Galesburg Reporter

Elmhurst Community Unit School District 205 Board of Education met Feb. 20.

Here are the minutes provided by the board:

Call to Order: President Arvanitis called the meeting to order at 5:30 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; Dr. Kelly Henry

Absent – Mr. Jim Collins, (Arrived 5:32)

President Arvanitis stated there are all 6 board members are present, 1 board member absent, a quorum is present.

Administration

Present - Dr. Keisha Campbell, Superintendent; 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; Dr. Kevin Rubenstein, Asst. Supt. Student Services; Dr. Joe Schumacher, Asst. Supt. Human Resources; Mr. Chris Whelton, Asst. Supt. Finance & Operations

Absent - Mrs. Tonya Daniels, Exec. Dir. Communications

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 Student disciplinary cases. 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(9)

AND The placement of individual students in special education programs and other matters relating to individual students. 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(10)

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. 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, was not present.

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

High School Students – Illinois Music Educators Association (ILMEA)

Dr. Baker introduced our York high school students that successfully navigated a competitive audition process at the Illinois Music Education Association (ILMEA) event. The ILMEA competitions are recognized as the most prestigious state-wide student recognition program in music education. President Arvanitis congratulated the students and the board applauded the students for their accomplishments.  

Emerson Elementary School Spotlight

Principal DeLockery, Assistant Principal Chmura and Mrs. Mitchell, ELL teacher, presented a new program, Mentoring Maestros. During the regular school day, the program aims to provide additional support to students by connecting them with another caring adult within the school community outside of their classroom and specials teachers. They highlighted the benefits, which research shows that mentoring relationships have powerful positive effects on young people in a variety of situations and mentoring connects a young person to personal growth and development, and social and economic opportunity.  

Public Comments: The public comments revolved around a variety of curriculum topics, and praise for the amazing music program. 

Approval of Board Meeting Minutes  

Approval of Regular Board Minutes: January 16, 2024

Approval of Closed Session Minutes: January 16, 2024

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

D205 Assessment System – Winter Update 23-24

Before Dr. Jacob Wertz, Director of Research and Program Analysis, began the presentation, Dr. Campbell highlighted that throughout the school year, D205 school teams administer diagnostic, formative, and summative assessments using evidence based and objective growth measures in an effort to execute data driven instruction. Assessments include annual state assessments, local assessments provided several times per year, and classroom assessments provided frequently. Student performance on these measures is regularly reported to the board of education and community to ensure there is alignment in systems for resources to be allocated appropriately. Dr. Campbell introduced Dr. Wertz stating he will focus on winter results from only one local district assessment, NWEA MAP (North West Evaluation Association Measures of Academic Progress), along with results from the fall PSAT/NMSQT (Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test) which all York 11th graders completed this year for the first time. Dr. Wertz presented the reading and math data for students in kindergarten through 8 grade. Next he provided PSAT/NMSQT data and because this is the first year the exam was used with all 11th grade students, the results are viewed as a baseline to compare performance of future cohorts. Dr. Wertz concluded with action steps being taken to support the strategic plan objective, Align curricular resources, programs, and instructional practices to research, standards, and data.

The Board commented or wondered about the following: Are we able to determine some insights into the percentile difference from elementary and high school; Clarifying questions about growth scoring, winter growth data, and winter national comparison in both reading and math; Is PSAT performance broken down by demographic groups; Encourage the use of consistent data; and Wondered about the use of PSAT data to determine students that need SAT prep resources.   

Instructional Materials Selection and Adoption for 2024-2025

Mrs. Lyons and Ms. Leuschel presented the process for identifying instructional priorities and materials for social studies, world language, and math, which include Analysis of Student & Teacher Data, Examination of Research-Based Practices, Engagement of Stakeholders, and Identification of Opportunities to Elevate Instruction & Promote Student Outcomes. They also provided the timelines and next steps for instructional materials to be presented to the Board, timeline for instructional materials to be available for public display and review, and finally recommendation for board approval at the April 16th board meeting.

The Board commented or wondered about the following: The board stated again the materials are available for public viewing and comments; How long do you anticipate the curriculum to be used before being reviewed again; Is the curriculum pretty well aligned with regard to state mandates; Wondered if pacing is a part of our professional development; and Would like information on the role of instructional coaches with regard to professional development.

Bus Transportation Report

Mr. Whelton reviewed that both First Student and Cottage Hill are proposing a 9.9% increase for the 2024-25 school year, along with several provisions to help retain bus drivers. The increase is mainly due to driver wages and benefits, gas prices, and fixed costs (rent, utilities, and maintenance. The District continues to work collaboratively with both First Student and Cottage Hill for busing services provided to Elmhurst 205 families.

The Board commented or wondered about the following: Wondered if the penalties added to last year’s contract have had a positive impact; Are the penalties in the proposed contract the same; and Clarified the percentage increase over the last three years.

