Regular Meeting Minutes

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The regular meeting of the Carthage E.S.D. #317 Board of Education was called to order at 7:30 by Board President Jamie Pettit. Roll Call: Mrs. Huston, present; Mr. Pettit, present; Mr. Ufkes, present; Mrs. Fritz, present; Mr. Menn, present; Mrs. Markley, present; Mrs. Stoverink, present.

It was moved by Mr. Pettit and seconded by Mrs. Stoverink to add Item VIII, C. Hazardous Routes. Roll Call: Mrs. Huston, yes; Mr. Pettit, yes; Mr. Ufkes, yes; Mrs. Fritz, yes; Mr. Menn, yes; Mrs. Markley, yes; Mrs. Stoverink, yes. Motion carried 7 – 0.

Russ Rumbold of Gorenz and Associates, Ltd. reviewed the FY11 audit. The district received a 4.0, the highest attainable score indicating financial recognition status. Mr. Rumbold warned, however, of the decline in governmental aid with the discontinuation of the federal jobs bill, the expiration of our organizational incentive monies and the decrease in general state aid. We are fortunate in that our EAV has consistently increased, our student population has remained level, we are not a hold harmless district and we have no debt. Our district is in good financial shape and should be able to “weather most storms” with our strong fund balances.

Mrs. Hardy shared that the corporate personal property replacement tax is figured into the general state aid formula so we may see an impact of paying regional superintendents from those proceeds.

She met with Memorial Hospital representatives Ada Bair, Terry Pope and Scott Scheetz yesterday to discuss the hospital’s application for tax exempt status. Mrs. Bair indicated that they are waiting on the Department of Revenue to make its determination, however, it is not known when that will actually take place. Nothing has been resolved as of yet. Mrs. Hardy sent a letter to Brian Braun today to get his input on the situation.

It was asked how the new buses were doing. As far as Mrs. Hardy knows there have not been any issues with the buses. The cameras have already proven helpful.

Diane shared that local law enforcement officers will be using the middle school on November 29^th for a training exercise. She has spoken with Sheriff Bentzinger and Chief Waddell this week and is just about ready to submit a draft of the Crisis Management Plan. Some of the teachers have expressed an interest in a basic first aid course so Diane is working with Chief Waddell on that. It was moved by Mrs. Markley and seconded by Mr. Menn to approve the consent agenda as presented. Roll Call: Mrs. Huston, yes; Mr. Pettit, yes; Mr. Ufkes, yes; Mrs. Fritz, yes; Mr. Menn, yes; Mrs. Markley, yes; Mrs. Stoverink, yes. Motion carried 7 – 0.

In discussing the district report card, Diane shared that one reason we made AYP this year was because of “safe harbor”, 10% of students that did not meet state standards previously did so this year. This is not an easy task so she offered congratulations to the teaching staff for accomplishing this.

Mrs. Hardy pointed out that NCLB (No Child Left Behind) has not yet been reauthorized. The state has requested a waiver on NCLB but it has not yet been approved so it is not certain what it will look like or how schools will be impacted.

Mr. Ufkes has contacted a couple superintendents to discuss various issues, but mainly how school districts are going to continue with less money coming in and more money needed to operate. He has found that others share his concern but are not certain of how to do anything about it. Mrs. Hardy shared that she is a member of IPAC (Illinois Political Action Committee).

We received a hazardous route application yesterday, too late for this meeting. This will be an action item next month. Mrs. Hardy concurs that the location does qualify.

It was moved by Mr. Menn and seconded by Mrs. Markley to approve the preliminary tax levy and authorize the administration to publish the required notice of a truth in taxation hearing to be held just prior to the regular board meeting in December. Roll Call: Mrs. Huston, yes; Mr. Pettit, yes; Mr. Ufkes, yes; Mrs. Fritz, yes; Mr. Menn, yes; Mrs. Markley, yes; Mrs. Stoverink, yes. Motion carried 7 – 0.

In reviewing the proposed levy, Mrs. Hardy explained that we have no way of knowing what the actual revenue will be because the actual EAV will not be calculated until the spring. She also pointed out that the IMRF levy has been calculated on 69% of what will be used this year due to the previous surplus in that account.

