Oswego Community Unit School District 308 Board of Education met July 10.
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 6:01 p.m. by President LaTonya Simelton
1.1 Roll Call:
Upon Roll Call the following members answered present:
Dominick Cirone, Eugene Gatewood, Dr. Amy Murillo
Jared Ploger, LaTonya Simelton, Mary Jo Wenmouth
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. 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)(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, Mr. Eugene Gatewood, Dr. Amy Murillo
Mr. Jared Ploger, Ms. LaTonya Simelton, Ms. Mary Jo Wenmouth
The Board of Education entered closed session at 6:03 p.m.
2.2 Return to Open Session
A motion was made by Mr. Jared Ploger, second by Mr. Eugene Gatewood, to return to Open session
Final Resolution: Motion Carried 7-0
Aye: Mr. Dominick Cirone, Mr. Eugene Gatewood, Ms. Jennifer Johnson, Dr. Amy Murillo, Mr. Ploger, Ms. LaTonya Simelton, Ms. Mary Jo Wenmouth
The Board of Education returned to open session at 7:11 p.m.
3. Call to Order – Public Session (7:00 pm)
The meeting was called to order at 7:17 p.m. by President LaTonya Simelton
3.1 Roll Call:
Upon Roll Call the following members answered present:
Dominick Cirone, Eugene Gatewood, Jennifer Johnson, Dr. Amy Murillo
Jared Ploger, LaTonya Simelton, Mary Jo Wenmouth
Members Absent (at roll call):
None
Administration Present:
Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Andalib Khelghati
Associate Superintendent of Educational Services, Faith Dahlquist
Assistant Superintendent for Student & Staff Services, Dr. Heather Kincaid
Assistant Superintendent for Operations, Dr. John Petzke
Executive 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
4. Public Comment
4.1 Opportunity for the Public to address the Board of Education
Jennifer Snyder - Ms. Snyder provided public comment at a previous meeting regarding students having violent outbursts in a classroom. She reported that there were four incidences that required evacuations between March and the last day of school. And they were not were communicated with parents. Ms. Snyder has turned in numerous FOYA requests, but has not received any responses yet. She provided the Board members with a law review that documents the effects of violent outbursts on other students in the classroom.
5. Presentations
5.1 Equity Presentation Annual Report
Dr. Waller shared many examples of the great work being done by, for, and with students around DEI and student voice this past year. In the coming year, this work will expand and include more time with students in junior high, working with staff to train and develop additional teams at all buildings in all levels to support these goals. Helping to train students and student groups in place at buildings will increase the outreach and capacity of staff and students. A DEI Design Team will be chartered, which will help to measure quantitative data and impact.
The Envision 308 Goal for DEI by 2026 is:
Have a system of feedback/data around the District Equity Statements that are used annually to provide feedback and identify areas of celebration as well as for continued improvement. In addition, provide an annual survey and interview process with students to gain and act on feedback on how inclusive our learning environments are.
The complete presentation, including audio, can be found at the following link: https://go.boarddocs.com/il/oswego308/Board.nsf/Public
6. Comments/Reports
6.1 Superintendent Report
Dr. Khelghati expressed his gratitude for the welcome from the Board, staff, and the community. He shared about the high level of enthusiasm and excitement around the district, and the plans underway for the year ahead. Dr. Khelghati shared about his conversations with members of the cabinet, and executive leadership, and he’s working on plans around how best to support them in their roles and the important work being done. Tonight is his official third day in the district.
6.2 Board Member Comments
Mr. Cirone shared how he joined in the district’s entry in the Prairie Fest parade, accompanied by Mrs. Wenmouth. They also joined a group of students to walk in the PRIDE pride, and joined in a parade for the 4th of July in Yorkville. Mrs. Wenmouth joined in the Juneteenth parade in Plano. In a volunteer capacity at a local event, she engaged in conversation with community members about their excitement for the changes, both in the Board and with the new Superintendent.
Mr. Ploger attended the 4th of July parade in Aurora, in conjunction with the Grand Army of the Republic Military Museum, which hosts summer camps, attended by some 308 students. It’s a great local resource, he encourages others to visit.
Mrs. Johnson shared that while she was out of town with family, her (unofficial) vote was a YES for Dr. Khelghati. She shared her impression and excitement about him joining, and the transitional leadership which he brings. She shared past struggles with defining the journey to excellence and has high hopes for that change now.
Mrs. Johnson also talked about Community Cares, an organization that supports the district, beginning early in the struggles of COVID, and has since grown incredibly. What started as a small group of parents on Facebook, who helped to organize the delivery of over 30,000 meals to households during the COVID closure, now includes distribution of personal care items. She is eager to see how with a formal agreement in place, the program can grow.
