Oswego Community Unit School District 308 Board of Education Met Oct. 13.
Here is the minutes provided by the board:
The Board of Education of Community Unit School District 308, Kendall, Kane and Will Counties, Illinois, met in a 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 6:46 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 and individuals
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 and individuals
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 6:48 p.m.
2.2 Return to Open Session
A motion was made by Mrs. Ruth Kroner, second by Mr. Matt Bauman, 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 7:05 p.m.
3. Call to Order – Public Session (7:30 pm)
The meeting was called to order at 7:31 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
Others Present:
Board Attorney Maureen Lemon, Ottosen DiNolfo Hasenbalg and Castaldo, 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. Public Comment
President Lauri Doyle read the public comment statement, adding that public comment was limited to three minutes per comment and that three comments would read per subject. All other emails submitted will be shared with the board members and recorded into the minutes.
4.1 Opportunity for the Public to address the Board of Education
Teri Strickland – shared her concern about the plan for junior high students. They will only get 2 days a week for 3 hours in person, which does not seem like a well thought out plan. Mrs. Strickland has seen many different districts implement more organized and plausible schedules. One of her suggestions was to have parents help with the cleaning and the cost of the PPE supplies.
Carrie Lever – stated that in her opinion, kids should be home until after winter break and start up fresh with 2nd semester.
Angelina Smith – stated that this reopening plan will do more harm than good. COVID 19 still poses a threat to staff and students and there will be a significant loss of instructional time for both hybrid and remote choices. Students and teachers alike have developed routines, continuity should be a main focus.
Melanie McAllister – shared that kids need to return to school, especially special needs children. Mrs. Mc Allister stated that her elementary age children struggle and that two half days a week of in person is not enough. It would be much easier for working parents if it was 2 full days.
Karen Chorvat – stated that while she wants students to return more than anything, the plan that was presented provides little structure and with no consistent schedule. Mrs. Chorvat believes it will place more stress on teachers and therefore main stream classes should remain fully remote instead of upending their schedule again.
Eric White – stated that while it is positive to get the children to school for two half days per week, it is negated by the fact that the overall quality of teaching and education will actually be reduced. Students and teachers will lose the opportunity of interaction during remote learning and will become passive observers instead. We all agree that in person learning is better than distance learning, but the currently proposed plan is not better than what we are doing at this time with remote for all.
Michelle Cashman – brought up some questions for the Board to consider.
• Will they be 6 feet apart with the proposed plan?
• Is the district considering all the counties within our boundaries or just Kendall County? • Is there consideration given to the quality of teaching?
• If the district needs to go back to remote for all, would the schedule be as it is now or would it be the schedule for Group C in the proposed hybrid plan?
Eileen Mangers – stated that the plan should be adjusted since students will actually have less time with their teachers with this proposed schedule than they currently do. Our family has adjusted to the current routine over the last 7 weeks and changing that again will be difficult. It will also take teachers additional time to prepare for in person and online classes at the same time.
Keri-Lyn Krafthefer – asked that the District move forward with the reopening plan. Her student is transferring in from a school in Wheaton with 450 students, 430 of which opted for in person learning. They have been in school since mid-August with no COVID cases diagnosed.
Mrs. Krafthefer offered some suggestions such as changing start and end times for different grade levels, changing bell schedules for different passing periods, implementing longer passing times so desks can be wiped down and spacing desks 6 feet apart.
Evelyn Galvan – shared that the plan to go back to school is going to consume much time and it will take away from the focus of the education of the kids. As a single mother I am struggling with handling it all, but it would be even harder to find someone else to take them and bring them back home. The district should focus on extra-curricular activities instead so they have an outlet to socialize.
5. Comments/Reports
5.1 Board Member Comments
Toni Morgan – shared that it is important to remember that the reopening of schools might not give everyone what they thought they would get, but hopefully it will include the kids being as safe as possible. Ms. Morgan stated that she is aware of how hard this will be, but the district is doing their best to go into it responsibly.
Lauri Doyle – stated that this plan is not what anyone could consider permanent. This is an opening step to responsibly be able to better reach kids and to provide them with a step toward what they really need. Everyone is working on doing what is best for kids. Mrs. Doyle encouraged community members to reach out to administration for help when needed.
