Community Unit School District No. 205 Board of Education met Nov. 12.
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 Tuesday, November 12, 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, Hunigan, Lyon, Phelps, Rodriguez, Scherpe, Walters (7) Roll Call #1
Closed Session
It was moved by Member Walters and seconded by Member Scherpe 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: Hunigan, Lyon, Phelps, Rodriguez, Scherpe, Walters, Cervantez (7) Motion carried. Roll Call #2
Following closed session, it was moved by Member Phelps and seconded by Member Walters to return to open session—6:56 PM. On roll call the following Members voted AYE: Lyon, Phelps, Rodriguez, Scherpe, Walters, Cervantez, Hunigan (7) 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, Phelps, Rodriguez, Scherpe, Hunigan, Walters (7) 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
Helen Moore, Elizabeth Ahee and Heather Barker all spoke to the Board about boundaries. Julie Watson spoke to the Board about Dual Credit.
Presentations to the Board
Student Council
Jacara Kelley gave an update on events at Galesburg High School which included that student council held Haunted High School serving 702 children. A Veterans Day breakfast was held to honor Veterans on Friday, November 8, 2019. The next event will be Sweetheart Swirl, which will be held on February 15, 2020.
Courtney Knuth, District 205 Health Services Coordinator and Michelle Gabriel, CEO of Knox County Health Department, spoke to the Board regarding opening a Clinic within the District potentially at Galesburg High School.
Mr. Nick Young, Lombard Middle School Principal, presented on the 5-6 Curriculum for Lombard Middle School. The curriculum will be put in place for the 2020-2021 school year when Lombard transfers to a 5/6 building as opposed to a Junior High holding 6th, 7th and 8th grade students.
Approval of Consent Agenda
A. Consider Approval of Minutes:
Monday, October 14, 2019, Regular Meeting Monday, October 14, 2019, Closed Session Wednesday, October 16, 2019, Special Meeting Wednesday, October 16, 2019, Closed Session Wednesday, October 30, 2019, Special Meeting
November 12, 2019 Page 3523
B. Consider Approval of Payroll and Claims
It was moved by Member Lyon and seconded by Member Phelps to approve the Consent Agenda as presented and amended by Member Lyon who requested that the October 14, 2019 minutes spell out what “CEP” stands for which is Community Eligibility Program. On roll call the following Members voted AYE: Rodriguez, Scherpe, Walters, Cervantez, Hunigan, Lyon, Phelps (7) Motion carried. Roll Call #5
Focus Area #1: Relevant Skills that Lead to Employability
A. Administrative Report on Curriculum
Mrs. Tiffany Springer, Director for Curriculum and Instruction, updated the Board on MTSS (Multi-Tiered Systems of Support), professional development, Amplify Science pilot for junior high, Math pilot for K-8, Paul Gorski book study, recruitment and upcoming items in the District.
B. Special Education Report
Dr. Michaud stated that she continues to look for employees but does have a new employee starting in January. Dr. Michaud also stated that she has been working on student placement with the building changes for next year because it affects staff placement in special education and she was able to finalize the placements for both staff and students. Dynamic Learning Maps (DLM) is the alternative assessment for special education students. Dr. Michaud stated that the state standard is that only 1% of student population should be taking the DLM and this year the District was over at 1.3% of the student population. Due to being over the state standard, Dr. Michaud has to explain why the District exceeded the state standard.
C. Building Reports—President Cervantez stated that she would like the building reports to be more consistent if the discipline is only going to be reported quarterly. She would like the reports to reflect student discipline demographics because she would like to see what the representation is in each building.
D. Truancy Discussion
Dr. Asplund stated that next month’s agenda will include a report on truancy but wanted to know what kind of data the Board would like to discuss as a start. Member Scherpe stated that he felt all the schools need to know what they are reporting and make sure that their data is correct and would like the data broken down into reasons why students aren’t in school. Member Hunigan stated that homelessness and failing grades may be contributing. President Cervantez requested data to be ran and then would like to see trends that stick out.
Focus Area #2: Facilities That Assist in Skill Acquisition
A. Enrollment Report—No questions were asked but Dr. Asplund pointed out that the enrollment has decreased.
B. Building Study Committees
Dr. Asplund stated that he has been appointed by state representative Chuck Weaver to take his place on the state facilities task force since Mr. Weaver is unable to attend. Dr. Asplund stated that he will be able to sit on the task force are hear what they will be recommending to the general assembly in regards to K-12 construction.
