Community Unit School District 200 Board of Education met September 12.
Here is the minutes provided by the board:
The first regular meeting of the month of September of the Board of Education of Community Unit School District 200, DuPage County, Illinois, was called to order at the Lowell Elementary School, 312 S. President St., Wheaton, IL, by Board President Jim Vroman, on Wednesday, September 12, 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
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:
Dr. Kathy Melton and members of the Lowell Student Council led the Board and community in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Modifications To The Agenda:
None
Recognitions And Achievements:
Introduction of New Executive Director of the Student Excellence Foundation-
Dr. Schuler and Mrs. Jennifer Merck from the Student Excellence Foundation introduced Ms. Vicki Sebela as the Foundation’s first Executive Director.
Public Comments – Agenda Items:
None
Superintendent Report:
Dr. Schuler reported the following:
• There were a couple of items included in the Board green folders which identify with the new strategic plan and community engagement plan – “Connect With Us” business cards which includes information as to how to stay connected with the District and can be given to community members; and a “D200 Community Calendar” which includes a calendar of opportunities for each of the two high schools. This includes events which feature the talents of the students and is a great way for senior communities to know what is happening in the District.
• Dr. Kyle will be gathering data in the upcoming weeks for the District’s next two calendar years (2019-20 and 2020-21). A survey is currently being developed to get out to the community with questions regarding high school finals as it relates to the calendar and what are the implications around completing finals prior to winter break. Detailed questions will be asked. The goal is to bring the calendars back to the Board for posting in the Fall.
• There was an article in a local paper today regarding the new provisions related to the new evidenced-based funding formula, and a potential reduction of tax base into the school funding formula. This is only for Districts whose adequacy target/level is above 110%. District 200’s adequacy rate is at 92%, so this provision is not available to the District.
• The District is actively working on an information campaign relative to the referendum question on the November ballot. The Community Engagement Committee is meeting next week and will discuss print, FAQ’s, and overall strategy.
There were questions and/or comments on the following:
• School Calendar – any contractual issues with certain days/weeks off?
• Adequacy target as related to new school funding formula.
Consent Agenda:
1. Acceptance of Gifts from Whittier Elementary School PTA – Recommend acceptance of gifts from Whittier PTA as presented.
2. Approval to Add Serious Safety Hazard Bus Routes– Recommend approval to add serious safety hazard bus routes as presented.
3. Approval of Annual Vendor Contracts Generating Revenue - Recommend approval of annual vendor contracts generating revenue as presented.
4. Approval of Bills Payable and Payroll – Recommend approval of the bills payable and payroll as presented
5. Approval of Minutes – August 15, 2018 Open and Closed, August 20, 2018 Special Meeting, and Approval to Destroy Recordings of Closed Sessions Prior to April 2017 As Allowable by Law – Recommend approval of the minutes as presented and approval to destroy recordings of closed sessions prior to April 2017 as allowable by law.
6. 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.
There was discussion/comments on the following:
• With regard to the personnel report and the status of open positions, Dr. Schuler noted that the District is fully staffed with regard to the certified positions; however not fully staffed with regard to instructional assistants. Staff has been working hard to put in place some recruitment strategies.
• The looming teacher shortage in the State of Illinois.
• The classified staff for the District and the current CEA (Classified Education Association) contract. The starting salaries for D200 classified staff vs. surrounding benchmark Districts.
Motion:
Member Crabtree moved, Member Ericksen seconded to accept the Consent Agenda as presented. Upon a roll call vote being taken, the vote was: Aye 7, Nay 0. The motion carried 7-0.
Action Items:
Approval of Resolution to Adopt the 2018-19 Budget-
The Illinois School Code, ch. 105, ILCS 5/17-1, requires the Board of Education to adopt an annual budget within the first quarter of each fiscal year (by September 30). A 30-day public inspection period and a public hearing must precede the budget adoption. The 2018-19 tentative budget has been available for public inspection since July 13, 2018, and a public hearing was held on August 15, 2018.
The final 2018-19 Budget document to be filed with the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) and Regional Office Of Education was attached to the board report. The ISBE Budget Form includes the TRS on-behalf payments made by the state. The 2018-19 operating budget is balanced.
Dr. Schuler introduced Mr. Farley who provided the Board with an update on the budget.
Staff noted the following:
• Approval/adoption of the budget is the final action of a several month process building the components of the budget.
• The total revenue from the State is an increase from the prior year and includes the new evidenced-based funding.
• This marks the 9th consecutive year with a balanced budget in District 200.
• The District is still waiting on one outstanding categorical payment from the State.
There were questions and/or discussion on the following:
• The $1 million allocation from General State Aid to support the Early Learning Center (if approved by voters on November ballot).
• Estimated fund balance.
• “On behalf of” payment from the State.
• 2017-18 audit information.
• The proactive work of the staff to keep costs under control.
It was recommended that the Board approve the attached resolution to adopt the final 2018-19 Budget as presented.
Motion:
Member Mathieson moved, Member Gambaiani seconded to approve the resolution to adopt the final 2018-19 budget as presented. Upon a roll call being taken, the vote was: Aye 7, Nay 0. The motion carried 7-0.
