District 157-C August 16, 2017 Board of Education Meeting Recap

The regular Frankfort School District 157-C Board of Education meeting of August 16, 2017 was called to order by Board President Gina Briese at 6:59 p.m. The roll call was taken and a quorum was present. The Board recited the Pledge of Allegiance.

The correspondence included a thank you letter from teacher Leslie Walton, regarding the book donation for Hickory Creek's library that was made in memory of her mother.

The Board approved the Open and Closed Session minutes of the regular Board of Education meeting of June 21, 2017, the work session of June 21, 2017, and the Special Board of Education Meeting of July 26, 2017.

No one signed up to speak during the Public Forum portion of the meeting.

Board President, Gina Briese administered the Oath of Office to Dr. Larry Kociolek, the new Board member appointed at the special board meeting on July 26, 2017.

Sarah Rexroad, Director, and Colleen Wronski, Business Manager, of Lincolnway Area Special Education Cooperative (LWASE) District 843, presented their proposed budget. After all of the Lincoln-Way Districts have approved the Joint Agreement FY 2017-2018 Budget, LWASE District 843 will bring it to the Governing Board for their hearing.

Hickory Creek Middle School Principal Will Seidelmann thanked the Board for having its meeting at Hickory Creek following the ribbon cutting ceremony for the school’s library and STEM room improvements. The improvements were funded by the District’s Education Foundation and Family School Partnership (FSP) organization. Mr. Seidelmann reported on the summer programs taking place at his building. The summer bridge program was held for students entering the Honors program and he reported that parents loved the program for their children. He also reported that over 120 students participated in summer band and orchestra program and that the athletics programs have begun.

Chelsea Intermediate School Principal Dr. Sharon Paver-Nepote reported that Chelsea’s summer programs were very successful. The summer bridge program was held for children entering third grade. It ran for six weeks and students were encouraged to read and discuss grade-level text. They also took tours of the building to become more familiar with their new school. She reported that the children were excited to participate and the feedback was very good from parents. Dr. Paver-Nepote reported that instrumental music has taken off, with 44 students participating in orchestra and 97 in band, more than half of third grade. She also reported that many families said they are elated to have Spanish instruction begin this fall. She expressed her thanks to Director of Building & Grounds Rodney Davis and Director of Technology Jake Nelson and their teams for their help in preparing Chelsea for the new school year.

Grand Prairie Elementary School Principal Eileen Nelson reported that the summer bridge program had the best attendance ever. The children were taken around to tour the building to lower any anxiety they may have about coming to school. Superintendent Dr. Maura Zinni stated, “This was the second year for parents and kids to come in to go to the library and do math. We had kids coming in all day long!”

Director of Curriculum & Instruction Janet McClarence stated, “We have finished up a remarkable summer. This is my tenth year in the district and there is more happening here than ever before.” She reported that teachers worked over 700 times over the summer to improve their practice and investment in kids. She continued, “We are pretty proud about that.” She also reported that technology coaches have been preparing for the kick off of the 1:1 initiative in fifth grade where each student will have his or her own computer at school. They facilitated work with teachers, planned for the technology roll out with students and developed an in-district course for all teachers to enhance their technology skills.

Director of Special Services Jen Bajda reported that training for the new Fastbridge assessment is going well. It replaces the Terra Nova and Aims Web assessments. She reported that some 40 teachers, special education teachers and interventionists came in to train. This group will work to train the remainder of the staff once school begins.

Director of Technology Jake Nelson reported that he and his team are working through their summer list of technology projects. Some of these include updating the various applications and rosters in the district, performing the PowerSchool technology platform rollover for the new school year, conversion of desktop computers in classrooms to be wireless, upgrading the camera servers, upgrading the IronPort SPAM filter appliance, and completing the installation of switches at Hickory Creek and Chelsea.

Director of Building & Grounds Rodney Davis reported that he and his team have been making numerous improvements to the buildings over the summer. Some of these include asphalt repairs to the Hickory Creek parking lot and softball field repairs. The Chelsea parking lot was sealed and striped, the roof replacement completed and the north floor gym was refinished. At Grand Prairie, a new intercom system was installed and the Reading Recovery transparent mirror and audio system were installed, along with painting of all hallways and bathrooms. At Hickory Creek the library and STEM room were painted and the band instrument cabinets were relocated to the new orchestra and 6th grade band room.

