreams is tonight at the Local 25 Plumbers and Pipefitters Hall. Reservations for the event can be made by calling Please call Joann Fairman at RIHS 793-5950 ext. 2006 before noon. See the silent and live auction list >>

Superintendent’s Report
Superintendent Loy congratulated the 47 Rock Island High School Seniors who were inducted into the National Honor Society last Wednesday evening. The senior students produce the entire ceremony, which included honoring the sophomores and juniors. Over the 2008-2009 school year, the Rock Island High School National Honor Society Senior Members contributed 1,166 hours of volunteering at community organizations and in the schools. Read the Web story >>

English Language Learners Program
Assistant Superintendent Kay Ingham presented an update on the English Language Learners (ELL) program. The purpose of the English Language Learners (ELL) Program is to provide students who speak another language with the English skills necessary to succeed in all areas of school and out in the real world. The goal of the ELL program is to enable the students to take full advantage of their education by achieving academic language proficiency in listening, speaking, reading, and writing. View a Podcast of the video at the ELL presentation >>

The district has seen the ELL program grow in leaps and bounds. In 2005, there were 2 ELL teachers and 62 students. For the 2008-09 year, there are 8 ELL teachers and 273 students in the Rock Island-Milan School District. In the last couple of years the district has seen an increase in refugee families through the World Relief program from all corners of the globe such as Tanzania, Ivory Coast, Thailand, Sudan and Ukraine.

Managing close to 23 different languages and dialects, the school district approaches the ELL program with a combination of common sense and creativity. A non-English speaker will need between one to three years to learn enough English to communicate with others about everyday things. Above and beyond that, a student will need five to ten years to develop the language he or she needs to be successful in academic subjects.

Ms. Ingham also recognized teachers at the board meeting: Debi Goslin, Robert Ochoa, Susan Molina-Padro and Becky Worley for their work and dedication. All of the ELL teachers not only work closely with other teachers in the buildings to ensure the students’ success, but also work with families to see that they are getting the services and community resources they need.

Scorecard Update
The board heard updates from Cabinet on 8 of the 23 indicators. Student Attendance is at 93.48%. Although the score still remains a cautionary yellow, the high school has seen improvements in its attendance rate due to new implementation of school policies. Referrals and suspensions remain in the yellow category and procedures are constantly being assessed for effectiveness. Special Education placements are at 40 for the year, and regular ed, special ed, parents and staff are all working to see that the students needs are being met. In Fiscal Health, Days Cash on Hand dropped to 160, the result of state payments falling behind by $2.7 million. Certified Staff Absences through the first three quarters is at an average of 6.5 days (green), meaning we will reach our goal if this pace continues fourth quarter. Scorecard on the RISD Web site >>

Download Full Agenda

ROCK ISLAND-MILAN SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 41

Board of Education Regular meeting

Rock Island High School Library

 

TUESDAY, APRIL 14, 2009                                               5:15 P.M.

A reception will be held to honor the high school Speech Team for winning the state championship. Following the reception, an early-bird drawing will be made for the Night of 1000 Dreams.

I.       Roll Call

II.      Updates from the Superintendent

III.    Communications

Requests from persons wishing to speak on certain agenda items will be called upon at the appropriate time.

IV.       Blanket Motion

Opportunity will be given for the selection of items that need no discussion to be approved at the appropriate time on the agenda. The following items are recommended for the Blanket Motion:

V.           Overnight Field Trip                    VII. B.      Stadium Lighting

VI. A.     Joint Agreement w/ROE             VII. C.      Property Tax Abatement

VI. B.      Administrative Guidelines           VII. D.     Computer Purchase

VI. C.     IHSA Renewal                             VII. E.      February Financials

VII. A.    Drainage Easement                      VII. F.      Bills for Payment

V.      Education

Overnight Field Trip Request . . . Action

It is recommended that the Board of Education approve the Overnight Field Trip request for Earl Hanson students to stay at the Loud Thunder Boy Scout Camp as presented.

VI.    Operations

A.  Joint Agreement with the R.O.E. . . . Action

It is recommended that the Board of Education approve the Joint Agreement between the Rock Island County Regional Office of Education and Rock Island School District #41, Rock Island County for the Alternative/Optional Educational program known as the Illinois Safe Schools Act.

B.   Administrative Guidelines . . . Action

It is recommended that the Board of Education enter into a contract with the Illinois Association of School Boards to provide professional services for the revision of the District’s administrative guidelines at a cost of $11,340.

C.  Illinois High School Association (IHSA) Membership. . . Action

It is recommended that the Board of Education approve the membership renewal to the IHSA for the 2009-10 school year at no cost to the district as presented.

VII.   Business/Finance

A.  R.I.P.A. Drainage Easement . . . Action

It is recommended that the Board of Education approve the drainage easement at the Rock Island Primary Academy as presented.

B.   Stadium Long Jump Pit Lighting . . . Action

It is recommended that the Board of Education partner with the design firm to complete the lighting for the long jump pit at the Stadium at a cost of $19,280 or 50% of the lowest bid received on February 6, 2009.

C.  Property Tax Abatement . . . Action

It is recommended that the Board of Education approve the resolution abating a portion of the tax heretofore levied for the year 2008 to pay debt service on General Obligation Refunding School Bonds, Series 2009A, of Rock Island School District Number 41, Rock Island County, Illinois, as presented.

D.  Computer Purchase . . . Action

It is recommended that the Board of Education approve the purchase of 26 20-inch Apple iMac computers at a cost of $948 each, and 1 Apple Xserve server at a cost of $4,158, for a grand total of $28,806.

E.   February Financial Statements . . . Action

It is recommended that the Board of Education approve the February Financial Statements.

F.   Bills for Payment . . . Action

It is recommended that the Board of Education approve the Bills for Payment dated March 15, 2009 ($3,448,583.12) and March 31, 2009 ($2,721,061.89).

VIII. Committee of the Whole

A.  English Language Learners (ELL) Presentation . . . Information

Kay Ingham and the ELL staff will provide a presentation on the ELL program.

B.   Scorecard Update . . . Information

Members of the Cabinet will provide updates to the District Scorecard.

C.  Second Reading of Board Policies . . . Information/Study

The Board of Education will review the revisions to Board policies 4:170, 5:29, 5:90, 6:120, 7:10, 7:100, 7:190, 7:20, 7:210, 7:230, 7:240, 7:290, 7:300, 7:50, 8:30. Kay Ingham will present recommendations for Board Policies 5:90, 7:240, 7:300 and 8:30.

IX.     Executive Session

It is recommended that the Board of Education move to Executive Session to discuss personnel and a student discipline matter.

X.      Adjournment