Oswego Community Unit School District 308 Board met Nov. 4.
Here is the minutes provided by the board:
1. Call to Order
The Public Forum was called to order at 7:02 p.m. by President Lauri Doyle
1.1 Roll Call:
Upon Roll Call the following members answered present:
Matt Bauman, Lauri Doyle, Ruth Kroner, Toni Morgan,
Heather Moyer, Alison Swanson
Members Absent (at roll call):
Brent Lightfoot
Administration Present:
Superintendent of Schools Dr. John Sparlin
Associate Superintendent for Educational Services Faith Dahlquist
Chief Financial Officer Christi Tyler
Director of Communications Theresa Komitas
Others Present:
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 Lauri Doyle
2. Public Comment
2.1 Opportunity for the Public to address the Board of Education
Beth Herrmann – parent of students in district, athletic director and coach in a junior high school, spoke in support of the referendum in order to continue junior high athletics.
Ms. Herrmann stated that we all know the value and lessons that students learn by participating in athletics, such as teamwork, a sense of community and pride in representing their schools on a team. I would like my children to be part of a school environment that values athletics and believes that sports contribute to the social, emotional health. We want our children to be able to learn the value of being a part of something bigger than themselves.
Olivia Koepke – a Murphy junior high student, also commented regarding the importance of junior high sports. Olivia just finished her first Cross Country season and it was fantastic. We cheered each other on, not matter how fast anyone was, we were truly a team. Olivia stated that it’s a strong building block to participate in high school sports as well. From being on a team, Olivia has learned good sportsmanship, respect towards others, responsibility and honesty.
Alderman Edward Bugg – congratulated Oswego East High School for their recent designation as being an exemplary school. Alderman Bugg stated that it is amazing what our schools continue to do; performing at a high level not because of the current funding, but in spite of our budget situation. Alderman Bugg shared that last year, polling was done in the State of Illinois in regards to what areas millennials are moving to and the number two place is the Aurora area of SD308. Alderman Bugg mentioned that new construction is strong, with homes as well as new retail opportunities. All of us need to do our part. To support our schools we need new development and businesses. Our schools are funded about 2/3 of where they need to be and as a community we have to do better. In March, when we see that referendum on the ballot, we have to stand up for our schools and our kids.
Toni Van Denend – commented that as a parent of five children, she cares a great deal about the schools. Ms. Van Denend shared that she had some challenges in her childhood, was awkward in her junior high years and sports really helped that. She continued to grow as an athlete and went on to play varsity sports in high school. Ms. Van Denend shared that this provided scholarship opportunities for her and she went on to get her bachelors, masters and in a few weeks, her doctorate degree. Sports were my motivation to go to school, to keep up my grades in order to be eligible to play. Sports are not for everyone, but for someone like me, that could not have afforded a club, what other opportunities would I have had? Ms. Van Denend asked the Board to add the Referendum on the ballot to provide these opportunities to our student athletes.
Olivia Van Denend – a student at Murphy junior high, participated in Cross Country for the last two years and loved it. Olivia shared that she was on a great team that supported each other, made new friends, worked hard and learned a lot. Olivia asked the Board to please not take away sports, something that is so important to many students.
Lauren Doskocil – also commented regarding the importance of junior high sports. Lauren is a freshman at this time and she played Basketball for two years in junior high and participated in Track and Field as well. Sports provide various experiences that we would not have as students if it wasn’t for being part of a team. Lauren stated that being part of a team goes way beyond sports, it felt like there was another family aside from home. Lauren would like for her younger sister to have the same experiences and possibilities in junior high. Also, getting onto a high school team without any experience would be very difficult. Lauren stated that perhaps fundraisers could be a solution to this problem as well.
Lisa Eloe – stated that as community members, we need to better fund our schools. Ms. Eloe has been substituting in our district as a teaching assistant, in the office and in the classroom. This has provided the opportunity to see changes that have happened with the recent budget reductions. There has been an increase in the workload for the school administrators due to cuts; the increase in class size and how it affects teachers; an increase in calls for support that students need. On a perfect day it might work, but most days are not perfect. Staffing was reduced and one sees the effects throughout the district.
