'Indicators of Success' Reviewed at Eastland School Board

At their meeting on November 18, 2009, the Eastland Board of Education approved the following personnel actions:

- Hired LuAnn Stephenson as a substitute bus aide effective 11/19/2009;

- Accepted the retirement request of Kindergarten teacher Sherry Callaway for the end of the 2013-14 school year;

- Continued posting the vacancy for an Assistant High School Scholastic Bowl Advisor.

During Communications, Superintendent Hansen congratulated the high school volleyball team on their second consecutive state championship, shared a letter to the students of Eastland from Commanding Officer Mike Misewicz (Lanark Class of 1985) of the USS Mustin, and shared some newspaper articles regarding PSAE scores around the state. Hansen thanked Principal Ritchie for his work in chairing the committee that organized the Veterans' Day ceremonies throughout the District, and Principal Feltmeyer for her work to organize the middle school event.

As a first item of Old Business, the Board heard reports on the non-core Indicators of Success for high school business and science as follows:

For High School Business

Goal #1 - 100% of Consumer Ed. students will demonstrate improved understanding of personal financial management skills in pre- and post-testing. Considerations for 08-09 results being unknown were because they did not give pre- and post- tests in 2008-09. Tests are being administered in 2009-10.

#2 - 100% of Business students will complete a team-based problem solving activity. Results indicators were met. Consumer Ed. students complete cartoon resumes; Acct. students complete group project; Personal Law students participate in a Mock Trial; Computers students conduct and participate in interviews; Publishing students publish a newsletter.

#3 - 30% of students who take elective business classes as seniors will pursue a business degree at the college level. Results indicators were met. 10 out of the 20 graduates in the Class of 2009 indicated that they were planning to pursue a degree in business.

For Grades 3 to 12 Science

Goal #1 - 90% of 4th and 7th grade students will meet or exceed state standards for science as measured by the Illinois Standards Achievement Test (ISAT). Indicator met - 97.2% met/exceeded on grade 4 ISAT. 91.5% met/exceeded on grade 7 ISAT.

#2 - 75% of Eastland High School students will complete four (4) years of science. Did not meet indicator. 34 students (51.5%) in the Class of 2009 took four years of science in high school.

#3 - The % of 11th graders who meet or exceed state standards for science as measured by the Prairie State Achievement Exam will by greater than the % of 11th graders meeting or exceeding in other schools in the region. Did not meet indicator - 60.8% of last year's juniors met/exceeded state standards in science as measured by the PSAE. Only 50.5% of all juniors in the state met standards in science. Compared to nine (9) other schools in the region, Eastland juniors performed better than 7 of the schools. Two schools had a higher % of students meeting/exceeding standards in Science on the 2009 PSAE

#4 - Eastland graduates will be prepared to succeed in college level science courses. Students who took upper level science courses have reported that they were prepared for college science.

Board members discussed the goal that 75% of the students complete four years of science. Board members asked for a brief explanation at the December meeting of what was being done differently to raise this percentage in the future, if that remains the goal.

Continuing, the Board heard reports from the School Improvement Committee meetings, the Math Curriculum/Textbook Committee, the Transportation Committee, Facilities and Finance Committees:

Math Curriculum / Textbook Committee

- The committee will seek a math textbook series grades K-5 that is balanced, meaning it provides both conventional and standards-based instruction.

- Administrators will look for ways to increase the time allotted daily for math instruction.

- Administration and staff will focus on continuing staff development on effective math instruction.

Transportation Committee

- The Board approved trading in mini-bus #5 and purchasing a 1-year old mini-bus at an estimated cost of $33,500

- The Transportation levy will be raised to cover expected costs with the projection that $75,000 - $100,000 of state reimbursement for transportation costs will not be realized in 2010-11.

- The Facilities Director will prepare a detailed estimate of costs to repair the bus garage in Shannon.

Facilities Committee

- Presented as facility priorities flat roof repairs at EHS, and gym roof repairs at EES.

- Recommended that estimates be solicited, but that decisions on facility expenditures for 2010-11 be postponed until after the February 2nd referendum.