7. Approval of Consent Agenda
7.1 Approval of Minutes from previous Meeting
7.2 Acknowledgement of FOIA Requests
A motion was made by Mr. Jared Ploger, second by Mr. Dominick Cirone, to approve all items under consent, including Minutes of the following Special Closed Session Board of Education Meetings; May 30, May 31, June 1, June 7, June 8, 2023, Minutes of a Regular Board of Education Meeting on June 5, 2023 open and closed session, and Minutes of a Special Board of Education Meeting on June 14, 2023, open and closed session; and to acknowledge the FOIA requests received by the District.
Final Resolution: Motion Carried 7-0
Aye: Mr. Dominick Cirone, Mr. Eugene Gatewood, Ms. Jennifer Johnson, Dr. Amy Murillo Mr. Jared Ploger, Ms. LaTonya Simelton, Ms. Mary Jo Wenmouth
8. Information
8.1 Financial Statements
The Board members had no questions on the financial statements. 8.2 New Oswego High School Marquee
In an effort to continue to enhance communication with our community, in alignment with the ever changing technology and modernization demands, OHS Administration has explored the possibility of updating the Marquee. Many of the components of the current Marquee are outdated and obsolete (size, software, electronic message center) and many of these components are not replaceable in the event that they malfunction. This upgrade will allow increased capabilities to do different types of messages (videos, animations, etc), and could also be used as a District communication tool, without an electronic marquee at the District Office. The current sign was installed in 1984, the digital component installed in 2004. OHS administration met with three local companies to obtain estimates to replace the current Marquee. The school plans to secure funding from multiple sources including fundraisers, building activity funds, and a donation from the Student Council. The decision to use these funds and focuses are made collectively by students and staff.
The question was asked by the board- no district capital funds will be used, the funding is coming directly from school fundraising.
8.3 Athletic Training Contract
Oswego East and Oswego High School would like to enter into a three-year agreement with Athletico for athletic training services. Athletico and ATI submitted proposals as athletic training costs have increased in recent years due to additional educational requirements required by law.
ATI submitted a one-year proposal to cover both schools, while Athletico submitted a three-year contract. The three-year proposal is in the District's best interest due to the continuously rising costs of athletic training. This known cost allows the District to move forward with a financial plan supporting SD308 athletics.
2023-2024: $176,000.00; 2024-2025: $181,280.00; 2025-2026: $181,718.40
This cost includes two athletic trainers at each high school working 40 hours per week during the IHSA school year.
The board asked about any potential reasons why these positions are not hired positions within SD 308, however at this time from a financial standpoint it is in the district’s best interest to use an outside vendor. There could be potential added value by having employees versus a vendor in place, however with the time sensitive needs it's a large challenge.
8.4 Intergovernmental Agreement with Community Cares
The district would like to formalize an agreement with Community Cares for space use and partnership in providing our families with supplies.
A local non-profit organization, Community Cares has collaborated with SD 308 since 2019. They have been at the forefront of supporting/providing community families with personal care items and organizing supplies as needed for families when unforeseen circumstances arise.
This agreement allows Community Cares to utilize space at Old Traughber “Oswego Satellite location” to operate/coordinate personal care items on a monthly basis, while the food pantry is in operation (September - June). In addition to operating while the pantry is running, Community Cares will also utilize Old Traughber during the months of July and August to organize/facilitate the Back to School Backpack program. The agreement was prepared by the Board Attorney.
The district will be sharing information about their Back to School Backpack event for donations, volunteering, as well as signing up to receive the supplies for a student.
8.5 Resolution providing for the issue of not to exceed $7,000,000 General Obligation Refunding School Bonds of the School District for the purpose of refunding certain outstanding bonds of said School District, providing for the levy of a direct annual tax sufficient to pay the principal and interest on said bonds, authorizing the sale of said bonds to the purchasers thereof, and authorizing the execution of certain escrow agreements in connection therewith
The presentation outlining the process for refinancing the General Obligation School Bonds was led by Dr. John Petzke, CFO and Jennifer Currier, Vice President of PMA.
The District’s 2013 Bonds are callable October 1, 2023. Under the tax code, these bonds are eligible for a tax-exempt refunding within 90 days of their call date. The 2013 bonds represent about $6.8 million of our current $229.6 million dollars of outstanding principal.
To obtain debt service savings, Bob Lewis, our municipal advisor from PMA, is recommending that we proceed with refinancing the 2013 bonds at an estimated cost savings of $386,000 on a present value basis, or about $437,000 over the life of the bonds. The estimated savings will fluctuate with changing market conditions (i.e. estimated savings change by $5,000 for every 0.01% interest rate change.) Moody’s Investors Service, the rating agency that rates the District’s bonds, recently upgraded the District’s credit rating as a reflection of its improving financial position.
A sale of refunding bonds, including the Moody’s rating upgrade, advisory, underwriting, and legal fees will cost approximately 1.8% of the borrowing amount ($6.8 million dollars), or in this case about $125,000). The estimated savings are net after these fees.
