Oswego Community Unit School District 308 Board of Education met December 9

By Angelica Saylo Pilo

May 6, 2020

Oswego Community Unit School District 308 Board of Education met Dec. 9.

Here is the agenda provided by the board:

The Board of Education of Community Unit School District 308, Kendall, Kane and Will Counties, Illinois, met in regular session in the Community Room at Oswego East High School.

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 – Executive Session (6:45 pm)

The meeting was called to order at 6:50 p.m. by Mrs. Lauri Doyle 1.1 Roll Call:

Upon Roll Call the following members answered present:

Matt Bauman, Lauri Doyle, Ruth Kroner, Brent Lightfoot, Toni Morgan, Heather Moyer, Alison Swanson

Members Absent (at roll call):

None

2. Closed Session

2.1 Enter Closed Session under statute(s): 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; 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. Ruth Kroner, second by Mr. Matt Bauman, to enter Closed Session under statute(s): 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; 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 7-0

Aye: Mr. Matt Bauman, Mrs. Lauri Doyle, Mrs. Ruth Kroner Mr. Brent Lightfoot, Ms. Toni Morgan, Mrs. Heather Moyer, Mrs. Alison Swanson

The Board of Education entered closed session at 6:51 p.m.

2.2 Return to Open Session

A motion was made by Mrs. Ruth Kroner, second by Ms. Toni Morgan, to return to Open Session.

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

The Board of Education returned to Open Session at 7:28 p.m.

3. Call to Order – Public Session (7:30 pm)

The meeting was called to order at 7:33 p.m. by Mrs. Lauri Doyle 3.1 Roll Call:

Upon Roll Call the following members answered present:

Matt Bauman, Lauri Doyle, Ruth Kroner, Brent Lightfoot, Toni Morgan, Heather Moyer, Alison Swanson

Members Absent (at roll call):

None

Administration Present:

Superintendent of Schools Dr. John Sparlin

Associate Superintendent of Educational Services Faith Dahlquist

Chief Financial Officer Mrs. Christi Tyler

Director of Communications Mrs. Theresa Komitas

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

3.2 Pledge of Allegiance

Pledge of Allegiance was led by Board President Lauri Doyle

4. Recognitions

4.1 Student Recognition

President Lauri Doyle and members of the Board of Education recognized two students for having achieved a prefect 36 composite ACT score.

 Christine Corpuz - Oswego East High School

 Erik Dralle - Oswego High School

4.2 PRIDE November Award Recipients

President Lauri Doyle and members of the Board of Education recognized the November PRIDE award recipients.

 Long Beach Elementary School - Mike Cavello (Teacher), Tracy Zalud (Teacher), Joan Denton - Lunch/Recess Supervisor

 Transition Center - Adrienne Cruz (Teacher/Case Manager, Gerald Houston (Teacher Assistant-Job Coach)

 Operations - Lupe Rodriguez (Custodian at Operations, Transportation, Transition and Senior Center)

5. Public Comment

5.1 Opportunity for the Public to address the Board of Education

Colin Paul – student at Oswego East High School, addressed the Board regarding a software that helps students with English and writing skills in general. The software is called Grammarly and can be easily downloaded to any computer. It will help with writing and therefore improve grades. Colin stated that it can detect improper punctuation, grammar, as well as words that are overused. The premium monthly subscription is $30 per month or $139.95 for a year.

6. Comments/Reports

6.1 Board Member Comments

Toni Morgan shared that her and Ruth attended an event with the 4th and 5th grade Robotics Club. The students did a great job with their presentation on energy use in the school district.

Ruth Kroner shared that she was able to attend the Triple I conference in Chicago in November.. Mrs. Kroner stated that the general session speakers were excellent and most of the breakout sessions were very informative. Mrs. Kroner also attended the Lego League Robotics and the Crystals concert, which was amazing. This coming Saturday, the Jazz Festival will be taking place at Murphy Jr. High.

Brent Lightfoot shared that the Girls Swim and Dive team placed 3rd in the State. This is the 3rd year in a row that the team has placed either 3rd or 2nd.

Lauri Doyle attended the Crystals concert as well, stating that it seems to be more of a community event then just parents attending. Mrs. Doyle attended the Triple I conference also, acting as the Delegate for the IASB session. Every Delegate was able to give their district’s recommendations to be passed on to ISBE. Mrs. Doyle also attended a Legislative session and there seem to be many different options coming forward for different types of property tax relief. Mrs. Doyle thanked everyone for their hard work in finishing up the first semester of school.

