MINUTES
BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING
MACOMB C.U.S.D. #185
MAY 21, 2008

Board President Ardell Thompson called the meeting to order at 7:10 p.m. in the Macomb Jr./Sr. High School Library.  Following the Pledge of Allegiance, roll was taken with the following members answering “present”:  DeJong, Kiah, Klems, Adams, Thompson, Clark, and Shouse. 

Ms. Joanne Hooper, parent of two MSHS students, addressed the Board regarding the Danish exchange program.  She provided an update on plans for the 2008-2009 exchange.  She requested that the Danish students be allowed to shadow their hosts while in school October 4 and 5, including free school lunch and admission to school activities.  Ms. Hooper also advised that the organizing group would like the Danish students to have the opportunity to do a presentation for the MJSHS students.  Superintendent Reuschel advised that she would like the principals of the respective schools (Denmark and MSHS) to speak with each other and work out details.

Mr. David Wetmore, Director of the MSHS Band, provided an overview of the band’s spring trip to St. Louis.  He advised that the trip was a success, the Wind Symphony and the Concert Band performed well, and that the students were very well behaved. 

The Board recognized the following individuals:

• Krista DeJoode – Senior of the Month for the month of May
• Jaleesa Hood – Career Technical Student in the Fashion Merchandising Program
• Derek Hammond – Career Technical Student in the E.A.S.T. program
• Noelle Flynn – secured $5,425 in grant funds
• Diana Cremer, Jennifer Clark, Tammie Mabrey, Ellie Zoerink, and Michael Murphy – MEF grants
• Emily Platt and Julie Cahill – Teachers of the Month for the months of January and April, respectively

Jeff Moore, MSHS French Teacher, provided information on the proposed Spring 2009 trip to Agen, France for students enrolled in French class.  He advised that the trip would be structured like past trips – students from Agen will come to Macomb in spring 2009 and MSHS students will go to France after the end of the 2008-2009 school year.  Member DeJong moved, and member Adams seconded, to approve the Spring 2009 exchange with students in Agen, France.  Members voting “yes”:  DeJong, Kiah, Klems, Adams, Thompson, Clark, and Shouse.  Members voting “no”:  none.  Motion carried.

Board President Thompson advised that members of the Board would attend a dinner with the Spoon River College Board on Wednesday, May 28, 2008, at 6:00 p.m. in Room 108, Spoon River College – Macomb Campus to discuss the relationship between the two organizations and talk about possibilities for the future.  Mrs. Thompson also thanked those who contributed to the smooth handling of operations during the lockdown.

Superintendent Reuschel advised the Board regarding the following:

• Pay rates for substitute teachers – will recommend increase to $75.00 at June meeting

• SRO (School Resource Officer) report.  Thanks to Officer Chris Butcher, School Resource Officer, who is finishing his commitment with the District.

Minutes – Board of Education Meeting
May 21, 2008
Page 2

• Change in bus garage signage to reflect First Student instead of Laidlaw
• Update on “moment of silence” legislation
• Third party administrator for District 403(b) plan:  Valic and ING, Inc. being considered.
• Western Division Dinner meeting to be hosted by District – currently scheduled for March, but will look into possibility of hosting in October
• Discussion of District observance of Veteran’s Day will be on June agenda
•  IHSA Music Award:  Macomb High School music students are the Second Place winner for 2008 in Class B.

Member Adams moved, and member Klems seconded, to approve the items on the Consent Calendar, which included the following:  Minutes from the April 21, 2008, special Board meeting; minutes from the April 21, 2008, regular Board 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 0708); Macomb Jr./Sr. High School Activity Accounts Report; and Financial Authorizations.  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 and hold indefinitely the minutes from closed meetings held during the April 21, 2008, special and regular Board meetings.  Members voting “yes”:  DeJong, Kiah, Klems, Adams, Thompson, Clark, and Shouse.  Members voting “no”:  none.  Motion carried.

At 7:47 p.m., member Adams moved, and member Shouse 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).  Members voting “yes”:  DeJong, Kiah, Klems, Adams, Thompson, Clark, and Shouse.  Members voting “no”:  none.  Motion carried.

