Galesburg Reporter

Elmhurst Community Unit School District 205 Board of Education met Jan. 17 

Here are the minutes provided by the board:

Minutes of the Regular Board of Education Meeting held on January 17, 2023 at 7:00 p.m. held at York HS 355 W. St. Charles Road in the Auditorium, Elmhurst, IL, DuPage County 

Call to Order: President Caforio called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m.

Board of Education Members 

Present - Mrs. Kara Caforio, President; Mr. Chris Kocinski, Vice-President (arrived 6:20p.m.); Mrs. Courtenae Trautmann, Secretary; Mrs. Athena Arvanitis (arrived after 5:30 p.m.); Mr. Jim Collins; Mrs. Elizabeth Hosler; Mrs. Karen Stuefen 

Absent none 

President Caforio stated there are 5 board members present, 2 board members absent, a quorum is present.

Administration 

Present - Dr. Keisha Campbell, Superintendent; Mrs. Tonya Daniels, Exec. Dir. Communications; Dr. Scott Grens, Associate Superintendent; Mr. Rudy Gomez, Exec. Dir. Technology; Ms. Kerry Leuschel, Exec. Dir. Secondary Ed; Mrs. Katie Lyons, Exec. Dir. Elementary Ed; Mr. Luke Pavone, Asst. Supt. Human Resources; Dr. Kevin Rubenstein, Asst. Supt. Student Services; Mr. Chris Whelton, Asst. Supt. Finance & Operations Absent - none 

Closed Session 

President Caforio asked for a motion to adjourn to closed session at 5:31 p.m to discuss matters relating to The appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific employees of the public body or legal counsel for the public body, including hearing testimony on a complaint lodged against an employee of the public body or against legal counsel for the public body to determine its validity; AND Student disciplinary cases; 

AND The placement of individual students in special education programs and other matters relating to individual students; 

AND Discussion of minutes of meetings lawfully closed under the Open Meetings Act, whether for purposes of approval by the body of the minutes or semi-annual review of the minutes as mandated by Section 2.06.

Mrs. Trautmann moved and Mrs. Hosler seconded the motion. ROLL CALL VOTE: Mrs. Trautmann, Mrs. Hosler, Mrs. Stuefen, Mr. Collins, and Mrs. Caforio voted aye. Motion carried. Mr. Kocinski, and Mrs. Arvanitis, were absent.

Reconvene to Open Session 

President Caforio asked for a motion to reconvene to Open Session at 7:00 p.m. Mrs. Trautmann moved and Mrs. Stuefen seconded the motion. Voice Vote the motion was carried.

Pledge of Allegiance: Board members led those present in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance.

Spotlight/Recognition 

Jackson ES Spotlight

Principal Trendel and Assistant Principal Collins introduced, Empowering Students by Creating a Sense of Belonging presentation. The presentation talked about school wide morning announcements with monthly themes such as, friendships, feelings, coping skills, growth mindset with goal setting, and problem solving. They explained there are daily opportunities for learning and ways to apply these learnings in the classroom.

Middle School Students - Illinois Music Educators Association (IMEA)

Mr. Patrick Baker, Director of Arts, PE and Health, welcomed the students to acknowledge and congratulate the student's hard work in earning these ILMEA recognitions. Illinois Music Educators Association (ILMEA) competitions are considered the most prestigious state-wide student recognition program in music education, where students audition for the honor of being selected for the Illinois Music Education Association (ILMEA) All-District Band, Chorus, Orchestra, and Jazz Band. Mrs. Trautmann read the proclamation and the Board congratulated the students. 

Public Comments 

Public comments revolved around the following: Student performance on the English portion of the SAT; Replace current reading with grade level rigor text; Questioning the tax levy increase and where the money is going; and How elected school board members represent their constitutes.

Per board policy 2:230, it is not the Board's practice to directly engage in discussion, ask, or answer questions with the individuals addressing the Board during public comment.

Approval of Board Meeting Minutes 

Approval of Regular Board Minutes: December 13, 2022 

Approval of Closed Session Minutes: December 13, 2022 

President Caforio asked if there were any changes to minutes and hearing no changes, the minutes were declared to stand as presented.

Reports and Presentations 

Summer Programs 2023 Overview

Mr. Baker began the Summer Programs 2023 Overview presentation by stating that District 205 is committed to offering robust summer programing for the academic and social emotional learning needs of all of our students. This will be achieved through a diverse array of high quality academic, athletic, and arts learning opportunities. All students have a place in District 205 in summer programs. Program enrollment was high last year and collected feedback from students, teachers, and parents to build on current successes, along with identifying opportunities for improvements. He highlighted how summer programing is a natural extension to the strategic plan and provided a high-level overview of the summer program offerings, Extended School Year (ESY), Academic Programs, and Enrichment Programs.