- Reported that all buildings have had their fire alarm systems upgraded to digital formats.

Finance Committee ­

- Discussed prospects that state funding for categorical grants will be reduced or cut.

- Recommended that the December levy not exceed a 5% increase of the December, 2008 levy.

As a final item in Old Business, the Board approved and authorized Superintendent Hansen to make arrangements to have trash re-cycled in the three District schools, at an annual cost not to exceed $2,000. He will report on the final arrangements at the December meeting.

Referendum Question Approved

As a first item in New Business, the Board approved a resolution providing for the submission of a proposition to issue School Building Bonds to the voters of the District at the general primary election on February 2, 2010. The resolution was read aloud and approved by roll call vote. Six (6) members voted aye, and one (1) member voted nay. The ballot question will read as follows:

Shall the Board of Education of Eastland Community Unit School District Number308, Carroll, Stephenson and Ogle Counties, Illinois, alter, repair and equip the Physical Education, Fine Arts, Agriculture and Vocational Education facilities of, improve the site of and build and equip an addition to the Eastland High School Building and issue bonds of said School District to the amount of $7,000,000 for the purpose of paying the costs thereof?

The Board has prepared a summary of needs to be addressed with the proceeds from the referendum, as well as conceptual designs and information on the financial impact to taxpayers. Bonds will be sold and the debt financed over 20 years. By restructuring the District's remaining debt, the Board projects no increase in the Debt Service tax rate over its current level. Printed information will be available in December, and community open houses will be scheduled in January.

Continuing in New Business, the Board heard reports on Parent-Teacher Conferences. Comments from parents on post-conference surveys were overwhelmingly positive. The Board discussed the possibility of having students more involved in future conferences.

Proposed Levy

The Board heard a 1st Reading of the proposed levy. The proposed levy will be $7,221,200 including bond and interest payments. This represents a 4.8% increase over the December 2008 levy. The levy will be scheduled for Board approval at the Regular December meeting.

Continuing, the Board approved renewal of the District's Workers Compensation Insurance Policy with the Illinois Public Risk Fund at an estimated annual premium of $40,885, a 5% increase over the previous year's premium. In addition, the District will receive $1,600 grant from IPRF to apply toward safety improvements within the district.

The Board approved the Booster Club requests to sponsor 1st ­ 4th grade boys' and girls' basketball, and 5th-6th grade boys' and girls' basketball as non-school programs administered on school property. Finally, the Board approved amending the 2009-10 School Calendar to re-schedule Monday, December 21st as a student attendance day to make-up the day of attendance that was lost due to the girls' Volleyball Team advancing to the State Finals.

In the Prinicpals' Report, Mr. Ritchie congratulated the E-PC boys' football team on advancing to the second round of the playoffs, and the girls' volleyball team on their State Championship. He also reported on the Veteran's Day celebration at Eastland High school. The breakfast was attended by 80 veterans and their families. Finally, he reported on the 2nd Annual EHS Career Day. The High School Christmas Concert is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 9th.

Principal Feltmeyer reported on the Veterans' Day Ceremonies at Eastland Middle School, and estimated that 40 veterans joined them for lunch. A museum of military artifacts was available for viewing by students, staff, and the public. Perhaps the highlight of the event was when middle school students started collecting autographs from the veterans. The EMS Christmas Concert is scheduled to begin at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 10th at Eastland Middle School.

Superintendent Hansen thanked Beth Wilkinson and the elementary teachers for a successful Book Fair. He also reported on the Veterans' Day events at Eastland Elementary, and estimated that 50 visitors joined in the event (See feature in this week's Prairie Advocate). A ceremony was held, and Sgt. Dan Reifsteck addressed the students. He showed them some of the gear that active duty soldiers are wearing. Hansen thanked the students and staff for collecting and assembling care packages that will be sent to active duty soldiers. He also invited everyone to attend the EES Christmas Program to be held on Wednesday, December 2nd, at 7:00 p.m. at Eastland High School.

Having no reason to enter into closed session, the Board adjourned at 8:16 p.m.

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