Oswego Community Unit School District 308 Board met May 8.
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, 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. Ali Mehanti
Director of Communications Brian Graves
Others Present:
Board Attorney Laura Weizeorick, 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 PRIDE April and May Award Recipients
President Bauman and members of the Board of Education recognized the April and May PRIDE winners. A complete audio recording can be found at the link below:
http://www.boarddocs.com/il/oswego308/Board.nsf/vpublic?open
Teacher of the Month:
Jen Rusin – April
Mary Struve – April
Tammy Shadle – May
Allison Tworek – May
Employee of the Month:
Phillip Morland – April
Karen Kala – April
Anne Victory – May
Volunteer of the Month:
Julie McGreevy – April
Natalie Winkfield – April
Robyn Vickers – May
Daisy Yuhas - May
2.2 SD308 5TH Grade Noetic Math Contest Winners
President Bauman and members of the Board of Education recognized the SD308 5th Grade
Noetic Math Contest participants. A complete audio recording can be found at the link below:
http://www.boarddocs.com/il/oswego308/Board.nsf/vpublic?open
The following students were recognized:
From Churchill Elementary, Ava Lenell
From Fox Chase, John Prusinski
From Homestead, Ahmed Faisal.
From Long Beach, Avery Stults
From Long Beach, Drew Murphy
From Old Post, Myra Mensah
From Prairie Point, Michael Sewart
From Southbury, Mihail Deryuga
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
Dr. Sparlin asked to give a few updates first. He recognized our teachers and nurses and expressed his appreciation for all they do for our students.
Dr. Sparlin mentioned the upcoming Recognition Dinners from OEHS and OHS as well as the High School commencement ceremony on May 20, 2017. There will be approximately 1200 Seniors graduating this year. On May 6th, the IEA held the annual regional breakfast at OHS. Senator Holmes and Senator Bertino-Tarrant attended the event to answer some legislative questions. There was also a discussion on the Substitute shortage and Charter schools. Dr. Sparlin also mentioned that Representative Kifowit contacted him to find out how a recommended $15minimum wage would affect our district. This would have a large impact on our district, since we have approx. 500 employees at a pay rate lower than $15. This would cost the district an additional $1.4 million and our substitute costs would increase as well for a combined total of approx. $1.9 million.
Mr. Banks attended the Veteran’s Alumni Wall of Honor event at Oswego High School this past Monday. On Tuesday Mr. Banks participated in the board buddy meeting and on Wednesday he was invited at Old Post for the 5th Grade Quilting Assembly where three Veterans were invited to share their stories with the students. On Friday, Mrs. Banks attended the INSPRA Awards Luncheon where Mrs. Alesia’s 5th Grade Old Post class was recognized for the team award. Saturday, Mr. Banks attended the Legislative breakfast at OHS. He also met with some retired teachers and farmers at the local McDonalds today.
Mr. Ploger reminded everyone that next week there will be closures on Wolf’s Crossing. He asked everyone to be more careful and mindful of students walking to and from school. Mr. Ploger asked how SB 1223 and SB 1289 could potentially affect the district. Mr. Mehanti explained that there was no cost associated with SB 1289, just some additional requirements for all employees when they file the Statement of Economic Interest. Dr. Minor stated that SB 1223 talks about exhilaration and advanced rigor at all levels. With our gifted education program, we have a sound framework that works very smoothly at a limited cost to the district. Should this bill pass, it would require early acceptance into Kindergarten which could potentially result in hiring more teachers. Mr. Ploger commented on the possible Medicaid reform. Mr. Mehanti explained that at this point the district receives the Medicaid funding through our federal funds and we budget about $2 million annually. This reform would put it in the State’s hands and it would be up to them how to distribute, if at all. Mr. Mehanti commented on the recent downgrade of our bond rating. The bond rating companies look at a district’s existing revenue versus ecisting expenditures. They are aware that the state is behind in their payments. The bond rating depends on reserves, cash flow and how we are doing with our projections. To regain the bond rating, the district will need to show a balance budget going forward.
Mr. Lighfoot commented that he would be the DJ at the 8th Grade dance at Bednarcik Jr. High School. This will be the third year that he donated his time for that.
President Bauman paid tribute to Phil Siedlecki, one of our long time bus drivers that passed away suddenly. He will be missed by many.
4.2 Board Committee Reports
Finance and Operations Committee - Mrs. Doyle mentioned that the committee did not reach a quorum. The committee discussed bond restructure and Mr. Mehanti will present three options for information at the next board meeting in June.
Mr. Mehanti mentioned that the committee also discussed the recent downgrade of the bond rating.
5. Approve Consent Agenda
5.1 Approval of Minutes from April 24, 2017 Board of Education Meeting Open and Closed Session and from May 1, 2017 Special Board of Education Meeting
A motion was made by Mrs. Lauri Doyle, second by Mrs. Toni Morgan, to approve all items under consent, including 5.1 Minutes from April 24, 2017 Regular Board of Education Meeting Open and Closed Sessions and from May 1, 2017 Special 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. Information Only
6.1 Financial Statements
The board had no questions on the Financial Statements
6.2 Custodial Supply Bids
The bids for the custodial supplies were opened on April 17, 2017. Seven bidders responded and the good news is that we are able to save approximately $65,000 per year over our 2013 bid. The products were tested and they fit our current dispensers.
6.3 District Wide Parking Lot Repair
On April 26, 2017 bids were publicly opened for the district wide parking lot repair project. The bids include both high schools, 2 junior highs and 10 elementary buildings. It is important to keep up with the maintenance since the cost would be much higher if we wait until they fail completely. If the board approves the bid at the June 12th meeting, the work would start right away and be finished by August 7th. Mr. Barr stated that the district used the same contractor 3 years ago and they came in on budget and completed the work on time.
6.4 Resolution to appoint Mr. Asif Dada as Treasurer for FY18 and to approve a Resolution fixing the amount of Bond at $15 million
Mr. Mehanti explained that by law the district is required every year to appoint a treasurer and set the bond. With Mr. Mehanti leaving the district June 30th, his replacement, Mr. Dada will need to be appointed. The bond amount is set at 25% of the high fund balance.
7. Action Items
7.1 Approval of Bills for Payment
A motion was made by Mrs. Lauri Doyle, second by Mr. Brent Lightfoot, to authorize the payment of bills in the amount of two million, seven hundred seventy-five thousand, five hundred thirty dollars and sixty-one cents (2,775,530.61)
Final Resolution: Motion Carried 6-0
Aye: Mr. Brad Banks, Mr. Matt Bauman, Mrs. Lauri Doyle, Mr. Brent Lightfoot, Mrs. Toni Morgan, Mrs. Heather Moyer Abstain: 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)(2): 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.
A motion was made by Mrs. Lauri Doyle, second by Mr. Brad Banks, 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)(2): 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.
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 7:55 p.m. following a short recess.
8.2 Return to Open Session
A motion was made by Mrs. Lauri Doyle, second by Mrs. Toni Morgan, 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 9:23 p.m.
9. Action after Closed Session
9.1 Approval of Personnel Report
A motion was made by Mrs. Lauri Doyle, second by Mrs. Toni Morgan, to approve the personnel report.
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
10. Adjournment
11.1 Adjourn
A motion was made by Mrs. Lauri Doyle, second by Mr. Brent Lightfoot, 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 9:26 p.m.
https://www.sd308.org/site/handlers/filedownload.ashx?moduleinstanceid=9932&dataid=39595&FileName=5.8.17%20Board%20Meeting%20Minutes.pdf
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