 |  |  |  |
Math program discussed at school board meeting
The Riverton School Board met Jan. 11 beginning at 6 p.m. The regular and closed session minutes from Dec. 14, and treasurer’s, revenue and expenditure reports were
motioned for a vote by Scott McClure, seconded by Pam Cuffle, and these were all approved 7-0.
Payment of bills was the next item up, no questions were voiced, so Scott McClure motioned for a vote, with Larry Patterson seconding, and this also was approved 7-0.
Mr. Chris Miller, attorney for the Riverton School District, was present to answer questions from board members on conduct of a board member complying with the board’s
code and possible legal remedies. Mr. Klebe asked Mr. Miller what action the board could take in regard to a board member who acts inappropriately, and what provisions
might be available. Miller responded there is no statutory authority for anything short of willful refusal to follow duties as a board member. He cited other examples, such as
dishonesty, which could be reported to the regional superintendent of schools, or criminal misuse of funds. The Code of Conduct that the board subscribes to is in concert with
the code provided by the Illinois Association of School Boards.
Mrs. Cuffle requested clarification whether the code applies just to board members and perhaps something could be more strict for the board’s elected officers. Mr. Miller’s
response was that absent from the school code is any provision for the board to remove an officer. Mr. Klebe inquired if the code was a guiding statement, and Miller offered
that it does not mean the board cannot censure or admonish a member, but that in and of itself is of no legal value, should they take that action.
Miller’s opinion is censuring or admonishing a board member for rash behavior is more a political statement – a vote of no confidence or a vote to censure has no legal effect,
and will not remove someone. Mr. Miller told members, “Rest assured you’re not the only board who has struggled with these issues.”
Mrs. Baskett inquired if there was any way to develop stronger policy that would allow removal of an officer or member? Mr. Miller offered that the IASB would have presented
this as part of its regulations if it had been available for schools to incorporate. Baskett then asked if there was anything the board could do to ensure this type of behavior
wouldn’t happen again, to which Miller replied, “I don’t know how to answer that.”
Mrs. Cuffle wanted to know if legislatively, this was an issue that has to get approval? Mr. Miller explained that without a law being adopted that permits self-governing boards
to discipline a member, there doesn’t appear to be a way to remove a board member. Mrs. Baskett asked, “How would you advise us to handle this from here on out?” Mr.
Miller referred to the letter he’d provided to the board, and stated no changes can be made without laws; it’s uncharted waters and the outcome is unknown.
Mrs. Baskett further inquired if there was no policy on how a member conducts him or herself? Mr. Miller responded the policy that encompasses behavior becomes effective
once a board member signs it. Mrs. Moore wanted to know if he’s aware that all boards follow Robert’s Rules of Order, and Miller answered “Probably not all.” After two short
clarifications on voting and board sizes, Mr. Miller left the meeting at 6:20 p.m.
Mr. Nonneman thanked Fire Chief Louie Rogers as Nonneman had attended a banquet. Mr. Nonneman also complimented the cheerleading competition held at the high
school Jan. 9 as well organized, well-attended and excellent. Mr. Patterson concurred, and they both praised Mrs. Garcia, HS cheerleading coach.
Mrs. Binegar, elementary school principal, mentioned a large grant she’d applied for, which would benefit grades 5-12; they should find out how much they’ll receive by the end
of this month. Mr. Nonneman noted the amount of work grant writing and follow up entails.
Mrs. Fraase is not back yet full time (on maternity leave). Mr. Fred Lamkey, middle school principal, noted in his report that they’d received a letter from the state school
superintendent’s office recognizing their success with PBIS. This is a nice honor. Mrs. Baskett asked about the upcoming SEMA competition schedule and Mr. Patterson
inquired about discipline consequences and interventions, when enough is done for a student?
Supt. Mulligan said that next year’s funding for alternative and safe schools may dry up. [Safe schools begins at the seventh grade level]. If funding evaporates, it is possible
expulsions would result, since there would be no where to send those students.
