OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS
BOARD OF EDUCATION, DISTRICT NO. 148
DOLTON, COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS
The MINUTES of the Regular Meeting of the Board of Education, District No. 148, Dolton,
Cook County, Illinois held at the Administrative Office in said School District at 7:00 p.m., on the
24th of July 2014.
After the Pledge of Allegiance the Vice-President, Faith Gunter, serving as President Pro-Tem,
called the meeting to order at 7:09 p.m. and directed that the roll be called. Upon the roll being
called, the following members answered present: Pamela Gibson, Kim Adkins, Faith Gunter,
James Bendell and Ernesto Mickens, Jr. The following members were absent; Larry Lawrence
and Joyce Jackson. Margaret Kostopulos, Attorney, Ancel, Glink, Diamond, Bush, DiCianni &
Krafthefer P.C., Superintendent Jayne Purcell, Assistant Superintendent Patricia Moore,
Director of Support Programs Candace Dunleavy, Director of Technology Karen Marshall and
Board Secretary Joyce Selix were also present.
VISITORS
Joan Carreon, Sylvia Mitchell, Cathy Bendell, Lana Brown, Delores Johnson, Minnie Batman,
Vaniessa Wade
MINUTES - REGULAR MEETING
Member Bendell moved and Member Adkins seconded the motion that the Minutes of the
Regular Meeting held on Thursday, June 26, 2014 beginning at 7:06 p.m. be approved as
written and direct the secretary to place them on file as a part of the official Board Minutes.
On individual roll call, the following vote was taken:
Ayes: Gibson, Adkins, Gunter, Bendell, Mickens
Nays: None
Motion Carried
MINUTES – CLOSED SESSION
Member Mickens moved and Member Bendell seconded the motion that the Minutes of the
Closed Session held during the Regular Meeting on Thursday, June 26, 2014 beginning at
8:58 p.m. be approved as written and direct the secretary to place them on file as a part of the
official Board Minutes.
On individual roll call, the following vote was taken:
Ayes: Gibson, Adkins, Gunter, Bendell, Mickens
Nays: None
Motion Carried
ADMINISTRATION-INFORMATION REPORTS
Dr. Moore, Assistant Superintendent, reported that one student was retained in the 2013-2014
per the request of the parent. She also said the all students passed the Constitution Test. Dr.
Moore explained that a NCLB Flexibility Waiver that was granted to the Illinois State Board of
Education will affect some of the District’s services. PARCC Testing will replace ISAT and the
District will no longer be obligated to offer SES Services or School Choice.
Dr. Dunleavy, Director of Support Programs said that Support Programs has completed
updating their database for State Reports. The department is not only closing out this past
school year, but are simultaneously preparing schedules and setting up professional
development for staff in preparation for the 2014-2015 school year. She said this work is to help
each student reach their highest level of success.
Dr. Purcell, Superintendent, reported that there was one Freedom of Information request
received and answered this month from the Illinois Policy Institute.
Member Larry Lawrence joined the meeting at 7:15 p.m.
PRESIDENT'S CALL
No Committees met since the last regular Board Meeting.
CELEBRATION OF CORETTA PEKNY
On Sunday, August 3, 2014 the Village of Riverdale will be honoring 97 year-old, Ms. Coretta
Pekny for a lifetime commitment of volunteer services to her community. The celebration will
take place at Ivanhoe Field House, 14401 S. Stewart, Riverdale, IL from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Whether or not you are able to attend the Village of Riverdale is encouraging everyone to send
a note of personal reflection to Ms. Pekny. Dr. Purcell said that a note has been sent from the
Board and District thanking Ms. Pekny for her service. Mrs. Adkins said she believes that Ms.
Pekny is the oldest serving Park Commissioner.
CEC SUMMER INSTITUTE
CEC (Consortium for Educational Change) will hold the annual Summer Institute on Friday, August
8, 2014 at Double Tree Oak Brook, 1909 Spring Road, Oak Brook, IL from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
The topic will be Using Assessments to Empower Student Learning. Anne Conzemius, founder and
author of S.M.A.R.T. Learning Systems and Jan Chappuis, author of Seven Strategies of
Assessment for Learning will present this full day of learning and collaboration. Registration has
been completed for the following: Mrs. Kim Adkins, Mrs. Cathy Bendell, Mr. James Bendell, Ms.
