Galesburg Reporter

Central Community Unit School District #235 Board of Education met Nov. 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 regular meeting at 6:00 PM at the Lincoln Education Center, 932 Harrison St., Galesburg, IL. The meeting was called to order by President Cervantez. The roll was read and the following Members responded: Hunigan, Lyon, Cervantez, Rodriguez, Scherpe, Phelps (6) Absent: Walters (1) Roll Call #1

Closed Session

It was moved by Member Phelps and seconded by Member Rodriguez to move to closed session. On roll call the following Members voted AYE: Cervantez, Hunigan, Lyon, Phelps, Rodriguez, Scherpe (6) Motion carried. Roll Call #2

Member Walters entered at 6:02PM.

Following Closed Session it was moved by Member Walters and seconded by Member Phelps to move to open session. On roll call the following Members voted AYE: Hunigan, Lyon, Phelps, Rodriguez, Scherpe, Walters, Cervantez (7) Motion carried. Roll Call #3

Recognition of Visitors—None

President Cervantez read the Student Council report submitted by Jacara Kelly.

Presentations to the Board

Ron Hilton—District Auditor Report

Mr. Ron Hilton presented the findings from the Audit Financial Report.

Building Presentation

Member Lyon discussed the different buildings along with photos of the improvements in King Elementary, Galesburg High School, Steele Elementary and Lombard Middle School. Member Lyon also noted that the bids are out for the Jr.-Sr. High Campus and those will be opened on November 17, 2020. Mr. Brian Archibald, Legat Architects along with Russell Construction and rtm Engineering Consultants, presented a gift to the District of Lego replicas of Lombard Middle School and King Elementary School.

Approval of Consent Agenda

A. Consider Approval of Minutes:

Monday, October 12, 2020, Regular Meeting

Monday, October 12, 2020, Closed Session

Friday, October 16, 2020, Special Meeting

B. Consider Approval of Payroll and Claims

It was moved by Member Walters 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, Hunigan, Phelps (7) Motion carried. Roll Call #4

Focus Area #1: Relevant Skills that Lead to Employability

A. Administrative Report on Curriculum

Mrs. Tiffany Springer, Director for Curriculum and Instruction, highlighted some items including partnering with Hue Life to get feedback from K-4 parents in regards to E-Learning. She stated that it was very informative and will be used as the District moves forward. A professional development survey was conducted as part of the Title II grant; the information will be used for professional development that will begin on December 2, 2020.

B. Special Education Report

Dr. Dawn Michaud, Special Education Director, stated that September 21st, special education started with in person learning for those students with the highest need in District, which brought in 52 students across the District. This week they will be adding another 35 students and then an additional 15 students will be brought in for in person learning. Needs are based on their Individual Education Plans.

C. Building Reports

Member Phelps stated that he was concerned by teachers offering 40% grades for work not completed rather than zeros at Galesburg High School North. Mrs. Mindi Ritchie, Principal at Galesburg High School North stated that the GHSN staff is trying out competency based framework and the idea that assigning a 40%, rather than a zero, which is highly researched grading scale. Member Hunigan asked what constitutes a student attending and what an absence is. Dr. Asplund explained.

D. Enrollment Report—No questions were asked

Focus Area #2: Facilities That Assist in Skill Acquisition

A. Consider Approval of Acoustical Consultant

Bryan Archibald with Legat Construction explained that this is the second piece to the acoustical consultant contract. One is theatrical and second is acoustical. The final proposal is for the acoustical consultant to finish the design of the auditorium. It wasn’t part of the original document because so many decisions weren’t made in the beginning in terms of size, shape, number of seats etc. He went on to state that they are still on track but that the auditorium has been at a slower pace due to decisions that needed made by the Board but that they are still on track to have completed design documents by the end of the year and begin the bidding process in January of 2021. Discussion ensued. It was moved by Member Walters and seconded by Member Lyon to approve as presented. On roll call the following Members voted AYE: Phelps, Rodriguez, Scherpe, Walters, Cervantez, Hunigan, Lyon (7) Motion carried. Roll Call #5

