Galesburg Reporter

Elmhurst Community Unit School District 205 Board of Education met Sept. 19.

Here are the minutes provided by the board:

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

Board of Education Members

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

Absent – none

President Arvanitis stated there are 7 board members present, a quorum is present.

Administration

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

Absent - none

Closed Session

President Arvanitis 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 Collective negotiating matters between the public body and its employees or their representatives, or deliberations concerning salary schedules for one or more classes of employees. 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(2)

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. Asseff, Dr. Henry, Mrs. Caforio, Mr. Collins, and Mrs. Arvanitis voted aye. Motion carried.

Reconvene to Open Session

The Board adjourned from closed session at 7:04 p.m. and reconvened to open session.

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

Spotlight/Recognition

Field ES Spotlight

Principal Thomas and Assistant Principal Stachura presented the social media highlights showcasing the new Field ES building that opened for the 2023-2024 school year. Principal Thomas continued with highlighting specific learning spaces such as the learning staircase, lunch space with round tables, grade level neighborhood communities rooms, learning terrace, and murals. President Arvanitis thanked them for the community open house the previous weekend for the community to see all of the unique spaces.

Euro Challenge York HS

AP economics teacher, Ms. Tamra Carl, introduced the annual competition for either 9th or 10th grade students. The five-member Euro Challenge team undertook research focused on Artificial Intelligence and identified crucial policies for Germany, a member country from the “euro area. These York students competed in the Midwest Region, moved to semi-finals in New York, and advanced to the national finals earning them 5th place! Mrs. Caforio read the proclamation and the Board applauded their accomplishments.   

Public Hearing Annual Budget 2023-24

President Arvanitis declared the public hearing open at 7:28 p.m.

Overview of FY 24 Budget

Mr. Whelton started off by saying on July 21, 2022, S&P Global Ratings assigned a rating of AA+ with a stable outlook.  This is the second highest rating given by S&P. He continued to present an overview of the budget that included a mix of operating revenues and expenditures, revenue and expenditure changes from the tentative budget, and an overall summary of each. Mr. Whelton detailed information on staffing needs and changes. Dr. Schumacher reviewed the historical staffing information, along with the historical change in student needs. Mr. Whelton continued to present investing priorities, 2024 operating budget compared to prior year actual, and 2024 tentative budget summary of operating, non-operating, and total. Mr. Whelton provided next steps to include some of the following:  Monthly Financial Reports - Continuous Monitoring Budget; Fall Housing / Enrollment as of Sept 30th, Enrollment projections in late October;  Estimated Tax Levy - November 14, Final Tax Levy December 19; Bidding Summer Projects in November; Summer Capital Maintenance Projects approved in November; CPI for 2024 Levy - January 12; and Abatement Discussion – January.

Public Hearing Public Comments: There were no public comments.

President Arvanitis declared the public hearing closed at 7:44 p.m.    

Public Comments: There were no public comments.

Approval of Board Meeting Minutes

Approval of Regular Board Minutes: August 22, 2023; September 6, 2023

Approval of Closed Session Minutes: August 22, 2023

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

Reports and Presentations

Referendum Facilities Projects Update

Mr. Schmidt highlighted the completed 2023 summer capital projects for York HS, Bryan and Sandburg middle schools, Emerson, Fischer, Hawthorne, Jackson, and Jefferson elementary schools. Through a video embedded into the presentation (see BoardDocs for the video link), he provided an update on the numerous completed referendum projects for the following schools, Fischer, Churchville, Bryan, Sandburg, and Field. Mr. Schmidt continued with updates on referendum projects in design, along with tentative bid schedules and referendum allocations. The following is a summary of the Board’s comments: Grateful and thank you to the team for getting all these multiple projects completed; Call attention to all the work completed on the summer capital projects, appreciate maintaining our buildings, as the referendum work is happening too; and Appreciate all the upgrades across all our building for related student experiences. 

D205 Language Pathways Presentation

Before turning it over to Mrs. Lyons, Dr. Campbell stated the presentation’s purpose would provide an overview & understanding of the District’s dual language two-way immersion program.  Mrs. Lyons shared the district engaged in a comprehensive review of the District’s language programming from January through May of last year. The information collected and overall findings contributed to the design of a multi-year plan to sustain language pathways in District 205. To provide additional context, Mrs. Lyons reviewed the D205 language pathways, along with the various bilingual education programs in order to maintain compliance with statutory requirements for serving English Learners. She continued with a focus on Dual Language Education, highlighting the benefits of English Learners and non-English Learners. For middle school dual language pathways, she provided some further information and next steps to ensure appropriate language pathway.

