February 18, 2008

The regular meeting of the Board of Education of Oblong Community Unit School District #4 was held on February 18, 2008 in the Elementary Library.  The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by President Poehler with the following physically present: Harris, Pinkston, Bailey, Sparks, Poehler.

Recognition & Comments – Eighteen OES students were recognized through the Character Counts Program for their outstanding character dealing with responsibility.  The OHS Cheerleaders were recognized for their 11th place finish in the IHSA State Competitive Cheerleading Competition.

Motion by Sparks and seconded by Harris to adopt consent agenda items as presented.  Roll call vote: Harris – yea, Pinkston – yea, Bailey – yea, Sparks – yea, Poehler – yea. Consent Agenda items:  To approve regular and closed session minutes of January 21, 2008; financial report of February, 2008; and payment of February, 2008 board bills.

Motion by Harris and seconded by Pinkston that the board agree to partner with Oblong Little League and Crawford County Babe Ruth in running a water line with the board’s one third of the construction costs not to exceed $1,185.00 and contingent to completion by August 1, 2008.  Roll call vote:  Harris – yea, Pinkston – yea, Bailey – abstain, Sparks – yea, Poehler – yea.

            Motion by Bailey and seconded by Poehler to authorize the Superintendent to advertise for bids on the sale of two used busses, a 1990 GMC and a 1991 Chevrolet.  Roll call vote:  Harris – yea, Pinkston – yea, Bailey – yea, Sparks – yea, Poehler – yea.

Motion by Harris and seconded by Bailey to approve FCCLA’s request to attend the State Leadership Conference in Springfield on April 10-12.   Roll call vote:  Harris – yea, Pinkston – yea, Bailey – yea, Sparks – yea, Poehler – yea.

            Motion by Sparks and seconded by Harris to approve Cultural Arts trip in early March to Springfield to visit the Lincoln Museum, Lincoln Home, State Capitol, Lincoln Tomb and War Memorial.  Roll call vote:  Harris – yea, Pinkston – yea, Bailey – yea, Sparks – yea, Poehler – yea.

            Motion by Poehler and seconded by Bailey to approve FBLA request to attend the FBLA State Conference in Decatur on April 11-12.   Roll call vote:  Harris – yea, Pinkston – yea,  Bailey – yea, Sparks – yea, Poehler – yea.

            Motion by Poehler and seconded by Bailey to approve graduation dates for the Junior High on Thursday May 22nd at 8:00 pm in the OES Gym and for the High School on Friday May 23rd at 8:00 pm in the OHS Gym.   Roll call vote:  Harris – yea, Pinkston – yea, Bailey – yea, Sparks – yea, Poehler – yea.

Motion by Harris and seconded by Pinkston to go into closed session at 7:32 PM to consider information regarding appointment, employment or dismissal of an employee, and negotiations.  Roll call vote:  Harris – yea, Pinkston – yea, Bailey – yea, Sparks – yea, Poehler – yea.

Motion by Sparks and seconded by Poehler to return to open session at 8:42 PM. Roll call vote: Harris – yea, Pinkston – yea, Bailey – yea, Sparks – yea, Poehler – yea.

Motion by Bailey and seconded by Pinkston to approve closed session minutes of 2/18/08. Roll call vote:  Harris – yea, Pinkston – yea, Bailey – yea, Sparks – yea, Poehler – yea.

            Motion by Sparks and seconded by Harris to rehire Fritz Wheeler as High School Principal and Assistant Superintendent for 2008-2009 school year.  Roll call vote:  Harris – yea, Pinkston – yea,
Bailey – yea, Sparks –yea, Poehler – yea.

            Motion by Bailey and seconded by Poehler to rehire Mandy Catt as Grade School Dean of Students for 2008-2009 school year.  Roll call vote:  Harris – yea, Pinkston – yea, Bailey – yea, Sparks – yea, Poehler – yea.

Motion by Poehler and seconded by Pinkston to rehire Jeff Patchett as Superintendent of Schools for the 2008-2009 school year.   Roll call vote:  Harris – yea, Pinkston – yea, Bailey – yea, Sparks – yea, Poehler – yea.

            Motion by Harris and seconded by Sparks to hire Jason Hartke as assistant High School track coach.  Roll call vote:   Harris – yea, Pinkston – yea, Bailey – yea, Sparks – yea, Poehler – yea.

Motion by Pinkston and seconded by Bailey to accept Bob Dart’s letter of resignation effective the end of the school year.  Roll call vote:   Harris – yea, Pinkston – yea, Bailey – yea, Sparks – yea, Poehler – yea.

Motion by Poehler and seconded by Harris to approve Rick Florence, Bea Ann Wilson, Pat Snider, and Tony Madlem as substitute bus drivers, contingent upon their completion of all legal requirements including background checks.   Roll call vote:   Harris – yea, Pinkston – yea, Bailey – yea, Sparks – yea, Poehler – yea.

Motion by Harris and seconded by Sparks to adjourn at 8:50 PM.  Roll call vote: Harris – yea, Pinkston – yea, Bailey – yea, Sparks – yea, Poehler – yea.