Galesburg Reporter

Galesburg Community Unit School District 205 Board met Sept. 16.

Here is the minutes provided by the board:

Call to Order/Roll Call

The Community Unit School District #205 Board of Education met in closed session prior to the regular meeting on Monday, September 16, 2019 at 6:00 PM at 932 Harrison St., Galesburg, IL. The meeting was called to order by President Cervantez. The roll was read and the following Members responded: Cervantez, Lyon, Scherpe, Walters (4) Absent: Phelps, Rodriguez (2) Roll Call #1

Closed Session

It was moved by Member Scherpe and seconded by Member Walters to move to closed session for the purpose of appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance or dismissal of an employee(s) and pending litigation—6:00 PM. On roll call the following Members voted AYE: Lyon, Scherpe, Walters, Cervantez (4) Motion carried. Roll Call #2

Member Rodriguez entered closed session—6:12PM

Following closed session, it was moved by Member Scherpe and seconded by Member Lyon to return to open session—6:56 PM. On roll call the following Members voted AYE: Lyon, Walters, Rodriguez, Scherpe, Cervantez (5) Motion carried. Roll Call #3

Call to Order/Roll Call

President Cervantez stated that the Board was already in open session. On roll call the following Members were present. Cervantez, Lyon, Rodriguez, Walters, Scherpe (5) Motion carried. Roll Call #4

Moment of Silence/Pledge of Allegiance

A moment of silence was observed followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.

Recognition of Visitors

Heather Hellenga, Holly McDorman, and Christina King all spoke to the Board regarding the rights of our students and the responsibility to provide all students a safe environment. Julie Williams, Diana Cermak, and Angela Bastian all spoke regarding the potential change to the graduation date.

F. Consider Approval of Resolution Providing for the Issue of Not to Exceed $17,250,000 General Obligation School Bonds for the Purpose of paying Claims Against the District, Providing for the Levy of a Direct Annual Tax Sufficient to Pay the Principal and Interest on Said Bonds, and Authorizing the Execution of a Bond Purchase Agreement with Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated, in Connection with the Proposed Sale of Said Bonds.

It was moved by Member Lyon and seconded by Member Scherpe to approve as presented. Mr. Kevin Heidt with Stifel Nicolaus was in attendance and explained the bonds and bond process stating that the sale of the bonds fully funds the repayment of the debt certificates. Mr. Heidt stated that the District has maintained a rating of AA- which is higher than the City of Galesburg’s rating. On roll call the following Members voted AYE: Rodriguez, Scherpe, Walters, Cervantez, Lyon (5) Motion carried. Roll Call #5

Student Council

Jacara Kelley gave an update on events at Galesburg High School which included holding “Hello Week” at the start of the school year which consisted of student council greeting students as they arrived to school. September 23-28, 2019 is homecoming week. The theme is Hollywood/Oscars. The week will consist of spirit week, powder puff football game, homecoming assembly and parade on Friday, with the football game Friday night and the dance on Saturday evening in the Field house. On October 5, 2019, student council will be holding a blood drive in the GHS library 1pm-6pm.

Approval of Consent Agenda

A. Consider Approval of Minutes:

Monday, August 12, 2019, Regular Meeting

Monday, August 12, 2019, Closed Session

B. Consider Approval of Payroll and Claims

It was moved by Member Walters and seconded by Member Scherpe to approve the Consent Agenda as presented and amended. On roll call the following Members voted AYE: Rodriguez, Scherpe, Walters, Cervantez, Lyon (5) Motion carried. Roll Call #6

Focus Area #1: Relevant Skills that Lead to Employability

A. Administrative Report on Curriculum

Mrs. Tiffany Springer, Director for Curriculum and Instruction, stated that Interventionists and Instructional Coaches tested 620 Kindergarten and first grade students on the Aims web+ format. There will be three district improvement team meetings this school year. The Instructional Coaching Team presented at Knox College to the Sunrise Rotary on their program. A survey was sent asking for feedback on professional development. Amplify Science is a pilot program this year in K-5 and Ready Math pilot in K-8. Equity Leader team meeting met with Dr. Paul Gorski about Equity and Diversity. Dr. Gorski returns on October 19, 2019.

B. Special Education Report

Dr. Michaud stated that she continues to look for employees. The special education numbers are in line with prior years and continues to be a revolving door of move in and move outs.

