Galesburg Reporter

Elmhurst Community Unit School District 205 Board of Education met Nov. 14.

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. Kelly Asseff; Dr. Kelly Henry

Absent – Mrs. Courtenae Trautmann, Secretary; Mrs. Kara Caforio (arrived 5:46 p.m.); Mr. Jim Collins (arrived 5:32 p.m.)

President Arvanitis stated there are all 4 board members present, 3 board members absent, a quorum is present.

Administration

Present - Dr. Keisha Campbell, 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 - Dr. Scott Grens, Associate Superintendent  

Closed Session

President Arvanitis asked for a motion to adjourn to closed session at 5:32 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. Arvanitis moved and Mrs. Hosler seconded the motion. ROLL CALL VOTE: Mrs. Arvanitis, Mrs. Hosler, Mrs. Asseff, Dr. Henry, Mr. Collins, and voted aye. Motion carried. Mrs. Trautmann and Mrs. Caforio were absent.

Reconvene to Open Session

The Board adjourned from closed session at 6:58 p.m. and reconvened to open session.

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

Spotlight/Recognition

Conrad Fischer ES Spotlight

Dr. Martinez, principal of Conrad Fischer elementary school, introduced the spotlight highlighting the dedication of staff and learning commitment of students in an environment that fosters learning. Throughout his spotlight on Conrad Fischer, he referenced their motto of “When you do good things, good things happen.”  The spotlight ended with a video about the “good things” happening at Conrad Fischer, which can be viewed in BoardDocs.

PSRP (Paraprofessionals & School-Related Personnel) Appreciation Day

Mrs. Caforio spoke on behalf of the board, to honor and recognize all our paraprofessional’s and school related personnel that work in our school buildings. They do so many jobs but most importantly they are there for our students to support them and help them quietly grow. We want the paraprofessionals to know how much the Board of Education appreciates the work they do in how they show up for our students, staff, and our families every single day. Also, President Arvanitis acknowledged that the City of Elmhurst granted a proclamation to our PSRP employees for all their work within our schools, our community, and with our families.

Board Member Appreciation Day

With November 15th being Board Member appreciation day, Dr. Campbell took a moment to personally thank each of the board members for their individual and collective contributions, her Board team, for their dedication to District 205 community. She stated how they exemplify many of the district’s core values and are always centered on students. Dr. Campbell said thank you for governing in excellence, thank you for making the tough decisions, thank you for remaining student centered, and thank you for your commitment to D205. On behalf of all staff and our school community, we honor you and remain grateful for all you do.

Public Comments: The public comment revolved around the results of the recently released Illinois State report card data for District 205 schools. 

Approval of Board Meeting Minutes

Approval of Regular & Committee of the Whole Board Minutes: October 17, 2023 & October 25, 2023

Approval of Closed Session Minutes: October 17, 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

Estimated Tax Levy

Mr. Whelton presented the estimated tax levy, which included understanding the tax levy components, the difference between the tax levy and the extension, the proposed tax levy and its impact, and the rationale for the proposed levy. Also, included in the presentation is the 2023 tax levy timeline, the components that determine the tax levy, the tax levy is a request, operating revenues & expenditures, and tax rates compared to other unit districts.

The following is a summary of the Board’s comments and wonderings: What would happen if the levy was less than 5% and asked to explain the effect; Commented on budget surplus and compounding; What is the budgeted amount earmarked for open vacancies; Cash reserve balance of operating funds; Final tax levy will be voted on at the December BOE meeting, is there anything more the Board needs to know; Highlight ways the district is containing cost; Every year the board will have a levy discussion; We have more students with more diverse needs and resources are needed to support our students; As board members we are also tax payers; and Important for the community to understand how the Board goes about the work.

