Community Unit School District 200 Board of Education met July 29.
Here is the minutes provided by the board:
The second meeting of the month of July of the Board of Education of Community Unit School District 200, DuPage County, Illinois, was called to order at the Hubble Middle School, 3S600 Herrick Rd, Warrenville, IL by Board President Brad Paulsen at 7:00 PM.
ROLL CALL
Upon the roll being called, the following were present:
Board Members: Brad Paulsen
Chris Crabtree
Rob Hanlon
Susan Booton
Ginna Ericksen
Dave Long
Jim Mathieson
Also in Attendance: Dr. Jeff Schuler, Superintendent
Mr. Bill Farley
Dr. Charlie Kyle
Mrs. Erica Loiacono
Mr. Rodney Mack
Mrs. Melissa Murphy
Dr. Chris Silagi
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Board Secretary Hanlon led the Board in the Pledge of Allegiance.
MODIFICATIONS TO THE AGENDA
None
OPENING STATEMENT
PUBLIC COMMENTS – Procedures for Public Comments for July 29, 2020
President Paulsen thanked the community members that shared their opinions and concerns with the Board regarding the District 200 reopening plans for the 2020-21 school year. The Board recognizes this is a difficult issue and has received feedback on all perspectives, including many articles and studies. The District leadership and planning teams were acknowledged for working incredibly hard on how to safely and effectively re-open schools
Due to the ongoing pandemic and continued interest in re-opening plans for schools, we are temporarily amending our public comment procedures for this July 29, 2020 meeting. In accordance with Board Policy 2.230, members of the public attending in person will have the opportunity to make public comments at the beginning of the meeting on agenda items with another opportunity later in the agenda for public comments on non-agenda items.
Community members not attending this meeting in person, and who wished to provide comments to the Board of Education, were asked to send an email to board@cusd200.org between the posting of this Agenda and 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 29, 2020. All Board Members will receive and read this email. For the July 29, 2020 Meeting, any emails received for this meeting must have included in the subject line that the email was intended for acknowledgement at the July 29, 2020 Board of Education Meeting. These emails would be acknowledged, but not read in their entirety, during the meeting and be placed in the Board Communications Log as a matter of public record. This Log will document the name of the sender, the date received, topic and if Board/Staff acknowledgement was provided.
Any specific questions regarding District 200’s plans for the 2020-21 school year should be sent to communications@cusd200.org.
As with all comments, please be aware that it is the Board’s regular practice, to not directly discuss, ask questions or take action on public comments until the time has been taken to gather adequate information. The Board is there to listen. Lack of action or a direct response following public comments does not imply any lack of interest in what is being shared.
Per Board Policy, the Board allocated 30 minutes for public comments, and comments on any one subject may be limited to 20 minutes. The Board may shorten the time allocation for each person to less than 3 minutes to allow the maximum number of people the opportunity to speak.
In addition, to preserve confidentiality, the Board and its President reserve the right to request that items relating to either personnel or students be provided to the Board privately or in writing for consideration in a future closed session, if necessary.
The Board must protect the civility and decorum of the meeting. The public was reminded to please be respectful for the duties of the Board, our District Leadership Team, and the democratic process in public comment:
- Please include your name and whether you are a resident of the District.
- Please limit your email comments to a length that can be read in 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.
The public was thanked for their understanding of the need for this temporary procedure for the July 29, 2020 meeting and for their interest in providing feedback to the Board of Education.
There were no individuals present at the meeting who provided public comment.
It was noted the Board had received public comment emails from the following individuals which were acknowledged by Dr. Schuler.
DISCUSSION ITEMS
Reopening of Schools: Presentation of District 200 Roadmap to Reopening E-Learning was implemented by District 200 schools beginning on March 17, 2020 in response to the Coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic. On April 17, in-person instruction was suspended for the remainder of the school year by Governor Pritzker. In May, District 200 formed a reopening team comprised of administrators, teachers, and a member of the Board of Education to develop plans for reopening school in 2020-2021. The reopening team contains eight sub teams each dedicated to the many facets to reopening school in 2020-2021. On June 23 the Illinois State
Board of Education released requirements and recommendations for schools to resume in-person learning this fall while keeping students, and staff safe and healthy. The guidance continues to evolve through clarification provided by ISBE, the Illinois Department of Public Health and the DuPage County Health Department. The reopening plans were presented to the Board of Education at the July 8, 2020 meeting.
