Board of Education

ROCK ISLAND-MILAN SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 41
Board of Education SPECIAL meeting
Rock Island Administration Center
2101 6th Avenue
TUESDAY, JUNE 23, 2009 at 5:15 p.m.

Download agenda (PDF) >>

I. Preliminary

Call to Order and Roll Call

II. Business/Finance

A. Contracts . . . Action
1) Denkmann Roof
Bids will be received on Monday, June 22, 2009. A recommendation will be made at the meeting.
2) Leslie Texas Consulting, LLC – Rock Island High School
It is recommended that the Board of Education approve the Contract for Service for Leslie Texas Consulting, LLC, Louisville, KY in the amount of $7,500 for consultant fees to write curriculum for the 9th grade math lab, Algebra I and Algebra II.
B. May Financial Statements . . . Action
It is recommended that the Board of Education approve the May Financial Statements as presented.
C. Bills for Payment . . . Action
It is recommended that the Board of Education authorize Bills for Payment dated June 15, 2009 in the amount of $4,910,781.56.

III. Executive Session

It is recommended that the Board of Education move to Executive Session to discuss personnel (superintendent’s evaluation and contract).

IV. Adjournment

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

TUESDAY, JUNE 16, 2009 6:00 P.M.

 

Download a PDF of the agenda >>

I. Preliminary

Call to Order and Roll Call

II. Special Item

2008-09 Budget Hearing . . . Public Hearing The Board of Education will conduct a hearing on the 2008-09 Amended Budget.

III. Operations

Approval of Revisions to Board Policies . . . Action
It is recommended that the Board of Education approve the revisions to Board
Policies 4:55, 4:130, 7:60, 4:170, and 5:310.

IV. Business/Finance

A. 2008-09 Amended Budget . . . Action
It is recommended that the Board of Education adopt the 2008-09 Amended Budget as presented.
B. Bills for Payment . . . Action
It is recommended that the Board of Education authorize Bills for Payment dated June 10, 2009 in the amount of $211,027.80.

V. Personnel

Resolution for Reclassification . . . Action
It is recommended that the Board of Education adopt the Resolution for Reclassification of Employee No. 9-1-2012.

VI. Executive Session

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

VII. Adjournment

The Board of Education presented Certificates of Recognition at the regular meeting on Tuesday, June 9, to the Rock Island High School Boys’ Track Athletes who recently competed at the IHSA State Track Meet. The team placed fifth place overall: Derrick Ellis, Jerraco Johnson, Victor Jones, Jerrico Johnson, Julian Mayfield, Ben Sparkman, Marcus Gaffney, Aubrey Barnes and Topher Leiby were congratulated by Superintendent Rick Loy and Board President Bill Cleaver. Head Coach Ed Lillis commended all of the individuals for their dedication and credits their hard work ethic for the teams’ success.

Superintendent Loy also recognized education students from Augustana College in the audience. They had spent time with the Board of Education before the meeting to learn more about the function of the board in the school district and more about the individual members.

Superintendent Loy and the Rock Island School District were recognized at the Illinois Quad City Chamber Annual State of the Community address for being committed to the progress of the Career Development program at Rock Island High School. Mr. Loy acknowledged the help from the IL QC Chamber and thanked them for their tireless support of the Career Development program and the school district. Because of a grant that was secured by Paul Rumler, Vice President of the Chamber, the district was able to purchase needed equipment for the Modular Lab program at Rock Island High School which is a crucial component to the Career Development program.

Many of the board members attended the commencement ceremonies at Rock Island High School on Sunday, June 7. Nearly 300 seniors crossed the Fieldhouse floor to receive their diplomas. Board President Bill Cleaver addressed the students and wished them all the best in future.

