Community Unit School District 200 Board of Education met Aug. 20.
Here is the minutes provided by the Board:
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
Jim Mathieson
Also in Attendance: Dr. Jeff Schuler, Superintendent
Mrs. Faith Dahlquist
Mr. Bill Farley
Dr. Charlie Kyle
Mrs. Erica Loiacono
Mr. Rodney Mack
Dr. Chris Silagi
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
President Jim Vroman led the Board and community in the Pledge of Allegiance.
PUBLIC COMMENTS – Agenda Items
The opportunity to speak to the Board is provided for members of the public who have a question or comment on an agenda item. The Board appreciates hearing from stakeholders, and values your thoughts and questions. The Board strives to make the best decisions for the District, and public input in a variety of venues is very helpful.
The Board must protect the civility and decorum of this meeting. Please be respectful for the duties of the Board and the democratic process in your comments tonight:
Please use the microphone, state your name, and address your comments to the Board
Please limit your comments to 3 minutes.
Please be factual and courteous, and do not include statements that are personally disrespectful or condescending to members of the Board or staff.
If you feel your matter needs to be discussed in more detail, please attend the Board’s “Chance to Chat” or present your comments to us in writing.
Speaker Samia Bono Topic Jefferson Early Childhood Center
Speaker Megan Legler Topic Jefferson Early Childhood Center
Speaker Don Sender Topic Jefferson Early Childhood Center
Speaker Sharon Truckman Topic Jefferson Early Childhood Center
Speaker Mary Ann Vitone Topic Jefferson Early Childhood Center
Speaker Joe Buckholz Topic Jefferson Early Childhood Center
Speaker Chris Ewert Topic Jefferson Early Childhood Center
Speaker Gregory Higgins Topic Jefferson Early Childhood Center
ACTION ITEMS
Approval of a Resolution authorizing the termination of a lease agreement among the District, as lessee, ZB, National Association dba Zions Bank, as lessor, and Amalgamated Bank of Chicago, as escrow agent
At the meeting of the Board of Education held on March 14, 2018, the Board of Education authorized the school district to enter into a lease agreement among the school district, ZB, National Association dba Zions Bank, as lessor, and Amalgamated Bank of Chicago, as escrow agent, with respect to an early childhood center. The school district entered into the lease agreement on April 13, 2018. Following the execution of the lease agreement, a lawsuit was filed against the school district with respect to the construction of the early childhood center. The Board of Education has determined to submit a proposition regarding the building and equipping of a new early childhood center to the voters of the school district by placing a referendum question on the ballot at the November 6, 2018 election. The lease agreement remains in effect as of the date hereof.
As the Board of Education has determined to place the question of building and equipping the new early childhood center on the November 6, 2018 ballot, the Board of Education has determined that it is in the best interest of the school district to terminate the lease agreement.
This resolution authorizes the President of the Board of Education and the Superintendent of the school district to take such actions as are necessary to terminate the lease agreement.
Secretary Crabtree read the resolution:
RESOLUTION authorizing the termination of a lease agreement among the District, as lessee, ZB, National Association dba Zions Bank, as lessor, and Amalgamated Bank of Chicago, as escrow agent.
MOTION Member Hanlon moved, Member Paulsen seconded to adopt said resolution as presented and read by title.
There were questions and/or discussion on the following:
• Given the expense and time it would take to litigate this item, supporting this resolution is the prudent thing to do.
• Use of lease agreements by other school districts.
• Have looked at other opportunities and alternatives for funding besides bonds.
• This was an opportunity to step forward and fund through operating fund, without burdening the taxpayers.
It was recommended that the Board of Education approve the resolution authorizing the termination of the lease agreement as presented.
Upon a roll call being taken, the vote was: AYE 7, NAY 0. The motion carried 7-0.
President Vroman and Secretary Crabtree signed the resolution document. President Vroman directed the Board Secretary to record the same in the records of the Board of Education of Community Unit School District Number 200, DuPage County, Illinois.
Approval of a Resolution providing for and requiring the submission of the proposition of building and equipping a new early childhood center to the voters of Community Unit School District Number 200, DuPage County, Illinois, at the general election to be held on November 6, 2018 At the last Board of Education meeting, two items related to the construction of a new early childhood center were tabled in light of a lawsuit that was filed against the school district. The Board directed staff to prepare a resolution authorizing a referendum question that could appear on the November 6, 2018 ballot. The ballot question would seek the authority to build a new early childhood center while not levying a separate, special property tax to finance the costs.
In order to place a referendum question on the ballot, the District 200 Board of Education must adopt a resolution providing for and requiring the submission of the proposition of building and equipping a new early childhood center to the voters of the District at the general election to be held on November 6, 2018. This resolution allows the District to build and equip a new Jefferson Early Childhood Center. This resolution must be filed with the Board of Election Commissioners of DuPage County on or before August 29, 2018 in order for the question to appear on the November 6, 2018 ballot.
The recommended wording of the ballot question is as follows: Shall the Board of Education of Wheaton Warrenville Community Unit School District Number 200, DuPage County, Illinois, build and equip a new early childhood center without levying a separate, special property tax to finance the costs thereof?
Secretary Crabtree read the resolution:
RESOLUTION providing for and requiring the submission of the proposition of building and equipping a new early childhood center to the voters of Community Unit School District Number 200, DuPage County, Illinois, at the general election to be held on November 6, 2018.
MOTION Member Ericksen moved, Member Crabtree seconded to adopt said resolution as presented and read by title.
There were questions and/or discussion on the following:
• This is the last day to approve a resolution to include a question on the November ballot.
• The implications of waiting on the building - costs, weather, etc.
• Bids came in $500,000 under budget.
• ECC Project - budget vs. actual (*referenced the August 15 Board packet – cost estimates, bid prices are included).
• Lease agreement – not to exceed amount.
• Prioritizing Jefferson ECC has not changed.
• This is the prudent action to take.
• The District has the highest financial recognition rating from the State Board of Education, has been below the state average in operating expense per student, and was rated the 8th best District in the State.
It was recommended that the Board of Education approve the Resolution providing for and requiring the submission of the proposition of building and equipping a new early childhood center to the voters of Community Unit School District Number 200, DuPage County, Illinois, at the general election to be held on November 6, 2018 as presented.
Upon a roll call being taken, the vote was: AYE 7, NAY 0. The motion carried 7-0.
President Vroman and Secretary Crabtree signed the resolution document. President Vroman directed the Board Secretary to record the same in the records of the Board of Education of Community Unit School District Number 200, DuPage County, Illinois.
ADJOURNMENT
MOTION There being no further business to come before the Board in Open Session, Member Paulsen moved, Member Mathieson seconded to adjourn the meeting. Upon a voice call being taken, all were in favor and the motion carried 7-0.
https://www.cusd200.org/cms/lib/IL01001538/Centricity/Domain/2599/Minutes%20Aug%2020%202018%20Special.pdf
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