Newark Community Consolidated School District 66 Board met Jan. 25.
Here is the minutes provided by the board:
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; 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 Mrs. Alison Swanson, 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; 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 6:47 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 7:48 p.m.
3. Call to Order – Public Session (7:30 pm)
The meeting was called to order at 7:55 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 Studer
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
Melanie McAllister – shared that the district is doing a disservice to students by not providing a science curriculum to them and making it all independent work videos. She shared that for second grade, there were at least fifty videos about how to make homemade glue out of cornstarch, water, flour and salt.
Tom Sedlacek – shared his hopes that the district will put further thought into the Phase 2 hybrid plan. He is concerned about groups A and B being combined for 5 days of in person learning. He would like to see a limit in the number of students allowed in a classroom to meet all social distancing requirements. He hopes that we stay focused on the safety factor like we have been for the last 10 months.
Mary Konken – asked the district to consider adding more in person learning time for students with IEP’s. Mrs. Konken added that most of these students already have an educational gap between them and their peers and remote learning has only increased that gap.
Elizabeth Palatine (via zoom) – Co-President of the OEA, stated that there is a strong desire for our schools to return to something normal. During remote for all learning, teachers have been focused and determined to do what is needed for our students. As students return to school, teachers are now asked to teach in two different ways and two different formats. Mrs. Palatine stated that the Phase 2 plan as presented to the teachers, does not incorporate the time needed to complete this task. Also, the safety of students and staff is of great concern. With groups A and B combined at the Elementary level, social distancing will be very difficult to accomplish in many of the classrooms.
5. Comments/Reports
5.1 Board Member Comments
Ruth Kroner commented that she visited Traughber and Plank Junior High School with Mrs. Doyle today. The 6th graders were invited for their orientation and they all did a great job with staying on the right side of the hallway and keeping distanced.
Matt Bauman commented that we are in week 2 of a monumental transition of returning to in person learning in our district. Some students were anxious and some excited, but it seems to be going well. Toni Morgan acknowledged that this is a time for adjustment for everyone, to handle in person and remote learning. As a board, we are trying our best to consider what the staff needs and exercise as much caution as possible. Ms. Morgan stated that there will be many adjustments and understanding from the community is very much appreciated.
Lauri Doyle visited four Elementary schools with Dr. Sparlin last week in addition to the two Junior High Schools today with Mrs. Kroner. It was great to see the Kindergartners and some of the kids from Early Childhood. Seeing the kids and the teachers was really good even though this situation is not perfect. But, once you face what you don’t know, it becomes less scary.
5.2 Board Committee Reports
Finance & Facilities Committee – Mr. Lightfoot shared that the committee primarily discussed the proposed Del Webb community. There was not a consensus or direction, but there were good questions and discussion. One of the members was wondering if the 55+ community could be built first since they would have no impact on the schools but we would receive property tax revenue. However, we were informed that plans for the development are in place and can’t be changed. Mrs. Kroner added that the committee also discussed the Capital Projects for our facilities, presented by Mr. Allison.
Teaching & Learning Committee – Mrs. Moyer shared that the committee received a presentation for the Climate for Learning Framework, which was shared with the Board back in September. The committee also discussed the Hybrid plan that was presented. Many questions were answered for the members and the information can be shared with community members.
5.3 Superintendent’s Report
Dr. Sparlin shared that he was able to ride the school bus for the first day of welcoming elementary students back. Following, Mrs. Doyle and I visited a number of schools. We were both impressed with the expectations, the protocols in place and the positive reports we received.
All the Directors, along with Mrs. Dahlquist and Mrs. Tyler went to schools to help out and take notes on how to support the staff at the buildings.
Dr. Sparlin congratulated the high school students from OH and OEHS, that participated and placed in this year’s Regional Scholastic Art competition. We had so many students earn an award, the list is too long to name everyone. The top winners of the Region will go on to compete nationally in New York. Dr. Sparlin shared that this year, due to COVID, the PRIDE (Proudly Recognizing Individuals Demonstrating Excellence) program was modified. The schools all submitted a nomination of one teacher and one employee to the district to be considered. 4 teachers and 2 employees were then randomly selected through a "WheelofNames" drawing on facebook. Congratulations to the following PRIDE winners for January:
Teachers:
Sarah Caffarello (CH)
Sue Shimp (LC)
Nicole Watson (LB)
Michelle Nevarez (OE)
Employees:
Charlie Metoyer (LC)
Drew Mundsinger (OH)
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. Alison Swanson, to approve all items under consent, including 6.1 Minutes from the January 11, 2021 Board of Education meeting, open and closed session and 6.2 to acknowledge the FOIA requests received by the District
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 2021-22 School Year Calendar
Dr. Sparlin stated that he met with the School Calendar Committee last week and they recommend the proposed 2021-22 School Year calendar to the Board. The Board members had no questions and it will be an action item at the next Board meeting.
7.2 Budget Reduction Recommendations
Dr. Sparlin presented the recommended budget reductions and talked about the steps taken since 2016 to balance our budget. A total of $14M in budget reductions and revenue enhancements have been made in the last four years. The 2020-21 budget deficit can be largely attributed to no new money being allocated to Evidence Based Funding at the State level.
Christi Tyler presented our updated 5-year projections, including the proposed $5M in budget reductions in FY22, with the 2nd stimulus funds and no EBF increase until FY23.
