Oswego Community Unit School District 308 Board of Education met July 11.
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, Lauri Doyle, Eugene Gatewood, Jared Ploger, LaTonya Simelton, Alison Swanson
Members Absent (at roll call):
Jennifer Johnson
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)(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)(10) The placement of individual students in special education programs and other matters relating to individual students; 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(11) Litigation, when an action against, affecting or on behalf of the particular public body has been filed and is pending before a court or administrative tribunal, or when the public body finds that an action is probable or imminent, in which case the basis for the finding shall be recorded and entered into the minutes of the closed meeting.
A motion was made by Mr. Eugene Gatewood, second by Mr. Dominick Cirone, to enter closed session under statutes: 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; 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(10) The placement of individual students in special education programs and other matters relating to individual students; 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(11) Litigation, when an action against, affecting or on behalf of the particular public body has been filed and is pending before a court or administrative tribunal, or when the public body finds that an action is probable or imminent, in which case the basis for the finding shall be recorded and entered into the minutes of the closed meeting.
Final Resolution: Motion Carried 6-0
Aye: Mr. Dominick Cirone, Ms. Lauri Doyle, Mr. Eugene Gatewood,
Mr. Jared Ploger, Ms. LaTonya Simelton, Ms. Alison Swanson
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. Jared Ploger, to return to Open Session.
Final Resolution: Motion Carried 7-0
Aye: Mr. Dominick Cirone, Ms. Lauri Doyle, Mr. Eugene Gatewood, Ms. Jennifer Johnson, Mr. Ploger, Ms. LaTonya Simelton, Ms. Alison Swanson
The Board of Education returned to open session at 7:32 p.m.
3. Call to Order – Public Session (7:15 pm)
The meeting was called to order at 7:39 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,
Jared Ploger, 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
Assistant Superintendent for Student & Staff Services, Dr. Heather Kincaid
Assistant Superintendent for Operations/CSBO, 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
3.2 Pledge of Allegiance
Pledge of Allegiance was led by Board President LaTonya Simelton
4. Public Comment
4.1 Opportunity for the Public to address the Board of Education
David Edelman – commented on the meeting that took place at the Village of Oswego on June 14. Dr. Sparlin spoke during public comment regarding the parking issue we are facing on the Prescott Mill neighborhood.
Mr. Edelman shared that it was brought up at the meeting that the Impact Fees the school district receives from the Village could be used to add additional parking to the High School in order to alleviate the street parking in Prescott Mill. Mr. Edelman noted that the same law firm represents four out of the six taxing bodies in an Intergovernmental Agreement form 2019. How can a conflict of interest be avoided.
Kaila Mugford – commented regarding the discussion taking place later in the meeting about the Board Advisory Committees. Ms. Mugford is a longtime member of the Finance & Facilities Committee. Ms. Mugford asked for the committee members to be a part of this decision, stating that members apply to certain committees because they bring an expertise with them. If a decision is made without considering anyone’s input, members will likely be lost. The current committee structure serves as an excellent place for those of us that want to serve and learn as we increase our commitments to SD308.
5. Comments/Reports
5.1 Board Member Comments
Mr. Ploger and Mr. Gatewood shared comments in regards to the Prescott Mills parking issue involving OEHS students, and the Village Board meeting Dr. Sparlin attended recently. Mr. Gatewood shared that safety is always of the utmost importance. Parents get to decide how their kids get to and from school. Roughly half of the students at OEHS are eligible for a driver’s license (about 1,300) and we currently have roughly 1,000 parking spaces. Even if 80 more spaces are added, it would not remedy the problem. Mr. Gatewood stated that as a School Board, they are accountable to all students in the district. Later on tonight, we will review our Comprehensive Facility plan and the priorities need to be considered, keeping all 23 buildings in mind.
5.2 Board Committee Reports
Finance & Facilities Committee – Ms. Doyle shared that the committee started meeting over the summer, since much happens with a school budget during that time frame. Discussion included how to effectively communicate the complexity of school finance to the general public to make it relatable and digestible.
5.3 Superintendent’s Report
Dr. Sparlin shared information about the recruiting campaign underway in an effort to help fill vacancies across the district, such as banners on our buses, yard signs, window stickers at our facilities, and at Prairie Fest handouts with a QR code were distributed. We have also scheduled four additional Open Interview dates.
