Kendall County Times

Oswego Community Unit School District 308 Board of Education met April 28.

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 (6:00 p.m.)

The meeting was called to order at 6:01 p.m. by Vice President Eugene Gatewood

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)(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)(12)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; 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(15) Discussion of minutes of meetings lawfully closed under the Open Meetings Act, whether for purposes of approval by the body of the minutes or semi-annual review of the minutes as mandated by Section 2.06.

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)(12)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; 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(15) Discussion of minutes of meetings lawfully closed under the Open Meetings Act, whether for purposes of approval by the body of the minutes or semi-annual review of the minutes as mandated by Section 2.06.

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. Dominick Cirone, 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 6:38 p.m.

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

The meeting was called to order at 7:00 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 (absent)

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 Student Services, Jeremy Bell

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

Executive Director or Secondary Schools, Dr. Markisha Mitchell

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 Pro Tempore Eugene Gatewood

4. Recognitions

4.1 PRIDE Recognitions

Mr. Francis, Executive Director of Schools, presented PRIDE awards to staff members from multiple schools. The program, now in its ninth year, recognizes outstanding contributions from teachers and employees across the district, supported by partners including Chick-fil-A, Culvers, and other local businesses.

The following individuals have been identified as the PRIDE winners for the month of April:

PLANK

Certified: Damanjit Puri - Science Teacher

Certified: Jill Beane - ELA Teacher

Certified: William Davis - Math Teacher

Non-Certified: Melissa Ross - Teacher Assistant

Non-Certified: Swapna Manchala - Substitute

OSWEGO EAST

Certified: Madhura Rede - Science Teacher

Certified: Patrick Sweeney - ELA Teacher

Certified: Stacy Sajder Adams - Business Teacher

Non-Certified: Enrique Figueroa - Teacher Assistant

Non-Certified: Kelly Quirin - Food Service

OSWEGO HIGH

Certified: Colleen Mckeown - SpEd Teacher

Certified: Gregory Pelzer - Math Teacher

Certified: Kevin Patterman - Industrial Education

Teacher

Non-Certified: Lynne Waite - SpEd Secretary

Non-Certified: Sydney West- Teacher Assistant

TRANSITION

Certified: Jessica Shega - Social Worker

Certified: Lisa Hrouda - Teacher

Non-Certified: Shannon Shambaugh - Teacher

Assistant

5. Public Hearing

5.1 Public Hearing for Renewal of State Waiver for Show Choir

President Simelton opened the Public Hearing for the Renewal of the State Waiver for Show Choir. She informed the public that there would be two opportunities for Public comment, either during this Public Hearing or the regular Public Comment section of the meeting.

Dr. Mitchell presented the overview, requesting a five-year renewal of the waiver that would allow students in commotion show choir to be exempt from physical education requirements due to their rigorous practice schedule of 7.5-10 hours per week.

There was no public present to comment on the Renewal of the waiver for the Show Choir.

There was no request for additional information from Administration.

5.2 Close Public Hearing

President Simelton closed the Public Hearing.

6. Public Comment

5.1 Opportunity for the Public to address the Board of Education

Nicole Johnson – expressed deep concerns about persistent behavioral disruptions at Fox Chase Elementary. She highlighted the lack of effective behavioral management and insufficient administrative responses to ongoing incidents.

Caitlin Placek – parent of first and third graders, detailed specific incidents including furniture throwing, physical aggression, and classroom evacuations. She emphasized that despite raising concerns with administration, the situation has not improved significantly.

Melissa Harry – both a parent and educator in a neighboring district, shared her unique perspective on special education needs while advocating for better support for all students. She emphasized the importance of proper intervention and support for both students with behavioral challenges and the general education population.

Kimberli Balder – a dedicated building substitute at Fox Chase and long-time volunteer, reinforced the urgent need for additional resources and consistent policies regarding classroom evacuations and parent notification.

Melissa Ross - Margaret Wright's statement, read by Melissa Ross, highlighted specific safety concerns regarding her daughter with epilepsy who was physically struck during a behavioral incident.

Katie Heiden – thanked Mr. Patterson and Mrs. Wilson for representing our students at Skills USA, especially for an industry that tends to go unsupported. Ms. Heiden advocated again for students in the Trades to have a signing day, just like students in sports.

7. Action Items

7.1 Approval of Building Administrator Contracts

The board approved multiple building and district administrator contracts, with Dr. Zwimke presenting new appointments and internal promotions.

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 7-0

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

7.2 Approval of District Administrator Contracts

A motion was made by Mr. Jared Ploger, second by Mr. Dominick Cirone, to approve the District Administrator contracts 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

8. Presentations

8.1 Transportation Efficiency and Ridership

Raphael Obafemi introduced the discussion by highlighting that transportation is expensive to run in the district, emphasizing the need for greater efficiency while maintaining good customer service and financial sustainability.

LaShawn Mosley, Director of Transportation, presented the hazardous study findings. She explained that riders are eligible for service if they live more than 1.5 miles from their home school, if an area is considered hazardous, or if they have an IEP. She announced changes to the Kids Connection program, which will now be available in every elementary building.