Oral Reports:
Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Update-
Dr. Schuler introduced Dr. Chris Silagi. Assistant Superintendent of Student Service, to provide an update on social-emotional learning for the District which have been identified in the strategic plan.
The presentation included the following information:
• Where are We?
o Standards Implementation
o Application of Skills
o Professional Learning Opportunities
o Emotionally Intelligent Hires
o Relationships and Connectivity
• Where Are We Going?
o Develop a Comprehensive SEL Framework
• SEL Framework Development
o Potential SEL Framework Components
o Collaborative Process
• SEL Framework Alignment
o Identify Successful Practices
o Gap Analysis
o Resource Analysis
• Timeline
o Fall, Winter, Spring and 2019-20
Additional information was provided, which included the following:
• Every leader in the District values SEL in our District/buildings.
• Why each of the framework components are important.
• Belief that each student can and will learn.
• A growth mindset is essential for life success, not just school success.
There were comments/discussion on the following:
• Teaching of SEL standards – direct lessons vs. integrating into practice/lessons.
• The use of teams – SEL Design Team, MTSS Behavioral Team for Elementary and MTSS Behavioral Team for Middle School.
• How to maintain autonomy of buildings with regard to SEL.
• Monitoring of SEL – MS and HS levels.
• Dashboard as related to SEL.
• Emotional Intelligence and microcredentials.
• Evidence of SEL in our schools, students, activities.
• Parenting involvement in SEL; parenting series offerings with SEL components.
• Teaching SEL at the MS and HS levels.
• Reaffirming of interest in having an SEL committee for this year.
Review of 2018 Summer Projects-
Dr. Schuler introduced Mr. John Robinson, Director of Facilities, who reviewed the projects that were completed during the summer of 2018. Dr. Schuler thanked the Board of Education for prioritizing the work that was completed, which was in response to the feedback that was received from the community. Mr. Farley, Mr. Robinson and team were also thanked. There was a tight summer construction schedule, with 19 major projects to be completed in an approximate 8-week window.
The presentation included the following information:
• Project Spending
o Secure Entries, Flooring & Tuckpointing Work ($2,136,380)
o Paving/Concrete Work ($1,148,287)
o HVAC Work ($538,710)
o Security Cameras (3 Middle Schools) ($166,760)
• Bower – Secure entry, Flooring replacement, Library reconfiguration
• Emerson – Tuckpointing of brick
• Johnson – Secure entry, Paving
• Lowell – Secure entry, Replacement of office HVAC system
• Pleasant Hill – Secure entry, Paving & sidewalks, Gym floor
• Sandburg – Secure entry
• Washington – Secure entry, Library reconfiguration
• Whittier – Secure entry
• Wiesbrook – Paving, Flood mitigation
• Edison MS – Secure entry, Security camera system, Paving (water main replacement)
• Franklin MS – Paving, Flood mitigation, Security camera system
• Monroe MS – Security camera system
• Wheaton North HS – New chiller
• Wheaton Warrenville South HS - Tuckpointing
There were comments/discussion on the following:
• Appreciation for sharing updates and videos with the community on the summer projects.
• The capital improvement document is currently being refined as a result of the completed work. It is anticipated this revised plan will be shared in October.
• The projected work for summer of 2019.
• Overseeing of project work – internal vs. use of contractors.
• The projects that were completed this summer were part of 2017 referendum question.
• The work in the coming years is anticipated to be mechanical work, HVAC/controls, flooring, and roofs.
• The LLC projects at Bower and Washington – it was noted the Board Meeting will be held at Bower in October and Washington in November.
• The cost for the reconfiguration/update of the Washington LLC and the amount contributed by the Washington PTA.
Written Reports:
FOIA Report
Monthly Financial Reports
Teacher and Administrator Compensation Reports
These reports were provided for information only.
Reports From Board Members:
Board Committee Reports-
Meeting notes were attached to the Board report for the August 30, 2018 Finance Committee, September 5, 2018 Facilities Committee, and the September 7, 2018 Human Resources/Policy Committee.
• Policy 7.40– Nonpublic School Students, Including Parochial and Home-Schooled Students was major part of HR/Policy Discussion. It was noted that Policy 6.300 – Graduation Requirements will be reviewed by the Teaching and Learning Committee.
• Has any feedback been received from Senator Nybo or Representative Breen regarding the requested list of HS shovel ready capital projects centered on safety and security of students and staff? To date, there has been no response.
Other Reports from Board Members-
• Senator Connelly expressed willingness to sponsor a bill regarding holding elections on Saturdays. It was noted Pleasant Hill Elementary School is currently targeted as a polling place for the November election. Follow up with Senator Connelly, as well as the election commission was requested.
Topics For Future Discussion:
Student Learning Presentation
Announcements:
September 26, 2018 – Committee of the Whole, 7:00 pm, School Service Center (SSC)
Next Regular Meeting:
October 10, 2018, 7:00 pm, Bower Elementary School
Public Comments – Non-Agenda Items:
None
Adjournment
Motion:
There being no further business to come before the Board in Open Session, Member Paulsen moved, Member Hanlon seconded to adjourn the meeting. Upon a voice call being taken, all were in favor and the motion carried 7-0.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:53 pm.
https://www.cusd200.org/cms/lib/IL01001538/Centricity/Domain/2599/Minutes%20Sept%2012%202018.pdf
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