5-27-03
ROCK ISLAND SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 41
BOARD OF EDUCATION
REGULAR MEETING
May 27, 2003
The regular meeting of the Board of Education of the Rock Island-Milan
School District was held Tuesday, May 27, 2003, in the Library, at
Rock Island High School. The meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m.,
following a Classroom Technology Display in the Library.
Roll Call:
Members Present: Ms. Elma "Mooch" Gay, Mr. Steve
Clark, Mr. Bill Cleaver, Ms. Linda Dothard, Mr. Jim Gremanis, Ms.
Margie Mejia-Caraballo, and Mr. Earl Strupp
Members Absent: Ms. Tierra Hearn, Mr. Dail Rice and Ms. Stephanie Thoms
Staff Present: Dr. Dave Markward, Mr. Bruce Bufe, Dr.
I. V. Foster, Ms. Kay Ingham, Mr. Jay Marino, Mr. Mike Oberhaus, and
Ms. Sue Reading
Approval of Minutes
It was moved by Mr. Jim Gremanis and seconded by Mr. Bill Cleaver to
approve the minutes of the regular meeting of May 13, 2003 as
presented. All members present voting "Aye," the President declared the
motion carried.
Reports from Board Members
Mr. Gremanis stated that the high school baseball team had the
opportunity to play at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, MO on May 4th. The
Rocks had a 7-6 victory over a team from Oak Fallon, with assistance
from guest announcer Dawn Snyder during two innings. Pictures are
available at www.basenuts.com.
Ms. Dothard had the opportunity to listen to the Boston Brass, a
traveling jazz quartet, perform at Hawthorne-Irving Elementary School.
She felt they were a wonderful group of guys who played their music and
taught as well. Ms. Dothard attended the HOSTS Breakfast for mentors at
the Sheraton. She thanked Julie Burns and her staff for preparing a
wonderful meal and program. She also thanked all of the people who
volunteer with our students every week and have a positive impact on
our students.
Mr. Cleaver attended the instrumental music program last week, which
was superb. He feels it is wonderful to see continued progress that the
program produces. He also commended Dawn Snyder and the Key Club for
their presentation at a Kiwanis meeting.
Ms. Gay received correspondence from the IASB regarding the 2003-04
dues schedule and ordering information for the Illinois School Code
Supplement and CD Rom. She forwarded each to Dr. Markward and Mr.
Oberhaus.
Ms. Gay thanked the Teachers Association and Kim Colson for their work
on the Retirement Tea held last week in the Library of Rock Island High
School. She felt the event was very nice, and is enjoyable to see that
many years of experience in one room together. She also heard a lot of
positive comments about the gift of a photo album to the retirees. The
same night she attended the Reading Recovery Graduation at the Deere
Wyman House. Rock Island had two teachers trained in the program who
now have the expertise to help our children become better readers.
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Rock Island-Milan Board of Education Regular Meeting May 27, 2003
Ms. Gay commended the students who were recognized at the Medal of
Honor Banquet. She stated that it was very excited about the comments
she heard from the parents, grandparents, and others in attendance. The
students were well represented. She thanked Lou McLaughlin and her
committee for organizing such a nice banquet.
Ms. Gay stated that Frances Willard Elementary School had their fifth
anniversary program for LAFF. There were only five parents when the
program began; but the Recognition dinner honored over 230 people. Two
families were recognized for never missing a session in five years.
Ms. Gay also attended the band concert, which was a wonderful event.
The students did a really great job, which was a good opportunity for
them to "toot their own horns."
Ms. Gay congratulated Rock Island High School students who were
recently recognized for the following: Dillon Smith and Carmin Green,
Western Big 6 Don Morris "Athlete of the Year" awards, as well as the
Rock Island High School OMelia awards; 2003 All-Winter Sports Team -
Megan Ruthhart and Shelly Muskeyvalley for Gymnastics, Sara Ashenhurst,
Kristin Rice and Brittany Jones for Bowling, Alex McFarland, Chris
Pearson and Terell Williams for Swimming
Ms. Gay commended Earl Hanson fifth graders who were the Third Place
National Winner in the National Current Events League electronic
competition. Individual Honors in the fifth grade were garnered by
Kayla Pearson and Ali Brown. The Sixth Graders were the First Place
National Winner, with Individual Honors taken by Samantha Good, Carl
Davis and Tara Vandygriff. Also, in the Thinking Cap Quiz Bowl, the
Sixth Graders placed second. Congratulations to the students, teacher
Jan Sias, and principal Sheila Wildermuth!
