Sangamon Sun

At a recent meeting, the Springfield School District 186 Board approved a contract with Prairie Capital Convention Center to hold future graduation ceremonies.

The board sets educational policies and guidelines for Springfield Public Schools, an urban district consisting of over 15,000 preschool-through-high school-age students.

Below are the minutes from this meeting, as provided by the board.

MINUTES

REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION

BOARD OF EDUCATION, SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 186, SPRINGFIELD,

SANGAMON COUNTY, ILLINOIS

Monday, May 2, 2016 (6:30 PM)

The Board of Education convened in Regular Session on May 2 A.D., 2016, at 5:30 p.m., there

being present thereat:

Present: Adam Lopez, President

Julie Hammers, Board Secretary

Charles Flamini

Lisa Funderburg

Blake Handley

Judith Johnson

Donna Moore

Mike Zimmers

Jennifer Gill, Superintendent

Diamond Jackson, Student Member

CALL TO ORDER

1.1 Roll Call

President Lopez called the meeting to order.

APPROVAL OF EXECUTIVE SESSION

Mr. Zimmers moved to adjourn to Executive Session to consider the following matters:

2.1 The Appointment, Employment, or Dismissal of Employees

2.2 Contract Negotiations

2.3 Pending Litigation

2.4 Real Estate

2.5 Security Procedures

2.6 Student Disciplinary Matters

Motion seconded by Mr. Handley and carried by the following vote:

Those voting “aye”: Flamini, Funderburg, Handley, Johnson, Lopez, Moore, Zimmers

Those voting “no”: None.

Adjournment to Executive Session

The meeting adjourned at 5:30 p.m. and reconvened at 6:31 p.m. Upon reconvening, it was noted

that seven Board members were present.

3.1 President’s Comments

President Lopez made the routine announcement that public comment on published agenda

items would occur during the Public Comments portion of the meeting. He instructed those

interested in addressing the Board to fill out the required Public Participation at Board Meetings

Form and submit it to Ms. Mitchell in the front row of the audience. Additionally, he reminded

those interested in addressing the Board that comments are limited to three minutes.

3.2 Board Salutes

Mr. Flamini saluted Student Board Member Diamond Jackson for her innovation and

effectiveness as it relates to her position.

Mrs. Funderburg saluted those involved in the Springfield High School production of Beauty and

the Beast.

Ms. Johnson saluted the Springfield business community and the Greater Springfield Chamber of

Commerce for organizing the Business Connections trade show at the Prairie Capital Convention

Center, which featured the Sangamon CEO program’s young entrepreneurs.

Mr. Zimmers thanked Grant Middle School for inviting him to watch their track team in action

recently.

Mrs. Moore saluted Springfield High School staff, students and parents who were involved in the

production of Beauty and the Beast.

DISCUSSION ITEMS

4.1 Old Business

There was no old business at this time.

4.2 New Business

There was no new business at this time.

4.3 Student Business

Miss Jackson provided information on the upcoming Superintendent’s Student Roundtable

meeting. She reported that the students would continue planning the upcoming middle school

visits during which they will speak to current 8th grade students about high school. She indicated

that the Roundtable members would reassemble after the middle school visits to de-brief on the

visits and have an end of the year celebration of their work. The visits are scheduled to take place

on May 25 in the morning.

PRESENTATIONS TO THE BOARD

There were no presentations at this time.

BUSINESS REPORTS

6.1 Financial Report

Board members were provided with an electronic copy of the Monthly Financial Report for

April 2016. Copies have been filed with the Official Minutes and are available for public viewing

on the Electronic School Board.

Mr. Joseph Bascio, Business Manager, reported Education Fund revenues of approximately

$4.7 million for the month with expenditures of approximately $8.5 million. The Operations and

Maintenance Fund saw revenues of approximately $251,000 during the month and expenditures

of approximately $683,000.

SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT

7.1 Superintendent's Report

Mrs. Gill provided the following shout-outs:

• All the teachers in the District for their hard work and dedication throughout the year.

Mrs. Gill wished them a Happy Teacher Appreciation Week.

• Students involved in spring sports city tournaments.

• Franklin Middle School students Avery Fifer, Latrell Furdge and Hannah Markey whose

artwork has been chosen to be displayed in the Sangamon County Student Art Show at

Southern Illinois University School of Medicine through May 6, 2016.

• The Springfield Arts Council for sponsoring the One World Taiko Drummers’ Assembly at

Black Hawk Elementary School.

