Kendall County Times

Oswego Community Unit School District 308 Board of Education met Jan. 13.

Here is the agenda 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 (6:00 p.m.)

The meeting was called to order at 6:00 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) 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)(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. 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)(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. Dominick Cirone, Mr. Eugene Gatewood, Dr. Amy Murillo, Mr. Jared Ploger, Ms. LaTonya Simelton, Ms. Mary Jo Wenmouth

The Board of Education entered closed session 6:01 p.m.

Ms. Jennifer Johnson arrived at 6:05 p.m.

2.2 Return to Open Session

A motion was made by Mr. Jared Ploger, second by Ms. Mary Jo Wenmouth, 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 7:09 p.m.

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

The meeting was called to order at 7:13 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

Khali Parnell

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 for Diverse Learners, Dr. Ivette Dubiel

Assistant Superintendent for Learning & Innovation, Dr. Kristen Paul

Assistant Superintendent for Equity & 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. Recognitions

4.1 Student Recognition

The following Students were recognized for their Accomplishments:

IHSA Swim & Dive Championships

• Katie Malm (OE)

• Addi Miller (OE

IHSA Golf

• Ali Wiertel (OE)

Illinois Art Education Association (IAEA) - Student Art Ambassadors

• Kaitlin Russel (OH)

• Jenna Allen (OH)

• Shyann Beasley (OH)

• Shia Love (OE)

• Payton Lustrup (OE)

4.2 PRIDE Recognition

The Board will recognize the following PRIDE Award Winners:

Churchill Elementary

Teacher: Sara Carson - Speech Pathologist/ Behavior Therapist

Teacher: Tom Clason - Physical Educator

Employee: Alexis (Lexie) Sluder - Building Nurse

Prairie Point Elementary

Teacher: Jenn Boozell - Physical Education Teacher

Teacher: Kerra McCoskey - Kindergarten Teacher

Employee: Jen Hooks - Teacher Assistant

Southbury Elementary

Teacher: Dr. Megan Truax - 4th Grade Teacher

Teacher: Sarah Howe - Kindergarten Teacher

Employee: Luz Deck - STARS Teacher Assistant

Murphy JHS

Teacher: Erika Rerych - Honors 6th Grade ELA

Teacher: Sarah Noll - Social Worker

Employee: Michelle Lybarger - Dedicated Building Substitute

5. Presentations

5.1 High School English Text Selection

Dr. Paul, Megan Mann, Kurt Laakso and Tania Sharp detailed the comprehensive process involving teacher teams, novel selection, and professional development planning. The team presented the process for selecting new English novels following the College Board's decision to sunset Springboard. They detailed the timeline, novel selection process, and professional development plans, proposing seven new novels with a one-time cost of $70,000 and annual replacement cost of $18,000.

It will be on display for 30 days before seeking Board approval on February 24, 2025.

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

Dr. Dubiel, Dr. Paul and Dr. Waller presented the Panorama survey data showing 8,000 students in grades 6-12 participated, with self-management as the highest competency (80% favorable) and self-efficacy as the area needing improvement. They discussed how this data informs school improvement plans and equity initiatives.

As a student Board member, it gives you such a bird’s eye view of what really goes into classroom work. Seeing self-advocacy being at only 47% just makes me sad. I wish students were able to understand that the goals that they want to reach are achievable and that they can do it. Conversations need to take place in the classroom. Whether it’s a test or a homework assignment, they need to believe in themselves first so that they can have that person they can run to, that trusted adult.

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

Katie Heiden – emphasized the need to recognize and promote alternative education pathways, including licensing exams and certification courses, to better prepare students for workforce success.

Tony Giles - raised concerns about the school calendar, particularly regarding consistency with neighboring districts and teacher preferences.

7. Comments/Reports

7.1 Superintendent Report

Good evening. Welcome to our first meeting of the new year! I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday season! We’re excited to have the week completed in this second half of the school year! Over the past several weeks, we have hosted numerous focus groups and meetings to talk with our community about our district, student and staff experiences, challenges, hopes, and ideas for a brighter tomorrow. Through surveys, discussions, and polls, we received thousands of feedback points from our students, teachers, staff, parents, alumni, business leaders, and the general community. This feedback is shaping the development of our strategic plan, which is the next chapter in our story. In our next meeting, we will have the opportunity to hear about how we collected input and what the data has told us. We expect a draft version of the plan to be presented in February and adopted in March! The Diverse Learners department is identifying ways to support its Multilingual Learners and Special Education programs. A task force for both programs has been developed, and they are in Phase 2 of addressing specific programs and services to best meet student needs. They recognize this is a long-term process and have been highly engaged in the analysis for the purpose of improvement. I want to reiterate a message I sent last week about a security breach in the PowerSchool student information system. The breach impacted thousands of schools across North America. Based on the information contained in our PowerSchool records, the breach may have included contact information for students, staff, and parents. Our records did not contain social security numbers or medical information. We want to assure you that we take the safety of all personal information very seriously and will continue to partner with PowerSchool to understand the additional layers of security put in place to ensure data remains safeguarded.

Next Monday is a very important day as we honor the work and the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. We are reminded of the incredible legacy Dr. King has left us—a legacy rooted in justice, equality, and the unwavering belief in the dignity of every individual. Dr. King's vision continues to inspire us to build a more inclusive and compassionate world.

