REGULAR MEETING – January 16, 2013

At 6:00 p.m., before the Board meeting, Board members and the public were invited to take a tour of Reagan Middle School. In the absence of Mr. Tom Balser, Mr. Tom LeMoine was appointed President Pro-Tem and in the absence of Mr. Kevin Sward, Ms. Pam Tourtillott was appointed Secretary Pro-Tem.

The Board of Education met in regular session in the Cafeteria at Reagan Middle School on Wednesday, January 16, 2013, at 6:30 p.m. Notification of the meeting together with an agenda and other Board material had been mailed on January 11, 2013 to the individual Board members and news media.

ROLL CALL

Present:  Mr. Tom LeMoine, President Pro-Tem; Ms. Pam Tourtillott, Secretary Pro-Tem, Mr. Woody Lenox, Mr. John Jacobs and Mr. Jim Schielein 

Electronically Present:    None

Absent:  Mr. Kevin Sward and Mr. Tom Balser

Also present were:  Mr. Michael Juenger, Superintendent; Mrs. Margo Empen, Assistant Superintendent; Mr. David Blackburn, Business Manager; Mr. Kevin Schultz, Director of Buildings and Grounds; Dr. Michael Grady, Principal, Dixon High School; Ms. Karen Price, Assistant Principal, Dixon High School;  Mr. Chris Tennyson, Assistant Principal, Dixon High School; Mr. Jeff Gould, Principal, Jefferson School; Mr. Andy Bullock, Principal, Reagan Middle School; Ms. Sue Johnson, Principal, Lincoln School; Mr. Matt Magnafici, Assistant Principal, Reagan Middle School; Mr. Jon Empen, Activities Director; Mrs. Danette Dallgas-Frey, WSDR radio; Mr. Derek Barichello, Telegraph; Mr. Nick Mahan, WIXN radio; Ms. Laura Weber and Mr. Bob Fogarty, representatives from GRP Mechanical Company Inc.; and several Dixon teachers and members of the community.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

Mr. Dave Blackburn, District Business Manager, led the Board of Education, administrative staff and visitors in the Pledge of Allegiance.

CONSENT AGENDA

A motion was made by Mr. Schielein, seconded by Ms. Tourtillott, to approve the consent agenda items as presented.  This motion was submitted to a roll call vote with the following results: Voting yea--Tourtillott, Schielein, Lenox, Jacobs and LeMoine.  Voting nay--none.  Motion unanimously approved.
a.    Approved the minutes of the regular meeting of December 12, 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.    Ratified the LCSEA Treasurer’s Report;
g.    Ratified the Diesel Fuel Bid.

CITIZEN’S AGENDA

Mrs. Sandi Sodegren-Baar, Teacher and DEA President, asked the Board of Education to give serious consideration to the teachers of the Dixon Education Association and work diligently to negotiate a fair contract.

Mr. Dolph Ricks, Teacher and DEA Head Negotiator, quoted cartoonist Charles Schultz on a couple of quizzes that make an important point in relationships to the people who make a difference in your life.

Mrs. Catherine Ratts, Teacher, emphasized on the 3 R’s banners that hang at Reagan Middle School and how they focus on practicing Respect, Readiness and Responsibility.  She spoke about how those three words correlated with the needs in special education and the ongoing negotiations.

Mrs. Beth Verdick, a parent, asked Board members to encourage staff to recheck their STAR system in order to ensure all students are safe after experiencing an incident involving her daughter.

Mr. Ulysses Arn, Member of the Sauk Valley Tea Party, asked Board members to not vote yes on the 1% Sales Tax and stated that the community has been taxed enough.

Mr. Chris Hammitt, a business owner and a parent of two children in the school system, asked Board members to not vote yes on the 1% Sales Tax.  He stated academics were of more importance to him and that he could not support the decision at this time, as he felt the focus seemed to be solely on an athletics facility.   

Mr. Bullock introduced Renata Young and Justin Wiggins as the January 2013 Reagan Middle School Students of the Month.  Mr. Bullock acknowledged them for their leadership and academic excellence. 

Mr. Bullock recognized the efforts of Mrs. JoAnn Hamer and her art students who are doing the Pillar of Kindness ceiling tiles throughout the hallways of Reagan Middle School.  Racquelle Fazekas, Faith Garnhart, Mary Hidebrand and Katlyn Godman each spoke about what inspired them personally to create their work.

