Community Unit School District 200 Board of Education met Jan. 11.
Here are the minutes provided by the board:
The first regular meeting of the month of January of the Board of Education of Community Unit School District 200, DuPage County, Illinois, was called to order at the Franklin Middle School, 211 E. Franklin St., Wheaton, IL by Board President Chris Crabtree, on Wednesday, January 11, 2023, at 7:00 PM.
ROLL CALL
Upon the roll being called, the following were present:
Board Members: Mrs. Chris Crabtree
Mr. Rob Hanlon
Mr. Dave Long
Mrs. Angela Blatner
Mrs. Susan Booton
Mrs. Julie Kulovits
Absent: Mr. Brad Paulsen
Also in Attendance: Dr. Jeff Schuler, Superintendent
Dr. Charlie Kyle
Mrs. Erica Loiacono
Mrs. Melissa Murphy
Dr. Brian O’Keeffe
Dr. Chris Silagi
Mr. Jason Spencer
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Board Vice-President Rob Hanlon led the Board in the Pledge of Allegiance.
COMMUNICATION WITH THE HOST SCHOOL
Mr. Dave Bendis, Principal of Franklin Middle School, welcomed all to the school. Mr. Bendis introduced the Franklin Concert Choir, led by Mrs. Crystal Forbes, to perform for the Board and audience. Mrs. Forbes has been a teacher at Franklin for 37 years. Franklin has high student participation in their music programs.
MODIFICATIONS TO THE AGENDA
None
BOARD PRESIDENT REPORT
President Crabtree reported on the following:
∙ Had an opportunity to have a lengthy conversation with Arlana Bedard, District 200’s new IASB Field Services Director, and was able to provide her with an introduction to the District.
∙ President Crabtree will be participating in IASB’s quarterly statewide LUDA meeting at the end of the month. Board members were asked to provide any questions for the meeting to Mrs. Crabtree.
PUBLIC COMMENTS – Agenda Items & Non-Agenda Items
In accordance with Board Policy 2.230, members of the public wishing to offer public comment had the opportunity to do so. A public comment sign-up sheet was made available until 7:00 p.m. at the meeting site. The Board Meeting was available for viewing via live stream on the District’s YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/communityunitschooldistrict200.
Per Board Policy, the Board may shorten the time allocation for each person to less than three minutes to allow the maximum number of people the opportunity to speak. The Board did not shorten the time allocation for each person to speak due to the number of speakers.
Speaker Topic
Crystal Forbes Franklin
Bob Stozek Reading Selection Process
SUPERINTENDENT REPORT
Dr. Schuler provided the following updates:
∙ Invitation in green folders – WWS dedication event to honor Harold Burshtan on Friday, February 3rd, at 5:30 PM before the crosstown basketball game. Harold was a former administrator in the District.
∙ National Board Certification – Jennifer Leadaman from Monroe MS was recertified and was recognized for that accomplishment, which takes a lot of time and energy to work through the process.
∙ Adjusted Winter Break Calendar – this was the first time the HS semester concluded in front of the winter break. The Administration has asked for feedback from the two HS principals, and a survey will be given to students. This is also the calendar model for next year.
∙ Information requested on Dual Credit – information provided in the green folders on dual credit opportunities in the District, including what dual credit is, how it works, what courses are currently offered, and strategic goals on early college and dual credit opportunities as it fits into the District pathways work.
∙ 5-Essentials Survey – the culture climate survey from the State (sent to parents, students, and staff) will be launched at the end of the month. A communication will be sent out when the survey window is open. This is typically open until spring break and the information is received back from the state in late summer.
CONSENT AGENDA
1. Acceptance of Gift to Wheaton Warrenville South High School Band – Recommend acceptance of gift to WWSHS Band as presented.
2. Approval of Curriculum Content for College Composition I and II - Recommend approval of curriculum content for College Composition I and II as presented.
3. Approval of Athletic Trainer Services Contract Extension – Recommend approval of athletic trainer services contract extension as presented.
