Kendall County Times

Oswego Community Unit School District 308 Board of Education met Sept. 25.

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 (Virtual), 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; 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(8) Security procedures, school building safety and security, and the use of personnel and equipment to respond to an actual, a threatened, or a reasonably potential danger to the safety of employees, students, staff, the public, or public property.

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)(8) Security procedures, school building safety and security, and the use of personnel and equipment to respond to an actual, a threatened, or a reasonably potential danger to the safety of employees, students, staff, the public, or public property.

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 6:03 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 7:09 p.m.

3. Call to Order – Public Session (7:00 pm)

The meeting was called to order at 7:13 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 (Virtual)

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 Communications, Theresa Komitas

Executive Director of Human Resources, Dr. Bryan Zwemke

Director of Finance, Amanda Sitar

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 Hearing

4.1 Public Hearing on FY24 Budget

President Simelton read the Public Hearing statement, informing the community that there would be two separate opportunities for public comment; during the Public Hearing regarding the FY23 budget and during the regular public comment portion.

4.2 Update on FY24 Budget

Wayne Harshberger – commented that there has been tremendous growth in the Oswego area. The materials presented for the budget are essentially the same every year with changes in the numbers. If one looks at changes in dollars or percentages, one will notice a significant net budget increase of $20M since 2012. In 2016 SD308 took on the provision of special education services, previously provided by the Kendall County Special Education Co-Op. There was a lack of understand the impact it would have on the budget. Mr. Harshberger challenged the District Administration to be more transparent on the areas of change along with an explanation of “why” to the Board and taxpayers that are impacted by the decisions made by the school district.

President Simelton asked for the administration to present any updates to the FY24 budget at this time. Ms. Sitar shared a summary of the Budget Update

4.3 Close Public Hearing

President Simelton closed the Public Hearing at this time.

5. Public Comment

5.1 Opportunity for the Public to address the Board of Education

Leslie Calvillo – voiced her frustration of not have a full time, committed and bilingual teacher in her Dual Language classroom. She shared that it was much the same in 6th grade. In late September, parents were informed that the school is working with HR to secure a bilingual substitute. Leslie was wondering what standards teachers are held to and what she can expect as a student. It affects the students greatly.

Michelle Trager – shared that her two 8th grade daughters are classmates of Leslie’s. There were issues in 6th grade when the teacher left at the beginning of the year and after having a substitute for 6 weeks, with no grades entered during that time, parents and students felt frustrated. Now this repeats again. We were aware that the leave for the teacher was ending at the end of this week and we knew that the sub would not continue past this Friday. On Monday there was no teacher or the previous sub in the classroom. One period was not covered by a teacher for a short period of time.

15% of the school year is gone and 25% of her daughter’s day is Dual Language. There is no end in sight to this situation and I can’t continue to let them waste a big part of their day.

Carolyn Andrews – an employee of Boulder Hill. She too expressed her frustration with the staffing issues in the Dual Language program at Plank. There is an issue with curriculum, a disconnect between elementary and junior high school.

Mr. Wayne Harshberger – commented on the contract for the OHS Tennis courts. The work began much later than anticipated and the students had to go to other school districts for tryouts and practices. The district incurred additional cost for transportation. Tennis courts at both high schools were supposed to be worked on during the same timeframe which is poor planning on the district’s part. It is very doubtful that the work will be done by next week, which is when they have the conference finals. Where is the communications and why are there no responses to my emails. Changes orders on the track were put through without getting prior board approval to the tune of almost $500,000.

6. Presentations

6.1 School Safety Presentation

Presented by Executive Director of Student Services Jeremy Bell and Assistant Director Bailey Campbell 

o Presentation

Our Approach to Safety and Security: Plan, Monitor, Respond and Evaluate

▪ Plan- Use of Emergency Response Plans, Drills, Visitor Management

▪ Monitor- Incident Reporting, ILSafe2Help, Securly Monitoring, Cameras,

▪ Respond- Threat Assessment, Mental Health Screening

▪ Evaluate- 911 calls, ALICE

Threat Assessment Teams must include the following ream members:

o Building Administrator

o Teacher

o School Counselor

o School Psychologist

o School Social Worker

o Law Enforcement Official

Information on how to communicate if something is suspicious or dangerous is located on every student ID. Interdepartmental collaboration is essential.

Our student ambassador feels more prepared in case of an emergency. There is the sense of having options other than hiding under a desk. At times it’s best to barricade and at times it’s warranted to get out of the building.

Ms. Johnson would like to see social media and bullying as part of this plan.