Ms. Johnson stated Lincoln School’s benchmark testing is almost completely done and wanted to publically thank her staff.  Board members were informed that Lincoln School students will be celebrating President Abraham Lincoln’s birthday by displaying over 100 art items, and second and third grade classes, under the direction of Mrs. Nadia Wirchiniaski, Lincoln School music teacher, will be performing plays.
Mr. Gould stated that Jefferson School recently held a Math-A-Thon program, under the direction of Mrs. Janet Tschosik.  Students in fourth and fifth grade participated in the St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital program and with the help of staff raised $4,372 to help children battling cancer and other catastrophic childhood diseases.

Dr. Grady introduced the Dixon Public Schools Foundation Students of the Month, Aaron Helander, for December and MacKenzie Wolfley, for January.   Both are seniors at Dixon High School and received their award based on their excellence in academics and their involvement in other activities during their four years. 

BOARD COMMENT

None

CORRESPONDENCE

A thank you card was received from the family of Lu Burke in memory of her husband.

INFORMATION ITEMS

Mr. Jon Empen and Mrs. Kenda Bailey presented a Power-Point presentation on the activity within the Activities Department, including the scheduling of winter practices and events.  The presentation showed that minimal space is available for the many athletic and activity events that go on daily in the District. 

Mr. Empen reported Brooke Bailey surpassed the 1000 point mark in scoring on the last day of the Girls Christmas Tournament.  Board members were informed that she is currently number 4 on the all-time scoring list with 1,060; number 3 is Becky Fisher with 1,240 points; Tara Michels is number 2 with 2,005 points; and number one is Tammy Turner with 2,286 points.  He also stated Boys Bowling won the NIB 12 Conference Tournament. 

Earlier a building tour of Reagan Middle School started at 6:00 p.m. in order to review areas of proposed changes regarding the energy performance for those who attended.  In September the Board authorized the process for an Energy Performance Contract.  A Request for Proposal was sent out and the District received five completed proposals back from Energy Savings Companies (ESCOs).  A selection committee which included Mr. Juenger, Mr. LeMoine, Mr. Jacobs, Mr. Blackburn, Mr. Whisenand and Mr. Schultz was formed to review and narrow the selection to 2 perspective final ESCOs to work with the District. During the review process by the committee it, was determined to move forward with just one company, GRP.

Board members were introduced to Ms. Laura Weber and Mr. Bob Fogarty, representatives from GRP.  In December there was a meeting with GRP and the committee where several ideas were discussed to move forward with the Request for Proposal process. This meeting brought forth an alternative approach to that process which was different than what was originally intended. The original plan was for District lighting and windows in the Middle School new section, and some control work on HVAC equipment. 

A follow-up meeting was held January 4, 2013. In this meeting, there was a consensus decision by the committee to bring the following information to the Board of Education. In both of the last meetings, there was a team decision to potentially take the performance contract in a different direction and focus on one building, Reagan Middle School, as the committee thought this would bring the District the most value.  The recommendation is to renovate the entire school, thus allowing the best long term impact for the District in a holistic approach.

Board members were informed that on Tuesday, January 8, 2013 an ISBE Audit of both Dixon Unit School District and Lee County Special Education was concluded.  Mr. Blackburn reported that all in all it was a very favorable audit.

The Board Planning meeting for the 2013-14 school year will be held on Saturday, January 26, 2013 from 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.  Discussion will be held on finances, buildings and grounds, and staffing.  Board members were asked to contact Mr. Juenger if there were any other areas that they would like addressed at that time.  This meeting is open to the public.

Mr. Juenger reported that in an effort to introduce the candidates to the work of the Board, he has invited them back to school for a “School Board Member 101” class.  The purpose of the class is to provide them with basic understanding of school finance, board governance, and the responsibilities of a school board member.  This is scheduled for Wednesday, January 23, 2013 at 7:00 p.m. at the District Office.

Mr. Juenger reported that all Dixon Board of Education members have successfully completed their Open Meetings Act training as required by P.A. 97-504.

Mr. Juenger asked Board members if there was any interest in forming a Stupor Bowl team.  The event is Saturday, February 2, 2013 at Reagan Middle School. 

Board members were informed that two separate meetings were held with the Dixon Police Department and a comprehensive review of the District’s procedures was completed.  Mr. Juenger reported that the officers were complimentary of the District’s procedures, stating that two recommendations were also being implemented. 

Board members were informed that the State Board of Education has developed a survey for all teachers, parents and students in grades 6-12.  The Illinois 5Essentials Survey is voluntary and the results will be a part of the new School Report Cards.  Mrs. Empen reported that Board members will be updated on this information at their February meeting.

