West Central Reporter

The Jacksonville District No. 117 Board of Education met May 18 to announce that Jacksonville High School English Teacher Buford Stowers has been selected to attend the National Endowment for the Humanities Summer Institute Scholarship and Performance, "A Combined Approach to Teaching Shakespeare’s Plays," from July 18-29 at Polonsky Shakespeare Center in Brooklyn, New York. 

The Jacksonville District No. 117 Board of Education meets at 7 p.m. on the third Wednesday of each month.

Here are the meeting's minutes, as provided by the board:

Jacksonville School District 117 Board of Education Regular May 18, 2016 The Board of Education of Jacksonville School District 117 met in Regular Session on Wednesday, May 18, 2016, beginning at 7:00 PM at the Jacksonville High School. Members present at roll call were Mrs. Ballard, Mr. Beard, Mr. Cantrell, Mr. Lonergan, Mrs. Maul, Ms. Wagner and Mrs. White. Also in attendance were Superintendent, Steve Ptacek, Assistant Superintendent, Dana Kinley, Director of Curriculum and Instruction, Sarah Raynor and Chief Financial Officer, Jamie Hadjan. RECOGNITION – Mr. Ptacek announced that JHS English Teacher, Buford Stowers has been selected to attend the National Endowment for the Humanities Summer Institute Scholarship and Performance: A Combined Approach to Teaching Shakespeare’s Plays from July 18-29 at Polonsky Shakespeare Center in Brooklyn, New York. We are very excited that he has been awarded with this opportunity to hone his craft with a talented group of 25 educators from across the country! He is awarded a $2100 stipend to offset travel expenses. Mr. Ptacek also announced that the Jacksonville Pilot Club will donate the proceeds from Dancing with the Stars fundraiser to the Jacksonville Public Schools Foundation to be used for the elementary arts programs. Mr. Ptacek reported that the first JHS Post Prom event was a great success. He thanked Jeannette Barlow for her leadership of this event. RECEPTION OF VISITORS, PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS – Mr. Ptacek introduced Dan Scott who is recommended for the position of Dean at South and Murrayville-Woodson and Kyle Price who is recommended for the Assistant Principal position at Turner. APPROVAL OF AGENDA – Mr. Beard advised that Action Item I is being removed due to lack of information. Mr. Cantrell moved, seconded by Mrs. Maul to approve the amended agenda. Roll: Cantrell, Maul, Lonergan, Ballard, White, Wagner and Beard. Nay; None. ANNOUNCEMENTS - UPCOMING EVENTS ? 5/20 - Half-Day for Students - School Improvement ? 5/23 - CHANGE OF LAST SCHOOL DAY - 1 Hour Early Dismissal ? 5/30 – Turner 8th Grade Promotion at Bruner Fitness Center ? 5/24 - Teachers Institute ? 5/26 - Baccalaureate, 7:00 pm - Annie Merner Chapel ? 5/27 - Graduation, 7:00 pm - The Bowl ? 5/30 - Memorial Day - Offices are closed ? Summer Hours 6/6 through 7/22- Monday - Thursday 8am-4:30pm; Fridays - 8am-Noon STANDING REPORTS State Updates - Mr. Ptacek reported that SB231 has passed the senate. Mr. McCann’s vote was needed to pass the House but he voted “no”. There are three scenarios for the school funding crisis: 1. Status Quo – This option would wrong for the state 2. Fully Fund GSA – This would be adequate but we don’t know where that money will come from. JSD117 would gain $1MM more in this scenario but it’s “pie in the sky”. Mr. Ptacek will not support this option. 3. Re-distribute GSA – Mr. Ptacek said it appears this is the only option left. It is gaining momentum in the house and they will vote within the next two weeks. Federal Update – Since the new directive has come down regarding trans-gender students, Mr. Ptacek’s statement is “We will comply with the law”. He said we care about the safety and education of ALL of our students. It is out of the Board’s hands. Enrollment Report – Mr. Ptacek stated that new elementary school boundaries will be implemented with the calendar year 2017. He said he cannot promise that some homes on the edges of current boundaries will stay in their current neighborhood school. Board of Education 2 May 18, 2016 Regular Quarterly Discipline Report – Total Suspensions for the 2015-2016 school year were 332 compared to 270 last year. 21.99% of the suspensions were students in 8th grade. A number to be mentioned is 42 suspensions in 5th grade. It should be noted that these numbers represent each incidents NOT the number of students suspended. F.O.I.A. Report – There were two requests since the last meeting: 1. The Wells Center asked for the number of school suspensions that are related to alcohol from JHS and Turner. 