North Wayne Community Unit School District 200 Board met February 14.
Here is the minutes provided by the Board:
The first regular meeting of the month of February of the Board of Education of Community Unit School District 200, DuPage County, Illinois, was called to order at the Whittier Elementary School, 218 W Park Ave, Wheaton, IL, by Board President Jim Vroman, on Wednesday, February 14, 2018, at 7:00 pm.
Roll Call:
Upon the roll being called, the following were present:
Board Members: Jim Vroman
Brad Paulsen
Chris Crabtree
Ginna Ericksen
Jim Gambaiani
Rob Hanlon
Absent: Jim Mathieson
Also in Attendance: Dr. Jeff Schuler, Superintendent
Mrs. Faith Dahlquist
Mr. Bill Farley
Mrs. Erica Loiacono
Mr. Rodney Mack
Dr. Joanne Panopoulos
Dr. Robert Rammer
Pledge Of Allegiance:
Mr. Chris Silagi led the Board and community in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Communication With The Host School:
Principal Chris Silagi welcomed the Board and Senior Leadership Team to Whittier School, and recognized the Whittier staff and families in the audience. Mr. Silagi spoke of the Whittier mission and the focus on both essential academic as well as social-emotional skills. A short video was shown demonstrating a “growth mindset”, how this has changed learning, and how it is the foundation for what is being taught and learned at the school.
Modifications To The Agenda:
None
Public Comments – Agenda Items:
None
Superintendent Report:
Dr. Schuler reported the following:
• The first categorical payment for this year was received from the State. This represents $1.8M. Although more of the dollars are flowing through GSA (General State Aid), the categorical payments are a sizable chunk of money.
• The Board Facilities Committee met this week and reviewed the projected projects for summer 2018, which includes the eight schools targeted for secure entries work as well as potential projects addressing condition 1, year 1 capital needs. It was noted that Whittier and Bower secure entry projects will be listed as alternate bids in the package, as they are the more substantial projects and will give the Board a bit more flexibility. A recap of those projects and dollars was provided to the Board. This totals approximately $4.2M in work which will be going out to bid.
• The Facilities Committee also discussed a proposal to look at camera systems for three of the middle schools (Edison, Franklin & Monroe) that currently do not have them. Both high schools, as well as Hubble MS, have camera systems in place. The District will solicit proposals as recommended by the committee, and bring to the full Board for consideration at the March meeting.
• Dr. Schuler sent the Board a copy of a video that was submitted by a group of Edison students for a Samsung Solve for Tomorrow contest. The goal is to bring a technology solution or invention that reflects a local problem or need and the students chose the need to build more financially literate youth and adults. Their project included developing a mobile app, and input was sought from local community organizations and individuals. It was noted these students have advanced all through the state and they are the Samsung selection for the State of IL.
• An open house was held yesterday at WNHS in the Business INCubator classroom. This was in conjunction with Unchartered Learning, which is the company that put together the curriculum for the program. High schools from across the State of IL attended and had an opportunity to interact with the students and staff. Dr. Schuler thanked WNHS for hosting this event.
• A postcard was included in the Board folders which detailed information on a couple of community engagement opportunities for those that want to participate to provide feedback on the Vision 2022 strategic plan. This is in addition to all of the groups the District has already reached out to for feedback. Both events will take place on March 13 at both Hubble and Monroe, with an additional opportunity to view a videotape of the session.
• The Governor issued the proposed budget address today. One of the items which would impact school districts is the proposed pension cost shift for this year. The District is working to quantify that cost shift and will stay on top of developments concerning this information.
There was discussion on the following:
• Secure entrances and capital projects work.
• Confirmation that there are eight buildings requiring secure entry work.
• “2018 Potential Projects” are capital projects that will be put out to bid and will not be final until presented to the Board.
Consent Agenda:
1. Acceptance of Gift to Hawthorne Elementary School – Recommend acceptance of gift to Hawthorne School as presented.
2. Acceptance of Gift to Monroe Middle School – Audio Donation – Recommend acceptance of gift to Monroe Middle School as presented.
3. Acceptance of Gift to Monroe Middle School 6th Grade – Recommend acceptance of gift to Monroe Middle School 6th grade as presented.
4. Acceptance of Gift to the Vocational Staff of the Transition Program and WNHS Program– Recommend acceptance of gift to Transition and WNHS as presented.
5. Approval to Post High School United States History Textbook for Public Review and Comment – Recommend approval to post high school US History textbook as presented.
6. Approval of High School Biology Textbook – Recommend approval of high school Biology textbook as presented.
7. Approval of High School Business Management Textbook – Recommend approval of high school Business Management textbook as presented.
8. Approval of High School Computer Programming Textbook – Recommend approval of high school Computer Programming textbook as presented.
