Rock Island Milan School District 41 Board met Sept. 11.
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 11, 2018 in the library at Rock Island High School. Before the meeting began, President Linda Dothard asked for a moment of silence in honor and memory of those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001.
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. David Rockwell, Mr. Gary Rowe, Dr. Tiffany Stoner-Harris and Mr. Terell Williams
Members Absent: Mr. Kevin Nolan.
Others Present:
Dr. Michael Oberhaus, Mr. Robert Beckwith, Mr. Troy Bevans, Mr. Egan Colbrese, Ms. Ramona Dixon, Dr. Kathy Ruggeberg and Ms. Alicia Sanders
Approval of Minutes
A motion was made by Mr. David Rockwell and seconded by Ms. Marji Boeye to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of August 28, 2018. All members present voting “Aye”, the President declared the motion carried.
Special Item - Seating of Student Board Members
Rock Island High School Principal Jeff Whitaker introduced Rock Island High School student members Morgan Harty, Emily Laughlin and Alijah Walker-Lee. President Ms. Linda Dothard welcomed the students to the Board of Education and thanked them for volunteering.
Reports
● Student Board Members
Student member Morgan Harty announced that its Homecoming Week at Rock Island High School and
today is “Beach Day.” The Homecoming Dance will be on Saturday and held at the high school in the courtyard outside (weather permitting). Emily Laughlin said that there are a couple of sports activities this evening - the Lady Rocks Tennis Team had a home meet vs. United Township and the Boys Soccer team has a home game this evening as well.
● Board Members
Board Members reported on the following events and activities: Dr. Stoner Harris visited Mrs. O’Brien’s classroom and read to the students. She appreciates teachers who work with the primary age students. Gary Rowe is attending a ribbon-cutting for the new Blackhawk Area Special Education playground. Terell Williams walked in Labor Day parade with the Board members. He is also an active parent at RICMS and has attended functions there this quarter. Marji Boeye also walked in the Labor Day parade. She also met with the RIHS Student Ambassadors as a representative of SPARK (Suicide Prevention And Resilient Kids) group to discuss t-shirt sale fundraiser. This year two SPARK t-shirts feature student designs from RIHS Graphic Design Class. Linda Dothard also walked in the Labor Day Parade. She visited Frances Willard Elementary and enjoyed their beginning of the day routine of welcoming students outside and the assembly in the gymnasium. Dothard also visited the high school and met with Principal Jeff Whitaker. She attended the annual State of the Schools Address given by Superintendent Dr. Oberhaus at the QC Botanical Center.
● Superintendent
Dr. Oberhaus reported about his State of Schools address. Involve the greater community for our kids to be successful. Rocktown Reads - we are working with many community partners the love of reading. If you are reading - take a selfie and tag #RocktownReads. On Oct. 5 at our home football game, we will be in competition. Attendance - if a student misses more than 2 days a month [more]. Thursday is Challenge 5 Day - and it is a promotion to encourage kids to get to school. We only have kids 176 days for 6.5 hours a day. Thursday Dr. Oberhaus will be on a panel to prepare for the 2020 Census. The reason we are involved is because 14% of our funding is based on population. It is important for RIMSD that everyone is counted. We will work to get those counts done. Homecoming. September 19 is Band Preview Night! Gates open at 6:00 p.m. Performance is at 7:15 p.m. September 20 RIXC Invite at Saukie. Well run meet. Please get out and see one of the sports activities.
Action on Routine Matters
● Approval of Additions and/or Deletions
● Approval of Agenda
A motion was made by Mr. David Rockwell and seconded by Dr. Tiffany Stoner-Harris to approve the agenda as presented. All members voting “Aye,” the President declared the motion carried.
● Nomination of Future Agenda Items
Board Member Gary Rowe asked about energy use in schools; what do we spend in electricity and in gas in the school district? Dr. Oberhaus replied that overall the cost is $1.6 million a year for all utilities. Rowe would like a breakdown per school and if/what do the schools use any ‘green’ practices.
● Blanket Motion
It was moved by Mr. David Rockwell, seconded by Dr. Tiffany Stoner-Harris and unanimously carried by a roll call vote that the following items be approved as a blanket motion:
VII. A. That the Board of Education approve the license renewal from Follett Software Company,
Chicago, IL for $19,751.91. District library funds will be used for this renewal.
VII. B. That the Board of Education approve a contract with the Rock Island Parks & Recreation Department to provide programming at Earl Hanson Elementary School at a cost not to exceed $23,000.00. Twenty-first Century Grant Funds will be used for this contract.
VII. C. That the Board of Education approve a contract with Johannes Bus Service Inc., Rock Island, Illinois, to provide transportation services at Earl Hanson Elementary School at a cost not to exceed $8,500. Twenty-first Century Grant Funds will be used for this contract.
