District 157-C January 17, 2018 Board of Education Meeting Recap

The regular Frankfort School District 157-C Board of Education meeting of January 17, 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 December 20, 2017.

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

Grand Prairie Elementary School Principal Eileen Nelson and Chelsea Intermediate School Principal Dr. Sharon Paver-Nepote provided reports on the ways they support students as they transition to the other buildings.

Hickory Creek Middle School Principal Will Seidelmann provided a report on his proposal of implementing a zero hour Spanish I class for eighth graders and a zero hour reading strategies class for select sixth graders next year. The reading strategies would be a pilot program which would allow families and students the option of the general education programing, taking Spanish during school and getting additional reading support before school instead of one or the other, and reinforces the goal of having all students reading at grade level before they graduate from Hickory Creek Middle School.

Director of Building & Grounds Rodney Davis reported on a number of repairs and improvements that have taken place at all three buildings. He also reported that with the changes in weather the snow plowing has been going well.

Superintendent Dr. Maura Zinni and her Cabinet provided the Board with the State of the District Presentation. The presentation measures the District’s progress towards accomplishment of the goals of the Strategic Plan in the areas of Growth/Learning Spaces, Student Outcomes, Professional Development, Financial Stability and Community Partnerships. The presentation is also being provided to staff at each of the District’s three buildings and at a parent and community meeting on February 13 at 9:15 a.m. in the Board Room at Grand Prairie Elementary School, 10482 W. Nebraska. Dr. Zinni stated, “We invite our parents and the community to hear how District 157-C is continuing on the path of positive improvement and we encourage people to stop by on February 13 to learn more.” A video of the presentation will also be aired on the Frankfort cable channel and a PowerPoint version is posted on the district’s website, www.fsd157c.org.

Director of Curriculum & Instruction Janet McClarence, Director of Technology Jake Nelson, Director of Special Services Jen Bajda and Director of Human Resources Craig Schoppe provided written reports to the Board on their areas of responsibility.

The Board heard a report from Board Secretary Edie Adamski on the Lincoln-Way Area Special Education District 843 Advisory Committee meeting of December 11, 2017 and the Governing Board meeting of December 19, 2017.

Family School Partnership (FSP) President Tina Kohler presented an update about her organization to the Board. FSP Chair Kris McGuire also spoke about their upcoming Around the World event to be held on March 15 from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m. at Hickory Creek Middle School. This event will highlight the various ethnic backgrounds of District 157-C families and give the community the opportunity to learn about different cultures, traditions, religions, geography, political systems and much more.

In the Superintendent’s report, Dr. Zinni acknowledged Grand Prairie Elementary Principal Eileen Nelson's letter of resignation with intent to retire effective June 30, 2018. Dr. Zinni stated, “Kindergarten through second graders at Grand Prairie made remarkable progress under Eileen’s leadership. Many a night when I left the building her car was still in the parking lot and it was always there first thing in the morning. She is a very hands-on principal and her care and compassion is shown to each and every child, parent and staff member.” Mrs. Nelson thanked the Board for entrusting her with the district’s children. She stated, “One of my dreams was to focus on grades K-2 emergent literacy. I am thankful to the administrative team and my dream could never have come true if they didn’t come along with me!” Board President Gina Briese said, “The Board of Education wishes you the best in your retirement. You were a strong leader guiding the school through the changes with the common core initiatives. You brought a lot of growth and stability to that building and we will miss you.”

Dr. Zinni also reviewed enrollment projections, space utilization and preliminary staffing needs for 2018 – 2019. She also reminded the Board that the Education Foundation’s Casino Night will be held on March 2 at The Odyssey in Tinley Park. She reported that the deadline for purchasing tickets is February 20th. Tickets can be purchased on RevTrak or with a check to the Education Foundation.

Director of Business and Operational Services Kate Ambrosini provided the Board with the January 2018 Treasurer's Report and Graphs. The total fund balance decreased by $5,571,601 (from $51,254,084 to $45,682,483) primarily due to bond payments. Monthly revenue receipts totaled $2,251,008 primarily due to inter-fund transfer resolutions and property tax receipts. Monthly expense disbursements totaled $7,822,609 primarily due to payroll of $1,520,775, accounts payable of $4,409,383 and transfers of $1,600,000.

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

In discussion, Director of Business and Operational Services, Kate Ambrosini provided the Debt Service Abatement Resolution recommendation.

