Galesburg Reporter

Elmhurst Community Unit School District 205 Board of Education met April 25

Here are the minutes provided by the board:

Regular Board of Education and Reorganization Meeting

Call to Order: President Caforio called the meeting to order at 5:31 p.m.

Board of Education Members

Present – Mrs. Kara Caforio, President (arrived 5:50); Mr. Chris Kocinski, Vice-President (arrived 5:34); Mrs. Courtenae Trautmann, Secretary; Mrs. Athena Arvanitis; Mr. Jim Collins; Mrs. Elizabeth Hosler; Mrs. Karen Stuefen  

Absent – Mrs. Kara Caforio (arrived 5:50); Mr. Chris Kocinski (arrived 5:34) Secretary Trautmann stated there are 5 board members present, 2 board members absent, a quorum is present.

Administration

Present - Dr. Keisha Campbell, Superintendent; Dr. Scott Grens, Associate Superintendent; Mrs. Tonya Daniels, Mr. Rudy Gomez, Exec. Dir. Technology; Exec. Dir. Communications; Ms. Kerry Leuschel, Exec. Dir. Secondary Ed; Mrs. Katie Lyons, Exec. Dir. Elementary Ed; Dr. Kevin Rubenstein, Asst. Supt. Student Services; Mr. Chris Whelton, Asst. Supt. Finance & Operations

Absent - Mr. Luke Pavone, Asst. Supt. Human Resources

Closed Session

Secretary Trautmann asked for a motion to adjourn to closed session at 5:33 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 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.

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

Reconvene to Open Session

President Caforio asked for a motion to reconvene to Open Session at 6:51 p.m. Mrs. Trautmann moved and Mrs. Hosler 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

Bryan Middle School Spotlight

Principal Discipio introduced the FLL leadership programs facilitated by 8th grade leadership facilitator, Mr. Jeremy Thomas, and 7th grade leadership facilitator, Mrs. Michelle Wolski. Topics covered included, Defining a Leader, Types of Leaders, Discovering your passion and your Why, and Responding to conflict (8th Grade) and Leadership Characteristics Observed, Leadership Characteristics of Yourself, Actions of a Leader, and Enabling others to act/lead (7th grade).

Lincoln Elementary School Spotlight

Principal Smith introduced, Inventors & Innovators 2nd Grade Shark Tank from Mrs. McDonough’s 2nd Grade class, who partners with students from the York INCubator. The student’s identified a problem they wanted to solve and then went through the process with York INCubator students to choose a problem to solve, Brainstorm possible solutions, Invite and incorporate feedback, Create a logo and pitch for product, and Learn how to take a product from idea to production. The 2nd grade and York INCubator students shared the impact of their experience.

YCHS Wrestler 4th in State Proclamation

The Board called Sean Berger up to the front to be recognized. Mr. Kocinski read the proclamation where Sean placed fourth in the Wrestling Illinois High School Association (IHSA) Boys Individual State Finals at 132 lbs. and has been a state qualifier in both the 2022 wrestling season as well as the 2023 wrestling season. The Board congratulated Sean.

Public Comments

Public comments revolved around the following: Opposed freshman instructional material curriculum selection; Supportive of freshman instructional material curriculum selection; What is the process for curriculum selection; Thoughts about book banning and use of libraries best practice; School safety for older school buildings; Fischer/Churchville community academic difference, provide equal opportunity; and support for administrators and teachers.        

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: March 21, 2023; COW April 12, 2023   

Approval of Closed Session Minutes: March 21, 2023                               

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

Consent Agenda Items

Second Read Section 2: Board of Education - Policy Review 2:20, 2:40, 2:60, 2:80, 2:100, 2:105, 2:140, 2:160, 2;170, 2:200, 2:265 Second Read Section 3: General School Administration - Policy Review 3:50 Second Read Section 4: Operational Services - Policy Review 4:30, 4:40, 4:45, 4:100, 4:130 Second Read Section 5: Personnel - Policy Review 5:05, 5:20, 5:35, 5:60, 5:120, 5:130, 5:170, 5:200, 5:230, 5:290, 5:300, 5:310 Second Read Section 6: Instruction - Policy Review 6:135, 6:210, 6:240, 6:280 Second Read Section 7: Students - Policy Review 7:20, 7:130, 7:170, 7:330 Second Read Section 8: Community Relations - Policy Review 8:20, 8:25, 8:30, 8:80

President Caforio asked for a motion to approve the following consent agenda items: A. Second Read Section 2:  Board of Education - Policy Review 2:20, 2:40, 2:60, 2:80, 2:100, 2:105, 2:140, 2:160, 2;170, 2:200, 2:265; B. Second Read Section 3: General School Administration - Policy Review 3:50; C. Second Read Section 4: Operational Services - Policy Review 4:30, 4:40, 4:45, 4:100, 4:130; D. Second Read Section 5: Personnel - Policy Review 5:05, 5:20, 5:35,  5:60, 5:120, 5:130, 5:170, 5:200,5:230, 5:290, 5:300, 5:310; E. Second Read Section 6: Instruction - Policy Review 6:135, 6:210, 6:240, 6:280; F. Second Read Section 7: Students - Policy Review 7:20, 7:130, 7:170, 7:330; G. Second Read Section 8: Community Relations - Policy Review 8:20, 8:25, 8:30, 8:80. 

