Rock Island Milan School District #41 Board of Education met February 27.
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, February 27, 2018 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 Present: Ms. Marji Boeye, Ms. Linda Dothard, Mr. Kevin Nolan, Mr. David Rockwell, Mr. Gary Rowe, Dr. Tiffany Stoner-Harris and Mr. Terell Williams, and student members Kieran Benson, Morgan Harty and Jada Veasey
Others Present: Dr. Michael Oberhaus, Mr. Robert Beckwith, Mr. Troy Bevans, Mr. Egan Colbrese, Ms. Ramona Dixon, Dr. Kathryn Ruggeberg and Ms. Alicia Sanders
Approval of Minutes:
A motion was made by Mr. David Rockwell and seconded by Mr. Kevin Nolan to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of February 13, 2018, including executive session minutes I and II to remain confidential. All members present voting “Aye”, the President declared the motion carried.
Reports:
• Student Members
Student members reported on National Honor Society Induction next Wednesday, March 7th at 6:00 p.m. in the Auditorium and the Quad City Youth Conference last Thursday, February 22nd.
• Voting Members
Board members reported on the following events and activities: reading to classrooms at the Rock Island Academy; visit to Eugene Field and learned about the LEAD and Leader in Me programs; Rock Island University planning meeting which is a program to introduce new families to the schools and community of Rock Island, with the first session being held at Century Woods at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 28, 2018; professional development day at the Rock Island Academy that focused on self-care and wellness; District Leadership Team meeting last week; and attendance at the boys’ basketball game last Friday on senior night where the cheerleaders did an awesome half time show, and the students from the entrepreneurship class took concession orders for a small service fee from spectators in the crowd.
• Superintendent
Dr. Oberhaus reported that the winter sports season is coming to a close; tomorrow night the boys’ basketball team is playing a regional game against Bloomington. Congratulations to all of our winter sports student athletes for a fine season.
Dr. Oberhaus read the following statement in regard to the latest school shooting in Florida:
It has been almost two weeks since the tragedy at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, FL and we know it has weighed heavy on the hearts and minds of Americans and has activated students around the country to take action in the name of school safety.
At Rock Island High School last Wednesday, there were some students who conducted a walkout to show their support and to share their voices to effect meaningful change for schools. We supported our students and their expression of free speech on that day, and students did not receive a consequence for the peaceful protest.
Moving forward, there are additional walkouts that are being promoted for March 14th and April 20th. I strongly encourage all students who would like to be a part of the planning to contact the administration at the high school to get involved with the student leadership.
The High School staff and administration will be meeting with students to help coordinate and set reasonable parameters for the event such as place, time and manner of activity. Our goal is to ensure students are safe and are able to have their voices heard.
The District and schools have safety plans for crisis situations and scenarios. RIMSD #41 implemented the A.L.I.C.E. (Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter and Evacuate) program and training in 2012. Annual A.L.I.C.E. drills are conducted every year in conjunction with the Rock Island Police Department. More information can be found on our main website on School Safety under the Schools tab.
School shooting tragedies cause us to pause and review plans. As reviews are completed, there may be adjustments or changes recommended to enhance security while balancing the school being welcoming and inviting for our students, staff, parents and community. For example, one item that might be considered is to accelerate the construction of secured entrances at the last five remaining schools. Another may be to consider operational changes such as backpacks in schools. This school year, two changes were made at the High School to enhance safety that included moving to a single-entry point for students and requiring ID badges be worn visibly at all times. Both were implemented with some discontent from students, staff and parents, however, in reflection, those new practices are stepping in the right direction of proactive safety measures that are in the best interest of our students and staff at Rock Island High School.
Moment of Silence:
A moment of silence was held in honor of the students, staff, and families of the victims affected by the school shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, FL.
• Citizens Addressing the Board
Christine Fisher, 4406 – 18th Avenue, Rock Island, is working with teachers and administrators on the student walkouts scheduled for March 14th and April 20th. The main priority for these are for students to feel safe coming to school. She stated that backpacks have always been a safety concern in schools and believe metal detectors would be a good idea for school entryways.
Levi Roth, 1619 – 33rd Street, Rock Island, spoke about the recent student walk out when Rock Island High School went on lock down. He experienced many obstacles while trying to return to the building. He believes it was irresponsible for the school where students became targets for a shooter if one was to approach the school. The school needs to provide protection and make sure kids do not have a fear of going to school. He suggested that all teachers become trained on mental health for students who need someone to talk to. Teachers can then inform parents and not ignore the signs; pay attention to what is going on around them.