2. National Council on Teacher Quality asked for a list of institutions for whom we have placed student teachers within the last 2 years. Financial/Treasurer's Report - Mr. Ptacek reported that our budget is in good shape with revenues staying ahead of expenses with 85% of the year gone. He expects a surplus of $1 million. REPORTS Alternative School Update – This topic was discussed during the Committee of the Whole. There was no further discussion at this time. Triple I Conference Reservations (Nov 18-20) – Reservations for the conference are made the first week of June. Board Members interested in attending should notify Debbie by June 1st if they would like to be registered. Mr. Beard reminded the Board that there is a budget of $2,000 to be shared among the members who attend. He suggested that if any new member wants to attend that they receive full reimbursement up to $1,000 and any other members would split the remaining $1,000. IMRF - Mrs. Hadjan presented the preliminary information regarding the District’s IMRF Contribution Rate for Calendar year 2017. She advised that the rate of 10.96% could be adjusted prior to the final notice in November. Tax Levy – Mrs. Hadjan reported the final EAV calculation has been received from the County. The 2015 EAV of $389,803,882 includes $2,273,740 in new construction and an extension of $18,728,049. The difference between the actual extension and our levy request is a negative $660,117. The actual rate will be 4.80448 per hundred dollars of assessed value. JAYFL Facility Usage Request – Mr. Ptacek advised the Board that due to the construction work at Turner, the JAYFL has asked to use the field west of Eisenhower for their practices. Mr. Barlow has approved the use of the field. Signage for Lincoln and JMS - The Board reviewed preliminary design options for the Lincoln and JMS marquis signs. Mr. Ptacek requested more than one choice for each location. Mrs. Hadjan asked whether the Board wanted to proceed with getting the specs done by Ace Sign Company. The Board agreed to get the designs and send them out to local vendors for their bids. CONSENT AGENDA – Mr. Lonergan moved, seconded by Mr. Cantrell to approve the Consent Agenda as presented: ? Consideration of Previous Minutes from April 20, 2016 ? Consideration of Regular Meeting Dates for the 2016-2017 school year ? Consideration of Prevailing Wage Resolution ? Appointment of Board Treasurer Jamie Hadjan for one year ? Appointment of Recording Secretary Debbie McKean for one year ? Consideration of Special Purpose Treasurer’s Bond with Lloyds of London and Brokers Risk for the annual premium of $3,703.00. CLOSED SESSION – Mrs. White moved, seconded by Mr. Lonergan to adjourn to Closed Session at 7:38pm for the purposes of: ? Student disciplinary cases. 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(9) Board of Education 3 May 18, 2016 Regular ? The appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific employees of the District or legal counsel for the District. 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(1), as amended by P.A. 93-0057. ? Collective negotiating matters between the public body and its employees or their representatives, or deliberations concerning salary schedules for one or more classes of employees. 