Kendall County Times

Oswego Community Unit School District 308 Board of Education met July. 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 (4:45 p.m.)

The meeting was called to order at 4:46 p.m. by President Dominick Cirone.

1.1 Roll Call:

Upon Roll Call the following members answered present:

Mr. Dominick Cirone, Dr. Amy Murillo, Dr. Rovel Pollock, Ms. Brandi Robinson, Ms. Erika Sieh, and Ms. Mary Jo Wenmouth

Members Absent (at roll call):

Dr. Heather Martin

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; 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 Ms. Mary Jo Wenmouth, 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; 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, Dr. Amy Murillo, Dr. Rovel Pollock, Ms. Brandi Robinson, Ms. Erika Sieh, and Ms. Mary Jo Wenmouth

The Board of Education entered closed session 4:48 p.m.

2.2 Return to Open Session

A motion was made by Ms. Mary Jo Wenmouth, second by Ms. Erika Sieh, to return to Open session.

Final Resolution: Motion Carried 7-0

Aye: Mr. Dominick Cirone, Dr. Heather Martin, Dr. Amy Murillo, Dr. Rovel Pollock, Ms. Brandi Robinson, Ms. Erika Sieh, and Ms. Mary Jo Wenmouth

The Board of Education returned to open session at 6:41 p.m.

3. Call to Order – Public Session (6:30 pm)

The meeting was called to order at 6:44 p.m. by President Dominick Cirone.

3.1 Roll Call:

Upon Roll Call the following members answered present:

Dominick Cirone, Dr. Heather Martin, Dr. Amy Murillo, Dr. Rovel Pollock, Ms. Brandi Robinson, Ms. Erika Sieh, and Ms. Mary Jo Wenmouth

Members Absent (at roll call):

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 of HR, Dr. Markisha Mitchell

Assistant Superintendent of Schools – High School, Dr. Kristen Campbell

Assistant Superintendent of Schools – K-8, Dr. Jadon Waller

Executive Director of Communications, Theresa Komitas

Director of Operations, William Queen

Director of Finances, Amanda Sitar

Others Present:

Brian Crowley, Franczek P.C.

Robert Lewis, PMA Securities, LLC

Employees of the District and members of the community.

Recording Secretary:

Brynn Pattermann

3.2 Pledge of Allegiance

Pledge of Allegiance was led by Board President Cirone.

4. Action Items

4.1 Approval of Building Administrator Contracts

A motion was made by Ms. Mary Jo Wenmouth, second by Ms. Erika Sieh, to approve the Building Administrator Contracts as discussed and presented.

Final Resolution: Motion Carried 7-0

Aye: Mr. Dominick Cirone, Dr. Heather Martin, Dr. Amy Murillo, Dr. Rovel Pollock, Ms. Brandi Robinson, Ms. Erika Sieh, and Ms. Mary Jo Wenmouth

5. Public Comment

5.1 Opportunity for the Public to address the Board of Education

Mr. Prassanna, on behalf of Lincoln Crossing Community ~ Mr. Prassanna Kumar voiced concerns about the lack of school transportation despite the completion of a new bridge. He noted that he was initially told busing would be provided regardless of the bridge’s status.

Mr. Prassanna Kumar urged a re-evaluation of safety conditions, citing the bridge's height, inadequate safety rails, active construction with heavy vehicles, lack of speed bumps, wildlife (including coyotes), and the need for children to cross cornfields. He emphasized that these risks are especially concerning in winter and could cause significant anxiety for parents.

Katie Heiden ~ Addressed the board regarding an agenda item about future development in partnership with the Village and SD308. She advocated for involving SD308 students in building the development, suggesting that this would strengthen Career and Technical Education (CTE) classes. She encouraged collaboration with the Village, and developers to establish internships or apprenticeships for SD308 students, aligning with college and career readiness goals.

