Kendall County Times

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

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 (5:30 p.m.)

The meeting was called to order at 5:30 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

Members Absent (at roll call):

Jennifer Johnson

Mary Jo Wenmouth

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)(21) Discussion of minutes of meetings lawfully closed under the Open Meetings Act, whether for purposes of approval by the body of the minutes or semi-annual review of the minutes as mandated by Section 2.06.

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)(21) Discussion of minutes of meetings lawfully closed under the Open Meetings Act, whether for purposes of approval by the body of the minutes or semi-annual review of the minutes as mandated by Section 2.06.

Final Resolution: Motion Carried 5-0

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

Mr. Jared Ploger, Ms. LaTonya Simelton

The Board of Education entered closed session 5:31 p.m.

Ms. Johnson arrived at 5:37 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 6-0

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

The Board of Education returned to open session at 7:03 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

Student Ambassadors

Luke Lockwood

Isabelle Gershon - Absent

Members Absent (at roll call):

Mary Jo Wenmouth

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

Executive Director of Culture and Climate and MTSS, Dr. Kristen Paul

Director of Operations, William Queen

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 PRIDE Recognition – April

The Board recognized the following PRIDE winners for the month of April:

• Soumar, Kerri (Grade 4 teacher) - Fox Chase Elementary

• Berry, Rachel (School Psychologist) - Prairie Point

• Transportation

o Patricia Pasillas (Bus Driver)

o Martin Pasindo (Bus Driver)

• Engfer, Mary (AVID Teacher) - Thompson JHS

• Cuevas, Priscilla (Crossing Guard) - Boulder Hill Elementary

4.2 Fox Valley Therapy Dogs

The Board members recognized the Fox Valley Therapy dogs that visit our schools regularly. Canine therapy has made a positive difference in countless lives of many students and staff.

4.3 National Merit Finalists

These four individuals have each been awarded a $2500 National Merit Scholarship.

• Amul Prakash

• Jensen Coonradt

• Samarth Sreenivas

• Manya Srivastava

4.3 Design Educators Association's Regional CAD/Design Competition at Waubonsee Community College

From Oswego East High School:

• Jimmy Harrison, a senior, 1st place and state qualified in Assembly Modeling

• Dominic De Matteis, sophomore, 2nd place and state qualified in Assembly Modeling

• Jensen Coonradt, senior, 3rd place in 3D Computer Aided Design Modeling

• Haven Berry, senior; Connor McAtee, senior; and Hailey Soriage, senior - 2nd place in Engineering Design Team Event

• Emma Kincaid, senior; Hannah Roark, junior; and Adrian Tlustochowski, junior - 3rd place in Architectural Design Team Event

And from Oswego High School:

• Arleth Antunez, senior, 1st place and state qualified for state in 2D Architectural Board Drawing

5. Public Comment

5.1 Opportunity for the Public to address the Board of Education

There was no Public comment this evening

6. Presentation

6.1 SEL Curriculum Presentation

A group of students, teachers, building, and district leaders shared about the Social-Emotional Learning program curriculum review, pilot, and findings. They shared the process for resource exploration, including what was most important to the students and staff. They shared a timeline that started with the review of 13 programs beginning in October 2023. The committee narrowed the options to three, then began a pilot with Character Strong, including feedback from students and staff throughout the experience. Students shared comments on their experiences; one student shared how the games and books were fun and helped him think more about cooperation, another shared how they learned about considering another's point of view and enjoyed making posters, and another shared what she learned about empathy and helping each other. A student shared her experience of learning she can’t control what happens, but she can control how she reacts to it; another student shared her thoughts on learning about the meaning of responsibility.

The curriculum has a parent component to continue the conversation from the classroom to home. There is a newsletter teachers can send home. At the junior high level, the teachers shared that students provided positive feedback through several activities on each topic. A 7th-grade student shared that his experience with this resource was interactive and exciting; he felt it helped him inside the school and in interactions outside the school. Through illustrative learning examples, such as a tree, students can examine issues as root causes, big or small, and how they grow and can blossom like leaves. Teachers noticed firsthand the lessons taught in how students interacted in their classroom.

