District 157-C April 18, 2018 Board of Education Meeting Recap

The regular Frankfort School District 157-C Board of Education meeting of April 18, 2018 was called to order by Board President Gina Briese at 7:00 p.m. The roll call was taken and a quorum was present. The Board recited the Pledge of Allegiance.

There was no correspondence.

The Board approved the Open and Closed Session minutes of the regular meeting of April 4, 2018.

Three people signed up to speak during the Public Forum portion of the meeting. Parent Gina Barrett expressed concern about administrators leaving District 157-C for positions in other districts. She also expressed her displeasure about Superintendent Dr. Maura Zinni inviting families to discuss Special Olympics activities while also inviting the Lincolnway Special Recreation Association (LWSRA) to discuss their potential involvement. Stephanie-Pearson Davis expressed her concern about Dr. Zinni’s leadership regarding placing a greater emphasis on the observation of Black History Month, addressing student bullying in school and staff turnover. Kim Nanos provided her knowledge of a large subdivision being built in New Lenox that will be within District 157-C boundaries. She asked the Board to look into it to make sure that the district is ready for such an increase in enrollment. Board President Gina Briese thanked all of the participants for their input and assured them that they would discuss their concerns as a Board and get back to each of them. After the meeting Mrs. Briese stated, "We heard some concerns from two parents about the turnover in our district at tonight's board meeting. It is not surprising that another district would be interested in hiring from our high-achieving district. The Board is confident that Dr. Zinni will be able to recruit highly competent individuals to replace outgoing staff and continue the excellent work that is happening in District 157-C."

The Board went into Closed Session at 7:16 p.m. to discuss appointment, employment compensation, discipline, performance and/or dismissal of specific employees; student discipline; student residency; student issue; reclassification of employees; and pending litigation.

The Board returned to Open Session at 7:36 p.m., the Board took action to approve the employment of Doug Wernet as new Principal of Chelsea Intermediate School.

The administrators provided written reports to the Board.

Hickory Creek Middle School Principal Will Seidelmann reported that he will meet at the end of the month with each grade level team to identify areas for improvement in curriculum, student engagement, and student interest. He stated, “We will continue to work with the district directors to identify how we will reach our goals for this year, next year, and a strategic plan to support the development of all of our staff.”

Grand Prairie Elementary School Principal Eileen Nelson reported that Administration and Reading Specialists, Carrie Sima and Lindsay Attanasio, appreciate the Board of Education’s support of their engaging summer reading program. She stated, “We are excited to offer students weekly interaction with the building by opening the library for checkout weekly. The goal is to motivate students to read throughout the summer to successfully lower the impact of “summer slippage!”

Chelsea Intermediate School Principal Dr. Sharon Paver-Nepote reported that Director of Technology Jacob Nelson and the technology team worked diligently to ensure that all of the technology devices at Chelsea School were prepared for the PARCC testing. Mr. Nelson and his technology team supported the teachers and students throughout testing window by being readily available to address any technical problems. Dr. Paver-Nepote stated, “The Chelsea staff greatly appreciated his team’s assistance in ensuring that all computers were prepared and the team’s support throughout the testing.”

Director of Curriculum & Instruction Janet McClarence reported that the district will continue to use its FastBridge assessment data to better understand how students are performing within the district’s core curriculum and with interventions. She stated, “We have one more benchmarking window in May. We are planning on sharing a growth report with parents at the end of the school year that will capture all three data points.”

Director of Special Services Jen Bajda reported that Curriculum & Instruction and Special Services Directors have been working with Chelsea administration to begin scheduling for the 2018-2019 school year. Parameters for scheduling such as students with disabilities, advanced programs, and band and orchestra students have been discussed. She reported that scheduling conversations will continue into the summer months.

Director of Human Resources Craig Schoppe reported that the leadership team continues its work towards creating standardized hiring practices for the District. At the last meeting they gathered a list of questions that each building administrator currently utilizes for teacher interviews. They identified specific questions that should be consistently asked at all teacher interviews to ensure that they are identifying candidates who meet the professional skillsets and characteristics that were established at their last meeting. The team is also accumulating a bank of interview questions to import into their new interview folder for all administrators to access as needed.

Director of Technology Jake Nelson reported that over Spring Break he and his team upgraded the district SNAP software which is the district’s school nurse program. Version 4.6.0 was installed which was released on March 15th. He reported that all went well and that the nurses are looking into using some of the new features.

Director of Building & Grounds Rodney Davis reported on numerous upgrades and repairs that were made to all three of the district’s buildings.

Board member Edith Lutz reported that the next District Insurance Committee meeting will be held on April 19 from 3:30 to 5:00 p.m.

The Board heard a report from Board Secretary Edie Adamski on the Lincoln-Way Area Special Education District 843 Advisory Committee meeting of March 12, 2018 and the Governing Board meeting of March 20, 2018. District 843 also held a special meeting on March 27, 2018.