Ms. Eloe stated that for all those reasons, she fully supports a Referendum and she will work hard to ensure that it will pass this time.
Nyisha Kinard – stated that she realizes that with budget cuts, some things need to be reduced or cut. Ms. Kinard shared that what she is most passionate about is the Dual Language Program that her 3rd grader participates in. It is very important to parents that their children get to continue on in this program after investing so much already. Even if this program needs to be discontinued in the future, I ask that you think about the students that are already enrolled in the program.
3. Guidelines for Public Forum Q&A Session
3.1 Statement and Guidelines for Q&A Session
Board President Lauri Doyle read the statement of guidelines for the Q&A session.
4. Public Forum Q&A Session
4.1 Each Person will be provided two (2) minutes to speak before the Board of Education
Michael Vella – a resident of Aurora, introduced his wife, children and grandchildren. Mr. Vella stated that he is here to support a Referendum in order to fund our budget. The obvious reason is that education is primary for our children. Mr. Vella shared that his family is originally from Detroit and he was there during the 1967 Riot. A terrible failure of support and the population in Detroit went from 1.2 M to about 600,000. The Government forgot that the residents really only want three things:
1. Police protection to be safe
2. Basic needs to live
3. Good schools for their children
If those things are not provided, people move. Mr. Vella commented that this area is a good place to live, so let’s get the money and spend it to provide good schools.
Paula Hamilton – a parent of four students in the district, stated that she is in support of the Referendum, but is here this evening to ask about class size. Ms. Hamilton shared her disappointment that there are 29 students in her second graders classroom. The teacher is not able to work with each of the students, that is too large a class and there is physically not enough room. When my daughter was in Kindergarten, another section was added when it got too large. Ms. Hamilton asked why that is not being done this time.
Mrs. Doyle asked Dr. Lindsay Allen, Director of Elementary Education, to explain the classroom size monitoring procedure. Dr. Allen stated that currently the classroom recommendation from the Board is 28 for grades K-2 and 30 for grades 3-5. Dr. Allen is in constant communication with Mr. Murray at Long Beach regarding class sizes and she has visited the classrooms as well. Suggestions were made to create more space. Dr. Allen shared that she has met with the team to ensure the safety of students and that they are receiving the education they need.
Ms. Hamilton asked if that means the there won’t be another section added and Dr. Allen answered no, not at this time. Long Beach also does not have another classroom available, which needs to be considered as well. Ms. Hamilton stated that the district should have been able to foresee this before placing early childhood programs into Long Beach.
Mrs. Doyle commented that among the budget cuts, the class size divisor increase, is probably the most noticeable change, especially in the early grades. Mrs. Doyle visited Long Beach as well and shared that discussion continues on this subject.
5. Final Comments from the Board of Education
5.1 Final Comments from the Board Members
Mr. Brent Lightfoot arrived at 7:43 p.m.
Mr. Bauman thanked everyone that came out this evening, stating that the Board held a couple of Public Forums per year for the last few years and the turnout has always been terribly low. Although we know that the Referendum is a big topic, we appreciate all of you coming out tonight.
Ms. Morgan stated that it is great for people to show up for the Board meetings and share their views on any of the topics. Ms. Morgan also commented that she agrees, that class size is a crucial issue and she wishes the district had more money available.
Mrs. Doyle asked if anyone else had any other final comments and thanked everyone for attending tonight because it helps us understand as a Board what our community needs and how we can best serve.
6. Adjournment
6.1 Adjourn
A motion was made by Mrs. Ruth Kroner, second by Mr. Matt Bauman, to adjourn. All were in favor unanimously to adjourn.
Final Resolution: Motion Carried 7-0
Aye: Mr. Matt Bauman, Mrs. Lauri Doyle, Mrs. Ruth Kroner, Mr. Brent Lightfoot Ms. Toni Morgan, Mrs. Heather Moyer, Mrs. Alison Swanson
Meeting Adjourned at 7:48 p.m.
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