Oswego Community Unit School District 308 Board of Education met Dec. 5.
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 6:30 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
Ms. Lauri Doyle and Mr. Eugene Gatewood were present by phone
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
A motion was made by Mr. Jared Ploger, second by Mr. Dominick Cirone, 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)(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
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 6:31 p.m.
Ms. Jennifer Johnson joined closed session by phone at this time
2.2 Return to Open Session
A motion was made by Mr. Jared Ploger, second by Ms. Alison Swanson, 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 6:48 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
Ms. Lauri Doyle, Mr. Eugene Gatewood and Ms. Jennifer Johnson joined the meeting by phone
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:
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
A motion was made by Mr. Jared Ploger, second by Mr. Eugene Gatewood, to conduct the Public Hearing on the Tax Levy first and then move on to Recognitions
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
4. Recognitions
4.1 PRIDE Winners Recognition
The Board of Education recognized the following PRIDE Winners for the month of November/December:
• Stephanie Allen - Interventionist - Oswego East High School
• Beth Prigodich - Teacher - Oswego High School
• Katelyn Willmann - Teacher - Grande Park Elementary School
• Julie Wulff - Speech Pathologist - Wolf's Crossing Elementary School
• Kelley Budd - Principal - Lakewood Creek Elementary School
• Nicole Weaver - School Psychologist - Fox Chase Elementary School
5. Public Hearing
5.1 Public Truth in Taxation Hearing
President Simelton shared the statement for the Public Hearing and invited the public to speak during the designated time by filling out a comment card. Dr. Petzke then provided an update of the 2022 Tax Levy.
5.2 Public Comment on Tax Levy
President Simelton read the public comment statement and the following community members spoke on the tax levy.
Donna Sawicki – shared that she is a Township Trustee and they are completing their levy as well. The trustees receive a breakout, stating that if the levy is raised by a certain percentage, it will raise taxes for this dollar amount. Ms. Sawicki inquired if the district has these breakdowns as well. Dr. Petzke will reach out to Ms. Sawicki to answer her question.
J. Scott Pugsley – Is the 4.99% a Tax Levy or is it an additional 4.99% Dr. Petzke will reach out and answer Mr. Puglsey’s question.
Kevin Johnson – stated that he understands the levy process and offered his assistance. When deciding the levy, we have to look at the economic situation in the USA. We are in the midst of a possible recession and that has to be part of the thought process as we are planning.
5.3 Close Public Hearing
President Simelton closed the public hearing at this time.
6. Public Comment
6.1 Opportunity for the Public to address the Board of Education
Kevin Johnson – commented regarding a book that was removed from our curriculum, “Kill a Mockingbird”. Our kids need to understand American History. He shared how he watched this community over the past 2 years being torn apart by differences of opinion. Mr. Johnson feels like we are sheltering our students a little bit. The kids will learn this information outside of the school system as well. Things of a sexual nature or age inappropriate books need to be addressed.
Lisa D’Alessio – commented regarding the Teaching Assistant shortage we have in the district, currently at 59 positions. Often the district needs to put in teachers for coverage at a much high rate then TA’s receive. Contract companies are used as well at an hourly rate of a little very $40 an hour. The solution is to raise the salary for TA’s to a rate that is lucrative enough to keep them from resigning.
Bernice Lamas – commented that she and her friend both resigned from their TA positions because they found a job that paid more. If the salaries were raised, I would definitely consider returning to this job.
Michelle Kline – Ms. Kline read an excerpt of a book that is currently in our district. I would ask that the district put this book and others like it in a secured adult section that is for age 18 and older with parental consent. The name of the book is Push, a novel by Sapphire.
Margie Hartigan – stated that she is a special needs parent and an employee of the district as a special education assistant. Ms. Hartigan shared that the TA’s are severely underpaid and that especially for special needs students, continuity is so important in order for them to make progress. Having teacher subs and contract employee’s coming to fill in, is difficult on the students and hard on the moral for TA’s, knowing they are paid so much more per hour.