New Trailblazer Math Textbook Series

The school district curriculum department gave an overview of the new elementary Math program that will be piloted this fall at Earl Hanson, Ridgewood and Rock Island Center for Math and Science. Select classrooms at other schools will also be participating. The Math Trailblazers curriculum differs from the current practices by teaching students math concepts instead of repetitive math problems. The emphasis is on strategy and quality to improve student’s mathematical literacy. The program has a daily review component as well as ongoing assessments to make sure students are on the right track toward learning math facts. “It’s difficult for children to learn math with plus signs and minus signs,” says longtime teacher and Best Practices Facilitator Carol Loy. “They will have a better understanding through the use of concepts, logic and strategic thinking that Math Trailblazers has to offer.”

There will be parental support offerings for the new curriculum through the Math Trailblazers online textbook and also other programs with the Parental Involvement Coordinator for the school district.

Rock Island High School Counselor Update

Rock Island High School Counselors Farrah Anderson and Sterling Kingery gave an overview of their activity, processes and documentation used to work with students throughout their high school career. Communication with students starts at the Junior High level and courses are discussed as well as what is expected at the high school level. Counselors also have access to the student’s Career Cruising portfolio and have information to match up interests with the pathways that segue into the Career Development program.

Counselors meet with their respective students each fall a few weeks after the school year begins. They review credits and any classes that are needed. As soon as students sign up for classes for the next school year, parents are sent a letter to inform student’s credit status and any classes that are needed to graduate. Parent oriented events such as Freshman Orientation night, Senior Parent Night and Course Description Night help parents become involved in their child’s high school career. Board member Dave Rockwell suggested sending a letter to parents early in the student’s senior year to let them know of progress and to assess credit situation and see if they are on track to graduate.

School Within a School (SWS)

The School-Within-a-School (SWS) is an alternative academic setting at Rock Island High School. Students who failed in the traditional classroom setting receive individualized instruction through the use of Plato,  a comprehensive online curriculum. Academic modifications can be made to meet the needs of students based on their learning style and ability. Currently, Plato has close to 50 course offerings and has the ability to custom build courses to match curriculum teachings.

The SWS has helped prevent drop outs and has also helped students stay on track for graduation. Instructor Andrew Hains has also seen an improvement in attendance and behavior of many students. “The program has been very self-motivating for the students,” said Hains.

Building Excellence Update

Associate Superintendent Mike Oberhaus updated the board on Building Excellence projects. Read the update at the construction blog >> 

Other Items:

• The board approved the Air Force Jr. ROTC Cadet Marksmanship extracurricular student activity club at Rock Island High School. The club will operate as any other club and equipment. facilities and practices will be off site. Cadets will be able to participate in marksmanship activities so long as they are in good standing in the AFJROTC program.
• The board reviewed another set of policies with recommended changes from the Illinois Association of School Boards. Many of the changes recommended are already in effect by the school district. Two policies, 5:185 and 5:310 will be reported on at a later date.

Board Agenda 6-9-09

ROCK ISLAND-MILAN SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 41
Board of Education Regular meeting

Rock Island High School Library

TUESDAY, JUNE 9, 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 meeting of May 26, 2009 as presented (including Executive Session Minutes to be kept on file as confidential).

II. Special Item

Recognition of All-State Athletes

The Board of Education will present Certificates of Recognition to the following Rock Island High School Boys’ Track Athletes who were recently honored as All-State Athletes: Derrick Ellis, Jerraco Johnson, Victor Jones, Julian Mayfield 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

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:

VIII. A. Air Force JROTC Club IX. E. Contracts (1-5)

VIII. C. Athletic Trainer Agreement       IX. F. Acquisition of Equipment

VIII. D. Student Expulsions                     IX. G. List of Donations

IX. B. Resolutions (1 & 2)                        IX. H. Bills for Payment

IX. C. Auth. for Inter-fund Loans           X. A-B. Personnel

IX. D. Life Safety Amendment

VII. Education

A. Trailblazer Math Presentation . . . Information

Bill Osborne, Carol Loy and Terri Sheddan will present information on the Trailblazer Math program that will be piloted during the 2009-10 school year.

