The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
Regular Board Meeting - Library
The Board of Education of Union School District # 115 met at 6:00 P.M. on December 15, 2003, in the Library, Biggsville.
Members present were Bigger, Kage, Miller, Parsons, and Sams.
Allaman and Weber were absent.
The agenda was reviewed for additions or deletions with one addition under Superintendent's Report. Item 7.e. - Life Safety Amendment.
Melissa Wallace reported on the Advisory Council Meeting held recently and projects the PTC is currently working on.
Karen Rima, Union High School Principal, reported on several matters relating to Union High School including the following:
a) The Holiday Music Festival went very well, with over 200 in attendance.
b) ITED test results are back and students have been notified if they qualified for a Level Reward.
c) Student Council members, along with Mrs. Frakes and Mr. Arnold, represented Union in seeing Mr. Amos off for his tour of duty.
d) Evening classes are being planned for second semester for students who have experienced or are at-risk of failure.
e) Southern School District has notified the District that we have been accepted as a football coop into the West Central Conference.
Tony Ryan, Union Elementary Principal, reported on several matters relating to Union Elementary including the following:
a) Shigella cases are on the drop and our prevention procedures are in full force.
b) Pre-K through 4th Grade Holiday Concert is Tuesday evening.
c) We continue to analyze test data.
d) The elementary gym will be closed for floor refinishing during Christmas break.
e) We had 92.14% average daily attendance for the last 30 days.
Commendations and Congratulations were offered to the following:
Congratulations to the following seniors who have been recognized as Illinois State Scholars: Tara Eaton, Kaila Gapen, Kelsey Olson, Jessica Sanning, Rebecca VanTine, and John Weber.
Congratulations to Josh Higgins, who was chosen as a member of the All Tournament Team at the Alwood Thanksgiving Tournament.
Congratulations to John Weber who was selected as a member of the Galesburg Register-Mail's All Area Football Team.
Congratulations to Rebecca VanTine who was selected as the Galesburg Register-Mail's Student of the Week.
Commendation goes to the Music Department for all the work they did in preparing for the Holiday Music Festival. It was a great success.
Commendation goes to Linda Michael, Judy Beal, and Stacey Emery for all the extra work they have done for a very successful Book Fair.
A sub-committee of Bill Allaman and Candy Kage was appointed to review the administrators' contracts.
It was carried by unanimous roll call vote, that the Board approve the following by consent:
a) The minutes of the December 3, 2003 meeting.
b) The revised board calendar.
c) The financial reports.
The Board approved on second reading the proposed policy on the Verbatim Recording of Closed Meetings , adding detail of where the tapes will be stored and who will have access to them.
After review and discussion, it was moved by Kage, seconded by Miller, and carried by unanimous roll call vote, that the Board adopt a proposed Parent/Student/Teacher/Principal Compact for Title I.
The Board reviewed the proposed 2003 tax levy. Following further discussion, it was carried by unanimous roll call vote, that the Board adopt the 2003 tax levy as proposed.
Further moved, that the Superintendent be instructed to file the Certificate of Tax Levy and other necessary documents as required by law.
The following tax levy for 2003 is hereby adopted in the amount of $1,616,969.00 (2,042,969.00 including $426,000.00 for bond and interest payments.)
Mrs. Rima and Mr. Ryan made comments on the District Report Cards that will be mailed to the public. Each principal has prepared written plans for improvement that will be included as a part of the report cards.
The Board was asked for their input on high school graduation dates.
Dean E. Irlbeck, Superintendent reported on several items including the following:
a) Information on legislation.
b) The recent consolidation meeting.
c) Repair and maintenance projects.
After discussion, it carried by unanimous roll call vote to adopt the Life Safety Survey Amendment as presented and direct the Administration to submit the amendment to the State for approval.
The Board approved the bills and payroll as submitted:
Education $415,456.75
O & M 43,731.42
Transportation 20,370.24
IMRF 13,015.03
Life Safety 6,925.72
T otal $499,499.16
The Board voted and entered into Closed Session at 8:10 P.M. for discussion of personnel and employment. They returned to Open Session at 8:15 P.M.
By unanimous roll call vote, the Board voted to employ Sarah Swanson for the remainder of the 2003/2004 school year as a high school math teacher to replace Jess Amos, who was called to active duty.
The Board adjourn at 8:16 P.M.
Doug Sams, President
Beth Weber, Secretary