Oswego Community Unit School District 308 Board met June 12.
Here is the minutes provided by the Board:
1. Call to Order:
The meeting was called to order at 7:00 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, Jared Ploger
Members Absent (at roll call): Heather Moyer
Administration Present: Superintendent of Schools Dr. John Sparlin Associate Superintendent Dr. Judith Minor Assistant Superintendent for Business and Operations Mr. Ali Mehanti
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. Recognitions
2.1 SD308 State/National Student Recognition
The Board of Education acknowledged the award-winning efforts of students who received State and/or National recognition for their school related activities.
A complete list of students and awards received as well as the audio recording can be found at the following link: https://www.boarddocs.com/il/oswego308/Board.nsf/Public
3. Public Comment
3.1 Each Person will be provided five (5) minutes to speak before the Board of Education
There was no public comment
4. Comments/Reports
4.1 Board Member Updates
Mr. Banks reported on the meeting that was held today with administrators from Habitat of Humanity, our Superintendent and Mr. Max, Director of Secondary Education. The meeting was held in order to possibly resurrect the Building Trades Program. Funding would be minimal with Habitat for Humanity providing much of the financial support. Mr. Ploger asked for clarification regarding the cost associated with some bills that passed recently. HB3215 – Feminine Hygiene Product Mr. Mehanti state that it would cost the district approximately $18,000 to install the dispensers. HB 3869 – Implicit Bias Training Dr. Minor stated that district 308 is currently involved in this training. There are modules through the global compliance network that we have access to. We also have a partnership with the Midwest and Plains Equity Center and there would be a charge for them to come out at least the first two times. SB1223 – Accelerated Placement Act Currently we provide many resources in regards to acceleration and placement for grades 3 and up. The challenge would be if the bill would mandate to provide certain services in regards to early entrance to Kindergarten as well as Pre-K. Currently, the way the law is written, we can make a determination as far as how to provide enrichment. If that changes, that would become an unfunded mandate. Dr. Minor also commented that currently we are the only district in the State where 6, 7 and 8th Grade students can earn high school credit, one of many ways the district accelerates students. The last time the foundation level was raised, was in 2010. Mr. Ploger would like to make sure that there is more awareness of the additional expenses that Mandates incur without an increase in the funding.
4.2 Board Committee Reports
Facilities and Planning Mr. Bauman informed the board that the committee met at the end of May to look at a proposal to purchase a new property for our Transition Program. There will be more information on that later on. The biggest concern from the committee was, to make sure that we reach out to our neighbors to let them know about the program before a purchase is made.
Policy Development The committee discussed the policies that are on the agenda for first read. Mr. Bauman stated that there was conversation regarding the transportation policy and Mr. Berlin provided an update to the committee regarding the routes, the stops, distance and locations. Additional questions revolved around having perimeters set but operating within best practices. Discussion followed on discipline, moving more towards an individualized plan for students. Transportation and the buildings work together collaboratively regarding discipline issues on the buses. The committee also talked about the retention of the Parent-Teacher Advisory. It is a good idea to have, but it is important to get the information out so there will be more involvement.
Teaching and Learning Mr. Ploger talked about the opening of the “Unity in the Community” project on 6/15 at PrarieFest. It will be there for the duration of PrairieFest and it illustrates how even though we all identify in different ways, we still have much in common. The committee also discussed grading and promotion. We need to make sure we know where we need to be on an SEL level, so that we are not just moving students through grades. The committee members will all have some homework and reading to accomplish over the summer. Finally, the committee recommended three areas that they would like to see considered by the board. Technology – less text book learning and more inquiry based learning which is what the standards ask for. Curriculum Cycle – the committee would like to find one that works and stick to that. It is frustrating for the members to go through the time and effort to review and then it is not implemented. SEL – the need for support and further improvement.
4.3 Superintendent’s Report
Dr. Sparlin informed the board that he attended the “Pass Illinois Budget” press conference, recently held in Springfield. The three main points to be conveyed to our lawmakers were: 1. End the State budget impasse 2. Improve the State’s Education Funding Formula 3. Invest in our schools and pay the schools what they are owed for this year If Education is supposed to be a priority in Illinois, then funding for it must be a priority as well. SB 1 passed the House and would equate to about $4.8 million more for our district. SB 81 is in regards to the minimum wage requirements and it has passed through the Senate and the House. If this bill becomes law, it will affect SD308 in years four and five. In year five, it would cost the district about an additional $1.9 million. Dr. Sparlin acknowledged that it was Mr. Mehanti’s last board meeting before leaving our district after two years on June 30, 2017.
