Oswego Community Unit School District 308 Board of Education met Aug. 8.
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 (6:00 p.m.)
The meeting was called to order at 6:14 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
Administration Present:
Superintendent of Schools, Dr. John Sparlin
2. Closed Session
2.1 Enter Closed Session under statute(s) 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(10) The placement of individual students in special education programs and other matters relating to individual students
A motion was made by Mr. Eugene Gatewood, second by Mr. Jared Ploger, to enter closed session under statutes: 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(10) The placement of individual students in special education programs and other matters relating to individual students
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 6:15 p.m.
Ms. Johnson arrived at 6:16 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 7:08 p.m.
3. Call to Order – Public Session (7:15 pm)
The meeting was called to order at 7:16 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
There was no public comment this evening.
5. Presentation
5.1 Technology Presentation
Brent Kiger and Kevin McDonald shared information on the technology updates and future plans for this coming year. Mr. Kiger shared that they are looking to continue the 1:1 environment for grades 5-12, but also give the 1:1 experience for grades 1-4, by providing a cart in every classroom. Ten iPads will also be provided to each Kindergarten class. Safety in technology remains a top priority and includes filtering/auditing and monitoring. With grant funding, many technology enhancements and additional equipment was purchased and launched throughout the district. The upcoming school year will include the purchase and support of the 1:1 environment and the integration of tech hubs- students helping students, using practical knowledge and skills. As well as the implementation of a classroom management system for teachers to facilitate/interact/monitor student devices.
One of the biggest concerns for teachers is that devices cause distractions for students. The classroom management system will help the teachers to keep students on task.
Ms. Dahlquist shared that with the decrease in grant funding opportunities available to the District, it will be crucial to develop a plan to build in some funding into the budget.
The complete Technology Presentation, including audio, can be found at the following link: https://go.boarddocs.com/il/oswego308/Board.nsf/Public
6. Comments/Reports
6.1 Board Member Comments
Mr. Ploger volunteered with the Community Cares and Kiwanis Start Strong Event to provide many families in the district with school supplies and materials for a positive start to the school year. Ms. Johnson’s remarks included the acknowledgement of business as needed, not business as usual. Many are hurting after the loss of colleague and friend Dr. Allen; she encourages compassion at this time of hurt. Looking forward, we have an opportunity to have a really great year!
6.2 Superintendent Report
A moment of silence was held for Dr. Lindsay Allen. She has been part of our district for 18 years, serving first as a teacher at Lakewood Creek, an Assistant Principal at Old Post and Grande Park, as the Assistant Principal and later Principal of Southbury Elementary School, then most recently at the district office as the Director of Elementary Education. The impact of her passing is substantial. We will greatly miss her sense of humor, her laugh, her smile, and her passion for our students. Our district family joins her family and friends in grieving her loss.
Congratulations to Oswego East High School alumni Ashton Izzi and Noah Schultz. Ashton has been selected 126th and the Seattle Mariners first pick in the 2022 Major League Baseball draft, Noah is the 26th pick in the 2022 MLB Draft, to the White Sox.
First Day Coming Soon! Starting off the school year, Dr. Sparlin will ride the bus for the first day, talking with students, visiting parents at the bus stop, and highlighting the excitement of the first day!
7. Approval of Consent Agenda
7.1 Approval of Minutes from previous Meetings
A motion was made by Ms. Jennifer Johnson, second by Mr. Eugene Gatewood, to approve all items under consent, including 7.1 Minutes from the Special Closed Board of Education meeting on July 7, 2022; Minutes from the Board of Education meeting on July 11, 2022 open and closed session; Minutes from the Special Board of Education Meeting on July 28, 2022 open and 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. Information
8.1 Financial Statements
Ms. Johnson commented that she would like to see variance reporting with our Financial Statements, to see the year over year changes.
8.2 Wolf’s Crossing Road Improvements
Village Administrator Dan DiSanto, joined by Jennifer Hughes, Director of Public Works, presented the land needs for the expansion and redesign of Wolf Road to mitigate water runoff and drainage as a result of these improvements. In total, the proposed plan is about 4.5 miles, from Route 71 to Eola Road. The plan includes expanding the existing two-lane roadway to four lanes as well as adding pedestrian/bicycle accommodations. This project will greatly improve safety for the six schools that access Wolf’s Crossing. The overall cost is approximately $70M, which is not something the Village can afford, therefore depending on State, Federal and local community partners.
The conversation included the Village’s request for donation of the land in front of Oswego East in the spirit of intergovernmental cooperation and partnerships. The estimated land value of 2.95 acres is $75,500. Segment 1 will be a round-about at the intersection of Harvey Road. The construction plan includes starting after winter. The district did present an alternative to the donation to consider, with the land donation in exchange for the school district’s portion of a traffic light (roughly $160-200k) previously agreed upon and no longer needed.