It was moved by Mrs. Stoverink and seconded by Mr. Ufkes to approve the FY11 audit as presented. Roll Call: Mrs. Huston, yes; Mr. Pettit, yes; Mr. Ufkes, yes; Mrs. Fritz, yes; Mr. Menn, yes; Mrs. Markley, yes; Mrs. Stoverink, yes. Motion carried 7 – 0.

It was moved by Mrs. Huston and seconded by Mrs. Fritz to approve the first reading of policies as presented. Roll Call: Mrs. Huston, yes; Mr. Pettit, yes; Mr. Ufkes, yes; Mrs. Fritz, yes; Mr. Menn, yes; Mrs. Markley, yes; Mrs. Stoverink, yes. Motion carried 7 – 0.

It was moved by Mr. Menn and seconded by Mr. Ufkes to enter into executive session at 8:57 p.m. for the purpose of discussing personnel and bargaining. Roll Call: Mrs. Huston, yes; Mr. Pettit, yes; Mr. Ufkes, yes; Mrs. Fritz, yes; Mr. Menn, yes; Mrs. Markley, yes; Mrs. Stoverink, yes. Motion carried 7 – 0.

2012-2014 certified staff contract as presented. Roll Call: Mrs. Huston, yes; Mr. Pettit, yes; Mr. Ufkes, yes; Mrs. Fritz, yes; Mr. Menn, yes; Mrs. Markley, yes; Mrs. Stoverink, yes. Motion carried 7 – 0.

It was moved by Mr. Ufkes and seconded by Mr. Pettit to adjourn the meeting at 10:23 p.m. Roll Call: Mrs. Huston, yes; Mr. Pettit, yes; Mr. Ufkes, yes; Mrs. Fritz, yes; Mr. Menn, yes; Mrs. Markley, yes; Mrs. Stoverink, yes. Motion carried 7 – 0.

It was moved by Mr. Ufkes and seconded by Mr. Menn to add agenda item VII, D Issues and Mandates. Roll Call: Mrs. Huston, yes; Mr. Pettit, yes; Mr. Ufkes, yes; Mrs. Fritz, yes; Mr. Menn, yes; Mrs. Markley, yes; Mrs. Stoverink, yes. Motion carried 7 – 0.

It was moved by Mr. Pettit and seconded by Mrs. Stoverink to add agenda item VII, E Brandy Parry. Roll Call: Mrs. Huston, yes; Mr. Pettit, yes; Mr. Ufkes, yes; Mrs. Fritz, yes; Mr. Menn, yes; Mrs. Markley, yes; Mrs. Stoverink, yes. Motion carried 7 – 0.

Mrs. Hardy distributed a letter from the Wethersfield school district pertaining to the delay in ruling on hospitals’ tax exempt status. She and Mrs. Schilson are working on a similar letter to the Governor regarding the same issue in Carthage.

Diane reported that she received today the complete teachers’ packets for our new reading series. These were provided to us at no charge and even include alignment to current standards. This is a wonderful donation that will save teachers hours of inputting alignment data. She has spoken with several districts that are using the new series’ that we are implementing and has heard a lot of compliments on the program.

She has already begun making changes resulting from the anti-bullying seminar that she attended. Sheriff Scott Bentzinger has walked through the building with her and identified some concerns. He plans to continue working with her on this.

Parent/teacher conferences have already begun in the evenings since there are so many parents unable to attend during the day.

Things are going as well as can be expected with the loss of Mrs. Parry. Another PTO member has begun working on the book fair. Diane has been contacted by several people wanting to make donations. She is planning to plant a tree, which one of the fourth grade students has dubbed the Giving Tree, as well as to place a black granite bench in the Petal Palace with Brandy’s picture on it.

It was moved by Mrs. Huston and seconded by Mrs. Markley to approve the consent agenda as presented.

Mrs. Fritz would like to have the discussion on the cafeteria program from last month included in the minutes.

