School Improvement Plans Updated at Morrison

By LYNNETTE FORTH | For The Prairie Advocate News

MORRISON – The last regular meeting of the Morrison Board of Education in 2012 was held on December 18th in the High School Media Center. After the approval of previously held meeting minutes, Superintendent Suellen Girard gave her report.

Girard informed the board that the School Improvement Plans have been updated as required by the RT 3 agreement. In January, the report card data will be re-released using different cut scores. The cut scores will be aligned with the High School cut scores. These higher cut scores will be used for the spring state testing. In addition, 25% of the content will be common core based, and next year it will be 100% common core based.

Girard noted that on the February 15th institute day, speakers will be reporting on the students’ progress assessments that will be part of the teacher evaluation instrument. A presentation will also be heard from the producers of the MAP testing materials.

Speaking in terms of finance, Girard informed members that the District is exploring ways to share staff with neighboring Districts to support programs and services at less expense. Schools in Morrison have also begun to discuss staff positions that may need to be shared next year.

“Talks with the police department, and district staff members continue as we re-examine our school safety plan and procedures,” Girard explained. “There may be some expenses to address security needs.

“I attended a prayer meeting that was organized by the ministerial alliance in Morrison that was held at each school on Sunday. There were about 40-50 people at Northside, and it was well done. I was told that there were approximately 20 people at each of the other schools. A message to Morrison about school safety and tips for parents on how to talk with their children were released to the news media and shared with parents through skyward. After providing my personal cell phone number publically for anyone to contact me, I have had a few individuals contact me,” Girard said.

Board members were also informed by Girard that the Morrison Hospital has offered to donate a portable AED (Automated External Defibulator) to help the District meet the need for PE classes. Also, SAUK Community College is working with the District to update a classroom at the High School, at no cost to the District to help provide more dual credit courses for students.

High School Principal Scott Vance reported that Illinois State Scholars were recently announced, and that the High School was fortunate to have 11 seniors receive this prestigious award. Four Morrison High School students were recently recognized as IMEA All-State Musicians.

“The Morrison High School Band, Symphonic Choir, and Madrigal singers recently held their annual Holiday concert with the Junior High Band and Choir. It was well attended, and the students all did an excellent job,” Vance stated.

Junior High Principal Darryl Hogue reported that the school improvement team met on December 5th to complete the Smart Plan indicators on the Rising Star. The Rising Star planning process has brought about a focused effort at examining the practices of the school.

Junior High boys’ basketball concluded December 8th, and wrestling started December 10th, with 24 students turning out for the team. The BEST committee is sponsoring a fund raising effort to purchase equipment that will increase opportunities for kids during recess, hoping to purchase 1 or 2 ping pong tables and a foosball table.

Joe Robbins reported that 5th grade band members presented their first concert of the year, and Mr. Perrizo and Kindergarten and First Grade students presented their Holiday concerts.

Two donations for the milk fund were received in the previous week, with one from the W Tan Ye Club and the other from Bob and Marilyn Schick. “This month, I have also received calls and donations totaling about $2000.00 to help out families in need and to provide Christmas presents for those less fortunate,” Robbins said. Robbins also reported that the PTO’s annual craft fair was a huge success this year, with about $2500.00 being made.

Discussion Items included Financial Report as of November 30th, 2012; Treasurer’s Report as of November 30th, 2012; Financial Comparisons FY11, FY12, FY13; Cash Flow Projections; Bills as of December 18th, 2012; November Enrollment Report; 2013-2014; School Calendar Survey Results; Staff, Student, Parent, Community Budget Survey; School Board Journal magazine subscription; Increase of mileage reimbursement rate from 55.5 cents to 56.5 cents per mile; and School Safety Plans. Consent Agenda Items were also approved.

Action Items:

- Approval of placing 1% Sales Tax question on the ballot, anticipated to raise approximately $561,040 annually. Half of this sum would be used to reduce property taxes by paying on current bonds. The remainder of these funds would be used for facility maintenance.

- Approval of Board Policies 2:20,2:20E,2:30,2:110,2:125,2:140E,2:200,2:200AP,2:220,2:250,2:250E,4:45,4:45E1,5:45E2,4:60.4:60,6:65,6:110,6:120 AP3,6:210,7:70, and 7:190 AP

- Approval of High School Course changes

- Approval of PMA services (offers financial advisory assistance to school districts, municipalities, and other governmental agencies. Will assist in developing a well-documented, finely tuned financial plan that will provide immeasurable benefits to the Board of Education and administration as they plan the District’s financial future)

- Approval of the School Improvement Plan (have met requirements for the Race to the Top.

The next meeting of the Morrison Board of Education is scheduled for January 22, 2013 in the High School Media Center at 6:30 p.m.