Robein Grade School

Board of Education Meeting

January 19, 2006

 

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

 

Members present:  Ms. Cunefare, Mr. Newlan, Mr. Norvill, Mrs. Pool, Mrs. Potts, and Ms. Schwader. 

 

Members absent:  Mr. Dearing arrived at 6:24 p.m.

Guests:  Mr. Vandemore and Channel 22 Representative

 

Citizens Request/Public Participation:  None

 

Approval of Minutes:

 

Approve minutes of the Special Meeting held on December 8, 2005 as presented:

 

Motion by Newlan, seconded by Potts to approve the December 8, 2005 special meeting minutes as presented.  Motion carried.

 

Approve executive session minutes of the December 8, 2005 special meeting as presented:

 

Motion by Cunefare, seconded by Potts to approve the December 8, 2005 executive session special meeting minutes as presented.  Motion carried.

 

Approve minutes of the December 19, 2005 regular meeting as amended:

 

Motion by Newlan, seconded by Potts to approve the December 19, 2005 regular meeting minutes as amended.  Motion carried.

 

Approve executive session minutes of the December 19, 2005 regular meeting as presented:

 

Motion by Newlan, seconded by Pool to approve the December 19, 2005 executive session minutes as presented.  Motion carried.

 

Consent Agenda: 

 

President Norvill asked for any corrections or updates.  Superintendent Peyton discussed that the board needed to pay attention to the bottom line, not each individual line item on the financial report, stating, “We’re in good shape right now.”

 

 

 

 

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

 

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

 

NAYS:            None

 

Approval of Warrants:

 

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

 

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

 

NAYS:            None

 

Superintendent Report and Recommendations:

 

A.     East Peoria Joint Board Committee Meeting:

 

Superintendent Peyton reminded the board about the East Peoria Joint Board Committee meeting to be held at Robein on Thursday, January 26th, at 6:00 p.m. 

 

B.     Discussion of Plans to Conduct Superintendent Search:

 

Superintendent Peyton discussed the need to decide about a Superintendent Search.  He affirmed that the search should start immediately.  He discussed using the I.A.S.B. Consulting Group rather than the Regional Superintendent’s Office that had previously been employed.  The cost would be $3,000.00 - $3,500.00 rather than $1,600.00 for the Regional Superintendent’s Office fee.  Superintendent Peyton discussed Dr. Douglas Blair with I.A.S.B.  Dr. Blair goes around the state and meets with School Boards and Superintendents.  He knows these people and has better contacts.  He has done over 1,000 Superintendent searches.  Superintendent Peyton feels that Robein would be better served in the long run by using I.A.S.B.  A tentative meeting will be held on Monday, March 13th, that would be open to the public.  President Norvill acknowledged that it is the board’s job to secure a Superintendent, “It is worth hiring very qualified personnel to help us.”  He felt it would be very wise on the board’s behalf to secure the help of Dr. Blair.  More discussion will be held during executive session.

 

C.     Report on State Track Activities to Date:

 

Superintendent Peyton stated that there is not a lot to report on at this time.  He has met with Dan Visocky, who he will be the Director and will help to recruit volunteers.  The High School will also be asked for volunteers.  A flyer will be going home soon regarding volunteers, along with a request in the newsletter.  After contacting I.E.S.A. it was reported that Robein has the track contract for three more years, including this year.  The District #86/City of East Peoria recent proposal was discussed.  Superintendent Peyton discussed the Chamber of Commerce Grant for four new air conditioners and the 1,000-amp transformer.

 

Assistant Principal Report:

 

Mr. Vandemore discussed the following:

 

§         Today the 1st graders went to Bradley for a Aesop Fable’s Play

§         On February 10th the 4th graders will be visiting the Lakeview Planetarium

§         This evening is the second day of registration for the 2006-07 Freshman class at EPCHS

§         The 2006-07 student handbooks have been ordered.  Any suggestions or recommendations should be brought to my attention.  The final copy needs to be turned in prior to May 1, 2006 in order to receive a discount

§         The Robein Spelling Bee will be held on February 3rd at 1:30 p.m. in the multi-purpose room.  16 students will be participating

§         EastSide Volleyball is purchasing our old uniforms, as well as paying rent for the use of our gym on two nights a week.  The evening janitor reports they have been very good and there is adequate supervision

§         The 7th-8th grade Valentine’s Day party will be held at Plaza Lanes in Washington.  35 – 40 students will be attending.  For a cost of $5.50 per student they will receive shoes, two games, and a total of 10 pizzas for the group.  Miss Spurgeon, Miss Martin, and Mrs. Cardin will be attending

§         There are two students in the running for top student and runner-up academically in the 8th grade.  The decision will be based upon cumulative grades on May 5, 2006

§         Next Tuesday, January 24th, will be academic awards.  1st – 4th grades will be held at 8:10 a.m.  5th – 8th grades will be held at 2:00 p.m.

