Summary of Eastland Board of Education Meeting

At their meeting on August 19, 2009, the Eastland Board of Education approved the following personnel actions:

Hired Taunya Kuberski as Junior High Cheerleading Advisor for 2009-10; Accepted the resignation of Kurt Simpson as Facilities/Maintenance Director effective August 31, 2009; and approved posting the vacancy for a Facilities/Maintenance Director.

During Input, the Board discussed plans to attend the annual Board Convention in Chicago in November. They also discussed an opportunity to attend a seminar on Financing School Construction to be held on September 14, and information on the deadlines for filing referendum questions for the February 2, 2010 election. Finally, they scheduled a Curriculum Committee meeting for 3:30 on Tuesday, September 3rd.

During Communications, Superintendent Mark Hansen thanked Dr. Chris Dinning of Cornerstone Chiropractic for the donation of school supplies for Eastland students. Dr. Dinning collected donations at his office, and distributed them to the Carroll County schools.

In Old Business, the Board approved several Board policies, administrative procedures, and exhibits.

Continuing, the Board took action to approve a contract with Bray Architects of Sheboygan, WI to provide architectural services for the Eastland High School addition project. Bray was the Board's #1 choice of 16 firms that submitted qualifications, and 6 firms that interviewed for the project. Keys to the choice of Bray included:

A long and successful record of success with school construction projects, and referendums; a reputation for completing projects on time, and under budget; an agreement to charge no fees for pre-referendum services; and a 6.5% commission for architectural services from schematic design through completion of construction.

Throughout the pre-referendum process, Bray will work closely with the Superintendent, the Board, the Steering Committee, staff, and community members to develop a design/vision, to estimate costs, and to select a Construction Manager.

The Board also discussed the Shannon Lions' Club lease of school property for use as Lions' Park. A lease agreement through 2019 is already in place. After some discussion, the Board directed the Superintendent to work with representatives of the Lions' Club and with the District's property insurance provider to ensure that appropriate levels of insurance coverage are in place, and codified in the agreement.

As a last item in Old Business, the Board approved a new 3-year Strategic Plan for Eastland Schools. The new plan can be accessed at www.eastland308.com. Click on the "Board Information" link, and then on the "Strategic Plan" link.

In new Business, Superintendent Hansen presented a year-end budget review. Despite unrealized revenues from the State, the District was able to operate within its budget for FY 2009. The budget breakdown showed that the District brought in $8,296,107 in revenues, and paid out $8,243,680 in expenditures.

The Board approved a motion to table the presentation and posting of a preliminary budget, and to hold a Special meeting at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, August 24th, for the purpose of approving a budget for public posting. At that time, the Board will approve a budget for publication, with a budget hearing and final approval scheduled for the September Board meeting on Wednesday, September 23rd at 6:30 p.m. in the District Office at Eastland Elementary.

Continuing in New Business, the Board approved Superintendent Hansen as their designee to review and approve draft copies of the annual audit report. They also heard a 1st Reading of a report on the proposed renewal for employee health insurance benefits with Blue Cross/Blue Shield. The proposal is an 11.5% increase if the plan is not modified. The Board Finance Committee and a Staff Insurance Committee have requested competitive bids from Miller and Buettner, the District's insurance brokers. A final plan will be approved at the September 16th Board of Education meeting.

As a final item of business, the Board heard a preliminary report on the 2009 State Assessments. The report shows that in grades 3-8, 81% of students met or exceeded state standards in Reading, and 90% in Math on the Illinois Standards Achievement Test (ISAT). In grade 11, 62% met or exceeded in Reading, and 51% in Math on the Prairie State Achievement Exam (PSAE). As a result, the District made AYP (Adequate Yearly Progress). Eastland High School, however, did not make AYP in the category of Math. The administration will present these and other findings, along with a School Improvement Plan, at the September Board meeting.

Principal Jay Ritchie reported on Freshmen Orientation held on August 17th. He also reported that Eastland is contributing 32 of the 48 boys participating in the high school football co-op, and 15 of the 18 students in Golf.

Principal Darcie Feltmeyer reported on staff development activities in her building, the 3rd Grade "Parent and Me" night, and extra curriculars. Participation rates for the junior high football co-op are high, while numbers in 7th grade volleyball are low.

The Board did not adjourn to executive session. The meeting adjourned at 7:39 p.m. with no further action taken.

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