Kendall County Times

Oswego Community Unit School District 308 Board of Education met Nov. 13.

Here are the minutes provided by the board:

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

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

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 6:02 p.m.

2.2 Return to Open Session

A motion was made by Mr. Jared Ploger, second by Ms. Mary Jo Wenmouth, 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 6:47 p.m.

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

The meeting was called to order at 7:02 p.m. by President LaTonya Simelton

3.1 Roll Call:

Upon Roll Call the following members answered present:

Dominick Cirone, Eugene Gatewood, Jennifer Johnson (by phone), 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

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. Recognitions

4.1 PRIDE Recognition

The following staff members will be recognized this Evening

Certified Staff

• Joe Franta - Oswego High School

• Matt Hotuyec - Old Post Elementary School

• Saul Olivas - Hunt Club Elementary School

Support Staff

• Kate Dempsey - Hunt Club Elementary School

• Margie Hartigan -Oswego East HighSchool

• Nabiha Zayed - Murphy Junior High School

4.2 Board Member Appreciation

Dr. Khelghati recognized our Board of Education Members for their Service

This Wednesday is Board Member Appreciation Day. This year’s theme, developed by the Illinois Association of School Boards, is Learn Together, Lead Together. Our board members act as front-line advocates providing a local voice for the community, a vision for the district, and a pathway to success for our students. They spend multiple hours each month on district work, attending meetings, and other responsibilities most will never hear or read about. This is time they could spend with their families and for themselves. I want to personally thank all seven members of the SD 308 Board of Education for their selfless volunteer service to the district and our students. On behalf of our entire community we appreciate you!

5. Public Comment

5.1 Opportunity for the Public to address the Board of Education

There was no public comment at this meeting

6. Presentations

6.1 Student Presentation – Coalition

COALITION

Students from the Coalition shared their vision, their experiences, events (such as Amplify), and the importance of student voice, and student choice. Students shared about their Lunch and Learn conversations where teachers and students join together casually to learn from one another about things like cultural traditions, issues, and current events. The group is hoping to expand their involvement at elementary schools, reaching out to younger students to share their experiences and assist with building safe spaces for students to express their opinions. The ASCEND event was held this year for students from many districts around the area to see different perspectives and to have difficult conversations, becoming comfortable with the uncomfortable. Students challenged adults at the board meeting to each tell just one person about what they’re doing, promoting their work.

6.2 Annual Report for Student Learning – School Report Card

Annual Report on Student Learning

Presented by Faith Dahlquist and Dr. Heather Kincaid - The State assigns one of five categories to each school based on a number of calculated factors which vary at each school level. These include academic indicators based on student performance on state testing. Additionally, scores include student success indicators which includes chronic absenteeism and climate survey results. At the high school level, graduation rate and proficiency on SAT and other state testing also feeds into the results. New this year, for each school, overall scores and scores within each sub-group.

• 3 schools were in exemplary (Churchill, Homestead and Wolf’s Crossing.

• Schools rated commendable (Fox Chase, Grande Park, Hunt Club, Lakewood Creek, Old Post, Prairie Point, Southbury, Bednarcik, Murphy, Plank, Thompson, Traughber, Oswego High and Oswego East)

• 1 school was in targeted (Boulder Hill)

• 1 school was in comprehensive (Long Beach)

Within each designation, the overall scores for the full student population may have scored higher, however if a specific sub-population within the school didn’t achieve expectations, the designation may appear lower. This is intended to be sure that resources are allocated and support is provided to sub groups where they need it, in order to meet and exceed student performance expectations. Summaries of student assessment data and other measures (graduation rate, freshmen on track) can be seen in the presentation.

A few highlights:

• IAR ELA increased from 31.7% Meets & Exceeds in 2022 to 41.3% Meets & Exceeds in 2023 (Growth in both Meets & Exceeds)

• IAR Math held steady from 31.3% Meets & Exceeds in 2022 to 31.5% Meets & Exceeds in 2023

• Increase in IAR Student Growth in ELA

• English Learner student Exit percentage remained consistent

• SAT ELA increased from 35.8% Meets & Exceeds in 2022 to 37.1% Meets & Exceeds in 2023

• SAT Math slightly decreased from 34.8% Meets & Exceeds in 2022 to 30.2% Meets & Exceeds in 2023

7. Comments/Reports

7.1 Superintendent Report

Tonight has been a true showcase of talent and excitement as we heard from our Student Coalition and also presented our PRIDE awards to staff.

Recently we held a board retreat to review my first 90 days with the district, and also to plan and prioritize for the remainder of this year and beyond.