Mr. Bill Lamkey was not in attendance, but Mr. Klebe advised members that he’d spoken with him earlier in the day regarding “Project Lead the Way,” which Lamkey said was
going well. There will be a third-year training held this summer. Klebe also had talked with Lamkey about whether equipment from the high school’s industrial technology
program might be used at the middle school. [The Industrial Technology program is in danger of being dropped altogether at the high school]. Mr. Klebe had also discussed
with Mr. Lamkey the Spanish curriculum at the high school, whether it was giving students the necessary language skills for those who intend on speaking it? The curriculum is
something Mr. Lamkey will review.
Mr. Patterson asked Supt. Mulligan about Comcast availability for residents in areas of the school district to watch education channels. Mulligan responded that he knows Mrs.
Timm is working on it.
Mr. Gum, assistant high school principal, was asked about high school math students’ grades. His response was that Core I students seem to be failing at a bigger rate. For
Algebra, those students’ failure rate is 2-3 percent more but many of those same students are failing other classes. Mr. McClure asked Gum if office referrals seem to be
related to the time of day, mentioning 2 p.m. as a higher referral period? Mr. Gum responded that the only reason he can think of is that lunch has worn off and both students
and teachers are little more cranky by then.
Mr. Wagahoff, athletics and activities director, was not in attendance. Wrestling numbers at the high school are down to five, noted Supt. Mulligan, and he believes that it is a
demanding sport but that the coach is very good. Mrs. Baskett has attended middle school wrestling meets and believes the years of experience other schools’ athletes have as
compared to ours does make a difference. Our district’s wrestlers will continue to get better with time. The number of athletes out at the middle school, their progress and
enthusiasm, as well as the coach’s discipline and encouragement are all heading in the right direction. She’s impressed with the coaches.
Mr. Patterson would like a link for wrestling to be put on the school’s Web site. Mrs. Baskett asked if high school girls involved in track would be given an opportunity this year to
participate in an indoor meet, since the boys had one last year? The girls would benefit from this competition as well. Supt. Mulligan will follow up with Wagahoff.
Mr. Koerwitz, transportation direction, briefly reviewed bus drivers’ phone/communication while driving. Mr. Geiger, grounds director, was asked by Mrs. Cuffle if board
members could be given a tour of what a smart classroom [technology] looks like? Yes, he replied, it could be done in March when the board meeting is held at the high
school, or sooner, if she’d like.
Supt. Mulligan told the board his report may have set a record for longest one ever. Information included “Race to the Top,” a federal program; the requirements are that two
career paths and a sequence of courses, with the middle school supporting the program, are necessary to secure monetary funding. Most questions from around the state on
this are regarding teacher evaluations (50 percent student growth/50 percent framework for teaching), he noted.
He gave the board an outline of the math program review, and asked if anyone would have time to be part of the committee, which will meet three to four times over four
months. Focus groups of parents and surveying parents is also anticipated to be part of the process.
Dates to review board members’ self-evaluation results and goals were discussed; Feb. 22 was tentatively agreed upon.
The QZAB bond offer did not come back as interest-free, per Mulligan, because the market is saturated. The bond would allow the district to complete project needs that they
cannot count on the state to provide money for; the amount considered is $2.1 million over 16 years. No decision needs to be made tonight, he said.
The bond representative told Mulligan it doesn’t look like they’ll get another better offer from any other banks. Energy efficient building improvements can be part of the projects
undertaken in the district. Mr. Geiger clarified that they won’t be required to use a specific brand of product, but green roofs and motion lights in classrooms were two areas
board members discussed. Supt. Mulligan said he would recommend moving forward with RFP for performance contracting. A building committee meeting will be held Jan.
19.
Approval of Seniority Lists, an annual requirement, was recommended. Supt. Mulligan distributed an updated list which contains tenured and non-certified staff (non-tenured
are not part of the list). Mrs. Moore motioned for a vote, and Patterson seconded; the list was approved 7-0.
Up next on the agenda was the IASB Press Policies. Supt. Mulligan informed members that the superintendent’s position is the FOIA officer. No questions were voiced, and
Mrs. Moore motioned for a vote, while Mr. McClure seconded. This was also approved 7-0.
The board went into closed session at 7:17 p.m. When they returned to open at 7:43 p.m., there were no votes taken. Mrs. Galligan asked board members to please drop by
their policy manuals for updating. The meeting was adjourned at 7:45 p.m.
