Rock Island Milan School District #41 Board of Education met September 26.
Here is the minutes provided by the Board:
The regular meeting of the Board of Education of the Rock Island-Milan School District was held Tuesday, September 26, 2017 in the library at Rock Island High School. The meeting began with the pledge of allegiance and was called to order at 6:00 p.m. by President Linda Dothard.
Roll Call:
Members: Ms. Marji Boeye, Ms. Linda Dothard, Mr. Kevin Nolan, Mr. David Rockwell, Mr. Gary Rowe, Dr. Tiffany Stoner-Harris and Mr. Terell Williams (arrived at 6:04 p.m.)
Others Present: Dr. Michael Oberhaus, Mr. Robert Beckwith, Mr. Troy Bevans, Ms. Ramona Dixon, Mr. Egan Colbrese, and Dr. Kathryn Ruggeberg
Approval of Minutes:
A motion was made by Dr. Tiffany Stoner-Harris and seconded by Mr. Gary Rowe to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of September 12, 2017 including executive session minutes to remain confidential. All members voting “Aye”, the President declared motion carried.
Special Item – Seating of Student Board Members:
Rock Island High School principal Eric Moore introduced and the Board formally seated newly elected student members Kieran Benson, Morgan Harty and Jada Veasey.
Reports:
• Student Members
Student members reported on an environment field trip with AP environmental students; choir concert this Thursday, September 28th at 7:00 p.m.; soccer and volleyball games this evening; The Pride of Rock Island marching band won grand champion at its first competition; IMEA auditions are approaching this weekend; and the student ambassadors sold over $1,500 in t-shirts for suicide awareness.
• Voting Members
Board members reported on the following events and activities: football game vs. Quincy; visit to Augustana College for an 8th grade AVID field trip; suicide awareness month - thank you to Inga Harty for all her efforts as well as the student ambassadors for help in fund-raising; mission to visit and learn about all of our schools; District Leadership Team meeting; Homecoming parade and football game with many class reunions in attendance; meeting with Dr. Oberhaus to begin evaluation process where samples were collected from other districts; exciting visit to Frances Willard and encourages everyone to visit this school during the morning welcome and greeting by Principal Clark outside each morning; local NAACP meet and greet featuring an AVID speaker from Edison; Ms. Dothard, Mr. Colbrese, and Mr. Coyne-Logan attended conference on cultural math with disparity in school.
• Superintendent
Dr. Oberhaus shared historic patterns with integrated math, asked Board members to read at their leisure and call RIHS with any questions. At the May 23rd meeting of the Board we had an action item to approve expanding bandwidth contingent on E-rate funding in which we have not yet received. At this time, our Internet capacity is too low and not effective with our work with students. He asked the Board to consider approving the upgrade purchase now and get reimbursed 85% later. If approved, we can have it up and running for second quarter. Troy Bevans explained that there is no 100% guarantee but the reimbursement will more than likely be approved.
A motion was made by Mr. Dave Rockwell and seconded by Mr. Kevin Nolan to approve the fiber optic network equipment and maintenance from CDW, Vernon Hills, IL in the amount of $106,183.86 to support the Mediacom bandwidth upgrade initiative. A roll call vote was called showing all members voting “Aye”. No “Nay” votes being cast, the President declared the motion carried.
Reminder of parent-teacher conferences next week and encourages parents to meet with our teachers to discuss their students. The Martin Luther King, Jr. Center will have its celebration this Saturday with parade at 9:30 a.m. The Illinois Association of School Boards Blackhawk Division dinner meeting in Gala is next Tuesday, October 3rd.
• Rock Island Education Association Representatives
Andrew Hains will set up a meeting with him, Cindy Arkebauer, Linda Dothard and Gary Rowe to review communications and how the RIEA and Board can work together.
Action on Routine Matters:
• Approve Agenda
A motion was made by Mr. Gary Rowe and seconded by Mr. Dave Rockwell to approve the agenda as presented. All members voting “Aye”, the President declared the motion carried.
• Nomination of Future Agenda Items
Marji Boeye would like an update on the scoreboards at Rock Island High School and information on the superintendent’s evaluation process. Both items will be on the agenda for October 24th.
• Blanket Motion
It was moved by Mr. Dave Rockwell, seconded by Mr. Kevin Nolan and unanimously carried by a roll call vote that the following items be approved as a blanket motion:
V. A. That the Board of Education approve the overnight field trip request for the Rock
Island High School’s International Travel Program to Costa Rica June 11-20, 2018.
V. B. That the Board of Education approve revised Board policies 2:260 Uniform Grievance Procedure; 6:80 Instruction: Teaching About Controversial Issues; 6:180 Instruction: Extended Instructional Programs; 6:210 Instruction: Instructional Materials; 7:275 Orders to Forgo Life-Sustaining Treatment and 8:70 Accommodating Individuals with Disabilities.