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(2). ? Litigation, when an action against, affecting or on behalf of the particular District has been filed and is pending before a court or administrative tribunal, or when the district finds that an action is probable or imminent, in which case the basis for the finding shall be recorded and entered into the closed meeting minutes. 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(11). ? The purchase or lease of real property for the use of the public body, including meetings held for the purpose of discussing whether a particular parcel should be acquired. 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(5). ACTION ITEMS Student Discipline – Mrs. White moved, seconded by Mr. Lonergan to approve the recommendation of Administration to expel student #457703315 for the remainder of the current school year and all of the 2016-2017 school year. Roll: White, Lonergan, Wagner, Maul, Ballard, Cantrell and Beard. Nay; None. Personnel Recommendations – Ms. Wagner moved, seconded by Mr. Lonergan to approve the personnel recommendations as presented: Retirements ? Carolyn Heaton, Food Service Worker at JHS, effective May 24, 2016. ? Catherine VanHyning, Head Custodian at JHS, effective June 28, 2016. Terminations ? Kim Homann, School Secretary at South Elementary School, effective June 15, 2016. Resignations ? Joanna Morrissey, Special Education Teacher at Murrayville-Woodson Elementary School, effective at the end of the 2015-2016 school year. ? Erin Luttrell, Special Education Teacher at JHS, effective at the end of the 2015-2016 school year. ? Kelsey Pembrook, Special Education Teacher at JHS, effective at the end of the 2015-2016 school year. ? Brennen Bradley, School Psychologist at Lincoln\Murrayville-Woodson and Washington Elementary Schools, effective at the end of the 2015-2016 school year. ? Tracey Roberts, 8 th Grade Girls Basketball Coach at Turner Junior High School, effective April 19, 2016. ? Andrea Cully, Part-time Paraprofessional at Lincoln Elementary School, effective at the end of the 2015- 2016 school year. ? Mel Tara Childs, Food Service Worker at JHS and Turner Junior High School, effective April 29, 2016. ? Philip Johnson, Freshman Boys’ Basketball Coach at JHS, effective April 27, 2016. Employment-Certified ? KelseyMierzwa,School SocialWorker, Salary Schedule:MA, StepF: $40,597/per year(Probationary Year 1), effective August 18, 2016, contingent upon receipt of required employment documentation. ? Michelle Elliott, School Social Worker at Alternative School, Salary Schedule: MA, Step N:$51,427/per year (Probationary Year 1), effective August 18, 2016, contingent upon receipt of required employment documentation. ? Kyle Price, Assistant Principal at Turner Junior High School, Salary: $69,500/year, effective July 28, 2016, contingent upon receipt of required employment documentation. ? Dan Scott, Elementary Dean of Students at South Elementary/Murrayville-Woodson Elementary Schools, Salary Schedule BA + 12, Step H: $39,414 per year (plus $1,094.80 per year for the additional 5 working days each school year) for a total salary of $40,508.80/per year, contingent upon receipt of required employmentdocumentation. ? Lecie Brannan, School Social Worker, Salary: MA, Step G: $41,815/per year (Probationary Year 1), effective August 18, 2016. Board of Education 4 May 18, 2016 Regular Homebound Services ? Madeline Jackson, Homebound Speech Language Pathologist at Illinois School for Visually Impaired, Salary: $25.50/hour. Employment-Modifications/Re-Assignments/Promotions/Transfers ? Susan Newman, 1 st Grade Teacher at South Elementary School voluntary transfer to Elementary Dean of Students at North Elementary/Lincoln Elementary Schools, effective August 18, 2016, Salary: MA + 24/Step S: $63,249/year (plus $1,756.90 per year for additional 5 working days each school year) for total salary of $65,005.90/year. ? Alyson Karsgaard, 4 th Grade Teacher at Washington Elementary School voluntary transfer to Elementary Dean of Students at Washington Elementary/Eisenhower Elementary Schools, effective August 18, 2016, Salary: MA + 24/Step-Longevity: $68,109.01 per year (plus $1,891.90 per year for the additional 5 working days