Oswego CUSD 308 School Board met Dec. 11.
Here is the minutes provided by the Board:
1. Call to Order:
The meeting was called to order at 7:05 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, Heather Moyer, Jared Ploger
Members Absent (at roll call): None
Administration Present: Superintendent of Schools Dr. John Sparlin Associate Superintendent 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; 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 Brad Banks.
2. Recognitions
2.1 PRIDE November Award Recipients
President Brad Banks and members of the Board of Education recognized the November PRIDE winners. A complete audio recording for the PRIDE Presentation can be found at the following link: https://www.boarddocs.com/il/oswego308/Board.nsf/Public
Michael Skura – Teacher of the Month – Oswego High School Karla Willett – Teacher of the Month – Hunt Club Elementary Brittany Hoover – Employee of the Month – Long Beach Elementary Kimberly Payton – Employee of the Month – Churchill Elementary Aiden Emanuel – Volunteer of the Month – Lakewood Creek Elementary Rob Janosek – Volunteer of the Month – Boulder Hill Elementary
2.2 SD308 State/National Student Recognition
The members of the Board of Education acknowledged the award-winning efforts of students who received State and/or National recognition for their school-related activities. The audio recording for the SD308 State/National Student Recognition can be found at the following link: https://www.boarddocs.com/il/oswego308/Board.nsf/Public
2.3 Art Educator of the Year – Michael Skura
Members of the Board of Education recognized Michael Skura for being named Illinois Art Educator of the Year by the Illinois Art Education Association (IAEA). The audio recording for the Art Educator of the Year can be found at the following link: https://www.boarddocs.com/il/oswego308/Board.nsf/Public
3. Public Comment
3.1 Opportunity for the Public to address the Board of Education
At this time, President Banks read a statement, outlining the approach the board will be taking to navigate the budget reduction process. The goal of the board is to take the responsible path towards fiscal stability while preserving services that directly impact our students. This board will not seek a tax referendum. We have been elected to make the best educational choices possible with the resources we have available. If the district would have received all funds owed to us from the State, we would not need to have this conversation. Blaming the State and decisions that were made by the previous boards is not going to accomplish anything. We need to get our district on a sound financial track and mitigate the risk of going bankrupt in the next 4 years. Every service provided in our schools is important to someone and each decision we make is going to impact students at some level. The job of this board is to take the recommendations presented by our administration and to understand what impact each one has on our students. This will be a collaborative effort between the board, administrators, students, teachers, support staff, unions and the parents and tax payers. Our objective is to provide transparency and engage in dialogue with the public. The principals have been working with their respective staff to provide ways to reduce costs and the communications department set up a link to provide the community with a way to provide recommendations. What was presented at the November 27th meeting were just options and not at all close to making the final list of budget cuts. The board needed to have a baseline to understand what we are working with. We know there are items that we are not going to consider, but we still need to know what those costs are. Tonight we will review an updated list and we will not make any decisions at this time. We will go through the list and determine whether it is a feasible option and/or if we need more information. If we are in agreement that some options are too detrimental, they will be removed from this list and are no longer considered. The process will be slowed down. This is a five year plan and we can’t make informed decisions within the next 6 weeks.
In order to give everyone an opportunity to be heard, Mr. Banks shortened the comment time to 3 minutes per person or 1 hour total.
Elizabeth Palatine, OEA Co-President, stated that the majority of the budget reduction proposals would put the exceptional education that our students receive at risk. The parents of this community expect our struggling students to receive the support they need and to participate in athletics and fine arts. Larger class sizes would lower the ability to meet individual needs of our students. Reductions could be phase in instead of immediately cutting programs or taking away services that our students need. The OEA provided the administration and the board members with a list containing 11 clarifying questions on items previously presented and 25 suggestions for new revenues and reductions that would have minimal impact on students.
Janelle Kreiling, commented regarding the importance of the fine art options for students. While she understands the financial difficulties that the district is facing, as a parent she is concerned about the impact this will have. If the high school day will be reduced to 6 periods, the students will no longer have the option of taking an elective course like choir or theatre. At times, these classes are the reason students come to school or they will learn that they might want a career in music or theatre. Mrs. Kreiling stated that she feels more reassured after reading the statement Mr. Banks released and she asked that the board makes decisions on what is best for kids.