Michael Reynolds ~ Expressed concerns about the proposed development of the Old Traughber Junior High property, which borders his historic home built in the 1890s. He highlighted potential negative impacts, including prolonged construction traffic, an influx of 250–500 new residents, increased traffic on an already busy street, and noise from potential retail components.

Mr. Reynolds also raised concerns about infrastructure strain, water pressure issues, and the possibility of rental units becoming Section 8 housing, which he feared could lower property values. He emphasized his commitment to maintaining his historic home and urged the board to consider the concerns of local residents in their decision-making.

6. Comments/Reports

6.1 Superintendent Report

It’s hard to believe that the school year is approaching so quickly! Dr. Khelghati invited Dr. Mitchell to share some highlights and provide a staffing update.

Dr. Mitchell reported that the district and HR have been actively working to fill vacancies for the upcoming school year. She presented comparative data highlighting significant improvements over the previous year. Board members acknowledged that these gains were the result of intentional contract changes aimed at making the district a more attractive place to work.

Dr. Khelghati invited Mr. Queen to provide an update on the HVAC system at Traughber Junior High. Mr. Queen reported that a major unit serving 35–40 classrooms failed last May. After consultations, Trane was selected to supply the replacement unit, which is set to ship on August 14th and will be installed soon after. A contingency plan, involving temporary outdoor AC units with ducting, is in place to maintain comfortable temperatures for students at the start of the school year.

Transportation

Our Transportation Department is hard at work finalizing bus routes and getting ready for the school year. As the residential areas we serve change, we make necessary adjustments based on the professional opinion of the engineers who conduct our hazardous road study. These changes are important to help us run more efficiently and economically. We remain committed to addressing any questions or concerns, and encourage families to contact our Transportation Department and our Schools Team, led by Dr. Waller and Dr. Campbell.

Back-to-School Website

The Back-to-School website is now live on the district’s homepage, providing important information on registration, school supply lists, required immunizations, and more!

Old Traughber

The final item I would like to address has come up in many of my recent conversations with community and staff members. Tonight, we are taking the next step in examining the opportunity to work with the Village of Oswego as they consider a proposal to develop the former Traughber Junior High School property. This is a property that the district deemed beyond reasonable repair many years ago. Repairing this property is far more costly than the benefits.

This project would open up an area of our community to promote economic diversity, ultimately providing our district with additional funds to support academics, athletics, and activities —directly benefiting our students.

Tonight’s resolution to formalize an engagement, it is not a sale but rather an opportunity to open up a formal partnership to ensure thoughtful consideration by the Village and the district around the Old Traughber interest, and whether or not they wish to proceed with learning about this project. There will be multiple points over the next several months where the Board will decide whether to proceed with obtaining more information before eventually voting to convey the property to the Village.

Part of our Board’s goal has been to make sure we are more efficient and transparent with our finances. This process thus far is in close alignment with that goal. Further, as we continue to learn more about this potential project, I want to remind our families and community members that Clarity Corner is a resource on the SD 308 website available to everyone. We encourage you to read the information that currently exists on that web page and submit questions about anything you would like addressed by the district.

BOE Shout-Outs

Ms. Robinson: Three students from OHS have achieved a high level of success at the national level! Congratulations to the following individuals for their performances at the SkillsUSA Championships: Aiden Emanuel, 15th place in Restaurant Service; Jack Wolcott, 7th place in Cabinetmaking; and Katelyn Thilk, 3rd place in Baking and Pastry Arts!

Dr. Pollock: Brayden Thompson of OHS participated in the Cubing World Championships in Seattle, where he placed 12th in the 3x3 blindfold category. In fact, you may have seen the incredible video of him in action on our district’s social media pages! Congratulations on this impressive accomplishment, Brayden!

Dr. Murillo: Many of our elementary students have gotten to engage in Makerspace sessions throughout the summer months! Whether programming Ozobots, constructing with blocks, or doing anything in between, these have been great opportunities for our students to exercise their imagination and learn many new skills.

