District 157-C February 15, 2017 Board of Education Meeting Recap

The regular Frankfort School District 157-C Board of Education meeting of February 15, 2017 was called to order by Board President Gina Briese at 7:02 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 January 18, 2017.

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

Director of Curriculum and Instruction Janet McClarence provided the Board with a presentation outlining the recommendation for the K-5 Math Adoption for 2017-2018. Six resources were considered, with two being piloted after initial investigation. They were Eureka Math, Great Minds/Engage New York and Stepping Stones – Origo. There were 29 pilot teachers from grades K-5 and special education grades K-4. During the pilot, Eureka Math by Great Minds came out ahead of all others. Eureka Math was rated higher by the majority of the teachers piloting in 12 areas. All findings will be shared with all staff at the February 17 Teacher Institute and teachers will have an opportunity to explore Eureka’s new resources. Training for Instructional Coaches in math will take place this summer and teachers will receive on-going training in the new resource throughout the school year. Mrs. McClarence reported that the adoption cost in the first year for the Eureka K-5 Math resource will be $131,908, with the recurring cost in the second year at $42,556.

Grand Prairie Elementary School Principal Eileen Nelson reported that excitement abounded at the school during the annual Cup Stacking Tournament. First and second grade students competed voluntarily in “The Cycle” and a 3-6-3 variation of the skill. She also reported that the school’s “Marvelous Mathematicians” are displayed weekly on the video screen inside the front foyer. Currently 88 percent of second graders have mastered addition and 39 percent have mastered subtraction. In addition, 57 percent of first graders have mastered 100 percent of addition and 38 percent have mastered 50 percent of subtraction. She continued with the news that several students have mastered all operations and are challenging themselves to include fluency through the 12 facts.

Chelsea Intermediate School Principal Dr. Sharon Paver-Nepote reported that students are celebrating diversity as they observe Black History Month. Classroom teachers are participating in various activities with their students, exposing them to different famous African-Americans. The Encore staff is providing activities throughout the month also, including projects in art, music, English Language Arts, physical education and STEM.

Hickory Creek Middle School Principal Will Seidelmann reported that students will have a visit from popular author Dr. Gary Schmidt. He has written several books and each of the grade levels have read at least one of his books. Students are participating in book clubs, book talks, independent reading and collaborative works to get more familiar with his work before he visits. Mr. Schmidt will present to each grade level and sign autographs. The Family School Partnership (FSP) and Student Council are sponsoring his visit.

Director of Curriculum & Instruction Janet McClarence reported District 157-C has begun to implement year zero of the Continuous Learning Plan and meet regularly with grade 5 teachers as the plan is being implemented. In connection with the plan, Mrs. McClarence also reported that she, Director of Technology Jake Nelson and Superintendent Dr. Maura Zinni attended a digital classroom learning environment presentation at St. Francis High School in Wheaton. They heard how Microsoft 365 was implemented successfully there and saw technology integration in action in many classrooms. District 157-C will begin training grade 5 teachers, instructional coaches and administrators on Microsoft One Note in the spring. The new Microsoft software will enable students and teachers to organize their curriculum digitally and enhance learning.

Director of Special Services Jen Bajda reported that she and all four of the district’s assistant principals attended a Special Service Group meeting in Romeoville. Dr. Shawn Walsh, Regional Superintendent, invited administrators across the area to join together to create a networking group for school student service personnel.

Director of Technology Jake Nelson reported that a new typing program has been launched at Grand Prairie. He has imported the student accounts, set up the classes and begun working with instructors to get acclimated with the product. After the new updated program at Grand Prairie is up and running with the students, the technology team will begin work on the Chelsea set-up and training.

Director of Building & Grounds Rodney Davis reported that the district is preparing for the Regional Office of Education Health Life Safety walk-through for all three buildings. He also highlighted several repair projects that were currently completed at Chelsea, Grand Prairie and Hickory Creek.

Assistant Superintendent Curt Saindon provided a report to the Board about recent functions of the Business Office. He reported that the Five Year Capital Improvement Plan was updated, with numerous potential projects to consider for next year. He reported that the Payroll Department was busy this month setting up and verifying IRS-1095 information and Self-Insurance Fund information and deductions. Mr. Saindon also reported that all temporary/paid residency situations closed by the end of the first semester, with only one outstanding residency issue under review now.