The motion was amended to approve the consent agenda with noted correction to the minutes. Roll Call: Mrs. Huston, yes; Mr. Pettit, yes; Mr. Ufkes, yes; Mrs. Fritz, yes; Mr. Menn, yes; Mrs. Markley, yes; Mrs. Stoverink, yes. Motion carried 7 – 0.

The board reviewed the Lease Committee meeting from September 27^th. Mrs. Hardy shared that the Sports Boosters are going to conduct a feasibility study on possible projects that they would like to do. The Sports Boosters have requested approval to fundraise; however, they are not going to name specific projects.

As a result of the previous Lease Committee meeting, any buildings and ground issues are to be presented to the joint Lease Committee to ensure that both districts are informed and on board with projects to be completed. One of the topics for the September 27^th meeting was live broadcasting during athletic events. The reason this was brought before our district was there may be some hardwiring or permanent types of concessions required.

The board discussed the Triple I Conference coming up next month in Chicago. Mrs. Hardy will be in charge of meal reservations since President Pettit won’t be attending.

Diane reported on the progress of the CAC. It was decided early in the year to dedicate this entire year to math since we are in the process of implementing the new reading series. It is her intent to invite one of the high school math teachers to an upcoming meeting to get input on how well our students are prepared for high school math. A lot of the core standards are now pushing algebra for eighth graders. Mr. Voss is currently reviewing new textbook series’. Their next meeting will be November 2^nd. She plans to have core meetings 3X per year and once a month meet with math teachers. She would also like to designate some time that would allow teachers to share information that they get from their professional development classes or seminars.

Issues and Mandates – Mr. Ufkes expressed his concern with the fact that it seems no one follows up on some of the things that we as a board are held to.

It was stated that Senator Roger Eddy dedicates a lot of time protesting some of the unfunded mandates handed down by the government. We must conform to those standards because funding for programs such as title monies and school lunch programs would be rescinded if we failed to comply.

Contacting legislators is a good way to address issues since there are times that they are not aware of how some legislation actually impacts schools. IASB is a very good voice for school districts. It was suggested that Mr. Ufkes be our representative at the Joint Annual Conference delegate assembly as its main objective is to identify issues that school districts are facing.

Diane reported that, in receiving notice of Mrs. Parry’s passing on Monday, social workers were called in to both buildings for the students and will be at the funeral as well. As she has been contacted by many community members about donations, she and Mrs. Hardy have decided that those donations will be handled through the activity fund.

Mrs. Hardy handed out the newly revised staff handbook with changes highlighted in red.

It was moved by Mr. Menn and seconded by Mrs. Fritz to approve the handbook as presented. Roll Call: Mrs. Huston, yes; Mr. Pettit, yes; Mr. Ufkes, yes; Mrs. Fritz, yes; Mr. Menn, yes; Mrs. Markley, yes; Mrs. Stoverink, yes. Motion carried 7 – 0.

The term “nurse” is to be removed from the employee vaccinations section and the direct deposit section is to be corrected.

It was moved by Mrs. Stoverink and seconded by Mrs. Markley to approve Amendment #5 to the lease. Roll Call: Mrs. Huston, yes; Mr. Pettit, yes; Mr. Ufkes, yes; Mrs. Fritz, yes; Mr. Menn, yes; Mrs. Markley, yes; Mrs. Stoverink, yes. Motion carried 7 – 0.

It was moved by Mr. Menn and seconded by Mrs. Stoverink to enter into executive session at 8:37 p.m. for the purpose of discussing personnel and bargaining. Roll Call: Mrs. Huston, yes; Mr. Pettit, yes; Mr. Ufkes, yes; Mrs. Fritz, yes; Mr. Menn, yes; Mrs. Markley, yes; Mrs. Stoverink, yes. Motion carried 7 – 0.

It was moved by Mr. Menn and seconded by Mrs. Stoverink to approve the resignation of bus driver Mike Thompson effective immediately with gratitude for his many years of service. Roll Call: Mrs. Huston, yes; Mr. Pettit, yes; Mr. Ufkes, yes; Mrs. Fritz, yes; Mr. Menn, yes; Mrs. Markley, yes; Mrs. Stoverink, yes. Motion carried 7 – 0.

