School Board Niles Township High Schools District 219 – Cook County, Illinois MINUTES Regular Board Meeting, Monday, February 12, 2007
The meeting was held in the Board Room of the District Office located at 7700 Gross Point Road, Skokie, Illinois. I. Call to Order and Roll Call Board President Robert Silverman called the meeting to order at 6:40 p.m. Board members present at Roll Call: Michael Burnett, Sheri Doniger, Jeffrey Greenspan, Ruth Klint, Timothy Knudsen, Robert Silverman, Lynda Gault Smith. II.
Executive Session It was moved by DONIGER and seconded by GAULT SMITH to recess into closed session to discuss matters relating to negotiations, litigation, and the employment, appointment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific employees. A roll call vote was taken. Voting Aye: Burnett, Doniger, Greenspan, Klint, Knudsen, Silverman, Gault Smith. The motion carried. The Board recessed into closed session at 6:40 p.m. At 7:55 p.m. it was moved by DONIGER and seconded by BURNETT to return to open session. A roll call vote was taken. Voting Aye: Burnett, Doniger, Greenspan, Klint, Knudsen, Silverman, Gault Smith. The motion carried.
III.
Recall to Order of Open Session Mr. Silverman recalled the meeting to order at 7:55 p.m. The Pledge was recited.
IV.
Changes/Additions to the Agenda A personnel handout was added to the Consent Agenda. A personnel item was removed from the Consent Agenda. Handouts of student trips will be discussed under Business.
Minutes of Regular Board Meeting of February 12, 2007
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V.
Superstar Awards Niles North students recognized were Akadia Kachaochano for academics, Simo Leore for athletics, and Cynthia Moy for community spirit. Niles West students recognized were Isaac Einbinder for academics, Molly Gstalter for athletics and Tram Tran for community spirit. A short break was taken to congratulate the students. The Board resumed the meeting at 8:30 p.m.
VI.
Audience to Visitors No one asked to speak.
VII. Student Representative Comments Max Berman from West said Second City will perform next weekend. He said Student Senate is discussing hosting a ‘movie night’ at the end of the year rather than have the Senior send‐off. Lindsey Liese said the breakfast with the Board is scheduled for March 14. Carly Valfer said the Chess Team took 3rd Place at the state competition. Breakfast with the Board will take place on March 21. VIII. Community Representative Comments No one asked to speak. IX.
Approval of Consent Agenda It was moved by GAULT SMITH and seconded by BURNETT to accept the amended consent agenda. A roll call vote was taken. Voting Aye: Burnett, Doniger, Greenspan, Klint, Knudsen, Silverman, Gault Smith. The motion carried.
Included in the consent agenda: − Monthly Bills and Payroll − Personnel Approve employment Paul Banks as Director Security – North, 260 days at a salary of $67,500 per year effective 8/1/07:
Approve the employment of the following support staff: NAME
POSITION/LOCATION
FTE EFFECTIVE
Sacks, Joshua Teacher Aide – One‐On‐One – Special 1.0 Education, North, 186 Days, P1‐Step 1 Flack, Hubert Maintenance Mechanic III (HVAC) – 1.0 North , 260 Days, M3‐Step 3 Page 2 of 10
2/5/07 2/20/07
Minutes of Regular Board Meeting of February 12, 2007
Approve the following part‐time/temporary help effective 2/13/07: NAME
POSITION/LOCATION
RATE
Funtowitz, Jennifer Riedrich, Scott Roberts, Evan Sullivan, Edward
IRC Assistant – North Science Lab Assistant – West Science Lab Assistant – West Security Monitor – West
$6.00/Hr. $6.00/Hr. $6.00/Hr. $15.00/Hr.
Accept the retirement of Penny Swartz, Head Librarian – West effective 6/30/10.
Approve the resignation of the following certified staff: NAME
POSITION/LOCATION
FTE
EFFECTIVE DATE
Goodwin, Jill Levin, Ryan
Math –North English – West
1.0 1.0
June 6, 2007 June 6, 2007
Approve termination of Eric Tivers, Social Work Intern ‐ North effective 2/2/07.
