4/26/2012Board Meeting Highlights 04/17/12
Littlejohn Elementary
The Board of Education recognized the District Wellness Committee for their hard work to improve the health of our students. Nancy LaCursia, a faculty member at NIU who teaches health and wellness, was also recognized for being the driving force and "brains" of this committee’s success. The Board also recognized Cristy Meyer, Principal ofJefferson Elementary School, for receiving the Illinois School Health Associations’ Presidential Citation.
The Board of Education recognized Heather Larson, Media Assistant at Tyler Elementary, for her recent letter writing campaign with Lincoln School 4th grade students to families in Japanravaged by the earthquake.
Principal Redmond gave the Board an overview of Littlejohn Elementary School, along with members of the PTA & Littlejohn students.
Items approved by the Board:
ü The donation of $10,000 from an anonymous donor to the DHS music department to support the mixed a cappella group trip to New York City for the National Championship
ü Tim Vincent as Principal of Clinton Rosette Middle School
ü Letter of Agreement with DCTA: Assignment Vacancies
ü Elementary, Middle School and DHS Handbooks
ü DHS Student Council Overnight Trip to Spring State Convention
ü DHS Wrestling Team Trip to Williams Bay, Wisconsin
ü Contract for 2012-2013 DHS Yearbook
ü403(b) Plan Document Amendment and Restatement
ü Resolution for the Auction of Schools (old Cortland & Malta)
üApplication for Maintenance Grant
ü Bid for Traffic Light at Huntley Middle School
üAsphalt Paving/Repairs at Various District Facilities
2/23/2012
Board Meeting Highlights 02/21/12
Cortland Elementary School
· The Board of Education recognized the DHS World Youth Science and Engineering (WYSE) Team who placed 1st in the Unlimited Division at Regionals on January 31st.
· The Board of Education recognized DeKalb Police Chief, Bill Feithen, and DeKalb Fire Chief, Bruce Harrison, for their many years of service to our community and their significant contributions to the safety of our public schools.
· The Board of Education recognized Anne Almburg, Reading Specialist at Founders Elementary, for the completion of her doctoral program.
· Kim Lyle showed the Board a graph of the changes to Cortland School since it opened. She & Assistant Principal, Jennifer Hilliard, gave the Board a broad overview of programs & procedures at Cortland School.
· Carol Warren, Food Service Director, showed the Board a PowerPoint giving them an overview of how our food service program is going.
· Andrea Gorla informed the Board that we have now received the remainder of the $21 million construction grant.
· Don Biggs said an audit had been done of our repurposing projects and he took them through the adjustments that were recommended. He shared the following information as to the status of contingency funds:
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There is $14,409 left in the Cortland funds so he has met with Principal Lyle & developed a needs assessment.
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The high school has $807,679 remaining ($293,500 proposed expenditures listed on tonight’s agenda), which would leave $514,179. Don added he recommends keeping at least $150,000 in contingency funds for future issues that may arise which would leave around $365,000. He said he has met with Principal Moeller to review requested items.
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The Huntley Middle School project has $201,208 left & Don said he will meet with Principal Scott to discuss needs.
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Founders has $121,718 remaining & he is working with Principal Greenwald to set priorities. He added the playground/asphalt area remains an issue.
· Don Biggs said the I-Team Committee met & the following are their recommendations:
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Security Cameras for the DHS Academic Wings & Music Area Additional security cameras in the amount of $163,000 are requested for the academic pod areas & music areas.
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DHS Department Requests Various requests from DHS departments are being recommended for purchase in the amount of $83,000.
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Library e-Books Additional eBooks for the library are being requested in the amount of $25,000.
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Tackboards/Whiteboards Tackboards & whiteboards are being requested in the amount of $10,000.
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AP Network Devices to Varsity Baseball and Softball Fields Additional AP network devices for the varsity baseball & softball fields are being requested in the amount of $2,500.
· Don Biggs shared with the Board a list of proposed summer projects.
Items approved by the Board:
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ü The donation of $5000 from Huskies for Hope for the purchase of technology for special education programs in the DeKalb Community Unit School District. Jeff Dobie from Fatty's Pub & Grille and Coach Doeren from NIU football presented the check to the Board.
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ü Letter of Agreement with DCTA: Overload Pay for After School Algebra 1 Class
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ü Bid Process for Copy Paper
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ü Approval of Extension of Contract for Office Supplies, Construction Paper & Ink & Toner Cartridges
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ü Approval of Copier Purchase from RK Dixon
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ü Approval of Purchase of Color Copier for Education Center
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ü Approval of DHS School Course Fee Adjustments
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ü Approval of Lunch Fee Increases
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ü Approval of Comprehensive Audit for Activity Accounts/Gate Receipts
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ü Approval of Extension of Food Service Contract
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ü Approval of Lease of Farmland for FFA at the Airport Site
f you wish to learn more about a subject, watch our web page for posted minutes after they are approved by the Board.
2/9/2012
· The Board took a tour of the Huntley pool area, YMCA area, technology rooms and some of the classroom area that was not air conditioned during the renovation.