NEW BUSINESS

a.    A motion was made by Mr. Lenox, seconded by Mr. Jacobs, to accept the recommendation to approve the schedule for the Board of Education meeting dates for the 2013-14 school year as presented. This motion was submitted to a roll call vote with the following results:  Voting yea--Tourtillott, Schielein, Jacobs, Lenox and LeMoine.  Voting nay--none.  Motion unanimously approved.

b. A motion was made by Ms. Tourtillott, seconded by Mr. Schielein, to approve the High School and Middle School Rising Star Improvement Plans as presented. This motion was submitted to a roll call vote with the following results:  Voting yea--Schielein, Jacobs, Lenox, Tourtillott and LeMoine.  Voting nay--none.  Motion unanimously approved.

c.    A motion was made by Mr. Lenox, seconded by Ms. Tourtillott, to approve the Dixon High School Social Studies Department recommendation to transfer the Constitution test from the Government Class to the U.S. History Class and approve the change in the number of social studies credits required for graduation from 3.5 to 3 as presented. This motion was submitted to a roll call vote with the following results:  Voting yea--Jacobs, Lenox, LeMoine, Tourtillott and Schielein.  Voting nay--none.  Motion unanimously approved

d.    A motion was made by Ms. Tourtillott, seconded by Mr. Schielein, to approve the Retailer’s Occupation Tax and Service Tax Resolution in Lee and Ogle Counties as presented.  This motion was submitted to a roll call vote with the following results:  Voting yea--LeMoine, Tourtillott, Schielein, Jacobs.  Voting nay--Lenox.  Motion carried.

SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT

Mr. Juenger reported that he attended the Northwest Division Superintendents’ meeting earlier this week.  Information was provided on the Illinois State Board of Education's 2013-14 Budget cuts, which included discussion on the State Aid funding.  Superintendents’ were told to hope for at least 85% or no less than $183,000 from 2012-13.

Board members were told that $7,200 was donated from Donaldson Inc., for the Dixon High School Digital Media Class.

ADJOURNMENT

A motion was made by Ms. Tourtillott, seconded by Mr. Lenox, to adjourn to executive session at 8:21 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--LeMoine, Tourtillott, Lenox, Jacobs and Schielein.  Voting nay--none.  Motion unanimously approved.

A motion was made by Ms. Tourtillott, seconded by Mr. Schielein, to reconvene to open session at 9:58 p.m.  This motion was submitted to a roll call vote with the following results:  Voting yea--LeMoine, Tourtillott, Lenox, Jacobs and Schielein.  Voting nay--none.  Motion unanimously approved.
e.    A motion was made by Mr. Schielein, seconded by Ms. Tourtillott, to approve the following personnel items.   This motion was submitted to a roll call vote with the following results:  Voting yea--Tourtillott, Lenox, Jacobs, Schielein and LeMoine.  Voting nay--none.  Motion approved.

Dixon School District #170
•    Approve the employment of Pearl George, Part-time Custodian, Washington School, effective January 17, 2013;
•    Approve the employment of Michele Cumberland, Full-time Teacher Assistant, Washington School, effective January 17, 2013;
•    Approve the change in status of Carole McPhillips, from Part-time Teacher Assistant, to Full-time Teacher Assistant, Washington School, effective January 17, 2013;
•    Approve the resignation of Ashley Keesy, Teacher Assistant, Reagan Middle School, effective January 25, 2013;
•    Approve the resignation of Ashley Keesy, Volleyball Assistant, Reagan Middle School, effective 2013-14 season;
•    Approve the employment of the following coaches and advisors for the 2012-13 school year:
Jason LaMendola, Assistant Boys Track Coach, Dixon High School;
Whitney Didier, Assistant Girls Track Coach, Dixon High School;
Jessica Shanyfelt, Developmental Girls Basketball Coach, Reagan Middle School.

f.    A motion was made by Mr. LeMoine, seconded by Ms. Tourtillott, to approve the dismissal of Allan Schwertfeger due to a permanent disability as described in Board Policy 5:180.  This motion was submitted to a roll call vote with the following results:  Voting yea--Lenox, Jacobs, Schielein, Tourtillott and LeMoine.  Voting nay--none.  Motion approved.

g.    A motion was made by Mr. LeMoine, seconded by Mr. Schielein, to approve the Expulsion of Student E9775 as presented. The length of the expulsion is for two semesters and the student can return to school on the first day of the second semester of the 2013-14 school year.  If the student successfully completes the 2nd semester of the 2012-13 school year and two classes during the summer school session, student E9775 may return to Dixon High School for the start of the 2013-14 school year. This motion was submitted to a roll call vote with the following results:  Voting yea--Jacobs, Schielein, Tourtillott, Lenox and LeMoine.  Voting nay--None.  Motion carried.

ADJOURNMENT

A motion was made by Mr. Lenox, seconded by Ms. Tourtillott, to adjourn at 10:05 p.m.  By voice vote, motion unanimously approved.