Kendall County Times

Oswego Community Unit School District 308 Board of Education Met Jan. 11.

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 6:47 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; 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 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 and

individuals; 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 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 7:33 p.m.

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

The meeting was called to order at 7:38 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, 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

4.1 Opportunity for the Public to address the Board of Education

John DeMarco – a senior at Oswego East High School, shared that this has been by far the worst year he has experienced, not just because he lost his senior year and the sports season has been delayed. It is because of the stress that comes with this form of learning, it’s not healthy and it does not feel right. The mental wellness of the majority of students is low and the ones that used to enjoy learning are disliking school. For some students, school is their safe place, at times the only place where they get breakfast and lunch. Overall, this situation is extremely stressful for students.

Maggie Leger – a junior at Oswego High School, stated that she is a straight A student that takes honors and AP classes as well as playing competitive soccer. Maggie shared that while she always enjoyed learning and going to school, this year she has had zero motivation. Taking in to account a student that is already struggling learning in person, they will likely be failing or not showing up to class. It’s hard to get help when one doesn’t understand something. Maggie commented that she is not learning the same things that students learn that are in the classroom and feels that she will be at a disadvantage once she is applying to colleges. It’s very important to get back into the classroom for the well being of students.

Melanie McAllister – shared that she has two special needs children that need to go back to school as soon as possible. They needed counseling for anxiety as a direct result of the remote learning. Especially the special needs students need to return to the classroom. The schedule for hybrid does not work very well. By 1:45 they are to tired to participate in the live teaching on the remote days. It already is such a long day on the computer for 6.5 hours and then homework after that.

Rebecca Shawver – shared that her son is a junior, has ADHD, a 504 plan since 1st grade and is now failing classes because he cannot go to school in person. He is quiet, keeps to himself and does not get into trouble. His doctor feels like he needs to be on antidepressants. We all just want our fun-loving children back. I constantly watch over him to make sure he doesn’t become another statistic.

Elizabeth Palatine – co-president of the Oswego Education Association, stated that 2020 was like no other year and we are continuing to adapt to ever-evolving circumstances and events. Hope for a return to normalcy is on the horizon with a vaccine. Mrs. Palatine stated that the teachers strongly believe that they should be part of the planning for changes to the school day, as they bring unique experiences and insight that can help ensure both safety and learning needs are met.

5. Comments/Reports

5.1 Board Member Comments

Toni Morgan – commented that we have parents that very much want their kids to return to school as well as parents that want them to stay remote. Tonight, we will have the discussion about the Return to School Plan. As a community, as families, we need to think about how we can support good learning habits, a positive attitude and what we can do to make this new type of learning endurable and successful for our students.

Matt Bauman – acknowledged all the communication that is taking place. The Board has been receiving emails with very different perspectives and while we are not able to respond to everyone, I want you to know that I ready them and I value what you have to say.

Lauri Doyle – commented on the concept that we get to have an education and that we get to express ourselves freely. We experienced last week how divided our country has become. I see that our community is very divided as well. I hope that everyone can focus on, that we all care about our kids and their education. The fact that our opinions are different depending on what our kids need individually, is hopefully being accomplished by giving our families choices. Please try and find some ways where we are able as a community, whether we are learning in the building or remotely, we continue to value the education for all students and we value each other as neighbors.

5.2 Board Committee Reports

Policy Committee – Mrs. Swanson reported that the committee would like Policy 6:280 (Grading and Promotion) to go to the Teaching & Learning Committee for review. Mr. Lightfoot stated that we need a Policy that defines the District’s position on Impact Fees, Land Cash Fees etc. The Finance Committee has reviewed this and the Policy Committee could start drafting the language.

Mrs. Doyle reminded everyone that per Board Agreements, as we go through the informational items, we can decide which committees should take a look.

5.3 Superintendent’s Report

Dr. Sparlin stated that a letter was sent to the community on January 2nd, stating that we are going to be able to move forward with our hybrid plan on January 19th. Later this evening, we will have a work session regarding our Return Plan. In that letter I also shared that we currently still are in a pause in regards to sports. The next IHSA Board meeting is on January 13th and we will continue to communicate any updates. Dr. Sparlin shared that OHS alumni and teacher, Michael Leali, will have his first young adult novel published.

6. Approve Consent Agenda

6.1 Approval of Minutes from previous Meeting

6.2 Acknowledgement of Freedom of Information (FOIA) Requests

6.3 Board Policy References and Legal Updates: Section 3: General School Administration (3:40) Section 4: Operational Services (4:10, 4:55, 4:150, 4:175) Section 5: General Personnel (5:30, 5:190, 5:270) Section 6: Instruction (6:15, 6:20, 6:40, 6:320) Section 7: Students (7:140, 7:325)

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 December 7, 2020 Board of Education meeting, open and closed session; 6.2 to acknowledge the FOIA requests received by the District and 6.3 Board Policies References and Legal Updates: Section 3: General School Administration (3:40) Section 4: Operational Services (4:10, 4:55, 4:150, 4:175) Section 5: General Personnel (5:30, 5:190, 5:270) Section 6: Instruction (6:15, 6:20, 6:40, 6:320) Section 7: Students (7:140, 7:325)

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 Lincoln Prairie Subdivision Discussion

Christi Tyler shared that the District received a letter from Mr. Whitaker, Attorney for Pulte Homes. He shared the proposed plan of developing about 500 acres of land near Bednarcik Junior High and Wolf’s Crossing Elementary School. Included in that letter is a request from Pulte for the school district to waive any land cash fees on the age restricted portion of that development.

