BOARD HIGHLIGHTS
SUMMARY OF THE BATAVIA PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT 101
BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
January 12, 2010
Prepared by JoAnne Walker, Administrative Assistant

• Recognition of Visitors

  Mr. John Robinson stated that in October of 2009, RMS Principal Steve Maciejewski posted a message stating, “The Board of Education developed an expansion plan for Rotolo Middle School co-curricular activities and clubs to allow more students to enter the programs. The expansion plan is in its 3rd year. Unfortunately, the expansion planned for 2009-10 has been delayed due to budget cuts and it will not get any better for the upcoming 2010-11 school year.” Mr. Robinson cited studies that show there is an extremely positive correlation between extra-curricular activities and student achievement. The increased achievement is not in just grades, but in self-esteem, lower levels of depression, drop-out rates, less risky behavior, etc.
  He realizes that the current economic climate has affected everyone and serious decisions need to be made. The citizens of Batavia have always stepped upped for their town and they want to see the extra-curricular activities continue, especially at the middle school. A citizens committee was formed 3 ½ years ago to address the RMS extra-curricular and athletic opportunities for students.
  Mr. Robinson asked Board Members and the administration that before they make any cuts they should let parents and students provide feedback to see if they want the program to continue. Parents are also willing to pay increased fees for the programs if necessary. “Don’t make decisions to cut programs before we have a chance to decide for ourselves.” He added that the Batavia Sports Boosters and clubs for youth basketball and football may have resources to help. “You have a lot on your plate and this is one of the most important ones that need attention. We will be here to support your financially during this difficult time.”

  President Link invited the audience to stay for the presentation on the District’s Financial Projections.

• Financial Program Projections

  Assistant Superintendent Kris Monn discussed the District’s current financial projections for 2010-2012 that were developed in late December. Mr. Monn stated that districts throughout the area are struggling as state revenue is eroding.
  Mr. Monn discussed the major assumptions used in making the projections.
  Revenue assumptions are:

  • A CPI of 2.7% for 2009

  • EAV stable, then small increases

  • Federal funding stable, less ARRA funds

  • State funding decreasing

  Expenditures assumptions are:

  • Salaries, Benefits will increase per contracts

  • Core services will increase by 4%

  • All other services and supplies will be stable

  • Tuition will go up by 7%

  Enrollment is fairly stable, but there are some additional expenses with the addition to the high school.
  Mr. Monn discussed the lack of state funding. The original budget assumed there would be four categorical payments from the state. The most recent estimate reduces that in half, which lowers that revenue by approximately $2 M. In the projections for 2010 – 2011, the amount the district would receive from General State Aid was dropped by over $6 million. Most other state categorical funds are eliminated. Total revenue from the state is currently budgeted at $7,012,074, but the projections put most of those funds at risk. Mr. Monn stated that currently, there is no assurance of receiving state payments.
  A copy of the PowerPoint presentation can be found on our website at: our website
  President Link stated that the district was supposed to receive $7 million from the state and now it looks like $2-3 million. President Link added that next year we have no idea if they will send anything. We don’t get a notice; it just doesn’t arrive.
  President Link encouraged the audience to write or e-mail politicians asking them to fund their obligation to education. “The State of Illinois is over $5 billion behind in past due bills. If the state does not live up to its obligations, opportunities for children will go by the wayside.”
  A copy of the legislature’s addresses can be found on our website at: our website

• PowerSchool Parent Portal

  Chief Information Officer Tony Inglese demonstrated the Parent Portal, which will become available this month for middle school and high school parents. The Parent Portal will give parents real-time access to their student’s information via the web, including schedules, grades, assignments and attendance information.

• Pearson Inform Approval

  Associate Superintendent Jan Wright spoke about the Pearson Inform proposal. If purchased, Inform would provide assessment data for every student in one place. Parents will be able to see student’s scores for the ISAT, MAP, Prairie State Achievement Exam and other assessment data for all grades. Putting all the information in one place makes for better planning for district improvement and program evaluations. The implementation costs will be funded through federal stimulus funds. The proposal includes software, hardware, training services and a one-year teacher on special assignment to complete implementation coordination. The total cost would be $169,618.
  A copy of the PowerPoint presentation can be found on our website at: our website

• Surveillance

  Chief Information Officer Tony Inglese reviewed the Surveillance and Access Control proposals for all district schools as part of the 2007 Referendum project. The proposal would integrate video surveillance on major doors throughout the district and provide controlled access to district buildings.
  Video feeds would provide a record of who enters buildings and may also be shared with the police and fire departments. Mr. Inglese stated that the district would move away from traditional keys to electronic control cards with pin identification.
  An RFP was sent out in January 2009 and Pentegra Systems ranked highest in review and assessment process. They have had successful experience with K-12 schools of similar size and location. Total cost of this phase of the project will not exceed $800,000 which includes roughly 170 cameras and nearly 75 card readers. A recommendation for approval will be brought to the Board of Education meeting on January 26th.
  A copy of the PowerPoint presentation can be found on our website at: our website

• BEPR

  Associate Superintendent Monn discussed the Batavia Educational Program Review (BEPR). Administrators and staff members identified 27 program areas to evaluate the program’s effectiveness, cost, outcomes and effect on the community. Approximately 125 district employees joined teams and provided input. The teams were asked to identify the effect of three funding scenarios: stable funding, a 10% reduction and a 25% reduction. Teams were then asked to identify the best way to deliver the program at each level of funding. Costs for the program included the number of staff, salary and benefits, non personnel costs and any specific program revenue to offset the cost.
  The reports are available on the district’s website at: our website
  None of the funding scenarios should be mistaken for program recommendations. The Board will have the opportunity to give final direction on the program priorities. Mr. Monn shared results of a BEPR participants Survey that showed 74% of the BEPR participants were satisfied or very satisfied with the BEPR process.
  Administrative program priorities will not be available until the January 26th Board of Education meeting. A copy of the PowerPoint presentation can be found on our website at: our website

• Consent Agenda

  • Approval of the bills payable as presented.
  • The Board of Education accepted the resignation of Leah Swanquist, Assistant Director of Buildings and Grounds, effective February 1, 2010.

  Board Members adjourned to Closed Session at 9:04 p.m. to hear information on Personnel.
  The Board of Education returned to Open Session at 9:24 p.m. and adjourned.