Oswego Community Unit School District 308 Board of Education met March 21

By Angelica Saylo Pilo

Jun 30, 2022

Oswego Community Unit School District 308 Board of Education met March 21.

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 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 (6:15 p.m.)

The meeting was called to order at 6:16 p.m. by President LaTonya Simelton

1.1 Roll Call:

Upon Roll Call the following members answered present:

Dominick Cirone, Eugene Gatewood, Jennifer Johnson, LaTonya Simelton

Members Absent (at roll call):

Lauri Doyle, Alison Swanson

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 certain employees and individuals; 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(3) The selection of a person to fill a public office, as defined in the Open Meetings Act, including a vacancy in a public office, when the public body is given

power to appoint under law or ordinance, or the discipline, performance or removal of the occupant of a public office, when the public body is given power to remove the occupant under law or ordinance; 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(9) Student Disciplinary Cases

A motion was made by Ms. Jennifer Johnson, second by Mr. Eugene Gatewood, 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)(3) The selection of a person to fill a public office, as defined in the Open Meetings Act, including a vacancy in a public office, when the public body is given power to appoint under law or ordinance, or the discipline, performance or removal of the occupant of a public office, when the public body is given power to remove the occupant under law or ordinance; 5ILCS 120/2(c)(9) Student Disciplinary Cases

Final Resolution: Motion Carried 4-0

Aye: Mr. Dominick Cirone, Mr. Eugene Gatewood, Ms. Jennifer Johnson, Ms. LaTonya Simelton

The Board of Education entered closed session at 6:18 p.m.

2.2 Return to Open Session

A motion was made by Ms. Jennifer Johnson, second by Mr. Eugene Gatewood, to return to Open Session.

Final Resolution: Motion Carried 6-0

Aye: Mr. Dominick Cirone, Ms. Lauri Doyle, Mr. Eugene Gatewood, Ms. Jennifer Johnson, Ms. LaTonya Simelton, Ms. Alison Swanson

The Board of Education returned to open session at 7:15 p.m.

3. Call to Order – Public Session (7:15 pm)

The meeting was called to order at 7:18 p.m. by President LaTonya Simelton

3.1 Roll Call:

Upon Roll Call the following members answered present:

Dominick Cirone, Lauri Doyle, Eugene Gatewood,

Jennifer Johnson, LaTonya Simelton, 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, Dr. John Petzke

Director of Communications, Theresa Komitas

Others Present:

Board Attorney Maureen Lemon, Ottosen DiNolfo Hasenbalg and Castaldo participated remotely, 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 LaTonya Simelton

4. Recognitions

4.1 February PRIDE Winners

The Board of Education recognized the following March PRIDE winners:

Kelly Hoke - Teacher Grade 2 at Prairie Point

Cynthia Niles - Teacher Grade 4 at Prairie Point

Laura Steele-Fritsch - Teacher Industrial Education at Murphy JHS

Paisley Suarez - Teacher English Learner at OEHS

Dave Jeffers - Building Engineer at Brokaw ELC

Jill Tatum - SpEd Teaching Assistant at Transition Center

4.2 Recognition of Bowling Team

The Board of Education recognized the members of the OHS Girls Bowling Team for their accomplishment of placing 3rd at the IHSA State Bowling Competition on February 19th.

Lani Breedlove, Junior. Lani also placed 4th overall as an Individual and achieved All State Recognition

Evelyn James, Senior;

Hailey Jourdan, Sophomore;

Amber Lymenstull, Sophomore;

Rhiannon Reynolds, Freshman;

Katelyn Watson, Junior;

Madi Watson, Sophomore;

Coached by: Mr. Dan Okoren;

Assistant Coaches: Brittany Breedlove and Mike Resner

5. Public Comment

5.1 Opportunity for the Public to address the Board of Education

There was no public comment

6. Comments/Reports

6.1 Board Member Comments

President Simelton participated in Read Across America, reading to students in a few different classes at Churchill Elementary School.

