Oswego Community Unit School District 308 Board of Education met July 7

Oswego Community Unit School District 308 Board of Education met July 7
Dr. Andalib Khelghati, Superintendent of Schools — Evanston/Skokie School District 65 / Facebook
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Oswego Community Unit School District 308 Board of Education met July 7.

Here are the minutes provided by the board:

The Board of Education of Community Unit School District 308, Kendall, Kane and Will Counties, Illinois, met in a regular session in the Community Room at Oswego East High School.

Note for file: All roll call votes are shown in alphabetical order in these minutes; however, during the Board Meeting votes are called out in accordance with Board Policy 2:220

1. Call to Order – Executive Session (5:30 p.m.)

The meeting was called to order at 5:31 p.m. by President Dominick Cirone.

1.1 Roll Call:

Upon Roll Call the following members answered present:

Mr. Dominick Cirone, Dr. Amy Murillo, Ms. Erika Sieh, and Ms. Mary Jo Wenmouth

Members Absent (at roll call):

Dr. Heather Martin, Dr. Rovel Pollock and Ms. Brandi Robinson

2. Closed Session

2.1 Enter Closed Session under statute(s) 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(1): The appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance or dismissal of certain employees and individuals.

A motion was made by Ms. Mary Jo Wenmouth, second by Ms. Erika Sieh, to enter Closed Session under statute(s) 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(1): The appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance or dismissal of certain employees and individuals.

Final Resolution: Motion Carried 4-0

Aye: Mr. Dominick Cirone, Dr. Amy Murillo, Ms. Erika Sieh, and Ms. Mary Jo Wenmouth The Board of Education entered closed session at 5:32 p.m.

2.2 Return to Open Session

A motion was made by Mr. Dominick Cirone, second by Dr. Amy Murillo, to return to Open session.

Final Resolution: Motion Carried 5-0

Aye: Mr. Dominick Cirone, Dr. Heather Martin, Dr. Amy Murillo, Ms. Erika Sieh, and Ms. Mary Jo Wenmouth

The Board of Education returned to open session at 6:13 p.m.

3. Call to Order – Public Session (6:30 pm)

The meeting was called to order at 6:32 p.m. by President Dominick Cirone.

3.1 Roll Call:

Upon Roll Call the following members answered present:

Dominick Cirone, Dr. Heather Martin, Dr. Amy Murillo, Ms. Erika Sieh, and Ms. Mary Jo Wenmouth

Members Absent (at roll call):

Dr. Rovel Pollock and Ms. Brandi Robinson

Administration Present:

Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Andalib Khelghati

Deputy Superintendent, Dr. Heather Kincaid

CFO/CSBO, Raphael Obafemi

Assistant Superintendent for Student Services, Jeremy Bell

Assistant Superintendent for Diverse Learners, Dr. Ivette Dubiel

Assistant Superintendent of Schools – High School, Dr. Kristen Campbell

Assistant Superintendent of Schools – K-8, Dr. Jadon Waller

Assistant Superintendent of HR, Dr. Markisha Mitchell

Chief Communications Officer, Theresa Komitas

Director of Operations, William Queen

Director of Finances, Amanda Sitar

Others Present:

Brian Crowley, Franczek P.C.

Dan DiSanto, Village of Oswego Administrator

Stuart Whitt, Whitt Law

Employees of the District and members of the community.

Recording Secretary:

Brynn Pattermann

3.2 Pledge of Allegiance

Pledge of Allegiance was led by Board President Cirone.

4. Recognitions

4.1 Student Recognition – IHSA Girls Softball State Championship

The Board of Education proudly acknowledged the award-winning efforts of our students who have received state and/or national recognition for their school-related and athletic-related activities. This evening, the Board of Education and Dr. Khelghati, Superintendent of Schools, proudly recognized the outstanding accomplishments of individuals from the Oswego High School Girls Softball team who competed at the IHSA State Class 4A Softball Championships and came home with the State Championship Trophy for the first time in the program’s history.

