Lynnette Forth filed this report.
School board members of the Morrison Community Unit District #6 met for a regular meeting on Monday, January 27, 2014, in the Office of Superintendent Suellen Girard. Following the approval of the evening’s agenda, members approved the minutes from previously-held meetings. A report from Superintendent Girard informed the board that the Technology Committee brought a draft handbook document and staff development plan to the Citizens’ Advisory, for review on the educational impacts, and it will be brought to the Policy Committee for review of policy decisions, There are some options on the forms that have been developed that will be shared with the Board of Education. Dr. Girard informed the board that the Morrison District had a very favorable comparison on student achievement to all other Districts in the area in regard to PSAE scores for students. Girard encouraged the board to compare the poverty levels of the Districts that did have higher scores in some test areas. In January, building technology leaders participated in a two-day workshop. The District Institute in February will focus on technology for all teachers.
“The results have been positive,” Girard stated.
In regard to the budget, Dr. Girard reported, “Thus far, it is on track, and we are doing better than the original budget.” The second facilities grant has been submitted, but Dr. Girard has not been informed as to whether or not it was approved. If approved, it would provide half of the funds for the needed fire alarm upgrades. “Cold weather continues to be a cause for concern. The cut-off has been -25 degrees wind chill. It would be nice to discuss this with the board,” said the Superintendent. Finally, board members learned that the Morrison School District will host the Illinois Association of School Boards Spring meeting at Morrison High School. “This will be a great way to highlight Morrison,” Dr. Girard added.
Elementary School Principal Joe Robbins presented his notes, including many items for information. Robbins reported that Mr. Braasch has received an additional $4000, bringing the two-year total to over $17,000 for the Community that Cares Grant. In addition, Braasch has set up a Counselor’s Academy, inviting counselors from Whiteside, Lee/Ogle, and Bureau/Henry/Stark. Several Special Education teachers attended a workshop to better prepare them and students with disabilities for the PARCC field test. The workshop centered on the accommodations and modifications that can be selected for students. Robbins stated, “After school tutoring will begin shortly. We do this every year at this time to help any struggling students.” Lastly, Robbins informed the board that through the help of generous community members, a family in need of a new furnace was able to have it purchased and installed for their home. The furnace was purchased from NAEIR, and Brands Heating and Cooling installed it at a discounted price.
Junior High Principal Darryl Hogue explained that the administrative team has been attending webinars focused on the PARCC exams. Teachers have been attending continued Common Core Standard workshops at Sauk Valley Community College, with the focus of the training to increase the understanding and usage of the new standards in the classroom. Preparations are continuing for the ISAT exams. Hogue reported that this year, 100% of the exams will be based on the Common Core. The “Red Dance” will be sponsored by BEST and Junior High staff members on Thursday, February 13.
In High School business, Principal Scott Vance reported that the Mid Point Discovery Education testing was recently conducted, with results being put together by Ms. Shute and distributed to teachers to help guide instruction. Recently, Mrs. Kao attended a PARCC update on test accommodations for students with IEP’s for the upcoming PARCC test. Vance advised that the Morrison High School golf teams received a generous donation of $1500 from the Jeff Tiesman family, which will be used to purchase ten new golf bags for the team next fall. The wrestling team also received a generous donation from Steve and Janet Wright of a Tree Classic artificial Christmas tree, valued at $700. The team plans to raffle the tree in order to raise money for their program.
Board members participated in a conference call by Exec. Connect at 7:00 p.m. to receive a Superintendent Profile Report.
Closed Session was held for contract negotiations. Upon returning from Closed Session, board members returned to the agenda.
Discussion items included:
A. Financial Report as of December 31, 2013
B. Treasurer’s Report as of December 31, 2013
C. Financial Comparisons FY11, FY12, FY13
D. Bills as of January 27, 2014
E. Financial (Cash Flow) Projections
F. Enrollment Update
G. Technology update
H. Keyless Entry and Key Check-out Approval Form
I. Statement of Economic Interest Filing
J. District Auditor for 2014-2015 (A quote from Gorenz and Associates has been submitted for services for the 2014-2015 school year of $9730, which is an increase of $130. This is less than half of the increase of last year.)
K. District Website Design (A quote was received from Thomas Fulfer of Chicago, IL, to redo the District website.)
L. Junior High Swimming Cooperative (Interest has been shown from students in other school districts to join the JH swim team.)
M. Updated Coach Job Description
N. Date for Board Self-evaluation
The Consent Agenda was approved and included:
1. District bills as of January 27, 2014
2. Financial report as of December 31, 2013
3. Treasurer’s report as of December 31, 2013
4. Building Activity account reports
5. Personnel recommendations
6. Donations for Athletics
Action items: Approval of 2014-2015 school calendar
The next regular meeting of the Morrison Board of Education is scheduled for Monday, February 24, 2014.