4. Approval of Emergency Contract Amendment with Organic Life, LLC – Recommend approval of emergency contract amendment with Organic Life, LLC as presented.
5. Approval of Mileage Reimbursement Rate for 2023 – Recommend approval of mileage reimbursement rate for 2023 as presented.
6. Approval to Open Previously Closed Minutes – Recommend approval to open previously closed minutes as presented.
7. Approval of IVisions Cloud Hosting (HR & Business) – Recommend approval of IVisions cloud hosting (HR & Business) as presented.
8. Approval of Bills Payable and Payroll – Recommend approval of the bills payable and payroll as presented.
9. Approval of Minutes – December 14, 2022, Open, and Approval to Destroy Recordings of Closed Sessions Prior to August 2021 As Allowable by Law – Recommend approval of the minutes as presented and approve the destruction of recordings of closed sessions prior to August 2021 as allowable by law.
10. 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 were comments and/or questions on the following:
∙ #1 – WWSHS Band Gift – thank you for the generous gift.
∙ #2 – College Composition I and II
o This is a dual-credit course.
o A great opportunity for students that will not pursue a college major in this area, they can take it and receive dual credit.
o “I” Level classes - are college prep classes.
o The difference between AP and Dual Credit courses.
∙ #3 – HS Athletic Trainer Contract
o Health screenings (cardiac) for students - the possibility of pursuing this for the District. This is not related to this specific agenda item but the Administration can pursue this.
o The rate of pay in the contract.
MOTION
Member Booton moved, Member Hanlon seconded to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. Upon a roll call vote being taken, the vote was: AYE 6, NAY 0.
The motion carried 6-0.
POLICY POSTING CONSENT AGENDA
1. Approval to Post Revised Policy 2:100 Board Member Conflict of Interest for Public Review and Comment – Recommend approval to post revised policy 2:100 for public review and comment as presented.
2. Approval to Post Revised Policy 2:105 Ethics and Gift Ban for Public Review and Comment – Recommend approval to post revised policy 2:105 for public review and comment as presented.
3. Approval to Post Revised Policy 2:210 Organizational Board of Education Meeting for Public Review and Comment – Recommend approval to post revised policy 2:210 for public review and comment as presented.
4. Approval to Post Revised Policy 2:265 Title IX Sexual Harassment Grievance Procedure for Public Review and Comment – Recommend approval to post revised policy 2:265 for public review and comment as presented.
5. Approval to Post Revised Policy 4:10 Fiscal and Business Management for Public Review and Comment – Recommend approval to post revised policy 4:10 for public review and comment as presented.
6. Approval to Post Revised Policy 4:140 Waiver of Student Fees for Public Review and Comment – Recommend approval to post revised policy 4:140 for public review and comment as presented.
7. Approval to Post Revised Policy 4:165 Awareness and Prevention of Child Sexual Abuse and Grooming Behaviors for Public Review and Comment – Recommend approval to post revised policy 4:165 for public review and comment as presented.
8. Approval to Post Revised Policy 5:20 Workplace Harassment Prohibited for Public Review and Comment – Recommend approval to post revised policy 5:20 for public review and comment as presented.
9. Approval to Post Revised Policy 5:220 Substitute Teachers for Public Review and Comment – Recommend approval to post revised policy 5:220 for public review and comment as presented.
10. Approval to Post Revised Policy 5:250 Leaves of Absence for Public Review and Comment – Recommend approval to post revised policy 5:250 for public review and comment as presented.
11. Approval to Post Revised Policy 5:280 Duties and Qualifications for Public Review and Comment – Recommend approval to post revised policy 5:280 for public review and comment as presented.
12. Approval to Post Revised Policy 5:320 Evaluation for Public Review and Comment – Recommend approval to post revised policy 5:320 for public review and comment as presented.
