Kendall County Times

Oswego Community Unit School District 308 Board of Education met Oct. 7.

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 5:35 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):

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)(6) The setting of a price for sale or lease of property owned by the public body; 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(8) Security procedures, school building safety and security, and the use of personnel and equipment to respond to an actual, a threatened, or a reasonably potential danger to the safety of employees, students, staff, the public, or public property; 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: Dominick Cirone, Mr. Eugene Gatewood, Dr. Amy Murillo, Jared Ploger, Ms. LaTonya Simelton, Ms. Mary Jo Wenmouth

The Board of Education entered closed session 5:37 p.m.

Ms. Johnson arrived in closed session at 5:38 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: 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 returned to open session at 6:59 p.m.

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

The meeting was called to order at 7:05 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 Board Members:

Hope Rie and Khali Parnell

Members Absent (at roll call):

None

Administration Present:

Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Andalib Khelghati

CFO/CSBO, Raphael Obafemi

Assistant Superintendent of Student Services, Jeremy Bell

Assistant Superintendent for Diverse Learners, Dr. Ivette Dubiel

Assistant Superintendent for Learning & Innovation, Dr. Kristen Paul

Assistant Superintendent of HR, Dr. Bryan Zwemke

Executive Director of Communications, Theresa Komitas

Director of Operations, William Queen

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. Recognitions

4.1 Award Presentation

The Oswego Police department presented our Building Nurse from Fox Chase Elementary School, Karen Kala, with an award. She ensured that a suspicious person was not granted access to the rest of the building from the office. The complete audio can be found at the following link:

https://go.boarddocs.com/il/oswego308/Board.nsf/Public

5. Presentations

5.1 Medicaid Update

The complete presentation, including audio, can be found at the following link:

https://go.boarddocs.com/il/oswego308/Board.nsf/Public

5.2 Foundational Practices – iLEAD Update

The complete presentation, including audio, can be found at the following link:

https://go.boarddocs.com/il/oswego308/Board.nsf/Public

5.3 Safety Presentation

The complete presentation, including audio, can be found at the following link:

https://go.boarddocs.com/il/oswego308/Board.nsf/Public

6. Public Comment

6.1 Opportunity for the Public to address the Board of Education

There was no public comment this evening.

7. Comments/Reports

7.1 Superintendent Report

We extend our warmest wishes to all those observing Rosh Hashanah. May this season bring you joy, happiness, and a renewed sense of purpose.

One week from today, our 11th annual food drive will kick off! This incredible event benefits the Kendall County Community Food Pantry. I had the opportunity to tour the pantry’s main location in Yorkville last week, talking with its staff and several volunteers. What an incredible place! They take pride in setting up a shopping experience for clients like a grocery store—with choices, fresh produce, departments, shopping carts, and friendly volunteers! In addition to food, they have household items, pet care, and clothing.

○ Our district plays a crucial role in the pantry's success, providing the single largest donation the Kendall County Community Food Pantry receives yearly. As I was walking through the pantry, I was stopped several times and thanked by the volunteers for our collection efforts each year. It means so much to their mission and ability to offer what they do, serving hundreds of families every week.

○ We will once again join as a district across our entire community, and through the collection of certain items and cash donations, we will make an amazing contribution to the pantry. We use this time to host a friendly competition between schools and to educate our students on the cost of food, hunger, and food insecurity.

○ Please consider partnering with us, and joining in this incredible gesture of support. Collections begin online on Oct. 13th- you can choose which school to benefit in the competition. What matters most is the lesson of unity in our community- when we all do a little it adds up to a lot! Visit our website for more information and thank you- I can promise you that your generosity is making a difference in the lives of our neighbors.

As thousands of Americans still work through the devastation of a recent hurricane, yet another is headed toward land this week. We keep them in our thoughts and prayers- hoping for the safety of lives and homes.

On a somber note, today marks one year since the October 7 terror attack in Israel, and one year of active, ongoing conflict that has brought pain and suffering to so many in the region and families in our community.

○ We extend our sympathies to anyone who has been impacted by this conflict. Our district is committed to a safe and supportive learning environment for all students and staff, to supporting and encouraging free expression among our students, and to a curriculum that promotes tolerance and prevents bias-based harm.

Board Shout Outs

Ms. Wenmouth: Jadyn Thompson, Oswego East High School senior, organized a walk to raise awareness for distracted driving. Her inspiration comes after a difficult recovery due to a car collision caused by a distracted driver. The walk will be held at The Wheatlands Elementary School on Saturday, October 12, from 10am- noon.

Mr. Ploger: It is German-American Heritage Month, and our German Student program has shared several ways everyone can join in the learning and celebration! Check out the district's Facebook page for a link to their materials!

Mr. Cirone: Congratulations to the Panther Marching Band, who were third in their class and third overall out of 18 bands at the Downers Grove Mustang Music Bowl over the weekend!

Mrs. Johnson: Parent Cafe, a safe space for parents or caregivers navigating the challenges of parenthood, will meet for the first time this school year on Wednesday, October 23rd. Register for the in-person meeting, held at the Oswego Public Library - Montgomery Campus from 10:00 am - 12:00 pm, or a virtual meeting from 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm. Visit the district website to sign up.

