District 157-C August 17, 2016 Board of Education Meeting Recap

The regular Frankfort School District 157-C Board of Education meeting of August 17, 2016 was called to order by Board President Gina Briese at 7:03 p.m. The roll call was taken and a quorum was present. The Board recited the Pledge of Allegiance.

The Board approved the Open and Closed Session minutes of the regular meeting of June 15, 2016 and the special meeting of July 6, 2016.

Former 157-C Board of Education member Jean Stanker and community member Mike Blomarz signed up to speak during the Public Forum portion of the meeting. They both expressed their appreciation for the District 157-C Music Department as evidenced by their own children’s experience. They stressed the importance of music education, stating that their children went on to become professional musicians due to their participation in the District’s program. They thanked the 157-C Board for promoting a strong music program for current and future students.

Assistant Superintendent Curt Saindon provided the Board with the Final FY 2016-2017 Budget Presentation. The tentative budget was presented for approval at the June 15, 2016 regular Board meeting and has been on public display in the District Office. A notice of its availability and of the August 17, 2016 Public Budget Hearing was posted in a local newspaper on June 20, 2016. Changes to the original, tentative budget have been processed throughout the past few months.

At 7:22 p.m., the Board held the Public Hearing for the Fiscal Year 2016-2017 budget. The total Operating Funds budgeted revenues of $30.6 million versus total Operating Funds budgeted expenditures of $30.3 million will result in a small projected surplus of just over $300,000. After the hearing was closed, the Board passed the resolution to approve the 2016-2017 budget and the associated resolution ratifying and confirming publication of legal notice and setting the budget hearing. (SEE SEPARATE BUDGET PRESS RELEASE.)

The Board heard a report from Director of Lincoln-Way Area Special Education District 843 (LWASE 843) regarding the Lincoln-Way Area Special Education District 843 Joint Agreement's proposed 2016-2017 Budget. After all of the Lincoln-Way Districts have approved the FY 2016-2017 Budget, LWASE 843 will bring it to their Governing Board for their hearing.

District 157-C Director of Special Services Jen Bajda, and Sarah Rexroad, Director of Lincoln-Way Area Special Education, provided a presentation regarding the continuum of services for students with disabilities.

Grand Prairie Elementary School Principal Eileen Nelson, Chelsea Intermediate School Principal Dr. Sharon Paver-Nepote and Hickory Creek Middle School Principal Will Seidelmann provided the Board with summer update reports. Mrs. Nelson stated, “Our staff has been in the building and we are ready to open our doors for the students on Wednesday morning.” Dr. Paver-Nepote stated, “Chelsea is up and running and ready for the students.” Mr. Seidelmann reported that Hickory Creek has received the unofficial Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers (PARCC) results and he and his staff are working with the results to move forward with professional development plans for Institute Days. Superintendent Dr. Maura Zinni stated, “It is disappointing that the District level PARCC scores may not be released until late October but individual scores may be released before then.”

Director of Curriculum & Instruction Janet McClarence and Director of Technology Jake Nelson provided the Board with written reports.

The Board heard a report from Board Secretary Edie Adamski on the Lincoln-Way Area Special Education District 843 Advisory Committee meeting of June 21 and July 11, 2016 and the Governing Board meeting of June 28 and July 26, 2016.

In the Superintendent’s report, Dr. Zinni provided the Board with updates on staffing, enrollment and District Committee. She said that enrollment growth has increased and that once school begins she will prepare a more detailed report for the Board highlighting which grades are experiencing the greatest increases. Dr. Zinni reported that the District is fully staffed for the new school year and thanked the Board for supporting these efforts. She reminded the Board that September 2 is a Teacher Institute Day along with the Staff/Board of Education Picnic and keynote speaker on promoting a growth mindset, from 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. at Hickory Creek. She also invited the Board to come and meet the new staff members at 6:15 p.m. just prior to the Board of Education meeting on September 21.

Assistant Superintendent Curt Saindon provided the Board with the June and July Treasurer's Report and Graphs. The total fund balance reserves increased in June by $8.23M (from $31,965,961 at the end of May to $40,199,805 at the end of June.) This increase in reserves is expected and is primarily due to the receipt of over $11M in advanced tax receipts from Will County. Expenses for the month were also above budgeted levels at just over $3M primarily related to accrued payrolls for July and August accounted for in June and totaling almost $1M, as well as some bond and interest payments that were slightly higher than projected by about $150K. The District processed about $3.03M in expenses during June and that is above normal and expected levels. As is typical, most spending occurred in the Education Fund ($1.41M) and primarily related to payments for salaries and benefits, normally accounting for about 75-80 percent of the expenses in this fund.

