Executive (KACC) Board Meeting

Thursday, March 11, 2010

8:00 a.m.

KACC Board Room

 

Minutes

 

Members Present

 

Grant Park:      Mike Nicholson, Chairperson             Bradley:          Michael Hogan, Vice Chair

Peotone:          Kevin Carey, Secretary                       Beecher:          Denise Brands

Herscher:         Ruth Schneider                                   Kankakee:       Colleen Legge

Manteno:         Dawn Russert                                     St. Anne:         John Palan

Reg. Office:    Kay Pangle

                                   

The regular meeting of the Kankakee Area Career Center Executive Committee, Kankakee County, State of Illinois was called to order on March 11, 2010 at 8:00 a.m.

 

PUBLIC COMMENT

None

 

CONSENT AGENDA

1-3.            A motion was made by Mrs. Russert, seconded by Mr. Palan at 8:00 a.m. to approve the consent agenda, minutes of the January open and closed meetings, accounts payable and financial reports. Mr. Fay called everyone’s attention to the report covering those bills paid in accordance with the new resolution, and those awaiting payment until approval at this meeting. Mrs. Russert requested a typographical error in the minutes of 2/16/2010 be corrected.  Motion carried by unanimous roll-call vote.

 

DIRECTOR’S COMMENTS

  1. Building and Grounds Committee:  Mr. Fay reported this committee will meet on March 25th at 11:00 a.m.  The committee will be comprised of a discussion period, a tour of the building and grounds and then follow-up discussion.  Mr. Fay shared with the group he has developed a list of Needs and Wants to discuss with this group.  Dr. Nicholson asked who the members of this committee are, to which, Mr. Fay responded, Gary Preston, Tom Cooke, Colleen Legge and Phil Smith. 
  2. Utilization of Classroom Space:  Mr. Fay informed the group of his intentions for reassigning classrooms for FY2011.  Precision Metals will move to the old Pre-Engineering Classroom space, Fire-Rescue will move to the Precision Metals Space, and the current Fire-Rescue Classroom will be assigned to Health Occupations.  This will be advantageous for all concerned.  Mr. Fay further reported BBCHS is possibly interested in some of the Pre-Engineering equipment and is sending someone to look it over. Ms. Russert stated she wants to have someone come and view the equipment as well.  Mr. Fay stated the equipment was purchased through a grant several years ago. In reviewing the grant, he did not find any limitations prohibiting him from sending it to a member school.  Dr. Pangle stated there is a form which needs to be completed if Mr. Fay changes the ownership to the member school. Mr. Fay stated we maintain a KARVES inventory for all equipment purchased for both KACC and member schools, the location of the equipment is tracked and the equipment is labeled “Property of KARVES.”

DISCUSSION/ACTION ITEMS:

  1. FY 2011 School Calendar:  Following lengthy discussion, a motion was made by Mrs. Russert, seconded by Mrs. Legge at 8:14 a.m. to accept the FY 2011 calendar as presented.  Motion carried by unanimous roll-call vote.
  2. Staffing Levels and Preliminary Enrollment Numbers for FY 2011: Mr. Fay distributed updated figures for KACC-FY 2011 enrollment. Concern was expressed with the Computer Tech I figures being so much lower than last 5 years.  Mr. Fay stated he will certainly monitor these numbers to establish if a pattern is developing.  Ms. Russert questioned if this is the time to RIF the teacher to 2/3rds and then bring back if the numbers improve.  Mr. Fay stated if the program has not had such a strong history and a pattern of having the enrollment numbers increase following the preliminary stage he would otherwise agree.  Mr. Hogan questioned the feasibility of offering the computer curriculum as a two-year curriculum, having one teacher over the two years’ worth of material with the same teacher, much like construction.  Mr. Fay stated this is not currently an option as each individual teacher has their specialty and are not qualified to teach each other’s program.  Mr. Fay also reported Drafting/CAD may be changed to offer 1st and 3rd slots instead of 1st and 2nd.  Currently the Business/Management and Computer II instructors teach 2/3rd time and have other responsibilities for the other 1/3 portion of the day and are maintained as full-time employees.  A question was raised about utilizing some of the computer tech expertise at the member schools if there is a need.  Mr. Fay stated we are actually looking at sharing an employee with another school, to which Dr. Nicholson stated he will be speaking with Doug Enz immediately following this meeting to have him work at Grant Park.  This will create a full time position at KACC for Mr. Enz, which will include time spent off-site at Grant Park. Dr Pangle questioned if there is any progress incorporating green technology jobs into the KACC curriculum.  Mr. Fay explained the Electrical Maintenance course would have incorporated some green technology, but there was no interest expressed from the students, in fact, KCC enrollment in their green technology curriculum area is not yet strong either.  Dr. Pangle informed the group of a large Federal grant available.  She will share this information with Mr. Fay.  Herscher is starting an in-house program next year, according to Mr. Fay.  Dr. Pangle stated she has heard comments from businesses on her Sustainability Committee, they need students and people to take these green jobs and this is where the job growth will be.  Dr. Pangle reiterated we do not want to miss the boat on this.  Mr. Fay expressed his desire to attend one of the committee meetings and speak to the business people.  He also stated he has attended several meetings concerning this issue.  Ms. Brands questioned if Construction technology can implement green technology into their curriculum, especially in the area of home improvements.  Mr. Fay stated there is some green technology presented in construction and in the drafting/cad area as well.
  3. Resolution of Notice to Remedy:  Discussion on this topic was moved to closed session