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

Recognition

Recognizing Out Going Board Members: Chris Kocinski and Karen Stuefen

President Caforio read a statement highlighting the work of the current board as she recognized the outgoing board members Mrs. Karen Stuefen and Mr. Chris Kocinski, specifically. Dr. Campbell added her personal message recognizing Mr. Kocinski and Mrs. Stuefen, individually. Mr. Collins included a message to Mrs. Stuefen about her 12-years of commitment and leadership. Lastly, Mr. Kocinski and Mrs. Stuefen each provided their separate thoughts and thanks for serving the community as a board member of District 205.

Seating of Re-Elected & Newly Elected Board of Education Members

President Caforio acknowledged receipt of the certified election results, which is posted on BoardDocs. President Caforio administered the oath of office for the re-elected board members, Mrs. Hosler and Mrs. Trautmann, and new board members, Mrs. Asseff and Dr. Henry.

Roll Call – Newly Seated Board of Education Members at 8:36 p.m.

Present – Mrs. Athena Arvanitis, Mrs. Kelly Asseff, Mrs. Kara Caforio, Mr. Jim Collins, Dr. Kelly Henry, Mrs. Elizabeth Hosler, Mrs. Courtenae Trautmann

Absent – none

There are 7 board members present, 0 board members absent, a quorum is present.

Before the reorganization of the new Board, Mrs. Caforio read a statement thanking her board colleagues for supporting her as a leader for the past 5-years. But it is time for others on the board to lead, so as I step away from leading I will continue to push us forward but only from a different seat.

Reorganization of the Board

President Pro-Tem Administers Election of President

Mrs. Caforio stated turned over the reorganization process to Secretary, Mrs. Trautmann, for nomination of President. Mrs. Trautmann asked for nomination for Board President. Mr. Collins nominated Athena Arvanitis and Mrs. Asseff seconded the nomination. Mrs. Trautmann asked if there were any other nominations, hearing none the nomination of Athena Arvanitis as board President, stands. President Arvanitis took her seat.

Newly appointed President Arvanitis made a statement recognizing Kara Caforio’s commitment, her loyalty to the board and community, along with her leadership of 5-years. Mrs. Hosler offered words of gratitude and appreciation for Mrs. Caforio’s unwavering commitment as board president.

President Administers Election of Vice-President

President Arvanitis asked for nomination for board Vice-President. Mrs. Caforio nominated Beth Hosler and Mrs. Trautmann seconded the nomination. President Arvanitis asked if there were any other nominations, hearing none, the nomination of Beth Hosler as board Vice-President stands.

President Administers Election of Secretary

President Arvanitis asked for nomination for board Secretary. Mrs. Hosler nominated Courtenae Trautmann and Mr. Collins seconded the nomination. President Arvanits asked if there were any other nominations, hearing none Courtenae Trautmann will continue as board Secretary.

 President Arvanitis called for a 5-minute recess at 8:47 p.m.

Establishment of Board of Education Meeting Dates, Time, and Location

President Arvanitis presented the board meeting dates and time and indicated that a special board meeting can always be called if additional board business needs to take place. There were no board comments, so proposed board meeting dates and time stand as presented.

Reports and Presentations

Technology Update

Mr. Gomez shared updates on the Technology department’s accomplishments for the year. Cyber security and physical network security is a high priority for the Network Operations team. They have implemented many protocols and enhancements to ensure the safety and security of all students, staff, and facilities. The Information Management team’s greatest focus was to standardize processes to create greater efficiency for the whole district, along with the revamping the registration process. The Technology Support team has continued maintaining hardware throughout the district, along with Clevertouch devices fully implemented into every Elementary school. He highlighted the 2023 summer projects and provided the focus areas for 2023-2024, which include, Maintaining technology infrastructure; Continue targeted staff technology training; Implement secure ID printing; and other areas.

The Board commented on the following: How is registration different for a new family coming in to the district; As the team is evaluating the technology needs of the district, how are you receiving feedback from the schools; Question about the iPads; How do we monitor the usage of apps; and Thank you to you and the technology team.  