Lisa Bara, OESPA President, stated that OESPA understands the difficult financial decisions the district is currently facing. Mrs. Bara stated that any cuts in support staff would directly and negatively impact the students. Reading interventions, math assistance, sensory breaks, testing assistance, social emotional support, recess and bus supervision are just a few of the things that our general teaching assistants do every day. We are enrolling students with higher needs and without this extra support, they will slip through the cracks academically and socially.
Heather Timmins, spoke as an advocate for the band program. My daughter has grown from a shy junior high student to an outgoing high school student. She hopes to pursue an education in music someday. The program builds pride in their school and community. Being part of the band program exposes students to positive role models who reinforce the district value of inclusion, diversity and service to others. As a teacher I know that students who participate in fine arts and music programs are able to apply and reinforce academic concepts. If cuts like this are made, long-time residents will leave our town and families will no longer desire to live here. As a parent I would be glad to pay extra fees in order to have the fine arts and music programs available.
Valerie Kinley, Senior at OHS, participates in choir and drama. She stated that high school is an experience and it’s not just about academics. It’s about the other things that make you who you are. When we graduate, we are expected to know what we want to do with our lives. We are not able to do that without having all the different experiences. Valerie thanked the board for their work and for considering all options.
Geena Bukowski, student at OHS, stated that many reasons were stated already, but she felt it was important for everyone to realize just how many students would be affected with these budget cuts. Curriculum is very important to our future careers, but only having one elective, gives very limited choices. This is what makes students realize what they want to do with the rest of their lives.
Claire Schwarz, student at OEHS, spoke in favor of keeping electives, especially band, clubs and sports. She asked if this was a last resort or if there are other things the board and administration could think of cutting. My participation in clubs, is what will set me apart from other students turning in their College Applications.
Ben Dobberstein, senior at OHS, asked to keep sports, clubs and the music program. These activities help students form bonds and memories. While he understands that the situation with our State is difficult, he wants everyone to be aware of how much extra-curricular activities mean to the high school community.
Mary Zarembski, has two students that participate in sports, fine arts and are involved in several clubs. Every program on the list has some value to my family. I want to know as a parent that my children’s education, passions and values are supported. SD 308 provides a wealth of opportunities to our students, despite having one of the lowest per pupil spending in the State.
Seth Fetro and Gabrielle Sanders, students at OHS, spoke of the importance of keeping the vocal music program as well as the theatre program for current and future students. For us as students, it’s a home away from home, a community that loves us and supports us.
Carmen Vizin-Esquivel, student at OEHS, also spoke in regards to keeping the fine arts/performing arts program. I have been very fortunate to have these opportunities to perform in various musicals. The choir and the jazz band are my family.
Kenneth Blue, commented on the 80 million dollars that we are missing from the State. We are not going to get that money at this point. However, on the local level we would perhaps be able to collect some of the impact fees from the Villages. Mr. Blue realizes that the amount is determined by the Village, but he feels there should be a policy in place as far as the appropriate amount that should be allocated to the school district for each development.
Mary and Molly McGavin, students at OEHS, spoke regarding the track and field program at the high schools. Mary commented how participating in track made her set high standards for herself and forced her to raise the grades. Molly stated that she was terrified coming into high school and worried about making friends. The marching band gave her that community.
Alyssa Filicicchia, student at OEHS, advocated for sports fine arts programs. The district needs to stop focusing on reductions, but instead focus on finding ways to make things better. We cannot allow for programs to be cut that are going to help students the rest of their lives. The entire community needs to be working on ways to make keeping these programs possible.
Valerie Anderson, student at OEHS, feels that after school activities are an essential part of the high school experience. Making friends wasn’t hard after joining the fine arts program. I made many connections in my last four years, memories and friends. I’m not sure what I would do without these opportunities. Life skills and college applications would be affected as well.
Chris Dennis, stated that his family recently moved here and that they chose a home within out boundaries because of the many opportunities available to students. Mr. Dennis commented that in Illinois, many school districts contribute some or all of the teachers required pension payments that they are supposed to make on their own. Also, school administration has grown faster than the number of students that they are serving. District administrators are costly for the tax payers. Six figure salaries are common with primarily Superintendents making $200,000 or more, with other added benefits. Unless the structural problems are addressed, we will be back at this point again. The school districts in Illinois serve far fewer students than other States. For example, if we served the same number of students per district as California, we would only have 342 school districts in Illinois opposed to 852.