Tolana Blackful, Dr. Candace Dunleavy, Mrs. Faith Gunter, Ms. Joyce Jackson, Mr. Martez James,
Mrs. Dot Jeter, Ms. Gail Jilek, Mr. Van King, Mr. Larry Lawrence, Ms. Paige Lovejoy, Mrs. Cynthia
Marks, Dr. Dell McFarlane, Mr. Bob Moffett, Ms. Shinora Montgomery, Dr. Pat Moore, Mrs. Torie
Navarre, Mrs. Paulette Nolen, Dr. Jayne Purcell, Ms. Shalonda Randle, Ms. Andrea Rucinski, Ms.
Jean Rogers, Ms. Sharron Spearman and Mrs. Jennifer Williams.
2014-15 REGISTRATION DATES
Parents were asked to look ahead and mark their calendars now for student fee payment and
registration dates for the 2014-15 School Year. Registration will take place on Thursday,
August 7, 2014 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and Monday, August 11, 2014 from 2:00 p.m. to
7:00 p.m. Parents or guardians must be present to register students and to prove residency.
SCHOOL BOARD ELECTIONS
The Consolidated Election will be held on Tuesday April 7, 2015. During this election School
District 148 will have three seats up for election. Those seats are currently occupied by Mrs.
Faith Gunter, Mr. James Bendell and Mr. Larry Lawrence. The date for the start of circulation of
nominating petitions will be late September. The Cook County Clerk has not made the date
available yet.
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Numerous changes were made to the Election Code and sections of the School Code last year.
Almost all election duties changed. While the school board secretary is still the “local election
official,” virtually all of the duties previously assigned to that position are now assigned to the
“election authority, “i.e., the county clerk or county board of election commissioners (if one has
been established).
More information can be found on the Illinois Association of School Boards website,
www.iasb.com.
2014 JOINT ANNUAL CONFERENCE
The Illinois Association of School Boards (IASB), the Illinois Association of School
Administrators (IASA) and the Illinois Association of School Business Officials (IASBO) will be
holding their annual conference November 21-23 in Chicago. All Board Members have been
registered for the Conference. A list of Friday Workshops that will be held on November 21,
2014 were presented.
NSBA ANNUAL CONFERENCE
The National School Board Association’s Annual Conference will be held March 21 - 23, 2015 in
Nashville, Tennessee. Board Policy states: “When the Board of Education elects to attend
National Conferences, they will be attended in even numbered years by four (4) Board Members
in good standing, and they will be attended in odd numbered years by three (3) Board Members
in good standing, so that all Board Members have equal opportunity in a two (2) year cycle to
attend the National Conference. If any Board of Education Member(s) is (are) not able to attend
during their cycle as stated herein, another Board of Education Member will not be allowed to
attend in their place. A Board of Education Member status as being in good standing is defined
in Policy 2:60, further, to be in good standing under this Policy 2:120, a Board of Education
Member must not owe a debt to the School District”.
DISTRICT ITEMS OF INTEREST
The “Items of Interest” section of the Board Packet is on vacation for the month of July.
REAUTHORIZE IMPREST FUND FOR 2014-15
Member Bendell moved and Member Lawrence seconded the motion that the Board of
Education, Dolton West School District 148 reauthorize the Imprest Fund for 2014-15 school
year with expenditures from the Imprest Fund not to exceed $60,000 from July 1, 2014 through
June 30, 2015.
On individual roll call, the following vote was taken:
Ayes: Gibson, Lawrence, Adkins, Bendell, Mickens, Gunter
Nays: None
Motion Carried
REVIEW MINUTES OF CLOSED SESSION
Member Adkins moved and Member Lawrence seconded the motion that the Board of
Education, Dolton West School District 148 requires confidential treatment of the Minutes of the
Closed Sessions held between July 23, 2009 and June 26, 2014 due to discussions of pending
litigation and therefore the minutes will not be available for public inspection. July 23, 2009,
August 27, 2009, September 24, 2009, September 30, 2009, October 19, 2009, October 22,
2009, November 19, 2009, December 17, 2009, January 28, 2010, February 25, 2010, March
11, 2010, March 25, 2010, April 15, 2010, April 29, 2010, May 6, 2010, May 20, 2010, June 10,
2010, June 24, 2010, July 22, 2010, August 26, 2010, September 23, 2010, October 28, 2010,
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November 18, 2010, December 2, 2010, December 16, 2010, January 13, 2011, January 27,
2011, February 24, 2011, March 10, 2011, March 24, 2011, April 7, 2011,April 21, 2011, May 9,
2011, May 19, 2011, June 9, 2011, June 23, 2011, July 28, 2011, August 25, 2011, September
22, 2011, October 20, 2011, October 27, 2011, November 17, 2011(5:14), November 17, 2011
(9:53), December 22, 2011, January 26, 2012, February 23, 2012, March 22, 2012, April 26,
2012, May 24, 2012, June 14, 2012, June 28, 2012, July 26, 2012,August 23, 2012, September
13, 2012, September 27, 2012, October 25, 2012, November 8, 2012, November 15, 2012,
December 6, 2012, December 20, 2012 January 31, 2013, February 28, 2013, March 11, 2013,
March 21, 2013, April 25, 2013, May 2, 2013, June 27, 2013, July 25, 2013, September 19,
2013, September 26, 2013, October 24, 2013, October 26, 2013, November 21, 2013,
December 5, 2013, December 19, 2013, January 23, 2014, January 30, 2014, February 27,
2014, March 6, 2014, March 27, 2014, April 17, 2014, May 22, 2014, June 5, 2014 and June 26,
2014.