5.2 Board Committee Reports
Teaching & Learning – Mrs. Moyer reported that Mrs. Dahlquist presented the committee with the same information that the Board received on September 28th. There was an opportunity to ask questions and provide feedback on the plan. One of the major concerns was the limited amount of time that students are in school and how to have them supervised the rest of the time with parents working.
5.3 Superintendent’s Report
Dr. Sparlin shared the he held the first Superintendent’s Parent Advisory Committee meeting of the school year. The committee has been together for a few years and is made up of parents from all of our 308 schools. These meetings give me an opportunity to hear from the community and then the parents can take the information they receive and bring it back to the community. They also provide me with input with how to improve.
6. Approve Consent Agenda
6.1 Approval of Minutes from previous Meeting
6.2 Approval of New Equity Board Advisory Committee Members
A motion was made by Mrs. Ruth Kroner, second by Mr. Matt Bauman, to approve all items under consent, including 6.1 Minutes from the September 28, 2020 Board of Education Meeting, open and closed session and 6.2 to approve the new Members for the Equity Advisory Committee
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
7. Information Only
7.1 Financial Statements
There were no questions on the Financial Statements
7.2 School Reopening Plan
Dr. Sparlin stated that some changes and updates were made to the plan that was presented to the Board on September 28th. This evening, we will review current metrics for stages, discuss possible changes for Junior High and High School start date and the order of high school periods.
Theresa Komitas, Director of Communications, provided an update of the stage metrics in our primary service area.
Faith Dahlquist – Associate Superintendent of Educational Services, stated that all of the Special Education self-contained programs were starting the week of October 19th. Early Childhood through Grade 5 has a proposed start date of November 9th.
Heather Kincaid – Executive Director of Accountability and High School Education, presented the proposed change in the high school schedule. It reorders the periods on day 1 (1-8) and day 2 (8-1). Therefore, the arrival time for in person learning will be for periods 4 and 5 which allows students that have lunch during those periods to have late arrival.
The other proposed change is for Junior High and High School to start on January 11, 2021. The pros are:
o Devices would be ready for students
o There would be more time to train staff
o More of a balance between groups A and B because schedules can be revised at semester time o Less change/disruption
o Transition at a natural break
o More time to hire necessary staff
Families that want remote learning by choice will need to complete a form indicating that. The form is due by October 21 and the decision will be in place through 2nd trimester (EC and Elementary) and through 3rd quarter (Junior High and High School). If families don’t complete the form, it will be assumed the student is coming to school.
The board members asked questions regarding Gifted Education and how that will work with Math and ELA. Mrs. Dahlquist stated that it will look different, but we are not giving up differentiation. Mrs. Komitas talked a little about adaptive changes and what that means. When you see the numbers going in and out of the stages for one or two days, we do not make the dramatic moves until we know what is informing those numbers.
Mrs. Swanson brought up that there is a group of kids that are just not learning in this remote environment and are failing multiple classes. She asked if somebody is collecting that data, is reaching out to those students and if there is a way to bring groups like that back into the classroom sooner. Mrs. Kincaid stated that the information is available and that counselors and deans are reaching out to those students.
Mrs. Kroner asked if the individual teachers have any leeway in allowing students retakes in these extenuating circumstances, if it is a genuine issue of not understanding the material opposed to using it as an excuse. It was also discussed how important technology is during this time for staff and students and we are experiencing delays with our orders for devices. We don’t have an estimated delivery date at this time. The vendors only prioritize orders to medical professionals and health care facilities. Mr. Bauman stated that he appreciates the honesty with the recommendation as far as what it needs to be, opposed over what we all want it to be. The High School schedules as shown today makes much more sense. No changes were made to the Elementary and Junior High schedules.
Mrs. Doyle commented that some requirements changed for substitutes and there was some discussion of volunteers being able to help out in the classrooms. Dr. Sparlin confirmed that the HR department is working on that and information will go out soon.
Ms. Morgan asked to make sure that regular communication goes out to staff regarding the essential standards and where modifications can be made. It was stated that meetings were held with committees for Math, Science and ELA to determine standards and assessments since summer. Teachers need to feel supported because this will be very difficult for them.
