Board of Education

The Rock Island-Milan Board of Education began its regular meeting by recognizing Adopt-A-School partners that are involved with schools throughout the district. Superintendent Loy and President Bill Cleaver handed out certificates of appreciation to: Bituminous Insurance (Denkmann), Rock Island Rotary (Earl Hanson), U.S. Postal Service (Frances Willard), Augustana College (Longfellow), Church of Peace, Modern Woodmen and TPC (Primary Academy), Big Brothers Big Sisters and X Pac (Ridgewood and Thomas Jefferson) and the Quad City Chamber of Commerce (Rock Island High School). “We are incredibly fortunate to have so many business partners from the community who want to be involved with the children in the Rock Island-Milan School District,” said Superintendent Loy.

Edison Jr. High students Charlie Eagle, Mason Moss, Jinesh Shah, Hannah Rodgers, Andy Pearson, Connor Shuck, Nik Jacobs, Harry Phillis, Brady Wilkerson, Chandler Work and Josh Bushnell were recognized, along with their math coach Dr. Susan Neece, for their first place award at the Math Counts regional competition. Students at Washington Jr. High, Kelly Bishop, Ashton Faramelli, Thomas Knuckey and Syndie McNeal, along with coach and teacher Kirk Humphreys, were also recognized for their third place award at the Team Quest state competition last April.

Rock Island High School All-State Athletes were honored with certificates: Shatoya Burnett, Genesis Johnson, Sepe Kahlor, Brandon Pullman, Chasson Randle, Travis Saldana and Ben Sparkman. Rock Island High School Athletic Director Bob Swanson commended the students for their dedication in each of their respective sports as well as their dedication in the classroom.

The board also honored the Rock Island High School Girls Track Team with a special trophy presentation by Coach Michelle Lillis. The girls grabbed the State Champion 2A title last weekend at the Illinois State Track Meet in Charleston, IL. “These girls are amazing and we are extremely proud of the team,” said Coach Lillis.

Board Member and Superintendent Updates
Board members Earl Strupp, Jerry Tutskey, Jim Bishop and Bill Cleaver attended the annual Medal of Honor Banquet that recognizes students for their outstanding academic and leadership contributions to their school. Others attended the Chamber of Commerce Achievement Awards at Rock Island High School which recognized the top ten students of each class. Ms. Dothard and Mr. Strupp attended the Rock Island High School Honor Roll Assembly and the Rock Island High School Honor Roll Assembly. Ms. Dothard was very excited to see hundreds of students in red (representing those with a GPA of 3.0 – 3.4 for the three semesters) and gold (representing those with a GPA of 3.5 or higher for three semesters) being recognized for their academic achievements.

Superintendent Loy commented on two more Building Excellence groundbreakings that took place the previous week and also mentioned congratulations to the 14 retirees from the school district who were honored at the annual Retirement Tea last week. Mr. Loy congratulated the Rock Island High School Boys Track Team for their success at the Western Big 6 event and the Sectional last Friday and wished them luck this weekend at the Illinois State Boys Track Meet in Charleston.

Discipline Code Handbook
Assistant Superintendent Kay Ingham discussed changes to the 2009-2010 school district Discipline Code Handbook. A team consisting of teachers, parents and community members reviewed the current year handbook and reviewed changes for the 2009-2010 year. Significant changes include an expansion of the ban on backpacks in the classroom now includes “no purses” in secondary buildings.

The newly formatted user-friendly handbook will be available at school registration July 22 & 23. Parents will sign a card included with the book to confirm that they will read the material in the Discipline Code. Parents will receive a letter regarding important changes to the handbook, as well as reminders about appropriate dress, cell phone and electronic device usage, sexual harassment and bullying.

Building Excellence Update
Read the update at the construction blog >>

Other items:

• The Air Force Jr. ROTC program at the high school asked for consideration in establishing a Cadet Marksmanship extracurricular program at Rock Island High School. The proposal calls for off site practice range and off site storage of equipment. The sport has a presence at Davenport North High School and is also a nationally recognized sport with scholarships available at the college level.
• Architect Larrison & Associates, Davenport, Iowa, was approved to perform architectural and engineering services for the Earl Hanson addition/renovation at an estimated cost of $39,600. The entire project at Earl Hanson is estimated at $495,000.
• Transportation contract was awarded to Illinois Central School Bus of Morris, IL. The contract for services for student transportation is for the 2009-2010 through 2011-2012 school years, with a possibility of extending the contract for 2012-2013 & 2013-2014 school years.