From the data collected, hearing from our community, our staff, our students and what aligns with our values, the following four goals have emerged:

• Increase community involvement in schools by expanding current relationships and creating new partnerships with parents and local entities.

• Improve the overall organizational health and systems by building collaborative partnerships to increase student achievement and learning through high impact instructional strategies and support.

• Improve the climate and culture of the district for staff and students through equitable and inclusive programs, practice, and SEL initiatives.

• Create financial transparency and create a foundation for a strong fiscal position to adequately fund the district's educational and climate priorities

I want to thank the many parents and staff members who have been part of various engagement opportunities across our district. Our Superintendent Advisory Group includes an administrator, educator, and parent from each of our schools, who together collaborate and share, explore opportunities and ideas. This, in addition to our recent Board Forum, have enhanced our two-way communication and collaboration with all members of our educational community. We appreciate parents, students and staff members being part of these conversations, truly we are one CommUNITY united in our desire to help all students succeed.

I have recently spent some time with students in both of our high schools, during lunch and in the media center, listening to how things are going, and what ideas they have. I am blown away by their honesty, their integrity and the way they articulate their thoughts and experiences. Their voices, and their perspectives are so valuable to us.

A recent evening of togetherness in honor of Dia De Los Muertos was hosted by our BPAC parent organization. The event included crafts, games, food and fun. We enjoy experiencing the many cultures and traditions represented across our district.

One upcoming opportunity I would like to highlight for parents with students engaged in our English Learners program is an English Learner Forum. The event will be held November 28th from 6- 7:30 pm at Plank Junior High School. It's for all staff and parents to partner and discuss the English Learner programs including Dual Language.

Shout outs from the Board

Mrs. Simelton - Last week we held our first Board Forum for this school year. The event was organized around the values that define our district. We appreciate all parents and staff members who joined us to engage in meaningful conversation and idea sharing. We hope that with each opportunity, more of our community will join us for engagement opportunities.

Also…We would like to extend congratulations to our SD 308 Artists who received Awards at this Year's 21st Annual Chicagoland 4x5 Art Exhibition, hosted at Oswego High School. Winning works were recognized at opening night on November 8th. The 180+ award-winning works were selected to receive awards from over 1,800 entries, representing 68 schools. Congratulations to Oswego High School student Shyann Beasley for earning a First Place Finish in the Painting category!

Dr. Murillo - Oswego East Poetic Justice writer Karina Gonzalez’s poem was recently published and featured in The Chicago Sun-Times publication LA VOZ. Additionally, a Spoken Word recording of her poem will be recorded and promoted by the National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts & Culture. Congratulations to Karina, we are so excited to see your work being published and shared for all to hear.

Mr. Gatewood - Congratulations to Coach Sprunger, his Staff, and the 2023 Girls Swim/Dive Co-Op team who were recently named the 2023 IHSA Combined State Champions! Their incredible talent and dedication to their sport really showed at the competition, and they brought back an amazing trophy to represent it. We’re so proud of you! We look forward to acknowledging and celebrating the individual athlete placements at State at our Board meeting in January.

19 of our high school students recently participated in National Letter of Intent Signing Day. Years of hard work have led to this moment where the student-athlete is committing to the verbal scholarship offer they have received from their colleges for the next academic school year. This is traditionally the first day that a high school senior can sign a binding National Letter for a collegiate sport with a school that is a member of the United States National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). Congratulations to these students and best of luck on your continued academic and athletic success!

Mr. Ploger - Ignite Your Career in Special Education! Join members of our special education staff and human resources for a special recruiting event dedicated to prospective candidates interested in Special Education! Whether you're a soon-to-be graduate or someone passionate about Special Education programs, this event is your gateway to exploring a fulfilling career with Oswego SD308. This Saturday from 9am-1pm at the District Office. We hope to see you there!

Ms. Wenmouth - Last week we recognized National School Psychology Week. We appreciate the work of the school psychologists and those educators who work alongside them who help our students thrive. This year's theme was "Let's Grow Together" inspired by the importance of both personal and shared strengths in our growth as individuals and school communities in every season of life.

Mr. Cirone - Last Friday many of our schools hosted programs, special guests, celebrations and assemblies to honor Veterans across our community. There is a short video highlighting many pictures from these events on our district website. One special Veteran was WWII Veteran, Mr. Duane Stevenson, whose granddaughter works at Prairie Point. The entire school joined in singing happy birthday to him during their assembly, as he turned 100 years old on Veterans Day. Thank you to Mr. Stevenson, and all area Veterans for your service to our country.

