Galesburg Reporter

Morris Elementary School District 54 Board of Education met Nov. 18.

Here is the minutes provided by the board:

MEMBERS PRESENT:                     MEMBERS ABSENT:

Ms. Hiller Mr. Hitchcock                  Mrs. Bogard                  Mrs. Cap

Mr. Sikora Mr. Stevens

Mr. White (via phone)

I. Determination of Quorum – Call to Order

Vice President, Pat Stevens, called the meeting to order to open the BINA Hearing at 6:01 p.m. Roll call was answered as indicated, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.

Others present were: Shannon Dudek, Dave Raffel, and Lisa Beeler

II. Conduct of Public Hearing concerning the intent of the Board of Education to sell $2,175,000 Working Cash Fund Bonds for the purpose of increasing the Working Cash Fund of the District

A. Purpose of the bond sale

B. Comments about the bond sale

C. Written testimony about the bond sale

D. Oral testimony about the bond sale

III. Motion to Adjourn the BINA Hearing - Motioned by Hitchcock, seconded by Hiller to adjourn the BINA Hearing at 6:02 p.m.

Aye:Hiller, Hitchcock, Sikora, Stevens, White

Absent: Cap, Bogard

All in Favor, Motion Carried

IV. Call to Order to Open the Regular Meeting

Vice President, Pat Stevens, called the meeting to order at 6:02 p.m. Roll call was answered as indicated above.

V. Approval of the Agenda

VI. Public Recognition

A. Board Participation Program - None

B. Comments from Employees and Public - None

VII. Consent Agenda

a. Approval of Minutes (October 21, 2019)

b. Approval of List of Bills (November 2019)

c. Approval of Financial Report (October 2019)

d. Approval of Payroll Report (October 2019)

e. Approval of Minutes and Financials of PTO (October 2019)

f. Approval of Financials of the Student Activity Fund Accounts (October 2019)

g. Approval of Minutes and Financials of the BBC (October 2019)

Motioned by Hitchcock, seconded by Hiller to approve the Consent Agenda Items.

Aye:Hiller, Hitchcock, Sikora, Stevens, White

Absent: Cap, Bogard

All in Favor, Motion Carried

VIII. Committee Reports

A. Finance - None

B. Policy – None

C. Curriculum - None

D. Parent - Teacher Advisory - None

E. Shared Services – None

IX. Action Items

A. Unland Insurance Liability Renewal - Motioned by Hitchcock, seconded by Sikora to approve the Unland Insurance Liability Renewal. The presented renewal rate is $111,315.00. This is an increase of $8,295.00 due to multiple claims; such as the HVAC struck by lightning, water damage to the gym floor, and workman’s comp claims. The district did receive a worker’s compensation grant for $3,394, so our renewal is actually only an increase of $4,901.00 for next year.

Aye:Hiller, Hitchcock, Sikora, Stevens, White 

Absent: Cap, Bogard

All in Favor, Motion Carried

B. Tentative 2019 Tax Levy

Motioned by Hitchcock, seconded by Hiller to approve the tentative 2019 tax levy. We’ve created a tentative tax levy for the FY2021 fiscal year. The goal of the levy is to keep the tax rate at the current rate of $3.60. The coincides with the finance committee’s desire to stabilize the tax rate for the taxpayers of Morris #54. At this time we do not have the specific EAV numbers, but are expecting an increase of 2.5%. This percent of increase would not require the board to hold a truth and taxation hearing. If the increase is over 5% the district will be required to hold a hearing. Mrs. Mills is expecting to receive the specific EAV from the county assessor later this month.

Aye:Hiller, Hitchcock, Sikora, Stevens, White 

Absent: Cap, Bogard

All in Favor, Motion Carried

C. Professional Agreement between Morris SD #54 Board of Education and the Morris Elementary Education Association

Motioned by Sikora, seconded by Hitchcock to approve the Professional Agreement between Morris SD #54 Board of Education and the Morris Elementary Education Association. The agreed upon contract is for a five year term. The contract is a “win-win” for both the board and the union. The negotiations went well and Dr. Dudek thanked the negotiating teams for their hard work and dedication to work together for the students, staff and community.

Aye:Hiller, Hitchcock, Sikora, Stevens, White 

Absent: Cap, Bogard

All in Favor, Motion Carried

D. IASB School Board Training Agreements

Motioned by Hiller, seconded by Sikora to approve the Morris SD #54 Board of Education IASB School Board Training Agreements. These agreements were collaboratively made by the board and Superintendent. IASB recommends these agreements to be approved as an action item to make them official.

Aye:Hiller, Hitchcock, Sikora, Stevens, White 

Absent: Cap, Bogard

All in Favor, Motion Carried

E. Approval of the Sale and/or Disposal of Unused Kitchen Equipment

Motioned by Sikora, seconded by Hiller to approve the Sale and/or Disposal of Unused Kitchen Equipment. There was a list included in the board packet of the kitchen equipment surplus list that needs to be disposed or sold. We are going to attempt to recycle, sell or donate the equipment.

