Sangamon Sun

At a recent meeting, the Springfield Public School District 186 Board reviewed draft copies of the 2016-17 Student and Family Handbook, which includes changes to the disciplinary code.

Regular meetings of the Board of Education are held on the first and third Monday of each month in the Board Room of the administrative offices, 1900 W. Monroe St. The board meets in closed executive session beginning at 5:30 p.m. with the public session beginning at 6:30 p.m. unless otherwise publicly noticed. All meetings of the board are open to the public and conducted in accordance with the Open Meetings Act. The public is invited and encouraged to attend.

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, June 6, 2016 (6:30 PM)

The Board of Education convened in Regular Session on June 6 A.D., 2016, at 5:31 p.m., there being present thereat:

Present: Charles Flamini, Vice President

Julie Hammers, Board Secretary

Lisa Funderburg

Blake Handley

Judith Johnson

Donna Moore

Mike Zimmers

Jennifer Gill, Superintendent

Diamond Jackson, Student Member

CALL TO ORDER

1.1 Roll Call

Vice President Flamini 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, Handley, Moore, Zimmers

Those voting “no”: None.

Adjournment to Executive Session

The meeting adjourned at 5:32 p.m. and reconvened at 6:32 p.m. Upon reconvening, it was noted that five Board members were present as Ms. Johnson joined the meeting at 5:35 p.m.

3.1 President’s Comments

Vice President Flamini 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. Zimmer saluted several schools, which he visited prior to the end of the school year. First, he saluted Butler Elementary School for their elementary AVID program. Next, Mr. Zimmers saluted Iles Elementary School for their 5th grade environmental impact science project. Next, he saluted Enos Elementary School for their recent awards ceremony.

Ms. Johnson saluted all of the District’s graduates. She reported that she attended all of the graduations, which she found to be very well organized. She commended the students who have been offered college scholarship money and encouraged all current students within the District to continue to work hard through their own graduations.

At the request of Ms. Johnson, a moment of silence was observed for Anthony Benson, son of former Springfield Public Schools administrator Cora Benson, who recently passed away. Mr. Flamini also saluted the District’s graduates and those who organized the graduations. Mr. Zimmers saluted Diamond Jackson on her graduation.

3.3 Recognition of Kaylee Wobig from Lincoln Magnet School

The Board of Education recognized Kaylee Wobig for her Abraham Lincoln Association Award winning history fair paper. Mrs. Gill announced that only two students in the State receive this award annually.

3.4 Recognition of Lincoln Magnet School Track Participants

The Board of Education recognized the following students from Lincoln Magnet School for their performance at the IESA State Track Meet: 7th Grade Girls 4x200 meter relay team – 2nd place Summer Williams, Robionne Williams, Leah Newman, Kherris Turner, and Cheyenne Trotter and 7th grade – Shot Put, 3rd place Blessen Pratt. Coaches: Jeff Lynn and Jerry Muncy.

3.5 Recognition of Grant Middle School Track Participants

The Board of Education recognized Grant Middle School 8th grader, Jaylen Muldrow, for taking 2nd place at the IESA State Track Meet. Coach: Neal Taylor

3.6 Recognition of the Washington Middle School Track Team

The Board of Education recognized the Washington Middle School 8th Grade Girls Track Team from for their 1st place performance at the IESA State Track Meet. The following 8th grade girls were recognized for their individual performances: Martrice Brooks, 100m – 3rd place, 200m – 2nd place, 4x200m – 1st place; Yvette House, 200m - 1st place, 4x200m – 1st place; Tylliyah Lane, 4x400m – 4th place; Alyiah Little, 4x400m - 4th place; Ta'tiana Miles, 4x400m - 4th place; Noelle Price, 4x400m - 4th place; Jada Redding, 4x200m - 1st place; Aysa Williams, 4x200m - 1st place; Torrance Christensen, Jordun Dunnaway, Lilliana Maguire. The Board also recognized 8th Grade student Michael Kroenlien for his 6th place finish in the Discus competition at the IESA State Track Meet. Lastly, the Board recognized the following Washington Middle School 7th Grade Boys Track Team Members for their performances in the IESA State Track Meet: Devin Hale, Shot Put – 1st place; Blake Charles, 4x400m – 8th place; Jamerion Greer, 4x400m – 8th place; A'tejon Lee, 4x400m – 8th place; Peyton Smith, 4x400m – 8th place; Jeremy Watson, 4x400m – 8th place. Coaches:

Charles Ruble, Pat Hulett, Chet Murr and Bill Miller.