C. Consider Approval of Modular Quote
It was moved by Member Scherpe and seconded by Member Phelps to approve as presented.
Mrs. Hamm stated that Innovative Modular Solutions is the recommendation. Discussion ensued. Mrs. Hamm stated that Brian Archibald with Legat will be at GHS on December 9th and 10th to get input from staff on what they would like classrooms to look like and a later date to gather input from students. On roll call the following Members voted AYE: Scherpe, Walters, Cervantez, Hunigan, Lyon, Phelps, Rodriguez (7) Motion carried. Roll Call #6
D. Consider Approval of K-4 Playgrounds Grant Proposal
It was moved by Member Walters and seconded by Member Rodriguez to approve as presented. Mrs. Hamm stated that this is a matching grant for four (4) playgrounds. A new playground will be installed at King and three additional smaller playgrounds for K-1 students at the other elementary schools. Mrs. Hamm stated that she initially asked for a quote on additional equipment for King and the company informed her that matching grant funds were available for the District, the same matching grant funds that were used for the equipment at Lombard. The grant covers half of the cost for all elementary schools to have new equipment. Discussion ensued. Member Lyon feels that all purchases of this size should go out to bid. Mrs. Hamm stated since it is a grant and each system is so proprietary the District does not have to go out to bid. On roll call the following Members voted AYE: Walters, Cervantez, Hunigan, Phelps, Rodriguez, Scherpe (6) NAY: Lyon (1) Motion carried. Roll Call #7
E. Consider Approval of Lombard Change Order Request
It was moved by Member Phelps and seconded by Member Rodriguez to approve as presented. Mrs. Hamm stated that this request is for fencing. In the planning process with the city it was suggested that the District use a chain link fence between the new playground and the hard surface playground. This is a change order for a chain link fence that will separate the hard surface so that when kids are playing with balls and other equipment those items don’t roll into the other play area. On roll call the following Members voted AYE: Cervantez, Hunigan, Lyon, Phelps, Rodriguez, Scherpe, Walters (7) Motion carried. Roll Call #8
F. Consider Approval of King Elementary Bid Package 2
It was moved by Member Lyon and seconded by Member Phelps to approve as recommended. Mrs. Hamm stated this is the package for the rest of King with deduct options so the Board has flexibility on what they choose to accept. Member Lyon stated that the basic bid includes things like double pane windows and renovations in the current hallways, he cautions members that when these bids come back for voting the Board needs to not be overly frugal as to not renovate the entire building. Dr. Asplund stated this is just a bid package for specifications and that actual bids will come back next month. On roll call the following Members voted AYE: Hunigan, Lyon, Phelps, Rodriguez, Scherpe, Walters, Cervantez (7) Motion carried. Roll Call #9
G. Consider Approval of Sound System for Thiel Gym
It was moved by Member Walters and seconded by Member Phelps to approve as presented. Mrs. Hamm stated that the bid is from Music Makers to replace the sound system in the gym. The system speakers were not designed for a gymnasium and the wiring is original, often doesn’t work. Mr. Eric Matthews stated that the new system will be wireless. On roll call the following Members voted AYE: Lyon, Phelps, Rodriguez, Scherpe, Walters, Cervantez, Hunigan (7) Motion carried. Roll Call #10
The Board took a five minute break shortly after 9:00PM, returning at 9:10PM.
Focus Area #3: Responding to the Changing Needs of our Community
A. Boundary Discussion
Dr. Asplund stated that at the last meeting the Board would discuss busing based on best guess at this point. Mrs. Hamm introduced Ms. Paulette Earp who explained the boundary maps. She stated that the plan presented at this point has K-6 riding together and 7-12 riding together. King and Lombard would have 542 eligible students and 8 busses. Silas and Lombard eligible students would be 293 which would be 5 busses. Steele and Lombard students would be 580 eligible students and 10 busses. Currently the District has 20 routes for K-5 with first student and 3 District busses. The proposed boundaries would increase the bus need by 2 busses for K-6 and would assume the need for 7-12 to be less due to not needing bussing for the sixth grade students. Currently 6-12 students ride the bus together so that wouldn’t be a change for 7-12 students riding together. Mrs. Hamm stated that the District needs to get a better handle on children who sign up for busses but parents have no intention of putting their children on the bus. Discussion ensued. The increase in routes would be approximately $150,000 increase to the District, ideally the District gets 80% of the cost back. Dr. Asplund stated that he welcomes suggestions from the community and that the goal would be to approve boundaries next month. Discussion ensued regarding the families who are being moved next year and ideas to relieve worries. Board Members made comments addressing community concerns.
