Six schools in the Rock Island-Milan School District were recognized by the Illinois PBIS network for being successful in implementing and maintaining the program: Washington Jr. HIgh, Thomas Jefferson, Primary Academy, Intermediate Academy, Longfellow and Earl Hanson. Earl Hanson is one of the few that has the highest level of implementation. All of Spotlights schools (Denkmann, Thomas Jefferson and are also PBIS schools.

High School Counselor Report
High school counselors Sterling Kingery, Farah Anderson and Jennifer Page updated the board on measures taken to improve reporting and parent communication. A team of administrators, counselors and staff from the technology department worked together to prepare many documents including a Graduation Requirement Report and Student Grade Report to reflect vital information about a students progress and credit hour standing before graduation. Counselors will continue to keep parents and guardians aware of progress of their student(s) through the documents presented as well as email, phone calls, and personal conferences.

Boundary Changes
Administration may be bringing recommendations to the board in late April/early May to change boundaries of two elementary schools that are experiencing a growth in population over the last year. The Denkmann Elementary boundary may be adjusted to move 50 students over to Eugene Field Elementary. An influx of families in the Academy boundary area could push the boundary between Frances Willard and the Academy to the north, thus allowing room for up to 100 more students to attend Frances Willard from that area. More discussion will follow before a recommendation is made to the board.

Personnel
Twenty four teachers were approved for tenure by the Board of Education:

Administrators/Teachers Building

1. Emily Bohling (Math), Rock Island High School
2. William Churchill (P.E.), Rock Island High School
3. Yolanda Grandberry (English), Rock Island High School
4. Georgia Kouris (Associate Principal), Rock Island High School
5. Susanne Stark (Math), Rock Island High School
6. Jack Weese (Welding), Rock Island High School
7. Julie Woods (Math), Rock Island High School
8. Dan Coyne-Logan (Soc.Studies), Washington Jr. High School
9. Phil Ambrose (Principal), Thurgood Marshall
10. Julie Vermeire (Math), Thurgood Marshall
11. Erica McKinzie (Multiage 1-2), Earl Hanson Elementary
12. Melissa Barton (Kindergarten), Frances Willard Elementary
13. Brandy Brunat (Spec. Ed.), Intermediate Academy
14. Teena Cook (Special Ed.), Intermediate Academy
15. Stacy Rohm (Spec. Ed.),  Intermediate Academy
16. Kiley Hudson (Kindergarten), Longfellow
17. Kelli Brannen (Multiage 1-2), Primary Academy
18. Joleen Dierickx (Special Ed.), Primary Academy
19. Carol Kossaris (Special Ed.), Primary Academy
20. Sarah Andrus (Multiage 5-6), R.I. Center for Math & Science
21. Susan Higgins (Pre-K), R.I. Center for Math & Science
22. Amy Moffitt (Multiage 5-6), R.I. Center for Math & Science
23. Stephanie Schulte (Multiage 1-2), R.I. Center for Math & Science
24. Troy Porter (Multiage 1-2), Thomas Jefferson Elementary

Twenty-eight staff members were also given pink slips yesterday. Of the 28 staff members, 11 are those who were hired after the start of the school year and were not going to be rehired for the 2010-11 year. There we no tenure staff reductions.

Scorecard Targets
Dr. Oberhaus recommended that the board reexamine Scorecard targets for Days Cash On Hand and State Rating based on bleak revenue projections for the next two years. State revenue continues to be a stress on the district, and given the current conditions if they don’t improve, by 2012, the district’s state rating number could drop to 2.35 and the Days Cash on Hand will drop to 54. Dr. Oberhaus recommended changing the state rating target to 3.35 and the Days Cash on Hand to 120 for the 2009-10 year, considering the fact that the economy has changed dramatically since the last time the targets were addressed. The board approved changing the targets.

Rockwell Challenge Update
Board member Dave Rockwell has raised about $36,000 of the $48,000 needed to fund the co-curricular and extra-curricular cuts through budget reductions and fundraising. Mr. Rockwell first went to the coach group and held a meeting. Several teams gave up their supply budget, and one team gave up an assistant coach. He hopes that his appeal to the community will generate more funds. The Rock Island Milan Education Foundation has agreed to accept the donations and also designate their Birdies for Charity money this year toward the cause. Mr. Rockwell also recommends that every activity, whether music or sports, should have a participation fee and also charge for events. “There’s still more work to do, but we have a good start.”

Building Excellence
Two ribbon cuttings are being planned this spring: April 8 at Frances Willard and April 21 at Ridgewood. Earl Hanson will have a groundbreaking on April 14 after school. All projects (other than Earl Hanson) are nearing completion, and Dr. Oberhaus suggested the board take a tour of the Center for Math & Science soon to see the progress. Board member Earl Strupp was at Frances Willard for a visit and commented on how beautiful the building looked.

