Oswego Community Unit School District 308 Board of Education met November 16

By Philip Gonzales

Mar 1, 2021

Oswego Community Unit School District 308 Board of Education met Nov. 16

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 6:48 p.m. by Mrs. Lauri Doyle

1.1 Roll Call:

Upon Roll Call the following members answered present:

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

Members Absent (at roll call):

Matt Bauman

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 Mr. Brent Lightfoot, 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 6-0

Aye: 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 6:49 p.m.

2.2 Return to Open Session

A motion was made by Mrs. Ruth Kroner, second by Mr. Brent Lightfoot, to return to Open Session.

Final Resolution: Motion Carried 6-0

Aye: 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 6:59 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:

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

Members Absent (at roll call):

Matt Bauman

Administration Present:

Superintendent of Schools Dr. John Sparlin

Associate Superintendent of Educational Services Faith Dahlquist (by phone)

Chief Financial Officer Mrs. Christi Tyler

Others Present:

Board Attorney Maureen Lemon, Ottosen DiNolfo Hasenbalg and Castaldo (by phone) Theresa Komitas, Director of Communications

Recording Secretary:

Ursula Coan

3.2 Pledge of Allegiance

Pledge of Allegiance was led by Board President Lauri Doyle

4. Public Comment

4.1 Opportunity for the Public to address the Board of Education

There was no Public Comment this evening

5. Comments/Reports

5.1 Board Member Comments

Ruth Kroner – shared that she attended the virtual IASB Resolutions Meeting on November 14, 2020 and there were several new resolution items that other district’s proposed. Some were recommended and voted on.

Brent Lightfoot – shared that he spent last weekend at OEHS helping to officiate Swim Meets. It was good to see the kids participating in something in the building and doing it safely with masks. Mr. Lightfoot received compliments from parents from other districts, regarding staying safe and being able to prepare and execute events and activities under COVID restrictions.

Toni Morgan – shared that Dr. Podjasek and LaTonya Simelton are planning some virtual parent coffees to support families with e-learning, self-care and mental health. Ms. Morgan also stated that she hopes all staff have the equipment that is needed to stay safe.

Lauri Doyle – thanked our Director of Communication for working long hours to effectively communicate all pertinent information while still making sure that the website is updated.

5.2 Superintendent’s Report

Dr. Sparlin congratulated three of our SD308 employees who are contributing authors in a new book titled “The New Teachers Guide to Ten Common Challenges”. Congratulations to Dr. Sara Curran, a teacher at Homestead Elementary, Beatriz Dillman at Wolf’s Crossing Elementary and Dr. Amy Howerton at Oswego High School. Mrs. Doyle mentioned another book titled “The Adventures of Super Jake! The Mask of Power”, written by one of our employees, Josh Edwards.

Dr. Sparlin shared that the district collected 139,000 items for the Kendal County Food Pantry during our 7th annual food drive. Over the last seven years, we have donated just under one million items. The following schools won this years challenge; Churchill Elementary with 23,300 items, Plank JH with 6,327 items and Oswego HS with 16,175 items.

Dr. Sparlin also congratulated Cynthia Niles, a teacher at Prairie Point Elementary, for receiving the Military Patriot Award. She has been serving in the National Guard for 27 years. Dr. Sparlin recognized our Board Members for Board Member Appreciation Day that is celebrated on November 15. Most people don’t realize how much time each of you puts into serving our schools and community and your contribution is very much appreciated.

6. Approve Consent Agenda

6.1 Approval of Minutes from previous Meeting

6.2 Acknowledgement of Freedom of Information (FOIA) Requests

A motion was made by Mrs. Ruth Kroner, second by Mrs. Heather Moyer, to approve all items under consent, including 6.1 Minutes from the October 26, 2020 Board of Education Meeting, open and closed session and 6.2 to acknowledge the FOIA requests received by the District

Final Resolution: Motion Carried 6-0

Aye: 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

The board members had no questions on the Financial Statements

7.2 RSP Demographer Presentation

Dr. Sparlin introduced our Demographer, Rob Schwarz from RSP Associates, to provide the Board with his 5-Year Enrollment Projections.

o Overall enrollment decrease is anticipated by 2025/26

While the district wide capacity is adequate, there will be some challenges at specific buildings. During this presentation Mr. Schwarz is referring to the instructional capacity.