On individual roll call, the following vote was taken:
Ayes: Gibson, Lawrence, Adkins, Bendell, Gunter
Nays: None
Abstain: Mickens
Motion Carried
APPROVE BILLS AND ACCOMPANYING FINANCIAL REPORTS
Member Gunter moved and Member Mickens seconded the motion that the Board of Education
Dolton West School District 148 approve the bills presented for payment from the month of July,
2014, as printed under the Administration-Action Reports, Agenda Items G-1-a - G-1-m, totaling
$1,058,473.74 and the accompanying Financial Reports, directing the secretary to place all
reports on file for audit.
DESCRIPTION
AMOUNT
SUB-TOTAL
GRAND TOTAL
a. Regular Bills
$1,020,954.22
b. District Band
19.99
c. Early Childhood Center
2,606.62
d. Fruit/Veg Grant
130.00
e. IDEA Grant
870.13
f. Safety Grant
110.00
g. Supp GSA - General
866.88
h. Supp GSA – Police Liaison
100.85
i. Title I
12,156.10
j. Title II – Teacher Quality
323.95
$1,038,138.74
TOTAL
k. Total Custodians Overtime
149.41
l. Total Secretaries Overtime
631.59
m.
Total Substitute Payroll
19,554.00
$20,335.00
TOTAL Overtime/Substitutes
$1,058,473.74
GRAND TOTAL
On individual roll call, the following vote was taken:
Ayes: Gibson, Lawrence, Adkins, Bendell, Mickens, Gunter
Nays: None
Motion Carried
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ACCEPT STUDENT ACTIVITY ACCOUNT REPORT
Member Bendell moved and Member Adkins seconded the motion that the Board of Education,
Dolton West School District 148, accept the Student Activity Account Report as submitted.
On individual roll call, the following vote was taken:
Ayes: Gibson, Lawrence, Adkins, Bendell, Mickens, Gunter
Nays: None
Motion Carried
BUILDINGS & GROUNDS AND RENTAL REPORTS
The Buildings and Grounds Meeting was suspended so therefore there was not a Building &
Grounds Report. There are no rentals during the summer so therefore there was not a Rental
Report.
AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION
The meeting was opened to audience participation.
Vaniessa Wade, former District 148 parent, commended Dr. Purcell on behalf of her son Marcus
Wade, who is a senior at Central Illinois University with a major in Communication and
Psychology. She said Dr. Purcell was an inspiration to her son by always telling him that he
would amount to someone. Marcus and his mother both thanked Dr. Purcell for her dedication.
Mr. Mickens said that Ms. Wade is a 24/7 parent to her children.
Ernesto Mickens, Board Member commented that Mrs. Faith Gunter, Vice-President was doing
a great job chairing the meeting in the absence of the Board President and feels that she should
have the opportunity more often. (NOTE from Secretary: Member Mickens’ last commentary is
not according to BOE Policy 2:110.)
Lana Brown, Park School parent asked about the terms of Board Members and the upcoming
election. The Attorney answered her questions.
Sylvia Mitchell asked about qualifications to become a Board Member. The Attorney answered
her questions and referred her to the Sate Board of Elections web site for more information.
In that there were no other questions this portion of the meeting was closed.
CLOSED SESSION
Member Bendell moved and Member Gunter seconded the motion that the Board of Education
Dolton West School District 148, move into Closed Session at 7:45 p.m. to discuss: Pending
Litigation, 5ILCS 120/2(c)(11), Performance of Specific Employees, 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(1) and
Collective Bargaining Matters 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(2).
On individual roll call, the following vote was taken:
Ayes: Gibson, Lawrence, Adkins, Bendell, Mickens, Gunter
Nays: None
Motion Carried
RETURN TO OPEN SESSION
Member Gunter moved and Member Mickens seconded the motion that the Board of Education
Dolton West School District 148, return to Open Session at 8:23 p.m.