The complete recording for this discussion can be found at the following link: https://go.boarddocs.com/il/oswego308/Board.nsf/Public
8.3 Safety Plan Updates
Communications Director and Pandemic Response Coordinator Theresa Komitas presented the highlights of this year’s COVID-19 Safety Plan that will be available on our website tomorrow morning. The new plan is very similar to the way the district was operating at the conclusion of last school year. Our main goal is to maintain the safest and healthiest environment for students and staff. It is also a priority for our district to continue in-person learning for all students. Streaming into the classroom will not be an option. As of now, testing at Old Traughber will still be available and the need will be evaluated this fall. Links to the pages on our website with the various information are provided below: The district’s COVID-19 webpage will be updated and house the full plan, FAQs, the COVID-19 case reporting form, current metrics on cases by building, and resources for testing.
Safety Plan
Summary Presentation on Safety Plan
8.4 Del Webb Pedestrian Bridge
The Lincoln Crossing subdivision, located at the southeast corner of Wolf’s Crossing Road and Eola Road, has received the approval for the construction of a pedestrian bridge across Eola Road and is requesting a thirty foot (30’) temporary construction easement. In addition, upon completion, the School District will maintain, repair, or replace the portion of asphalt that is on our property. The path will be an asset for the community, allowing safe and easy access to the school grounds, as well as serving as an avenue for students to walk to school from the Lincoln Crossing subdivision. The Board raised concerns regarding the liability, cost, and feasibility of maintaining, repairing and/or replacing the portion of asphalt on our property. Dr. Petzke will seek answers to these questions/concerns before this item comes back to be considered for approval.
8.5 Kendall County Over Levy/Extension FY2020
There was an error in the district levy for FY 2020 for Kendall County (taxes paid in 2021), resulting in the collection of $2.2million excess dollars. At this time, a decision is being weighed on what the best next step is for constituents and the district. It’s important to note that while SD 308 is funded with property taxes from three counties, this error only impacted Kendall County.
Each year, our district submits a levy to each of our three counties: Kendall, Kane, and Will. In FY2020, the Bond & Interest Levy was supposed to be $33,756,011 (1.53%), while Kane and Will counties had this correctly calculated, Kendall county levied $36,041,340 (1.63%), for a difference of $2,285,329 or 0.10%.
For our Kendall County tax payers, the error equated to the following increase in annual taxes: $66 for a $200,000 home; $100 for a $300,000 home; $133 for a $400,000 home.
These dollars are sitting in the Bond & Levy fund; which is used to pay debt service. The error is attributed to the difference between September 2019, when we prepared our tentative levy and presented it to the Board, and March 2020 when the district paid-off a bond. This pay off resulted in the levy reduction from $36,041,340 to $33,756,011. When levy confirmations were sent out late March and early April 2021, the Kendall County Tax Computation Report did not reflect this change. It is Dr. Petzke’s recommendation that the district Levy the full Bond & Interest amount for FY22, but request that the County actually collect $2.2 million dollars less to make up for the difference. Unfortunately there was transition in the Finance Department and also at the County level and the mistake was not caught by either one.
8.6 Resolution to Transfer Money from Working Cash to Capital Projects
To Use the Debt Service Extension Bond dollars, we need to have the Board of Education approve a fund transfer from the Working Cash Fund to the appropriate capital project accounts. At the August 22, 2022 meeting we will ask the Board to approve the resolution to transfer DSEB funds from the Working Cash Fund to the Capital Projects Fund.
Capital Projects - $5,031,570
o $2,238,610 for OHS Roof
o $2,095,000 OE & OH Boiler/Chillers
o $447,960 BE, TH, TW Cooling Towers
o $100,000 School Security Cameras
o $150,000 OE and OH Mobile Radio Refresh
The Board members asked to make sure that security cameras would be in all buildings, and that input would be gathered from different stakeholders as to where they should be placed in each building.
8.7 Resolution to Transfer Money from Working Cash to Capital Projects for Technology
Use the Debt Service Extension Bond dollars, we need to have the Board of Education approve a fund transfer from the Working Cash Fund to the appropriate capital project accounts. At the August 22, 2022 meeting we will ask the Board to approve the resolution to transfer DSEB funds from the Working Cash Fund to the Capital Projects for Technology Fund.
Technology Project
o $158,000 for Server Refresh Data Center
8.8 Discussion of District Cell Phone Policy
Discussion began with a desire for a stricter policy at the high school, like at the junior high level for use of cell phones in the classroom. Ms. Doyle asked that families be encouraged to talk to their students about cell phone use in the classroom and how it is affecting the quality of their educational environment. Concerns to these changes include preparing students for the “real world” in high school- which includes the use of technology. Some Board members felt that it’s part of classroom management and should be left to the teacher to handle, since they are establishing the culture in their classroom. Phones are sometimes used for applications and a back-up to the student device. Dr. Kincaid shared that the high schools have been working on an awareness campaign, sharing what is and isn’t an appropriate use of cell phones. Ms. Doyle requested to communicate that part out to the parents and students. There is a desire to hear from students and staff members further on the topic.
