District 157-C September 20, 2017 Board of Education Meeting Recap

The regular Frankfort School District 157-C Board of Education meeting of September 20, 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 thank you letter from Diane Heimlich regarding the book donation for Hickory Creek's library that was made in memory of her father.

The Board approved the Open and Closed Session minutes of the regular meeting of August 16, 2017.

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

During the recognition portion of the meeting, the Board of Education welcomed the Christopher McFadden family. Board President Gina Briese stated, “We are excited to have you here. Chris meant a lot to all of us and we wanted to express that to you.” A friend and dedicated Board of Education member in District 157-C, Mr. McFadden was first elected to the Board for a four year term in 2011, served as its president from 2013-2015 and was re-elected to the Board on April 4, 2017. Mr. McFadden passed away on June 29, 2017. Speaking to his three young children Brooke, Matthew and Erin, Superintendent Dr. Maura Zinni stated, “I want to express my gratitude that I had time to know your dad. He was so smart in serving our board and did his homework.” The Board dedicated a plaque honoring the memory of Mr. McFadden for his advocacy of the students, teachers and the Frankfort 157-C community. On behalf of the Board and District 157-C, Dr. Zinni also provided the McFadden children with a coloring booklet of letters about their dad especially written for them by District 157-C Board members, teachers and others who knew him. Chris’ wife Sarah McFadden thanked the Board, saying, “Every school on the planet talks about inspiring life-long learners. Chris was a life-long learner. He researched everything. He read, learned, studied and asked a lot of questions. I ask the Board to be life-long learners too.”

Director of Business and Operational Services Kate Ambrosini presented the final changes to the tentative budget for FY 2017-2018. The tentative budget was presented for approval at the August 16, 2017 Regular Board meeting and has been on public display in the District Office. A notice of its availability and of the September 20, 2017 Public Budget Hearing (to be undertaken before the final budget is presented for Board consideration) was posted in a local newspaper on August 21, 2017. Changes to the original, tentative budget have been processed throughout the past few months and summarized. It was the recommendation of the Administration, after conclusion of the budget hearing and presentation of the final budget by the Director of Business and Operational Services, that the Board approve the FY 2017-2018 final budget as presented on the Illinois State Board of Education Form 50-36. The administration also asked the Board to approve the associated resolutions and certifications to effectuate adoption of the budget and allow it to file said documents with the appropriate Local, State and Federal agencies, as required by various laws and the existing bond covenants. After Board approval the Director of Business and Operational Services will file certified and signed copies of the final budget and all associated resolutions and certifications with the appropriate authorities within 30 days of adoption, or by the end of the first quarter of the fiscal year, as required.

Following the budget presentation, at 7:17 p.m., the Board held the Public Hearing for the Fiscal Year 2017-2018 budget. The total for all funds budgeted revenues of $35,394,322 versus total for all funds budgeted expenditures of $34,910,674 will result in a change in fund balances of $483,648. After the hearing was closed, the Board passed the resolution to approve the 2017-2018 budget and the associated resolution ratifying and confirming publication of legal notice and setting the budget hearing. (SEE SEPARATE BUDGET PRESS RELEASE.)

Grand Prairie Elementary School Principal Eileen Nelson reported that the new Eureka Math resource is up and running. She reported that the school is pushing resource staff into the classrooms and that the “kids are getting it.” She reported that the school is continuing to develop ways to reach parents to enable them to become more familiar with the resource.

Chelsea Intermediate School Principal Dr. Sharon Paver-Nepote also reported on the implementation of the new Math resource. She stated, “Our partners in education are the parents.” Dr. Paver-Nepote reported that there is a parent math resource for parents to access the Eureka Math and that the school is developing additional opportunities for parents to obtain information. There will be several presentations held during October and November so parents can experience what their children are experiencing. She reported that informational videos and parent tip sheets will be made available as well.

Hickory Creek Middle School Principal Will Seidelmann reported that he has submitted an extra-curricular proposal for Hickory Creek. It is a PSAT Blitz class to prepare eighth graders for high school. He stated, “This is an extra five hours of instruction for our students. Parents have been seeking resources outside of the district and we would like to offer it ourselves.”

