President Tamara Peterson called the regular meeting of the Board of Education of Bloomingdale Elementary District 13 to order on Monday, April 27, 2009 in the district office at 7:32 p.m.

Roll Call
Present: Mrs. Diane Birkley, Mrs. Fina Klco, Mr. Cary Moreth, Mrs. Linda Wojcicki, Ms. Tamara Peterson (Mr. Terence McKeown entered the meeting at 7:33 p.m.)

Absent: Dr. Donald Litchfield

Others Present: Dr. Kim Perkins, Dr. Linda Schielke, Pam Gruzynski, Mark Stamatakos, Kathy Ogden

Budget Amendment Hearing
A motion was made by Mrs. Wojcicki and seconded by Mrs. Klco to open the budget amendment hearing. Voice Vote: all ayes

As no one from the audience had questions or comments regarding the budget amendment, a motion was made by Mrs. Wojcicki and seconded by Mr. Moreth to close the hearing. Voice Vote: all ayes

Consent Agenda
A motion was made by Mrs. Birkley and seconded by Mrs. Wojcicki to approve the items shown in the Consent Agenda to include the regular and closed session minutes from 3-23-09; the Approval of Bills in the Education Fund for $39,946.39, the Operations and Maintenance Fund for $49,867.15, the Debt Service Fund for $2,967.00, the Transportation Fund for $81,781.47, the Tort Fund for $100.00, Payroll (4-10-09) for $394,541.87 and (4-24-09) for $401,073.53 as shown in F.D. 4/27/09-1; the Fund Balance Report as shown in F.D. 4/27/09-2; the Balance Sheet as shown in F.D. 4/27/09-3; the Revenue Report as shown in F.D. 4/27/09-4; the Expenditure Report as shown in F.D. 4/27/09-5; the Activity Report as shown in F.D. 4/27/09-6; the Resignation of Nikki Camasta, a paraprofessional at DuJardin effective 6-12-09, Stephanie Dickinson, a special ed paraprofessional at DuJardin effective 6-12-09, Patricia Siegel, a paraprofessional at DuJardin effective 6-12-09 and Transfer of Sandy McGuckin, from a part-time ESL teacher to full-time ESL teacher effective 8-17-09.

Roll Call Vote

Ayes: Birkley, Wojcicki, Klco, McKeown, Moreth, Peterson
Nays: None
Motion Carried: 6 – 0

Superintendent’s Report
Gifted/Differentiation Specialist Pam Gruzynski gave the Board an update on the district’s gifted program. With the aid of a PowerPoint presentation, she outlined her work with staff members and accelerated students. Mrs. Gruzynski works with students directly who demonstrate a need for a differentiated curriculum; then designs or modifies the curriculum based on their needs. Mrs. Gruzynski’s students can communicate with her through a “BLOG” she set up when she cannot physically be with them. She continually collaborates with classroom teachers and provides them with the necessary tools to assist them in obtaining positive results for their students. Mrs. Gruzynski shared the following three goals that she has set for the next school year:

• Establishing a menu of materials that is specifically used for our accelerated students at each grade level
• Making the Primary Education Thinking Skills program for grades K-2 a more integral part of our programming to foster and attend to critical thinking and problem solving skills
• Creating an Accelerated Website for Bloomingdale District #13 where information can be shared

Dr. Perkins shared staffing projections for the next school year. Westfield has seen a decline in student enrollment without a reduction in staff. With the retirement of three staff members at the end of this year, more appropriate staffing levels will be possible for 2009-2010.

Dr. Perkins shared information gleaned from the ECRISS research reports requested by the district in two areas: Trends in ISAT and M.A.P. Achievement Data, and Middle School Community and Parent Survey Results as they compare with other districts. The district has seen increases in ISAT reading and math scores in recent years. It is ECRA’s recommendation that we maintain the programs that are providing this change. However, there appears to be a slight dip when transitioning from fifth to sixth grade. When comparing the culture/climate of District 13 survey results to those of other Chicago suburban schools, it was noted that parents consistently rated middle schools lower on many climate/culture items than elementary schools. However, ECRA’s review of Chicagoland middle school survey data shows Westfield’s parent responses to rank in the top 16.6%. Copies of the final student and staff survey results were distributed and will be a topic of discussion at the June meeting.