8.9 Continued Discussion to Update the District Mission Statement
A motion was made by Ms. Alison Swanson, second by Mr. Jared Ploger, to table agenda item 8.9 until the next meeting; all in favor.
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; 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 Jennifer Johnson, second by Ms. Alison Swanson, 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)(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. Dominick Cirone, Ms. Lauri Doyle, Mr. Eugene Gatewood, Ms. Jennifer Johnson, Mr. Jared Ploger, Ms. LaTonya Simelton, Ms. Alison Swanson
The Board of Education entered closed session at 10:12 p.m.
9.2 Return to Open Session
A motion was made by Ms. Jennifer Johnson, second by Ms. Alison Swanson, to return to Open Session.
Final Resolution: Motion Carried 6-0
Aye: Mr. Dominick Cirone, Ms. Lauri Doyle, Mr. Eugene Gatewood, Ms. Jennifer Johnson, Mr. Ploger, Ms. Alison Swanson
The Board of Education returned to open session at 12:33 p.m.
10. Action Items
10.1 Approval of Bills for Payment
A motion was made by Ms. Jennifer Johnson, second by Mr. Jared Ploger, to authorize the payment of bills in the amount of eleven million, four hundred fifteen thousand, nine hundred thirty dollars and sixty-one cents ($11,415,930.61) as presented.
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
10.2 Approval of COTG Lease Agreement
The Board members asked Dr. Petzke for more information on the monthly cost, comparing it to previous years.
A motion was made by Ms. Jennifer Johnson, second by Mr. Jared Ploger, to approve the COTG Lease Agreement as presented
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
10.3 Approval of Village Acquisition of District Property at Oswego East High School for Wolf's Crossing Road Improvements
A motion was made by Ms. Jennifer Johnson, second by Mr. Jared Ploger, to approve the Donation Letter authorizing the conveyance of Parcel 0007 along Wolf's Crossing Road at Oswego East High School to the Village of Oswego, pursuant to 105 ILCS 5/5-29 contingent upon a second amendment to the annexation agreement being mutually agreed upon by SD308 and the Village of Oswego Board. If the second amendment is not accepted by either Board by August 30, 2022, SD308 agrees to sell the property for $75,500.00 to the Village of Oswego.
Final Resolution: Motion Carried 6-1
Aye: Mr. Dominick Cirone, Mr. Eugene Gatewood, Ms. Jennifer Johnson, Mr. Jared Ploger, Ms. LaTonya Simelton, Ms. Alison Swanson
Nay: Ms. Lauri Doyle
10.4 Action on Uniform Grievance Complaints
A motion was made by Ms. Jennifer Johnson, second by Mr. Eugene Gatewood, to authorize Ms. Simelton to prepare a Written Decision affirming the findings of Complaint Manager Jeremy Bell with respect to the December 7, 2021 Complaint filed by Mr. Wayne Harshberger.
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
A motion was made by Ms. Jennifer Johnson, second by Mr. Eugene Gatewood, to authorize Ms. Simelton to prepare a Written Decision affirming the findings of Complaint Manager Jeremy Bell with respect to the February 11, 2022 Complaint filed by Mr. Deryl Leubner.
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
10.5 Approval of Intergovernmental Agreement to provide a Resource Officer at OHS and OEHS
Ms. Johnson requested that going forward, such agreements are presented with a variance of all the changes from previous agreements.
A motion was made by Ms. Jennifer Johnson, second by Mr. Dominick Cirone, to approve the Intergovernmental Agreement to provide a Resource Officer at OHS and OEHS
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
10.6 Approval of Ambulance Service Agreement between Oswego Community Unit School District 308 and the Oswego Fire Protection District
A motion was made by Ms. Jennifer Johnson, second by Mr. Eugene Gatewood, to approve the Ambulance Service Agreement between Oswego Community Unit School District 308 and the Oswego Fire Protection 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
10.7 Approval of Building Administrator Contract
A motion was made by Ms. Jennifer Johnson, second by Mr. Jared Ploger, to approve the Building Administrator contracts as presented
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
10.8 Approval of District Administrator Contract
A motion was made by Jennifer Johnson, second by Mr. Eugene Gatewood, to approve the District Administrator contract as presented
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
10.9 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
11. Adjournment
11.1 Adjourn
A motion was made by Ms. Jennifer Johnson, second by Mr. Jared Ploger, 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 12:44 a.m.
https://www.sd308.org/site/handlers/filedownload.ashx?moduleinstanceid=9932&dataid=76023&FileName=08.08.22%20Board%20Meeting%20Minutes.pdf
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