VI. D. That the Board of Education approve the September Fund Raiser requests.
VII. A. That the Board of Education approve the contract for services with Spring Forward Learning Center, Rock Island, IL, in the amount of $55,000.00 for programs at Earl Hanson Elementary School. The 2017-18 21st Century Community Learning Centers Grants will be utilized for this purchase.
VII. B. That the Board of Education approve the renewal of the Student Information System and financial software and support package from August 1, 2017 through August 1, 2018 at a total cost of $64,262.00 with Education Solutions Development Inc., Lombard, Illinois.
VII. C. That the Board of Education approve the additional sub-account at Rock Island High School for the Resource Room program.
VII. D. That the Board of Education acknowledge the following donations:
Lakesha Worthy & Friends - $300.00 for two choir students at Washington Jr. High
Autism Society of the Quad Cities - $1,000.00 for the Functional/Life Skills Special Education Program at Rock Island High School
School Health Link Inc. - $100.00 to purchase inhalers for the district
VII. E. That the Board of Education authorize Bills for Payment dated September 15, 2017 in the amount of $$3,231,775.27.
VIII. A. That the Board of Education approve the following certified appointments:
Brendan Sears – Substitute Teacher/District/Salary $90-$110/day (varies)
Douglas Shook – Substitute Teacher/District/Salary $90-$110/day (varies)
Jeremy McCollom-Albrecht – Substitute Teacher/District/Salary $90-$110/day (varies)
Saundra Meanor – Substitute Teacher/District/Salary $90-$110/day (varies)
VIII. B. That the Board of Education approve the following non-certified appointments:
Elizabeth Taets – Substitute Nurse/District/Salary $21.17/hour
Margie Westfall – Food Service/RIHS/Salary $11.10/hour
Karen Madison – Food Service/WJHS/Salary $11.10/hour
Cynthia Smith – Food Service/RIHS/Salary $11.99/hour
Christine Iverson – Food Service/WJHS/Salary $11.10/hour
Michele Gonzalez – Paraprofessional/Frances Willard/Salary $14.65/hour
Thamer Alobaidi – Interpreter/District/Salary $17.50/hour
Kuku Dah – Interpreter/District/Salary $17.50/hour
Tial Sung – Interpreter/District/Salary $17.50/hour
Merkeb Teklemariam – Interpreter/District/Salary $17.50/hour
Ashley Mancera – Interpreter/District/Salary $17.50/hour
Meagan Baker – Paraprofessional/RI Academy/Salary $14.65/hour
Angela Richardson – AVID Tutor/WJHS/RIHS/Salary $13.00/hour
Michele Williams – Special Education Paraprofessional/RIHS/Salary $15.34/hour
Candace Smith – Custodian/RIHS/Salary $39,997.00 (retro-adjusted to start date)
VII. C. That the Board of Education approve the appointment of the following non-certified coaches:
Taylor Derry – 7th Grade Volleyball Coach/WJHS
Dillon Weckerly – 7th Grade Assistant Football Coach/EJHS
Andrew Parer – Diving Coach/RIHS
VIII. D. That the Board of Education approve the termination of non-certified employee #17- 1-1804.
Operations – Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Request:
The Administration received the following FOIA request and responded within the five-day time limit: 1) Grace Runkel (WHBF-TV) for planned emergency responses in place should severe weather, fire or the presence of an intruder occur at all of the schools included within the Rock Island-Milan School District.
Personnel – Non-Certified Resignations:
It was recommended that the Board of Education accept the following non-certified resignations:
Rhonda Eagle – Title I Paraprofessional/F. Willard/3 Years of Service
Shylo Gaddy - Food Service/Frances Willard/<1 Year of Service
A motion was made by Mr. Kevin Nolan and seconded by Mr. Dave Rockwell to accept the non-certified resignations of Rhonda Eagle and Shylo Gaddy as presented. A voice vote was called showing all members voting “Aye”. No “Nay” votes being cast, the President declared the motion carried.
Work Session:
• Capital Projects
Bob Beckwith and Gary Eastman provided the Board with an update on the capital projects plan for the District. Mr. Beckwith stated that we’d like to begin our planning now while awaiting revenue from the county sales tax initiative.