It was moved by Mrs. Markley and seconded by Mr. Pettit to adjourn the meeting at 9:27 p.m. Roll Call: Mrs. Huston, yes; Mr. Pettit, yes; Mr. Ufkes, yes; Mrs. Fritz, yes; Mr. Menn, yes; Mrs. Markley, yes; Mrs. Stoverink, yes. Motion carried 7 – 0.

INTERFUND TRANSFER HEARING, BUDGET HEARING AND REGULAR MEETING - SEPTEMBER 21, 2011

The interfund transfer hearing was called to order at 7:30 by Board President Jamie Pettit. Roll Call: Mrs. Stoverink, present; Mrs. Huston, present; Mr. Pettit, present; Mr. Ufkes, absent; Mrs. Fritz, present; Mr. Menn, present; Mrs. Markley, absent.

The purpose of this hearing was to discuss transferring $41,816.74 of unused lease levy money from the Operations and Maintenance Fund to the Education Fund.

Mrs. Hardy noted that the full .05 lease levy would raise approximately $22,000 however, we only spend approximately $10,000 per year on the copier lease, so we cannot levy for more than that.

There were no visitors wishing to address the board regarding the interfund transfer.

It was moved by Mr. Menn and seconded by Mr. Ufkes to adjourn the interfund transfer hearing at 7:37 p.m. Roll Call: Mrs. Stoverink, yes; Mrs. Huston, yes; Mr. Pettit, yes; Mr. Ufkes, yes; Mrs. Fritz, yes; Mr. Menn, yes; Mrs. Markley, yes. Motion carried 7 – 0.

The budget hearing of the Carthage E.S.D. #317 Board of Education was called to order at 7:37 by Board President Jamie Pettit. Roll Call: Mrs. Stoverink, present; Mrs. Huston, present; Mr. Pettit, present; Mr. Ufkes, present; Mrs. Fritz, present; Mr. Menn, present; Mrs. Markley, present.

Following discussion on the proposed FY12 budget, it was decided to add $5,000 to line item 10-1190-402 district technology for the purchase of a new server.

Mrs. Hardy noted that that addition will increase the education fund deficit to $88,708 for FY12.

She also noted that it may be required to amend the budget if any line item of any of the working funds varies by more than 10%.

There were no visitors wishing to address the board regarding the proposed FY12 budget.

It was moved by Mrs. Markley and seconded by Mrs. Stoverink to adjourn the budget hearing at 7:50 p.m. Roll Call: Mrs. Stoverink, yes; Mrs. Huston, yes; Mr. Pettit, yes; Mr. Ufkes, yes; Mrs. Fritz, yes; Mr. Menn, yes; Mrs. Markley, yes. Motion carried 7 – 0.

The regular meeting of the Carthage E.S.D. #317 Board of Education was called to order at 7:51 by Board President Jamie Pettit. Roll Call: Mrs. Stoverink, present; Mrs. Huston, present; Mr. Pettit, present; Mr. Ufkes, present; Mrs. Fritz, present; Mr. Menn, present; Mrs. Markley, present.

Mrs. Hardy pointed out that there is a report from the Sports Boosters at each member’s seat. The group will be sending a report monthly.

She provided information from Brian Braun’s workshop entitled “The Education Reform Act: Implications, Adjustment and Practical Considerations” that she had recently attended.

Mrs. Fritz expressed concern regarding the nutritional content of some of the meals being served in the buildings. Mrs. Hardy informed the board that steps such as ordering only skim and 1% milk instead of 2% as well as using all wheat bread products have been taken to begin addressing this very issue.

Diane reported that she has an interactive whiteboard presentation scheduled for Friday. The McGraw-Hill representative will be visiting our district to discuss their math programs and crisis management flipcharts.

She has not had a lot of interest from the teachers to check out her iPad. Currently there are two teachers waiting at the middle school and 1 at the primary school.

It was asked how the Kindles were going over at the middle school. She has not worked first-hand with that project but there has been no negative impact as far as Diane is aware.

She is working on updating crisis management plan and will involve emergency personnel as its development continues. She is using Illini West’s as a model and to maintain uniformity when possible but there are variances of course due to age differences.

