ROCKFORD BOARD OF EDUCATION ROCKFORD, ILLINOIS CALL TO ORDER Administration Building September 9, 2008 The regular meeting of the Rockford Board of Education was called to order by President Nancy Kalchbrenner at 5:36 p.m. ROLL CALL Present: Absent: President Nancy Kalchbrenner, Vice President Michael J. Williams, Mr. Robert Evans, Mr. Harmon Mitchell, Mrs. Alice Saudargas, Mrs. Jeannē K. Westholder Secretary David L. Kelley CLOSED SESSION Motion by Mr. Evans, seconded by Mr. Williams, that the Board hold a Closed Session in Room 202 to consider the appointment, compensation, discipline, performance or dismissal of employees; the discipline of students; pending or imminent litigation; or other matters provided for pursuant to 2 (c) of the Open Meetings Act. Approved unanimously on roll call, adjourning for closed session at 5:37 p.m. The Board was in closed session from 5:37 p.m. until 6:59 p.m. OPEN SESSION Motion by Mr. Mitchell, seconded by Mrs. Saudargas, that the Board reconvene in Open Session. Approved on voice vote. RECESS Motion by Mr. Evans, seconded by Mr. Mitchell, that the meeting be recessed at 6:59 p.m. until 7:10 p.m. Approved on voice vote. CALL TO ORDER President Nancy Kalchbrenner called the regular meeting of the Rockford Board of Education to order at 7:12 p.m. MOMENT OF SILENCE & PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Following a moment of silence, the Pledge of Allegiance was given.
Present: Absent: ROLL CALL President Nancy Kalchbrenner, Vice President Michael J. Williams, Mr. Robert Evans, Mr. Harmon Mitchell, Mrs. Alice Saudargas (arrived 7:14 p.m.), Mrs. Jeannē K. Westholder. Secretary David L. Kelley Following the closed session, President Kalchbrenner made the following statement: The Board in closed session considered the appointment, compensation, discipline, performance or dismissal of employees; the discipline of students; pending or imminent litigation; or other matters provided for pursuant to 2(c) of the Open Meetings Act. Action will be taken on these items in open session. On behalf of the entire Board, Mrs. Kalchbrenner thanked Auburn High School students Jason Birch, DelRashawn Boykins, Jessica Brooks, Brock Conner, Alvin Gibson, Skip Grinnell, Kendra Huslow, Darrin Olson, Joni Osuga, and Letia Reynolds, for their assistance in operating the camera and sound equipment in order to telecast this Board meeting. PETITIONS & COMMUNICATIONS 1. Dione Baldwin, Rockford, IL. Presented minority equality concerns in staffing and requested African American History be offered in high schools next year, new leadership perspectives, and community input opportunities in the evenings. 2. Lisa Jackson, Rockford, IL. Questioned Board Member and Administration meeting participation. 3. Janyce Fadden, Rockord, IL. On behalf of the Investors of the Rockford Area Development Council, she extended congratulations and thanks for the opening of ACE High School. A report on the Tax Abatement Resolution will soon be available. 4. Curry M. Porter, III, Rockford, IL. Requested elementary school after school program transportation. 5. Pam Keeling, Rockford, IL. Introduced information on the International Day of Peace and thanked the schools for their participation on September 19. 6. Karen Bieschke, Rockford, IL. Introduced the Pennies for Peace fundraising goal and progress and presented Lisa Peterson-Doll, of Brookview School, with a certificate for $1,189.69 that was raised by her students for Pennies for Peace. 7. Lisa Peterson-Doll, Rockford, IL. Explained how her students have accomplished their progress, the purpose of the program, and the educational and social benefits. BOARD MEMBER COMMENTS Mrs. Westholder described the success of the Sharefest Celebration at Flinn Middle School. She asked the Board to discuss the logistics of informing the public of the Superintendent Search Community Forums to ensure there is no room for accusations of a socioeconomic or cultural bias. Mrs. Saudargas reported that during her visit to West Middle School, she found the environment to be positive and orderly. Mr. Williams would like a review of the performance of the Board Meeting broadcasting service being provided by Rock Valley College. He announced that the Garden Club of Rockford is interested in working with Principals at each of the schools to establish gardens and teach horticultural skills. Mrs. Kalchbrenner added that the Sharefest Celebration at Flinn Middle School was great and hopes to continue to see organizations support the schools. She restated the Superintendent Search Community Forum schedule and will continue to communicate these efforts and is open to suggestions. Mrs. Westholder suggested utilizing the school marquees (message boards) to communicate community forums and offered to help in any way. In response to Mrs. Westholder, Mrs. Kalchbrenner explained that she is working with Mark Bonne and Julia Halsted in exploring available avenues; she will be communicating with Board by email, and proceeding with those appropriate. She reminded students, 18-years of age, of the opportunity to serve as election judges. She Page 2 of 6