Mrs. Tyler stated that besides Mr. Whitaker, we invited Representatives from the City and Fox Valley Park District.

Mr. Whitaker stated that this is a large and complex development, south of Wolf’s Crossing and east of Route 30. This property will be developed in phases over the next ten years. There are commercial and residential components to the project, as well as a Del Webb 55+Age Restricted Community. The EAV for Lincoln Crossing (residential homes) is about $21M, for Lincoln Prairie (age restricted) about $68M and the Commercial property about $100M. The total tax revenue generated for District 308 is about $6.5M.

Mr. Whitaker stated, that since Lincoln Prairie is an age restricted development, with no children residing there, there will not be any impact to the District. Pulte Homes is asking for a waiver of the $500,000 in impact fees for Lincoln Prairie only. Mr. Whitaker commented that pursuant to Supreme Court Law, it’s inappropriate since there is no impact to school districts. Mr. Whitaker also stated that they would like to see the Commercial property developed as soon as possible. By creating new roof tops in this area, we will be creating additional demand.

There is a set of covenants recorded against the Del Webb, that states that someone under the age of 19 may not reside or spend the night in the community for more than 90 day in one year. Mrs. Doyle commented that the residential housing is behind the age restricted community. Likely, due to the amount of traffic, students that were previously walkers, might now have to be bused and that would add an additional expense to the district.

Mrs. Doyle took the time to thank everyone for attending, stating that they do not have an obligation to do so and taking the time to educate and bring the information, is very much appreciated. Mr. Bauman added how important this commercial development is for the district and how much it will benefit 308.

Mrs. Swanson commented on the increased traffic this development will bring to Wolf’s Crossing and Oswego East that is right down the road. Trevor Dick, Economic Development Division of Aurora, shared that the Eola and Heggs intersection has been updated. If any development comes through in this area, they would be required to widen Eola and 111th Street and there would be the need for improvements to Wolf’s Crossing.

Mr. Lightfoot commented regarding land cash fees specifically. That is money the District sets aside that can only be used for buildings. It’s very possible that 10-15 years down the road we will need to build another school. Currently the District is not able to borrow any more money due to our debt load. Mr. Lightfoot stated that he understands there is no impact to schools, but asked for clarification whether the waiver is for impact or land cash fees.

Mrs. Tyler shared that the requested waiver is for the land cash fee. The board members asked for this item to be brought to the Finance & Facilities Committee at their next meeting.

7.2 Financial Statements

There were no questions on the Financial Statements

7.3 Board Policies First Reading: Section 2: School Board (2:105) Section 4: Operational Services (4:80, 4:90) Section 5: General Personnel (5:120) Section 6: Instruction (6:235, 6:280, 6:300, 6:310, 6:340) Section 7: Students (7:100, 7:300, 7:340)

The Board had some questions on Policy 5:120, 6:280, 6:310. Mrs. Doyle asked if anyone felt that it would be beneficial for them to be reviewed by any of the Advisory Committees. On Policy 5:120, Mr. Lightfoot stated that he would like the stipulation regarding babysitting/childcare removed from this language. Mr. Lightfoot disagrees about rules and regulations put into place that impact our employees outside of their contracted time. Mr. Bauman commented that the Policy is very specific in stating that it only applies if a student is on their roster or caseload.

After further discussion, the majority decided on moving this Policy forward to action at the next meeting. Mrs. Doyle went through the Policies to see which Committees would like to review any of them. Equity will take 6:280 and 6:310.

7.4 Drivers’ Education Vehicle Discussion

Mrs. Tyler stated that currently our Drivers’ Education vehicles are rented at approximately $169,000 over 3 years. A 3-year lease comes at a cost of $79,000 and with the optional buy-out, a cost of $165,000. The last option is to purchase the vehicles at a cost of $160,000.

The District would like to release another bid, for both, leasing and purchasing.

7.5 Resolution Authorizing the Issuance of Tax Anticipation Warrants in Anticipation of the Collection of Taxes Levied for the Year 2020

Mrs. Tyler shared that we need to start the process of our short term borrowing in anticipation of the collection of property taxes. The amount is the same as the previous 2 years, $25M. The interest if paid on schedule before the end of the fiscal year is $120,000.

7.6 Resolutions for Interfund Loans and Transfers

Mrs. Tyler stated that part of the process with the TAW’s is to transfer funds from the Operations and Maintenance Fund to the Working Cash Fund ($5.3M), from the Transportation Fund to the Educational Fund ($2.1M), and from the Working Cash Fund to other funds in the District ($14.4M).

