Oswego Community Unit School District 308 Board met July 17.
Here is the minutes provided by the Board:
1. Call to Order:
The meeting was called to order at 7:01 p.m. by President Matt Bauman
1.1 Roll Call:
Upon Roll Call the following members answered present: Brad Banks, Matt Bauman, Lauri Doyle, Brent Lightfoot, Toni Morgan, Heather Moyer, Jared Ploger
Members Absent (at roll call): None
Administration Present: Superintendent of Schools Dr. John Sparlin Associate Superintendent Dr. Judith Minor Assistant Superintendent for Business and Operations Mr. Asif Dada
Others Present: Board Attorney Maureen Lemon, Ottosen Britz Kelly Cooper Gilbert and DiNolfo, Ltd; as well as employees of the District and members of the community.
Recording Secretary: Ursula Coan
1.2 Pledge of Allegiance
Pledge of Allegiance was led by Board President Matt Bauman.
2. Public Comment
2.1 Each Person will be provided five (5) minutes to speak before the Board of Education
The following individuals addressed the board at this time:
Kenneth Blue commented that he hopes the next principal of OEHS will have some longevity at the school. Mr. Blue stated that incremental TIF funds don’t go into the accounting of EAV which provides a loophole in particular to the Chicago Public School System by getting a large write off and paying lower property taxes then we do. The high property taxes in Kendall County are a depressant on the property values.
Lee Hoffer shared his disappointment of the board approving a back door referendum. Mr. Hoffer also commented on the bond interest cap being at 32.3%. Mr. Hoffer addressed the agenda item to restructure the General Obligation Bonds and that he hoped the board would choose a solution where the total cost would be less than the existing bonds.
Brian LeClercq addressed the board on behalf of the Oswego Township. He informed the board that the Township building on Route 71 is up for sale and to let him know if the district was at all interested in purchasing it and to let him know within the next 30 days before it will be listed with a Realtor. Mr. LeClercq also asked to be informed if the district decided to sell the Old Traughber building and if there was interest in dividing the property and the adjacent open land.
Gary Eagleton addressed the board regarding the refinancing of the bonds. He asked for them to use the same approach as they would with their own home. Mr. Eagleton also commented on having too many employees in the District Office.
Russell Pietrowiak addressed the board regarding the Transition Program and the proposed purchase of the new location for the program. Mr. Pietrowiak is a member of the Facilities and Planning Committee and he wanted the board to know that all members were in full support of purchasing this new location as they felt it was ideal for the future of this growing program. Mr. Pietrowiak also mentioned that the home would be purchased with IDEA grant money.
Natalie Winkfield was addressing the board as a representative for PEGS (Parents for Education and Global Success). Mrs. Winkfield read a letter that was sent to the Superintendent and the board members. In the letter they shared concerns regarding the recent departure of OEHS Principal Scott Savage as well as the departure of district administrators. Mrs. Winkfield referred to the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Plan that was approved in May of 2016 and shared the feeling of there being no progress in becoming more inclusive and retaining minority staff.
Dwayne Verner shared that his son passed away on March 17th of this year at Oswego East High School after a game of basketball. Mr. Verner stated that his family moved here from Tennessee, where the population is mostly African American. Mr. Verner commented that he has four children in the school system and he would like them to have every opportunity to grow up in an inclusive environment. Mr. Verner shared how Mr. Savage was there for his family during the difficult time of losing his son.
Aziel Baez addressed the board as a former OEHS student. Mr. Baez stated the feeling of diversity and inclusion being mostly talked about. There was a change with Mr. Savage as you would often see him in the hallways, talking to students and listening to everyone. He was a big reason why I got more involved in clubs etc. Mr. Savage attended and supported many events. He cared about both, sports and clubs. Students are responsible for their education, but parents and staff are the example.
Kiersten Rasberry addressed the board as a recent OEHS graduate and former co-president of the Black Student Association. Ms. Rasberry also commented on the big change that Mr. Savage brought to the school. He gave students a new perspective and showed them that academics and school spirit should not be taken lightly and the importance of staying involved in the community. One of the keys to student success is to find a leader that looks like them and thinks like them.
Breanna Jackson also addressed the board as a recent OEHS graduate. Ms. Jackson shared her beliefs on the importance of having a diverse staff in our schools. The make-up of our community is not reflected in our teaching staff. A school should be a safe place where everyone can learn. She urged the board to keep that in mind when hiring new teachers and administrators.
