P R O C E ED I N G S

BOARD OF EDUCATION

ALTON COMMUNITY UNIT SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 11

April 17, 2007

 

The meeting was held at the Administrative Center, 1854 East Broadway, Alton, Illinois.  President David Lauschke called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.

 

Board members who answered present were:  Benjamin Golley, Ed Gray, Michael Harris, Vivian Monckton, Dan Nickel and David P. Lauschke.   George Terry arrived after the roll call was taken.

 

The following administrators were present:  David C. Elson, Superintendent; Donald Lindsey, Assistant Superintendent for Elementary Education; Philip Trapani, Assistant Superintendent for Secondary Education/Principal; Christopher Norman, Director of Financial Services; Mark Cappel, Director of Human Resources; John Cunningham, Director of Title I & Special Services; Jack Martin, Jr., Plant Facilities and Maintenance Administrator.

 

Nick Lucchesi, The Telegraph reporter, and Jared Hennings, a reporter for the Post Dispatch, attended the meeting.

 

READING OF COMMUNICATIONS AND PETITIONS:

 

Citizens Agenda:

Mr. Dan Bodenstab asked the board to set a time frame for presenting proof for statements made in 4th and 5th grade textbooks and the nearly 150 questions he has requested to be answered.  Superintendent Elson directed Mr. Bodenstab to read and complete the form concerning our complaint policy concerning curriculum.  This issue is considered finished until he returns the form.

 

INFORMATION ITEMS:      

Rotary Students

Two senior Alton High School students were nominated and received recognition for being selected as the April Alton/Godfrey Rotary Student of the Month. 

           

Nathaniel Fleming was selected because of his participation in his church’s activities and his outstanding work in Mr. Pat Goetten’s architectural drafting class.  After graduation, Nathan plans to attend Rock Valley Junior College and study physical therapy.

 

 

 

Aaron Campbell is an ROTC cadet who is an ambitious self-starter. Aaron has established a cadet mentoring, tutoring, after school program for students who have insufficient grades.  This program has been very successful. Aaron’s vision has brought about the streamlining of the many programs into one activities position to control the monitoring of activities. Academically Aaron is ranked in the top 1% of the ROTC program.  He sets the pace for community activities such as visiting the Missouri Veterans Home, marching in the St. Louis Veterans Day Parade, marching in the Alton Halloween Day Parade, and donated blood to the American Red Cross and helped clean up Alton by picking up trash during the Alton city-wide clean up day.

 

United States National Honor Student Award Winner

 

            Patrick Logan is a 7th grade student at Alton Middle School. Patrick is a great student and a wonderful roll model for his peers.  He enjoys playing basketball, baseball and tennis.  Patrick maintains an A average in all subjects and continues to be a student who soars.

 

Hayner Public Library Mission Awardees

 

            Alton Middle School 7th grade student Kyle Plummer was recognized for finding a wallet containing $200+ at the American Family Martial Arts Studio. Kyle turned the wallet into his instructor and it was returned to the rightful owner.

 

            Jordan Broyles is an Alton Middle School 7th grade student.  He found a cell phone on the outside of the Alton Middle School campus.  Jordan called the person the phone belonged to and said he would drop it off at the second floor office of the school middle school campus.  Hayner Library representatives came to the school to recognize Jordan in his classroom for his good deed.

 

            Curtis Stilwell is a junior student at Alton High School who has a physically and mentally challenged 15 year old sister.  Curtis has been an essential part of her care.  He always stops whatever he is doing to make sure that he can take care of his baby sister.  When he is babysitting for her, he changes her diaper, feeds her and keeps her entertained.  Sara also suffers from seizures and Curtis has been there for almost all of them including one grand mall seizure that he handled on his own.  Throughout the years he has missed out on events and opportunities with his friends due to his sister’s problems.  We are all proud of Curtis.  He is truly a blessing to his family and a positive influence on other students.

 

            Principal David Schwartz spoke about Blake Forgy and Stephen Burdick who also received the Hayner Public Library Mission Award.  A few months ago, East Elementary had a D.A.R.E. dance for 5th graders.  Stephen and Blake found $3.00 on the floor of the restroom and turned it into D.A.R.E. Officer Shaeffer.  Mr. Schwartz submitted the boy’s names to Hayner Library for recognition because of their honesty which they learned from Victor Pacini’s character presentations to all of the elementary school. Blake and Stephen performed this act of kindness without expectation of recognition.  Whenever students do random acts of kindness, it is important to recognize that. Hayner Library representatives went to their classrooms to present them their awards.

