District 157-C December 21, 2016 Board of Education Meeting Recap

The regular Frankfort School District 157-C Board of Education meeting of December 21, 2016 was called to order by Board President Gina Briese at 7:01 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 November 16, 2016.

Frankfort parent Tara Kristoff signed up to speak during the Public Forum portion of the meeting. She discussed her views on the district’s parent-teacher conferences and the Academic Lunch program at Hickory Creek Middle School. She also asked if District 157-C could continue conducting a Parent Climate Survey so that parents could provide additional input.

Assistant Superintendent for Finance & Operations Curt Saindon presented the Board with information and a brief update on the finalized 2016 Tax Levy.

At 7:08 p.m., the Board held the Public Hearing on the Tax Levy.

Following the Public Hearing, the Board took action approve and ratify the Levy Resolution and Certification of Levy, and the associated Truth in Taxation and Minutes Certification forms. The Board also directed the Administration to file said documents, along with any other necessary certifications, forms, documents, resolutions or other such information, as needed, with the County Clerks for Will County and Cook County, the Will County Regional Office of Education, the Illinois State Board of Education and any other related entities or organizations requesting said documentation, as required by law and our existing bond covenants. (See separate tax levy press release.)

Hickory Creek Middle School Principal Will Seidelmann, Chelsea Intermediate School Principal Dr. Sharon Paver-Nepote and Grand Prairie Elementary School Principal Eileen Nelson reported on the student clubs. Mrs. Nelson reported that the Grand Prairie Running Club finished in the fall and will restart in the spring. A new Winter Fitness Club at Grand Prairie is being proposed for next year. Dr. Paver-Nepote reported that the Chelsea Running Club is also completed for this year and will begin again in the spring. The Lego STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) Club and the Dive In! Oceanographic engineering projects offered through the Illinois Math and Science Academy (IMSA) FUSION program were a big success and the new proposed robotics club for fifth grade will teach three kinds of robotics. Dr. Paver-Nepote also reported that the new Sign Language Club will be offered to students as well as any staff members interested. Mr. Seidelmann reported that there are numerous extra-curricular activities at Hickory Creek and two new ones will start through the intramurals program. These include an Illinois Elementary School Association (IESA) Chess Club and a Junior Reserve Officers Training Corp (ROTC) program.

Director of Curriculum & Instruction Janet McClarence reported that the grant has been completed for the IMSA Fusion program. If approved, it will provide additional training for the teachers in many different STEM programs.

Director of Special Services Jen Bajda reported that the social-emotional learning program, now housed in New Lenox, is looking to relocate in the feeder districts. The Special Education Cooperative, District 843’s governing board, will be considering a proposal to house the K-5 program in Mokena and the middle school program at Hickory Creek Middle School. Ms. Bajda stated, “We are excited about bringing students back to our district and think it will be great.”

Director of Technology Jake Nelson reported the good news that the Federal government grant provided $52,000 towards wireless projects in the district, meaning that over $100,000 has been saved over the past two years. He complimented Director of Building & Grounds Rodney Davis and the maintenance staff for their work and reported that when school begins after Winter Break the district will be operating totally wireless.

In his report, Director of Building & Grounds Rodney Davis continued with information on the wireless project. He reported that wireless at each school cost the district $16,500 doing it in-house vs. bids of $45,000-$75,000 from outside vendors. Mr. Davis also reported that the snow plowing went very well during the recent snowfalls. He thanked the district for offering him his new position and providing so much support as he transitioned to it.

The Board heard a report from Gretchen Dust, President of the District 157-C Education Foundation. She invited everyone in the district to attend the Foundation’s 22nd Annual Fundraiser, a Casino Night on March 3, 2017, 7:00 p.m.at Tuscany Falls Banquet Hall in Mokena. Those needing information regarding tickets or to learn how to become a Corporate Sponsor or Corporate Donor can contact Carrie Nagle at 708-466-1140 or cendcn@comcast.net.

The Board heard a report from Board Secretary Edie Adamski on the Lincoln-Way Area Special Education District 843 Advisory Committee meeting of November 14, 2016 and the Governing Board meeting of November 22, 2016.

In the Superintendent’s report, Dr. Maura Zinni provided the Board with hard copies of the Parent/Student Handbook 2017-2018 to review for discussion in January. Updates are all based on policy updates the district has approved this year. Dr. Zinni provided the Board with a Hickory Creek exterior masonry update after she and Assistant Superintendent Curt Saindon met with International Contractors Incorporated President, Bruce Bronge and FGM Architects & Engineers Vice President, John Ochoa. Dr. Zinni updated the Board on the District’s Continuous Improvement Plan stating that the leadership team continues to work diligently in 'Year Zero' to investigate practices, procedures, devices, platforms, learning management systems and security issues as they relate to bringing more access to technology for our students next year. She reported that the study of various education platforms is finding that Microsoft 365 has the best educational security for students. Dr. Zinni also provided the Board with updates of the District’s health screenings, which had 83% of employees and 86% of spouses who are members of the District’s health benefit program participating. This is a significant increase from years past. She reported that the district insurance committee will be meeting in January.