Ms. Gay also commended Linda Golden who was recognized at the 26th
Annual Judicial Awards Banquet. She was recognized for outstanding work
with troubled youth through the variety of innovative and effective
programs she has initiated for her students at the Center.
Report from Superintendent
Dr. Markward requested the addition of an Executive Session to discuss
specific personnel issues as Item X. A.1., with Administrative
Appointments becoming Item X. A.2.
Dr. Markward stated that he spoke with a parent of a Medal of Honor
winner who was convinced to put their children in private schools.
Fortunately, after their child was recognized at the Medal of Honor
Banquet, and hearing of the many positive values expressed during the
banquet, they decided to keep their children in the Rock Island School
District.
Dr. Markward recognized Julie Burns, HOSTS Tutorial Specialist, for
authoring an article in the spring issue of "One Voice," a HOSTS
Learning newsletter. The title of her article is "Students Make Quick
Gains at Hawthorne-Irving Elementary Thanks to HOSTSLink."
Lastly, Dr. Markward addressed some concerns made by Dan Miller at the
May 13th meeting of the Board. As we look at the budget picture, there
is still a large number of factors that play into this. He is watching
closely the increase in revenue possibly coming from the state. The
rhetoric is much more positive at this point than we thought two months
ago. Both chambers have passed the spending side of the budget with an
increase for public education. It now goes to the Governor for his
approval. In conjunction with that, we will watch the revenue side of
the budget very closely.
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Rock Island-Milan Board of Education Regular Meeting May 27, 2003
Dr. Markward stated that he is also looking at our current FY03 budget
and deficit projected for this year. In his most recent discussion with
Mr. Oberhaus, the deficit in that budget may not be as large as
predicted. They are now reviewing the final details in FY04 budget, the
deficit projected may not be as large, which would be another positive.
The challenge we face is that personnel decisions in March without
known funding until July, we had to take a conservative approach.
Dr. Markward stated that he is confident that by the end of the week we
should have a final schedule locked in at Rock Island High School.
Based on a positive budget, the good news is that when the schedule was
being put back together, it included two more vocational teachers and
one Jump Start position. It was thought to have great reductions in the
vocational program, but this begins to restore some of the staff taken
out in March. We will proceed very cautiously and will likely not have
final plans until summer. Dr. Markward stated that he feels we will be
in a position where we can meet some of the extreme needs, and address
high class sizes. The budget picture looks better now than it did two
months ago.
Dr. Markward addressed the Union's offer of giving up the differential
schedule amounting to approx-imately $300,000 each year. We're not at
the point fiscally at this time that we need to consider this offer. He
listed the many extracurricular activities that would be very hard to
take away from the students. These provide great opportunities for our
students. Although athletics are often the first activities many
associate with the differential schedule, there are many, many others.
He cited several examples. Dr. Markward stated that our district would
be at a competitive loss if we could not offer these extracurricular
activities.
Citizen Addressing the Board
Randy Slusser, 2808 - 39th Avenue, Rock Island, presented petitions
from soccer parents asking the Board and Dr. Markward to save Coach
Crandall's job. He stated that the kids work very hard and represent
the school very well. The soccer team has had five head coaches in six
years, which makes it hard to be competitive. It is only fair to the
kids to have continuity in the program.
Action on Routine Matters
- Act on Agenda Additions and/or Deletions
A motion was made by Ms. Linda Dothard and seconded by Ms. Margie
Mejia-Caraballo to approve the addition of an executive session prior
to the administrative appointments. A voice vote was called showing all
members present voting "Aye." No "Nay" votes being cast, the President
declared the motion carried.
A motion was made by Mr. Jim Gremanis and seconded by Mr. Bill Cleaver
to approve the agenda as amended. A voice vote was called showing all
members present voting "Aye." No "Nay" votes being cast, the President
declared the motion carried.