In our schools, we honor his work and vision by fostering a culture of rightful presence, where every student feels they belong, are valued, and have the opportunity to thrive. His teachings remind us of the power of education to bridge divides, break down barriers, and create a brighter future for all. I invite you to join me in committing to pay forward an act of service in honor of Dr. King, Monday is not a day off, but rather a day to be present in selfless ways- helping others the way Dr. King modeled. On a somber note, we want to formally acknowledge the devastation experienced by the fires in southern California. We join in mourning the lives lost, homes destroyed, and communities forever changed by this tragedy. We are grateful to the first responders who are risking their lives to fight these fires and those helping others in this time of great loss. Our thoughts are with all those who are impacted as they face difficult days ahead.

President Simelton: This Saturday, the Oswego East Wolves hosted the Oswego Panthers for the boys and girls Crosstown Challenge basketball games. Congratulations to the Oswego East boys and girls basketball teams for both completing a program sweep!

Mr. Gatewood: The team from Oswego East has advanced in the 2024-25 International Public Policy Forum debate competition, making them one of the 32 teams to remain in the contest. This international tournament started with over 280 teams! Congratulations and best of luck in the next round! Mr. Ploger: Oswego East senior, Cooper Carlisle, was cast in the Illinois High School All-State musical, “The Prom”! Cooper had the honor of performing at the 49th Annual Illinois High School Theater Festival this past week. Congratulations, Cooper!

Dr. Murillo: Recently, gifted education math students at Churchill and Homestead Elementary Schools celebrated the National Hour of Code. Two guests from Festo Corporation visited class sharing their experience with math, coding, and engineering in their careers. Students learned how coding is used with robots for the manufacturing and production of certain items. Students also got to see how code can fly a drone!

Mr. Cirone: Robbie Wilson of Oswego High School took third place in the Illinois High School Art Exhibition Art Throwdown! 25 pieces were submitted, and over 1,000 votes were cast in this competition. Also, thank you to Marie Strejc and Dan Whipple, two of our teachers, for mentoring and supporting Robbie. Congratulations, Robbie!

Mrs. Johnson: Before Winter Break, the Bednarcik, Murphy, and Thompson junior high school bands hosted their first-ever Composer Residency. Laura Estes, a composer and retired teacher from Georgia, spent two days with students from these schools. Each band played one of her pieces and received feedback from her. Students also got to learn about Ms. Estes’s inspiration and creative process. Ms. Wenmouth: We received great feedback from families and other community members that will guide us as we develop our Strategic Plan. We will continue the conversation surrounding our strategic journey with a few remaining focus groups, meeting virtually this week and next, on special education, gifted education, and multilingual learners; please visit our website to sign up! There is also a community survey available on our website collecting input and ideas- we encourage you to participate!

7.2 Student Board Member Reports

As a student Board member, it gives you such a bird’s eye view of what really goes into classroom work. Seeing self-advocacy being at only 47% just makes me sad. I wish students were able to understand that the goald that they want to reach are achievable and that they can do it. Conversations need to take place in the classroom. Whether it’s a test or a homework assignment, they need to believe in themselves first so that they can have that person they can run to, that trusted adult.

7.3 Board Committee Reports

Equity and Learning & Innovation Committee

Finance & Facilities Committee

7.4 Board Member Comments

Jared Ploger – attended a virtual meeting with Senator Rezin to discuss cell phone issues and vaping problems. In general, the safety of our kids and how Districts could be more protective.

Dominick Cirone – attended the Focus groups for Special Education and English Learners. He encouraged the community to attend and get involved.

Jennifer Johnson – discussed the Journal Magazine from IASB. It contains a reflection of the Triple I conference that the Board and Administration attended in November. It specifically highlighted Oswego and what we have done in our District around student representation.

8. Consent Agenda

8.1 Approval of Minutes from previous Meetings

8.2 Acknowledgement of Freedom of Information (FOIA) Requests 8.3 Approval of Field Trips Overnight and/or over 200 Miles

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 December 9, 2024, open and closed session; 8.2 to acknowledge the FOIA requests received by the District and 8.3 to approve the Field Trips for overnight and / or over 200 miles

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

9. Information

9.1 2025-26 and 2026-27 School Year Calendar

Dr. Zwemke outlined the process with the calendar committee. The plan is to request approval from the State for two additional half days for professional development. Mr. Ploger shared that we need to pay attention to climate, we will have more and more heat days in August so we might want to start later. Conferences are planned for October 23 and 24. Why not have them on October 30 and 31 instead. Feedback will go back to the calendar committee and be reviewed before coming back to the Board for action.

Ms. Johnson shared that from a fiscal perspective, we should start later since it’s a high cost to cool buildings. Buses and drivers need to be considered as well. The Board requested for the Student Advisory Committee to review the draft calendars so they can give us intentional feedback. Dr. Khelghati shared that graduation dates have been determined with NIU through 2028. Starting later in August would affect that.

9.2 Operations Update

Mr. Queen gave an update on the current projects that are going on in the District.

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, two hundred sixty-one thousand, two hundred fifty-eight dollars and thirty-nine cents ($4,261,258.39) as presented.

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

10.2 Board Policies Second Read: Section 2 School Board: (2:105); Section 6 Instruction (6:135); Section 7 Students (7:10); Section 8 Community Relations (8:10)

A motion was made by Mr. Jared Ploger, second by Mr. Dominick Cirone, to approve the following Board Policies: Section 2: School Board: (2:105); Section 6: Instruction (6:135); Section 7: Students (7:10) Section 8: Community Relations (8:10)

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

10.3 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 7-0

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

11. Adjournment

11.1 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 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 9:32 p.m.

https://go.boarddocs.com/il/oswego308/Board.nsf/files/DD6U897AC8CC/$file/01.13.25%20Draft%20Board%20Meeting%20Minutes.pdf