MINUTES
BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING
MACOMB C.U.S.D. #185
AUGUST 20, 2007
7:00 P.M.

Board President Ardell Thompson called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. in the Library at Macomb Jr./Sr. High School.  Following the Pledge of Allegiance, roll was taken with the following members answering “present”:  DeJong, Kiah, Klems, Adams, Thompson, Clark, and Shouse. 

Randy Smith, Director of Operations & Maintenance, presented a virtual tour of the District buildings, highlighting the new geothermal system at Lincoln, the newly installed playground fence at Edison, and the immaculate condition of each of the buildings thanks to the custodial and maintenance crews.  Randy thanked the Board for its support through wages, investment in quality equipment and supplies, and allowing staff to use those things to their best advantage.  President Thompson noted that all of the buildings, with the exception of the Jr./Sr. High School, were built in the 1950’s and their fine condition is due to the efforts of the O&M staff.  She emphasized that all buildings are now air conditioned, with the exception of MacArthur Early Childhood Center.

The Board recognized the following members of the O&M staff for their hard work and dedication to the District:  LeAnna Ritter - MacArthur; Teresa Brewer, Jamal Olds, Lindell Beck (lead) - Lincoln; Paul Fisher, Pat Seaver (lead), Jerry Peters - Edison; Toni Ainslie, Robert Babcock, Dee Arnold, Scott Waller, Brett Schnarr (Head), Dean Watson, Frederick Nartey; Jenifer Riddell - Administrative Center; Randy Smith (Director of Operations & Maintenance), Tim Smith (Maintenance Foreman), Mark Shryack, Mike Roberts, Ken Beck - District Maintenance; Dick Smith, Derek Wiley, Tana Swanson, Tony Campbell; Deborah Wickert - Part-time Seasonal.

President Thompson thanked the Board for attending the IASB School Governance workshop, which was held in the commons at MJSHS, and member DeJong thanked Mrs. Thompson for organizing the event.  Superintendent Reuschel noted that Doug Blair, IASB, had called to express his thanks to the Board for hosting what the IASB hopes was the first of many regional workshops.  Member Adams advised that the scouts who participated in the flag ceremony on opening day appreciated having the opportunity to serve.  Maria Dunstan, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction, advised that she had received word from the National School Board Association that the proposal written by her, Dana Isackson, Ardell Thompson, and Fran Karanovich, has been accepted for presentation at the NSBA Annual Conference. 

Dr. Reuschel reported the following to the Board:

• The District facilities met all requirements of the full compliance conducted by the Regional Office of Education.
• The District met all IDEA implementation requirements for the 2005-2006 school year.
• Max Kreps has proposed that the varsity baseball team travel to Florida March 9-14, 2008 (spring vacation).  Mr. Kreps came forward to provide details about the proposal and answer questions.  He advised that the trip would offer team members the chance to compete against schools from around the country and that all costs associated with the trip would either be covered by the players’ families, raised through donations from various organizations or fund raisers, and, possibly, grant funds.  However, Mr. Kreps advised that if the grant monies do not come through, the trip will be cancelled.  Each family has signed a letter of agreement about the trip and its associated costs.  The Macomb Prep League will make a donation to the cost of the

trip in exchange for not having to pay rent to use the high school field during the summer for Prep League games.  The estimated cost to be covered by each family is $400 (hotel room, cost of games, passes to three main amusement parks, but not water parks) plus food.  Travel expenses will be raised.  If more money is raised than is required to cover the cost of travel, the excess will be equally distributed to cover the cost of the hotel.  Superintendent Reuschel emphasized that this would not set the precedent for an annual trip.  The District will incur no cost for this trip.  In response to member Thompson’s question about insurance, Dr. Reuschel advised that the trip would fall under the District’s insurance as a school sponsored activity.   The Board will consider the proposal and be asked to take action on it at their September 17 meeting.

• The Board has been invited to attend the Western Division Fall Dinner meeting on October 23 and individuals should let Lisa know whether or not they plan to attend.

Karen Nudd, Kindergarten teacher at Lincoln, and Maureen Wallen, Special Education teacher at MacArthur, presented the reading materials they purchased with Macomb Education Foundation grant monies.  They have started a guided reading program at the Kindergarten level.  Each child works at their own level and progresses through the levels based on records kept by the teacher.  The program is designed so that students can open a book and be successful.  The program focuses on word work, comprehension, and teaching children to actively think about what they are reading.  The materials include both fiction and non-fiction.  Mrs. Nudd invited Board members to come and observe the program when they begin during second quarter.