Oswego High School Girls Softball team

Mya Alonzo

Jaelynn Anthony

Brynn Broughton

Kiyah Chavez

Adalynn Fugitt

Aubriella Garza

Kennedy Gengler

Betsy Jack

Bella Lisle

Madelyne Lohrman

Rikka Ludvigson

Rhiana Martinez

Savanna Page

Abby Schwab

Amylah Thomas

Maya Zamora

Sabrina Zamora

The following coaches were also congratulated: Paul Netzel, Tiffany Murphy, Hailey Moreland, and Annie Scarmuzzi.

5. Action Items

5.1 Approval of Building Administrator Contract(s)

A motion was made by Ms. Mary Jo Wenmouth, second by Ms. Erika Sieh, to approve the Building Administrator Contract as discussed and presented.

Final Resolution: Motion Carried 5-0

Aye: Mr. Dominick Cirone, Dr. Heather Martin, Dr. Amy Murillo, Ms. Erika Sieh, and Ms. Mary Jo Wenmouth

5.2 Approval of District Administrator Contract(s)

A motion was made by Ms. Mary Jo Wenmouth, second by Ms. Erika Sieh, to approve the District Administrator Contract as discussed and presented.

Final Resolution: Motion Carried 5-0

Aye: Mr. Dominick Cirone, Dr. Heather Martin, Dr. Amy Murillo, Ms. Erika Sieh, and Ms. Mary Jo Wenmouth

6. Public Comment

6.1 Opportunity for the Public to address the Board of Education

There was no public comment.

7. Comments/Reports

7.1 Superintendent Report

I hope you all enjoyed your Independence Day weekend, celebrating with family, friends, and communities!

Softball

We are thrilled to have welcomed the 2025 IHSA State Softball Champions, the Oswego High School Panthers, to our board meeting tonight! It is always a joy to celebrate the accomplishments of our students with their families, friends, and our community.

Strategic Plan

This school year, 2025–2026, marks the launch of Year 1 of our Strategic Plan implementation.

To support this work, we’ve organized focused Work Groups aligned to each of the Strategic Plan’s objectives. Each group includes members of our unions, building leaders, and district administrators, and is led by a designated facilitator. Together, they will develop detailed Work Plans using the ACB Six Building Blocks Framework. These plans will outline strategies, action steps, and data sources or authentic artifacts tied directly to our goals.

Tonight, our board will also review enhancements to our governance protocols that directly support this strategic work. These protocol updates strengthen the collaborative foundation that has enabled our remarkable progress in areas like union partnerships, financial stewardship, and equity initiatives. By formalizing best practices around communication, conflict resolution, and transparency, we ensure our governance infrastructure can sustain the ambitious goals outlined in our Strategic Plan. Effective board protocols aren’t administrative details—they’re the foundation that enables everything else we accomplish together for our students.

The Work Groups will engage in ongoing Impact Monitoring throughout the year to evaluate progress, adjust as needed, and ensure our work remains aligned to the Strategic Plan. This approach follows a results-oriented cycle of inquiry, with clear timelines and benchmarks.

As part of our commitment to transparency and accountability, the District Administrative Team will present regular Impact Monitoring updates at Board of Education meetings. These reports will be structured around the Strategic Plan’s framework—organized by Priority, Pillar, and Objective.

Additionally, we will produce a Student Outcomes Report, which will provide analysis of academic, behavioral, attendance, and social-emotional data. This report will be disaggregated by student groups, including race, disability status, English Learners, and students from low-income households. It will also highlight how district operations influence student learning.

This is a major step forward in aligning our daily work with the vision and priorities outlined in our Strategic Plan, and we look forward to sharing our progress throughout the year.

Reflection

On a more somber note, I want to extend condolences to the people of Texas who have experienced devastating loss and destruction from the flooding. Our thoughts are with the flood’s victims and their loved ones during this time of tragedy. I also want to share my thoughts with those experiencing the effects of Tropical Storm Chantal.

I’d like to offer a moment of silent reflection before continuing our meeting, allowing us an opportunity to think, to feel, as we struggle to process the loss, grief and conflict occurring all around us and around our world. We encourage you to take time to care for your own wellbeing, and caring for one another.