Aye:Hiller, Hitchcock, Sikora, Stevens, White 

Absent: Cap, Bogard

All in Favor, Motion Carried

VII. Communication

A. Superintendent’s Report - ISBE School Designations Last year the ISBE began a new way of giving destinations for schools under the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). Last year our designations were “Commendable” for K-5 (White Oak) and 6-8 (Shabbona). This year K-5 is still designated at “Commendable, but our Jr High was designated as “Underperforming.” We had one subgroup that scored in the underperfing rating, so the entire junior high receives the designation. Even though this is a lower identification than we expect, we are working to improve our curriculum for all students. It’s important you’re aware of this ranking because the 2019 Illinois Report Card was made public on November.

We’re working very hard to build our curriculum to meet our high expectations, and please refer any questions you receive to me or the administrative team.

Health Insurance Renewal One of the most impactful financial commitments to a school district are health insurance costs. At District 54, we have an insurance committee that works, throughout the year, to evaluate and decide on the best and most affordable health care insurance available. This year, the insurance committee agreed to renew with Cigna Insurance for next year. The renewal rate is 2%, for a new cost of around $20,000. We will renew our current insurance contract, and all of our insurance benefits and doctors will stay the same. The national average is 8%-10% renewal, so I’m very happy with the rate. The insurance committee did a great job working together to make a great decision for our district.

Auditor Annual Financial Report Representatives from Mack and Associates were in attendance to review our yearly school district audit.

B. Administrative Report -

Mr Raffel: I attended the Illinois Principals Association’s state conference on October 21-22. I had some great sessions such as creating a student mentoring program, tips and strategies to optimize the structure of your school day, alternatives to suspensions, school law updates, and ideas for multi-tiered support services.

Our 8th Graders took their annual trip to the GAVC Career Fair on October 23rd.

We have completed all of our State-Required Emergency Drills for the 2019-2020 school year. Thank you to Tammy Dransfeldt for coordinating these drills.

The PERA Joint Committee met and set our student growth goals for the 2019-2020 school year. These goals were set using our MAP Data. These goals will be used on all teacher and administrator evaluations for this school year. I will update the Board on our achievement when the data is reviewed by the committee in February.

On November 4th, I attended a workshop with most of our Jr High ELA teachers. It was put on by Kelly Gallagher and Penny Kittle. It was an amazing experience. The teachers had a lot of good feedback. Kelly Gallagher is an amazing teacher and author who has had a major impact on my educational career as both a teacher of ELA and Administrator. This was the first time I was able to see him speak in person.

We have begun working on our E-Learning Plan. Teachers will be working with the Instructional Coaches and given time to work on their lesson plans on November 20th. I will have more details on our plan for you at the December Board Meeting. Parent/Teacher Conferences took place on November 7th from 4-7 pm and November 8th from 8 am-12 noon. Everything went very well. It is a great time to help build those Home-School relationships!

I received a scholarship to send a team of staff members to Raising Student Achievement Conference in Schaumburg, IL on December 9th & 10th

Upcoming Events: 8th Grade PSAT Testing- November 15th and Thanksgiving Break- November 27-29

Associate Principal Report - Mrs. Boe

● On Sunday, October 20th, I attended the second meeting of the Building Leader network group that myself and Mrs. Dransfeldt are apart of. We had some awesome discussions in regards to things that are going well so far in our districts and things to look forward to as the year progresses.

● The following day on Monday, October 21st, I attended the IPA Conference and had the amazing opportunity to hear Hamish Brewer speak along with some wonderful breakout sessions in regards to the RTI process, Stem, Responsible Student behavior/Restorative Justice.

● On Thursday, October 24th, myself along with Mr. Raffel, and Dr. Terry attended a MAP Growth Workshop-which allowed us to access different reports for MAP and gave us the opportunity to learn more about MAP data and how it correlates to the everyday curriculum. It was a great opportunity to see positives in our Data and we are excited to utilize these strategies after the Winter Benchmark window in January.

● On Tuesday, November 5th, Myself along with Mrs. Dransfeldt and Officer Bober attended “The Bulletproof Mind” presentation by Lt. Col Dave Grossman-he is a West Point psychology professor, Professor of Military Science, and a Retired Army Ranger. He presented on numerous topics but specifically, The possibility of school violence, and school/workplace violence prevention,and The physiology and psychology of a conflict situation.

Special Populations Director Report - Mrs. Stover

● Our Special Education staff met on November 6th to discuss the following:

○ Parent/Teacher Conferences

○ Fastbridge Progress and Concerns

○ State Legislation Updates

○ IEP At-a-Glances

○ Curriculum Alignment

English Language Learners

● Ms. Larson and her paraprofessionals did an excellent job supporting parents and teachers during Parent/Teacher conferences.

