SENECA GRADE SCHOOL

BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING

 

The Board of Education met for their regular scheduled meeting at 7:00 p.m. on November 19, 2008 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 October 15, 2008 meeting; seconded by Barla.

 

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

Nays:  None

 

Hearing of Citizens:  None Present

 

Hearing of Teachers:  Sue Gumm, 7/8 grade Math teacher, explained that 7th graders are concentrating on fractions and math theories. The high 7th grade class and regular 8th grade class are studying number theory, while the high 8th grade class is learning to graph equations.  Pearl Patarozzi, 7/8 grade Social Studies teacher, reported that 7/8 grade students are being taught their American History lessons thru reading non-fiction text which is different than the project based program from last year. The 7th grade students are studying the American colonies, the revolution and the constitution while the 8th grade have all completed the Illinois constitution test and are now studying the civil war. 

 

Bedeker moved to accept the Treasurer’s Report as given and bring back from investments the following to cover payroll and monthly bills:  Education $376,041.71, Building $62,225.06, Transportation $17,917.71, IMRF $16,096.79, Tort $682.45, Bond & Interest $148,388.75, Totaling $621,352.47; seconded by Thompson.

 

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

Nays:  None

 

Baker moved to pay the following monthly bills:  Education $44,531.68, Building $25,966.56, Transportation $13,423.34, Tort $682.45, Bond & Interest $148,388.75, Totaling $232,992.78; seconded by Bedeker.

 

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

Nays:  None

 

Principal Severson introduced student of the month for September, Jana Berryman.  She is the daughter of Laurie and Ron Berryman.  He also introduced Jessica Elliott October’s student of the month.  She is the daughter of Kevin and Betsy Elliot.  He complimented Jessica and Jana for being excellent role models and leaders in and outside the classroom.  Board congratulated the students on their achievements. 

 

Barla moved to amend the following board policies – 2:80E, 2:220, 4:60. 4:60AP1, 4:70, 4:70AP, 4:160, 4:160AP, 5:90, 5:100, 5:150, 5:150AP, 5:240. 5:290, 6:60, 6:60AP, 6:120, 6:120AP, 6:160, 6:230, 7:10, 7:20, 7:50, 7:100, 7:210, 7:230, 7:290 and 7:340; seconded by Baker. 

 

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

Nays:  None

 

Barla moved to approve the tentative levy at a rate of $1.5574, which is the same as last year; seconded by Bedeker. 

 

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

Nays:  None

 

Claggett moved to accept the bid from Oberlander to upgrade network wiring at the South end of the North Campus for a total of $14,620.00. 

 

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

Nays:  None

 

Board gave Supt. Misener direction to continue exploring different options to offer e-pay program to parents. 

 

Principal Severson discussed attendance at the parent teacher conferences.  He reviewed the survey that parents were asked to fill out.  He has many positive comments and is always looking for ways to improve organization during conferences.  Principal Severson also reported that North Central Behavior Systems is at the South Campus this week counseling students on drug, alcohol and violence awareness. 

 

Principal McGhee also updated the board on the in-service Mrs. Rosner provided to staff on blood pathogens during the school improvement day held October 31st.  Ms. Bronson and Ms. Gillis, reading specialists also presented staff with a presentation on the new reading series.  She also reviewed the attendance at parent teacher conferences and reported that contact with parents was almost 100%.  Upcoming activities next week include the third grade celebrating their annual Thanksgiving Day feast on Tuesday, November 25th.  Fourth grade will host the “Living Museum” celebrating famous Olympians next Tuesday evening from 7:00-7:30.  The Holiday Concerts will be held on Monday, December 1st, for grades 3-5 and Tuesday, December 2nd for grade K-2.  She also reminded everyone that Breakfast with Santa will be held Saturday, December 6th at the South Campus sponsored by Seneca Grade School P.S.O.

 

Claggett moved to go into Executive Session at 7:55 p.m.; seconded by Thompson.

 

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

Nays:  None

Thompson moved to return to Open Session at 8:33 p.m.; seconded by Claggett.

 

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

Nays:  None

 

Thompson moved to hire Maxine Thomas as a part-time housekeeping custodian; seconded by Claggett.

 

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

Nays:  None

 

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

 

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

Nays:  None

 

 

 

Teachers Present:  Sue Gumm

                              Pearl Patarozzi

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

_______________________________________      ______________________________

Approved                             Date                                   Dianne Bushman, Board Secretary