Ms. Wenmouth: Even in the summer months, our staff is dedicated to serving our students! Shout-out to the SD 308 staff members who recently attended the AVID Summer Institute in Chicago—we know the skills you learned from this event will make such a difference in our students’ lives this year and beyond!

Dr. Martin: From now through Thursday, July 31, all are invited to contribute to the “Start Strong School Supply Drive” organized by Chick-fil-A and Community Cares. Chick-fil-A Oswego is collecting 12-count colored pencils; 3x3 Post-It Notes; 3-prong, 2-pocket plastic folders, and glue sticks. All supplies will support SD 308 students in need, and donors will receive an Offer Card good for a free chicken sandwich or 8-count chicken nuggets from Chick-fil-A!

President Cirone: All community members are encouraged to attend one of three upcoming Community Budget Meetings hosted by the SD 308 Finance Department. These meetings will be an opportunity to learn more about the District’s financial decisions for Fiscal Year 2026 and how they align with the Strategic Plan. These sessions will take place as follows: Tuesday, August 5 from 4 to 5:30 pm at Homestead Elementary School; Wednesday, August 6 from 6 to 7:30 pm at Lakewood Creek Elementary School; and Thursday, August 7 from noon to 1:30 pm virtually.

Ms. Sieh: Spread the word: SD 308 is hiring! We are looking for special education teacher assistants, nurses, bus drivers, bus monitors, mechanics, crossing guards, occupational therapists, and more to join the team! To learn more about our district’s available positions, please visit the SD 308 website.

6.2 Board Member Comments

After the Board shared their Shout-Outs, the meeting moved directly into the Consent Agenda.

7. Consent Agenda

7.1 Approval of Minutes from previous Meeting

7.2 Acknowledgement of Freedom of Information (FOIA) Requests

7.3 Resolution authorizing the grant of permanent easements and temporary construction easements to the DuPage Water Commission for its WaterLink Project

7.4 Acknowledgement of Boundless Educators Initiative grant award

A motion was made by Ms. Mary Jo Wenmouth, second by Ms. Erika Sieh, to approve all items under consent, including 7.1 minutes from the Board of Education Meeting on July 7, 2025 open and closed sessions; 7.2 to acknowledge the FOIA requests received by the District; 7.3 to approve a Resolution authorizing the grant of permanent easements and temporary construction easements to the DuPage Water Commission for its WaterLink Project; 7.4 to acknowledge and approve the acceptance of the Boundless Educators Initiative Grant Award received by the District in the amount of $75,000.

Final Resolution: Motion Carried 7-0

Aye: Mr. Dominick Cirone, Dr. Heather Martin, Dr. Amy Murillo, Dr. Rovel Pollock, Ms. Brandi Robinson, Ms. Erika Sieh, and Ms. Mary Jo Wenmouth

8. Information

8.1 Financial Information

The financial information can be found at the following link:

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

8.2 Review of refinancing opportunity in connection with the 2016 Bonds

The presentation was led by municipal advisor, Mr. Bob Lewis, and focused on a bond refunding opportunity for the district. The discussion centered on refinancing a 2016 bond with $86.7 million in callable principal at 5% interest, becoming callable on February 1, 2026. At current market rates (approximately 4.1%), the district could save an estimated $5.6 million over time, with a present value of $4.5 million—exceeding the 2% industry benchmark.

Board members inquired about risks, and Mr. Lewis confirmed refinancing would only proceed if interest rates remained favorable. Mr. Obafemi emphasized that any savings would directly benefit taxpayers by reducing interest payments. Currently, 20–25% of the school portion of local tax bills goes toward bond repayment, which would decrease with refinancing. The district has already significantly reduced its bond debt from an initial $250 million.

The board discussed setting a $1.7 million minimum savings threshold and agreed to move forward only if market conditions support this goal, consistent with past successful refinancing efforts.

