Kendall County Times

Oswego Community Unit School District 308 Board of Education met Nov. 4.

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 at Plank Junior High School in the Cafeteria.

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 (6:00 p.m.)

The meeting was called to order at 6:01 p.m. by President LaTonya Simelton

1.1 Roll Call:

Upon Roll Call the following members answered present:

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

Members Absent (at roll call):

None

2. Closed Session

2.1 Enter Closed Session under statute(s): 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.

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)(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 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 6:03 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: 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 6:44 p.m.

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

The Public Forum 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

Members Absent (at roll call):

None

Student Board Members

Hope Rie

Khali Parnell

Administration Present:

Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Andalib Khelghati

Deputy Superintendent, Dr. Heather Kincaid

CFO/CSBO, Raphael Obafemi

Executive Director of Communications, Theresa Komitas

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. Welcome

4.1 President Simelton will Welcome the Public and Introduce Dr. Khelghati

The Board President introduced the focus on strategic planning, emphasizing its collaborative nature and the importance of gathering insights from the community to set priorities and allocate resources effectively.

5. Overview

5.1 Strategic Journey Overview

Dr. Kincaid, Deputy Superintendent, addressed the attendees, highlighting the district's challenges including special needs support, disciplinary practices, outdated equipment, and curriculum issues. She emphasized the need for collaborative effort to achieve sustained success and economic viability.

Dr. Kincaid presented the district's strategic roadmap, focusing on three main areas: high-quality instruction, equity and rightful presence, and effective systems and teams. She outlined the process of moving from a strategic roadmap to a comprehensive strategic plan.

Dr. Kincaid explained the three phases of the master facility plan: facility condition assessment, educational needs assessment, and future use planning. She also mentioned upcoming program reviews for multilingual and special education students.

The meeting transitioned to a World Cafe format, where participants were invited to engage in discussions on various topics including learning innovation, diverse learners, transportation, master facilities, and operations.

6. World Café Topic Areas

6.1 Operations / Master Facility Plan

6.2 Learning & Innovation

6.3 Student Voice & Rightful Presence

6.4 Diverse Learners

6.5 Finance / Transportation / Technology

Dr.Khelghati, the superintendent, led a collaborative session to gather feedback for the district's strategic plan. Community members shared concerns and ideas about facilities, athletics, and special education. Dr. Khelghati emphasized the importance of collaboration and gathering feedback for the strategic plan.

Agenda item 7. Final Comments from the Board, were moved to after Public Comment 8. Public Comment

8.1 Opportunity for the Public to address the Board of Education

Ryan Dolan, Ryan Crissey, Shawn McClure, Kelly Kennedy, John Modaff, Jamie Howard, Michael Gilio – presented the Unity Fields concept, proposing to improve athletic facilities through public-private partnerships. They highlighted the potential economic benefits and the need for better facilities for local sports programs.

Shivani Rhea – introduced the Ninja Science Academy, offering to enhance the school district's education programs by combining science education with martial arts discipline.

Faith Camardo – raised concerns about special education services, particularly in the STARS program and general education classrooms. She emphasized the need for more neuro-affirming practices and better communication with parents.

Michelle Trager – shared that Boulder Hill Elementary school will receive a new adaptive playground. Ms. Trager shared her concern with the lack of social worker support at Boulder Hill. There are still 2.5 positions open. There should be u urgency to the hiring process to ensure that IEP minutes are being met.

7. Board Member Comments

7.1 Final Comments from the Board

Board members thanked the community for their participation and addressed some concerns raised during the meeting. They emphasized the importance of collaboration and invited the community to attend more meetings.

The complete audio for public comment and board member comment can be found at the following link: 9. Action Items

9.1 Approval of Routing System

A motion was made by Mr. Jared Ploger, second by Mr. Eugene Gatewood, to approve the Tyler Routing System to replace Versatran 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

9.2 Approval of Radio and Repeater RFP

A motion was made by Mr. Jared Ploger, second by Mr. Dominick Cirone, to move agenda item 9.2, approval of Radio and Repeater RFP to the next Board of Education meeting on November 18, 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

9.3 Policy Second Read and Approval: School Board (2:125)

A motion was made by Mr. Jared Ploger, second by Mr. Dominick Cirone, to approve Board Policy Section 2: School Board (2:125) 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

9.4 Approval of Field Trip Overnight and/or more than 200 Miles

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

10. Adjournment

10.1 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 9:29 p.m.

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