Director of Special Services Jen Bajda reported that the FastBridge assessment has taken off at Grand Prairie and Chelsea and will be implemented soon in English Language Arts. She reported that teachers are being trained to become more familiar with working with the graphs and that the new assessment information will be shared with district parents.

Director of Curriculum & Instruction Janet McClarence reported that the 2017 Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers (PARCC) parent reports will be mailed out soon. She also reported that this is Year One of the technology rollout and that she is glad we had last year as Year Zero to prepare. A Technology Boot Camp is being held for fifth grade and teachers went through training over the summer. She reported that the Technology Coaches are working with the English Language Arts and Math Coaches and that benchmarks have been set with fifth grade teachers to change the habit from using paper to digital.

Director of Human Resources Craig Schoppe reported that he has been working to educate staff regarding insurance options. He reported that the insurance committee reviewed wellness initiatives at its September meeting and have scheduled health screenings for the employees to take place in November. Screenings are scheduled to occur at each building as well as one at the district office.

Director of Building & Grounds Rodney Davis reported on a number of repairs and improvements that have taken place at all three buildings.

Director of Technology Jake Nelson reported that Illinois State reporting was completed in September. He reported that numerous technology upgrades were completed including cleaning and updating of computers, overhaul of the security camera system and upgrading the phone system and voicemail.

The Board heard a report from Edith Lutz of the District Insurance Committee regarding their meeting of August 16, 2017.

The Board heard a report from Board Secretary Edie Adamski on the Lincoln-Way Area Special Education District 843 Advisory Committee meeting of August 14, 2017 and the Governing Board meeting of August 22, 2017.

In the Superintendent’s report, Dr. Zinni provided the Board with an enrollment update. She also confirmed that effective with the Spring election, polling places will be moved from the Frankfort grade schools as a joint effort by District 157-C, Will County Clerk Nancy Schultz Voots and Mayor Jim Holland. Safety of the students in the schools on election days is the primary reason, along with the need for protection of valuable educational time and additional safety concerns due to increased traffic and parking.

Director of Business and Operational Services Kate Ambrosini provided the Board with the September 2017 Treasurer's Report and Graphs. The total fund balance reserves decreased by $542,188 (from $44,446,288 to $43,882,258) primarily due to anticipated reduction in revenue due to summer. Monthly revenue receipts totaled $1,655,917 and monthly expense disbursements totaled $2,198,105.

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

In discussion, Superintendent, Dr. Maura Zinni shared with the Board the initial employee insurance plans renewal proposal from the Horton Group. The Board reached consensus that the district should continue to focus on wellness initiatives and to offer an incentive for employees to complete health screenings and attend an informational meeting. The Board also would like to seek additional quotes on options for deductibles for research purposes.

In discussion, the Board held the first reading of Board policies 2:260, Uniform Grievance, 5:10, Equal Employment Opportunity and Minority Recruitment, 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.

In discussion, the Board held the first reading of the job description for the Administrative Assistant to the Department of Human Resources. This position replaces the personnel clerk and the payroll clerk positions.

In discussion, Director of Business and Operational Services Kate Ambrosini summarized for the Board the District's investment results for 2016-2017. She stated, “I am impressed with the fiscal responsibility of the district historically and going forward.” The Board requested that updates on investments be provided to them semi-annually.

In discussion, Director of Business and Operational Services Kate Ambrosini and Director of Building & Grounds Rodney Davis provided information to the Board on new energy grants that are now available between now and Dec. 31, 2017 to continue Phase II of the Chelsea lighting upgrade project. The Board reached consensus that they move forward with the plan to seek these grants between now and the end of the year.

