Eastland Schools' Receive 'Bright Apple of Excellence' Award

Summary of Eastland Board of Education Meeting

At the Eastland Board of Education meeting on March 19, 2008, Superintendent Hansen reported that Eastland has received a 2008 Bright Apple Award of Excellence from SchoolSearch. Based on the criteria of student academic achievement, pupil/teacher ratio, expenditure per pupil, educational level of teachers, and average teacher salary, Eastland is recognized as one of the 91 districts in the state that meets the standards set by SchoolSearch for being "family friendly." Out of 871 districts measured against these criteria, Eastland ranks in the top 10%.

President Bill Woessner reported on the March 11 meeting with Chadwick-Milledgeville and West Carroll representatives to discuss the County Sales Tax. The Board is awaiting additional information before adopting any resolutions for or against the tax.

In Communications, Hansen shared a thank-you communication from an elementary parent whose child had become ill at school. He also thanked the Carroll County Farm Bureau for their donation of the 2008 Ag Day Book, "All Around the Farm." The book will be placed in the elementary library.

In Old Business, the Board heard a report from high school teachers Amy Ruch and Angie Norton on the test-prep curriculum they have been using with 11th graders throughout the year. The two teachers developed the curriculum themselves, with the goal of preparing students, and building confidence for the state tests. All 11th graders in the state of Illinois will be taking the Prairie State Achievement Exams on April 23 and 24.

The Board also voted to approve the updated Strategic Action Plan for 2008. This will be the last in a 3-year planning cycle. The approved plan includes information on objectives completed during the first two years, and updated goals for 2008. The full-text can be viewed on the district website at www.eastland308.com. Just click on the "Board of Education" link, and you will find a link to the full text of the Strategic Plan. A flyer summarizing the revised plan will be distributed with report cards on March 20.

In other Old Business, the Board approved a final draft of a promotional pamphlet completed by Annette Hartman. The "Choose Eastland" pamphlet is updated from the version published in 2006. After printing, the pamphlet will be distributed to business owners, realtors, chambers of commerce, visitors' centers, and other outlets. A version will also be posted on the district website.

As the final item under Old Business, the Board heard a brief report from Hansen on the finalization of the bond sale by which the District re-financed the last six (6) years of remaining debt service on the 1999-2000 additions to Eastland High School and Middle School.

In New Business, the Board approved and authorized the superintendent to solicit bids for technology purchases; property, casualty, and worker's compensation insurance renewals; and milk, bread, and fuel for 2008-09.

The Board approved the 8th grade end-of-year field trip to a Chicago Cubs game, and the FFA annual trip to the State Convention in Springfield.

As the last item under New Business, the Board heard a first reading of a proposed Universal Screening program to be purchased and implemented in 2008-09. A committee of principals and teachers from all grade levels visited districts that have implemented universal assessment programs, and together developed this recommendation. As a condition of the re-authorization of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, all Illinois public schools will be required to have a Response to Intervention plan in place by January 2009. Universal assessment and student progress monitoring will be key components of that plan. Hansen thanked the principals and the committee members for their time in developing the recommendation. The Board will vote to approve the program in April.

Principal Feltmeyer reported on the Career Quest field trip on which all 8th graders visited the Whiteside Area Career Center in Sterling. She also thanked her staff for all their efforts during ISAT testing, and the all-school assembly at the end of ISAT week.

Principal Ritchie reported on the winter extra-curricular activities, the National Honor Society Induction Ceremony, and the Freshman Orientation held on Thursday, March 14.

Principal Hansen reported on the elementary teachers who have attended the Reading Conference, and the 1st and 2nd grade conferences.

At 7:58 p.m., the Board approved a motion to enter into closed executive session to discuss personnel, collective bargaining issues, security procedures, student disciplinary cases, and the placement of individual students in special education programs.

After closed session, the following personnel actions were approved:

1. Re-employment of non-tenured, certified staff members for the 2008-09 school year as follows: Matthew Hutchins, Shelley Stoner, Jacob Crase, and Susan Horn.

2. Re-employment of fourth year, full-time, non-tenured certified staff, for the 2008-09 school year. This re-employment will place these teachers on tenure: Alicia Payette, Renee Fink, and Cesar Guerrero.

3. Renewal of all other certified teachers (not previously listed) for 2008-09.

4. Renewal of all non-certified employees (not previously listed) for 2008-09.

5. Employment of Galen Wirth as a Summer Driver Education Teacher for the summer of 2008.

6. Re-assignment of Bev Majors to 3rd grade teacher for 2008-09.

7. Re-assignment of Phyllis Getz to 4th grade teacher for 2008-09.

8. Employment of Dana James as 7-12 English/Reading teacher for 2008-09.

9. Employment of the following students and graduates as summer crew workers for the summer of 2008: Karie Raab, Whitney Hansen, Kendall Law, Amanda Swinda, Karoline Kniss, and Raymond (D.J.) Lynch.

10. Employment of Ed Nelson for maintenance of lawns and grounds from Spring, 2008- Fall, 2008.

11. Posting of vacancies for the following certified positions: High school and elementary counselors for 2008-09, and Part-time driver education teacher for 2008-09.

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