Board of Education

The August 25 Board of Education started their regular meeting with an update from board members. Linda Dothard, Earl Strupp and Jerry Tutskey attended the Eugene Field Ribbon Cutting event last Thursday, August 20. They commended Principal Weiss and his staff at Eugene Field for their hard work and dedication to the students during their year of construction. Board member Dr. Jim Bishop attended Parent nights at Eugene Field and Rock Island High School in the same week. He was very impressed with the enthusiastic high school staff and feel that this year’s incoming freshman students were off to a good start.

Superintendent’s Report
Superintendent Loy started off his report with an update of the 10-day school district enrollment figures. Last year the downward trend came to a halt and evened out with the same figures as in 2007. This year, enrollment is up by 100 students. In the previous years prior to 2007, the district lost about 100 students on average. Class sizes have seen a slight increase and hover around the mid to upper 20’s, with a few classrooms at 30-32 students. The school district also went up another point to 64% low income over the previous year.

The school district won an award from the Women in Construction organization for the Rock Island High School stadium renovation. Construction Manager Ben Hott, Associate Superintendent Mike Oberhaus and Superintendent Rick Loy accepted the award on behalf of the district.

The Illinois Quad City Chamber of Commerce awarded Rock Island High School with a DCEO Workforce Investment Plan grant in the amount of $14,990.00 to purchase a CNC machine for the Modular Technology Lab.

Important Dates: Thomas Jefferson Elementary will be holding their Ribbon Cutting ceremony for the completion of construction work on the cafeteria next Thursday, September 3 at 4:30 p.m. Everyone is invited to attend. The State of Schools address has been set for Tuesday, September 8. There will be two presentations: the first at the joint Kiwanis/Rotary meeting at noon and then again at the Rock Island High School Library at 5:00 p.m. The Rock Island Milan Education Foundation will also present the Rock Island Legends and Founders Circle awards at that time.

“Ready…Set…Go” Kindergarten Parties Report
Started in the summer of 2008, the “Ready…Set…Go to Kindergarten” Parties has been well received by parents and their children who were entering Kindergarten in the fall.  Sheila Sheer, Title I Parent Involvement Coordinator, started the collaboration with Head Start to help children with the transition to Kindergarten. In 2009, they included 1st grade and invited those incoming students to the events.

Three sessions of parties were held over the summer at the Rock Island Public Library (main branch & southwest branch) and the First Baptist Church in Rock Island. The parents were very receptive to the activities as much as the children. Children went home with books and learning materials. A total of 96 families participated. Ms. Sheer will continue to coordinate the parties next summer and have asked retired teachers from the school district to get involved as well.

Scorecard Update: Graduation and Promotion Rate
The Rock Island High School Graduation Rate fell slightly to 82.40% for the 2008-2009 year, less than a point difference from the previous year. The 82.40% falls slightly below the State of Illinois graduation rate. Principal Robert Mason reported that the high school is taking a two-pronged approach to improving the graduation rate for this year by focusing on culture/climate and curriculum improvements. The student promotion rate exceeded expectations by growing to 98.60%. Basic practices such as frequent review of student progress and intervention plans in place will ensure a steady promotion rate while focusing on increasing the graduation rate over time.

Secondary Math Achievement Report
Even with the decline in school district enrollment population over the years, more students are taking math and there are less failures in math at Rock Island High School. Michelle Lillis, Rock Island High School Teacher and Math Department Chair, shared 10 year Trend Data outlining student performance by number of failure grades over a period of two semesters. The highest failure rate occurred in 2002 at 23.5%. Last year, out of 2614 grades there were 400 failures listed, which came in at a rate of 15.3%. The total number of students participating in AP Calculus at Rock Island High School has increased, and even the minimum participation for other classes has doubled.

