Truth in Taxation hearing held at school board meeting
</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[ The Board of Education of Chester Community Unit School District No. 139 met in the Chester School District Unit Office on December 16, 2010. Ms. Keim called the Building Committee to order at 6:00 p.m.
The Building Committee discussed the Track Concessions stand and the Football Concession Stand.
Following the Building Committee meeting the Truth in Taxation Hearing was held. Ms. Keim explained that even though we are levying a 7.51% increase over the previous year's taxes that does not mean property taxes will increase that much. Last year we levied 14.28% increase and the tax rate went down from 3.77% (2008) to 3.70% (2009).
Following the Truth in Taxation hearing President Beers called the Regular Board Meeting to order.
The Board approved the minutes for the Regular Meeting and Executive Session of November 16, 2010.
Mr. Kittell, High School Principal, reported to the Board of Education:
The PSAE team has met and they are preparing the activities for this year.
The RTI team is working to implement RTI in the high school.
Semester Exams will be December 20th, 21st and 22nd.
Mr. Lochhead, Grade School Principal, reported to the Board of Education:
Mr. Lochhead updated the Board on the floor repairs.
The Girls' 6th Grade Basketball Team finished 2nd at Steeleville Tournament.
The Drug Free "Pep Assembly" was December 13th.
Ms. Keim, District Superintendent, reported to the Board of Education:
Ms. Keim updated the Board on the Policies.
Ms. Keim updated the Board on the office addition.
Ms. Keim spoke with the Board about Job Eds Money.
The Board approved the district bills in the amount of $314,545.96 and district payroll in the amount of $411,174.04 as presented.
The Board approved the following consent agenda items:
Ron Williams as volunteer basketball coach for the co-ed 5th grade team.
H.S.A. account for Special Olympics.
The Board approved FMLA for Melissa Duncan, 3rd grade teacher at the Chester Grade School from November 18th. She will return to work based on the date of her delivery.
The Board approved maternity leave for Sara Hammel based on the delivery date and returning on Monday, March 24, 2011.
The Board approved the FY 2011 school board meeting calendar. The third Thursday of the month except the third Tuesday in November.
The Board approved Chris Diddlebock to attend the NCLB Conference with the Chester School District.
The Board approved the requesting of an ordinance from the City of Chester to vacate Fairview Street.
The Board tabled indefinitely to approve Mevert Professional Services to design the addition to the Unit Office.
The Board adopted the 2010 Tax Levy payable FY 2011.
The Board approved Indiana Insurance Property Casualty bid for 2011.
The Board tabled the bid for a new driver's education car.
The Board approved the second reading of the following policies:
2:70-E Exhibit for filling Board Vacancies by Appointment
2:160 Board Attorney
4:140 Waiver of Student Fees
5:280 Educational Support Personnel -Duties and Qualifications
5:330 Educational Support Personnel-Sick Days, Vacation, Holidays and Leaves
6:130 Program for the Gifted
7:90 Release During School Hours
7:325 Student Fund-Raising Activities
8:80 Gifts to the District
2:20 Powers and Duties of the School Board
2:100 Board Member Conflict of Interest
2:110 Qualifications, Term and Duties of Board Officers
4:50 Payment Procedures
5:100 Staff Development Program
5:190 Teacher Qualifications
5:290 Employment Termination and Suspensions
6:320 High School Credit for Proficiency
7:20 Harassment of Students Prohibited
7:180 Preventing Bullying, Intimidation, and Harassment
7:190 Student Discipline
7:200 Suspension Procedures
7:285 Food Allergy Management Program
8:30 Visitors to and Conduct on School Property
4:60 Excess Inventories
5:30 Investigation
The Board approved to amend the Severe Weather Policy of a -15 wind chill to -10 wind chill.
The motion died to approve the letting of bids for the Football Field Concessions stands and restrooms.
The Board approved the second reading of the FOB Usage Policy and submit to the CEA for approval.
The Board approved the District School Improvement Plan for the 2010-2011 school year.
The Board entered into executive session at 8:50 p.m. to discuss the appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific employees of the public body.
The Board returned to open session at 9:35 p.m.
The Board adjourned at 9:35 p.m.
The next Regular Meeting of the Board of Education will be held on Thursday, January 20, 2011 at 7:00 p.m. in the Chester School District Unit Office; 1940 Swanwick Street; Chester, IL 62233.