Kendall County Times

Oswego Community Unit School District 308 Board of Education met Oct. 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 6:04 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):

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

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 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 6:05 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 (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

CFO/CSBO, Raphael Obafemi

Executive Director of Communications, Theresa Komitas

Executive Director of Human Resources, Dr. Bryan Zwemke

Director of Finances, 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 Comment

4.1 Opportunity for the Public to address the Board of Education

Alean Fouts – shared that she was diagnosed with a hearing loss in 2021. The Deaf and Hard of Hearing community is an important part of society. Unfortunately, this community has been significantly isolated for generations due to practically impenetrable language barriers. Alean took a survey last year with the students at Bednarcik JHS to find out if there was student interest in an ASL class. About 50% of the students were enthusiastic about the possibility of such a course offering. Human connections are needed in this community just as much as anywhere else. By having a class dedicated to culture and communication with this significant community, we can make all the difference, the difference of being heard.

Rick Heuerman – commented on transportation and the communication that goes along with it. He gave some examples of buses being late and the delayed messages received by the parents. It’s almost impossible to get through to transportation and messages are not returned. My kids bus route is consistently late coming home. There should at least be communication so parents have the option to pick up their students instead of them waiting at the school. Just looking for solutions for better communication.

Jessyka Quintero – also commented regarding the same bus route, 8110. It is late 90% of the time. This has been an ongoing issue for her family for 10 years. Last week my daughter was picked up 20 minutes late with no notification, so my 9 year old waited at the bus stop on her own. There needs to be a solution so this situation doesn’t consistently happen. Could we add some van’s to our fleet since there wouldn’t be a special license involved. As a parent I am doing my job to have my child ready on time to learn and now I need the district to do that for my child. This is very stressful for her.

5. Comments/Reports

5.1 Superintendent Report

On a very somber note, I want to address the ongoing and increased violence in the Middle East. Every life is precious, and it is heartbreaking to witness the loss of lives due to any form of aggression. We hold steadfast in our hope and our desire to live in a world that dignifies the lives of all, in every way, tolerating differences and coexisting in peace.

I would like to take a moment of silence, in honor of those impacted and extend a most profound hopes and prayers for lasting peace for that area of the world.

Moving to a few celebrations!

One of our students, Lucy Wiertel, age nine, is a third grader from Southbury, and is among 80 junior golfers representing 31 U.S. states, and two countries who have earned an invitation to compete at Augusta National Golf Club in the 10th annual Drive, Chip and Putt National Finals, to be played on Sunday, April 7, 2024, prior to the start of the 88th Masters Tournament. At the regional competition, Lucy earned first place in each of the three disciplines, scoring 132 points and registering a 36-point victory. This incredible achievement of such a grade scale deserves special recognition! We send her our best wishes for a great competition in April, and we look forward to cheering her on this Spring!

Last Friday our high school students participated in ASCEND, the first of a series of learning and engagement opportunities during the shortened SIP day. Using a unique model of having students participate in their classrooms, watching presenters live online, allowed everyone to be involved in the same content, but engaged in smaller groups. The topics included Goal Setting and Dreams, The Importance of Community, and Developing Empathy.

The idea for this program came from our own students serving on the Superintendent Advisory Council, along with teachers and administrators from the high schools and the district. This incredible opportunity was a true collaboration, and directly addressed topics indicated as priorities and needs from our own student body through survey feedback. Congratulations to the team of students, teachers and leaders who helped to develop this learning event, we look forward to hearing more about what you’re planning for the next SIP day.

Today kicks off the TENTH Annual District-Wide Food Drive! This annual collection event has a massive impact on our community, helping to fight hunger and food insecurity. Benefiting our local Kendall County Community Food Pantry, who serves over 2,000 families per week. We account for their largest single donation each year. While we make this a friendly competition between buildings at each level, the goal is the same for everyone, we are here to make a difference in our community, and when we all do a little…it really adds up to a lot!

We encourage you to join us, donating online increases the food pantry’s buying power, as they can get nearly $8 worth of food with each dollar they receive. Items are also being collected at all schools across the district. Now through October 16, please join us in breaking our record from last year, which combined with cash and food donations, totaled 413,137 items. Our district alone has provided over 1.7 million items to our local pantry through this annual collection. What an amazing impact we are having! Please visit the district website for more information, and watch for announcements from your schools! We look forward to the results being announced at the crosstown football game on Oct. 20th at OHS.

It is with mixed emotions that we announce the upcoming retirement of two long-time educational leaders who have really made a profound difference in their time with our district. At the conclusion of this school year, our Associate Superintendent, Mrs. Faith Dahlquist, along with our Junior High Director Mrs. Shannon Lueders will retire from distinguished careers in public education.

Faith has been part of this district for five years, she has been an educator in Illinois since 1991, serving as an administrator for 29 years! What a huge contribution, we are so grateful for her leadership and dedication, and she most certainly has earned the opportunity to enjoy herself and her family in retirement.