6. Approval of Consent Agenda
6.1 Approval of Minutes from previous Meetings
6.2 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 6.1 Minutes from the Board of Education meeting on June 6, 2022, open and closed session; Minutes from the Special Closed Session Meeting on June 16, 2022, Minutes from the Board of Education Workshop on June 18, open and closed session and 6.2 to acknowledge the FOIA requests received by the District
Final Resolution: Motion Carried 7-0
Aye: Mr. Dominick Cirone, Ms. Lauri Doyle, Mr. Eugene Gatewood, Ms. Jennifer Johnson, Mr. Jared Ploger, Ms. LaTonya Simelton, Ms. Alison Swanson
7. Information
7.1 Financial Statements
The Board members had no questions regarding the Financial statements 7.2 Aramark Food Service Contract
Information was shared about the ongoing contracted partnership with Aramark to provide food service across all schools in the district
With this annual renewal, Aramark provided us with a notice of non-renewal to allow us to enter into a one-year emergency contract. In doing so, the district has access to additional reimbursements made available through “supply chain” funds (anticipated $340,000).
Next year, for the 2023-24 food service contract, it is expected to resume normal renewal following the CPI increase. With the reimbursement adjustments available, costs will be equitable to pre-COVID prices, despite costs of food increasing. Aramark is also currently advertising for their open positions.
7.3 Oswego East and Oswego High School Track Project
Discussion was held regarding the outside tracks at both high schools. The OEHS track is most in need of repair (while it remains safe to use- the usable time is running out). The OEHS work has two options, with one being the removal of 1.5 inches of asphalt. It would be resurfaced with the rubber added on top. The second option would be to remove all rubber and all asphalt. The project will be put out for bid, for both repairing the track and the larger project of removing and replacing the existing track. The costs and scope of the project will be shared when the bids are received. The project would be funded with DSEB funds. At this time, the estimated cost of the OE portion of this project is $572,775 and the estimated cost for the OH portion is $183,018. The life expectancy is about 20 years depending on use. There is maintenance work that needs to be done about every 7 years.
7.4 Comprehensive Facilities Plan
Building from the previous 2020 plan, the ongoing facilities plan will include priority indicator ratings to help prioritize the projects/needs.
The district currently has many “mission critical” projects that are needed over the next ten years, across all schools/buildings. These essential projects include systems such as chillers and boilers and roofing’s.
By identifying projects of greatest importance, and the lifecycle of critical systems, planned maintenance can be accomplished and with that, a more even spread of expenses over time.
Mission Critical – if work is not performed it would result in loss of instruction. Corrective Maintenance – if work is not performed, the condition will deteriorate further, resulting in higher costs over time.
Periodic Maintenance – work should be performed periodically as described in the schedule. Addition or Improvement – work to be performed at the District’s discretion.
The approximate costs over the next 10 years would be as follows:
• Mission Critical - $29.1M
• Corrective Maintenance $14.7M
• Periodic Maintenance - $26.4M
The Board members questioned the Old Traughber Center being added under Mission Critical, since it is not used for students. Mr. Allison clarified that the document was just a draft and any of the items could be changed to a different priority level. Ms. Doyle asked for more information at a future Board meeting regarding the Old Traughber Center.
Dr. Petzke stated that in the full report, the items would be linked to a funding source. The complete presentation of the Facilities Plan, including audio, can be found at the following link: https://go.boarddocs.com/il/oswego308/Board.nsf/Public
7.5 Title I School Improvement Plans – Fox Chase, Grande Park, Hunt Club, Lakewood Creek, Long Beach, Prairie Point, Bednarcik, Plank, Thompson, Traughber
Because of COVID and gaps in state testing, the State continues to support these ten schools with Title I School Improvement 1003(a) grant funding each year to support improvement efforts with the identified subgroups, regardless of performance since the initial identification.
The State shared in late June that School Improvement Plans needed to be brought to the Board for approval prior to submitting the grant application (due on or before August 1). This revised state timeline requires both information and action this evening Title 1 School Improvement Plans
7.6 Intergovernmental Agreement with School Resource Officers
Discussion was held regarding the proposed 2-year agreement between the Oswego Police Department and the school district, including the selection and training of the officers. The agreement is entered for 2 years and will expire in the summer of 2024. Other changes included the wages of our two SRO’s. An addition was made in regards to prorating the contract if we are out of school for more than 5 consecutive days. This agreement was negotiated between Ms. Patterson and the Village of Oswego. When new SRO’s are hired, the police department provides the candidates but the school district is part of the interview and selection process.
7.7 Ambulance Service Agreement with Oswego Fire Department
The Oswego Fire Protection District provides service to the participants and spectators at our home high school football games. Oswego Fire Protection District assists in the efforts to deliver high-quality on-site emergency medical services at home football games at Oswego High School and Oswego East High School. The cost for this service is $54.00 per hour. The attached Ambulance Service agreement is a renewal of the one utilized in the 2021 – 2022 school year. There are no recommended changes to the terms or the cost of this agreement.
7.8 Continued Discussion to Update the District Mission Statement
Following the Board workshop, it was felt that an update to the mission statement of the district (last updated 2015) would be relevant. The district’s Executive Leadership Team and Student Ambassadors utilized Board feedback and discussion to present options to the Board. The Board members were provided with the current and the draft Mission statement, which can be used as a starting point for discussion.