7.2 Board Committee Reports

Equity and Teaching & Learning Committee

Policy & Legislative Committee

7.3 Board Member Comments

Mr. Cirone attended the BPAC celebration and the multicultural night at Boulder Hill- thanks for those who hosted these great events.

Dr. Murillo- thanks to the public who came to the forum- great to see everyone participating. Report Card results- thank you to those who are working hard to getting students moving forward. Important to review this data and consider beside administration how to address scores. IL includes things beyond the standardized tests, also things like graduation and attendance. The scores and designations are only one measure, and children are more than their score. The data presented tonight is just the start of the conversation- looking forward to how we’re going to holistically support our students. Mr. Ploger- Report card don’t always tell the historical story- the tests have changed over time. He thanks Hunt Club for the invitation to the Veterans Day assembly- great program.

Ms. Wenmouth- Breakfast at Hunt Club for Veterans Day was well attended. Students came outside around the flag during the pledge and announcements. Each grade had their own patriotic songs. Then attending Lakewood Creek, their program included a student’s father who is a Vet, handing out dog tags, engaging the students- his daughter looked at him with such pride and honor. A few weeks prior, she attended TALK- the program was moving, amazing what students came and talked about without fear of judgment- some of it very heavy. She plans to attend a HIKE session at Prairie Point in December. She attended the SAG meeting which was filled with a lot of energetic people looking to help make change, and also the craft show hosted at OHS.

Mrs. Johnson- a huge congratulations to the co-op Swim and Dive team for winning State- she happened upon their welcome home, such a great show!

7.4 Student Ambassador Report

Throughout the SSAC meetings, reviewed teacher survey data, to review that information seeking will be successful in getting the data needed to understand teacher perspective and to build bridges between students and teachers. They want to evaluate teacher mental health, which could also be contributing to the relationship between students and teachers. The survey will be distributed in November. Upcoming all-school ASCEND (1/26, 2/16) events for high schools which will include student choice and input on speakers. Anyone interested in speaking can complete the form on the district website.

8. Consent Agenda

8.1 Approval of Minutes from previous Meetings

8.2 Acknowledgement of Freedom of Information (FOIA) Requests 8.3 Approval of Field Trips – Overnight and/or more than 200 Miles

A motion was made by Mr. Jared Ploger, second by Mr. Eugene Gatewood, to approve all items under consent, including 8.1 Minutes from the Board of Education workshop on October 21. 2023, open and closed session, Minutes from the Board of Education meeting on October 23, 2023, open and closed session and Minutes from the Board of Education Public Forum, open and closed session; 8.2 to

acknowledge the FOIA requests received by the District and 8.3 to approve the Field Trips 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. Information

9.1 Financial Statements and Investment Schedule

9.2 Memo - Operations Update

9.3 School Maintenance Project Grant

The fiscal year 2024 Round 1 School Maintenance Project Grant application period is from Tuesday, September 5, 2023, to Friday, December 1, 2023, at 4:00 p.m. All applications must be submitted in IWAS to the applicable Regional Office of Education by 4 p.m. December 1 – no exceptions. All applications must then be submitted by the Regional Office of Education to the Illinois State Board of Education by 4 p.m. December 15 – no exceptions.

There is approximately $46.7 million available for the FY 2024 Round 1 School Maintenance Project Grant (SMPG) program. Grants will be approved up to the amount released by the Governor’s Office of Management and Budget (GOMB). Future application cycles will be open when funds are appropriated.

The Operations Department intends on using these funds for the Plank Junior High School Roof Top Unit (RTU) project scheduled to be completed in August 2024.

9.4 Stewart Farm Lease

Stewart Farms Partnership has leased the property for years and has always made prompt payments under the past leases. Stewart Farms Partnership is again interested in leasing the property for two years expiring on January 29, 2024 at the per acre rental of $300.

9.5 FY2024-25 Budget Calendar and Resolution to Designate the Preparer of the Tentative Budget

The Illinois School Code requires the Board of Education to designate “some person or persons” to prepare the budget in a tentative form (105 ILCS 5/17-1). Designating this person in is recommended before the start of the budget development process. Typically, this has been the responsibility of the Chief Financial Officer (CFO). To comply with the budget statutory requirement, the District has developed a resolution to designate the CFO the preparer of the tentative budget. Additionally, the District has developed a proposed budget calendar that will be used to develop the budget.