o Elementary: Fox Chase, Grande Park, Lakewood Creek, Long Beach, Southbury and The Wheatlands

o Junior High: Traughber

o The impact of COVID-19 may have on the economy and housing must be monitored, but overall there is potentially for development moving forward

Over 500 Planning Areas are statistically analyzed in the district. The Sophisticated Forecast Model is based on what is happening in a school district. The value of the SFM is how the RSP team creates and analyzes the geography at a planning area level for any commonality which will help produce an accurate forecast. Some of the data that is considered to make the projections:

o Live Birth Information

o Enrollment by Grade

o Graduating Senior class is larger than incoming Kindergarten class

o Cohort Student Observation – from 2019/20 to 2020/21 we see the largest decrease since student data in 2000/01 (738 students)

COVID has resulted in enrollment cohort decline not seen in the enrollment presented in the table. Instructional Modality will have to be monitored to determine, if the students who are not attending the district still reside in the district, and if or how many return to receive services.

o Significantly fewer new students came to the district in 2020/21

o Students leaving the district has been increasing over the past few years

Elementary Intra-Transfers gives the number of students who reside within an attendance area who attend school outside of said boundary.

Hunt Club has the highest net gain and Long Beach has the highest net loss.

o Census data indicates an increasing population

o Building trend indicates there has been steady new residential activity

o Student enrollment growth has been struggling to be positive, but this year has dramatically decreased

o Households moving into the district do not have the typical household demographics, resulting in cohort changes that are very dynamic

o Single family residential has declined from 36 students every 100 units to 29 students for every 100 units

o Multi family residential has a yield rate of 13 students for every 100 units

Enrollment Projections:

o District decreases by nearly 200 students between 2020/21 to 2025/26

o Elementary increases by about 650 students

o Junior High decreases by about 500 students

o High School decreases by nearly 350 students

Mr. Schwarz presented enrollment information for attending and residing in each building, including the Instructional Capacity for each building, noting again that with the move of certain programs, that number will change. Ideally, a utilization of 85% of a building is best.

Projections indicate any decrease in inventory for Elementary should not be considered during the projection time frame and for Junior High not until 2025/26.

Dr. Sparlin shared that within the 52 Large Unit School Districts in Illinois, there was a total reduction of over 18,000 students.

Mr. Schwarz explained the difference between the architectural capacity and the instructional capacity that is being used in his reports. It depends on how the space is utilized and what programs are in each building. In a normal time, the recommendation would be not to close any buildings, but RSP could work with the administration to create a workable plan and create a check list for the Board to see what the different programs need in order to be successful. Ideally, everyone would like to keep it the way things are, but as we are moving forward with our budget challenges, there is an understanding that some things will need to be done differently.

Mrs. Doyle stated that some elementary shifts might need to occur anyway since some of the K-5 schools will go over the current instructional capacity. The Board asked for the architectural capacity to be included as well, in order to find out how the functional capacity would change if certain programs were to be moved. Mrs. Doyle summarized that the goal of a boundary committee would be to reduce the number of schools being utilized and balance enrollment. If the Board is not considering a reduction in schools, we still need to re-consider boundaries for certain schools.

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

7.3 Cost Savings Analysis

Dr. Sparlin stated that the Board asked administration to provide a cost savings analysis in three areas: o All after school activities, sports and clubs

o Associated savings in taking one or more buildings offline

o Savings with a 10% reduction in staff

Christi Tyler, Chief Financial Officer, shared that with EBF increasing for FY22, the district shows a projected budget deficit of $1.5 M for FY22 only. However, if EBF were to stay flat through FY22, we would experience a budget deficit through FY24.

Eliminate all Activities, Athletics and Clubs:

o High School - total after fees $2,012,435

o Junior High School – total after fees $254,035

o Elementary School – total after fees of $51,927

Close and Elementary or Junior High School:

o Elementary would net approximately $378,000 in savings and Junior High shows an estimated net savings of $642,000. These amounts include the additional transportation costs to send students to other buildings.

There would be an increase in bus ride time for students and there would be a need to redraw boundaries and this option would have a large impact on students with minimal impact to budget.

Reduce staff by 10 percent:

o Savings, including salaries, retirement contributions and health benefits would amount to $15.5M.