7. Presentation
7.1 Budget Report
Dr. John Petzke presented the progress of Envision 308 finance goals and successes. At this time the administrative recommendation is “making progress”.
The following are the main priorities for Finance and Facilities:
• Maintain a balanced budget each year
• Build a 20% fund reserve by 2026
• Explore ways to increase private and grant funding
Indicators of Success:
• Finance Department participation in Infinite Visions training
• Identification of systemic support for Infinite Visions budgeting, accounting, and monitoring
• Continued focus on budget assumptions and district priorities
• Involve the Finance & Facilities Committee in a deeper understanding of FY21 Levy, FY23 Budget, Evidence Based Funding metrics and FY22 Audit
The Goal for 2022-23:
• HR and Payroll will work together on a position control study
80-85% of our budget goes to salary and benefits. We are coordinating the transition of payroll responsibilities between the Finance and HR department. Two new payroll coordinators have been hired and trained in Infinite Visions.
Fund Balance Update:
• Developed updated 5-year projections with budget surplus of $4,118,609 for FY23 (was 10% now 12.6%)
Private & Grant Funding Update:
• Identify educational priorities to guide grant and private funding opportunities
• Applied for the ISBE construction maintenance grant, Digital Equity, Emergency Connectivity Funding (ECF), and US Department of Education – School Based Mental Health Services
Ms. Johnson commented that she would rather see highlights opposed to the full presentations. The Envision 308 plan is on our website.
The complete presentation on the Budget Report, including audio, can be found at the following link: https://go.boarddocs.com/il/oswego308/Board.nsf/Public
A motion was made by Ms. Alison Swanson, second by Mr. Jared Ploger, to move to agenda item 8.4 Student Ambassador Reports, before the presentation on Dual Credit and Articulated Credit
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
7.2 Dual Credit and Articulated Credit Presentation
Presented by Exec Director of High School Education Mr. Dan Arntzen. The difference between Articulated Credit, Dual Credit, Advanced Placement (AP) classes, exams and resulting credits was discussed. Comparisons were made between the SD 308 offerings and area districts. Articulated Credit:
• Students must apply for articulated credit with a high school transcript demonstrating a grade “B” or higher for each semester of articulated coursework
• Cost $10 per credit hour
Dual Credit:
• College classes taken by high school juniors and seniors that concurrently count as credit toward high school graduation and college degree requirements
• The student is dually enrolled in high school and college
• Credit is awarded in both high school and college
• Cost $12 per credit hour (SD308 instructor) or $98 per credit hour (WCC instructor)
Advanced Placement:
• Program run by College Board that allows you to take special high school courses that can earn college credit
• Students can take the AP exam in the spring
• College credit is determined by the college the student chooses to enroll
Cost $97 per exam
Additional data requests were made regarding demographics of current students participating in these courses and also what capacity and qualifications our staff may have to expand.
The complete presentation on Dual Credit and Articulated Credit, including audio, can be found at the following link: https://go.boarddocs.com/il/oswego308/Board.nsf/Public
8. Comments/Reports
8.1 Superintendent Report
An overview was provided of the second Community Advisory Committee meeting held. The committee discussed drafts and changes to a revised mission statement, this will also be discussed at the Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council. We are gathering information and comparables from other districts and will have an informational report on Outsourcing at the January 23rd Board meeting. Tonight is our last 2022 board meeting, wishes for happy holidays! Opportunities to give this holiday season exist across the district- highlighting Community Cares and Toys for Tots collections currently underway.
8.2 Board Member Comments
Mr. Ploger shared from a legislative report regarding the state funding for schools next year and in the future. He shared information about programs at neighboring schools that pull together people to help combat misinformation and change within their community. He highlighted the length of meetings in SD 308, indicating they are very long in comparison with others- suggesting that questions be submitted ahead of the meeting to minimize discussion length.