Shannon has spent 17 years in our district. She is one of the longest serving administrators here in SD 308, starting as an assistant principal at Thompson Junior High School, then as their principal. Seven years ago, she moved to the district office to oversee all of our junior highs. Shannon’s expertise, experience and knowledge will be missed, but like Faith, she deserves her free time in retirement!

We wish both of these amazing leaders the very best as they continue through their final school year with us. We will have plenty of time to honor and celebrate their careers, as they’re here with us through June.

My final comments tonight are in response to several programmatic questions and concerns that have been brought to the attention of myself and the board over the past few weeks. In my first 90 days here, I have been getting to know the district, reviewing key areas of need and working with educators, parents, community members. It is my intention that through this methodical and proactive exploration process, we will identify areas of opportunity for growth and change.

We will also uncover what makes successful programs sustainable. I am committed to ongoing review and reassessment of our programs, in order for us to continuously improve. We’ve named six core values that will guide our work, they are integrity, humanization, courtesy, dignity, collaboration, and empathy. With these values guiding us, we can operate in a way that is transparent and builds trust. When we acknowledge the importance of building systems and structure, not just responding and reacting, great things can happen!

5.2 Board Committee Reports

Mr. Ploger - shared his personal story of his wife’s journey with hearing loss. He outlines this in relation to equity, and the discussion of the American Sign Language offering.

Mrs. Johnson - shared her own experience with partial hearing loss, and the impact of it. She has advocated for ASL in the past and will continue.

5.3 Board Member Comments

Mr. Cirone - joined Dr. Khelghati for a tour of Boulder Hill last week. He noted creativity with the space, excitement in the classrooms, and positive energy. He also mentioned the food drive and the impact it has, and that a single dollar can bring in 8 items.

Ms. Wenmouth - joined several teachers and administrators to serve lunch at the Hesed House, a shelter in Aurora. This was part of the SD 308 Gives program, which aims to volunteer and give back to the community.

Mrs. Johnson – apologized to the Dual Language and EL families, she has spent time listening to in order to have a greater understanding of the programs. She apologizes to any students who have been let down, and lists this as a priority. Working with Dr. Khelghati, we are trying to determine root causes of the issues, and that better days are ahead. She also shared her own story with ADHD as this is ADHD Awareness Month, she shared some resources with administration to pass along. Many times, students acting out are dysregulated, and not learning.

Mrs. Dahlquist - spoke in appreciation of our SD 308 Principals! It is Principal appreciation month, these individuals have a great job, but a tiring one, it's an honor to work with them.

Mr. Ploger - shared that it is LGBTQAI+ history month. He shared about an Illinois native, Albert Cashier, who was born female, but chose to live as a male joined the Union Army where he served as a hero. While suffering dementia and facing an injury, it was discovered that he was not what they expected.

5.4 Student Ambassador Report

SSAC meetings have been focused on mental health results from the survey last year. They dug into the demographics and looked for places where concerns crossed between groups. In all student demographic groups, they indicated that they have too much homework. They wish to further research this more, surveying teachers about their opinion. The survey stated that sexual harassment had not gone down in the year since the problem was first addressed. Discussion included the need to help students understand the process for complaints and what they may or may not see throughout the process. In representation of the student body, expressing sadness for the death and violence. Cultures and backgrounds of the families in the Middle East are deeply impacted. All persons feelings are valid, help is available, regardless of connections or “sides”- all students matter.

6. Consent Agenda

6.1 Approval of Minutes from previous Meetings

6.2 Acknowledgement of Freedom of Information (FOIA) Requests

A motion was made by Mr. Jared Ploger, second by Mr. Eugene Gatewood, to approve all items under consent, including 6.1 Minutes from the Board of Education meeting on September 25, 2023 and September 28, 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. Ploger, Ms. LaTonya Simelton, Ms. Mary Jo Wenmouth

7. Information

7.1 Financial Statements and Investment Schedule

There were no questions on the Financial statements and the Investment schedule.

7.2 New High School Courses 2024-25 School Year

Proposed addition of 2 semester ASL 1 course as a World Language beginning next school year, with the addition of ASL 2 the following year. There was an addition of 10 days in the timeline to allow counselors to meet with students regarding course selection in order to better meet student needs.

Board member questions included asking about other area districts offering ASL- many neighboring districts do offer this already.

Mr. Cirone commented that this should help the teacher pipeline then we are trying to develop, giving our students unique skills to support future students.

Mr. Ploger pointed out that this sends a correct message since Deaf and Hard of Hearing students do attend our schools from other districts, but yet we weren’t offering the course for our own students to learn ASL.

Mrs. Johnson seconded that the course helps meet a need here. She asked about the other proposed courses, which are still being considered, but perhaps were not yet ready to be recommended. Dr. Murillo was pleased that the administration brought this to the Teaching, Learning and Equity committee to dig into it further before going to the full Board. She expressed a desire to see this become a four-year language course, like others we offer. She also wants communication to be clear to students about the importance of determining which colleges are accepting ASL as a foreign language for their requirements and those who are not, prior to making this class selection.

