District 157-C Oct. 18 Board Of Education Meeting Recap  

The regular Frankfort School District 157-C Board of Education meeting of October 18, 2017 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.

In correspondence, the Board recognized a letter from Terry McFadden to thank the Board for its tribute to honor his son, Christopher McFadden, at the September 20 Board Meeting.

The Board approved the Open and Closed Session minutes of the regular meeting of September 20, 2017 and the Open Session minutes of the Special Board of Education Meeting of October 10, 2017.

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

During the recognition portion of the meeting, the Board recognized the following grants awarded to District 157-C teachers:

Cyndi Grasso was awarded a $1,000.00 STEM grant from Window World of Joliet. It was presented by Brian C. Hopkins, President and Owner of Window World of Joliet.

Sean Bouck and Renee Grady were awarded an IEA Score Grant in the amount of $1,000.00 to be used for the Hickory Creek Middle School Living History Initiative. This is a student-led project, where students will be given the opportunity to explore and learn about history, as told through the people who lived it. Students will be able to interview and record the stories and voices of family, friends, and community members who were first-hand witnesses to historical events. Because our country's WWII veterans and Holocaust survivors are now in their nineties, there is a limited time to capture their stories. The District hopes that the
Living History Initiative will not only impact the learning of its students, but also provide a valuable resource for the community.

Marybeth Raynes was awarded the following grants. 2016-2017 School Year: $8,000 - Patterson Scholastic
Partnership, $500 - Meemic Foundation, $300 - Illinois School Library Media Association/Library Book Selection Service Endowment Fund. 2017 - 2018 School Year: $1,500 - Dollar General Youth Literacy Grant, $300 - Illinois School Library Media Association/Library Book Selection Service Endowment Fund.

Board President Gina Briese stated, “This is very exciting news. We appreciate you getting all these grants and thank you on behalf of the Board.”

Grand Prairie Elementary School Principal Eileen Nelson reported that a recent Eureka training in Skokie was very beneficial. She thanked the Board for the many supports it provided and stated, “Many other districts do not have the benefit of the materials and supports that we have.” She reported that our district has progressed well ahead of representatives at the training that are really struggling to become proficient with the Eureka resource.

Chelsea Intermediate School Principal Dr. Sharon Paver-Nepote reported that she also attended the Eureka training. She complimented District 157-C for how far it has come in acclimating to the new Eureka resource. She stated, “We are making investments in our staff at the district level and the teachers are making that investment in their professional development. With Eureka I am positive we made the right decision for our students.” Board President Gina Briese thanked all the teachers for their patience and diligence in working with the new resource.

Hickory Creek Middle School Principal Will Seidelmann reported that Hickory Creek Middle School received an invitation to be a feature school at the 2017 Raising Student Achievement Conference on December 4, 2017. Mr. Seidelmann will be sharing a presentation entitled, “Formula to Impact Student Achievement”. The presentation recognizes work of staff to enhance academic growth by students. Mr. Seidelmann stated, “The award gave the school an opportunity to look at the success we have had and share our story with other districts.” He reported that Manteno and Troy school districts reached out to set up a visit to Hickory Creek to see in person Hickory Creek’s efforts for student success.

Director of Technology Jake Nelson reported that plans are being finalized for updating the district’s firewall. He also reported that the district’s current model 7911 phones have reached the end of life and that the district will begin to test potential replacements to phase in over the next couple of years.

Director of Curriculum & Instruction Janet McClarence reported that technology for year one of the 21st Century Continuous Learning Plan has been successfully implemented. She stated, “The teachers are doing a great job and kids are using their devices every day.” She reported that every student and teacher has stepped up to the plate to work through the Eureka math resource and that math coaches are being utilized regularly.

Director of Special Services Jen Bajda reported that five administrators participated in a training with the attorney regarding the procedures for grievances. The training was more in-depth than in the past and other districts were also invited to participate. She stated, “The training raised our awareness and was extremely informative. It is good knowledge for us to have in case a formal complaint ever arises.”

Director of Human Resources Craig Schoppe reported that the district recently held the last informational insurance meeting for staff and it was well attended. Employees can now schedule one-on-one meetings.

Director of Building & Grounds Rodney Davis reported that with the change of seasons his team has been monitoring all of the district’s boilers and that they are working well. He also reported that the team is getting snow plows ready and hoping for a mild winter.

The Board heard a report from Edith Lutz of the District Insurance Committee regarding their meeting of October 12, 2017.

The Board heard a report from Board Secretary Edie Adamski on the Lincoln-Way Area Special Education District 843 Advisory Committee meeting of September 11, 2017 and the Governing Board meeting of September 26, 2017.

Education Foundation President Carrie Nagle reported that the organization has seen a great start to the school year. She reported that the hot lunch program is going well and that all of the booster organizations worked to make healthier side choices available for the students. She also reported that the Foundation was pleased to see a lot of new volunteers this year. The organization is currently vetting venues for its upcoming Casino Night. She also reported that she is grateful for the efforts of all the teachers and that she was touched by seeing the results of the Foundation’s grant to provided backpacks for families in need.

