Robein Grade School

Board of Education Meeting

May 17, 2005

 

President Norvill called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.

 

Members present:  Mr. Norvill, Ms. Cunefare, Mr. Dearing, Mr. Newlan, Mrs. Pool, and Mrs. Potts.  Ms. Schwader arrived at 6:51 p.m.

 

Members absent:  None

Guests:  None

 

 

Approval of Minutes:

 

Approve minutes of the April 21, 2005 regular meeting as presented:

 

President Norvill asked for a motion to approve the April 21, 2005 regular meeting minutes as presented: 

 

Motion by Newlan, seconded by Schwader to approve the April 21, 2005 regular meeting minutes.  Motion carried.

 

Approve amended minutes of the April 21, 2005 executive session:

 

President Norvill asked for a motion to approve the amended April 21, 2005 executive session minutes: 

 

Motion by Dearing, seconded by Potts to approve the amended April 21, 2005 executive session minutes.  Motion carried.

 

 

Treasurer’s Report: 

 

President Norvill asked for any corrections or updates.  Superintendent Mueller explained that per the auditor’s request, checks were written from the Imprest Fund for  State Track Meet expenses.  State Track Meet checks were deposited in the Imprest Fund.  Profits from the meet were put into the General Fund. 

 

President Norvill inquired about the $300 for the deposit for the Retirement Party for Robein staff.  Superintendent Mueller reported that the deposit would be refunded.

 

President Norvill requested from Superintendent Mueller to have an itemized breakdown of the board travel line item by the next board meeting.

 

Motion by Dearing, seconded by Pool to approve the Treasurer’s Report.  On roll call, the following votes were recorded:

 

YEAS:                Norvill, Cunefare, Dearing, Newlan, Pool, and Potts

 

NAYS:            None

 

ABSTAIN:      Schwader

 

Approval of Warrants:

 

President Norvill asked for any questions or concerns.  Board Member Dearing asked about the legal service bill.  Superintendent Mueller responded that he had met with the attorney about Media Center issues.  Board member Dearing discussed at this time explaining to the new board members a condensed version of the Warrants.  President Norvill articulated that the new board members meet with Superintendent Mueller at another date regarding this matter.

 

Motion by Dearing, seconded by Newlan for approval of warrants as presented.  On roll call, the following votes were recorded:

 

YEAS:                Norvill, Cunefare, Dearing, Newlan, Pool, Potts, and Schwader

 

NAYS:            None

 

Old Business:

 

A.     Athletic Committee:

 

President Norvill turned discussion over to board member Cunefare, who is currently on the Athletic Committee.  Cunefare discussed cheerleading specifics.  The committee recommended that 5th – 7th grade girls would be able to attend try-outs.  The top twelve girls would make the squad.  The committee wants to keep this a consistent policy for a few years until it’s an appropriate time for revision.  Board member Dearing disagreed with this recommendation of going down one grade.  He expressed that it potentially takes the opportunity away from the older girls who might not make the squad.  Board member Newlan agreed with Dearing.  He suggested not going down to 5th grade until there are not enough 6th and 7th grade girls to fill the quota. 

 

President Norvill reported that coaches need comfortable parameters set up for them to follow.  He stated that last year at this time there was a great void in communication with the cheerleading policy.  It was open to the discretion of the teacher/coach to fill the spots.  He explained that, “As a board, we are not supposed to micro-manage.  We can raise concerns and questions.  We do, however, have the right or privilege to question recommendations from different committees.”  He stated that the cheerleading constitution needed to be reviewed in order to proceed with a decision.  Superintendent Mueller stated that he would check into other local school cheerleading policies.  At this time the discussion was tabled until the June Board Meeting.   

 

 

Superintendent Report and Recommendations:

 

A.     Conference Track Meet:

 

Superintendent Mueller thanked all volunteers, stating that they had put their heart and souls into making this event a success.  The I.E.S.A. Director told Mueller that this was the best track meet that they had.  Mueller thanked Mother Nature for the good weather.  He stated that the parking also went very well.  He asked the teachers to submit a “desire” list to spend from the proceeds.  The top “desire” was a T.V. and VCR in each classroom.  Next was a laptop computer with a projector for Power Point presentations and projects.  Overall, Superintendent Mueller stated that the track meet was a very good success.

 

President Norvill publicly thanked Eric Popken, Superintendent Mueller, Dan Visocky (our mentor), Mrs. Hayword, Steve Buttice, and Mrs. Bare for parking coordination.  Norvill acknowledged that he would be putting together a formal track meet manual answering all who, when, where, and why questions, City Contacts, barricades, sign information, etc.  Superintendent Mueller replied that a meeting would be held on June 2nd at 4:00 p.m. with key participants to discuss all of the details.

 

B.     Building Update:

 

Superintendent Mueller reported that he had met with the contractor on May 6th.  All work will begin on June 1st and should be completed by July 30th.  The parking lot repair will not begin on June 1st because it is not as urgent as other projects.  Superintendent Mueller also discussed the kitchen steam tables, stating that they are 40 years old and getting dangerous.  Cilco said they have gas leaks.  The cooks are down to using only two trays.  After Superintendent Mueller made inquiries from Pasquel, Wilbert and Hawkeye Foods regarding replacement, he stated that his recommendation would be to utilize Pasquel to purchase the steam table.  The cost would be $1,735.00, which also includes four aluminum water pans, delivery and installation.