President of the Family School Partnership (FSP) Tina Kohler presented a year-end report on her organization’s activities to the Board. This will be her final year as President as two new Co-Presidents have volunteered to take over the leadership. The FSP still is seeking a Treasurer for the Board. Superintendent Dr. Maura Zinni thanked Mrs. Kohler stating, “You have done a remarkable job leading this organization the past few years. You set the bar high and we are thrilled it will continue on.”

In the Superintendent’s report, Dr. Zinni provided information on the Special Education/Related Service Staffing Projections for 2018-19. She reported that District 157-C will share some services with Lincoln-Way Area Special Education District 843 and is recommending a new Dean position at Chelsea Intermediate School. She also provided information on the annual Staff Recognition and Retirement Celebration to be held on Wednesday, May 23 from 3:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. and the “Meet the New Principals” for the new Grand Prairie and Chelsea Principals that will be held on Tuesday, May 29, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. During Volunteer Appreciation week, the Board members were recognized for the many hours of dedication they volunteer for District 157-C.

Director of Business and Operational Services Kate Ambrosini provided the Board with the April 18, 2018 Treasurer's Report and Graphs. The total fund balance decreased by $2,285,266 (from $42,778,059 to $40,492,793) primarily due to reduced revenues. Monthly revenue receipts totaled $335,858 primarily due to general state aid and evidence based funding payments. Monthly expense disbursements totaled $2,621,124 primarily due to payroll of $2,237,447 and accounts payable of $447,153.

There were two Freedom of Information requests and they were responded to in a timely manner.

In discussion, Director of Curriculum & Instruction Janet McClarence provided information on the District's programming for the highest achieving students and the recommendation of the addition of an advanced math program for grade 5 in the 2018-2019 school year.

In discussion, Hickory Creek Middle School Principal Will Seidelmann provided information on the proposed class voluntary trip to Washington D.C. for eighth grade students in the 2018-19 school year. Based on the success of this year’s trip, next year’s trip would again be facilitated by WorldStrides Discoveries Programs to take place over Spring Break, March 23-25, 2019.

In discussion, Superintendent Dr. Maura J. Zinni provided information on providing a chaperone stipend of $125.00 per day to cover chaperones who attend student field trips for more than four hours out of the school day. If approved by the Board, the stipend would cover all student field trips moving forward.

In discussion, Director of Business and Operational Services Kate Ambrosini provided the Board with information on the County School Facility Sales Tax (CSFT.) This tax went into law in 2007 and was amended in 2011. Revenues received from the tax can be used to abate property taxes, to pay building bonds, or for school facilities or site improvements such as parking lots, roofs or technology infrastructure. The tax allows Will County voters to approve a sales tax increase in ¼ % increments, up to 1%. Services and select items are exempt from tax. If it is not currently taxed it will not be taxed. Revenue is distributed equally throughout the County on a per pupil basis. District 157-C is estimated to receive approximately $1.1M based on 1% sales tax and an enrollment of 2474 students. If school boards that represent 50% of the resident students adopt a resolution, the question will be placed on the ballot of the next regular scheduled election for a County-wide vote. The Board reached consensus to think about this further, speak with members of the community regarding the impact of such a tax and bring the matter back for further discussion at the next Board meeting.

In discussion, Director of Business and Operational Services Kate Ambrosini provided the Board with an update on the FY 2018-2019 tentative budget fund balance surplus and/or deficit estimates.

The Board took action to adopt the Resolution Honoring the Dismissal of Educational Support Personnel at the close of the 2017-2018 school year for Title I Instructional Aides.

The Board took action to approve the employment of Lori Mensik as a full-time Kindergarten Teacher at Grand Prairie Elementary School at an annual salary rate of $48,853.00 with a start date of August 21, 2018, contingent upon the receipt and evaluation of employment documentation required by District 157-C and the Illinois State Board of Education.

The Board took action to approve the employment of Megan Murray as a full-time Kindergarten Teacher at Grand Prairie Elementary School at an annual salary rate of $48,853.00 with a start date of August 21, 2018, contingent upon the receipt and evaluation of employment documentation required by District 157-C and the Illinois State Board of Education.

The Board took action to approve the employment of Mary Hawking as a full-time Kindergarten Teacher at Grand Prairie Elementary School at an annual salary rate of $50,292.00 with a start date of August 21, 2018, contingent upon the receipt and evaluation of employment documentation required by District 157-C and the Illinois State Board of Education.

The Board took action to approve the employment of Jessica Jackson as a full-time Kindergarten Teacher at Grand Prairie Elementary School at an annual salary rate of $55,985.00 with a start date of August 21, 2018, contingent upon the receipt and evaluation of employment documentation required by District 157-C and the Illinois State Board of Education.

The Board took action to approve the employment of Brittany Campbell as a one-year full-time Kindergarten Teacher at Grand Prairie Elementary School at an annual salary rate of $51,847.00 for the 2018-2019 school year only with a start date of August 21, 2018, contingent upon the receipt and evaluation of employment documentation required by District 157-C and the Illinois State Board of Education.