Other items:

• Board approved the Head Start Child Development Program Grant.
• Board approved the the Interagency Agreement Amendment with the Illinois Department of Health Care and Family Services.
• Board approved to award a contract to J.B. Robertson Construction, Davenport, IA, in the amount of $583,000.00 for the cafeteria addition at Earl Hanson Elementary School.
• The district’s Strategic Planning is almost complete. A final Capstone session will be held on Thursday, March 11 with representatives of all of the focus groups. The plan will be unveiled later in the spring.

Download 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 regular meeting minutes of February 23, 2010 as presented.

II. Communications

Citizens Wishing to Address the Board of Education
Items on the agenda will be addressed at the appropriate time during the meeting. Items not on the agenda will be heard at this time. 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.

III. Reports

A. Reports from Board Members
~Voting Members
~Student Members
B. Report from Superintendent
C. Report from RIEA Representative

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:
VII. B. Head Start Grant    IX. A. Admin./Teachers Tenure
VII. C. Board Meeting Dates    IX. B. Admin./Teachers 3 Years
VII. F. Interagency Agreement    IX. C. Admin./Teachers 2 Years
VIII. C. Contracts (1-4)    IX. D. Admin./Teachers 1 Year
VIII. D. List of Donations    IX. F. Certified Leave of Absence
VIII. E. Bills for Payment

VI. Education

Progress Report with High School Counselors . . . Information
The counselors from RIHS will provide an update on their progress in the documentation of student academic progress and communication to parents of their student’s academic progress, including credits earned and class rank.

VII. Operations

A. Boundary Changes . . . Information
Mr. Loy and Dr. Oberhaus will lead a discussion on the possible boundary changes that effect Denkmann, Eugene Field, Earl Hanson, Frances Willard and the Academy.
B. Head Start Grant Approval . . . Action
It is recommended that the Board of Education approve the Head Start Child Development Program Grant as presented.
C. 2010-2011 Board Meeting Dates . . . Action
It is recommended that the Board of Education approve the 2010-2011 Board Meeting dates as presented.
D. Strategic Plan Update . . . Information
Dr. Oberhaus will provide an update on the Strategic Plan.
E. Scorecard Targets . . . Action
Dr. Oberhaus will lead a discussion with the Board to determine what our 2010 Target should be for Days Cash on Hand and State Profile Score.
F. Interagency Agreement Amendment . . . Action
It is recommended that the Board of Education approve the Interagency Agreement Amendment with the Illinois Department of Health Care and Family Services as presented.
G. Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Request . . . Information
The district has received one FOIA request: David Heitz/Quad City Times for a list of FOIA requests received in the last six months. The request has been responded to within the five-day requirement.

VIII. Business/Finance

A. Update on Items Removed from 2010-11 Budget Cuts . . . Information
Dave Rockwell will provide an update on the fund raising activities for Extracurricular Items that were removed from the 2010-2011 Budget Cuts.
B. Building Excellence Update . . . Information
Dr. Oberhaus will present the Building Excellence Update.
C. Contracts . . . Action
1) Exterior Masonry Restoration Project – R.I.H.S.
It is recommended that the Board of Education award a contract to Missman Stanley & Associates, Bettendorf, IA, in an amount not to exceed $9,000.00 for engineering services for the exterior masonry restoration project at Rock Island High School.
2) Exterior Masonry Restoration Project – Washington
It is recommended that the Board of Education award a contract to Missman Stanley & Associates, Bettendorf, IA, in an amount not to exceed $5,500.00 for engineering services for the exterior masonry restoration project at Washington Jr. High School.
3) Life Safety Amendments for R.I.H.S. and W.J.H.S.
It is recommended that the Board of Education approve the Life Safety Amendments for Rock Island High School at a cost of $112,262.50 and Washington Jr. High School at a cost of $68,541.00 as presented.
4) Stage Rigging – Rock Island High School Auditorium
It is recommended that the Board of Education award a contract to KJWW Engineers, Rock Island, IL, in the amount of $10,400.00 for professional services for the stage rigging in the auditorium at Rock Island High School.
5) Earl Hanson Cafeteria Addition . . . Action
It is recommended that the Board of Education award a contract to J.B. Robertson Construction, Davenport, IA, in the amount of $583,000.00 for the cafeteria addition at Earl Hanson Elementary School.
D. List of Donations . . . Action
It is recommended that the Board of Education acknowledge the List of Donations.
E. Bills for Payment . . . Action
It is recommended that the Board of Education authorize Bills for Payment dated February 26, 2010 in the amount of $2,727,282.63.

