The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
At the Wednesday, March 19, 2008, regular meeting of the West Central Community Unit School District #235 Board of Education the following items took place:
Board Vice President Arnold called the meeting to order at 6:01 p.m. Board members Brent, Sams, and Torrance were absent at roll call. Board member Torrance entered the meeting at approximately 6:13 p.m.
Vice President Arnold led the members of the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance.
The board, under good news items, recognized two of our high school music students, Nichole Siegrist and Jessica Hobart for their outstanding performance at the recently completed IHSA Solo and Ensemble Contest.
The board heard a musical presentation from Nichole Siegrist. Following the musical presentation the board recognized the WCHS girls' basketball team for their outstanding season which was recently completed.
In addition the following items were offered as celebrations of success:
The board approved the agenda as presented.
Under recognition of audience request for presentation, the board heard a brief report from Sam Sudaker, the CSC Envoy. He reported that the Cyber Camp is scheduled for June 12 and 13.
The board approved the consent agenda as presented. Items approved under the consent agenda include:
The board paid all bills as presented, approved the activity account summaries for February, approved the February treasurer's report and heard a brief report from Supt. Grimm on the district financial report. During that report Supt. Grimm informed the group again that it certainly appears that our last two general state aid payments for FY08 will be pushed into FY09 if we receive them at all. Because of this and the possible delay or elimination of the fourth quarter categorical reimbursements from the state, the board was informed that the FY08 budget will need to be amended. Superintendent Grimm will begin working on that for presentation to them in May.
The board approved a revision to board policy 8:20, Community Use of School Facilities, on first reading. The board directed Superintendent Grimm to bring this policy back at the April meeting for second reading and adoption.
The board approved a bid for some required life safety handicap accessibility work. The board was informed that there were five bids received for the work to be done at the north and south campuses. The low bid for the work was submitted by Trotter General Contracting out of Macomb in the amount of $31,911.00. The board was reminded that the health and life safety fund will pay for this work.
The board heard a presentation from the school improvement teams from each of the buildings. All presentations were very well done and very informative. The board asked a few questions of each of the presenters. Following that discussion, the board was informed that the school improvement plans will be brought to them in April for approval.
The board briefly reviewed and discussed with each building principal the proposed changes to the 2008-09 parent/student handbooks. Following that discussion, the board was informed that these proposed changes would be brought to them in April for their approval.
Superintendent Grimm informed the board that a committee has been formed to study the possibility of putting together an elementary summer school program that focuses primarily on keeping our elementary students reading skills intact over the summer and will have as a secondary focus an improvement of math skills.
Superintendent Grimm reported on a meeting that he attended of the Henderson County Library Board to discuss future plans for the library's bookmobile. Supt. Grimm informed the board that the school district has extended the offer to help the library board in any way that they can to keep the Bookmobile up and running over the summer.
The board heard reports from the building Principals Buss, Nichols and Geiser, Curriculum Director Jeanne Serven, Special Education Director Jamie Farniok, and District Athletic Director Jay Blender. In addition, the board heard an update on activities that the elementary and middle school are doing regarding the OLWEUS Bullying Program.
Superintendent Grimm informed the board that there was no need for a closed session as was previously thought when the agenda was developed. With that being the case, the board approved the following personnel items:Approved the employment of Jennie Mills as an elementary reading improvement associate.
Approved the employment of Jill Britt as a high school track coach.
The board was reminded that their next meeting date is Wednesday, April 16, 2008. That meeting will be held in the elementary cafeteria and will begin at 7:00 p.m. not 6:00 p.m. as has been the practice the last several months. The board was also informed by Superintendent Grimm that there is a need to conduct a special meeting to consider a recommendation for expulsion of a West Central High School student. It was determined this special meeting will be held on March 27, 2008, in the unit office conference room and will begin at 6:30 p.m.
There being no other business to come before the board, the meeting was adjourned at approximately 8:40 p.m.