At a recent meeting, the LaSalle-Peru Township High School District 120 Board discussed Citizens Task Force Facility Plan recommendations.
LaSalle-Peru Township High School is governed by a board consisting of seven members. The board’s powers and duties include the authority to adopt, enforce, and monitor all policies for the management and governance of the district’s schools. Official action by the board only may occur at a duly called and legally conducted meeting at which a quorum is physically present.
Below are the minutes from this meeting, as provided by the board.
MINUTES BOARD OF EDUCATION REGULAR MEETING LASALLE-PERU TOWNSHIP HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT 120
JULY 20, 2016, 6:00 PM
REGULAR BOARD MEETING
CALL TO ORDER Mr. Tony Sparks, President, called to order the Regular Meeting at 6:00 p.m. in the Thomas J. McCormack Library/Media Center at LaSalle-Peru Township High School, 541 Chartres Street, LaSalle, IL.
ROLL CALL PRESENT: Mr. Tony Sparks, President, Dr. Pete Meier, Vice President, Mrs. Cathy Renk (entered 6:07 p.m.), Dr. Rose Marie Lynch, Mr. Alan Cherpeske and Dennis O'Keefe
ABSENT: Mrs. Carol Alcorn OTHERS PRESENT: Mr. Steven R. Wrobleski, Superintendent, Mr. Steve Sash, Associate Principal for Operations, Mr. Dwayne Mentgen, ACC Director, Mrs. Ingrid Cushing, Associate Principal for Teaching and Learning, Mr. Chris Kirkpatrick, Director of Athletics and Activities, Mr. Matt Baker, Director of Communication & Fund Raising, Mr. Jeff Dankert, Reporter for the News-Tribune, Mr. Jeremy Aitken, Reporter for WLPO, Mr. Michael Kmetz, Kmetz Architects Inc., Mr. Jay Johnson, Legat Architects, Attorney Walt Zukowski and Mrs. Julie Bleck, Board Secretary.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF JUNE 29, 2016 RESCHEDULED REGULAR MEETING MOTION by Dr. Meier, seconded by Mr. Cherpeske to approve the minutes from June 29, 2016 Rescheduled Regular Meeting as presented. Voting Aye: Dr. Meier, Mr. Cherpeske, Mrs. Renk, Dr. Lynch, Mr. O'Keefe and Mr. Sparks. Voting Nay: None.
The motion carried 6-0.
BOARD RECOGNITION & PUBLIC COMMENT This month we have no recognitions
FINANCE MOTION by Mr. Cherpeske, seconded by Dr. Lynch to approve the LP Bills as presented. Voting Aye: Mr. Cherpeske, Dr. Lynch, Mr. O'Keefe, Dr. Meier, Mrs. Renk and Mr. Sparks. Voting Nay: None. The Motion carried 6-0.
MOTION by Mr. Cherpeske, seconded by Dr. Lynch to approve the Financial Report, Activity Fund Report, Treasurer's Report, Bank Reconciliation and VCM Monthly Report as presented. Voting Aye: Mr. Cherpeske, Dr. Lynch, Dr. Meier, Mrs. Renk, Mr. O'Keefe and Mr. Sparks. Voting Nay: None. The motion carried 6-0.
CORRESPONDENCE
O Citizens Task Force Facility Plan Recommendation Mr. Sparks read the recommendation from the Citizens Task Force who is recommending the Board place a referendum on the ballet in November for $38 million. Mr. Sparks thanked the Citizens Task Force for Working so diligently on the Facility Plan. He opened the floor for comments and/or experiences that anyone would like to share while they were working with the Citizens Task Force.
PRESIDENT'S REPORT Mr. Sparks welcomed Mr. Chris Kirkpatrick and Mrs. Ingrid Cushing to the Administrative team.
