Minooka Community High School District #111 Board met February 15.
Here is the minutes provided by the Board:
Call To Order:
The regular meeting was called to order at 6:30 p.m. by Vice-President Patti Ruettiger. The meeting was held in the Career Center at Central Campus. A physical quorum was present with the following board members answering roll call: Larry Troutman, Lori Lakota, Wendi Arlis, Patti Ruettiger, Kristine Shipla and Cherie Barnes. Absent from the meeting was Mike Brozovich. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
Communications / Recognitions:
MCCSD #201:
Dr. Kris Monn, Superintendent of Minooka Community Consolidated School District #201, addressed the board regarding their referendum question coming up on the ballot this March at the general primary election. Dr. Monn reported that they will be asking for permission to issue $90 million in bonds, although the plan is to issue $45 million now at the junior high level (grades 5-8) on land that has already been purchased and then $45 million if and when it is needed at the elementary level. He noted that many of their buildings are already at or over capacity and there is a need for additional classrooms. Additionally, Dr. Monn reported that the plan is to extend the period of the loan so as to keep the tax rate low. This would allow new growth to come in and help pay for the loan. He added that all of this information can be found on their website.
Secondly, Dr. Monn reported that their district plans to partake in a Strategic Plan process and invited MCHS board members and administration to participate. He noted as well that they would like to include at least three former students.
Dr. Monn thanked the board for their time.
Strategic Plan:
Members of the Strategic Plan team were in attendance at the board meeting in anticipation of approval. Dr. Lee recognized the members and thanked them for their time, effort, and dedication in making the Plan a reality.
Motion: by Lakota, seconded by Arlis, to approve the MCHS District #111 Strategic Plan as presented. Hearing no objections, the motion was approved. Time: 6:47 p.m.
Departmental Presentations:
Department Chair for World Languages & Fine Arts, Jeff Easthon, addressed the board for the department presentation this month. Mr. Easthon reported on the different opportunities available to students in foreign language, music, and art. Mr. Easthon highlighted that students can earn the Illinois State Seal of Biliteracy on their diploma in French and Spanish and also that his department is in the beginning stages of proposing ASL (American Sign Language) as a new course.
MCHS Libraries Overview:
A written report was provided to the board members in their packets from Librarian Carolyn Kinsella. In her report, Ms. Kinsella thanked the board for the strong library budget which allows MCHS to offer curriculum driven and standards based databases for all students and staff as well as provide a wide variety of printed materials. She added that this also allows for three assistants and means that each library is staffed daily with two adults.
Public Comments:
There were no comments from the audience.
Administrative Reports:
As part of the Director of Curriculum & Instruction Report, Janel Grzetich gave a presentation on Dual Credit opportunities at MCHS. Dr. Grzetich reported that dual credit courses reduce overall college costs for students as these courses are free when taken at MCHS and that it can speed up the graduation timeline for students as well. She noted that during the 2017/18 school year, 650 students have taken advantage of these courses, garnering 2,009 credits at a cost savings of $289,286!
Consent Agenda:
Motion: by Troutman, seconded by Arlis, to approve the consent agenda as presented:
A. Open Session Minutes - February 1, 2018 – Regular Meeting B. Financial Reports
1. Payment of Bills/Total
2. Employee Payroll
3. Imprest Fund Report/Total
4. Activity Fund Report
5. Treasurer’s Report (Cash/YTD – Exp/Rev)
Voting Aye: Arlis, Barnes, Shipla, Lakota, Troutman, and Ruettiger. Motion carried. Time: 7:11 p.m.
Discussion Items:
Educational Foundation Update:
Dr. Lee informed the board that the initial meeting of the foundation was held. He noted that they are working on by-laws, mission statements, etc., and the next meeting will be February 20.
Action Items
School Calendars:
Motion: by Shipla, seconded by Barnes, to approve the proposed 2018/19 and 2019/20 school calendars as presented. It was noted that these calendars mimic the past several years very closely and are coordinated with the sender districts as much as possible. Hearing no objections, the motion was approved. Time: 7:14 p.m.
Executive Session:
Motion: by Lakota, seconded by Troutman, to adjourn the meeting to executive session for the purpose of discussing matters related to minutes; the appointment, compensation, discipline, dismissal, employment and performance of specific employees of the District; student discipline; the placement of individual students in special education programs and other matters relating to individual students; and negotiations. Voting Aye: Arlis, Barnes, Shipla, Lakota, Troutman, and Ruettiger. Motion carried. Time: 7:15 p.m.
Return To Open Session:
Motion: by Shipla, seconded by Troutman, to return the meeting to open session. Hearing no objections, the motion was approved. Time: 7:34 p.m.
Actions Following Executive Session:
Closed Session Minutes
MOTION: by Arlis, seconded by Lakota, to approve the closed session minutes from the February 1, 2018, Regular Meeting. Hearing no objections, the motion was approved. Time: 7:35 p.m.
Personnel
Resignations:
Motion: by Lakota, seconded by Arlis, to accept the following resignation(s) as presented: Kunz, Kelsey – Poms Asst. Coach, effective February 5, 2018. Hearing no objections, the motion was approved. Time: 7:35 p.m.
Leaves of Absence:
Motion: by Lakota, seconded by Troutman, to approve the following leaves of absence under the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) as presented:
1. Nicholson, Nicole - Spec. Ed. Aide, from approximately 4/2 – 6/1 (39 days)
2. Pendergast, Chris - Tchr-Social Studies, from approximately 4/26 – 5/11 (12 days)
3. Tancil, Alexa - Tchr-Science, from approximately 4/3 – 5/24 (38 days)
4. Hanson, Jen - Tchr-Math, from approximately 5/8 - 10/15 (60 days)
5. Undesser, Rick - Tchr-Spanish, from approximately 1/11 to 5/24 (60 days; intermittent) Hearing no objections, the motion was approved. Time: 7:36 p.m.
Staff Discipline:
Motion: by Lakota, seconded by Arlis, to approve the Notice to Remedy for a Certified Staff Employee, Carrie Worrall, as presented. Voting Aye: Arlis, Barnes, Shipla, Lakota, Troutman, and Ruettiger. Motion carried. Time: 7:37 p.m.
Insurance:
Motion: by Shipla, seconded by Lakota, to approve the new ACA Census Group (medical only to special education aides and receptionists – deans offices and main offices) as presented. Voting Aye: Arlis, Barnes, Shipla, Lakota, Troutman, and Ruettiger. Motion carried. Time: 7:38 p.m.
Adjournment:
Motion: by Shipla, seconded by Troutman, to adjourn the meeting. Voting Aye: Arlis, Barnes, Shipla, Lakota, Troutman, and Ruettiger. Motion carried. Time: 7:38 p.m.
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