School Board Minutes
April 2009
DELAVAN COMMUNITY UNIT SCHOOL
DISTRICT 703
BOARD OF EDUCATION
SINE DIE MEETING MINUTES
April 27, 2009
The Sine Die meeting of the Delavan Board of Education was held
on April 27, 2009, in the District’s library. The meeting was
called to order by Chairman Johnson at 7:15 p.m. Members present at
roll call were Allen, Gresham, Howard, Johnson, Kurtz and Shay.
Klokkenga was absent. Also in attendance was Julie Faires, Cathy
Hartzler, Heather King, Mary Hartzler, Carrol Lewis, Beth Essner,
Lynn Arrenholz, Michelle Noreuil, and Lesa Eeten, Delavan District
employees; Joyce Vaughn, Special Education Coordinator; Ryon
Kramer, Athletic Director; Matt Gordon, Jr./Sr. High School
Principal; Paul Lewis, Elementary Principal; Mary Parker,
Superintendent; and Lori Smith, Board Secretary.
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by the Board and visitors.
CONSENT AGENDA
Motion by Allen, second by Shay to approve the March 16, 2009
Regular Meeting Minutes (with Exhibit A’s inclusion); March 16,
2009 Closed Session Minutes; current bills (including imprest
bills); and March 20, April 3, and April 17, 2009 payrolls. By Roll
Call Vote: Allen, yea; Gresham, yea; Howard, yea; Kurtz, yea; Shay,
yea; and Johnson, yea. Klokkenga was absent. Motion carried.
ELECTION RESULTS
Lori Smith, Election Clerk, read the results from the April 7, 2009
consolidated election from the Statement of Votes Cast received
from the County Clerk’s Election Division. The newly elected board
members’ total votes follow:
Matt Shipton - 472, Mark Vannaken – 412, Wendy Schweigert – 342,
Shari Teal 274.
Chairman Johnson then administered the Oath of Office to Matt
Shipton, Mark Vannaken, Wendy Schweigert, and Shari Teal. Cathy
Hartzler notarized the signatures of the Oath of Office documents.
The new board members were welcomed and congratulated.
COMMUNICATIONS / INFORMATION
Chairman Johnson read thank you notes from Mary Hartzler, Lona
Sipka, Kathy Nelson, Vicki Stout, Jill McCoy, Michelle Mandrell,
and Becky Meyer.
Motion by Johnson to adjourn the Sine Die meeting. By Voice Vote: 6
Ayes; 0 Nays. Klokkenga was absent. Motion carried.
Chairman Johnson then offered much appreciation and thanks to the
outgoing board members, and gifts were presented to Carla Shay,
Mark Allen and Kent Kurtz. (Jeff Klokkenga was absent.) A cake and
punch reception followed (thanks to Mary Hartzler and Joanna
Adair). The outgoing board members left the meeting.
(The agenda for the meeting was posted by the secretary at least 48
hours in advance of the meeting at the District office at 907
Locust Street, Delavan, Illinois, where the meeting was held. A
copy of the agenda for the meeting is incorporated in and made a
part of the minutes.)
DELAVAN COMMUNITY UNIT SCHOOL
DISTRICT 703
BOARD OF EDUCATION
REORGANIZATION MEETING MINUTES
April 27, 2009
The reorganization meeting of the Delavan Board of Education was
held on Monday, April 27, 2009 in the District’s library. The
meeting was called to order by Chairman Johnson at 7:45 p.m.
Members present at roll call were Gresham, Howard, Schweigert,
Shipton, Teal, Vannaken, and Johnson.
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by the Board and visitors.
Motion by Gresham, seconded by Shipton to appoint Jeff Johnson as
president pro-tempore. By Roll Call vote: Gresham, yea; Howard,
yea; Schweigert, yea; Shipton, yea; Teal, yea; Vannaken, yea; and
Johnson, yea. Motion carried.
