Text Box: BOARD NOTES FROM THE JANUARY 15, 2008 MEETING OF THE PRINCEVILLE BOARD OF EDUCATION... Text Box: 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 Elizabeth Tuazon and Angela Bertucci—for the amazing work putting together back to back to back Christmas programs; Extended School Day Teachers and Volunteers—for the dramatic improvement in the grades of participating PGS students during the first semester; Suzanne Cluskey, PHS Senior—for being selected by the Princeville High School faculty as the winner of the Lincoln Senior Award; the Boys’ Junior Varsity Basketball Team and Coach Erik Walles—for earning a SAWA report (Support A Winning Attitude) for their continuous excellent display of sportsmanship; Junior High Art Students Ashley Bedwell, Luis Rodriguez, Miles Smith, Austin Dugan, Rachel Remmert, Samantha Carton, Reagan Wood, Phoenix Tupper, Savannah Speckhart, Instructor Marianna DeBolt—for creating snowman lawn signs for the Wyoming Lions Club Gift of Sight fundraiser; and Mrs. Tracy Strebel—for a successful first semester as PGS Literacy Coach. Mrs. Strebel made an Applause Presentation at the meeting. In action items, the Board approved the December Grant Report, PHS Activity funds, and a continuing contract with American Pest Control. The 2007 School Improvement Plans for Princeville Grade School and Princeville High School were presented and approved. Also approved were Gorenz and Associates Ltd. as the School District Auditor on a continuing basis, the Fiscal Year 2008 SEAPCO Hiring Survey, and several School District Policy Revisions. Two fees to Apace Architects were approved for building and grounds projects. The first project is the last phase of life safety domestic water service replacement in PHS. The second project is a brainstorming and feasibility study of possible placement of school expansions for District Schools. There are no current expansion plans, but this was suggested by the Outdoor School Facilities Committee as necessary to develop a thorough outdoor facilities plan for the future. In personnel items, resignations were accepted from Jacqueline James as Freshman Volleyball Coach and Lisa Twidwell as PHS Assistant Girls’ Softball Coach. Joe Chovan was employed as Co-Eighth Grade Volleyball Coach. A PUDEA contract exemption was approved, and the contracts of Princeville Grade School Principal and District Special Services Coordinator were extended for three-years. Discussion items included the joint board meeting with other Princeville community governing boards. The 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. As with any board meetings, the public is invited. Mrs. Hanneken presented staffing recommendations for the 2008-09 school year. Although the District will have retirements of two elementary teachers, only one position will be replaced immediately as class sizes continue to be monitored. The District did not receive a low interest technology loan from the Illinois State Board of Education for PGS computer hardware and software upgrades. For the second year, state funding has not been sufficient for the loans. Mrs. Hanneken also reported that all avenues had been exhausted to be able to use life safety funding for PGS air-conditioning with no positive results. Alternative financing opportunities will continue to be explored to meet both of these funding needs. It was announced at the January board meeting that board member Laura Ehnle resigned from the Princeville Board of Education effective January 15. A replacement will be appointed within 45 days.