B. Consider Approval of Jr.-Sr. High Kitchen Concrete Removal

Mr. Lee Marbach with Russell Construction stated that when they began digging the kitchen there was a two foot of concrete underneath that had to be removed to get the plumbing in. This item is for a change order due to the extra time, effort and equipment cost to remove that floor slab. It was moved by Member Walters and seconded by Member Lyon to approve the change order as presented. Mr. Marbach stated that even though this is a large change order they have not gone over in any allowance. On roll call the following Members voted AYE: Phelps, Rodriguez, Scherpe, Walters, Cervanez, Hunigan, Lyon (7) Motion carried. Roll Call #6

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

A. Food Service Discussion

Mr. Matt Davis, Food Service Director, stated that he started a new three week cycle menu of breakfast and lunch items and have started to incorporate hot items once or twice a week and keeping the salads. Mr. Davis said that at the schools they have nice brand new mobile hot carts that have helped to expand the menu. Breakfast items are meant for next day consumption so those hot items will be warmed by the student but all menu items that are being served hot are items that can be eaten cold as none of the items are raw.

B. Consider Approval of IMRF Ballot

Mrs. Hamm stated that this is a ballot to vote for a five year IMRF term position. Mrs. Hamm recommends the Board vote for Gwen Henry. It was moved by Member Phelps and seconded by Member Rodriguez to approve as presented. Discussion ensued. Member Phelps amended his motion to accept the recommendation to vote for Gwen Henry and Member Rodriguez seconded the motion. On roll call the following Members voted AYE: Walters, Cervantez, Hunigan, Lyon, Rodriguez, Scherpe, Phelps (7) Roll Call #7

C. Consider Approval of Annual Financial Audit

It was moved by Member Phelps and seconded by Member Walters to approve as presented. Mrs. Hamm stated that once again this year the District had a clean audit. The following Members voted AYE: Cervantez, Hunigan, Rodriguez, Scherpe, Lyon, Walters, Phelps (7) Motion carried. Roll Call #8

D. Consider Approval of Hazardous Transportation Areas

It was moved by Member Rodriguez and seconded by Member Phelps to approve as presented. Mrs. Hamm stated that these are the hazardous transportation areas with the changes to the District boundaries. On roll call the following Members voted AYE: Walters, Cervantez, Hunigan, Lyon, Rodriguez, Scherpe, Phelps (7) Motion carried. Roll Call #9

E. Consider Approval of Tentative Tax Levy for 2020

It was moved by Member Phelps and seconded by Member Rodriguez to approve as presented. Mrs. Hamm presented on the District levy cycle and the anticipated levy recommendation. Board Discussion ensued. Mrs. Hamm explained that the recommendation is to keep the tax rate the same by reducing the levy in other funds. Discussion ensued. Mrs. Hamm described the anticipated effect of the Fair Tax not being approved in regards to what the Governor has stated he may impose on educational line items. On roll call the following Members voted AYE: Lyon, Phelps, Rodriguez, Scherpe, Walters, Cervantez, Hunigan (7) Motion carried. Roll Call #10

F. Consider Approval of Transfer of Q Account Balances to Education Fund General Revenue It was moved by Member Phelps and seconded by Member Rodriguez to approve as presented. Mrs. Hamm stated that when she was reviewing the audit findings she discovered several Q accounts that have been sitting untouched and the projects the funds were to be spent on have closed. Mr. Hilton, the District auditor suggested the Q accounts be closed and the funds transferred. On roll call the following Members voted AYE: Hunigan, Lyon, Rodriguez, Scherpe, Walters, Cervantez, Phelps (7) Motion carried. Roll Call #11

G. Consider Approval of Outreach Service Vehicles Purchase

It was moved by Member Phelps and seconded by Member Hunigan to approve as presented. Mrs. Hamm stated that this year due to remote learning the structure of Outreach Workers have changed and there have been hundreds of visits to families, which has resulted in a very high reimbursement for mileage and instances of vehicle damage to personal vehicles.

Mrs. Hamm stated that in researching it is more cost effective to purchase vehicles for outreach. The vehicles would be housed at the District office. Mr. Spring stated that Outreach Workers assume the liability of transporting in their own vehicles. Discussion ensued. The Board chose to table the item due to price discrepancy.

