Quick Notes from the Board Meeting

At the Board of Education meeting held on Thursday, April 11, 2013, the board:

• Heard a presentation by the ROTC officers and one cadet from each of the four schools giving an update on the Air Force Junior ROTC program. The ROTC program provides an opportunity for students that are interested in the aerospace science and leadership program. The cadets reported they have volunteered over 3,700 hours this past year in the Lincoln-Way community. Cadets presenting were: Cadet Colonel Wyatt Blatti, Lincoln-Way Central; Cadet Brian Serafin, Lincoln-Way East; Cadet Major Bryon Nush, Lincoln-Way North; and Cadet Colonel Emily Leddin, Lincoln-Way West. ROTC instructors are: Lieutenant Colonel John W. O’Connor, Lincoln-Way Central; Sergeant Dale Steen; Lieutenant Colonel Michael Wingfield, Lincoln-Way North; and Lieutenant Colonel George Ramey, Lincoln-Way West.



• Heard a report on the outcome of the bond refunding approved in January to restructure the debt to help reduce the total tax rate citizens will see in their May property tax bills. The total extension including bond and interest was $70,252,293 compared to $69,951,289 last year, which is only an increase of .43% or $301,004. The total increase held revenue close to the same amount two years in a row. The district received the 2012 Levy Summary Tax Extension sheets during the week of March 28. Reports showed that the district’s Equalized Assessed Valuation (EAV) declined $160,373,156, which was less than the $169,000,000 last year.



• Approved the March 29, 2013 payroll in the amount of $2,275,168.17, the April 12, 2013 payroll in the amount of $2,124,371.85; and the list of outstanding invoices for April 3, 2013 in the amount of $1,388,325.71 as presented.



• Heard a report giving an update about the annual meeting of the Lincoln-Way High School Foundation. The auditing firm of Mulcahy, Pauritsch, Salvador & Co., Ltd., presented the audit. The Foundation was pleased to announce that their fundraising results were up 7% in 2012 as compared to 2011. At the annual meeting all directors complete a Conflict of Interest Form and a Board Commitment Statement. New officers installed are Bob Chiszar of Mokena as treasurer and Julie Kirkeeng of New Lenox as secretary.