School Board Niles Township District 219, Cook County, Illinois MINUTES
Regular Board Meeting Monday, April 30, 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 6:45 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 KLINT 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 6:45 p.m. At 7:58 p.m. it was moved by KLINT and seconded by DONIGER 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 8:02 p.m. The Pledge was recited. IV. Changes/Additions to the Agenda Added to the consent agenda was a personnel handout. Removed from the consent agenda were the open session minutes for the April 9, 2007 meeting.
Minutes of Regular Board Meeting of April 30, 2007
Page 1 of 8
V. Awards Kennedy Center Awards Mr. Silverman reported that at the recent NSBA Conference Niles Township High Schools were awarded the Kennedy Center Award. The award names our school district the #1 fine arts school in the country. It is the first time in 19 years that a public school has earned this award. The judges said that our application and DVD were so impressive, and that it will be used as a model for future years. The application video and award presentation ceremony were viewed by the audience. Teachers from the fine arts program at Niles West and Niles North were present and each introduced a student from their curriculum area to the Board. Superstar Awards Mr. Silverman presented awards to Niles West student Brian Yoo for Academics, Nick Kabat for Activities and Kathy Paustian for Community Service. North students recognized were Lisha Thomas for Academics, William Ikeda for Athletics and Ayal Weiner‐Kaplow for Community Spirit. A break from the meeting was taken to talk with students, teachers and parents. Mr. Knudsen left the meeting at 9:15 p.m. The meeting resumed at 9:18 p.m. VI. Audience to Visitors Susan Borkowski, 7047 Grennan Place, Niles and a student at Niles West spoke on behalf of retaining Paula Bachman as the choral director. Anna Vasilenko, 6660 Woodriver Drive, Niles and former Niles West student spoke of the wonderful things Paula Bachman did for her when she was a student. Arlene Erlbach, 5829 Capulina, Skokie spoke of the profound impressions Paula Bachman had on her son and other students. Robert Morales, 6629 Spokane, Lincolnwood and Niles West student spoke on how Paula Bachman has helped him musically and about her ability to give him confidence. Sarah Borucki, 8307 Kilpatrick, Skokie and Niles West alumni spoke on how Paula Bachman pushed and inspired her as a student. She studied music in college due to what Paula Bachman has done to encourage her. Julie Westbrook 1924 Lee Street, Evanston said she is a music tutor throughout the Chicagoland area. She spoke of the excellence of Paula Bachman as a choir director and said she is highly respected and feels she inspires all of her students.
Page 2 of 8
Minutes of Regular Board Meeting of April 30, 2007
Mr. Silverman said he does not dispute what anyone has said in support of Paula Bachman. He emphasized that decisions by the Board are not made frivolously and there are good reasons to make the decisions that are made. He added the Board will not let the choir program fail, although there may be some period of adjustment. Neil Codell thanked those that came forward and expressed their strong feelings. He said the Board and Administration are compassionate and appreciate all that Paula Bachman has done. However, a new direction is needed and decisions are made after deep reflection. VII. Student Representative Comments Carly Valfer said Rock for Charity raised $7,000 and it is the largest fundraiser ever. She spoke of upcoming events. Elections for officers will take place next week. VIII. Community Representative Comments No one asked to speak. IX. Approval of Consent Agenda It was moved by DONIGER and seconded by GAULT SMITH to accept the amended consent agenda. A roll call vote was taken. Voting Aye: Burnett, Doniger, Greenspan, Klint, Silverman, Gault Smith. The motion carried. Included in the consent agenda: − Monthly Bills and Payroll in the amount of $3,032,346.60. − Personnel Approve the employment of Mark Rigby for the Administrative position of Dean of Students – West, 195 Days at $81,000 per year effective 8/13/07. Approve employment of the following certified staff for the 2007‐08 school year effective 8/27/07: NAME
POSITION/LOCATION
FTE
Boll, Michael Hahne, Jennifer Hentz, Stephanie Kasprzak, Kathleen Locallo, Lauren Naro, Catherine Pashtan, Hanna Ronning, Lydia
Chemistry – North, MA‐Step 1 Psychologist – West, MA+30‐Step 2 Social Worker – West, MA+15, Step 1 Psychologist – North, MA+30, Step 2 Social Worker –North, MA+30, Step 3 ESL – West, MA+15‐Step 18 Hebrew – North, BA‐Step 12 German – North/West, MA‐Step 10
1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 .6 .4 1.0
Approve employment of Susan Bubaris as Confidential, Executive Secretary ‐ Security, District, 260 Days at a salary of $55,000 yearly effective 7/1/07. Minutes of Regular Board Meeting of April 30, 2007
Page 3 of 8
Approve the employment of Cynthia Kukla as Applications Trainer – West, T2‐Step 2, 260 Days, effective 6/14/07. Approve the employment of Eli Rogers as Psychology Intern – North at salary of $16,000/year effective 8/27/07. Approve the employment of Terrance Fitzgibbons as Dean of Students Summer School 2007 at a salary of $5,000. Approve the employment of the following part‐time/temporary help: NAME
POSITION/LOCATION
RATE
EFFECTIVE DATE
Bolando, Deo Dixon, William Hayat, Faryal Kruszynski, Mark Lenhardt, Christopher Lodhia, Huma Passman, Leah Rafiq, Talha Shiel, John Speciale, Raquel Wong, Jennifer
Textbook Center Asst. – North Textbook Center Asst. – North Textbook Center Asst. – North CRT Scorer – West Textbook Center Asst. – North Textbook Center Asst. – North CRT Scorer – West Textbook Center Asst. – North CRT Scorer – West CRT Scorer – District Textbook Center Asst. – West
$7.50/Hr. $7.50/Hr. $7.50/Hr. $15.00/Hr. $7.50/Hr. $7.50/Hr. $15.00/Hr. $7.50/Hr. $15.00/Hr. $15.00/Hr. $7.50/Hr.
