Galesburg Reporter

Community Unit School District No. 205 Board of Education met Dec. 9.

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, December 9, 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 Phelps 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 Lyon and seconded by Member Walters to return to open session—6:55 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. Phelps, Rodriguez, Scherpe, Walters, Cervantez, Hunigan, Lyon (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

DeVone Eurales spoke to the Board on behalf of Brittney Grimes and the NAACP in favor of the boundaries. David Amour spoke to the Board in favor of the new boundaries. Jim Jacobs spoke to the Board in favor of the new boundaries.

Presentations to the Board

Student Council

Jacara Kelley gave an update on events at Galesburg High School which included student council decorated GHS for the holidays which will stay up until break. Operation Christmas boxes and angel trees were done again this year. Student Council is working on Swirl spirit week. Mr. Russell Robb recognized the ILMEA participants in grades 4-12. Mr. Tom Hawkins, Churchill Junior High Principal and Mr. Nick Young, Lombard Middle School Principal, presented information on the Illinois School Report Card and the next action steps for both buildings. Instructional Coaches presented information on their work in the District. The coaches have worked with over 55 teachers in the District and are continually planning and presenting professional development on a wide variety of topics.

Approval of Consent Agenda

A. Consider Approval of Minutes:

Tuesday, November 9, 2019, Regular Meeting

Tuesday, November 9, 2019, Closed Session

B. Consider Approval of Payroll and Claims

It was moved by Member Scherpe and seconded by Member Rodriguez to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. 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 and a schedule for the January 6, 2020 institute day, the winter benchmark is coming to a close for Ready Math on Friday, December 6th in grades K-8. An Amplify Science pilot team is meeting and working on the second round of the pilot. The equity leadership team met on November 19th. Mrs. Springer met with Dr. Gorski to have a member of his team help set up an equity plan for the District.

B. Special Education Report

Dr. Michaud stated that she continues to look for employees. Special Education has training planned for the January Institute regarding the new laws taking place regarding restraining students.

C. Building Reports—No questions were asked

D. Truancy Discussion

Dr. Asplund stated this item will remain for next month, returning with more information. He informed the Board how the District is reporting attendance differently at the different grade levels and that changes need to be made to streamline the reporting.

Focus Area #2: Facilities That Assist in Skill Acquisition

A. Enrollment Report—Member Scherpe asked why the GHS numbers fluctuate so much and if the reasons are known.

B. Building Study Committees

Member Lyon stated that a buildings and grounds committee meeting was held this week and pointed out that in the agenda there are photos and timelines. The committee discussed the commons areas and auditorium ideas at the secondary campus and what to call it along with possible sites for the area vocational center. Ideas were discussed for a possible life skills transition class so that those students can be better equipped after graduation in a real setting. Other items discussed were the change orders that are on the agenda for approval.

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

Dr. Asplund stated that due to some illness in the central office the agenda didn’t get amended as it should have and that there is a threshold set for certain items and Items A, C and E are below that threshold and don’t need to be voted on by the Board. He also stated that Item J is covered under personnel.

B. Consider Approval of Lombard Change Order Request-Sanitary Sewer

Mr. Lee Marbach, Russell Construction, stated that this item is for a sanitary sewer due to the line that is there has collapsed so this change order is for the sewer line from the addition. Member Lyon asked if the kitchen will feed into this same line. Mr. Marbach stated that it will feed to the new line. It was moved by Member Lyon and seconded by Member Scherpe to approve as presented. 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 King Elementary Bid Package 2

It was moved by Member Scherpe and seconded by Member Phelps to approve as presented. Mr. Marbach stated that the bid opening for King Elementary bid package 2 was held on November 26th. Bids were received in all categories except for the epoxy flooring which will be bid out again in January when the bid process is held for the high school kitchen project in hopes that two projects will attract a bidder. All bids came in under budget and under estimate. Mr. Marbach went through all the bids that are being accepted. On roll call the following Members voted AYE: Phelps, Rodriguez, Scherpe, Walters, Cervantez, Hunigan, Lyon (7) Motion carried. Roll Call #7

F. Consider Approval of Resolution to Abate Series 2011B and 2014B Alternate Revenue Bonds Mrs. Jennifer Hamm, Assistant Superintendent for Finance and Operations, stated that each year before the board passes the tax levy the Board must pass the abatement of the 2011B and 2014B series alternate revenue bonds which allows the District to take the money being collected from the penny sales tax and pay the bond payments directly. Dr. Asplund also noted that if the District did not abate the bonds yearly that property taxes would go up. It was moved by Member Scherpe and seconded by Member Rodriguez to approve as presented. On roll call the following Members voted AYE: Cervantez, Hunigan, Lyon, Phelps, Rodriguez, Scherpe, Walters (7) Motion carried. Roll Call #8

G. Consider Approval of Tax Levy

Dr. Asplund stated due to posting requirements this item won’t be voted on until Thursday, December 19, 2019. Mrs. Hamm reviewed the information from the November meeting stating that the District is still looking at a $4.83 tax rate and expecting a 3% equalized assessed valuation.

H. Consider Approval of Boundaries

It was moved by Member Phelps and seconded by Member Scherpe to approve as presented. Dr. Asplund recapped the path to the recommendation of the current boundary lines in an attempt to level out the socioeconomic makeup of each building. Board Members made comments. On roll call the Members voted AYE: Scherpe, Walters, Cervantez, Hunigan, Lyon, Phelps, Rodriguez (7) Motion carried. Roll Call #9

I. IASB Delegate Assembly Report

President Cervantez stated that yearly there is a conference held in Chicago for school board members and Superintendents and other members of administration. This year Members Phelps, Scherpe, Hunigan, Lyon and Cervantez attended. Member Hunigan, Phelps and Cervantez shared their thoughts on the experience.

K. Consider Approval of PRESS Policies (first Reading)

It was moved by Member Phelps and seconded by Member Rodriguez to approve as first reading. Dr. Asplund stated that this is one of the bigger policy packets. On voice vote the following Members voted AYE: Phelps, Rodriguez, Scherpe, Walters, Cervantez, Hunigan, Lyon (7) Motion carried. Roll Call #10

Personnel

A. 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: Walters, Cervantez, Hunigan, Lyon, Phelps, Rodriguez, Scherpe (7) Motion carried. Roll Call #11

B. Consider Approval of Transfer Resolution for Employee #899138

It was moved by Member Lyon and seconded by Member Phelps to approve the resolution as presented. On roll call the following Members voted AYE: Cervantez, Hunigan, Lyon, Phelps, Rodriguez, Scherpe, Walters (7) Motion carried. Roll Call #12

C. Grievance Update

Dr. Asplund stated that there are currently no outstanding grievances.

D. Report on FOIA Requests

Dr. Asplund stated that two were received. Smart Procure requested all purchasing records from September 2019 to present and Tri City Building and Construction Trades Council requested a copy of the power purchase agreement with Clean Energy Design Group.

Board of Education Comments

Comments were made by Members Rodriguez, Hunigan, Phelps, and Cervantez.

Future Agenda Items

President Cervantez stated that we will need to have a conversation on new laws regarding activity accounts.

Adjournment

It was moved by Member Walters and seconded by Member Phelps that the regular meeting be adjourned—8:56 PM. On roll call the following Members voted AYE: Lyon, Phelps, Rodriguez, Scherpe, Walters, Cervantez, Hunigan (7) Motion carried. Roll Call #13

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