5. Approve Consent Agenda
A motion was made by Mrs. Lauri Doyle, second by Mr. Brad Banks, to approve all items under consent, including 5.1 Minutes from May 8, 2017 Regular Board of Education Meeting Open and Closed Session; 5.2 Adoption of Prevailing Wage Act for the 2017-2018 school year; 5.3 Acceptance of the gifts and/or donations received by the district in fiscal year 2017; 5.4 Signature of revised YMCA lease extension agreement reflecting the change of contact person.
Final Resolution: Motion Carried 6-0
Aye: Mr. Brad Banks, Mr. Matt Bauman, Mrs. Lauri Doyle, Mr. Brent Lightfoot, Mrs. Toni Morgan, Jared Ploger
6. Information Only
6.1 Debt Restructuring Plan
Mr. Mehanti introduced Mr. Lewis, our Bond Advisor from PMA who will present the board with the next steps on our debt restructuring plan. One of the top priorities for the board last year was to restructure the district’s long term debt and provide relief to our tax payer. Mr. Lewis will present the board with three different scenarios that will also be provided to the Finance and Operations Committee so they can provide the board with a recommendation at the July 17, 2017 meeting. The complete presentation including the audio recording can be found at the following link: https://www.boarddocs.com/il/oswego308/Board.nsf/Public
Mr. Lewis provided the board with a market update and an overview of the District’s Bonds. Mr. Lewis then presented three versions of restructuring the debt. Version 1 – Level off debt service at ~$27 million per year after levy year 2020 (current plan) Version 2 – Maintain debt service at ~$30 million per yer Version 3 – Annual increases in the B&I levy so that debt service is lower than after phase 1A (net of new money)
The potential next steps include: Finance Committee reviews plan – July 17, 2017 Board approves Resolution – July 17, 2017 Refunding Bonds sold – Late July 2017 Refunding Bonds close – August 2017
Mr. Ploger commented that in order for our tax payers to pay less, the State would need to have a budget, pay the bills on time and deal with the debt. That would all have a direct impact on what we are paying in interest on future bonds. The ones we currently have are fixed rate bonds. Mr. Lewis stated that someone testified before the general assembly and stated that local issuers are impacted by the tune of $950 million dollars per year of additional interest payments due to the State’s problems. Mr. Bauman requested that a comparison of a $250,000 home value be used opposed to a $200,000 in order to be more reflective of the district demographics. Mr. Lightfoot suggested not making any changes to the bond structure in order to not add any additional debt at this time. Mrs. Doyle commented that it would be difficult to increase our debt levy at the same time as we might need to ask for more operational funds in order to keep our doors open. Mr. Lightfoot asked the board to think of the long term fiscal health of the district when making this decision. Mr. Mehanti stated that with no changes at the State level, our district will run out of money in three years. The board decided to move forward with the original timeline of discussion at the Finance Committee meeting on July 17 and board action taken the same day.
6.2 Financial Statements
There were no questions or comments on the Financial Statements
6.3 Freedom of Information (FOIA) Requests
There were no questions or comments on the FOIA Requests
6.4 Outside the Continental United States Trips
There were no questions or comments on the Student Trips outside of the Continental United States
6.5 CUSD 308 and Village of Montgomery and Village of Plainfield Reciprocal Reporting Agreement
There were no questions or comments on the Village of Montgomery and Village of Plainfield Reciprocal Reporting Agreement
6.6 Old Post Playground Bids
Mr. Barr stated that the Old Post Playground bids were opened on June 1, 2017. Three contractors elected to submit bids for the project.
Hacienda Landscaping - $381,727.00 George’s Landscaping - $394,342.00 Green-Up Landscaping - $429,069.09
The low bid came from Hacienda Landscaping. The Park District has had experience with this particular contractor, the School District has not. The recommendation is to accept the base bid from Hacienda Landscaping in the amount of $381,727.00 The alternate bids were for a rubberized surface opposed to the mulch that we currently have. This is part of an Intergovernmental Agreement with the Park District that the board previously approved. The School District is responsible for two-thirds of the cost ($251,939.82) and the Park District for the rest. The life expectancy of a Playground is 18-20 years and Old Post was built in 1997. Mr. Barr had some concerns regarding the rubberized surface since the Park District has only used that for the past 5 years. They seem to be holding up well, but we have to keep in mind that the Park District playgrounds get much less use then the ones in our schools. It would also put us over budget. Therefore Mr. Barr recommended to accept the base bid which includes the mulch.