commended the Pennies for Peace effort. She addressed the inappropriateness of the negative public comments regarding individuals serving the schools and commended the dedication of these individuals. In response to Mr. Mitchell, Mrs. Kalchbrenner and Mrs. Westholder said that voter registration does take place in the schools. CONSENT ITEMS Motion by Mrs. Saudargas, seconded by Mr. Evans, that the Board approve the consent items not pulled: A. Approval of Minutes August 26, 2008 B. Personnel & Addendum C. Payroll D. Accounts Payable Checks E. Purchase Orders F. Contracts $10,000 & Under G. Airfares H. Bid Recommendations 1. Portable Air-Compressor & Hitch Assembly for Facilities 2. Two 4-Wheel Drive Work Trucks for Facilities 3. Two Cargo Vans 4. Truck Chassis with Dry Freight Box & Tailgate Lift Food Service, Corrected I. Closed Session Items 1. Administrative Appointment Earl Hernandez, East High School Principal Items pulled for further clarification: Approval of Minutes August 26, 2008 Administrative Appointment Earl Hernandez, East High School Principal Ayes: Mrs. Saudargas, Mrs. Westholder, Mr. Williams, Mr. Evans, Mrs. Kalchbrenner, Mr. Mitchell CONSENT ITEMS PULLED Approval of Minutes August 26, 2008 Mrs. Westholder requests the minutes be amended; page 3: that this is an initiative separate from the budget seven million dollars restricted for technology improvements. Motion by Mrs. Westholder, seconded by Mr.Evans, to vote to approve the motion to amend the August 26, 2008 Minutes. Ayes: Mr. Williams, Mr. Evans, Mrs. Kalchbrenner, Mr. Mitchell, Mrs. Saudargas, Mrs. Westholder Page 3 of 6
Motion by Mrs. Saudargas, seconded by Mr.Evans, to vote to approve the August 26, 2008 Minutes, as amended. Ayes: Mrs. Westholder, Mr. Williams, Mr. Evans, Mrs. Kalchbrenner, Mr. Mitchell, Mrs. Saudargas Administrative Appointment Motion by Mr. Evans, seconded by Mrs. Saudargas, to vote on Administrative Appointment. In response to Mr. Williams, Attorney Katz explained that under the rules of the State Board of Education, a Type 75 Administrative Certification requires two years of service in a position in which a teaching certificate is required, and provided examples of such positions. The State has awarded the certificate to this applicant. In response to Mrs. Westholder, Attorney Katz clarified the definition of Supervisory Dean. He explained that each paragraph in the School Code document provided refers to separate matters. Mr. Williams requested a copy of the State Board requirements for Type 75 Certification. He would like to verify that the Type 75 Certification was issued in accordance with the School Code. He later clarified that he was not notified that the appointment, of Mr. Hernandez as the Principal of East, would be voted on this evening until closed session this evening. Mr. Evans stated that it is not up to this Board to determine if the certificate was granted appropriately or not, but only to require that the appointee hold the certification. In response to Mrs. Saudargas, Attorney Katz clarified that the candidate does have a teaching certificate. Mrs. Kalchbrenner stated that this issue has been discussed at length in previous Board meetings and that the School Code document provided to the Board answers any outstanding questions that were asked prior to this open session. Mr. Mitchell advised the Board to trust their legal counsel on this matter and referenced the discussion of the appointment of the East High Principal in previous meetings. Mrs. Westholder, stated that her understanding is that the previous Board created the position of Chief Operating Officer, which is not called for in the School Code. This was allowed by the Regional Board, but she is unsure to the legalities. Ayes: Mr. Evans, Mrs. Kalchbrenner, Mr. Mitchell, Mrs. Saudargas Nays: Mrs. Westholder, Mr. Williams Approved: 4-2-1 SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT Mrs. Hernandez thanked the principals for attending the Board meetings and commended principals for their school climates. On behalf of the principals, she invited Board members to come visit the schools. She provided Family Resource Center statistics that contributed to the back-up and reported her plan to avert such problems next year. In response to Mr. Williams, she explained the reasons for the lack of staff. The new standards-based report cards presentation was given by Drs. Oshita and Ruffner. Strengths of this program include teacher and principal training, best practice collaboration, more time for teaching, student progress compared to benchmark standards, and evidence of student skills through daily demonstration. Mrs. Hernandez and Board Members thanked the committee for their work on this program and congratulated them on recently obtaining their doctorates. Page 4 of 6
