Summary of Eastland Board of Education Meeting

At their meeting on June 17, 2009, the Eastland Board of Education approved the minutes of the May 20, 2009 Regular meeting. They also approved payment of all bills and claims, the Treasurer's report, and accepted William Flickinger as Treasurer for the State of Illinois Treasurer Bond.

During Input, the Board discussed quotes received to date for construction of the batting cages and storage shed, and changed the Finance Committee meeting date from June 24th to Tuesday, June 23rd, at 3:30.

During Communications, Superintendent Hansen shared correspondence from the Freeport Health Network that Eastland would no longer receive free Athletic Trainer Services. The Board directed Principal Ritchie to look into the costs for hiring a trainer to be on site for selected high school events during 2009-10.

In Old Business, the Board heard a presentation from middle school teacher Kristy Pierce on end-of-year fitness measures. Eighty-one (81) students grades 3-8 earned National Fitness Awards in 2008-09, a record number for Eastland Middle School, exceeding the goal of 25% of students earning that recognition. Eighteen (18) students earned Presidential Fitness awards, slightly under the goal of 10% of students reaching that mark. Teachers enumerated improvements to the program, including the creation of a boy and girl physical education award in 8th grade, a fitness leader bulletin board, fitness combine testing, and the use of fitness experts/speakers to present fun fitness activities. Principal Ritchie reported on the high school fitness measures. Colleen Henze supplied a report on the A to Z Wellness Conference she attended this spring. High school teachers reported that an average of 30% of students improved in the six areas tested in the fitness combine (vertical jump, push-ups, agility run, 40-yd dash, flexibility, and mile run). About 60% of students maintained their fitness levels in these areas, and less than 10% of students overall showed decline in these measures. Teachers reported positive trends of consistent testing, such as students questioning their fitness levels, and taking more ownership of their improvement.

Continuing in Old Business, Superintendent Hansen reported on the work of the District Improvement Team, and the K-6 Math Curriculum Committee. The District improvement team analyzed data from the School Improvement Surveys administered in the spring, as well as the results of the year-end tests. The Team has identified five goals for academic improvement. These will be three-year goals included in the Strategic Plan:

75% of students grades 3-8 will exceed state standards in Reading.

75% of students grades 3-8 will exceed state standards in Math.

75% of students grades 9-11 will meet the ACT College-Readiness Benchmarks in Reading.

75% of students grades 9-11 will meet the ACT College-Readiness Benchmarks in Math.

75% of all students will perceive that their teachers are using a variety of instructional methods as measured by the Washington State School Improvement Survey, and the Instructional Practices Inventory.

Continuing, the Board approved and accepted a bid of $42,373 from Hanover Insurance for property, casualty, and liability insurance for the 2009-10 school year. This is an increase of 4.5% over the previous year.

Superintendent Hansen reported on the work of the Board Facility Steering Committee. The committee of volunteers has provided input into a proposed facility design for an addition to Eastland High School, and is preparing for a potential campaign in the months to come. The Board of Education approved a Request for Qualifications for Architectural Services to be published on June 18th, 2009. Proposals will be due on July 9th, and the Board will interview the firms of the top three proposals beginning at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 21st, at Eastland Elementary.

As final items in Old Business, the Board approved a new Special Education teacher workload policy, and renewed 2-year cooperative agreements with Pearl City and Chadwick-Milledgeville for Speech Team and Golf respectively.

In New Business, the Board reviewed fees throughout the region, and heard a recommendation that fees not be raised for the 2009-10 school year. Fees will be approved along with the Parent-Student Handbooks in July. The Board also approved a Prevailing Wage Resolution for the 2009-10 school year, as required by statute.

Continuing, the Board tabled a motion to set their meeting dates, times, and locations until the July meeting, scheduled for 6:30 p.m. on July 15, 2009, at Eastland Elementary. They also heard a report on approved technology purchases for 2009-10, totaling an estimated $87,000. This represents a 0% increase in technology expenditures over the 2008-09 school year.

The Board approved a field trip request for one (1) student to attend an FFA Conference in Washington, D.C., and discussed a first reading of the Parent-Student Handbooks for 2009-10. Final approval for handbooks is scheduled for July.

Principal Feltmeyer reported on activities at Eastland Middle School over the summer, and on five (5) teachers who will be attending the differentiated instruction conference July 7 and 8 in Chicago.

Principal Ritchie congratulated the baseball team and coaches on their 4th place finish in the State Baseball playoffs, and thanked the Sports Boosters for their work to host a welcome home celebration for the team.

Superintendent Hansen reported on a workshop he attended on the use of Federal stimulus funds in schools. Overall, stimulus funds in Illinois will supplant, rather than supplement funds that school districts receive from the state and federal government. "While we appreciate any and all support that we receive, it's important to realize that Eastland will likely receive less total funds from state and federal sources than it did in the previous school year." Because the stimulus funds will be spread over a two-year time frame and then discontinued, Hansen noted that it is important to use the funds in a way that does not permanently increase the costs of instruction or operations. He will work with the Finance committee to make recommendations to the Board on the use of stimulus funds.

The Board moved into closed session at 8:22 p.m. to discuss personnel and collective negotiations matters. They exited and returned to open session at 9:31 p.m. to take the following personnel and other actions:

Susanne Pendgraft, Elementary Sp. Ed. teacher and Reading Hired for the 2009-10 Intervention teacher school year; Lisa Eaton, Grade 3-6 General Music, Junior High, Re-assigned a 1-Band and Choral Director period instructional overload for 2009-10; Marcia Behmer, Grade 3-8 Reading Intervention Teacher Re-assigned to EMS for 2009-10; Rebecca Kowert, Junior high student council advisor, Accepted resignation for the 2009-10 school year; Sandy Blair, Custodian, Accepted resignation effective June 13, 2009; Galen Wirth, Substitute Bus Driver, Hired effective immediately; 7th Grade Volleyball Coach, H.S. Scholastic Bowl Coaches, Part-time Music Teacher, High School Musical Director, HS Assistant Musical Director, Continue to post vacancy; Junior High Cheer Advisor, Junior High Student Council Advisor, Full-time custodian for 2009-10, Post vacancy; Sarah Kochniarczyk, 9th grade class advisor, Kevin O'Keefe, 9th grade class advisor, Assign for 09-10; Whittney Zumdahl, Head Softball Coach, Stacey Crackenberger, Assistant Softball Coach, Jacob Crase, M.S. Boys' Track Coach, Rachel Todd, M.S. Girls' Track Coach, Renew for 2010.

As a final action, the Board approved a motion to refer to the Policy Committee the charge of reviewing the policy on non-certified benefits requiring employees to take salary over 12-months, and to bring a recommendation to the July meeting.

The meeting adjourned at 9:34 p.m.

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