OPRFHS 6-26-14

Oak Park River Forest High School Board

June 26, 2014

Mary Haley, Observer

Present: John Phelan- President, Jeff Weissglass-Vice President, Sharon Patchak-Layman, Ralph Lee, Jackie Moore, Steve Gevinson, and Tom Cofsky

President Phelan called the meeting to order at 7:40 p.m.

Public Comments:  Brenda Woodall representing SEIU 73 requested that the board delay disciplinary action involving a district employee, Cynthia McGee, and to allow Ms. McGee to speak in closed session in order to provide medical details about her lack of attendance on the job.

Introductory Reports:  Dr. Isoye reported that summer school and camps are going well.  Several excursions are planned, including trips to Costa Rica and Japan. 

Consent Items:  The majority of consent items were approved without discussion.  Mrs. Patchak-Layman requested that the item concerning a personnel recommendation be referred back to closed session for further discussion.  The request was rejected by a 5-2 vote.  There was also discussion regarding the contract for independent psychologists, social workers and speech therapists.  Mrs. Patchak-Layman questioned if it would be better for the district to hire full time staff for these positions.  Instead of doing it now, the recommendation is to postpone this decision for a year when a number of staff will be retiring.

 Action Items:  All items were approved with the exception of approving the superintendent’s compensation which was referred to closed session.

Information:  Dr. Isoye provided a review of the board goals established for the 2013-2014 school year.  The majority of action steps showed progress or completion.  At a special board meeting on May 27, board members were asked to list their priorities for the 2014-2015 school year.  Following that, Dr. Isoye aligned the most common priorities with the strategic plan.  The superintendent suggested that a theme of relationships among all the district stakeholders emerged as a unifying concept.  Dr. Moore stated that whatever the board chooses as its final goals, plans must include a process of measurement and documentation that includes student input.  Mr. Phelan asked administrators for their input on possible goals and action plans.  Mike Carioscio, CIO, and Principal Rouse stated that the DLT will play a key role in coordinating how the plans will be implemented.  While the staff is supportive of the goals, Mr. Carioscio further commented that all the departments have to run the everyday work of the school and can only take on so many new duties/responsibilities.  Dr. Isoye added that the district must also keep up with ever changing state requirements.   Mr. Phelan suggested that the board spend more time evaluating the strategic plan and come together for a special meeting on July 10 to fine tune the 2014-2015 goals.

Mr. Phelan, Mr. Cofsky, CFO Tod Altenburg and the athletic director have met with architects and engineers to discuss the pros and cons for each location for the new swimming pool.  August 28 is the date by which a decision must be made regarding the location of the pool.

Mr. Altenburg presented the preliminary budget for FY2014-2015.  There is an approximate 23% decrease in revenue from property taxes.  The overall revenue decrease is approximately 19%.  Overall revenue is projected at $61.6M, and overall expenditures are projected at $77.2M.  The projected decrease in the fund balance is $15M.

Amy Hill, Director for Curriculum and Instruction, reported that professional development planning is underway.  The planning reflects the implementation of the strategic plan.

Principal Rouse verified that the district investigated 686 residency cases, almost three times the number of cases reported in previous years. The district refused enrollment to 167 students.

The meeting was adjourned at 10:47 p.m.