Consent Agenda Items

A. Personnel Report

B. Financial Reports

C. Approve Posting 2022-2023 School Report Card

D. Supplemental Staffing Contract – School Psychologist

E. Bid 24-03 – Churchville Auditorium Additions/Interiors Renovations

F. Bid 24-04 – Hawthorne Interior Renovations

G. Bid 24-01 – Jackson Roof Replacement

H. Bid 24-02 – Jefferson Roof Replacement

President Avanitis asked for a motion to approve the following consent agenda items: A. Personnel Report; B. Financial Reports; C. Approve Posting of 2022-2023 School Report Card; D. Supplemental Staffing Contract - School Psychologist; E. Bid 24-03 Churchville Auditorium Additions/Interior Renovations; F. Bid 24-04 -Hawthorne Interior Renovations; G. Bid 24-01 - Jackson Roof Replacement: and H. Bid 24-02 - Jefferson Roof Replacement.

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

Agenda Action Items

Approve Resolution Regarding Estimated Amounts Necessary to Levy for Year 2023

Mr. Whelton stated the resolution is in reference to the levy presentation but more specifically, prior to the adoption of the levy, the Board of Education must estimate the dollar amount of the aggregate levy for the current year. If the aggregate levy is more than 105% of the prior year's extension, a notice must be published in the newspaper indicating that a public hearing will be held to approve the proposed tax levy increase. A notice will be published for the proposed tax levy increase in the Elmhurst Suburban Life.

President Arvanitis asked for a motion to approve the "Resolution Regarding the Estimated Amounts Necessary to be Levied for the Year 2023", and the notice of the proposed tax increase for publication in the Elmhurst Suburban Life. Mrs. Hosler moved and Dr. Henry seconded the motion. ROLL CALL VOTE: Mrs. Hosler, Dr. Henry, Mrs. Asseff, Mrs. Caforio, and Mrs. Arvanitis voted aye. Motion carried. Mr. Collins voted nay. Mrs. Trautmann was absent.

Approve 2024-2025 Course Proposals

Ms. Leuschel reviewed that the courses being proposed were presented to the Board at the October 17, 2023 board meeting. The two new courses for the 2024-2025 school year are 6-8 Heritage Spanish and Algebra 2 Applications.

President Arvanitis asked for a motion to approve the two (2) new courses for 2024-2025 titled as follows: 6-8 Heritage Spanish and Algebra 2 Applications. Mrs. Asseff moved and Mrs. Caforio seconded the motion. ROLL CALL VOTE: Mrs. Asseff, Mrs. Caforio, Mrs. Hosler, Mr. Collins, Dr. Henry, and Mrs. Arvanitis voted aye. Motion carried. Mrs. Trautmann was absent.

Approve Activity School Bus Bids

Mr. Schmidt provided some history on activity buses with 2 at each of the middle schools and 3 at the high school. Currently, one activity bus is out of service, these buses transport students for non-curricular outings, athletic competitions, and miscellaneous events.  The District intended on replacing the aging vehicles one vehicle per year. Last school year the inventory was not available to complete a purchase, so the plan is to purchase two buses this fiscal year and have another ready to accept in the following fiscal year. Mrs. Caforio stated this is a great example of using resources until necessary to replace.

President Arvanitis asked for a motion to approve the purchase of three 2024 Chevrolet cutaway school activity buses from Midwest Transit Equipment in the amount of $323,829.00. Dr. Henry moved and Mrs. Asseff seconded the motion. ROLL CALL VOTE: Dr. Henry, Mrs. Asseff, Mr. Collins, Mrs. Caforio, Mrs. Hosler, and Mrs. Arvanitis voted aye. Motion carried. Mrs. Trautmann, was absent.    

Approve Proposed 2024-2025 and 2025-2026 School Calendars

Dr. Schumacher recommends to the Board the work of the calendar committee, which meets annually to review the District Calendar for upcoming years. In September and October 2023, the Committee met to review and make recommendations for the 2024-25 and 2025-26 Calendars.

President Arvanitis asked for a motion to approve the 2024-25 and 2025-26 District Calendars, as presented. Mrs. Asseff moved and Mrs. Hosler seconded the motion. ROLL CALL VOTE: Mrs. Asseff, Mrs. Hosler, Dr. Henry, Mr. Collins, Mrs. Caforio, and Mrs. Arvanitis voted aye. Motion carried. Mrs. Trautmann was absent.

