Oswego Community Unit School District 308 Board of Education met Sept. 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 (6:00 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, Ms. Jennifer Johnson, Dr. Amy Murillo, Jared Ploger, LaTonya Simelton, Mary Jo Wenmouth
Members Absent (at roll call):
None
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. 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; 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 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 6:04 p.m.
2.2 Return to Open Session
A motion was made by Mr. Jared Ploger, second by Mr. Dominick Cirone, 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 7:04 p.m.
3. Call to Order – Public Session (7:00 pm)
The meeting was called to order at 7:10 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, Dr. John Petzke
CFO/CSBO, Raphael Obafemi
Executive Director of Human Resources, Dr. Bryan Zwemke
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
Lisa Albano – has been a parent in the district for a long time, involved with the PTO and the Superintendent’s Advisory Committee until recently. She shared her frustration with transportation, stating that she emailed multiple times during the month of August regarding setting up a stop for her students and still has not received a response. 17 days into school and her student’s transportation is not fixed yet. Ms. Albano also shared her frustration with Power School and the way it was rolled out. Her two freshman students still can’t get into the system and the Help Desk has been contacted many times and they were not able to help. It’s not best for kids. She praised the Special Ed department at OE and how much the teachers care.
5. Presentations
5.1 Technology Updates
Mr. Kiger and Mr. McDonald shared the Updates from the Technology department.
• Each classroom Grade 1-4 has a Chromebook Cart for students to use
• Grades 5-12 still have 1:1 take home devices
• Additional funding added to support a refresh plan for future years
• Launched a new internship course this year
• We ran a pilot for Securly Classroom at both high schools
• All projectors in the district have now been replaced
• All our main entrances are now locked down
• Copier lease with COTG was renewed, including the replacement of 52 copiers
President Simelton suggested that Tech Hubs that were implemented at the high schools should serve students that are not able to get into power school at this time, at least until the issues with the new system are resolved. This will be looked into.
Indicators of success that will be reported on at next year’s annual report:
• Start a committee (Instructional Technology) in January to develop a vision of the future of instruction/student learning. It will include teachers from all levels, and administrator from each level, and director of technology.
Additional planned projects:
• Initiate the creation of a Technology Plan
• Continue developing both of the high school tech hubs and technology courses • Finalize our District Cybersecurity Plan
• Evaluate a new door access control solution for the district
Ms. Johnson asked to make sure that the roll out of any new program such as Securly Classroom is well planned and staff has the opportunity to train.
6. Comments/Reports
6.1 Superintendent Report
Dr. Khelghati welcomed our new student ambassadors, Isabelle Gershon and Luke Lockwood. SD 308 stands with our community as we honor the memory of the countless lives lost following the 9/11 tragedy. During this time, people from many backgrounds came together to care for each other. We honor the heroes for their courage and sacrifices and vow never to forget.
SD308 also wished to acknowledge and denounce the judgment passed on to our Muslim communities. We stand with our Muslim community in solidarity, recognizing that the actions of individuals do not represent an entire community.
It has been a great honor celebrating with our athletic teams. Golf to Football, some great wins and some tough losses. Thank you staff, coaches and athletic directors for your investment. Dr. Khelghati spent some time with the BIONIC (Believe It Or Not I Care) team. They are hopeful to come present to the Board soon.
These past few weeks the students have been completing the FastBridge assessment, a toll that helps us know and really understand where our students are. Our team will draw on this information to guide future instruction and to monitor progress.
We want to thank our staff that participated in our continued improvement day last week, and tomorrow our leaders will participate in a workshop with Dr. Waller on equity and inclusion. Our district has been awarded a Teacher Vacancy Pilot Program for $400,000. This will jumpstart our investment in our educators both present and future.
Dr. Khelghati thanked Mr. Obafemi for coming into his new position and addressing some of the major challenges we face. We are looking for solutions to our issue with the OEHS track and will have an update at our next Board meeting on September 25.
Since I have landed, I have had the great fortune to get to know this community. As I was told during my interview process, the community is full of heart and passion for serving the needs of our students. I have held numerous meet and greets and including the BPAC picnic. I have felt welcomed by everyone. I have learned that there are many priorities, challenges but also opportunities. We are in the process of forming a Superintendent Advisory Group with the purpose of engaging in discussion to highlight what is coming to the top and did we understand what the community is saying. How do we take limited funds and use them wisely.
We will work with our school leaders to determine who will be on this committee. We will follow up with a presentation virtually the week after where anyone can join and listen. These will be open meetings.
6.2 Board Committee Reports
Equity and Teaching & Learning
Development of Mission Statement for the Committee
- The team drafted mission statements and reviewed for alignment of ideas in each drafted mission Dr. Waller will use drafted mission statements to craft a few options for the group Discussion on future agenda items.
-Reviewed where the Equity and T&L committees left off last year to think through future agenda items for the committee
Policy & Legislative Report
Established Norms for our Meetings
Created a Mission Statement for our Committee
Defined Roles and Responsibilities
Reviewed Process for determining Agenda topics
Discussed an addendum to current board policy 7:100 to extend the exclusion deadline ONLY for the current school year to October 15 instead of September 15
Reviewed all policies from PRESS Issue 112
Minor changes with most of them being legal and footnote updates.
The committee also brainstormed about becoming more involved in Legislation. Everyone will bring back ideas on how best to form those relationships.
Before the next meeting, we will create a document with all municipal contacts as well as our Legislators.
We need to be cognizant that before anything gets to the Board table, that the committees have a chance to weigh in.
