President Tamara Peterson called the regular meeting of the Board of Education of Bloomingdale Elementary District 13 to order on Monday, November 23, 2009 in the district office at 7:30 p.m.

Roll Call
Present: Mrs. Diane Birkley, Mrs. Fina Klco, Mr. Terence McKeown, Mr. Cary Moreth, Mrs. Linda Wojcicki, Ms. Tamara Peterson

Absent: Dr. Donald Litchfield

Others Present: Dr. Kim Perkins, Dr. Linda Schielke, Mike Steffens (Ameresco), Kathy Ogden

Consent Agenda
A motion was made by Mr. Moreth and seconded by Mrs. Wojcicki to approve the items shown in the consent Agenda to include the regular session minutes from 10-26-09; the approval of Bills in the Education Fund for $439,648.88, the Operations and Maintenance Fund for $51,532.73, the Transportation Fund for $57,403.67, the Tort Fund for $1,730.00, Payroll (11-10-09) $387,623.23 and (11-20-09) $395,189.12 as shown in F.D. 11/23/09-1; the Fund Balance Report as shown in F.D. 11/23/09-2; the Balance Sheet as shown in F.D. 11/23/09-3; the Revenue Report as shown in F.D. 11/23/09; the Expenditure Report as shown in F.D. 11/23/09-5; the Activity Report as shown in F.D. 11/23/09-6; the Resignation of Jennifer Doyle as Early Childhood paraprofessional at DuJardin effective 11-19-09; Family Medical Leave for Molly Vaughn effective 9-21-09 through 1-13-10 and Parental Leave for Molly Vaughn effective 1-14-10 through 6-1-10, a Family Medical Leave for Elaine Alex effective 10-19-09 through 1-8-10 (FMLA originally submitted 8-24-09).

Roll Call Vote

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

In response to an inquiry from Ms. Peterson regarding the disposition of monies owed by the Chicago Public School system to NDSEC (as recorded in the10-26-09 minutes), Dr. Perkins responded that NDSEC has been assured that 50% will be sent now and the remainder should follow soon thereafter. Dr. Perkins also gave an explanation to Mrs. Wojcicki for a FMLA request which was listed under the 11-23-09 Personnel Report.

Superintendent’s Report
The Board reviewed updates on progress made to-date towards the 2009-2010 district goals. The two goals are: 1) At least 90% of district students will continue to meet state standards/proficiency on the March 2010 ISAT reading test and the May 2010 M.A.P reading test, and at least 85% of district students will meet state standards on the March 2010 ISAT writing test. 2) Improve the district’s performance in meeting the needs of all students. Dr. Perkins will provide the Board with additional updates in March.

Board Reports and Requests

• B.I.G. - No Report
• CCTS! - Mrs. Wojcicki reported that Sherry Douglas was elected chairperson for the CHARACTER COUNTS! Coalition.
• Education Foundation - No Report
• LEND – Mrs. Birkley reported that strategic planning sessions will begin on December 13.
• NDSEC - Dr. Perkins shared information on NDSEC’s executive director. Dr. Stevenson recently had back surgery, but hopes to be back at work the 15th of December.

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 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:

• Simon Abraham, a DuJardin parent, who presented the school with a $750 Exxon Mobil Educational Alliance grant for the math and science programs.
• Dawn Hubbard, Westfield counselor, for helping to organize the Student Council Clothing Drive (3,921 items were donated).
• Kathy Ogden, district office secretary, for her leadership role at the school board conference.

Ameresco Contract for HVAC Work (F.D. 11/23/09-7)
A motion was made by Mrs. Klco and seconded by Mrs. Birkley to approve the contract for service with Ameresco for HVAC work and authorize the President to sign all necessary documents to initiate this work as shown in F.D. 11/23/09-7.

Roll Call Vote

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

Mike Steffens of Ameresco was on hand to answer any questions from board members. He shared that his firm was able to negotiate better pricing from the sub contractors than originally indicated. This cost savings (approximately $200,000) will allow us to purchase a new boiler for Westfield, one that will run much more efficiently. And, at DuJardin, a chiller will be installed for cooling rooms 124, 125, and 126. The date set for “substantial completion” for all energy savings services and facility improvements per the agreement is August 9, 2010.

Follett School Library “Destiny” Purchase (F.D. 11/23/09-8)
A motion was made by Mrs. Wojcicki and seconded by Mrs. Klco to approve the purchase of the Follett School Library “Destiny” system for implementation in December 2009.

Roll Call Vote

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

School Holiday Waivers (F.D. 11/23/09-9)
A motion was made by Mrs. Wojcicki and seconded by Mr. Moreth to approve the school holiday waivers for Lincoln’s Birthday and the Veterans’ Day holiday.

Roll Call Vote

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

Board members held a lengthy and thoughtful discussion on the importance of using the Veterans’ Day attendance day to educate children on the impact the men and women who have served, and are currently serving in the armed forces have on our country. The Board was adamant that a significant portion of the school day be spent honoring veterans. Dr. Perkins indicated that an article regarding the waiver will be included in an upcoming issue of The 13 Times. Also, an early dismissal day next school year will be used for teachers to plan activities for Veterans’ Day. In compliance with a recent state mandate, a moment of silence will be held in each school to recognize veterans of foreign wars.

Second Reading/Action – Board Policies for Amendment (F.D. 11/23/09-10)
A motion was made by Mrs. Klco and seconded by Mr. McKeown to waive the second reading and act to amend revised board policies 4:30, 4:40, 4:100, 5:30, 5:90, 5:100, 5:120, and 7:190 as shown in F.D. 11/23/09-10. Voice Vote: all ayes

School Board Conference
Board members held a brief discussion regarding their attendance at the 77th Joint Annual Conference held this past weekend. The Board was very impressed with the selection of this year’s keynote speakers. Dr. Perkins will send the planning committee a letter of appreciation. Board members shared information on various workshops that were attended.

Tentative Tax Levy
As required by law, the district presented an estimated aggregate tax levy to the Board for its review. If the proposed equalized assessed valuation (EAV) is calculated to be or exceed 5%, a public hearing must be held. The Board will hold a public hearing at its December meeting. The Board must adopt a tax levy at its December meeting to meet statutory timelines for submittal to the County Clerk. Finance Director Janis Prehn received kudos for her very concise and detailed report provided to the Board.

Quarterly Investment Report
The Board reviewed the Quarterly Investment Report for the period ending September 30, 2009.

Annual Audit
The Board reviewed the audit for the year ending June 30, 2009 as prepared by Mathieson Moyski Celer & Co., LLP. This report included audited financial statements and supplementary financial information, and shows the district in good financial condition.

Other
Mrs. Klco shared a letter from Lake Park High School regarding information on Legionnaire’s Disease. Dr. Perkins will follow up with Dr. John Butts from Lake Park.

For Information
Informational items included:

• October Enrollment Update
• NDSEC Enrollment
• First Quarter Suspension Report
• Regional Office of Education Inspection Report
• Thank-you Letters
• Regional Office of Education Advisory Board

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

The meeting was adjourned at 9:10 p.m.

Tamara J. Peterson, President
Linda Wojcicki, Secretary