Approved February Minutes
by Dee Marik
April 01, 2008
MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION OF SENECA TOWNSHIP HIGH SCHOOL, DISTRICT 160, SENECA, IL
A regular meeting of the Seneca Township High School Board of Education was held on February 20, 2008 at 6:00 p.m. President Robert Lee called the meeting to order with roll call.
1. ROLL CALL: Present: Aubry, Applebee, Johnson, Lee, Hovious, McCormick
Absent: Jones
Others present: Superintendent Mark Thurwanger, Principal Doug Evans, Assistant Principal Dan Manullang, Recording Secretary Carolyn Lockridge, Jeff Maierhofer, Kent Weber, Dan Stecken, Student award winners and guests, Representatives from The Daily Times, Morris Daily Herald and WJDK.
2. RECOGNITION OF GUESTS AND VISITORS
Student of the Month: Nicole Bromberek
Role Model: Amy Gumm
Rookie of the Month: Kelsey Scheffer
Most Improved: Bethany Foster
3. INVESTMENT REPORT
Mr. Thurwanger gave the Investment Report. President Lee stated that the Investment Report would stand approved as presented, subject to audit.
4. TREASURER’S REPORT
Mr. Thurwanger gave the Treasurer’s Report. President Lee stated that the Treasurer’s report would stand approved subject to audit.
5. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A. Minutes
President Lee stated the minutes would stand approved as presented.
6. ACCOUNTS PAYABLE
Mr. Thurwanger indicated the questions he received were listed on the Accounts Payable Questions handout. President Lee asked for a motion to approve the accounts payable as presented.
A motion was made by Joe Johnson and seconded by Jim Hovious to approve the Accounts Payable as presented.
ROLL CALL: Ayes: Aubry, Applebee, Johnson, Hovious, Lee, McCormick
Nays:
Motion Carried
7. PUBLIC COMMENT
There was no comment from the public.
8. EDUCATIONAL ITEM
Dan Stecken updated the Board on the Math Videos being used during homeroom to help improve math scores.
9. SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT
A. Finance Report
1. Circuit Breaker School Contract
Mr. Thurwanger stated that the Finance Committee and Building, Grounds & Transportation Committee reviewed the CBS Contract. Since the district will be performing over $1.5 million dollars in Life Safety Work at the West Campus and the current rent does not cover the expenses for the building, they are requesting a three year contract calling for a 7% increase each year.
A motion was made by Jim Aubry and seconded by Joe Johnson to approve the Circuit Breaker School Contract as presented.
ROLL CALL: Ayes: Aubry, Applebee, Johnson, Hovious, Lee, McCormick
Nays:
Motion Carried
2. Bond Sale
Mr. Thurwanger stated he has been in contact with Bond Representatives concerning the sale of Working Cash Fund Bonds to pay for the life safety work. The Life Safety Work is estimated at $2 million. Due to the fact an additional Life Safety Amendment is in the process of being prepared and the starting date of the project, Working Cash bonds will be sold instead of Life Safety Bonds. Both Committees have reviewed the information and are recommending a resolution be adopted stating the intent of the District to sell Working Cash Bonds and hold a Public Hearing prior to the March Board Meeting.
A motion was made by Joe Johnson and seconded by Jim Hovious to adopt the Resolutions to hold a public hearing on March 19, 2008 at 5:45 p.m. concerning the intent to sell $2,000,000 in working cash fund bonds.
ROLL CALL: Ayes: Aubry, Applebee, Johnson, Hovious, Lee, McCormick
Nays:
Motion Carried
3. First Student Contract
Mr. Thurwanger stated both Finance and Building, Grounds & Transportation Committees have reviewed a Transportation Cost Analysis and are recommending extending the contract with First Student for two years. The contract calls for a 2.5% increase each year.
A motion was made by Rich Applebee and seconded by Carolyn McCormick to extend the contract with First Student for two years through the school year 2009-10.