Dr. Schuler and the Senior Leadership Team provided an update to the Board on current plans for reopening school for 2020-2021. The plans were developed in consultation with DuPage County School Districts, state organizations, health experts, and legal counsel. This included information on the following:
· Background
o From March 17 (E-learning Implementation) through week of August 17 (Original Start of School)
· Immediate Timeline
o From July 8 (Initial Presentation to Community) through August 25 (School Resumes)
· Registration Data
o Percentage of students registered by level for in person or virtual learning
· Health and Safety Protocols
o Self-Certification for Students and Staff
o Response to Symptomatic Students at School
o Return to School, Return to Work (IDPH Decision Tree)
· Health Protocols
o Response to Positive COVID-19 Case and Contact Tracing
· Health and Safety Protocols
o Physical Distancing and PPE (Personal Protective Equipment)
· Cleaning Protocols
o Cleaning & Disinfecting Buildings
· Classroom Disinfecting Protocols
o Disinfecting Desks
· Mechanical System Protocols
o Ventilation - HVAC
· Elementary Classroom Space & Class Size
o Average Class Size as of 7/29 by Grade Level
o Pictures of Classrooms for Various Buildings/Grades
· Early Childhood School Day
o Core Instructional Areas, Related Services, Snack, Gross Motor, Show Your Smile (Mask Breaks)
· Elementary School Day
o Core Academics and SEL, PACE, Specials, Lunch/Recess, Show Your Smile (Mask Breaks)
· Middle School & High School Hybrid Schedule
o Cohort Student Group Breakdown by Building, by Day
· Transition School Day
o Instructional Programming Components, Related Services, Meals & Meal Prep, Community Trips
· Virtual Academy Updates
o Early Childhood
o Elementary
o Middle School
o High School
· Virtual Academy Next Steps
o Elementary & MS Supply Lists, Device & Material Distribution, Parent
Handbook, Student Orientation Planning
· Human Resources
o Staffing, MOU, Medical Restrictions, Virtual Academy Staffing Target Date
· Communications & Community Engagement
o Staff and Parent Q&A Zooms, Community Partners, Park Districts Support, Community Update Communication, Resources for Updated Information
There was additional information/comments on the following:
· All buildings will have two health office spaces – one for regular health issues and one for an assessment room for possible COVID-19 symptoms.
· An Administrative Procedure has been developed which would be in response to a positive COVID-19 case and contact tracing. Contract tracing team will include the building administrator, principal or designee, Sue Vasko (District Coordinator), and the individual health lead at the respective building.
· All building classrooms will be equipped with hand sanitizer, wipes, disinfectant bottles and paper towels that are EPA approved and effective for COVID-19; and plexiglass partitions will be provided where needed.
· Classroom disinfecting protocols (including desks).
· Ventilation (HVAC) – replacement of all filters in the mechanical systems in all of the buildings with upgraded filters.
· The elementary classroom capacity is based upon classroom physical space.
· Middle and high school hybrid schedule will either be Monday/Thursday (cohort A) in person or Tuesday/Friday (cohort B) in person.
· Transition students will be in person four days per week (all but Wednesdays).
· Virtual academy updates included the number of hours per day by level. There will be a dedicated administrator for the early childhood virtual academy, the elementary virtual academy, and a secondary administrator will oversee the middle and high school virtual academy.
· Human resources has started the process of staffing the virtual academy based on a staff survey regarding medical restrictions.
· Working with WWEA on extension of the retirement window until August 7, 2020.
· The target date to complete the virtual academy staffing is July 31, 2020.
· The support of D200 community partners – specifically World Relief, People’s Resource Center (PRC), Warrenville Youth & Family Services (WYFS), Outreach Community Center, and Marian Park.
· Continue to work with the park districts to look at childcare options and E-learning support.
· The District is appreciative of the thoughtful support from the community, whether they agree or disagree with the reopening plan.
There were questions or comments on the following:
· Comparison of the registration data with previous years’ data.
· Protocols for HS and MS with regard to passing periods, band, orchestra and choir.
· Virtual academy vs. E-learning – will this look the same?
· Virtual academy accountability and compliance – dedicated administrators to the different levels.
· Virtual academy parent handbook.
· Concern over the big picture – is it too soon for in-person instruction?
· Criteria to go back to strictly E-learning/virtual learning.
· Suggestion of a Public Service Announcement (PSA) for those parents who elect inperson instruction regarding wearing of masks, social distancing, etc.
