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Board Agenda, Sept. 11

Friday, September 7th, 2012

ROCK ISLAND-MILAN SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 41
Board of Education Regular meeting
Rock Island High School Library
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2012 5:45 P.M.
The meeting will begin with a reception for the 2012 Austin Scholars and First Day Project Volunteers.
The regular meeting will begin at 6:00 p.m.

Download PDF of agenda >> 

I. Roll Call

II. Pledge of Allegiance

III. Special Items

A. Seating of Student Board Members
The Board of Education will formally seat newly elected Student Members Laurel Enstrom and Jacob Sigler and returning member Sam Ferry.
B. Austin Scholars . . . Recognition
The Board of Education will recognize the winners of the 2012 Charles O. Austin Scholarship: Stephanie Avena, Kelly Bishop, Allysa Bries, Zachary Chapman, Aaron Deneckere, Anna Eirinberg, Ashton Faramelli, Nicolas Gallarzo, Lizandra Gomez Ramirez, Kayla Jackson, Samantha Kirzeder, Thomas Knuckey, Benjamin McKay, Sydnie McNeal, Mang Mung, Gabriela Perez, Connor Shuck, Jordan Turnbull and Margaret Williams.
C. First Day Project Volunteers . . . Recognition
The Board of Education will recognize the following volunteers with the First Day Project: Chris Elsberg, Gary Miner, Sheila Guse, Barb Hansen, Donna Keim, Heidi Huiskamp, Lisa Bierman, Mike Bell and Tom Ketelaar.

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. Safe Schools Joint Agreement    IX. B. July Financial Statements
IX. A. Contracts (1-3)    IX. C. Bills for Payment

VIII. Operations

Safe Schools Joint Agreement . . . Action
It is recommended that the Board of Education approve the joint agreement between the Rock Island County Regional Office of Education and Rock Island-Milan School District #41.

IX. Business/Finance 

A. Contracts . . . Action

1) Library Software License Agreement
It is recommended that the Board of Education approve the library software license agreement with the Follett Software Company, Chicago, IL, in the amount of $16,168.81.
2) Church of Peace – Washington Jr. High School
It is recommended that the Board of Education approve the Contract for Services for Church of Peace, Rock Island, IL, in the amount not to exceed $5,000 to provide a family literacy program for Lights On For Learning at Washington Jr. High School during the 2012-13 school year.
3) Willie Fun Entertainment – Rock Island High School
It is recommended that the Board of Education approve the Contract for Service for Willie Fun Entertainment, Franklin, WI, in the amount of $6,300.00 to provide entertainment for the Rock Island High School Homecoming Dance and Pep Assembly.

B. July Financial Statements . . . Action
It is recommended that the Board of Education approve the July Financial Statements as presented.
C. Bills for Payment . . . Action
It is recommended that the Board of Education authorize Bills for Payment dated August 31, 2012 in the amount of $3,901,553.77.

X. Committee of the Whole

A. English Language Learners (ELL) Report . . . Information
Kay Ingham, Assistant Superintendent for Pupil Personnel Services, will present the report on English Language Learners (ELL) in District 41.
B. Teaching and Learning Update . . . Information
Dr. Jeff Zoul, Assistant Superintendent for Teaching and Learning, will present additional information about grade-specific Common Core State Standards. In addition, he will be providing an overview of the Teaching and Learning department, including districtwide content area teams and team leaders that are in place.

XI. Executive Session
It is recommended that the Board of Education move to executive session for the purpose of discussing negotiations.

XII. Adjournment

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Board Agenda, August 14

Thursday, August 9th, 2012

ROCK ISLAND-MILAN SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 41
Board of Education Regular meeting
August 14, 2012
Rock Island High School Library

The meeting will begin with a reception for all new employees of the District.
The regular meeting will begin at 6:00 p.m.

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. Western Big 6 Expansion
VIII. A. Contracts (1-8)
VIII. B. Bills for Payment

VII. Operations Western Big 6 Expansion . . . Action

It is recommended that the Board of Education approve the expansion of the Western Big 6 Conference to include the Peoria Public High Schools and Peoria Notre Dame High School for football only, beginning in the Fall of 2013.