Kevin Kolls, 2710 Karlburg Ct., Rock Island, also suggested having metal detectors at the high school. The school needs more safety precautions. Have police officer at the door and be sure IDs are worn. We need actual people present in the building who can save the kids if something does happen.
D’Angelo Davis, 2823 Eighth Avenue, Rock Island, wants to bring awareness to the situation and show there is a problem and we need to fix it. It is not a good thing for kids to come to school and feel it is not safe. This is not fair to the kids, teachers and parents. School should be considered a safe place. Perhaps have more security guards in school.
Ms. Dothard stated that the Board would appreciate on March 14th and April 20th if students would work with administrators to express your freedom of speech and be orderly.
Jason Garrison, 2513 – 31st Street Ct., Rock Island, has two students in the district and asked if we can accept outside help so we have a fighting chance against intruders. Ms. Dothard stated that we do want people in our community to help our students be safe. She suggested that he speak with Gary Eastman and Dr. Oberhaus. He stated that he has also spoken to the Rock Island Fire Department.
Gregg Hampton, 2420 – 21st Avenue, Rock Island, stated that his church meets in the little theatre every Sunday. Safety is very important to him, along with communication and consequences. After the student walkout and school lockdown occurred there were a lot of rumors out in the community. He had heard three different reasons and timeframes for these two occurrences. There is one consistent criticism for the absence of communication feeds to parents. Be consistent to avoid all of this confusion. Include ALICE and action points that school already has. He just found out tonight that there is a link on our school website for information on ALICE. It is also good to know there is no consequences for the students participating in a walkout. He is thankful that the Board and administration support the students. He shared that the walkout on April 20th is for students across America to walk out and not return to school. Students are starting to realize school is funded by attendance, which is very powerful. We have the duty to create their safety, but it is not a guarantee. We have an insurmountable goal to keep our students safe. Some of them are your children but all of them are our children.
Ms. Dothard reminded the public that if there is no name from the school district associated with information then the story is not legitimate. Most official information is shared through Holly Sparkman or Dr. Mike Oberhaus. She asked that people please share this information.
Vincent Regan, 1619 – 33rd Street, Rock Island, stated that a school district in Cedar Rapids, IA has an automated voice mail that goes to every parent when an incident occurs in their district. As soon as it’s over another call goes out. He suggested our district look into this communication tool to keep parents informed.
Action on Routine Matters
• Additions/Deletions
A motion was made by Mr. David Rockwell and seconded by Ms. Marji Boeye to approve the additional overnight field trip requests for the girls’ track team. All members voting “Aye”, the President declared the motion carried.
• Agenda
A motion was made by Mr. Dave Rockwell and seconded by Ms. Marji Boeye to approve the agenda as amended. All members voting “Aye”, the President declared the motion carried.
• Blanket Motion
It was moved by Mr. Gary Rowe, seconded by Dr. Tiffany Stoner-Harris 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 following overnight field trip requests: 1) Rock Island High School Debate Team to travel to the 2018 ICTA (Novice) State Debate Tournament in Hoffman Estates, IL on March 2-3, 2018; 2) Rock Island High School Debate Team to travel to the 2018 IHSA State Debate Tournament in Springfield, IL on March 15-17, 2018; 3) Rock Island High School Varsity Baseball Team to travel to the Lenz Field Showcase in Jacksonville, IL on March 16-17, 2018; 4) Rock Island High School Varsity Softball Team to travel to the Lenz Field Showcase in Jacksonville, IL on March 16-17, 2018; 5) Rock Island High School Girls’ Track team to travel to the SIU Girls’ Track Meet in Carbondale and Bloomington, IL March 2-3, 2018; and 6) Rock Island High School girls’ track team to travel to the SIU Girls’ track meet in Edwardsville, IL March 23-24, 2018.
V. B. That the Board of Education approve the February Fund Raiser requests.
VI. B. That the Board of Education approve the software contract extension with Heartland School Solutions in the amount of $9,100.00 to operate the school food service program.
VI. C. That the Board of Education approve the proposals for architectural services from Legat Architects, Moline, IL for roof replacements at Frances Willard Elementary School, Edison Jr. High School and Thurgood Marshall Learning Center at a cost of 10% of the total project cost.