Mr. Ploger shared that during the committee meeting a conversation was held regarding classes that are not well attended. What is the process for determining when a class is still desired, and should it be held if only a couple students are using it. As classes are added, there becomes a risk of saturation.

Mr. Gatewood expressed the importance of if sunsetting a class is necessary, that there will be plenty of time and notification so as not to negatively affect anyone.

Student Ambassador Luke spoke to the experience of singing the Star Spangled Banner and having someone there to sign the song along with the choir, he expressed gratitude for this exciting addition of the ASL class.

7.3 Update on Change Orders for the Track Construction

Mr. Queen, director of Operations, shared an update on the track situation. He outlined which change orders have already been completed and which are still in process. Some of the remaining work has gone back to bid due to the lack of cooperation with the initial vendor chosen.

OEHS track oval has been started and will be ready for use, jump areas will be completed in summer 2024. Track competitions will not be held at OEHS for the next season. This has been communicated with athletic directors who communicate with coaches regularly. OHS work has already been completed, with an estimated completion date of Oct. 27th.

Mr. Ploger asked the attorney to address the process and any concerns with what occurred. She replied that due to the timing of when the issues came to light, and the work that was subsequently postponed, what had to be done was done emergently. Mr. Ploger restated the reasoning for why the decision was made to finish the track as much as possible, knowing that competitions can’t be held at OEHS. This decision was made due to traffic concerns, student travel, and constraints with transportation if students are sharing one location for all practices in addition to competition.

Mr. Queen outlined many of the concerns that were uncovered during this project. The necessary foundation and drainage was not in place with the former track installation. This work had to be completed in order for the project to be sustainable and safe. That along with the lack of coordination with the track users, plans were made and started without knowing what was and was not usable and practical. Unlike many other schools with similar projects, these schools are not level surfaces, these football fields are not turf, and not simple to work with.

Mr. Ploger outlined the impact of saving money, resulting in spending money. When trying to cut corners, and not spend, it costs more in the long run. It may be time to look at turf fields, though determining capital is the challenge. He also reviewed the conversation that has been had regarding turf installation, on paper it makes sense, however it's an impossible sell at a time when other cuts are being made. Impacts are still occurring based on decisions that have been made in the past.

Mrs. Johnson discussed the timing of turf and the investment. She wants to begin the discussions of what it costs to have a grass field, and all of its requirements as compared to the cost of investing in turf fields. She requested that Dr. Khelghati and his administration provide an update on processes and projects like this, showing where changes are being made for transparency.

Mr. Obefemi asked the board about their interest in possibly exploring sponsorship as a subsidy to the cost through naming rights to the stadium.

Mr. Gatewood expressed his gratitude for the work that was put in to have the tracks be built safely. He asks that as research continues, the safety of students and not just costs is considered when comparing turf vs grass.

Dr. Khelghati explained that safety is always one of the qualifiers when considering a proposal. Mrs. Johnson shared that the board would want to consider ANY sponsorships or ways to reduce the burden on taxpayers. She also shared concerns about what equity looks like at the schools. There had been an offer at one time to put turf in one school and not the other…what is quality versus equity. She believed the district had a master facility plan, which is not what the architect has provided previously rather it’s a record of repairs.

7.4 New IASB Resolutions

Discussion was held on the topics up for vote as Mr. Ploger casts the board’s vote for pending items at the Triple I conference, during the delegate assembly. Mr. Ploger will attend the assembly and cast the vote based on the Board’s input. Resolutions being considered will be weighed by each board member who can choose if they agree or disagree with each. The majority will determine the Board’s vote at the assembly.

8. Action Items

8.1 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 seven million, eight hundred seventy-two thousand, eight hundred twenty-four dollars and forty cents ($7,872,824.40) 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

8.2 Policies Second Read and Approval: 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)

A motion was made by Mr. Jared Ploger, second by Mr. Dominick Cirone, to approve the changes on the following Policies; 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)

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

8.3 Ratification of Expenditures for Additional Cost Related to the High School Tracks

A motion was made by Mr. Jared Ploger, second by Mr. Dominick Cirone, to ratify the expenditures for the additional cost related to the High School Tracks 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

8.4 Approval of Board Member Travel Expenses

A motion was made by Mr. Jared Ploger, second by Ms. Mary Jo Wenmouth, to approve the Board Member Travel Expenses for the Triple I Conference in Chicago

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

8.5 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

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.

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. Ploger, Ms. LaTonya Simelton, Ms. Mary Jo Wenmouth

The Board of Education entered closed session 9:22 p.m.

9.2 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 9:43 p.m.

10. Adjournment

10.1 Adjourn

A motion was made by Mr. Jared Ploger, second by Mr. Eugene Gatewood, 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 9:45 p.m.

https://go.boarddocs.com/il/oswego308/Board.nsf/files/CWQSCC7128F9/$file/10.10.23%20Draft%20Board%20Meeting%20Minutes.pdf