9.6 2023 Tax Levy Adoption Cycle

Presentation

Memo

Public Notice

9.7 Resolution for Property Tax Appeal Intervention

In assessment complaint proceedings before local boards of review and in appeal proceedings before the Illinois Property Tax Appeal Board, typically the local taxing body is required to adopt a resolution authorizing intervention in the proceedings and directing representation by the identified attorney. At the Property Tax Appeal Board, it is mandatory.

9.8 Memo - ISBE State Waiver - Full Day SIP Days

10. Action Items

10.1 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 six million, seven hundred eighty-five thousand, eight hundred eighty dollars and fifty cents ($6,785,880.50) 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

10.2 Plank Roof Top Unit (RTU) Bid

A motion was made by Mr. Jared Ploger, second by Mr. Dominick Cirone, to approve the Bid of M.G. Mechanical Contracting, Inc of Woodstock, IL in the amount of $3,494,500.00

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 Estimated Tax Levy and Truth in Taxation Resolution

A motion was made by Mr. Jared Ploger, second by Ms. Mary Jo Wenmouth, to approve the Truth in Taxation Resolution 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

10.4 Approval of Personnel Report

A motion was made by Ms. Jennifer Johnson, second by Mr. Dominick Cirone, to approve each tab on the Personnel report separately

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

Mr. Ploger and Ms. Johnson asked to comment before votes were taken.

When Mr. Ploger joined the Board in 2015, administration at DAC was cut by 25%. At the time, he remembered saying, pay attention and watch what happens. Many felt that district administration was too heavy, some building leaders felt that it was me versus them. It was very contentious. Over time, more and more educators talked to me saying, that we now get it a little bit.

We have now done the best we can to address our educators that are there with our students every day. The first thing is the students and the teachers. However, it doesn't mean that everything else doesn't matter at all. Even the Board matters. We had a series of traumas in our district; back in 2015, that caused trauma, and then we went to cuts and that caused trauma and then we had COVID. Like it or not, we went through it all together. There has been this piece of us and them too many times. What we have to realize is that all of the players in the game matter. If you don't have cohesion and if you don't take care of all of those levels and different players, we will have problems. I'm hoping we have learned lessons. We definitely have to address our paraprofessionals, that has to be a priority, something we will demand. We give out so we can try and keep the best talent that we have in our District and in the administration office, that is what we are trying to do now. We also have to make sure at the same time that there is an accountability piece and that is the job of the Board. It is also our job to make sure that all of the pieces are functioning and working. If we neglect one of them, we will have problems. It's not us or them, we need us, all of it. It's our job how to figure out how to do that best. It's not always fun to govern. The fun piece actually is having a little bit of hope and figuring out how to move forward as a unit, we are a UNIT district. So let's be us, because us is also in our name CUSD.

Ms. Johnson explained that she asked to have the votes separated so everyone would understand that she does not disagree with anything Mr. Ploger said, but it's really important that we understand that the amount of a workload that is on our district administrators or building administrators. Part of the hard decision comes from the fact that timing is everything. While I 100% agree with Dr. Khelghati's recommendation, I don't agree with the timing. I still feel very strongly and I know it is going to be addressed in the future, but we still have one more bargaining unit that we really need to make whole. The timing on this for me is just unfortunate. So I'm voting against the timing and certainly not against anyone, I fully endorse the recommendations. But one of the hard things we have to do, is ensure that the timing aligns with the things that we say are important and that we prioritize equity being #1 and choosing the most vulnerable versus the least vulnerable. So I just wanted to confirm that that's what my vote is about, it's certainly not against anyone or any role.

A motion was made by Mr. Jared Ploger, second by Mr. Dominick Cirone, to approve tab one in the Personnel report as discussed in closed session

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

A motion was made by Mr. Jared Ploger, second by Mr. Dominick Cirone, to approve tab two in the Personnel report as discussed in closed session

Final Resolution: Motion Carried 6-1

Aye: Mr. Dominick Cirone, Mr. Eugene Gatewood, Dr. Amy Murillo,

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

Nay: Ms. Jennifer Johnson

A motion was made by Mr. Jared Ploger, second by Mr. Dominick Cirone, to approve tab three in the Personnel report as discussed in closed session

Final Resolution: Motion Carried 6-1

Aye: Mr. Dominick Cirone, Mr. Eugene Gatewood, Dr. Amy Murillo,

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

Nay: Ms. Jennifer Johnson

11. Adjournment

11.1 Adjourn

A motion was made by Mr. Jared Ploger, second by Ms. Mary Jo Wenmouth, 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 10:09 p.m.

https://go.boarddocs.com/il/oswego308/Board.nsf/files/CY3N985E1119/$file/11.13.23%20Draft%20Board%20Meeting%20Minutes.pdf