May 1, 2007 May 1, 2007 May 1, 2007 May – June, 2007 May 1, 2007 May 1, 2007 May – June, 2007 May 1, 2007 June 5‐June 7, 2007 May – June, 2007 May 1, 2007
Accept the resignation of support staff Christina Himmler, Teacher Assistant – Special Education – North, effective June 7, 2007.
Approve the leave of absence for the following certified staff for the 2006‐07: NAME
POSITION
TYPE OF LEAVE
Heintzelman, Carmela
Foreign Language ‐ West FMLA ‐ Unpaid
EFFECTIVE
5/23 – 6/7/07
Approve the following stipend position for the 2007‐2008 school year: NAME
POSITION
SCHOOL
Konsewicz, Anthony Girls Basketball Head Coach Song, Hyun Cheerleading Head Coach Friedman, Charlie* Girls Gymnastics Head Coach * Indicates not a District 219 employee
Niles West Niles North Niles North
Approve the following teacher substitutes for the 2006‐2007 school year: DeNapoli, Lisa
Fowler, Andrew
Groskopf, Anne
− Minutes of 4/09/07, Closed Sessions − Student Fundraiser for Student Activities with FirstGiving.com. − Budget Transfer of $75,000 to the appropriate Transportation Fund expenditure account from the contingency account. − Pentamation Finance System Annual Maintenance Agreement for FY2008 at a cost not to exceed $63,775.44. − Purchase and Installation of Weight Training Equipment for North & West from Lifefitness in the amount of $99,868.93.
Page 4 of 8
Minutes of Regular Board Meeting of April 30, 2007
− Purchase of 24 Wenger instrument cabinets at North from Wenger Corporation in the amount of $27,846. − Electrostatic Painting of Niles North Hallway Lockers by American Office Services, Inc in the amount of a unit cost of $11.45 or $12,087.15. − 2007‐08 IHSA Membership for Niles North and Niles West. − Resolution Approving Admission of Evanston Township High School District 202 to Alliance for Lifelong Learning. X. Superintendent’s Report Mr. Codell said there will be a School Funding Forum at the Oakton Community Center on May 6. He asked Dr. Stein to speak on work with the feeder district. Roger Stein said they met to discuss math articulation and stated this was one of the greatest meetings in his 33 years in the District. They are talking of having a standard math program for grades 6, 7 and 8. The goal is to have fewer students in Algebra 10‐20 and more in Algebra 11‐22. The feeder schools will use our curriculum guide for 8th grade. They want to continue to meet for professional development to enhance this even further. − Principals’ Report Bob Freeman gave an update of upcoming events at Niles North and Dale Vogler gave an update of upcoming events at Niles West. XI. Board Members’ Comments Jeffrey Greenspan said prior to the last Board meeting he asked that student fees not be on the agenda as he was unable to attend. He spoke of his disappointment that this was on the agenda, as he would have liked to have had an opportunity to express his feeling that the student fees are too high. XII. Board Committee and Other Reports Policy Committee – Sheri Doniger said a meeting is scheduled for June 7. Facility Committee – Jeff Greenspan said a meeting will be held in the future. XIII. Business Five Year Science Report Roger Stein said the Science Department is very dynamic. Lois Wisniewski introduced teachers from the department who highlighted new courses, explained what they are doing in the classroom and labs, and how technology has enhanced the learning opportunities for students. Lois ended the presentation stating that they are very excited about where the department is headed and want to further Minutes of Regular Board Meeting of April 30, 2007
Page 5 of 8
