The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
Illini West High School District #307 held a special board meeting on Wednesday, October 24th with the meeting called to order by Tom Holtsclaw, board vice president at 6:00 p.m.
At 6:01 p.m. members voted to enter closed session for the purpose of student disciplinary cases, 5 ILCS 120/2 © (9). The board returned to open session at 6:45 p.m. and took the following action:
Motion by Vass, was seconded by Pence to move that student number 581146103 be expelled from Illini West High School District #307 beginning immediately and running through the end for the 2013-2014 school year with the recommendation for alternative school and review of the expulsion in June with possible re-admittance to Illini West HSD #307 for the 2013-2014 school year. Re-admittance will be based on success demonstrated at the alternative school or with law enforcement.
Present were Mark Burling, Tom Holtsclaw, John Huston, Janet Vass (arrived at 6:03) and Beth Pence. Members absent included:Tracey Anders and R.D. Trout.
At 7 p.m. Tracey Anders called the regular meeting of Illini West High School District #307 to order with all in attendance reciting the Pledge of Allegiance.
Present were: Tracey Anders, Mark Burling, Janet Vass, Tom Holtsclaw, Beth Pence and John Huston. Board Member R. D. Trout was absent.
The board:
Lowell Yates, auditor from Gray Hunter Stenn LLP presented his report on the Annual Financial Report. A copy of the report was distributed and discussed. Mr. Yates reported that in accordance with ISBE rules and regulations, as far as reporting, this was a clean opinion. No findings or recommendations were made. He recommended that the board continue to pay attention to the monthly reports, as this is good information to use to make decisions. Our score was 3.90, which is considered a "high A", and is the same score as last year. In summation, Mr. Yates reported that the district is in phenomenal shape compared to a lot of districts.
Assistant Principal/Athletic Director, Mr. Dion outlined the teams that had advanced to post season play. He reported there were no major transportation issues. The new bus has been received. There was a minor accident in the past week with a driver backing his bus into the overhang of his house, which caused some damage to both the bus and his home. Steve Wood has the lights on the bus fixed for now.
Principal Gooding reported that Pearson has put the school on a waiting list for Algebra I Readiness Online Pilot Test Fall 2012. This will be a way to screen students for proper placement. He reported that Eric Ferguson has been looking into some Government programs that provide computers, printers, etc. The school may be able to obtain 50 laptops for the cost of shipping or could possibly go pick them up. Currently there are 50 Dell Desktops in Georgia available for the cost of shipping, which is $1,500.00. If some of these computers could be obtained, a computer lab could possibly be set up in one of the portable buildings. Mr. Gooding also reported that M.J. Palmer has received a grant for $1,500.00 to purchase Legos for an engineering program. The program allows students to build robots, etc. and participate in contests throughout the state.
Superintendent Mrs. Schilson gave an update on the Steering Committee. They have been working hard to get the word out. The question was asked as to how much it would cost to renovate the current facility and Mike Carter gave a quote of approximately $6,000,000.00 to renovate the current building and another $9,000,000.00 for the addition of another gymnasium, locker rooms, district offices, board room, cafeteria/kitchen, etc. None of this cost would include purchasing the current building, architect fees, etc. Mrs. Schilson reported that after speaking at the La Harpe Elementary School District last week, she received a letter of appreciation for the communication. Letters in support of the referendum have been sent to the editor of the Hancock County Journal-Pilot and a nice article was also published in the Journal-Pilot recently. Mrs. Schilson distributed a list of questions and answers from Tracey Anders, Mrs. Schilson advised board members that the "transportation request" from was online or she could get a copy to them.
Elaine Dion discussed the chart she compiled with the data she had, showing significant gains in student performance. The state does not have the 2012 rep ort card out yet, but it should be coming October 31, 2012. She is excited about the scores and they are above the state average in every category. She reported that while the state levels appear to be stagnant, they continue to see growth. Next month the board members will be able to go online and review all of the information personally. A discussion was held regarding the success of the students performance efforts.
Mrs. Schilson has received a concern about the school's policy regarding semester exams. Mr. gooding outlined the policy and how the school can get students to take the PSAE more seriously and if they "exceeded" they could opt out of semester exams their senior year. The board had been given copies of letters and teacher comments. The concerned parent questions an even playing field for all students and how the semester exams could raise or lower a student's grade. This could make it unfair and they could possibly lose class standing, GPA, etc. Mr. Gooding feels that the policy has made students more aware of paying attention, doing more homework, etc., and he likes where the school is. Mr. Gooding answered questions from the board. Mrs. Schilson handed out a semester exam grades analysis and explained it. She pointed out that the school's policy is legal and common practice. She noted that the parent-teacher committee is involved in the policy decision making and has reviewed the policy several times and they may be asked to change it next year.
Mike Carter explained the design process and presented several drawings of the proposed building. His associate, Bob Vanderloh, who is in charge of mechanical, electrical and plumbing, gave an overview of his responsibilities. He explained several energy grants that are available and how their company works to find those for the school. A concerned mother of one of the students asked several questions regarding the new building and site. Those questions were answered by Mrs. Schilson and various board members. The preliminary floor plans and proposed building drawings were approved as presented.
The board approved fund raising requests as follows:
At 9:25 p.m. the board voted to enter closed session to discuss the appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific employees of the public body or legal counsel for the public body, including hearing testimony on a complaint lodged against an employee of the public body or against legal counsel for the public body to determine its validity. 5 ILCS 120/2 © (1)
The board adjourned at 9:44 p.m.
Illini West Holds Meeting For Disciplinary Cases
On Tuesday, November 6th, Tom Holtsclaw, Board Vice President called the special meeting of Illini West High School District #307 to order at 7:00 p.m.
A motion was made and passed at 7 p.m. to enter executive session to discuss student disciplinary cases, 5 ILCS120/2 (c) (9)
The following action was taken when the board reconvened to open session at 7:07 p.m.
Student number 754398759 is to be expelled from Illini West High School District #307 beginning immediately and running through the end of the 2013-2014 school year with the recommendation for alternative school and review of the expulsion in June with the possible readmittance to Illini West HSD #307 for the 2013-2014 school year. Re-admittance will be based on success demonstrated at the alternative school, alternative school recommendation, and no other discipline issues at the alternative school or with law enforcement.
The board moved to re-enter executive session at 7:08 p.m. to discuss student disciplinary cases, 5 ILCS 120/2 (c) (9)
They returned to regular session at 7:17 p.m. and the following action was taken:
Student number 878718355 will be expelled from Illini West High School District #307 beginning immediately and running through the end of the 2013-2014 school year with the recommendation for alternative school and review of the expulsion in June with the possible re-admittance to Illini West HSD #307 for the 2013-2014 school year. Re-admittance will be based on success demonstrated at the alternative school, alternative school recommendation, and no other discipline issues at the alternative school or with law enforcement.
Present were: Mark Burling, Tom Holtsclaw, John Huston, R.D. Trout, Janet Vass (arrived at 7:02) and Beth Pence. Tracey Anders was absent.
The board adjourned at 7:19 p.m.
Illini West Disciplinary