Regarding daycare services, LaShawn explained that transportation will only be provided within home school boundaries for eligible riders along established routes. This represents a change from previous practices where students were transported regardless of eligibility or distance.

The hazardous study criteria were detailed, with four main factors: walking along a roadway, walking on a roadway, crossing a roadway, or crossing railroad tracks. Areas receiving 12 or more points are considered hazardous, with the board having the option to add judgment points. Raphael Obafemi later addressed the financial implications, noting that transportation spending exceeds income, projecting a potential $27 million deficit in five years if changes aren't made. He emphasized the need for systematic implementation of changes to avoid community backlash.

9. Comments/Reports

9.1 Superintendent Report

As always, I am overjoyed in celebrating our PRIDE winners this month. Congratulations to our amazing staff members who were acknowledged earlier this evening!

This Thursday, I am looking forward to celebrating more of our staff members who are being recognized as retirees and multi-year honorees. These individuals have provided a combined total of 1,786 years of service and dedication to our district—how incredible is that? We are so grateful for their commitment and contributions.

On a similar note, tonight will be the final regular meeting for four outgoing members of the board, and one of our student board members We will formally acknowledge their selfless service and dedication at the special meeting May 5th.

As we wrap up April and look ahead to May, we prepare for an exciting conclusion to the 2024-25 school year. During this time, in addition to the celebrations, our schools, district-level staff, administrators, and union leaders have shifted our attention to planning for next year.

The challenges our schools have faced and the successes we have realized all come to bear as our 308 team focuses on reflecting and organizing for next year. Our staff takes this responsibility very seriously and is using everything from student achievement data to narrative feedback and the voice of our students in considering next steps.

Our strategic plan furthermore provides the necessary direction to support the changes we must pursue in our schools and across our district.

Can you believe we’re already in the final stretch of this year with graduation just a few weeks away!

BOE Shout-Outs

Mr. Gatewood: Last week, Old Post Elementary School was named one of only 45 schools nationwide to be honored as an AVID School of Excellence! This incredible honor reflects staff dedication, student determination, and community support. Additionally, Old Post welcomed attendees from nearby school districts to the AVID Showcase, which allowed them to hear about AVID’s impact on SD 308 and see the skills in action! Congratulations to the Wildcats on this exciting news!

Mrs. Johnson: Andrew Pohlman and Mae Robinson of Oswego East High School have been selected for the NIAAA Scholarship from the Illinois Athletic Directors Association. In her four years at OEHS, Mae’s involvement includes cross country, track and field, SALT, NHS, and Spanish NHS, while Andrew has made his mark through basketball, football, track and field, SALT, NHS, and HOWL. Congratulations to both of these students!

Mr. Cirone: The Bednarcik Science Olympiad team competed at the Illinois Science Olympiad State Tournament this month. They placed fifth in their division and had multiple individual medal winners. Congratulations on your accomplishments!

Mrs. Wenmouth: This month, Ryan Pentzien was named the Illinois Girls Diving Coach of the Year at the Illinois Swimming and Diving Association’s All-State Banquet. Congratulations on this incredible achievement, Coach Pentzien!

Mr. Ploger: Student journalism continues to thrive at Oswego High School, as the school’s newspaper, 42Fifty, and yearbook, Reflector, received bronze certificate recognitions from the Northern Illinois Scholastic Press Association. Several students also received awards for their individual work. Congratulations to OHS’s journalism program students and advisers!

Dr. Murillo: Aidan Hofmann, a senior Project Lead the Way engineering student at OEHS, recently competed at the Illinois Design Educators Association’s State Competition, where he placed 3rd in the Assembly Modeling event! Congratulations on your success, Aidan!

President Simelton: Standing O Theatre Company and East Theatre just concluded their spring musicals! We are so impressed by the hard work and talent of our students and staff members who made these shows come to life! Congratulations on your theatre seasons!

9.2 Student Board Member Reports

I am happy to share an update on the recent work of the Superintendent Student Advisory Council (SSAC). After the Speak and Spark event, SSAC members carefully looked at the feedback from our peers and community. We took the time to read every comment, suggestion, and concern to make sure we didn't miss any important viewpoints. We also disaggregated the data which informed us of some common themes.

After thoughtful discussions, we decided to focus on Respect and Communication as our top priority for next school year. Other areas of focus are as follows:

Mental Health & Teacher-Student Relationships

Censorship & Safe Classroom Discussions

Cultural & Relational Responsiveness

The Role of Cellphones in the Classroom

Though Respect and Communication will be the driving force, we will be embedding mental health, relationships, and cultural and relational responsiveness into our plans. We believe that respect is important for creating a safe and welcoming school environment. It affects how we treat each other, work together, and handle problems. Good communication is also key — it helps build strong relationships between students, staff, and administrators, and ensures that everyone’s voice is heard and understood.

By focusing on these areas, SSAC aims to build a stronger, more connected school community. We are dedicated to creating practical plans based on student and admin feedback, and we look forward to collaborating with our building principals to make these values a reality. Thank you to everyone who shared their thoughts. Your input is greatly appreciated and is essential to our vision for the future.

