Eastland Thanks Lanark, Shannon Fire Departments

At their meeting on October 15, the Eastland Board of Education and Supt. Mark Hansen shared thank you letters the District sent to the Lanark and Shannon Fire Departments for their educational programs during Fire Prevention Week. Eastland students and staff conducted fire evacuation drills under the supervision of firefighters, received coloring books, and participated in a Fire Prevention Poster Contest. Students at Eastland Elementary were also able to go through the Carroll County Fire Safety House to practice procedures for escaping a home fire.

Superintendent Hansen shared the positive report the District received from the Regional Superintendent's Office on its annual inspection of the school buildings. He commended Kurt Simpson, all of the custodians and staff for the positive report, which reported "no discrepencies" found in any of the buildings. This was the first year that the Regional Superintendent's office was accompanied by a representative of the State Fire Marshall's office during the inspection. A copy of the report is also filed with the State Board of Education.

The Board approved personnel actions:

- Accepted the resignation of Jackie Gillis, Pre-School Bus Aide, effective Oct. 14, 2008;

- Continue to post vacancy for a Spring Play Director and a Middle School Scholastic Bowl sponsor;

- Post vacancyfor a Pre-School Bus Aide.

During the input segment, the Board discussed plans for the Board Convention in November.

In Old Business, the Board approved the District Risk Management Plan for 2009-10. The plan includes a summary of steps taken to reduce the District's exposure to risk, and outlines the estimated annual costs for implementing the plan. The approved plan is used for the purpose of establishing the District's Tort Levy. The 2009-10 plan calls for no increase in the Tort levy.

The Board also reviewed and discussed the 2008-09 School Improvement Goals for each of the District's buildings. These goals will be included in the District Improvement Plan submitted to the State Board of Education.

Will pursue $7 million referendum

After considerable discussion about future facility plans, the Board approved by a vote of 4-yes; 1-no a resolution that:

"It is agreeable to the present Board of Education to pursue a district-wide referendum of not greater than $7,000,000 for an addition of a new large athletic facility at the Eastland High School, to include both improved locker and fitness facilities, and improved old gym/theatre amenities, and to improve the facilities at the Eastland Elementary to include upgraded media center facilities and other individual room upgrades."

Two members were absent from the meeting. No date has been set for referendum, as the Board will need to agree on design details prior to placing the issue on the ballot.

Hansen also reported on the Transportation Committee meeting held earlier in the month to evaluate the practice of limiting daily bus drop-off locations. The committee is recommending no changes at this time.

In New Business, the Board heard a 1st quarter budget review: overall district expenditures are under 25% of the amount budgeted for the year. Hansen said "It will be important to monitor the budget as increases for the new contract and new health insurance premiums did not go into effect until September and October."

Hansen also made a preliminary report on the levy for 2009-10. The Finance Committee will make a formal recommendation in November, with approval scheduled for the December Board meeting.

The Board heard a 1st Reading of the Carroll County Truancy Protocol. The protocol will be reviewed by the Policy Committee, with action to approve scheduled for November.

Principal Darcie Feltmeyer reported on Parent-Teacher Conferences scheduled for October 29 and 30, and the 4th grade field trip scheduled by Lisa Eaton to the Rockford Youth Symphony Concert on October 20. The EMS Fall Concert is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 22. Also, in conjunction with a grant from the Career Technical Education Math and Science Institute, 8th grade science teacher Becky Kowert will be creating lessons in her classroom to coordinate with lessons learned during a field trip to Honeywell in Freeport. Ms. Kowert will be working with Jerry Abramowski, an engineer at Honeywell.

Principal Jay Ritchie congratulated senior Drew Carroll on advancing to the State Golf Meet. Drew shot a 78 at the IHSA Sectional Meet on Tuesday, Oct. 14. Katie Schipkowski, who qualified for sectionals, missed qualifying for the state meet by 1 stroke. Ritchie also invited everyone to attend the Fall Musical production of "Bye, Bye Birdie" on October 16, 18, or 19th.

He also spoke at length about the Freshman Transition process that has been expanded this year. The goal is to ensure success of 9th graders through continuous monitoring. District Social Worker Cory Walters, and Guidance Counselor Anne Pilgrim will be holding monthly discussion seminars with freshmen. Each freshman has been assigned a Cougar Contact to help monitor their grades, provide feedback, and offer personal and academic support.

Hansen reported on teacher feedback regarding the early-out schedule at the beginning of the year, and a timeline for the Board election this April. He commended elementary teachers for the effort they are making to learn and use the new AIMSweb progress monitoring program, along with other assessments typically used at the elementary to provide information on student progress.

At 8:35, the Board approved a motion to enter into closed session to discuss student disciplinary cases. At 8:43, the Board exited closed session, with no further action taken.

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