Galesburg Reporter

Galesburg Community Unit School District 205 Board of Education met March 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, March 9, 2020 at 5:30 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, Rodriguez, Scherpe, Walters (5) Absent: Hunigan, Phelps (2) 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—5:35PM. On roll call the following Members voted AYE: Cervantez, Lyon, Rodriguez, Scherpe, Walters (5) Motion carried. Roll Call #2

Following closed session, it was moved by Member Scherpe and seconded by Member Lyon to return to open session—6:59 PM. On roll call the following Members voted AYE: Lyon, Rodriguez, Scherpe, Walters, 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. Rodriguez, Scherpe, Walters, Cervantez, Lyon (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 spoke to the Board about the salary article in The Register Mail on January 23, 2020.

Presentations to the Board

Student Council

Jacara Kelley, student council representative, brought the Board up to speed on events at GHS including the blood drive that will be held on March 27, 1pm-4pm. The Special Olympics game will be held on April 3, 2020 with a chili supper.

Russ Robb recognized six All State Musicians from Galesburg High School.

Russ Robb recognized Colleen Noonan for earning the Chris Dokolasa Art in Education Award.

Eric Matthews, Athletic Director, introduced GHS Bowling Coach Dave Sharp and recognized Casey Folger who earned competing at the state bowling tournament.

Dr. Asplund recognized the teachers earning tenure this year. They are Karen Kistler, Jennifer Ferguson, Tiffany Ellison, Katie Davis, Mark Harden, Lisa Perry and Elizabeth Plemmons.

Approval of Consent Agenda

A. Consider Approval of Minutes:

Monday, February 10, 2020, Regular Meeting

Monday, February 10, 2020, 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, Lyon (5) 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, stated that recruiting took place last week at Knox, Monmouth, Western Illinois University, University of Illinois, Easter Illinois University, Illinois State and Northern Illinois University. Mrs. Springer provided some follow- up on the iReady Math and LETERS reading programs. Mrs. Springer discussed summative designation data showing ELA proficiency and Math targets for K-8 and what the state targets are and where the schools stand and explained that the goal with iReady Math and LETERS is to improve instruction and raise District scores.

B. Special Education Report

Dr. Dawn Michaud, Special Education Director, stated that she has conducted three interviews for special education for next year and have three more set. The needs yearly assessment has been done and the child count report is final. She is currently working on the post-secondary report, which involves reaching out to special education graduates to find out what they are doing now.

C. Building Reports—No questions asked

D. Truancy Discussion—Staffing Plan Proposal

Galesburg High School Assistant Principal, Mindi Ritchie, presented on the social emotional needs for the district, presenting a staffing plan that would add positions at all grade levels to address the student needs. Dr. Asplund stated that the goal is for teachers to be able to focus on academics and adding resources to help staff have more supports for their students in the social emotional area in all buildings. The Board felt that it was important to move forward with the extra supports.

E. Consider Approval of iReady Math Quote

Mrs. Springer presented the iReady Math Quote for the District. Discussion ensued regarding assessing and cost. 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 #6

F. Consider Approval of LETRS Contract

It was moved by Member Scherpe and seconded by Member Walters to approve as presented. Member Lyon stated he has already shared his thoughts on the cost. On roll call the following Members voted AYE: Rodriguez, Scherpe, Walters, Cervantez, Lyon (5) Motion carried. Roll Call #7

Focus Area #2: Facilities That Assist in Skill Acquisition

A. Enrollment Report

Member Lyon asked about the students out of District on the report. Dr. Michaud answered.

B. Building and Grounds Committee Report

Member Walters stated that the committee went through the buildings to check on the projects. All projects are on target and slightly ahead of schedule. Solar panel projects are still on target. The committee decided to have courtyard discussion with the entire board rather than make the decision itself. The committee will meet monthly or as needed to discuss the District construction projects. Member Walters discussed several items for the 7-12 campus for Northwoods site and GHS updates. Brian Archibald presented potential options for GHS. The Board gave the approval for Legat to work on presenting phased options for GHS auditorium. Discussion ensued regarding GHS and the potential funding from the state.