Ebony Graves addressed the board as a 2015 OEHS graduate. She currently attends Hampton University. Ms. Graves moved to our district as a sophomore and stated that she felt the African American students were not well represented with the staff and administration in the district. In her senior year she, together with 19 other students, created the book “Voices”, which talked about the achievement gap between African American and white students. The book also illustrated their struggles with white teachers and peers.
Theodia Gillespie addressed the board as the President of the Quad County Urban League. Ms. Gillespie stated that she once believed that strides were made at SD308 to become more inclusive and embrace diversity. She voiced her disappointed and asked the board to consider the needs of everyone in the school community and provide the promised support.
Leo Rasberry spoke about the first Diversity, Equity and Inclusion plan for our district that was board approved in May of 2016. Mr. Rasberry stated that he believed this plan would truly make our district a place where the members valued its administration, staff and students, regardless of race. With the recent release of several administrators of color and the resignation of the fifth OEHS principal in six years, it appears that the district is not supporting the minority members of its administration. There is a lack of tools and sensitivity training to enforce real change.
Herman Johnson informed the board that he is a long time educator. Mr. Johnson addressed the board regarding the recent dismissal of Mr. Graves. The way Mr. Graves described the circumstances of his dismissal to me, I view them as racist, hypocritical and unjustifiable. Mr. Johnson referred to the many awards that Mr. Graves received during his career and his accomplishments in SD308.
Elise Diner and Nancy Baez stated how disappointed they were with the recent departure of Mr. Savage. They also spoke of the group ALPHAA, much the same goals as PEGS, to close the achievement gap, but geared towards the Latino students in our district. Mr. Savage supported the parents in starting that group. It is important to have diversity in the administration and staff, because we have a different story than you do.
2.2 Update on State Budget and Funding – State Representative Mark Batinick
State Representative Mark Baitinick addressed updated the board on the budget and State funding. The complete audio presentation can be found at the following link: http://www.boarddocs.com/il/oswego308/Board.nsf/Public
3. Comments/Reports
3.1 Board Member Updates
Toni Morgan attended the opening ceremony for the Vietnam Wall and she commented how good it was to see that some of our students participated in this event. Jared Ploger asked how much SB 42 (Health Care Licensing) cost the district. Mr. Dada responded that it was for tier three, new teachers only, which would not have a large impact. The cost is approx. $1,200 per person.
3.2 Board Committee Reports
Finance and Operations
Mrs. Doyle reported that the Finance Committee viewed the bond presentation that will be shown later on this evening. She stated that most of the committee felt that there was not enough information to make this decision at this time until the school funding situation is resolved. Mr. Lightfoot commented that some members viewed the options presented and were trying to put it into context with the school funding. Unfortunately there are still many unknowns and Mr. Lewis reassured the committee that they had some time to make a decision. The call date for the bonds is preferably in October, but we can go past that if needed.
3.3 Superintendent’s Report
Dr. Sparlin was going to give an update on Springfield and much of what is happening, has been addressed already by Representative Batinick.
SB 6 appropriates $350 million to an evidence base model SB 9 that was passed to increase the income tax SB 42 which contains the language necessary to implement the model
What we are still missing is the funding model and we need an evidence based model to be approved in order to receive our funds for this coming school year.
4. Approve Consent Agenda
4.1 Approval of Minutes from June 12, 2017 Board of Education Meeting Open and
Closed Session
4.2 Approval of Outside the Continental United States Trips
A motion was made by Mrs. Lauri Doyle, second by Jared Ploger, to approve all items under consent, including 4.1 Minutes from June 12, 2017 Regular Board of Education Meeting Open and Closed Session; 4.2 Oswego High School's outside of the Continental United States trip to England, France, Germany and Austria from July 10 through July 23, 2018 and Oswego High School's and Oswego East High School's trip to Germany from March 24 through April 2, 2018.
Final Resolution: Motion Carried 7-0
Aye: Mr. Brad Banks, Mr. Matt Bauman, Mrs. Lauri Doyle, Mr. Brent Lightfoot, Mrs. Toni Morgan, Mrs. Heather Moyer, Mr. Jared Ploger
5. Information Only
5.1 Financial Statements
The board had no questions or comments on the Financial Statements
5.2 Freedom of Information (FOIA) Requests
Mr. Lightfoot recommended that FOIA requests be moved under the Consent Agenda moving forward.