each school year) for a total salary of $70,000.91/per year. ? Mary Amdal, 2 nd Grade Teacher at Eisenhower Elementary School, voluntary transfer to North Elementary School, effective August 18, 2016. Extended School Year Employment ? Felicia McGuinn, Summer Intersession Instructor for up to 84 hours, effective June 6, 2016 through July 8, 2016, Salary: $25.50/hour. Summer School – Jacksonville High School ? Joe Brooks, Summer Driver’s Education Classroom Teacher for up to 64 hours, effective June 6, 2016 through June 27, 2016, Salary: $25.50/hour. ? Joe Brooks, Summer Driver’s Education Behind-the-Wheel Teacher for up to 320 hours, effective June 1, 2016 through July 31, 2016, Salary: $25.50/hour. ? Brandon Radford, Summer Driver’s Education Behind-the-Wheel Teacher for up to 320 hours, effective June 1, 2016 through July 31, 2016, Salary: $25.50/hour. ? Rex Williams, Summer Driver’s Education Behind-the-Wheel Teacher for up to 320 hours, effective June 1, 2016 through July 31, 2016, Salary: $25.50/hour. ? J.R. Dugan, Summer Driver’s Education Behind-the-Wheel Teacher for up to 320 hours, effective June 1, 2016 through July 31, 2016, Salary: $25.50/hour. ? Heather Gerrish, Summer Credit Recovery Teacher for up to 68 hours, effective May 31, 2016 through June 22, 2016, Salary: $25.50/hour. ? Casey Zang, Summer Credit Recovery Teacher for up to 68 hours, effective May 31, 2016 through June 22, 2016, Salary: $25.50/hour. Extended School Year Employment to serve 117 Students who attend Illinois School for the Deaf ? Brooke Tobin, Summer Intersession Instructor for up to 60 hours, effective June 2016 through July 31, 2016, Salary: $25.50 per hour. ? Sherry Humphries, Summer Intersession Instructor for up to 60 hours, effective June 2016 through July 31, 2016, Salary: $25.50 per hour. Leaves of Absence ? Tim Chipman, Assistant Principal at JHS, requesting family medical leave from April 28, 2016 through May 16, 2016. ? Steve Holmes, Bus Driver, requesting modification to previousrequest forfamily medical leave. Returning to work on April 25, 2016 rather than May 1, 2016. ? Janet Kitner, Food Service Worker at JHS, requesting family medical leave from May 3, 2016 through June 1, 2016. Stipends ? Amy Gillespie, Geography Bowl at North Elementary School for the 2016-2017 school year, Stipend: $622.28, 2% on the base of $31,114. ? Jessica Padilla, Geography Bowl at Eisenhower Elementary School for the 2016-2017 school year, Stipend: $622.28, 2% on the base of $31,114. ? Kimberly Byers, Digital Classroom Leader Stipend at Eisenhower Elementary School for the 2016- 2017 school year, Stipend: $1,555.70, 5% on the base of $31,114. Board of Education 5 May 18, 2016 Regular ? Tanell Anders, Digital Classroom Leader Stipend at Eisenhower Elementary School for the 2016-2017 school year, Stipend: $1,555.70, 5% on the base of $31,114 ? Karmen Birdsell, Geography Bowl at Washington Elementary School for the 2016-2017 school year, stipend split at 50% - Stipend: $311.14, 2% on the base of $31,114. ? Shawn Smith, Geography Bowl at Washington Elementary School for the 2016-2017 school year, stipend split at 50% - Stipend: $311.14, 2% on the base of $31,114. Roll: Wagner, Lonergan, Cantrell, Ballard, White, Maul and Beard. Nay; None. Consideration of Custodial/Maintenance Contract- Mr. Cantrell moved, seconded by Mr. Lonergan to approve the contract with the Custodial/Maintenance Bargaining Unit as presented. Roll: Cantrell, Lonergan, White, Wagner, Maul, Ballard and Beard. Nay; None. Consideration of Lease Agreement for Alternative School – Mr. Lonergan moved, seconded by Mr. Cantrell to approve the lease agreement for #30 North Central Park Plaza as presented. Roll: Lonergan, Cantrell, Ballard, Wagner, White, Maul and Beard. Nay; None. Addendum to Lease of Tennis Courts – Mrs. White moved, seconded by Mr. Lonergan to approve the addendum to the lease agreement with Illinois College due to the renovation/addition at JMS. Roll: White, Lonergan, Wagner, Cantrell, Ballard, Maul and Beard. Nay; None. Consideration of Approval