C. Consider Approval of Galesburg High School Kitchen Bid Package 2 for Electrical

It was moved by Member Rodriguez and seconded by Member Scherpe to approve the bid as presented. On roll call the following Members voted AYE: Scherpe, Walters, Cervantez, Lyon, Rodriguez (5) Motion carried. Roll Call #8

D. Consider Approval of Steele Change Order Request for Dumpster

It was moved by Member Scherpe and seconded by Member Rodriguez to approve the change order request. On roll call the following Members voted AYE: Walters, Cervantez, Lyon, Rodriguez, Scherpe (5) Motion carried. Roll Call #9

E. Consider Approval of Steele Change Order Request for Epoxy Flooring

It was moved by Member Scherpe and seconded by Member Walters to approve as presented. Lee Marbach from Russell Construction explained the flooring is for the bathrooms at Steele. On roll call the following Members voted AYE: Walters, Cervantez, Lyon, Phelps, Rodriguez (5) Motion carried. Roll Call #10

F. Consider Approval of Modular Classroom Bid Package 2-Electrical and Plumbing

It was moved by Member Scherpe and seconded by Member Rodriguez to approve as presented. Lee Marbach stated that these are for service to the modular classrooms. On roll call the following Members voted AYE: Cervantez, Lyon, Rodriguez, Scherpe, Walters (5) Motion carried. Roll Call #11

G. Consider Approval of Galesburg Area Vocational Center Lease (Northwoods Church)

It was moved by Member Lyon and seconded by Member Scherpe to approve as presented. Dr. Asplund stated that the lease is a 10 year lease that includes the use of approximately 22,800 square feet of currently unused space that will address some needs of the GAVC program. On roll call the following Members voted AYE: Lyon, Rodriguez, Scherpe, Cervantez (4) NAY: Walters (1) Motion carried. Roll Call #12

Member Walters exited at 9:20PM.

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

A. Consider Approval of Revisions to Policy 5:180 and Policy 2:150 (Second Reading)

It was moved by Member Scherpe and seconded by Member Rodriguez to approve as presented. On roll call the following Members voted AYE: Lyon, Rodriguez, Scherpe, Cervantez, (4) Motion carried. Roll Call #13

B. Consider Approval of Coe of Conduct (Second Reading)

It was moved by Member Scherpe and seconded by Member Rodriguez to approve as presented. President Cervantez stated she doesn’t feel the drug testing needs to be such a high number and the consent form should be added back in. Dr. Asplund stated we will edit out any reference to the frequency. On roll call the following Members voted AYE: Rodriguez, Scherpe, Cervantez, Lyon (4) Motion carried. Roll Call #14

C. Consider Approval of School Fees 2020-2021

It was moved by Member Lyon and seconded by Member Scherpe to approve the fees as presented. Dr. Asplund stated that the recommendation is to raise the parking fee to $40, Drivers Ed to stay at $250 and to delete all school registration and participation fees for K-12. On roll call the following Members voted AYE: Cervantez, Lyon, Rodriguez, Scherpe (4) Motion carried. Roll Call #15

D. Consider Approval of Trip Requests

It was moved by Member Scherpe and seconded by Member Lyon to approve as presented. On roll call the following Members voted AYE: Lyon, Rodriguez, Scherpe, Cervantez (4) Roll Call #16

E. Consider Approval of 2020-2021 IHSA Membership

It was moved by Member Scherpe and seconded by Member Rodriguez to approve as presented. On roll call the following Members voted AYE: Cervantez, Rodriguez, Scherpe, Lyon (4) Motion carried. Roll Call #17