A situation that occurred today involving a Westfield student was shared with board members. The situation ended with a positive outcome.

Dr. Perkins shared that the meeting scheduled to be held this evening at the Regional Office of Education regarding the detachment and re-annexation petition was cancelled due to medical issues for one of the attorneys. Dr. Perkins did state, however, that he met last week with Dr. Michael Meissen (District 87) and Dr. Loren May (District 15) who encouraged District 13 to “take a stand” regarding the petition. Dr. Perkins indicated that he is reluctant to do so, and his feelings were shared by board members. He will relay the Board’s response to both district superintendents.

The July 27th board meeting was cancelled.

Board Reports and Requests

• B.I.G. - Mrs. Birkley and Mrs. Wojcicki attended the April 23rd B.I.G. luncheon hosted by District 13 and held at Erickson School. Among items shared was information regarding CVS pharmacy moving into the old Sears Hardware on Bloomingdale Road and several new restaurants moving into the area.
• CCTS! - Mrs. Wojcicki reported that sixteen people to-date have been nominated for the CHARACTER COUNTS! awards that will be given out at the recognition breakfast May 9.
• Education Foundation - Mrs. Wojcicki reported that approximately 200 people attended the Education Foundation’s “Texas hold ‘em” fundraiser on April 25. The committee is anticipating a possible profit of $2800.
• LEND – Mrs. Birkley reported on several items that were discussed at the recent LEND meeting. One item in particular pertained to the wind turbine farm initiative thought to be a “dead” issue. However, Dr. Auer of Keeneyville shared that she received a call from the governor’s office, which is still very interested in this initiative.
• NDSEC - No Report

Board "Salutes"
The following people received a “salute” from one or more board members and/or the superintendent/assistant superintendent for their contributions to the Bloomingdale School District community:

• Dawn Hubbard, Westfield’s counselor, for her participation in the Elmhurst College project: Dare to Dream – an educational conference for Latina middle school girls.
• Reading Specialist Betsy Niemiec for successfully defending her dissertation. Mrs. Niemiec may now be addressed as “Dr.” Niemiec.
• Teddie Torney and Cyndi Bringer for their presentation “Drama Queens (and Kings): Using Readers Theater to Dramtically Improve Literacy Skills” at the 2009 IRC Reading Conference.
• Ed Levato Jr., Liz Kotwas, Mike Barry, Linda Wojcicki, Mike Hovde, Branka Poplonski, Mike Woodman, Peggy Schmuldt, Cindy Rynning, Larry Rynning, Linda Rosenzweig, Susanne Stankoskey, Sue Noren, Amy Coladipietro, Cheryl Woehrle, Ali Braun, Mark Dwyer, Toni Buhrke, and Nicole Guerine for volunteering to work the Education Foundation fundraiser (Texas Hold ‘em)
• Sue Metzger and students who participated in the Just Jazz concert at Lake Park on April 21.

Other
Mrs. Wojcicki shared her experiences at the NSBA Conference in San Diego held in early April.

Ms. Peterson shared that the Parks Foundation will host a cocktail party on May 27 to recognize its volunteers. This event will be held at the Bloomingdale Golf Club from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m.

FY09 Budget Amendments (F.D. 4/27/09-7)
A motion was made by Mrs. Wojcicki and seconded by Mr. Moreth to approve the budget amendments as presented, and authorize board members to sign the documents.

Roll Call Vote

Ayes: Wojcicki, Moreth, Birkley, Klco, McKeown, Peterson
Nays: None
Motion Carried: 6 – 0

Paper Purchase Bids (F.D. 4/27/09-8)
A motion was made by Mrs. Wojcicki and seconded by Mrs. Birkley to approve the paper bid from Midland Paper Company in the amount of $21,342.93 for the 2009-2010 school year.