In addition, the state education requirements have changed exponentially over the years. The State of Illinois set an increase in math state standards that require freshmen to obtain 3 years of math to graduate and must include Algebra I and Geometry. By 2013 Rock Island High School graduates will have completed a minimum of Algebra I, Algebra II, and Geometry.

To increase math articulation across the district, last year a committee focused on developing a Math Articulation curriculum for PreK – 12. The first task at hand was to build a “math vocabulary” that would provide a common ground for teachers to use as a basis for learning.  Grades 7-12 are completed and the PreK – 6 is in development.

Other items:

• The board approved an overnight field trip request for RIHS Student Council students to attend the State Convention in Springfield, IL May 6-8, 2010.
• Approved an overnight field trip request for RIHS Natural Helpers to attend the annual retureat at Camp Milan, Sept. 4, 2009.
• Approved the annual renewal of software used by the school libraries to manage materials.
• Approved Intercom Systems Upgrade at Primary Academy, Eugene Field and Longfellow.
• Approved contracts for services and transportation for the Lights on For Learning (LOFL) program at Primary and Intermediate Academies.

ROCK ISLAND-MILAN SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 41
Board of Education Regular meeting
Rock Island High School Library
TUESDAY, AUGUST 25, 2009 6:00 P.M.

Download a PDF of the 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 special meeting of August 4, 2009 and regular meeting of August 11, 2009 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
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

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:
VI. D. Field Trip Requests (1&2)     VIII. C. Sophos Renewal
VII. A. Applications for Recognition     VIII. D. Contracts (1-5)
VII. B. August Fund Raisers     VIII. E. List of Donations
VIII. A. Library Circulation Software     VIII. F. Bills for Payment
VIII. B. Intercom Systems Upgrade     IX.A-D. Personnel

VI. Education

A. “Ready . . . Set . . . Go!” Report . . . Information
Sheila Sheer, District Title I Parent Involvement Coordinator, will present information about the “Ready . . . Set . . . Go!” events for incoming Kindergarten and 1st Grade students held over the summer.
B. Score Card Update . . . Information
Bill Osborne will report on the scores for the District Promotion rate and High School Graduation rate.
C. Secondary Math Achievement Report . . . Information
Rock Island High School administrators and staff will present the Secondary
Math Achievement report.
D. Overnight Field Trip Requests . . . Action

1) Rock Island High School Student Council
It is recommended that the Board of Education approve the Overnight
Field Trip request for the Rock Island High School Student Council
students to attend the State Convention in Springfield, Illinois, May 6-8, 2010.
2) Rock Island High School Natural Helpers
It is recommended that the Board of Education approve the Overnight
Field Trip request for the Rock Island High School Natural Helpers to
attend the annual retreat at Camp Milan September 4, 2009.

VII. Operations

A. Applications for Recognition of Schools . . . Action
It is recommended that the Board of Education approve the 2009 Applications for Recognition of Schools for all District 41 schools. A sample is provided in the background information.
B. August Fund Raisers . . . Action
It is recommended that the Board of Education approve the August Fund
Raisers as presented.

VIII. Business/Finance

A. Renewal of Library Circulation Software . . . Action
It is recommended that the Board of Education approve the annual renewal
of software used by the school libraries to manage the circulation of library
materials from Follett Software Co., Chicago, IL, in the amount of $17,197.18.
B. Intercom Systems Upgrade . . . Action
A recommendation will be made at the meeting.
C. Computer Anti-Virus Maintenance Agreement . . . Action
It is recommended that the Board of Education approve the renewal of the
maintenance contract for Sophos Anti-Virus software for three years at a cost
of $8,675.00. Funding for the expense has been budged in the 2009-10 District Technology budget.
D. Contracts . . . Action