to File HLS Amendment for Electrical Upgrades at North Elementary – Mrs. Maul moved, seconded by Mrs. Ballard to approve the filing of a Health Life Safety Amendment for the electrical upgrade for North Elementary to be completed in summer 2016. Roll: Maul, Ballard, Cantrell, White, Lonergan, Wagner, and Beard. Nay; None. Service Upgrade at North Elementary – Mrs. Maul moved, seconded by Mrs. Ballard to accept the low bid from Gano Electric for $47,176 for the electrical service upgrade at North Elementary School. Roll: Maul, Ballard, Wagner, Cantrell, Lonergan, White and Beard. Nay; None. Consideration of Theatrical AV System for JMS Construction Project – Mr. Cantrell moved, seconded by Mrs. Ballard to accept bid package #29 – Theatrical AV System from Capital Sound and Light at the cost of $179,199.72 for the construction/renovation of Jacksonville Middle School. Roll: Cantrell, Ballard, Maul, Wagner, White, Lonergan, and Beard. Nay; None. Consideration to File HLS Amendment for Asbestos Removal as part of the Flooring Project at JHS – Mr. Cantrell moved, seconded by Mrs. Maul to filing of a Health Life Safety Amendment for the removal of asbestos as part of the JHS Flooring Replacement to be completed in summer 2016. Roll: Cantrell, Maul, Ballard, White, Wagner, Lonergan and Beard. Nay; None. Consideration of Approval to Accept Quote on Cost for Asbestos Abatement for JHS Flooring Project –Mrs. White moved, seconded by Ms. Wagner to accept the bid from Great Western Abatement of $7,840.00 for the asbestos abatement as part of the JHS Flooring Project as presented. Roll: White, Wagner, Maul, Ballard, Cantrell, Lonergan, and Beard. Nay; None. Consideration of Flooring Bids for JHS – Mr. Lonergan moved, seconded by Mrs. Wagner to accept the bid from Carpet Weavers – Springfield Illinois in the amount of $ 197,235 for the installation of LVT tile throughout the halls at JHS as well as the installation of carpeting in the media center. Roll: Lonergan, Wagner, Cantrell, White, Maul, Ballard and Beard. Nay; None. Consideration to File HLS Amendment for Security Upgrades to JHS Front Entrance – Ms. Wagner moved, seconded by Mrs. White to approve the quote from Neff-Colvin in the amount of $42,420 for a Security Remodel to the front entrance of JHS to be completed in summer 2016. Roll: Wagner, White, Ballard, Lonergan, Maul, Cantrell and Beard. Nay; None. Board of Education 6 May 18, 2016 Regular Approval to Accept Quote on Cost for Security Upgrade to JHS Front Entrance – Mr. Cantrell moved, seconded by Mrs. Maul to approve the quote from Neff-Colvin in the amount of $42,420 for a Security Remodel to the front entrance of JHS to be completed in summer 2016. Roll: Cantrell, Maul, Wagner, Lonergan, White, Ballard and Beard. Nay; None. Consideration of Access Control System for Jacksonville Middle School - Mrs. Ballard moved, seconded by Ms. Wagner to accept the proposal from Cardinal Technology Solutions for $17,306 for Access Control as part of the Jacksonville Middle School project. Roll: Ballard, Wagner, Cantrell, White, Lonergan, Maul and Beard. Nay; None. Intercommunications/Clock Systems for Jacksonville Middle School – Mrs. Ballard moved, seconded by Mr. Lonergan to accept the proposal from Cardinal Technology Solutions for $82,808.45 for Bogen Communications Systems as part of the Jacksonville Middle School project. Roll: Ballard, Lonergan, Maul, Wagner, Cantrell, White and Beard. Nay; None. Consideration to Purchase Camera System for Jacksonville Middle School - Mr. Lonergan moved, seconded by Mr. Cantrell to accept the proposal from Cardinal Technology Solutions for $145,310 for S2 Video and HIK Cameras as part of the Jacksonville Middle School project. Roll: Lonergan, Cantrell, Wagner, White, Ballard, Maul and Beard. Nay; None. ADJOURNMENT – Mr. Cantrell moved, seconded by Mr. Lonergan to adjourn the meeting at 8:34pm. Roll: Cantrell, Lonergan, Maul, Wagner, White, Ballard and Beard. Nay; None. ____________________________________ ___________________________________ President Secretary