Kendall County Times

Oswego Community Unit School District 308 Board of Education met Jan. 22.

Here is the agenda 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 6:00 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)(9) Student disciplinary cases; 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(10) The Placement of individual students in special education programs and other matters relating to individual students

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)(9) Student disciplinary cases; 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(10) The Placement of individual students in special education programs and other matters relating to individual students

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 6:02 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 6:42 p.m.

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

The meeting was called to order at 7:00 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

Student Ambassadors

Isabelle Gershon and Luke Lockwood – Student Ambassadors absent due to weather

Members Absent (at roll call):

None

Administration Present:

Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Andalib Khelghati

Associate Superintendent of Educational Services, Faith Dahlquist

Deputy Superintendent, Dr. Heather Kincaid

CFO/CSBO, Raphael Obafemi

Executive Director of Communications, Theresa Komitas

Director of Operations, William Queen

Director of Finance, Amanda Sitar

Assistant Superintendent of Equity and Engagement, Dr. Jadon Waller

Assistant Superintendent of HR, 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

President Simelton called for a motion to postpone some agenda items to a future meeting due to inclement weather.

A motion was made by Mr. Jared Ploger, second by Mr. Eugene Gatewood, to postpone the following agenda items to a future meeting;

4.1 PRIDE Recognitions, 5.1 Student Presentation, 9.5 EBF and Beyond and 9.6 Mowing Bid Results

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

4. Recognitions

4.1 PRIDE Presentations for December and January (moved to a future meeting) 5. Presentations

5.1 Student Presentation – Muslim Student Association (MSA) (moved to a future meeting)

6. Public Comment

6.1 Opportunity for the Public to address the Board of Education

There was no public comment this evening.

President Simelton asked for a motion to move agenda items 7.3 and 7.4 to after our action items

A motion was made by Mr. Jared Ploger, second by Mr. Eugene Gatewood, to move agenda item 7.3 Board Committee Reports and agenda item 7.4 Board Member Comments to after action items

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. Comments/Reports

7.1 Superintendent Report

Due to the incoming icy weather we will be keeping tonight’s meeting as consolidated as possible. We have rescheduled our PRIDE award presentations and our Muslim Student Association presentation to a later date.

In the interest of time I will share the remainder of my planned comments for tonight along with the student/staff shout outs from the Board members on our website and social media. Thank you. Communities Vs. Cancer Event

The entire community is invited to join in a special day filled with remembrance, support and celebration for those impacted by cancer at the 14th annual Communities Vs Cancer event on Saturday, Jan 27th. Hosted this year at Oswego High School, the event is a partnership between OHS and Yorkville High School. It features basketball games between the two schools at each level in both boys and girls basketball. The first game begins at 9am, and they continue through to the final game starting at 5pm. The event includes a blood donation, bake sale, raffles, bone marrow donation sign-up, and an art gallery. Proceeds benefit Cal’s Angels, helping to grant wishes, raise awareness and fund research for childhood cancer. Hoping to see you there!

Coloring Book Project

We’re kicking off a new annual initiative inviting all local artists to share their portraits to be featured in an SD 308 Coloring Book for our elementary students. The effort is underway to collect works that better represent the students and styles that make up our district. Learn more on our website, the artwork is due by January 29th.

Dual Language Committee

On Thursday, Jan 18th, a new District Dual Language Committee met for the first time. 20 staff and parents participated. The committee’s purpose is to build on strengths and continue to improve the Dual Language Program. The group began by sharing out the positive outcomes for students. Then there was a presentation and discussion about the growth of the English Learner population and the program’s space needs. The meeting was very productive and well-received. The group meets again on Feb 15th. Black History Month

Next week, on February 1st, we’ll kick off Black History Month! Throughout the month we’ll be sharing stories of inspiration, examples of preservation and achievement, and ideas on ways our students and staff can celebrate and inspire generations. This year’s theme is near and dear to my heart, African Americans and the Arts. We will be helping to highlight the visual and performing arts, literature, fashion, film, music, architecture and culinary arts of Black Americans. As a Black educator and artist myself, I can speak to the importance of expression through art, the influence it can have on our society, and opportunities it brings to help shape the future. This past weekend I visited the Museum of Contemporary Art in Chicago where Faith Ringgols’ quilt work and paintings are on display. Tar Beach, a favorite throughout the country is a book many of you will know. Stay tuned to our district website, social media, and newsletters throughout February. I’ll share some additional information with you at our February board meetings.

Black History Month Professional Fair

February 3rd is the Black History Month Professionals Fair. This event is open to all area youth, it’s an opportunity to meet and learn from several of Black professionals who will share and showcase their success in a variety of careers. Attendees will meet with engineers, doctors, lawyers, business owners, pilots from United Airlines, Tuskegee Next and even an actor from the hit show Chicago Fire! Plan on attending Saturday, Feb. 3 from 10am- 1pm at Oswego East.

7.2 Student Ambassador Report (absent this evening)

7.3 Board Committee Reports (moved to after action items)

7.4 Board Member Comments (moved to after action items)

8. Consent Agenda

8.1 Approval of Minutes from previous Meeting

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. Dominick Cirone, to approve all items under consent, including 8.1 Minutes from the Board of Education meeting on January 8, 2022, open and closed session; 8.2 to acknowledge the FOIA requests received by the District and 8.3 to approve the Field Trips for overnight and/or more than 200 miles

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 2024 Referendum Bond Refinancing

Mr. Bob Lewis from PMA Securities updated the Board and Community on our outstanding bonds and option to refinance.