1) ABC AmeriCorps – Primary Academy
It is recommended that the Board of Education approve the Contract for Services for ABC AmeriCorps to provide services at the LOFL program at the Rock Island Primary Academy in the amount of $8,250.00.
2) Broadway Presbyterian Church – Primary Academy
It is recommended that the Board of Education approve the Contract for Services for Broadway Presbyterian Church to provide services at the LOFL program at the Rock Island Primary Academy in an estimated
amount of $10,000.00.
3) Illinois Central School Bus – Intermediate & Primary Academies
It is recommended that the Board of Education approve the Contract for Services for Illinois Central School Bus to provide transportation to
students participating in the LOFL programs at the Rock Island
Intermediate and Primary Academies in the estimated amount of
$12,000.00 at each building.
4) Rock Island Parks and Recreation – Intermediate Academy
It is recommended that the Board of Education approve the Contract for Services for Rock Island Parks & Recreation to provide services to the LOFL program at the Rock Island Intermediate Academy in the estimated amount of $22,000.00.
5) Robert Young Center for Community Health
It is recommended that the Board of Education approve the Contract for Services for the Robert Young Center for Community Health to provide a licensed mental health therapist for direct services and collaborative support for students in District 41 at a cost of $32,535.00.

E. List of Donations . . . Action
It is recommended that the Board of Education acknowledge the List of Donations as presented.
F. Bills for Payment . . . Action
It is recommended that the Board of Education approve the Bills for Payment dated August 15, 2009 in the amount of $5,119,918.78.

IX. Personnel

A. Certified Appointment . . . Action
It is recommended that the Board of Education approve the Certified
Appointment of Angela Benson as presented.
B. Certified Rehire . . . Action
It is recommended that the Board of Education approve the Certified Rehire
of Christine Beierlein as presented.
C. Non-Certified Appointments . . . Action
It is recommended that the Board of Education approve the Non-Certified
Appointments of Jamara Bell, Scott Berg, Scott Bohlman, Ashley Crownover,
Wendi DeFauw, Kristie DeSchinckel, Jennifer Hickman, Emily Jackson,
Beverly Lanette Johnson, Paula Lundquist, Milo McCowan, Jevon Robinson,
Helen Weeks and Susan Witmer as presented.
D. Non-Certified Rehires . . . Action
It is recommended that the Board of Education approve the rehiring of the
following Non-Certified employees: Meloney Brasmer, Johnna Gamble,
Rebekah Leon and Victoria Vallejo as presented.

X. Adjournment

The Board of Education welcomed new teachers and employees of the school district at a reception before the August 11 regular meeting.

Board Member Updates
Linda Dothard and Earl Strupp attended the Longfellow Liberal Arts ribbon-cutting ceremony and grand opening event. The commended the planning committee and many contractors for their great work. Board member Jim Veasey also attended the Longfellow grand opening and also volunteered his grilling expertise at the Rally at the Rock on Monday, August 10. The annual event at the high school features food and games and also allows students to sign up for clubs and extracurricular activities. The Booster Club provides all of the food.

Superintendent Updates
After getting the first week of school under the district’s belt, enrollment is up overall compared to the previous year’s data at that same time. The growth is seen in the elementary area, while the high school is down slightly. There has been a large influx of ELL students and the Pupil Personnel Services area is addressing and meeting the needs of the students.

The Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy (IMSA) has moved into their space at the Rock Island Center for Math & Science Audubon campus. This office will serve as a satellite location for the western Illinois area. The services they will provide in the math and science area will be available to all schools in District 41 and the western Illinois region.

The River Cities Reader featured an article on the Longfellow Liberal Arts school with interviews from both Augustana and Longfellow faculty >>

Upcoming event: the Eugene Field Ribbon Cutting & Grand Opening, Thursday, August 20, 4:30 p.m. Everyone is invited to attend.