13. Approval to Post Revised Policy 5:330 Sick Days, Vacation, Holidays, and Leaves for Public Review and Comment – Recommend approval to post revised policy 5:330 for public review and comment as presented.
14. Approval to Post Revised Policy 6:15 School Accountability for Public Review and Comment – Recommend approval to post revised policy 6:15 for public review and comment as presented.
15. Approval to Post Revised Policy 6:20 School Year Calendar and Day for Public Review and Comment – Recommend approval to post revised policy 6:20 for public review and comment as presented.
16. Approval to Post Revised Policy 6:50 School Wellness for Public Review and Comment – Recommend approval to post revised policy 6:50 for public review and comment as presented.
17. Approval to Post Revised Policy 6:250 Community Resource Persons and Volunteers for Public Review and Comment – Recommend approval to post revised policy 6:250 for public review and comment as presented.
18. Approval to Post Revised Policy 6:255 Assemblies and Ceremonies for Public Review and Comment – Recommend approval to post revised policy 6:255 for public review and comment as presented.
19. Approval to Post Revised Policy 6:260 Complaints About Curriculum, Instructional Materials, and Programs for Public Review and Comment – Recommend approval to post revised policy 6:260 for public review and comment as presented.
20. Approval to Post Revised Policy 6:310 High School Credit for Non-District Experiences; Course Substitutions; Re-Entering Students for Public Review and Comment – Recommend approval to post revised policy 6:310 for public review and comment as presented.
21. Approval to Post Revised Policy 6:340 Student Testing and Assessment Program for Public Review and Comment – Recommend approval to post revised policy 6:340 for public review and comment as presented.
22. Approval to Post Revised Policy 6:60 Curriculum Content for Public Review and Comment – Recommend approval to post revised policy 6:60 for public review and comment as presented.
23. Approval to Post Revised Policy 6:65 Student Social and Emotional Development for Public Review and Comment – Recommend approval to post revised policy 6:65 for public review and comment as presented.
24. Approval to Post Revised Policy 7:100 Health, Eye, and Dental Examinations; Immunizations; and Exclusion of Students for Public Review and Comment – Recommend approval to post revised policy 7:100 for public review and comment as presented.
25. Approval to Post Revised Policy 7:180 Prevention of and Response to Bullying, Intimidation, and Harassment for Public Review and Comment – Recommend approval to post revised policy 7:180 for public review and comment as presented.
26. Approval to Post Revised Policy 7:250 Student Support Services for Public Review and Comment – Recommend approval to post revised policy 7:250 for public review and comment as presented.
27. Approval to Post Revised Policy 7:285 Anaphylaxis Prevention, Response, and Management Program for Public Review and Comment – Recommend approval to post revised policy 7:285 for public review and comment as presented.
28. Approval to Post Revised Policy 7:290 Suicide and Depression Awareness and Prevention for Public Review and Comment – Recommend approval to post revised policy 7:290 for public review and comment as presented.
29. Approval to Post Revised Policy 7:340 Student Records for Public Review and Comment – Recommend approval to post revised policy 7:340 for public review and comment as presented.
30. Approval to Post Revised Policy 7:50 School Admissions and Student Transfers To and From Non-District Schools for Public Review and Comment – Recommend approval to post revised policy 7:50 for public review and comment as presented.
31. Approval to Post Revised Policy 7:70 Attendance and Truancy for Public Review and Comment – Recommend approval to post revised policy 7:70 for public review and comment as presented. 32. Approval to Post Rewritten Policy 5:120 Employee Ethics; Code of Professional Conduct; and Conflict of Interest for Public Review and Comment – Recommend approval to post rewritten policy 5:120 for public review and comment as presented.
There were comments and/or questions on the following:
∙ The Board HR/Policy Committee reviewed all recommended PRESS revisions, largely due to legislation changes.
∙ Policy 6:310 – the reference to class rank should be removed, as we do not issue a class rank to our HS students.
∙ Policy 7:340 – question regarding the section about biometric information since we do not currently collect this. This policy was removed from the posting for public review and comment and will be returned to the policy committee for further review.
