Oswego Community Unit School District 308 Board of Education met January 8.
Here is the minutes as provided by the board:
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:
The meeting was called to order at 7:01 p.m. by President Brad Banks
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 for Educational Services Dr. Lisa Smith
Assistant Superintendent for Business and Operations Mr. Asif Dada
Others Present:
Board Attorney Maureen Lemon, Ottosen Britz Kelly Cooper Gilbert and DiNolfo, Ltd; members
of the press and 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 Brad Banks.
2. Public Hearing
2.1 Public Hearing on the State Waiver Application to increase the Drivers Education Fee
Mr. Banks read the Public Hearing Statement to inform all of the purpose of the Hearing and to
offer a chance for the public to comment or present written testimony.
President Banks asked that each member of the Board of Education, the District’s Attorney and
the District Administrators who will speak to identify themselves for the record. The following
members and staff were present:
Board Attorney Maureen Lemon, Ottosen Britz Kelly Cooper Gilbert and DiNolfo, Ltd; Dr. John
Sparlin, Dr. Lisa Smith, Asif Dada and Jamie Max; Brad Banks, Matt Bauman, Lauri Doyle,
Brent Lightfoot, Toni Morgan and Jared Ploger.
At this time, Mrs. Lemon presented an overview of the district’s Waiver Application and the
submission and approval process going forward.
Mrs. Lemon stated that the Illinois Driver Education Act requires all Illinois High Schools to
offer the Driver Education course. The law allows the school district to charge a reasonable fee
for the course. Per the statute, the reasonable fee is set at $50 but allows a School Board to
increase that fee to no more than $250 if they hold a public hearing and adopt a Resolution. A
prior School Board held that hearing to increase the fee and at this time, SD308 charges $250.
The only way to go above that dollar amount is to submit a waiver to the General Assembly to
increase the fee to a set amount. The State Waiver for the new fee can be approved for up to
5 years. The waiver before the Board this evening asks for the fee to be increased from $250 to
$400. The cost to the district for the course is approximately $650 per student. If approved, the
waiver would allow the district to continue to offer the Driver Education program, which is a one
semester course taught by appropriately certified instructors. It includes the required minimum
30 hours of classroom instruction, 6 hours of behind the wheel instruction and 6 hours of behind
the wheel observation. Local private vendors range from $400 to over $600 for their courses. The
district would continue to provide the course at no charge to the students that qualify for a fee
waiver.
In preparation for this Hearing, notices have been posted on the district website and have been
published in the Ledger-Sentinel at least 14 days prior to this meeting. In addition, written
advanced notice has been mailed to each of our State Legislators as well as to the leadership of
each Collective Bargaining Unit.
Assuming the State Board of Education approves the waiver, they will forward it to the General
Assembly for approval in March. The waiver would then be in place for 5 years, beginning with
the 2018-19 school year.
Mr. Lightfoot stated that even with the increase, this would not be a cost neutral program. Per
Dr. Smith, the deficit would be approximately $89,000, depending on how many fee waivers
would be received. Mr. Max commented that traditionally about 25% of students taking the
course, qualified for a fee waiver. Mr. Banks asked how many other districts in Illinois have
applied for the waiver and Mr. Max did not have the exact number, but it was stated that it is the
number one waiver application of school districts in this State.
Dr. Smith stated that the State reimbursement per students stays the same, regardless of the fee
charged for the program.
Mrs. Doyle asked if the district explored other options for expense reduction for this program in
addition to revenue increase. Mr. Max explained that due to SB1947, discussion has been going
on across the State for district’s to have outside sources providing the Drivers Education courses.
The Secretary of State does not believe that one needs a teaching certificate to teach a student in
school Drivers Education. ISBE states that a teacher needs that endorsement. At this time, we do
not have a concrete answer on this. Mr. Bauman asked if the district has looked at reducing the
expenses for cars, gas and insurance.
Dr. Smith stated that we currently lease our vehicles and she will make some comparisons with
other district to see if purchasing the cars would be cheaper.
Ms. Morgan voiced concern regarding drivers from outside agencies being alone in a car with
students. Even though background checks are conducted, we need to make sure they are capable
of taking good care of our students.
Mr. Lightfoot asked how the district came up with $400 as a fee and Mr. Max explained that we
wanted to stay below what outside agencies charge in our area ($450 and $550).
Mrs. Lemon explained that even though the maximum amount for the waiver is $450, that is not
something that can be changed this evening, because all notices went out with the amount being
$400. Mr. Lightfoot expressed disappointment that we did not ask for the maximum amount of
$450. The deadline to submit the waiver to the State is January 12, 2018, therefore there is not
enough time to post the Public Hearing for the required 2 weeks. It would be possible to submit
another waiver for the 2019-20 school year with the higher amount.