IX. Personnel

A. Administrators/Teachers Tenure . . . Action
It is recommended that the Board of Education award tenure to the list of 24 administrators and teachers who have completed their probationary period as presented.
B. Administrators/Teachers Completing Three Years of Probationary Status . . . Action
It is recommended that the Board of Education issue a contract to the list of 25 administrators and teachers who have completed three years of probationary status as presented.
C. Administrators/Teachers Completing Two Years of Probationary Service . . . Action
It is recommended that the Board of Education issue a contract to the list of 17 administrators and teachers who have completed two years of probationary status as presented.
D. Administrators/Teachers Completing One Year of Probationary Service . . . Action
It is recommended that the Board of Education issue a contract to the list of 10 administrators and teachers who have completed one year of probationary status as presented.
E. Non-Renewal of Contracts . . . Action

1) Teacher Completing Three Years of Probationary Service
It is recommended that the Board of Education approve the non-renewal of four teachers who have completed three years of probationary service as presented.
2) Teachers Completing Two Years of Probationary Service
It is recommended that the Board of Education approve the non-renewal of six teachers who have completed two years of probationary service as presented.
3) Teachers Completing One Year of Probationary Service
It is recommended that the Board of Education approve the non-renewal of five teachers who have completed one year of probationary service as presented.
4) Teachers Completing a Partial Year of Service
It is recommended that the Board of Education approve the non-renewal of the list of six teachers who have completed a partial year of probationary service as presented.
5) Teachers Completing Part-Time Contracts
It is recommended that the Board of Education approve the non-renewal of the list of five teachers who have completed a part-time contract as presented.
F. Certified Unpaid Leave of Absence . . . Action
It is recommended that the Board of Education approve the Certified Unpaid Leave of Absence for Giovanna Davila as presented.

X. Executive Session

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

XI. Adjournment

Michelle Lillis, Girls AA Track Coach of the Year

The Board of Education recognized three coaches in the Rock Island-Milan School District who received awards for their outstanding coaching abilities. Rock Island High School Boys Track Coach Ed Lillis and Softball Coach Steve Ebner were inducted into the State of Illinois Coaches Hall of Fame, and Rock Island High School Girls Track Coach Michelle Lillis was selected as Girls AA Track Coach of the Year. “Besides being outstanding coaches, they are excellent in the classroom with students,” said Athletic Director Bob Swanson. “They are teachers on and off the track and field.”

Reports from Board Members
Linda Dothard attended the Science Fair at the Rock Island Center for Math & Science (Audubon Campus). There were many families in attendance and a representative from the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy was there as well. Ms. Dothard also attended the Sankofa performance on Saturday in the Rock Island High School Auditorium. The group did an excellent job and Ms. Dothard recommended that everyone attend their next performance.

Board member Earl Strupp attended the Edison Jr. High School Trivia Night. There are two more schools planning Trivia Nights: Earl Hanson and Ridgewood, both are on Saturday, March 6.

Board member Jim Bishop attended the Boys Sectional Swim meet which was hosted at Rock Island High School on Saturday. “It was an exciting event – standing room only.” Senior Kilian Macias was the sectional champion and state qualifier in the 100 yard freestyle.  The Rocks 200 Free Relay team Austin Beine, Reed Duyvejonck, Charles Holliday, and Kilian Macias took top honrs and will compete at state this weekend.

Board President Bill Cleaver reminded the board that Linda Golden’s Thurgood Marshall class now has the Kenya Water Project bracelets for sale. The money raised will be used

Student Board Member Zavier Clark reported that the Interact Club sponsored a dance on Feb. 12 was a success and made about $300. The money raised will go toward Haiti Earthquake Relief.

Superintendent Report
Superintendent Loy attended a fundraiser last week for the HAVlife Foundation. At the end of the event, HAVlife donated $15,000 to Rock Island-Milan Schools specifically to support junior high level youth programs in memory of Hunter Aaron Vondran. www.havlife.org Mr. Loy also announced that the school district has three Illinois Spotlight Schools this year: Denkmann, Longfellow and Thomas Jefferson. There are nearly 900 school districts and thousands of schools, and RISD 41 had three of 425 schools being honored with the award.

Mr. Loy reported that the State of Illinois just passed HB 2240, and in that bill, the state wants to hear from the citizens of Illinois on how to resolve the budget crisis. There is a two week window of opportunity to send letters to the Governor and have Rock Island & Milan voices heard. “We have a chance to be heard, let’s take them up on their offer.” Visit the web site for more information http://bit.ly/atVYsP >>

Rock Island Education Association Report
Bob Smith, President of the Rock Island Education Association announced that the organization will be participating in a letter writing campaign to support HB 174. Also, on February 27, U.S. representative Phil Hare will be holding an educational roundtable at the Regional Office of Education. The Board of Education is invited to attend.

