Kendall County Times

Oswego Community Unit School District 308 Board of Education met Aug. 5.

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 (5:15 p.m.)

The meeting was called to order at 5:17 p.m. by President LaTonya Simelton

1.1 Roll Call:

Upon Roll Call the following members answered present:

Eugene Gatewood, Ms. Jennifer Johnson (Virtually), Dr. Amy Murillo, Jared Ploger, LaTonya Simelton, Mary Jo Wenmouth

Members Absent (at roll call):

Dominick Cirone

2. Closed Session

2.1 Enter Closed Session under statute(s):

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)(10) The placement of individual students in special education programs and other matters relating to individual students; 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. Eugene Gatewood, Ms. Jennifer Johnson, Dr. Amy Murillo, Jared Ploger, Ms. LaTonya Simelton, Ms. Mary Jo Wenmouth

The Board of Education entered closed session 5:19 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. Eugene Gatewood, Ms. Jennifer Johnson, Dr. Amy Murillo,

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

The Board of Education returned to open session at 7:17p.m.

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

The meeting was called to order at 7:20 p.m. by President LaTonya Simelton

3.1 Roll Call:

Upon Roll Call the following members answered present:

Eugene Gatewood, Jennifer Johnson (remotely), Dr. Amy Murillo, Jared Ploger, LaTonya Simelton, Mary Jo Wenmouth

Members Absent (at roll call):

Dominick Cirone

Administration Present:

Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Andalib Khelghati

Deputy Superintendent, Dr. Heather Kincaid

Assistant Superintendent of Student Services, Jeremy Bell

Assistant Superintendent of Diverse Learners, Dr. Ivette Dubiel

Executive Director of Communications, Theresa Komitas

Assistant Superintendent of Learning & Innovation, Dr. Kristen Paul

Chief Financial Officer, Raphael Obafemi

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 Brian Crowley of Franczek P.C., 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. Presentations

4.1 Banking Services RFP

Mr. Obafemi shared that the District has used the same banking service since 2008 and it was time to conduct an RFP to ensure we are getting the best possible value and service. Representative from Serv Bank (formerly Allied Bank) were there to answer any questions on their Presentation.

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

We welcome our teachers back on Monday for the 23-25 school year! We’re excited to see the fantastic things they have planned for the year come to life soon!

On Thursday, we will welcome over 17,000 students back into our schools. There's nothing quite like the energy that fills our halls when the students return. This year, our district’s theme is centered around our 'Bright SD 308 Life. We’re full of energy, optimism, and a shared vision for success. I can’t wait to see our schools buzzing with excitement and learning.

We will soon see yellow school buses on the roads and young people traveling on bikes and walking to school. As a community, we should all be watchful, keeping their safety at the forefront of our minds.

If you have any questions or want a single place to track current information about all things Back To School- visit our website. If you can’t find what you need, please contact your school office for assistance- we’re here to help!

Here’s to a fantastic year ahead! Let’s make it one of our brightest yet!

Dr. Murillo

Over the summer, all elementary and junior high school students were welcomed to dive into hands-on STEAM experiences at Makerspace. Here, the students could explore with Ozobots, construct intricate Marble Runs, play with Green Screens, engage in Interactive iPad Exploration, bring ideas to life with 3D Printers, pilot drones, and indulge in arts and crafts kits. Makerspace experience can be included in the school day, clubs, and other exploration opportunities. The excitement generated in these sessions is just the beginning of a journey that will continue to inspire and educate SD308 students!

Mr. Ploger

Last week, administrators from across the district and all schools joined together to learn, plan, and get to know each other ahead of the start of school. The energy was incredible! Thanks to the OHS drumline for greeting our staff as they arrived. This year’s leadership team is already rocking, and we can’t wait to see our schools' fantastic energy come alive soon!

The human resources department and leaders from many departments and schools have been working together to host open interview events. Today, another successful event was hosted, where candidates completed their preliminary interviews on the spot! We’re closing in on filling the remaining openings. If you’re interested in joining the team, there’s still time—visit our website today to apply!

Mr. Gatewood

Blue and Silver Bash & Panther Fest are coming up! The Blue-Silver Community Bash is on August 16th from 4 - 7pm at Oswego East High School. The bash will include a kids zone, presentations, Robotics team demos & more. Pantherfest at Oswego High school will take place on August 16th from 4:30 - 8pm. Both events have free admission, and include Cheer & Dance Performances, Spiritwear sales, and activities open to the community! Come out and join in the school spirit!

Ms. Wenmouth

Next week, we invite all staff and their families to the second annual Back to School Bash! On Wednesday, Aug. 14th, beginning at 12:30, staff can come to learn about benefits, visit area business booths, pick up their staff shirt, and, of course, visit the Board’s Lemonade Stand! We hope to see lots of staff and families in attendance.