§         The first volleyball game will be held at Delavan on Friday, January 20th, at 6:00 p.m.

§         7th Grade Basketball Regionals will be held at South Pekin on Saturday, January 21st

§         The first volleyball home game will be held on Tuesday, January 24th, at 4:25 p.m.

§         8th Grade Basketball Regionals will be held at Delavan on Saturday, January 28th          

 

Committee Reports:

 

A.     Curriculum:

 

Superintendent Peyton discussed the need for updated elementary science books.  His plan this year is to try to get all 5th grade books to maximize the State Free Textbook Loan Program, then see about 4th, 3rd, etc.  “We have to prioritize.”  $600.00 was secured from a ROE Grant for purchase of textbooks. 

 

B.     Technology Committee:

 

Ms. Cunefare reported that the committee met on January 18th.  The server needs upgraded for STI to be in compliance with the State I.D. numbers.  The lab will be re-arranged this summer for the 30 new computers.  Learning Center Coordinator, Natalie Martin, reported that there were only 29 computers.  Jay Wendelin, the Technology Coordinator, will purchase one more.  There is still an ongoing dilemma with the old computers needing carts.   

 

C.     Athletic Committee:

 

Mr. Dearing reported that the committee would be meeting on February 7th at 6:00 p.m.

 

 

Old Business:

 

President Norvill stated that with all to be considered with the proposed Chamber of Commerce grant he would like to look into the feasibility of considering:

 

1.      Air Conditioning

2.      Textbooks

3.   Technology Updates

 

New Business:

 

A.     Approve faculty seniority list for posting February 1, 2006:

 

Motion by Dearing, seconded by Potts to approve the faculty seniority list as presented.  Motion carried.

 

B.     Approve educational support personnel seniority list for posting February 1, 2006:

 

Motion by Dearing, seconded by Cunefare to approve the educational support personnel seniority list as presented.  Motion carried.

 

C.     First reading of Policy 4:170 – Operational Services; and Administrative Procedures for Policy 4:170 – Plan for Responding to a Medical Emergency at an Indoor Physical Fitness Facility”:

 

Motion by Dearing, seconded by Newlan to accept the first reading of Policy 4:170 and Administrative Procedures for Policy 4:170for public display for 30 days and to adopt next month per IASB.  Motion carried.

 

 

 

D.    Other New Business:

 

Mr. Newlan reported that Mrs. Debbie Shadid put together a packet and snacks for the board.  He discussed the Wellness Policy stating that the Federal Guidelines Law will be in place by the 2006-07 school year.  “This program involves the whole community.  Changes have been made in the cafeteria.  Physical Fitness needs to be addressed.  Snacks need to be addressed.”  Mr. Newlan feels a committee should be formed to handle the Wellness Policy.  Ms. Cunefare suggested that the board goes over the packet and have a discussion during the next meeting.  Superintendent Peyton reported that as far as he knows there is no policy or proposed policy in place at this time.  He will get the Federal Regulations by the next meeting.

 

Mr. Newlan wants a copy of the expenditure sheet in the next month’s packet.  His eventual dream is to have new or updated bleachers in the gym to be semi ADA compliant.  Mr. Dearing agreed.  Mrs. Potts discussed playground improvements.  Ms. Cunefare stated that a correspondence from Mrs. Bell showed that there were a few classrooms refusing to use the audio equipment that was purchased.

 

Other Business: 

 

President Norvill thanked Ms. Schwader for getting gift cards and passing them out to staff.  Mr. Dearing asked why the board quit paying for the 8th grade field trip charter bus two years ago.

 

Motion by Dearing, seconded by Newlan to adjourn to executive session, at 8:10 p.m., for the purpose of discussing the appointment, employment, and dismissal of personnel; the semi-annual review of minutes of meetings lawfully closed under the Open Meetings Act, and collective negotiating matters between the public body and its employees or their representatives.  Motion carried.

 

President Norvill called the Board to order in open session at 9:47 p.m.

 

Dearing motioned, and Schwader seconded to continue accept the Contract with IASB to conduct the new superintendent search at a cost not to exceed $3,500.  On roll call, the following votes were recorded:

 

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

 

NAYS: None

 

Dearing motioned, and Potts seconded to retain all reviewed executive minutes to date as closed and confidential.  Motion carried.

 

Motion by Dearing, seconded by Schwader to adjourn the meeting at 9:49 p.m.  Motion carried.

 

 

______________________________                                    _____________________________

Steve Norvill, President                                                            Chris Dearing, Secretary