There were six Freedom of Information requests and they are being responded to in a timely manner.

In discussion, Dr. Zinni shared the proposed 21st Century Continuous Learning Plan. She thanked her Administrative Cabinet for its help with the plan, stating, “You were truly instrumental in helping us craft this.” The Continuous Learning Plan will align to the Board of Education’s Strategic Goals for 2016-2021, take into account the feedback from students, staff and parents, provide a vision and action plan that promotes Frankfort School District 157-C as an exemplary 21st Century learning community whose students leave the District prepared to excel in college and career pathways. Dr. Zinni stated, “The plan outlines a comprehensive professional development plan and technology integration plan. Teachers will become facilitators of learning and support students as they develop critical thinking skills, effective communication skills, collaboration skills, and adept technology skills. The proposed professional development plan will provide training from our teacher leaders in effective instruction using a variety of instructional methods and following different pedagogical approaches aided with technology.” The plan has a strong technology component, particularly in using technology in new ways to spark the children’s interest to learn by going beyond the walls of their classrooms and the pages of their textbooks. Dr. Zinni will provide opportunities in the next month for Board members to visit classrooms that are already utilizing technology to enhance their lessons.

In discussion, Special Services Director Jennifer Bajda reviewed with the Board updated contracts for the 2016-2017 school year with Pediatric Services of America, Brightstar, CAIRS, Chicago Hearing Society and Therapy Care.

In discussion, Assistant Superintendent Curt Saindon reviewed the hazardous routes for pupil transportation. According to School Code, each year the Board must adopt the resolution certifying the hazardous routes for pupil transportation to assure state reimbursement.

In discussion, Assistant Superintendent Curt Saindon presented a review of the Year End Balance Analysis.

In discussion, the Board reviewed the closed session minutes of January through May 2016. 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.

In discussion, the Board reviewed the verbatim destruction of closed session minutes. As required by law, the audio recordings of closed meeting older than 18 months may be destroyed.

The Board took action to accept the Lincoln-Way Area Special Education 843 FY 2016-2017 proposed budget as presented.

The Board took action to approve the employment of Lindsay Attanasio as a .60 Full-Time equivalent Reading Interventionist Teacher (MA + 0) at Grand Prairie Elementary School at an annual salary of $33,208.31 for the 2016-2017 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 DeYoung as a Full-Time Kindergarten Teacher at Grand Prairie Elementary School (MA + 7) at an annual salary of $52,177.00 for the 2016-2017 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 Brandner as a Full-Time Kindergarten Teacher at Grand Prairie Elementary School (MA + 2) at an annual salary of $50,210.00 for the 2016-2017 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 Cynthia Grasso as a Full-Time EL Teacher at Grand Prairie Elementary School and Chelsea Intermediate School (MA + 12) at an annual salary of $62,620.00 for the 2016-2017 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 Susan Payton as a Full-Time 1st Grade Teacher at Grand Prairie Elementary School (BA + 1) at an annual salary of $45,826.00 for the 2016-2017 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 Alexander Zacharias as a One-Year Full-Time 4th Grade Teacher at Chelsea Intermediate School (BA + 0) at an annual salary of $45,826.00 for the 2016-2017 school year only, 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 Jeanne Demma as a One-Year Full-Time 4th Grade Teacher at Chelsea Intermediate School (BA + 0) at annual salary rate of $48,580.00 for the 2016-2017 school year only, 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 Brenda Grage as a Full-Time 4th Grade Teacher at Chelsea Intermediate School (BA + 0) at an annual salary of $48,580.00 for the 2016-2017 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 One-Year Full-Time 5th Grade Teacher at Chelsea Intermediate School (BA + 0) at an annual salary of $48,580.00 for the 2016-2017 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 Cristina Vallejo as a Full-Time Spanish Teacher at Hickory Creek Middle School (BA + 2) at an annual salary of $46,613.00 for the 2016-2017 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 Julie Cholly as a .25 FTE Technology Teacher at Hickory Creek Middle School (MA + 0) at an annual salary of $12,355.75 for the 2016-2017 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 Pam Snyder as a Title One Intervention Aide at Grand Prairie Elementary School at an hourly rate of $13.91 for the 2016-2017 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 an increase from .50 FTE to 1.00 FTE for Adriana Flores as a Paraprofessional at Grand Prairie Elementary School at an hourly rate of $12.00 for the 2016-2017 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 an increase from .50 to 1.00 FTE for Nicole Roldan as a Paraprofessional at Grand Prairie Elementary School at an hourly rate of $12.10 for the 2016-2017 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 Susan McGuire as a Full-Time Paraprofessional at Grand Prairie Elementary School at an hourly rate of $12.00 for the 2016-2017 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 a One-Year transfer of Megan Murray from a Full-Time Paraprofessional to a Full-Time Instructional Aide at Grand Prairie Elementary School at an hourly rate of $14.56 for the 2016-2017 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 Teresa Brown as a Full-Time Paraprofessional at Chelsea Intermediate School at an hourly rate of $12.05 for the 2016-2017 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 Holly Wright as a Full-Time Paraprofessional at Chelsea Intermediate School at an hourly rate of $12.00 for the 2016-2017 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 Title One Intervention Aide at Chelsea Intermediate School at an hourly rate of $13.50 for the 2016-2017 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 Michelle Derrig as a Full-Time Paraprofessional at Hickory Creek Middle School at an hourly rate of $12.00 for the 2016-2017 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 Joseph Vonch as a Full-Time Paraprofessional at Hickory Creek Middle School at an hourly rate of $12.95 for the 2016-2017 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 Christine Hoeper as a Full-Time Paraprofessional at Hickory Creek Middle School at an hourly rate of $12.95 for the 2016-2017 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 Melissa Theobald as a Full-Time Administrative Secretary for Curriculum and Instruction at an hourly rate of $18.75, contingent upon the receipt and revaluation of employment documentation required by District 157-C and the Illinois State Board of Education.

