BOARD BRIEFS

At its Regular Meeting of September 10, 2007 the Board of Education conducted the following business:

President Williams called the regular meeting, in the Board Room at Indian Trail, to order at 7:09 p.m.

After a brief moment of silence, Mr. Langton led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance.

The Board approved the minutes of the Regular and Closed Session Meetings of August 21, 2007.

Communication/Public Participation on Agenda and Non-Agenda Items : Mr. Eugene Blahut, filled out a blue card, asking if Closed Session Minutes are available to the public after declassification, Mr. Williams replied that they were available. Also, Mr. Blahut asked how long the Closed Session would last later in the evening and Mr. Williams replied that the Board did not know the length of the session.

Presentations:

Dr. Bhavna Sharma-Lewis, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction, introduced Mr. Jim Emrich, from the Northwest Evaluation Association, who gave an overview of the basics of the MAPS (Measures of Academic Progress) Program. This is a student assessment system that uses the growth and achievement data to develop targeted instructional strategies and to plan school improvement. Several district teachers spoke of their support of the MAPS program, after either observing the program or talking to other staff members in a school that has implemented the MAPS program.

Superintendent's Report : Dr. Hendricks shared the following:

• He reviewed the Fullerton Avenue 8 month renovation project. Fullerton Avenue will be one-way going west during the renovation. The District is working closely with the Village and the bus company to ensure the safety of the children attending Fullerton School , both the walkers and busing students, during this project.
• Dr. Hendricks, Mr. Daniels and Mr. Williams will attend the District's law firm Sixth Annual School Law Conference on Saturday, September 15, 2007.
• He also asked that the Board members to respond as to whether or not they will attend the National School Board Conference in Orlando, March 29 through April 1, 2008.

Business Report: Mr. Hitcho reported:

• Site visits will be held tomorrow to review two software programs, one at District 88 to observe Pentamation software being used onsite and one visit to District 59 in Elk Grove to observe Skyward onsite usage. Mr. Hitcho will bring a recommendation to the Board on the purchase of a financial/human resource package, during the September 25, 2007 Board of Education meeting.
• He reported on the updated cash flow analysis from PMA. The District increased its long-term investments maximum from $4,500,000 to $5,600,000. This means the District has $5.6M which is invested 100% of the time. Mr. Hitcho also reviewed the current status and updates on the financial projections model software from PMA.
• Mr. Hitcho also reviewed the success of the breakfast program in the District.
• Mr. Hitcho complimented Laidlaw Bus Company on the implementation of bus routes at the beginning of the school year and the way problems were addressed and resolved in a very efficient manner.
• The 121 Fullerton building doorway exits and progress on the renovations were discussed.
• Stone School permanent concrete handicapped ramps will be poured soon.

Curriculum Report: Dr. Sharma-Lewis reported:

• Bob Zanillo and Dr. Sharma-Lewis continue to work together to educate the administrators and staff on Response to Intervention (RtI). They will be training everyone on September 18 th . Dr. Sharma-Lewis will create a month by month plan for district and building staff development and training that will include how assessments and the RtI model are necessary for district improvement and enhancing teaching, learning and student achievement.
• Four students were accepted into the gifted education program who were in the bilingual program for grades Kindergarten through Grade 2. They are doing very well.
• Dr. Lewis reviewed Literacy Specialist, Ann Hufnus, job description, responsibilities and goals for the school year.
• The Phonemic Awareness program entitled Jolly Phonics used in early childhood, preschool and kindergarten classes was reviewed.
• The 1 st of two review meetings with the Math Committee and two company representatives will take place to review how well the math pilot is progressing.
• A new Teacher Quality Enhancement Grant through Elmhurst College , will be instituted in the district. For six weeks, twice a week, Elmhurst College pre-service teacher candidates will meet with 4 th grade students from Lincoln and Army Trail Schools to conduct science experiments developed from the Addison District 4 Science Curriculum. Transportation and after school snacks will be provided for the 40 students included in this program. The program will begin on October 1 st .

The Board accepted the District 4 Staff Resignation Requests.

The Board approved the District 4 Staff Employment Requests.

The Board approved the Student Assessment (MAPS) purchase for a price not to exceed $19,000.

The Board approved the submission of the 2007-2008 Illinois State Board of Education Annual Recognition of Schools Report.

The Board approved the 24 certified staff members that attained tenure status in the district at the beginning of the 2007-2008 school year.

Items of Discussion:

Regular Board of Education Meeting – Tuesday, September 25, 2007 – District Board Room – Indian Trail Junior High School – 7:00 p.m. 

Financial Software Presentation – September 25, 2007

Student Enrollment Update: Mr. Langton asked the Board to refer to the latest enrollment information.

Caps and Gowns – Indian Trail Junior High School : A discussion ensued on the merits of wearing gowns to equalize student appearance during the promotional ceremony. This item is for discussion and would not be implemented this school year.

Recognition for School Supply Donations: Dr. Hendricks recognized the school supply donations to the students of Addison School District 4 from the Gamma Eta Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma and the Addison Switchboard. The supplies were sent to each school in the District and distributed.

Kiosk Placed at the Resource Center : Dr. Hendricks asked the Board to refer to the kiosk handout. The kiosk will be placed at the Henry Hyde Resource Center . Information will be made available from Addison District 4, Village of Addison , Addison Public Library, Addison Park District, etc. The cost of the kiosk will be paid for from grant monies. The initial cost is approximately $10,000 and $150 per month maintenance fee. Several questions were asked by the Board. A follow-up will be given.

Other: Mr. Ruffolo reported on the Intergovernmental Committee that he attended.

Mrs. Willis reminded everyone that the Kelly Miller Circus will be performing on Tuesday, September 11, behind the Jewel.

The Board adjourned to Closed Session for the purpose of discussing items related to personnel and/or possible pending litigation at 8:27 p.m.

Miscellaneous/Unfinished Business

None

The Board adjourned the Tuesday, September 10, 2007, Board of Education meeting at 9:45 p.m.

/mh