In discussion, the Board held the first reading of the following Board of Education Policies: 2:260, Uniform Grievance Procedure, 4:170, Safety, 4:15, Identity Protection, 5:90, Abused and Neglected Child Reporting, 5:160, Abuse of Sick Leave, 5:200, Terms and Conditions of Employment and Dismissal, 5:220, Substitute Teachers, 5:240, Suspension, 5:290, Employment Termination and Suspensions, 6:50, School Wellness, 6:60, Curriculum Content, 6:150, Home and Hospital Instruction, 6:260, Complaints About Curriculum, Instructional Materials, and Programs, 7:20, Harassment of Students Prohibited, 7:70, Attendance and Truancy, 7:180, Prevention of and Response to Bullying, Intimidation, and Harassment, 7:250, Student Support Services, 7:260, Exemption from Physical Education, 7:270, Administering Medicines to Students, and 7:305, Student Athlete Concussions and Head Injuries.

In discussion and 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. Maura Zinni and Board President Gina Briese reviewed the closed session meeting minutes and are recommending July 26, August 16, September 20 and November 15, 2017 are not released for the public record. There was not a closed session on June 21, October 10 or October 18, 2017.

In discussion, the Board reviewed the policy as required by law, where the audio recordings of closed meetings older than 18 months may be destroyed.

The Board took action to approve a $1.5 million abatement of Debt Service Tax Levy needs, to be paid for with existing reserves. Additionally, that once approved the corresponding Abatement Resolution and associated Certifications will be filed with the County Clerks and Tax Extension Departments in Will County and Cook County in a timely manner to ensure that said abatement is reflected in the 2017 property tax bills to be delivered to all registered tax payers in April and May of 2018.

The Board took action to approve the employment of Charles Riemma as a full-time Long-Term Substitute Seventh Grade Teacher at Hickory Creek Middle School at the daily long-term substitute rate of $100 for the first 10 consecutive days and $262.04 for the remaining days with a start date of January 9, 2018 and will tentatively end March 5, 2018 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 approved the employment of Peggy Klene as a part-time Long-Term Substitute Second Grade Title I Interventionist Support Aide at Grand Prairie Elementary School at the daily long-term substitute 0.5 rate of $50 with a start date of January 16, 2018 and will tentatively end April 16, 2018 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 wage increase of Tammy Cirullo to an hourly rate of $13.58.

The Board took action to approve the request from Leah Bruinius for a leave of absence for the 2018-2019 school year.

The Board took action to approve the payment of bills for December 2017 as presented.

In the Consent Agenda, the Board took action to approve the Parent and Student Handbook 2018-2019 as presented.

In the Consent Agenda, the Board took action to approve the Personnel Manual for 2018 as presented.

In the Consent Agenda, the Board took action to approve the School Calendar for 2018-2019 as presented. Camp Manitoqua will again host an Explorer Day Camp for District 157-C students as an option for parents needing childcare during the few days that Lincoln-Way East High School starts school prior to District 157-C’s start. The camp is for students entering grades K-8 from August 13-17 from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with extended hours available for an additional fee. District 157-C has made special arrangements with Camp Manitoqua to offer an additional day on August 20 to District 157-C students only.

In the Consent Agenda, the Board approved the fee schedule for the 2018-2019 school year, and directed the Administration to disseminate the fee schedule as part of the on-line registration process this spring. Additionally, as update pricing for Student Accident Insurance becomes available the District Office will disseminate that information to all parents, as needed.

In the Consent Agenda, the Board acknowledged that the closed session meeting minutes from July 26, August 16, September 20 and November 15, 2017 were reviewed and determined that they are not released for the public record. There was not a closed session on June 21, October 10 or October 18, 2017.

In the Consent Agenda, the Board approved the destruction of audio recording of closed session meeting minutes from February 2016 until July 2016 due to the fact 18 months have passed since being made and the written minutes of the closed sessions have been approved by the Board of Education.

In the Consent Agenda the Board authorized the Superintendent and/or her designee to prepare a tentative budget for fiscal year 2019.

In the Consent Agenda, the Board authorized the comprehensive seniority lists detailing all areas of classifications for distribution. According to the Illinois School Code, copies of the list must be distributed to the exclusive bargaining representative on or before February 1st of each year.

The Board went into Closed Session at 8:49 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 began Closed Session at 8:53 p.m. and adjourned Closed Session at 9:13 p.m.

The Board returned to Open Session at 9:13 p.m.

The Board took action to approve the promotion of Grand Prairie Elementary School Assistant Principal Kirsten Frankovich to Principal following the retirement of Principal Eileen Nelson at the end of the school year.

The Board adjourned the Regular meeting at 9:15 p.m.

The next regular District 157-C Board of Education meeting will be held on February 21, 2018 at 7:00 p.m. in the District Office Board Room at Grand Prairie Elementary School, 10482 W. Nebraska Street, in Frankfort, Illinois.