B. Consider Approval of Tentative Tax Levy
It was moved by Member Phelps and seconded by Member Walters to approve the tentative tax levy as recommended. Mrs. Jennifer Hamm, Assistant Superintendent for Finance and Operations, presented on the recommendation for the tentative tax levy (Insert). In summary the District is recommending a level tax rate at $4.83 and expecting a 3% increase in EAV. On roll call the following Members voted AYE: Phelps, Rodriguez, Scherpe, Walters, Cervantez, Hunigan, Lyon (7) Motion carried. Roll Call #11
C. IASB Delegate Assembly Recommendations
Dr. Asplund suggested that in the interest of time, each board member should read through the resolutions and email Member Phelps their concerns if any so he knows how he should vote on the Boards behalf.
D. Consider Approval of Trip Requests
It was moved by Member Lyon and seconded by Member Phelps to approve as presented. Dr. Asplund stated this is for potential junior high state overnight wrestling trip in the event that the team makes it to state in March. On roll call the following Members coted AYE: Rodriguez, Scherpe, Walters, Cervantez, Hunigan, Lyon, Phelps (7) Motion carried. Roll Call #12
E. Consider Approval of Bid for 2020 Cargo Van
It was moved by Member Phelps and seconded by Member Rodriguez to approve as presented. Mrs. Hamm explained that this is a purchase of a 2024 cargo van for the maintenance department to replace a 2002 van. Mrs. Hamm explained that going through the bid process, Yemm will only give the District $250 as a trade in but that they are the low bid for the new van. On roll call the Members voted AYE: Scherpe, Walters, Cervantez, Hunigan, Lyon, Phelps, Rodriguez (7) Motion carried. Roll Call #13
F. Transportation Transition Discussion
Mrs. Hamm stated that currently the District employs three (3) drivers who run day routes and would like to transfer those routes to First Student effective January 1, 2020. The District can absorb the 3 positions into the custodial area at the same rate of pay and in the same union agreement. Member Lyon asked what we would do with the busses. Mrs. Hamm stated that the lease is up in June 2020 but we can use those busses for school trips, athletics etc. until the lease is up. Dr. Asplund stated that this item will return for a vote in December.
Personnel
A. Consider Approval of Job Descriptions
It was moved by Member Walters and seconded by Member Phelps to approve as presented. Member Lyon asked for explanation on the Coordinator of Emergent Language Programs. Mrs. Springer stated that it is a state requirement to employ a coordinator of the EL program when a District has 200 or more English Language Learners. On roll call the following Members voted AYE: Walters, Cervantez, Hunigan, Lyon, Phelps, Rodriguez, Scherpe (7) Motion carried. Roll Call #14
B. Consider Approval of Personnel Report
It was moved by Member Walters and seconded by Member Phelps to approve the personnel report as presented. On roll call the following Members voted AYE: Cervantez, Hunigan, Lyon, Phelps, Rodriguez, Scherpe, Walters (7) Motion carried. Roll Call #15
C. Grievance Update
Dr. Asplund stated that the District is still slated for arbitration on December 16th for a yet to be resolved grievance from last year and he is meeting with GEA tomorrow to discuss pending issues and Negotiations. Member Lyon stated that the District would like to start as soon as possible, as early as January to start discussions. President Cervantez stated that both Member Lyon and Member Scherpe are on the negotiating team.
D. Consider Approval of Non Disciplinary Unpaid Leave for Employee No. 55240
It was moved by Member Lyon and seconded by Member Phelps to approve as presented. On roll call the following Members voted AYE: Hunigan, Lyon, Phelps, Rodriguez, Scherpe, Walters, Cervantez (7) Motion carried. Roll Call #16
E. Report on FOIA Requests
Dr. Asplund stated that the District received two FOIA requests and one from The Register Mail regarding a settlement agreement, one from New York University regarding Charter School applications in the District.
Board of Education Comments
Comments were made by Member Walters, Rodriguez, Scherpe, Hunigan, Phelps, Lyon and Cervantez.
Future Agenda Items
Member Lyon requested that at some point the Board hears a report on Instructional Coaches and how they are working in the District.
Adjournment
It was moved by Member Phelps and seconded by Member Walters that the regular meeting be adjourned—10:32PM. On roll call the following Members voted AYE: Lyon, Phelps, Rodriguez, Scherpe, Walters, Cervantez, Hunigan (7) Motion carried. Roll Call #17
https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/537119/minutes_November_12__2019.pdf
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