High School Progress Report on Math Department

Associate Principal Georgia Kouris commended the Math Data Team for working hard over the last year to build rigor and relationships to improve math achievement and success at the high school. The team is made up of Emily Bohling, Ryan Kelly, Susie Stark, Connie Brackney, Jon Catterton, Mike Melody, Shawn Trask, Mike Smith and Julie Woods. Rock Island High School Math Teacher and Data Team Leader Michelle Lillis said the number of math failures peaked at 21.04% in 2006. Last semester (09-10) the number went down to 11.34%. The number of students enrolled in Algebra II has increased (440) which is up from 176 in 07-08. Overall, there are more students taking higher level math courses with fewer failures.

Raising the rigor of the math program has been successful due to many supports in place for students to get help: providing assistance before and after school; setting up Lights on for Learning for math; making required and timely parent contacts; offering all students opportunities for test retakes; K-12 math articulation meetings to smooth transition for students; interactive white boards in math rooms and Math Computer Lab; extra help through intersession and summer school math offerings; and co-teaching in some Algebra I classes to provide additional instructional support. “Students who are struggling get the attention they need.”

The Math Data Team accomplished many of the tasks set last fall: investigated math options for career education students; introduced Applied Mathematics; purchased PLATO skill-building software in Math Computer lab and purchase of classroom sets of TI-84 graphing calculators for all Algebra II students; expanded LOFL Intersession extra help; implemented mandatory 9th grade Algebra I and Math Lab for all students who need the support. The team is still in the process of creating a summer math readiness program for incoming 9th grade students who need support. The curriculum is being written at the moment.

English Language Learners (ELL) Report
Over the last couple of years, the dominant foreign language in the Rock Island-Milan School District was Spanish, however the language diversity has increased to over 22 languages for over 300 students in our school district. Currently there are nine teachers in the district who work with ELL students. The Intermediate Academy has grown in over 16 languages in the last year. At the high school, the program had 17 students in 2003-04. Spanish was the dominant language at the time. This year there are 61 students at Rocky who speak 12 languages such as Karen, Nepali, Swahili and Kirundi. Just in the last year there was an increase of 19 students. With the help of school district translator coordinator Annette Moreno, outside translators are used often to help with parent communications. Trained interpreters help in relaying cultural information and issues to the teachers. The ELL teachers help make connections with social services as well, based on the need of the student and/or family. The Access test, a test to measure proficiency, is given annually to assess students level of knowledge of the English language. This has been a helpful tool given two years ago the State of Illinois determined that elementary students should take the ISAT regardless of English proficiency level.

Articulation and Alignment Report
In the past year, a collaborative committee in the Rock Island-Milan School District has been working on grade-wide building-wide effort to articulate and align the district curriculum. Four areas have been covered through articulation thus far: Social Studies, PE/Family Life/Heath Education, Math and Language Arts. Science articulation and alignment group will start this spring. Ken Jaeke, Director of Instruction and Assessment, gave a brief overview of the alignment strategies, practices and materials that are being used in the district to increase access to the core curriculum across the district. An aligned curriculum for grades 7 & 8 has been rewritten and revised, and administration is working on 9-12 aligned curriculum. A K-12 vocabulary curriculum will soon follow. Connie Snell and Terri Sheddan have provided tremendous professional development support for teachers who in turn are supporting the material for students.

Head Start/SKIP Reports & Location
Mike Russell, Principal of SKIP, is looking forward to the relocation of the program to the Horace Mann building and anticipates being moved in to the facility in early July. The SKIP program will have 6 rooms, EDR will use 2 rooms and Head Start will use 4 rooms and also house support services. Long term planning involves creating Horace Mann into a comprehensive Early Childhood Center program will provide an opportunity for an articulated curriculum, provide an academic and social foundation for students, develop relationships with families and collaborate and assist in transition of students to appropriate kindergarten programs.

Nicole Schlotfeldt, Director of the Head Start program in the Rock Island-Milan School District, reviewed the Head Start Annual Report from 2008-09, highlighting increased levels of competency and development in key areas of language development, literacy, math, science, approaches to learning, social/emotional development, creative arts and physical health.

Currently, Pre-K services 120 students and Head Start services over 300 students. The last year has been a year of growth for the program and educational outcomes has demonstrated significant progress through testing at the Kindergarten level. Head Start attendance has increased to 88% over the last three years.

An important part of the Head Start program is the coordination of health services, and Head Start staff work with the family to establish a medical and dental home for the health of children. Social service staff are able to work one-on-one with families to get people the right assistance. Rock Island Head Start is also involved with the national “I am Learning I am Moving” assessment – a curriculum for preventing childhood obesity. Rock Island is the only program in the nation that is being assessed and documenting the results for the national Head Start association.

The proposed budget for 2010-11 is $2,266,959 (used for program operations) and then $30,357 (for training tech assistance). The funds are provided at the federal level.

Download the agenda (PDF) >>

A reception will be held to honor Coach of the Year Michelle Lillis and
Hall of Fame Coaches Inductees Steve Ebner and Ed Lillis.
The regular meeting will begin at 6:00 p.m.