Dr. Murillo: Congratulations to the Oswego Co-op Girls' Golf team on winning the IHSA Regional Championship! Last month, team member Annabelle Williams got a hole-in-one at Blackberry Oaks, the first in program history! Congratulations, girls! In other golf news…at the today’s sectional event, OE boys golfer Logan Hong secured his spot at state! Congratulations!

Mr. Gatewood: Yesterday was National Coaches Day! We want to thank the hard-working coaches who dedicate their time, guidance, and unwavering support to the student-athletes across the district. Your guidance extends beyond the playing field, shaping our student-athletes into confident, strong individuals.

President Simelton: World Teachers Day was on Saturday. Around the globe and here in our schools, teachers instill knowledge and a love of learning in the hearts and minds of young people. We thank all teachers for their self-less service to our future generations.

7.2 Student Board Members Report

Hope Rie shared that the SSAC committee conducted various surveys for students and teachers on disrespectful behavior. We also reevaluated the protocols of a check in with your students. We would like to see a teacher and student bonding activity each week to foster deeper connections. Discussion at the SSAC committee meeting included the phone policy.

Khali Parnell shared that her class did poorly on a physics test and the teacher connected it to the cell phone. It’s had to concentrate while looking at tik tok and text messages etc.

7.3 Board Committee Reports

Equity & Learning & Innovation Committee

Finance & Facilities Committee

Policy & Legislative Committee

7.4 Board Member Comments

Ms. Johnson shared that it is National Instructional Coaches Day.

There were no other Board member comments.

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. Eugene Gatewood, to approve all items under consent, including 8.1 Minutes from the Board of Education meeting on September 23, 2024, open and closed session and September 28, 2024 Board of Education Workshop; 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. Jared Ploger, Ms. LaTonya Simelton, Ms. Mary Jo Wenmouth

9. Information

9.1 Paper Supplies RFP

In the past, buildings and departments ordered their own paper supply. With this RFP, we are utilizing our large District’s buying power and saving money.

9.2 Game Time Playground Grant for Homestead, Lakewood Creek & Boulder Hill Schools

While researching the replacement of Boulder Hill Playground, Mr. Queen learned of the Game Time Playground Grant, which would cover 50% of the structure itself. Replacing the three playgrounds with the help of the grant is roughly the same cost and replacing Boulder Hill only without the Grant.

9.3 Board Member Travel Expenses

The Board members discussed the expenses for travel to the Triple I conference in Chicago. Hotel fees, transportation fees and conference and workshop registration fees for the seven Board members.

9.4 New IASB Resolutions

President Simelton asked for a motion to table this item until the October 21 Board meeting.

A motion was made by Mr. Jared Ploger, second by Mr. Eugene Gatewood to table agenda item 9.4 New IASB Resolutions, until the next Board meeting on October 21, 2024

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

9.5 SY26 New High School Courses and Title Changes

9.6 Policy First Read – Section 2: School Board (2:125, 2:260, 2:265) Section 5: General Personnel (5:100) Section 7: Students (7:20, 7:185)

President Simelton asked for a motion to table this item until the October 21 Board meeting.

A motion was made by Mr. Jared Ploger, second by Mr. Eugene Gatewood to table agenda item 9. Policies for First Read until the next Board meeting on October 21, 2024

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. Action Items

10.1 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 four million, one hundred twenty-eight thousand, five hundred sixty-six dollars and fifty-eight cents ($4,128,566.58) as 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

10.2 Approval of Resolution providing for the issue of not to exceed $12,150,000 General Obligation Refunding School Bonds of the District for the purpose of refunding certain outstanding bonds of the District, providing for the levy of a direct annual tax sufficient to pay the principal and interest on said bonds, authorizing the proposed sale of said bonds to the purchaser thereof, and authorizing the execution of certain escrow agreements in connection therewith.

A motion was made by Mr. Jared Ploger, second by Mr. Dominick Cirone, to approve the Resolution providing for the issue of not to exceed $12,150,000 General Obligation Refunding School Bonds of the District for the purpose of refunding certain outstanding bonds of the District, providing for the levy of a direct annual tax sufficient to pay the principal and interest on said bonds, authorizing the proposed sale of said bonds to the purchaser thereof, and authorizing the execution of certain escrow agreements in connection therewith, as 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

10.3 Approval of Master Facility Plan

A motion was made by Mr. Jared Ploger, second by Mr. Dominick Cirone, to award the project of the Master Facility Plan to Wight & Co. for a total amount of $380,000.00 for all three phases

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

10.4 Approval of Custodial Supplies RFP

A motion was made by Mr. Jared Ploger, second by Mr. Dominick Cirone, to approve the selection of the top seven vendors to provide custodial supplies between them; Janco, Performance Chemical, Pike, Pyramid School Products, Unipak, Unique and Warehouse Direct

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. 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 7-0

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

Meeting Adjourned at 10:04 p.m.

https://go.boarddocs.com/il/oswego308/Board.nsf/files/DA6NUX61B087/$file/10.07.24%20Draft%20Board%20Meeting%20Minutes.pdf