Mitchell Crispi, student at OEHS, also spoke in support of keeping the fine arts programs. The impact is far greater than what I learn in the classroom. The theatre is what I will be doing as a career, as my life. If I could spend all my time on theatre and arts, I would.
4. Comments/Reports
4.1 Board Member Comments
Mr. Lightfoot had the opportunity to watch the Jazz Band from OH, OE and Bednarcik perform. Mr. Lightfoot also attended the winter concert at OE. I have met with parent organizations at Bednarcik and at The Wheatlands. Parents were very interested in learning more regarding our budget situation. Ms. Morgan attended the Crystals Concert at OHS and it was amazing with many great, talented students performing. Ms. Morgan also attended the Christmas Walk a couple of weeks ago. Many theatre students, wearing costumes were there as well. It was a very nice community event. Mrs. Doyle attended the Crystals Concert as well. I have also visited some Home & School meetings in addition to meeting with countless, staff, administrators and community members regarding the decisions we are facing. We have numerous creative ideas coming from our community and I appreciate the opportunity to hear from so many of you. Mr. Bauman met with the parents at Lakewood Creek last week. Communication was pushed out, but only 12 parents were in attendance. Mr. Bauman also volunteered at the Christmas Walk this year and him and his family attended Crystals. We also had the opportunity to see Elf at the Paramount and several of our students were there playing Christmas music as a welcome to the guests. Jared Ploger visited with the Parent Organization from Grande Park. He thanked students who came out this evening to speak and practice civics. Mr. Banks attended Crystals as well and his son could see firsthand what he will be able to participate in when he gets to high school next year. I am scheduled to go to parent meetings starting tomorrow night. I encourage parents in the community to attend and share their opinions with us. This will be a collaborative effort as we move through this journey.
4.2 Board Committee Reports
• Finance and Operations
Mrs. Doyle reported that the Finance Committee discussed the initial Budget Reduction list that was presented at the November 27 meeting. In addition there were a few more pieces of information that will be presented tonight as well. The meeting included the committee members as well as administrators from each level. Each item was discussed and rated for feasibility. The tally at the end for items the committee considered feasible to cut, only added up to about 4.5 million, which is half of what we are trying to accomplish. The committee will discuss this again at their next meeting on January 9, 2018.
5. Approve Consent Agenda
5.1 Approval of Minutes from November 27, 2017 Board of Education Meeting Open and Closed Session
5.2 Acknowledgement of FOIA Requests
A motion was made by Mr. Jared Ploger, second by Mr. Brad Banks, to approve all items under consent, including 5.1 Minutes from November 27, 2017 Regular Board of Education Meeting Open and Closed Session; 5.2 Acknowledgement of FOIA Requests
Final Resolution: Motion Carried 7-0
Aye: Mr. Brad Banks, Mr. Matt Bauman, Mrs. Lauri Doyle, Mr. Brent Lightfoot, Ms. Toni Morgan, Mrs. Heather Moyer, Mr. Jared Ploger
6. Information Only
6.1 Financial Statements
There were no questions regarding the Financial Statements
6.2 Curriculum Review Cycle
The Curriculum Review Cycle has gone back to the Teaching and Learning Committee and his being brought back to the Board for continued discussion. Mr. Ploger stated that since it was voted down, the committee is looking for guidance and some feedback from the board members. Mr. Lightfoot stated his reason for the no vote was the presentation regarding standardized test scores and how the district moved from the ACT to the SAT. Being in the second year, we are starting to see that improvement and growth. Following, we talk of our outdated curriculums. Mr. Lightfoot would like to pay for K-8 Science to be updated ($400,000). We could pay for it with the potential revenue on our list if we were to sell Old Traughber. Mrs. Doyle voted no for similar reasons. The Science and Social Studies has been put on hold for too long and at the same time we also heard a presentation regarding our copying expenses. More copies are being made because the teachers don’t have a feasible curriculum. Mrs. Doyle does not feel comfortable at all making a decision on a cycle until we see what that would look like as part of this budget picture. Mr. Banks would like to know how long the committee has been meeting for Social Studies and Science. How much is spent on subs so the teachers can attend them? Are other districts already implementing new curriculums where we could learn from their experiences. Dr. Smith stated that it is common for a committee to look at surrounding districts. While there have not been many meetings, the committee still needs to come together to decide what for example 6th grade Social Studies will entail. The committees are aware that at this time there are no dollars allocated. If dollars are going to be limited, our need is junior high Science and Social Studies. In the long run, it makes fiscally more sense to purchase licenses for electronic access. We can begin a phase in and not stop the work. Mrs. Doyle asked how many teachers and administrators are involved in all the committees doing curriculum work. The cost for subs across all Elementary committees amounts to $37,000. Mr. Bauman commented that perhaps the committees should not be meeting and to save the sub costs until we are sure we have the funds to implement a new curriculum. Ms. Morgan stated that all work should not be stopped because the teachers need to have a clear vision as to where they are headed. If you tell a teacher what goals need to be reached, they will work towards that even if the resource is not available. That is the reason why it is important to decide this adoption cycle so the direction is known. Mrs. Doyle suggested that work be stopped until budget decisions have been made.