MOTION
Member Hanlon moved, Member Kulovits seconded to approve the Policy Posting Consent Agenda as revised (removing policy 7:340 and returning it to the policy committee, and updating the language on policy 6:310). Upon a roll call vote being taken, the vote was: AYE 6, NAY 0. The motion carried 6-0.
ACTION ITEMS
Adoption of the Resolution to Begin the 2023-2024 (FY24) Budget Cycle
The Illinois School Code, 105 ILCS, Section 5/17-1, requires Boards of Education to prepare and adopt an annual budget. It also states that the Board shall designate a person or persons to prepare the district annual budget.
Based upon the requirements of this statute, the Board of Education must adopt a resolution to begin preparing the 2023-2024 Budget. The Board of Education must also designate a person to coordinate this effort. It was recommended that Dr. Brian O'Keeffe, under the supervision of Superintendent Dr. Jeffrey Schuler, be designated to prepare the 2023-2024 Budget. The resolution to be adopted as well as the Budget Timeline the district follows was attached to the board agenda item.
There was additional information on the following:
∙ Audit update – the audit from last year is close to being complete; should have work done for Baker Tilly by the end of next week; will take them several weeks to put information together before turning a draft over to us for review; then will submit the final audit to the Board; last year’s audit was received in March.
It was recommended that the Board of Education adopt the resolution and designate Dr. Brian O’Keeffe to prepare the 2023-24 budget as presented.
MOTION
Member Long moved, Member Booton seconded to adopt the resolution and designate Dr. Brian O’Keeffe to prepare the 2023-24 budget as presented. Upon a roll call vote being taken, the vote was AYE 6, NAY 0. The motion carried 6-0.
Acceptance of Summer 2023 Playground Bid Proposals and Approval to Award the 2023 Playground Renovations for Bower Elementary and Lowell Elementary to Hacienda Landscaping of Minooka, Illinois
In the Fall of 2021, The Board of Education committed to create a base funding model and playbook to help replace aging playgrounds at many of the District's elementary schools. The playgrounds at Bower Elementary and Lowell Elementary were identified as the projects that would be a priority for replacement in the summer of 2023.
Bids for the playground renovation work at Bower Elementary and Lowell Elementary were released to the public on December 8, 2022. Bids were due at 10:00 am on December 22, 2022. Three (3) bid proposals were received and opened. Bid pricing was reviewed by Upland Design and Hacienda Landscaping was confirmed as the low bidder. CUSD 200 will be purchasing all playground equipment and safety surfacing directly through a national purchasing cooperative and local sources. A bid summary letter from Upland Design and a budget summary of the playground renovation projects were attached to the board agenda item.
The Business Office recommended the following items to the Board of Education:
1. Based on the submitted bids and bid review, the hiring of Hacienda Landscaping of Minooka, Illinois to renovate the playgrounds at Bower Elementary and Lowell Elementary in the summer of 2023 for the total amount of $287,053.50.
2. Based on the Alternate #1 bid submission and review, the hiring of Hacienda Landscaping of Minooka, Illinois to replace the Bower Elementary playground retaining wall in the summer of 2023 for the total amount of $8,185.00.
3. Based on the Alternate #2 bid submission and review, the hiring of Hacienda Landscaping of Minooka, Illinois to install a new concrete walkway adjacent to the playground at Lowell Elementary in the summer of 2023 for the total amount of $20,472.00.
4. The direct purchase of all playground equipment and safety surfacing by the CUSD 200 Business Office.
There was additional information on the following:
∙ Working with a different vendor for these playground projects – Hacienda Landscaping is the low bidder; they are confident in the numbers submitted and the timeline to get it done.
There were questions/comments/discussion on the following:
∙ Cost of the playgrounds - Did the District pursue asking the Park Districts to contribute to the cost?