5.3 Technology Update
Mr. Clasen, Director of Technology, presented the board with the Technology update. You may find the complete presentation including audio at the following link: http://www.boarddocs.com/il/oswego308/Board.nsf/Public
Mr. Banks asked about the cost for the chrome books. Including the licensing, that cost is about $400. Mr. Banks was wondering if it would be a possibility to have an option for parents to purchase or lease one if they have the means to do so. Mr. Dada responded that the administration is discussing this possible option. Mr. Bauman brought up the possibility of researching some donations from large corporations (google, Microsoft, etc.). Mr. Clasen explained that many of those donations are geared toward districts with a higher population of free and reduced lunch students than we have in SD308. Mrs. Doyle stated that many of the chrome books are purchased by the parent groups and according to Mr. Clasen, it is a pretty even distribution, where most schools have approximately the same amount of devices available. Some of the schools were supplemented with chrome books purchased through Title I funding for students in need. Mr. Lightfoot suggested that we might want to approach the parent organizations with a specific list of programs or devices we are looking to purchase in the near future. According to Mrs. Doyle, there are often extra funds available and it would be appreciated to know what specific items the schools are looking for.
5.4 Intergovernmental Agreement with PASEC and Yorkville
Mr. Lemon informed the board, that since the Kendall County Special Education Cooperative was dissolved as of 6/30/2016, we entered an agreement with the PASEC and Yorkville school district to provide certain services to their students and SD308 in return would bill them. Yorkville would provide a Music Therapist to SD308 students and we would reimburse them for that. The agreement worked well for all parties and PASEC would now like to enter a three year agreement and Yorkville a two year agreement. Both agreements are contingent on our district providing the particular services. Mr. Metzger, Attorney at Law, drafted the Yorkville agreement. Mr. Bauman asked about the term reduced cost being used and Mr. Metzger explained that was strictly because without KSEC, there was no overhead cost anymore.
5.5 Title I Improvement Plan
Dr. Smith, Executive Director of Teaching and Learning, provided the board with information regarding the Title I Improvement Plan. It is a new requirement to present the plan to the board based on ESSA legislation. In the past, this plan was submitted directly to ISBE. Now this application needs to be approved by the board in order for us to be able to submit our Title I plan to the State. We are expecting about $1.2 million. We currently have 5 elementary, 2 junior highs and both high schools that qualify for these funds. Mrs. Morgan asked what information we have available to families that look for social emotional support. Dr. Smith explained that we are working on providing resources for the families, not necessarily be the provider. This way, if parents reach out to a staff member, we have specific literature to provide to them. ISBE provides some guidelines for us. Mr. Lightfoot asked if it would be beneficial for the board to take a vote so the district could submit the application. Mrs. Lemon explained that an informational item cannot be moved to action item on the agenda, but the board could discuss and if there is no opposition, the district can move ahead with the application and the board can ratify the plan at the July 31, 2017 board meeting.
6. Action Items
6.1 Approval of Bills for
A motion was made by Mrs. Lauri Doyle, second by Jared Ploger, to authorize the payment of bills in the amount of two million, eight hundred forty-three thousand, six hundred twenty-two dollars and fifty-one cents (2,843,622.51).
Final Resolution: Motion Carried 7-0
Aye: Mr. Brad Banks, Mr. Matt Bauman, Mrs. Lauri Doyle, Mr. Brent Lightfoot, Mrs. Toni Morgan, Mrs. Heather Moyer, Mr. Jared Ploger
6.2 Appointment of IMRF Authorized Agent
A motion was made by Mrs. Lauri Doyle, second by Brent Lightfoot, to appoint Matthew F. Kane, Payroll Coordinator, as the IMRF Authorized Agent for Community Unit School District 308.
Final Resolution: Motion Carried 7-0
Aye: Mr. Brad Banks, Mr. Matt Bauman, Mrs. Lauri Doyle, Mr. Brent Lightfoot, Mrs. Toni Morgan, Mrs. Heather Moyer, Mr. Jared Ploger
6.3 Approval of Ambulance Service Agreement for SD308 and Oswego Fire Protection
A motion was made by Mrs. Lauri Doyle, second by Brad Banks, to approve the Ambulance Service Agreement between Community Unit School District 308 and the Oswego Fire Protection District for the 2017-2018 school year.
Final Resolution: Motion Carried 5-2
Aye: Mr. Brad Banks, Mr. Matt Bauman, Mrs. Lauri Doyle, Mrs. Heather Moyer, Mr. Jared Ploger Nay: Mr. Brent Lightfoot, Mrs. Toni Morgan
6.4 Approval of Old Post Playground Bid
Mr. Bauman asked Mike Barr, Director of Operations to go over the bids received to replace the Old Post Playground that is twenty years old. Mr. Barr stated that he believes the district can’t wait to replace the equipment.