The resource includes a website that is easy to navigate and can be used in English and Spanish to support dual language needs. The committee included teachers, administrators, and teachers on special assignment (TOSA). Students joined the committee, providing feedback through a virtual meeting. Feedback was collected from parents and students, sharing how the curriculum was used at home. The SEL curriculum will replace the tool that has been in place for the past ten years. The committee shared resources with the Board and their recommendation for adopting the Character Strong curriculum, which will be considered at the June 3rd Board meeting after 30 days of the resource being available for public review. The recommended tool will be utilized in K-12, with a revised preschool tool being piloted for potential adoption the following year. Professional development and implementation timelines begin in the summer of 2024.

The SEL Univeral Screener decision process was also outlined. This tool identifies areas of strength and areas for growth in SEL competencies. The team outlined what was most important when choosing a screening tool. The committee recommended Panorama, to provide the data to identify the needs of 3rd 12th grade students on SEL topics. The screener will be used twice per year. This tool is not a mental health screener but a measurement of students' understanding of social-emotional competencies. It also enables the schools to compare student growth to other schools using the same screening tool. The tool allows for filtering by demographic groups, and school leaders can evaluate the understanding of competencies and determine where to focus on continued learning.

7. Comments/Reports

7.1 Superintendent Report

We wish a blessed Passover to those who celebrate this week. Today is Earth Day, and Friday is Arbor Day- a time for us to appreciate the beautiful world around us - and do our part to better it for future generations. We’re so proud of all the students and staff honored here this evening, and a shout out to our robotics team for their performance at the international competition last weekend- we’ll invite them in soon! We have a very full schedule this evening, but I do want to provide a quick update on our strategic work.

I am pleased to provide an update on our strategic planning efforts and the progress we have made in implementing our strategies. Over the past several months, our team has dedicated significant time and resources to developing structures and systems that will support the successful execution of our strategic initiatives.

One of the key priorities of our strategic roadmap has been to ensure stability and predictability, collaborating with leaders to set clear roles and expectations in our shared vision. We recognize that in order to achieve our goals, we must have a solid foundation in place that enables us to work efficiently and effectively. Our school leaders will be diving in deeper to this work throughout the spring and summer as we enhance and align the work of the buildings within the strategies and priorities of the district.

We are ensuring that the work across our entire organization is aligned with our strategic priorities. This includes clarifying roles and responsibilities, establishing clear lines of communication, and fostering a culture of collaboration and accountability, while centering our work around our six core values. This shared vision is essential for our work to be successful moving forward. By aligning our resources with our priorities, we can ensure we have the necessary tools and support to achieve our goals. Mr. Ploger: Our robotics team, Gear it Forward, just returned from competing in The FIRST Championship international event in Houston. The team earned their way to this culminating event through hard work this season. We’re proud of you!

Mr. Cirone: Boulder Hill Elementary School recently hosted an AVID showcase. Educators from other area districts gathered at Boulder Hill to learn more about how AVID is implemented in our district. Great job being an AVID example for others Boulder Hill!

Ms. Wenmouth: We will celebrate the service awards and retirees at the annual district celebration on Thursday night. Combined, these staff have contributed over 1,400 years to serving our students and staff. What an incredible accomplishment- congratulations to each of them!

Dr. Murillo: At the Art Connected opening, Oswego High School received a top 20 plaque for receiving over $2.5 million in scholarship offers! One OH artist received a gold medal in painting and two won Senior Portfolio Receipt Awards. Great job!

Mrs. Johnson: 8th graders from all 5 junior highs got together with Mr. Robert Herrings, guest conductor from Texas, and rehearsed for many hours to put together a great program, including the world premiere of a new piece for concert band. Great job to junior high honor band students!

Mr. Gatewood: Congratulations to two unique and sometimes overlooked sports! The OHS Bass Fishing Team finished third place in their conference! And our co-op E-Sports team is the SPC Conference Champs! Congratulations to all of these students for their performance, hard work, and success! President Simelton: On Wednesday, we celebrate Administrative Assistant Day! We thank every one of our secretaries and assistants for all their hard work, keeping things organized and running smoothly across the district. The Board sends a special thank you to our secretary, Ursula.