I. Special Items

A. AA Girls Track and Field Coach of the Year . . . Recognition
Board members will recognize AA Girls Track and Field Coach of the Year Michelle Lillis.
B. Hall of Fame Coaches . . . Recognition
Board members will recognize Hall of Fame Coaches Steve Ebner and Ed Lillis.

II. 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 regular meeting minutes of January 26 and February 9, 2010 as presented.

III. Communications

Citizens Wishing to Address the Board of Education Items on the agenda will be addressed at the appropriate time during the meeting. Items not on the agenda will be heard at this time. 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. Reports

A. Reports from Board Members
◊ Voting Members
◊ Student Members
B. Report from Superintendent
C. Report from RIEA Representative

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. Policies     IX. C. January Financials
VIII. B. February Fund Raisers     IX. D. Bills for Payment
IX. A. Contracts (1-3)     X. A-C. Personnel
IX. B. List of Donations

VII. Education

A. High School Progress Report on Math Dept. . . . Information
Georgia Kouris and Michelle Lillis will report on the advancements being made with the Math Department at Rock Island High School.
B. English Language Learners (ELL) Report . . . Information
Kay Ingham and the ELL staff will report on the English Language Learners program.
C. Articulation & Alignment Report . . . Information
The Curriculum Department will provide an Articulation and Alignment
Report.
D. Head Start/SKIP Reports and Location . . . Information
Nicole Schlotfeldt and Mike Russell will provide the Head Start and SKIP reports. In addition, they will share with the Board information regarding the impending move of Head Start and SKIP to Horace Mann.

VIII. Operations

A. Board Policy Revisions . . . Action
It is recommended that the Board of Education adopt the revised Board Policies 4:160, 6:60 and 7:20 as presented, and do not adopt the revised Policy 6:185 at this time.
B. February Fund Raisers . . . Action
It is recommended that the Board of Education approve the February Fund Raisers as presented.
C. IASB Blackhawk Division Meeting . . . Discussion
Board members will determine who will attend the IASB Blackhawk Division meeting on March 10, 2010 in Orion.

IX. Business/Finance

A. Contracts . . . Action

1) Building Maintenance Agreement
It is recommended that the Board of Education award a contract to Johnson Contracting, East Moline, IL, in the amount of $5,090.00 for the building maintenance agreement.
2) Door Locks Replacement – Edison Jr. High School
It is recommended that the Board of Education award a contract to Bettendorf N & S Lock, Inc., Bettendorf, IA, in the amount of $12,443.00 for door locks replacement at Edison Jr. High School.
3) Gym Acoustical Ceiling Installation – Thomas Jefferson
It is recommended that the Board of Education award a contract to Construction Partners, Inc., Rock Island, IL, in the amount of $17,650.00 for gym acoustical ceiling installation at Thomas Jefferson Elementary School.

B. List of Donations . . . Action
It is recommended that the Board of Education acknowledge the List of Donations.
C. January Financial Statements . . . Action
It is recommended that the Board of Education approve the January Financial Statements as presented.
D. Bills for Payment . . . Action
It is recommended that the Board of Education authorize Bills for Payment dated February 12, 2010 in the amount of $3,541,984.69.

X. Personnel

A. Certified Appointment . . . Action
It is recommended that the Board of Education approve the Certified Appointment of Traci Liddell as presented.
B. Non-Certified Appointments . . . Action
It is recommended that the Board of Education approve the Non-Certified Appointments of Shayla Owens and Ellery Stewart as presented.
C. Non-Certified Resignation . . . Action
It is recommended that the Board of Education accept the Non-Certified Resignation of Sheila Jenkins as presented.

XI. Adjournment

Superintendent Update
Next T.A.G. meeting is coming up in March. In the session the board will discuss specific roles and expectations along with the evaluations process.

School district administration received another letter from ASFCME regarding potential budget reductions with additional suggestions. Mr. Loy thanked the group for the continued communication.

Enrollment projects completed a couple of years ago aren’t happening as administration had planned. The district will be looking into changing elementary boundary again for the 2010-11 year. The population at Denkmann is at 455 students, which is over capacity. Shifting boundaries will allow Eugene Field to accommodate about 50 students from Denkmann. The second area to be changed is the Academy boundary. As of today the school is over 500 students. Shifting Frances Willard and Earl Hanson boundaries respectively will make room for Academy students to go to Frances Willard, and a section of Frances Willard students will shift to Earl Hanson. Administration will be starting the study as soon as possible and more updates will follow in March.