B. Rock Island High School Counselors Update . . . Information

A presentation by the counseling department at Rock Island High School will be provided.

C. School Within a School (SWS) Presentation . . . Information

Rock Island High School instructor Andrew Hains will present information on the SWS program and Online Learning.

VIII. Operations

A. Air Force Jr. ROTC Cadet Marksmanship Club . . . Action

It is recommended that the Board of Education approve the Air Force Jr. ROTC Cadet Marksmanship extracurricular student activity club at Rock Island High School.

B. First Reading of Board Policies . . . Information

Cabinet members will review revisions to Board Policies 4:55, 4:130, 7:60, 4:170, 5:35, 5:185 and 5:310.

C. Athletic Trainer Agreement . . . Action

It is recommended that the Board of Education approve the Athletic Trainer Agreement as presented.

D. Student Expulsions . . . Action

It is recommended that the Board of Education approve Student Expulsion No’s. 01/10/10 and 01/01/20.

IX. Business/Finance

A. Building Excellence Update . . . Information

Ben Hott will provide updated cost figures on the Building Excellence projects.

B. Resolutions . . . Action

1) Prevailing Wage Resolution

It is recommended that the Board of Education adopt the Prevailing Wage Act Resolution.

2) Resolution Naming Depositories

It is recommended that the Board of Education approve the designation of official depositories for district funds.

C. Authorization for Inter-fund Loans . . . Action

It is recommended that the Board of Education authorize the District Associate Superintendent for Operations and Quality to make inter-fund loans in accordance with the State of Illinois laws, rules, and regulations for the 2009-10 fiscal year.

D. Life Safety Amendment . . . Action

A recommendation will be made at the meeting.

E. Contracts . . . Action

1) Ballet Quad Cities – Horace Mann

It is recommended that the Board of Education approve the Contract for Services for Ballet Quad Cities, Rock Island, Illinois, in the amount of $7,095.00 for dance company residence at Horace Mann Choice School.

2) Milk & Ice Cream Bid

It is recommended that the Board of Education award a contract to Swiss Valley Farms, Davenport, IA, in the estimated amount of $154,140.90 for milk and to Jerry’s Dairy Service, Rock Island, IL, in the amount of $10,598.85 for ice cream.

3) Carpeting Installation at Thomas Jefferson

It is recommended that the Board of Education award a contract to Carpetland, Davenport, IA, in the amount of $13.998.00 for carpet installation at Thomas Jefferson Elementary School.

4) NEO2 Mobile Labs – R.I.C.M.S.

It is recommended that the Board of Education approve the purchase of 2 NEO2 Mobile Labs from Renaissance Learning, Inc. at a total cost of $12,017.50 for the Rock Island Center for Math & Science.

5) Dukane Technology Carts at Eugene Field

It is recommended that the Board of Education approve the purchase of 7 Dukane Technology Carts from Dukane Corporation, St. Charles, Illinois, in the amount of $14,203.00 for Eugene Field Elementary School. The cost to the district is $2,203.00 as $12,000.00 was raised through a school fund raiser.

F. Acquisition of CNC Milling Equipment . . . Action

It is recommended that the Board of Education approve the acquisition of the CNC Milling SpectraLIGHT0200 and related software from JBH Technologies, Glenview, IL, at a cost of $14,990.00.

G. List of Donations . . . Action

It is recommended that the Board of Education acknowledge the List of Donations as presented.

H. Bills for Payment . . . Action

It is recommended that the Board of Education approve the Bills for Payment dated May 31, 2009 in the amount of $2,530,582.22.

X. Personnel

A. 2009-10 Certified Appointments . . . Action

It is recommended that the Board of Education approve the Certified Appointments of Kathleen Van Heel for the 2009-10 school year as presented.

B. Non-Certified Resignations . . . Action

It is recommended that the Board of Education accept the Non-Certified Resignations of Sophia Hicks and Rose Kimbell as presented.

XI. Executive Session

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

XII. Adjournment