By Tim Dempsey

 

President Pinsel rang the bell, John McDonald gave the pledge, Scott Hezner led us in prayer and Song Meister Kratohwil helped us through School Days by Chuck Berry.

 

-Tucker Olson reminded us that elections started today.

-Brad Gutzler just finished a remodel of their kitchen and they are still married!

 

-Birthdays: Jeff Harger 10/6, Rich Schoeneman 10/7, Rick Mittelman 10/6.

 

-The Rotary Club of Fox Valley is looking for doctor and nurse volunteers for a trip to Jamaica on 2/13.

 

-A Ride for Rotary will take place in India from 1/13 to 1/28. Rev up your Harleys!

 

-Our next highway cleanup is 10/22. Signup sheet on the front table.

 

-We have sold 84 tickets for the Fall Fundraiser. Time to pick up the pace!

 

-Pumpkinfest is 10/15. Sign-up sheet next week.

 

-Press release coming for the Fundraiser.

 

Brad Gutzler did a fun & frolics so memorable that I didn’t write down the topic!

 

Our speaker today was Michael Karner, Regional Superintendent of Schools. The Regional office of Education is in Vernon Hills and is comprised of offices and a school. They conduct health, life and safety visits to every school in the County to make sure everything is in working order and do write ups of the visits. Compliance audits are done every 4 years to certify hiring, curriculum and discipline policies and procedures. If a school is doing construction, they will issue a building permit. Every school employee in the county is fingerprinted and a background check is done. They also certify teachers, substitutes and administrators. They conduct bus driver training.

 

The office works with CLC to grant GEDs and Illinois High School diplomas. They work with teachers and administrators on professional development and certifications. They conduct a safety conference every year and started a Regional Safe School Program. The school conducts a program for students who have been suspended or expelled. The goal is to return the student to school rather than sitting home. They have a 96% success rate.

 

The Region has a 7 person School Board which holds hearings about which districts receive grants for improvements. The Board signs off on bonds and work permits. They have revived the Illinois Academy and Virtual School. The school offers free classes and virtual field trips for sick kids. They also started a Birth to 5 initiative for early childhood learning and care. They conduct job fairs and present Educator of the Year Awards.

 

-Daily: $22 won by Jeff Harger.

 

-Progressive: $890 with 22 cards. Dennis Kratohwil drew the 5 of clubs. ROLLOVER!

 

-Greeter & Prayer: Pat Hart.

 

-Fun & Frolics: Jeff Harger.

 

-Program: Jonathon Rosales from the Mundelein Tool Library.

 

“The only competition worthy of a wise man is with himself.” Washington Allston