In the Superintendent’s report, Dr. Zinni provided the Board with an enrollment update. She also provided the Board with a flyer regarding the Tiger University programs for this school year. The programs include a college financial planning workshop which was held on October 12, a program regarding epilepsy and seizures to be held on January 16, 2018 and a water safety presentation scheduled for May 23, 2018. Tiger University is presented by District 157-C and the Family School Partnership (FSP) organization to provide parents with information on a variety of topics. She also reported that the weather has been perfect to make the masonry repairs at Hickory Creek and that they are going well.

Director of Business and Operational Services Kate Ambrosini provided the Board with the October 2017 Treasurer's Report and Graphs. The total fund balance reserves increased by $5,562,496 (from $43,882,535 to $49,445,031) primarily due to Will County tax receipts in excess of $8.4 million. Monthly revenue receipts totaled $8,862,584 and monthly expense disbursements totaled $3,273,963.

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 Board with a report on the annual audit that was recently completed by Klein Hall, CPA. The firm was very complimentary of the financial records and the accounting information provided, the state of the district’s books and records, professionalism and cooperation of the staff and the overall sound accounting practices and procedures the district employs. The CPA found no material weaknesses in the internal controls and noted no material audit exceptions, findings or accounting errors. The District is expected to receive 2018 Financial Recognition Status from the Illinois State Board of Education.

In discussion, Director of Business and Operational Services Kate Ambrosini provided a presentation on the levy process, including some basic information and data. This will enable the Board to determine a general direction as the District prepares the potential tax levy scenarios for the Levy Book that will be distributed in November.

In discussion, Director of Business and Operational Services Kate Ambrosini presented the Board with the District’s Annual Statement of Affairs. Per the Illinois School Code, every school district in the state is required to post, publish and file an Annual Statement of Affairs, along with various associated schedules of staff salaries, vendor payments and contracts.

In discussion, Director of Business and Operational Services Kate Ambrosini gave a presentation to the Board highlighting two software programs developed by PMA Financial Network. She reported that the software is primarily geared to finance but the administrative team believes it would also benefit more than just the business offices. The software is also beneficial when making comparisons for salary negotiations as well as reporting on academic testing. It also is capable of providing data in several different chart and graph types for ease of understanding for the end user. Mrs. Ambrosini believes that the use of this software in the district would increase efficiency and accuracy while providing detailed, easy to understand reports in several different district capacities.

The Board held the second reading and took action to approve Board policies 2:260, Uniform Grievance, 5:10, Equal Employment Opportunity and Minority Recruitment, 5:20, Workplace Harassment Prohibited, 5:170, Copyright, 6:80, Teaching About Controversial Issues, 6:180, Extended Instructional Programs, 6:210, Instructional Materials, 7:20, Harassment of Students Prohibited, 7:180, Prevention of and Response to Bullying, Intimidation, and Harassment, 7:275, Orders to Forgo Life-Sustaining Treatment, and 8:70, Accommodating Individuals with Disabilities.

The Board took action to approve the Employee Benefits Plan for 2018 and program enhancements as presented.

The Board took action to approve a one-year contract extension with The Horton Group and Allied Benefits, renewable annually, for the provision of employee benefits consulting services as outlined in the memo and proposed Fee Agreement, for fees of $2,765.25 (Horton) and $103.61 (Allied) per month.

The Board took action to approve the proposal of Twin Supplies for lighting upgrades at Chelsea Intermediate School, pending the approval of the ComEd PSEE grant as presented.

The Board took action to approve attendance and expenses at the Triple I Conference on November 17 – 19, 2017 in Chicago. Registration and rooms are reserved for Board Members, Superintendent, Director of Business and Operational Services and the Recording Secretary. Some Board Members will attend pre-conference workshops.

The Board took action to approve the employment of Megan Murray as a Long-Term Substitute First Grade Teacher at Grand Prairie Elementary School at the daily long-term substitute rate with a start date of October 2, 2017 and will tentatively end January 9, 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 employment of Sandra Reader as a Long-Term Substitute Paraprofessional at Grand Prairie Elementary School at a daily rate of $100 with a start date of October 10, 2017 and will tentatively end January 9, 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 employment of Catherine O'Rourke as a part-time Title I Reading Interventionist Aide at Chelsea Intermediate School (MA+12) at an hourly rate of $13.40, 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 Zachary Davis as a full-time Custodian at Chelsea Intermediate School at an hourly rate of $17.00, 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 September payment of bills as presented.

In the Consent Agenda, the Board approved the Public Act 97-0609 IMRF Employee Compensation over $75,000 Report as presented.

In the Consent Agenda, the Board approved the Administrative Assistant to the Department of Human Resources job description as presented.

In the Consent Agenda, the Board approved the FY 2016-2017 Audit Report.

In the Consent Agenda, the Board approved and directed the Business Office to publish and post the finalized Annual Statement of Affairs for Frankfort School District 157-C, as required by law, in the local newspaper of general circulation, and submit said document to the Regional Office of Education and the Illinois State Board of Education, along with all associated and required listings of staff salaries, vendor payments and contracts. Furthermore, that the school district should maintain a copy of said Annual Statement of Affairs and the associated detailed listings on file in the District Office for the public to inspect, as appropriate.

The Board adjourned the regular meeting at 8:16 p.m.

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

Photo via Patch archive