6.7 Transition Program Location
Mr. Hoffman shared the history and the purpose of our Transition Program. A home was purchase a year ago and encountered the following problems with the location:
• Disruption to Court based on the number of program vehicles coming/going to the location throughout the day
• Wheelchair accessibility requires special transportation
• Parking for staff, parents and students is limited and requires people to park at Thompson Jr. High and take alternate transportation to the house.
Any future location of the program would need to address all the above issues as well as the critical components as defined by state and federal government program requirements:
• Education and Training
• Employment
• Independent Living
The proposed property, located at 1008 Douglas Road in Oswego, meets all the mandated requirements within a single site. The district has followed due diligence to avoid the issues and concerns encountered at our previous property. The projected cost including renovations, furniture and equipment would be $675,000 with the sale of the existing property amounting to approximately $200,000. Mr. Berlin stated that the property is ideal from a transportation point of view. There is a drive all the way around the building. There is also a HOA fee of $350 per month which includes asphalt repair and striping, lawn service and snow removal. There will also be some cost involved in restoring the Brock Court residence in order to make it more sellable. Mr. Barr will use his own staff opposed to hiring a contractor. Mrs. Doyle found the cost of renovating the building to be very high. The surrounding businesses were informed of our intentions to purchase the building and the program it would house. In general, this information was positively received and the hope is that some of the students will be able to work in the surrounding businesses and therefore not need transportation. The cost would be covered by IDEA funds. Dr. Smith informed the board that not all funds were used during the 2016-17 school year and that we are rolling forward approx. $600,000 to the 2017-18 school year. Therefore, Dr. Smith does not feel that any programs will suffer if the funds would be allocated in this way. If the board decides to move forward with the purchase of this property, the students could be in the new location for second semester. Mr. Lightfoot asked if there was any space that could be utilized in one of our buildings. Mr. Hoffman responded that it is best practice to not house this program in a school building since the students are between 18 and 22 years old. The students are at the Old Traughber building during the summer and we would keep them there until the new facility is ready. The complete presentation including the audio recording can be found at the following link: https://www.boarddocs.com/il/oswego308/Board.nsf/Public
6.8 Ambulance Service Agreement for SD308 and Oswego Fire Protection
We renew this agreement on an annual basis in order to have the ambulance at all of our HS football games. The cost is approximately $6,000 every year. Mr. Lightfoot was questioning why we have to pay a fee at all since the Fire Department is allowed to use our facilities for emergency drills and training without charge. The business department was directed to get some clarification on this agreement.
6.9 Policies for First Read: 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)
All of the policies, except for 4:110, had recommended suggestions based on legal language, case law or changes in the State. Mr. Berlin will answer any questions regarding policy 4:110. The policy suggests that a bus stop can be located up to the following distance from a student’s residence:.25 miles for Elementary.35 miles for Jr. High School.50 miles for High School
The board suggested to not specify the distance as part of the policy in order to allow the transportation department the flexibility when determining the bus stops. We might get to a point where we have to look at centralized transportation for Jr. High and High School due to budget reasons in which case we would need to re-write the policy. Mr. Berlin’s concern is that if the distance gets increased, there would be too many children at any given stop which could cause safety problems, especially in the winter. Mr. Berlin also feels that having the distance stated in the policy would make it easier when dealing with parents that want the bus stop to be closer to their homes. The board discussed the pros and cons and directed Mr. Berlin to put the guidelines into the Administrative Procedure instead, in order to allow for more flexibility. Mr. Ploger asked if there were any charges incurred due to us coming into compliance with our policies. Dr. Minor suggested that moving forward, there will be a follow up with the cost associated with a policy change in the Friday Updates to the Board.