The complete presentation can be found at the following link:
https://go.boarddocs.com/il/oswego308/Board.nsf/vpublic?open
7.3 Debt Service Extension Bond Presentation
Christi Tyler, Chief Financial Officer, presented the Board with some history on the Debt Service Extension Bonds.
o We continue to have roughly a one-month reserve in our fund balances
o This does not allow for capital projects to be funded with operating funds
o In 2017, $13.6M in DSEB bonds were issued to address priority building and technology capital needs
o Remaining funds have been allocated to current projects
o The district will make the last payment on the bonds in February 2022
In 2015, the Board was presented with the 2020 Deferred Maintenance and Energy Assessment Plan. This plan was going to serve as a tool for the long-range facility maintenance and improvement planning and budgeting.
Mrs. Tyler stated that not addressing items on the 2020 plan could be more costly in the long run.
o Increase in materials and labor costs
o Items not maintained may fail and need to be replaced
In addition, in a district of our size, there is bound to be repairs that can’t possibly be predicted. Without any DSEB funds, any of these costs would require us to dip into our already low reserves. The timeline to get the bonds would be in the next year or two. We have almost depleted the money that was borrowed in 2017. What is left will be used to close out the existing projects already started. Mr. Lightfoot added that if the Board is going to make a decision on selling more bonds, we need to have a good understanding of what is needed so we can prepare as best we can for the long term. Mr. Lightfoot would like more of a timeline and specific numbers, keeping in mind that the last bonds won’t be paid of until February 2022.
Mrs. Doyle clarified that the purpose of this presentation was to talk about the likelihood of needing DSEB bonds ahead of the next presentation tonight in regards to refinancing our bonds and the effects on the tax bill. There will be much more information needed before a decision on the DSEB bonds can be made.
Dr. Sparlin stated that there will be an updated 5-year plan with pictures and specifics of what the DSEB bonds would be used for, coupled with a more specific timeline for the various projects.
The complete presentation can be found at the following link:
https://go.boarddocs.com/il/oswego308/Board.nsf/vpublic?open
7.4 Resolution providing for the issue of not to exceed $74,500,000 General Obligation Refunding School Bonds of the District for the purpose of refunding certain outstanding bonds of the District, providing for the levy of a direct annual tax sufficient to pay the principal and interest on said bonds, authorizing the sale of said bonds to the purchaser thereof, and authorizing the execution of an escrow agreement in connection therewith
Bob Lewis from PMA and Christi Tyler presented the restructuring options with and without he issuance of DSEB bonds.
4 Scenarios were presented to the Board about restructuring our debt service including the addition of DSEB bonds.
o Scenario 1 – estimated impact for a $250,000 home is an increase of approximately $115
o Scenario 2 – estimated impact for a $250,000 home is an increase of $115 for LY 2021 which is an increase of $48 over LY2019
o Scenario 3 – estimated impact for a $250,000 home is a decrease of about $ 25
o Scenario 4 – estimated impact for a $250,000 home is an increase of $115 for LY2021 which is a decrease of $78 over LY2019
Next Mr. Lewis provided a summary for Phase 2 (current) Restructuring Options with and without DSEB bonds.
There is a national uncertainty as far as selling bonds due to the upcoming elections. Especially for a school district like 308, there is a concern about the rating with receiving less than the anticipated funding from the State. The rating remained at an A2 but maintained the negative outlook because we have a deficit budget. If the Board choses the structure now, then the bonds could be sold before the Election, limiting the market risk.
Mr. Bauman pointed out that looking ahead at year 2034 when this massive debt is paid off, that is when we are finally going to see some relief on our property tax bills. Much of the money from our tax bills is going toward the debt service.
The different scenarios were discussed at the Finance Committee. The members were pleasantly surprised that each option showed cost savings. Some members felt that we might want to push the debt out further so future generations could pay for it as well.
Mrs. Kroner stated that she will be looking at the options that include DSEB bonds since we will very likely need them, we just don’t have a number yet.
Mrs. Doyle asked to go around the room to get a feel of where each board member stood as far as their preference of scenarios.