Diane also pointed out that the “cell phone use prohibited” signs have been put up in front of the buildings and offered thanks to Melita Finney of the Hancock County Health Department for writing the grant which enabled the purchase of the signs.

She shared that the meetings of the PBIS and RTI teams are scheduled from 3:30 to 4:00. Staff members are free to leave at 4:00 should they need to. So far only two individuals have left a meeting as most of the staff is genuinely interested in what they’re doing.

It was moved by Mr. Menn and seconded by Mrs. Huston to approve the consent agenda as presented. Roll Call: Mrs. Stoverink, yes; Mrs. Huston, yes; Mr. Pettit, yes; Mr. Ufkes, yes; Mrs. Fritz, yes; Mr. Menn, yes; Mrs. Markley, yes. Motion carried 7 – 0.

There was no interest in attending the Western Division dinner meeting in Knoxville.

Mrs. Hardy identified three topics for the lease committee meeting on the 27^th: 1) Sports Boosters, 2) live broadcasting of IW sports and 3) IW billing percentages based on square footage.

Mrs. Hardy discussed the establishment and function of the Joint Committee which has arisen from the Education Reform Act. This committee shall be comprised of equal representation selected by the school board and its teachers or, if applicable, the bargaining representative of its teachers, to address the matters described in the law pertaining to honorable dismissals. Mrs. Hardy and Diane will serve on the committee along with the CEA representatives.

She has spoken to the CEA president and he is to get names together and get back to her. They will meet and discuss the five topics identified by the Joint Committee guidelines. If no agreement is reached, evaluation then reverts back to the ISBE format.

When asked whether it’s a good idea for the individuals that assign the ratings to serve on the committee, it was pointed out that the Board could review any decisions made by the committee. It was, therefore, the consensus of the Board to allow Mrs. Hardy and Diane to serve as board representatives on the Joint Committee.

Mrs. Hardy distributed a copy of the Staff Handbook with drafted changes. This will be an action item next month after job descriptions for teachers and the other necessary information has been reviewed.

It was moved by Mr. Pettit and seconded by Mrs. Markley to approve the second reading and adopt the policies as presented. Roll Call: Mrs. Stoverink, yes; Mrs. Huston, yes; Mr. Pettit, yes; Mr. Ufkes, yes; Mrs. Fritz, yes; Mr. Menn, yes; Mrs. Markley, yes. Motion carried 7 – 0.

It was moved by Mr. Menn and seconded by Mrs. Fritz to approve the resolution authorizing the inter-fund transfer as presented to transfer $41,816.74 from the Operations and Maintenance Fund to the Education Fund. Roll Call: Mrs. Stoverink, yes; Mrs. Huston, yes; Mr. Pettit, yes; Mr. Ufkes, yes; Mrs. Fritz, yes; Mr. Menn, yes; Mrs. Markley, yes. Motion carried 7 – 0.

It was moved by Mrs. Markley and seconded by Mr. Pettit to approve the FY12 budget as presented. Roll Call: Mrs. Stoverink, yes; Mrs. Huston, yes; Mr. Pettit, yes; Mr. Ufkes, yes; Mrs. Fritz, yes; Mr. Menn, yes; Mrs. Markley, yes. Motion carried 7 – 0.

It was moved by Mrs. Stoverink and seconded by Mrs. Huston to approve the 2005 construction grant resolution as presented. Roll Call: Mrs. Stoverink, yes; Mrs. Huston, yes; Mr. Pettit, yes; Mr. Ufkes, no; Mrs. Fritz, yes; Mr. Menn, yes; Mrs. Markley, yes. Motion carried 6 - 1.

It was moved by Mrs. Fritz and seconded by Mrs. Markley to approve the Application for Recognition of Schools for the 2011-12 school year. Roll Call: Mrs. Stoverink, yes; Mrs. Huston, yes; Mr. Pettit, yes; Mr. Ufkes, yes; Mrs. Fritz, yes; Mr. Menn, yes; Mrs. Markley, yes. Motion carried 7 – 0.

