The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
March Meeting
At the regularly scheduled March 20th meeting of the West Central School district #235 Board of Education meeting the following items took place.
President Lonnie Brent called the board to order at approximately 6:00 p.m. with all members present, except Richard Clifton.
Under "Good News Items" President Lonnie Brent thanked everyone involved with the registration of high school students. Superintendent Grimm introduced Jeanne Serven, Curriculum Coordinator, who has been visiting and getting to know the district.
Agenda amendment: Discussion item XIII (a) update on Student Council activities will follow recognition of audience requests for presentation.
Comments were given by Jesse Sams, in favor of fall JHS football, Connie Mesecher urging support for fall baseball, Ann Davis in favor of fall JHS football, and Barb Blakely in favor of fall JHS football and also urged enforcement of the school dress code next year.
Sam Sudaker, of Carl Sandburg College urged participation in Cyber Camp June 16-17 with $50 fee paid by ROE. Alos, noted purchasing agreement with Dell computer. He also informed the district that Derby Tech from the Quad Cities would have the new wireles computer and distance learning network in place this fall.
Sandra MacClahanan asked for advance notice about non-certificed job terminations to allow time for job searches if terminated.
West Central Student Council reps from both schools made a presentation of the new constitution agreed on by both student council organizations. Students recapped the process of how the two groups worked together. A list of planned activities was also presented.
The board approved the Consent Agenda. The following items were approved:
The board approved the "Scope of Work" for West Central Elementary and Jr. High as presented by District Architect Bill Phillips. The scope of work for West Central High School will be approved at a later date.
The board approved architect Bill Phillips' "Scope of Work" list for district facilities. This is the "to do" list for over the summer to get the buildings ready for use in the fall. Changes include converting a science room into an art room, setting up the unit office with conference room. The senior high plan is still being worked on.
At the Stronghurst building the portable buildings are to be used. Resource room and math. The shop is to become two rooms: special ed and "future" room.
The "to do" list included moving the Biggsville JHS library to Stronghurst, moving the science, art rooms and Title 1 to Stronghurst, and moving all the Media stuff as well as adding appropriate signage.
In Stronghurst, the office will be relocated, a teacher workroom created, and classrooms relocated. The second floor will need to be blocked off and new doors added to the cafeteria. A 10'6" fireproof ceiling is to be installed in the old gym, and ramps constructed. Toilets will need to be made handicapped accessible as well as electrical repairs possibly throughout the building.
THE COSTS:
Biggsville: $27,000
Stronghurst $260,000
Media $35,000
Local contractors will be encouraged to do some work, but because of legal issues some will probably not be able to get contracts for the work. Pay will be at the "prevailing wage." Workers doing any construction work while students are in the building will need to have passed a State Police criminal background check.
Likely some repairs and improvements will be ongoing throughout the year, pending the 10-year life safety inspection.
The board approved the letting of bids for the work to be done.
FALL JHS SPORTS - board voted to have BOTH football and baseball, noting that cheerleading and pom pon can be considered a second sport for girls added to volleyball.
The baseball and football programs will be evaluated at the conclusion of their season in the fall of 2005. The board approved this request with the understanding that financial assistance from the Booster Club would be forthcoming to offset some of the additional expense of offering two fall sports.
The Transportation Plan was approved using both the contracted bus service of Southern's and Union's employed bus drivers for next year. A sports shuttle bus will loop between buildings at 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday to ease parents' transportation issues.
Board approved a new Public Participation policy for public comment at meetings.
WC JHS will join the Illinois Elementary School Association - $50 fee.
WCHS will join the Illinois High School Association - no fee. Finances by event admission fees.
Supt. Grimm was directed to begin working on the 2006 district budget.
Neither Arnold nor Allaman had current district updates.
Principal Reports:
Elementary Principal, Dale Buss, reported that he has met with staff, is meeting with 4 representatives weekly, may have to add a kindergarten section at the last minute if late enrollments go up from the current 67 pre-k registration.
Junior High Principal Jeff Nichols reported that he has been working with IESA on athletic activities and master schedule for the Junior High for the 2005-06 school year.
High School Principal, Karen Rima, reported that curriculum meeting with staff are on-going, registration was held for next year's high school students, and Southern students spent a full day visiting and observing the block system. The master schedule has been completed and 197 requests have been received for dual credit classes. A fund has been set up to help students pay for the tuition for the dual credit classes.
The boad will look into all local financial institutions as depositories for district funds. A request for proposal will be sent to each of them. It was agreed to participate in the Illinois School District Liquid Asset Fund if it provides a better rate for investments.
Grimm noted that parents, teachers, staff, and board members MUST be politically active to make the need known to legislators that they must Must MUST be financially responsible in keeping the monies promised coming into schools. Schools have done well in the past two tough financial years, but this may no longer be the case.
Calendar is tentatively completed. Starting date is August 17th with two in-service days to begin the year.
Mr. Buss updated Illinois textbook program. Purchased new science books for elementary and will use the Stronghurst math series next year. Elementary is beginning a 6-month process in evaluating a new reading series for the district.
The board decided to join the Illinois Association of School Boards ($3-5,000 per year.)
The board received a list of sports activities beginning August 2005. District will be requesting and receiving applications for sponsors/coaches. Work on gym floors also needs to be completed over the summer.
The board considered how to handle the reading and adoption of the new Policy Manual from the Illinois Association of School Boards. A two-person committee will review each section and then submit it to the board. Allaman and Anderson will undertake this task.
Future Agenda Items:
The Mascot/Logo items submitted to Jostens should be ready in a week. Will consider at the next board meeting.
Issues related to the Biggsville ball diamond will be considered at the next meeting.
Revised meeting dates, times and location: The board will not meet in April.
May 4 at Biggsville Campus 6:00 p.m.
May 18 at Biggsville Campus 6:00 p.m.
June 2 at Southern Campus 6:00 p.m.
July 1 to TBA
July 18 at Southern Campus 6:00 p.m.
August 16 at Biggsville Campus 6:00 p.m.
The board entered executive session to discuss matters pertaining to personnel and collective bargaining process. No action was taken. The board adjourned at 11:03 p.m.