Career Cruising was the featured editorial in the Argus on Sunday. The unconditional involvement with the Quad City Chamber will now allow for more of the business community to be involved with our schools. http://bit.ly/99Cn39

Superintendent Loy visited Springfield last Thursday and Friday in an attempt to find out from legislative officials what next year’s funding looks like for education. A group of superintendents were told to not expect all of the payments this year as the State of Illinois is 5-6 months behind. District superintendents were also told to plan next year’s budget with a decrease from the state of up to 10%, which equates to $3 million for RISD. “The people who are deciding our budget are sitting in Springfield.”

Mr. Loy encouraged everyone to take action and talk to state legislators.

Budget Cuts

The board approved the acceptance of the Tier I cuts of $2.6 million with the amendment made by Dave Rockwell to remove the athletic reductions of $35,000 and the co-curricular reductions of $13,000 from the Tier I cuts.

During discussion, Mr. Rockwell pointed out that he was looking forward to 2010-11 year with the completion of all of the projects. Unfortunately, the state of Illinois had other plans and his disappointment in the lack of action led the district to the cuts today. “Every cut is painful.”

Mr. Rockwell suggested that each department outlined in the athletic and co-curricular reductions should immediately start looking for other funding sources. Mr. Strupp and Mr. Veasey agreed with Rockwell’s suggestion.

Mr. Loy relayed a message from board member Linda Dothard concerning one area of the cuts: the Dean position at the high school. If the position is cut there will be a negative impact. She asks the board to consider moving the dean position from Tier I to Tier II. Superintendent Loy noted that administration agreed to a pay freeze. Mr. Veasey recommended that the Dean position cut also be removed from the Tier I cuts, however the motion did not pass.

View the 2010-11 budget Tier I & Tier II recommendations >>

Building Excellence Update
The additions are finished at Ridgewood. Staff is going through final punch list at Frances Willard with the contractor, and the Academy punch list has been completed. Ribbon cuttings will be planned once the weather improves. The new school is coming together nicely as well. Within the next month the board will be presented the Earl Hanson cafeteria bid. View show >>

Policy Revisions
The board heard the first reading of mandated policy revisions concerning environmental quality of building and grounds and curriculum content:

• Changes the mandatory Internet Safety curriculum to include ALL grades K-12  and needs to be a part of yearly instruction. The bullying prevention and gang resistance education requirement that it must be taught in all grades was dropped. NOTE: as the subjects are no longer being mandated by the State to be part of the curriculum, the school district will still have anti-bullying and drug prevention programs in the schools.
• Implement comprehensive health education program in all schools.
• Adds the following to the list of mandated topics taught in Social Studies: the events related to the forceful removal and illegal deportation of Mexican-American U.S. citizens during the Great Depression.
• Adds the mandatory viewing of a Congressional Medal of Honor film in grade 7 and all high school U.S. History and Government classes.
• Adds the mandated study of disability history awareness and the disability rights movement appropriately to the curriculum.
• Implement comprehensive health education program in all schools.
• Adds the following to the list of mandated topics taught in Social Studies: the events related to the forceful removal and illegal deportation of Mexican-American U.S. citizens during the Great Depression.

The school district is already in compliance with the mandates.

Download PDF of 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. B. Contracts (1-3)    VII. C. Computer Purchase
VII. D. Bills for Payment
VII. Business/Finance

A. Budget Cuts . . . Action
It is recommended that the Board of Education direct the administration to build the 2010-2011 budget incorporating the recommended additions and Tier I reductions as presented at the January 26, 2010 Board meeting.
B. Contracts . . . Action
1) Partner in Education
It is recommended that the Board of Education approve the Contract for Service for Partner in Education (Dea Conrad-Curry) for curriculum writing in the amount of $7,800.00.
2) Robert Young Center – District
It is recommended that the Board of Education approve the Contract for Services for Robert Young Center to expand school-based mental health services in District 41 in the amount of $20,520.00.
3) Transitions Mental Health Services – Rock Island High School
It is recommended that the Board of Education approve the Contract for Service for Transitions Mental Health Services for on-site services at Rock Island High School in the amount of $11,032.00.
C. Computer, Software and License Purchase . . . Action
It is recommended that the Board of Education approve the purchase of terminals with license and maintenance from CDW-G, Chicago, IL, at a cost of $15,000.00; LG monitors from CDW-G, at a cost of $5,950.00; HP ProLiant Server from Hewlett Packard at a cost of $9,818.01; Academic VMware vSphere 4 from R.K. Dixon, Davenport, IA, at a cost of $1,664.31; VMware support from R.K. Dixon at a cost of $2,046.38; Vizioncore VRange Pro License from R.K. Dixon at a cost of $493.25; Windows 2008 server license from R.K. Dixon at a cost of $200.00; and Ethernet cables from Mainstream USA, Inc., Moline, IL, at a cost of $322.50. Total cost of purchase is $25,492.45 through ARRA funds.
D. Bills for Payment . . . Action
It is recommended that the Board of Education authorize Bills for Payment dated January 29, 2010 in the amount of $3,020,122.31.