Extra-curricular opportunities would remain and all schools would remain open. It does increase class sizes and adds additional duties and responsibility to remaining staff.

If there is no increase in Evidence Based Funding for FY22, we would have a deficit of $5.8M.

Mrs. Doyle stated that the Board needed to discuss a target amount to reduce in the budget. Mrs. Tyler provided a break down of funding the district receives.

o 53% of our revenue is from local property taxes

o Just under 42% from Evidence Based and other State Funding

o 5% Federal Funding

Ms. Morgan asked who approves purchases. Mrs. Tyler explained that every requisition is approved by the respective budget manager, with office supplies being purchased by each individual building, where as custodial supplies are bought for the district and stored in our warehouse.

The Board members discussed the huge impact on the students and the community if activities and sports would be cut. It would likely add more discipline problems and students would not feel as connected. Overall enrollment would very likely go down. The possibility of a one-year salary freeze for teachers was brought up as well.

If we were to decide to close a school, it would be for the 2021/22 school year and we would set a timeline of what needs to happen in the next few months. Dr. Sparlin stated that there will also be a natural reduction in staff with our enrollment going down.

Dr. Sparlin asked for the Board to give direction as to what amount the reduction needs to be and what areas they would like more information on in order to make a decision.

Mrs. Doyle suggested that the Cost Savings Analysis be presented to all Advisory Committees at the next meeting so that their input could be considered as well.

Mrs. Moyer stated that she is not interested in exploring school closures and would like more information on the staff and extra-curricular reductions.

Mrs. Lightfoot stated that he would close an elementary and a junior high school which would amount to $1M and reduce staff for another $4M. He would also like to work with our bargaining units to make adjustments in the stipends in order to realize some cost savings without cutting sports. Ms. Morgan would like to see a reduction in the Operations budget and anyone that is not in the classroom should be looked at first for staff cuts.

Mrs. Swanson agreed with Mr. Lightfoot, adding that her hope is that the bargaining units might step up and make it less painful for kids if that is a possibility. At this time, everything is on the table. Mrs. Doyle is concerned about closing a school, adding more unknowns to a group of students that already went through a big change with remote learning. This includes clubs and activities as that involves their daily lives and routines. Most of it should come from staff reductions and perhaps the closure of one building at the junior high level.

Mrs. Kroner also feels that everything needs to be on the table at this time.

The Board members directed administration to come back with suggestions for reductions between 4M and 6M that have the least impact to students.

The complete Cost Savings Analysis presentation, including audio, can be found at the following link: https://go.boarddocs.com/il/oswego308/Board.nsf/Public

7.4 Review of Decision Making Process for Stages of In Person Instruction

Theresa Komitas, Director of Communication, provided the Board with information on the stages of in person instruction and contact tracing.

Mrs. Komitas shared the priorities of the stages and the factors impacting feasibility of in-person learning. Most important is to minimize the health risks for all students and staff while maximizing the time for in person instruction. We monitor our district COVID data and follow the IDPH guidelines. PPE availability and adequate staffing levels need to be considered also.

At this time, we have 380 in-person students with 200 providers that service those students. The average class size is between four and eight students.

As of yesterday, the rolling average COVID positivity rate is 18.16%. IDPH began including “probable cases” in their totals. Thus we cannot separate actual cases from probable cases. We remain at stage 2 of our reopening plan which means some staff in buildings, related services provided to students, with Special Education and the youngest learners prioritized to return to school. Mrs. Komitas reviewed the meaning of an Adaptive Pause. It allows for movement into any level of remote learning to prevent disease transmission. It does not need to be district wide, it can be a building, a classroom a grade level etc.

PPE, district and State provided, is stocked in every building. Some staff is being fitted for N95 mask, with prioritization based on classes with student mask-exemption.

Districts need to come up with a plan that is feasible, practical, acceptable, and tailored to the needs of each community.

The procedure for reporting and tracing of COVID-19 in our district can be found on our website. Ms. Morgan questioned the availability of PPE in some buildings to staff that is currently there. Mrs. Komitas stated that PPE has been deployed to every building. It is dependent on the programs, the classrooms and the schools. There might be some misunderstanding on how to get it, or the district hoping to not go through it too quickly. It was communicated to all staff in the affected programs that it is not a matter of cost. Staff now know who to contact at their building level for any needs and administrators know who to contact when more supplies are needed.