Approve leaves of absences for the following certified staff for the 2007‐08 year: LEAVE FTE TYPE OF LEAVE
NAME
POSITION
Azcoitia, Maureen Barnett, Jean Cross, Jennifer Delahanty, Seema DiVito, Brandy Goethals, Ann Graham, Sally Heintz, John
Math ‐ West English –North English – North Math – West Special Education – North English – North English – West English – West
1.0 .2 .4 .6 .2 .2 1.0 1.0
Hock, Carlton
Math – North
1.0
Hsing, Wileen Kantor, Dana Kaye, Amy Landini, Kimberly Lauer, Evelyn
English – West Psychologist ‐ West Math – West Psychologist – West English – West
1.0 .2 .2 .2 1.0
Miller, Timothy Pak‐Chwal, Lisa Petrakis, Larissa Pommerenke‐ Schneider, Kristin Posnock, Susie Protus‐Edelstein, Cindy Rogers‐Schultz, Megan
Math – West Special Education – North Counselor – North Social Studies – North Science – North Science – West Special Education – North
Minutes of Regular Board Meeting of February 12, 2007
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.4 .2 .4 .2
Family Care – Unpaid Family Care – Unpaid Family Care – Unpaid Family Care – Unpaid Family Care – Unpaid Family Care – Unpaid Family Care – Unpaid Continued Education – Unpaid Continued Education – Unpaid Family Care – Unpaid Family Care – Unpaid Family Care – Unpaid Family Care – Unpaid Continued Education – Unpaid Family Care – Unpaid Family Care – Unpaid Family Care – Unpaid Family Care – Unpaid
.5 .25
Family Care – Unpaid Family Care – Unpaid
.2
Family Care – Unpaid
LEAVE FTE TYPE OF LEAVE
NAME
POSITION
Splinter, Heidi Trachsel, Karen VanAlstin, Joyce Weatherington, Jody Weitzel, Monica Wright, Laura Zavell, Anne
Physical Education – West Special Education – West Guidance – West English – West
.2 1.0 .5 .4
Family Care – Unpaid Family Care – Unpaid Family Care – Unpaid Family Care – Unpaid
Social Worker ‐ West English – North Special Education – North
.5 .6 .4
Family Care – Unpaid Family Care – Unpaid Family Care – Unpaid
Approve the following disciplinary action, suspension, resolution and remediation plan: CASE#
DISCIPLINARY ACTION
2007‐07
Suspension Without Pay – 3 Days – February 5‐February 7, 2007
Approve the following stipend positions for the 2006‐2007 school year: SCHOOL
POSITION
NAME
North North North North
Purple Pack Gay Straight Alliance Assistant Boys’ Volley Coach Seasonal Strength & Conditioning Coach North Assistant Baseball Coach North Assistant Baseball Coach North Assistant Baseball Coach West Assistant Baseball Coach * Indicates not a District 219 Employee
Fassett, Jody (.25) Wertheimer, Alan (.5) (1/22 – 6/2/07) *Wong, George Lorenz, Jeff (.5) *Blecher, Gregory (.66) *Pohlman, David (.66) *Zagorski, Randy (.66) *Uhle, Christopher
Approve Timothy Hatcher and Janet Neidhardt as teacher substitutes for the 2006‐ 2007 school year.
− Minutes of 1/16/07, open and closed sessions. − Disposition of obsolete textbooks in appendix and donate to Follet Education Services that will either recycle the books, send them to African countries for use in their schools or buy them from District 219. There will be no cost to the District in working with Follet Educational Services. Books with no resale value will be offered for donation to the Learning House in Wheeling. − Donation to Auto Program at Niles West of a 1990 Plymouth Acclaim from Mr. and Mrs. David Paul. − Student fundraiser for West Fine Arts Choir with World’s Finest Chocolate. − Textbook Adoption of Residential Housing & Interiors for the AS&T Department at no cost to the District. Page 4 of 10
Minutes of Regular Board Meeting of February 12, 2007
− Student Trips
For 30 North CDE/DECA students to attend the State Career Development Conference in Decatur, Illinois on March 1‐3, 2007 at a cost to the District of $7,897.00.
For 30 West CDE/DECA students to attend the State Career Development Conference in Decatur, Illinois on March 1‐3, 2007 at a cost to the District of $7,897.00.
For 33 North WHO Club members to attend a Spring Break Service trip in New Orleans, Louisiana on March 25‐31, 2007 at no cost to the District.
− Orientation and Mobility Contractual Services with the Northern Suburban Education District (NSSED) for 60 hours of service at a rate not to exceed $125 per hour which is approximately $7,500 for the year. X.