VIII. Business/Finance
A. Contracts . . . Action

1) PLATO Learning Contract Renewal – Rock Island High School & TMC

It is recommended that the Board of Education approve the software licensing agreement renewal for 2012-13 with PLATO in the amount of $67,355.00

2) FranklinCovey – Leader in Me

It is recommended that the Board of Education approve the contracts for FranklinCovey Client Sales, Inc., Salt Lake City, UT, in the total amount of $30,212.00 plus travel expenses for the Leader in Me program at Denkmann, Eugene Field, Frances Willard, and RICMS. Cost will be funded through the John Deere Foundation grant.

3) Y earbook – Rock Island High School

It is recommended that the Board of Education approve the contract extension for Yearbook Services to Herff-Jones, Moline, IL for the 2012-13 school year in the amount of $20,649.00

4) Playground Equipment Installation – Thurgood Marshall/Head Start

It is recommended that the Board of Education approve the Contract for Service for Kaplan Early Learning Company, Lewisville, NC, in the amount of $6,605.82 to install playground equipment at Thurgood Marshall Center.

5) Steve Seskin – District

It is recommended that the Board of Education approve the Contract for Service for Steve Seskin, Richmond, CA, in the amount of $4,500.00 plus airfare and lodging for songwriting workshops focusing on respect, kindness and tolerance for district students.

6) Broadway Presbyterian Church – RI Academy LOFL

It is recommended that the Board of Education approve the Contract for Service for Broadway Presbyterian Church, Rock Island, IL, in the amount not to exceed $8,500.00 for staff to assist the Rock Island Academy Lights On For Learning program during the 2012-13 school year.

7) Johannes Bus Service – RI Academy LOFL

It is recommended that the Board of Education approve the Contract for Service for Johannes Bus Service, Rock Island, IL, in the amount not to exceed $14,500.00 to provide transportation to students at the Rock Island Academy Lights On For Learning program during the 2012-13 school year.

8) Rock Island Parks & Recreation – RI Academy LOFL

It is recommended that the Board of Education approve the Contract for Service for Rock Island Parks and Recreation, Rock Island, IL, in the amount not to exceed $24,000.00 to assist the Rock Island Academy Lights On For Learning program during the 2012-13 school year.

B. Bills for Payment . . . Action

It is recommended that the Board of Education authorize Bills for Payment dated July 31, 2012 in the amount of $3,276,944.67.

IX. Personnel

A. Ratification of RIESPA Contract . . . Action

It is recommended that the Board of Education ratify the contract between the Rock Island-Milan School District No. 41 and the Rock Island Educational Support Personnel Association (RIESPA) for a one-year period of July 1, 2012 through June 30, 2013.

B. Superintendent’s Evaluation . . . Information

President Cleaver will provide a summary of the superintendent’s evaluation.

X. Committee of the Whole

A. Mental Health Services Report . . . Information

Kay Ingham, Assistant Superintendent for Pupil Personnel Services, will present the report on Mental Health Services in District 41.

B. Teaching and Learning Update . . . Information

Dr. Jeff Zoul, Assistant Superintendent for Teaching and Learning, will present information and solicit feedback about the RIMSD #41 ‘Graduate Profile,’ an effort to clearly define the district mission of developing high achieving world citizens.

XI. Executive Session

It is recommended that the Board of Education move to executive session for the purpose of discussing negotiations.

XII. Adjournment

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Board Agenda, June 12

Friday, June 8th, 2012

ROCK ISLAND-MILAN SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 41
Board of Education Regular meeting Rock Island High School Library
TUESDAY, June 12, 2012 5:45 P.M.
The meeting will begin with a reception for Rock Island High School Boys’ and Girls’ Track Teams. The regular meeting will begin at 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 regular meeting minutes of May 22, 2012 (including executive session to remain confidential) as presented.

II. Special Item (1)

Rock Island High School Girls’ and Boys’ Track Teams . . . Recognition
The Board will recognize members of the Rock Island High School Girls’ and Boys’ Track Teams for their outstanding seasons this year.

