MANHATTAN SCHOOL DISTRICT 114

February 12, 2008

The Board of Education of Manhattan School District 114, in the County of Will and the State of Illinois, met at Wilson Creek Elementary School on February 12, 2008 in regular session.

ROLL CALL:

President, Christopher Ambrosini, called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.

1. Present: Scott Mancke, Nick Polyak, and Jeff Pietrzyk, and Gerald Elder

2. Absent: Joseph Knoll and Timothy Doyle

3. Others present: Mary Bernhard, Howard Butters, Todd Gierman, Barbara Hogan, Kim Holly, Cathy Jenkins, Lori Head, Tracy Knowles, Linda Matejcak, Mary McHugh, Ron Pacheco, Pat Sacco, Pete Slattery, and Ryan McWilliams.

APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA:

G. Elder made a motion to approve the Consent Agenda as presented, with a second by N. Polyak. Roll Call Vote: G. Elder – yes, J. Pietrzyk – aye, N. Polyak – aye, S. Mancke – yes. Motion Carried.

FEBRUARY DISBURSEMENTS

EDUCATION FUND	$838,778.14
BUILDING FUND	$78,896.07
BOND & INTEREST FUND	$0
TRANSPORTATION FUND	$63,761.79
IMRF FUND	$24,014.10
SITE & CONSTRUCTION FUND	$0
WORKING CASH FUND	$0
LIFE SAFETY FUND	$0
TOTAL	$1,005,450.10

VISITORS TO BE HEARD:

There were no visitors to be heard.

GOOD NEWS

Principal, Ron Pacheco, reported that the Spelling Bee winner was Jeff Neukom. The 7^th grade boys’ basketball team was sectional champs. The girls’ volleyball team will be having their last home game. Solo and ensemble contest took place; there were 57 students that participated in the contest; 44 received 1^st places and 13 received 2^nd places. There are 48 students going to Washington D.C. this year.

Principal, Ryan McWilliams, reported that the band, choir and orchestra performed on January 24^th, thanks to Mrs. Pacheco and Mrs. Pedziwater. The Star reward trip was held last Friday. Mrs. Blackman has started Hoops for Heart. Teachers are working hard preparing students for the upcoming ISAT testing. There will be a pep assembly on February 28^th.

Principal, Barbara Hogan, reported that Kindergarten round-up will be March 5^th. This month is fairness for Character Counts. The staff at Wilson Creek is very happy with the outcome of the Reading textbook selection. Ms. Book has stated Jump Rope for Heart. There will be twenty students participating in a regional cup stacking competition held in Tinley Park. Terra Nova testing for 2^nd grade is coming up. Dr. Seuss will be coming in April.

SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT:

Supt. Butters stated that he is looking for approval to purchase two new reading series; one for Anna McDonald and Wilson Creek. He also reported that we should receive just over $30,000 in textbook loan money this year. T. Gierman and representatives from both schools on the curriculum committee reported on why they chose their particular series. After the presentations on their choices, G. Elder made a motion to approve the purchase of both series Macmillan/McGraw-Hill and Harcourt – Story Town at a total cost of $84,076.48, with a second by N. Polyak. Roll Call Vote: G. Elder – yes, N. Polyak – aye, J. Pietrzyk – aye, and S. Mancke – aye. Motion Carried.

Supt. Butter reported on the 2008-2009 school calendar. Parent/teacher conferences will be 11/3 and 11/4 and there will be an institute days on 4/7. This way there will be no student attendance on election days. The first day of school is 8/18/08 and the last day is 5/29/09 is no snow days are used. N. Polyak made a motion to approve the 2008-2009 school calendar as presented, with a second by J. Pietrzyk. All voted aye.

Supt. Butters stated that registration packets will go out to parents on March 18^th and they will be due back by the end of April. Supt. Butters reported what the other Lincoln-Way areas school district fees were and asked if the Board wanted to increase any fees. After discussion, J. Pietrzyk made a motion to increase the Kindergarten fee to $55 and the 1^st thru 8^th fee to $105 and the activity fee increasing to $30, with a second by G. Elder. All voted aye.

Supt. Butters reported they know of 120 kindergarten aged children for next year. Our current enrollment is 1225. Principal Hogan reported that the Safari Adventure program has been going very well.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

There was no unfinished business.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

1. Building Committee – No report.

2. Policy Committee – This is the second reading for 2:20, 2:30, 2:140, 2:210, 2:260, 3:60, 4:10, 4:60, 4:180, 5:10, 5:90, 5:100, 5:130, 5:180, 5:290, 6:40, 6:65, 6:235, 6:270, 7:70, 7:90, 7:220, 7:250, 7:340, and 8:20. Policies adopted. This is the first reading for policies 2:125, 2:125-E1, 5:250, 5:330, and 6:60

3. IASB – No report.

4. Foundation Report – The after school programs have been very well received again. The Art teachers and the Foundation will be partnering together by giving parents the opportunity to purchase artwork transferred to clothing items, etc.

CLOSED SESSION:

G. Elder made a motion to move into Closed Session for litigation, employment, compensation, evaluation and/or dismissal of personnel, and real estate at 7:50 p.m., with a second by S. Mancke. All voted aye.

G. Elder made a motion to reconvene from Closed Session at 8:45 p.m., with a second by J. Pietrzyk. All voted aye.

N. Polyak made a motion to accept the letter of intent to retire as discussed in Closed Session, with a second by G. Elder. All voted aye.

NEW BUSINESS:

There was no new business.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

The Board received an IASB rally for public education notice and a legislative update with Jack McGuire and Senator A.J. Wilhelmi on 2/19/08 notice.

ADJOURNMENT:

G. elder made a motion to adjourn at 8:50 p.m., with a second by N. Polyak. All voted aye. The next meeting is March 11, 2008 at Wilson Creek Elementary School.

___________________________________________________________________

Christopher Ambrosini, President Joseph Knoll, Secretary

Board of Education Board of Education

Manhattan School District 114 Manhattan School District 114