The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
West Central CUSD #235 June 8th and June 22nd meetings:
President Brent called the West Central CUSD #235 board meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. on June 8, 2005.
Jeanne Servern, Curriculum Director reported that 57 teachers gathered at the Stronghurst campus to work on the merging of curriculum for next year. President Brent thanked the Committee of 10 for their donation of $83.01. Principal Rima reported that summer athletic camps are currently being held.
Three audience members asked to speak on item agenda XIII (G) bowling and were heard later in the meeting when that item is reached.
Action Items
Reports
The board heard reports from both the Union and Southern boards. The Southern district held a well-attended final bash on Saturday, June 4 at Hend-Co Hills for all former and current staff and board members.
The Union board will be holding its final meeting on June 17. Graduation ceremonies were nicely done at both districts.
The board heard brief reports from each of the building principals. The Southern elementary students visited the North Campus. The Junior High is now an official member of the IESA. Drafts of all handbooks have been completed. Athletic physicals will be done at the North campus on July 16 by the Henderson County Rural Health Center.
Carolyn Fry, librarian of the Henderson County Library, reported to the board on the close working relationship the two current districts have with the County Library. They will continue to provide the bookmobile to the new district.
Discussion Items
President Brent gave a report on the Illinois Energy Consortium. This organization purchases natural gas and electricity on the open market and then sells it to participating schools at a greatly reduced rate. Supt. Grimm will be seeking additional information on this topic and making a recommendation to the board at the June 22nd meeting.
President Brent reported that WCATS and Administration have attended meetings with both John Deere and Western Area Schools Benefit Plan insurance representatives regarding health care coverage for the 2005-06 school year. The WCATS voted overwhelmingly to use Western Area Schools Benefit Plan. The board directed Supt. Grimm to begin the process of working with Western Area Schools to begin signing up our employees and a formal vote will be held at the June 22nd meeting.
Barb Spreitler reviewed the handout concerning district technology. Her recommendation would be to move forward with the "built" computers as compared to the quote for Dell computers. After questions from the board, it was decided that this item will be brought back to the board of June 22nd for final approval.
The board briefly discussed the July 1st celebration of the new district. It was decided that a board meeting will be held at 6:00 p.m. A cookout and fireworks display will also be held at the North Campus. President Brent and Vice President Allaman will continue working on the celebration.
Teresa Adair reported to the the board the importance of entering into the consortium with Peoria District 150 for Medicaid reimbursement for certain types of special education services. Both districts currently belong to this consortium. This item will be brought back before the board for final action on June 22nd.
President Brent reported that Union and Southern do not use the same photographer for school pictures. A request for proposal is being prepared by the principals. This item will be brought back to the board on the June 22nd meeting.
Ron and Sue Rothzen spoke with the board regarding the establishment of a high school bowling team. They have spoken with several students that appear to be interested. After discussion, it was decided that this item be placed on the June 22nd agenda for further review.
President Brent reviewed the proposed District #235 Board of Education meeting dates, times and locations. The meetings would be held at the North campus on the 3rd Wednesday of every month at 6:00 p.m. This will be voted on at the June 22nd meeting.
President Brent updated the board on the building remodeling projects. Bids will be let out on Friday, June 10, a pre-bid meeting will be held on June 21st at 2:00 p.m. and bid deadline will be on June 30th. The bids will be opened on June 30th at 2:00 p.m. in the Stronghurst Administrative Center. These will be brought to the board at the July 1, 2005 meeting.
Mr. Buss has prepared a schedule for moving of all classrooms. This will be done on June 28th starting at 7:30 a.m.
Principal Rima asked the board to consider the requiring of regulation physical education uniforms. President Brent responded that this should be included in the handbook for approval.
The board entered closed session to discuss personnel and collective bargaining at 7:10 p.m., returning to open session at 11:16 p.m.
Action after closed session
The board adjourned at 11:32 p.m.