Assistant Superintendent Curt Saindon provided the Board with the Treasurer's Report and Graphs. The total fund balance reserves decreased in November by about $1.4M (from $46,427,258 at the end of October to $45,064,903 at the end of November). This decrease is normal for this time of year as the District typically has minimum revenues (under $1M) and normal expenses (over $2M.) These balances are drawn down over the remainder of the year until the early/advanced tax receipts for next year arrive from Will County in late May and June. The District collected $805K in revenues for the month with most coming from property tax collections ($236K) and an 843 Program Refund ($315K). The District paid out about $2.2M in expenses during November which is right in line with expected expenditures of about $2.2M-$2.5M per month. Board Bills for December were $2,640,994.12 and were presented at the December 21st Board Meeting.

There was one Freedom of Information request and it was responded to in a timely manner.

In discussion, Mr. Saindon reviewed with the Board the preliminary draft of proposed student registration fees and activity fees for the 2017-2018 school year. Registration fees are proposed to be increased related to the technology fee component of the 21st Century Continuous Learning Plan, but all other fee areas will either remain the same or decrease from this year. A finalized fee schedule will be presented to the Board for review and approval at the January Board Meeting.

In discussion, Superintendent Dr. Maura Zinni provided the Board with a draft of the 2017-2018 school calendar. She met with the Calendar Committee, which included teacher representatives from each school and the District Leadership Team to review the parent survey and determine the recommendations regarding the calendar.

In discussion, the Board held the second reading of the following Board of Education policies: 2:70, School Board: Vacancies on School Board; 2:120, School Board: Board Member Development; 2:125, School Board: Board Member Compensation, Expenses; 2:125-E1, School Board: Board Member Expense Reimbursement Claim Form; 2:125-E2, School Board: Board Member Estimated Expense Approval Form; 2:125-E3, School Board: Resolution to Regulate Expense Reimbursements; 2:200, School Board: Types of School Board Meetings; 2:220, School Board: School Board Meeting Procedures; 4:60, Operational Services: Purchases and Contracts; 4:110, Operational Services: Transportation; 4:170, Operational Services: Safety; 4:175, Operational Services: Convicted Child Sex Offender; Screening; Notifications; 5:60, General Personnel: Expenses; 5:125, General Personnel: Personal Technology and Social Media, Usage and Conduct; 5:185, General Personnel: Family Medical Leave; 5:190, Professional Personnel: Teacher Qualifications; 5:250, Professional Personnel: Leaves of Absence; 5:260, Professional Personnel: Student Teachers; 6:15, Instruction: School Accountability; 6:50, Instruction: School Wellness; 6:60, Instruction: Curriculum Content; 6:145, Instruction: Migrant Students; 6:160, Instruction: English Learners; 6:170, Instruction: Title I Programs; 6:340, Instruction: Student Testing and Assessment Program; 7:30, Students: Student Assignment and Intra-District Transfer; 7:50, Students: School Admissions and Student Transfers to and from Non-District Schools; 7:60, Students: Residence; 7:70, Students: Attendance and Truancy; 7:250, Students: Student Support Services; 7:270, Students: Exemption from Physical Education; 7:305, Students: Student Athlete Concussion and Head Injuries; 7:360, Students: Directory Information; and 7:370, Students: Student Record Challenges.

The Board took action to approve the employment of Candace Juricek as a Part-Time Paraprofessional at Grand Prairie Elementary School with a start date of November 29, 2016 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 Lauren Kordalewski as a Long-Term Substitute at Grand Prairie Elementary School tentatively beginning February 1, 2017 and will continue for twelve weeks or until the assignment ends, 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 reassignment of Laura Pasciak as a Full-Time Paraprofessional at Grand Prairie Elementary School to a Long-Term Substitute Teacher at Grand Prairie Elementary School beginning November 28, 2016 and will continue for twelve weeks or until the assignment ends, 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 Vanessa Stokes as a Full-Time Paraprofessional at Hickory Creek Middle School with a start date of January 9, 2017 at an hourly rate of $12.30 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 six full time teachers to serve in the role of Instructional Coach. Based on the District’s current student achievement outcomes and the demands of the 21st Century Continuous Learning Plan, two teachers will be hired as ELA/Social Studies coaches, two teachers will be Math/Science coaches and two teachers will be Instructional Technology coaches working across all content areas. The Instructional Coach will work as a colleague with teachers to support student learning and teacher practice. The four teachers previously hired for the Teacher Leader pilot would need to reapply for the Coach position. The district would evaluate its needs each year to determine the content area of expertise the Instructional Coaches would need to possess.