9. Approval of High School Contemporary Broadcast Media Textbook – Recommend approval of high school Contemporary Broadcast Media textbook as presented.
10. Approval of High School French 1 Textbook – Recommend approval of high school French 1 textbook as presented.
11. Approval of High School German 2 Textbook – Recommend approval of high school German 2 textbook as presented.
12. Approval of High School Spanish 1 Textbook – Recommend approval of high school Spanish 1 textbook as presented.
13. Approval of Heart Rate Monitor Strap Bid – Recommend approval of heart rate monitor strap bid as presented.
14. Approval of Electric Market Contract Rate Lock – Recommend approval of electric market contract rate lock as presented.
15. Approval of First Addendum to the Financial Advisory Agreement with PMA – Recommend approval of first addendum to the financial advisory agreement with PMA as presented.
16. Approval of Bills Payable and Payroll – Recommend approval of the bills payable and payroll as presented.
17. Approval of Minutes – January 17, 2018 Open, January 31, 2018 Committee of the Whole, and Approval to Destroy Recordings of Closed Sessions Prior to September 2016 As Allowable by Law – Recommend approval of the minutes as presented and approval to destroy recordings of closed sessions prior to September 2016 as allowable by law.
18. Approval of Personnel Report to Include Employment, Resignation, Retirement, and Leave of Absence of Administrative, Certified, Classified and Non-Union Staff – Recommend approval of the Personnel Report as presented.
Dr. Schuler expressed thanks for the four very generous gifts totaling over $7,000.00 from community members and organizations to the District.
There was discussion/comments on the following:
• Clarification as to how an f.t.e. (full-time equivalent) goes beyond 1.0 (occurs when a position is vacated mid-year and is picked up by existing staff) and if there are any contractual issues as a result of this action (there is language in the contract related to this).
• Approval of textbooks – delegate to staff, administration, and educators the responsibility and authority to select recommended textbooks to the Board.
Motion:
Member Paulsen moved, Member Ericksen seconded to accept the Consent Agenda as presented. Upon a roll call vote being taken, the vote was: Aye 6, Nay 0.
The motion carried 6-0.
Discussion Item:
Discussion of Resolution Authorizing and Providing for a Lease Agreement for the Purpose of Building and Equipping a New Early Childhood Center in and for the District-
The Board of Education previously approved the design timeline for a new Early Childhood Center. Additionally, the Board of Education and Finance Committee have reviewed the timeline related to the lease agreement process for the building.
At Wednesday's meeting, a draft resolution was provided that approves a form of lease agreement to be entered into between the District and Zions Bank as Lessor with respect to the construction of the Early Childhood Center. When the District approves the resolution, the District is authorized to enter into a lease agreement with Zions Bank in order to provide for the construction of the Building, the lease of the Building to the District and the payment by the District of lease payments over a specified period of time. The District is not obligated to move forward should the Board decide not to proceed at any of the decision points identified in the design timeline or once bids are open.
Mr. Bob Lewis of PMA Securities was present to walk the Board through the draft version of the key sections of the agreement in order to understand the structure of the agreement, and to answer any questions the Board may have at this time. Dr. Schuler prefaced the discussion by providing background on the Early Learning Center and reminded the Board this item is an agenda discussion item and not up for approval at this meeting.
Mr. Lewis’ review included the following key sections:
• Defining the “Project”; the “Lessor”
• Preambles
• Witnesseth
• Legal Authority
• School Code
• Local Government Debt Reform Act
• Construction and Lease of Building
• Lease Payments (amount not determined at this point)
• Certificates
• Lease a General Obligation
• Expiration of Lease
• Right of Access
• Assignment
• Property Taxes
• Opinion of Counsel (Chapman & Cutler LLP)
• Title to Building: Acquisition, Maintenance & Operation of Building
• Successor Lessor
It was noted the document is in draft form. It is anticipated there will be some fine tuning and be brought back to the Board in March. A draft copy of the opinion of counsel was provided to the Board for review.
There was discussion on the following:
• PMA Securities experience with other districts that utilized a lease agreement.
• Funds in reserve include capital development grant funds previously received.
• Does the provision addressing the District having the power to “lease any building” cover the opinion of counsel since the building does not currently exist?
• The District having control over design decisions and requirements vs. being built by a developer.
Dr. Schuler noted that Chapman and Cutler, who are clear as to what the project is, as well as D200 legal counsel Robbins Schwartz, are reviewing documents and will make any necessary changes. This will provide a review from two different legal sources.
Additional comments/discussion included:
• School code – role of legal counsel to provide interpretation based on the code; role of courts as to how the law is being applied.
• Important to remember this is about the youngest learners of the District and providing them with the right kind of learning environment they need to be successful students.
Written Reports:
Monthly Financial Reports
FOIA Report
These reports were provided for information only.