COMMITTEE REPORTS Education Committee: Mrs. Hernandez provided updates on the Truancy and Discipline Initiatives. Mr. Evans requested this update be provided to the Board in print, as well as a running list of progress be maintained. There is currently an advertisement for hire of a truancy staff member. Operations Committee: Mr. Mitchell reported that the committee rejected the resolution to request the Winnebago County Board put a 1% sales tax on the ballot for the building of new school facilities, but recommends the Board review the proposal. Mrs. Kalchbrenner pointed out that there is an informational meeting at the Regional Office on Thursday, Sept. 17 at 7:00 p.m. for more information on this resolution and stated that although this Board is not interested in presently doing so, they are not opposed to other districts pursuing the sales tax. Attorney Lester explained the requirements for this to be placed on the ballot by other school districts. Mr. Evans asked that financial goals be established prior to consideration of the resolution and stated that this would follow the previous referendum too soon for public support. Mr. Williams said community members he has spoken to will not support this tax increase. A. ETA Cuisenaire Training ACTION ITEMS Motion by Mr. Evans, seconded by Mr. Williams to approve E-Learning Systems International. Ayes: Mrs. Kalchbrenner, Mr. Mitchell, Mrs. Saudargas, Mrs. Westholder, Mr. Williams, Mr. Evans OTHER BUSINESS/NEW BUSINESS/AGENDA RECOMMENDATIONS A. Board Policy 2.20-Board of Education; Powers and Duties of the Board of Education - Atty. Katz In response to Mrs. Westholder, Attorney Katz explained that in accordance with State Legislation, the Board passes policy to govern how the Superintendent is to run the district. In response to Mrs. Westholder, Mrs. Kalchbrenner stated that as individuals in the schools, the rights and powers of the Board Members are no greater than the general public, who are required to bring issues to the attention of administration and/or the Board; this is a governance issue for the Board and not a management issue. Mr. Evans reminded the Board that these revisions are reflecting the current State Code, which super cedes Board Policy. He supports removing the word inspect. After discussion of their concern, Mrs. Westholder and Mr. Williams requested the term inspection, be defined more clearly. B. Board Policy 2.260-Board of Education; Uniform Grievance Procedure Atty. Katz In response to Mr. Williams, Attorney Katz explained the time limit explanations and addressed concerns in relation to the collective bargaining agreements. C. Board Policy 4.60- Operational Services; Purchases Atty. Katz D. Board Policy 4.110- Operational Services; Transportation Atty. Katz E. Board Policy 4.160-Operational Services; Hazardous and Infectious Materials Atty. Katz In response to Mr. Williams, Attorney Katz explained that the Hazardous and Infectious Materials Regulation has been delegated to Administration. F. Board Policy 5.10-Personnel; Equal Employment Opportunity and Minority Recruitment - Atty. Katz In response to Mr. Williams, Attorney Katz explained that the minimum required minority workforce language is a voluntary goal for the Board to try to reach, not to prevent the hiring of more minorities. Mr. Williams asks that Attorney Katz conduct further research for recent guidance on this issue. Page 5 of 6
G. Board Policy 5.90-Personnel; Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Atty. Katz H. Board Policy 6.20- Instruction; School Year Calendar and Day Atty. Katz I. Board Policy 6.120-Instruction; Special Education Atty. Katz J. Board Policy 6.320-Instruction; High School Credit for Proficiency Atty. Katz Mrs. Westholder suggested the Board consider offering high school credits for middle school foreign language course work. Mrs. Hernandez explained that credit may be given following proficiency testing. Mrs. Kalchbrenner requested clarification from Administration in the Board packets. K. Board Policy- 8.20- Community Relations; Community Use of School Facilities - Atty. Katz L. Freedom of Information Act Log Atty. Katz Mrs. Westholder requested that bus policies or common practices that are currently being exercised in regard to student procedures be discussed at the next or future meeting. She would like to discuss staff uniforms and advertisement of for the Curriculum Director, although not yet in public. In response to Mrs. Westholder, Dr. Schmitt answered her questions on the Discipline Calendar and time requirements. Motion by Mrs. Westholder, seconded by Mr. Williams, to have a Special Meeting for Discipline Resolutions. Motion withdrawn. In response to Mr. Evans, Mr. Williams and Mrs. Kalchbrenner, Mrs. Westholder agreed to withdraw the motion. This week, the Board will agree week upon Special Meeting arrangements. Mr. Williams proposed weekly meetings to address Discipline Packets in a most timely manner. Mrs. Kalchbrenner reminded the Board to review the Elementary Student Assignment Direction from the Board proposal that she provided in their last couple Board Packets as it will be brought forward next meeting. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Mr. Williams, seconded by Mr. Kelley, that the meeting be adjourned at 9:33 p.m. Approved on voice vote. APPROVED: 10/14/2008 /jh PRESIDENT: Nancy Kalchbrenner /s/ Nancy Kalchbrenner SECRETARY: David Kelley /s/ David L. Kelley Page 6 of 6