∙ Ballfields adjacent to Lowell – a new path is needed and ballfields may need upgrading; this has been noted to the Wheaton Park District. The ballfields are District 200 property, used by the park district for baseball after the school day.
MOTION
Member Booton moved, Member Blatner seconded to accept the above recommendations from the Business office as presented. Upon a roll call vote being taken, the vote was AYE 6, NAY 0. The motion carried 6-0.
Approval to Post Middle School Math Instructional Materials for Community Review The Vision 2026 strategic plan includes a strategy of implementing learning acceleration and programming. One of the tactics of this strategy is to adopt and support the resources in K-8 academic core areas. This includes mathematics. This year, middle school math teachers piloted two high-quality instructional materials and selected one to recommend to the Board of Education. Elementary PACE teachers have also participated in a yearlong pilot of Illustrative Math's Accelerated Course 1 for grade 5 students.
After engaging in a pilot of two materials, middle school staff recommend Illustrative Math for Math 6, 7, and 8. Elementary PACE and middle school FastPACE math teachers recommend Illustrative Math Accelerated Course 1 and 2 for grade 5 and 6 FastPACE courses. The scope and sequence of Accelerated Courses 1 and 2 allow students to be fully prepared for Algebra I in grade 7. On Wednesday evening, the administration will share information about the pilot, the resources, and plans to support staff with an adoption. All community members that provide feedback on Illustrative Math will receive a phone call from a member of the Educational Services Department, and the feedback will be shared with the Board of Education.
Mrs. Melissa Murphy provided a short presentation on the Middle School Math Instructional Materials, which included the following:
∙ Guiding Questions
o How does a high-quality resource support learning acceleration?
o How has District 200 engaged in a process to recommend a high-quality resource for MS math instruction, and what are the future plans to support implementation?
∙ CUSD 200 Core Actions to Accelerate Learning
o Adopt high-quality instructional materials
o Provide teachers with ongoing professional learning needed to provide Tier I instruction to all students
o Use assessments to prioritize learning
o Focus interventions on students most in need and create instructional coherence
∙ Importance of a High-Quality Resource
o A high-quality resource supports learning acceleration
∙ Creates a strong coherence within a grade level and between grade levels
∙ Provides teacher supports that are aligned to best practices in instruction
∙ Ensures long-term success by advancing learning and improving achievement for all students
∙ Provides assessments aligned to grade-level content and state standards
∙ Curriculum Support Plans
o Phase 1: Selection of Materials (2021-22)
∙ Math coaches reviewed and selected two for a pilot
∙ Math coaches prepared staff for the pilot (created a scope and sequence; and trained teachers)
o Phase 2: Pilot of Materials (2022-23: Q1&2)
∙ Qtr. 1: MS teachers piloted Illustrative Math (IM)
∙ Qtr. 2: MS teachers piloted HMH Into Math
∙ Dec 2022: staff made recommendation for adoption
o Phase 3: Prepare for Implementation (2022-23: Q3&4)
∙ Staff will continue to pilot IM through the remainder of the school year
∙ Staff will engage in professional learning with IM
∙ Math coaches and MS Director will prepare implementation materials
o Phase 4: Implementation and Ongoing Support (2023-beyond)
∙ Continue to support implementation through 3 pillars of professional learning: training, collaborative planning, coaching
∙ Monitor students' data and results
∙ Seek feedback from staff
o Recommendation: approval to post IM materials for community review
There was additional information on the following:
∙ A reminder that the D200 K-5 grade level is currently using IM math materials.
∙ IM has supports outlined for all learners – including students with disabilities, multilingual learners (ML), etc.
There were questions/comments/discussion on the following:
∙ D200 MS staff was 100% in support of recommending IM.
∙ The same staff used both pilot materials.
∙ The key differences between the two pilots (IM and HMH Into Math) – noted more focus on problem-based learning, the rigor was better, and there was more alignment to the POG (Portrait of a Graduate).
∙ Nearly all MS teachers participated in the pilot.