 

            John Stutz, a sophomore student in the introduction to commercial art class, produced the winning cover design for the 2007-2008 school directory. 

 

            Meghan Connell’s cover design was selected for use for the 2007-2008 school calendar.  Meghan designed the calendar in Ms. Lexa Browning’s graphic principles class. She is an extremely talented student.

 

Junior Olympiad

 

Four Alton Middle School students attended the Junior Olympiad which was sponsored by the Madison County Regional Office of Education for an intensive one-day

creative problem solving competition.  Team points were awarded for problem solving exercises in creativity, language arts, math, science and physics.  Out of 52 teams, the 7th grade gifted team won 2nd place which was just one point out of first place.  The team members were Paige Cooper, Emma Twichell, Branden Kirchner and Scott VanHoy.

 

Alton School District Mentor Program

Purpose and Guidelines

 

            Jennifer Weller, Angela Scott and Mary Plocher presented information about the Good Friend Mentoring Program.  The mission of the program is through positive interaction with significant role models; the student targeted will improve school performance and share meaningfully in the educational process.  Objectives of the program are to improve academic achievement, improve school attendance, improve social behavior and improve interpersonal relationships. The results of the mentoring program have shown a decrease in negative behaviors such as classroom disruption, violence, truancy, drug and alcohol use.  Mentoring of students has resulted in increased self-esteem and school attendance.

 

Motion:  Approval of Consent Agenda:

It was moved by Mr. Harris, seconded by Ms. Monckton, that the Board of Education approve the consent agenda as follows:

-   Approval of the Special Minutes of February 22, 2007, (5:30 and 6:00 p.m.) and the Regular Minutes of March 20, 2007

            - Treasurer’s Report

            - Revolving Funds Report

            - Approval of Bills

            - Student Activity and Convenience Funds Report

            - Cash Flow Projection

Voting on the motion was as follows: Harris-yea; Monckton-yea; Golley-yea; Gray-yea; Nickel-yea; Terry-yea; Lauschke-yea.  Nay-none.           

 

Motion:  Closed Session:

It was moved by Mr. Harris, seconded by Ms. Monckton, that the Board of Education conduct a closed session to discuss the appointment, employment, compensation, performance or dismissal of specific employees:

Voting on the motion was as follows:  Harris-yea; Monckton-yea; Golley-yea; Gray-yea; Nickel-yea; Terry-yea; Lauschke-yea.  Nay-none.

 

Motion: Open Session:

It was moved by Mr. Harris, seconded by Ms. Monckton, that the Board of Education resume open session.

Voting on the motion was as follows:  Harris-yea; Monckton-yea; Golley-yea; Gray-yea; Nickel-yea; Terry-yea; Lauschke-yea.  Nay-none.

 

Motion: Closed Session Minutes:

It was moved by Mr. Harris, seconded by Ms. Monckton, that the Board of Education approve the closed session minutes as written.

Voting on the motion was as follows:  Harris-yea; Monckton-yea; Golley-yea; Gray-yea; Nickel-yea; Terry-yea; Lauschke-yea.  Nay-none.

 

ROUTINE BOARD ACTION ITEMS

Motion:  Personnel:

It was moved by Mr. Harris, seconded by Ms. Monckton, that the Board of Education approve the following personnel changes as indicated:

 

Accept the resignation of the following certificated personnel effective as indicated:

            Elizabeth Ashbrock – June 14, 2007

Accept the resignation of the following personnel in an extra duty assignment effective March 12, 2007:

Deborah Altom – Alton High School – Assistant Pom Pon Coach

Accept the resignation through retirement of the following certificated personnel effective as indicated:

James Viviano – June 14, 2007

Offer employment to the following personnel in an extra duty assignment effective March 1, 2007:

            James Beckman – Alton Middle School – Head Girls Track Coach

            Bobby Everage – Alton Middle School – Head Boys Track Coach

            Damita Fielding – Alton Middle School – Head Girls Track Coach

            Elmer Hickman – Alton Middle School – Head Boys Track coach

            Carolyn Meyer – Alton Middle School – Head Softball Coach

            Andrea Smith – Alton Middle School – Head Softball Coach

Offer employment to the following certificated personnel effective for the 2007-2008 school year:

            David Boozer                                                   Jill Kelley

            Malisa Carey-Blade                                          Kristen Kniepkamp

            Michael Cooper                                               Mindy Neff

            Jamie Czerny                                                    Laura Owca

            Julie Delaney                                                    Katherine Pellouchould

            Jordan Fritts                                                     Jamie Powless

            Jennifer Gallagher                                             Bethany Stoverink

            Rachel Herring                                      Florence Wilton

Accept the resignation of the following educational support personnel effective as indicated:

            Karolina Doroshenko – March 30, 2007

            Denise Harris – March 23, 2007

Voting on the motion was as follows:  Harris-yea; Monckton-yea; Golley-yea; Gray-yea; Nickel-yea; Terry-yea; Lauschke-yea.  Nay-none.