 

Motion by Potts, seconded by Cunefare for approval of purchasing a new steam table from Pasquel for a cost of $1,735.00 with them handling the delivery and installation.  On roll call, the following votes were recorded:

 

YEAS:                Norvill, Cunefare, Dearing, Newlan, Pool, Potts, and Schwader

 

NAYS:           None

 

 

 

 

C.     Discipline Update:

 

Assistant Principal Vandemore was on the 8th grade field trip.  Superintendent Mueller reported that the expelled student was suspended from the Safe School, but will be allowed to do finals and return next school year.

 

D.    Retention:

 

Superintendent Mueller stated that the following would be retained:

 

·        8th grade:  1 boy and 1 girl

·        7th grade:  2 boys and 1 girl

·        6th grade:  possibly 2 boys

·        5th grade:  1 boy

 

He reported that certified letters have already gone out to the 8th grade students who would be retained, stating that they would not be going on the Six Flags field trip, nor attending school the rest of the week due to Graduation practice.  He stated that both had been retained once before and Study Hall will be mandatory for these students at least two times a week next school year.

 

President Norvill discussed putting in the policy manual that retained students must attend Study Hall.

 

New Business:

 

A.     Resolution in support of SB 750:

 

Superintendent Mueller explained that by supporting the SB 750 Robein would generate $200,000 more per year due to taxes coming from income taxes rather than property taxes.  He reported that some monies would still be obtained from property tax.

 

Motion by Dearing, seconded by Schwader for approval of the resolution as presented.  On roll call, the following votes were recorded:

 

YEAS:                Norvill, Cunefare, Dearing, Newlan, Pool, Potts, and Schwader

 

NAYS:            None

 

B.     Approve extra-curricular assignments for 2005-06:

 

Motion by Dearing, seconded by Newlan for approval of the 2005-06 extra-curricular assignments with additions of Suchocki doing track and rocket extra to be determined at a later date.  On roll call, the following votes were recorded:

 

YEAS:                Norvill, Cunefare, Dearing, Newlan, Pool, Potts, and Schwader

 

NAYS:           None

 

 

C.     Property/Casualty/Workers Comp Insurance:

 

Superintendent Mueller reported that after 911 property and casualty insurance went up 70 some percent.  He had a quote form the Unland Companies and has checked with some other schools who use them.  The other schools were all very happy with Unland’s services.  East Peoria Community High School also uses Unland Companies.  President Norvill requested that Mueller acquire further bids and check other school districts for the June board meeting.

 

D.    Transportation:

 

Superintendent Mueller stated that he had spoken with E.P.C.H.S. on May 12th regarding transportation.  The cost would go from the current $150 per day to $225.  Last year’s cost was $26,000.  This year the cost would be $39,600, which would include the extras, special education transportation, and Safe School routes added.  He asked Mr. Cobert about a three-year contract extension, but can only get a two-year contract extension.  Originally E.P.C.H.S. Superintendent Cobert wanted $250 a day, but Superintendent Mueller talked him down to $225 a day.

 

Motion by Newlan, seconded by Dearing to give Superintendent Mueller permission to negotiate with E.P.C.H.S. for a new transportation contract, not to exceed $39,600 with field trips, extra curricular, special education, and Safe School transportation included.  He is to further ask for line item clarification.  On roll call, the following votes were recorded:

 

YEAS:                Norvill, Cunefare, Dearing, Newlan, Pool, Potts, and Schwader

 

NAYS:            None

 

 

Other Business:

 

A.     Graduation:

 

Graduation will be held on May 19th at 7:00 p.m.  President Norvill will be on stage to congratulate the graduating students.

 

B.     Awards Assembly:    

 

The Awards Assembly will be held on May 20th at 9:00 a.m.

 

C.     End of Year School Carnival:

 

The end of year School Carnival will be held on Monday, May 23rd at 10:45 a.m.

 

 

 

President Norvill reminded the board about the retirement celebration on Sunday from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.  He asked for any other business.  With none, the board broke until executive session.

 

Motion by Dearing, seconded by Newlan to adjourn to executive session at 7:28 p.m.  Motion carried.

 

Executive Session:

The board entered executive session at 7:38PM.

 

The Board re-entered open session at 8:58PM.

 

Motion by Dearing/Schwader to hire Stacy Cady as school board recording secretary at $50 per meeting.

 

Roll Call Vote

YEAS:                Norvill, Cunefare, Dearing, Newlan, Pool, Potts, and Schwader

 

NAYS:            None

 

Motion by Dearing/Schwader to hire Steve Buttice as Baseball Coach for the 2005 season at $1115.

 

Roll Call Vote

YEAS:                Norvill, Cunefare, Dearing, Newlan, Pool, Potts, and Schwader

 

NAYS:            None

 

 

Motion by Dearing/Schwader to accept Mr. Phil Vandemore’s retirement at the end of the 2004-2005 school year.

 

Roll Call Vote

YEAS:                Norvill, Cunefare, Dearing, Newlan, Pool, Potts, and Schwader

 

NAYS:            None

 

 

 

 

 

 

Motion by Schwader/ Dearing to hire Jane Haley as Substitute Coordinator for $225 per month for the 2005-2006 school year.

 

Roll Call Vote

YEAS:                Norvill, Cunefare, Dearing, Newlan, Pool, Potts, and Schwader

 

NAYS:            None

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

______________________________                                         _____________________________

Steve Norvill, President                                                                  Chris Dearing, Secretary