Instructional Materials Selection and Adoption for 2023-2024

Dr. Campbell stated that during  the March 21st BOE meeting, the team presented information to provide the Board and community some understanding and insight into the process used for recommendation of curriculum materials to the board. The process aligns with policy 6:210 that requires the recommended resources be made available to our community for review for up to 30 days. The material resources with website links were made available on the District webpage for easy access to review. The material resources without website links were available at the district office for review. The Review Form Instructional Materials was available for the 30 days, too. Before my colleagues present a review of the process, we have chosen to intentionally pause moving forward a recommendation, American Street specifically, because of the feedback we have received. It would undermine the process if we did not intentionally adhere to and really look at the feedback received.  

Ms. Leuschel and Mrs. Lyons reviewed the following: timeline of the instructional material process, along with the link to the Student Journey of Excellence framework and the strategic priorities of Student Success; multi-tiered systems of support (MTSS), which include Tier 1, 2, & 3; review of past adoptions; review into the process for Identifying Instructional Priorities and Materials: High School; and the SY23-24 instructional materials adoption & pilot to identify opportunities to elevate instruction & promote student outcomes.

The Board commented/wondered the following: What types of resources are there for middle schools;  Appreciate that American Street is adhering to the process and glad there will be reflection from teachers; Wondering if you can speak about how we hear from teachers using these resource materials; Is the proposed algebra materials a direct feedback received from the math review; Love that the math review feedback rolls into implementing steps right now; Appreciate the reminder of the process and the adherence to the process; We are teaching algebra in 4 different buildings, do they ever get together to compare instructional technics; Would like to have all the display of materials electronically, so keep pushing the publishers; Thank you for the presentation and appreciate taking the pause to adhere to the process; Next question to ask, how does this book fit into the entire 9-12 English curriculum; Are our students engaging in a variety of literature both modern and classical throughout their time in high school; The other question, is the rigor appropriate to prepare students for post high school; Wonder when a book is selected are we getting feedback from students, what is their engagement in the process; and This is a solid process for curriculum selection and review but wonder if we are looking to see what other districts use.       

Consent Agenda Items

Personnel Report

Financial Reports

Membership Renewal Illinois High School Association (IHSA)

OneTouchPoint 2-Year Contract Renewal

ParentSquare D205 Communication Messaging Tool Contract Renewal

President Avanitis asked for a motion to approve the following consent agenda items: A. Personnel Report; B. Financial Reports; C. Membership Renewal Illinois High School Association; D. OneTouchPoint 2-Year Contract Renewal; E. ParentSquare D205 Communication Messaging Tool Contract Renewal.

Mrs. Trautmann moved and Mrs. Hosler seconded the motion. 

ROLL CALL VOTE: Mrs. Trautmann, Mrs. Hosler, Mrs. Asseff, Mr. Collins, Dr. Henry, Mrs. Caforio, and Mrs. Arvanitis voted aye. Motion carried.

Agenda Action Items

Approve Conrad Fischer Elementary Principal

Dr. Campbell stated there were a total of 62 applicants that applied for the principalship, five of those applicants were selected to participate in first round interviews, and three applicants were selected to participate in the second round interviews. Throughout the second and third round interviews, the District enlisted engagement from representatives from the district level, school level, the Dual Language Parent Advisory Council, the Bilingual Parent Advisory Council, and families with students in monolingual, dual language, and English Language learning programming. After all input was reviewed, including reference and background checks, the candidate, Dr. Efraín Martínez, is being recommended for hire. Throughout the interview process, it was consistently clear that, among a pool of highly qualified candidates, the diverse experience and success that Dr. Martínez has made him the best candidate for the position and aligned perfectly with both the District objectives and community feedback. After Board approval, Dr. Martinez provided a statement directed to the Fischer community and thanked to the Board.

The Board said thank you and that we look forward to the great things that will be done for our Fischer community, along with congratulating Dr. Martinez to District 205.

President Arvanitis asked for a motion to approve Dr. Efraín Martínez for hire for the position of Conrad Fischer Elementary School principal, as presented. Mrs. Hosler moved and Mrs. Caforio seconded the motion. ROLL CALL VOTE: Mrs. Hosler, Mrs. Caforio, Mrs. Asseff, Mrs. Trautmann, Dr. Henry, Mr. Collins, and Mrs. Arvanitis voted aye. Motion carried.

Declare last Day of 2022-2023 School Year

Dr. Campbell provided background stating the official last school day for the 2022-2023 school year for both students and staff has been on the district calendar as Friday, May 26, 2023. On April 7, 2023 (Good Friday), all D205 buildings were closed for both students and staff. The change made to April 7, 2023 does not impact the student's last day of school scheduled as Friday, May 26 2023 but would change the final attendance day for staff from Friday, May 26, 2023, to Tuesday, May 30, 2023.