The following is a summary of the Board’s comments and wonderings: Wondered about sectioning at Sandburg and Bryan; These creative options to maintain opportunities for middle school students; Heritage Spanish class question as an elective and commitment timeframe; LAS links cohort proficiency; Wondering about available space at Churchville; What does this look like at high school; Appreciate the time to review language pathways; and thanks for continuing to provide options for our students and families.    

Consent Agenda Items

Personnel Report

Financial Reports

Instrumental Music Stipend

First Read Policy Section 2: Board of Education - 2:80; 2:170

First Read Policy Section 4: Operational Services 4:45; 4:100

First Read Policy Section 5: Personnel 5:230

First Read Section 6: Instruction 6:10; 6:190; 6:240

First Read Section 7: Students - Policy Review 7:305; 7:330

First Read Section 8: Community Relations - Policy Review 8:25; 8:95

President Avanitis asked for a motion to approve the following consent agenda items: A. Personnel Report; B. Financial Reports; C. Instrumental Music Stipend D. First Read Policy Section 2: Board of Education - 2:80, 2:170; E. First Read Policy Section 4: Operational Services - 4:45, 4:100; F. First Read Policy Section 5: Personnel - 5:230; G. First Read Policy Section 6: Instruction - 6:10, 6:190, 6:240; H. First Read Policy Section 7: Students - 7:305, 7:330; and I. First Read Policy Section 8: Community Relations - 8:25, 8:95.

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

Agenda Action Items

First Read Policy Section 4: Operational Services 4:20

President Arvanitis stated that in an effort to provide transparency and understanding of very important District and community topic, it was chosen to place first read of policy 4:20 under “agenda action items” to provide more context and information about District finance to the community. Mrs. Trautmann, policy committee chair, provided a summary and background on the policy committee conversation that took place on September 6th, which was a regularly scheduled quarterly policy committee meeting where six board members were present. The intent of this policy is to help our board monitor the district’s financial health and allow our board to clarify its expectations for our balances; and it should reflect realistic targets after considering important financial and operational issues, such as current financial practices, long-term projects, standard of fiscal health and the current budget.

Before the Board took a vote, the Board had a lengthy discussion about this policy with the main items being policy language and the target range to keep in the district “saving account”.

President Arvanitis asked for a motion to approve the First Read Policy Section 4: Operational Services policy 4:20. Mrs. Trautmann moved and Mrs. Caforio seconded the motion. ROLL CALL VOTE: Mrs. Trautmann, Mrs. Caforio, Mrs. Asseff, Dr. Henry, Mrs. Hosler, and Mrs. Arvanitis voted aye. Motion carried. Mr. Collins voted nay.

Approve Resolution Adopting the Budget for Fiscal Year 2023-2024

The following is a summary of the Board’s comments and wonderings: Staffing increase; Needs of students have risen; Responsibility to meet student needs; Resources reviewed for effectiveness; and tools (e.g. cash balance chart) reviewed annually to assist board with financial decisions.

President Arvanitis asked for a motion to adopt the budget for fiscal year 2023-2024 as recommended; and that the President and Secretary be authorized to enact the Resolution and Certificate of Authorization. Mrs. Caforio moved and Dr. Henry seconded the motion. ROLL CALL VOTE: Mrs. Caforio, Dr. Henry, Mrs. Hosler, Mrs. Asseff, Mrs. Trautmann, and Mrs. Arvanitis voted aye. Motion carried. Mr. Collins voted nay.

Approve Resolution of the Board of Education Transferring Money From the Education Fund to the Debt Service Fund

Mr. Whelton stated this resolution is to authorize the transfers for FY23 from the education fund for the payment of technology leases.

President Arvanitis asked for a motion to approve the "Resolution to Transfer Money from the Education Fund to the Debt Service Fund" for the purpose of payment of technology leases. Mrs. Hosler moved and Mrs. Caforio seconded the motion. ROLL CALL VOTE: Mrs. Hosler, Mrs. Caforio, Mr. Collins, Dr. Henry, Mrs. Trautmann, Mrs. Asseff, and Mrs. Arvanitis voted aye. Motion carried.