∙ The transition for current 6-7 grade students – as it relates to gaps in the curriculum. All 6th-grade classrooms participated in both pilots, and only a small number of 7th-grade classrooms did not participate. Staff has expressed interest in continuing with the IM resources for the remainder of this year (quarters 3 and 4). There will be minimal gaps for students in the curriculum.
∙ How the PACE program (in elementary and MS levels) uses this IM curriculum; wanting students to be ready for Algebra I in 7th grade, which is the current PACE trajectory.
∙ The opportunity for students not in PACE to start HS algebra in 8th grade.
∙ The curriculums for the MS Algebra I and Geometry courses are not changing at this time (these are HS courses).
∙ Students in 6th and 7th grade IM math and the transition to HS algebra instead of 8th grade IM math – this option will still be on the table.
∙ IM math materials for the MS level – is it as heavily manipulative based as the elementary? At the elementary level, the curriculum also includes centers and stations that include multiple materials, and that is not present as part of the IM curriculum at the MS.
∙ The evaluation of manipulatives is also part of the Phase 3 work (prepare for implementation) – what do we currently have in our buildings and what do we need to purchase?
∙ Student materials to be purchased – consumable yearly cost.
It was recommended that the Board approve the posting of the Illustrative Math materials for community review as presented.
MOTION
Member Long moved, Member Kulovits seconded to approve the posting of the Illustrative Math materials for community review as presented. Upon a roll call vote being taken, the vote was AYE 6, NAY 0. The motion carried 6-0.
Approval of a New Website and Mass Communications Vendor
Currently, District 200 has utilized the same vendor for website and mass communications (email, phone, text) via two separate platforms for more than 10 years. Recently, the vendor was acquired by a new company. Additionally, the District's contract with our current vendor expires on June 30, 2023. These two factors provided staff the opportunity to explore other vendors to support the District's website and mass communications needs.
Staff from the Communications and Technology Departments researched and evaluated several vendors who provide both website and mass communications solutions tailored to schools and school districts and brought two options to a group of principals and administrators to review. Both District and School Administration believe that Apptegy's website, mass communications, and mobile app specifically, would significantly improve and streamline communication within our school community with parents, students, staff, and the broader community.
Mrs. Erica Loiacono provided a short presentation on the New Website and Mass Communications, which included the following:
∙ Guiding Questions
o Why are we proposing a new website and mass communications vendor?
o What was the process for identifying a new vendor?
o What are the features and benefits of the new solution?
o When will the change take place?
∙ Vision 2026 Strategic Plan and Strategies – an opportunity to explore:
o D200 has utilized the same vendor for website and mass communications via two separate platforms for more than ten years
o Recently, the vendor was acquired by a new company
o The District’s contract with our current vendor expires on June 30, 2023
o These factors provided the opportunity to explore other vendors to support the District’s website and mass communications needs
∙ Evaluation Process
o District staff (including the senior leadership team and building administrators) participated in demos from three different vendors and evaluated the pros/cons of each solution
o Building administrators participated in a demo of Apptegy and provided feedback to District staff
o Met with other districts that use Apptegy to gather feedback
o The Board’s Community Engagement Committee evaluated Apptegy and recommended bringing the solution to the full Board
∙ Features and benefits of the new solution – include:
o Celebrating students & connecting communities
o Website editing and mass communications are in a single online platform (ThrillShare) that can also be accessed via a customized mobile app
o A greater focus on mobile functionality to:
∙ provide live feed updates to the mobile app and website
∙ enable push notifications to those who subscribe
∙ have a library of live feed updates and notifications to eliminate searching through separate emails
∙ populate multiple sources at the same time (various social media feeds)
o New, updated website design
o Cost savings to the District
∙ Implementation Process
o District staff will lead a 5-6 month process with Apptegy to:
∙ Redesign and populate content in all 22 websites
∙ Train each building principal(s), secretary, and other website editors on the use of ThrillShare (the backend platform for both website and mass communication)
o Apptegy’s implementation process is very involved and flexible and they will assist us each step of the way
o Anticipated launch date in early/mid-June
∙ Recommendation – it is recommended that the Board approve a 3-year website and mass communications contract, in the amount of $135,150 with Apptegy
There was additional information on the following:
∙ Mass communications include emailing a whole building or group and sending out mass phone messages or texts. Our building administrators heavily utilize these methods.