Mr. Beckwith provided information on the three-year plan put together last year. He highlighted projects completed in year one of the plan:
Secure Entryway at Ridgewood Elementary School $ 819,000
Reroof Edison Jr. High School $ 358,200
Tuck Point at Thurgood Marshall $ 152,111
Tuck Point Rock Island High School – Courtyard,
Poolside, Fitness Entry $ 186,869
Additional items completed were:
Reroof Rock Island High School Concourse and fieldhouse $ 357,575
Reroof Earl Hanson Elementary School $ 264,925
Total cost of projects completed with 1% Proceeds $ 1,799,700
Total cost of projects completed with Life/Safety funds $ 338,980
Mr. Beckwith stated that he will receive Requests for Qualifications (RFQs) to secure an architect for projects to be completed in year two of the plan:
Secure entryway at Edison Jr. High School $ 530,000
Secure entryway at Washington Jr. High School $ 180,000
Secure entryway at Earl Hanson Elementary School $ 115,000
Security System (cameras and keyless entry at all three schools) $ 300,000
Remodel science rooms at Washington Jr. High School $ 535,000
Replace flooring districtwide $ 350,000
Repair roofs districtwide $ 375,000
Tuck Point work districtwide $ 300,000
Replace rooftop A/C units & univents $ 400,000
Replace parking lots districtwide $ 300,000
Painting of interior of buildings districtwide $ 125,000
Total cost for all projects $ 3,510,000
Mr. Nolan questioned the disparity between entry ways at both junior highs. Mr. Beckwith stated that at Washington the existing office would reopen where front sidewalk is located. At Edison, the office would be swapped with the existing media center across the hall so the secure entryway would involve much more work.
Mr. Beckwith reviewed the projects for year three:
Secure entryway at Rock Island High School $ 1,850,000
Replace carpet and flooring at Rock Island High School $ 1,500,000
Tuck point work districtwide $ 300,000
Total cost for all projects $ 3,650,000
Mr. Beckwith reviewed the projects still needed to be completed:
Replace Rock Island High School Pool & Mechanicals $ 8,500,000
Production Kitchen $ 3,950,000
Restroom renovation at Stadium & Facility upgrades $ 1,650,000
Reconstruct Tennis Courts $ 300,000
Bleachers in Rock Island High School Field House $ 605,000
Bleachers in Edison Junior High Gymnasium $ 155,000
Bleachers in Washington Junior High Gymnasium $ 155,000
Resurface w/ Overlay Rock Island High School Track $ 60,000
Install Security Systems and Keyless Entries at remaining Schools $ 800,000
Tuck Point work Districtwide (Annually) $ 300,000
Painting of interior of Buildings Districtwide (Annually) $ 125,000
Replace parking lots Districtwide (Annually) $ 300,000
Repair Roofs Districtwide (Annually) $ 375,000
Replace rooftop A/C Units & Univents (Annually) $ 400,000
Elevator Replacement at Washington Junior High $ 175,000
Elevator Replacement at Rock Island High School $ 175,000
Replace Fencing at Rock Island High School Stadium $ 75.000
Total: $18,100,000
Mr. Nolan questioned the necessity of a production kitchen. Mr. Beckwith stated that the district currently completes all food preparation at the old Lincoln School. With a centralized production kitchen this work could be done at the main kitchen at Rock Island High School and the cafeteria would be reconfigured to a food court design. The district would then be able to sell the building where the current kitchen is housed.
Mr. Nolan stated that he is all in favor of renovating the cafeteria but would like a cost analysis on making versus buying. He would also like the district to consider having salad bars in grade schools. Mr. Beckwith will study many different options and report back to the Board.
Mr. Nolan would also like the district to consider outsourcing the food service program. He referred to Rockridge School District having outsourced their food program. Mr. Beckwith stated that the administration will look into this option as well.
The Board will hold a future work session on the food service program.
Dr. Oberhaus said the district has many regulations it must follow and if the district were to utilize a third-party in the cafeteria, the district would still own and be responsible for the ovens, refrigeration, point of sale and other components.
Mr. Beckwith recommended to still repair the roofs, do tuckpoint work on the facilities, and do annual repairs.
Ms. Dothard stated that our building securities and roofs are paramount. These are absolute priorities; complete these projects and then look at upgrades.
The Board of Education directed Mr. Beckwith to use half of the sales tax revenue for these projects and half to accumulations. The Board also directed Mr. Beckwith to return with a list of facility projects for approval totaling not more than half of what the Rock Island-Milan School District anticipates to receive in year one of disbursement of the 1 percent sales tax proceeds.
Mr. Beckwith said if the district carries out a plan of expending half of the anticipated 1 percent sales tax revenue and retaining half as a reserve. The district would have a full $3.4 million available at the end of year three to move forward and continue working on ticking off items from the facility priority list.
The district now expects to receive $3.4 million in 1 percent sales tax funding, a decrease from the previously estimated $3.6 million. Administrators are to return at the October 24th meeting with a recommended list of projects.
• College Credit Programs and Career Pathways
The Board discussed college credit and career pathway options for students. Dr. Kathy Ruggeberg and Ms. Karla Thies provided information on both dual credit and dual enrollment. Dr. Ruggeberg and Ms. Thies researched these programs and visited Davenport North High School and shared this information.
A copy of the handout is provided at the end of the minutes.
Adjourn:
A motion was made by Mr. Kevin Nolan and seconded by Mr. Gary Rowe to adjourn the meeting. All members voting “Aye”, the President declared the meeting adjourned at 7:53 p.m.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1jJW45PbxgwTU83NlNMcU5jRkU/view
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