Motion by Johnson, seconded by Howard to appoint Cathy Hartzler as
secretary pro-tempore. By Roll Call vote: Gresham, yea; Howard,
yea; Schweigert, yea; Shipton, yea; Teal, yea; Vannaken, yea; and
Johnson, yea. Motion carried.
REORGANIZATION
Motion by Gresham, seconded by Shipton to nominate Jeff Johnson as
president of the Delavan Board of Education. By Roll Call vote:
Gresham, yea; Howard, yea; Schweigert, yea; Shipton, yea; Teal,
yea; Vannaken, yea; and Johnson, yea. Motion carried.
Motion by Johnson, seconded by Howard to nominate Mike Gresham as
vice-president of the Delavan Board of Education. By Roll Call
vote: Gresham, yea; Howard, yea; Schweigert, yea; Shipton, yea;
Teal, yea; Vannaken, yea; and Johnson, yea. Motion carried.
Motion by Howard, seconded by Gresham to nominate Lori Smith as
secretary of the Board of Education at a rate of $75.00 per
meeting. By Roll Call vote: Gresham, yea; Howard, yea; Schweigert,
yea; Shipton, yea; Teal, yea; Vannaken, yea; and Johnson, yea.
Motion carried.
Board committees were established as follows:
Building – Gresham, Teal, Vannaken
Curriculum – Howard, Johnson, Shipton
Finance – Gresham, Howard, Johnson, Shipton
Negotiations – Gresham, Schweigert, Shipton, Vannaken
Policy – Howard, Johnson, Schweigert
Public Relations – Teal, Schweigert, Vannaken
Transportation – Gresham, Howard, Teal.
RECEPTION OF VISITORS
A presentation was made by Matt Gordon, Julie Faires, and Lynn
Arrenholz for Board consideration of “Channel One,” which is a
news/informational channel which could be provided for Grades 7 –
12 during the last ten minutes of study hall in the upcoming school
year. (The District’s attorney will be consulted for review of the
Terms and Conditions of the contract.)
The Delavan Equity Compliance report was reviewed by Matt Gordon.
He thanked Cathy Hartzler and Ryon Kramer for their input, and
stated the District meets compliance with the ROE (Regional Office
of Education) and the State. The information gathered will also be
used for future direction. Motion by Howard, second by Johnson to
approve the report as presented. By Roll Call vote: Gresham, yea;
Howard, yea; Schweigert, yea; Shipton, yea; Teal, yea; Vannaken,
yea; and Johnson, yea.
Principal Gordon summarized the work of the 2009-2010
Parent/Teacher Discipline Advisory Committee, which reviewed both
the Jr. High/High School and the Elementary Handbooks. The proposed
changes to the Handbooks were distributed to Board members and
should be reviewed for discussion at a Policy Committee meeting to
be held in May. One of the members of the Parent/Teacher Advisory
Committee, Elementary teacher Lesa Eeten, presented information on
the proposed change to the handbook concerning the District’s Heat
Schedule. Documentation was presented supporting a 2:15 dismissal
from the beginning of the school year until after Labor Day.
Another proposed change to the handbook was emphasized by Mr.
Gordon, which concerns the current practice of administering High
School final exams based on student attendance.
HEARING OF DELEGATES/COMMITTEE REPORTS
None.
SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT
Dr. Mary Parker invited Board members to the Delavan Rotary Club
Banquet on June 4, 2009, which will honor Delavan’s top five
Seniors. Replies may be made to Paul Lewis, Rotary President, or
herself.
Teacher Appreciation Week will be held May 4 – 8, 2009 to honor the
District’s teachers and teacher’s aides, sponsored by the Board of
Education, Administration, and the PTO.
The last day of student attendance is June 5, 2009.
The Annual Staff Recognition Luncheon will be held on June 4, 2009,
at the Delavan Methodist Church, and board members are encouraged
to attend with RSVP’s to Vicki Stout.
Superintendent Parker requested a Policy Committee meeting at 6:00
p.m. and a Special Board Meeting at 7:00 p.m. on May 11, 2009.
The results of both the 2009 Delavan Community survey and the
Delavan School Health Surveys were highlighted.