The next Board of Education will be on Tuesday, June 9, 6:00 p.m. at the Rock Island High School Library.

ROCK ISLAND-MILAN SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 41
Board of Education Regular meeting
Rock Island High School Library
TUESDAY, MAY 26, 2009 5:45 P.M.

A reception will be held to honor Rocky’s All-State Students, EJHS MathCounts Team and WJHS TeamQuest Students and Adopt-A-School Business Partners. The regular meeting will begin at approximately 6:00 p.m.

Download a PDF of the Board Agenda >>

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 April 28 and May 12, 2009 as presented.

II. Special Item
Recognition of Adopt-A-School Partners and Students . . . Recognition

1) Adopt-A-School Business Partners
The Board will present certificates of appreciation to the following Adopt-A-School Partners: Bituminous Insurance (Denkmann), Rock Island Rotary (Earl Hanson), U.S. Postal Service (Frances Willard), Augustana College (Longfellow), Church of Peace, Modern Woodmen and TPC (Primary Academy), Big Brothers Big Sisters and X Pac (Ridgewood and Thomas Jefferson) and the Quad City Chamber of Commerce (Rock Island High School).
2) Math Counts Students from Edison Jr. High School
The Board will present certificates of recognition to Coach Dr. Susan Neece and the following Math Counts Students who tied for first place in the regional competition: Charlie Eagle, Mason Moss, Jinesh Shah, Hannah Rodgers, Andy Pearson, Connor Shuck, Nik Jacobs, Harry Phillis, Brady Wilkerson, Chandler Work, and Josh Bushnell.
3) Team Quest Students from Washington Jr. High School
The Board will present certificates of recognition to Coach Kirk Humphreys and the following Team Quest Students who placed third in the state competition: Kelly Bishop, Ashton Faramelli, Thomas Knuckey and Sydnie McNeal.
4) All-State Athletes from Rock Island High School
The Board will present certificates of recognition to the following All-State Athletes: Shatoya Burnett, Genesis Johnson, Sepehr Kahlhor, Brandon Pullman, Chasson Randle, Travis Saldana, and Ben Sparkman.

III. Communications

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

IV. 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.)

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

VI. Action on Routine Matters

A. 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:

VII. C. Student Expulsions   VIII. E. List of Donations
VII. D. May Fund Raisers    VIII. F. April Financial Statements
VIII. B. Purchase of Property    VIII. G. Bills for Payment
VIII. C. Contracts (1-5)    IX. A-D. Personnel
VIII. D. Voluntary Insurance Programs

VII. Operations

A. Air Force Jr. ROTC Cadet Marksmanship Club . . . Information
The Board of Education will review the proposal from the Air Force Jr. ROTC to establish a Cadet Marksmanship extracurricular student activity club at Rock Island High School.
B. Discipline Code Handbook . . . Action
It is recommended that the Board of Education approve the Discipline Code Handbook for the 2009-10 school year as presented.
C. Student Expulsions . . . Action
It is recommended that the Board of Education approve Student Expulsion No’s. 01/01/04 and 01/11/16.
D. May Fund Raisers . . . Action It is recommended that the Board of Education approve the May Fund Raisers.

VIII. Business/Finance

A. Building Excellence Update . . . Information
Dr. Oberhaus will provide an update on the progress at the Rock Island Center for Math and Science.
B. Purchase of Property . . . Action
It is recommended that the Board of Education approve the contract for acquisition of the property located at 1354 – 23rd Avenue, Rock Island, Illinois, at a price of $150,000.
C. Contracts . . . Action
1) Pipe Fitting Abatement at Primary Academy
It is recommended that the Board of Education accept the proposal from Iowa Illinois Taylor Insulation for the pipe fitting abatement at the Rock Island Primary Academy at a cost of $13,050.00.
2) Architectural Services for Earl Hanson Addition/Renovation
It is recommended that the Board of Education contract with Larrison & Associates, Davenport, Iowa, to perform architectural and engineering services for the Earl Hanson addition/renovation at an estimated cost of $39,600.00.
3) MidAmerican Energy – Rock Island Center for Math & Science
It is recommended that the Board of Education approve a contract with MidAmerican Energy, Rock Island, Illinois, to relocate four power poles at the Rock Island Center for Math and Science at a cost of $10,003.00.
4) Transportation Contract
It is recommended that the Board of Education approve the low bid of Illinois Central School Bus, Morris, IL to provide student transportation for 2009-10 through 2011-12 with a possibility of extension for the 2012-13 and 2013-14 years based on agreeable pricing, not to exceed the consumer price index.
5) Rock Island High School Yearbook
It is recommended that the Board of Education award a contract to Herff-Jones, Indianapolis, IN, in the amount of $20,500.00 for the yearbook publication at Rock Island High School.
D. Voluntary Life and Dental Insurance . . . Action
It is recommended that the Board of Education approve the Voluntary Dental and Life Insurance programs from Fort Deerborn Life for employees in District 41 at no cost to the district.
E. List of Donations . . . Action
It is recommended that the Board of Education acknowledge the List of Donations as presented.
F. April Financial Statements . . . Action
It is recommended that the Board of Education approve the April Financial Statements as presented.
G. Bills for Payment . . . Action
It is recommended that the Board of Education approve the Bills for Payment dated May 15, 2009 in the amount of $4,038,263.49.

