Kendall County Times

Oswego Community Unit School District 308 Board of Education met April 8.

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 (5:00 p.m.)

The meeting was called to order at 5:02 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; 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)(11) Litigation, when an action against, affecting or on behalf of the particular public body has been filed and is pending before a court or administrative tribunal, or when the public body finds that an action is probable or imminent, in which case the basis for the finding shall be recorded and entered into the minutes of the closed meeting.

A motion was made by Mr. Jared Ploger, second by Mr. Dominick Cirone, to enter Closed Session under statute(s): 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(1) The appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance or dismissal of certain employees and individuals; 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(2) Collective negotiating matters between the public body and its employees or their representatives, or deliberations concerning salary schedules for one or more classes of employees; 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(11) Litigation, when an action against, affecting or on behalf of the particular public body has been filed and is pending before a court or administrative tribunal, or when the public body finds that an action is probable or imminent, in which case the basis for the finding shall be recorded and entered into the minutes of the closed meeting.

Final Resolution: Motion Carried 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 5:03 p.m.

2.2 Return to Open Session

A motion was made by Mr. Jared Ploger, second by Mr. Dominick Cirone, to return to Open session

Final Resolution: Motion Carried 7-0

Aye: Mr. Dominick Cirone, Mr. Eugene Gatewood, Ms. Jennifer Johnson, Dr. Amy Murillo, Mr. Ploger, Ms. LaTonya Simelton, Ms. Mary Jo Wenmouth

The Board of Education returned to open session at 7:02 p.m.

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

The meeting was called to order at 7:07 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

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 Finances, 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

4. Recognitions

4.1 Special Olympics Team

Congratulations to the students of the Oswego Wildcats Junior Basketball Team and coaches Michael Folsom and Leann Teckenbrock. These students received a Silver Medal in the Junior Division 3 at the Illinois Special Olympics State Basketball Tournament. Coaches, please introduce your athletes:

• Evelyn Broznowski

• Logan Llamas

• Jacob Moch

• Anthony Mueller

• Ethan Nowosielski

• Logan Olson

• Oliver Sanchez-Giron

• Alden Schmidt

• Andrew Sieh

• Everett Smogur

• Caleb Graham

Next up, we would like to congratulate the Oswego Wildcats High School Basketball Team and their coaches Michael Folsom and Bill Confiliano who earned a Bronze Medal in the Senior Division 5 category. Coaches, please introduce your athletes:

• Colleen Cler

• Damilola Efuntade

• Liam Flaherty

• Wil Jarvis

• Bradyn Lovvorn

• Mateo Marasco

• Ben Nuttle

• Zach Pietrowiak

• Jacob Pietrowiak

• Jacob Poreda

• Julissa Ramirez

• Benny Robinson

• Myla Stuckey

• Ngoasong (Divine) Tanguayim

• Keyon Thomas

• Lacey Sawitoski - Gold Medal, Division 1

• Emma Sanchez-Giron - Silver Medal, Division 1

• Andrew Bjes - Gold Medal, Division M2

5. Public Comment

5.1 Opportunity for the Public to address the Board of Education There was no public comment this evening

6. Comments/Reports

6.1 Superintendent Report

This month is full of special dates to bring awareness and recognition to many causes. Certainly not an exhaustive list, in April, we honor Autism and Neurodiversity Awareness, Child Abuse Prevention, Deaf History, Youth Sports Safety, and Arab American History. We know these are special times to learn, share, and honor the challenges, celebrations, and impact these causes bring. Thank you to those who work tirelessly to advocate and education us all in these areas.

Financial Presentations:

Our Chief Financial Officer Raphael Obafemi and Director of Finance Amanda Sitar will host four community discussions next week regarding the tentative budget for next school year.

• The meetings will include a short budget presentation highlighting revenue sources and the most significant expenditures.

• Attendees will be able to ask questions about the budget before it is presented for approval to the Board. The digital session will be recorded for viewing for those unable to participate in a session.

• Dates include Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday evening, and Wednesday afternoon. Please visit the district website for details. We hope to see many community members there to learn more about how our schools are funded and where resources are allocated.

Supporting a School:

We continue aligning our time and resources to the 8 strategic priorities shared at our last meeting. When we have a school or program that needs additional, targeted support, we deploy those resources. Recently, we know of one school that has needed direct support and additional help to give students and staff the very best experience. We appreciate the dedication of the staff there and across the district who have leaned in to help during these difficult times.