Finally, though Khali is not here, on behalf of both of us, we just wanted to express our gratitude and respect to our fellow board members. We have learned so much from each of you and each of you will be missed. Thank you for the opportunity to serve with you.

9.3 Board Member Comments

Mr. Cirone – shared that he participated in the SD308 staff volleyball tournament. Mr. Cirone also attended the College and Career Expo.

Ms. Wenmouth – attended the AVID Showcase at Old Post. It was on of those occasions where member from other District came to learn about this program.

Mr. Ploger – shared that not only did his time on the Board come to an end, but that it also was the last few weeks as a parent in the District. He apologized for missing some things with the Board due to attending his son’s school functions.

Ms. Johnson – had a chance to see You’re in Town and Grease. It was a beautiful performance.

10. Consent Agenda

10.1 Approval of Minutes from previous Meeting

10.2 Acknowledgement of Freedom of Information (FOIA) Requests

10.3 Approval of Field Trips Overnight and/or over 200 Miles

10.4 Acknowledgement of 2026 Prom Vendor for Oswego High School

A motion was made by Mr. Jared Ploger, second by Mr. Dominick Cirone, to approve all items under consent, including 10.1 Minutes from the Board of Education meeting on April 7, 2025 open and closed session; 10.2 to acknowledge the FOIA requests received by the District; 10.3 to approve the Field Trips for overnight and/or more than 200 Miles and 10.4 to acknowledge the 2026 Prom Vendor for Oswego High School

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. Information

11.1 Financial Information

The financial information can be found at the following link:

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

11.2 Oswego East High School Pool Re-grout

Our acting Building Engineer and Maintenance Technician at OEHS, recently identified a significant water loss in the pool, prompting a thorough inspection with our pool chemical contractor. To further assess the extent of the issue, we drained the pool during spring break and invited three tile contractors to evaluate the tile and grout condition.

The proposals can be found at the following link:

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

12. Action Items

12.1 Approval of Bus Lease Agreement

A motion was made by Mr. Jared Ploger, second by Mr. Eugene Gatewood, to approve the Bus Lease Agreement to replace 72 buses at a total cost of $12,769,965.00 over a 5-year term

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

12.2 Approval of Changes to the School Day Structure at the Junior High Level for 2025-26

A motion was made by Mr. Jared Ploger, second by Ms. Mary Jo Wenmouth, to approve the proposed changes to the school day structure at the junior high level for the 2025-26 school year

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

12.3 Approval of Brokaw RTU Installation

A motion was made by Mr. Jared Ploger, second by Mr. Dominick Cirone, to award the Brokaw RTU installation project to Oakbrook Mechanical Inc. in the amount of $148,800.00

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

12.4 Approval of Asphalt & Concrete Pavement Projects

A motion was made by Mr. Jared Ploger, second by Mr. Dominick Cirone, to award the Asphalt & Concrete project contract to Abbey Construction Co., Inc. for a total cost of $3,337,335.00

Let the minutes reflect that the District was notified by our attorney, Stuart Whitt on Tuesday, April 29, 2025 that the amount included in the motion was not correct. Abbey Construction Co, Inc. will draft a new contract with the correct amount of $3,129,635.00

Final Resolution: Motion Carried 6-0

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

Abstain: Ms. Mary Jo Wenmouth

12.5 Approval of Junior High Novel Selection

A motion was made by Mr. Jared Ploger, second by Mr. Eugene Gatewood, to approve the Junior High Novel Proposals for 2025-26

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

12.6 Approval of High School African American Studies Textbook Selection

A motion was made by Mr. Jared Ploger, second by Mr. Eugene Gatewood, to approve the High School African American Studies textbook selection

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

12.7 Approval of Renewal of State Waiver

A motion was made by Mr. Jared Ploger, second by Mr. Dominick Cirone, to approve the Resolution authorizing the submission of a State Waiver Application to exempt a student participating in Show Choir from participating in Physical Education

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

12.8 Approval of Destruction of the Audio Recordings of the Closed Session Meetings from May 5, 2023 to October 23, 2023

A motion was made by Mr. Jared Ploger, second by Mr. Eugene Gatewood, to approve the Destruction of the Audio Recordings of the Closed Session Meetings from May 5, 2023 to October 23, 2023

Final Resolution: Motion Carried 5-2

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

Nay: Ms. Jennifer Johnson, Mr. Jared Ploger

12.9 Approval of the Release of those Closed Session Minutes which no longer require confidential treatment and will be made available for public inspection, and retain as confidential those Closed Session minutes for which the need for confidentiality still exists

A motion was made by Mr. Jared Ploger, second by Mr. Eugene Gatewood, to make available no closed session minutes at this time due to a determination that they require continued confidentiality

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

12.10 Approval of Resignation of Licensed Personnel

A motion was made by Mr. Jared Ploger, second by Mr. Dominick Cirone, to approve the Release and Separation Agreement with Registered Behavior Technician, Jacquelyn Mendez

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

12.11 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

13. 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 9:13 p.m.

https://go.boarddocs.com/il/oswego308/Board.nsf/files/DGGVCU8024E0/$file/04.28.25%20Draft%20Board%20Meeting%20Minutes.pdf