Mrs. Gill then provided information on the recently updated science assessment that has been

given to students this year. She asked Mrs. Anne Morris, Coordinator of Research, Testing and

Evaluation, to provide an update on the assessment. Mrs. Morris reported that the assessment is

much more brief than past assessments. Mrs. Morris also reported that the recent PARCC

assessments have gone very smoothly with approximately 85 percent of the testing complete.

Mrs. Gill then gave an update on the Equal Opportunity School Program. She indicated that the

District is moving forward with the program that will assist with analyzing the coursework and path

of courses students are taking in preparation for high school. This will help with delivery of AP

coursework.

Lastly, Mrs. Funderburg asked about the cost of the Equal Opportunity School Program with

respect to travel that may be associated with it. Mrs. Shelia Boozer, Director of Teaching and

Learning, reported that the training related to program would mostly occur in Springfield. Any

other travel that may be related would be paid out of Title II funds. Mrs. Boozer then provided

information regarding how the program has helped improve the lives of students in the Columbia,

Missouri public school system.

Mrs. Funderburg then asked for statistics related to students who take AP exams in the District’s

high schools. She also asked if the district is prepared for an increase in the number of students

taking the AP exam.

CONSENT ACTION ITEMS

8.1 Approval of Consent Action Items

Approval of consent action items as listed in the agenda.

Resolution: The Superintendent recommends approval of the consent action items 8.2 through

8.8 as described in the corresponding resolutions.

Mrs. Moore motioned to change the date of the April 17, 2017, Board of Education meeting to

Tuesday, April 18, 2017. Mr. Flamini seconded the motion. Upon a roll call vote being taken, the

vote was: Aye: 4 Nay: 3. The motion carried. 4 - 3

Those voting “aye”: Flamini, Handley, Moore, Zimmers

Those voting “no”” Funderburg, Johnson, Lopez

Mrs. Moore then inquired as to if other school districts would be contributing to the costs

associated with the Capital Area Career Center Health/Life Safety work listed in item 8.9.

Mrs. Gill indicated that the resolution is for our District’s proportionate share of the costs

associated with the work although the work is being paid out of the District’s normal contributions

paid to the Capital Area Career Center for student attendance in their program.

ORIGINAL - Motion

Member (Michael Zimmers) Moved, Member (Lisa Funderburg) Seconded to approve the

ORIGINAL motion 'The Superintendent recommends approval of the consent action items 8.2

through 8.8 as described in the corresponding resolutions'. Upon a roll call vote being taken, the

vote was: Aye: 7 Nay: 0. The motion Carried. 7 - 0

Those voting “aye”: Flamini, Funderburg, Handley, Johnson, Lopez, Moore, Zimmers

Those voting “no”: None.

8.2 Approval of the Minutes of the Executive Session and the Regular Meeting of April 18,

2016

Resolution: WHEREAS, the Board of Education of Springfield School District 186 reviews the

minutes of the regular session and the executive session of the previous Board Meetings; and

WHEREAS, copies of these sets of minutes were distributed to the Board in the board packet

prior to this meeting; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education

approves the aforementioned set of regular session and executive session minutes and directs

the Secretary to include them in the official records of the Board of Education meetings.

8.3 Approval of Payroll and Bills Payable

Resolution: That the Board of Education approves payroll and bills payable as shown in the

attached report.

8.4 Tabulation of Bids and Recommendation for Purchase and Payment Bid #16-19 — Roof

Replacement – Vachel Lindsay School

Resolution: BE IT RESOLVED to accept the low acceptable bid for the following bids and to

approve payment of same upon completion: Bid #16-19 — Roof Replacement – Vachel Lindsay

School

8.5 Approval of the Schedule of Meetings of the Board of Education for the 2016-2017

School Year

Resolution: BE IT RESOLVED that the attached calendar of dates for the regular meetings of

the Board of Education of Springfield Public School District 186 be adopted for the 2016-2017

school year.

8.6 Approval of the Balanced Calendar for the 2016-2017 School Year

Southern View School has operated as a Balanced Calendar school since July of 1997 and

Elizabeth Graham School has operated as a balanced calendar school since July of 2000. State

law requires express permission be given by the Board of Education for Southern View and

Elizabeth Graham schools to operate as balanced calendar schools. This resolution fulfills the

Board’s legal obligation to provide operating permission for Southern View and Elizabeth

Graham. The attached calendar reflects as closely as possible those teacher institutes, teacher

inservices, and school improvement workshops shown on the regular school calendar as

approved by the Board of Education.