6.3 Budget Reduction Plan
Mr. Banks stated that the original timeline for the Budget Plan has changed and with gathering input from the community and staff, the process needs to be slowed down. Tonight we are receiving some updates from Dr. Smith on the additions to this list. We will review each item this evening and take a straw poll. Any item receiving 6 or more votes as not feasible, will be removed from the Budget Reduction List. After tonight’s meeting, administration will be asked to go back and assess the impact on students of each item remaining on the list (1 least, 5 most). Dr. Smith pointed to eleven additional items for the board to consider based on additional staff and community input.
• Increase student parking fees
• Further reduction of field trips
• Reduce annual operating costs at O3C
• Reduce DAC support staff
• Restructure gifted education service model
• Eliminate library media specialist position (5 FTE)
• Eliminate library media specialist position (2.5 FTE)
• Eliminate after school activity buses
• Eliminate random drug testing
• Discontinue paying for the optional National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test- PSAT/NMSQT
• Co-op additional sports
The team is continuing to look at suggestions that are offered and adding dollar amounts to them. Mrs. Moyer asked if the board has been provided with information related to AVID, Mastery Connect, Springboard and other testing. Dr. Smith stated that she did not have the opportunity to get that information yet, but it is being worked on. Mr. Lightfoot asked for numbers if the position of one AP and one Dean would be cut at the high school level and possible reductions at the junior high level. At one point, the elementary schools were sharing an AP position as well. It is something we will need to discuss further. Mrs. Doyle clarified that just because an item is deemed feasible does not mean that it will be implemented, rather that it will be looked into further, needs more information and the ranking of how much it impacts the classroom. At this time, the board members went through each item and voted on whether or not it will be removed from the list. A reduction in clubs refers to the stipends, not the actual number of clubs offered. The following items were removed:
• Elementary elimination of all 80 general education teaching assistants
• Full reduction of literacy and reading specialists (elementary level)
• Partial reduction of literacy and reading specialists (elementary level)
• Full reduction of reading and literacy specialist (junior high level)
• Partial reduction of literacy and reading specialists (junior high level)
• Eliminate JH activities
• Eliminate HS clubs
• Eliminate HS athletics
• Reduce HS athletics by 50%
• Restructure high school day from 7 courses to 6 courses
Mr. Bauman asked for clarification between clubs and activities. Mr. Howard responded that there are about 100 clubs and activities at each high school. Most clubs have a stipend attached to it, some clubs compete and most activities do not compete. The board members received a list for all clubs and activities for Elementary, Junior High and High School with the number of students participating in each one. Mrs. Doyle compiled a list of reasonable suggestions for reductions, received at various meetings with parents at staff. The following items are feasible for further discussion:
• Fee for some of the Dual Language Program transportation
• Hire building subs
• Reduce cost of sports by increasing or offering advertising for revenue
• Eliminate the Mastery Connect Program
• Raise student fees by an additional $5 to cover one ream of copy paper
• Cash incentive for employees opting out of Health Insurance
• HS - College style scheduling
• JHS – Changing structure of class minutes
• Remove cap on sport fees
• Discontinue contract with Springboard
• Reduce HS Athletic budget and put limits on the distance traveled
• Reducing the use of full size buses
• Additional removal of PD and committee work during the school day
• Raising fees and change stipend structure for Intramurals
• Changing some Spec. Ed Coordinators to Program Coordinators
• Reduce one instance of STAR testing a year
• Potentially make PE an elective
• Keeping JHS and HS AVID electives put cutting other AVID expenditures, perhaps at the Elementary level
• Potentially removing additional TOSA positions
• Eliminate Convocation at OE
• Hire a Maintenance and Custodial sub instead of overtime
• Re-evaluating projections to include retiring teacher’s salaries
• Potential cost savings in removing some AP and/or Deans positions
Mr. Ploger brought up the cost of our Unfunded Mandates. Mr. Dada explained that for most of them, we are not able to ask for waivers even though we are in this tough financial position. The board asked to be provided with a list of Mandates and the attached cost for each one of them. Dr. Sparlin clarified that the college style scheduling that was brought up, would require a task force. There needs to be a cost and benefit analysis as well as an educational analysis before time is spent on restructuring the HS day. The board realizes that this could not be implemented by 2018-19. Mr. Banks stated that the intent of the Board is to have a 5-year strategy of a balanced budget. The board can have further conversations in order to reach that 5 year target. The board members will continue to have their meetings with the parent organizations between now and the end of January. The budget will also be further discussed at the next Finance Advisory Committee meeting on January 9, 2018. On January 16, 2018 we will discuss the new information received from administration on the additional items we asked for tonight. If possible, there will be a vote on the initial reductions at the January 29, 2018 Public Forum meeting.