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS
Superintendent Mr. Steven Wrobleski, Superintendent, reported on the following topics:
Strategic Plan Update: I have attached a summary of the District's Strategic Plan to my report. The report details the overall progress we have made on our plan. This school year is the final year of the original five-year plan. We will begin renewing the plan this school year. As a starter, I have purchased copies of the book District Leadership that Works. Striking the Right Balance by Dr. Robert Marzano and Dr. Timothy Waters. I am requesting that all Board members read this book - which provides a very effective plan defining the role of the District/Board of Education in supporting student achievement and teacher instruction. I believe this text will provide the necessary guidance and direction as we proceed with renewing the strategic plan. Superintendent's Council Retreat Update: The Superintendent's Council has completed the first two days of our planned four days of retreat. We have spent quality time getting to know our new administrators as well as digging deep into the work of the District. The Superintendents Council is reading the book, School Leadership that Works. From Research to Results by Dr. Robert Marzano, Dr. Timothy Waters, and Dr. Brian McNulty. This books compliments the text that the Board will be reading - which is by design. This text provides a research-based framework defining 21 leadership responsibilities which positively correlate to improving student achievement. Our final two days will be on August 1st and 2". Gorenz Audit Update: Our annual audit took place on July 12" and 13". Overall, the audit went well. Our office staff did a great job having all the necessary materials available. We will receive the final report later this fall. Downtown Peru TIF Update: On July 27", I have been invited to attend a meeting at Peru city hall to discuss their proposed downtown TIF. The city is still in the preliminary stages of the planning. Mayor Harl made a personal call to me regarding the TIF. I will be sure to advocate for the interests of the District at the meeting and will report back at the next Finance Committee meeting. Summer Work Update: Our Summer Staff has been diligently working to get the building Spruced up for the fall along with all the offices working hard on end-of-year reports and preparations for the return of our students and staff. Ritchie's staff has done a great job beginning work identified through the Five-Year Budget Plan. Amy Williams and the tech department are busy getting all the Chromebooks ready for student distribution.
PRINOIPAIL, Mrs. Deb Nelson, Principal, reported on the following topics:
O Summer Hiring
O We are nearing completion of our hiring for the 2016-17 school year. Our
interviews have been conducted for the counseling opening and our plan is to have a recommendation for this month's board meeting. In addition, almost all extra-curricular openings have been filled, as well. We should be set to go by August. O Link Crew
O Rob Clydesdale and Angie Hartman are hard at work preparing for the
freshmen's Orientation Day. Our Crew Leaders have already gone through a day of training at the end of the school year and will receive additional training prior to Friday, August 12" when all of our freshmen arrive to spend a day orienting themselves with LP High School. We are excited about this new Class of 2020 arriving next month.
O Renaissance
The Renaissance Conference is being held in Orlando, Florida this year and Jean Ganze, Andrea Henry, Brian Towne and I will be accompanying our students to the conference where they will be presenting once again during two break-out sessions as well as two “Point of View” sessions. In addition, Jean Ganze will be inducted into the Renaissance Hall of Fame on the Saturday evening of the conference and we are awaiting word on 3 videos our students submitted into their Video Contest as well as a number of essays submitted for consideration. We will find out if LP is the recipients of any of these awards while at the conference. I’ll be able to provide a complete report of our experiences at the August Board Meeting.
o Start-up of School
The first day of school is right around the corner with New Teacher Induction Days set for August 8" and 9th and all faculty back on August 11". All staff including our freshmen will be here on August 12" with everyone else arriving for the first day of school on August 15". All of our offices and staff members are busy preparing for the start of the year.
o Student Motivation
We will be putting a lot of emphasis on student motivation throughout the school year school-wide through our Superintendent's Council, various committees, our CCC, our ILT and even some of our student organizations. For starters, I will be e-mailing out one tip each week to our teachers as an idea or activity they can consider using in the classroom to motivate students. Stay tuned for additional updates on our student motivation initiative.
DIRECTOR OF ATHLETICS AND ACTIVITIES Mr. Chris Kirkpatrick, Director of Athletics and Activities, reported on the following topics:
O New LaSalle-Peru High School Athletic and Activity web site with registration went live today with a great transition So far
ACC DIRECTOR
Mr. Dwayne Mentgen, ACC Director, reported on the following topics:
O New state procedure GATA (Grant Accountability and Transparency Act), SRAVTE and ACC have met all requirements, are set up and ready to begin. O SRAVTE/ACC now has web presence and featuring what they have to offer with monthly newsletter and offering tours. O Meeting will be held with Illinois Valley Community College, Illinois Valley Community Hospital and Area Career Center on the upcoming Health Career Expo that will be held at St. Margaret's Hospital this year. O ACC just concluded its annual fiscal year audit, with a positive report, and no discrepancies.
