Delavan Board of Education July Newsletter
by Matt Gordon
DELAVAN COMMUNITY UNIT SCHOOL DISTRICT #703
BOARD OF EDUCATION NEWSLETTER
July 12, 2010
A regular meeting of the Delavan Board of Education was held on Monday, July 12, 2010, in the District’s library. The meeting was called to order by Chairman Gresham at 7:00 p.m. Other members present were Jeff Johnson, Wendy Schweigert, and Shari Teal. Sue Howard, Matt Shipton, and Mark Vannaken were absent at roll call. Also in attendance was Michelle Noreuil, Delavan faculty; Ryon Kramer, Athletic Director; Matt Gordon, Jr./Sr. High Principal; Staci Harper, Elementary Principal; Paul Lewis, Special Education/RtI/Curriculum Coordinator; Mary Parker, Superintendent; Lori Smith, Board Secretary; and Hailey Wall and Derek Rutledge.
The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag was recited.
(Board member Sue Howard entered the meeting at 7:03.)
RECEPTION OF VISITORS
Agenda
Ryon Kramer gave his recommendation of keeping all assistant coaching positions. The high school assistant coaches are needed regardless of the number of participants in any particular sport.
CONSENT AGENDA
A motion was made and carried to approve the June 28, 2010 closed session #1 minutes as corrected; June 28, 2010 closed session #2 minutes; June 28 regular meeting minutes as corrected; current bills; and the July 9, 2010 payroll.
HEARING OF DELEGATES/COMMITTEE REPORTS
Jeff Johnson reported on the Building & Grounds Committee meeting held on July 6. Building improvements were discussed with Maintenance Director Jim Nelson and the District Architect Bill VanDusen. Plans are being made to proceed with the heating and ventilation improvements financed by the use of bonds. Mr. Wills from First Midstate Investments was also present at the meeting to explain the timeline for receiving funds to complete the building improvements.
SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT
A Finance Committee meeting was requested for August 2, 2010 at 6:30 p.m. to discuss non-certified staff salaries.
PERSONNEL
A motion was made and carried to approve Derek Rutledge as a Fifth Grade Teacher for 2010-2011. Mr. Rutledge was congratulated and welcomed to the District.
A motion was made and carried to approve Hailey Wall as a Sixth Grade Teacher for 2010-2011, contingent upon receipt of a resignation letter from current faculty member Karen James. Hailey was also welcomed and congratulated.
A motion was made and carried to approve the posting for an assistant High School Baseball Coach for 2010-2011.
A motion was made and carried to approve the posting for an assistant High School Softball Coach for 2010-2011.
OLD BUSINESS
A motion was made and carried to approve the continued confidential status of closed session minutes with respect to all or part thereof, as required at least semi-annually by the Illinois Open Meetings Act.
NEW BUSINESS
A motion was made and carried to approve the Elementary Student Handbook for the 2010-2011 school year.
A motion was made and carried to approve the Tazewell County Health Department’s use of Delavan School’s facilities for a Before/After School Program for 2010-2011.
PRINCIPALS’ REPORTS
Jr./Sr. High Principal Matt Gordon discussed plans for student orientations, a welcome back staff letter, and sports tryouts and practices. A technology article for parents/guardians has been written and placed on the website. Mr. Gordon also thanked the custodians and maintenance workers for all their efforts this summer.
Elementary Principal Staci Harper reported that Jared Williams will be painting the playground equipment; some of the bike racks have been moved to the elementary; employees are being trained for before/after school care by the Tazewell County Health Department; school registration dates are August 5 and 6; and new staff orientation will be held August 10, 2010. The faculty mentoring program was also discussed; and mentors Michelle Noreuil, Sally Lessen, Linda Allen were thanked. Nicole Zuercher has been added as a mentor.
Mr. Paul Lewis presented a curriculum report. New math textbooks are being chosen for K – 2; writing, reading, and math books for various grade levels are also being reviewed. Mr. Lewis is also handling disposal/reuse of old textbooks.
COMMUNICATIONS / INFORMATION
Thanks to Karli (Diekhoff) Johnson for creating and promoting an arts fundraiser (“Art Cuts Stink”) to be held at the 2010 Delavan Fall Festival. All donations received will be forwarded to the District to be used for art programs.
OTHER
The Board entered closed session to discuss student disciplinary cases (5 ILCS 120/2 (c)(9)) at 8:00 p.m. (Board Member Mark Vannaken entered the meeting at 8:01 p.m.) The Board returned to open session at 8:20 p.m.
A motion was made and carried to approve the Jr./Sr. High School Student Handbook as presented, with the exception of changing the early graduation request deadline. (This approval was listed on the agenda as New Business Item 8.2.)
A motion was made and carried to adjourn at 8:40 p.m.
THE NEXT REGULARLY SCHEDULED DELAVAN BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING IS MONDAY, AUGUST 23, 2010, IN THE DISTRICT’S LIBRARY.