∙ While this was not originally in the 22-23 work plan, it aligns with one of the operational excellence strategies/plans – to engage all stakeholders by communicating important updates and providing the community a window into our schools.
∙ When we publicly celebrate our students and staff, it allows us to connect our communities to our schools.
∙ All websites would be revamped and updated with a new design, there would be a new mobile app, parents can receive push notifications from different schools, and live feed updates can be published on the website and mobile app in real-time and in multiple locations.
∙ The Board Community Engagement Committee suggested that during the implementation process, the District should solicit feedback on website content from the Board, school leaders, staff, and parents.
There were questions/comments/discussion on the following:
∙ Apptegy as it relates to other districts using the website/platform.
∙ The plan is to be fully functional when the websites go live. Noted the summer and slower live news feeds.
∙ This is separate from ESB (Electronic School Board) and the policy manual.
∙ Translation piece – ensuring accuracy. Google Translate includes 80-90 different languages.
∙ The big undertaking of redesigning 22 websites and content, getting feedback from all stakeholders and funneling this back into the design.
∙ There will be a template for each school to follow. Noted the importance of cohesion between school websites.
∙ Anticipate uniformity between the websites, with the high schools being somewhat different.
∙ The District will own all of the content that is put on the website.
∙ The cost savings to the District.
∙ The incredible undertaking that will require a lot of time and dedication from staff
∙ The parent side -being able to have fee payment and ParentVue all in one place.
It was recommended that the Board of Education approve a three-year website and mass communications contract with Apptegy in the amount of $135,150 as presented.
MOTION
Member Booton moved, Member Blatner seconded to approve the contract with Apptegy as presented. Upon a roll call vote being taken, the vote was AYE 6, NAY 0.
The motion carried 6-0.
DISCUSSION ITEMS
Discussion of Policy 8:80 Gifts to the District
At the December 14, 2022, Board of Education Meeting, a request was made at the end of the meeting to discuss Board Policy 8:80, Gifts to the District. Policy 8:80 was attached to the Board agenda item.
The discussion focused on the sections of the policy regarding the language of “viewpoint neutral” that is written into the policy. The Policy provides that the acceptance of a gift must be viewpoint neutral. Specifically, the Policy provides “that all gifts must adhere” to a list of conditions, including: “Be viewpoint neutral. The Superintendent or designee shall manage a process for the review and approval of donations involving the incorporation of messages into or placing messages upon school property.”
The Board was asked to review and discuss this language and consider the interpretation and intent. The critical question was whether the language is included to suggest that all gifts accepted must be viewpoint neutral, or whether the process for acceptance of a gift must be viewpoint neutral. There is language in the paragraph immediately following the numbered list in the policy that does state that, “The District will provide equal treatment to all individuals and entities seeking to donate money or a gift.” Considering this statement, it could be reasonably interpreted that viewpoint neutral in the context of Policy 8:80 pertains to prohibiting the District from accepting and displaying a gift expressing a particular viewpoint and declining acceptance and display of a gift depicting a competing viewpoint.
The Board discussed this language and the Board's interpretation of the intent of the language. Based on the feedback from the Board, this policy could be referred to the Policy Committee to discuss and review any potential changes to the language in the policy to ensure it aligns with the intent.
There was additional information/comments on the following:
∙ The language of “viewpoint neutral” specifically as it applies to the policy.
∙ Feedback from the District attorney as it applies to the specific language inside of the policy.
∙ The requirement of something to be viewpoint neutral, especially in the context of policy 8:80, pertains to prohibiting the District from accepting and displaying a gift that expresses a particular viewpoint and not accepting another gift that expresses a different viewpoint.