President Simelton

I am excited to announce that this school year's PRIDE Program will be recognizing twice as many employees as last year. We will acknowledge a total of 86 individuals! The Board established the PRIDE program in 2015 to recognize, promote, and celebrate the many contributions made by our teachers and employees. PRIDE stands for Proudly Recognizing Individuals Demonstrating Excellence- we look forward to sharing more about our fantastic pride winners soon!

Dr. Zwemke shared some hiring news, sharing that the District is in good shape. At this time we have 14 teaching positions open, but we anticipate to fill them before the start of the school year. The District held another very successful job fair today.

6.2 Board Member Comments

Jared Ploger – mentioned how much the Bickford residents are looking forward to seeing the students back. The Assisted Living Center is located next to Prairie Point Elementary School.

Mary Jo Wenmouth – corrected an earlier announcement: Blue and Silver Bash (OE) is on August 16 and Panther Fest (OH) is on August 23.

Community Cares kicked off their year with “Start Strong”. Families came in and picked up their school supplies and backpacks.

BPAC held their back to school event at the splashpad at Prairie Point. The Dual Language parents have a fairly close knit community.

Jennifer Johnson – thanked Dr. Khelghati for inviting Board members to join part of the administrator retreat. Ms. Johnson touched on the Olympics and how they have increasingly reflected Diversity and how it parallels with what is happening in out District.

LaTonya Simelton – attended the Operations Appreciation Luncheon. Our grounds and our schools are immaculate and kept so well. They created a beautiful space over the summer in order for all administrators to be together at DAC. There were many raffle prices given away that were received by our vendors. The District is working hard to make sure that everyone feels valued and appreciated.

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 for Overnight / More than 200 Miles

A motion was made by Mr. Jared Ploger, second by Mr. Eugene Gatewood, to approve all items under consent, including 7.1 Minutes from the Board of Education meeting on July 15, 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 over 200 Miles

Final Resolution: Motion Carried 6-0

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

8. Action Items

8.1 Approval of Building Administrator Contracts

A motion was made by Mr. Jared Ploger, second by Mr. Eugene Gatewood, to approve the Building Administrator contracts as discussed and presented

Final Resolution: Motion Carried 6-0

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

After the vote, the new administrators were introduced.

8.2 Approval of Personnel Report

A motion was made by Mr. Jared Ploger, second by Ms. Mary Jo Wenmouth, to approve the Personnel Report as discussed and presented

Final Resolution: Motion Carried 6-0

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

8.3 Approval of Five Year extension of Performance Based Superintendent Agreement for the period beginning July 1, 2024, and extending through June 30, 2029

A motion was made by Mr. Jared Ploger, second by Mr. Eugene Gatewood, to find that the Superintendent has met the goals and indicators of student performance and academic improvement in the Superintendent’s July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2026 performance based superintendent contract; (2) terminate the Superintendent’s July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2026 performance based superintendent contract; and (3) approve a new performance based superintendent contract for the period beginning July 1, 2024, and extending through June 30, 2029 in substantially the form presented to the Board.

Final Resolution: Motion Carried 6-0

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

President Simelton commented that this contract provides predictability and stability for our District. The community is excited about the direction we are going and we look forward to the next five years.

9. Information

9.1 Financial Statements and Investment Schedule

9.2 Purchase of Jetter for Operations Department

Mr. Obafemi commented that this will be paid with part of the Juul settlement that the District received. We received about $70,000.

9.3 Operations Project Update

10. Action Items

10.1 Bills for Payment

A motion was made by Mr. Jared Ploger, second by Ms. Mary Jo Wenmouth, to authorize the payment of bills in the amount of ten million, two hundred ninety-two thousand, one hundred eighty-eight dollars and sixty cents ($10,292,188.60) as presented.

Final Resolution: Motion Carried 6-0

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

10.2 Approval of Title I SIP Plans: Boulder Hill and Long Beach Elementary

A motion was made by Mr. Jared Ploger, second by Mr. Eugene Gatewood, to approve the Title I School Improvement Plans for SY 2024-25 for Boulder Hill and Long Beach Elementary School as presented

Final Resolution: Motion Carried 6-0

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

10.3 Approval of Student Information System Supports

A motion was made by Mr. Jared Ploger, second by Mr. Eugene Gatewood, to approve the purchase of an additional Plug In support for our Student Information System from MBA (Marcia Brenner Associates) in the amount of $44,950.00

Final Resolution: Motion Carried 6-0

Aye: Mr. Eugene Gatewood, Ms. Jennifer Johnson, Dr. Amy Murillo, Jared 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 6-0

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

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1flLc-N4S65-0Ijj7TFhsKg4vSkvQR4kP