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.
Mr. Banks asked if any members had questions regarding the personnel report. Since there were no questions, the Board of Education did not enter closed session.
8. Action Items
8.1 Approval of Bills for
A motion was made by Mr. Jared Ploger, second by Mr. Matt Bauman, to authorize the payment of bills in the amount of four million, six hundred thirty-three thousand, eight hundred seventy-five dollars and forty-nine cents 4,633,875.49)
Final Resolution: Motion Carried 7-0
Aye: Mr. Brad Banks, Mr. Matt Bauman, Mrs. Lauri Doyle, Mr. Brent Lightfoot, Ms. Toni Morgan, Mrs. Heather Moyer, Mr. Jared Ploger
8.2 Approval of becoming a Purple Heart District
A motion was made by Mr. Jared Ploger, second by Ms. Toni Morgan, to approve Oswego Community Unit School District 308 to become a Purple Heart District
Final Resolution: Motion Carried 7-0
Aye: Mr. Brad Banks, Mr. Matt Bauman, Mrs. Lauri Doyle, Mr. Brent Lightfoot, Ms. Toni Morgan, Mrs. Heather Moyer, Mr. Jared Ploger
8.3 Approval of Board Policies Second Reading Section 1: School District Organization
(1:10) Section 2: School Board (2:260) Section 4: Operational Services (4:110,4:150) Section 5: General Personnel (5:10,5:20,5:100,5:220,5:250,5:330) Section 6: Instruction (6:150,6:300,6:340) Section 7: Students (7:10,7:15,7:190,7:192,7:250,7:275,7:340)
Mr. Lightfoot stated that he does not agree with the name Oswego being added back to our documents, that it is not necessary. Ms. Morgan stated that it was discussed at a previous board meeting that as long as there is no cost to it, it can be added back.
A motion was made by Mr. Jared Ploger, second by Mr. Matt Bauman, to approve Board Policies - Section 1: School District Organization (1:10); Section 2: School Board (2:260); Section 4: Operational Services (4:110, 4:150); Section 5: General Personnel (5:10, 5:20, 5:100, 5:220, 5:250, 5:330); Section 6: Instruction (6:150, 6:300, 6:340); Section 7: Students (7:10, 7:15, 7:190, 7:192, 7:250, 7:275, 7:340)
Final Resolution: Motion Carried 6-1
Aye: Mr. Brad Banks, Mr. Matt Bauman, Mrs. Lauri Doyle, Ms. Toni Morgan, Mrs. Heather Moyer, Mr. Jared Ploger Nay: Mr. Brent Lightfoot
8.4 Approval of Personnel
A motion was made by Mr. Jared Ploger, second by Mr. Matt Bauman, to approve the Personnel Report
Final Resolution: Motion Carried 7-0
Aye: Mr. Brad Banks, Mr. Matt Bauman, Mrs. Lauri Doyle, Mr. Brent Lightfoot, Ms. Toni Morgan, Mrs. Heather Moyer, Mr. Jared Ploger
9. Adjournment
9.1 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 7-0
Aye: Mr. Brad Banks, Mr. Matt Bauman, Mrs. Lauri Doyle, Mr. Brent Lightfoot, Ms. Toni Morgan, Mrs. Heather Moyer, Mr. Jared Ploger
Meeting Adjourned at 10:17 p.m.
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