Documents and complete audio can be accessed at the following link:

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

8.3 Water Billing Repayment Agreement

Mr. Obafemi provided an update on a Water Billing Repayment Agreement with the Village of Oswego, addressing underbilling errors discovered last year for two district properties. The errors involved charges from both the Village of Oswego and Fox Metro.

The district successfully negotiated a repayment plan with the Village, allowing payments to be spread over 10 years with no interest. Discussions with Fox Metro are ongoing, as they seek board approval for a similar agreement. Once finalized, that agreement will also be presented to the district board for approval.

9. Action Items

9.1 Approval of Bills for Payment

A motion was made by Ms. Mary Jo Wenmouth, second by Ms. Erika Sieh, to authorize the payment of bills in the amount of eight million, five hundred fifty-three thousand, three hundred twenty two dollars and fifty cents ($8,553,322.50) as presented.

Final Resolution: Motion Carried 7-0

Aye: Mr. Dominick Cirone, Dr. Heather Martin, Dr. Amy Murillo, Dr. Rovel Pollock, Ms. Brandi Robinson, Ms. Erika Sieh, and Ms. Mary Jo Wenmouth

9.2 Resolution Authorizing a Developer to Submit Initial Development Plans to the Village of Oswego to Undertake the Village Concept Review Process related to the Potential Development of the Old Traughber Property.

The board discussed a resolution allowing a developer to submit initial development plans to the Village of Oswego for the potential development of the old Traughber property. The board's attorney clarified that this is the first step in a multi-phase process and the board will have multiple opportunities to reassess and withdraw from the process.

This initial resolution only permits the village to conduct a preliminary review. If feedback is favorable, a second resolution would be required for zoning, and a third would authorize a property conveyance agreement—steps that are still months away.

Board members asked about their role, and the attorney confirmed that the board retains full discretion over whether conveying the property is in the district’s best interest. Development and zoning decisions would be handled by the village.

Mr. Obafemi noted the building hasn't been used for educational purposes in over eight years and is not needed based on enrollment projections. He stressed the importance of focusing resources on active facilities, rather than investing in a vacant, deteriorating structure.

Dr. Khelghati also addressed concerns about the Community Cares food pantry currently operating in the building, assuring that its services will continue through the upcoming fall.

Documents and complete audio can be accessed at the following link:

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

A motion was made by Ms. Mary Jo Wenmouth, second by Ms. Erika Sieh to approve a Resolution Authorizing a Developer to Submit Initial Development Plans to the Village of Oswego to Undertake the Village Concept Review Process related to the Potential Development of the Old Traughber Property.

Final Resolution: Motion Carried 6-1

Aye: Mr. Dominick Cirone, Dr. Heather Martin, Dr. Amy Murillo, Dr. Rovel Pollock, Ms. Erika Sieh, and Ms. Mary Jo Wenmouth

Abstain: Ms. Brandi Robinson

9.3 Approval of Copier Machines & Maintenance Services

A motion was made by Ms. Mary Jo Wenmouth, second by Ms. Erika Sieh, to approve and award the Copier Machines & Maintenance Services to Ricoh for a 60-month term.

Final Resolution: Motion Carried 7-0

Aye: Mr. Dominick Cirone, Dr. Heather Martin, Dr. Amy Murillo, Dr. Rovel Pollock, Ms. Brandi Robinson, Ms. Erika Sieh, and Ms. Mary Jo Wenmouth

9.4 Approval of 2025-26 Facility Rentals & Student Fees

A motion was made by Ms. Mary Jo Wenmouth, second by Ms. Erika Sieh, to approve the 2025- 26 Facility Rentals & Student Fees as discussed and presented.

Final Resolution: Motion Carried 7-0

Aye: Mr. Dominick Cirone, Dr. Heather Martin, Dr. Amy Murillo, Dr. Rovel Pollock, Ms. Brandi Robinson, Ms. Erika Sieh, and Ms. Mary Jo Wenmouth

9.5 Approval of IGA with Oswego Fire Department

A motion was made by Ms. Mary Jo Wenmouth, second by Ms. Erika Sieh, to approve the Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) with the Oswego Fire Department as discussed and presented.