 

 

Motion:  Appointment of Alton High School Assistant Principal:

It was moved by Mr. Harris, seconded by Ms. Monckton, that the Board of Education approve the appointment of Ms. Tricia Blackard to assistant principal (10.5 months) of Alton High School effective July 1, 2007.

Voting on the motion was as follows:  Harris-yea; Monckton-yea; Golley-yea; Gray-yea; Nickel-yea; Terry-yea; Lauschke-yea.  Nay-none.

 

Motion:  Appointment of Alton High School Assistant Principal:

It was moved by Mr. Harris, seconded by Ms. Monckton, that the Board of Education approve the appointment of Mr. Brian Johnson to assistant principal (10.5 months) of Alton High School effective July 1, 2007.

Voting on the motion was as follows:  Harris-yea; Monckton-yea; Golley-yea; Gray-yea; Nickel-yea; Terry-yea; Lauschke-yea.  Nay-none.

 

Motion:  Appointment of Alton High School Assistant Principal:

It was moved by Mr. Harris, seconded by Ms. Monckton, that the Board of Education approve the appointment of Mr. Jason Dandurand to assistant principal (12 months) of Alton High School effective July 1, 2007.

Voting on the motion was as follows:  Harris-yea; Monckton-yea; Golley-yea; Gray-yea; Nickel-yea; Terry-yea; Lauschke-yea.  Nay-none.

 

Motion:  Appointment of Director of Maintenance:

It was moved by Mr. Harris, seconded by Ms. Monckton, that the Board of Education approve the appointment of Mr. Dave McClintock to Director of Maintenance effective May 7, 2007. 

Voting on the motion was as follows:  Harris-yea; Monckton-yea; Golley-yea; Gray-yea; Nickel-yea; Terry-yea; Lauschke-yea.  Nay-none.

 

NEW BUSINESS

Motion:  Illinois State Board Title I, II, IV & V Grant Application:

It was moved by Mr. Harris, seconded by Ms. Monckton, that the Board of Education grand permission to apply for the Illinois State Board of Education title I, II, IV, V grants.  Voting on the motion was as follows:  Harris-yea; Monckton-yea; Golley-yea; Gray-yea; Nickel-yea; Terry-yea;  Lauschke-yea.  Nay-none.

 

Motion: Illinois State Board Reading Improvement Grant Application:

It was moved by Mr. Harris, seconded by Ms. Monckton, that the Board of Education

Grant permission to apply for the Illinois State Board of Education Reading Improvement Grant.

Voting on the motion was as follows:  Harris-yea; Monckton-yea; Golley-yea; Gray-yea; Nickel-yea; Terry-yea; Lauschke-yea.  Nay-none.

 

Motion:  Student Fees – 2007-2008:

It was moved by Mr. Harris, seconded by Ms. Monckton, that the Board of Education approve the following student fees for the 2007-2008 school year:

           

Supplemental Fees:

Early Childhood (1/2) day                                 $60.00 per year

            Kindergarten (1/2) day                         $60.00 per year

            Kindergarten (full day)                          $65.00 per year

            Grades 1 thru 5                                                $65.00 per year

            Grades 6 thru 12                                              $75.00 per year

 

            Athletic Fees:

            Athletic Participation Fee – Middle School        $50.00 per year

            Athletic participation Fee – High School            $75.00 per year

 

            Music Fees:

            Uniform Fee – High School                                           $30.00 per year

            Extracurricular Participation Fee – Middle School         $20.00 per year

            Extracurricular Participation Fee – High School $25.00 per year

            Instrumental rental Fee – All Levels                               $20.00 per semester

 

            Concert Admission:

            Middle School                                                              $ 3.00

            High School                                                                  $ 5.00

 

           

Other Fees:

            Parking Sticker – High School                          $  30.00 per year

            Behind the Wheel Driving Fee                           $225.00 per student    

Additional fees may be charged for elective classes to cover extraordinary costs.