On individual roll call, the following vote was taken:
Ayes: Gibson, Lawrence, Adkins, Bendell, Mickens, Gunter
Nays: None
Motion Carried
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ACTIONS FOLLOWING CLOSED SESSION
LEAVE OF ABSENCE
Member Bendell moved and Member Adkins seconded the motion that the Board of Education,
Dolton West School District 148 grant the July 17, 2014 request from educator Sarah Kadan for
a leave of absence for educational study abroad at Oxford University for the 2014-2015 school
year in accordance with the current Board/DEA Agreement, ending June 30, 2015.
On individual roll call, the following vote was taken:
Ayes: Gibson, Lawrence, Adkins, Bendell, Mickens, Gunter
Nays: None
Motion Carried
MOTION FOR CORRESPONDENCE
Member Adkins moved and Member Bendell seconded the motion that the Board of Education,
Dolton West School District 148, accept the Correspondence, which contained one thank you
note, one retirement request and four resignation requests, as reviewed and written and place
them on file as part of the official Board Minutes.
On individual roll call, the following vote was taken:
Ayes: Gibson, Lawrence, Adkins, Bendell, Mickens, Gunter
Nays: None
Motion Carried
APPROVE RETIREMENT
Member Bendell moved and Member Lawrence seconded the motion that the Board of
Education, Dolton West School District 148 approve the request for retirement from the
following Administrator effective the last day of the 2016-2017 school year, in accordance
with the current Board procedure for Administrator retirement:
Dorothy McKeever-Jeter, Principal, Washington School.
On individual roll call, the following vote was taken:
Ayes: Gibson, Lawrence, Adkins, Bendell, Mickens, Gunter
Nays: None
Motion Carried
ACCEPT RESIGNATIONS
Member Adkins moved and Member Bendell seconded the motion that the Board of Education,
Dolton West School District 148, accept the resignation of the following employees effective the
following dates:
Theodore McGinness, Physical Education Teacher, Riverdale School, effective the last day of
the 2013-2014 school year,
Todd Parker, Assistant Principal, Roosevelt School, effective June 26, 2014,
Kimberly Valladay, Social Worker, Roosevelt School, effective July 11, 2014 and
Tony Zungrone, Special Education Teacher, Roosevelt School, effective June 25, 2014.
On individual roll call, the following vote was taken:
Ayes: Gibson, Lawrence, Adkins, Bendell, Mickens, Gunter
Nays: None
Motion Carried
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APPROVE EMPLOYMENTS
CERTIFIED PERSONNEL
Member Adkins moved and Member Bendell seconded the motion that the Board of Education,
Dolton West School District 148 employ the following certified employees effective August 18,
2014, for the 2014-15 school year at the following positions and at the salaries based upon the
following steps and lanes as determined by the most current Board/DEA Agreement in effect at
any time during the 2014-15 school year, contingent upon satisfactory receipt of all required
employment mandates:
Rodney James, Fifth Grade Teacher, Washington School, BA, Step 6 and
Joi Jeter, Fourth Grade Teacher, Washington School, MA, Step 3.
On individual roll call, the following vote was taken:
Ayes: Gibson, Lawrence, Adkins, Bendell, Mickens, Gunter
Nays: None
Motion Carried
APPROVE EMPLOYMENT
CONFIDENTIAL NON-EXEMPT PERSONNEL
Member Bendell moved and Member Gunter seconded the motion that the Board of Education,
Dolton West School District 148 employ the following Confidential Non-Exempt Employee
effective the following date contingent upon satisfactory receipt of all employment mandates:
Theresa Sevier, Secretary to the Board of Education/ Administrative Assistant to the
Superintendent, effective August 11, 2014.
On individual roll call, the following vote was taken:
Ayes: Gibson, Lawrence, Adkins, Bendell, Mickens, Gunter
Nays: None
Motion Carried
MISCELLANEOUS
Board Member Kim Adkins acknowledged the attendance of Marcus Wade and his Mother at
the Board Meeting. She commented on the positive effects of encouragement from Dr. Purcell
on Marcus Wade’s diligence to amount to someone.
ADJOURNMENT
Member Bendell moved and Member Lawrence seconded the motion that the Board of Education
Dolton West School District 148, adjourn the Meeting held on July 24, 2014 at 8:33 p.m.
On roll call, the following vote was taken:
Ayes: Gibson, Lawrence, Adkins, Bendell, Mickens, Gunter
Nays: None
Motion Carried
_
Faith Gunter, President Pro-Tem
James Bendell, Secretary
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