Kendall County Times

Oswego Community Unit School District 308 Board of Education met Nov. 1.

Here are 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 Performing Arts Center 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

The Public Forum was called to order at 7:03 p.m. by President Dr. Marino

1.1 Roll Call:

Upon Roll Call the following members answered present:

Eugene Gatewood, Jennifer Johnson, Ruth Kroner, Donna Marino, LaTonya Simelton, Alison Swanson

Members Absent (at roll call):

Lauri Doyle

Administration Present:

Superintendent of Schools, Dr. John Sparlin

Associate Superintendent of Educational Services, Faith Dahlquist

Chief Financial Officer, Dr. John Petzke

Director of Communications, Theresa Komitas

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

1.2 Pledge of Allegiance

Pledge of Allegiance was led by Board President Dr. Marino

2. Public Comment

2.1 Opportunity for the Public to address the Board of Education

Laurie Paulson – asked for a 71 second pause to honor Mark Chapas, an OEHS senior who passed away. Ms. Paulson shared that she knew the father of Mark Chapas and while it is not easy to release this information about herself, she felt it was time. Ms. Paulson went on to share that she has worked as a substitute in our district for 14 years and that she has a masters degree in teaching. Ms. Paulson shared

that she was diagnosed with bipolar disorder about 18 years ago. This illness has limited her potential career options. This illness is unpredictable, including severe mood swings, limiting what one can do. She wants to speak up for those that suffer from any mental illness, to break the stigma, to talk about it. Kids don’t know how to deal with this on their own. Ms. Paulson stated that at her age, she knows that things will pass, she has supports in place, one of them is a group called DBSA (Depression Bipolar Support Alliance). It’s a virtual peer support group.

Thomas Nanninga – commented on the chaos and insanity in our district, state and country. Mr. Nanninga shared the following comments/questions:

Did the State of Illinois tie an $11M payment to keep the mask mandate in force, along with the vaccination mandate for teachers and staff?

When does the district stand up and tell the Governor “no”?

The picture of the OHS staff, dressed up for Halloween with no face masks on. Our kids could not have a Halloween celebration, but the staff can?

Mr. Nanninga shared that he observed the Board members not following their own mandate when he arrived early for a meeting and while in closed session, the board was eating and not wearing their masks. I would also like to say that there are staff members that I know have the best interest of my children at heart, but unfortunately the bad has been outweighing the good.

Dominique Castillo – stated that her child not longer attends school in our district. She no longer trusts the public school system or our DEI director. I don’t trust the staff, knowing that my child could come home and be ashamed of her skin color. That is all that people seem to focus on these days. Mrs. Castillo commented that she no longer trusts teachers to keep their personal beliefs at home and our Board of Education has not been able to stand up for parents and students. The students belong in school full time and unmasked. Even though there is an active lawsuit, everyone seems to think that the current plan is successful. We do not co-parent with the Government.

3. Guidelines for Public Forum and Q&A Session

3.1 Statement and Guidelines for Q&A Session

Board President Dr. Marino read the statement of guidelines for the Q&A session.

4. Public Forum Q&A Session

4.1 Each Person will be provided two (2) minutes to speak before the Board of Education

Michelle Trager – commented that at the last Board meeting, the student ambassadors were talking about the survey that would be taken at the high schools and then there was a Special Education presentation, talking about some of our high school students that are not at either high school, that attend EVA, Transition or the GOAL program. How will their student voice be brought into this? Ms. Trager stated that during the pandemic, binge drinking in women of childbearing age has gone up by 41%, so in 5 years, there will be an even higher prevalence of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD). Dr. Marino replied that FASD is something that will need to be addressed by the Board and thanked Mrs. Trager for her comments.

Mrs. Kroner shared that the Board members discussed that not all students attend the two high schools. This is a new program and we are working on making sure that all voices are heard. Dr. Sparlin stated that it was an optional survey and he will make sure that the student responses from our other programs were included as well.