A motion was made by Mrs. Lauri Doyle, second by Mrs. Toni Morgan, to award the contract for the Old Post Playground Renovations to Hacienda Landscaping in the amount of $381,727.00 (three hundred and eighty one thousand, seven hundred and twenty seven dollars)
Final Resolution: Motion Carried 6-1
Aye: Mr. Brad Banks, Mr. Matt Bauman, Mrs. Lauri Doyle, Mrs. Toni Morgan, Mrs. Heather Moyer, Mr. Jared Ploger Nay: Mr. Brent Lightfoot
6.5 Approval of SD308 and Village of Montgomery and Plainfield Reciprocal Reporting Agreement
Mrs. Lemon explained that this agreement is required by law and that it is not a violation of any Student Rights. Valerie Patterson, Executive Director of Student Services, stated that we are obligated to provide the information to law enforcement if there is an incident at the school that would be considered illegal. If one of our students is involved in an illegal activity outside of the school, law enforcement will inform the school where the student attends. The agreement is very specific as to how and with whom this information gets shared in order to protect the students.
A motion was made by Mrs. Lauri Doyle, second by Jared Ploger, to approve the Community Unit School District 308 and the Village of Montgomery and the Village of Plainfield Reciprocal Reporting Agreements.
Final Resolution: Motion Carried 7-0
Aye: Mr. Brad Banks, Mr. Matt Bauman, Mrs. Lauri Doyle, Mr. Brent Lightfoot, Mrs. Toni Morgan, Mrs. Heather Moyer, Mr. Jared Ploger
6.6 Approval of Policies
Section 2: School Board (2:100); Section 4: Operational Services (4:15, 4:110); Section 5: General Personnel (5:120); Section 7: Students (7:100)
Mr. Lightfoot asked about policy 4:110 and he found the wording in paragraph two confusing. It could be misinterpreted as the district providing transportation before and after school for daycare purposes to an address that might be out of the student’s home school residency. The board discussed and decided to make a change and postpone the approval of the policy to a later date.
A motion was made by Mrs. Lauri Doyle, second by Brad Banks, to approve Board Policies Section 2: School Board (2:100) Section 4: Operational Services (4:15) Section 5: General Personnel (5:120) Section 7: Students (7:100)
Final Resolution: Motion Carried 7-0
Aye: Mr. Brad Banks, Mr. Matt Bauman, Mrs. Lauri Doyle, Mr. Brent Lightfoot, Mrs. Toni Morgan, Mrs. Heather Moyer, Mr. Jared Ploger
6.7 Resolution providing for the issue of not to exceed $27,000,000 General Obligation Refunding School Bonds, Series 2017B, of the District for the purpose of refunding certain outstanding bonds of the District, providing for the levy of a direct annual tax to pay the principal and interest on said bonds and authorizing the sale of said bonds to the purchaser thereof
Mr. Bob Lewis provided the board with a presentation on the bond restructuring, similar to the one presented at the June 12, 2017 board meeting.
The complete presentation including audio can be found at the following link: http://www.boarddocs.com/il/oswego308/Board.nsf/Public
The Finance Committee reached a general consensus that they preferred option three. Overall they asked to table the decision, depending on the amount the district will receive in state funding. Mr. Bauman asked how long we can wait with making the decision. Mr. Lewis stated that the deadline to change the levy with the counties is on March 1, 2018. Likely, the state will work out their end in August, in which case the decision could me made much earlier. The board discussed the possibility of the sales tax and how it could perhaps be allocated to strictly pay down bond debt. The estimate of a county wide sales tax is about $5 million and could be used to pay down the debt. Mr. Ploger suggested that the district put a policy in place on what to do with that income just in case it would ever be decided to pursue the sales tax increase.
A motion was made by Mr. Brent Lightfoot, second by Mr. Brad Banks to table agenda item 6.7 and 6.8 until the August 21, 2017 Board of Education meeting.
Final Resolution: Motion Carried 7-0
Aye: Mr. Brad Banks, Mr. Matt Bauman, Mrs. Lauri Doyle, Mr. Brent Lightfoot,
Mrs. Toni Morgan, Mrs. Heather Moyer, Mr. Jared Ploger
6.8 Resolution authorizing the execution of an Escrow Agreement relating to the General Obligation Refunding School Bonds, Series 2017B of the District
Item 6.8 was tabled together with item 6.7 until August 21, 2017.
