SENECA GRADE SCHOOL

BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING

 

The Board of Education met for their regular scheduled meeting at 7:00 p.m. on June 18, 2008 at the Seneca Grade School North Campus Board Room.

 

President Blalock called for roll call.

 

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

Absent:  Barla and Bedeker

 

Bedeker arrived 7:03 p.m.

 

Roseland moved to accept the minutes of the May 21, 2008 meeting; seconded by Thompson.

 

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

Nays:  None

 

Hearing of Citizens:  Dan Stecken, high school girls softball coach presented the board with information on starting a new junior high softball program. 

 

Hearing of Teachers:  Stan Crews, 7/8 grade consumer economics teacher reported on curriculum changes to his program.  Additional class time has really increased students success and knowledge using technology.  Kristine Einhaus, 1st grade teacher is looking forward to picking up the teacher’s manual for the new reading series and getting ready to use it next year.

 

Claggett 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 $406,626.66, Building $86,533.13, Transportation $19,712.39, IMRF $16,536.06, Tort $4,005.00, LEASE 114,591.61, Totaling $648,004.85; seconded by Thompson.

 

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

Nays:  None

 

Bedeker moved to pay the following monthly bills:  Education $98,509.24, Building $54,461.76, Transportation $15,278.64, Tort $4005.00, LEASE $114,591.61, Totaling $286,846.25; seconded by Thompson.

 

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

Nays:  None

 

Claggett moved to establish the meeting dates for upcoming fiscal year beginning July 1, 2008 to be the third Wednesday of the month at the North Campus Board Room at 7:00 p.m.; seconded by Thompson.

 

 

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

Nays:  None

 

Roseland move accept the Prevailing Wage Law for LaSalle County; seconded by Baker. 

 

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

Nays:  None

 

Thompson moved to approve the North and South Campus safety drill reports; seconded by Claggett.

 

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

Nays:  None

 

Board directed Supt. Misener to proceed with agreement with 1st Student Bus Company providing they follow all stipulations concerning liability and compliance issues.

 

Board gave direction to make necessary arrangements for the joint annual conference held November 21 -23, 2008.

 

Principal Severson updated the board on the end of the year disciple report.  Overall, students received fewer referrals compared to the 1st semester.  The good thing was very few students are repeat offenders.  The 8th grade trip to Great America was a success.  The end of year picnic had to be moved inside because of bad weather but students enjoyed the inflatable equipment that P.S.O. sponsored.  Principal Severson is pleased with the atmosphere maintained by the students this year and feels staff has reinforced the building blocks for success for next year.

 

Principal McGhee reported 4th grade step-up day was held on May 22nd.  The students enjoyed their visit to South Campus, meeting the staff and Principal Severson.  North Campus ended the year with their annual field day on May 28th.  The students enjoyed the beautiful day and various games the PSO set-up for the students.  Summer School will be held from July 21st to Aug 7th.  Teaching summer school will be Mrs. Witte, Mrs. Jenkins, Mr. Bilyeu and Mrs. Novotney.  Miss Larsen and Mrs. Garrison will also have summer school from July 28 to Aug 7th  Nicole LaVarier will be teaching the enrichment Spanish class for 3rd and 4th graders.  Principal McGhee presented the board preschool progress report and reading data.  North Campus will be using the Lexia program as a pilot program during summer school.  She sees improvement with students starting summer school in July and continuing right into the start of the new school year. 

 

Thompson moved to go into Executive Session at 7:45 p.m. for legal and personnel; seconded by Bedeker. 

 

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

Nays:  None

 

 

 

Claggett moved to return to Open Session at 8:28 p.m.; seconded by Thompson.

 

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

Nays:  None

 

Thompson moved to hire Kellee Widman, part-time nurse for the 2008-09 school year; seconded by Claggett. 

 

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

Nays:  None

 

Thompson moved to accept, with regret, resignation of Tara Bersano, teacher aide; seconded by Roseland.

 

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

Nays:  None

 

Thompson moved to accept, with regret, resignation of Allison Marshall, teacher aide; seconded by Roseland. 

 

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

Nays:  None

 

Communications:  Fran Rivett, Jane and Dave Graham thanked the board for their rocking chairs.

 

Old Business:  Seneca Grade School Foundation golf outing will be held July 13th at the Dwight Country Club. 

 

Claggett moved to adjourned at 8:35 p.m.; seconded by Baker.

 

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

Nays:  None

 

 

Teachers Present:  Stan Crews

                              Kristine Einhaus

 

Ottawa Newspaper:  Kate Reynolds

 

 

 

 

 

 

_______________________________________      ______________________________

Approved                             Date                                   Dianne Bushman, Board Secretary