It was moved by Mrs. Stoverink and seconded by Mrs. Markley to enter into executive session at 8:56 p.m. for the purpose of discussing personnel and bargaining. Roll Call: Mrs. Stoverink, yes; Mrs. Huston, yes; Mr. Pettit, yes; Mr. Ufkes, yes; Mrs. Fritz, yes; Mr. Menn, yes; Mrs. Markley, yes. Motion carried 7 – 0.

It was moved by Mrs. Stoverink and seconded by Mr. Menn to approve the resignation of Andy Gronewold as middle school boys’ assistant baseball coach effective immediately. Roll Call: Mrs. Stoverink, yes; Mrs. Huston, yes; Mr. Pettit, yes; Mr. Ufkes, yes; Mrs. Fritz, yes; Mr. Menn, yes; Mrs. Markley, yes. Motion carried 7 – 0.

It was moved by Mrs. Markley and seconded by Mrs. Fritz to approve the employment of Dave Peacock effective immediately for the FY12 school year for the position of middle school boys’ assistant baseball coach. Roll Call: Mrs. Stoverink, yes; Mrs. Huston, yes; Mr. Pettit, yes; Mr. Ufkes, yes; Mrs. Fritz, yes; Mr. Menn, yes; Mrs. Markley, yes. Motion carried 7 – 0.

It was moved by Mrs. Huston and seconded by Mr. Ufkes to adjourn the meeting at 9:29 p.m. Roll Call: Mrs. Stoverink, yes; Mrs. Huston, yes; Mr. Pettit, yes; Mr. Ufkes, yes; Mrs. Fritz, yes; Mr. Menn, yes; Mrs. Markley, yes. Motion carried 7 – 0.

The special meeting of the Carthage E.S.D. #317 Board of Education was called to order at 6:33 p.m. Board members met at the football field to begin the building tour. This is done annually to view the work done over the summer and the preparedness of the facilities for the beginning of school. No action was taken during this meeting.

The regular meeting of the Carthage E.S.D. #317 Board of Education was called to order at 7:30 by Board President Jamie Pettit. Roll Call: Mrs. Markley, absent; Mrs. Stoverink, present; Mrs. Huston, present; Mr. Pettit, present; Mr. Ufkes, present; Mrs. Fritz, absent; Mr. Menn, absent.

There were no additional agenda items or individuals wishing to address the board on stated agenda items.

Administrative Reports: Mrs. Hardy shared that the Elementary Sports Boosters presented a $500 check to Mark and Joni Burling for all the work that they have done on the baseball diamonds.

It was asked if part-time teachers and subs can get in on the training described in Mrs. Hardy’s written report and replied that, yes, they can.

She also pointed out that the Regional Superintendents are continuing to work without pay.

Diane shared the Kindle Agreement that Ms. Lewis and Ms. Underwood put together. Each of the two teachers purchased a Kindle for student use out of her supply money for the year.

Mrs. Hardy also shared that there is a Regional pre-school program designed to serve the students that we cannot serve.

Diane has spoken with Chief of Police Gary Waddell and the department will be providing patrol officers on Monday to assist with traffic the first day of school.

There will be a potluck dinner tomorrow from 11:30 to 12:30 at the Middle School.

It was moved by Mrs. Markley and seconded by Mrs. Fritz to approve the consent agenda as presented. Roll Call: Mrs. Markley, yes; Mrs. Stoverink, yes; Mrs. Huston, yes; Mr. Pettit, yes; Mr. Ufkes, yes; Mrs. Fritz, yes. Motion carried 6 – 0.

It was asked what the purpose was of purchasing IPads for Diane and Mrs. Hardy and it was explained that, with all of the publicity about providing IPads for students, they felt it necessary to familiarize themselves with the technology. Diane has looked into what would be required to provide these for students and found that an upgrade to our wireless network would be necessary with an approximate cost of $25,000.

The board discussed the building walkthrough and noted a few items needing attention such as the guttering above the east entrance to the primary school needs repaired, it appears the storm drains are not functioning properly and the tennis shoes need to be removed from the power lines.

Mrs. Hardy explained the need for the interfund transfer that we will take action on next month.

It was suggested that we look into leasing computers since the lease levy can only be used for technology or building. Diane will look into the cost of leasing.