3.7 Recognition of the Southeast High School Girls Track Team

The Board of Education recognized the following Southeast High School Girls Track Team members for taking 3rd place at the IHSA State Track Meet: Jamari Drake, High Jump – 5th place, 100m – 6th place, 200m – 9th place, 4x100m – 1st place; Alexis Henry, 4x100m – 1st place, 4x400m – 2nd place; Lunden Henry, High Jump – 6th place, 4x400m – 2nd place; Dontavia Howard, 100m – 7th place, 300m – 5th place, 4x100m – 1st place, 4x400m – 2nd place; Tiarah Phillips, 4x400m – 2nd place; Katelynn Robinson, 4x100m – 1st place; Devion Acres, Alyssa Ashford, Lola Delay, Keyara Harshaw, Hannah Kendall, Contessa Lee, Kashonna Mattison, Cydne Nichols, Breanna Triplett, Kierra Wallace, Elena Whittenaur, Shelby Williams. Coaches: Barb Montgomery and Shirley Bernstein.

3.8 Recognition of Springfield High School Track Participants

The Board of Education recognized the following students from Springfield High School for their performance at the IHSA State Track meets. Girls Track: Ozzy Erwele, 100m – 3rd place, 4x100m

- 4th place; Chieme Udaku, 4x100m - 4th place; Lauren Ferguson, 4x100m – 4th place; Kyra Webster, 4x100m – 4th place. Coach: Eric Warren. Boys Track: Heath Warren, 800m 4th place.

Coach: Trae Cotner

3.9 Recognition of the Shining Stars

The Superintendent and Board of Education recognized the following employees chosen to receive the Shining Star Award for their outstanding contribution to Springfield Public Schools: Jacob Chase, Special Education Attendant at Lee School; Jon Filbrun, Coordinator of Security & Safety; Debra Rudis, Speech/Language Pathologist at Butler School; Lynn Gilmore, Fine Arts Coordinator.

Mr. Flamini thanked these individuals for their outstanding service to the District.

DISCUSSION ITEMS

4.1 Old Business

Mr. Zimmers gave a reminder to parents and students of the need to get vaccines before the beginning of the school year.

4.2 New Business

There was no new business at this time.

4.3 2016-2017 Student & Family Handbook

Board Members were provided with a draft copy of the 2016-2017 Student & Family Handbook.

Copies have been filed with the Official Minutes and are available for public viewing on the Electronic School Board.

Mrs. Gill reported that changes have been made to the disciplinary code section of the handbook as required by a new state legislation, Senate Bill 100 (SB100). She provided the following highlights from those changes:

• No zero tolerance and progressive discipline are no longer allowed.

• Students can still be suspended and expelled but two questions must be considered: Did the infraction significantly impact the learning environment or the learning of others? Or, did the infraction pose a threat to school safety?

• Students will no longer be suspended for dress code violations.

• Changes and enhances the way discipline is documented.

• Forms a Student Success Committee.

• Professional development to be given to all staff focusing on a braided approach to student support.

• Allows for restitution for damaged or broken property.

• Provides support to help students with ongoing disciplinary issues rather than isolating those students from assistance that may help address their issues.

Mrs. Moore asked how much collaboration there had been with parents, students and other community groups on the changes. Mrs. Gill indicated that there was collaboration with those groups, as well as teachers and administrators, however, most of the changes were made as prescribed by SB100.

Ms. Johnson asked about citations of the law. Mrs. Gill indicated that school code is quoted throughout the handbook.

Mr. Flamini asked if students will be involved in the Student Success Committee. Mrs. Gill indicated that students will be included.

There was then some discussion regarding how weapons violations would be addressed and support interventions.

4.4 Student Business

Miss Jackson reported that the last Superintendent’s Student Roundtable Meeting had occurred on May 25, 2016. The students discussed the year’s events and the direction they would like to take during the upcoming year. Miss Jackson then thanked the Board for the opportunity to serve as the Student Board Member. Mr. Flamini and Mrs. Gill presented Miss Jackson with a plaque and gift from the Board.

Mrs. Gill then introduced the incoming Student Board Member, Dominique LaSalvia. Miss LaSalvia thanked the Board for selecting her to serve during the 2016-2017 school year. She indicated that she looks forward to developing additional leadership skills over the course of the next year as she fulfills the duties associated with her position.

PRESENTATIONS TO THE BOARD

5.1 Post-Secondary Report

Board members were provided with electronic copies of the Post-Secondary Report. Copies have been filed with the Official Minutes and are available for public viewing on the Electronic School Board. Representatives from the high schools provided a report overviewing post-secondary support and plans.