Michelle Palacios – asked to address student safety in Special Education in terms of number of adults to students. Ms. Palacios stated that due to the nation-wide TA shortage, our most vulnerable students are going without the 1:1 instructional support and supervision they desperately need. Her own son is in a wheelchair, non-verbal and with additional medical conditions. How can parents trust that their IEP is being followed and their basic needs are taken care of if there is not enough staff to keep up with the goals and benchmarks? Ms. Palacios stated that more needs to be done in the form of higher wages and incentives to retain and hire staff.

Mrs. Lauri Doyle arrived at 7:27 p.m.

Dr. Hildebrand responded that she would be happy to follow up regarding the instance identified, which occurred several weeks ago. Dr. Hildebrand stated that we understand that not all positions are filled at this time, our principals assess on a daily basis what openings we have and find staff accordingly. Dr. Hildebrand asked to specifically talk to Ms. Palacios about her child’s situation so that she is able to reconcile the differences between what is shared versus what is actually taking place. Dr. Hildebrand stated that the district is working diligently to recruit more staff. We have just recently initiated a new undertaking in that regard, together with our Human Resources and our Communications department. The staff shortages are Nationwide, and not specific to 308 only.

Dr. Sparlin added that on Tuesday’s and Thursday’s over the next couple of weeks, the district is holding interviews for all open positions from 5:00 – 7:00 pm, in hopes of expediting the hiring process.

Isabelle Gershon – addressed the board, asking for acceptance of LGBTQ students and to have their preferred pronouns respected. Isabelle thanked the Board for the Student Ambassadors and for adding these questions on the google form. The survey was optional, so nobody had to answer questions if they were not comfortable. Students felt valued and felt that they were given equity. A recent study concluded that students who felt that their pronouns were respected, were 61% less likely to commit suicide.

Ms. Patterson (Executive Director of Student Services), shared that there is a guidance that came from ISBE in March of 2020, stating the expectation that there is not to be inequities or unfair practices. Maureen Lemon, Board Attorney, added that there is Policy 7:10 Equal Educational Opportunities, with a section that talks about not discriminating a student on the basis of their sex, sexual orientation or gender identity.

Ms. Patterson added that our Student Information System (SIS) is set up to use students preferred name as well as a student’s identified gender.

Dr. Marino commented that this is an ongoing dialogue between the Board and administration so that we can support all of our students.

Crystal Casper – commented on the severe decrease in support staff in the district, stating that the quality of service for Special Education has declined ever since the district took over for the Kendall County Co-op. Ms. Casper requested an audit be completed and a Special Education Committee be formed. Ms. Casper cited the following concerns:

Hiring of a DEI director with no background in Special Education

National Sex Education Standards – they are not compiled using data driven research Surveys sent out to students should solely focus on education

The community is interested in opportunities to reduce debt/increase revenue without asking for a referendum Waiving impact fees while we are in financial turmoil only hurts our district

The Old Traughber building costs the district $200,000 every year

Transportation is an issue with the driver shortages

Masks need to come off our children, especially with COVID rates at an all time low Ms. Casper stated that the district left no choice but for parents to sue the district for keeping the mask mandate.

Dr. Petzke responded that there will be a presentation at the next Finance & Facilities committee, to talk about our debt, what has been done to restructure our debt in the past as well as future opportunities to restructure our debt. This, as well as the Levy, will be presented at the next Board meeting. Dr. Petzke shared that we continue to have some challenges with transportation. Currently we have five drivers in training, with an additional six applicants that are being interviewed and screened. We are making plans to ensure that parents are getting a call when buses are late, especially with the cold weather coming.

Mrs. Kroner addressed the comment about land cash and impact fees, clarifying that they are not decided by the District, rather by the Village. Also, there has been no discussion about another referendum. Mrs. Swanson mentioned the EPEC parent group, Exceptional Parents of Exceptional Children, that is open to all parents. Dr. Hildebrand as well as other administrators participate in the meetings.