VI. D. That the Board of Education extend the agreement for one year with the Broadway Presbyterian Church Community Gardening Group to use the Thurgood Marshall green space for a community garden project.
VI. F. That the Board of Education acknowledge the following donations:
McManus Orthodontics - $500.00 for the RIHS Girls’ Basketball program
Lowell Johnson Foundation - $15,000.00 to fund Arts Enhancement in the Rock Island-Milan School District
VI. G. That the Board of Education authorize Bills for Payment dated February 15, 2018 in the amount of4,601,197.42.
VII. A. That the Board of Education approve the following certified appointments:
Aaron Peck – Substitute Teacher/District/Salary $90-$110/day (varies)
Melanie Hanson – Substitute Teacher/District/Salary $90-$110/day (varies)
VII. B. That the Board of Education approve the following non-certified appointments:
Austin Anderson – Title I Para/RI Academy/Salary $14.65/hour
VII. E. That the Board of Education approve the termination of non-certified employee #17- 1-0318.
Business/Finance – Purchase Agreement
It was recommended that the Board of Education approve the purchase agreement for three lots adjacent to the Rock Island Academy at a cost of $5,000.00 for all three lots.
A motion was made by Mr. David Rockwell and seconded by Dr. Tiffany Stoner-Harris to approve the purchase agreement for three lots adjacent to the Rock Island Academy at a cost of $5,000.00 for all three lots. A roll call vote was called showing all members voting “Aye”. No “Nay” votes being cast, the President declared the motion carried.
Business/Finance – Eureka Math Materials
It was recommended that the Board of Education approve the purchase of Eureka Math student materials from Great Minds, Washington, D.C., at a cost of $64,905.50.
A motion was made by Mr. David Rockwell and seconded by Mr. Gary Rowe to approve the purchase of Eureka Math student materials from Great Minds, Washington, D.C., at a cost of $64,905.50. A roll call vote was called showing all members voting “Aye”. No “Nay” votes being cast, the President declared the motion carried.
Personnel – 2018-19 Non-Certified Retirement
It was recommended that the Board of Education approve the following non-certified retirement during the 2018-19 school year:
Carol Martin – PPS Secretary/District/20 Years of Service
A motion was made by Mr. Kevin Nolan and seconded by Mr. David Rockwell to approve the non-certified retirement of Carol Martin during the 2018-19 school year as presented. A roll call vote was called showing all members voting “Aye”. No “Nay” votes being cast, the President declared the motion carried.
Personnel – Non-Certified Resignation
It was recommended that the Board of Education accept the following non-certified resignation:
Natosha LeShoure - SpEd Paraprofessional/Earl Hanson/10 Years of Service
A motion was made by Mr. Kevin Nolan and seconded by Mr. David Rockwell to accept the non-certified resignation of NaTosha LeShoure as presented. A roll call vote was called showing all members voting “Aye”. No “Nay” votes being cast, the President declared the motion carried.
Work Session – 2018-19 Budget Additions
Members of the Cabinet shared details about the proposed budget additions for the 2018-19 budget. The following are items on the expenditure side of the budget:
• Social emotional staff
• Human Resources staff additions for everyday work and the firm to conduct the superintendent search
• Curriculum items
The Board feels that social emotional needs are very high.
Mr. Nolan asked Mr. Colbrese to share his needs for the Human Resources Department.
Mr. Colbrese stated that his office consists of himself, an HR Specialist, and Benefits Coordinator. He would like to hire another HR Specialist to coordinate the 30+ retirements at the end of the 2018-19 school year as well as someone with a recruiting specialty. He currently does not have the capacity to do what is needed with mentoring and orientating secretaries, custodians, and other staff. He also needs to coordinate looking at our positions and provide training to be long- term. He needs someone to monitor and continue the processes.
Neighboring school districts have HR staffs of four, six and seven. Mr. Colbrese stated that the needed staff members are short-term but if he sees a need for more people he will ask for someone at the appropriate time.
Adjourn:
A motion was made by Mr. David Rockwell and seconded by Mr. Gary Rowe to adjourn the meeting. All members voting “Aye”, the President declared the meeting adjourned at 7:16 p.m.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1gEA1U-Tv4X-qDJvtsi6vXhLAfhjocTQ9/view
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