Freshman Academy Update
Kirsten Allen, RIHS Freshman Academy Coordinator and Dean, presented 2008-09 second semester data. At the end of the year, the Freshman Academy met their goal of advancing 85% of students to 10th grade with 6+credits. (Sidebar: Students need 24 credits to graduate from RIHS). The attendance rate also improved 2.2%, however missed the goal of 95% and came in at the end of the year 93.14%. The area that missed the mark the most was in discipline referrals, showing an increase of 18%, however most referrals were attendance related due to stricter  policies implemented at the high school last fall. New areas to focus on at the Freshman Academy this 2009-10 year include student study skills, organization and coordinating a student voice group. According to Ms. Allen, “The teachers are noticing a very positive energy this year and feel that 2009-10 is off to a great start.”

Report on AYP and NCLB Choice
Assistant Superintendent Bill Osbourne reviewed Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) criteria used to determine if a school is on target to meet the NCLB meets/exceeds goal. For the 2008-09 year, 70% is the new goal schools must meet/exceed.  Although final 2008-09 AYP numbers are not available, the district can still get a glimpse of performance through initial data. Overall, test scores continue to improve in the school district, however some schools aren’t improving at the 7.5% annual NCLB required level.

Schools that made AYP for the 2008-2009 year: Denkmann, Eugene Field, Horace Mann, Longfellow, Thomas Jefferson and Washington Jr. High. Schools that did not make AYP: Audubon, Earl Hanson, Frances Willard, Intermediate & Primary Academy, Ridgewood and Rock Island High School.

At the start of the 2009-10 school year, the district had to offer public school choice to students at three schools which did not make AYP for two years in a row: Earl Hanson,  Primary & Intermediate Academy. Schools that students could choose to attend: Denkmann, Eugene Field and Longfellow Liberal Arts. Several families responded to the option, and currently 66 students are (or will be) placed at the other choice schools.

ROCK ISLAND-MILAN SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 41
Board of Education Regular meeting
Rock Island High School Library
TUESDAY, AUGUST 11, 2009 5:30 P.M.

A reception will be held honoring all new employees of District 41 at 5:30 p.m.
The regular meeting will begin at approximately 6:00 p.m.

Download a PDF of the agenda >>

I. Roll Call

II. Pledge of Allegiance

III. Reports from Board Members

IV. Updates from the Superintendent

V. Communications

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

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. Police Liaison Agreement
VIII. Bills for Payment

VII. Operations

Police Liaison Detective Agreement . . . Action
It is recommended that the Board of Education approve the Police Liaison Detective Agreement between Rock Island School District 41 and the City of Rock Island Police Department in the amount of $53,825.43.

VIII. Business/Finance

Bills for Payment . . . Action
It is recommended that the Board of Education approve the Bills for Payment dated July 24 ($146,883.81) and July 31, 2009 ($2,336,508.77).

IX. Committee of the Whole

A. Freshman Academy Report . . . Information
Kristin Allen will provide the Freshman Academy report.
B. Report on AYP and NCLB Choice . . . Information
Bill Osborne will provide a report on Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) and NCLB Choice in District 41.
C. Building Excellence Update . . . Information
Dr. Oberhaus will provide the Building Excellence update.

X. Adjournment

The Board of Education voted to release the minutes and recording of the July 28 executive session. The motion passed 4-3. There were no requests from citizens to speak to the board.

The board also voted to accept the contract from Score Tables by Design, L.L.C., Urbandale, IA, for the purpose of installing score board advertising in the Field house and Stadium. The new amenity will generate revenue for Rock Island Athletic Programs.

The Board of Education welcomed Bob McGarry as the new Assistant Principal of the Intermediate Academy at the first meeting of the 2009-2010 school year. Mr. McGarry has been in education for 38 years, last serving as the Principal at Jefferson Edison Schools, Davenport, IA.

Board Member Updates
Board Members Bill Cleaver and Earl Strupp met 13 new teachers at the New Teacher Orientation earlier in the day. Both were impressed with the group and wished them well in their teaching careers. Linda Dothard attended the Illinois Liquid Asset Fund annual meeting. The fund has stayed solid through the last year and the outlook is favorable. Dr. Jim Bishop spent a day in July with the Christina’s Smile program, a not-for-profit dental service that travels the country with the PGA tour. Dr. Bishop said it was a good experience and the program saw 120 students over the course of three days. Jim Veasey attended the Head Start Policy Council meeting earlier in July.