· The District is following what the IDPH recommends for reopening.
· Faculty meetings – virtual vs. in person?
· Virtual academy administrators – new hires vs. existing staff?
· Building hallway monitors and bathroom monitors?
· The use of chemicals – all EPA approved?
· COVID-19 symptoms vs. allergy symptoms.
· When a student is sick and stays home, will they do E-learning at home?
· The core reopening team – shout out to members for all of the work.
· Airflow and HVAC work – timeline.
· Scenario if Virtual academy students want to return to in person instruction after first semester – will the buildings be in a position to accommodate those students physically?
· The concern over students not wearing masks and not social distancing.
· Listening to the entire community by offering a choice – in person vs. remote learning.
· The District is considering all of the right things from a safety standpoint.
· There has been a great deal of planning that has gone into this reopening plan.
ACTION ITEMS
Approval of the Third Amendment to the Lease Agreement for the Transition Program
In June 2016, the Board of Education approved a three-year lease for the Transition Program at the 100 Bridge Street location. The students in this program have a curriculum focused on community living skills, daily living skills and functional academics. In 2018 and 2019, the
Board approved a second and third amendment (respectively) to the original lease for additional space to accommodate increasing enrollment, as well as space requirements for students in wheelchairs.
Staff and District counsel worked with the landlord of the facility on a third amendment to the original lease agreement to accommodate social distancing measures needed to run the program.
A third amendment to the lease was attached to the Board Report. The amendment streamlines
the process of review and negotiation, given that the intent is simply to add the additional space needed. This amendment allows for a one-year rental of the additional space with the option to extend to the end of the overall lease in 2021-22 school year.
There was a comment on the following:
· Adding additional space at the Transition Program Bridge Street location is to ensure physical distancing.
MOTION
Member Crabtree moved, Member Ericksen seconded to approve the Third Amendment to the lease at the 100 Bridge Street location for the Transition Program as presented. Upon a roll call being taken, the vote was: AYE 7, NAY 0.
The motion carried 7-0.
It is recommended that the Board of Education approve the Third Amendment to the lease at the 100 Bridge Street location for the Transition Program.
Approval of a Resolution to Approve Emergency Expenditure of Funds for Safety Equipment Purchase
In response to the Covid-19 Pandemic, the Illinois State Board of Education along with the Illinois Department of Public Health have mandated the use of face masks inside schools while in phase 4 of Restore Illinois. The district worked with our legal team to create a resolution for the emergency purchase of face masks for students and staff.
Due to the timing of the Joint Guidance, and the District’s recent and pending decisions concerning the transition back to in-person instruction, and the need to maintain safety in the classrooms, the District’s Administration has determined that there is insufficient time to competitively bid the purchase of the specified face masks pursuant to Section 10-20.21 of the Illinois School Code, 105 ILCS 5/10.20.21. The Board has the authority pursuant to Section 10- 20.21(a)(xiv) of the Illinois School Code, 105 ILCS 5/10-20.21(a)(xiv), to approve contracts involving expenditures in excess of $25,000 without competitive bidding where the funds are expended in an emergency and such emergency expenditure is approved by three-quarters (3/4) of the members of the Board.
There were questions/comments/discussion on the following:
· The PPE (personal protective equipment) cost will exceed the typical threshold.
· Face coverings/masks for each building will include school colors/logos.
· Purchase of any clear face coverings for staff and/or students?
It was recommended that the Board of Education approve the Resolution for Emergency Expenditure of Funds for Safety Equipment Purchase.
MOTION
Member Booton moved, Member Hanlon seconded to approve the Resolution for Emergency Expenditure of Funds for Safety Equipment Purchase as presented. Upon a roll call being taken, the vote was: AYE 7, NAY 0.
The motion carried 7-0.
Approval of Edgenuity Courseware for Virtual Academy
The District 200 Virtual Academy is designed for families who would like to access District 200 learning but don’t yet feel comfortable sending their student(s) back to school in August. Virtual Academy courses at the 6-12 level will be instructed by both District 200 teachers and utilize an online course provider. Courses with low enrollment will utilize online courseware to access specific courses and content. A team of middle school and high school teachers reviewed multiple course providers to make a final recommendation for use in the Virtual Academy.