7.2 Student Ambassador Report

Luke: Since our last board meeting the SSAC got to work on our presentation to the Superintendent Advisory Group. Our presentation focused on the data that was found through the Innovate K-12 disaggregation of our surveys that we shared with all of you a couple of weeks ago. We were able to have conversations with educators, administrators, and community members about our survey data and what we can do going forward to improve and build student-teacher relationships.

The SSAC divided into small groups to address the data results. My group focused on workload and perception of homework. I highlighted back when we presented our data that homework was a big stressor for students; however, our teacher survey identified that most of our teachers assign very little to no homework. Through research and looking at this issue through the lens of students, we discovered that homework is not the root of most students' problems. Students are juggling between sports, extracurriculars, work, family obligations, and so much more outside of school hours that that 20-minute assignment at the end of the night might be a student's breaking point. It was also clear through our surveys that our teachers are also exhausted. This is a commonality between both our teachers and students. Finding similarities between our teachers and students within these areas will only further improve relationships inside the classroom.

Though we will have recommendations for teachers, for students, we identified the need for students to have opportunities to learn how to take the initiative in communication practices with teachers and peers. There could be resources in place for students to better learn how to communicate professionally and effectively with their teachers when they feel overwhelmed. It is also important that we open up and do more with programs like Naviance, and showcase opportunities like tutoring. This can help our students thrive and take ownership of their success, feeling more comfortable with teachers as a result. These are skills that if learned will help students thrive in the classroom, and beyond. We want to thank the Superintendent Advisory Group for the invitation to speak and present some of this important information and data that was collected.

7.3 Board Committee Reports

• Equity and Teaching & Learning Committee

• Policy & Legislative Committee

7.4 Board Member Comments

Jared Ploger visited The Wheathlands last week. Great school and great community. He also attended Matilda at OHS.

Ms. Johnson also attended Matilda and the students all had British accents. Four of the leads are freshman. Stopped at the OE College and Career Fair.

Ms. Simelton commented on Luke’s presentation of the data collection process that we call YPAR. We started this journey in 2017 with student voice. Students were telling us they were losing confidence because they were sharing information with us about all the in different ways in which we collect data from students, but it wasn’t showing up in their experience. So we started a cohort of students. So we’ve come full circle. Students want to be partners and collaborators in their lived experience.

8. Consent Agenda

8.1 Approval of Minutes from previous Meeting

8.2 Acknowledgement of Freedom of Information (FOIA) Requests

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 April 8, 2024, open and closed session and 8.2 to acknowledge the FOIA requests received by the District

Final Resolution: Motion Carried 6-0

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

9. Information

9.1 Food Service Presentation

Mr. Obafemi outlined the process for evaluating the Food Service Management Companies through an RFP process. The initial 12 bids were measured using the rubric requirements from the state. Three vendors were moved to the next level of evaluation. Adults initially did food testing, and a second was done with students. Through these evaluations, the recommendation was made to continue with the food service provider, Aramark. Recognizing that there had been complaints about the food service from students and parents, a meeting was held with Aramark and district leadership to tighten the process for collecting feedback from students and staff to make quick and responsive changes. The Aramark leadership team members were present at the meeting to answer questions and address board concerns. The team plans to engage students in the menu planning for next school year and involve them in continual feedback and improvements. Samples have already been provided to students to measure interest for next year.

9.2 Stormwater Easement for WC and BE Schools

9.3 IGA with Village of Oswego and Others -Capital Facilities Development Impact Fees

The Board members asked to get the cost to the District before approving this agenda item.

9.4 American Sign Language (ASL) Resource Proposal

Team members from the committee formed to analyze potential American Sign Language resources for the new course being offered. Based on the committee's guidelines, informed by the district goals and equity statements, they recommend TRUE+WAY ASL. This is a fully digital resource that includes multi-media tools. The resource will be available for review at the district office for the next 30 days and will be considered for approval by the Board on June 3. There are 350 students registered to take the new course next year.