The board provided comments and questions that included, Love the enhanced summer programing; How will we assess which summer program(s) students should be taking; Wondered about the new registration process; Look into offering the Kaplan program over the summer; Remind the board how much of the cost is covered out of ESSER funds and how much the district might be absorbing; For the students being recommended for summer school, would like to see data on the number that actually register; For the students taking summer programs, would like to see information on student progress; and wondered about transportation for summer school.

Bus Transportation Presentation 

Mr. Whelton provided that our two current bus contracts expire at the end of June. The parties can extend both of these contracts on a year-to-year basis upon mutual agreement, as long as there is not a timely request from another contractor that a contract be let by bid, which there is none. Even though both companies are on a continuous recruiting cycle, there is still a shortage of bus drivers, along with the difficulty of attracting and retaining drivers. Mr. Whelton reported that both First Student and Cottage Hill are proposing a 12% increase. D205 has worked collaboratively with both bus companies to ensure our students arrive to school on time.

The board wondered the following: Before COVID, what was the normal proposed rate increase; Do any districts in-source busing; Are there other areas of cost that are increasing; Are we seeing the same double digit increase with other bus companies; Are we running buses to capacity, could we manage it tighter; Suggestion to add performance metrics/measures in the contract; Are there more students that ride buses in the winter compared to the spring/summer season; What is the complexity of combining bus routes during the spring and fall; and we are a public school district, we are required by law to provide students with transportation. 

President Caforio called a 5-minute break at 8:14 p.m. 

Annual Audit Review

Representatives from the board's auditing firm, WIPFLI, stated the comprehensive financial report is the gold standard of financial reporting because it is the most complete information a district can provide to its community. The regulatory bodies do not require this gold standard of financial reporting but it provides considerable transparency to the community. The representative highlighted some changes, and indicated the report was submitted to ASBO international. Through ASBO International award program, D205 was awarded the Certificate of Excellence in Financial Reporting. 

The Board inquired how the auditor assesses adequacy of our reserves compared to other districts; Inquired whether the auditor sees other districts run fund balance down to 5% or 10%; What is your opinion on pension shift risks; and the annual comprehensive financial report shows a lot a transparency on the financial position on the district, so encourages the community to review or reference. The auditor added beginning on page 4 is a Management Overview of the financial report.

Abatement Presentation

Mr. Whelton provided an overview of the presentation prepared in conjunction with Raymond James, "Review of Levy and Abatement Options". He reviewed the assumptions being taken into account for calculation purposes and described each of the three abatement options. Option #1 - No abatement; Option #2 - Abate debt service to equal 2021 debt service levy (e.g. flat); Option #3 - Abate debt service to equal 2026 debt service levy.

The Board had the following comments/questions: Appreciates that the board is having this discussion every year; Will the abate amount cover the bonds; Do our comparable districts abate; In favor of pursuing an abatement but consider a slightly larger amount; Board members repeatedly stated the abatement discussion will be annual; Preference to not to levy to the max; We hear loud and clear from our community two priorities, student academic achievement and proficiency, along with strong financial stewardship; and Likes option 3 the best to provide consistency over a period of time verses tax spikes.

Consent Agenda Items 

A. Personnel Report

B. Financial Reports

C. First Read Section 2: Board of Education, Policies 2:50, 2:210, 2:250

D. First Read Section 3: General School Administration, Policies 3:10, 3:60

E. First Read Section 4: Operational Services, Policies 4:10, 4:120, 4;140, 4:165

F. First Read Section 5: Personnel, Policies 5:190, 5:220, 5:250, 5: 270, 5:280, 5:320, 5:330 

G. First Read Section 6: Instruction, Policies 6:15, 6:20, 6:50, 6:60, 6:65, 6:250, 6:255, 6:260, 6:270, 6:280, 6:310, 6:340

H. First Read Section 7: Students, policies 7:50, 7:70, 7:100, 7:180, 7:190, 7:250, 7:285, 7:290, 7:340 

I. K-8 School Photography - Color Portraits Extension 

President Caforio asked if there were any consent agenda items to pull, Mrs. Stuefen asked to pull policies 4:140, 5:280, 6:250, and 6:260; Mr. Collins asked to pull policies 2:210, 6:20, 6:270, and 6:280 for further discussion.

Before President Caforia asked for a motion and for the policy chair, Mrs. Trautmann, to provide a high- level overview of polices covered at the policy committee, she stated that we as a board have committed to a regular review cycle of our policies. Mrs. Trautmann specified that over the past two years with the support of Dr. Campbell and the administrators the policy committee meets on a quarterly basis. Typically 30 - 50 policies are reviewed each meeting. Usually, the policies reviewed are updated based on state or federal changes or a 5-year review. This group of first read policies was discussed thoroughly at the last policy committee meeting (December 19, 2022) where board members can attend. After review of the policies by the policy committee, policy recommendations are brought to the full board, as a first read. With approval by the board after the second read of policies, policy updates are posted to the policy manual on the website. Typically, the second read of policy recommendations is at the next regularly scheduled meeting.