President Arvanitis asked for a motion to approve the last day of school for student's to remain as scheduled for Friday, May 26, 2023; and, the last day for staff to move from Friday, May 26, 2023 to Tuesday, May 30, 2023, as presented. Mrs. Trautmann moved and Mrs. Hosler seconded the motion. ROLL CALL VOTE: Mrs. Trautmann, Mrs. Hosler, Dr. Henry, Mrs. Asseff, Mr. Collins, Mrs. Caforio, and Mrs. Avanitis voted aye. Motion carried.

Approve Instructional Materials Selection and Adoption for 2023-2024

President Arvanitis asked for a motion to adopt the proposed instructional materials for the 2023-2024 School Year, as presented in the list and recommendation.

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

Approve International Travel Recommendation

Dr. Grens indicated that for SY2023-2024, two (2) separate educational tour requests for international travel are being recommended for approval by the Board of Education - the Italian Cultural Exchange to Italy and the French Historical and Cultural Tour to France. Each trip presents unique learning opportunities aligned to the D205 Student Journey of Excellence, with emphasis on our shared value to engage students and foster global citizenship. The Board wondered about the home stay arrangement; and Will these trips be open for all students, or just students enrolled in certain courses.

President Arvanitis asked for a motion to approve the two (2) educational tour requests for international travel to Italy and to France in 2024, as presented.

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

Approve Insurance Broker Contract

Mr. Whelton stated that we have worked with our insurance broker/consultant for three-years and plays a significant role in assisting the District in controlling employee health benefit costs by analyzing claims data, reviewing levels of coverage, negotiation with vendors, recommending plan design modifications, facilitating wellness efforts, assisting with billing and by taking a proactive approach in making recommendations related to our overall insurance risk management. The recommendation is for a one-year contract.   

President Arvanitis asked for a motion to approve a one-year contract with AssuredPartners from March 1, 2023 through February 28, 2024 to continue the same rate, as presented.

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

Resolution NICOR Gas Easement – Jefferson Elementary School

Mr. Schmidt provided background that Nicor Gas System Improvement Initiative is a multi-year initiative to modernize aging natural gas infrastructure. The new main gas line comes from the south of Poplar, under the railroad tracks and goes north on Poplar. Nicor is requesting a utility easement on the west side of District property at Jefferson Elementary School. Currently a parking lot is in the requested easement area. The landscaping and paving impacted by the construction will be restored. The Board clarified there will be no impact to students.

President Arvanitis asked for a motion to approve the utility easement with Nicor gas, as presented. Mrs. Hosler moved and Mrs. Trautmann seconded the motion. ROLL CALL VOTE: Mrs. Hosler, Mrs. Trautmann, Dr. Henry, Mrs. Asseff, Mr. Collins, Mrs. Caforio, and Mrs. Arvanitis voted aye. Motion carried.

Approval of Thiems Instructional Grants

Dr. Grens presented some background that the Foundation 205 is a not-for-profit founded in 1989, “dedicated to innovation in education and the advancement of excellence for all Elmhurst public school students.” The annual Thiems Grant program is named in memory of Dr. Russell Thiems, Superintendent of District 205 from 1983 to 1992. This year’s donation is in the amount of $238,436.

The Board comments included, thanking the Foundation for their extraordinary work to support student learning across the district and the excitement they bring for innovative ideas with opportunities they created for kids and teachers; Will the grants be communicated to our community; and What a powerful group of individuals doing amazing things.

President Arvanitis asked for a motion to approve a donation from Foundation 205 in the amount of $238,436 for the 2023 Thiems Grant awards. Mrs. Trautmann moved and Mrs. Caforio seconded.  ROLL CALL VOTE: Mrs. Trautmann, Mrs. Caforio, Mr. Collins, Mrs. Hosler, Dr. Henry, Mrs. Asseff and Mrs. Arvanitis voted aye. Motion carried.

Superintendent's Communication

FOIA – Freedom of Information Act Requests

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

1 FOIA request for specific legal fees, granted.

1 FOIA request for SEL contract(s), granted.

1 FOIA request for vaccine, vaccine schedule search terms, granted.

1 FOIA request for lawsuit/litigation records, exempt from disclosure.

1 FOIA request for school polling place determination, granted.

1 FOIA request for painting project contractors, granted.

1 FOIA request for freshman English curriculum, granted.

1 FOIA request for employee names, granted.

1 FOIA request for district mission statement, 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: Board members present reports and/or share information to the full Board.

Upcoming Meetings

 - CANCELED: May 2, 2023 Finance & Operation Comm. Mtg. at 5:30 p.m.- Dist. 205 Center, Rms. 215 & 216

 - May 9, 2023 Board of Education Meeting at 7:00 p.m. - District 205 Center, Rooms 215 & 216

Adjournment - End of Meeting: The meeting was adjourned at 10:39 p.m.

https://go.boarddocs.com/il/elmhurst/Board.nsf/Public