7. Closed Session
7.1 Closed Session under statutes 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(1): 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; 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(5): The purchase or lease of real property for the use of the public body, including meetings held for the purpose of discussing whether a particular parcel should be acquired; 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(6): The setting of a price for sale or lease of property owned by the public body.
A motion was made by Mrs. Lauri Doyle, second by Mrs. Toni Morgan, to enter Closed Session under statutes 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(1): 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; 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(5): The purchase or lease of real property for the use of the public body, including meetings held for the purpose of discussing whether a particular parcel should be acquired; 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(6): The setting of a price for sale or lease of property owned by the public body.
Final Resolution: Motion Carried 7-0
Aye: Mr. Brad Banks, Mr. Matt Bauman, Mrs. Lauri Doyle, Mr. Brent Lightfoot, Mrs. Toni Morgan, Mrs. Heather Moyer, Mr. Jared Ploger
The Board of Education entered closed session at 10:34 p.m. following a short recess.
7.2 Return to Open Session
A motion was made by Mrs. Lauri Doyle, second by Mr. Brad Banks, to return to Open Session.
Final Resolution: Motion Carried 7-0
Aye: Mr. Brad Banks, Mr. Matt Bauman, Mrs. Lauri Doyle, Mr. Brent Lightfoot, Mrs. Toni Morgan, Mrs. Heather Moyer, Mr. Jared Ploger
The Board of Education returned to Open Session at 11:47 p.m.
8. Action after Closed Session
8.1 Approval of Personnel Report
A motion was made by Mrs. Lauri Doyle, second by Mr. Jared Ploger, to approve the personnel report.
Final Resolution: Motion Carried 7-0
Aye: Mr. Brad Banks, Mr. Matt Bauman, Mrs. Lauri Doyle, Mr. Brent Lightfoot, Mrs. Toni Morgan, Mrs. Heather Moyer, Mr. Jared Ploger
8.2 Approval of Building Administrator Contracts
A motion was made by Mrs. Lauri Doyle, second by Mr. Brad Banks, to approve the building administrator contracts.
Final Resolution: Motion Carried 7-0
Aye: Mr. Brad Banks, Mr. Matt Bauman, Mrs. Lauri Doyle, Mr. Brent Lightfoot, Mrs. Toni Morgan, Mrs. Heather Moyer, Mr. Jared Ploger
8.3 Adoption of Resolution authorizing the purchase of Parcel Number 03-10-151-029 in the Village of Oswego, Kendall County, Illinois, at a price of $220,000 for the School District's Transition Program
A motion was made by Mrs. Lauri Doyle, second by Mr. Jared Ploger, to adopt a Resolution authorizing the purchase of Parcel Number 03-10-151-029 in the Village of Oswego, Kendall County, Illinois at a price of $220,000 for the School District's Transition Program
Final Resolution: Motion Carried 6-1
Aye: Mr. Brad Banks, Mr. Matt Bauman, Mrs. Lauri Doyle, Mrs. Toni Morgan, Mrs. Heather Moyer, Mr. Jared Ploger Nay: Mr. Brent Lightfoot
8.4 Adoption of a Resolution declaring the former Transition House property, located at 13 Brock Court, Oswego, Kendall County, Illinois, unnecessary, unsuitable and inconvenient for a school, and unnecessary for the uses of the District and directing its sale and setting a minimum price and other terms of sale in accordance with the requirements of 105 ILCS 5/5-22
A motion was made by Mrs. Lauri Doyle, second by Mr. Jared Ploger, to table action item 8.4 until the July 31, 2017 Board of Education meeting.
Final Resolution: Motion Carried 7-0
Aye: Mr. Brad Banks, Mr. Matt Bauman, Mrs. Lauri Doyle, Mr. Brent Lightfoot, Mrs. Toni Morgan, Mrs. Heather Moyer, Mr. Jared Ploger
9. Adjournment
9.1 Adjourn
A motion was made by Mrs. Lauri Doyle, second by Mr. Jared Ploger, to adjourn.
All were in favor unanimously to adjourn.
Final Resolution: Motion Carried 7-0
Aye: Mr. Brad Banks, Mr. Matt Bauman, Mrs. Lauri Doyle, Mr. Brent Lightfoot, Mrs. Toni Morgan, Mrs. Heather Moyer, Mr. Jared Ploger
Meeting Adjourned at 11:49 p.m.
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