The Central Illinois Valley Division (Illinois Association of
School Boards) will hold a meeting on May 6, 2009, in East Peoria
for those interested in attending with RSVP’s to Dr. Parker.
PERSONNEL
Motion by Gresham, seconded by Howard to accept the resignation of
Daniel Cooper as the Special Education Aide (High School Life
Skills Room), effective at the end of the school year. By Roll Call
Vote: Gresham, yea; Howard, yea; Schweigert, yea; Shipton, yea;
Teal, yea; Vannaken, yea; and Johnson, yea. Motion carried.
Motion by Teal, seconded by Howard to approve the posting for a
Special Education Aide for the 2009-2010 school year. By Roll Call
Vote: Gresham, yea; Howard, yea; Schweigert, yea; Shipton, yea;
Teal, yea; Vannaken, yea; and Johnson, yea. Motion carried.
Motion by Johnson, seconded by Gresham to approve Michelle Mandrell
as Jr. High Cheerleading Sponsor for the 2009-2010 school year at
Step 0, $940, per DEA contract. By Roll Call Vote: Gresham, yea;
Howard, yea; Schweigert, yea; Shipton, yea; Teal, yea; Vannaken,
yea; and Johnson, yea. Motion carried.
Motion by Shipton, seconded by Howard to approve Lindsay Diekhoff
and Katie Kizer as High School Co-Cheerleading Sponsors for the
2009-2010 school year at Step 0, $737.50 each ($1,475.00 total),
per DEA contract. By Roll Call Vote: Gresham, yea; Howard, yea;
Schweigert, yea; Shipton, yea; Teal, yea; Vannaken, yea; and
Johnson, yea. Motion carried.
OLD BUSINESS
None.
NEW BUSINESS
Motion by Gresham, seconded by Johnson to approve the IHSA
membership for the 2009-2010 school year, authorizing the President
and Principal to sign the agreement on behalf of the District. By
Roll Call Vote: Gresham, yea; Howard, yea; Schweigert, yea;
Shipton, yea; Teal, yea; Vannaken, yea; and Johnson, yea. Motion
carried.
Motion by Howard, seconded by Johnson to approve the IESA
membership for the 2009-2010 school year in the amount of $615.00.
By Roll Call Vote: Gresham, yea; Howard, yea; Schweigert, yea;
Shipton, yea; Teal, yea; Vannaken, yea; and Johnson, yea. Motion
carried.
Motion by Teal, seconded by Schweigert to approve the Junior High
Promotion for Tuesday, June 2, 2009 at 7:00 p.m. By Roll Call Vote:
Gresham, yea; Howard, yea; Schweigert, yea; Shipton, yea; Teal,
yea; Vannaken, yea; and Johnson, yea. Motion carried.
Motion by Johnson, seconded by Howard to approve the Delavan
District School Board meeting dates for 2009-2010 on Monday
evenings, as listed in the handout included in the board packet. By
Roll Call Vote: Gresham, yea; Howard, yea; Schweigert, yea;
Shipton, yea; Teal, yea; Vannaken, yea; and Johnson, yea. Motion
carried.
(Agenda Item 8.6, Approve the implementation of Channel One for
Delavan Jr./Sr. High School, was tabled until the May meeting.)
Motion by Gresham, seconded by Schweigert to approve the request of
Heather Studio II’s use of the Poppenga Gym on May 20, 2009 and May
22, 2009, pending receipt of a Certificate of Insurance. By Roll
Call Vote: Gresham, yea; Howard, yea; Schweigert, yea; Shipton,
yea; Teal, yea; Vannaken, yea; and Johnson, yea. Motion
carried.
Motion by Teal, seconded by Howard to approve a cooperative
agreement between Midwest Central High School and Delavan High
School for Girls’ Basketball. By Roll Call Vote: Gresham, yea;
Howard, yea; Schweigert, yea; Shipton, yea; Teal, yea; Vannaken,
yea; and Johnson, yea. Motion carried.