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
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. D. Overnight Field Trip Request   IX. M. June Fund Raisers
IX. B. 2012-13 Board Meeting Dates   X. B. Contracts (1-6)
IX. C. Resolution Naming Depositories   X. C. Comp. Equip. Purchase
IX. D. Prevailing Wage Resolution   X. D. iPad 2 Tablet Purchase
IX. E. Inter-fund Loans   X. E. List of Donations
IX. F. IASB Membership   X. F. May Financials
IX. G. LUDA Membership   X. G. Bills for Payment
IX. J. Board Policies   XI. A-E. Personnel
IX. K. Personal Elec. Devices Procedures

VII. Special Item (2)

Resolution on Holiday Waivers . . . Hearing
The Board of Education will conduct a public hearing for the request to waive Pulaski Day and Lincoln’s Birthday so that students and staff may be in attendance on those days.

VIII. Education

A. Acuity Update . . . Information
Mike Nitzel, John Frieden and Chris Beierlein will update the Board on preliminary data analysis from the Acuity assessment implementation.
B. Respect Initiatives . . . Information
Kay Ingham will provide the Board of Education with a report on strategies implemented to improve respect.
C. Iowa Jobs for American Graduates (iJAG) Program . . . Action
Tim Wernentin will present the Board with an overview of the Iowa Jobs for American Graduates program and the benefits to the high school.
It is recommended that the Board of Education approve the memorandum of understanding between Illinois Jobs for American Graduates and Rock Island High School as presented.
D. Overnight Field Trip Request . . . Action
It is recommended that the Board of Education approve the overnight field trip request for the Rock Island High School Environmental Action Club students to travel to Costa Rica in June 2013.

IX. Operations

A. Resolution on Holiday Waivers . . . Action
It is recommended that the Board of Education adopt the Resolution on Holiday Waivers so that students may be in attendance on Pulaski Day (first Monday in March) and Lincoln’s Birthday (February 12).
B. 2012-2013 Board Meeting Dates . . . Action
It is recommended that the Board of Education approve the 2012-2013 Board meeting dates as presented.
C. Resolution Naming Depositories . . . Action
It is recommended that the Board of Education reaffirm the designation of official depositories for district funds.
D. Prevailing Wage Resolution . . . Action
It is recommended that the Board of Education adopt the 2012-13 Prevailing Wage Resolution.
E. Authorization for Inter-fund Loans . . . Action
It is recommended that the Board of Education authorize the District Chief Financial Officer to make inter-fund loans in accordance with the State of Illinois laws, rules, and regulations for the 2012-13 fiscal year.
F. Illinois Association of School Boards Membership . . . Action
It is recommended that the Board of Education approve the annual membership in the Illinois Association of School Boards at a cost of $8,998.00.
G. Large Unit District Association (LUDA) Dues . . . Action
It is recommended that the Board of Education approve membership in the Large Unit District Association (LUDA) at a cost of $3,000.00.
H. Scorecard Update . . . Information
Cabinet members will provide an update of the District Scorecard.
I. First Reading of Board Policies . . . Information
Cabinet members will review the revisions to Board Policies 3:40 Superintendent, 5:70 Religious Holidays, 5:130 Responsibilities Concerning Internal Information, 5:280 Duties and Qualifications, 6:70 Instruction: Teaching About Religions, 6:180 Instruction: Extended Instructional Programs, 6:235 Instruction: Access to Electronic Networks, and 6:290 Instruction Homework.
J. Second Reading of Board Policy Revisions . . . Action
It is recommended that the Board of Education approve the revisions to Board Policies 7:190 Student Discipline and 7:325 Student Fund Raising Activities.
K. Personal Electronic Device Procedures at R.I.H.S. . . . Action
It is recommended that the Board of Education approve the adjustment to the Student Handbook to reflect the revised use of Personal Electronic Devices Procedures at Rock Island High School as presented by Principal Tim Wernentin.
L. Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Requests . . . Information
The Administration received the following FOIA requests: 1) Debbie Cipkar/ Illinois Central School Bus, LLC, for complete copy of the Student Transportation Bid submitted by Johannes Bus Service and 2) Ataaullah Nuruddin for school bus transportation services agreement for Illinois Central School Bus Company. The requests were responded to within the allotted time.
M. June Fund Raiser Requests . . . Action
It is recommended that the Board of Education approve the June Fund Raiser Requests.
N. Fund Raiser Summary Report . . . Information
Bob Beckwith will provide the Fund Raiser Summary report.