SD 308's 2338 Gear It Forward robotics team competed this past weekend and won a place at the upcoming World Competition. In addition to finishing 4th in the robot games (and setting a 2022 season record), they won the most prestigious award in all of FIRST Robotics, The Chairman's Award. This award is given to the team that most exemplifies the principles of outreach, equity, and inclusion and teams who win this award are automatically awarded a spot to compete at World Competition in Houston, Texas, being held April 20-23. Our district team includes students from Oswego High School, Oswego East High School, and 8th grade students from Plank and Traughber Junior High Schools. Congratulations to this amazing team and their coaches! And best of luck next month at the World Competition!

Mr. Gatewood congratulated the Oswego Wildcats for their wins at the Special Olympics State Basketball Competition! The athletes played amazing and most importantly had a lot of fun! The Wildcats Silver team received a Silver Medal, the Wildcats JR team received a Bronze Medal, and Skills Athlete Andrew Sieh received a Silver Medal. SD 308 is so proud of all of these students' hard work, commitment and teamwork!

Mr. Cirone attended the Muslim Student Association dinner and program on Social Justice, he found it very informative. Students prepared materials to share, and a guest speaker presented.

6.2 Board Committee Reports

Policy and Legislation Committee - reviewed Students Rights and Responsibilities for 22/23 school year, a presentation on bus safety and discipline, presentation on behavioral intervention and special education updates, summarized administrative changes in student handbook with committee feedback, change in policy updates/discussion, review of reciprocal reporting with law enforcement.

Teaching and Learning Committee – discussed the recommendations on new curriculum proposed for math and social studies. Social studies curriculum includes a focus on student choice, and rubrics that are student-friendly. Social studies curriculum was last purchased in 2009. Math aligns with the SD308 math framework, the curriculum integrates with Google Classroom, allows access without internet on chromebook.

6.3 Superintendent’s Report

Review of the past two years - time to renew, and work together as we move forward. Envision 308 Strategic Plan Finance Quadrant. Review of financial journey between 2016 and now, the need to cut and reduce, now we are back on track. This year the district is projecting a balanced budget moving forward in addition to reserve contributions. We’ve put the district on a path towards being financially secure in the future.

6.4 Student Ambassador Reports

Second student survey data was discussed. Data showed the percentages of respondents who understood what sexual harassment was, how to report it, where to find information, and outcomes of reporting. It showed a need to close the gap between instruction about sexual harassment and how/where to actually report it in their school. The overall sentiment between students is, that there is lack of follow through or things are worse for the victim when they are reported. Admin acknowledges that students may not be aware of the policy related to the handling of these cases; however, while students may not be aware of the investigation/outcome of a report, the perception that it’s not followed through could be prohibiting a potential victim from coming forward. Students should feel protection in reporting. Transparency is key in moving forward, which motivates students to report, knowing it’s taken seriously, and creates a safe learning environment, absent of sexual harassment. Working together with students and administrators towards change.

7. Presentations

7.1 Updates on Envision 308

District administrators from multiple areas shared updates on the progress on the strategic plan Envision 308. Updates for March 2022 were shared, including what success looks like in 2026, five years from the plan’s adoption.

The full presentation of Envision 308, including audio, can be found at the following link: https://go.boarddocs.com/il/oswego308/Board.nsf/Public#

Measurement of Success: Administrative Recommendation to “making progress” on the annual report posted on the dashboard.

Our district level AVID coaches have been involved with the staff trainings on Literacy. Math and Equity. Ms. Dahlquist shared how successful the walkthroughs have been. There is much collaboration and ideas are shared and transferred to other buildings. Now that we have some common language and framework, there is progress.

Mr. Miller shared that the district is scheduled to participate in numerous job fairs at diverse University in order to recruit a more diverse pool of candidates for the upcoming year.

Ms. Dahlquist shared that we have implemented some staff training on restorative justice for all junior highs and high schools. There needs to be a solid infrastructure, a strong foundation with a common definition of what that means. Dr. Podjasek shared that it will take multiple years to fully implement. We area also looking at what happens prior in the classroom and what can be done to prevent an infraction. It is about relationships and instructional strategy. That involves many people and much training. Ms. Johnson stated that she would like to hear more about that multi-year plan.

