SENECA GRADE SCHOOL

BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING

 

The Board of Education met for their regular scheduled meeting at 7:00 p.m. on February 18, 2009 at the Seneca Grade School North Campus Board Room.

 

President Blalock called for roll call.

 

Present:  Baker, Barla, Bedeker, Claggett, Roseland, Thompson and Blalock.

Absent:   None

 

Claggett moved to accept the minutes of the January 21, 2009; seconded by Barla.

 

Yeas:  Baker, Barla, Bedeker, Claggett, Roseland, Thompson and Blalock

Nays:  None

 

Hearing of Citizens:  No Comments

 

Hearing of Teachers:  Julie Hamilton, 6th grade teacher, explained that students are building and painting modules in science.  Teachers are focusing on getting students ready for ISAT testing.  She also is attending a two day workshop, Framework for Understanding Poverty which will help her understand and gain perspective on what low income students need to succeed.  Hope Fabris, 5-8 grade special education teacher, is also getting her students ready for ISAT’s.  She explained how she feels the new reading series really prepares students for testing.

 

Baker moved to accept the Treasurer’s Report as given and bring back from investments the following to cover payroll and monthly bills:  Education $386,848.44, Building $80,093.63, Transportation $13,757.86, IMRF $16,013.21, LEASE $7970.02, Totaling $504,683.16; seconded by Roseland.

 

Yeas:  Baker, Barla, Bedeker, Claggett, Roseland, Thompson and Blalock

Nays:  None

 

Thompson moved to pay the following monthly bills:  Education $48,907.23, Building $46,640.22, Transportation $9,357.48, LEASE $7,970.02, Totaling $112,874.95; seconded by Barla.

 

Yeas:  Baker, Barla, Bedeker, Claggett, Roseland, Thompson and Blalock 

Nays:  None

 

Claggett accepted the low window replacement bid from Koolmaster, LaSalle, IL for $48,445.00 to install Kawneer windows once the certification is received from the manufacturer.  Work can begin as early as June 3rd and will only take a couple of weeks; seconded by Bedeker.

 

Yeas:  Baker, Barla, Bedeker, Claggett, Roseland, Thompson and Blalock 

Nays:  None

 

Supt. Misener discussed the exterior masonry project at the South Campus.

 

Barla moved to accept the proposal from Floors Inc. to repair bubbles in the floor surface and repaint the volleyball and basketball lines at the South Campus gymnasium for $2,810.00; seconded by Claggett.

 

Yeas:  Baker, Barla, Bedeker, Claggett, Roseland, Thompson and Blalock 

Nays:  None

 

Claggett moved to accept the proposal to purchase one new Cannon 5050N copier and one reconditioned Cannon 550 Copier at a cost of $12, 465.40 from Illinois Valley Business Equipment; seconded by Thompson. 

 

Yeas:  Baker, Barla, Bedeker, Claggett, Roseland, Thompson and Blalock 

Nays:  None

 

Board tabled changing the natural gas supplier until more research can be done.

 

Roseland moved to accept the seniority list as presented; seconded by Bedeker. 

 

Yeas:  Baker, Barla, Bedeker, Claggett, Roseland, Thompson and Blalock 

Nays:  None

 

Claggett moved to accept the District Improvement Plan; seconded by Barla.

 

Yeas:  Baker, Barla, Bedeker, Claggett, Roseland, Thompson and Blalock 

Nays:  None

 

Board directed that reservations be made for all wishing to attend the Starved Rock Division meeting March 10th. 

 

Board directed Supt. Misener to proceed with plans for the Senior Citizen Luncheon to be held Wednesday, April 29th, at 11:00 at the South Campus.

 

Principal Severson reported ISAT testing will begin March 3rd.  Later in March, 8th grade students will also be taking the Explorer Test which will help the Seneca High School place Freshman students.  On Monday, February 23, Seneca South Campus will host “You Be the Chemist”.  Congratulations to Jonah Lamboley, 8th grader, who will participate for the grade school along with students from 14 other schools.  Congratulations to the 7th Grade Boy’s Basketball team who had an outstanding season and played well at the State Tournament.  Principal Severson also explained that students at the South Campus on February 12th, participated in a mass reading of the Gettysburg Address.  The group is attempting to help break the record for the largest number of people to read the same piece of literature aloud, and simultaneously in multiple locations according to the Guinness Book of World Records.  Mrs. Patarozzi has organized and submitted paperwork to the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum.

 

Principal McGhee reported that on Thursday, February 26th the North Campus will have an ISAT assembly to recognize the 4th grade students earning and exceeds last years test scores.  Jammer from the Joliet Jackhammers will also be coming to kick-off the Jackhammers reading program.  Mrs. Parker will announce the North Campus’s choice for the Monarch Award that will be forwarded to the state selection committee.  On Friday, February 13th, North Campus had an assembly from All for Kidz.  If featured Gary a yo-yo expert sharing the NED message (Never give up, Encourage others, and Do your best).  She thanked PSO for helping assist in the sale of the NED yo-yo’s.  Preschool and Kindergarten screening dates are Wednesday-Friday, March 11-13.  Preschool children must be 3 years old before September 1st and kindergarten children must be 5 years old before the September 1st. Upcoming field trip for Kindergarten, first and second grade will be Friday, February 20th to the Seneca High School for FFA Ag Day. 

 

Barla moved to go into Executive Session for legal and personnel at 7:46 p.m.; seconded by Thompson.

 

Yeas:  Baker, Barla, Bedeker, Claggett, Roseland, Thompson and Blalock 

Nays:  None

 

Thompson moved to return to Open Session at 8:34 p.m.; seconded by Barla.

 

Yeas:  Baker, Barla, Bedeker, Claggett, Roseland, Thompson and Blalock 

Nays:  None

 

Thompson moved to rescind the resignation of Sue Steinhour, school psychologist; seconded by Bedeker.

 

Yeas:  Baker, Barla, Bedeker, Claggett, Roseland, Thompson and Blalock 

Nays:  None

 

Communication:  Thank you was read from Christy Tomlinson for the plant they received in memory of her mother.

 

New Business:  Shipyard Road will be closed during the city sewer project.  The 4th Annual Foundation Golf Tournament will be held July 12th, 2009 at Dwight County Club.

 

Barla moved to adjourn at 8:40 p.m.; seconded by Bedeker.

 

Yeas:  Baker, Barla, Bedeker, Claggett, Roseland, Thompson and Blalock 

Nays:  None

 

 

 

Teacher Present:  Julie Hamilton and Hope Fabris

 

Citizens:               Ken Sangston

                             Mike from Koolmaster Inc.

 

Newspaper:          Kate Reynolds

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

_______________________________________      ______________________________

Approved                             Date                                   Dianne Bushman, Board Secretary