Superintendent’s Report Neil Codell spoke about the current Digital Story Telling classes and the History Fair presentations. He also commented on the recent difficulties with the cold weather and snow which hampered bus service. − Princpals’ Comments Bob Freeman reported he and current students have been visiting the feeder schools and it was very enjoyable. The Literacy Center will now be open after school Monday through Thursday. There were six National Merit finalists and one National Achievement finalist at North. Dale Vogler reported that West has three National Merit finalists. She also noted that the incoming freshman class enrollment is lower than in recent years.
XI.
Board Member Comments Lynda Gault Smith thanked the administration for providing the Board with meeting minutes from various committees. She said she found it very helpful. Jeff Greenspan echoed those comments and said it is good to know what these committees are discussing prior to them coming to the Board for approval.
XII. Board Committee and Other Reports Policy Committee ‐ Sheri Doniger said the current policies and procedures up for review were amended at a recent meeting. Facility Committee – Jeff Greenspan said a meeting was held earlier this evening to discuss the various options available.
Minutes of Regular Board Meeting of February 12, 2007
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XIII. Business Additional Student Coursebook Change for 2007‐08 Sue Carrescia explained that they would like to take two courses – Math 1‐2 and Math 3‐4, and combine them into a new course which will meet state standards and give a fourth year of hands‐on math application for CIC students. It was moved by GAULT SMITH and seconded by BURNETT to accept the amended consent agenda. A roll call vote was taken. Voting Aye: Burnett, Doniger, Greenspan, Klint, Knudsen, Silverman, Gault Smith. The motion carried.
Fine Arts Five Year Report Roger Stein spoke about the extensive information contained in this report. Teralyn Keith along with Lori Real, John Zilewicz, Pam Hendrix, Dan Gregerman, Elizabeth Levin and Tim Ortmann highlighted different aspects of this report. They looked at three different areas – where they were before construction renovation, what occurred following construction and future goals. In the past five years they have seen a 20% increase in enrollment. It was noted that Guitar started off as one class and now Guitar has increased to having Guitar 1 and 2 – with 86 taking this class at West and 114 at North. It was noted that choir enrollment is down in both schools. Teralyn reported that every time a new course is added, it fills up rapidly. The Board commented that no other department has had so much change and growth since the renovation and construction took place and the members of the department were commended. Mr. Greenspan asked how we compare to a performing arts high school. It was reported that we do not offer as much as those schools. He also asked for numbers of the black box and auditorium usage. Mr. Greenspan suggested asking for money from private individuals to supplement our funding because we have such a wonderful fine arts program.
Purchases – Synthetic Turf for Niles North Stadium Jeff Greenspan said several months ago the Facility Committee looked at the under utilization of the main stadium field due to poor drainage. They reviewed an analysis of grass versus synthetic turf. Safety issues with a turf field were also reviewed. Karl Costello said he is proud to be the athletic director of a school that would consider spending over $1 million for a synthetic field. He said the current condition of the field is below standard and the coaching and custodial staff are constantly Page 6 of 10
Minutes of Regular Board Meeting of February 12, 2007
repairing it. He also stated hosting state sectionals at outside events are always a problem because of the current field conditions. A questionnaire is given to athletes at the end of each sport season and they always comment asking for improvement to the fields. Mr. Costello further stated that should a turf field be installed it can be used for band and cheerleading practice, P.E. classes, with softball and baseball practices beginning earlier in the year. Gerry Yeggy did a comparison of the costs of maintenance with a natural grass field versus a synthetic turf field and a synthetic turf field including D‐zones. It was reported that by having a synthetic turf field it would be available everyday for educational and athletic purposes at a cost of $1,500,729 versus $1,140,502 to maintain and keep a natural grass field. Karl Costello said having a turf field gives the school district countless more user hours every year. Jeff Greenspan said once the Facility Committee agreed on getting a synthetic turf field Legat Architects prepared an RFP. Presentations were provided by vendors to the Facility Committee and Administrative team. Tom Behles from Legat said he looked at all the available turf fields. He said currently fourth generation fiber is now being used. Four different systems were reviewed and it was determined that the thermal plastic turf is the best choice. Tom noted that all equipment needed for the turf field was included in the bid amount, but maintenance for this system would be an additional $5,000 each year. The system has an eight year warranty which covers everything except vandalism. Tim Knudsen raised concern against the cost of the turf field, stating that it has been proven that the field will need to be replaced in ten years, that West will want to have a turf field if North gets one, and feels that safety is an issue. Jeff Greenspan said they contacted schools that have these surfaces and they are very happy with them and they are safe for the students. It was moved by DONIGER and seconded by GREENSPAN to approve the bid submitted by Mondo/Kiefer in the amount of $1,110,982 for the installation of a synthetic turf playing field at the Niles North stadium location. Michael Burnett asked to amend the motion to have the Administration research any possibility of donations to offset the facility or naming of the facility. It was noted that the field is already named, but if someone want to make a donation it will be accepted. A roll call vote was taken. Voting Aye: Burnett, Doniger, Greenspan, Klint, Silverman, Gault Smith. Voting Nay: Knudsen. The motion carried.