Motion by Schweigert, seconded by Shipton to approve a cooperative
agreement between Midwest Central High School and Delavan High
School for Wrestling. By Roll Call Vote: Gresham, yea; Howard, yea;
Schweigert, yea; Shipton, yea; Teal, yea; Vannaken, yea; and
Johnson, yea. Motion carried.
ATHLETIC DIRECTOR AND PRINCIPALS’ REPORTS
Athletic Director Ryon Kramer reported on the IHSA’s new Bass
Fishing sport and is monitoring this first-year event and gathering
information for possible inclusion in the District’s sports
program. Mr. Kramer thanked Cathy Hartzler for all her support to
the Athletic programs and reported on numbers of students
participating in Jr. High and High School track, High School
Baseball, and High School Softball. The school’s baseball field has
been greatly improved, and all coaching positions are
satisfactorily filled. He also commended Mark Lessen and Brady
Zimmer on being named to the High School All-State Basketball team.
Coach Kramer also announced a Pork Chop Sale to benefit the
basketball team will be held on May 1 and 2 and thanked Shari Teal
for her assistance with the sale.
Principal Gordon acknowledged Julie Faires, Guidance Counselor, who
reported on her duties as a counselor and high school testing
coordinator. Heather King, District Social Worker, also shared her
role as a counselor in the district.
Mr. Gordon also reported on the FCCLA’s attendance at the State
Leadership Conference, with students Karli Westbrook and Morgan
Tarter receiving awards for their displays (currently in IMC
window). The High School Student Council will sponsor a Red Cross
Blood Drive this week. Panther Pride Club members for the month of
April were announced: Andrew Davis, Amie Taylor, Dan Long, Caleb
Aglar, and Keenan Watts.
Principal Lewis reported on an elementary student enrollment of
270, and a successful PTO Family Fitness Night. He also discussed
the addition of leveled reading books, and explained Response to
Intervention (RtI) Tiers and the corresponding scientifically-based
interventions designed to meet students’ needs.
Mr. Lewis also provided a list of upcoming elementary events,
including DARE Day at the Peoria Chiefs Game for the 6th
graders.
COMMUNICATIONS/INFORMATION
Superintendent Parker discussed training for the newly seated Board
members and a mini-session to be arranged with the District’s
attorney Scott Brunton. She also encouraged new members to call her
or any administrator with any questions they may have, and offered
to explain the District’s budget and finances.
OTHER
Chairman Johnson explained closed (or executive) session
procedures, and distributed “Guide to the Illinois Open Meetings
Act” booklets to new board members.
Motion by Johnson, seconded by Gresham to enter closed session to
discuss the appointment, employment, compensation, discipline,
performance or dismissal of specific employees of the public body
(5 ILCS 120/2(c)(1)). By Roll Call Vote: Gresham, yea; Howard, yea;
Schweigert, yea; Shipton, yea; Teal, yea; Vannaken, yea; and
Johnson, yea. Motion carried. The board entered closed session at
9:35 p.m.
The board reconvened in open session at 10:00 p.m. Board members
present at roll call were Gresham, Howard, Schweigert, Shipton,
Teal, Vannaken, and Johnson.
Motion by Gresham, seconded by Teal to approve Paul Lewis as
Special Education/RtI/Curriculum Coordinator for the 2009-2010
school year at a rate of pay of $62,462.40. By Roll Call Vote:
Gresham, yea; Howard, yea; Schweigert, yea; Shipton, yea; Teal,
yea; Vannaken, yea; and Johnson, yea. Motion carried.
A recommendation was made for Superintendent Parker to post the
position of an Elementary Principal for the 2009-2010 school
year.
Motion by Teal, seconded by Howard to adjourn. By Voice Vote: Ayes,
7; Nays 0. The board meeting was adjourned at 10:15 p.m.
(The agenda for the meeting was posted by the secretary at least 48
hours in advance of the meeting at the District office at 907
Locust Street, Delavan, Illinois, where the meeting was held. A
copy of the agenda for the meeting is incorporated in and made a
part of the minutes.)
