BOARD OF EDUCATION DISTRICT NO. 170
Dixon, Illinois
REGULAR MEETING – December 12, 2012

The Board of Education met in regular session in the Cafeteria at Dixon High School on Wednesday, December 12, 2012 at 6:30 p.m. for a regular meeting.  Notification of the meeting together with an agenda and other Board material had been mailed on Friday, December 7, 2012 to the individual Board members and news media.   Fifteen minutes prior to the Board meeting the DHS Jazz Band performed holiday music selections for the Board members and others who were in attendance.
ROLL CALL
Present:  Mr. Tom Balser, President; Mr. Tom LeMoine, Vice President; Ms. Pam Tourtillott, Mr. John Jacobs, Mr. Woody Lenox, Mr. Kevin Sward and Mr. Jim Schielein
Electronically Present:    None
Absent:   None

Also present were:  Mr. Michael Juenger, Superintendent; Mrs. Margo Empen, Assistant Superintendent; Mr. David Blackburn, Business Manager; Mr. Kevin Schultz, Director of Building and Grounds; Dr. Michael Grady, Principal, Dixon High School; Mr. Chris Tennyson, Assistant Principal, Dixon High School; Ms. Karen Price, Assistant Principal, Dixon High School; Mr. Jon Empen, Activities Director, Dixon High School; Mr. Andy Bullock, Principal, Reagan Middle School; Mr. Dan Rick, Principal, Washington School; Mr. Jeff Gould, Principal, Jefferson School; Mr. Nick Mahan, WIXN Radio; Mrs. Danette Dallgas-Frey, WSDR Radio; Mr. Derek Barichello, Telegraph, and several Dixon Teachers and members of the community.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mrs. Sandra Sodergren-Baar, Teacher and DEA President, led the Board of Education, administrative staff and visitors in the Pledge of Allegiance.
The DHS Madrigals performed holiday music selections for the Board members and others who were in attendance.
CONSENT AGENDA
A motion was made by Ms. Tourtillott, seconded by Mr. LeMoine, to approve the consent agenda items as presented.  This motion was submitted to a roll call vote with the following results: Voting yea--LeMoine, Sward, Tourtillott, Schielein, Greenwalt, Lenox and Balser.  Voting nay--none.  Motion unanimously approved.
a.    Approved the minutes of the regular meeting on November 14, 2012 and the minutes from the special meeting on November 26, 2012;
b.    Approved the Monthly Bills and the Treasurer’s Report;
c.    Approved the Monthly Expense Report and Balance Sheet;
d.    Approved the Discipline and Enrollment Report;
e.    Approved the Staff Development Report;
f.    Approved the 2013 Mileage Rate;
g.    Ratified the LCSEA Treasurer’s Report.
CITIZEN’S AGENDA
Mr. Li Arellano, a Dixon businessman who argued against the 1% Sales Tax in a debate conducted by Sauk Valley Media, again spoke out against the District’s proposed sales tax.  He spoke about his concerns and asked Board members to consider not putting the resolution back on the April, 2013 ballot.
Dr. Grady stated that the December Dixon Public Schools Foundation Student of the Month will be introduced at the January meeting.

Mr. Bullock introduced Katlyn Bay and Amber McCaw as the December 2012 Reagan Middle School Students of the Month.  Mr. Bullock acknowledged them for their leadership and academic excellence. 
Mr. Gould acknowledged Jefferson School’s KID’s Club and Early Act for their continued community involvement.    KID’s Club is currently collecting nonperishable items for their food drive and Early Act recently raised $1,200 to purchase books for the ECE program and the preschoolers. 
Mr. Juenger reported that Ms. Johnson notified him the well-attended “Fun with Fathers” was held at Lincoln School on December 5th and 6th.  After stories were read to the students, they and their father, or father figure, were able to participate in variety of activities that were set up by the Physical Education staff at Lincoln School.
Mr. Juenger reported that Ms. Johnson informed him the Lincoln School’s Second graders will be presenting “Twinkle and Shine” on Wednesday, December 19, 2012 at 8:00 a.m.  Board members received an invitation to this event that will be directed by Mrs. Wirchnianski, Music teacher at Lincoln School.
Mr. Rick reported that Washington School’s students are promoting service learning projects. Board members were informed Mrs. Carie Ramirez is chairing the collection of health care products, stating students have collected over 10 big boxes that will be sent to St. Jude’s Hospital.  Washington School is also having a food drive, so far 10 to 12 big boxes of items have been collected.
Mr. Schultz reported the door project has been completed; acknowledged the Building Trades Class for their hard work in construction of the cold storage area at the District Office; and reported since the weather has been relatively pleasant for this time of year and the plows have not been needed, it benefits the District as it helps in keeping the fuel bills lower. 
Mr. Empen reviewed the highlights from the Fall Season and reported on the upcoming event, The True Facts about College Athletic Recruiting.  Mr. Doug Plank will be the presenter on Monday, February 11, 2013 at 7:00 p.m. in the Dixon High School Auditorium.