In August of 2023, the board authorized the refunding of the district’s 2014 bonds. The estimated savings at the time of approval was $247,000 ($200,000 on a present value basis). Soon after the resolution was approved and before the documentation and rating were in place to sell the bonds, interest rates increased in the municipal bond market eliminating the savings opportunity.

Starting in November of 2023, the market’s perspective on federal policy, inflation and interest rates shifted which led to a cumulative interest rate reduction, throughout November and well into December of 2023, of over 1.25%. In the current market, the savings are now estimated to be $500,000 ($430,000 on a present value basis), subject to market fluctuation.

The financing team is now preparing to sell the bonds in early February of 2024. Before the sale, the rating will need to be reviewed with Moody’s and the disclosure documentation will need to be refreshed and reviewed. There is no further action required by the board as the authority granted in the resolution is in place through February 21, 2024.

9.2 Final Audit Report

Jason Coyle from Baker Tilly Auditing joined Mr. Obafemi for the presentations. It is a requirement to provide this report every year. Our financial rating with the State continues to improve due to paying down our debt. Mr. Ploger encouraged community members to read the audit to gain a better understanding of the District’s finances. The report also contains 10-year trend information.

9.3 Health Life Safety Survey for High Schools

Charli Johnsos from Kluber Architect, together with Mr. William Queen presented the Health Life Safety Survey for our High Schools. This survey is required by ISBE (Illinois State Board of Education). Ms. Johnsos stated that this is the third time the District presented this and the first time, there were only 6 buildings in SD308. In 2017, we surveyed all buildings which was a huge burden on financially so this time, it will be broken into three parts.

Items marked as urgent must be addressed within 1 year.

Items marked as required must be addressed within 5 years.

Items marked as recommended do not present an immediate hazard to the students. Next, the violations will be incorporated into the District’s Envision308 plan.

The BOE approves the recommendations for corrective action after which it will be reviewed with the Regional Office of Education.

9.4 Elementary and Junior High ELA Resource

The presentation was shared by 18 elementary and junior high ELA staff members from across the district. Both current ELA resources are being discontinued in the near future.

The Elementary presentation included the curriculum resource selection process, criteria used to determine possible resources for a pilot, committees formed, the formation of a belief statement, evaluation against the literacy framework, primary needs for a new resource, data supporting the need, timeline of the pilot and decision process.

The Elementary Committee started with 18 resources to consider, whittled to 4 (based on the needs identified by the rubric), then to 2 that were used in the pilot. Following the pilot, Benchmark was the resource chosen and recommended to the Board by the committee.

The Junior High Committee reviewed three resources against the rubric, a pilot was conducted for one resource, a second was selected however there were issues with the product’s ability to meet all student needs and was not continued, additional resources were brought to the committee, and ELA department

review was held, and feedback presented. The final recommendation from the committee is HMH Into Literature. Student feedback was also shared. Social emotional learning, differentiation, family engagement, technology and DEI highlights from the source were presented.

The resources will be available online and at the District Administration Center for public review for 30 days. The Board will be asked to take action on the resources at their Feb. 26th meeting. Training and professional development will begin very soon after the approval and the new curriculum will be implemented for the 2024-25 school year.

9.5 EBF and Beyond (moved to a future meeting)

9.6 Mowing Bid Results (moved to a future meeting)

9.7 Draft 2024-2025 School Year Calendar

Dr. Zwemke presented the draft 2024-25 School Year calendar. The first day of school will be Thursday, August 15 and the last day of school will be May 23, 2025. Mr. Ploger requested some comparisons with our surrounding District’s.

10. Action Items

10.1 Approval of Securly Classroom

A motion was made by Mr. Jared Ploger, second by Ms. Mary Jo Wenmouth, to approve the addition of Securly Classroom

Dr. Khelghati shared that the team worked hard to address the questions that were brought up at the last meeting. Please refer to the memo that is included in your packet.

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 Policies for Second Read and Approval : Section 2 (2:20) Section 5 (5:30, 5:250, 5:330) Section 6 (6:15, 6:30, 6:50, 6:60) Section 7 (7:70, 7:160, 7:190, 7:270, 7:285, 7:290)

A motion was made by Mr. Jared Ploger, second by Mr. Eugene Gatewood, to approve the following Board Policies: Section 2 School Board (2:20) Section 5 General Personnel (5:30, 5:250, 5:330) Section 6 Instruction (6:15, 6:30, 6:50, 6:60) Section 7 Students (7:70, 7:160, 7:190, 7:270, 7:285, 7:290)

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 Student Disciplinary Case 2023-24-1

A motion was made by Mr. Jared Ploger, second by Mr. Eugene Gatewood, to postpone action item 10.3 to a future meeting

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 Building Administrator Contract

A motion was made by Mr. Jared Ploger, second by Mr. Dominick Cirone, to approve the Building Administrator contract as discussed and presented

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

10.5 Approval of Personnel Report

A motion was made by Mr. Jared Ploger, second by Mr. Eugene Gatewood, 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. Adjournment

11.1 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 9:13 p.m.

https://go.boarddocs.com/il/oswego308/Board.nsf/files/D27U427A2A18/$file/01.22.24%20Draft%20Board%20Meeting%20Minutes.pdf