Volleyball Fans Needed:

• This Saturday, we will host an employee volleyball tournament featuring 11 teams representing several schools and departments across the district. We invite everyone to join in the fun by coming out to OHS to support your favorite staff members as they play for the title and traveling trophy!

• If you really want to help drive your team for the win- get creative and capture the award for the BEST FANS! For this winning department or school, I will host a special dessert party for their entire staff! What a great way to show your school spirit!

• Donations and proceeds from the sale of concessions and raffle tickets will benefit the care closets across our district. We hope to see the OHS fieldhouse packed with fans this Saturday starting at 10:30am!

BOE Shoutouts:

Mr. Gatewood: We want to thank our Assistant Principals, as last week was National Assistant Principal Week! These extraordinary leaders show an unwavering commitment to the students and staff in their schools every day! Thank you for all you do!

Mrs. Johnson: Last week was also School Librarian Appreciation Day and Paraprofessional Appreciation Day! We want you all to know how much your care, support, and hard work are valued in our schools! Ms. Wenmouth: Two of our district alums are in upcoming productions at Paramount Theater. Shout out to Amanda Drinkall for her role in A Streetcar Named Desire, which runs through April 21, and Tiffany Topol, who stars as Carole King in Beautiful beginning April 24. Hopefully, you can catch one of their shows….it supports our alumni and local theater!

Mr. Cirone: 12 Students from Oswego East High School participated in Waubonsee Community College's Automotive Department Signing Day, committing to training with technicians at local dealerships as a prerequisite for entrance into the highly competitive automotive program at the college!

Dr. Murillo: Kudos to Oswego High School Graduate Ashley Sanders for her contributions to the video game MLB: The Show…which now offers the option of playing as a woman on the baseball field! Thank you, Ashley, for being a great role model to future generations of students with big aspirations! Mr. Ploger: 12 Oswego East engineering students recently competed in the Illinois Design Educators Association's regional CAD/Design competition at Waubonsee Community College, and 9 of them came home with medals in their events! Two also qualified for the state competition at Illinois State University. Congratulations to these students and their instructors!

President Simelton: Congratulations to our students and staff who presented an incredible evening at Amplify! The presentations, idea sharing, talent showcases, and illustrations of collaboration and rightful presence were impressive.

6.2 Student Ambassador Report

Luke Lockwood

Since the last meeting the SSAC was granted the opportunity to present our research to the Superintendent Advisory Group this Thursday, April 11th. Our dedicated committee is putting in lots of hard work to put together a presentation and develop recommendations based on our research and both the surveys we provided to our peers and our teachers. We look forward to sharing our data as we take the next step to improve Student-teacher relationships in sd308. We want to thank the members of SSAC for all of their hard work and commitment to meeting the needs of our students. Additionally, thank you to Dr. Khelghati and the board of education for your continued support of our research, belief in the SSAC, and our missions to elevate student voices within our schools and communities!

They may ask you two for initial findings… Isabelle should respond by speaking on the generational gap data we are looking into… and how this is a direct impact of miscommunication and lack of understanding as it relates to many things, but most importantly, the cell phones. Luke, you could respond by discussing the perception vs. the reality of Homework and how students need support with organizing the responsibilities in their lives and need to have the opportunity to have dialogue with their teachers about these challenges (and vice versa) - in some way bringing the humanization back into the dialogue between teachers and students.

Isabelle Gershon

Right before spring break the SSAC supported and some of us participated alongside the SD308 Coalition for our 3rd annual Amplify event. The event began with breakout sessions discussing a plethora of topics including religious freedom, racism, censorship, and rightful presence. These breakout sessions were home to many important and meaningful conversations where we were fully able to engage the audience. From there, we all moved to the performing arts center for a variety of performances along with a panel discussion. We also were excited to collaborate with Boulder Hill’s Bobcats Celebrate Diversity Club (The Baby Coalition as Dr. Waller fondly calls them) as they shared poems they created on who they are and gave a performance on the dangers of discrimination. Our students put on incredible performances along with an important and thought-provoking conversation. Thank you to all our attendees and thank you to the vendors that came out to show their support.

6.3 Board Member Comments

Ms. Wenmouth attended the NAACP Freedom Fund Gala where two of our OEHS students were awarded the Sydney Finley Memorial scholarship.

Mr. Cirone attended the Amplify event along with other Board members. Mr. Cirone also attended the MSA Fast-a-thon. Teachers and students discussed the purpose of fasting.