IX. Personnel

A. 2009-10 Certified Appointments . . . Action
It is recommended that the Board of Education approve the Certified Appointments of Ian Scott and Ashley Wilson for the 2009-10 school year as presented.
B. Certified Retirement . . . Action
It is recommended that the Board of Education approve the Certified Retirement of Detella McLeod-McCann as presented.
C. Certified Resignation . . . Action
It is recommended that the Board of Education accept the Certified Resignation of Kathleen Sievers as presented.
D. Non-Certified Termination . . . Action
It is recommended that the Board of Education approve the termination of Non-Certified Employee No. 9-1-1918.

X. Executive Session

It is recommended that the Board of Education enter into Executive Session to discuss personnel.

XI. Adjournment

The Rock Island High School Air Force Jr. ROTC students presented the American and State flags before the Board of Education at the regular meeting on Tuesday, May 13. The board also presented a certificate to the ROTC students for receiving the Distinguished Unit Award for 2008-2009. This award recognizes the personal growth and accomplishments of the cadets, the contributions of the instructors as mentors to the cadets, and support of the school and community. This award is limited to the best of the best of our nation’s 879 Air Force Junior ROTC units.

Superintendent Updates:

• Audubon Elementary is having an open house this Thursday, May 14, between 4:00 – 7:00 p.m.  Former staff, students, and anyone in the community are invited to walk through the halls and visit classrooms one last time. There will be a slideshow of old photographs in the gymnasium as well as refreshments. The Audubon building will be used next year to house the intermediate students of the Rock Island Center for Math & Science until the new school is finished.
• The Medal of Honor Banquet is this Thursday evening, 6:00 p.m., at the Holiday Inn in downtown Rock Island. The event is to honor outstanding students in our school district who have proven to be all-around good students, good citizens, and caring individuals who bring with them a positive force that helps to influence the school to be a better place to learn and grow.
• Congratulations to one of our Eugene Field teachers, Cindy Arkebauer and three of her students, for being selected to present at the TECH 2009 event at the State Capitol in Springfield, IL at the end of April. Ms. Arkebauer’s students demonstrated the importance of educational technology to legislators from across the state.
• Washington Jr. High math teacher Kathy Evanchyk has been named as one of four finalists for 2009 SECME Teacher of the Year. According to the SECME National Office, a panel of six current or retired educators recommended the four finalists from a pool of outstanding nominees based on submitted, extensive portfolios. The recipient will be announced at the 33rd Annual SECME event on June 25 at the Daytona Beach Museum of Arts and Sciences.
• Congrats to four Washington Jr. High students, Ashton Faramelli, Thomas Knuckey, Sydnie McNeal and Kelly Bishop, who placed 3rd in the Illinois State Finals for Team Quest, an academic-oriented challenge program.
• The district is celebrating two more groundbreakings this Thursday May 14th: Ridgewood Elementary will be holding their ceremony at 1:00 p.m. and then Frances Willard will be holding their ceremony at 2:00 p.m.
• The school district received notification that the Illinois PBIS (Positive Behavior Interventions & Supports) Network has recognized 13 out of 14 schools as demonstration sites to invite local legislators to visit and see first-hand the positive impact of PBIS. This is a testament to each school’s success and leadership in implementing the program.
• Rock Island High School alum Justin Stotts ‘97 is returning to his alma mater to coach the Golf Team this fall.