O The auto lift, located in the Pope Auto Mech building, is in the process of undergoing inspection.
DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATION AND FUNDRASING Matt Baker, Director of Communication and Fundraising, reported on the following topics:
O Ms. Jeanblanc and I are organizing a series of public meetings for incoming freshmen parents that will be hosted at LP and at off-site locations within the district. We hope to create more opportunities to connect with our new Cavalier families and provide convenient meeting locations for more of our families.
O The LP Foundation is preparing for a new campaign that they hope will entice more alumni to donate, even at a low financial level. They are also will be hosting a Wine & Beer Tasting fundraiser on Friday, Aug. 12 at Senica's Deer Park. The event, featuring samples of numerous beers and wines, appetizers, and raffles, will be from 6-8:30 p.m. Tickets are S15 in advance or S20 at the door.
LP Social Media Gro With
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NEW BUSINESS
Approval of the Citizens Task Force Facility Plan Recommendation
No Action Taken. Mr. Sparks and the Board members discussed and listed many pros and cons on the $38 million referendum option that is being considered. Discussed the upcoming 10 year Health/Life Survey with identifying possible items that will be addressed with H/LS funds. The recommendation will be on the August Agenda for a vote.
Approval to Reinstate a Part-Time Dean Position MOTION by Renk, seconded by Mr. Cherpeske to approve to reinstate a Part-Time Dean position as presented. Voting Aye: Mrs. Renk, Mr. Cherpeske, Dr. Lynch, Mr. O'Keefe, Dr. Meier and Mr. Sparks. Voting Nay: None. The motion carried 6-0.
Approval of a Full-Time Greeter position, from a Part-Time position MOTION by Dr. Meier, seconded by Dr. Lynch to approve of a Full-Time Greeter position, from a PartTime position as presented. Voting Aye: Dr. Meier, Dr. Lynch, Mr. Cherpeske, Mr. O'Keefe, Mrs. Renk and Mr. Sparks. Voting Nay: None. The motion carried 6-0.
Approval of 2016-2017 Board Paid Holidays MOTION by Mr. Cherpeske, seconded by Dr. Lynch to approve of 2016-2017 Board Paid Holidays as presented. Voting Aye: Mr. Cherpeske, Dr. Lynch, Mrs. Renk, Mr. O'Keefe, Dr. Meier and Mr. Sparks. Voting Nay: None. The motion carried 6-0.
Approval of Lease purchase for CISCO Server/San Virtual Environment ($33,883.88) MOTION by Mr. Cherpeske, seconded by Mrs. Renk for approval of Lease purchase for CISCO Server/San Virtual Environment ($33,883.88) for three years as presented. Voting Aye: Mr. Cherpeske, Mrs. Renk, Mr. O'Keefe, Dr. Meier, Dr. Lynch and Mr. Sparks. Voting Nay: None. The motion carried 6-0.
Approval of the Employee Computer Purchase Program MOTION by Dr. Lynch, seconded by Dr. Meier for approval of the Employee Computer Purchase Program as presented. Voting Aye: Dr. Lynch, Dr. Meier, Mr. Cherpeske, Mr. O'Keefe, Mrs. Renk and Mr. Sparks. Voting Nay: None. The motion carried 6-0.
Approval of the following Resignations: MOTION by Mrs. Renk, seconded by Mr. Cherpeske for the approval of the following Resignations as presented.
a. Ms. Kristy De Chirico, School Counselor, effective the conclusion of the 2015-2016 school year b. Mr. Adam Spencer, Head Girls' Tennis Coach, effective July 14, 2016 c. Mr. Adam Spencer, Assistant Boys' Tennis Coach, effective July 14, 2016 Voting Aye: Mrs. Renk, Mr. Cherpeske, Dr. Lynch, Mr. O'Keefe, Dr. Meier and Mr. Sparks. Voting Nay: None. The motion carried 6-0.