Approve Maintenance Grant

Mr. Schmidt stated the Illinois State Board of Education school maintenance grant is a dollar for dollar matching grant up to $50,000 used exclusively for repairs and upkeep of educational facilities.

President Arvanitis asked for a motion to certify the Illinois State Board of Education School Maintenance Grant for capital projects for FY 2024. Mrs. Hosler moved and Mrs. Caforio seconded the motion. ROLL CALL VOTE: Mrs. Hosler, Mrs. Caforio, Mrs. Asseff, Dr. Henry, Mr. Collins and Mrs. Arvanitis voted aye. Motion carried. Mrs. Trautmann was absent.

Approval of Memorandum of Understanding with the PSRP Union

Dr. Schumacher recommends the Board approve the Memorandum of Understanding with the PSRP (Paraprofessional and School Related Professionals) council. Administration conducted a compensation analysis specific to the PSRP employee group. In reviewing both the impact of the insurance costs and the number of current vacancies, consideration is necessary to increase the hourly wage of current PSRP employees and prospective employees to both recruit and retain educational assistants and other positions within the group. Mrs. Caforio thanked the administration for their work and research for doing good things for our employees. 

President Arvanitis asked for a motion to approve a Memorandum of Understanding with the PSRP Union providing for hourly rate increases of $1.00 substantially in the form recommended by the Superintendent and to authorize the President and Secretary to sign the MOU after signature by the PSRP. Dr. Henry moved and Mrs. Hosler seconded the motion. ROLL CALL VOTE: Dr. Henry, Mrs. Hosler, Mrs. Caforio, Mrs. Asseff, Mr. Collins, and Mrs. Arvanitis voted aye. Motion carried. Mrs. Trautmann was absent.

Superintendent's Communication

Highlights of Summative State Assessments

Dr. Campbell highlighted the opportunity to connect with community members during the November 1 State of the District address to share in the many accomplishments of our students and staff over the past year. The State of the District address can be viewed by visiting our District YouTube page @ElmhurstD205 or visiting the Community Connections page on our website. She shared the final State Summative Designations where all schools in District 205 received the top two designations of Exemplary or Commendable. She thanked the entire school community, in partnership with the Board of Education, community partners, and families for a state of the District that is strong and getting stronger every year.

FOIA – Freedom of Information Act Requests

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

2 FOIA requests for SmartPass information, granted.

1 FOIA request for D205 contractor information, granted.

1 FOIA request for certified staff retirement notices, granted.

1 FOIA request for employee benefit and property/casualty insurance, granted.

1 FOIA request for First Student contract, granted.  

Communications Highlights

Dr. Campbell and Mrs. Daniels introduced the two videos celebrating November 15th appreciation days for Board members and PSRP.

Board Communications: If applicable, Board members present reports and/or share information to the full Board. President Arvanitis turned to Mrs. Hosler, who is our IASB representative to provide a resolutions committee report.

IASB 2023 Resolutions Committee Report

Mrs. Hosler explained the resolutions process, where IASB member school districts submit resolutions in June for review. The topics are items that school districts would like IASB to advocate for on behalf of school districts. This year there are 5 resolutions that will be voted on at the IASB Delegate Assembly meeting during the Joint Annual Conference on November 18. The 5 resolutions are as follows: 1. Industrial Construction; 2. School Resource Officer Funding; 3. Bus Driver Regulations; 4. Employment History Review; and 5. Alternative Safe School Funding. Further resolution details can be found in BoardDocs under this agenda item.

Upcoming Meetings

- December 6, 2023 Policy Committee Meeting at 5:30 p.m. - District 205 Center, Rooms 215, and 216

- December 19, 2023 Board of Education Meeting at 7:00 p.m. - District 205 Center, Rooms 215, 216, and 217

- January 16, 2023 Board of Education Meeting at 7:00 p.m. - District 205 Center, Rooms 215, 216, and 217

Adjournment - End of Meeting: The meeting was adjourned at 8:26 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 November 14, 2023.

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