2008-09 Budget Amended
Due to several significant financial events that have occurred since adoption of the original budget last year the administration presented the Board with a proposed 2008-2009 amended budget. Significant adjustments include; an increase the projected deficit in the education fund from $2.3 million to $2.4 million, due to final collective bargaining agreements, the addition of the $2 million Classroom Cubed grant from the State and the reallocation of $4 million from State funds to federal funds (state stimulus money). This information is open to the public, and there will be a budget hearing with planned action at the June 16 Board of Education meeting. (link)

Freshman Academy
The Freshman Academy at Rock Island High School has been in existence for three years, and can now reflect on what has worked out well and also what needs to be revisited and/or revised. Kristin Allen, Freshman Academy Coordinator and Dean, recognized academy teachers, counselor Jennifer Page and the P.A.C.E.R.S. mentor program as some keys to success at the academy. Issues such as attendance and achievement are being addressed each day, and the teachers are keenly aware to watch for warning signs which indicate that a student is struggling and needs help. Teachers are working to meet their student’s needs on an individual level. Initiatives being studied for implementation next year include Lunch labs and expanding mentoring activities. The Freshman Academy now has the capacity to fine-tune processes and is on the path of continuous improvement.

Other Items:

• The Board approved participating in the Phase Two of Targeting Achievement through Governance (TAG) program with the Illinois Association of School Boards.
• Approved compensation increases of 3% plus appropriate steps for administrators and non-categorical employees for the 2009-2010 year.
• Passed Policy revisions on 2:105, 2:220, 6:20, 4:60, 4:70, 4:80, 4:90, 4:150, 5:290, and removed policy 8:40 from amendment. The board will continue to review more policy revisions at future meetings.

Download full agenda–>

ROCK ISLAND-MILAN SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 41
Board of Education Regular meeting
Rock Island High School Library
TUESDAY, MAY 12, 2009 6:00 P.M.
The Board will tour the construction projects beginning at 4:15 p.m.
The regular meeting will begin at approximately 6:00 p.m.
I. Roll Call

II. Special Item
The Air Force Jr. ROTC students will present the American and State flags prior to the
Pledge of Allegiance. The Board of Education will present a certificate to the students for
receiving the Distinguished Unit Award for 2008-2009. This award recognizes the
personal growth and accomplishments of the cadets, the contributions of the instructors
as mentors to the cadets, and support of the school and community. This award is
limited to the best of the best of our nation’s 879 Air Force Junior ROTC units.

III. Pledge of Allegiance

IV. Updates from the Superintendent

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

VI. 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:
VII. Math Materials Purchase
IX. B. Extended Warranties
VIII. B. PCCS Agreement
IX. C. Bills for Payment
VIII. C. Student Expulsion
X. Personnel

VII. Education
Math Materials for Pilot Program . . . Action
It is recommended that the Board of Education approve the purchase of
materials for the pilot of the Kendall/Hunt Math Trailblazers program in 81
elementary classrooms for a total cost of $131,883.93, as presented.

VIII. Operations
A. Targeting Achievement through Governance (TAG) . . . Action
It is recommended that the Board of Education consider participation in the
Targeting Achievement through Governance program with the Illinois
Association of School Boards.
B. PCCS Collaboration Agreement . . . Action
It is recommended that the Board of Education adopt the Partnerships for
College and Career Success (PCCS) Collaboration Agreement Resolution as
presented.
C. Student Expulsion . . . Action
It is recommended that the Board of Education approve Student Expulsion
No. 01/05/21.

IX. Business/Finance
A. 2008-09 Amended Budget . . . Information
Dr. Oberhaus will present the 2008-09 Amended Budget. It is recommended
that the Board of Education place the amended budget on file for 30 days for
approval at the June 16, 2009 Board meeting.
B. Extended Warranty for Laptops . . . Action
It is recommended that the Board of Education purchase 77 extended
warranties for the 77 laptop computers purchased in June 2008. The cost is
$159 per computer, a total of $12,243.00. This will be funded through the
current 2008-09 technology budget.
C. Bills for Payment . . . Action
It is recommended that the Board of Education approve the Bills for Payment
dated April 30, 2009 in the amount of $3,409,540.43.

X. Personnel
Administrative and Non-categorical Employee Compensation . . . Action
It is recommended that the Board of Education approve the compensation
increases of 3% plus appropriate steps for District 41 Administrators and Noncategorical
Employees for the 2009-10 school year.

XI. Committee of the Whole
A. Freshman Academy Update . . . Information
Kristin Allen will provide an update on the Freshman Academy at Rock
Island High School.
B. Second Reading of Board Policies . . . Study/Possible Action
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. It is recommended that the Board of Education approve the
revisions and removal as presented, if the Board is ready to do so.

XI. Executive Session
It is recommended that the Board of Education move to Executive Session to
discuss the possible acquisition of property.

XII. Adjournment