7. Comments/Reports

7.1 Superintendent Report

o Oswego Co-Op Girls Golf Team won the SPC Conference Championship with an undefeated record

o Twenty years ago, the Oswego Panthers 2003 Varsity Football team raised the IHSA 7A state trophy- they’ll be honorary captains at the homecoming game this Friday

o September 28th is National School Parent Group Day. We want to acknowledge the many contributions of parents across our district that help with projects big and small!

o Hispanic Heritage Month began on Sept 15th- through Oct 15th. This is a time for us to recognize the contributions and influence of Hispanic and Latin Americans to the history, culture, and achievements of the United States. On a local level, we’re proud of the Dual Language program’s long-standing history here, and look forward to investing additional resources into the program.

o We’re nearing the end of FASD awareness month. We hope that you’ve followed along with content in our parent newsletters regarding the importance of understanding and advocating for those impacted by Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders.

o Our educational community is diverse in background, culture, and experiences. We appreciate our differences and also learn about and acknowledge what traditions others in our community may practice. Amongst our community are several students, staff and families who practice Judaism. Last weekend was Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year and beginning of the 10 days of repentance. Sunday evening into today, our Jewish families observe Yom Kippur.

7.2 Board Committee Reports

Finance & Facilities - Whitt Law updated the committee on the abatement with the Village of Oswego and will be attending a meeting on September 20th at Kendall County as an observer and will provide an update to Mr. Obafemi on the progression of the abatement.

The SD308 mission statement was shared with the committee members: To build trust with our community and stakeholders through transparency and clarity of district finances. Mr. Obafemi presented the tentative budget and provided an estimate of FY24 revenue as $293,443,256 and estimated FY24 expenditures as $287,994,005 which will leave a surplus of $5,449,251. OHS and OEHS tracks is estimated to be available to the students by October 1,2023.

7.3 Board Member Comments

Mr. Ploger commented on staffing concerns- the shared challenge he experiences as a teacher with students who won’t have access to grab-n-go food due to open positions in food service, as a Spanish teacher, his wife is unable to get a Spanish-speaking substitute teacher. There are so many open positions, we’re past a crisis point. In asking his current students, none said they’re going into education, yet most want children. This existing problem of staff shortages across education will only grow. It’s too late to wait, the problem is now. He brings this up to point to the shared challenge all across schools. Mrs. Wenmouth built on the comments Mr. Ploger made. She said that we lack parent involvement in student activity. She volunteered at the Panther Review concessions, and there were so few people volunteering there, parents needed to be involved. There isn’t always someone else there to do it. Dr. Khelghati assisted as well. A plea was made for parents to get involved in their children’s education, beyond the traditional classroom, but be active in all they’re doing.

Dr. Murillo recognized Hispanic Heritage Month. On a personal level, her father lived in rural Mexico without access to education. In traveling north, he learned and worked hard, he helped his family to be successful. They are now college graduates, business owners and successful members of their communities. This month, celebrate those who have such inspiring stories.

Mrs. Johnson attended the SPC Conference Championship with the ladies co-op golf team. She joined the TALK training at the schools, these students are doing incredible things.

President Simelton recognized that last week was IT Technology recognition- thank you to these staff for all you do!

Dr. Khelghati shared that our district was the recipient of a $400,000 Teacher Retention Grant, with efforts being led by Dr. Kincaid and Dr. Zwemke. Tonight, we are bringing a recommendation of a very exciting candidate to join us as the Director of Planning and Development. The primary reason will be the creation of a teacher residency program. There are few throughout the State and we expect to be a leader amongst them.

7.4 Student Ambassador Report

Last week SSAC met for the first time. They did introductions and defined their role. They are there to listen to student voices, amplify student voices in school and in board meetings, encouraging students to take ownership in their education. They reviewed the data from their student survey, and worked towards developing a vision for this year. Students will have the option for dialogue around cultural celebrations, during ½ days. Student and teacher relations, adults hearing students. Data dive began, excited to work together to have a successful school year.

8. Consent Agenda

8.1 Approval of Minutes from previous Meeting

8.2 Acknowledgement of Freedom of Information (FOIA) Requests

8.3 Acknowledgement of Administrator and Teacher Salary and Benefits Report

A motion was made by Mr. Jared Ploger, second by Mr. Dominick Cirone, to approve all items under consent, including 8.1 Minutes from the Board of Education meeting on September 11, 2023, open and closed session; 8.2 to acknowledge the FOIA requests received by the District and 8.3 to acknowledge the Administrator and Teacher Salary and Benefits report

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. Information

9.1 Update on Oswego East High School Track

CFO Mr. Obafemi outlined the process for bidding and approval of work on the tracks. During the work, the athletic staff at the school noticed that the work didn’t seem to be on point for what the use required. Dr. Khelghati, Dr. Petzke, and Mr. Obafemi contacted a group of coaches, teachers and leaders at both schools to discuss the project and observe the work. There is both a time constraint, but a need for adjustments to the work from what was first approved.

The plans were designed in 2019, however funding wasn’t approved until 2023. Using those plans, the bids were sought. Looking back, there was a missed collaboration between the users of the facility and those who initially designed it four years ago.

In April, when the bids were first presented, there were several alternatives presented. While those were not included in the initial approval, there is some need for additions to the base of work. Dr. Khelghati discussed the importance of reviewing the approval and consultation process for projects like this. At the center of these projects is always the students. While he can’t change the past, he can use all available resources to push this project forward in order to have a facility for students to use. The process and procedures will be more specific, including bringing users of the facility to the project to understand what is being bid out.