Mr. Lightfoot stated that the Board voted on the School Reopening Plan in October and he asked for clarification on why the Board did not vote on whether or not to stay in remote learning. Mr. Lightfoot was under the understanding that changes were tied to what the State mandated for school districts to follow. Dr. Sparlin shared that delaying the return for K-5 students was a data driven decision based on the metrics. Students returning to school on November 9th would have been before this Board meeting. The decision to delay the return was made in the best interest of the health and safety of students and staff.

Going forward, if feasible, Mr. Lightfoot would appreciate a phone call or a text so he would have a chance to give his input.

Dr. Sparlin recommended that we delay hybrid learning for K-5 at least until 2nd semester and make a decision before we go on winter break. Dr. Sparlin shared that very likely the Special Education students will be pulled back to remote learning in the very near future as well, based on what is seen in the schools. The metrics are just one part of the puzzle.

The complete presentation on the Decision Making Process of In-Person Instruction, including audio, can be found at the following link: https://go.boarddocs.com/il/oswego308/Board.nsf/Public

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 eighteen million, one hundred twelve thousand, four hundred ninety-two dollars and forty-nine cents ($18,112,492.49) as presented.

Final Resolution: Motion Carried 6-0

Aye: Mrs. Lauri Doyle, Mrs. Ruth Kroner, Mr. Brent Lightfoot,

Ms. Toni Morgan, Mrs. Heather Moyer, Mrs. Alison Swanson

8.2 Approval of Transitional English Course

A motion was made by Mrs. Ruth Kroner, second by Mrs. Heather Moyer, to approve the Transitional English Course to be offered at Oswego and Oswego East High School for SY2022

Final Resolution: Motion Carried 6-0

Aye: Mrs. Lauri Doyle, Mrs. Ruth Kroner, Mr. Brent Lightfoot,

Ms. Toni Morgan, Mrs. Heather Moyer, Mrs. Alison Swanson

8.3 Board Policies Second Reading: Section 2: School Board (2:125, 2:160) Section 3: General School Administration (3:30) Section 4: Operational Services (4:30) Section 5: General Personnel (5:35, 5:60, 5:120, 5:220, 5:330) Section 7: Students (7:70, 7:90)

A motion was made by Mr. Brent Lightfoot, second by Mrs. Lauri Doyle, to separate Policy Section 5: General Personnel (5:120) for a separate vote

Final Resolution: Motion Carried 6-0

Aye: Mrs. Lauri Doyle, Mrs. Ruth Kroner, Mr. Brent Lightfoot,

Ms. Toni Morgan, Mrs. Heather Moyer, Mrs. Alison Swanson

A motion was made by Mrs. Ruth Kroner, second by Ms. Toni Morgan, to bring Policy Section 5: General Personnel (5:120) back to the Policy Committee for further discussion

Final Resolution: Motion Carried 6-0

Aye: Mrs. Lauri Doyle, Mrs. Ruth Kroner, Mr. Brent Lightfoot,

Ms. Toni Morgan, Mrs. Heather Moyer, Mrs. Alison Swanson

A motion was made by Mrs. Ruth Kroner, second by Mrs. Alison Swanson, to approve Board Policies Section 2: School Board (2:125, 2:160) Section 3: General School Administration (3:30) Section 4: Operational Services (4:30) Section 5: General Personnel (5:35, 5:60, 5:220, 5:330) Section 7: Students (7:70, 7:90)

Final Resolution: Motion Carried 6-0

Aye: Mrs. Lauri Doyle, Mrs. Ruth Kroner, Mr. Brent Lightfoot,

Ms. Toni Morgan, Mrs. Heather Moyer, Mrs. Alison Swanson

8.4 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 5-1

Aye: Mrs. Lauri Doyle, Mrs. Ruth Kroner, Ms. Toni Morgan,

Mrs. Heather Moyer, Mrs. Alison Swanson

Nay: Mr. Brent Lightfoot

9. Adjournment

9.1 Adjourn

A motion was made by Mrs. Ruth Kroner, second by Ms. Toni Morgan, to adjourn. All were in favor unanimously to adjourn.