BOARD COMMENT
Mr. Balser thanked the teachers for coming to the meeting.
Mr. Balser acknowledged the holiday entertainment that was performed by Dixon High School students.  He also announced that he is coming to the end of his term and that he would not be running for a seat in the April 2013 election after serving the District for 12 years.  He stated that the time he has spent on the Board has been one of the most important times in his life, adding that there are still a couple things he would like to accomplish before stepping down.
CORRESPONDENCES
None
INFORMATION ITEMS
Board members and administrators reported on the ideas learned while attending workshops, tours and panel sessions at the November School Board Conference in Chicago held on November 16-18, 2012.
Dr. Grady provided Board members with a news release on students from Dixon High School who have been recognized as 2013-14 Illinois State Scholars.   The prestigious award, given annually by the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC), recognized 17,515 high school students who rank in the top ten percent of high school seniors from 773 difference high schools from across the State of Illinois.  This year’s winners are Michael Barth, Brenan Chacon, Thomas Clemens, Kacie Dillow, Bryce Fellows, Kurt Gale, Joseph Hammitt, Jeremy Harris, Aaron Helander, Jennifer Hickey, Justin Hohlen, Michael Jenkins, Matthew Kerr, Todd Landherr, Jordan Lorenz, Hayley Thomas, John Thomas, Vivian Villegas, and Mackenzie Wolfley.
Mr. Juenger reported that at the last Administrator’s meeting, discussion was held on how to present the District’s student achievement data and describe what they are most proud of.  Administrators were asked to provide the Board with 3 primary data points (ISAT/PSAE, MAP and AIMSweb), and explain how the data correlates to one another.  Mr. Juenger explained that this information will be provided at either the January meeting or the Board Planning meeting.  One example was provided of improvements that are being made in Reagan Middle School’s math.
Mr. Juenger reported that there seems to be a fair amount of interest regarding the Sports and Activity Center and the 1% Sales Tax.  He added that he has been approached by other Superintendents from Lee County asking for the question to be placed on the ballot again in the April, 2013 election.  Four of the Lee County Superintendents are asking their Board to pass the resolution at their December meeting.  Ogle County Superintendents have also approached Mr. Juenger asking if the Board would pass a resolution in favor of the 1% in Ogle County since Dixon Public Schools have students who reside in Ogle County.  Mr. Juenger stated that Whiteside County Schools are also putting the question on the ballot for April.  Board members were informed that Mr. Juenger, working with Mr. Schultz, have firmed up the District’s cost analysis pertaining to a new Sports and Activities Center.
Board members were informed the House unanimously passed an amendment to Senate Bill 338 that was for this year only, moving the filing deadline from 106 to 104 days before the election.  This year’s deadline would have been 5:00 p.m. on December 24, 2012, otherwise recognized as Christmas Eve by most people.  Without the change, school districts across the State would have to have remained open until 5:00 p.m. on Christmas Eve to received filing petitions from candidates for school board elections.  The filing period begins when the office opens for business at 7:30 a.m. on Monday, December 17, 2012, (this date has not changed).  Illinois law provides that names will be listed on the ballot in the in which they are filed.  The last day to file has been changed to December 26, 2012 at 5:00 p.m.   Dixon Public Schools is closed for Winter Break from Thursday, December 20, 2012 through Wednesday, January 2, 2013.  The Office of the Superintendent of Dixon Public Schools will be open at 1335 Franklin Grove Road on Wednesday, December 26, 2012 from 3:00 p.m. though 5:00 p.m. to accept and file nominating papers for candidates running for school board.
Board members were informed that the process of determining the value of the Grand Detour School property has been started.  Mr. Juenger explained that he was advised against getting an appraisal because there are no real comparables, stating Attorney Tim Zollinger thought a “fair market evaluation” would be better.
Board members were asked to consider Saturday, January 26, 2013 from 8:00 a.m. to Noon as a possible date for their annual “Charge.”
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
a. A motion was made by Kevin Sward, seconded by Ms. Tourtillott, to approve the second reading of the amended board policies and exhibits:  2:20 – Board of Education – Powers and Duties of the Board of Education; 2:30 – Board of Education – School District Elections; 2:110 – Board of Education – Qualifications, Term, and Duties of Board Officers; 2:125 – Board of Education – Board Member Expenses; 2:140-E – Board of Education – Exhibit- Guidance for Board Member Communications, Including Email Use; 2:200 – Board of Education – Types of Board of Education Meetings; 2:220 – Board of Education – Board of Education Meeting Procedure; 4:45 – Operational Services – Insufficient Fund Checks and Debt Recovery; 4:100 – Operational Services – Insurance Management;  4:110 – Operational Services – Transportation; 4:170 – Operational Services – Safety; 5:30 – General Personnel – Hiring Process and Criteria; 5:125 – General Personnel – Personal Technology and Social Media; Usage and Conduct; 6:60 – Instruction – Curriculum Content; 6:65 – Instruction – Student Social and Emotional Development; 6:110 – Instruction – Programs for Students At Risk of Academic Failure and/or Dropping Out of School and Graduation Incentives Program; and 6:210 – Instruction – Instructional Materials. Voting yea--Sward, Tourtillott, Schielein, Jacobs, Lenox, LeMoine and Balser.  Voting nay--none.   Motion approved.