The Riverton School Board met Jan. 11 beginning at 6 p.m. The regular and closed session minutes from Dec. 14, and treasurer’s, revenue and expenditure reports were
motioned for a vote by Scott McClure, seconded by Pam Cuffle, and these were all approved 7-0.
Payment of bills was the next item up, no questions were voiced, so Scott McClure motioned for a vote, with Larry Patterson seconding, and this also was approved 7-0.
Mr. Chris Miller, attorney for the Riverton School District, was present to answer questions from board members on conduct of a board member complying with the board’s
code and possible legal remedies. Mr. Klebe asked Mr. Miller what action the board could take in regard to a board member who acts inappropriately, and what provisions
might be available. Miller responded there is no statutory authority for anything short of willful refusal to follow duties as a board member. He cited other examples, such as
dishonesty, which could be reported to the regional superintendent of schools, or criminal misuse of funds. The Code of Conduct that the board subscribes to is in concert with
the code provided by the Illinois Association of School Boards.
Mrs. Cuffle requested clarification whether the code applies just to board members and perhaps something could be more strict for the board’s elected officers. Mr. Miller’s
response was that absent from the school code is any provision for the board to remove an officer. Mr. Klebe inquired if the code was a guiding statement, and Miller offered
that it does not mean the board cannot censure or admonish a member, but that in and of itself is of no legal value, should they take that action.
Miller’s opinion is censuring or admonishing a board member for rash behavior is more a political statement – a vote of no confidence or a vote to censure has no legal effect,
and will not remove someone. Mr. Miller told members, “Rest assured you’re not the only board who has struggled with these issues.”
Mrs. Baskett inquired if there was any way to develop stronger policy that would allow removal of an officer or member? Mr. Miller offered that the IASB would have presented
this as part of its regulations if it had been available for schools to incorporate. Baskett then asked if there was anything the board could do to ensure this type of behavior
wouldn’t happen again, to which Miller replied, “I don’t know how to answer that.”
Mrs. Cuffle wanted to know if legislatively, this was an issue that has to get approval? Mr. Miller explained that without a law being adopted that permits self-governing boards
to discipline a member, there doesn’t appear to be a way to remove a board member. Mrs. Baskett asked, “How would you advise us to handle this from here on out?” Mr.
Miller referred to the letter he’d provided to the board, and stated no changes can be made without laws; it’s uncharted waters and the outcome is unknown.
Mrs. Baskett further inquired if there was no policy on how a member conducts him or herself? Mr. Miller responded the policy that encompasses behavior becomes effective
once a board member signs it. Mrs. Moore wanted to know if he’s aware that all boards follow Robert’s Rules of Order, and Miller answered “Probably not all.” After two short
clarifications on voting and board sizes, Mr. Miller left the meeting at 6:20 p.m.
Mr. Nonneman thanked Fire Chief Louie Rogers as Nonneman had attended a banquet. Mr. Nonneman also complimented the cheerleading competition held at the high
school Jan. 9 as well organized, well-attended and excellent. Mr. Patterson concurred, and they both praised Mrs. Garcia, HS cheerleading coach.
Mrs. Binegar, elementary school principal, mentioned a large grant she’d applied for, which would benefit grades 5-12; they should find out how much they’ll receive by the end
of this month. Mr. Nonneman noted the amount of work grant writing and follow up entails.
Mrs. Fraase is not back yet full time (on maternity leave). Mr. Fred Lamkey, middle school principal, noted in his report that they’d received a letter from the state school
superintendent’s office recognizing their success with PBIS. This is a nice honor. Mrs. Baskett asked about the upcoming SEMA competition schedule and Mr. Patterson
inquired about discipline consequences and interventions, when enough is done for a student?
Supt. Mulligan said that next year’s funding for alternative and safe schools may dry up. [Safe schools begins at the seventh grade level]. If funding evaporates, it is possible
expulsions would result, since there would be no where to send those students.