ROLL CALL: Ayes: Aubry, Applebee, Johnson, Hovious, Lee, McCormick
Nays:
Motion Carried
4. Telephone Upgrade
Mr. Thurwanger referred to a proposal from NiTech to upgrade the current telephone system. He stated the proposal is included in the E-Rate grant to try and get additional funds to help offset the cost of the project. The phone system will be purchased with a Lease Agreement and paid for with the Lease Levy. He stated the Lease Agreement will be presented to the Board in May or June for approval.
B. Personnel Report
Mr. Thurwanger referred to the handout outlining the timeline to hire a teacher and head football coach.
C. Building, Grounds & Transportation
1. Vehicle Rotation
Mr. Thurwanger referred to the information provided by Wright Automotive under Illinois State Contract PSD 221924 to purchase two Mini Vans. The Finance Committee and Building, Grounds & Transportation Committee are recommending the purchase and trade in of the Ford Excursion and one Mini Van.
A motion was made by Jim Hovious and seconded by Rich Applebee to direct Mr. Thurwanger to purchase two Mini Vans through the State Contract.
ROLL CALL: Ayes: Aubry, Applebee, Johnson, Hovious, Lee, McCormick
Nays:
Motion Carried
D. Life Safety Amendment
Mr. Thurwanger stated the Life Safety Amendment for the additional asbestos abatement at the West Campus will be ready to be adopted at the March Meeting.
E. 2008-09 School Calendar
Mr. Thurwanger stated the 2008-09 School Calendar was shared with the feeder schools and representatives of the Seneca Education Association. Administration is recommending adoption of the school calendar.
A motion was made by Carolyn McCormick and seconded by Joe Johnson to approve the 2008-09 School Calendar.
ROLL CALL: Ayes: Aubry, Applebee, Johnson, Hovious, Lee, McCormick
Nays:
Motion Carried
F. Policy
1. 3rd Reading
Mr. Thurwanger stated this would represent the third and final reading of the PRESS Policies distributed in December, 2007.
A motion was made by Rich Applebee and seconded by Carolyn McCormick to adopt the PRESS Policies as presented.
ROLL CALL: Ayes: Aubry, Applebee, Johnson, Hovious, Lee, McCormick
Nays:
Motion Carried
G. Executive Session
Mr. Thurwanger stated he would ask for an Executive Session at the end of the meeting to discuss Contract Negotiations.
10. PRINCIPAL/ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL REPORT
A. Probationary Teachers
Mr. Evans indicated Administration is reviewing the probationary teachers listed in the Board Packet and will be bring their recommendation to the March Meeting.
B. Good News in the Land of the Irish
Mr. Evans and Mr. Manullang discussed the success of the winter athletic and academic teams.
11. ADMINISTRATIVE COMMUNICATIONS
Mr. Thurwanger referred to several thank you notes and stated the pep band will play at the IHSA Volleyball State Tournament next year. He thanked the Ag Teachers for all their work with students since it was FFA Week. Mr. Thurwanger stated the Web Site Traffic Report continues to show high usage. He referred to a memo for next year’s Holiday Party at Starved Rock Lodge. The Media Center Report was included in the handout. Mr. Thurwanger and Mr. Manullang discussed the new Ed Connect that has recently been installed. This program allows the District the ability to communicate with parents and staff via a direct dial telephone system. The test contacted 500 calls and sent 399 e-mails in 30 minutes. This service will be used for snow days, emergencies, and regular communication concerning important items for parents.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
A motion was made by Joe Johnson and seconded by Rich Applebee to go into Executive Session, including Administration, to discuss contract negotiations.
ROLL CALL: Ayes: Aubry, Applebee, Johnson, Hovious, Lee, McCormick
Nays:
Motion Carried
OPEN SESSION
No action was taken in open session.
12. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 7:26 p.m.
__________________________________ ____________
President, Board of Education Date
__________________________________
Secretary, Board of Education
