Board of Education

The Rock Island-Milan Board of Education started the regular meeting with board member reports. Vice President Earl Strupp congratulated RIHS graduate Nick Camlin ‘07 on his success at the primary election last week. Mr. Camlin won the democratic spot on the ballot to represent District 15 on the Rock Island County Board. Board President Bill Cleaver read an excerpt from a story in the Argus/Dispatch regarding the Moline School District’s 2010-11 budget reductions. The neighboring district plans to adopt $3.5 million in cuts. “We aren’t the only school district going through these decisions…and the issue is money not coming to school districts from the state,” Cleaver stated.  Student member Zavier Clark reported that the Academic Team brought back 5th place at the competition in Sterling.

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.

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.

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-Milan Board of Education began their regular board meeting by recognizing the State of Illinois Spotlight Schools: Audubon, Frances Willard, Longfellow, Ridgewood and Thomas Jefferson as 2008 Illinois Spotlight Schools. To be a State of Illinois Spotlight School, each school must:

• Have made AYP for the last two years
• At least half of the students are from low-income families
• At least 60% of students must have met or exceeded standard in reading and math in 2008
• At least 50% of the students must have met or exceeded standars in both reading and math in the two previous years (2007 & 2006).

Board members will be traveling to the schools to present the certificates in the near future. Superintendent Loy commended the schools for their excellent vision and hard work.

Building Excellence Update
Ben Hott, Rock Island Milan School District Construction Project Manager, updated the board about the Building Excellent construction projects. Read the report at the construction blog >>

Personnel
Board members granted tenure status to 24 full-time administrators and teachers who have completed their probationary period after 4 years of service. The board did not renew contracts of 12 teachers in the district: 6 first year teachers, 2 teachers completing a partial year of service and 4 part-time contracts. Some may have the option of being called back at the beginning of the school year.

Other items:

• Superintendent Loy reported that the Stimulus Package Funding is still not definite for the school district. The $2.9 million coming over the next two years is earmarked for Title 1 and Special Education, however the shovel-ready project money has shifted to the state level. The district has submitted project list to state representative, state board and governor’s office to cover all bases. In this years budget – revenue streams are coming in slowly. Corporate replacement taxes are 19% down from last year and the district is currently behind ½ million in corporate replacement taxes. Mr. Loy expects the situation to get worse as it continues.
• Board Member Dave Rockwell attended the Sustainable Schools Symposium in Joliet last week and represented the School District in a presentation given by Neighborhood Partners member Ed Hanna. Mr. Hanna put together a very good presentation and it reflected the school district’s process over the last 6 years very well.
• The board continued to review policy updates and revisions. Many of the policies are either replacements for or updates to the current policies that reflect legislative changes or administrative rules. The administration will continue to further review of student extra-curricular activity and visitors/conduct on school property policies before making recommendations to the board.
• The board approved the purchase of an upgrade to the Student Information System. The upgrade will allow for the use of an online grade book for secondary and high school level teachers that will give access to student’s grade and class progress. A Professional Development plan is being put together in order to train staff on how to use the system.

Next Board of Education meeting Tuesday, April 14.

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Preceding the Board meeting, the Thoms Family awarded the Above and Beyond Scholarship to Rock Island High School senior Rachel Segal. Read more >>Building Excellence UpdateThe Building Excellence construction projects are progressing despite the weather. Longfellow’s east addition has steel beams in place and masonry work has started. The mechanical and electrical rough-ins will start soon. The Academy has foundations set on the northwest side of the existing building. A temporary parking lot was constructed for teachers and staff until construction is completed. Eugene Field’s cafeteria, media center and new classroom additions have masonry completed and are busy with mechanical installation. The New School has started on site utilities (sewer, water) and will complete grade work, weather permitting. Construction is slated to start in March.Ridgewood and Thomas Jefferson design plans are near completion and construction should start by mid-March. Frances Willard and Denkmann bids will go out in February with construction starting in late March. The remaining projects, Earl Hanson, Edison Jr. High and Washington Jr. High haven’t started the planning phase. Although preliminary designs were completed for the Rock Island High School Cafeteria improvements, work is tabled due to Building Excellence budget constrains.Budget Considerations for 2009-2010The Board reviewed the preliminary 2009-2010 budget that if left unchanged, will face a deficit of $4.5 million. The administration recommended that the budget be reduced by $2,385,880 with the largest adjustments made to Building Capital, Special Education, technology, textbooks, building operations and eliminating one Paraprofessional per building. The curriculum and instruction area is looking at $104,000 in cuts to development, assessment software and intervention programs.The budget cuts at the Tier 1 level can take place without increasing class sizes or eliminating teacher positions. “All of the administrators and principals have worked diligently over the last two months to make the budget reductions work,” said Superintendent Loy. “Their goal was to have as little impact as possible on student learning.” Mr. Oberhaus also noted that increasing average daily student attendance and reducing the drop out rate would have a positive effect on the district’s bottom line as well. The Board will continue discussion of the 2009-2010 budget at the February 24 meeting. A PDF copy of the budget presentation is on the RISD Web site at http://www.risd41.org/newsphotos/district/budget/presentation.pdf2009-2010 Projected EnrollmentLast year the Rock Island School District projected enrollment figures for the 2008-09 at 5961 students, a decline of 52 students from the previous year. Instead, current enrollment figures for this year are at 6024 students, and increase of 63 students over the projection. The actual increase over the 2007-08 year is 11 students, however there was a considerable decrease in the number of Special Ed students. The enrollment projection for next year is 5,977, a loss of 47 students.Naming of New SchoolBoard members felt no sense of urgency to decide on a name for the new school and delayed the motion until early spring.