The approval will be considered at the July 31 meeting, with the sale of bonds August 1.
9. Action Items
9.1 Approval of Bills for Payment
A motion was made by Mr. Jared Ploger, second by Mr. Eugene Gatewood, to authorize the payment of bills in the amount of nine million, nine hundred seventy-one thousand, four hundred thirty nine dollars and eighty-three cents ($9,971,439.83) as presented.
Final Resolution: Motion Carried 7-0
Aye: Mr. Dominick Cirone, Mr. Eugene Gatewood, Ms. Jennifer Johnson, Dr. Amy Murillo, Mr. Ploger, Ms. LaTonya Simelton, Ms. Mary Jo Wenmouth
9.2 Approval of Proposed School Day Changes
A motion was made by Mr. Jared Ploger, second by Mr. Dominick Cirone, to approve the proposed school hour changes as presented
Proposal for 2023-2024 School Year
• Leave High school alone with no changes to student or staff day 7:20- 2:26 • Shorten JH student day by 5 minutes to decrease all passing periods by one minute and lengthen student support time by 3 minutes. 8:10- 3:05
• Shorten Elementary by 5 minutes a day. 9:00- 3:45
• Reconvene the committee in the fall to determine ways to alter various level schedules to better meet the original priorities.
*Mr. Ploger questioned plans/concerns about the Jr High lunch period. Dr. Khelghati and Mrs. Dahlquist indicated that meetings and idea sharing are occurring at this time
Final Resolution: Motion Carried 6-1
Aye: Mr. Dominick Cirone, Mr. Eugene Gatewood, Dr. Amy Murillo, Mr. Ploger, Ms. LaTonya Simelton, Ms. Mary Jo Wenmouth
Nay: Ms. Jennifer Johnson
9.3 Approval of Intergovernmental Agreement with Oswego Fire/Ambulance
A motion was made by Mr. Jared Ploger, second by Mr. Dominick Cirone, to approve the Intergovernmental Agreement with Oswego Fire/Ambulance as presented.
Final Resolution: Motion Carried 7-0
Aye: Mr. Dominick Cirone, Mr. Eugene Gatewood, Ms. Jennifer Johnson, Dr. Amy Murillo, Mr. Ploger, Ms. LaTonya Simelton, Ms. Mary Jo Wenmouth
9.4 Approval of Building Administrator Contracts
A motion was made by Mr. Jared Ploger, second by Mr. Dominick Cirone, to approve the Building Administrator contracts as presented
Final Resolution: Motion Carried 7-0
Aye: Mr. Dominick Cirone, Mr. Eugene Gatewood, Ms. Jennifer Johnson, Dr. Amy Murillo, Mr. Ploger, Ms. LaTonya Simelton, Ms. Mary Jo Wenmouth
9.5 Approval of District Administrator Contract
A motion was made by Mr. Jared Ploger, second by Ms. Mary Jo Wenmouth to approve the District Administrator contracts as presented
Final Resolution: Motion Carried 7-0
Aye: Mr. Dominick Cirone, Mr. Eugene Gatewood, Ms. Jennifer Johnson, Dr. Amy Murillo, Mr. Ploger, Ms. LaTonya Simelton, Ms. Mary Jo Wenmouth
9.6 Approval of Personnel Report
A motion was made by Mr. Jared Ploger, second by Mr. Dominick Cirone, to approve the Personnel report as presented
Final Resolution: Motion Carried 7-0
Aye: Mr. Dominick Cirone, Mr. Eugene Gatewood, Ms. Jennifer Johnson, Dr. Amy Murillo, Mr. Ploger, Ms. LaTonya Simelton, Ms. Mary Jo Wenmouth
10. Closed Session
10.1 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 7-0
Aye: Mr. Dominick Cirone, Mr. Eugene Gatewood, Ms. Jennifer Johnson, Dr. Amy Murillo Mr. Jared Ploger, Ms. LaTonya Simelton, Ms. Mary Jo Wenmouth
The Board of Education entered closed session at 8:54 p.m.
10.2 Return to Open Session
A motion was made by Mr. Jared Ploger, second by Mr. Eugene Gatewood, to return to Open session
The Board of Education returned to open session at 9:40 p.m.
10. Adjournment
10.1 Adjourn
A motion was made by Mr. Jared Ploger, second by Mr. Dominick Cirone, to adjourn.
All were in favor unanimously to adjourn.
Final Resolution: Motion Carried 7-0
Aye: Mr. Dominick Cirone, Mr. Eugene Gatewood, Ms. Jennifer Johnson, Dr. Amy Murillo, Mr. Jared Ploger, Ms. LaTonya Simelton, Ms. Mary Jo Wenmouth
Meeting Adjourned at 9:42 p.m.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1sqeyZB5tz9ZsDdQln0oLTfqEszURTTgx/view
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