March 9, 2009

The Crete Board of Education met on March 9, 2009at 6:30 p.m. at the Administration Office at 920 Linden Avenue for their regular meeting. Board members present were Dennis Isernhagen, Bill Lorenz, Tom King, Laura Ebke, Matt Hanson, and Thad Sears. Also present were Superintendent Kyle McGowan, Principal Bret Schroder,Assistant Principals Steve Teget and Jim Moore,Curriculum Director Valorie Foy, and Business Manager Sandra Rosenboom, and interested members of the community.

The meeting, having been duly preceded by advance notice and conducted in accordance with the posted open meetings law, was called to order by President Hanson at 6:30 p.m.

Motion #25-09Laura Ebke moved to approve the following consent items--minutes of the February meeting as amended, General Fund Claims in the amount of $194,094.48,Bond Fund Claims of $1,390.43, Building Fund Claims of $41,091.36, Qualified Capital Purpose Undertaking Fund Claims of $10,263.61, Depreciation Claims of $460.78, and Employee Benefits Claims of $267.00 and approve the monthly financial reports. Dennis Isernhagen seconded the motion. On roll call: Voting Aye: Isernhagen, Lorenz, King, Ebke, Sears, Hanson. Voting Nay: None. Motion carried: 6-0.

Jim Moore informed the board that the speech team won district and conference championships. The high school climate survey has been conducted and results are being tabulated. Spring sports practices have started. Steve Teget reported on the middle school activities. Parent-teacher conferences were student led conferences. Parents were very positive about this format. Each grade level is working on interdisciplinary units. Bret Schroder congratulated Brandon Faltin on qualifying to compete in the state Geography Bee. A school carnival will be held on April 17th. A special after school reading group has been started in the CCLC program. Kyle McGowan showed the final architect’s drawing for the middle school addition and parking area. The date of the April board meeting was discussed. A budget hearing will be held on that date to revise the budget for the bond fund.

Jennene Anderson, middle school music teacher, and seven of her students demonstrated the new world drumming curriculum. Students also taught board members to play an arrangement.

The board recognized Liz Boyle, high school forensic coach, for receiving the Diamond Key Coach Recognition from the National Forensic League. Michaela Wolverton shared her poetry interpretation as an example of one event in forensic competitions.

Amanda Lowery, kindergarten teacher, presented information about the Kindergarten Arts Reach Project. Kate Marx from the Lied Center Arts Reach told about the five artists that have or will visit the Creteschools this year. Ann Gradwohl, artist, told about the projects she did with Kindergarten. The children made a film of their pictures about their families that was shown for the board.

Steve Teget and Jim Moore gave the Board a brief outline on plans for graduation which will be on May 16th at 3:00 p.m. at DoaneCollege.

Kyle McGowan presented the proposed staffing plan for the 2009-2010 school year. Projected enrollment was discussed.

Motion #26-09Laura Ebke moved to approve the resignation of Kris Quinn at the end of the 2008-09 school year. Bill Lorenzseconded the motion. On roll call: Voting Aye: Isernhagen, Lorenz, King, Ebke, Sears, Hanson. Voting Nay: None. Motion carried: 6-0.

Motion #27-09Laura moved to approve the resignation of Michelle Wittstruck at the end of the 2008-09 school year. Bill Lorenzseconded the motion. On roll call: Voting Aye: Isernhagen, Lorenz, King, Ebke, Sears, Hanson. Voting Nay: None. Motion carried: 6-0.

Motion #28-09Laura Ebke moved to approve the revision to Policy #3318-Family Medical Leave. Dennis Isernhagenseconded the motion. On roll call: Voting Aye: Isernhagen, Lorenz, King, Ebke, Sears, Hanson. Voting Nay: None. Motion carried: 6-0.

Motion #29-09Laura Ebke moved to approve a local substitute certificate forHeidi Fischer. Tom Kingseconded the motion. On roll call: Voting Aye: Isernhagen, Lorenz, King, Ebke, Sears, Hanson. Voting Nay: None. Motion carried: 6-0.

Motion #30-09Laura Ebkemoved to adjourn the meeting at 8:02 p.m. Tom Kingseconded the motion. On roll call: Voting Aye: Isernhagen, Lorenz, King, Ebke, Sears, Hanson. Voting Nay: None. Motion carried: 6-0.

Attest:______Signed:______

(Secretary) (President)