8. Approve Consent Agenda

8.1 Approval of Minutes from previous Meeting

8.2 Acknowledgement of Freedom of Information (FOIA) Requests

A motion was made by Ms. Jennifer Johnson, second by Mr. Eugene Gatewood, to approve all items under consent, including 8.1 Minutes from the Board of Education meeting on February 28, 2022, open and closed session, and 8.2 to acknowledge the FOIA requests received by the district

Final Resolution: Motion Carried 6-0

Aye: Mr. Dominick Cirone, Ms. Lauri Doyle, Mr. Eugene Gatewood, Ms. Jennifer Johnson, Ms. LaTonya Simelton, Ms. Alison Swanson

9. Information

9.1 Financial Statements – from February 10, 2022 Meeting

The Board had no questions on the Financial Statements

9.2 Safety Plan Update

Ms. Komitas highlighted some proposed changes on our safety plan that are going into effect this Wednesday. The suggested change is addressing the chronic absences related mainly to allergies and migraines. This makes up a large number of students in our school for being required to stay home for 5 days and test to return. This plan would allow our nurses to use their judgment when evaluating students and also to test in our nurse’s office with parental consent, rather than automatically excluding them. Many of our students already have documentation for chronic conditions such as allergies or frequent headaches from their provider, but others can provide it to the nurses office moving forward. If a student has not been in attendance and has been out with COVID like symptoms, parents will still need to utilize outside testing before they return. This can’t be done in the nurse’s office.

9.3 Streamline Board of Education Email Process

The Board discussed the idea of the Board President having content, including links to administrative resources and where to direct questions, that could be used in reply to community members emails. Additionally, the development of a question box that would be a simple way for community members to send questions to the board when they don’t know how/where to gain answers. The board could view the content of the questions/replies, with common themes developed into FAQs or content for parent communications.

The Communications Director will create a list of links and resources the Board members will have at their disposal, that they may choose to include in their community member emails and/or signature lines. Additionally, the Ask a Question box for the Board will be added to the BOE page of the website for community submissions. Some Board members were concerned that a general reply will seem to impersonal.

9.4 Intergovernmental Agreement with Valley Education for Employment System (VALEES)

The Valley Education for Employment System (VALEES) is to ensure that Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs and services provided to regional youth through an integrated delivery system that makes effective and efficient use of public schools, area career and technical centers, regional education centers, postsecondary institutions, and the employment sector. We are currently in this regional organization with 17 other districts that are all required to approve the same IGA. The focus of the IGA is the approval and oversight of the operating budget and program compliance.

Dr. Kincaid stated that their board packet contained the redlined version of the IGA, so the changes are easily noticed. The complete document can be found at the following link:

VALEES Information

Mr. Cirone asked for Dr. Kincaid to explain what CTE stands for since some community members might not know.

CTE – Career and Technical Education (CTI is our State funding and Perkins is Federal funding). This provides additional funding for culinary, wood working, auto, and engineering. We purchased new appliances for the culinary program at the high school, we replaced devices in our graphics and our engineering pathways program.

9.5 Board Policies First Read: Board Policies First Read: Section 4: Operational Services (4:60, 4:65) Section 6: Instruction (6:310) Section 7: Students (7:30) Section 8: Community Relations (8:65)

Ms. Johnson shared that the committee suggested that the amount requiring Board approval for expenditures and dispositions be changed from $25,000 to $20,000. Mrs. Doyle asked how a value is placed on the property that is being disposed of. Will it be replacement value or depreciated value. Ms. Swanson suggested to take policies 4:60 and 4:65 back to committee to discuss further. Policy 8:65 is a new policy addressing the recording of IEP meetings.