b. A motion was made by Mr. Schielein, seconded by Mr. LeMoine, to adopt the Resolution and Certificate of Levy for FY 12 as proposed.   Voting yea--Tourtillott, Schielein, Jacobs, Lenox, LeMoine, Sward and Balser. Voting nay--none.   Motion approved.
c. A motion was made by Ms. Tourtillott, seconded by Mr. Jacobs, to approve the items on the following personnel.  This motion was submitted to a roll call vote with the following results:  Voting yea--Schielein, Jacobs, Lenox, LeMoine, Sward, Tourtillott and Balser. Voting nay--none.  Motion unanimously approved.
PERSONNEL

•    Approve the resignation of Kimberly Weinstock, Part-time Assistant, Washington School, effective December 7, 2012;
•    Approve the resignation of Melanie Reis, Teacher Assistant, Washington School, effective January 3, 2013;
•    Approve the request for family medical leave of Amy Ebert, Guidance Counselor, Dixon High School, January 7, 2013 through February 15, 2013(29 days);
•    Approve the employment of Deanne Loomis, Full-time Teacher Assistant, Dixon High School, effective December 13, 2012;
•    Approve the resignation of Maureen Eccles, Assistant Volleyball Coach, Dixon High School, effective November 30, 2012;
•    Approve the employment of the following coaches and advisors for the 2012-13 school year:
Dave Smith, Weight Room Supervisor; Dixon High School;
Michael Jarrett, Volunteer Assistant Baseball Coach, Dixon High School;
Lloyd Johnson, Girls Basketball Athletic Study Hall Supervisor, Reagan Middle School;
•    Approve the employment of the following coaches and advisors for the 2013-14 school year:
Evan Thorpe, Head Cross Country Coach, Dixon High School;
Chris Bishop, Cross Country Coach, Dixon High School;
Dave Smith, Head Football Coach, Dixon High School;
Bruce Luther, Assistant Football Coach, Dixon High School;
Jason LaMendola, Assistant Football Coach, Dixon High School;
Greer Collins, Assistant Football Coach, Dixon High School;
Brandon Woodward, Assistant Football Coach, Dixon High School;
Scott Hennings, Assistant Football Coach, Dixon High School;
Hank Haime, Assistant Football Coach, Dixon High School;
Dustin Bock, Assistant Football Coach, Dixon High School;
Pat Lessner, Boys Golf Coach, Dixon High School;
Mahmoud Etemadi, Head Boys Soccer Coach, Dixon High School;
Josh Brigl, Assistant Boys Soccer Coach, Dixon High School;
Steve Boll, Head Girls Tennis Coach, Dixon High School;
Emma Hubbs, Assistant Girls Tennis Coach, Dixon High School;
Kelsey Polte, Head Volleyball Coach, Dixon High School;
Melissa Lawrence, Assistant Volleyball Coach, Dixon High School;
Adriana Blanford, Head Cross Country, Reagan Middle School;
Ashley Keesy, Volleyball Coach, Reagan Middle School;
Jennifer Magnafici, Volleyball Coach, Reagan Middle School;
Kelly Gabbert, Volleyball Coach, Reagan Middle School.
SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT
Mr. Juenger reported that the Dixon High School Choir will be performing their Holiday Concert on Thursday, December 13, 2012 at 7:00 p.m. in the Dixon High School Auditorium.
Mr. Juenger reported that Mr. Blackburn, Mrs. Empen and he would be having lunch with Representative-Elect Tom Demmer and Senator Tim Bivins on Thursday, December 13, 2012.  In-depth discussion will be held on the impacts of recent legislation as well as how future decisions could affect the Dixon Public Schools. 
ADJOURNMENT
A motion was made by Ms. Tourtillott, seconded by Mr. LeMoine, to adjourn to executive session at 8:30 p.m. for the purpose of discussing the appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance or dismissal of specific employees; student disciplinary case, and other matters relating to individual students; collective bargaining; and/or the purchase, sale or lease of real property.  This motion was submitted to a roll call vote with the following results:  Voting yea--Sward, Tourtillott, LeMoine, Schielein, Jacobs, Lenox and Balser.  Voting nay--none.  Motion unanimously approved.
A motion was made by Ms. Tourtillott, seconded by Mr. Sward, to reconvene to open session at 9:58.m.  This motion was submitted to a roll call vote with the following results:  Voting yea-- Sward, Tourtillott, LeMoine, Schielein, Jacobs, Lenox and Balser.  Voting nay--none.  Motion unanimously approved.
ADJOURNMENT
A motion was made by Ms. Tourtillott, seconded by Mr. Sward, to adjourn at 9:58 p.m.  By voice vote, motion unanimously approved.