IN BRIEF
April 27, 2000

 
This is a sumary of the actions of the Oak Park and River Forest High School Board of Education at its last meeting on Thursday, April 27, 2000.
 
Reccognitions The Board members recognized and commended FCCLA members Summer Edmonson and Diana Runnels for their “Stormy Nights” Fashion Apparel Display, Melissa Talaber and Naomi Steckman for their Pre-school Storytelling of the book “CinderEdna”; Christian Earl who received sixth place for creating an outstanding memo in the Food Service Star Event; “Outstanding State” Award winners Matthew Wetzel for his PowerPoint presentation entitled “Diabetes: The Sweetless Disease”; Alix King for her presentation entitled “One Split Second” on Spinal Cord injuries; and, Hester Kohl and Whitney Atkins for their Skills for Life presentation entitled “Look Mom, I’m a Vegetarian.”  Special mentions were given to Quiana McJunkins for her receipt of a 4-year, $40,000 scholarship from Johnson and Wales University, and to Alonzo Blunt for being elected FCCLA’s State President.  Matt Wetzel, Alix King, Hester Kohl, Whitney Atkins and Quiana McJunkins have all advanced to national competition this July in Orlando, Florida.  Teacher and advisor Darlene Kabat received the National Master Advisor Award. 
     
Board
Actions
  • approved the consent items: minutes of March 16, 23 and 29, 2000; personnel recommendations; financial reports; and FDSE actions; 

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  • approved the following textbooks for the Mathematics Division as follows: Cord Bridges and Cord Geometry reviewed by Mr. Bruner; and Algebra I reviewed by Mr. Stewart;
  • approved Policy 4220, Non-Certified Professionals’ and Managers’ Retirement Benefits;
  • adopted the amended F’00 Budget;
  • approved participation of Oak Park and River Forest High School in support of the Intergovernmental Agreement for the Youth Interventionist Program for FY 01 and FY 02;
  • accepted with gratitude from Mitchell Cooper a 1989 Mercury Sable;
  • approved Policy 5141, Physical Examination and Immunizations and Policy 6220, Tutoring and Therapy for first readings;
  • approved the Substitute Teacher/Clerical Pay Rates for 2000-2001; 

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  • approved the abatement of emergency days for 1999-2000

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Reports Superintendent’s Report—Dr. Bridge bid adieu to outgoing Student Council officers Ryan Farrell, President; Eileen Cowan, Vice President; Vicky Yeisley, Secretary; Kate Harbour, Treasurer; and Amy VanAalst, Board Liaison and welcomed the new Student Council Officers: Vicki Yeisley, President; Monique Pirtle, Vice President; Paddy O’Connell, Secretary; Peter Griffith, Treasurer; and Diane Collias, Board Liaison.  Dr. Bridge also reported that Oak Park and River Forest High School had received the “What Parents Want” Award which is given to only 2,063 high schools in the country.  It also received the “2000 A+Bright” Award by SchoolSearch, an organization that assists people in relocating.  Oak Park and River Forest High School is recognized not only by parents but also by corporations.  Another award program to honor students at the high school has been added and is titled “Students of the Quarter.”  Dr. Bridge is exploring the idea of moving the graduation ceremony from a Thursday night to a Sunday afternoon. In addition, Dr. Bridge reported on Oak Park and River Forest High School’s continued involved in the Minority Student Achievement Network. 

Barry Greenwald, President of the Board of Directors of the Oak Park Regional Housing Center, gave a special interest report on diversity in Oak Park. 

 

Textbook
Assignments
Board members volunteered to review the following textbooks for the following 
Assignment  Divisions—Special Education, Multi-Cultural Voices, to be reviewed by Mrs. Leavy, and Mathematics Division—Visual Basic 6.0, to be reviewed by Mr. McCulloh. 

The Board Members reported on their various Board committee and liaison representative responsibilities. 
 

Personnel
Certified Staff
Appointments

Neal Weisman, Mathematics Teacher, effective August 2000
Early Retirement 
Request
Edward Halstead, Science Teacher, effective June 8, 2001
Non-Certified Staff
 
Resignations Lani Balch, Academy Tutor, effective 4/7/00 
Linda Dlugi, Duplicating Room Secretary, effective May 3, 2000


The next regular Board Meeting will be on Thursday, May 25, 2000 at 7:30 p.m. in the Board Conference Room.

OPRFHS Home Page      Board of Education       tcieplak@oprfhs.org      5/2/00