The Board took action to approve the employment of Dana Flutman as a Half-Time Social Worker at Grand Prairie and Chelsea School (MA) at an annual salary of $26,187.50 for the 2017-2018 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 Mary Galullo-Hummel as a Full-Time 1:1 Paraprofessional at Chelsea Intermediate School at an hourly rate of $12.60, 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 Melissa Kingsbury as a Full-Time Long-Term FMLA Substitute Secretary at Chelsea Intermediate School at the daily long-term substitute rate, 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 Ebonee Tate as a Part-Time Lunchroom/Recess Supervisor at Chelsea Intermediate School 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 continued employment of Kathy Devine as the Deaf/Hard of Hearing Interpreter position at Chelsea Intermediate School at an hourly rate of $30.65

The Board took action to approve the employment of Julie Saldok as a Part-Time Title I Math Interventionist at Grand Prairie Elementary School at an hourly rate of $13.85, 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 Pamela Snyder as a Part-Time Title I Reading Interventionist at Grand Prairie Elementary School at an hourly rate of $13.99, 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 Judy Block as a Part-Time Special Education Paraprofessional at Grand Prairie Elementary School at an hourly rate of $12.60, 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 Antis as a Part-Time Lunchroom/Recess Supervisor at Grand Prairie Elementary School 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 employment of Cristina Rivera as a Part-Time Lunchroom/Recess Supervisor at Grand Prairie Elementary School 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 employment of Angela Vander Kooi as a Long-Term Substitute Music Teacher at Grand Prairie Elementary School at the daily long-term substitute rate with a start date of August 23, 2017 and will tentatively end November 13, 2017 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 Rachel Ray as a Full-Time Special Education Paraprofessional at Hickory Creek Middle School (MA+0) at an hourly rate of $12.30, 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 Melanie Patriquin for the Full-Time Administrative Assistant to Human Resources position at District Office at an hourly rate of $27.88, 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 Sheryl Van Etten for the Part-Time Accounts Payable position at District Office at an hourly rate of $19.00, 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 the promotion of Chris Hanson to the Maintenance position at District Office at an hourly rate of $21.00.

The Board took action to approve the payment of four and a half (4.5) unused vacation days to Rodney Davis at his per diem rate of $273.08 at a total cost of $1,228.86 for the 2016-17 year.

The Board took action to approve the Third Grade Math Masterpiece Club for Chelsea Intermediate School. The students would meet twice a week beginning in January through March for 45 minutes. The stipend for the Third Grade Math Masterpiece Club would be $405.00 with minimum participation of 20 students and a maximum of 30.

The Board took action to approve the Fifth Grade Engineering Robots Club for Chelsea Intermediate School. The students would meet once a week beginning in November through April for 1 hour. The stipend for the Fifth Grade Engineering Robots Club would be $450.00 with minimum participation of 10 students and a maximum of 30.

The Board took action to approve the Fifth Grade Math Club for Chelsea Intermediate School. The students would meet twice a week beginning October 11, 2017 through November 30, 2017 for 45 minutes. The stipend for the Fifth Grade Math Club would be $315.00 with minimum participation of 10 students and a maximum of 40.

The Board took action to approve the Eighth Grade PSAT Blitz Club for Hickory Creek Middle School. The students would meet for five one-hour sessions beginning October 4, 2017. The stipend for the Eighth Grade PSAT Blitz Club would be $150.00 per section, up to eight sections with minimum participation of 15 students and a maximum of 294.

The Board approved the September payment of bills as presented.

In the Consent Agenda, the Board recognized Public Gifts. In compliance with policy 8.080 Community Relations - Public Gifts to District, the following represents gift(s)/contributions(s) presented to Frankfort School District 157-C within the period of September 2016 through June 2017: Athletic Boosters, $31,034.89, Chorus Boosters $34,603.48, Band/Orchestra Boosters $20,617.00, Family School Partnership $33,700.00, Frankfort Education Foundation $182,005.00, for a total in donations of $301,960.37. The Board graciously acknowledged the acceptance of these gifts as presented for the period of September 2016 through June of 2017.

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

In the Consent Agenda, according to Public Act 97-0256, the Board approved the Administrator and Teacher Salary and Benefits report as presented.

The Board went into Closed Session at 8:21 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 opened the Closed Session meeting at 8:25 p.m.

The Board adjourned the Closed Session meeting at 8:55 p.m.

Following Closed Session, the Board approved the Hickory Creek Middle School masonry repair project.

The Board adjourned the regular meeting at 8:58 p.m.

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