Member DeJong moved, and member Adams seconded, to approve the Consent Calendar, which included the following:  Minutes from the July 16, 2007, regular meeting; Treasurer’s Report; Investment Report; Monthly Board Report; Bills and Payroll; Financial Update on Life Safety Projects (.05 levy); Financial Update on Life Safety Projects (BI); Macomb Jr./Sr. High School Activity Accounts; and, Financial Authorizations.  Members voting “yes”:  DeJong, Kiah, Klems, Adams, Thompson, Clark, and Shouse.  Members voting “no”:  none.  Motion carried.

Member DeJong moved, and member Shouse seconded, to approve the minutes from the closed meeting held during the July 16, 2007, regular meeting, noting that the date on the minutes should be changed to read July 16 instead of 17.  Members voting “yes”:  DeJong, Kiah, Klems, Adams, Thompson, Clark, and Shouse.  Members voting “no”:  none.  Motion carried.

Member Klems moved, and member DeJong seconded, to approve the following actions respecting Certificated personnel:
Retirement:
Shirley Adams, Special Education Teacher, Macomb Senior High School, effective end of the 2010-2011 school year.
Nancy Bell, Librarian, Macomb Senior High School, effective end of the 2008-2009 school year.
Norma Kentner, Title I Reading Specialist, Lincoln Elementary School, effective end of the 2009-2010 school year.
Request for Leave:
Angela Schauble, School Counselor, Macomb Junior High School, request maternity leave to begin approximately November 1, 2007, and extend through January 3, 2008.
Employment:
Julie Cahill, Kindergarten Teacher (new), Lincoln Elementary School, effective August 14, 2007.

Maria Dunstan,  Part time (120 days) Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction, effective August 6, 2007.
Diane Meline, Part-time Exploratory Teacher, Part-time Program Assistant, Macomb Jr. High School, effective 2007-2008 school year (replaces Susie El Idrissi). 
Members voting “yes”:  DeJong, Kiah, Klems, Adams, Thompson, Clark, and Shouse.  Members voting “no”:  none.  Motion carried.

Member DeJong moved, and member Klems seconded, to approve the following actions respecting Educational Support Personnel:
Change in Assignment:
Amy Connor, from Program Assistant, Lincoln Elementary School, to Program Assistant, Edison Elementary School, 6 hours per day, effective August 17, 2007, (replaces Westfall).
Julianna Daniels, from Program Assistant, MacArthur Early Childhood Center, to Program Assistant, Lincoln Elementary School, 6 hours per day, effective August 17, 2007, (new Kindergarten section).
Michelle Rossmiller, from Program Assistant, Lincoln Elementary School, to Program Assistant, Macomb Jr./Sr. High School, 6 hours per day, effective August 16, 2007, (reassignment of Wetmore).
Sally Sinnett, from Program Assistant (Regular), 4 1/2 hours per day, Macomb Jr. High School, to Program Assistant (Special Education), 6 1/2 hours per day, Macomb Jr. High School, effective August 17, 2007, (increase in Special Education students).
Employment:
Lisa Allen, Program Assistant (replacement), Macomb Senior High School, 6 hours per day, effective August 17, 2007, (replaces Rittenhouse).
Kristen Barclay, Program Assistant (replacement), MacArthur Early Childhood Center, 6 1/2 hours per day, effective August 20, 2007, (replaces Daniels).
Lindsey Burgland, Program Assistant (replacement), Macomb Senior High School, 6 1/2 hours per day, effective August 17, 2007, (replaces Mulvin).
Amber Driskell, Program Assistant (recall), Edison Elementary School, 6 1/2 hours per day, effective August 17, 2007.
Melonie Icenogle, Individual Assistant (recall), Lincoln Elementary School, 6 hours per day, effective August 17, 2007.
Marissa Kirby, Program Assistant (replacement), MacArthur Early Childhood Center, 6 1/2 hours per day, effective August 20, 2007, (replaces Huston).
Barbara Koukol, Program Assistant (recall), Edison Elementary School, 6 hours per day, effective August 17, 2007.
Sarah Lambert, Individual Assistant (replacement), Macomb Junior High School, 6 hours per day, effective August 17, 2007.
Anna Robertson, Program Assistant (replacement), Edison Elementary School, 6 hours per day, effective August 17, 2007, (replaces Butler).
Amy Schmitt, Health Services Worker (replacement), Lincoln Elementary School, 6 1/2 hours per day, 3 days per week, effective August 17, 2007, (replaces Coker).
Kelsey Wilson, Program Assistant (replacement), MacArthur Early Childhood Center, 6 1/2 hours per day, effective August 20, 2007, (replaces Cahill).
Resignation:
Megan Butler, Program Assistant, Edison Elementary School, effective August 1, 2007.
Julie Cahill, Program Assistant, MacArthur Early Childhood Center, effective August 8, 2007.
Deanna Huston, Program Assistant, MacArthur Early Childhood Center, effective July 23, 2007.          

Members voting “yes”:  DeJong, Kiah, Klems, Adams, Thompson, Clark, and Shouse.  Members voting “no”:  none.  Motion carried.