Mr. Lightfoot prefers scenario 1 but could go with scenario 2
Mrs. Swanson stated the same
Mrs. Kroner stated that she could go with scenario 2, but likes #3 better
Mr. Bauman stated that the ultimate goal is to get this debt paid off without a large tax increase, therefore he likes scenario 3
Mrs. Moyer could go with scenario 2 or scenario 3
Mrs. Doyle is leaning towards 3
Major difference between scenario 2 and scenario 3 without DSEB Bonds:
o Estimated reduction in debt service for scenario 2 is $13.6M
o Estimated reduction in debt service for scenario 3 is $11M
o So over the course of 15 years there is a loss of $2.6M in savings
Difference between scenario 2 and scenario 3 with the DSEB Bonds:
o Estimated $2.5M additional cost in interest in scenario 3
After further discussion, the majority of the board members agreed to Scenario #2. This is for the refinancing of our existing debt and does not include a decision on the issuance of DSEB Bonds.
The complete presentation can be found at the following link:
https://go.boarddocs.com/il/oswego308/Board.nsf/vpublic?open
7.5 Board Policies for First Read: Section 4: Operational Services (4:180); Section 7: Students (7:165 NEW, 7:190)
Dr. Sparlin explained that the following three policies are on the agenda for information and approval due to being time sensitive.
The new policy for face covering states that everyone in a school building or on a school bus needs to be wearing a mask. This will be no different than following any other school rules.
8. Action Items
8.1 Approval of Bills for Payment
A motion was made by Mrs. Ruth Kroner, second by Mrs. Alison Swanson, to authorize the payment of bills in the amount of three million, two hundred thirty-four thousand, nine hundred ninety-four dollars and thirty-five cents ($3,234,994.35) 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
8.2 Approval of School Reopening Plan
Mr. Bauman stated his reason of why he was going to vote no for the plan. While he would very much like the students in the building, there is a cost to this program. As a Board, we are always forced to cut and we want to be as efficient as we possibly can be. The extra amount of money that we will be spending for the limited amount of time in the classroom, together with the additional struggles and obstacles everyone will be facing, he does not see the value for what we would be spending. Mrs. Kroner stated that she appreciates the changes the Administration came back with and it shows that the community is listened to.
Mr. Lightfoot stated that it is about the mental health of the kids and they need to get back to their routine, even if it is different. Let’s be safe, let’s not be afraid.
A motion was made by Mrs. Ruth Kroner, second by Mrs. Alison Swanson, to approve the School Reopening Plan as presented
Final Resolution: Motion Carried 4-3
Aye: Mrs. Lauri Doyle, Mrs. Ruth Kroner, Mr. Brent Lightfoot, Mrs. Heather Moyer Nay: Mr. Matt Bauman, Ms. Toni Morgan, Mrs. Alison Swanson
8.3 Resolution providing for the issue of not to exceed $74,500,000 General Obligation Refunding School Bonds of the District for the purpose of refunding certain outstanding bonds of the District, providing for the levy of a direct annual tax sufficient to pay the principal and interest on said bonds, authorizing the sale of said bonds to the purchaser thereof, and authorizing the execution of an escrow agreement in connection therewith
A motion was made by Mrs. Ruth Kroner, second by Mr. Brent Lightfoot, to approve the resolution providing for the issue of not to exceed $74,500,000 General Obligation Refunding School Bonds of the District for the purpose of refunding certain outstanding bonds of the District, providing for the levy of a direct annual tax sufficient to pay the principal and interest on said bonds, authorizing the sale of said bonds to the purchaser thereof, and authorizing the execution of an escrow agreement in connection therewith
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
8.4 Approval of 2020-21 Calendar Revisions
A motion was made by Mrs. Ruth Kroner, second by Mrs. Heather Moyer, to approve the 2020-21 Calendar Revisions 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
8.5 Board Policies for Approval: Section 4: Operational Services (4:180); Section 7: Students (7:165 NEW, 7:190)
A motion was made by Mrs. Ruth Kroner, second by Mrs. Heather Moyer, to approve Board Policies Section 4: Operational Services (4:180); Section 7: Students (7:165 NEW, 7:190)
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
8.6 Approval of Personnel Report
A motion was made by Mrs. Ruth Kroner, second by Mrs. Alison Swanson, 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
9. Adjournment
9.1 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 9:44 p.m.
https://www.sd308.org/site/handlers/filedownload.ashx?moduleinstanceid=9932&dataid=64249&FileName=10.13.20%20Board%20Meeting%20Minutes.pdf
Alerts Sign-up