The Board heard a report from Board Secretary Edie Adamski on the Lincoln-Way Area Special Education District 843 Advisory Committee meeting of January 9, 2017 and the Governing Board meeting of January 24, 2017.

The Board heard a report by Carrie Nagle, Vice President of the Education Foundation, and Jennifer Bumba, President of the Chorus Boosters, on the most recent meetings and activities of their organizations.

In the Superintendent’s report, Dr. Maura Zinni provided the Board with several informational items. She reported that the Retirement and Staff Recognition Celebration will be held on May 24, 2017 at CD&ME, the Eighth Grade Graduation will be held on June 5, 2017, 7:00 p.m. at Lincoln-Way East High School, online registration for new students and kindergarten begins later this month, and the annual wheelchair basketball game will be held on March 23, 2017 at Hickory Creek Middle School. Dr. Zinni also provided information on the research being completed to consider implementing a Spanish Encore course for grades 3-5 at Chelsea Intermediate School. Director of Curriculum & Instruction Janet McClarence has researched some states that offer such a program and will meet with Lincoln-Way High School staff to gather input on the foreign language program there. If the program is implemented, library time would be replaced with the new Spanish offering during Encore time.

Assistant Superintendent Curt Saindon provided the Board with the Treasurer's Report and Graphs. The total fund balance reserves decreased in January by about $1.2M (from $39,778,276 at the end of December to $38,568,197 at the end of January.) The decrease is expected for this time of year as the district typically has minimal revenues (under $1M) and normal operating 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 $645K in revenues for the month with most coming from mandated categorical payments for transportation (264K) and special education ($116K), as well as General State Aid ($90K), Title Grant Reimbursements ($46K), interest income ($30K), CPPRT Receipts ($29K), equipment sales ($21K), Early Childhood Grant Reimbursements ($18K), Medicaid Reimbursements ($11K) and insurance reimbursements ($10K.) This represents over 98 percent of all revenues collected with remaining revenues related to other miscellaneous items under $5,000. The district paid out about $1.85M in expenses during January and that is below expected levels of about $2.25M-$2.50M per month. Board Bills for February were $1,849,154.47 and were presented at the February 15 Board Meeting.

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

In discussion, Director of Curriculum and Instruction Janet McClarence provided the Board with a proposal for STEM encore course offerings for grades 3-8 for the 2017-18 school year. The District has been accepted into the Illinois Math and Science Academy (IMSA) STEM Fusion program for the 2017 school year. This grant allows teachers and students to participate in training and resources so that District 157-C can offer STEM courses during the school day as an Encore rotation for grades 6-8, as well as after-school programs for grade 3-5 students. There is a minimal cost to implementing this program. Mrs. McClarence said that she is confident that the quality of the IMSA STEM curriculum will further enhance 21st Century learning at Hickory Creek Middle School. The STEM program will replace the current technology Encore rotation. This year, the district piloted a STEM curriculum at Chelsea in lieu of the traditional technology Encore course offered to students in grades 3-5. The pilot has been determined as highly successful, therefore it is the administration’s recommendation to continue the current program: PITSCO/Hands-on STEM Learning at Chelsea.

In discussion, Assistant Superintendent Curt Saindon provided the Board with a recommendation from the Administration for the Board to approve considering/investigating 15 capital projects identified for the 2017-2018 fiscal year and approve the updated/revised School District Five Year Capital Improvement Plan. This plan provides a guide for the anticipated significant renovations, repairs, system upgrades and maintenance projects, as well as expected equipment and vehicles replacements for the upcoming five year period. As projects are planned, the Board would be asked to approve letting the bids or getting confidential price quotes and then approving a contract or purchase to an awarded bidder/vendor, as appropriate.

In discussion, Assistant Superintendent Curt Saindon provided the Board with information on E-Rate, the Federal technology subsidy program that provides connectivity and technology funding for schools and libraries. This funding is administered by the Schools and Libraries Corporation (the SLC) of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC.) In planning for Year 20 of E-Rate, the district needs to re-certify compliance with the Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA) as part of this process. E-Rate rules require that the district periodically certify ongoing compliance with CIPA. District 157-C has decided to submit this action item to the Board annually in February to ensure ongoing compliance with Federal and State requirements.