Roll Call Vote

Ayes: Wojcicki, Birkley, Klco, McKeown, Moreth, Peterson
Nays: None
Motion Carried: 6 – 0

Award of Bids and Contractor Approvals for Summer Projects (F.D. 4/27/09-9)
A motion was made by Mr. Moreth and seconded by Mrs. Klco to approve the bid for parking lot repairs at Erickson from Meyer Paving in the amount of $13,000, the bid for seal coating at Westfield from North Suburban in the amount of $3,999, and the bid for window replacement at Westfield from 3F Corporation in the amount of $31,900. Additionally, the Board approve contractor work for projects outlined in Mr. Leyden’s memo of April 20, 2009.

Ayes: Moreth, Klco, Birkley, McKeown, Wojcicki, Peterson
Nays: None
Motion Carried; 6 – 0

Capital Outlay Equipment and Technology Purchases (F.D. 4/27/09-10)
A motion was made by Mrs. Wojcicki and seconded by Mrs. Birkley to approve the capital outlay equipment and technology purchases as presented.

Ayes: Wojcicki, Birkley, Klco, McKeown, Moreth, Peterson
Nays: None
Motion Carried: 6 – 0

Honorable Dismissal of Educational Support Personnel (F.D. 4/27/09-11)
A motion was made by Mrs. Wojcicki and seconded by Mrs. Klco to approve the honorable dismissal of the educational support personnel and lunchroom supervisors, and authorize the President and Secretary to sign the resolutions and attached letters.

Roll Call Vote

Ayes: Wojcicki, Klco, Birkley, McKeown, Moreth, Peterson
Nays: None
Motion Carried: 6 – 0

Resolutions of Appreciation R#13, R#14, R#15, and R#16 (F.D. 4/27/09-12,13, 14, and 15)
A motion was made by Mrs. Klco and seconded by Mr. Moreth to approve the resolutions of appreciation for PTOs/STP, Teachers, School Nurses, and Secretaries. Voice Vote: all ayes

Early Retirement Requests (F.D. 4/27/09-16)
A motion was made by Mrs. Birkley and seconded by Mrs. Wojcicki to approve all early retirement requests as presented.

Roll Call Vote

Ayes: Birkley, Wojcicki, Klco, McKeown, Moreth, Peterson
Nays: None
Motion Carried: 6 – 0

Dr. Perkins gave a brief explanation of the ERO (Early Retirement Option) for teachers.

2008-2009 School Calendar Amendment (F.D. 4/27/09-17)
A motion was made by Mr. Moreth and seconded by Mrs. Klco to approve the amended calendar for 2008-2009. Voice Vote: all ayes

First Reading – Board Policies
The Board held a first reading of board policies 4:55 - Use of Credit and Procurement Cards, 4:170 – Safety, and 5:185 – Family and Medical Leave.

Educational Support Personnel Raises
The Board reviewed proposed raises for Educational Support Staff for the coming year. This will be an action item at the May 18 meeting.

Update on Bond Sale
Dr. Perkins shared information regarding various options for our planned bond sales. He distributed a chart which outlined responses received for our Request for Proposal from four companies that handle bond sales, plus, a letter from PFM which summarized the options outlined in these proposals. This information will be discussed further at a future board meeting.

For Information
Informational Items Included:

• March Enrollment Figures
• NDSEC Profile
• NDSEC Classroom Rentals and Student Information
• NDSEC Profile FY2009 w/Projected FY2010
• Third Quarter Suspension Report
• 2009 IRC Conference
• Tax Levy Reallocation
• Westfield Activities
• DuPage West Cook Board Briefs
• ROE Letters of Agreeement
• AMERESCO

Adjournment
A motion was made by Mr. McKeown and seconded by Mr. Moreth to adjourn the meeting. Voice Vote: all ayes

The meeting was adjourned at 9:39 p.m.

Tamara J. Peterson, President
Linda Wojcicki, Secretary