Dr. Sparlin shared that the Board can utilize the following steps to move forward:
a. Do we like the draft Mission statement?
b. Do we want to engage in wordsmithing?
c. Do we want to create a new or tweak an old statement?
d. Discuss the process to get to a new and updated statement
A motion was made to table the conversation to a later date: Motion Passed 5-2 7.9 Format of Board Advisory Committees
Discussion was held regarding the proposed structure of Board Committees to change to board members and administration as the only committee members- though meetings remain open to the public. A new Community Advisory Council would be created, including the community members seated to provide feedback, learning opportunities, and discussion on identified topics.
With this new structure, Board members will be able to have deeper discussion and there is no intent to lose transparency or restrict community involvement.
The new Community Advisory Council would be able to give feedback and expertise from all the committees, and would give an opportunity to learn from each other’s perspective and knowledge. The Board members shared their concerns about how this change is going to be communicated to the committee members as well as input being lost, especially from the Policy committee. Ms. Dahlquist stated that she would share a link from another District that contains all of their information. The Board members suggested to invite everyone to a meeting that currently serves on a committee and indicated they would return for 2022-23, in order to communicate what we envision for the future of the meetings and ask them what they felt they needed for it to be successful. Ms. Lemon suggested to call it a Special BOE meeting, inviting the remaining members of each of the four committees. Memo on Board Advisory Proposed Changes
7.10 COTG Lease Agreement
The technology department proposes to renew the current service agreement with COTG, who supports the Xerox copiers and printers throughout the district. The current five-year lease ends in November 2022. This would be a new three-year lease, taking ownership of 79 currently leased devices and replacing 50 highly utilized copiers within the district.
The yearly cost to the district of the services and lease would be $25,757 monthly, or a reduction of $45K over the life of this 3-year agreement. Xerox will buy out the current lease and provide new Xerox equipment to replace the 50 existing highly utilized or failing units this summer. Proposed COTG Agreement
7.11 Wolf’s Crossing Road Improvements
The Village of Oswego is preparing to make road improvements along Wolf’s Crossing Road in front of Oswego East High School to reduce traffic congestion. The proposed plan includes expanding the existing two-lane roadway to four lanes as well as adding pedestrian/bicycle accommodations. The additional right-of-way (ROW) improvements would require the Village to acquire 2.95 acres of district owned property along Wolf’s Crossing road. After having the proposal reviewed by our own civil engineer, property attorney, and building administration, the impact of these improvements would have a minimal impact on the school.
To move forward with their planning, and acquiring funding for the project, the Village has presented the district with a letter showing that the district agrees with the proposed improvements and is willing to continue negotiations regarding the acquisition of the 2.95 acres.
8. Action Items
8.1 Approval of 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 five million, fifty-four thousand, six hundred thirty-eight dollars and seventy-two cents ($5,054,638.72)
Final Resolution: Motion Carried 7-0
Aye: Mr. Dominick Cirone, Ms. Lauri Doyle, Mr. Eugene Gatewood, Ms. Jennifer Johnson, Mr. Jared Ploger, Ms. LaTonya Simelton, Ms. Alison Swanson
8.2 Approval of Title I School Improvement Plans for the following schools – Fox Chase, Grande Park, Hunt Club, Lakewood Creek, Long Beach, Prairie Point, Bednarcik, Plank, Thompson and Traughber
A motion was made by Ms. Jennifer Johnson, second by Mr. Jared Ploger, to approve the Title I School Improvement Plans for the following schools – Fox Chase, Grande Park, Hunt Club, Lakewood Creek, Long Beach, Prairie Point, Bednarcik, Plank, Thompson and Traughber
Final Resolution: Motion Carried 7-0