President Caforio asked for a motion to approve the following consent agenda items: A. Personnel Report; B. Financial Reports; C. First Read Section 2: Board of Education, Policies 2:50, 2:250; D. First Read Section 3: General School Administration, Policies 3:10, 3:60; E. First Read Section 4: Operational Services, Policies 4:10, 4:120, 4:165; F. First Read Section 5: Personnel, Policies 5:190, 5:220, 5:250, 5: 270, 5:320, 5:330; G. First Read Section 6: Instruction, Policies 6:15, 6:50, 6:60, 6:65, 6:255, 6:310, 6:340; H. First Read Section 7: Students, policies 7:50, 7:70, 7:100, 7:180, 7:190, 7:250, 7:285, 7:290, 7:340; I. K-8 School Photography - Color Portraits Extension

Mrs. Stuefen moved and Mrs. Hosler seconded the motion. ROLL CALL VOTE: Mrs. Stuefen, Mrs. Hosler, Mr. Kocinski, Mr. Collins, Mrs. Arvanitis, Mrs. Trautmann, and Mrs. Caforio voted aye. Motion carried.

President Caforio asked for a motion to approve the following pulled consent agenda items: C. First Read Section 2: Board of Education, Policy 2:210; E. First Read Section 4: Operational Services, Policy 4:140; F. First Read Section 5: Personnel, Policy 5:280; G. First Read Section 6: Instruction, Policies 6:20, 6:250, 6:260, 6:270, 6:280

MODIFIED MOTION: Policy 6:280 was pulled

President Caforio asked for a NEW motion to approve the following pulled consent agenda items: C. First Read Section 2: Board of Education, Policy 2:210; E. First Read Section 4: Operational Services, Policy 4:140; F. First Read Section 5: Personnel, Policy 5:280; G. First Read Section 6: Instruction, Policies 6:20, 6:250, 6:260, 6:270

Mrs. Hosler moved and Mrs. Arvanitis seconded the motion. ROLL CALL VOTE: Mrs. Hosler, Mrs. Arvanitis, Mrs. Stuefen, Mr. Kocinski, Mrs. Trautmann, Mr. Collins, and Mrs. Caforio voted aye. Motion carried.

Discussion Regarding Pulled Policies

Policy 2:210: Mr. Collins asked clarifying questions, Does this policy change officer election to once every two years? Dr. Campbell stated no. Mr. Collins asked if there was a policy that indicated officers are elected annually. President Caforio and Dr. Campbell stated that it is in a different policy. For clarification, Mr. Collins asked if the law changed to allow 40 days instead of 28 days for canvas. It was confirmed correct.

Policy 4:140: Mrs. Stuefen questioned the reason for striking out section regarding student fees and waivers. Dr. Campbell indicated it was struck due to updates in the school code. Mr. Collins asked to confirm that our policy has been pre-empted by the legislature. Dr. Campbell indicated yes, that is correct. Dr. Rubenstein stated that we can add a phase to the student handbook in regard to misuse of school property. (e.g. chromebooks) 

Policy 5:280: Mrs. Stuefen asked to clarify the section regarding coach training. Mr. Pavone stated the sentence being removed is redundant.

Policy 6:20: Mr. Collins asked if 176 days is the state requirement for school days? Mr. Pavone stated, yes, this is the state minimum.

Policy 6:250: Mrs. Stuefen asked whether we screen new people. Mr. Pavone stated, yes, HR's standard process includes a fingerprint and background check for onboarding all staff.

Policy 6:260: Mrs. Stuefen questioned the last sentence in the last paragraph to make sure this does not take away parental rights. Dr. Grens stated there are specific statutory provisions that the state code provides that allow parents to opt out of a course or instructional material but typically, we engage with parents to discuss. 

Policy 6:270: Mr. Collins indicated there is a phrase in the policy that states high school juniors and seniors will have the opportunity to receive career-oriented information. Does that mean information about potential careers they might want to pursue? Dr. Rubenstein stated yes, this is one area among others as a comprehensive guidance program. Mr. Collins asked that the phrase change to give career information beginning in middle school. President Caforio suggested changing to Students will have the opportunity to receive career (in place of oriented use related experiences or exploration or exposure) oriented information beginning in middle school. The Board agreed to modify this policy for the "second read" at the next board meeting. 

Policy 6:280: Mr. Collins, wondered why the removal of the weighted grades section. Further discussion continued, it was determined to pull this policy and send back to the policy committee for review.