Focus Area #2: Facilities That Assist in Skill Acquisition

A. Building Study Committees

Dr. Asplund stated that there needs to be a building and grounds committee meeting to discuss the GHS campus since the scheduling committee has presented a schedule that provides for a seven period day which results in changes to cafeteria spaces at Galesburg High School. A discussion also needs to be had about the staging of construction at the GHS campus. Possibilities of completing construction in one year would require a plan of vacating the high school and over a longer period would come with different issues of safety, construction during school days and cost more. He stated the building and grounds committee needs to discuss what they would like and then present it to the Board.

B. Update on District Building Projects (Staff Reassignments)

Dr. Asplund stated that a preference sheet will be sent to staff with their preferences for what subject, grade and building they would like to be in and the responses will be used to help place staff. The goal is to be able to inform staff of where they will be working next year before winter break.

C. Consider Approval of Controls Recommendation

It was moved by Member Lyon and seconded by Member Rodriguez to approve as presented. Mr. Lee Marbach with Russell Construction addressed questions from the Board. Dr. Asplund stated that the purpose of this item is to have all heating and air controls on one control system. On roll call the following Members voted AYE: Scherpe, Walters, Cervantez, Lyon, Rodriguez (5) Motion carried. Roll Call #7

D. Consider Approval of Commissioning Subcontract Recommendations

It was moved by Member Scherpe and seconded by Member Rodriguez to approve as presented. Mrs. Hamm stated the recommendation is for IMEG for commissioning services at both Lombard and Steele. It is an outside firm that comes in to make sure they are all in compliance and working the way they are meant to. Mr. Lee Marbach stated that this is a code requirement to have a third party come in to validate. On roll call the following Members voted AYE: Walters, Cervantez, Lyon, Rodriguez, Scherpe (5) Motion carried. Roll Call #8

E. Consider Approval of King Elementary Bid Specifications

It was moved by Member Scherpe and seconded by Member Rodriguez to approve as presented. Mrs. Hamm stated that this is for bid package one for concrete, earthwork and steel fabrication. Mr. Lee Marbach with Russell Construction explained the bid specifications for bid package one. At the October meeting actual bids will be brought forward with the expectation that November will bring digging on site. On roll call the following Members voted AYE: Cervantez, Lyon, Rodriguez, Scherpe, Walters (5) Motion carried. Roll Call #9

F. Consider Approval of Change Order for Steele Elementary

It was moved by Member Scherpe and seconded by Member Walters to approve as recommended. Mrs. Hamm stated that this was a gap in the scope of work for a sewer line that needs to be replaced that goes out to the street. On roll call the following Members voted AYE: Cervantez, Lyon, Rodriguez, Scherpe, Walters (5) Motion carried. Roll Call #10

G. Discussion Regarding District Boundaries

Dr. Asplund stated that some decisions need made to begin the process for attendance boundaries, which primarily are for K-4. Dr. Asplund went on to request from the Board how far from a specific building does the Board want to plan for boundary areas. It was suggested that examples of four, eight and twelve blocks from each building be brought back next month to show examples of lines being drawn for each school and then building socio economic placement as well so no school has the majority of low income students. The Board agreed it would be a good starting point. Member Scherpe requested that a student doesn’t drive past a school to attend another school due to boundaries.

Focus Area #3: Responding to the Changing Needs of our Community

A. Discussion Regarding Health Insurance Plan Changes

It was moved by Member Lyon and seconded by Member Rodriguez to approve as presented. Dr. Asplund stated that this is an item the insurance committee has been waiting on the GEA for a few months. It affects nine (9) employees but in order to make changes to the insurance the item needs Board approval so that the insurance broker can make the changes for January 1, 2020. It would remove employee plus spouse from the plan. On roll call the following Members voted AYE: Lyon, Rodriguez, Scherpe, Walters, Cervantez (5) Motion carried. Roll Call #11

B. Discussion Regarding Cell Phones

Dr. Asplund stated that the District put out a survey to staff regarding cell phone use. The results were 52% that they shouldn’t be in class and 44% that they felt sometimes it was appropriate and the rest were made up of other comments. The District has two policies in place that address cell phones that give the Board latitude. Dr. Asplund asked Mr. Jason Spring, GHS North Principal, to discuss his current changes in his building. He stated he has always been supportive of having phones in class but that this year due to increases in drama, bullying and kids posting on snapchat during class, they chose to ban phones during class. He has seen less issues, more attention from students and improved grades. President Cervantez stated that if the choice for a teacher is to not allow cell phones in the classroom, then the teacher shouldn’t have a phone out during class either. Discussion ensued and while the majority of the Board feels cell phones shouldn’t be in classrooms, it was decided that the expectation should be left to each building since they are the ones who are dealing with it daily.

