Kendall County Times

Oswego Public Library District Board of Trustees met Sept. 9.

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 (5:45 p.m.)

The meeting was called to order at 5:45 p.m. by President LaTonya Simelton

1.1 Roll Call:

Upon Roll Call the following members answered present:

Dominick Cirone, Dr. Amy Murillo, Jared Ploger, LaTonya Simelton, Mary Jo Wenmouth

Members Absent (at roll call):

Eugene Gatewood, 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)(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)(10) The placement of individual students in special education programs and other matters relating to individual students.

Final Resolution: Motion Carried 5-0

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

The Board of Education entered closed session 5:46 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 6-0

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

The Board of Education returned to open session at 7:01 p.m.

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

The meeting was called to order at 7:06 p.m. by President LaTonya Simelton

3.1 Roll Call:

Upon Roll Call the following members answered present:

Dominick Cirone, Jennifer Johnson, Dr. Amy Murillo, Jared Ploger, LaTonya Simelton, Mary Jo Wenmouth

Members Absent (at roll call):

None

Administration Present:

Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Andalib Khelghati

Deputy Superintendent, Dr. Heather Kincaid

CFO/CSBO, Raphael Obafemi

Assistant Superintendent of Student Services, Jeremy Bell

Assistant Superintendent of Diverse Learners, Dr. Ivette Dubiel

Assistant Superintendent of Learning & Innovation, Dr. Kristen Paul

Assistant Superintendent of Equity and Engagement, Dr. Jadon Waller

Assistant Superintendent of HR, Dr. Bryan Zwemke

Executive Director of Communications, Theresa Komitas

Director of Operations, William Queen

Director of Finances, Amanda Sitar

Others Present:

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 Curriculum Audit Presentation

The Curriculum Audit examined the district's function at all levels, from board policy to classroom engagement. This critical analysis helped identify gaps to strengthen systems, collaboration, continued learning, and process improvement. CMSi presented highlights from their findings with the Board, which were included in an Executive Summary report. During the presentation, it was pointed out that the purpose of the audit is not to affirm where things are performing well, but rather to help identify areas needing improvement, where system functions are not aligned and desired outcomes are not realized.

Several findings highlight priorities identified through the district’s Strategic Roadmap, designed last winter, and work has already started. District leaders have begun to correlate the audit findings with current priorities and map them to our strategic planning. CMSi provided a list of recommendations within the audit, which will also be incorporated into strategic planning.

District leaders are collaborating with leaders from the Oswego Education Association (OEA) to review the audit findings and recommendations closely to help prioritize the action steps. Over the next several weeks, more information will be shared with staff and the community about our progress on our priorities, audit findings and recommendations, and future strategic planning.

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

Before tonight’s meeting, we welcomed four interested community members to learn more about what it means to serve as a member of the Board of Education. As you know, four board terms will expire in the spring of 25 and require elections in April. We will host additional information sessions to provide resources from the Illinois Association of School Boards and the Illinois State Board of Elections to interested individuals and offer them the opportunity to speak with current Board members and district leaders. We hope that through this open and accessible learning opportunity, we can be a resource of information to anyone considering this important role for our community. Being a school board member is a significant commitment- but is critical to the school district's success- providing leadership and vision.

Today, September 9th is Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Awareness Day. This day was chosen so that on the ninth day of the ninth month of the year, the world will remember the nine months of pregnancy and the importance of abstaining from alcohol. This day serves as a reminder of the critical importance of understanding the risks associated with alcohol consumption during pregnancy and its lifelong impact on a child. FASD is a complex and preventable condition, including a range of physical, behavioral, and cognitive disabilities.

This is a widespread problem; the CDC estimates that 1 in 20 school-aged children may have FASD in the United States. Children and adults with FASD often face school, employment, and social relationships challenges. We join with our nation to bring awareness of FASD, educate our community on the importance of prevention, recognize the symptoms of FASD, and find ways to work together to support those impacted.

National Suicide Awareness Day is tomorrow, Sept. 10th. It is estimated that there are currently more than 700,000 suicides per year worldwide, and we know that each suicide profoundly affects many more people. Our district joins in the desire to change the narrative to open honest discussions about suicide and suicidal ideation. We wish to break down barriers, raise awareness, and create a better culture of understanding, support, and resources for mental health.

We have a variety of information and resources regarding mental health available on the home page of our district website and printed on the back of student ID cards. We engage students in conversation regarding mental health is through our partnership with the non-profit organization, Elyssa’s Mission and their Signs of Suicide program. This program is provided at every level in our organization and is designed for prevention and early invention while empowering our students to be self-advocates for mental health.

In my final thoughts this evening…

We want to acknowledge the ongoing improvements made by our Transportation staff to alter routes for greater efficiency. We know that there continue to be opportunities to improve, but we want to express our appreciation to Transportation Director LaShone Mosley, here this evening, along with her team, for helping to diagnose issues, identify opportunities to improve and begin making strides in timeliness, route configuration, and communication.

Ms. Wenmouth - National Arts in Education Week is underway! Research suggests that the integration of arts into educational curriculums naturally lead students to interact with academic content in ways that promote long-term retention, particularly those who struggle with achieving success in conventional or non-arts integrated teaching approaches. Our district celebrates our arts this week and as always thoroughly impressed by our students' and staff's talent and commitment to engage in music, theater, creative writing, & visual arts across all school levels.

Mr. Cirone - Mum Sale! OEHS is selling 2-gallon mums in your choice of color to fund teacher wish lists, care closets, scholarships, classroom enhancements, and more! Order online by Sept. 13th for delivery on Sept. 28th. Orders can be placed online- visit the OEHS website today! Dr. Murillo - This Saturday, September 14, Stop by Prairie Point Park between 10am and 12 pm to have brunch with the Bilingual Parent Advisory Committee (BPAC). If you can make it, bring a dish to share, and be ready for great conversations.