Scott De Matteis – commented regarding the topic of transgender students and how different districts address that. Mr. De Matteis asked if it was okay for a biological male being in the same locker room as a biological female and whether or not a biological male can displace a biological girl on a girl’s sports team.

Dr. Sparlin responded that the District follows the IHSA regulations for sports. Ms. Lemon referred to Policy 7:10 that states “Equal educational and extracurricular opportunities shall be available for all students without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity etc”. Mr. DeMatteis shared that even if there are no such situations at this time, the District should be prepared with policies in place on how to address the different scenarios.

Dr. Sparlin suggested to set up a meeting with Mr. DeMatteis and our Athletic Director, Darren Howard, in order to provide more specific information as to the rules regarding transgender students and IHSA governed sports in our District.

Katie Heiden – Mrs. Heiden stated that we are supposed to be preparing our students for the workforce, but with everything that is happening, she feels that is questionable. Are we able to advocate for them and make sure they pass certification courses and have their services with IEP’s and 504’s carry over to Community College. Mrs. Heiden shared that she has been distributing brochures in the Oswego and Aurora area, asking for more volunteers and directors, stating that we need kids to be successful in the workforce. She asked the district to remember as they are hiring, to value our visual and kinesthetic learners just as much as our IT and certified staff. Everyone’s role matters and we need to remember that not everyone’s disabilities are visible.

Tamikio Adams – asked about the procedure when a teacher uses inappropriate language towards a student. Ms. Adams stated that she contacted administration at her daughter’s school, but the issue has not been resolved yet. She also mentioned an incident that happened with her son and she feels that it is racism.

Dr. Sparlin told Mrs. Adams to see him and our Executive Director for Student Services, Valerie Patterson after the meeting in order to talk and address this promptly.

Dr. Marino thanked Mrs. Adams for coming to share her story and for advocating for her children.

Nathan Brown – shared that he lives in the Prescott Mills subdivision across the street from Oswego East High School. Mr. Brown asked the Board to find a solution to the excessive amount of high school students parking in his neighborhood. Cars are parked for about 600 yards, bumper to bumper, blocking mailboxes and driveways, speeding and littering. They arrive starting at 6:00 am and some are there until 7:00 pm. The neighborhood has become a remote parking lot for the high school due to the district and the Board not addressing the severe parking shortage at OEHS. Mr. Brown stated that the HOA has reached out to the Village and the Police Department and even though they have put in place parking restrictions, the problem continues.

Dr. Sparlin responded that he was aware of the issue and has been driving through the subdivision on numerous occasions. We are currently checking with our architect to see if it is possible to add additional parking on school grounds. OEHS accommodates 1,000 parking spaces and if we can’t add on additional spaces, we will have further conversations with the Village until we can come up with a solution.

5. Final Comments from the Board

5.1 Final Comments from the Board

Mrs. Johnson shared that she has heard from many of the Special Education parents and there has been much effort put in to address the staff shortages across our District.

Mr. Gatewood stated that he appreciates the opportunity to hear from parents and students, that the insight provided is helpful, knowing how the Board’s decisions impact students and staff. Dr. Marino commented that the Board loves hearing everyone’s solutions to various problems. Mrs. Simelton added that everyone’s comments are valued and she hopes there will be many more opportunities and platforms for the Board members to hear from the community.

6. Adjournment

6.1 Adjourn

A motion was made by Mrs. Mrs. Ruth Kroner, second by Mr. Eugene Gatewood, to adjourn.

All were in favor unanimously to adjourn.

Final Resolution: Motion Carried 7-0

Aye: Mrs. Lauri Doyle, Mr. Eugene Gatewood, Mrs. Jennifer Johnson, Mrs. Ruth Kroner, Dr. Donna Marino, Mrs. LaTonya Simelton, Mrs. Alison Swanson

Meeting Adjourned at 8:17 p.m.

https://www.sd308.org/site/handlers/filedownload.ashx?moduleinstanceid=9932&dataid=72735&FileName=11.01.21%20Public%20Forum%20Minutes.pdf