6.3 Board Member Comments
Ms. Wenmouth shared that the meet & greets continue and that the are very productive. She encouraged the public to stop by to future ones if they are able. Toured some buildings, Traughber and Prairie Point. Traughber has the best resource center, it is welcoming, it’s comfortable and the kids want to read. The robotics open house was really something with very talented students in this group. They would also like to present at a Board meeting in the near future. Ms. Wenmouth talked about our food pantry and encouraged anyone in need to stop by.
Ms. Johnson talked about remembering 9/11 and that tomorrow is never guaranteed. September is also Suicide Prevention Month, the second leading cause of death among teens age 10-14. Mr. Ploger spoke of being part of the Aurora Education Commission and welcoming Dr. Khelghati as a member as well.
Mr. Gatewood shared that he was able to participate in a meeting with the Mayor of Aurora, Richard Irvin and some of his staff, as well as Dr. Khelghati and district 308 staff. Looking forward to a collaborative relationship with our neighbors.
Dr. Murillo shared that a meeting took place with a local University and we look for ways to partner with them on several things. Looking forward to more conversations and partnering in a variety of issues.
6.4 Student Ambassador Report
Isabelle Gershon – a junior at Oswego East High School said she is honored to have been selected for this position and thanked the Board for this opportunity to serve some of her peers. Isabelle has been part of the student diversity committee and later on the SD308 coalition where she was able to share her unique experience of being Jewish and a female student in our district. That committee was such a transformative experience. Isabelle was concerned that all the work the student committee was doing would not be taken seriously by our leaders. Through amplifying student voice, the district has been able to highlight issues that truly matter to students, such as combatting sexual harassment and mental health challenges. I hope to work to make our schools a more inclusive place for everyone.
Luke Lockwood – a senior at Oswego High School. He plans to highlight the importance of coming together as a student body, district and community as a whole. It is imperative to ensure that every student is heard. Luke would like to encourage students to be honest and use their voices, whether through surveys, emails or speaking at the Board meeting. He wants students to take pride and ownership in their schools. He stressed the importance of listening to each other, no matter of the views, everyone has their own story and journey. With this foundation, we can set the tone for future generations to come. If we come together and find common ground, building a community of listeners, there is nothing we can’t do as students and as a community. All students deserve a place where they can learn and grow.
7. Consent Agenda
7.1 Approval of Minutes from previous Meeting
7.2 Acknowledgement of Freedom of Information (FOIA) Requests 7.3 Approval of Addendum to Policy 7:100 Health, Eye, and Dental Examinations
A motion was made by Mr. Jared Ploger, second by Mr. Eugene Gatewood, to approve all items under consent, including Minutes of the Board of Education meeting on August 21, 2023, open and closed session; to acknowledge the FOIA requests received by the District, and to approve the addendum to Policy 7:100
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
8. Information
8.1 Financial Statements
There were no questions on the Financial Statements
8.2 Agreement with the Kendall County Food Pantry
The Oswego Community Unit School District and the Kendall County Community Food Pantry have engaged in a partnership over the past several school years, most notably with the School District Food Drive held each fall.
In October of 2020 that partnership expanded, and the Oswego Satellite Location of the Kendall County Community Food Pantry opened. Operating once a month at 61 Franklin Street, the food pantry has provided canned/non-perishable food items, as well as produce and bread, to guests who live within the SD308 attendance area. Attendance has averaged approximately 120 families per month.
The attached Food Pantry agreement is a renewal of the one utilized in the 2022 – 2023 school year. There are no recommended changes to the language of the agreement other than the change to a three year agreement.
8.3 Information on New High School Courses
Dr. Murillo made a motion, Mr. Eugene Gatewood second, to postpone this item in order to be reviewed by the Equity and Teaching & Learning committee first.
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. Action Items
9.1 Bills for Payment
A motion was made by Mr. Jared Ploger, second by Mr. Dominick Cirone, to authorize the payment of bills in the amount of six million, five hundred sixty-one thousand, seven hundred sixty-five dollars and forty-seven cents ($6,561,765.47) as presented.
Final Resolution: Motion Carried 7-0
Aye: Mr. Dominick Cirone, Mr. Eugene Gatewood, Ms. Jennifer Johnson, Dr. Amy Murillo, Mr. Ploger, Ms. LaTonya Simelton, Ms. Mary Jo Wenmouth
9.2 Approval of Board Member Travel Request
A motion was made by Mr. Jared Ploger, second by Mr. Dominick Cirone, to approve the Board Member travel request as presented
Final Resolution: Motion Carried 7-0
Aye: Mr. Dominick Cirone, Mr. Eugene Gatewood, Ms. Jennifer Johnson, Dr. Amy Murillo, Mr. Ploger, Ms. LaTonya Simelton, Ms. Mary Jo Wenmouth
9.3 Approval of Personnel Report
A motion was made by Mr. Jared Ploger, second by Mr. Dominick Cirone, to approve the Personnel report as presented
Final Resolution: Motion Carried 7-0
Aye: Mr. Dominick Cirone, Mr. Eugene Gatewood, Ms. Jennifer Johnson, Dr. Amy Murillo, Mr. Ploger, Ms. LaTonya Simelton, Ms. Mary Jo Wenmouth
10. Adjournment
10.1 Adjourn
A motion was made by Mr. Jared Ploger, second by Mr. Dominick Cirone, to adjourn. All were in favor unanimously to adjourn.
Final Resolution: Motion Carried 7-0
Aye: Mr. Dominick Cirone, Mr. Eugene Gatewood, Ms. Jennifer Johnson, Dr. Amy Murillo, Mr. Jared Ploger, Ms. LaTonya Simelton, Ms. Mary Jo Wenmouth
Meeting Adjourned at 8:16 p.m.
https://go.boarddocs.com/il/oswego308/Board.nsf/files/CVUR2U6BB6CF/$file/09.11.23%20Draft%20Board%20Meeting%20Minutes.pdf
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