Mr. Bill Lamkey was not in attendance, but Mr. Klebe advised members that he’d spoken with him earlier in the day regarding “Project Lead the Way,” which Lamkey said was
going well. There will be a third-year training held this summer. Klebe also had talked with Lamkey about whether equipment from the high school’s industrial technology
program might be used at the middle school. [The Industrial Technology program is in danger of being dropped altogether at the high school]. Mr. Klebe had also discussed
with Mr. Lamkey the Spanish curriculum at the high school, whether it was giving students the necessary language skills for those who intend on speaking it? The curriculum is
something Mr. Lamkey will review.
Mr. Patterson asked Supt. Mulligan about Comcast availability for residents in areas of the school district to watch education channels. Mulligan responded that he knows Mrs.
Timm is working on it.
Mr. Gum, assistant high school principal, was asked about high school math students’ grades. His response was that Core I students seem to be failing at a bigger rate. For
Algebra, those students’ failure rate is 2-3 percent more but many of those same students are failing other classes. Mr. McClure asked Gum if office referrals seem to be
related to the time of day, mentioning 2 p.m. as a higher referral period? Mr. Gum responded that the only reason he can think of is that lunch has worn off and both students
and teachers are little more cranky by then.
Mr. Wagahoff, athletics and activities director, was not in attendance. Wrestling numbers at the high school are down to five, noted Supt. Mulligan, and he believes that it is a
demanding sport but that the coach is very good. Mrs. Baskett has attended middle school wrestling meets and believes the years of experience other schools’ athletes have as
compared to ours does make a difference. Our district’s wrestlers will continue to get better with time. The number of athletes out at the middle school, their progress and
enthusiasm, as well as the coach’s discipline and encouragement are all heading in the right direction. She’s impressed with the coaches.
Mr. Patterson would like a link for wrestling to be put on the school’s Web site. Mrs. Baskett asked if high school girls involved in track would be given an opportunity this year to
participate in an indoor meet, since the boys had one last year? The girls would benefit from this competition as well. Supt. Mulligan will follow up with Wagahoff.
Mr. Koerwitz, transportation direction, briefly reviewed bus drivers’ phone/communication while driving. Mr. Geiger, grounds director, was asked by Mrs. Cuffle if board
members could be given a tour of what a smart classroom [technology] looks like? Yes, he replied, it could be done in March when the board meeting is held at the high
school, or sooner, if she’d like.
Supt. Mulligan told the board his report may have set a record for longest one ever. Information included “Race to the Top,” a federal program; the requirements are that two
career paths and a sequence of courses, with the middle school supporting the program, are necessary to secure monetary funding. Most questions from around the state on
this are regarding teacher evaluations (50 percent student growth/50 percent framework for teaching), he noted.
He gave the board an outline of the math program review, and asked if anyone would have time to be part of the committee, which will meet three to four times over four
months. Focus groups of parents and surveying parents is also anticipated to be part of the process.
Dates to review board members’ self-evaluation results and goals were discussed; Feb. 22 was tentatively agreed upon.
The QZAB bond offer did not come back as interest-free, per Mulligan, because the market is saturated. The bond would allow the district to complete project needs that they
cannot count on the state to provide money for; the amount considered is $2.1 million over 16 years. No decision needs to be made tonight, he said.
The bond representative told Mulligan it doesn’t look like they’ll get another better offer from any other banks. Energy efficient building improvements can be part of the projects
undertaken in the district. Mr. Geiger clarified that they won’t be required to use a specific brand of product, but green roofs and motion lights in classrooms were two areas
board members discussed. Supt. Mulligan said he would recommend moving forward with RFP for performance contracting. A building committee meeting will be held Jan.
19.
Approval of Seniority Lists, an annual requirement, was recommended. Supt. Mulligan distributed an updated list which contains tenured and non-certified staff (non-tenured
are not part of the list). Mrs. Moore motioned for a vote, and Patterson seconded; the list was approved 7-0.
Up next on the agenda was the IASB Press Policies. Supt. Mulligan informed members that the superintendent’s position is the FOIA officer. No questions were voiced, and
Mrs. Moore motioned for a vote, while Mr. McClure seconded. This was also approved 7-0.
The board went into closed session at 7:17 p.m. When they returned to open at 7:43 p.m., there were no votes taken. Mrs. Galligan asked board members to please drop by
their policy manuals for updating. The meeting was adjourned at 7:45 p.m.
Issue Date: Jan. 14, 2010