Approval of Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) Regarding PSRP Technology Positions

Dr. Schumacher summarized that the unfilled York computer lab assistant position is being reallocated to an elementary technology assistant position. Administration collaborated with the PSRP’s and building principals. Mrs. Caforio stated appreciation for the collaborative nature.

President Arvanitis asked for a motion to approve the Memo of Understanding as presented to eliminate the Computer Lab Assistant position from our staff listing in the PSRP group. The 1.0FTE from the Computer Lab Assistant position is being re-allocated to an elementary technology assistant position. Mrs. Caforio moved and Mrs. Hosler seconded the motion. ROLL CALL VOTE: Mrs. Caforio, Mrs. Hosler, Dr. Henry, Mrs. Asseff, Mrs. Trautmann, Mr. Collins, and Mrs. Arvanitis voted aye. Motion carried.

Approve Prep Courses

Ms. Leuschel summarized the Kaplan SAT prep course to provide students with supplemental learning opportunities in an effort to achieve excellence. During the August 22 Board of Education meeting, Kaplan SAT prep course was reviewed in further detail.

President Arvanitis asked for a motion to approve spending not to exceed $35000 for Kaplan SAT Preparation Courses for York Community High School students. Mrs. Hosler moved and Mrs. Asseff seconded the motion. ROLL CALL VOTE: Mrs. Hosler, Mrs. Asseff, Mrs. Trautmann, Dr. Henry, Mrs. Caforio, Mr. Collins, and Mrs. Arvanitis voted aye. Motion carried.

Approve PowerSchool Behavior Management Tool

Dr. Rubenstein stated that leaders at York have identified the need for enhanced behavioral data reporting and tracking. The team is seeking to proactively target behavioral “hotspots” within the building, days of the week with higher behavioral challenges, and times during the day where students may need additional support. District administration and York leaders collaborated to review options. We are recommending adding the PowerSchool Behavior Module for high school. The following is a summary of the Board’s comments and wonderings: Clarified about professional development to support teachers; Wondering about the capabilities of the PowerSchool Behavior module compared to SWISS system; Are parents able to have access for their student; and Excited to hear this will expand to middle school.

President Arvanitis asked for a motion to approve the contracts with PowerSchool at a cost not to exceed $22,538.00, as presented. Mrs. Asseff moved and Dr. Henry seconded the motion. ROLL CALL VOTE: Mrs. Asseff, Dr. Henry, Mrs. Hosler, Mrs. Caforio, Mrs. Trautmann, Mr. Collins, and Mrs. Arvanitis voted aye. Motion carried.

Approve Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) with City of Elmhurst to Provide Relocation of the City's Emergency Siren at York HS

Mr. Whelton stated the IGA with the City is to relocate the emergency warning siren from the current York site location at ground level to a place on the roof at York for better projection to the community. Mrs. Caforio commented that it is always great to hear about collaborations.

President Arvanitis asked for a motion to approve the Intergovernmental Agreement between the Board and the City of Elmhurst providing for the relocation of City’s emergency warning siren to the roof of York High School substantially in the form recommended by the Superintendent and already approved by the Elmhurst City Council and to authorize the President and Secretary to sign the Agreement. Mrs. Caforio moved and Mrs. Trautmann seconded the motion. ROLL CALL VOTE: Mrs. Caforio, Mrs. Trautmann, Mrs. Asseff, Dr. Henry, Mr. Collins, Mrs. Hosler, 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 name search requested by other FOIA requests, granted.

3 FOIA requests for grievances, denied.

1 FOIA request for notice of retirements, granted.

1 FOIA request for Elmhurst Patch FOIA requests and responses, granted.

1 FOIA request for curriculum objection forms, granted.

1 FOIA request for additional class section, not in possession.

Board Communications: If applicable, Board members present reports and/or share information to the full Board. There was no information to share.

Upcoming Meetings

 - October 17, 2023 Bd. of Education Mtg at 7:00 p.m.- District 205 Center, Rms 215, 216, & 217

 - October 25, 2023 Committee of the Whole Bd. of Education Mtg. at 5:30 p.m.- District 205    Center, Rms. 215 & 216

Adjournment - End of Meeting: The meeting was adjourned at 9:35 p.m.

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