∙ A standard is applied to avoid discrimination in the acceptance of gifts.
∙ Does not typically speak or modify the idea that any gift cannot express a viewpoint.
∙ The way it is worded inside the policy does leave some ambiguity.
∙ The goal in putting this in front of the Board is to obtain feedback.
∙ The importance to convey what the Board wants the policy to govern.
∙ If the wording is not entirely clear, the recommendation should be to send policy 8:80 back to the policy committee to review and discuss, and to look at some adjustments to the wording.
There were questions/comments/discussion on the following:
∙ Since this is a PRESS policy, is there a mechanism through PRESS where we can ask questions regarding the language? Noted we can reach out to PRESS. Also noted this does not limit us as a District from making a specific change to the D200 policy.
∙ Viewpoint neutral meaning and the act of allowing everyone to participate.
∙ Policy 8:80 – viewpoint neutral as it relates to our schools and accepting gifts.
∙ The intention is not clear in the policy.
∙ The act of accepting a gift is separate from the act of displaying that gift. Policy 8:80 is governing the initial acceptance of the gift and makes no guarantee as to what might be done with the gift once accepted.
∙ Viewpoint neutrality as it applies to the acceptance means we are not evaluating whether the individual gift is expressing a viewpoint and will apply the same standard to all gifts coming in.
∙ Displaying one gift vs. another - whether this would open an equity issue. Does not fall under policy 8:80.
∙ The policy is not expressing what it needs to express and this should be returned to the policy committee.
∙ Review of other district gift policies – most have used the PRESS Plus same policy.
∙ Request to check in with IASB (PRESS) to see what the intention was behind the policy language as it relates to viewpoint neutrality.
Policy 8:80 – Gifts to the District, will be returned to the HR/Policy Committee for further review and discussion.
WRITTEN REPORTS
Monthly Financial Reports
FOIA Report
Board Communication Log
REPORTS FROM BOARD MEMBERS
Board Committee Reports
The Board HR/Policy Committee and Community Engagement Committee have convened since the last business meeting. The meeting notes were attached to the agenda.
Other Reports from Board Members
None
TOPICS FOR FUTURE DISCUSSION
5-Year Financial Projections
Request for an update on the new HS grading system implemented last year, including feedback from teachers.
NEXT REGULAR MEETING
February 8, 2023, 7:00 PM, Pleasant Hill Elementary School
ANNOUNCEMENTS
January 25, 2023, Committee of the Whole, 7:00 PM, School Service Center (SSC) February 25, 2023, Chat with the Board, 9:00 – 10:30 AM, SSC
CLOSED SESSION
Pursuant to 5 ILCS 120/2 (c)(1) The Appointment, Employment, Compensation, Discipline, Performance, or Dismissal of Specific Employees, Specific Individuals who Serve as Independent Contractors in a Park, Recreational, or Educational Setting, or Specific Volunteers of the Public Body or Legal Counsel for the Public Body, including Hearing Testimony on a Complaint Lodged Against an Employee, a Specific Individual who Serves as an Independent Contractor in a Park, Recreational, or Educational Setting, or a Volunteer of the Public Body or Against Legal Counsel for the Public Body to Determine its Validity, Collective Negotiating Matters Between the Public Body and its Employees or Their Representatives, or Deliberations Concerning Salary Schedules for One or More Classes of Employees
MOTION
Member Crabtree moved, Member Hanlon seconded to adjourn the meeting to closed session for the purpose of 5 ILCS 120/2 (c)(1). Upon a roll call being taken, the vote was AYE 6, NAY 0. The motion carried 6-0.
There was no action expected following the Closed Session.
The meeting adjourned to Closed Session at 8:27 PM.
https://www.cusd200.org/site/handlers/filedownload.ashx?moduleinstanceid=22857&dataid=38025&FileName=Minutes%20Jan%2011%202023.pdf
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