C. Consider Approval of PRESS Policies (Second Reading)

It was moved by Member Lyon and seconded by Member Scherpe to approve as presented. Dr. Asplund stated these are the same policies from last month with no changes. On roll call the following Members voted AYE: Rodriguez, Scherpe, Walters, Cervantez, Lyon (5) Motion carried. Roll Call #12

D. Consider Approval of District 205 Budget

It was moved by Member Walters and seconded by Member Rodriguez to approve the District 205 Budget as presented. Mrs. Hamm presented an update stating that a few numbers have changed based on suggestions from the auditors. On roll call the following Members voted AYE: Scherpe, Walters, Cervantez, Lyon, Rodriguez (5) motion carried. Roll Call #13

E. Consider Approval of AVC Budget

It was moved by Member Walters and seconded by Member Rodriguez to approve the AVC Budget as presented. Mr. Jeff Houston stated that AVC shows a balanced budget and they plan to use some reserves on some new programs in the AVC area. On roll call the following Members voted AYE: Walters, Cervantez, Lyon, Rodriguez, Scherpe (5) Motion carried. Roll Call #14

G. Discussion Regarding Activity Funds and New State Law Requirements

Dr. Asplund had Attorney Luke Feeney, explain regulation changes to District funds and activity funds. Mr. Feeney stated that regulatory changes set the accounting rules for public bodies and the new rules change how the funds are managed and reported with raising funds by school clubs. Mr. Feeney stated that the District can create a policy that imposes a reasonable threshold to create a club. The general takeaway is that the majority of activity funds will need to be pulled back and managed under the District’s umbrella. Mr. Feeney stated that the rule of thumb his firms uses is that if they are in your yearbook, they are the District’s club and the District needs to hold their funds and report them.

H. Differential Committee Report

Mrs. Hamm stated that hopefully in October she will be bringing back a recommendation for differential stipends. The committee has come up with a formula that Mr. Scherpe, Mr. Matthews and Mr. Ullrich will present to coaches to get feedback. They are presenting the possibility of bringing back some clubs and activities that were cut a few years ago.

I. Consider Approval of School Improvement Plans

It was moved by Member Lyon and seconded by Member Scherpe to approve as presented. Mrs. Tiffany Springer, Director for Curriculum, stated that per Board policy the School Improvement Plans are to be brought forward for approval from the Board every September. The initial plans are being presented and they will evolve as data rolls in throughout the year. They will be brought back again in May. President Cervantez requested that there be more information on diversity and inclusion and how the conversations are evolving. On roll call the following Members voted AYE: Lyon, Rodriguez, Scherpe, Walters, Cervantez (5) Motion carried. Roll Call #15

J. Consider Approval of Trip Requests

It was moved by Member Walters and seconded by Member Scherpe to approve as presented. On roll call the following Members voted AYE: Rodriguez, Scherpe, Walters, Cervantez, Lyon (5) Motion carried. Roll Call #16

Personnel

A. Consider Approval of Job Descriptions

It was moved by Member Scherpe and seconded by Member Walters to approve as presented. Dr. Asplund stated that the job descriptions are being reviewed by the new HR Coordinator so this item will be standing on future agendas. On roll call the following Members voted AYE: Cervantez, Rodriguez, Scherpe, Lyon, Walters (5) Motion carried. Roll Call #17

B. Consider Approval of Personnel Report

It was moved by Member Walters and seconded by Member Rodriguez to approve as presented. On roll call the following Members voted AYE: Scherpe, Walters, Cervantez, Lyon, Rodriguez (5). Motion carried. Roll Call #18

C. Grievance Update

Dr. Asplund stated that there are no new grievances and two that are still unresolved.

D. Report on FOIA Requests

Dr. Asplund stated that as required by board policy there have been two FOIA requests. One from DRG holdings requesting transportation contract information and one from Deltech requesting a list of every vendor and contract that has been awarded through a bid process.

Board of Education Comments

Comments were made by Member Lyon, Rodriguez and Cervantez.

Adjournment

It was moved by Member Walters and seconded by Member Rodriguez that the regular meeting be adjourned. On roll call the following Members voted AYE: Walters, Cervantez, Lyon, Rodriguez, Scherpe (5) Motion carried. Roll Call #19

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