9.5 FY24 Budget Amendment

Budget administrative cost cannot increase by more than 5% over their prior year actual administrative expenditures. We have been just notified by the state that we have exceeded 5% on Administrative Costs. It is our recommendation to proceed with amending the FY24 budget in order to be in compliance with Section 17-1.5 of the School Code. The amendment process is the same as the original budget adoption.

The budget amendment will be on display for 30 days and a Public Hearing will be held at the June 3, 2024 Board of Education meeting before the Budget can be approved.

9.6 FY25 Tentative Budget Presentation

Mr. Obafemi held a few Community Budget presentations in various locations, including one of them being virtual. It’s important for the Community to know what our budget is comprised of and how their tax dollars are being spent. Different scenarios were presented, with EBF continuing to increase, levying for taxes or without EBF and levying.

The budget will be on display for 30 days before a Public Hearing will be held at the June 3, 2024 Board of Education meeting prior to the Budget being approved.

9.7 Parent University Partnership

Parent University Mission: Parent University provides free workshops on various educational topics facilitated by community organizations/professionals throughout the school year so parents can become better equipped to support their child’s learning. Research indicates that when schools work with families to support learning, students perform better in school and throughout life. The ultimate goal of Parent University is to work collaboratively with parents in a safe, supportive, and receptive environment to establish the best possible outcomes for our students while strengthening the relationships between parents, students, and school staff.

SD308 Parent University Goal: To educate and empower parents/guardians as partners, advocates, and lifelong learners who can contribute to their child's academic success through attending educational courses and participating in leadership opportunities.

9.8 Consolidated District Program Application

There were no questions on the Consolidated District Program application.

9.9 Operations Project Update

9.10 Boulder Hill and Long Beach Cooling Towers

10. Action Items

10.1 Approval of Residency Program

A motion was made by Mr. Jared Ploger, second by Mr. Dominick Cirone, to approve the Agreement for Consulting Services with National Center for Teacher Residencies (NCTR) in the amount of $30,000.

Final Resolution: Motion Carried 6-0

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

10.2 Approval of Fox Chase and Hunt Club Concrete & Asphalt Pavement Rehabilitation

A motion was made by Mr. Jared Ploger, second by Mr. Dominick Cirone, to award the contract for the Fox Chase and Hunt Club Asphalt/Concrete Rehabilitation work to Geneva Construction for a total contract amount of $554,003.00

Final Resolution: Motion Carried 6-0

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

10.3 Approval of Board Meeting Calendar – 2024-25

A motion was made by Mr. Jared Ploger, second by Mr. Dominick Cirone, to approve the 2024- 25 Board of Education Meeting calendar as discussed and presented

Final Resolution: Motion Carried 6-0

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

10.4 Approval of Destruction of the Audio Recordings of the Closed Session Meetings from April 25, 2022 through September 26, 2022

A motion was made by Mr. Jared Ploger, second by Mr. Dominick Cirone, to approve the destruction of the Audio Recordings of the closed session meetings from April 25, 2022 through September 26, 2022

Final Resolution: Motion Carried 5-1

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

Nay: Mr. Jared Ploger

10.5 Approval of the Release of those Closed Session Minutes which no longer require confidential treatment and will be made available for public inspection, and retain as confidential those Closed Session minutes for which the need for confidentiality still exists

A motion was made by Mr. Jared Ploger, second by Mr. Dominick Cirone, to make available no closed session minutes at this time due to a determination that they require continued confidentiality

Final Resolution: Motion Carried 6-0

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

10.6 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 presented

Final Resolution: Motion Carried 6-0

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

10.7 Approval of District Administrator Contracts

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

Final Resolution: Motion Carried 6-0

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

10.8 Approval of District Administrator Contracts 2024-25

A motion was made Mr. Jared Ploger, second by Mr. Dominick Cirone, to approve the District Administrator contracts for 2024-25 as discussed in closed session

Final Resolution: Motion Carried 6-0

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

10.9 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 6-0

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

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 6-0

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

Meeting Adjourned at 10:27 p.m.

https://go.boarddocs.com/il/oswego308/Board.nsf/files/D4VV6R7F406C/$file/04.22.24%20Draft%20Board%20Meeting%20Minutes.pdf