Voting on the motion was as follows:  Harris-yea; Monckton-yea; Golley-yea; Gray-yea; Nickel-yea; Terry-yea; Lauschke-yea.  Nay-none.

 

Motion:  Health Insurance Premiums 2007-2008:

It was moved by Mr. Harris, seconded by Ms. Monckton, that the Board of Education approve the premium rates from United Healthcare Choice Plus and the Mississippi Valley Intergovernmental cooperative for the District’s health insurance plan effective July 1, 2007.

Voting on the motion was as follows:  Harris-yea; Monckton-yea; Golley-yea; Gray-yea; Nickel-yea; Terry-yea; Lauschke-yea.  Nay-none.

 

Motion:  Dental Insurance Premiums 2007-2008:

It was moved by Mr. Harris, seconded by Ms. Monckton, that the Board of Education approve the premium rates from Delta Dental for the District’s dental insurance plan effective July 1, 2007.

Voting on the motion was as follows:  Harris-yea; Monckton-yea; Golley-yea; Gray-yea; Nickel-yea; Terry-yea; Lauschke-yea.  Nay-none.

 

 

 

 

Motion:  “Project Lead the Way” Agreement:

It was moved by Mr. Harris, seconded by Ms. Monckton, that the Board of Education

approve the participation of the Alton School District as a “Project Lead the Way” District.

Voting on the motion was as follows:  Harris-yea; Monckton-yea; Golley-yea; Gray-yea; Nickel-yea; Terry-yea; Lauschke-yea.  Nay-none.

 

Motion: IHSA Membership:

It was moved by Mr. Harris, seconded by Ms. Monckton, that the Board of Education approve membership in the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) for the 2007-2008 school term.

Voting on the motion was as follows:  Harris-yea; Monckton-yea; Golley-yea; Gray-yea; Nickel-yea; Terry-yea; Lauschke-yea.  Nay-none.

 

Motion:  Interfund Loan:

It was moved by Mr. Harris, seconded by Ms. Monckton, that the Board of Education authorize an interfund loan to the Educational Fund from the Working Cash Fund for $1,500,000 with said interfund loan to be repaid upon the receipt of the local property taxes from the 2006 levy year.

 Voting on the motion was as follows:  Harris-yea; Monckton-yea; Golley-yea; Gray-yea; Nickel-yea; Lauschke-yea.  Nay-none.

 

Motion:  2007 Summer School Programs:

It was moved by Mr. Harris, seconded by Ms. Monckton, that the Board of Education authorize a 2007 High School and 2007 Elementary Summer School Program.  Voting on the motion was as follows:  Harris-yea; Monckton-yea; Golley-yea; Gray-yea; Nickel-yea; Terry-yea; Lauschke-yea.  Nay-none.

 

 

CONFERENCE ITEMS

            A.  Recommendations from the Board of Education Relative to Agenda Topics                          for Future Consideration

            B.   Administrative Review of Topics for Future Consideration

 

Motion:  Closed Session:

It was moved by Mr. Harris, seconded by Ms. Monckton, that the Board of Education conduct a closed session to discuss the appointment, employment, compensation, performance or dismissal of specific employees; no action will be taken.

Voting on the motion was as follows:  Harris-yea; Monckton-yea; Golley-yea; Gray-yea; Nickel-yea; Terry-yea; Lauschke-yea.  Nay-none.

 

 

 

 

 

Motion:  Open Session:

It was moved by Mr. Harris, seconded by Mr. Gray, that the Board of Education resume open session.

Voting on the motion was as follows:  Harris-yea; Gray-yea; Golley-yea; Monckton-yea; Nickel-yea; Terry-yea; Lauschke-yea.  Nay-none.           

               

Motion:  Approve Closed Session Minutes:

It was moved by Mr. Harris, seconded by Mr. Gray, that the Board of Education approve the closed session minutes as written.

Voting on the motion was as follows:  Harris-yea; Gray-yea; Golley-yea; Monckton-yea; Nickel-yea; Terry-yea; Lauschke-yea.  Nay-none.           

 

Motion:  To Adjourn:

It was moved by Mr. Harris, seconded by Mr. Gray, that the Board of Education adjourn.  Voting on the motion was as follows:  Harris-yea; Gray-yea; Golley-yea; Monckton-yea; Nickel-yea; Lauschke-yea.  Nay-none.

 

The meeting adjourned at 9:07 p.m.                 

 

 

                       

                                                                        _______________________________

                                                                                                Secretary

 

 

________________________________

                   President