VIII. Committee of the Whole

A. First Reading of Board Policy Revisions . . . Information
Cabinet members will review the revisions to Board Policies 4:160, 6:60, 6:185 and 7:20 as recommended by PRESS.
B. Building Excellence Update . . . Information
Dr. Oberhaus will provide an update on the Building Excellence projects.

IX. Adjournment

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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 regular meeting minutes of December 8, 2009 and January 12, 2010 and special meeting minutes of December 15, 2009 and January 7, 2010 as presented.

II. Communications

Citizens Wishing to Address the Board of Education
Items on the agenda will be addressed at the appropriate time during the meeting. Items not on the agenda will be heard at this time. 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.

III. Reports

A. Reports from Board Members
Voting Members
Student Members
B. Report from Superintendent
C. Report from RIEA Representative

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:
VII. B. RIHS Additional Account    VII. F. List of Donations
VII. C. Cell Phone Contract    VII. G. Bills for Payment
VII. D. Investment Report    VIII. B. Board Policy Revisions
VII. E. December Financials    IX. Personnel

VI. Education

A. Thurgood Marshall Center Student Project . . . Information
Linda Golden and students from the Thurgood Marshall Center will present information on a special project they are participating in.
B. 9th Grade Academy Update . . . Information
Kristin Allen will provide an update on the 9th Grade Academy.

VII. Business/Finance

A. 2010-2011 Budget Cuts . . . Discussion
The Board of Education will discuss the 2010-2011 recommended Budget Cuts as presented at the January 12, 2010 meeting of the Board.
B. Additional Account at Rock Island High School . . . Action
It is recommended that the Board of Education approve the addition of a subsidiary ledger account, in the Rock Island High School activity account, for the Work Class and Personal Social Skills class as presented in the background information.
C. Cell Phone Contract . . . Action
It is recommended that the Board of Education award a contract to Verizon Wireless in the amount of $18,300.12 for wireless cellular telecommunications and Internet data services. (Rock Island School District currently received 74% e-rate reimbursement; therefore the net cost of the services will be $4,475.00 for the one-year contract.)
D. Investment Report . . . Action
It is recommended that the Board of Education approve the Investment Report for quarter ended December 31, 2009.
E. December Financial Statements . . . Action
It is recommended that the Board of Education approve the December Financial Statements.
F. List of Donations . . . Action
It is recommended that the Board of Education acknowledge the List of
Donations.
G. Bills for Payment . . . Action
It is recommended that the Board of Education authorize Bills for Payment dated January 15, 2010 in the amount of $4,082,823.63.

VIII. Operations

A. Quarterly Score Card Update . . . Information
Cabinet members will provide a quarterly update on the District Score Card.
B. Second Reading of Board Policies . . . Information/Possible Action
Cabinet members will review the revisions to Board Policies 2:200, 2:250,
4:110, 4:150, 5:10, 7:10, 7:180 and 8:70 as recommended by PRESS. It is
recommended that the Board of Education approve the revisions as
presented, if appropriate.
C. January Fund Raisers . . . Action
It is recommended that the Board of Education approve the January Fund
Raisers as presented.
D. Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Requests . . . Information
The district has received one FOIA request: Carl Durham, Jr., AFSCME Local
822 President, requesting all grant funded positions and salary. The request
has been responded to within the five-day requirement.

IX. Personnel

Non-Certified Appointments . . . Action
It is recommended that the Board of Education approve the Non-Certified
Appointments of Brian Buckley, Michael Cole, Cory Dalton, Lisa Kerchner,
Valerie Mizeur, Elizabeth Otten and Joan Pearson as presented.

X. Executive Session

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

XI. Adjournment

A reception will be held to honor the finalists in the Thoms Family “Above and Beyond” Scholarship. The regular meeting will begin at 6:00 p.m.

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I. Roll Call

II. Pledge of Allegiance

III. Special Item
Thoms Family “Above and Beyond” Scholarship . . . Recognition
Members of the Thoms Family will announce the winner of the “Above and Beyond” Scholarship.

IV. Reports from Board Members

V. Updates from the Superintendent

VI. 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.)

VII. 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. District FOIA Officers    IX. A. November Financials
VIII. B. Student Expulsions      IX. B. Bills for Payment

VIII. Operations

A. District FOIA Officers . . . Action
It is recommended that the Board of Education appoint the Superintendent and Associate Superintendent as the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) officers for District #41, effective January 1, 2010. Also, direct the administration to take all steps necessary to meet the requirements of the act. The superintendent’s secretary will serve as the record keeper for all FOIA requests.
B. Student Expulsions . . . Action
It is recommended that the Board of Education approve Student Expulsion No’s. 01/19/19 and 01/01/19.