● La Junta took place on October 28th. We are continuing to collaborate with parents and community members to provide the best possible English Learner supports

Morris Community Preschool

● Morris Community Preschool had a wonderful Family Halloween Party on October 31st.

● Our state appointed coach, Mrs. Julia Labuda, fulfilled one of her last visits to our program at Morris Grade School, and shortly after, we received an email with these kind words: “I just want to thank you all for the amazing work you are doing. I just saw a meme of a lesson plan and written on it was “would a three year old want to be here?” And I can confidently say that the answer is yes for your classrooms. Your classrooms are fun and loving, and your true enjoyment for the children is heartwarming. I never feel anything but positive when I am with you and in your rooms, further I appreciate that you are solution seekers and problem solvers! Just wanted to give you all a big shout out for the incredible teachers you are, and please pass this on to all of your assistants as they are just as fabulous!”

Dean Report - Mrs. Dransfeldt 

Discipline Report - (October 14th-November 8th)

3 In School Suspensions (ISS)

4 Out of School Suspensions (OSS)

2 After School Detentions

0 Saturday School Detentions

Proactive Safety Measures:

● Attended the IPA Fall Conference (October 20-22) and attended the second session of the Building Leaders Network I am a part of. During the conference I attended informative sessions on: school safety practices, character development, as well as, curriculum sessions. ● Attended Bulletproof Mind with our SRO Mike Bober and Jessica Boe. During this conference we were presented with school violence prevention strategies by presenter Lt. Colonel Dave Grossman.

● Golden Tickets have begun. We have been seeing students in the office for positive office referrals. This year, I have added an additional incentive. Students who come to the office with a golden ticket, also receive a red raffle ticket to put in our bingo drum. At the end of the month I will be drawing students names to earn an extra prize for the month.

● I have received donations for free ice cream from Paisano’s courtesy of our PTO. I am still in need of “free” items we can use as incentives for both elementary and junior high students.

● If you haven’t seen our bingo drum, it is on display in the A hallway office window stop and take a look. Teachers and students are excited about this new incentive. Athletic Director Report - Mr. Anderson

BBC Meeting held on 11/4 - In order to promote and encourage student attendance at home games, the BBC voted and approved a measure to allow Morris Grade School students wearing Shabbona/Morris Grade School Spiritwear into home contests free of charge. Logoworks to donate $350.00 to BBC based on MGS purchase of spiritwear Next meeting to be held December 2, 5pm @ Shabbona

● Girls Basketball ○ 8th grade - IVC tournament begins Nov 9, IESA Regionals begins Dec 2, 8th grade night to be Nov 18 vs Dwight ○ 7th grade - IVC tournament begins Nov 11, IESA Regionals begins Nov 23 ○ 6th grade completed their season with a 10-5 final record

● Boys Basketball held tryouts and are off and running with their seasons ○ 8th - 12 players, Competing in the ICS Tournament ○ 7th - 13 players ○ 6th - 21 players (A and B teams)

● Girls Volleyball tryouts ○ 8th - Dec. 4,5,6 ○ 7th - Dec. 4,5,6 ○ 6th - Dec. 2,3,4

● Wrestling practice begins December 2 with intersquad meet Dec 10th at Shabbona

● Cheer team getting prepared for their competition season coming up in December and January Activities and Clubs have begun to hold elections and tryouts

● Speech team begins their competition season Saturday 11/9 at Newark

● Chess team with 21 participants will be involved in competitions this year vs. Richland and Sommet grade schools and others to follow. Recent Purchases

● 10 Additional 6th grade Girls/Boys Basketball uniforms to accommodate participants. BBC, MAA, VFW, City of Morris, Morris High School, Morris Tomahawks have agreed to split the cost for new scoreboard at Roth Field. Roughly $1000.00 each. Details of purchase are still being discussed.

C. Board Communication - Dr. Dudek thanked the Board for their support of the school for Board Member Appreciation Month.

VII. Executive Session -

Motioned by Hitchcock, seconded by Hiller to enter into closed session to discuss a lease of property owned by the school district, student discipline, litigation, personnel matters, or the selection of a person to fill a public office at 6:40 p.m.

Aye:Hiller, Hitchcock, Sikora, Stevens, White

Absent: Cap, Bogard

All in Favor, Motion Carried

VIII. Return to Open Session -

Motioned by Hitchcock, seconded by Hiller to return to open session at 7:05 p.m. 

Aye:Hiller, Hitchcock, Sikora, Stevens, White

Absent: Cap, Bogard

All in Favor, Motion Carried

IX. Action as a Result of Closed Session - None

X. Adjourn

Motioned by Hitchcock, seconded by Sikora to adjourn the board meeting at 7:05 p.m.

Aye:Hiller, Hitchcock, Sikora, Stevens, White 

Absent: Cap, Bogard

All in Favor, Motion Carried

https://v3.boardbook.org/Public/PublicItemDownload.aspx?mk=50350117&fn=minutes.pdf