6.2 Board Advisory Committee Updates

Finance & Facilities – Mr. Lightfoot stated that the committee discussed the following three subjects:

 Updates and space needs regarding the Transition Center

Parents, staff members and students attended the meeting to give their thoughts. The committee had many questions and feels that a long term, sustainable plan is very much needed for this program. Therefore, administration is asked to come back with more long term options for the committee to consider.

 Property Tax Relief Grant

 Kendall County Land Cash – there is a proposal on the table to lower the Land Cash and we expressed concerns regarding lowering that rate.

Christi Tyler stated that this will be an item on an upcoming Kendall County Board agenda after they get some attorney clarification.

Teaching & Learning – Mrs. Moyer stated that a good portion of the meeting was spent looking at the student learning data. All committee members had a chrome book and Mrs. Dahlquist explained the Illinois Report Card data to the members. The committee also discussed graduation requirements and the course catalogue. We also looked at College and Career Ready, reviewing the ESSA indicators for the summative designation to be included on the 2020-21 State Report Card.

Policy & Legislative – Mr. Bauman shared that the meeting started with Dr. Sparlin providing a legislative update. Several of the policies were footnotes and minor changes. Mrs. Swanson added that policy 5:50 will be coming back to the committee after January 1st with the new laws going into effect.

6.3 Superintendent’s Report

Dr. Sparlin shared that he attended the State Budget Hearing in Chicago, where he provided testimony on the Evidence Based Funding formula. Dr. Sparlin highlighted our current and future funding, sharing that our district is currently a Tier 1 school and that we are at 63% of our adequacy target. My plea to the Board was to advocate for the amount that districts need in order to get to their adequacy target by year 2027. The Legislators are doing their job, but there is only a certain amount of dollars available to add to that fund.

7. Approve Consent Agenda

7.1 Approval of Minutes from previous Meeting

7.2 Acknowledgement of Freedom of Information (FOIA) Requests

7.3 Board Policy References and Legal Updates: Section 2: School Board (2:250); Section 3: General School Administration (3:50); Section 4: Operational Services (4:40, 4:110, 4:140, 4:150, 4:170, 4:175); Section 5: General Personnel (5:100, 5:125, 5:150, 5:220, 5:260) Section 6: Instruction (6:15, 6:20, 6:180, 6:210, 6:270, 6:310, 6:320); Section 7: Students (7:190, 7:200, 7:290)

Mrs. Doyle commented that there were some policies that did not show any redlines. Mrs. Dahlquist noted the reason being is that they were either just changing footnotes or the wording changed was not related to PRESS, therefore there are no strike-outs.

6:310 mentions PE credit for sports as well as marching band. Mrs. Kroner was wondering if there has been any consideration to add show choir. Mrs. Dahlquist shared that it is being discussed.

A motion was made by Mrs. Ruth Kroner, second by Ms. Toni Morgan, to approve all items under consent, including 7.1 Minutes from the November 11, 2019 Board of Education meeting, open and closed session 7.2 to acknowledge the FOIA requests and 7.3 to approve the following Board Policy References and Legal Updates, Section 2: School Board (2:250); Section 3: General School Administration (3:50); Section 4: Operational Services (4:40, 4:110, 4:140, 4:150, 4:170, 4:175); Section 5: General Personnel (5:100, 5:125, 5:150, 5:220, 5:260) Section 6: Instruction (6:15, 6:20, 6:180, 6:210, 6:270, 6:310, 6:320); Section 7: Students (7:190, 7:200, 7:290)

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

8. Information Only

8.1 Financial Statements

The Board members had no questions on the Financial Statements

8.2 Board Policies for First Read: Section 2: School Board (2:20, 2:70, 2:100, 2:105, 2:110, 2:140, 2:200, 2:220, 2:230, 2:260); Section 4: Operational Services (4:20); Section 5: General Personnel (5:50, 5:285) Section 6: Instruction (6:65)

On policy 2:230, Mr. Lightfoot stated that there has been a five minute limit per public comment for some time. The language allows the president to change the time or limit comments per subject matter. Perhaps the time could be shortened with the opportunity to add 30-60 seconds for someone to finish their thought/sentence. The Board members discussed different options regarding the time limit per comment and overall. Mrs. Lemon stated that all of these changes were suggested by PRESS because of a specific court case, so that does not mean that they have to be implemented in our district. It was decided to take policy 2:230 back to the committee for review.

On policy 6:65, Mrs. Dahlquist stated that most of the changes are recommendations made by PRESS. This policy gets more definitive what the social emotional learning standards are, and this is the language that many districts across Illinois are adopting.