IX. Business/Finance

A. November Financial Statements . . . Action
It is recommended that the Board of Education approve the November Financial Statements as presented.
B. Bills for Payment . . . Action
It is recommended that the Board of Education authorize Bills for Payment dated December 15, 2009 ($3,076,154.72) and December 30, 2009 ($3,561,019.85).

X. Committee of the Whole

A. Career Development Update . . . Information
Mal Austin and Ed Veasey will provide an update on the Career Development program.
B. Budget Cuts Overview/Discussion . . . Information
Dr. Oberhaus will lead a discussion on the budget cuts for the 2010-2011 school year.
C. First Reading of Board Policy Revisions . . . Information
Cabinet members will review the revisions to Board Policies 2:200, 2:250, 4:110, 4:150, 5:10, 7:10, 7:20, 7:180 and 8:70 as recommended by PRESS.
D. Building Excellence Update . . . Information
Mike Oberhaus and Ben Hott will provide the Building Excellence update.

XI. Executive Session
It is recommended that the Board of Education move to Executive Session to discuss personnel.

XII. Adjournment

I. Preliminary
Call to Order and Roll Call

II. Operations
Race to the Top Memorandum of Understanding . . . Action
It is recommended that the Board of Education consider supporting the Race to the Top Memorandum of Understanding for the State of Illinois as presented in the background information.

III. Adjourn

Report from the Superintendent
Superintendent Loy congratulated four Rock Island High School who were named All State musicians: Francesca Byczynski (Bassoon), Jasmine Crider (Flute), Anna Pienta (Trumpet) and Derek Ross (Alto Saxophone). There is a schedule of individual school Winter Programs at rockislandschools.org/rinews, please take the time to attend and enjoy the musical presentations. The board is invited to attend Renaissance Rock Island’s Hard Hat celebration on Dec. 9. The annual awards program honors City of RI businesses each year. Mr. Loy also shared information about President Obama and Secretary of Education Arne Duncan’s charge for the Race to the Top challenge funds. School districts must sign a Memorandum Of Understanding by the first week of January in order to be eligible for the funds. The funds could mean $100,000’s for our district to assist in increasing student achievement success. More details will be distributed in the next week.

Reports from Board Members
Board member Linda Dothard attended 50th celebration of the Rock Island Fieldhouse last Friday; she complimented committee who coordinated the event and was impressed with the turnout of past alumni at the re-dedication ceremony. Student member Kelly Bishop agreed and was also pleased to see so many RIHS students at the celebration event.

Citizens Addressing the Board of Education
Two parents addressed the board about the knife incident a week ago at Rock Island High School. Their concerns centered around safety measures used at the school and the lack of a metal detector at the entrance. Both feel that installing metal detectors will increase the safety of students at Rock Island High School. Parental notification regarding the incident was lacking vital information and parents should be guaranteed that students are safe at Rock Island High School.

Rock Island High School Math Course
The board approved the addition of a new math class, Applied Mathematics, with textbooks to Rock Island High School course offerings. Rock Island High School Math Teacher Michelle Lillis stated that the new math course was developed based on new mandates by the State of Illinois requiring all students to take three years of math. The new course will cover two semesters and would fill in a need for those who require more preparation for the PSAE and/or seniors who want an extra year of math.

RIHS School Improvement Plan
The Rock Island High School Improvement Plan presented by Principal Robert Mason and Associate Principal set PSAE goals for 2008-09 year at the NCLB mandated 70% meets/exceeds for both reading and math. The school did not reach those goals, however saw a gain in reading scores of 8% and a gain of 1% in math over the previous year. The 2009-2010 NCLP mandated goal is 77.5%

Associate Principal Georgia Kouris addressed the action plan for the school. All RIHS participate in two teams to address improvement at the high school: culture & climate team and data team. Strategies developed, such as building a core curriculum, instructional strategies, improved teaching models and gathering student feedback activities will help measure learning on an ongoing basis and pave the way for improvement. The school is also focusing on professional development to strengthen teaching techniques in order for students to reap the most benefit from the material they are learning.

Principal Mason feels that it is imperative to build good relationships with students as it has a direct outcome to their learning potential. The high school teams address that issue on staff development days and share experiences with each other.

District Improvement Plan
Assistant Superintendent Bill Osbourne gave the board a snapshot view of the School District Improvement Plan. The goals of the district revolve around the federal NCLB mandate. As the district is in corrective status from not meeting AYP goals, establishing a core curriculum and aligning the curriculum across the district is a priority. Action Plans were also developed for student support, personnel, parents and community to address those areas of concern that directly reflect upon the achievement scores of the district. Assessment of those areas is provided by the District Scorecard data that is continually monitored and updated.

Other items

• The board approved 2010-11 Calendars for the District and Secondary Schools/SKIP.
• Board of Education awarded a contract to Construction Partners, Inc. of Rock Island for remodeling the counseling suite at Rock Island High School.