X. Business/Finance

A. 2012-13 Budget Presentation . . . Information
Bob Beckwith will present the 2012-13 Budget.
B. Contracts . . . Action

1) Bread – District
It is recommended that the Board of Education award a contract to Sara Lee Bakery Group, Rock Island, IL, for an estimated cost of $44,068.17 for Bread Products for the 2012-13 school year.
2) Dairy Products – District
It is recommended that the Board of Education award a contract to Prairie Farms, Dubuque, IA, for an estimated cost of $288,774.58 for Dairy products for the 2012-13 school year.
3) Exterior Doors – Eugene Field
It is recommended that the Board of Education accept the base bid and alternate bid from West Mechanical, East Moline, Illinois, in the amount of $65,078.48 to complete the Exterior Door Replacement at Eugene Field
Elementary School.
4) Copier Replacement – RIA, Longfellow, FW, RICMS and Ridgewood
It is recommended that the Board of Education award the bid for Copier Replacement at the Rock Island Academy, Longfellow, Frances Willard, Rock Island Center for Math & Science and Ridgewood to Business Systems, Inc., Davenport, Iowa, in the amount of $19,975.00.
5) Telephone Maintenance – District
It is recommended that the Board of Education enter into a 12 month
contract (July 1, 2012-June 30, 2013) with Hughes Network Technologies, Inc. for the support and maintenance of telephone, voice mail and external paging system at a cost of $6,500.00 annually. This expense is included in the proposed 2012-13 District Budget.
6) Apple Maintenance & Support – District
It is recommended that the Board of Education enter into a 24 month contract (July 1, 2012 – June 30, 2014) with MainstreamUSA for the support and maintenance of our Apple computers. MainstreamUSA will receive $52,940.00 annually in monthly payments of $4,411.00. (This expense is included in the proposed 2012-13 District Technology Budget.)

C. Computer Equipment Purchase . . . Action
It is recommended that the Board of Education approve the purchase of computer equipment for the PreSchool for All grant at a total cost of $12,714.00.
D. iPad 2 Tablet Purchase . . . Action
It is recommended that the Board of Education approve the purchase of 130 iPad 2 Tablets from Apple at a total cost of $49,270.00. ($30.320.00 funded through current district budget and $18,950.00 from Denkmann Title I funds.)
E. List of Donations . . . Action
It is recommended that the Board of Education acknowledge the List of Donations.
F. May Financial Statements . . . Action
It is recommended that the Board of Education approve the May Financial Statements.
G. Bills for Payment . . . Action
It is recommended that the Board of Education authorize Bills for Payment dated May 31, 2012 in the amount of $3,445,271.22.

XI. Personnel

A. Certified Appointments . . . Action
It is recommended that the Board of Education approve the Certified Appointments of James Adams, Kassie Hannah, Amanda Hauger, Holly Hott, Wendy Koopman, Elizabeth Mendoza, Shayla Schmidt, Timothy Sanders, Joann Stribling, Timothy Sanders, Ryan Scannell, Kristie Sullivan, Janice Watts and La’Shanta Williams.
B. Certified Rehires . . . Action
It is recommended that the Board of Education approve the rehiring of the following Certified Employees: Angela Benson, Michelle Blew, Kimberly DeCook, Stephanie Dieudonne, Vanessa Engel, Stephanie Fitzgerald, Julie Hathaway, Kimberly Leyendecker, Stacy Lofgren, Mychele Mack and Ann Suess Cobb.
C. Certified Resignation . . . Action
It is recommended that the Board of Education accept the Certified Resignation of Maria Meza-Klein.
D. Non-Certified Appointments . . . Action
It is recommended that the Board of Education approve the Non-Certified Appointments of Cheri Cook, Mary Ann Kuehnel and Elizabeth MacKenna.
E. Non-Certified Rehires . . . Action
It is recommended that the Board of Education approve the rehiring of the following Non-Certified Employees: Cory Dalton, Amber Grant and Alyssa
Kave.
F. Aspiring Administrators . . . Information
Jim Andrews will update the Board of Education on the aspiring administrators program.

XII. Executive Session

It is recommended that the Board of Education move to executive session for the purpose of discussing the Superintendent’s Evaluation and negotiations.

XIII. Adjournment

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Board Summary, Jan. 11

Tuesday, January 18th, 2011
lego league edison

Edison students demonstrate their robot.