It was moved by Ms. Linda Dothard, seconded by Mr. Jim Gremanis, and
unanimously carried by a roll call vote that the following items be
approved as a blanket motion.
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Rock Island-Milan Board of Education Regular Meeting May 27, 2003
VIII. A. That the Board of Education adopt the resolution supporting the Regional Offices of Education.
VIII. B. That the Board of Education approve Student Expulsion No's. 2/04/03 and 01/10/03.
IX. C. That the Board of Education approve the
purchase of computers at Grant, Hawthorne-Irving, Lincoln, and Frances
Willard Elementary Schools at a cost of $115,062, funded by the REA
grant.
IX. D. That the Board of Education approve the
purchase of the software SuccessMaker from Pearson Education
Technologies at a cost of $33,225, funded by the 21st Century grant.
IX. E. That the Board of Education approve the
purchase of an iBook wireless Mobile Lab of 20 laptop computers from
Apple Computer at a cost of $25,659, funded by Title I SIP.
IX. F. That the Board of Education accept the bid of
Millennium Waste, Milan, Illinois, to remove trash from July , 2003 to
June 30, 2004 at a cost of $23,610, plus on-call pickups averaging
$28.95 per pickup.
IX. G. That the Board of Education award a contract
to Johnson contracting Co., Inc. for Air Conditioning Cleaning and
Start-Up for all district buildings in the amount of $19,357.31.
IX. H. That the Board of Education contract with
Raymond Professional Group, Moline, Illinois, to provide professional
services of mold sampling at Rock Island High School at a cost of
$2,880.
IX. I. That the Board of Education acknowledge the following donations:
Patricia Langen through Wells Fargo Community
Support Program - $75.00 for Audubon Activity Account to supplement
incidental student resources such as, but not limited to, the Audubon
STAR recognition program, Safety Patrol and Peer Mediation program
Heidi Huiskamp - $100.00 - Purchasing books for
students through Grant Intensive Basic School Readmore Book Fair
Rock Island Jaycees - $1,000.00 - Washington Jr. High School Warrior Pride
Washington Jr. High School PTA - $500.00 - Washington Jr. High School Warrior Pride
IX. J. That the Board of Education authorize Bills for Payment dated May 9 and 23, 2003.
X. B. That the Board of Education approve the
issuance of a contract to Lisa Carroll who has completed her third year
of probationary service.
X. C. That the Board of Education accept the
Non-Certified Resignation of Martha Lowery, effective May 9, 2003.
Special Item - Presentation to Linda Tobin
The Board presented a Certificate of Recognition to Linda Tobin, Thomas
Jefferson, who was recognized as Dispatch and Rock Island Argus
Classroom hero and Wal-Mart's Teacher of the Year.
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Rock Island-Milan Board of Education Regular Meeting May 27, 2003
Education - Technology Update
Mike Breidenstein presented the second in a series of technology
reports, focusing on the technology available to teachers and students.
Education - GIFT and HOSTS Report
Ann Wilkinson and Julie Burns reported on the GIFT and HOSTS programs
in District 41. Hawthorne-Irving Third Grade Student Shaquille Jalloh
read a statement about how the HOSTS program has helped him become a
better reader. When he was reading 43 words per minute correctly, his
goal was to read 100 words. He is now reading 110 words correctly per
minute. The HOSTS reading program has helped him learn many things he
could not learn in the past. He thanked all the volunteers for spending
time with him. He now is looking forward to going to fourth grade
because he knows he can do it.
Julie Burns shared results from the Hawthorne-Irving student body this
year. Grade Two combined had an average increase of 1.75 years. Grade
Three Combined had an average increase of 2.27 years. Grade Four
Combined had an average increase of 2.83 years. The entire school
increase was 2.17 years.
Ann Wilkinson stated that the HOSTS program has 71 volunteers per week,
which amounts to a savings of $44,304.00 over a 39 week period if the
District were paying for the volunteers. The program has had to turn
volunteers away because there was not enough space for them. Ms.
Wilkinson compared the program funding to that of Reading Recover and
Title I. The results show more children being served by HOSTS than
either of the other programs combined.