10. Action Items

10.1 Bills for Payment

A motion was made by Ms. Jennifer Johnson, second by Mr. Eugene Gatewood, to authorize the payment of bills in the amount of four million, six hundred seventy-one thousand, four hundred seventy-four dollars and seven cents ($4,671,474.07) as presented

Final Resolution: Motion Carried 6-0

Aye: Mr. Dominick Cirone, Ms. Lauri Doyle, Mr. Eugene Gatewood, Ms. Jennifer Johnson, Ms. LaTonya Simelton, Ms. Alison Swanson

10.2 Approval of Bus Trust Lease Agreement

A motion was made by Ms. Jennifer Johnson, second by Mr. Eugene Gatewood, to approve the Bus Trust Lease Agreement with Midwest Transit Equipment, Inc. and Santander Leasing LLC as presented

Final Resolution: Motion Carried 6-0

Aye: Mr. Dominick Cirone, Ms. Lauri Doyle, Mr. Eugene Gatewood, Ms. Jennifer Johnson, Ms. LaTonya Simelton, Ms. Alison Swanson

10.3 Approval of Boilers and Chillers Project

A motion was made by Ms. Jennifer Johnson, second by Mr. Eugene Gatewood, to approve the recommendation to accept the base Bid and Alternates #1 & #2 from Helm Mechanical in the amount of $2,095,000.00

Final Resolution: Motion Carried 6-0

Aye: Mr. Dominick Cirone, Ms. Lauri Doyle, Mr. Eugene Gatewood, Ms. Jennifer Johnson, Ms. LaTonya Simelton, Ms. Alison Swanson

10.4 Board Policies for Second Read and Approval: Section 2: School Board (2:120, 2:220) Section 3: General School Administration (3:40) Section 4: Operational Services (4:175)

Section 5: General Personnel (5:30, 5:125, 5:200) Section 6: Instruction (6:60, 6:135, 6:180) Section 7: Students (7:240, 7:250, 7:260, 7:290, 7:310, 7:315)

A motion was made by Ms. Jennifer Johnson, second by Ms. Alison Swanson, to approve the following Board Policies: Section 2: School Board (2:120, 2:220) Section 3: General School Administration (3:40) Section 4: Operational Services (4:175) Section 5: General Personnel (5:30, 5:125, 5:200) Section 6: Instruction (6:60, 6:135, 6:180) Section 7: Students (7:240, 7:250, 7:260, 7:290, 7:310, 7:315)

Final Resolution: Motion Carried 6-0

Aye: Mr. Dominick Cirone, Ms. Lauri Doyle, Mr. Eugene Gatewood, Ms. Jennifer Johnson, Ms. LaTonya Simelton, Ms. Alison Swanson

10.5 Student Disciplinary Case 2021-22-2

A motion was made by Ms. Jennifer Johnson, second by Ms. Alison Swanson, to expel Student 2022-2 through the 2022-2023 school year pursuant to the Board’s written findings and decision as discussed in closed session

Final Resolution: Motion Carried 6-0

Aye: Mr. Dominick Cirone, Ms. Lauri Doyle, Mr. Eugene Gatewood, Ms. Jennifer Johnson, Ms. LaTonya Simelton, Ms. Alison Swanson

10.6 Student Disciplinary Case 2021-22-3

A motion was made by Ms. Jennifer Johnson, second by Ms. Alison Swanson, to transfer Student 2022-3 to an alternative Regional Safe School selected by the Administration pursuant to Article 13A of the School Code for the remainder of the 2021-22 school year, in accordance with the Board’s written findings and decision discussed in closed session

Final Resolution: Motion Carried 6-0

Aye: Mr. Dominick Cirone, Ms. Lauri Doyle, Mr. Eugene Gatewood, Ms. Jennifer Johnson, Ms. LaTonya Simelton, Ms. Alison Swanson

10.7 Student Disciplinary Case 2021-22-4

A motion was made by Ms. Jennifer Johnson, second by Ms. Alison Swanson, to uphold the 1 day out of school suspension of Student 2022-4

Final Resolution: Motion Carried 6-0

Aye: Mr. Dominick Cirone, Ms. Lauri Doyle, Mr. Eugene Gatewood, Ms. Jennifer Johnson, Ms. LaTonya Simelton, Ms. Alison Swanson

10.8 Resolution Authorizing Dismissal and Non-Reemployment of First Year Probationary Teachers

A motion was made by Ms. Jennifer Johnson, second by Ms. Alison Swanson, to approve the Resolution Authorizing Dismissal and Non-reemployment of First Year Probationary Teachers as presented