The Board of Education started the meeting by congratulating the Lego League teams from Edison and Washington Jr. High Schools. Washington Jr. High math teacher Kathy Evanchyk introduced students on the school’s Lego League team: Franky Jones, Jason Wells, Jakob Bierlein. Three other students were also on the team: Dom Holland, Mike Durham, Blake Cantrill, Julie Myers, Emily Burden and Kyle Johnson. “Our students had a good time and showed a lot of teamwork.”

Dr. Susan Neece from Edison Jr. High acknowledged co-coach Jason Meredith (from Deere and Company) and thanked Pat Barnes for allowing him to work with the team. The students won trophy for having the best robot. “Most intense challenging project ever had.”

Dr. Neece praised Mr. Meredith’s involvement, who has taken off from his job on many Fridays to help the team and has also spent money out of his own pocket. Edison students are going to the state competition in Ames, Iowa on Saturday, Jan. 16: Hannah Price, Jacob Huisman, Alex Lavery, Cody Franks, Hannah Price, Max Friestad, Harry Phillis, Brady Wilkerson and Dean Zeglin. John Mutum & Packer Westmorland were also a part of the team but are not attending state.

Students gave a presentation to the board. “Who wants to be a biomedical engineer?” Students developed their own medical device product: Insta Breath, which troubleshoots asthma before harsh symptoms occur.

Board members enjoyed the presentations and Ms. Dothard felt that students in the school district should present projects more often at the meetings.

Reports from Board Members
Ms. Dothard will be going to Naperville for Illinois Liquid Asset Fund Meeting this weekend. The organization is in charge of making sure monies are invested properly and safe. Mr. Strupp visited the new Center for Math & Science and got a demonstration of the operations of the building processes via computer. Building operations were controlled through a web-based interface, everything from lighting to climate control.

Student Board member Jazmin Taylor reported that the Lady Rocks basketball team has game against United Township tomorrow and would like everyone’s support. Board member Sam Ferry thanked the board for their support at the various winter concerts at Rocky. A recording of the concerts is available upon request. He also congratulated the Jr ROTC unit for their successful change of command.

Updates from the Superintendent
Dr. Oberhaus said the second semester of the school year is off and running. He encouraged the board members to get out and visit the buildings. The State of Illinois is continuing to struggle with its budget gap, which is estimated at $14-18 billion.

The state is a major player in the school district budget, and the district receives 37% of funding (about $20 million). Discussions may be coming from the state about major cuts to organizations, including education. Dr. Oberhaus encouraged audience to contact local representatives about not cutting funding to education. As of today, no board members have signed up for Franzek Law Conference on Jan 29 8:30 a.m. – noon. Ms. Dothard and Mr. Cleaver will attend. On March 23, The Illinois Association of School Boards (IASB) will have a Blackhawk region meeting at the Rock Island Center for Math & Science. Please let Kim Colson know if you can attend. Finally received in the mail today from IASB the data first for school governance, which will be held in Geneseo. Please let Kim know if you can attend as well.

Committee of the Whole - School Improvement Plans

The School Improvement Plan for Thurgood Marshall Learning Center (TMC) revolves around four performance goals: attendance, discipline referrals, math and reading. Principal Phil Ambrose said that the school exceeded their goals and outcomes in the 2009-2010 year. TMC saw a reduction in discipline referrals and attendance reached 75%. Students are pre-tested and post-tested throughout the year. The goal for each student is to improve each month for every month they are in the building. The school has graduated 51 students and anticipates another 10 or 12 students will graduate in 2011.

The Rock Island High School School Improvement Plan focused on five major initiatives that administrators at the high school feel are critical to student’s success: team collaboration, enforcements of policies, attendance, 9th Grade Academy and the Career Development program. Goals for 2009-10 were not met for reading and math.

Mary Mendelin (English teacher and data team leader) and Mike Smith (math teacher and data team leader) presented the testing goals for English and math. Teachers at the high school are building coarse specific exit goals and focusing on skills that they want students to master before moving on to second semester. Smith has seen a huge benefit with the approach. Test taking strategies for PSAE and ACT are being taught which help students get through a major test without a lot of anxiety. It’s important to keep things in the class that students enjoy, and weave them into the items that are important to the test.