INFORMATION ITEMS

  1. Principal’s Report:  Ms. Goodale gave an update on meetings being held with the KACC instructors and efforts put forth in order to obtain certification within the individual curriculum areas.  Ms. Goodale gave many examples for certifications available in areas of collision, auto repair, computer technology, and welding.  Ms. Goodale stated there has been a recent jump in disciplinary events occurring in the building.  Proper follow-up with each occurrence has been taken and discipline measures taken. 
  2. Special Populations Report:  Mr. Kelley reported the Learning Center tutors are currently working with 174 students in the area of math.  They are half-way done with their program and will begin administering the WorkKeys post test the end of March.  Donna Welker, from the ISBE, came to the Career Center to do an audit of KARVES.  At that time, she also toured the building and learned about what was going on with the Learning Center. Ms. Welker was impressed with the program and stated she will share the information with peers at the State Level.  Mr. Kelley stated there will be a CTE Appreciation Dinner held on April 14th at 5:30 p.m. Dr. Nicholson stated this meeting date is again in conflict with IASA meetings.  Mr. Kelley will inform Mr. O’Connor of the conflict so attempts can be made to stay away from this timeframe next year.  Advisory Committee will be meeting on April 22nd.  Mr. Kelley is currently working on an area-wide staff development opportunity for teachers, counselors, curriculum staff, etc.  He is speaking with a speaker who presents a program on curriculum revitalization.  Invitations will most likely be sent out next week.  Mr. Kelley stated 8th Grade Day was very successful, despite the poor weather conditions on the first day, causing a few schools to cancel attendances.  In spite of the weather, 915 students came to the event.   Dr. Pangle stated she heard the program was exceptional and gave Mr. Kelley kudos for his efforts.

 

CLOSED SESSION:

A motion was made by Mrs. Legge, seconded by Mrs. Russert at 8:39 a.m. to move to closed session for the appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific employees of the District or legal counsel for the District, including hearing testimony on a complaint lodged against an employee or against legal counsel for the District to determine its validity.   [5 ILCS 120/2(c)(12)] as amended by P.A. 93-0057.  Motion carried by unanimous roll-call vote.

 

Re-Open Session: 

The meeting was called back into session at 8:55 a.m.

12)    A motion was made by Mrs. Russert, seconded by Mr. Hogan at 8:59 a.m. to adopt the Resolution for Dismissal of Probationary Teachers.  Motion carried by unanimous roll-call vote.

13)    A motion was made by Mr. Palan, seconded by Mr. Hogan at 9:00 a.m. to adopt the Resolution of Notice to Remedy.  Motion carried by unanimous roll-call vote.

14)    Agreement with Bargaining Unit:  Mr. Hogan questioned whether or not Mr. Fay has received a letter from the union concerning the upcoming contract negotiation period.   Mr. Fay stated he has not.  Mr. Fay clarified the agreement states they may present a letter any time after March 1st.  Mrs. Russert stated she prefers, if a letter is not received, to wait until after the member districts have completed their RIFS and reductions in FTE’s.  Everyone concurred with this suggestion.

Adjourn:

There being no further business, a motion to adjourn was made by Mrs. Legge, seconded by Mr. Hogan at 9:00 a.m. to adjourn.  Motion carried by voice vote.

 

 

 

 

                                                            As Recorded By:_______________________________

                                                                                                Kevin Carey, Secretary