Member Klems moved, and member DeJong seconded, to approve the following actions respecting Co-Curricular personnel:
Resignation:
Michael Adams, Boys Swim Coach, and Girls Swim Coach, Macomb Senior High School, effective July 16, 2007.
Shirley Adams, Sophomore Class Sponsor, Macomb Senior High School, effective August 1, 2007.
Employment:
Randy Ames, Assistant Boys Track Coach, Macomb Senior High effective 2007-2008 school year.
John Connell, JH Football Coach, Macomb Junior High School, effective 2007-2008 school year.
Tim Jenkins, Head Girls Swim Coach, Macomb Senior High School, effective 2007-2008 school year (replaces Mike Adams).
Jason Killion, JH Football Coach, 7th Head, Macomb Junior High School, effective 2007-2008 school year.
Jamie McCoy, Thespian Advisor, Macomb Senior High School, effective 2007-2008 school year (replaces Cathy Sheagren).
Jeff Miller, JH Football Coach, 7th Assistant, Macomb Junior High School, effective 2007-2008 school year.
Lindsey May, JH Football Coach, 8th Head, Macomb Junior High School, effective 2007-2008 school year.
Linda Miller, Sophomore Class Sponsor, Macomb Senior High School, effective 2007-2008 school year.
Leigh Terstriep, Assistant Volleyball Coach, Macomb Senior High School, effective 2007-2008 school year.    
Volunteer:
David Bryant, Volunteer Girls Basketball Coach, Macomb Junior High School, effective 2007-2008 season.
 Members voting “yes”:  DeJong, Kiah, Klems, Adams, Thompson, Clark, and Shouse.  Members voting “no”:  none.  Motion carried.

Member Klems moved, and member DeJong seconded, to release for public inspection minutes from closed meetings held on January 20, 2007 (9:31 a.m. and 3:07 p.m.), January 23, 2007, February 8, 2007, February 13, 2007, and May 3, 2007; and to continue to hold indefinitely minutes from closed meetings held on January 16, 2007, January 30, 2007, February 3, 2007, February 20, 2007, March 19, 2007, April 23, 2007, and May 21, 2007.  Members voting “yes”:  DeJong, Kiah, Klems, Adams, Thompson, Clark, and Shouse.  Members voting “no”:  none.  Motion carried.

Member Shouse moved, and member Adams seconded, to authorize the destruction of audio tapes of closed meetings held on September 19, 2005, October 6, 2005, November 21, 2005, December 19, 2005, and January 23, 2006.  Members voting “yes”:  DeJong, Kiah, Klems, Adams, Thompson, Clark, and Shouse.  Members voting “no”:  none.  Motion carried.

Member DeJong moved, and member Shouse seconded, to approve the School Resource Officer contract with the City of Macomb.  Members voting “yes”:  DeJong, Kiah, Klems, Adams, Thompson, Clark, and Shouse.  Members voting “no”:  none.  Motion carried.

Maria Dunstan, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction, presented proposed changes to the Professional Appraisal Plan, as recommended by the Professional Appraisal Committee.  She noted the following changes:

• The inclusion of reference to the Illinois Teaching Standards in each domain.
• The inclusion of Standards for all Illinois Teachers
• Updates to the Teacher job description
• The inclusion of a Professional Appraisal System for Administrators.

Member Klems moved, and member Shouse seconded, approval of the changes as presented.  Members voting “yes”:  DeJong, Kiah, Klems, Adams, Thompson, Clark, and Shouse.  Members voting “no”:  none.  Motion carried.                                                  

Member Adams moved, and member Klems seconded, to approve waiver of the driver’s education requirement for student 0708:1.  Members voting “yes”:  DeJong, Kiah, Klems, Adams, Thompson, Clark, and Shouse.  Members voting “no”:  none.  Motion carried.

Member Klems moved, and member DeJong seconded, to declare a list of supplies and equipment as surplus for sale or disposal.  Members voting “yes”:  DeJong, Kiah, Klems, Adams, Thompson, Clark, and Shouse.  Members voting “no”:  none.  Motion carried.

At 7:50 p.m., member Klems moved, and member DeJong seconded, to hold a closed meeting for the purpose of discussing the appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific employees, pursuant to 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(1), potential litigation, pursuant to 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(11), and to discuss security procedures, pursuant to 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(8).  Members voting “yes”:  DeJong, Kiah, Klems, Adams, Thompson, Clark, and Shouse.  Members voting “no”:  none.  Motion carried.

The closed meeting ended at 8:45 p.m.

Member Shouse moved, and member Adams seconded, to adjourn at 8:46 p.m.  Motion carried by voice vote.

                                                                                    __________________________________________
                                                                                                                        President

__________________________________________
                                    Date

                                                                                    __________________________________________
                                                                                                                        Secretary