BOE Shout-Outs

Ms. Sieh: Congratulations to the Special Olympics Wildcats soccer team for their recent successes at their state competition! The Junior Wildcats brought home gold, while Ben Connelly earned gold and Zach Bjes earned silver in Skills! We are so proud of these student-athletes!

Dr. Martin: There is a lot to celebrate about our student journalists, even in the summer months! The Oswego High School and Oswego East High School journalism programs were both selected to receive a $1,500 grant from the Illinois Press Foundation and Illinois Farm Bureau! This money will allow the programs to purchase new equipment that will further their creative possibilities. Congratulations!

Dr. Murillo: Calling all families with incoming kindergarten students: the Countdown to Kindergarten will be taking place in just a couple weeks! Each elementary school will host an event for parents and guardians to receive important information related to this school year and beyond. For additional details, please check the district website.

Dr. Martin: Free and reduced meal applications are available. Please visit the SD 308 website to learn more and complete the necessary forms.

President Cirone: Alternative pick-up and drop-off request forms for bus service are also available online and due by July 17th for service on the first day of school! Please visit the Transportation page on the district website for more information.

Ms. Wenmouth: All of our high school students who will be participating in a sport during the 2025-26 school year are invited to complete their sports physicals at Oswego High School. A number of healthcare professionals are volunteering their time and talents to put on this free event! Donations are welcome. This event will take place on Saturday, July 26 from 8 am until noon. Additional information is available on a Peachjar flyer found on the SD 308 website.

Ms. Wenmouth: Finally, we want to remind families that if you have new or returning students to SD 308, registration for the 2025-26 school year is OPEN! Please ensure that your students are registered as soon as possible to avoid any enrollment issues. You can learn more by visiting the SD 308 Central Registration web page.

7.2 Board Member Comments

Dr. Amy Murillo: It’s been extremely hot lately, so I want to give a shout out and thanks to grounds and people working outside to keep our buildings up and running, and doing all the summer work. Stay safe out there and stay hydrated.

I want to also comment on the non-release of federal funds to school districts that were supposed to go out on July 1st. I encourage people to contact representatives to express the need for those funds to support our students.

Ms. Mary Jo Wenmouth: Gave a special shout out and kudos to everyone working to make improvements in our school buildings over the summer. Thank you for everything you do.

Mr. Dominick Cirone: Erika, Brandi and I attended the end of year ceremony for the entire Oswego softball program. It was a wonderful event recognizing coaches, athletes and supporters.

Many students, parents, and staff members joined Brandi, Dr. Rovel Pollock, Mary Jo, and myself as we walked and participated in the Prairie Fest Parade.

Mary Jo and I attended the Artist Recognition Event which recognized the talented artists that contributed to the wonderful art display in downtown Oswego.

8. Information

8.1 Old Traughber Redevelopment Proposal

Mr. Obafemi presented the Old Traughber Redevelopment Proposal, detailing the history of the vacant building and the financial burden of maintaining it. Legal Counsel Stuart Whitt provided a historical overview of the property’s various uses and past attempts to sell it. The proposal involves conveying the property to the Village of Oswego for high-density housing development. Attorney Brian Crowley explained the legal process and the potential for a revenue-sharing agreement. Village Administrator, Dan DiSanto discussed the village’s zoning process and the potential benefits of the TIF district. The discussion covered the potential for $700,000 in annual property tax revenue, impact fees, and the terms of the property transfer. The board discussed the process, potential revenue sharing, and the steps involved in the Village’s review.

Documents and complete audio can be accessed at the following link:

https://go.boarddocs.com/il/oswego308/Board.nsf/Public

8.2 Copier Machines & Maintenance Services RFP

Mr. Obafemi presented the results of an RFP process for Copier Machines & Maintenance Services within the school district. Mr. Obafemi led the initiative, which aimed to coordinate resources more thoughtfully and leverage the district’s scale for better pricing. After evaluating the proposals, the results projected savings of $1.4 million over the next five years compared to the previous contract. This outcome was attributed to the district’s ability to leverage its size to negotiate more favorable terms.