Mr. Ploger - Who doesn’t love custard, butter burgers or cheese curds? Head on over to our local Culver’s here in Oswego TONIGHT! Don’t forget to mention when you purchase that you are there supporting East View Academy, Pathways, and GOAL Programs so they can receive a donation of 10% of your order subtotal. We are one community supporting the great work of these special programs and schools!

Mrs. Johnson - Oswego High School invites the community to join in the fun at their Homecoming Parade on Sunday, Sept.15th. The parade will start at 3 pm from OHS and go through downtown Oswego. The parade route will include Garfield, Jefferson, Main, Tyler, Ashland, Washington, and Franklin Streets.

President Simelton - Oswego East senior, Cooper Carlisle, has been cast in the Illinois High School All State musical, THE PROM! He will perform during the yearly Illinois High School Theatre Festival down at the University of Illinois on January 9-11 as a key event of the festival. Cooper auditioned with hundreds of students from across the state and was cast! He rehearses over several weekends up until January's performances! Cooper is only the 5th student in Oswego East history to achieve this high honor!

6.2 Board Committee Reports

The following Board Committee reports were presented:

• Equity and Learning & Innovation

• Finance & Facilities

• Policy & Legislative

6.3 Board Member Comments

Mr. Ploger shared that Mexican Independence Day is coming up and that a total of nine Nations are celebrating their independence this month.

Ms. Wenmouth attended a collaborative PE course at Oswego High School. They were explaining the game of golf to the STARS and Lifeskill students.

Ms. Simelton shared that Dr. Khelghati, Dr. Dubiel, Dr. Zwemke, Mr. Ploger and herself attended a conference with the Midwest Plains Equity and Assistance Center in Indianapolis. We have been in a partnership with them for about 8 years. They are funded by the US Department of Education and their services to us have been of no cost to us.

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

7.4 Policies for Consent: Section 2: School District Organization (2:70, 2:160) Section 4: Operational Services (4:15) Section 5: General Personnel (5:180, 5:290, 5:310) Section 6: Instruction (6:110, 6:150) Section 7: Students (7:170)

A motion was made by Mr. Jared Ploger, second by Ms. Mary Jo Wenmouth, to approve all items under consent including 7.1 Minutes from the Board of Education meeting on August 19, 2024; 7.2 to acknowledge the FOIA requests received by the District; 7.3 to approve the Field Trips for overnight and/or more than 200 miles and 7.4 to approve the following Policies: Section 2: School District Organization (2:70, 2:160) Section 4: Operational Services (4:15) Section 5: General Personnel (5:180, 5:290, 5:310) Section 6: Instruction (6:110, 6:150) Section 7: Students (7:170)

Final Resolution: Motion Carried 6-0

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

8. Action Items

8.1 Approval of District Administrator Contract

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

Final Resolution: Motion Carried 6-0

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

8.2 Approval of Personnel Report

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

Final Resolution: Motion Carried 6-0

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

8.3 Approval of Resolution Authorizing Notice of Dismissal to Educational Support Staff Employee

A motion was made by Mr. Jared Ploger, second by Ms. Mary Jo Wenmouth, to approve the Resolution Authorizing Notice of Dismissal to Educational Support Staff Employee Arick Freese.

Final Resolution: Motion Carried 6-0

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

8.4 Approval of 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 seven million, two hundred eighty-seven thousand, seven hundred sixteen dollars and twenty-nine cents ($7,287,716.29) as presented.

Final Resolution: Motion Carried 6-0

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

9. Information

9.1 Board Agreement Review

This is an opportunity to review and discuss the Board Agreements. They are an important resource for the Board. Board Agreements are reviewed annually and we are in the midst of scheduling that. President Simelton shared that the Board keeps itself accountable.

9.2 Budget Report

Mr. Obafemi provided an update on our Budget and the CPI. The reports can be found at the following link: https://go.boarddocs.com/il/oswego308/Board.nsf/Public

9.3 Four New Bus Leases

Mr. Obafemi explained that currently all the buses in our fleet are used every day. If a bus breaks down, we have no back up to run that particular route. We are looking to lease 4 additional buses and they are airconditioned. We currently have about 40 buses that are not airconditioned. We can’t continue to provide a bus to students that are not eligible for transportation. The Board was invited to ask follow up questions before this item will be brought back for approval.

9.4 Policies for First Read: Section 2: School Board (2:125) Section 4: Operational Services (4:70, 4:80) Section 5: General Personnel (5:130, 5:200) Section 6: Instruction (6:140)

Dr. Kincaid shared the minor changes to the policies with the Board.

9.5 iLEAD Update

Dr. Paul and Dr. Waller provided an update of our Learning and Innovations department. 9.6 E-Learning Plan Update

Dr. Kincaid provided an update on the E-Learning plan to be used in lieu of emergency days, during inclement weather or an unforeseen school closure. This plan needs to be resubmitted to ISBE every 3 years.

We will hold a public hearing on September 23 before we bring the plan as an action item. Once approved by the Board, it needs approval from our Regional Office of Education. Once we have ROE approval, we will distribute to staff, students, parents, and the public. This plan provides access for all students and a minimum if 5 clock hours of instruction or school work.

10. Adjournment

10.1 Adjourn

A motion was made by Mr. Jared Ploger, second by Mr. Dominick Cirone, to adjourn. All were in favor unanimously to adjourn.

Final Resolution: Motion Carried 6-0

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

Meeting Adjourned at 9:41 p.m.

https://go.boarddocs.com/il/oswego308/Board.nsf/files/D9A26L00AAC6/$file/09.09.24%20Draft%20Board%20Meeting%20Minutes.pdf