develop a community of science learners and want to reach out to alumni to help in this endeavor. The Board thanked the Science department for this in‐depth report and also thanked the teachers for their passion for what they do. Jeff Greenspan spoke about a parcel of land that is available by Niles North which may be obtained to develop a prairie for the school. The Board discussed the transition from mods to periods with the teachers. It was moved by GREENSPAN and seconded by DONIGER to approve the District 219 Science Department Five Year Report. A roll call vote was taken. Voting Aye: Burnett, Doniger, Greenspan, Klint, Silverman, Gault Smith. The motion carried. Summer Curriculum Projects ‐ 2007 Roger Stein said the proposed projects have gone through a screening process by him and directors to ensure that it will be a direct benefit to students. It was moved by BURNETT and seconded by KLINT to approve the proposed summer projects listed for a total of no more than $52,246 from Board of Education funds. A roll call vote was taken. Voting Aye: Burnett, Doniger, Greenspan, Klint, Silverman, Gault Smith. The motion carried. Mr. Greenspan asked that a review of CRTs be done in the future. Roofing at Niles North and Niles West It was moved by GREENSPAN and seconded by GAULT SMITH to accept the low bids of $280,000 for the Niles North High School project and $158,000 for the Niles West project submitted by Sullivan Roofing, the lowest responsible bidder meeting specifications. A roll call vote was taken. Voting Aye: Burnett, Doniger, Greenspan, Klint, Silverman, Gault Smith. The motion carried.
Page 6 of 8
Minutes of Regular Board Meeting of April 30, 2007
Computer Replacement Cycle It was moved by KLINT and seconded by GAULT SMITH to approve the purchase of replacement computers at a total cost not to exceed $400,000.00. A roll call vote was taken. Voting Aye: Burnett, Doniger, Greenspan, Klint, Silverman, Gault Smith. The motion carried. Policy Changes – 1st Reading Proposed removal of Policy 8:24 ‐District 219 Community Theater was discussed. Nanciann Gatta said the policy is not current and the committee felt it should be removed now but put back if Theatre 219 returns. It was agreed that removal is not favored but rewording of this policy is encouraged. Jeff Greenspan spoke of Procedure 6:280—AP3 – Grading, and asked if we are now specifying weight of final exams. Dr. Stein said both CSSI and directors recommended this wording be added. He further stated this has always been the rule but was never in writing. Minutes from the April 9, 2007 Meeting It was stated that comments from David Patt regarding student fees were omitted from the minutes. It was moved by DONIGER and seconded by GAULT SMITH to approve the April 9, 2007 open meeting minutes upon insertion of David Patt’s comments. A roll call vote was taken. Voting Aye: Burnett, Doniger, Greenspan, Klint, Silverman, Gault Smith. The motion carried. XIV. Old Business There was no old business. XV. New Business There was no new business. XVI. Audience to Visitors No one asked to speak. Minutes of Regular Board Meeting of April 30, 2007
Page 7 of 8
XVII. Correspondence and FOIA Requests There was no correspondence or FOIA requests. XVIII. Information Items − Procedures Number 3:70‐AP 4:170‐E5 5:270‐AP 6:220‐AP1 6:220‐AP2 6:235‐AP1 6:280‐AP3 6:300‐E1 7:235‐AP 7:235‐AP1
Name
Succession Plan School Staff AED Notification Letter Terms and Conditions of Employment for Confidential Staff Instruction Materials – Selection and Adoption Instructional Materials – Rental and Purchase Acceptable Use of Computers and Electronic Networks Grading Request for Variation From Normal Course Load Use of Isolated Time Out or Physical Restraint Instructions for Special Education Staff to Follow for Isolated Time Out 7:240‐AP1 Code of Conduct for Extra‐Curricular Activities XIX. Closed Session It was moved by GAULT SMITH and seconded by DONIGER to recess into closed session to discuss matters regarding to the employment, appointment, compensation, discipline, performance or dismissal of specific employees and to adjourn therefrom with no action taken. A roll call vote was taken. Voting Aye: Burnett, Doniger, Greenspan, Klint, Silverman, Gault Smith. The motion carried. The Board returned to closed session at 11:20 p.m. The meeting adjourned at 11:53 p.m. _________________________________
______________________________
President
Secretary
Minutes approved May 15, 2007.
Page 8 of 8
Minutes of Regular Board Meeting of April 30, 2007