Director of Human Resources Craig Schoppe reported that he and Dr. Zinni conducted the first of the two day induction for new certified staff members. Seventeen new staff members had the opportunity to meet with the directors, building principals and instructional coaches to learn more about district curriculum, policy and procedures. During this time new staff members also met with their assigned mentors. Mr. Schoppe thanked the Board for approving the mentoring program stating, “This is so critical to new teachers.”

Board member Edith Lutz reported that the next meeting of the District Insurance Committee would be held on August 17.

Board Secretary Edie Adamski provided reports on the Lincoln-Way Area Special Education 843 Advisory Committee meeting of June 12 and the Governing Board meeting of June 27 and July 25.

Family School Partnership (FSP) President Tina Kohler provided a report on the organization’s plans for the new school year.

Superintendent Dr. Maura Zinni provided the Board with an enrollment update, a staffing update, information about the new teacher and mentor induction program, the August 22 District-wide staff lunch at 12:45-1:30 p.m. at Hickory Creek Middle School and the list of teachers who obtain tenure. She also reported that District 157-C will again march in the Frankfort Fall Festival parade on September 3 and all community members are invited to join them.

Director of Business & Operations Kate Ambrosini provided the Board with the Treasurer's Reports for July and August. The August fund balance decreased by $1,062,866 primarily due to anticipated reduction in summer revenue from $45,502,017 to $44,439,151. The total investment portfolio total is $44,204,668, with a total cash on hand of $234,483. Monthly revenue receipts totaled $1,249,999 primarily due to advanced property tax rate of $1,097,678, registration fees of $52,290, CPPRT in the amount of $31,140, grant claims of $17,782 and impact fees of $3,998. Monthly expenses showed disbursements totaling $2,312,865 primarily due to payroll in the amount of $1,229,972 and accounts payable in the amount of $1,082,894. The fiscal year to date cumulative expenses have a budget of $36,724,461, actual of $1,398,746.10, variance of ($35,325,714.90,) percent to budget 4 percent. The health plan account increased by $19,276.81, from $725,467.47 to $744,744.28, the revenue is $208,679.98 and disbursements totaled $189,403.17. The activity fund account increased by $34,381.65, from $216,008.05 to $250,389.70 with revenue totaling $55,689.15 and disbursements totaling $21,307.50. The District’s gas analysis was estimated to be 36 percent full by 7/31/17, weighted cost of gas in storage estimated at .310, with July nominations 18,600 therms at .288 and usage estimated to be 10,000 therms.

There were no Freedom of Information requests.

In discussion, the Board discussed the process for the verbatim destruction of minutes. As required by law, the audio recordings of closed meetings older than 18 months may be destroyed.

In discussion, the Board reviewed the Closed Session minutes. As required by law, every six months the closed session minutes must be reviewed and those approved by the Board of Education will be made part of the public record. Superintendent Dr. Zinni and Board President Gina Briese reviewed the closed session meeting minutes and recommended that December 21, 2016, January 18, 2017, February 15, 2017, March 15, 2017, April 19, 2017 and May 17, 2017 minutes not be released for the public record.

In discussion, Director of Business and Operational Services, Kate Ambrosini, provided information for the
Board to review the District’s Year-End Fund Balance Analysis.

The Board took action to accept the Lincoln-Way Area Special Education 843 FY 2017-2018 proposed Budget as presented.