Aye: Mr. Dominick Cirone, Ms. Lauri Doyle, Mr. Eugene Gatewood, Ms. Jennifer Johnson, Mr. Jared Ploger, Ms. LaTonya Simelton, Ms. Alison Swanson
8.3 Approval of Intergovernmental Agreement Between Yorkville 115 and CUSD 308 for access to Special Education Programs and Services
A motion was made by Ms. Jennifer Johnson, second by Mr. Eugene Gatewood, to approve the Intergovernmental Agreement Between Yorkville 115 and CUSD 308 for access to Special Education Programs and Services
Final Resolution: Motion Carried 5-2
Aye: Mr. Dominick Cirone, Mr. Eugene Gatewood, Mr. Jared Ploger,
Ms. LaTonya Simelton, Ms. Alison Swanson
Nay: Ms. Lauri Doyle, Ms. Jennifer Johnson
8.4 Board Policies Second Read and Approval: Section 2: School Board (2:230) Section 4: Operational Services (4:10, 4:150) Section 5: General Personnel (5:240) Section 6: Instruction (6:140) Section 7: Students (7:15, 7:215, 7:285)
A motion was made by Ms. Jennifer Johnson, second by Mr. Eugene Gatewood, to approve the following Board Policies presented for Second Read: Section 2: School Board (2:230) Section 4: Operational Services (4:10, 4:150) Section 5: General Personnel (5:240) Section 6: Instruction (6:140) Section 7: Students (7:15, 7:215, 7:285)
Final Resolution: Motion Carried 7-0
Aye: Mr. Dominick Cirone, Ms. Lauri Doyle, Mr. Eugene Gatewood, Ms. Jennifer Johnson, Mr. Jared Ploger, Ms. LaTonya Simelton, Ms. Alison Swanson
8.5 2021-22-6 Student Discipline
A motion was made by Ms. Jennifer Johnson, second by Mr. Jared Ploger, to uphold the Written Findings and Decision as discussed in closed session
Final Resolution: Motion Carried 7-0
Aye: Mr. Dominick Cirone, Ms. Lauri Doyle, Mr. Eugene Gatewood, Ms. Jennifer Johnson, Mr. Jared Ploger, Ms. LaTonya Simelton, Ms. Alison Swanson
8.6 Approval of Settlement Agreement
A motion was made by Ms. Jennifer Johnson, second by Mr. Eugene Gatewood, to approve the Settlement Agreement as discussed in closed session
Final Resolution: Motion Carried 7-0
Aye: Mr. Dominick Cirone, Ms. Lauri Doyle, Mr. Eugene Gatewood, Ms. Jennifer Johnson, Mr. Jared Ploger, Ms. LaTonya Simelton, Ms. Alison Swanson
8.7 Approval of Building Administrator Contracts
A motion was made by Ms. Jennifer Johnson, second by Mr. Jared Ploger, to vote on the contract for the Coordinator of Health Services separately
Final Resolution: Motion Carried 6-1
Aye: Mr. Dominick Cirone, Ms. Lauri Doyle, Mr. Eugene Gatewood,
Ms. Jennifer Johnson, Mr. Jared Ploger, Ms. LaTonya Simelton
Nay: Ms. Alison Swanson
A motion was made by Ms. Jennifer Johnson, second by Mr. Dominick Cirone, to approve the contract for the Coordinator of Health Services
Final Resolution: Motion Carried 4-3
Aye: Mr. Dominick Cirone, Mr. Eugene Gatewood, Mr. Jared Ploger, Ms. LaTonya Simelton, Nay: Ms. Lauri Doyle, Ms. Jennifer Johnson, Ms. Alison Swanson
A motion was made by Ms. Jennifer Johnson, second by Mr. Eugene Gatewood, to approve the Building Administrator contracts as presented
Final Resolution: Motion Carried 6-1
Aye: Mr. Dominick Cirone, Ms. Lauri Doyle, Mr. Eugene Gatewood,
Ms. Jennifer Johnson, Mr. Jared Ploger, Ms. LaTonya Simelton
Nay: Ms. Alison Swanson
8.8 Approval of District Administrator Contract
A motion was made by Ms. Jennifer Johnson, second by Mr. Dominick Cirone, to approve the District Administrator contract as presented
Final Resolution: Motion Carried 6-1
Aye: Mr. Dominick Cirone, Ms. Lauri Doyle, Mr. Eugene Gatewood,
Ms. Jennifer Johnson, Mr. Jared Ploger, Ms. LaTonya Simelton
Nay: Ms. Alison Swanson
8.9 Approval of Personnel Report
A motion was made by Ms. Jennifer Johnson, second by Mr. Jared Ploger, to approve the Personnel Report as presented
Final Resolution: Motion Carried 6-1
Aye: Mr. Dominick Cirone, Ms. Lauri Doyle, Mr. Eugene Gatewood,
Ms. Jennifer Johnson, Mr. Jared Ploger, Ms. LaTonya Simelton
Nay: Ms. Alison Swanson
9. Adjournment
9.1 Adjourn
A motion was made by Ms. Jennifer Johnson, second by Mr. Eugene Gatewood, to adjourn.
All were in favor unanimously to adjourn.
Final Resolution: Motion Carried 7-0
Aye: Mr. Dominick Cirone, Ms. Lauri Doyle, Mr. Eugene Gatewood, Ms. Jennifer Johnson, Mr. Jared Ploger, Ms. LaTonya Simelton, Ms. Alison Swanson
Meeting Adjourned at 10:32 p.m.
https://www.sd308.org/site/handlers/filedownload.ashx?moduleinstanceid=9932&dataid=75706&FileName=07.11.22%20Board%20Meeting%20Minutes.pdf
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