Superintendent Update
Superintendent Loy commended the volunteers in the school district who made the Christina’s Smile program a success. The district received a grant for Lights on for Learning, totaling $700,000 for after school programs at Primary and Intermediate Academy, Washington Jr. High, Edison Jr. High and Rock Island High School.

The school district partnered with the Rock Island Park and Rec for a pilot Learn to Swim program that was offered to school age children in July. The partnership will probably expand to reach more children in the fall. Initial scores for the PSAE are in for the high school with favorable results: the reading score made a significant leap of 8 points. Math went up a half a point. Formal results will be released in February 2010.

Last week was registration and the numbers look solid. Longfellow has increased by 250 students and Eugene Field looks like it will reach its anticipated enrollment of 350. The new Rock Island Center for Math & Science are closing in on their maximum enrollment and there are 2 final days in the week for schools to even out their numbers before the first day of school on August 3.

Communications from Citizens
Two Rock Island High School students, Dylan Bibbs and India Howlett, addressed the board about their opposition to the new ban on purses in the classroom. Both felt that it was inconvenient to go to lockers between class times for personal items and asked the board to reconsider the policy. The board thanked the students for their willingness to come and speak at the meeting and that their comments are acknowledged.

Athletic Tickets & Advertising Proposal
Athletic Director Bob Swanson presented information to the board. In preparing for this year’s budget the Athletic Department was required to cut 4% across the board and 10% off of the athletic stipends. The total reduction amounted to $73,351.00. While some areas of the budget are flexible, such as equipment, repairs and travel expenses, other areas, such as coaches stipends, are not as forgiving. A cut made to a coach would sacrifice the entire team. In the past, students, staff & guests have not paid admission fees and there has not been any admission charges for events such as freshman games, JV meets and other non-varsity events. Making up some of the budget cuts by beginning to charge admission for events is a solution that should create a hardship on the larger community.

The Scoretable advertising board will also be another opportunity for source of income for the athletic department. Two scoreboards will be installed: one in the Fieldhouse and one in the Stadium. The district does not have any financial obligation and the district can also approve the ads. The board voted to approve the proposal.

High School Handbook Revision
Assistant Superintendent Kay Ingham recapped the Discipline Code committee procedures from last spring. A team of parents, teachers and administrators reviewed the code and made recommendations to the board regarding the classroom purse issue. Board member Linda Dothard opposed the ban on purses in the classroom and would like the policy reviewed as it seems to be a cell phone issue. Ms. Ingham indicated that adjacent school districts have a similar policy on banning purses in the classroom, however “It is clear that students have concerns and it will be an ongoing dialog,” said Kay Ingham.

Building Excellence
Rock Island School District Construction Manager Ben Hott gave an update of the Building Excellence plan construction >>

Associate Superintendent Mike Oberhaus said there were $28.5 million out in contracts. Bids for Earl Hanson, Edison Jr. High and Washington Jr. High are expected sometime in the fall. Three projects have exceeded budgets: Academy, Longfellow and the Center for Math & Science.

Other Items:

• The board approved a contract for playground equipment at the Primary Academy.
• Associate Superintendent Mike Oberhaus presented the 2009-2010 budget. A public hearing will be held on September 8. View budget >>
• Cabinet members presented updated figures on the School District’s Scorecard. Student attendance rose to 94% due to some new procedure implementations last year, and the district continues to receive a favorable financial score from the State of Illinois. View the Scorecard >>
• The board approved the purchase of the rest of the new Math Trailblazers material.
• The board approved the revisions to policies 5:35 “Compliance with the Fair Labor Standards Act” and 5:185 “Family and Medical Leave.”