Resolution: WHEREAS, the parents, staff and administrators of Southern View and Elizabeth

Graham schools have studied, adopted, and implemented the concept of balanced calendar

schools; and WHEREAS, the staff, administrators and parent organizations of Southern View and

Elizabeth Graham schools have developed a proposed calendar for the 2016-2017 school year;

and WHEREAS, Southern View and Elizabeth Graham schools have requested permission to

continue operation as balanced calendar schools beginning in the summer of 2016 for the 2016-

2017 academic year; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that Southern View and Elizabeth

Graham schools are granted permission to operate as balanced calendar schools and to follow

the proposed calendar for the 2016-2017 school year.

8.7 Approval of a Contract with Prairie Capital Convention Center

This contract with Prairie Capital Convention Center is for high school graduation ceremonies that

will be held on June 3, 2017, June 2, 2018, and June 1, 2019.

Resolution: WHEREAS, the graduation ceremonies are held on the first Saturday of June each

year; and WHEREAS, the graduation ceremonies are scheduled to commence at the Prairie

Capitol Convention Center; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education

approves the contract for rental of the Prairie Capitol Convention Center on June 3, 2017, June 2,

2018, and June 1, 2019, at a cost of approximately $6,000 per year and directs the

Superintendent to execute the necessary documents.

8.8 Approval of an Agreement with Equal Opportunity Schools

Resolution: WHEREAS, Springfield Public School District 186 is committed to continuously

improving the quality of educational opportunity and achievement for students; and WHEREAS,

Equal Opportunity Schools (EOS) is qualified and experienced in helping schools identify and

upgrade students who can succeed in Advanced Placement courses but are not yet enrolled; and

WHEREAS, Springfield Public Schools and EOS commit to closing participation gaps in

Advanced Placement courses, raise Advanced Placement performance, and develop structures

for sustainability; and WHEREAS, this agreement also includes opportunities to partner with other

like districts and schools to collaborate and learn best practices; NOW THEREFORE BE IT

RESOLVED that the Board of Education approves the agreement with Equal Opportunity Schools

for the 2016-2017 school year for a total cost of $73,000, which is reimbursable by Title, Center

for School Improvement, and State supported funds.

8.9 Approval of a Resolution Regarding the Health/Life Safety Improvements of Capital

Area Career Center

Resolution: WHEREAS, the Springfield School District No. 186 (“District”) is a member of the

Capital Area Career Center (“CACC”); and WHEREAS, CACC completed a 10-year Health/Life

Safety Re-Survey Report (“Report”) for all CACC facilities; and WHEREAS, subsequent to

completing the Report, the Board of Control of CACC has determined that certain improvements

including new carpet and installation of a new door will be completed; and WHEREAS, CACC has

sufficient funds in its Life/Safety Fund to cover the estimated replacement cost of the

improvements; and WHEREAS, the Board of Education of the District determines that it is in the

best interest of the School District and CACC to approve completion of the stated improvements

with the understanding that the funding of the improvements will come from current CACC

reserves; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF EDUCATION OF

SPRINGFIELD SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 186, SANGAMON COUNTY, ILLINOIS, AS FOLLOWS:

Section 1. The Board of Education of the District hereby consents to the completion of the stated

improvements, attached as Exhibit A, with the understanding that the funding of the

improvements will come from current CACC reserves. Section 2. The Superintendent is hereby

directed to provide a signed copy of this resolution to the Executive Director of CACC to facilitate

completion of the stated improvements.

ROLL CALL ACTION ITEMS

9.1 Approval of Personnel Recommendations

Resolution: The Superintendent recommends adoption of the Personnel recommendations as

presented.

Mr. Lopez and Mr. Flamini indicated that they would be voting “present” on Addendum Item #2

due to concerns with the process related to the item. Mr. Lopez then called the first of four

individuals who signed up to speak on agenda item 9.1 to the podium. Crysta Weitecamp,

Lori Butler, Jeff Butler and Frank Kopecky all addressed the Board regarding items on the

personnel agenda.

ORIGINAL - Motion

Member (Michael Zimmers) Moved, Member (Donna Moore) Seconded to approve the

ORIGINAL motion 'The Superintendent recommends adoption of the Personnel

recommendations as presented'. There was some discussion regarding proper voting process.