The Board took action to approve the Sign Language Club for Chelsea Intermediate School for all grade levels. The club will meet twice a week beginning in February through March for one hour. The estimated cost needed to run the Sign Language Club will be $30.00 for the instructor book and $375.00 for the stipend with a minimum participation of 10 students and a maximum of 40.

The Board took action to approve the Robotics After-School Club for Chelsea Intermediate School for 5th Grade students. The club will meet for 15 sessions for one hour a week beginning in January through April. The stipend will be $450.00 with a minimum participation of 10 students and a maximum of 24.

The Board took action to approve the Winter Fitness Club for Grand Prairie Elementary School for the 2nd Grade students. The club will meet for 12 sessions for 20 minutes twice a week beginning January 17 through February 23, 2017 with a minimum of 30 students and a maximum of 150 students. The stipend amount will be $100.00 per sponsor. An additional sponsor will be added in increments of 50 students.

The Board took action to approve the Abatement Resolution transferring funds from the Education Fund and Operations & Maintenance Fund of Community Consolidated 157-C to the Debt Service Fund for the payment of principal and interest on the General Obligation Refunding Bonds, Series 2014, and abating $1,000,000 of taxes for the year 2016.

The Board took action to approve the resolution allowing for up to $70,000 of existing Working Cash Fund reserves to be temporarily loaned to the Debt Service Fund, as needed. Also, that this loan, if made, is to be repaid as soon as the funds are available in the Debt Service Fund for repayment, but no later than three years after the making of the loan unless additional Board approval is received to extend or make permanent this transfer of funds.

The Board took action to approve the renewal of the District’s Comprehensive Insurance Program (CIP) as provided through the Suburban Schools Cooperative Insurance Pool (SSCIP), and administered by Arthur J. Gallagher, Gallagher Bassett and associated entities, for 1/1/2017 through 12/31/2017 at an annual premium of $71,863. This represents a 5.9% increase in premiums over the previous year and with Board approval the annual premiums will be paid accordingly.

The Board approved the November payment of bills as presented.

In the Consent Agenda, the Board approved Board Policies 2:70, School Board: Vacancies on School Board; 2:120, School Board: Board Member Development; 2:125, School Board: Board Member Compensation, Expenses; 2:125-E1, School Board: Board Member Expense Reimbursement Claim Form; 2:125-E2, School Board: Board Member Estimated Expense Approval Form; 2:125-E3, School Board: Resolution to Regulate Expense Reimbursements; 2:200, School Board: Types of School Board Meetings; 2:220, School Board: School Board Meeting Procedures; 4:60, Operational Services: Purchases and Contracts; 4:110, Operational Services: Transportation; 4:170, Operational Services: Safety; 4:175, Operational Services: Convicted Child Sex Offender; Screening; Notifications; 5:60, General Personnel: Expenses; 5:125, General Personnel: Personal Technology and Social Media, Usage and Conduct; 5:185, General Personnel: Family Medical Leave; 5:190, Professional Personnel: Teacher Qualifications; 5:250, Professional Personnel: Leaves of Absence; 5:260, Professional Personnel: Student Teachers; 6:15, Instruction: School Accountability; 6:50, Instruction: School Wellness; 6:60, Instruction: Curriculum Content; 6:145, Instruction: Migrant Students; 6:160, Instruction: English Learners; 6:170, Instruction: Title I Programs; 6:340, Instruction: Student Testing and Assessment Program; 7:30, Students: Student Assignment and Intra-District Transfer; 7:50, Students: School Admissions and Student Transfers to and from Non-District Schools; 7:60, Students: Residence; 7:70, Students: Attendance and Truancy; 7:250, Students: Student Support Services; 7:270, Students: Exemption from Physical Education; 7:305, Students: Student Athlete Concussion and Head Injuries; 7:360, Students: Directory Information; and 7:370, Students: Student Record Challenges.

The Board went into Closed Session at 8:44 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. Closed Session began at 8:46 p.m.

The Board adjourned the Closed Session meeting at 8:50 p.m. and returned to Open Session.

The Board adjourned the Regular meeting at 8:51 p.m.

The next regular District 157-C Board of Education meeting will be held on January 18, 2017 at 7:00 p.m. at Grand Prairie Elementary School, 10480 West Nebraska Street, in Frankfort, Illinois.