It was moved by Mrs. Markley and seconded by Mrs. Stoverink to approve Amendment #4 as presented. Roll Call: Mrs. Markley, yes; Mrs. Stoverink, yes; Mrs. Huston, yes; Mr. Pettit, yes; Mr. Ufkes, yes; Mrs. Fritz, yes. Motion carried 6 – 0.

It was moved by Mr. Ufkes and seconded by Mrs. Huston to approve Addendum #3 as presented. Roll Call: Mrs. Markley, yes; Mrs. Stoverink, yes; Mrs. Huston, yes; Mr. Pettit, yes; Mr. Ufkes, yes; Mrs. Fritz, yes. Motion carried 6 – 0.

It was moved by Mrs. Markley and seconded by Mrs. Stoverink to enter into executive session for the purpose of discussing personnel and bargaining. Roll Call: Mrs. Markley, yes; Mrs. Stoverink, yes; Mrs. Huston, yes; Mr. Pettit, yes; Mr. Ufkes, yes; Mrs. Fritz, yes. Motion carried 6 – 0.

It was moved by Mrs. Markley and seconded by Mrs. Frits to approve the employment of Sharon Barr as a part-time art teacher for the 2011-12 school year at the current contract rate. Roll Call: Mrs. Markley, yes; Mrs. Stoverink, yes; Mrs. Huston, yes; Mr. Pettit, yes; Mr. Ufkes, yes; Mrs. Fritz, yes. Motion carried 6 – 0.

It was moved by Mrs. Markley and seconded by Mrs. Fritz to employ Jodi Burling as an instructional aide for the 2011-12 school year at the current contract rate. Roll Call: Mrs. Markley, yes; Mrs. Stoverink, yes; Mrs. Huston, yes; Mr. Pettit, yes; Mr. Ufkes, yes; Mrs. Fritz, yes. Motion carried 6 – 0.

It was moved by Mr. Ufkes and seconded by Mr. Pettit to adjourn the meeting at 9:35 p.m. Roll Call: Mrs. Markley, yes; Mrs. Stoverink, yes; Mrs. Huston, yes; Mr. Pettit, yes; Mr. Ufkes, yes; Mrs. Fritz, yes. Motion carried 6 – 0.

The regular meeting of the Carthage E.S.D. #317 Board of Education was called to order at 7:30 by Board President Jamie Pettit. Roll Call: Mr. Menn, present; Mrs. Markley, absent; Mrs. Stoverink, present; Mrs. Huston, present; Mr. Pettit, present; Mr. Ufkes, present; Mrs. Fritz, absent.

There were no additional agenda items or individuals wishing to speak on stated agenda items.

Mrs. Hardy distributed her written report. She also informed the Board that Gary Eddington, former Regional Superintendent of Schools, has taken over the Assistant Regional Superintendent position vacated by Eric Bryan on a limited basis until the state makes a decision on funding.

She also reported that Illini West would like to display the Carthage trophies and case(s) that are currently located at the middle school. They simply want to display them, we would retain ownership. She is still working on getting a date set for a lease committee meeting.

The goal posts are being replaced tomorrow. It has been asked whether or not we want to save the old ones. The consensus was to haul them off for scrap.

We have received word that the Early Childhood Block Grant has been awarded. Some area districts have discussed not having their programs even after receiving notification of grant approval due to the state’s funding situation, Mrs. Hardy has no qualms about the program and sees no reason not to go ahead with it.

Diane reported that she has written the Monsanto grant on items that we truly need such as Elmos, smart boards and an online math program similar to the Lexia reading program.

She commended the volunteers that did the summer reading program. They will be having a pool party at the end of the program.

The class numbers are basically the same as last year although we have had some move out of district and others move in. The kindergarten numbers are firm.

It was moved by Mr. Menn and seconded by Mrs. Stoverink to approve the consent agenda as presented. Roll Call: Mr. Menn, yes; Mrs. Stoverink, yes; Mrs. Huston, yes; Mr. Pettit, yes; Mr. Ufkes, yes; Mrs. Fritz, yes. Motion carried 6 – 0.