Ms. Wilkinson stated that children who fall behind in reading exhibit
low self esteem, have lower levels of motivation to learn, have a
higher dropout rate, higher incidence of teen suicide, higher incidence
of chronic unemployment, and higher incidence of incarceration. Ms.
Wilkinson also provided a statement from the National Institute on
Health, "Students who cannot read at grade level are deprived of the
ability to learn about literature, science, mathematics, history and
social studies." She also provided the following facts from the U.S.
Department of Justice: the cost of one year of special education for a
student is $10,000; the cost of one year of incarceration is $31,000
per person; 88% of the current prison population is illiterate; and
jail bed needs are determined in part by the number of students in
grade 3 reading 1 year below grade level. Ms. Wilkinson stated that the
U.S. Office of Technology reports that 25% of young adults lack the
basic literacy skills required in a typical job.
Ms. Wilkinson presented the best and worst case scenarios for the
program next year. She also presented the HOSTS costs for the Board to
consider. A copy of the presentation is kept on file with the official
minutes at the Administration Center.
Mr. Strupp stated that we have to catch the children early because if
you don't get them reading early, this is the only chance they're going
to have to get up to speed. By the time they get to the high school,
it's "window dressing" just trying to get them through. If they can't
read, it's very tough. He supports this program wholeheartedly.
Education - Middle School Alignment Report
Kay Ingham introduced Edison and Washington Building Leadership Teams
who presented the Middle School Alignment report. Camille Carlz stated
that two years ago Edison and Washington were very different. This
resulted in parents, students and community members asking "why"?
03-68
Rock Island-Milan Board of Education Regular Meeting May 27, 2003
There was no collaboration between the two schools, which was seen in
the reading program, some skills and courses were missed completely,
and there was unhealthy competition between the faculties at the two
schools. They found a remedy through district alignment initiatives.
Communication and collaboration led to many new actions.
Brian Morley reviewed the initiatives that developed with the Edison
and Washington alignment. These programs included: SECME (South Eastern
Conference for Minority Education); Koalaty Keys; Follow the Leader
Project Achieve; Edison/Washington combined inservice training days;
Title I Literacy Specialist; NovaNET; Gates-MacGintie reading
assessment; Middle School summer session; Teacher Advisory/Advisee;
Student Led Conferences; Student Planners; Washington/Edison time spent
per period equalized; and Curriculum Alignment.
Karen Nyman reviewed future plans and goals for the collaboration
between the two schools. School class schedules have been restructured
to align student time in class. Daily academic/behavioral intervention
time and daily staff development time have been included. This is
important because both buildings now have identical in-class time for
all students. Both schools now have intervention time to work with
students outside the regular student day. Both schools now have staff
development time to improve academic and behavioral interventions and
strategies.
The long range goals include working together to: improve literacy in
both schools; develop strategies to improve student responsibility in
turning in homework; continue movement in curriculum alignment between
the two schools; increase student achievement; improve student
behavior; and continue collaborative inservices between the two schools.
Ms. Nyman stated that Washington and Edison have adopted the district's
Core Values and PDSA cycle to work together in "aligning arrows."
Structural discrepancies have been addressed. Continued collaborative
work will be ongoing. A copy of the report is kept on file with the
official minutes at the Administration Center.
Education - NovaNET Report/Contract
Kay Ingham presented a report on the NovaNET program. At Washington Jr.
High School, 114 Title I students are using NovaNET. Based on the Gates
McGintie Reading Test, in seventh grade 55 of 64 students (85%)
improved an average of 1.3. In eighth grade 38 of 47 (81%) improved an
average of 1.3.
At Edison Jr. High School, 86 Title I students are using NovaNET.
Remarkably, one student moved from 4.2 to 8.6. They are still compiling
and scoring student data at this time. At the Thurgood Marshall
Learning Center, nine middle school students are using NovaNET every
week. Five high school students are using NovaNET for credit recovery.
At Rock Island High School, 15 students had completed one credit, and
five students had completed two credits. Ten students are still working
on credit recovery at this time, and twelve now have the potential to
graduate on time.
It was recommended that the Board of Education approve the NovaNET contract in the amount of $68,900.00.