Reports From Board Members:
Board Committee Reports-
The Board Finance Committee met on January 23, 2018 and the Board HR/Policy Committee met on January 31, 2018. The meeting notes for both were attached and posted for review with the packet.
Member Paulsen noted the Board Facilities Committee met yesterday and provided an update. The notes from the February 13, 2018 meeting will be attached to the March Board packet.
Other Reports from Board Members-
• Member Ericksen visited the vocational program at Wheaton North High School, which included meeting with both staff members and students. This program partners with the special education department and the community, enabling students to learn practical skills for the workplace.
• Member Paulsen noted the Student Excellence Top Golf event was well received and very successful in raising funds to enhance educational opportunities for CUSD200 students.
Topics For Future Discussion:
Master Technology Plan and Future of Instruction and Technology (FIT) Plan Early Childhood Center – Design Development Update
Announcements:
February 28, 2018 – Committee of the Whole, 7:00 pm, SSC
Next Regular Meeting:
March 14, 2018, 7:00 pm, Wheaton Warrenville South High School
Public Comments – Non-Agenda Items:
None
Closed Session:
Closed Session Items are Listed for Possible Action – The Appointment, Employment, Compensation, Discipline, Performance, or Dismissal of Specific Employees of the Public Body or Legal Counsel for the Public Body, Including Hearing Testimony on a Complaint Lodged Against an Employee of the Public Body or Against Legal Counsel for the Public Body to Determine its Validity 5 ILCS 120/2 (c)(1); and Student Disciplinary Cases 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(9).
Motion:
Member Hanlon moved, Member Crabtree seconded to adjourn the meeting to closed session for the purpose of discussing the Appointment, Employment, Compensation, Discipline, Performance, or Dismissal of Specific Employees of the Public Body or Legal Counsel for the Public Body, Including Hearing Testimony on a Complaint Lodged Against an Employee of the Public Body or Against Legal Counsel for the Public Body to Determine its Validity 5 ILCS 120/2 (c)(1) and Student Disciplinary Cases 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(9). Upon a roll call being taken, the vote was Aye 6, Nay 0. The motion carried 6-0. Action was expected following the Closed Session.
The meeting was adjourned to Closed Session at 8:06 pm.
Reconvene In Open Session:
Open session was reconvened at 9:13 pm.
Roll Call:
Board Members: Jim Vroman
Brad Paulsen
Chris Crabtree
Ginna Ericksen
Jim Gambaiani
Rob Hanlon
Also in Attendance: Dr. Jeff Schuler, Superintendent
Dr. Robert Rammer, Asst. Superintendent for Administrative Services
Action On Closed Session Items:
Approval of Board Decision on Uniform Grievance U2017-18-01 Appeal-
The Board was charged with reviewing and deciding an appeal of a Uniform Grievance decision issued by the Superintendent.
The Board reviewed, in Closed Session, the Uniform Grievance investigative report and relevant documents submitted by the District's Complaint Manager.
It was recommended that the decision of the Superintendent be upheld.
Motion:
Member Paulsen moved, Member Ericksen seconded to Uphold the Decision of the Superintendent. Upon a roll call being taken, the vote was: Aye 6, Nay 0. The motion carried 6-0.
Approve the Student Discipline Appeal for Student S2017-18-02-
A parent filed a request to appeal an out of school suspension of their student. A hearing of that appeal was convened by the Board appointed hearing officer. The report of that hearing was submitted to the Board for consideration and action.
The Board, in Closed Session, reviewed information regarding the appeal of disciplinary action against Student S2017-18-02
It was recommended that the Board take action on the appeal following the closed session review.
Motion:
Member Gambaiani moved, Member Hanlon seconded to Approve the Student Discipline Appeal Recommendation Determined in Closed Session for Student S2017-18-01. Upon a roll call being taken, the vote was: Aye 6, Nay 0. The motion carried 6-0.
Approval of Student Discipline Recommendation, Student E2017-18-02-
The Board of Education is authorized to expel students guilty of gross disobedience or misconduct for a period not to exceed two years.
The Board, in Closed Session, reviewed information regarding a student discipline action issue against student E2017-18-02.
It was recommended that the Board approve the administrative recommendation related to the student disciplinary matter reviewed in Closed Session.
Motion:
Member Paulsen moved, Member Ericksen seconded to Approve the Student Discipline Recommendation Determined in Closed Session for Student E2017-18-01. Upon a roll call being taken, the vote was: Aye 6, Nay 0. The motion carried 6-0.
Adjournment
Motion:
There being no further business to come before the Board in Open Session, Member Gambaiani moved, Member Hanlon seconded to adjourn the meeting. Upon a voice call being taken, all were in favor and the motion carried 6-0.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:21 pm.
https://www.cusd200.org/cms/lib/IL01001538/Centricity/Domain/12/Minutes%20Feb%2014%202018.pdf
Alerts Sign-up