7. Action Items
7.1 Approval of Bills for
A motion was made by Mrs. Lauri Doyle, second by Mr. Brad Banks, to authorize the payment of bills in the amount of three million, nine hundred nineteen thousand , three hundred seventy-two dollars and twelve cents ($3,919,372.12)
Final Resolution: Motion Carried 6-0
Aye: Mr. Brad Banks, Mr. Matt Bauman, Mrs. Lauri Doyle, Mr. Brent Lightfoot, Mrs. Toni Morgan, Mr. Jared Ploger
7.2 Approval of Custodial Supply Bid
A motion was made by Mrs. Lauri Doyle, second by Mrs. Toni Morgan, to award the custodial & maintenance supplies to Janco Supply Company in the amount of $114,713.74 and Unique Products in the amount of $59,392.35
Final Resolution: Motion Carried 6-0
Aye: Mr. Brad Banks, Mr. Matt Bauman, Mrs. Lauri Doyle, Mr. Brent Lightfoot, Mrs. Toni Morgan, Mr. Jared Ploger
7.3 Approval of District-wide Parking Lot Repair
A motion was made by Mrs. Lauri Doyle, second by Mr. Brad Banks, to award the contract for district-wide parking lot repairs and maintenance to Denler Inc. in the amount of $1,828,520.00
Final Resolution: Motion Carried 4-2
Aye: Mr. Brad Banks, Mr. Matt Bauman, Mrs. Lauri Doyle, Mrs. Toni Morgan, Nay: Mr. Brent Lightfoot, Mr. Jared Ploger
7.4 Approval of Resolution to appoint Mr. Asif Dada as Treasurer for FY18 and to approve a Resolution fixing the amount of Bond at $15 million
A motion was made by Mrs. Lauri Doyle, second by Mrs. Toni Morgan , to approve a resolution appointing Mr. Asif Dada as Treasurer for FY18 and to approve a Resolution fixing the Bond at $15 million
Final Resolution: Motion Carried 6-0
Aye: Mr. Brad Banks, Mr. Matt Bauman, Mrs. Lauri Doyle, Mr. Brent Lightfoot, Mrs. Toni Morgan, Mr. Jared Ploger
8. Closed Session
8.1 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 Mr. Jared Ploger, 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 6-0
Aye: Mr. Brad Banks, Mr. Matt Bauman, Mrs. Lauri Doyle, Mr. Brent Lightfoot, Mrs. Toni Morgan, Mr. Jared Ploger
The Board of Education entered closed session at 10:12 p.m. following a short recess.
8.2 Return to Open Session
A motion was made by Mrs. Lauri Doyle, second by Mr. Jared Ploger, to return to Open Session.
Final Resolution: Motion Carried 6-0
Aye: Mr. Brad Banks, Mr. Matt Bauman, Mrs. Lauri Doyle, Mr. Brent Lightfoot, Mrs. Toni Morgan, Mr. Jared Ploger
The Board of Education returned to Open Session at 11:30 p.m.
9. Action after Closed Session
9.1 Approval of Personnel Report
A motion was made by Mr. Brent Lightfoot, second by Mr. Jared Ploger to separate one individual from the Personnel Report.
Final Resolution: Motion Failed 3-3
Aye: Mrs. Lauri Doyle, Mr. Brent Lightfoot, Mr. Jared Ploger Nay: Mr. Brad Banks, Mr. Matt Bauman, Mrs. Toni Morgan
A motion was made by Mrs. Lauri Doyle, second by Mrs. Toni Morgan, to approve the personnel report.
Final Resolution: Motion Carried 4-2
Aye: Mr. Brad Banks, Mr. Matt Bauman, Mrs. Lauri Doyle, Mrs. Toni Morgan Nay: Mr. Brent Lightfoot, Mr. Jared Ploger
9.2 Approval of Administrator Contracts
A motion was made by Mr. Jared Ploger, second by Mr. Brent Lightfoot to separate DAC Administrator contract from Building Administrator contract.
Final Resolution: Motion Carried 6-0
Aye: Mr. Brad Banks, Mr. Matt Bauman, Mrs. Lauri Doyle, Mr. Brent Lightfoot, Mrs. Toni Morgan, Mr. Jared Ploger
A motion was made by Mrs. Lauri Doyle, second by Mr. Brent Lightfoot to approve the Building Administrator contract for Casey O’Connell.
Final Resolution: Motion Carried 6-0
Aye: Mr. Brad Banks, Mr. Matt Bauman, Mrs. Lauri Doyle, Mr. Brent Lightfoot, Mrs. Toni Morgan, Mr. Jared Ploger
A motion was made by Mrs. Lauri Doyle, second by Mr. Jared Ploger, to approve the DAC Administrator contract for Eulalia Valdez.
Final Resolution: Motion Carried 6-0
Aye: Mr. Brad Banks, Mr. Matt Bauman, Mrs. Lauri Doyle, Mr. Brent Lightfoot, Mrs. Toni Morgan, Mr. Jared Ploger
10. Adjournment
10.1 Adjourn
A motion was made by Mrs. Lauri Doyle, second by Mr. Brad Banks, to adjourn.
All were in favor unanimously to adjourn.
Final Resolution: Motion Carried 6-0
Aye: Mr. Brad Banks, Mr. Matt Bauman, Mrs. Lauri Doyle, Mr. Brent Lightfoot, Mrs. Toni Morgan, Mr. Jared Ploger
Meeting Adjourned at 11:35 a.m.
https://www.sd308.org/site/handlers/filedownload.ashx?moduleinstanceid=9932&dataid=39682&FileName=6.12.17%20Board%20Meeting%20Minutes.pdf
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