The board directed the administration to look into additional cost savings with the Drivers
Education program. The board also asked to get more information on how the State funding is
calculated.
At this time, President Banks invited members of the public to comment regarding the proposed
waiver.
Mike Cook stated that while he understands the financial position the district is in and
that some cuts need to be made, he does not agree with parents having to pay 100% of the
Driver’s Education program. There are no other cost neutral programs. This is a mandatory
program, a graduation requirement. We can look at other programs that cost the district much
more, for example the Dual Language program that costs much more per student and only
benefits a few. Parents do not want to send their kids to a private company and trust someone that
makes minimum wage as opposed to a certified teacher.
Angie McCauley, stated that it sounds like the board does not want students to take Drivers
Education in the district, even though it is a required class. It is not right to make it part of the
graduation requirement and at the same time ask parents to fund the program 100%.
Ms. McCauley commented that she used to work in the school cafeteria and in her opinion the
free and reduced lunch program is taken advantage of by many. There should be a better checking
system in place instead of just accepting the applications. She had to pay for an after school club
as well as for sports for her daughter, but marching band is free. It should be the same for
everyone.
President Banks asked the Administration if there was any additional information, documentation
or recommendations to share with the Board.
Administration had no more comments
Mr. Banks asked for a motion to close the Public Hearing at this time
2.2 Close Public Hearing
A motion was made by Mr. Jared Ploger, second by Mr. Brad Banks, to close the Public
Hearing
Final Resolution: Motion Carried 6-0
Aye: Mr. Brad Banks, Mr. Matt Bauman, Mrs. Lauri Doyle, Mr. Brent Lightfoot
Ms. Toni Morgan, Mr. Jared Ploger
3. Action Items
3.1 Approval of State Waiver Application
Before the motion was read, Mrs. Doyle clarified that approval of this waiver doesn’t mean that
the fee will be increased, it would just give the district the ability to do so if that decision is made
during the budget reduction talks. The fee could be increased to any amount, up to $400. The next
opportunity to submit a waiver, should the district seek the maximum amount of $450, would be
in the fall of 2018.
A motion was made by Mr. Jared Ploger, second by Mr. Brad Banks, to approve the application
for the Driver's Education Waiver pursuant to 105 ILCS 5/2-3.25(g) of the Illinois School Code,
allowing SD308 to increase the amount the district may charge a student to participate in a
driver's education course under Section 27-24.2 of the Illinois School Code from $250.00 to
$400.00 for the course.
Final Resolution: Motion Carried 6-0
Aye: Mr. Brad Banks, Mr. Matt Bauman, Mrs. Lauri Doyle, Mr. Brent Lightfoot,
Ms. Toni Morgan, Mr. Jared Ploger
4. Public Comment
4.1 Each Person will be provided five (5) minutes to speak before the Board of Education
The following individuals addressed the Board at this time:
Loretta Burke, Library Media Specialist at Traughber Junior High, shared some information
about the school Library Media program. There is one certified LMS in each Junior High that
serves both the staff and the students. The mission is ”To collaborate with other members of the
school and global communities, empowering students with the essential skills for using ideas and
information effectively and enable them to become lifelong learners”. The guidelines of an
exemplary school Library program can be divided into three key roles; teaching for learning, a
learning environment and leadership. On any given day, the LMS is involved in technology,
training, developing new training programs for staff and students within the building. Ms. Burke
stated that each LMS follows the national standard which is integral to curriculum. We plan with
teachers for lessons and assessments, adhering to the current learning standards. It is shown, that
School Libraries and the committed staff that runs them, helps students to achieve higher reading
and writing scores. This School Library Media program is an important contributor to the newly
adopted common core standards. There were over 6,000 visits to the LRC in the first semester.
Sara Meyer, Library Media Specialist at Plank Junior High, also shared with the Board the
importance of the Library Media program. Ms. Meyer reiterated her colleague’s comments in
regards to this program, since the Board is looking at a possible reduction. Ms. Meyer stated that
in addition to being a librarian, they serve in the role of instructional technologist as well. We are
very passionate about our jobs and we are here tonight to support that program. Please take the
importance of this position into consideration as you look at possible budget reductions.
5. Adjournment
5.1 Adjourn
A motion was made by Mr. Jared Ploger, second by Mr. Matt Bauman, 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,
Ms. Toni Morgan, Mr. Jared Ploger
Meeting Adjourned at 7:59 p.m.
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