8.3 2025-26 Facility Rentals & Student Fees

Ms. Sitar presented recommendations for adjustments to the 2025-26 Facility Rentals & Student Fees which covered several topics including student registration fees, meal rates, an administrative review audit of the district food service program, and facility rentals. It was recommended that student registration fees not increase for the 25-26 school year. Meal rates are also recommended not to increase.

The district received an impressive administrative review audit on their food service program with ISBE, reflecting positively on the relationship with Aramark.

A small CPI increase of 2.9 percent is proposed for facility rentals to support the systems. 8.4 Intergovernmental Agreement with Oswego Fire Department

Mr. Bell presented the Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) with the Oswego Fire Department for ambulance services during home football games at Oswego High School, noting that it is an annual agreement that can be renewed in writing for an additional year. The Oswego Fire Department is maintaining the same hourly fees as in previous years.

8.5 Board Protocols

Brian Crowley led the discussion on the board protocols that were recently reviewed in June 2025. The aim was to update and finalize the document, with an explanation to the public about the purpose of board protocols. The purpose of these protocols is to establish an informal agreement on how the board will operate, interact with the public, and handle various matters, ensuring compliance with the Open Meetings Act and public requests. These protocols are based on standard practices from the Illinois Association of School Boards, with specific adjustments for the current board.

9. Consent Agenda

9.1 Approval of Minutes from previous Meeting

9.2 Acknowledgement of Freedom of Information (FOIA) Requests

9.3 Field Trips for Overnight and/or more than 200 Miles

9.4 Repayment of grant year 2023 IDEA Flow – Through Fund

Discussion was had in regards to the Repayment of grant year 2023 IDEA Flow-Through in the amount of $38,378.00, particularly what can be done to prevent this in the future. Mr. Obafemi explained steps that the district has taken moving forward to avoid this happening again.

A motion was made by Ms. Mary Jo Wenmouth, second by Ms. Erika Sieh, to approve all items under consent, including 9.1 minutes from the Board of Education Meeting on June 9, 2025 open and closed sessions, and minutes from the Special Board of Education Workshop on June 21, 2025 open and closed sessions; 9.2 to acknowledge the FOIA requests received by the District; 9.3 to approve the Field Trips for Overnight and/or more than 200 Miles; 9.4 to approve a refund of the overpayment of grant year 2023 IDEA Flow-Through Fund in the amount of $38,378.00.

Final Resolution: Motion Carried 5-0

Aye: Mr. Dominick Cirone, Dr. Heather Martin, Dr. Amy Murillo, Ms. Erika Sieh, and Ms. Mary Jo Wenmouth

10. Action Items

10.1 Approval of DuPage Water Commission Water Link Project

A motion was made by Ms. Mary Jo Wenmouth, second by Ms. Erika Sieh, to approve the DuPage Water Commission Water Link Project as discussed and presented.

Final Resolution: Motion Carried 5-0

Aye: Mr. Dominick Cirone, Dr. Heather Martin, Dr. Amy Murillo, Ms. Erika Sieh, and Ms. Mary Jo Wenmouth

10.2 Approval of Personnel Report

A motion was made by Ms. Mary Jo Wenmouth, second by Ms. Erika Sieh, to approve the Personnel Report as discussed and presented.

Final Resolution: Motion Carried 5-0

Aye: Mr. Dominick Cirone, Dr. Heather Martin, Dr. Amy Murillo Ms. Erika Sieh, and Ms. Mary Jo Wenmouth

11. Adjournment

11.1 Adjourn

A motion was made by Ms. Mary Jo Wenmouth, second by Mrs. Erika Sieh, to adjourn. All were in favor unanimously to adjourn.

Final Resolution: Motion Carried 5-0

Aye: Mr. Dominick Cirone, Dr. Heather Martin, Dr. Amy Murillo, Ms. Erika Sieh, and Ms. Mary Jo Wenmouth

Meeting Adjourned at 7:55 p.m.

https://go.boarddocs.com/il/oswego308/Board.nsf/files/DJVTVU794239/$file/07.07.25%20Draft%20Board%20Meeting%20Minutes.pdf



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