Final Resolution: Motion Carried 6-0

Aye: Mr. Dominick Cirone, Ms. Lauri Doyle, Mr. Eugene Gatewood, Ms. Jennifer Johnson, Ms. LaTonya Simelton, Ms. Alison Swanson

10.9 Resolution Authorizing Dismissal and Non-Reemployment of Second Year Probationary Teachers

A motion was made by Ms. Jennifer Johnson, second by Ms. Alison Swanson, to approve the Resolution Authorizing Dismissal and Non-reemployment of Second Year Probationary Teachers as presented

Final Resolution: Motion Carried 6-0

Aye: Mr. Dominick Cirone, Ms. Lauri Doyle, Mr. Eugene Gatewood, Ms. Jennifer Johnson, Ms. LaTonya Simelton, Ms. Alison Swanson

10.10 Resolution Authorizing Dismissal and Non-Reemployment of Probationary Part-Time Teachers and Teachers Hired under a Temporary Contract

A motion was made by Ms. Jennifer Johnson, second by Mr. Eugene Gatewood, to approve the Resolution Authorizing Dismissal and Non-Reemployment of Probationary Part Time Teachers and Teachers Hired under a Temporary Contract

Final Resolution: Motion Carried 6-0

Aye: Mr. Dominick Cirone, Ms. Lauri Doyle, Mr. Eugene Gatewood, Ms. Jennifer Johnson, Ms. LaTonya Simelton, Ms. Alison Swanson

10.11 Approval of District Administrator Contract

A motion was made by Ms. Jennifer Johnson, second by Mr. Eugene Gatewood, to approve the District Administrator contract as presented

Final Resolution: Motion Carried 5-1

Aye: Mr. Dominick Cirone, Ms. Lauri Doyle, Mr. Eugene Gatewood, Ms. Jennifer Johnson, Ms. LaTonya Simelton

Nay: Ms. Alison Swanson

10.12 Approval of Personnel Report

A motion was made by Ms. Jennifer Johnson, second by Mr. Eugene Gatewood, to approve the Personnel report as presented

Final Resolution: Motion Carried 5-1

Aye: Mr. Dominick Cirone, Ms. Lauri Doyle, Mr. Eugene Gatewood, Ms. Jennifer Johnson, Ms. LaTonya Simelton

Nay: Ms. Alison Swanson

11. Closed Session

11.1 Enter Closed Session under statute(s): 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(3) The selection of a person to fill a public office, as defined in the Open Meetings Act, including a vacancy in a public office, when the public body is given power to appoint under law or ordinance, or the discipline, performance or removal of the occupant of a public office, when the public body is given power to remove the occupant under law or ordinance.

A motion was made by Ms. Jennifer Johnson, second by Mr. Eugene Gatewood, to enter Closed Session under statute(s): 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(3) The selection of a person to fill a public office, as defined in the Open Meetings Act, including a vacancy in a public office, when the public body is given power to appoint under law or ordinance, or the discipline, performance or removal of the occupant of a public office, when the public body is given power to remove the occupant under law or ordinance.

Final Resolution: Motion Carried 6-0

Aye: Mr. Dominick Cirone, Ms. Lauri Doyle, Mr. Eugene Gatewood,

Ms. Jennifer Johnson, Ms. LaTonya Simelton, Ms. Alison Swanson

The Board of Education entered the second closed session at 9:33 p.m.

11.2 Return to Open Session

A motion was made by Ms. Jennifer Johnson, second by Mr. Eugene Gatewood, to return to Open Session.

Final Resolution: Motion Carried 6-0

Aye: Mr. Dominick Cirone, Ms. Lauri Doyle, Mr. Eugene Gatewood, Ms. Jennifer Johnson, Ms. LaTonya Simelton, Ms. Alison Swanson

The Board of Education returned to open session at 9:46 p.m.

12. Adjournment

12.1 Adjourn

A motion was made by Ms. Jennifer Johnson, second by Mr. Eugene Gatewood, to adjourn.