Text Box: BOARD NOTES FROM THE DECEMBER 11, 2007 MEETING OF THE PRINCEVILLE BOARD OF EDUCATION... Text Box: Prior to the regular December meeting a Public Hearing was conducted on the 2007 Tax Levy for the Princeville School District. The Princeville Board of Education began their regular meeting recognizing some of the good things happening in the Princeville School District. Princeville Applause was given to Jessie Hill, Taylor Douell, Sara Allen, Rebekah Herrmann—for their selection as Illinois State Scholars, reflecting their exceptional academic performance; Laura Walcott, PHS Teacher—for a successful Heart of a Prince Program; Kristy Wooden, PGS Teacher—for another impressive Veteran’s Day Program; Jon Carruthers, Angela Colyott, Rose Elbus, Monica Grant, Cheryl Harmison, Barb Kratzer, Tait Sennett, Tracy Strebel, and Kristy Wooden—for their successful Speer Bank Grants; and, Marianna DeBolt, Tony Johnson, Jeff Kratzer, and Elizabeth Tuazon—are recognized by the Princeville Community for their assistance with the Holiday Homecoming. The PRINCVILLE PRAISE Award was presented to Rob Hilsabeck for his contributions to the outdoor education of the children of Princeville School District. This award is given to individuals in the Princeville School District Community who have shown exceptional service to the District and its students. In action items, the Board approved the Illinois State Library Grant, an out of state field trip for the Science Club, and the November Grant Report. The Board of Education approved a resolution for the 2007 Tax Levy for Princeville Community Unit School District 326. In personnel items, leaves of absence were approved for Kathy Garretts and Valerie Cole. The Board had first reading of several School District Policy revisions. Second reading and approval of the policies will take place at the January meeting. Board members reported on their attendance at PRIDE, ELPAC, and Princeville Village Board meetings. Mrs. Hanneken presented a transportation report prepared by Transportation Manager Bill Schroeder. It included fleet mileage, maintenance lists, and repairs specific to each vehicle. Mrs. Hanneken supplied an analysis of vehicle maintenance and repair cost since the beginning of the fiscal year. Mrs. Hanneken also provided information of the District’s School Mental Health Support Grant and a community survey to be conducted in January for the Outdoor School Facilities Committee. The survey will be available on the school website and is about tennis court and track replacement. A Joint Board Meeting is planned with the Princeville District Board of Education, Lillie M. Evans Library Board, Village of Princeville Board, and leadership of the Akron Townhouse School Project. The meeting is scheduled for January 24, 2008, at 7:00 p.m., in the Village library community room. The reports of the school principals provided Great Schools comparisons. This source rates Illinois schools 1-10 dependent on their academic achievement. Princeville High School has the highest rating of “10” which indicates that it ranks in the top 10% of all Illinois Schools. Princeville Grade School has a rating of “8” indicating it is in the top 30% of all Illinois elementary schools. Congratulations to the staffs and students of both schools for their hard work. Mrs. Michel reported that the math textbooks will be replaced with Illinois State Textbook funds. Kathy Allin is heading a committee of K-8 teachers to examine textbooks and curriculums. Mrs. Hanneken added that, although the state funds may not update the math curriculum through eighth grade, a plan will be put into place to expand the textbook update through other funding sources. In addition, this will be an opportunity to articulate the District math curriculum, K-12. A junior high and high school math teachers will be asked to be included on the textbook selection committee and to meet in the spring to articulate their curriculums.