Mrs. Hardy did not have any additional information on transferring the 2005 construction grant submitted by C.U.S.D. #338, but noted that, if the language is received from the attorneys this may be an action item next month.

Since question had arisen regarding curriculum alignment and AYP status, Diane distributed information on our current curriculum. Curriculum Mapper was put in place several years ago but had been abandoned because of cost. Diane did save those forms as a reference however. She handed out recently updated curriculum maps that showed the increased amount of detail as well as a sample showing the national standard compared to the state standard. It was pointed out that the national standard had already been adopted by 39 states. She has gotten word that the state will begin new testing in 2014/2015 that will push skills “down” approximately two grade levels. The presenters that had provided this information gave the illustration that districts that are currently testing at 80% are expected to be at approximately 40% on the new tests.

Diane informed the board that we currently have no textbook for kindergarten, first or second grade math as the series that we had is completely out of production. She has ordered samples but she is hesitant to purchase a new series until the new standards have been completed.

She also handed out minutes from the CAC meetings. CAC only met three times during the year but the “subgroups” have met monthly. Mrs. Fritz and Mrs. Markley have attended CAC meetings as board representatives.

Mr. Pettit would like to have a review of the CAC meeting on the agenda after each meeting of the entire group since that would only be three times per year.

There had been some discussion as to whether the Handbook Committee was the same as the Parent/Teacher Advisory Committee. It was the consensus of the board that they are one in the same.

It was decided to do a building walkthrough prior to the regular August board meeting. We will meet at 6:30 p.m. at the football field.

It was moved by Mr. Menn and seconded by Mr. Pettit that the Board authorize the administration to enter into a three-year agreement with Central States Bus Sales for the lease of six full sized buses. Roll Call: Mr. Menn, yes; Mrs. Stoverink, yes; Mrs. Huston, yes; Mr. Pettit, yes; Mr. Ufkes, yes; Mrs. Fritz, yes. Motion carried 6 – 0.

Ben Hanewinkel from Central States was in the audience to answer any questions the board may have. He shared that they are working on setting up a warranty site in Quincy and possibly Ft Madison. They do currently have a local person that does the warranty work for Dallas City and LaHarpe.

It was moved by Mrs. Stoverink and seconded by Mr. Menn to enter into executive session at 9:05 p.m. for the purpose of discussing personnel. Roll Call: Mr. Menn, yes; Mrs. Stoverink, yes; Mrs. Huston, yes; Mr. Pettit, yes; Mr. Ufkes, yes; Mrs. Fritz, yes. Motion carried 6 – 0.

It was moved by Mrs. Stoverink and seconded by Mr. Ufkes to approve the retirement of Linda Quinn at the end of the 2011-12 school year with many thanks for her 33 years of service. Roll Call: Mr. Menn, yes; Mrs. Stoverink, yes; Mrs. Huston, yes; Mr. Pettit, yes; Mr. Ufkes, yes; Mrs. Fritz, yes. Motion carried 6 – 0.

It was moved by Mr. Pettit and seconded by Mr. Menn to approve the resignation of Sharon Barr effective immediately with thanks for her years of service. Roll Call: Mr. Menn, yes; Mrs. Stoverink, yes; Mrs. Huston, yes; Mr. Pettit, yes; Mr. Ufkes, yes; Mrs. Fritz, yes. Motion carried 6 – 0.

It was moved by Mrs. Fritz and seconded by Mrs. Huston to approve the employment of Ruth Lohrenz as part-time psychologist for the 2011-12 school year at the current contract rate. Roll Call: Mr. Menn, yes; Mrs. Stoverink, yes; Mrs. Huston, yes; Mr. Pettit, yes; Mr. Ufkes, yes; Mrs. Fritz, yes. Motion carried 6 – 0.

It was moved by Mr. Menn and seconded by Mr. Ufkes to adjourn the meeting at 9:23 p.m. Roll Call: Mr. Menn, yes; Mrs. Stoverink, yes; Mrs. Huston, yes; Mr. Pettit, yes; Mr. Ufkes, yes; Mrs. Fritz, yes. Motion carried 6 – 0.