Mrs. Moore spoke to the difficulty in making a decision regarding this agenda item. Ms. Johnson

indicated that she has concerns regarding some of the administrative moves.

Upon a roll call vote being taken, the vote was: Aye: 7 Nay: 0 on all portions of item 9.1 with the

exception of the Addendum. The motion to approve all portions of item 9.1 with the exception of

the Addendum Carried. 7 - 0 The Addendum failed 3 – 0 – 4.

Those voting “aye”: Flamini, Funderburg, Handley, Johnson, Lopez, Moore, Zimmers

Those voting “no”: Handley on Item E 4.

Those voting “present” on Addendum, Item II: Flamini, Handley, Johnson, Lopez

9.2 Approval of Change Order for the Middle and High Schools

Resolution: The Superintendent recommends adoption of the following resolution: WHEREAS,

the Board of Education has previously approved a Bid from the contractor listed below for

locations listed below; and WHEREAS, the Architect for such project has recommended approval

of a change order which complies with the applicable provisions of Chapters 122 and 38 of the

Illinois Revised Statutes; and WHEREAS, sufficient funds exist to provide payment for the

additional requested change in this contract; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the

Board of Education approves the following Change Orders and directs the Superintendent to

execute the necessary documents on behalf of the Board. Location: Middle and High Schools

Project: Security Camera Systems, Bid No. 16-01 Change Order Amount: $13,230 Contractor:

Thompson Electronics Company Scope of Work: Furnish and install 11 wall brackets and realign

camera image. Furnish, install and program 11 new cameras. Replace and program 19 existing

cameras.

ORIGINAL - Motion

Member (Judith Johnson) Moved, Member (Donna Moore) Seconded to approve the

ORIGINAL motion 'The Superintendent recommends adoption of the following resolution:

WHEREAS, the Board of Education has previously approved a Bid from the contractor listed

below for locations listed below; and WHEREAS, the Architect for such project has recommended

approval of a change order which complies with the applicable provisions of Chapters 122 and 38

of the Illinois Revised Statutes; and WHEREAS, sufficient funds exist to provide payment for the

additional requested change in this contract; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the

Board of Education approves the following Change Orders and directs the Superintendent to

execute the necessary documents on behalf of the Board. Location: Middle and High Schools

Project: Security Camera Systems, Bid No. 16-01 Change Order Amount: $13,230 Contractor:

Thompson Electronics Company Scope of Work: Furnish and install 11 wall brackets and realign

camera image. Furnish, install and program 11 new cameras. Replace and program 19 existing

cameras'. Upon a roll call vote being taken, the vote was: Aye: 7 Nay: 0. The motion Carried.

7 - 0

Those voting “aye”: Lopez, Moore, Zimmers Flamini, Funderburg, Handley, Johnson,

Those voting “no”: None.

Mr. Lopez introduced administrators listed on the personnel agenda with upcoming job changes

including: Erika Filipiak, Jill Grove, Jonnell Basket, Lisa Leardi, Jennifer Hanson, Charlena

Jackson, Kim Siltman, Vincent Turner and Chris Barham.

9.3 Student Discipline

Resolution: That the Board approves the student discipline as discussed in Executive Session

and summarized by the Superintendent.

ORIGINAL - Motion

Member (Donna Moore) Moved, Member (Michael Zimmers) Seconded to approve the

ORIGINAL motion 'That the Board approves the student discipline as discussed in Executive

Session and summarized by the Superintendent'. Upon a roll call vote being taken, the vote was:

Aye: 6 Nay: 0 Abstain: 1. The motion Carried. 6 - 0 - 1

Those voting “aye”: Flamini, Funderburg, Handley, Lopez, Moore, Zimmers

Those voting “no”: None.

Those voting “abstain”: Johnson

ANNOUNCEMENTS

10.1 Next Regular Meeting — Monday, May 16, 2016, at 5:30 p.m. — Board Room

10.2 Alliance Legislative Reports – 99-42 and 99-43

10.3 Freedom of Information Report

PUBLIC COMMENT

There were no public comments at this time.

ADJOURNMENT

There being no further business to come before the Board, Mr. Lopez declared the meeting

adjourned until Monday, May 16, 2016 at 5:30 p.m.

The meeting adjourned at 7:29 p.m.

_______________________________________

Adam Lopez, President

______________________________________

Julie A. Hammers, Secretary

Dated: _________________________