The Board took action to approve the employment of Samantha Mikrut as a full-time First Grade Teacher at Grand Prairie Elementary School at an annual salary rate of $48,012.00 with a start date of August 21, 2018, contingent upon the receipt and evaluation of employment documentation required by District 157-C and the Illinois State Board of Education.

The Board took action to approve the employment of Katie Doherty as a full-time Special Education Teacher at Grand Prairie Elementary School at an annual salary rate of $55,985.00 with a start date of August 21, 2018, contingent upon the receipt and evaluation of employment documentation required by District 157-C and the Illinois State Board of Education.

The Board took action to approve the employment of Karen Jackson for a part-time Kindergarten Lunch/Recess Supervisor at Grand Prairie Elementary School at an hourly rate of $11.50 with a start date of March 19, 2018, contingent upon the receipt and evaluation of employment documentation required by District 157-C and the Illinois State Board of Education.

The Board took action to approve the employment of Jordyn Davis for a full-time summer clerical position at Grand Prairie Elementary School at an hourly rate of $8.50 with a start date of June 4, 2018, contingent upon the receipt and evaluation of employment documentation required by District 157-C and the Illinois State Board of Education.

The Board took action to approve the employment of Catherine O'Rourke as a one-year full-time Daily Assignment Teacher for third grade at Chelsea Intermediate School at an annual salary rate of $52,447.00 for the 2018-2019 school year only with a start date of August 21, 2018, contingent upon the receipt and evaluation of employment documentation required by District 157-C and the Illinois State Board of Education.

The Board took action to approve the employment of Cara Gabriel as a full-time Fifth Grade Teacher at Chelsea Intermediate School at an annual salary rate of $55,821.00 with a start date of August 21, 2018, contingent upon the receipt and evaluation of employment documentation required by District 157-C and the Illinois State Board of Education.

The Board took action to approve the employment of Kaylin Berg for a full-time Sixth Grade Special Education Paraprofessional at Hickory Creek Middle School at an hourly rate of $11.45 with a start date of April 3, 2018, contingent upon the receipt and evaluation of employment documentation required by District 157-C and the Illinois State Board of Education.

The Board took action to approve the Summer STEM Fun program for incoming fifth grade students at Chelsea Intermediate School. There will be four one-day sessions and each session will last three and a half hours. The sessions would take place June 11, 2018 through June 14, 2018. The stipend for the Summer STEM Fun program would be $420 and the supply expense is $35. The club would run with a minimum participation of 10 students per day and a maximum of 20 students per day.

The Board took action to approve an extended day chaperone stipend of $125.00 per day for chaperones who work beyond the school day four or more hours. This action will cover all student field trips moving forward.

The Board took action to approve the Board of Education meeting dates for the 2018-2019 school year. Meetings will be held on the third Wednesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. with the exception of no meeting to be held in July and the November meeting held on November 14 rather than November 21 due to the Thanksgiving holiday. Meeting dates will be June 20, August 15, September 19, October 17, November 14 and December 19, 2018 and January 16, February 20, March 20, April 17, May 15 and June 19, 2019. All meetings will be held in the Administrative Center at Grand Prairie Elementary School, 10482 West Nebraska Street, Frankfort, Illinois.

The Board took action to approve the bid for mechanical bid by Southwest Town Mechanical, including the base bid, alternate 1, 2A and 3, while rejecting alternate 2B. The total contracted cost will be $508,161. Additionally, the Board authorized the Director of Business and Operational Services to approve change orders in excess of the contract amount up to the required allowance amount of $12,000. Combined it is recommended to approve the total project cost of $520,161 from Southwest Town Mechanical.

The Board took action to approve the payment of bills for March 2018 as presented.

In the Consent Agenda, the Board took action to approve the replacement of seventeen current switches with six new switches and associated cabling at a cost of $44,658 from the 2017-18 Technology budget.

In the Consent Agenda, the Board authorized the Superintendent to file with the Will County Regional Office of Education a revised calendar for the 2017-2018 school year as follows: 2018 *Last day of school and School Improvement Day - Monday, June 4, 2018.”

In the Consent Agenda, the Board approved the Resolution declaring the buildings and grounds equipment and extracurricular items as surplus. Further, the Board authorized the Director of Business and Operational Services to sell, trade or dispose of these surplus items, as appropriate, for their fair market value in accordance with established State statutes and the Illinois School Code.

The Board tabled the decision on the adoption of the new Social Studies curriculum for Hickory Creek Middle School until more information is gathered via a survey and looking into a possible pilot program.

The Board went into Closed Session at 9:09 p.m. to discuss appointment, employment compensation, discipline, performance and/or dismissal of specific employees; student discipline; student residency; student issue; reclassification of employees; and pending litigation.

The Board adjourned Closed Session at 10:48 p.m. and adjourned the Regular meeting at 10:49 p.m.

The next regular District 157-C Board of Education meeting will be held on May 16, 2018 at 7:00 p.m. in the District Office Board Room at Grand Prairie Elementary School, 10482 W. Nebraska Street, in Frankfort, Illinois.