The closed meeting ended at 8:31 p.m.  Member Adams moved, and member Klems seconded, to return to open session.  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:
Change in Assignment:
Zachary Chatterton, from Assistant Senior High School Principal, to Senior High School Principal, Macomb Senior High School, effective July 2, 2008 (replaces Kehrberg);
Edward Fulkerson, from Principal, Lincoln Elementary School, to Grades 7-12 Dean of Students, Macomb Junior/Senior High School, effective July 2, 2008. (new position).
Dana Isackson, from Junior High School Principal, to Junior High School Principal/Curriculum Coordinator, Macomb Junior High School, effective July 2, 2008 (added responsibilities).
Employment:
Minutes – Board of Education Meeting
May 21, 2008
Page 3

Melissa Aguirre, Grade 2 Teacher (replacement), Lincoln Elementary School, effective August 18, 2008 (replaces Diane Fox);
Noelle Flynn, Grade 3 Teacher (replacement), Lincoln Elementary School, effective August 18, 2008 (replaces Rita Hatch).
Ellen Zoerink, School Social Worker, increase of 10 days to extend the 2007-2008 contract.
Members voting “yes”:  DeJong, Kiah, Klems, Adams, Thompson, Clark, and Shouse.  Members voting “no”:  none.  Motion carried.

Member Klems moved, and member Shouse seconded, to approve the following actions respecting Educational Support Personnel:
Employment:
Tony Campbell, Custodian/Part Time Seasonal Maintenance, Macomb Community Unit School District, 32 hours per week, effective May 27, 2008 through August 15, 2008;
Tana Swanson, Custodian/Part Time Seasonal Maintenance, Macomb Community Unit School District, 32 hours per week, effective May 27, 2008 through August 15, 2008;
Deborah Wickert, Custodian/Part Time Seasonal Maintenance, Macomb Community Unit School District, 32 hours per week, effective May 27, 2008 through August 15, 2008.
Members voting “yes”:  DeJong, Kiah, Klems, Adams, Thompson, Clark, and Shouse.  Members voting “no”:  none.  Motion carried.

Member Klems moved, and member Adams seconded, to approve the following actions respecting Co-Curricular personnel:
Resignation:
Sara Drallmeier, Dance Team Sponsor, Macomb Senior High School, effective May 7, 2008;
Tim Jenkins, Swim Coach, Boys and Girls Teams, Macomb Senior High School, effective May 12, 2008;
Jason Killion,  Football Coach, Assistant Track Coach, Macomb Junior High School, effective May 12, 2008;
Susan Lafary, Pre K Parent Coordinator, MacArthur Early Childhood Center, effective end of the 2007-2008 school year.
Employment:
Jay Ankenbrand, Sophomore Boys Basketball Coach, Macomb Senior High School, effective 2008-2009 school year.
Lori Botts, Thespian Director, Macomb Senior High School, effective 2008-2009 school year.
Pamela Heaton-Burnham, Head Volleyball Coach, Macomb Senior High School, effective 2008-2009 school year.
Harvie Herrington, Varsity Assistant Football Coach, Macomb Senior High School, effective 2008-2009 school year.

Minutes – Board of Education Meeting
May 21, 2008
Page 4

Steve Horrell, Varsity Assistant Football Coach, Macomb Senior High School, effective 2008-2009 school year.
Dee Kirwan, Dance Team Sponsor, Macomb Senior High School, effective 2008-2009 school year.
Max Kreps, Head Sophomore Football Coach, Macomb Senior High School, effective 2008-2009 school year.
Mike McCall, Assistant Sophomore Football Coach, Macomb Senior High School, effective 2008-2009 school year.
Gary Saunders, Boys Golf Coach, Macomb Senior High School, effective 2008-2009 school year.
Kelly Sears, Varsity Head Football Coach, Macomb Senior High School, effective 2008-2009 school year.
Leigh Terstriep, Assistant Volleyball Coach, Macomb Senior High School, effective 2008-2009 school year.
Jeff Thorman, Head Girls Basketball Coach, Macomb Senior High School, effective 2008-2009 school year.
Dan Watson, Head Boys Basketball Coach, Macomb Senior High School, effective 2008-2009 school year.
Members voting “yes”:  DeJong, Kiah, Klems, Adams, DeJong, Thompson, and Clark.  Members voting “no”:  none.  Member Shouse abstained.  Motion carried.