Our expected deficit for FY2021 is $1.5M, leaving us with a year end fund balance of $19M. Dr. Sparlin shared that the priorities for this next round of reductions are to maintain a quality climate for student learning, to find efficiencies within current practices, and to find reductions that are sustainable. Following are the six key areas:
• District Administration Budgets – total $526,200
• District Administration Positions – total $661,500
• Staff Reductions due to Declining Enrollment – total $2,110,000
• Secondary Reductions - total $914,000
• Lessons Learned from Remote Learning - total $1,116,000
• Other - total $374,000
This would bring our total recommended reductions to $5,701,700
The Board members commended the administrative time for the recommendation brought forward. Ms. Morgan commented that it is a solid, well though out list.
Mr. Lightfoot shared that while none of this is easy, this is a straight forward and reasonable plan. Regarding eliminating the math software program Dreambox, he suggested that we only keep the most proven programs in the district and keep it the same at all schools.
Mrs. Swanson had concerns regarding the restructuring of benefits, not wanting to eliminate choices for staff. Mrs. Swanson is not in favor of a 4-day week at the secondary level.
Mr. Bauman stated that he would like to ensure that the recommendation for moving the GOAL students to a hybrid model is a good thing for the students. Mr. Bauman also asked for the 5-year projections with no EBF increase through FY26.
Dr. Sparlin clarified that the GOAL students are already working in a self-paced online program while in school. It might be more convenient for some students to work the program from home. Which students might benefit from that would be evaluated by their teachers and with the approval of their parents. Some students need more structure and some can work independently. This would not be optional, it would be for everyone, since the largest savings comes from transportation and fuel cost.
Mrs. Moyer had some concern about the proposal of changing to a 4-day in person and 1-day remote learning day for grades 6-12.
Dr. Sparlin stated that this would not be optional, it would be for everyone, since the largest savings comes from transportation and fuel cost.
Mrs. Kroner is also not sure about the 4-day in person learning week for secondary grades. It is outside of the box thinking in reducing costs, but it needs more thought.
Mrs. Swanson added that since some students are thriving in this environment, some classes that are typically taught in summer school, could be taught by teachers remotely instead of Edgenuity. This could be an opportunity for students to pick up classes online.
Mrs. Doyle clarified regarding student planners to still be printed for grades 2-5 since thy do not have the 1:1 technology yet. Mrs. Doyle stated that the 4 day in person and 1-day remote learning might benefit most students, give them a chance for independent learning. She would like to see it as a program that will benefit students opposed to a budget reduction. Mrs. Doyle asked administration to take their time in developing this program, vet it in the traditional way through committees. Dr. Sparlin commented that the specific plan would be worked on and presented to the Board. Mrs. Doyle highlighted the restructuring of the employee benefits, commenting on the impressive work of the HR department to give this opportunity to staff.
The Board members agreed to bring this forward at the next meeting as an action item.
8. Action Items
8.1 Board Policies Second Reading and Approval: 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, 6:300, 6:340) Section 7: Students (7:100, 7:300, 7:340)
A motion was made by Mr. Brent Lightfoot, second by Mrs. Alison Swanson, to vote on Policy Section 5: General Personnel (5:120) separately
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
A motion was made by Mrs. Ruth Kroner, second by Mrs. Alison Swanson, to approve Policy Section 5: General Personnel (5:120)
Final Resolution: Motion Carried 5-2
Aye: Mr. Matt Bauman, Mrs. Ruth Kroner, Ms. Toni Morgan,
Mrs. Heather Moyer, Mrs. Alison Swanson
Nay: Mrs. Lauri Doyle, Mr. Brent Lightfoot
A motion was made by Mrs. Ruth Kroner, second by Mrs. Heather Moyer, to approve Board Policies Section 2: School Board (2:105) Section 4: Operational Services (4:80, 4:90) Section 6: Instruction (6:235, 6:300, 6:340) Section 7: Students (7:100, 7:300, 7:340)
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 Resolution Authorizing the Issuance of Tax Anticipation Warrants in Anticipation of the Collection of Taxes Levied for the Year 2020
A motion was made by Mrs. Ruth Kroner, second by Mrs. Alison Swanson, to approve the Resolution authorizing the issuance of Tax Anticipation Warrants in anticipation of the collection of taxes levied for the year 2020, by the Board of Education of Community Unit School District Number 308, Kendall, Kane and Will Counties, Illinois, for educational purposes.
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 Resolution authorizing loans totaling $14,400,000 from the Working Cash Fund to the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund and Educational Fund
A motion was made by Mrs. Ruth Kroner, second by Mrs. Alison Swanson, to approve the Resolution authorizing loans totaling $14,400,000 from the Working Cash Fund to the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund and Educational Fund pursuant to 105 ILCS 5/20-5.
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 Resolution Authorizing Loans Totaling $5,300,000 from the Operations and Maintenance Fund to the Educational Fund and $2,100,000 from the Transportation Fund to the Educational Fund
A motion was made by Mrs. Ruth Kroner, second by Mrs. Heather Moyer, to approve the Resolution Authorizing Loans Totaling $5,300,000 from the Operations and Maintenance Fund to the Educational Fund and $2,100,000 from the Transportation Fund to the Educational Fund pursuant to 105 ILCS 5/10-22.33.
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 Approval of Impact Bargaining
A motion was made by Mrs. Ruth Kroner, second by Mrs. Heather Moyer, to approve the Impact Bargaining as discussed in closed session
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
8.6 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 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 9:05 p.m.
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