· The Board of Education recognized the DeKalb High School New Pennies Magazine: Splice, for being selected to receive the Highest Award rank in the 2011 NCTE Program to Recognize Excellence in Student Literary Magazines. Magazines were received from 391 schools and only 38 magazines were chosen nationwide to receive the Highest Award. Only two other student literary magazines in the state achieved this award in 2011. Humanities teacher, Chris Lapeyre, is the faculty advisor for the magazine and editors are Siti Asma and Vanessa Borjon.
· Dr. Scott welcomed the Board to Huntley & said things are going very well here after the transition. He said they are currently utilizing about 80% of the building. He showed the Board video clips detailing an average day at Huntley Middle School.
· The Board received an update on the proposal to move Malta students from Clinton Rosette to Huntley.
Items approved by the Board:
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ü The sizeable donation of workshop materials from IDEAL to our 18-21 program
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ü DCTA Salary Placement/Advancement
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ü Letter of Agreement with DFSA to Waive 24 Hour Notice
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ü Overnight Field Trip to Timber-lee for Lincoln School 5th Grade Students
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ü Contingency Fund Expenditures for DeKalb High School for Student Desks and Chairs
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ü First Student Transportation Contract Extension Proposal
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ü “WEB” 6th Grade Transition Program
1/19/2012
Board Meeting Highlights 01/17/12
Brooks Elementary School
· The Board received information from Tammy Carson about a benefit spaghetti dinner to be held on February 10th from 4-7 pm at DHS to benefit Christopher Canaday (a Brooks students who was born with a congenital heart defect). Tickets are $10 for adults & $5 for students & include entry into the DHS vs. Kaneland boys’ varsity basketball game at 7:00. Tickets are available at Brooks, Castle Bank & DHS.
· Brooks fifth grade students introduced themselves to the Board & sang the school song for them. Principal Spears gave the Board an overview of her school saying they take pride & honor in the diversity at Brooks & also in their steady standard of academic excellence.
· Mr. Gallagher (4th ward alderman) shared with the Board a proposal to improve Kiwanis Park with transplanted trees from the City of DeKalb tree farm.
· Mr. Frances from PMA showed the Board a PowerPoint of possible financial projections for our district based on certain revenue & expenditure assumptions.
· Colleen Dekraker & Danielle deVerdier from Cooper & Company pointed out to the Board the major points to note in our recent audit.
· Dr. Scott & Mr. Mix shared with the Board a proposal to ease the transition for students moving from 5th to 6th grade called “WEB” (Where Everybody Belongs).
· Dr. Moeller & Laura Edwards, Counselor & Assessment Coordinator, took the Board through 9th grade placement criteria developed by a committee at DHS.
· DHS math teachers (T.J. Fontana, Paul Severino & Sarah Scheen) informed the Board they are recommending that Algebra A/B would be the best option for the future.
Items approved by the Board:
ü The donation of $5,000 to DeKalb High School from an anonymous donor to assist with the payment of fees for our low income families.
ü DHS Outdoor Adventure Club Overnight Camping Trip
12/8/2011
The Students Involved with Technology Conference is an annual conference occurring at several sites throughout Illinois. It originated in Bloomington-Normal and has since expanded. This will be the 4th year DeKalb School District has hosted the SIT Conference locally. It is a conference for 3rd-12th grade students. So what makes the SIT Conference stand out? It is also completely presented by 3rd-12th grade students. While adult volunteers from local schools and the community help the day run smoothly, all presentations are prepared and presented by the students! If you’d like to be a part of the SIT Conference, as a student presenter or attendee, or as an adult volunteer, contact us or visit our Registration page!
What is the SIT Conference?
SIT is a conference presented by Higher Education and K-12 School Districts to provide a forum where kids in grades 3-12 can demonstrate technology tools they have learned in school or that they are interested in.
When Is the SIT Conference?
The 2011 Students Involved with Technology Conference will be February 18, 2012 from 8:30-2:00.
Where is the SIT Conference?
This year the conference we are hosting the SIT conference at DeKalb High School (501 W Dresser Rd, DeKalb, IL 60115).
Do Presenters need a Sponsor?
Yes. The sponsors’ role to make sure that the presenter is well-prepared to give their presentation. They are also in the room during the presentation in case the presenter needs assistance.
Do Sponsors have to register? Is there a fee for them to register?
Yes. Sponsors need to register for the conference. They are also charged the $25 registration fee. As a sponsor they will receive a conference T-Shirt, bag, lunch and snack. They are not eligible for SIT prizes.
Can parents attend?
SIT is conference by kids for kids. If a parent wants to attend they can – but they have to register as a participant in order to attend. They will get a shirt, lunch and snack. Adult participants are not eligible for SIT Prizes.
Can I bring a child that is younger than 3rd grade?
No. Due to the nature of the conference, it is not geared for younger children.
What if I want to come see my child’s presentation?
You would need to register as a participant. Due to the safety and security of the students, only registered attendees are permitted at the conference.
Do I have to sign up in advance?
