Eastland School Board Briefs

At their meeting on May 20, 2009, the Eastland Board of Education discussed plans for graduation on Friday, May 22nd, and 8th grade promotion on Thursday, May 28th. In addition, they assigned members to committees as follows:

Facilities ­ Tami Kniss, Karl Henze

Finance ­ Connie Lower, Randy Hasken

Transportation ­ Jason Walrath, Bill Woessner

Policy ­ Karl Henze, Jason Walrath

Curriculum ­ Bill Woessner, Connie Lower, and Jan Golden

During Communications, Superintendent Hansen shared correspondence from Sarah Sundquist, a recipient of the Board of Education Scholarship, a thank you from retired Board member Doug Linker, a thank you from the seven teachers who attended the Illinois Reading Conference in April, and a Certificate of Recognition from the Illinois State Board of Education for Eastland as a "Financial Recognition" School District. Also during Communications, the Board heard year-end presentations from Stan Toepfer on the Servant-Leadership and FFA programs.

Old Business

The Board heard a presentation from elementary physical education teacher Alicia Payette on student fitness measures. Four (4) 1st graders, and six (6) 2nd graders received National Fitness Awards. 90% of 1st and 2nd graders improved in the number of sit-ups they could do in one minute, 85% in the shuttle run, 65% in the sit and reach measure of flexibility, and 83% in the quarter mile run. Middle and high school physical education teachers will be reporting in June.

Supt. Hansen reported that eight (8) parents attended the orientation meeting on Blended Pre-School, which will be implemented in 2009-10. Those parents in attendance were supportive of the initiative.

Results of the school improvement survey were shared with the Board of Education, in summary form. Building and district improvement team members will be analyzing and interpreting the data on Wednesday, June 3rd, with a report to the Board planned for Wednesday, June 17th.

As a fourth item in Old Business, the Board of Education approved a motion to construct two (2) new batting cages, a 16' x 20' storage shed, and concrete sidewalks on the northwest corner of the high school property, on the upper bowl. The District's costs for this work are not to exceed $27,000. The following local individuals and organizations have committed to donations to the project:

Eastland Sports Boosters, $4,000; The family of Jeff Hammer, $4,000; The Lanark Summer Baseball/Softball Program, $2,000; and The Lanark Lions' Club, $2,000.

As a final item in Old Business, the Board approved a new policy on Driver Education, clarifying that students must be at least 15 years old, and in the second semester of 9th grade, in order to enroll in Driver Education. Eligible sophomores and students enrolled in two math courses will get first priority at enrollment.

In New Business, the Board approved the Guaranteed Life Insurance Company, through Clark Carroll Insurance, as the Student Accident Insurance provider for 2009-10.

Board opposes proposed county ordinance

The Board discussed the proposed County Zoning Ordinance to increase the minimum lot size for a single family dwelling from 1.5 to 2 acres for property not considered prime farm land, and from 5 to 40 acres if the property is considered prime farm land. After a discussion, the Board passed a resolution in opposition to the proposed ordinance.

Continuing in New Business, the Board heard reports on the School Meals Initiative Review, and the ISBE Special Education Determination Review. On the School Meals Review, findings were positive for balanced diet, protein, calcium, iron, Vitamin C, Vitamin A, and appropriate calorie levels. Reducing the saturated fat in the school meals was identified as an area for improvement. The report was made after a 1-week analysis by the Southern Illinois University. As for the Special Education Review, ISBE found that Eastland is meeting requirements in all areas.

Steering Committee

The Board heard a report from Superintendent Hansen on the work of the Eastland High School Facility Steering Committee. Two meetings have been held to date. Discussion was held pertaining to the scope of the facility improvements that will be sought, and also, on the rationale for the referendum. The goal is to have an RFP (Request for Proposals) for architectural services for presentation and approval at the June Board of Education meeting.

Finishing in New Business, the Board approved a motion for a $600 line item transfer as necessitated by an audit adjustment made after submission of the District's budget to the State Board in September. Finally, the Board heard a 1st reading of the quote for renewal of property, casualty, and liability insurance for FY 2010 with Hanover insurance. Action to approve will be scheduled for June.

Recognition

Principal Feltmeyer recognized teachers Wendy Johnson, Phyllis Getz, and Lisa Eaton for the student fundraiser and 4th grade concert for Heifer International, a charity that supports poor families in third world countries through the purchase of livestock. The fundraiser netted over $700.

Principal Ritchie recognized the varsity baseball team on their conference championship, the fresh-soph girls' track team on their 1st place finish in Conference, and the girls who advanced to the State Track meet this weekend in Charleston. He further recognized Jane Lowe, Anne Pilgrim, Le Hartman, and Mary Beth Landherr for their efforts to make this year's Senior Scholarship Night a success. In total, more than $70,000 in scholarships was awarded to graduating Eastland students. Finally, he recognized the students who constructed the new art display cases at Eastland High School, as well as those students who have had artwork published.

Superintendent Hansen reported on the Field Day organized by Alicia Payette and the elementary teachers, recent field trips, and end-of-year student performance results on the AIMS Web benchmark system for reading.

Executive Session, action

The Board moved into to closed session at 8:42 p.m. to discuss personnel. They exited and returned to open session at 8:57 p.m. to take the following personnel actions:

Sarah Kochniarczyk was hired for the 2009-10 school year as 7-12 English/Language Arts Teacher; Kevin O'Keefe was hired for the 2009-10 school year as Music teacher/H.S. Band and Choral Director; Accepted resignation of Vickie Whipple, Junior High Cheer Advisor for the 2009-10 school year; Accepted resignation of Kraig Kniss as Asst. High School Football Coach for 2009 season; Accepted resignation of Scott Hartman, Asst. High School Football Coach for 2009 season; Approved the hiring of Michael Pendergast, Substitute Bus Driver, and Wendy Larak, Substitute Bus Driver, effective immediately.

The Board also approved posting the following vacancies:

7th Grade Volleyball Coach; HS Musical Director; H.S. Academic Bowl Coaches; HS Asst. Musical Director; Part-time Music Teacher; Elementary Sp. Ed. Teacher; Assistant Football Coaches; and Junior High Cheer Advisor.

The meeting adjourned at 9:00 p.m.

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