Ms. Johnson apologized for her absence in March, being ill for one meeting and enjoying a scheduled vacation with her family. At the end of February Ms. Johnson attended a showcase “Black Excellence in Essence”. There was a fashion show, poetry, and the band was amazing. She also attended the College and Trade Expo.

April is sexual assault awareness month, with April 24 being denim day.

Mr. Ploger shared that a few years ago he lost his oldest brother to cancer so he decided to grow his hair out. Then he suddenly lost his older brother. This is blue and green spirit week for National Donate Life month. His oldest brother was a donor and he will grow his hair out again to be able to donate. Ms. Simelton visited Boulder Hill for one of their staff meetings. It was a very positive experience. The environment felt very different and she encourages the staff to continue on this path.

7. Consent Agenda

7.1 Approval of Minutes from previous Meeting

7.2 Acknowledgement of Freedom of Information (FOIA) Requests 7.3 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 7.1 Minutes from the Board of Education meeting on March 18, 2024, open and closed session; 7.2 to acknowledge the FOIA requests received by the District and 7.3 to approve the Field Trips for overnight and/or more than 200 miles

President Simelton asked Dr. Kincaid to explain what the Board is and is not approving with the field trips that are part of the consent agenda every Board meeting for overnight or more than 200 miles. Dr. Kincaid explained that we currently have a Board policy that states that Board approval is required for field trip that are overnight and/or over 200 miles. We look at criteria for both the field trips and the chaperones, the cost of the field trip and transportation. The Board is approving as presented, only the field trips that meet the stated criteria.

Final Resolution: Motion Carried 7-0

Aye: Mr. Dominick Cirone, Mr. Eugene Gatewood, Ms. Jennifer Johnson, Dr. Amy Murillo, Mr. Ploger, Ms. LaTonya Simelton, Ms. Mary Jo Wenmouth

8. Information

8.1 Financial Statements and Investment Schedule

The Board had no questions on the Financial statements and Investment schedule

Mr. Obafemi shared that he will be presenting a budget tracking report that will provide more detail starting next fiscal year.

The Board invites the entire community to one of four upcoming Community Budget Workshops. Chief Financial Officer Raphael Obafemi and Director of Finance Amanda Sitar will host these interactive discussions regarding the tentative budget for next year. The workshops will include a short budget presentation highlighting revenue sources and the most significant expenditures. Attendees will be able to ask questions about the budget before it is presented for approval to the Board of Education.

• Tuesday, April 16, 2024 - Prairie Point Elementary; Community Room: 6-7pm; Door 1

• Wednesday, April 17th (12- 1pm) - VIRTUAL PRESENTATION (Link will be posted on the SD308.org homepage.)

• Wednesday, April 17, 2024 - The Wheatlands Elementary; Gymnasium: 6-7pm; Door 13

• Thursday, April 18, 2024 - Grande Park Elementary; Community Room: 6-7pm; Door 2

The tentative budget will be presented at the next Board meeting on April 22.

Mr. Obafemi will also provide the Board with three separate projections:

• Budget with no increase in EBF

• Budget with no increase in CPI

• Budget with no increase in EBF and CPI

8.2 Fox Chase and Hunt Club Concrete & Asphalt Pavement Rehabilitation

Mr. Queen presented the RFP for this item. Six contractors participated and administration is recommending that the contract be awarded to Geneva Construction. We are looking to start as soon as school is out and completing it the end of June.

8.3 Second Read – 2:250 Equity Policy

The proposed Equity Policy was up for a second reading and further discussion. The policy aims to acknowledge the disparities and encourage, support, and expect high academic achievement from all students. The policy states, “SD308 will continue to modify its practices to achieve and maintain equity in education. We seek to foster a barrier-free educational environment where all stakeholders, regardless of diverse and unique characteristics, can benefit equally.”

8.4 Draft Board of Education Meeting Calendar – 2024-25

The Board members had no questions or suggested changes to the proposed Board meeting calendar for 2024-25.

9. Action Items

9.1 Bills for Payment

A motion was made by Mr. Jared Ploger, second by Mr. Dominick Cirone, to authorize the payment of bills in the amount of four million, three hundred thirty thousand, one hundred seventy-seven dollars and seventy-four cents ($4,330,177.74) as presented.