Mrs. Gill introduced Teresa Watkin, Post-Secondary Coach at Southeast High School, Brad Kyes,

Post-Secondary Coach at Springfield High School and Stephanie Rogers, an intern who assisted with post-secondary endeavors at all three high schools. Mrs. Watkin, Ms. Rogers and Mr. Kyes provided information regarding graduation numbers, scholarships, post-secondary planning by graduates, college visits, first-generation college numbers, technology additions to the college rooms at Springfield High School, and support provided to families of potential college athletes.

5.2 TECH 2016 Overview

The following teachers provided an overview of the TECH 2016 event held at the Illinois State Capitol: Nicolette Harris, Fairview Elementary School, Stephanie McCorkle, Jefferson Middle School, Amy Minch, Dubois Elementary School and Anne Weller, Southeast High School.

The teachers reported that they each took students with them to the event to demonstrate the effect of technology in the classroom to legislators and the community. Ms. Harris and her student gave a demonstration on technology and math. Ms. Minch and her student gave a demonstration on technology and art. Ms. McCorkle and her Project Lead the Way students provided a demonstration on technology and robotics.

BUSINESS REPORTS

6.1 Financial Report

Board Members were provided with electronic copies of the Monthly Financial Report for May 2016. Copies have been filed with the Official Minutes and are available for public viewing on the Electronic School Board.

Joseph Bascio, Business Manager, reported Education Fund revenues of approximately $11.5 million, with expenditures of approximately $8.55 million. Mr. Bascio also reported Operations and Maintenance Fund revenues of approximately $1.5 million, with expenditures of approximately $1 million.

SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT

7.1 Superintendent's Report

Mrs. Gill reported that the House and Senate continue to meet regarding a State budget. She and her staff have worked, and will continue to work, to prepare a plan to address whatever budget scenario may unfold over the summer.

Mr. Zimmers encouraged the public to contact their local legislators regarding the budget impasse.

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

8.5 as described in the corresponding resolutions.

ORIGINAL - Motion

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

ORIGINAL motion 'The Superintendent recommends approval of the consent action items 8.2 through 8.5 as described in the corresponding resolutions'. Upon a roll call vote being taken, the vote was: Aye: 4 Nay: 0. The motion Carried. 4 - 0

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

Those voting “no”: None.

8.2 Approval of the Minutes of the Executive Session and the Regular Meeting of May 16, 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 #16-22 — Asbestos Abatement Work – Feitshans, Laketown and Sandburg schools, and Lanphier High School

Resolution: BE IT RESOLVED to accept the low acceptable bid for the following bids and to approve payment of same upon completion: Bid #16-22 — Asbestos Abatement Work – Feitshans, Laketown and Sandburg schools, and Lanphier High School

8.5 Approval of a Consultant Agreement with Chef Howard Seidel

The Food Service department will be conducting scratch cooking training for staff in June and July. Four sessions are currently scheduled with 63 staff members currently registered to attend.

Each session will be six hours per day for three days. The cost is $600 per week for a total of $2,400.

Resolution: WHEREAS, Springfield Public School District 186 Food Service staff is committed to providing students with additional scratch cooking options; and WHEREAS, Food Service staff will participate in scratch cooking training during June and July 2016; and WHEREAS, Chef Howard Seidel is qualified to provide said training; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education approves an agreement with Chef Howard Seidel at a total cost of $2,400.

ROLL CALL ACTION ITEMS

9.1 Approval of Personnel Recommendations

Resolution: The Superintendent recommends adoption of the Personnel recommendations as presented.

ORIGINAL - Motion

Member (Donna Moore) Moved, Member (Blake Handley) Seconded to approve the ORIGINAL motion 'The Superintendent recommends adoption of the Personnel recommendations as presented'. Upon a roll call vote being taken, the vote was: Aye: 4 Nay: 0. The motion Carried. 4 - 0

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

Those voting “no”: None.

9.2 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: 4 Nay: 0. The motion Carried. 4 - 0

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

Those voting “no”: None.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

10.1 Next Regular Meeting — Monday, June 20, 2016, at 5:30 p.m. — Board Room

10.2 Alliance Legislative Reports – 99-45, 99-46, 99-47, and 99-48

10.3 Freedom of Information Report

PUBLIC COMMENT

There was no public comment at this time.

ADJOURNMENT

There being no further business to come before the Board, Mr. Lopez declared the meeting adjourned until Monday, June 20, 2016 at 5:30 p.m.

The meeting adjourned at 7:59 p.m.

_______________________________________

Adam Lopez, President

______________________________________

Julie A. Hammers, Secretary

Dated: _________________________