Approval of the following Re-assignment: MOTION by Dr. Meier, seconded by Mrs. Renk to approve of the following Re-assignment as presented:
a. Ms. Andrea Henry, English Teacher to School Counselor, effective the 2016-2017 school year (replaces Ms. Kristy De Chirico) Voting Aye: Dr. Meier, Mrs. Renk, Dr. Lynch, Mr. O'Keefe, Mr. Cherpeske and Mr. Sparks. Voting Nay:
None. The motion carried 6-0.
Approval to recall the following employee pending their acceptance of employment per the Teacher's Union Contract, 2016-2017 school year: MOTION by Mr. Cherpeske, seconded by Mrs. Renk to approve to recall the following employee pending their acceptance of employment per the Teacher's Union Contract, 2016-2017 school year as presented:
a. Mr. Aaron Guenther, English Teacher (replaces Ms. Andrea Henry) Voting Aye: Mr. Cherpeske, Mrs. Renk, Dr. Meier, Mr. O'Keefe, Dr. Lynch and Mr. Sparks. Voting Nay:
None. The motion carried 6-0.
Approval to recall the following employees pending their acceptance of employment per the Support Staff Union Contract, 2016-2017 school year: MOTION by Dr. Meier, seconded by Dr. Lynch to approve to recall the following employees pending their acceptance of employment per the Support Staff Union Contract, 2016-2017 school year as presented:
a. Mrs. Brenda Sadnick, Title I Aide
b. Mrs. Ronda Simcich, Title I Aide
c. Mrs. Katherine Baker, STEP Job Coach Voting Aye: Dr. Meier, Dr. Lynch, Mr. Cherpeske, Mr. O'Keefe, Mrs. Renk and Mr. Sparks. Voting Nay: None. The motion carried 6-0.
MOTION TO MOVE TOEXECUTIVE CLOSED SESSION
MOTION by Mrs. Renk, seconded by Dr. Meier to move to executive/closed session for purpose of:
Appointment, employment, compensation, discipline and /or complaint against an employee, performance, and/or dismissal of specific employees, b) 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, with open session and possible action items to follow.
Voting Aye: Mrs. Renk, Dr. Meier, Dr. Lynch, Mr. Cherpeske, Mr. O'Keefe and Mr. Sparks. Voting
Nay: None. The motion carried 6-0. Time 6:38 p.m.
MOTION TO RETURN TO OPEN SESSION MOTION by Dr. Meier, seconded by Dr. Lynch to return to open session. Voting Aye: Dr. Meier, Dr. Lynch, Mrs. Renk, Mr. Cherpeske, Mr. O'Keefe and Mr. Sparks. Voting Nay: None. The motion carried 6-0. Time 7:32 p.m.
ROLL CALL PRESENT: Mr. Tony Sparks, President, Dr. Pete Meier, Vice President, Mrs. Cathy Renk, Dr. Rose Marie Lynch, Mr. Alan Cherpeske and Mr. Dennis O'Keefe.
ABSENT: Mrs. Carol Alcorn OTHERS PRESENT: Mr. Steven R. Wrobleski, Superintendent, Attorney Walt Zukowski and Mrs. Julie Bleck, Board Secretary.
NEW BUSINESS Approval to review and retain the Executive /Closed Minutes of June 29, 2016 rescheduled regular meeting MOTION by Mr. Cherpeske, seconded by Mrs. Renk to approve to review and retain the Executive /Closed Minutes of June 29, 2016 rescheduled regular meeting as presented. Voting Aye: Mr. Cherpeske, Mrs. Renk, Dr. Meier, Dr. Lynch, Mr. O'Keefe and Mr. Sparks. Voting Nay: None.
The motion carried 6-0.
AD.JOURNMENT MOTION by Mrs. Renk, seconded by Dr. Meier to adjourn. All in favor, Aye: Mrs. Renk, Dr. Meier, Mr. Cherpeske, Dr. Lynch, Mr. O'Keefe and Mr. Sparks. Voting Nay: none. The motion carried. Time: 7:33 p.m.
Tony Sparks Julie'Bleck President Secretary
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