Board member discussion included the desire to avoid this, to point out what issues could have been foreseen. They discussed the importance of designs being current, not using old ones to develop RFPs and accepting bids.

The Board reflected on the disappointment in this whole issue, and the importance of saying this out loud. They often get a small amount of information and trust that a process has been followed. Mrs. Johnson shared her notes of the timeline that moved this project from $755,000 to over $1.2 million.

She said this isn’t a change order, this is a whole new project- over $500,000 in new expenses. Dr. Petzke explained that the funds from DSEB are being used to cover the overage on this track project and this will delay something from that list to a later date.

Mr. Obafemi explained that at this time we’re in a difficult situation- there really isn’t a great option, but with the sports season just around the corner, something needs to be done.

Mrs. Johnson asked Dr. Khelghati what is going to be done with the administrative team to avoid this in the future. She asked about the timing and guarantee of the quote and bid.

Mr. Obafemi summarized the discussion with the project engineer and contractors, along with the timelines. The current commitment is to finish OHS on Oct. 9 (weather dependent), and OE done on Oct. 16.

Mrs. Johnson did thank those involved in the extra work they’ve done, inheriting a mess. President Simelton stated that this is a hard pill to swallow. But at the center are the kids, and their needs.

Mrs. Johnson reminded that the track wasn’t addressed for 18 years, so this is not surprising when avoiding planned maintenance. She also stressed the importance of having the right people at the table- consulting the people who are at the forefront. For future plans, she wants to see users consulted- a way to increase engagement and transparency, so we know it was done right.

Mr. Ploger outlined his surprise and shock at all of this, it's not something he’s experienced before. He wants to be assured that the users of the facilities and operations are going to be closely involved in the projects. He questioned the legality of what is being considered.

The Board Attorney did outline the process- which is covered under the provision of “emergency” during a project, which requires 6/7 votes in favor to pass.

Mr. Ploger expressed the importance of reassuring our coaches of consistency, and consultation for projects, in an effort to retain coaching staff.

Dr. Khelghati explained that he had asked Mr. Obafemi to create a master plan so that work can be forecasted and projects are not rushed or avoided.

A straw poll vote will be taken tonight to determine favor in continuing the project with the increased $487,000 expense (in favor 7-0). At the next meeting, a ratification of the changes presented in the “emergency” will be presented as an action item.

9.2 Introduction to Evidence Based Funding (EBF)

Mr. Obafemi provided education on the development of funding in Illinois. He outlined adequacy targets and how those are tied to funding needs based on what funding is available to districts through local, state and federal sources. Evidence Based Funding Presentation

9.3 Board Member Travel Expenses – Triple I Conference

All seven Board members will be attending the Triple I Conference in Chicago the week before Thanksgiving. Travel expenses will be brought forward for action at the October 10 meeting.

9.4 Policies First Read: Section 2: School Board (2:80, 2:170) Section 4: Operations (4:45, 4:100) Section 5: General Personnel (5:230) Section 6: Instruction (6:10, 6:190, 6:240) Section 7: Students (7:275, 7:305, 7:330) Section 8: Community Relations (8:25, 8:95)

Dr. Kincaid shared that the policies contain just minor changes in the footnotes and some legal update. The policies will be brought back as an action item at the October 10 meeting.

10. Action Items

10.1 Approval of Agreement with the Kendall County Food Pantry

A motion was made by Mr. Jared Ploger, second by Ms. Mary Jo Wenmouth, to approve the Agreement with the Kendall County Food Pantry

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

10.2 Approval of Resolution Authorizing Litigation Against Social Media Companies

A motion was made by Mr. Jared Ploger, second by Mr. Dominick Cirone, to approve the Resolution Authorizing Litigation Against Social Media Companies

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

10.3 Approval of Government Entity Settlement Agreement with Altria Group Inc., Phillip Morris USA

A motion was made by Mr. Jared Ploger, second by Mr. Dominick Cirone, to approve the Government Entity Settlement Agreement with Altria Group Inc., Phillip Morris USA

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

10.4 Approval of District Administrator Contract

A motion was made by Mr. Jared Ploger, second by Mr. Dominick Cirone, to approve the District Administrator contract 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

10.5 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

11. Closed Session

11.1 Enter Closed Session under statute(s): 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)(8) Security procedures, school building safety and security, and the use of personnel and equipment to respond to an actual, a threatened, or a reasonably potential danger to the safety of employees, students, staff, the public, or public property.

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)(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)(8) Security procedures, school building safety and security, and the use of personnel and equipment to respond to an actual, a threatened, or a reasonably potential danger to the safety of employees, students, staff, the public, or public property.

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 9:59 p.m.

11.2 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 11:02 p.m.

12. Adjournment

12.1 Adjourn

A motion was made by Ms LaTonya Simelton, second by Mr. Jared Ploger, 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 11:04 p.m.

https://go.boarddocs.com/il/oswego308/Board.nsf/files/CWAVGS80B810/$file/09.25.23%20Draft%20Board%20Meeting%20Minutes.pdf