Eastland Board of Education Readies For 08-09

At their meeting on June 18, 2008, the Eastland Board of Education discussed plans for the distribution of promotional pamphlets about the district, and dates and times for a meeting of the committee to draft a 403(b) plan. They also discussed plans to collect and review all extra-curricular handbooks, and parent-student contracts.

In Communications, the superintendent shared thank you letters from staff members, information on the awards earned by the Eastland Cheerleaders at their recent summer camp, and correspondence from Governor Blagojevich regarding the Illinois State Budget and possible cuts.

In Old Business, the Board heard a report from physical education teachers Scott Hartman, Kristy Pierce, and Tony Dunlap on student fitness measures and progress made during the 2007-08 school year.

The Board approved Robert L. Carlile, CPA to complete the district's audits for fiscal years 2008, 2009, and 2010.

Superintendent Hansen made a preliminary budget presentation to the Board. A full presentation is scheduled for the July meeting, at which time the Board will approve public display of the budget for a minimum of 30 days, prior to a hearing, and Board approval in August.

Finally in Old Business, the Board approved no increase to fees for the 2008-09 school year. At their Board Retreat in September, they will evaluate the district's fees and the associated costs, for future reference, and to guide decision-making.

In New Business, the Board approved a new 3-year Collective Bargaining Agreement with the Eastland Education Association. The contract provides increases to the base salary of 3.5% in 2008-09, 3.4% in 2009-10, and 3.3% in 2010-11. The starting salary for new teachers will be $29,500 in 2008-09, $30,500 in 2009-10, and $31,500 in 2010-11. Representatives from the Board of Education and the EEA began meetings in March. The EEA ratified the agreement on May 30, 2008.

Continuing in New Business, the Board approved a resolution setting prevailing wage rates for fiscal year 2009, as required by law.

The Board also approved the dates and times of regularly scheduled Board meetings for 2008-09 as follows: July 16, 2008, August 20, 2008, September 17, 2008, October 1, 2008 (Board Retreat 4:00-8:00 p.m.), October 15, 2008, November 19, 2008, and December 17, 2008.

Finally in New Business, the Board heard a report on the technology plan and purchases for 2008-009.

Principal Feltmeyer shared information about camps and building work being completed at the middle school. Principal Ritchie's report included reminders about sports physicals on Thursday, June 26th, from 2:30-5:00 at FHN in Lanark, and a summary of work being completed at the high school. Superintendent Hansen shared information on a meeting with Wanda Hermann, the Superintendent of Dakota schools, regarding their pre-school program.

At 8:00 p.m., the Board approved a motion to enter into closed session to discuss personnel, and collective bargaining issues. The Board exited closed session at 8:44 p.m.

After closed session, the Board took the following personnel actions regarding Non-Certified Compensation and Benefits:

Unanimously approved an overall 3. 5% to 5% salary increase for 08-09 to non-certified employees based on market trends, responsibilities, and performance (with no increase to extra-hour bus driver pay), and to approve the revision to policy 5:270 as presented, qualifying non-certified employees who work 30 or more hours per regular work week to elect to participate in the district's group plans for health and dental insurance, with the Board of Education paying 68% of the annual premium, and the employee paying 32%., effective October 1, 2008

For Certified Resignations and Retirements, the board approved the irrevocable retirement requests of the following certified employees: Linda Ludwig, M.S. Math/Computers, Accept retirement at end of 08-09; Marla Nesmith, Elementary Sp.Ed/Music , Accept retirement at end of 08-09; Rick Weber, H.S. Science, Accept retirement at end of 09-10; Phyllis Getz, 4th grade, Accept retirement at the end of 09-10; Anne Schultz, 6th grade, Accept retirement at end of 2010-11.

Certified Contract Renewals

The board also unanimously approved 1-year contracts for the building principals at the following salaries, including term life insurance coverage of $50,000: Darcie Feltmeyer, Principal, Eastland Middle School, Approve salary of $85,900 for 08-09; Jay Ritchie, Principal, Eastland High School, Approve salary of $87,435 for 08-09

The board then approved the renewal of a 3-year contract for Mark Hansen as superintendent/elementary principal with compensation as follows: 08-09 - $116,175; 09-10 - $126,175; 10-11 - $136,175.

The board also renewed middle school differential positions and high school differential positions for 2008-09.

The posting of differential vacancies was continued for Asst. Academic Bowl Coach, Spring Play Director, and Asst. Fall Musical Director.

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