District 157-C January 18, 2017 Board of Education Meeting Recap

The regular Frankfort School District 157-C Board of Education meeting of January 18, 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.

There was one item of correspondence regarding the passing of Mr. Leroy M. Olson on January 17, 2017. He was the former Superintendent in District 157-C. He began as an eighth-grade teacher and coach in 1957 and was named Superintendent in 1963. He oversaw the construction of two new schools prior to retiring in 1990. Current Superintendent, Dr. Maura Zinni, and Board of Education members expressed their sympathy and gratitude for Mr. Olson’s many years of service to the district.

The Board approved the Open and Closed Session minutes of the regular meeting of December 21, 2016.

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

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 goal process for teachers. Mrs. Nelson reported that teachers at Grand Prairie are looking at their evaluations and setting goals together. In addition, students are being encouraged to set their own goals for themselves. Dr. Paver-Nepote reported that Chelsea teachers are looking at professional development for themselves and the entire team and building. She continued, “For example, in math, teachers are making binders and creating rigorous multi-set math problems for the various grade levels.” Mr. Seidelmann reported that Hickory Creek teachers are setting their goals looking at integrating technology into the curriculum. He stated, “Our looking at professional development on a two year cycle is one of the strongest professional development tools. It is very powerful for teachers.” Dr. Zinni reported that she observed principals at Chelsea and Grand Prairie doing a mid-year review. She stated, “It gives the teachers a chance to tell their story and their chance to shine. It was wonderful to experience and very worthwhile for me.”

Director of Special Services Jen Bajda reported that she and Director of Curriculum & Instruction Janet McClarence developed a Response to Intervention (RTI) committee at the beginning of the year. She said that the committee decided the program will now be called the Multi-Tier System of Support (MTSS) instead of RTI. Ms. Bajda also reported that the committee has narrowed down the choices for a new assessment tool for universal screening, benchmarking and progress monitoring.

Director of Curriculum & Instruction Janet McClarence reported that the district has begun to implement “year zero” of the Continuous Learning Plan and that she met with grade 5 teachers to hear their concerns and questions. She stated, “The teachers had wonderful ideas and we will continue to meet with them monthly to plan for 1:1 technology implementation next fall.” Mrs. McClarence also reported that the district is very pleased with the eighth grade students’ PSAT results. The PSAT replaced the Explorer test and is given by Lincoln-Way High School District 210 to all eighth graders from its feeder districts to establish a baseline measurement of student college and career readiness as they enter high school. She continued, “Our kids are well prepared and we are very proud. Everyone is doing a nice job of working together and Mr. Seidelmann is doing a great job of steering the ship.” Dr. Zinni agreed, stating, “Congratulations for taking the high road in implementing the new math program two years ago that focuses more on reasoning, problem solving and application of skills.”

Director of Building & Grounds Rodney Davis reported that there was a thorough cleaning of all schools over Winter Break and that he is happy with what was completed. The new Supervisor for late afternoon/evening housekeepers from Aramark, Kaye Lemahieu, said she is happy to be with the district and will work to put together a safe and clean building for students and staff.

Director of Technology Jake Nelson reported that the wireless connection was completed over Winter Break. The two year project now has access points in each building. He reported that he is researching new systems for card access at the doors. He reported that the Microsoft domain is now open and the technology team can begin working on integration for next year. Mr. Nelson also provided a report on the research for upgrades to the district’s security cameras. He is awaiting three quality bids prior to presenting a proposal to the Board for upgrading or replacing the cameras. Dr. Zinni reported that a thorough evaluation and repairing of the current cameras, where appropriate, has improved security but that a newer system with current technology will be considered in the next five-year capital improvement plan.

The Board heard a report from Board Secretary Edie Adamski on the Lincoln-Way Area Special Education District 843 Advisory Committee meeting of December 12, 2016 and the Governing Board meeting of December 20, 2016.