A motion was made by Mr. Jim Gremanis and seconded by Mr. Steve Clark
to approve the NovaNET contract as presented. A roll call vote was
called showing all members present voting "Aye." No "Nay" votes being
cast, the President declared the motion carried.
03-69
Rock Island-Milan Board of Education Regular Meeting May 27, 2003
Operations - Neighborhood Partners of Rock Island
It was recommended that the Board of Education appoint a representative
to serve with the Neighborhood Partners of Rock Island. Linda Dothard
volunteered to serve on this committee.
A voice vote was called showing all members present voting "Aye." No
"Nay" votes being cast, the President declared the motion carried.
Business/Finance - P.E. Uniforms at Rock Island High School
It was recommended that the Board of Education approve the proposal
from the P.E. Department at Rock Island High School to require that all
students wear a P.E. uniform beginning with the 2003-04 school year.
Alan Dassow was present to answer questions of the Board.
A motion was made by Mr. Earl Strupp and seconded by Mr. Bill Cleaver
to approve the proposal from the P.E. Department at Rock Island High
School to require that all students wear a P.E. uniform beginning with
the 2003-04 school year. A voice vote was called showing all members
present voting "Aye." No "Nay" votes being cast, the President declared
the motion carried.
Business/Finance - Police Liaison Contract
It was recommended that the Board of Education approve the Police
Liaison contract between the Rock Island Police Department and Rock
Island School District 41 at a cost of $37,059.12.
A motion was made by Mr. Jim Gremanis and seconded by Mr. Bill Cleaver
to approve the Police Liaison contract between the Rock Island Police
Department and Rock Island School District 41 at a cost of $37,059.12.
A roll call vote was called showing all members present voting "Aye."
No "Nay" votes being cast, the President declared the motion carried.
Executive Session
A motion was made by and seconded by to enter into an executive
session
to discuss specific person-nel issues. All members present voting
"Aye," the President declared the meeting in executive session at 7:45
p.m.
Open Session
A motion was made by Mr. Jim Gremanis and seconded by Mr. Steve Clark
to return to open session. All members present voting "Aye," the
President declared the meeting in open session at 8:25 p.m.
Personnel - Administrative Appointments
It was recommended that the Board of Education approve the
Administrative Appointment of Patricia Upchurch, Principal at Horace
Mann Choice School, with a salary of $73,785.00.
A motion was made by and seconded by to approve the Administrative
Appointment of Patricia Upchurch as presented. A roll call vote was
called showing all members present voting No "Nay" votes being cast,
the President declared the motion carried.
It was recommended that the Board of Education approve the
Administrative Appointment of Mark Hepner, Principal of Washington Jr.
High School, with a salary of $78,146.00.
03-70
Rock Island-Milan Board of Education Regular Meeting May 27, 2003
A motion was made by and seconded by to approve the Administrative
Appointment of Mark Hepner as presented. A roll call vote was called
showing the following members voting "Aye:" Mr. Steve Clark, Mr. Jim
Gremanis, Mr. Bill Cleaver, Mr. Earl Strupp, and Ms. Elma "Mooch" Gay.
The following members voted "Nay:" Ms. Margie Mejia-Caraballo and Ms.
Linda Dothard. The President declared the motion carried.
It was recommended that the Board of Education approve the
Administrative Appointment of David Knuckey, Assistant Principal of
Washington Jr. High School, with a salary of $68,788.00.
A motion was made by and seconded by to approve the Administrative
Appointment of David Knuckey as presented. A roll call vote was called
showing the following members voting "Aye:" Mr. Earl Strupp, Ms. Margie
Mejia-Caraballo, Mr. Jim Gremanis, Mr. Bill Cleaver, Mr. Steve Clark,
and Ms. Elma "Mooch" Gay. Ms. Linda Dothard voted "Nay". The President
declared the motion carried.
Adjournment
There being no further business, Mr. Jim Gremanis moved and Mr. Steve
Clark seconded to adjourn the meeting. All members present voting
"Aye," the President declared the meeting adjourned at 8:30 p.m.
This Page was last update: Monday, April 19, 2004 at 10:45:07 AM
This page was originally posted: 2/13/06; 9:27:33 AM.
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