On policy 4:20, Mr. Lightfoot asked why changes are being made to the percentage of our recommended fund balance. Mrs. Swanson stated that it was her understanding that 20% was recommended by the Finance & Facilities committee as well as it matching our new strategic plan. Mrs. Dahlquist clarified that it is currently just a draft and it has not been adopted. The board members discussed changes being made to a policy based on a draft plan at this time and what number the percentage of the fund balance should be stated as in the policy. Mrs. Doyle commented that since some members would like the number to be 25% and others are okay with the stated 20%, this can either be further discussed in the Finance & Facilities committee or the Board members can decide now. After a straw poll, it was decided to leave it at 20%.

8.3 Property Tax Relief Grant Presentation

Christi Tyler, Chief Financial Officer, stated that the Evidence Based Funding included a provision for school districts with high tax rates with an opportunity to lower the property tax burden on local taxpayers with the state replacing a portion through a Property Tax Relief Grant (PTRG). $56.65M has been allocated in FY20 and our ranking has gone up from 267th to 187th.

A new provision in the state law requires us to abate taxes for two years if we were awarded the grant. Mrs. Doyle stated that there is no real opportunity for us to receive this grant, but we should still apply to show that there is a need. If by a miracle we were awarded the grant, there is no obligation to accept it. Mrs. Tyler stated, that if the Operating Referendum were to be successful and we would receive the PTRG, homeowners would see a property tax reduction in their 2020 and 2021 bills.

Board members expressed their frustration that the state has the expectation for districts to fill this out to show a need, even though there is only a very small chance for us to receive the grant. It’s also difficult for a district in our financial situation, to lose over $2 M over 2 years if we were to receive the grant, in order to provide some tax relief to our residents.

The complete Property Tax Relief Grant presentation, including audio, can be found at the following link: https://go.boarddocs.com/il/oswego308/Board.nsf/Public

9. Action Items

9.1 Approval of Bills for Payment

A motion was made Mrs. Ruth Kroner, second by Mrs. Heather Moyer, to authorize the payment of bills in the amount of three million, eight hundred eighty-one thousand, two hundred thirty-five dollars and seventy-seven cents ($3,881,235.77) as presented

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

9.2 Approval of 2020-21 School Calendar

A motion was made Mrs. Ruth Kroner, second by Mr. Matt Bauman, to approve the 2020-21 School Calendar as presented

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

9.3 Board Policies Second Read: Section 5: General Personnel (5:180, 5:330) Section 6: Instruction (6:40, 6:340) Section 7: Students (7:100)

A motion was made Mrs. Ruth Kroner, second by Ms. Toni Morgan, to approve Board Policies Section 5: General Personnel (5:180, 5:330) Section 6: Instruction (6:40, 6:340) Section 7: Students (7:100)

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

9.4 Extension of Real Estate Broker Contract to sell the District 308 Center Property located at 61 Franklin Street in Oswego

A motion was made Mrs. Ruth Kroner, second by Mrs. Heather Moyer, to approve an extension of the existing listing agreement with Les Robinson of Baird & Warner-Naperville, IL to April 27, 2020.

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

9.5 Approval of Property Tax Relief Grant Application

A motion was made Mrs. Ruth Kroner, second by Mrs. Heather Moyer, to approve the Property Tax Relief Grant Application

Final Resolution: Motion Carried 5-2

Aye: Mr. Matt Bauman, Mrs. Lauri Doyle, Mrs. Ruth Kroner, Mrs. Heather Moyer, Mrs. Alison Swanson

Nay: Mr. Brent Lightfoot, Ms. Toni Morgan

9.6 Discussion and Approval of Rollback Options with successful Referendum

Mrs. Tyler presented some roll back options for the Board to consider if the referendum passes in March of 2020.

The following revenue options were discussed before being voted on:

$20 flat fee for all Clubs & Activities

Reduce High School sports fees (Tiered $200 - $150 - $100) Reduce Drivers Education fee from $400 to $300

Reduce Registration fees:

High School from $195 to $150

Junior High School from $165 to $140

Elementary School from $120 to $100

Full-Day Kindergarten from $550 to $300

Half-Day Kindergarten from $60 to $50

Revenue Total

$100,000 $179,600 $ 29,600

$181,000 $ 79,000 $132,000 $220,000 $60 $921,260

(0-7) (0-7) (0-7)

(2-5 for all fees)

Mrs. Kroner commented regarding the Drivers Ed fee, stating that the cheapest option with a private company is $499, which includes 30 hours of classroom instruction plus 6 hours behind the wheel and 6 hours of observation. It is very comparable of what they are getting in school, plus it’s much more convenient for parents to have it take place during the school day.

