Jasper Unit One Board Summary

Jasper County Community Unit #1
Board of Education
Regular Meeting
December 15, 2008

Near the beginning of the meeting, the board held a public hearing on the proposed 2008 levy. There were no comments from the public on the levy. In other public comments, Jasper Services, Inc. expressed their gratefulness to the board for the opportunity to serve the district this year. In positive news, NCHS Principal, Ruth Kerner gave an update on several items for the high school: The North Central Association visit was successful; the high school has 19 Illinois State Scholars this year; the Beta Club provided 157 Christmas gifts for children, and the Marching Eagles received special recognition from Marching Online for 2008 (Band of the Year and Outstanding Auxiliary and Winds). In other positive news, Grove Principal, Craig Carr reported that Grove Elementary students provided 1,400 canned goods for the Ministerial Association and several items for the Jasper County Home Front. Newton Elementary/Jasper Co. Junior High Principal, Travis Wyatt reported that his students provided over 1,000 canned goods for the Ministerial Association as well. Dave Parker, Principal of Ste. Marie and Willow Hill Elementary reported that students would be enjoying a special trip to the movies this week. Our district music teachers have once again presented outstanding Christmas programs this year. The bulletin board this month in the Board of Education office was prepared by Mrs. Jamie Sandschafer and the Pre-K children.

Melinda Barthelme, board member and Fred Huddlestun, board president both gave updates of their attendance at the State IASB conference in Chicago last month. The board announced that it will have a special board meeting for planning of district goals, mission, and vision statements with Dave Love of the Illinois Association of School Boards (IASB) on January 10.

Following board reports, the board adopted a resolution regarding the estimated 2008 tax levy by a 7-0 vote. A discussion of district finances then followed. Although the district fund balances are strong and we have a firm local tax base, the State is currently late in over $1.5 million in payments to our district. In an effort to address future concerns regarding the budget, the board discussed some changes in the building and grounds projects for this coming summer. Supply budgets may see a temporary hold effective in January except for items that are absolutely necessary. The district will endeavor to continue to provide for the education and well-being of students as its main priority.

Following the report from Phil Benefiel, Director of Buildings and Grounds, the board decided to postpone further discussion on the revisions to the list of summer projects until the building committee could meet in January. The committee will consider possible recommendations for the board at its regular January meeting. The District Improvement Plan was approved by the board. A recommendation from Ruth Kerner for changes in the early out procedures at the high school was discussed. More information will be presented in January. The board placed on first reading proposed changes in board policies from the IASB. The District 403(b) Plan with American Fidelity was approved by the board.

Following closed session, the board approved a retirement incentive payment of $2,000 for classified staff who retire no later than June 30, 2009. Classified employees must be at least 55 years of age and have at least 15 years of service in the district, and must submit an irrevocable letter of their intent to retire by February 12, 2009. Board members also approved Kimberlin Wallace, Haley Woods, and Chelsy Probst as volunteers.

The meeting adjourned at 11:00 p.m.

The next regular meeting of the Board of Education will be held Monday, January 19, 2009, at 7:00 p.m. at the Board of Education Office. The board meeting will be held on Monday although there is no school that day due to the observance of Martin Luther King’s Birthday.

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 January.

Respectfully submitted,

Ron Alburtus, Superintendent