BOARD BRIEFS

At its Regular Meeting of September 25, 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 7:35 p.m.

Mr. Langton led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance.

The Board appointed Sergio Ruffolo, as Secretary Pro-Tem, in the absence of Kathy Willis.

The Board approved the minutes of the Regular and Closed Session Meetings of September 10, 2007.

The Board held a hearing on the 2007-2008 budget and motioned to adopt the budget, as presented.

The Board approved the Accounts Payable for September 2007. Mr. Hitcho addressed questions from the Board.

The Board approved the Payroll for August 2007.

Communication/Public Participation on Agenda and Non-Agenda Items : None

Presentations:

What's Happening at Lincoln Elementary School
Mr. Guillermo Heredia, Principal of Lincoln Elementary School, updated the Board on the 07-08 Goals for Lincoln's students and staff. He illustrated the different learning styles used within each classroom, integrating small group and hands-on learning, and the use of technology in the classroom. He emphasized how important parental involvement is to the students' learning process and illustrated the increase in test scores that has taken place at Lincoln School . Mr. Heredia stressed that through the efforts of the students, teachers, staff and parents great strides have been achieved at Lincoln to impact the level of student achievement. Mr. Heredia invited the entire Board to stop in anytime and experience first hand the hard work and dedication of the Lincoln staff. The Board thanked Mr. Heredia on a very informative presentation.

Financial/Human Resource Software Presentation
Mr. Hitcho, Assistant Superintendent for Business reported on the recommendation for purchase of a Financial/Human Resource Software package for the district's use. Skyward, of Stevens Point , Wisconsin was chosen as the supplier. Action will be taken on this recommendation later in the meeting.

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

• Dr. Hendricks reported that two Board members and he attended the Ottosen, Britz, Kelly, Cooper and Gilbert Law Conference. Dr. Cooper, the school district's attorney gave an excellent presentation. The conference was very worthwhile.
• Dr. Hendricks and John Daniels attended the New Board Member Training, conducted by Mr. Bill Smith, at Medinah School District on Thursday, September 20, 2007.
• The natural disaster simulation drill, held on Thursday, September 20, went very well. The School District 's role was fulfilled in excellent fashion. The Fullerton School faculty and staff did a great job.

Business Report: Mr. Hitcho reported:

• Real Estate Tax Money: Mr. Hitcho said the district has received $1,067,606 more than in tax year 2005. This equates to a 4.9% increase. Increased revenue over the tax cap can be attributed to new construction growth in the District.
• Mr. Hitcho reviewed a payroll issue that was resolved manually in the system. This issue affected about 50 people.
• All facilities were inspected by the Regional Office of Education.
• Replacement desks were delivered to Indian Trail this week.
• A current non-instructional area at Fullerton School was turned into a 5th grade classroom this week, due to an increase in enrollment.
• The concrete was poured at the 121 Fullerton building and ramps/sidewalks have been poured at Stone Elementary.
• The District's health insurance carrier representative will be meeting with Mr. Hitcho and Dr. Hendricks to discuss new insurance rates that will go into effect on January 1, 2008.

Curriculum Report: Dr. Sharma-Lewis reported:

• MAPS assessment training will begin on Monday, October 1. Forty staff members and several administrators will be trained on this system. After training, establishment of the first student testing window will be scheduled somewhere between October 15 and October 31, 2007.
• March 2007 ISAT results will be reported on in an October Board meeting.
• This is the 5th week of the Harcourt Brace Program math pilot for elementary teachers and the Glencoe Program math pilot for the junior high teachers. Dr. Sharma-Lewis has reported that teachers have adjusted well to the program and like the benefits of the technology components.
• Dr. Sharma-Lewis provided a One Book update. One Book is a new community initiative that will be introduced across the entire Village of Addison next year. A One Book meeting was held on Monday, October 15. The Addison Public Library will be leading the group to plan community-wide activities that relate to the book The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein.
• The Early Release schedule for Thursday, September 27 th was shared and discussed.
• Articulation between District 4 and District 88 was discussed.

The Board accepted the District 4 Staff Resignation Requests.

The Board approved the District 4 Staff Employment Requests.

The Board approved Skyward as the Financial/Human Resource Software package for the district, for a first year total cost of $100,083.00

Items of Discussion:

Next Regular Board of Education Meeting – Tuesday, October 16, 2007 – 7:00 p.m. – Indian Trail Junior High School - Board Room

Club/Activity Sponsors: Mr. Langton reported that all certified staff has been reminded of the provision in the 2005-2010 Negotiated Agreement that allows them to submit an application to be a sponsor for a Club/Activity at their school and receive a stipend. Applications for approval will be brought to the Board in October.

Parent University : Dr. Hendricks reminded the Board that Addison Trail will be hosting the Parent University on Saturday, November 3, from 8:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. District 4 will be presenting a session on “Parent Assistance with Homework”.

Early Dismissal Days: A schedule of dates early dismissal dates for the 2007-2008 school year was distributed.

Board Policy Updates: Mr. Langton explained that he and Mrs. Willis will review the policies and bring their recommendations to the Board at the October 16 Board of Education meeting. This will be the first reading of the policies.

Technology Team Recognition: The District 4 Technology Team has received State Board Recognition under the “Those Who Excel” program. District 4 will plan a recognition for the technology team soon.

Copier Replacement: Due to complaints on service and poor performance from a number of sources, Mr. Hitcho will be conducting a Needs Analysis to all stakeholders in the District to determine what's working, what can be improved, who is impacted and what copier solution can best fit our District. He will report the findings to the Board at a later date.

Miscellaneous/Unfinished Business

Dr. Hendricks reported that a sink hole had developed in a berm on the south side of Indian Trail. An old abandoned well had given way. The fire department checked it out and the hole will be filled in on Wednesday, September 26.

Dr. Hendricks also reminded everyone that Kiwanis Peanut Day will be held on Thursday and Friday, September 27 and 28, 2007. He asked everyone to please support your local Kiwanis group.

Mr. Ruffolo, once again, expressed his concerns on the safety of our children during and after the upcoming reconstruction and widening of Fullerton Avenue . Dr. Hendricks will set up a meeting with the Village Engineer to discuss this concern.

The National School Board Convention will be held March 29 – April 1 in Orlando, Florida. Dr. Hendricks asked the Board to please inform Mrs. Hansen if they plan to attend, so she may reserve a room for them.

The Board adjourned the Tuesday, September 25, 2007 Board of Education meeting at 9:07p.m.

/mh