Mrs. Doyle stated that the expense options would be discussed next, with a straw poll vote being taken at the end.

Mr. Lightfoot commented that while he understands why we are doing this, he has some issues, referring to Hinsdale asking the community to pass the referendum or take away football. This feels somewhat similar, with us saying that if the referendum passes, the district will spend more money. How can we best balance receiving extra funds without adding it immediately back into the budget.

Ms. Morgan felt that this makes it clear for the voters what the consequences will be with the election outcome.

Mr. Lightfoot clarified that once the Board votes on the rollback options, they will automatically go into effect in the event the referendum passes.

Mrs. Tyler stated that if the referendum passes, the district would receive approximately an additional $5.7 M.

Mrs. Doyle commented that during last year’s discussion before the referendum vote, the Board was comfortable with rolling back $ 1.1M.

At this time, the Board discussed options of items to be reinstated if the referendum were to pass:

Mrs. Dahlquist added, that after talking with staff members and parents of gifted students, she would like to put together a taskforce to look at this model to make sure it is what the district would like to pursue.

Mrs. Moyer commented that it was a significant change when the model changed with the budget reductions and she would like to ensure that there will be an increase in services for Elementary Gifted Education. Mrs. Moyer shared her concern that if the money is not allocated now, it will not happen later. Mrs. Dahlquist stated that it is difficult to put an amount on it since we don’t have the new model, but she believes it might be less than the full amount listed here.

Mr. Bauman added that if this is going to be voted on, he would like to see the Gifted Ed on the list in some way to ensure there is money set aside if the referendum passes for moving forward with an enhanced and restructured Gifted Ed model. The board members agreed to change the wording on that expense item.

Ms. Morgan asked for clarification on the AP dollar amount. Those were the numbers for the last two years that the district paid for AP testing.

Mr. Lightfoot gave some of the history, stating that years ago when this was discussed, AP teachers were frustrated because not more students were taking the test, in order to have the opportunity to qualify for college credit. At that time, the Board felt that it was a worthwhile investment to pay for the exams. Administration at that time, paid for any student to take the test, with some not even being enrolled in an AP class. Mr. Lightfoot commented that the real number could be lower with some proper parameters in place.

The Board members discussed some possible scenarios, such as paying for free and reduced lunch students and/or for students that were recommended by a teacher. Mrs. Dahlquist shared that if every student on free or reduced lunch were to take the AP test, the cost would be about $45,000. The decision was made that the AP testing expense needed more information and discussion.

Ms. Morgan left at 9:20 p.m.

The Board members decided that more discussion was needed regarding the restructure as well as the amount that should be allocated for elementary gifted education. The majority of the Board agreed that they support a Gifted Ed model, but it will not be exactly what we had in the past. At this time, no amount can be assigned to it, since we are not sure yet of the cost.

Ms. Morgan returned at 9:24 p.m.

At this time the Board took a straw poll by the way of show of hands on each line item. The Board members committed to the following items if the referendum passes:

 Reinstate Junior High Athletics

 Summer School Transportation

 Reduce Class Sizes Grades K - 8

 Enhance and Restructure Elementary Gifted Education Grades 3 – 5

Total $1,418,000 (with Gifted Ed amount TBD)

The complete discussion of Rollback Options with a successful referendum, including audio, can be found at the following link: https://go.boarddocs.com/il/oswego308/Board.nsf/Public

A motion was made Mrs. Ruth Kroner, second by Mr. Matt Bauman, to approve the Rollback Options listed with a successful Referendum

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

9.7 Approval of Personnel Report

A motion was made by Mrs. Ruth Kroner, second by Mr. Matt Bauman, to approve the Personnel report as presented

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

10. Closed Session

10.1 Enter Closed Session under statute(s): 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. Ruth Kroner, second by Mrs. Heather Moyer, to enter Closed Session under statute(s): 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. Matt Bauman, Mrs. Lauri Doyle, Mrs. Ruth Kroner, Mr. Brent Lightfoot, Ms. Toni Morgan, Mrs. Heather Moyer, Mrs. Alison Swanson

The Board of Education entered closed session at 9:44 p.m.

10.2 Return to Open Session

A motion was made by Mrs. Ruth Kroner, second by Mrs. Heather Moyer, to return to Open Session

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

11.

Adjournment

11.1 Adjourn

A motion was made by Mrs. Ruth Kroner, second by Mr. Matt Bauman, to adjourn.

All were in favor unanimously to adjourn.