F. Consider Approval of Chromebook Bid

It was moved by Member Scherpe and seconded by Member Rodriguez to approve as presented for 860 chromebooks. Member Lyon asked about the life span of chromebooks and Mr. Lawsha, Director of Technology stated that current district chromebooks are around five years but the new models are projected to last six. On roll call the following Members voted AYE: Cervantez, Lyon, Rodriguez, Scherpe (4) Motion carried. Roll Call #18

G. Consider Approval of 403b Retirement Plan Adoption Agreement

It was moved by Member Scherpe and seconded by Member Rodriguez to approve as presented per IRS law. On roll call the following Members voted AYE: Rodriguez, Scherpe, Lyon, Cervantez (4) Motion carried. Roll Call #19

H. Consider Approval of Revisions to Board Policy 6:310 and 6:312 (First Reading)

It was moved by Member Scherpe and seconded by Member Rodriguez to approve on first reading. Dr. Asplund stated that the ROE contacted the District stating that our current dual credit policy is not in line with state law so we are updating the policy to abide with state law. On roll call the following Members voted AYE: Lyon, Rodriguez, Scherpe, Cervantez (4) Motion carried. Roll Call #20

I. COVID-19 Plan Discussion

Dr. Asplund stated that the District has created a pandemic preparedness plan in the event that we are compelled by government to act. Mrs. Jennifer Hamm stated that the District nurse Courtney Knuth worked with the CDC and health department for any potential health issue, not just COVID-19 as the plan began to be created in the fall. The district has N95 masks, steamers, bacteria testing kits and the District is implementing safety plans.

J. Report on Negotiations

Member Lyon stated that despite the District requesting to begin, negotiations has not started but per the contract must start by April 1st. There is a provision in the contract for negotiations on differentials and work on a salary schedule. The differential piece is completed and Member Lyon stated the salary schedule has not been and hopes to start with that when negotiations begin.

Personnel

A. Consider Approval of Personnel Report

It was moved by Member Scherpe and seconded by Member Lyon to approve the personnel report as amended. On roll call the following Members Voted AYE: Cervantez, Lyon, Rodriguez, Scherpe (4) Motion carried. Roll Call #21

B. Consider Approval of Resolution Reference the Dismissal of Professional Educator Licensed (PEL) Employee: Carol McReynolds

It was moved by Member Scherpe and seconded by Member Lyon to approve as presented. On roll call the following Members voted AYE: Scherpe, Cervantez, Lyon, Rodriguez (4) Motion carried. Roll Call #22

C. Consider Approval of Resolution Reference the Dismissal of an Education Support Employee(s): Rae-Lynn Kumer and Holly Mixon

This item was tabled.

D. Consider Approval of Resolution Reference the Proposed Reclassification of Sarah Rozny

It was moved by Member Scherpe and seconded by Member Rodriguez to approve as presented. On roll call the following Members voted AYE: Cervantez, Lyon, Rodriguez, Scherpe (4) Motion carried. Roll Call #23

E. Consider Approval of Resolution Reference the Proposed Reclassification of Kathryn Jennings It was moved by Member Lyon and seconded by Member Scherpe to approve as presented. On roll call the following Members voted AYE: Cervantez, Lyon, Rodriguez, Scherpe (4) Motion carried. Roll Call #24

F. Consider Approval of Employee Seniority List

It was moved by Member Scherpe and seconded by Member Rodriguez to approve as presented. On roll call the following Members voted AYE: Cervantez, Lyon, Rodriguez, Scherpe (4) Motion carried. Roll Call #25

G. Grievance Update—None

H. Report on FOIA Requests

Dr. Asplund stated that Tri City IBEW requested our solar agreements and SMART procure requested our purchases from 2019 to present.

Board of Education Comments

Comments were made by Members Lyon and Cervantez.

Future Agenda Items—None

Adjournment

It was moved by Member Lyon and seconded by Member Scherpe that the regular meeting be adjourned—9:59PM. On roll call the following Members voted AYE: Lyon, Rodriguez, Scherpe, Cervantez (4) Motion carried. Roll Call #26

https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/662674/April_14__2020.pdf