Mrs. Johnson reiterated her pride in the student presentation at the conference and the follow-up discussion amongst district leaders statewide. Student voice may be the missing piece in pushing public education ahead. Challenge to school leaders to use and seek student voice in the classroom. Pointed out that the Board is asking questions and digging into contracts, financial statements, to make information and resources more accessible to the public and the Board.
8.3 Board Committee Reports
Equity Committee: Discussion on the Equity Journey- a new component in the State Report Card. Noticed large gaps in the readiness going into K-1 between children: low-income, black students, special needs students, and EL students. The need to bring more intervention earlier to students, resources for MTSS Tier 1 and 2 practices. Students from demographic groups outside of White/Asian access AP and honors classes less- identify opportunity gaps. Student discipline data demonstrated disparity and a correlation between those with academic achievement gaps, low income, special education students and black males. Greater education, intervention, follow-up after incidents for prevention. Board request to look further into a mentoring program involving community members.
Policy Committee: IASB Press Plus presented and answered questions about existing policies, Press resources, and onboarding to the product over the next year.
8.4 Student Ambassador Reports
Students provided an overview of their presentation at the school board/administrator conference and communication with other school leaders and students across the state. A large number of students expressed interest in joining the Superintendent’s Student Advisory Committee, interviews were conducted and selections were made based upon the needs of representation on the committee. They congratulated all students who applied and showed interest in being part of the committee.
9. Approval of Consent Agenda
9.1 Approval of Minutes from previous Meetings
9.2 Acknowledgement of Freedom of Information (FOIA) Requests
A motion was made by Ms. Jennifer Johnson, second by Mr. Dominick Cirone, to approve all items under consent, including 9.1 Minutes from the Board of Education meeting on November 14, 2022, open and closed session and 9.2, 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
10. Information
10.1 Financial Statements
There were no questions on the Financial Statements
10.2 Vendor and Contract Review
Dr. Petzke provided a list of contracts and vendors from FY22 that were in excess of $20,000. The list of contractors represents official agreements that have been entered into, and the costs listed could reflect multiple years, depending on the term length of each contract. Contracts over $20,000 must run through the Request for Proposal (RFP) process to ensure that we are getting the best price for the goods or services.
The list of vendors represents those with whom we paid more that $20,000 over the 2021-22 school year. The cost listed does not necessarily reflect one large purchase, but could in fact be several small purchases with a cumulative total of $20,000 or more.
The purpose of the review/update will be to monitor our purchasing through vendors to see if there are opportunities for obtaining better purchasing prices. Whether that be through an efficiency-of-scale due to large purchasing volume, the consideration of entering into a contractual agreement, or simply consolidating our purchasing power.
10.3 Intergovernmental Agreement Update on High School Student Resource Officers
Dr. Kincaid stated that on August 8, 2022 the Board of Education approved an Intergovernmental Agreement with the Village of Oswego to provide a School Resource Officer at Oswego High School and Oswego East High School. The service agreement between Oswego CUSD 308 and the Village of Oswego is renewed every two years, and includes detailed goals and objectives outlined in the agreement. Due to the implementation of new legislation, Exhibit A has been reviewed and submitted for additional updates. The updates focus on body worn cameras and access to live streaming security video. The agreement includes information, training, and implementation for body worn cameras by the SROs and any officers responding to law enforcement emergency calls within Oswego CUSD 308 schools. In addition, Exhibit A incorporates a provision that allows the Oswego Police Department access to live streaming security video during emergency situations. Exhibit A addresses educational records and privacy information, defines emergency situations, outlines conditions, and access to the security system. Oswego CUSD 308 will provide the software to access the surveillance video, while the Oswego Police Department will provide a secure location, and hardware to view the surveillance video.
Mr. Ploger asked to get a comparison as to what other districts pay for their SRO’s. Mr. Gatewood asked if there is a current policy in place, stating when video is to be included in the student record? Dr. Kincaid shared that it is specifically tied to if the video is utilized to issue student discipline. It can potentially be available but not considered part of the student record unless it is used to issue student discipline.