Michelle Lillis (math teacher data team leader) Chris Elsberg (parent and business leader who assisted in building the school improvement plan) approached the board with recommendations of how the board can help. Exploring ways to provide ACT prep courses, in ways of basic instruction of teaching support skills, will help students do better on testing. Ms. Elsberg suggested that the Explore test be given to all 8th grade students to prepare the students. Students are starting high school at a lower level. Starting the Explore test earlier will allow teachers to catch problems sooner and able to intervene.

The current RIHS School Improvement plan has been around for two years. Next year, the school will be writing a new plan.

Principal Gary Flecker presented the School Improvement Plan for Edison Jr. High. Teachers and staff do everything they can to keep kids in the classroom and Mr. Flecker thanked all of the teachers and staff at Edison for everything they do. Edison met  77% goal meets/exceeds in 7th grade math but did not in 8th grade math. The school did not make AYP in 7th and 8th grade reading. One improvement that was made was creating the Edison Plus program. In the Edison Plus program, school changed the schedule to allow time after school for students to get help they need. From 2:33 – 3:00 p.m. is “sacred time” for that purpose. Teachers meet from 3:00 – 3:30 p.m. for planning and BIT team. The school is participating in a pilot with State of Illinois for assessments with a program called Rising Star. Edison picked six indicators and the School Improvement Plan Team was able to come up with action plans based on the indicators.

Principal Mark Hepner from Washington Jr. High reported that the school’s math scores great however reading needs some help. Mr. Hepner gave credit to the Washington Jr. High math department for the successful scores. Reading scores slipped back a little on the ISAT and the school is providing additional classes and reading activities as a part of the action plan to improve those scores. The school is also using the Rising Star format for assessments. Many people are involved with the SIP, and the Washington PTA is also participating. Teachers and staff are making sure students are on task every single minute and the school practices active teaching until the very end of the period.

Dr. Oberhaus thanked the schools for their effort on putting the school improvement plans together.

Assessement Revisions process
The administration formed a sub-committee to lead the charge in reviewing and analyzing current student assessment systems. The current assessment processes used by the district are not efficient and timely as administrators would like it to be. Implementing a computer-based assessment system would standardize and align assessments throughout the school district in a timely manner. Dr. Oberhaus stated that there is a movement in education to get away from “teaching to the test,” and NCLB will be a growth model and based on how students are performing in that growth mode. Implementing better assessment systems now will help the school district stay ahead of the curve.

A group of teachers were engaged in the process and the systems have been narrowed down into three vendors. Feedback will be collected from teachers, parents and students. Gary Flecker, John Frieden, Mark Hepner, Mike Nitzel, Bill Osborne, Dennis Weiss served on Assessment Selection Committee. There is an item planned in the budget for next year.

Budget cuts overview and discussion
Jo Ellen Bunch, 4974 Norwood Drive Bettendorf, Iowa. She is an employee of Head Start is concerned with quality continuance in the program. Find her work rewarding in disabilities transition for Head Start Program. Has some fear for continuation of service quality. Some Board of Education members have served on policy council and she asks that before decisions are made, that they be given pertinent details of proposals and be able to ask questions of the proposals. Need to have all the fact to be made an informed decision. It’s a dilemma: please carefully decide.

Budget cuts
Last October the board was given the review of local, state and federal funding issues. The school district revenue picture looked very bleak – there has been a decline in interest income, property taxes are not growing. The biggest loss was seen in Corporate Replacement taxes, which is down to $3.8 million. The State of Illinois is still in a financial crisis and continues to be behind in payments.

Dr. Oberhaus reviewed preliminary budget additions and reductions for the 2011-2012 school year. In the next two months, there will be more definitive answers. Tier One and Tier Two will be presented at the next board meeting on January 25. On February 22 the board will act on recommendations. The district has to give 60 days notice before the end of the year for staffing purposes. Budget will be placed on file May 24. View 2011-12 Budget Additions and Reductions >>

One way to improve our funding will be to increase average daily attendance and continue to reduce the drop out rate. The State uses these calculations, not just enrollment numbers.

Other items

  • The board approved an overnight field trip request for Edison students to attend the Lego League State competition in Ames, Iowa, January 14-15, 2011.
  • The board approved the revisions to Board Policies 2:220, 2:230, 2:260, 4:10, 4:170, 5:10, 5:30, 5:90, 5:120, 5:220, 5:260, 6:300, 7:50, 7:100 and 7:310.

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