Yes. If you want to attend the conference you need to register by 1/18/2012. No on-site registration is accepted.
Is SIT fun?
Yes, it is! The conference in Normal celebrated its 12th anniversary – would anyone still be coming after 12 years if it wasn’t fun?!?
What topics are going to be presented?
Topics vary from year to year. We don’t know what the current topics will be until registration is complete. Consider visiting past SIT websites to see what has been presented in the past! 11/17/2011Board Meeting Highlights 11/15/11
Malta Elementary School
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· The Board of Education recognized the DeKalb High School Cross Country Team for placing 9th at the IHSA Cross Country State Meet last weekend and Kelsey Schrader, a sophomore at DeKalb High School, for finishing in second place. Kelsey’s finish in 17:11 made her the highest cross country finish in DeKalb High School history. Team members are Christin Bothe, Desa Diedrich, Danielle Dlabal, Kayla Federici, Marissa Maeder, Malerie Meares, Kelsey Schrader, Sara Schafer and Monica York. The team is coached by head coach Mike Wolf and assistant coach Duane Cowley. Dan Jones commended the team for being an All State, All Academic team with a combined GPA of 3.43.
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· Ms. Rohlman gave the Board a brief overview of Malta School
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· In honor of School Board Members Day, Tuesday, November 15, 2011, our Board members were recognized for the countless hours they donate to the students and staff of the DeKalb School District.
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· The Board of Education recognized Andrea Gorla and Cindy Carpenter for receiving the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting awarded by the Government Finance Officers Association and the Certificate of Excellence in Financial Reporting awarded by the Association of School Business Officials International for the comprehensive annual financial report for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2010.
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· Emily Weller & principals from the three schools shared information about a recent Family YMCA Night (Brooks, Jefferson and Littlejohn).
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· Andrea Gorla shared with the Board results from three local banks for pre-placement of $5 million dollar bond.
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· Don Biggs shared additional proposals for the remaining contingency funds at Founders Elementary School & Huntley Middle School.
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· Dr. Cremascoli shared information about a New Course Proposal: DHS Intensive Geometry (Special Education).
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· The Board of Education held a first reading of recommended changes to Board of Education policies.
· Don Biggs shared additional proposals for the remaining contingency funds at Founders Elementary School & Huntley Middle School.
· Dr. Cremascoli shared information about a New Course Proposal: DHS Intensive Geometry (Special Education).
· The Board of Education held a first reading of recommended changes to Board of Education policies. 10/12/2011
The first meeting
of the newly formed
DeKalb School District
Finance & Facilities Committee
will be held
Thursday, October 13th
beginning at 7:00 p.m.
at the Education Center
Board room
901 S. 4th Street. 9/21/2011
The Illinois Department of Transportation is encouraging schools statewide to participate in next month’s International Walk to School Day. Attached is information about the event along with a form that IDOT would like participating schools to complete and return after the event.
International Walk to School Day is a great way to encourage safer and improved routes to school, healthier habits and environmental concern.
More information about International Walk to School Day is also available by visiting the websites www.walktoschool.org and http://www.dot.il.gov/green/IWTSD.html.
Please direct any questions about the event to Erik Hall at (815) 434-8520 or william.e.hall@illinois.gov.
6/23/2011
Board Meeting Highlights 06/21/11
· The Board of Education recognized Andria Mitchell, Principal of Tyler Elementary, for her Chamber of Commerce Leadership Academy project, “CATCH the Spirit”, done in cooperation with Lisa Cumings, Community Health Liaison from Kishwaukee Hospital.
· The Board of Education recognized Jason Mix, Principal of Clinton Rosette; Doug Moeller, Principal of DHS; and Andria Mitchell, Principal of Tyler Elementary, for their participation in the DeKalb Chamber of Commerce Leadership Academy.
· The Board agreed to pay teachers for packing their items if their program is moving for this year only.
· Don Biggs gave the Board an overview of the construction costs & said of the $1.5 million that was remaining we now have $720,000. He said the asbestos removal is complete at Clinton Rosette, Founders and the “new” Huntley. Don continued the construction is going well at Founders & the “new” Huntley & he hopes to have the projects complete by mid-August. Four schools are completely cleaned and we are well ahead on the furniture moves.
· The Board agreed to reschedule the meeting scheduled for July 19th to Thursday, July 28th, & to cancel the August 2nd meeting.
Items approved by the Board:
ü Letter of Agreement with the DCTA Regarding DHS Hourly Deans
ü Change Order #33 for the new High School
ü Maintenance Equipment & Vehicles for new High School
ü Disposal of Equipment
ü To Seek IDOT Approval for Pedestrian Crossing System at Barb Blvd. & 4th Street
ü Resolution Establishing Fund Balance Policies as Required by GASB 54
ü High School Yearbook Contract with Walsworth
ü Cooperative Swim Program Agreement with Sycamore
ü Flexible Benefit Plan Document
ü Electronic Grade Reporting for Secondary Students
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Community Bulletin BoardFlyers from community organizations and businesses with programs of interest, related to the mission of our district. |
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