Agenda Action Items 

Approval of "Resolution of the Board of Education Transferring Money from the Operations and Maintenance Funds to the Debt Service Fund

Mr. Whelton stated we bring this to the Board every year for the transfer of funds from the operations and maintenance fund to the debt service fund for payment of debt certificates. This is a process guided by the Illinois Program Accounting Manual, Section 100.50.

President Caforio asked for a motion to approve the "Resolution to Transfer Money from the Operations and Maintenance Funds to the Debt Service Fund" for the purpose of payment of debt certificates for FY23. Mrs. Hosler moved and Mrs. Arvanitis seconded the motion. ROLL CALL VOTE: Mrs. Hosler, Mrs. Arvanitis, Mrs. Trautmann, Mr. Collins, Mrs. Stuefen, Mr. Kocinski, and Mrs. Caforio voted aye. Motion carried.

Intergovernmental Agreement with Village of Bensenville

Mr. Gomez stated that the Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) with the Village of Bensenville and Elmhurst District 205 will allow us the permission to install wireless communication equipment on top of the Bensenville water tower, which will link to another D205 facility. The Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) will allow Elmhurst CUSD 205 to move to Phase II of the engineering study, allowing a Proof A Concept (POC) to be conducted before moving forward and implementing the proposed solution. The Board thanked the tech team for all the work and the benefit it provides to our students.

President Caforio asked for a motion to approve the Intergovernmental agreement between the Village of Bensenville and Elmhurst CUSD 205, as presented. Mrs. Trautmann moved and Mrs. Arvanitis seconded the motion. ROLL CALL VOTE: Mrs. Trautmann, Mrs. Arvanitis, Mr. Collins, Mrs. Stuefen, Mr. Kocinski, Mrs. Hosler, and Mrs. Caforio voted aye. Motion carried.

York HS Athletic Booster Donation

Mr. Whelton indicated that the donation from the York Athletic Boosters has agreed to pay the strength and conditioning coach contractual service agreement for a one-year trial in the amount of $32,000 (($16,000 per semester). There is no commitment beyond one year. The Board had the following comments, This is fantastic, thank you to the York athletic boosters and it's a great way to help our students workout safely, would like to hear the positive outcomes at the end of the year; and Acknowledgment to all the parent organizations in this community for their continued support, along with thanking the York athletic boosters again for their commitment to all of our students. 

President Caforio asked for a motion to approve the York Athletic Boosters donation of a one-year contractual service agreement with a strength and conditioning coach subject to legal review. Mrs. Hosler moved and Mrs. Arvanitis seconded the motion. ROLL CALL VOTE: Mrs. Hosler, Mrs. Arvanitis, Mr. Collins, Mr. Kocinski, Mrs. Trautmann, Mrs. Stuefen, and Mrs. Caforio voted aye. Motion carried.

Superintendent's Communication 

Superintendent Communication

Dr. Campbell stated that at the December 18 board of education meeting, the board president charged representatives of York's student leadership team to return to a future board meeting and share their thoughts and plans on student-led initiatives and considerations for supporting a more positive and inclusive environment. Student leaders at York Community High School have continued to engage in thoughtful discussion and dialogue. Student leaders are from a wide range of extracurricular and athletic programs at York and are committed to creating a positive and welcoming environment in their school. They will attend a future board meeting.

FOIA - Freedom of Information Act Requests 

Dr. Campbell reviewed the following FOIA requests since the last board meeting.

1 FOIA requested for bid information, granted.

1 FOIA requested for released meeting minutes, granted.

1 FOIA requested for restroom closures, not in possession.

1 FOIA requested for board member names and term dates, granted.

Social Media Highlight: 

Mrs. Daniel introduced the social media highlight video. The video can be viewed in BoardDocs, under Superintendent's Communication-Social Media Highlights.

Board Communications: Mrs. Trautmann shared information regarding the Safety Summit held mid- January at the College of DuPage. Is was a great collaboration of all many stakeholders with the priority of safety of our students and staff. 

Upcoming Meetings 

- February 8, 2023 Committee of the Whole Board of Education Mtg. at 5:30 p.m. 

- District 205 Center, Rooms 215, 216, & 217

- February 21, 2023 Board of Education Meeting at 7:00 p.m. 

- District 205 Center, Rooms 215, 216, & 217

Adjournment - End of Meeting: The meeting was adjourned at 10:10 p.m. 

We certify this document as the correct minutes of the regularly scheduled meeting of the Elmhurst CUSD 205 Board of Education held on January 17, 2023. 

https://resources.finalsite.net/images/v1677103638/elmhurst205org/tehgcl5xokjsocu9bowz/Approved11723RegBOEMinutes.pdf