11. Action Items
11.1 Approval of Bills for Payment
A motion was made by Ms. Jennifer Johnson, second by Mr. Dominick Cirone, to authorize the payment of bills in the amount of two million, three hundred sixty thousand, one hundred four dollars and nine cents ($2,360,104.09) 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
11.2 Approval of Cyber Security Contract with DarkTrace
The Board members still had some questions about this Cyber Security contract. Dark Trace is a 4-year contract and Fortis is for a 3-year term. Mr. Gatewood asked if there was another option, not questioning the priority, just to make sure we are getting the best option available. Dr. Petzke shared that the other solutions are all between $200,000 and $220,000 and this would be more comprehensive, including the human component to help us with mediation. The cost of cyber security liability insurance is rising, since the potential for breaches is much larger than they used to be. The amount is built into the projected budget.
A motion was made by Ms. Jennifer Johnson, second by Mr. Dominick Cirone, to approve the Cyber Security contract with DarkTrace pending final attorney review
Final Resolution: Motion Failed 3-4
Aye: Mr. Dominick Cirone, Mr. Eugene Gatewood, Ms. LaTonya Simelton
Nay: Ms. Lauri Doyle, Ms. Jennifer Johnson, Mr. Jared Ploger, Ms. Alison Swanson
11.3 Approval of Cyber Security Contract with Fortis
A motion was made by Ms. Jennifer Johnson, second by Ms. Alison Swanson, to table the Cyber Security contract with Fortis indefinitely
Final Resolution: Motion Carried 5-2
Aye: Mr. Dominick Cirone, Ms. Lauri Doyle, Mr. Eugene Gatewood, Ms. Jennifer Johnson, Ms. Alison Swanson
Nay: Mr. Jared Ploger, Ms. LaTonya Simelton
11.4 Approval of Property Tax Appeal Intervention
A motion was made by Ms. Jennifer Johnson, second by Ms. Alison Swanson, to approve the Resolution for the Property Tax Appeal Intervention as presented
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
11.5 Approval of 2022 Tax Levy
Dr. Sparlin stated that not passing the levy would virtually wipe out much of the work that was done over the last 6 years, in regards of getting our district to a better financial place. It’s very important to have a higher fund balance so the district does not need to issue Tax Anticipation Warrants and so we can draw from it in case EBF will not be funded by the State as outlined.
A motion was made by Ms. Jennifer Johnson, second by Mr. Eugene Gatewood, to approve the 2022 Tax Levy as presented
Final Resolution: Motion Carried 6-1
Aye: Mr. Dominick Cirone, Ms. Lauri Doyle, Mr. Eugene Gatewood, Ms. Jennifer Johnson, Mr. Ploger, Ms. LaTonya Simelton
Nay: Ms. Alison Swanson
11.6 Approval of Student Information System
A motion was made by Ms. Jennifer Johnson, second by Mr. Dominick Cirone, to approve the contract with Power School Student Information System for a 42-month term as presented
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
11.7 Approval of Building Administrator Contract
A motion was made by Ms. Jennifer Johnson, second by Mr. Dominick Cirone, to approve the Building 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
11.8 Approval of Personnel Report
A motion was made by Ms. Jennifer Johnson, second by Mr. Dominick Cirone, to approve the Personnel report as presented
Final Resolution: Motion Carried 5-1-1
Aye: Mr. Dominick Cirone, Ms. Lauri Doyle, Mr. Eugene Gatewood, Mr. Jared Ploger, Ms. LaTonya Simelton
Nay: Ms. Alison Swanson
Abstain: Ms. Jennifer Johnson
12. Adjournment
12.1 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 10:12 p.m.
https://www.sd308.org/site/handlers/filedownload.ashx?moduleinstanceid=9932&dataid=77684&FileName=12.05.22%20Board%20Meeting%20Minutes.pdf
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