Jasper Unit One School Board Meeting April 21, 2008

Jasper County Community Unit #1

Board of Education

Regular Meeting

April 21, 2008

The April board meeting began with all members present. In positive news, the President of the South East Basketball Officials Association and NCHS Teacher, George Martin, presented a 2008 Sportsmanship award to NCHS Head Basketball Coach and Athletic Director, Doug Mammoser. The board thanked the district Pre-K teacher and students for the bulletin board for the BOE Office this month. Jasper Co. CUSD #1 received notice from the ISBE that we had once again earned a score within the Financial Recognition range which is the highest category for a school district. The Newton Rotary, and the district school PTOs provided the funds for the RIF program this year. Much gratitude goes to those organizations, Wayne Savageau for directing the program and the following NCHS students: Jessica Pless, Sarah Hoffeditz, Angela Shamhart, Samantha Webb, Kaitlin Vahling, and Haylyn Bergbower.

The board held its organizational meeting tonight as well. Fred Huddlestun was reelected President, Wes Pitcher was reelected Vice President, and Melinda Barthelme was reelected Secretary. Fred and Wes will serve on the Policy Committee. Gregg Weber and Melinda will serve on the Buildings and Grounds Committee. On the Wellness Committee will be Melinda and on the Parent/Teacher Advisory Committee will be Gordon Millsap and Anthony Richards. Marvin Allison will serve on the annuity committee. The annual meeting schedule was also adopted.

In board reports, members were told of the IASB meeting to be held at the Trace Inn at Red Hills State Park on April 29. Board Secretary, Melinda Barthelme received recognition from the IASB that due to her participation in the LeaderShop workshops, she received an invitation to participate in the Biannual Symposium this June. The renewal wavier to observe Abraham Lincoln as a commemorative holiday was approved by the ISBE. The approval begins with the 2008-09 school year and extends through the 2012-13 school year.

Director of Buildings and Grounds, Phil Benefiel reported that the district surplus auction held on April 5 was successful. The board approved employment of summer custodial and transportation helpers for up to 400 hours at $8.00 per hour.

The final 2007-2008 school calendar was adopted. An institute day will be held on May 29, and the last day of school will be Friday, May 30. Membership in the Illinois Elementary School Association for 2008-09 for Grove, SME, and JCJH was approved as was membership in the Illinois High School Association for 08-09 for NCHS. The board accepted the quote for student accident insurance from Jasper County Insurance for the 08-09 school year. The board also approved holding high school graduation outside this year weather permitting. Administration will make the decision by 10:00 a.m. on the day of graduation. The board also accepted a $200 donation with thanks from the Ste. Marie Foundation for the NCHS Technology Fund for the preparation of a web site for the Foundation by high school business teacher, Kourtney Blank.

Following closed session, the board approved the Agreement Between the Board of Education and the Jasper County Education Association for the period August 16, 2008, until August 16, 2011. The board also approved salaries and benefits for classified and administrative staffs for the same period. An additional elementary teaching position for the 08-09 school year for Newton Elementary will be posted. The board accepted letters of resignation for the purpose of retirement at the end of the 08-09 school year from John Miller and Eileen Smithenry. Also accepted were letters of resignation from Mindy Taylor effective June 30, and Julie Dickerson at the end of the 07-08 school year. Bryan Fuson and Eric Schackmann were employed as summer workers for up to 400 hours at $8.00 per hour.

The meeting adjourned at 9:55 p.m.

The next regular meeting of the Board of Education will be held Monday, May 19, 2008, at 8:00 p.m. at the Board of Education Office.

This informal summary is provided as a public service and is not an official record. The minutes of the meeting will be approved and posted on the District website in May.

Respectfully submitted,

Ron Alburtus, Superintendent