SENECA GRADE SCHOOL

BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING

 

The Board of Education met for their regular scheduled meeting at 7:00 p.m. on July 15, 2009 at the Seneca Grade School North Campus Board Room.

 

President Bedeker called for roll call.

 

Present:  Baker, Barla, Quigley, Sangston, Thompson and Bedeker

Absent:  Roseland

 

Barla moved to accept the minutes of the June 17th meeting; seconded by Sangston.

 

Yeas:  Baker, Barla, Quigley, Sangston, Thompson and Bedeker

Nays:  None

 

Hearing of Citizens:  Ruth Capsel on behalf of the Seneca Park District discussed with the board possible options to purchase some property owned by the school to build a new city pool in the future.  The Park District presented funding alternatives, site survey and plans to the board.  Two acres would be needed to build the pool. 

 

Hearing of Teachers: Carol Witte, Kindergarten teacher, has been getting ready for summer school.  She thinks it is a great jumpstart for some students to get ready for the start of school.  Cheri Hovious, Kindergarten teacher, reported on a workshop Mrs. Olson and herself will be attending next week.  They are looking forward to incorporating the “Six Traits” of good writing along with the current components in the literature series.   

 

Baker moved to accept the Treasurer’s Report as given by the Secretary and bring back from investments the following to cover payroll and monthly bills:  Education $362,052.53, Building $63,116.54, Transportation $3,871.23, IMRF $15,194.65, Tort $17,804.15, Life Safety $40,299.29, LEASE $1,112.16 Totaling $503,450.55; seconded by Thompson.

 

Yeas:  Baker, Barla, Quigley, Sangston, Thompson and Bedeker

Nays:  None

 

Thompson moved to pay the following monthly bills:  Education $53,987.22, Building $23,131.80, Transportation $2,415.27, Tort $17,804.15, Life Safety $40,299.29, LEASE $1,112.16, Totaling $138,749.89; seconded by Quigley.

 

Yeas:  Baker, Barla, Quigley, Sangston, Thompson and Bedeker

Nays:  None

 

Sangston moved to accept the changes to the Professional Staff Handbook for 2009-2010 school year; seconded by Barla.

 

 

Yeas:  Baker, Barla, Quigley, Sangston, Thompson and Bedeker

Nays:  None

 

Thompson moved to approve the Support Staff Handbook for 2009-2010 school year; seconded by Quigley. 

 

Yeas:  Baker, Barla, Quigley, Sangston, Thompson and Bedeker

Nays:  None

 

Supt. Misener explained additional space is needed for the staff at the south campus.  He discussed the need for the Industrial Arts workshop to be cleaned out.  Several large pieces of equipment have been left in this area from when that class was taught.  Board directed Supt. Misener to offer equipment to the Seneca High School and then to any other school district that may have a need for this kind of equipment. 

 

Baker moved to accept the quote from Aaron Johnson to build and install new trophy cabinet at the South Campus at a cost of $2,190.37; seconded by Sangston.  This cabinet would be located in the commons and would hold the current trophies and awards. 

 

Supt. Misener reviewed the preliminary AYP results.  He was very pleased with the improvement.

 

Supt. Misener explained repairs needed to the terrazzo floor in the commons at the south campus.  Barla moved to have him explore bids and to repair cracks and the expansion joint at a cost of  not more than $4, 750.00; seconded by Thompson.

 

Yeas:  Baker, Barla, Quigley, Sangston, Thompson and Bedeker

Nays:  None

 

Principal Severson reported on the progress of summer building and grounds projects.  Teaching summer school at the South Campus starting Monday, July 20th will be Mr. Stahl, Mrs. Novotney and Mr. Novario.  Principal Severson has met with both the new science teachers and has discussed modifications in the new science curriculum.  Several schedules changes are in place for next year.  He has talked to the Illinois Department of Transportation and bridge construction is on schedule and by August 17th both entrances will be open at the south campus for the start of the school year.  

 

Principal McGhee is getting ready for the start of the school year.  The new entrance and sidewalks are completed and mulch will be coming for the playground.  She reviewed the AIMS testing results and she has met with teachers regarding goals for next year. 

She has been receiving resumes for the 3rd grade position and will be setting up interviews next week. New student registration is Friday, July 31st and returning student that have not mailed in early registration will be on Monday, August 3rd. 

 

Barla moved to go into Executive Session at 8:06 p.m. for legal and personnel; seconded by Sangston. 

 

Yeas:  Baker, Barla, Quigley, Sangston, Thompson and Bedeker

Nays:  None

 

Barla moved to return to Open Session at 9:26 p.m.; seconded by Quigley.

 

Yeas:  Baker, Barla, Quigley, Sangston, Thompson and Bedeker

Nays:  None

 

 Thompson moved to accept resignation letter from Casey Bronson, Title One reading teacher, effective the 2009-2010 school year, with regret; seconded by Quigley.   

 

Yeas:  Baker, Barla, Quigley, Sangston, Thompson and Bedeker

Nays:  None

 

Thompson moved to reassign Tiffany Wheeler to the Title One reading position for the 2009-2010 school year; seconded by Barla.

 

Yeas:  Baker, Barla, Quigley, Sangston, Thompson and Bedeker

Nays:  None

 

Communications:  Thank you was read from Tanya Keech for the beautiful rocking chair given to her at her retirement after 33 years of service.  Camp Invention also thanked the board for the opportunity to hold the camp at the Seneca Grade School South Campus.   

 

New Business:  Seneca Grade School Foundation golf outing was held July 12th with

19 teams participating and 27 hole sponsors.  Over $3,800.00 was raised for the student scholarship fund. 

 

Barla moved to adjourned at 9:33 p.m., seconded by Quigley.

 

Yeas:  Baker, Barla, Quigley, Sangston, Thompson and Bedeker

Nays:  None

 

 

 

Teachers Present:  Carol Witte

                              Cheri Hovious

 

Newspaper:  Kate Reynolds – Daily Times

 

 

 

 

 

 

_______________________________________      ______________________________

Approved                             Date                                   Dianne Bushman, Board Secretary