VII. D. That the Board of Education authorize Bills for Payment dated August 31, 2018, in the amount of $3,917,616.64.
VIII. C. That the Board of Education approve the following certified appointments:
Kayla Ulfig - Substitute Teacher/District/Salary $90-$110/day (varies)
Heather Fowler - Substitute Teacher/District/Salary $90-$110/day (varies)
Kathryn Matson - Substitute Teacher/District/Salary $90-$110/day (varies)
Joshua Jack - Substitute Teacher/District/Salary $90-$110/day (varies)
Jessica Borland - Substitute Teacher/District/Salary $90-$110/day (varies)
Eli Degni - Substitute Teacher/District/Salary $90-$110/day (varies)
Krista Dwinal - Elementary Teacher/Thomas Jefferson/Salary $57,421.00 (retro-adjusted to start date)
Tyler Strodtman - Elementary Counselor/RICMS/Salary $58,446.00 (retro-adjusted to start date)
Jamie Miner - Elementary Counselor/Ridgewood/Salary $52,705.00 (retro-adjusted to start date)
VIII. D. That the Board of Education approve the following certified appointments:
Logan Kinder - Substitute Custodian/District/Salary $11.50/hour
Sharon Dopler - Food Service/Longfellow/Salary $11.10/hour
Jillian Bishop - Title I Paraprofessional/Eugene Field/Salary $12.16/hour
Caitlyn Schaffer - AVID Tutor/Washington Junior High School/Salary $13.00/hour
Lexys Magadan - AVID Tutor/Washington Junior High School/Salary $13.00/hour
Teresa Pepping - Title I Paraprofessional/Food Service / Thomas Jefferson
Salary - $15.20/hour (Paraprofessional) $11.10/hour (Food Service)
Operations - Update on the Rock Island-Milan Education Foundation
Education Foundation Director Monta Ponsetto presented an update on the Rock Island-Milan Education Foundation.
A copy of the presentation is kept on file with the official minutes at the Administration Center.
Operations - Superintendent Search
Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources Egan Colbrese informed the Board of Education that 393 Superintendent Search Surveys have been completed online thus far. The deadline for the completion of the survey is September 24 at 8:00 a.m.
Dec. 4 is the interview of everyone that is selected to interview (1st Round); Dec. 8 is the second round from top candidates. Dec. 11 is the announcement.
Dr. Mike Rush from Ray & Associates joined the meeting via audio. Dr. Rush said the last time they spoke the board wanted to talk about compensation and asked Ray and Assoc to come up with recommendations. Dr. Rush suggested a salary of $190,000 based on two variables: What current Superintendent Dr. Oberhaus would be making in 2019-2020, and also the salary levels of surrounding area superintendents. There are other negotiable factors to keep in mind: experience, insurance, car allowance and time for outside meetings.
Dr Rush also suggested using a salary range, such as $187,000 - $195,000. President Linda Dothard stated that the bottom of the salary range of $187,000 is too high and other board members nodded in agreement. Dr. Rush suggested a range of $178,000 - $185,000 as a possibility. Vice President Gary Rowe felt that range was more “palatable,” with the understanding that the compensation package will add more to the salary. President Linda Dothard asked the board if it is acceptable for the range to be $178,000 - $188,000 (or to $185,000). Mr. Dave Rockwell suggested not making a final decision until the flyer is prepared. Rockwell pointed out that current Superintendent Dr. Oberhaus has only received one raise in the 9 years he has served as superintendent. Dr. Oberhaus’ starting salary was $170,000, and now it is currently $175,000. “While we may be shocked at what a new superintendent salary may be, in reality $190,000 is where Dr. Oberhaus should be right now. We have to be very careful and have had a very unique situation with Dr. Oberhaus.”
Dr. Tiffany Stoner-Harris would like the superintendent salary list narrowed closer to our QC area. Egan Colbrese is checking with area school districts on salary and other benefits that are included.
Discussion: First interview of candidates by Skype or in person? Dr. Rush asked the Board if they want to pay for travel. The Board can wait to see who applies and determine if paying for travel is a possibility. “It is important to have someone face-to-face to get a feel for them.”
There will be no community interviews for candidates. Community input is through the forums next week on Sept. 18 and 19.
Updated Timeline for Superintendent Search:
Sept 18 & 19 - Community focus groups and forums. Times vary.
Sept. 25 - Board Meeting; review and decide on salary schedule and advertising schedule, 6:00 p.m. Oct. 2 - Special Board Meeting to review draft of flyer, 6:00 p.m.
Oct. 3 - Finalize flyer and open application.
Nov. 20 - Application deadline.
Nov. 27 - Special Board Meeting closed session to view video applications (by SKYPE?), 6:00 p.m. Dec. 3 - Special Board Meeting closed session for in-person interviews, 6:00 p.m.
Dec. 4 - Special Board Meeting closed session for in-person interviews, 6:00 p.m.
Operations - Update on Online Registration
RIMSD #41 Technology Director Troy Bevans presented an update on the Student Online Registration process.
A copy of the presentation is kept on file with the official minutes at the Administration Center.
Operations – Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Request
The Administration received the following FOIA request and responded within the five-day time
limit: 1) Nicole Lauer for contract information for Whatever It Takes Inc.; 2) Nicole Lauer for five years of suspension data by school; and 3) Josh Fine for data on boys playing high school football in various years and percentage of those receiving free or reduced lunch.
Personnel - Administrative Salary Compensation Report
Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources Mr. Egan Colbrese presented the 2017-18 Administrative Salary Compensation Report.
A copy of the report is kept on file with the official minutes at the Administration Center.
Personnel - Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund Compensation Report
Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources Mr. Egan Colbrese presented the 2017-18 Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund Compensation Report.
A copy of the report is kept on file with the official minutes at the Administration Center.
Personnel - Non-Certified Resignations
It was recommended that the Board of Education accept the following non-certified resignations:
25 Current Position
Superintendent Secretary/Administration
Number of Years Continuous Years of Service
Staff Member Kim Colson
Maria Acosta - Food Service/Washington Junior High School, < 1 year of service Ruth Trammell - Food Service/Washington Junior High School, < 1 year of service
A motion was made by Mr. Gary Rowe and seconded by Mr. David Rockwell to accept the non-certified resignations of Kim Colson, Maria Acosta and Ruth Trammell as presented. A voice vote was called showing all members present voting “Aye.” No “Nay” votes being cast the President declared the motion carried.
Adjournment
A motion was made by Dr. Tiffany Stoner-Harris and seconded by Mr. Gary Rowe to adjourn the meeting. All members present voting “Aye,” the President declared the meeting adjourned at
7:30 p.m.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1h05etBk2g1FvLcLwDy80ok8ndIjgFPYu/view
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