The Board took action to approve the employment of Sarah Bolin as a Full-Time 1:1 Medical Paraprofessional at Hickory Creek Middle School at an hourly rate of $23.00, 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 Jacob Busch as a Stipend Baseball Coach at Hickory Creek Middle School at a rate of $2,700.00, 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 Hill as a .50 Full-Time equivalent Speech Pathologist at Hickory Creek Middle School (MA+30) at an annual salary of $27,998 for the 2017-2018 school year, 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 Amy Melby as a Full-Time Fifth Grade Teacher at Chelsea Intermediate School (BA+0) at an annual salary of $50,280.30 for the 2017-2018 school year, 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 Shannon Muehlnickel as a One-Year Full-Time Fifth Grade Teacher at Chelsea Intermediate School (MA+0) at an annual salary of $53,189 for the 2017-2018 school year, 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 Elizabeth Horky as a Full-Time Special Education Teacher at Chelsea Intermediate School (MA+0) at an annual salary of $51,560 for the 2017-2018 school year, 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 Kayla Wetzel as a Full-Time Speech Pathologist at Chelsea Intermediate School (MA+0) at an annual salary of $51,152 for the 2017-2018 school year, 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 Emily Pomrening as a Full-Time Special Education Teacher at Grand Prairie Elementary School (MA+30) at an annual salary of $54,196 for the 2017-2018 school year, 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 Morgan Bilthuis as a Full-Time Social Worker at Grand Prairie Elementary School (MA+0) at an annual salary of $50,744 for the 2017-2018 school year, 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 Jennifer Deist as a Full-Time Special Education Paraprofessional at Grand Prairie Elementary School at an hourly rate of $11.45, 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 Rosemarie Davis as a Full-Time Twelve Month Secretary at Grand Prairie Elementary School at an hourly rate of $17.50, 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 Alexandria Cialdella as a Ten Month Secretary at Grand Prairie Elementary School at an hourly rate of $16.00, 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 Raemond Wiltgen as a Full-Time Bookkeeper at the District Office at an hourly rate of $22.00, 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 Problem Solving and Math Exploration Club for Chelsea Intermediate School for fourth grade. The students would meet once a week beginning in September through October for 45 minutes. This activity is best suited for advanced mathematicians. The stipend for the Problem Solving and Math Exploration Club would be $180.00 with minimum participation of 10 students and a maximum of 20.

The Board took action to approve the 4th Grade Tiger Math for Chelsea Intermediate School. The students would meet twice a week beginning in September through October for 45 minutes. This club is best suited for mathematicians seeking to improve their math skills. The stipend for the 4th Grade Tiger Math would be $337.50 with minimum participation of 10 students and a maximum of 20.

The Board took action to approve the Coding Club for Chelsea Intermediate School students. The students would meet once a week beginning in September through October for 45 minutes. The stipend for the Coding Club would be $180.00 with minimum participation of 10 students and a maximum of 20.

The Board took action to approve the Illinois Math and Science Academy (IMSA) Fusion STEM Club for Chelsea Intermediate School for fourth and fifth grade. The students would meet once a week beginning in September through February for 1 hour and 30 minutes. The stipend for the IMSA Fusion STEM Club would be $1,890.00 with minimum participation of 10 students and a maximum of 20.

The Board took action to approve the payment of bills for June and July as presented.

The Board took action to review and approve the FY 2017-2018 Tentative Budget as presented, as well as the Notice of Public Hearing, and direct the District Office to publish said notice in a newspaper of general circulation as soon as possible after the August 16 Board Meeting. The tentative budget will remain on public display for at least 30 days prior to final approval as required by law. The Board also directed the Administration to complete a final budget in anticipation of the public hearing on September 20, and in anticipation of subsequent Board approval of the final budget at the September 20 Regular Board Meeting in accordance with State statute. Finally, after approval of the final budget, that the Board directs the Administration to file said final budget with the appropriate local, state and federal agencies, as required by State law and the District's existing bond covenants.

The Board took action to approve the appointment of Craig Schoppe as the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF) Authorized Agent.

In the Consent Agenda, the Board acknowledged that the Closed Session minutes were reviewed and that the Closed Session meeting minutes from December 21, 2016, January 18, 2017, February 15, 2017, March 15, 2017, April 19, 2017 and May 17, 2017 are not released for the public record.

In the Consent Agenda, the Board approved the destruction of closed meetings from August 2015 through January 2016 due to the fact 18 months have passed since being made and the written minutes of the closed session have been approved by the Board of Education.

In the Consent Agenda, the Board adopted the Resolution certifying existing hazardous routes for pupil transportation to assure state reimbursement.

The Board adjourned the regular meeting at 8:33 p.m. and went into Closed Session 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 the Closed Session meeting at 9:02 p.m. and returned to Open Session.

The Board adjourned the regular meeting at 9:05 p.m.

The next regular District 157-C Board of Education meeting will be held on September 20, 2017 at 7:00 p.m. at Grand Prairie Elementary School, 10480 West Nebraska Street, in Frankfort, Illinois.