Consent Agenda Items

Personnel Report

Financial Reports

Approve Exchange Student for 2024-2025 School Year

Food Service - Northern Illinois Independent Purchasing Cooperative (NIIPC) Agreement Approval

International Travel Request for 2024-2025

President Avanitis asked for a motion to approve the following consent agenda items: A. Personnel Report; B. Financial Reports; C. Approve Exchange Student for 2024-25 School Year; D. Food Service - Northern Illinois Independent Purchasing Cooperative (NIIPC) Agreement Approval; and E. International Travel Request for 2024-25.

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

Resolution abating a portion of the tax heretofore levied for the year 2023 to pay debt service on the General Obligation Refunding School Bonds, Series 2015.

Mr. Whelton stated Elizabeth Hennessey, from Raymond James, presented the information at the last board meeting and provided a brief overview that the abatement of $633,825 would provide a balance between the escalating increases in expenditures due to the historic high inflation, staffing shortages, and significant health insurance claims; while also providing some tax relief to taxpayers. 

President Arvanitis asked for a motion to approve the Resolution abating a portion of the tax heretofore levied for the year 2023 to pay debt service on the General Obligation Refunding School Bonds, Series 2015. Mrs. Asseff moved and Dr. Henry seconded the motion. ROLL CALL VOTE: Mrs. Asseff, Dr. Henry, Mrs. Trautmann, Mrs. Caforio, Mr. Collins, Mrs. Hosler,  and Mrs. Arvanitis voted aye. Motion carried.

Approved Updated 24-25 and 25-26 School Calendars

Dr. Schumacher reviewed the recommended school calendar updates for the 24-25 and 25-26 school years that include moving spring break a week later to align with the DuPage ROE recommendations and election day November 5, 2024 schools will be closed due to a state requirement, Illinois House Bill HB3034 and Illinois School Code 105 ILCS 5/24-2.

The Board commented or wondered about the following: Asked for clarification on why schools need to close on Election Day, November 5, 2024 and Important that the community understands the 11/5/24 school closing is required by the state, it is not a board decision.   

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

Foundation205 Donation

Dr. Grens highlighted that in the spring of 2023 a proposal was presented to Foundation 205 that would benefit students in kindergarten through 5 grade across the district. Based on feedback from Foundation 205, the project is now focused on a pilot structure with curating supplies to enhance the learning experience for approximately 2,372 students in the area of English Language Arts, specifically with alignment to the recent investment in the Wit & Wisdom curriculum.

The Board commented or wondered about the following: Grateful to Foundation 205 for the opportunities they give our students and thank you for the great work Foundation 205 does, their mission and how it benefits our students directly.

President Arvanitis asked for a motion to approve a donation not exceeding $45,353 from Foundation 205 to purchase the “Living the Learning” supplies, as presented. Dr. Henry moved and Mrs. Hosler seconded the motion. ROLL CALL VOTE: Dr. Henry, Mrs. Hosler, Mr. Collins, Mrs. Trautmann, Mrs. Caforio, Mrs. Asseff, and Mrs. Arvanitis, voted aye. Motion carried.

Superintendent's Communication

Institute Day Highlight

Dr. Campbell stated that our February Institute Day was our fourth full day of learning for our educators across the district. There were 39 different educator sessions to engage in role-specific learning all aligned to supporting students with a common theme, Elevating Student Learning & Aligning Our Tier 1 Instruction. She visited multiple sites and saw teachers actively engaged and committed to continuous improvement across all content areas. With the 5Essentials survey open for students, parents, and staff, Dr. Campbell encouraged taking a few minutes to take the survey posted on our website. Lastly, she shared the next edition of the Community Connections Newsletter will be in mailboxes soon.

President Arvanitis thanked all the teachers and staff working so hard to support everything the Board and Administration has been working towards, most recently with the Strategic Plan.  

FOIA – Freedom of Information Act Requests

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

1 FOIA request for certified staff retiring, granted.

1 FOIA request for union grievance/complaints, granted.

1 FOIA request for York parking spots, granted. 

1 FOIA with 9 requests for Shrub Oak School records, granted, not in possession, and denied.

1 FOIA with 9 requests for Shrub Oak School records, granted in part and not in possession. 

1 FOIA request for communication with League of Women Voters, granted.

1 FOIA request for communication with Lisa O'Halloran, granted.

Communications Highlights

In Mrs. Daniels absence, Dr. Campbell introduced the communications highlight video, which can be viewed on BoardDocs.

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

Upcoming Meetings

- March 6, 2024 Finance and Operations Committee Meeting at 5:30 p.m. - District 205 Center, Rooms 215 & 216

- March 12, 2024 Regular Board of Education Meeting at 7:00 p.m. - District 205 Center, Rooms 215, 216, and 217

- April 3, 2024 Policy Committee Meeting at 5:30 p.m. - District 205 Center, Rooms 215, and 216

Adjournment - End of Meeting: The meeting was adjourned at 8:47 p.m.

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