The Edgenuity platform includes online content for multiple subject areas and courses for English language arts, math, science, social studies, world languages, PE, electives, and AP courses. A site license for the middle school costs $10,000 and $25,000 for the high school. The site license will allow an unlimited number of students to participate. The total cost for a year subscription for all 6-12 students enrolled in the Virtual Academy would be $35,000 for access to core academic courses.
There were questions/comments/discussion on the following:
· Includes supplemental materials for specialized courses.
It was recommended that the Board approve the Edgenuity Courseware Subscription as presented.
MOTION
Member Ericksen moved, Member Crabtree seconded to approve the Edgenuity Courseware Subscription as presented. Upon a roll call being taken, the vote was: AYE 7, NAY 0.
The motion carried 7-0.
Approval of Revision to the 2020-2021 School Calendar
In the past month, the Governor of Illinois added a new holiday to the 2020-2021 Calendar and the option of school districts using up to 5 remote learning planning days. The Calendar Committee met three times to adjust the 2020-2021 School Calendar accordingly. We are proposing a revised 2020-2021 School Calendar that will push back the start of the school year to August 25, 2020. Pushing back the start of the school year will help in planning, preparation and staffing for the 2020-2021 school year. Also added was the Presidential Election Holiday, 2/5 Remote Learning Planning Days, and adjusted the last day of school. Adjustments were made to the quarter, trimester and semester dates and Winter Break as well.
There were questions/comments/discussion on the following:
· The lack of time to put the calendar on public display for 30 days as is normal practice in the District.
· The number of remote learning planning days for this year – given by the State and number in the plan to be used by D200.
· Do we have the ability to shorten Thanksgiving break?
· E-learning may eliminate future “snow days”.
It was recommended that the Board of Education approve the Revised 2020-2021 Calendar as presented.
MOTION
Member Mathieson moved, Member Long seconded to approve the Revised 2020-2021 Calendar as presented. Upon a roll call being taken, the vote was: AYE 7, NAY 0.
The motion carried 7-0.
Approval of Guest Teacher Increases for Permanent Guest Teachers, Guest Nurses, and Guest Teacher’s Assistants for the 2020-2021 School Year
CUSD 200 believes the need for permanent guest teachers, guest nurses and guest Teacher's Assistants will increase during the 2020-2021 school year due to the Covid-19 Pandemic.
The District is proposing to increase the daily rate for permanent Guest Teachers from $90 to $115, Guest Nurses from $115 to $140, and Guest Teacher's Assistants from $10.25 to $11.00 an hour for the 2020-2021 school year. It is believed the increase in pay will help attract more guest teachers for the 2020-2021 school year.
There were questions/comments/discussion on the following:
· Anticipating a higher need for guest teachers, nurses and teaching assistants.
· Board request to see numbers on teachers slated for in-person, virtual academy, third-party teachers for the upcoming year.
It was recommended that the Board of Education approve the Guest Teacher Pay Rate Proposal as presented.
MOTION
Member Crabtree moved, Member Ericksen seconded to approve the Guest Teacher Pay Rate Proposal as presented. Upon a roll call being taken, the vote was: AYE 7, NAY 0.
The motion carried 7-0.
Approval of Face Covering Policy for 2020-2021
In response to the Covid-19 Pandemic, the Illinois State Board of Education along with the Illinois Department of Public Health have mandated the use of face coverings inside schools while in phase 4 of Restore Illinois. The district worked with our legal team to create a policy that would mandate the use of face coverings for staff, students, administration and visitors.
This policy is needed for the 2020-2021 school year to assure that all students, staff, administration, and visitors adhere to the strict face covering policy. It follows the ISBE and IDPH recommendations for in person instruction.
There were questions/comments/discussion on the following:
· This is a state mandated policy during phase 4.
· A special team will oversee conversations regarding any special accommodations for requests to not wear a mask.
· This policy will be in place until further guidance from ISBE and IDPH.
It was recommended that the Board of Education approve the face covering policy provided for 2020-2021 as presented.
MOTION
Member Booton moved, Member Hanlon seconded to approve the face covering policy for 2020- 2021 as presented. Upon a roll call being taken, the vote was: AYE 7, NAY 0.
The motion carried 7-0.
PUBLIC COMMENTS – Non-Agenda Items
None
ADJOURNMENT
MOTION
There being no further business to come before the Board in Open Session, Member Crabtree 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 9:40 PM.
https://www.cusd200.org/site/handlers/filedownload.ashx?moduleinstanceid=22857&dataid=33222&FileName=Minutes%20Jul%2029%202020.pdf
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