The Board took action to approve the change in position of Maryanne McGee to the position of Head Bookkeeper at an hourly rate of $25.00 effective August 21, 2016.

The Board took action to approve the change in position of Margaret Ryan to Grand Prairie Elementary School Principal Secretary at an hourly rate of $21.33 effective August 21, 2016.

The Board took action to approve the 5th Grade Band Extra-Curricular Activity and Stipend for Shannon Shanahan for Chelsea Intermediate School. The 5th grade band would meet three times a week for forty-five minutes with a minimum participation of twenty-five students. The stipend would be in the amount of $2,700.

The Board took action to approve the IMSA Fusion STEM Club Extra-Curricular Activity and Stipend for Cindy Lang and Colleen Jozaitis for the Chelsea Intermediate School. The activity would meet for twelve sessions one day a week for two hours with a minimum participation of ten and a maximum of twenty students. The stipend would be in the amount of $1,200 plus $1,600 for training and materials.

The Board approved the Notice of Intent to Retire for Cheryl O’Brien in 2020.

The Board approved to approve the renewal and continued use of service provider agreements with Pediatric Services of America and Brightstar for the provision of nursing services. The Board also approved initiating a contract with Chicago Hearing Society and CAIRS in the event a substitute educational interpreter is needed. The Board also approved the use of Therapy Care for speech and language services to fill the full-time Speech and Language Pathologist position at Chelsea Intermediate School. Following Board approval the administration will move forward to execute the contract documents.

The Board approved the job descriptions for Education Support Personnel as presented.

The Board approved the June and July payment of bills as presented.

The Board approved the following four Consent Agenda items:

The Board acknowledged that the closed session minutes were reviewed and that it is recommended that the Closed Session Meeting Minutes on January 20, 2016 be released for public record and that the Closed Session Minutes from February 17, 2016, March 16, 2016, April 20, 2016 and May 18, 2016 are not released for the public record.

The Board approved the destruction of closed meetings from August 2014 through January 2015 due to the fact that 18 months have passed since being made and the written minutes of the closed session have been approved by the Board of Education.

The Board adopted the Resolution certifying existing hazardous routes for pupil transportation and authorizing the President and Secretary to sign same.

The Board rescinded the July 6, 2016 Cost Sharing Arrangement with International Contractors Inc. for the masonry repair work at Hickory Creek Middle School to be completed by JimmyZ Masonry.

The Board went into Closed Session at 9:50 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 the Closed Session meeting at 10:11 p.m.

The Board adjourned the regular meeting at 10:12 p.m.

The next regular District 157-C Board of Education meeting will be held on September 21, 2016 at 7:00 p.m. at Grand Prairie Elementary School, 10480 West Nebraska Street, in Frankfort, Illinois.