7.7 Work Session on Return to School Learning Plan

Dr. Sparlin shared that he has received much communication over the last week and a half. Some believe our students need to be back in school, some feel that the hybrid option we presented is a good next step and others feel we should stay in remote learning.

We are now at a point where we need to make some decisions to move forward, none of this is ideal as no plan will be perfect, and no plan is going to make all of the people that we serve happy. Following this work session, we will have a plan that we can all agree on being the best next steps moving forward.

Mrs. Dahlquist stated that the Board will work to consensus but that we will move forward when we have at least four members in agreement on any given aspect.

The following are the parameters from the State:

• Students and staff must wear masks

• A totally remote option must be offered

• IDPH guidelines should be followed as much as possible

• Students can’t be at school longer than five hours without being given time/space to eat lunch

Information on changing local health guidelines was given as well as the new metrics that will be used by the District going forward.

The Board discussed the following recommendations:

o Minimize disruption to current teacher-student relationships – mostly agree

o Maintain students’ ability to continue in their current courses – mostly agree o Students do not remove their masks in order to eat lunch at school and we stay within the 5-hour parameters to build school days – mostly agree

Percent of students in remote learning between schools:

o High School – split students into A and B groups (5-hour day) – mostly agree o Junior High School – split students into A and B groups (5-hour day) – mostly agree o Elementary School – all students come together for half days – mostly agree

In Elementary the instructional minutes are dramatically increased for both, in person and remote learning. JH and HS would be slightly less, but if we added Wednesday’s, it would be an increase as well. Students in self contained programs will continue to attend 4 to 5 days per week (depending on the level schedule).

Timeline for proposed new options:

o February 1 – publicize new instructional day plans

o February 5 – have parents make a choice by February 5

o Week of February 15 – start with the new options

Finding the right balance:

o Starting in person as soon as possible (January 19)

o Minimize the amount of changes (wait until February 15)

Administration recommends not waiting, but that would mean that there will be yet another change. High School can be moved up to start at the same time as Junior High (January 25). Mrs. Dahlquist stated that it’s not possible to start before February 15, mostly due to redoing bus routes and hiring more drivers.

Return of Staff:

o The current MOU states that staff is in the building for in-person instruction and if time allows, they could teach the remote part from home.

o Elementary is set, but with the JH and HS starting on the 25th, they would need to come in on January 22nd and 23rd.

The complete presentation for the Return to School Learning Plan, including audio, is available at the following link: https://go.boarddocs.com/il/oswego308/Board.nsf/Public

A motion was made by Mrs. Lauri Doyle, second by Mrs. Ruth Kroner, to move agenda item 8.2 Approval of Return to School Learning Plan, to the end of the action category as item 8.4

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

Action Item: Student Return to School Learning Plan

o All plans through February 12 will have the same two learning options that parents just decided from.

o In-person instruction will start on the same dates as previously published for Elementary and Junior High School.

o High School will be one week earlier – the week of January 25

o Phase 2 would start February 15

o It would include A/B Groups for JH and HS

o It would include 5 days a week of in-person and 5 days for remote for Elementary School o Students would not eat lunch at school

We will revisit the Learning Plan on February 22nd

8. Action Items

8.1 Approval of Bills for Payment

A motion was made by Mrs. Ruth Kroner, second by Mr. Matt Bauman, to authorize the payment of bills in the amount of one million, seven hundred sixty-five thousand, three hundred ten dollars and forty-nine cents ($1,765,310.49) 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 Building Administrator Contract

A motion was made by Mrs. Ruth Kroner, second by Mr. Matt Bauman, to approve the Building Administrator contract 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

8.3 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 6-1

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

Nay: Mr. Brent Lightfoot

8.4 Approval of Return to School Learning Plan for Students and Staff

A motion was made by Mrs. Ruth Kroner, second by Mrs. Alison Swanson, to approve the Return to School Learning Plan for Staff and Students as presented

Final Resolution: Motion Carried 5-2

Aye: Mr. Matt Bauman, Mrs. Lauri Doyle, Mrs. Ruth Kroner,

Mr. Brent Lightfoot, Mrs. Alison Swanson

Nay: Ms. Toni Morgan, Mrs. Heather Moyer

9. Closed Session

9.1 Enter Closed Session under statute(s): 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(1) The appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance or dismissal of certain employees and individuals; 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, seconded by Ms. Toni Morgan, to enter Closed Session under statute(s): 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(1) The appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance or dismissal of certain employees and individuals; 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 11:29 p.m.

9.2 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 12:23 a.m.

10. Adjournment

10.1 Adjourn

A motion was made by Mrs. Ruth Kroner, second by Ms. Toni Morgan, 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 12:24 a.m.

https://www.sd308.org/site/handlers/filedownload.ashx?moduleinstanceid=9932&dataid=66094&FileName=01.11.21%20Board%20Meeting%20Minutes.pdf