In discussion, Assistant Superintendent Curt Saindon provided the Board with a budget update on the initial revenues projections for the 2017-2018 school year.

In discussion, Assistant Superintendent Curt Saindon presented the Board on a recommendation for the milk contract extension for FY 2017-2018.

In discussion, Assistant Superintendent Curt Saindon updated the Board on the recommendation for hiring of summer help. For the summer of 2017, the Administration is proposing four full time equivalent (FTE) custodial/maintenance/grounds positions, three FTE technology summer workers, and one FTE position for the curriculum department.

In discussion, Superintendent Dr. Maura Zinni provided the Board with the updated job descriptions for Director of Business and Operational Services and Directory of Technology for review.

The Board took action to approve the purchase and installation of a new Honeywell Card Access System for Hickory Creek Middle School, and associated required hardware and software, for a total cost of $17,895 through ITR, using Education Fund contingency funds to cover the cost of this project. Once Board approved, the Administration would move forward to install the new system over Spring Break (or as soon as possible thereafter), and then continue planning for the installation of a similar system at Grand Prairie and Chelsea some time next fiscal year.

The Board took action to approve the employment of Joan Green as a Full-Time Paraprofessional at Chelsea Intermediate School with a start date of January 30, 2017 at an hourly rate of $11.75, 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 Charles Riemma as a Long-Term Substitute Teacher at Chelsea Intermediate School with a tentative start date of April 3, 2017 and will continue through the end of 2016-2017 school year 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 Elizabeth Calombaris as a Part-Time Chorus Assistant for Chelsea Intermediate School with a start date of January 24, 2017 tentatively ending March 31, 2017 at an hourly rate of $13.03, 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 Taylor Beekman as a Full-Time Instructional Aide at Grand Prairie Elementary School with a start date of February 6, 2017 at an hourly rate of $12.50, 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 Deborah Barba as a Part-Time Lunch/Recess Supervisor at Grand Prairie Elementary School with a start date of February 6, 2017 at an hourly rate of $11.50, 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 payment of bills as presented.

In the Consent Agenda, the Board took action to approve the Parent and Student Handbook for 2017-2018 as presented.

In the Consent Agenda, The Board took action to approve the certification of ongoing compliance with the Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA) as required by Federal E-Rate regulations. Furthermore, it is stated that the school district actively maintains current internet filtering software licenses, updates lists of restricted sites and does actively engage in review and management of computer activity in its schools to help ensure that inappropriate web sites, images or content are not accessible by its students from school district computers. These actions are required by CIPA and are being undertaken to not only comply with Federal and State requirements and regulations, as applicable, but also to protect district students from damaging effects related to accessing inappropriate web sites, images or content.

In the Consent Agenda, the Board took action to approve the hiring of eight total summer/seasonal workers to assist the school district with summer projects and activities. Included in this total would be four Full-Time equivalent positions for the custodial/maintenance department, three Full-Time equivalent for the technology department and one Full-Time equivalent for the curriculum and instruction department. With Board approval the Personnel Services Coordinator will post these positions and work with the Directors/Supervisors to fill them, as needed. An update will be brought back to the Board later this spring informing it of the individuals who will be filling these positions and the hourly wages for each individual seasonal/summer workers.

In the Consent Agenda, the Board took action to approve the extension of the milk contract with Krystal Dairy of Homewood, IL for FY 2017-2018 at the same terms and conditions as are currently in place, with the lowest calculated cost per pint of milk to include a 1.23 cent per pint markup from monthly CMPC Dairy Reports. Per the bid specifications, the Board reserves the right to extend this contract for an additional one-year period (with mutual consent), in 2017-2018, and on a year-to-year basis going forward, at the discretion of the Board.

The Board adjourned to Closed Session at 9:25 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 was called to order at 9:31 p.m.

The Board adjourned the Closed Session meeting at 11:20 p.m. and returned to Open Session.

The Board adjourned the Regular meeting at 11:21 p.m.

The next regular District 157-C Board of Education meeting will be held on March 15, 2017 at 7:00 p.m. at Grand Prairie Elementary School, 10480 West Nebraska Street, in Frankfort, Illinois.