The Board took a ten minute break.

H. Discussion and Status of E-Learning and In-Person Learning

Dr. Asplund stated that currently there are 43 Bright Futures students receiving face to face instruction. King Elementary currently has 28 and beginning Thursday will have 86, Silas Willard has 6 and beginning Thursday will have 79, Steele Elementary has 26 and on Thursday will have 82, Lombard Middle School had 17 students and currently does not have students in person due to the building closure for COVID. Lombard will reopen on Thursday and will remain at 17 students receiving face to face instruction. Churchill Junior High has 4 students and on Thursday will increase to 7 students and Galesburg High School has 14, expanding to 20 special education students. Galesburg High School North is currently not instructing any students in person. Dr. Asplund stated that at this point he suggests moving forward with the plan that was put in place despite the increase in cases which involves bringing back the most at need students in grades 3 and 4 on November 30th and then hopefully before winter break bringing back more Pre-K through 2nd grade students and focusing second semester (January 19th) on bringing back large groups of students in some sort of hybrid option as long as the virus allows. Board discussion ensued. Ms. Courtney Knuth, Health Services Coordinator, discussed the infection rate in the county and continued precautions. Board discussion ensued.

I. Report on Negotiations

Member Lyon stated that they have met 22 times but have not met in the last several weeks on the contract. The Board negotiations team is currently waiting on the GEA to bring a financial counter proposal and are willing to meet with the GEA at any time as the goal is to get the contract finished.

J. Discussion Regarding Basketball

Dr. Asplund stated that last Friday the Western Big 6 Superintendents met via Zoom. They shared what they have been informed of from their District Attorneys and Insurance carriers. Mr. Luke Feeney, District Attorney, stated that there are three main areas of risk if the District chose to play basketball. He stated that there would be a TORT issue because generally Districts are immune from TORT liability unless they are deemed to have engaged in willful misconduct, so it is likely that if there was a TORT claim filed against the District, the claim would hold because IDPH guidelines weren’t being followed. The second piece to TORT litigation is that if the litigation proceeded it would likely resemble more of a medical malpractice case in terms of proving where COVID was contracted, which would be expensive likely without the benefit of insurance coverage. Third risk area would be some type of ISBE enforcement. Mr. Eric Matthews stated that additionally right now the District doesn’t have anyone to play as Districts aren’t allowed to play outside of their region and those in our region have almost all stated that they will not play basketball. He went on to state that right not there are seven varsity sports in May and June and some discussion has taken place pushing basketball to spring. At this point basketball is on hold until further direction takes place from the IHSA and the Governor that is in agreement.

IASB Resolution Discussion

Preseident Cervantez stated that the next item is not on the agenda but needs to be addressed. Member Lyon will be the delegate for the delegate assembly with IASB. Member Lyon has asked if there is any direction different from what IASB supports for him to vote on. President Cervantez questioned resolution 6 which made November 3rd a holiday this year. Member Lyon stated it is for this year only at this point. Member Lyon went through each resolution. Board agreed with IASB recommendations.

Personnel

A. Consider Approval of Personnel Report

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

B. Grievance Update

Dr. Asplund stated that there are currently none.

C. Report on FOIA Requests

Dr. Asplund stated that there are no FOIA requests.

Board of Education Comments

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

Future Agenda Items--None

Item G:

Mrs. Hamm stated that the Outreach Vehicle price discrepancy is due to a rebate that was added to the vehicles after the quote was given. The Board opted to move forward to approve the purchase of four vehicles but not to exceed $21,696.00 each plus applicable taxes and fees. It was moved by Member Phelps to amend the motion and seconded by Member Hunigan. On roll call the following Members voted AYE: Rodriguez, Scherpe, Walters, Cervantez, Hunigan, Lyon, Phelps (7) Motion carried. Roll Call #13

Adjournment It was moved by Member Walters and seconded by Member Phelps that the regular meeting be adjourned—11:08PM. On roll call the following Members voted AYE: Lyon, Rodriguez, Scherpe, Walters, Cervantez, Hunigan, Phelps (7) Motion carried. Roll Call #14

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