Final Resolution: Motion Carried 7-0

Aye: Mr. Dominick Cirone, Mr. Eugene Gatewood, Ms. Jennifer Johnson, Dr. Amy Murillo, Mr. Ploger, Ms. LaTonya Simelton, Ms. Mary Jo Wenmouth

9.2 Approval of IHSA Sport – Girls Wrestling

A motion was made by Mr. Jared Ploger, second by , to approve the addition of Girls Wrestling to SD308 beginning with the 2024-25 school year

When we originally presented the additional IHSA sports for SY25, the information presented was Girls Lacrosse, Boys Lacrosse and Girls Wrestling. However, when we voted at the last meeting, the motion stated just Lacrosse.

Final Resolution: Motion Carried 7-0

Aye: Mr. Dominick Cirone, Mr. Eugene Gatewood, Ms. Jennifer Johnson, Dr. Amy Murillo, Mr. Ploger, Ms. LaTonya Simelton, Ms. Mary Jo Wenmouth

9.3 Approval of Student Rights & Responsibilities Handbook

A motion was made by Mr. Jared Ploger, second by Ms. Wenmouth, to approve the 2024-25 Student Rights & Responsibilities Handbook 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

9.4 Resolution Authorizing Loans Totaling $15,900,000 from the Working Cash Fund to the Educational Fund and the Transportation Fund

A motion was made by Mr. Jared Ploger, second by Mr. Dominick Cirone, to authorize a loan totaling $15,900,000 from the Working Cash Fund to the Educational Fund ($7,900,000) and the Transportation Fund ($8,000,000)

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

9.5 Approval of Residency Program

Dr. Zwemke explained that the final contract is still under attorney review and propose to move this item to the next Board meeting for approval. President Simelton asked for a motion to move this action item to a future meeting.

A motion was made by Mr. Jared Ploger, second by Mr. Eugene Gatewood, to to move this item to a future meeting for approval

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

9.6 Approval of Fixed Assets and Inventory

A motion was made by Mr. Jared Ploger, second by Mr. Eugene Gatewood, to approve the Agreement with Asset Control Solutions in the amount of $37,500

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

9.7 Approval of Building Administrator Contract

A motion was made by Mr. Jared Ploger, second by Mr. Eugene Gatewood, to approve the Building 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

9.8 Approval of Building Administrator Contracts

A motion was made Mr. Jared Ploger, second by Mr. Dominick Cirone, to approve the Building Administrator contracts for 2024-25

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

9.9 Approval of Resolution Authorizing Dismissal and Non-Reemployment of Probationary Part-Time Teachers and Teachers Hired on a Temporary Contract

A motion was made by Mr. Jared Ploger, second by Mr. Dominick Cirone, to approve the Resolution Authorizing Dismissal and non-reemployment of Probationary part-time teachers and teachers hired on a temporary contract

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

9.10 Approval of Resolution Authorizing Dismissal and Non-Reemployment of First and Second Year Probationary Teachers

A motion was made by Mr. Jared Ploger, second by Mr. Dominick Cirone, to approve the Resolution Authorizing Dismissal and non-reemployment of first and second year probationary teachers

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

9.11 Approval of Personnel Report

A motion was made by Mr. Jared Ploger, second by MS. Wenmouth, to approve the Personnel report as presented

Final Resolution: Motion Carried 7-0

Aye: Mr. Dominick Cirone, Mr. Eugene Gatewood, Ms. Jennifer Johnson, Dr. Amy Murillo, Mr. Ploger, Ms. LaTonya Simelton, Ms. Mary Jo Wenmouth

10.1 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)(11) Litigation, when an action against, affecting or on behalf of the particular public body has been filed and is pending before a court or administrative tribunal, or when the public body finds that an action is probable or imminent, in which case the basis for the finding shall be recorded and entered into the minutes of the closed meeting.

A motion was made by Mr. Jared Ploger, second by Mr. 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; 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(11) Litigation, when an action against, affecting or on behalf of the particular public body has been filed and is pending before a court or administrative tribunal, or when the public body finds that an action is probable or imminent, in which case the basis for the finding shall be recorded and entered into the minutes of the closed meeting.

Final Resolution: Motion Carried 7-0

Aye: Mr. Dominick Cirone, Mr. Eugene Gatewood, Ms. Jennifer Johnson, Dr. Amy Murillo, Mr. Jared Ploger, Ms. LaTonya Simelton, Ms. Mary Jo Wenmouth

The Board of Education entered closed session 8:45 p.m.

10.2 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 10:15 p.m.

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 10:16 p.m.

https://go.boarddocs.com/il/oswego308/Board.nsf/files/D4DHLJ490459/$file/04.08.24%20Draft%20Board%20Meeting%20Minutes.pdf