The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
West Central Community Unit School District #235 Board of Education met Wednesday, October 26, 2005 in the elementary cafeteria with a packed crowd of parents and students that were being honored for their academic achievement.
It was a moving moment to hear the students and parents joined the board in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the United States flag.
The board recognized approximately 80 students for their academic performance on the spring 2005 administration of the ISAT and PSAE tests. There were approximately 71 of the 80 students to be recognized present as well as about 200 parents and family members. Following the conclusion of the awards ceremony the following items were identified as good news items.
In other business:
Superintendent Grimm suggested that the board add Discussion Item XIII(G). District Water Supply to the agenda. The board approved the agenda with that addition.
The Superintendent noted we are now 1/4th of the way through the fiscal year and that in regards to the budget the current revenue stands at 35.32% of expected revenue and current expenditures stand at 32.80% of expected expenditures.
The board gave approval for the West Central High School football team to participate in the West Prairie Trail Football conference beginning with the 2006 football season.
The board approved the school report cards from former District #115 and District #120 as presented. During this agenda item the board received a summary of the school report cards from Jeanne Serven, District Curriculum Director.
The board tabled action on approving a school construction grant application. The Superintendent informed the board that the Illinois Capital Development Board has not yet reached agreement with the Illinois General Assembly to bring this program back. So at this time it may be a bit premature to finalize the grant application. The Superintendent also pointed out that Bill Phillips, District Architect, had presented a couple of different options for the grant should it became necessary and appropriate to submit one and that the board's building committee should review this information prior to bringing it to the board for approval.
The board was informed that the district had received no fuel bids as a result of the recent bidding process. The board directed the Superintendent to continue negotiations with our current provider and to bring a recommendation back to board at the November board meeting.
The board heard a report from District Auditor, Craig Cavanaugh, concerning the former District #115 and District #120 FY05 audits. Following Mr. Cavanaugh's presentation, there was a brief discussion and answer session.
The board heard Principal reports from Mr. Buss, Mr. Nichols, and Mrs. Rima.
The board heard a report from Jeanne Serven, District Curriculum Director, concerning her activities for the last month.
The board received information regarding our special ed program from Teresa Adair, Special Ed coordinator. Mrs. Adair noted that currently we have 175 students enrolled in special education program K-12 in the West Central School District and that we have approximately 33 full time equivalent staff members serving the needs of these students.
The board heard a report from Jay Blender, District Athletic Director, regarding the status of the Lincoln Trail Conference, the athletic awards that we would like to present to our students who participate in extra-curricular activates, and the 6th grade basketball program.
The board received an update on the district planning retreat goal statements from Superintendent Grimm. It was the board's direction to the Superintendent and administrative team to continue working on the goals that have been started. It was suggested that in addition to those goals the administrative team plan for an outreach to our home schooled and private schooled students as a way to bring them back into the West Central school district and it was the board's hope that this activity could take place early in the spring of 2006.
The board reviewed a list of goals submitted by Superintendent Grimm as part of his performance objectives. The board, by consensus, indicated that the stated goals were appropriate and that they should be brought back to the November meeting for action.
The spring play was discussed. President Brent indicated that he had had some conversations with some district residents expressing hope that the spring play could be held in the Raritan Opera House. Mrs. Rima indicated that this would be considered.
The board discussed snow removal from district facilities. The Superintendent presented the board with three options to consider regarding snow removal. Those actions include purchasing a four-wheel drive truck for the district with a snow blade. This option would be considered because there are excess funds in the transportation fund, purchasing a snow blower and/or contracting with private individuals to remove snow from around the buildings and the parking lots during the school year. The board directed the Superintendent to meet with our current staff to discuss this and if necessary bring recommendations back to them regarding these options at the November meeting.
The board was informed by the Superintendent that he is investigating several different options regarding the copy machines. The board was informed that they might be asked to take action on one of the proposals under consideration at the November board meeting.
The board spent approximately 15 minutes discussing a district policy on deer hunting. Essentially it was the decision of the board that students should be allowed to participate in one school day of deer hunting as long as certain criteria are met. The board directed the administrative team to finalize that criteria and bring that back to them for approval in November.
The Superintendent reported that he had had a conversation with Biggsville Mayor Jan Monville, regarding Biggsville's possible interest in using our water supply to perhaps supply water to Biggsville. It was stressed that this was a very preliminary discussion. There is some testing that would need to be done before serious discussions could be undertaken, but the board was of the opinion that we should proceed to see if there would be a mutual benefit that could be derived by continuing these discussions.
Board member, Clifton, requested that the topic of bus discipline be added to the November board meeting agenda.
The board entered closed session at approximately 9:15 p.m to discuss matters pertaining to student discipline and personnel.
Upon exiting closed session, the board took the following action regarding personnel.
The next regular board meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, November 16, 2005, at the Biggsville campus beginning at 6:00 p.m.
The board adjourned at approximately 11:10 p.m.