MENDOTA TOWNSHIP HIGH SCHOOL
Regular Board Meeting Minutes
May 21, 2007
The regular board meeting of the Board of Education of Mendota Township High School District No. 280, LaSalle, Bureau, and Lee Counties, Illinois, was held in the high school boardroom on Monday, May 21, 2007 at 7:00 p.m. pursuant to rule with a quorum present.
President Bauer called the meeting to order; followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. On roll call the following members were recorded as present: Vercimak, Burke, Flahive, Strouss, Ayers, and Bauer. Absent was Holdenrid. Also in attendance was Supt. Prusator, Princ. Aughenbaugh, Asst Princ.Masini, members of the School Improvement Committee, and members of the media.
Bauer asked Aughenbaugh to introduce the School Improvement Committee before their presentation. Aughenbaugh introduced teachers Jayne Barnes, Stephanie Haskell, and Joe Masini. Following the introductions the committee gave their presentation to the board. Reading Comprehension, English Language Proficiency, Math, CRISS and other topics were discussed. Discussion followed the presentation.
Bauer thanked Aughenbaugh and the committee for their hard work and dedication to the students of MHS. Bauer then introduced Emily McConville, Mendota City Clerk, who was in attendance to speak to the board on behalf of the city.
McConville asked the board to consider the time extension for the Enterprise Zone. The Enterprise Zone is set to expire at the end of this year (12/31/07). The extension of the Enterprise Zone would be for 10 years. McConville asked the board for their approval of the extension. Discussion followed.
Bauer thanked McConville for her time and told the board that further discussion and possible board action would be done during the Business Report.
Bauer asked for questions or comments on the minutes of the following meetings:
1. Regular Meeting – April 16, 2007
2. Special Meeting – May 10, 2007
A question concerning the motion of staff rehiring was raised. Discussion followed. A motion was made by Vercimak, seconded by Flahive to rehire certified and non-certified staff for the upcoming 2007-2008 school year. Upon roll call the following vote was recorded: Ayes: Vercimak, Burke, Flahive, Strouss, Ayers, and Bauer. No nays. Motion carried.
With no further discussion a motion was made by Bauer, seconded by Vercimak to accept the minutes of the above meeting as presented. The vote was unanimously in favor by acclamation.
Bauer asked for questions or comments concerning the following reports:
1. Treasurer’s Report
2. Imprest Fund Report and Reimbursement
3. Activity Fund Report
4. Cafeteria Report
With no questions a motion was made by Bauer, seconded by Strouss to approve the above reports and presented. Upon roll call the following vote was recorded: Ayes: Vercimak, Burke, Flahive, Strouss, Ayers, and Bauer. No nays. Motion carried.
Bauer asked for questions or comments concerning the Bills Payable. Discussion followed with clarification on several invoices given. A motion was made by Bauer, seconded by Burke to accept the Bills Payable List as presented. The vote was unanimously in favor by acclamation.
No board action required on the Fund Balance Report.
No board member requests or reports.
Bauer asked Aughenbaugh for the Principal’s Report. Aughenbaugh reported on the following items:
1. Discipline Committee/Handbook-Discipline Committee met and would like the board to approve the changes and handbook for the 2007-2008 school year. A motion was made by Bauer, seconded by Flahive to approve the changes (to the handbook) and the handbook for the 2007-2008 school year. The vote was unanimously in favor by acclamation.
2. Drug Testing Policy Committee-Drug Testing Policy committee met to discuss the 2006-2007 school year drug testing and to make recommendations for the 2007-2008 school year. The committee’s recommendation to the board was to continue the Drug Testing Policy into the 2007-2008 school year. A motion was made by Bauer, seconded by Flahive to continue the Drug Testing Policy for 1 year (2007-2008 school year). The vote was unanimously in favor by acclamation.
3. Early Graduation Requests-The school has received 17 requests for early graduation for the FY08 school year. Discussion followed. Possible policy changes in the future to insure understanding of early graduation. A motion was made by Bauer, seconded by Strouss to accept the requests for early graduation as received by the Administration. Upon roll call the following vote was recorded: Ayes: Vercimak, Burke, Flahive, Strouss, Ayers, and Bauer. No nays. Motion carried.
4. Commendations-Graduating Class of 129. Teacher of the Year-Mr. Benson.
Aughenbaugh ended her report. Bauer thanked Aughenbaugh for her report and asked Prusator for the District and Business Report.
Prusator told the board that a motion was necessary to extend the Enterprise Zone for an additional 10 years. Discussion followed. A motion was made by Strouss, seconded by Flahive to extend the Enterprise Zone for and additional 10 years as presented by the City of Mendota. Upon roll call the following vote was recorded: Ayes: Burke, Flahive, Strouss, Ayers, and Bauer. Nays: Vercimak. Five Ayes. One Nay. Motion Carried.
Prusator reported that the ROE Compliance Visit has been completed. MHS was in full compliance.
Prusator told the board that Ag Teacher, Mr. Landers, and his 5th period Ag class should be commended for their improvement to the landscaping in the front of the building. Board extended their appreciation to Landers and his Ag class.
Prusator asked for questions or comments on the Donation Summary Report handed out at April’s Board Meeting. Prusator asked for a motion to accept the Donations as reported. A motion was made by Flahive, seconded by Strouss to accept the Donation Summary Report as presented at April’ Board Meeting. Upon roll call the following vote was recorded: Ayes: Vercimak, Burke, Flahive, Strouss, Ayers, and Bauer. No nays. Motion carried.
Prusator reported to the board the Science Teacher, John Holzman has applied for 2/$500 Environmental Science Grants. Notification will be made later this summer.
Prusator asked for a motion for approval to pay bills before the next board meeting. Prusator reminded the board that because the June meeting is later in the month, he would like to avoid late charges that may be charged by vendors. A motion was made by Bauer, seconded by Burke to approve the Payment of Bills before the next board meeting. Upon roll call the following vote was recorded: Ayes: Vercimak, Burke, Flahive, Strouss, Ayers, and Bauer. No nays. Motion carried.
Prusator asked the board for a motion to allow the Superintendent to begin preparing the 2007-2008 Budget. A motion was made by Vercimak, seconded by Flahive to appoint the Superintendent to prepare the 2007-2008 Budget. Upon roll call the following vote was recorded: Ayes: Vercimak, Burke, Flahive, Strouss, Ayers, and Bauer. No nays. Motion carried.
Prusator asked the board to consider the purchase of an off-set mower for the maintenance dept. Discussion followed. A motion was made by Vercimak, seconded by Strouss to approve the purchase of an off-set mower from Kunz, Inc. in the amount of $3495.00. Upon roll call the following vote was recorded: Ayes: Vercimak, Burke, Flahive, Strouss, Ayers, and Bauer. No nays. Motion carried.
Bauer thanked Prusator for his reports. With no further business to be discussed in open session a motion was made by Bauer, seconded by Burke to adjourn into closed session for: 1) the appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific employees; 2) student discipline; and 3) review closed meeting minutes of April 16, 2007. The vote was unanimously in favor by acclamation.
The meeting adjourned into closed session at 9:00 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Debbie Phalen
Board Recording Secretary