League of Women Voters Observer Report

River Forest School District 90

Board of Education Meeting

August 17, 2015, 7:30 p.m.

Observers: Kathleen Perry, Jane Schlichting

Board Packets are available at www.district90.org for school board meetings.

More information about certain topics is available from the August 17 Board Packet on pages noted in the report.

Present: Patrick Meyer, Ralph Martire, David Latham, Roman Ebert, Barb Hickey, and Rich Moore

Also Present: Anthony Cozzi, Director of Finance and Facilities; Martha Ryan-Toye, Director of Student Services; Deb Kadin, reporter; a representative from bonding firm, and two citizens.

Absent: Anne Gottlieb

Public Participation - none

Freedom of Information Request for a copy of the bond placed by the general contractor for the Lincoln School project.

The Consent Agenda included: minutes from Special Meeting, Board of Meeting, and Closed Session of July 13, 2015, also orders relating to Payrolls, Bills, and Treasurer’s Report. The Board approved the Consent Agenda.

Reports from Board Committees:

Education - Rich Moore reported on activities of the Writing Committee.

Policy - Barb Hickely stated that policy would be discussed later in the meeting.

Finance/Equity - Ralph Martire reported that the committee is reviewing equity, achievement gap, best practices and hiring minorities. The committee plans to add two members from the community.

Facilities - Anthony Cozzi gave an update on the construction project at Lincoln School.

Communication - Patrick Meyer reported formal and informal communication with the Library, Park District and a press release about changes in the parking lot.

Superintendent Condon reviewed the dates that faculty and students will return to school. A schedule was presented for meeting dates of various groups/organization that are covered by board members.

Superintendent’s Report

A financial representative made a presentation from the Bonding Firm pertaining to the school district securing bonds. Due to the district’s AA2 rating from Moody, bonds were secured at the rate of 2.79%. A motion was passed to authorize sale of $9,300,000 school bonds.

Motion passed to grant a transfer request.

After a brief review of the Policy changes, a motion passed to approve the changes, except number 5-180. (Policy information in packet on pages 79-102)

Anthony Cozzi, Director of Finance and Facilities, reviewed the changes in Draft #2 of the proposed budget for 2015-2016. The proposed 2015-2016 Budget will be displayed for public viewing for 30 days. (Budget information available in packet on pages 104-119)

Superintendent Condon reported: enrollment decreased at Lincoln; currently Roosevelt Middle School has 671 students.

Also, the Superintendent gave an update on summer maintenance that included: repairs, replacements, and installation of new furniture and work on the Roosevelt parking lot. It appears that the Lincoln School project may not be completed for the starting of school.

Concerns were expressed about how the Sewer Project on the north side of the village will affect the schools and students as the school year begins.

The Superintendent discussed the results of the State’s 5 Essential Survey. Researchers at the University of Chicago Consortium of Chicago Schools Research developed the 5 Essentials. They used 20 years of evidence to define 5 Essential components of organization and climate related to improving schools: effective leaders, collaborative teachers, involved families, supportive environment, and ambitious instruction. Mr. Condon reported the results for River Forest indicated the district scored: strongly for involved families, collaborative teachers, ambitious instruction, and supportive environment, while schools scored average in effective leaders. (Full Report in packet on packet on pages 124-193)

Martha Ryan-Toye, Director of Student Services, reported that teachers collaborated in the development of standards, resources, and selected instructional materials for teaching writing in grades K - 4th. The instructional material will be pilot tested during this school year. (More information available in packet on pages 195-200)

State Superintendent of schools, Dr. Tony Smith, held a webinar that presented the State Board’s Initiatives for 2015-2016 school year.

The Village of River Forest Collaboration Initiative has requested that each taxing body appoint two members to serve on a sub-committee.

The Board adjourned to an Executive Session at 9:30 p.m.