The estimated completion date for this turf field is August 13. Minutes of Regular Board Meeting of February 12, 2007
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Student Trips It was moved by GREENSPAN and seconded by BURNETT to approve three student trips – For two West students to attend the IHSA wresting tournament in Champaign on February 15‐18, 2007 at a cost to the District of $2,206.75. For four West students to go to Yerkes Observatory in Williams Bay, Wisconsin on February 27‐28, 2007 at a cost to the District of $320. For 16 North cheerleaders to attend the Illinois High School Championships in Springfield on March 9‐11, 2007 at no cost to the District. The District costs for the Yerkes trip were questioned. It was noted by Dale Vogler that the District pays for substitutes. The $100 fee for transportation will be removed. A roll call vote was taken. Voting Aye: Burnett, Doniger, Greenspan, Klint, Knudsen, Silverman, Gault Smith. The motion carried.
Policy Changes – 1st Reading Sheri Doniger said an extensive meeting was held to review PRESS suggestions. The policy changes are up for first reading. Jeff Greenspan asked about Policy 7:80 (Release Time for Religious Holidays) and suggests giving out a calendar at the beginning of the year to parents so they can fill in dates their children will be absent throughout the year for a religious holiday. Michael Burnett expressed his concern regarding the District not reimbursing parents for any money due them under $10. He also is unhappy with Procedure 4:140‐E1 which states if someone pays the fees, then qualifies for a fee waiver, they are not reimbursed monies they paid. Bob Silverman asked that Policy 2:10 be reviewed for changes to ‘School Board’ from ‘Board of Education’ and suggested it be consistent for all policies. XIV. Old Business There was no old business. XV. New Business There was no new business. XVI. Audience to Visitors (on items related to district business) No one asked to speak. XVII.Correspondence and FOIA Requests There was no correspondence or FOIA requests. Page 8 of 10
Minutes of Regular Board Meeting of February 12, 2007
XVIII. Information Items − Procedures Number 2:10 2:20 2:50 2:80 2:110 2:130 2:140 2:150 2:200 2:210 2:220 2:240 3:10 3:20 3:40 3:60 4:10 4:40 4:140 4:170 5:30 5:90 5:180 5:250 5:330 6:60 6:190 6:250 6:300 6:340 7:50 7:60 7:80 7:270 7:310 8:30
Name School District Governance Powers and Duties of the Board of Education Board Member Term of Office Board Member Oath and Conduct Qualifications, Term, and Duties of Board Officers Board‐Superintendent Relationship Communications To and From the Board Committees Types of Board of Education Meetings Organizational Board of Education Meetings Board of Education Meeting Procedure Board Policy Development Goals and Objectives Organizational Chart Superintendent Administrative Responsibility of the Building Principal Fiscal and Business Management Incurring Debt Waiver of Student Fees Safety General Personnel – Hiring Process and Criteria General Personnel – Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Temporary Illness or Temporary Incapacity Professional Personnel – Leaves of Absence Education Support Personnel – Sick Days, Holidays, and Leaves Curriculum Content Extracurricular and Co‐Curricular Activities Community Resource Persons and Volunteers Graduation Requirements Student Testing and Assessment Program School Admissions and Student Transfers To and From Non‐District Schools Residence Release Time for Religious Instruction/Observance Administering Medicines to Students Restrictions on Publications and Written or Electronic Material School‐ Sponsored Publications and Web Sites Visitors to and Conduct on School Property
− January 2007 Monthly Financial Report XIX. Closed session
Minutes of Regular Board Meeting of February 12, 2007
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It was moved by DONIGER and seconded by GREENSPAN to recess into closed session to discuss matters relating to collective bargaining and to adjourn therefrom with no action to be taken. A roll call vote was taken. Voting Aye: Burnett, Doniger, Greenspan, Klint, Knudsen, Silverman, Gault Smith. The motion carried.
The Board went into closed session at 10:55 p.m. The meeting adjourned at 11:40 p.m. _______________________________ President
_____________________________ Vice President
Minutes approved March 12, 2007.
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Minutes of Regular Board Meeting of February 12, 2007