Final Resolution: Motion Carried 7-0

Aye: Mr. Dominick Cirone, Dr. Heather Martin, Dr. Amy Murillo, Dr. Rovel Pollock, Ms. Brandi Robinson, Ms. Erika Sieh, and Ms. Mary Jo Wenmouth

9.6 Approval of Board Protocols

A motion was made by Ms. Mary Jo Wenmouth, second by Ms. Erika Sieh, to approve the Board Protocols as discussed and presented.

Final Resolution: Motion Carried 7-0

Aye: Mr. Dominick Cirone, Dr. Heather Martin, Dr. Amy Murillo, Dr. Rovel Pollock, Ms. Brandi Robinson, Ms. Erika Sieh, and Ms. Mary Jo Wenmouth

9.7 Approval of English IV – Perspective Novel

A motion was made by Ms. Mary Jo Wenmouth, second by Ms. Erika Sieh, to approve Solito as an additional text choice to the English IV Perspectives course as discussed and presented.

Final Resolution: Motion Carried 7-0

Aye: Mr. Dominick Cirone, Dr. Heather Martin, Dr. Amy Murillo, Dr. Rovel Pollock, Ms. Brandi Robinson, Ms. Erika Sieh, and Ms. Mary Jo Wenmouth

9.8 Approval of Resolution Authorizing Notice of Dismissal of Educational Support Staff Employee #1.

A motion was made by Ms. Mary Jo Wenmouth, second by Ms. Erika Sieh, to approve the Resolution Authorizing Notice of Dismissal to Educational Support Staff Employee Michael Hosler.

Final Resolution: Motion Carried 7-0

Aye: Mr. Dominick Cirone, Dr. Heather Martin, Dr. Amy Murillo, Dr. Rovel Pollock, Ms. Brandi Robinson, Ms. Erika Sieh, and Ms. Mary Jo Wenmouth

9.9 Approval of Resolution Authorizing Notice of Dismissal of Educational Support Staff Employee #2.

A motion was made by Ms. Mary Jo Wenmouth, second by Ms. Erika Sieh, to approve the Resolution Authorizing Notice of Dismissal to Educational Support Staff Employee Christopher Kasper.

Final Resolution: Motion Carried 7-0

Aye: Mr. Dominick Cirone, Dr. Heather Martin, Dr. Amy Murillo, Dr. Rovel Pollock, Ms. Brandi Robinson, Ms. Erika Sieh, and Ms. Mary Jo Wenmouth

9.10 Approval of Personnel Report

A motion was made by Ms. Mary Jo Wenmouth, second by Ms. Erika Sieh, to approve the Personnel Report as discussed and presented.

Final Resolution: Motion Carried 7-0

Aye: Mr. Dominick Cirone, Dr. Heather Martin, Dr. Amy Murillo, Dr. Rovel Pollock, Ms. Brandi Robinson, Ms. Erika Sieh, and Ms. Mary Jo Wenmouth

10. Adjournment

10.1 Adjourn

A motion was made by Ms. Mary Jo Wenmouth, second by Ms. Erika Sieh, to adjourn. All were in favor unanimously to adjourn.

Final Resolution: Motion Carried 7-0

Aye: Mr. Dominick Cirone, Dr. Heather Martin, Dr. Amy Murillo, Dr. Rovel Pollock, Ms. Brandi Robinson, Ms. Erika Sieh, and Ms. Mary Jo Wenmouth

Meeting Adjourned at 8:07 p.m.

https://go.boarddocs.com/il/oswego308/Board.nsf/files/DKAJJE4D654D/$file/07.28.25%20Draft%20Board%20Meeting%20Minutes.pdf