In the Superintendent’s report, Dr. Maura Zinni provided the Board with hard copies of the State of the District Presentation for review. This report will be presented to each school's staff and at a parent and community meeting on Monday, January 30, 10:30 a.m., in the Tiger's Den at Grand Prairie Elementary School, 10480 W. Nebraska Street. 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. Dr. Zinni provided an update on the January 10 Tiger University workshop for parents. Coach Pat Donohue’s message about raising resilient children who embrace a growth mindset, was well received. Two more events are planned for parents during this semester. Dr. Zinni reported that Camp Manitoqua has offered to run an 'Encounter Camp' for students entering K-8 grades next August 17, 18 and 21. This program is an option for parents needing childcare during the few days that Lincoln-Way East starts school prior to District 157-C’s start. More information will be sent home to all parents and it will be posted on the district’s website. Dr. Zinni also provided a masonry update on defective bricks at Hickory Creek Middle School.

Assistant Superintendent Curt Saindon provided the Board with the Treasurer's Report and Graphs. The total fund balance reserves decreased in December by about $5.3M (from $45,054,977 at the end of November to $39,778,276 at the end of December.) The decrease is normal for this time of year as the district typically has minimum revenues (under $1M,) normal operating expenses (over $2M) and its large annual principal and interest bond payments due by January 1 (about $3.8M.) 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 $842K in revenues for the month with most coming from property tax collections ($538K), Mandated Special Ed Reimbursements ($139K) and General State Aid ($90K.) The district paid out about $2.3M in expenses during December, not counting bond payments, which is right in line with expected expenditures of about $2.25M-$2.50M per month. Board Bills for December were $1,956,074.32 and were presented at the January 18 Board Meeting.

In discussion, the Board reviewed the Closed Session minutes from June 2016 through November 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. Superintendent Dr. Zinni and Board President Gina Briese reviewed the closed session meeting minutes and recommended June 15, August 17, August 29, September 21, October 19 and November 16, 2016 not be released for the public record. It was also recommended the closed session meeting minutes from July 6, 2016 be released for the public record.

In discussion, the Board discussed the Verbatim Destruction of Closed Session Meeting Minutes. As required by law, the audio recordings of closed meetings older than 18 months may be destroyed.

In discussion, Dr. Zinni provided the recommended edits to the Parent and Student Handbook for 2017-2018.

In discussion, Assistant Superintendent Curt Saindon presented recommendations for the Lawn Maintenance and Landscape Bed Maintenance Contractors for 2017.

The Board took action to approve the employment of Jaime Costello as a Full-Time Medical Paraprofessional at Chelsea Intermediate School with a start date of January 9, 2017 at an hourly rate of $20.00, 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 Carefree Lawn Maintenance, Inc. of Lockport, IL to provide lawn maintenance and landscape bed maintenance services for $3,480 per month and Eternally Green Lawn Care of Frankfort, IL to provide fertilizer and weed control application services at a cost of $1,840 per application for the 2017 growing season.

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

In the Consent Agenda, the Board took action to acknowledge that the closed session meeting minutes from June 15, August 17, August 29, September 21, October 19 and November 16, 2016 were reviewed and were not released for the public record. Closed session meeting minutes from July 6, 2016 were reviewed and released for the public records.

In the Consent Agenda, the Board took action to approve the destruction of audio recording of closed session meeting minutes from February 2015 until July 2015 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 took action to authorize the Superintendent and his/her designee to prepare a tentative budget for fiscal year 2018.

In the Consent Agenda, the Board took action to approve the Audit firm of Klein Hall CPA's for the annual 2016-2017 Audit as presented.

In the Consent Agenda, the Board took action to approve the comprehensive seniority lists detailing all areas of classifications. 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 took action to approve the School Calendar for 2017-2018 as presented.

The Board took action to approve the School Fees for 2017-2018 as presented.

The Board went into Closed Session at 8:33 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 8:40 p.m.

The Board adjourned the Closed Session meeting at 9:52 p.m. and returned to Open Session.

The Board adjourned the Regular meeting at 9:55 p.m.

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