Member Shouse moved, and member Klems seconded, to approve the following actions respecting Summer School Employment:
Certified Teachers:
Amber Bruning
Angela Edmonds          Susan Docherty
Susan Lafary                Adele Langworthy
Tammie Mabrey           Doug Mattsey
Lisa Ruebush                Michelle Sargeant
Marybeth Speer           Sandy Taylor
Jeff Thorman                Lynn VanAlstine
Maureen Wallen           Dan Watson
Dave Wetmore Corindy Wolf  

Educational Support Staff:
                   Julie Cahill             Mandi Clark
                   Julianna Daniels                 Karen Filbert
                   Noelle Flynn                      Cindy Hare                  
                   Debbie Hattaway              Roberta Huff   
                   Heather Knowles              Brian Langworthy        
                   Mary Lyons                      Nicholas Stoneking      
                   Amanda Walker                Stacy Wilson
Members voting “yes”:  DeJong, Kiah, Klems, Adams, Thompson, Clark, and Shouse.  Members voting “no”:  none.  Motion carried.

Minutes – Board of Education Meeting
May 21, 2008
Page 5

Member Adams moved, and member Klems seconded, to approve a 5% increase for educational support personnel, effective July 1, 2008.  Members voting “yes”:  DeJong, Kiah, Klems, Adams, Thompson, Clark, and Shouse.  Members voting “no”:  none.  Motion carried.

Member Adams moved, and member Shouse seconded, to approve the job descriptions for Dean of Students, Grades 7-12, and District Director for Curriculum and Instruction.  Members voting “yes”:  DeJong, Kiah, Klems, Adams, Thompson, Clark, and Shouse.  Members voting “no”:  none.  Motion carried.

Second reading was held on proposed changes to the following Board policies, administrative procedures, and exhibits:
4:70-AP                       5:190-AP1       6:50                 7:15                 7:280-E1          8:25-AP1
            4:150                           5:190-E1          6:90                 7:20                 7:330               8:30
            4:170-E3                      5:190-E2          6:170               7:30                 7:330-AP         8:30-AP
            4:170-E11                    5:190-E3          6:210               7:100               7:330-E            8:40
            5:190                            6:30                 6:240               7:250-AP         8:25    

Member DeJong pointed out that references to “Assistant Principal” in policy 7:190 should be changed to “Dean of Students”, and that the change should be made consistently throughout the policy manual and the student handbook.  Member Adams moved, and member Shouse seconded, to approve the proposed changes as presented.  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 proposed changes to the MSHS Student Handbook and corresponding Board policies (7:190), based on the recommendation of the Discipline Committee.  Members voting “yes”:  DeJong, Kiah, Klems, Adams, Thompson, Clark, and Shouse.  Members voting “no”:  none.  Motion carried.

Member Adams moved, and member Shouse seconded, to approve a resolution authorizing financing of the installment purchase of equipment for the telephony project in the amount of $400,000 through First Banker’s Trust.  Members voting “yes”:  DeJong, Kiah, Klems, Adams, Thompson, Clark, and Shouse.  Members voting “no”:  none.  Motion carried.

Discussion ensued on a proposed Fire & Life Safety Amendment in the amount of $39,600 for repair of the modular unit roofs at Edison Elementary School.  Randy Smith, Director of Operations & Maintenance explained that the modular units are still in good enough shape that it is cost efficient to put on new roofs, rather than purchase new units.  He estimated the cost of new units at $60,000 - $70,000 a piece, installed on the existing foundations.  He clarified that the fire safety/detection equipment needed at MJSHS are heat detectors to be installed in designated rooms.  Member Kiah moved, and member Klems seconded, to approve Fire & Life Safety Amendments for repair of the modular unit roofs at Edison Elementary ($39,600) and installation of fire safety/detection equipment at MJSHS ($2,910).  Members voting “yes”:  Kiah, Klems, Adams, Thompson, Clark, and Shouse.  Members voting “no”:  DeJong.  Motion carried.

Minutes – Board of Education Meeting
May 21, 2008
Page 6

Superintendent Reuschel informed the Board that the Professional Appraisal Committee met to review the Professional Appraisal Plan and that the committee decided that no substantive changes are required at this time.  She advised that the list of qualified evaluators would need to be updated.

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

At 8:53 p.m., member Klems moved, and member Shouse 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).  Members voting “yes”:  DeJong, Kiah, Klems, Adams, Thompson, Clark, and Shouse.  Members voting “no”:  none.  Motion carried.

The closed meeting ended at 9:55 p.m.

Member DeJong moved, and member Klems seconded, to adjourn at 9:56 p.m.  Motion carried by voice vote.

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                                                                                                            President

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                        Date

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                                                                                                            Secretary