Williamsville District No. 15 Board discusses school-funding reform bill

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By Wadi Reformado

Jul 6, 2016

At a recent meeting, the Williamsville Community Unified School District No. 15 Board discussed a pending school-funding reform bill in the State Senate.

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

Williamsville Community Unit Schools District Number: 15

MINUTES OF BOARD MEETING

*Regular meeting taking place at the District Office on May 16, 2016

Position Present Absent

Presiding Officer

Matt Seman

Teresa Benner

Pam Kovacevich

Corey Conklin

Tom Ray

Superintendent David Root Buildin Doug Furlow, Clay Shoufler, Adam Princi 9 Ibbotson, Janis Lindsey and Becky | Adam Eucker

Principals -

Miller Board of Education Charlie Waugh Secretary

The meeting was called to order by Vice President Matt Seman. Roll call was taken by the Recording Secretary. Those in attendance stood and recited the Pledge of Allegiance.

A motion was made by Charles Waugh and seconded by Corey Conklin that the agenda be approved as amended.

Discussion: Executive Session added to the end of the regular meeting for the purpose of negotiations.

Motion carried

Byron Painter — South County Publications, Dave Knox and Mike Locke, members of the public

Mr. Root recognized the tragic loss of Mandi Miles who lost her battle with cancer at the age of 35. She was an amazing person and teacher who will be deeply missed. A moment of silence was held for her and a celebration of life will take place for her tomorrow night at 6:00pm at the Sherman Elementary School.

A motion was made by Tom Ray and seconded by Pam Kovacevich to approve the consent agenda containing items a, b, c, d, e, f and g, namely Approval of the following minutes as written and distributed: Approval of the Regular Meeting Minutes of April 18, 2016, Approval of the Negotiation Meeting Minutes of April 18, 2016, Approval of the Executive Session Meeting Minutes from April 18, 2016, Approval of the Bills in the amount of $496,632.38, including reimbursement of the revolving fund in the amount of $969.50, Approval of the Treasurer's Report, Approval of the Lunch Report and Receipt of Resignations:

o Robbi Howard, Kody Kirkpatrick, Danielle Duncan

Discussion. Mr. Root wished Mr. Howard the best of luck as he was hired at Beardstown as the head football coach. Kody Kirkpatrick was hired a special education teacher and head boys' basketball coach in Riverton. Danielle Duncan will remain as high school cheer coach as she is resigning from an aide position

• On roll call the following members answered aye:

Charlie Waugh Matt Seman Corey Conklin Pam Kovacevich Tom Ray

• On roll call the following members were absent:

Teresa Benner

Motion carried

A. Superintendent's Report 1. Financial Update

Mr. Root presented a 2005-2016 cash flow analysis and reiterated where we are at the end of April with a balance in all funds of $2,391,396 and a balance in the Operating Funds of $2,347,453. By comparison, at the end of April 2015, our balance in all funds was $3,387,432 and in the Operating Funds was $3,272,262.

Mr. Root presented charts depicting the fund balances in our operating funds. He noted we are doing everything we can to curb expenditures, but have no control over the revenue. The property tax freeze will devastate school districts. Additionally, the current funding bill proposed by Andy Manar, if passes, will cause our District to lose over $800,000 in revenue.

A chart of expenditures was also presented and explained. Our expenditures have held even, or in some cases, have been less than in previous years. Any expenditure that has increased was covered by line item and in detail. This information is available on the District website.

2. 2015-16 Amended Budget

Line items were explained and will be posted for 30 days. The amended budget will be approved in June.

3. Prevailing Wage Statement

This is something required and completed annually,

4. Graduation

The Board determined who would be participating in the junior high promotion and high school graduation ceremonies.

5. Next Year GSA I Governor’s Plan / SB231

Mr. Root noted that the funding bill proposed by Andy Manar is unlikely to pass. He stated that some districts would benefit, some would not. We would not. He further noted that this bill does not fix the problem of how schools in Illinois are funded, but is the equivalent of shuffling seats on the Titanic.

6. Board Vacancy Posted

Mr. Root informed the Board that the vacancy has been posted on the District website and will be in the paper this week. Those interested in filling the vacancy should submit a letter of interest and the Board will interview candidates on Tuesday, May 31” starting at 6:00pm.

7. Illini Bank

This item was tabled as the person who was to present is out of town.

Side note: Mr. Root noted that monies raised from Sherman Jump will be put toward a black top area for the Sherman track.

B. Principal's Report

Janis Lindsey – full report submitted to the Board

Elementary Activities

• May 23 Last day for 3 year old students

May 24 Last day for 4 year old students

May 24 6:00 Pre-K Family Night

May 25 End of Year Celebration- schoolwide May 27 Last day of attendance with an 11:00 dismissal With over 50 entries in the Vachel Lindsay Poetry Illustration Contest, Sherman Elementary took the top 5 spots with their illustrations of “The Haughty Snail King". Congratulations to the following students from Mrs. Mundstock's classroom:

? 1“ place-Sean Raz?

? 2” Place- Tyler Geyston

? 3" place- Calen Lyttaker

• Honorable Mention-Ashlynn Bradley and Lily Hess

Finishing up testing Concerts last week were fantastic

Doug Furlow — full report submitted to the Board

Upcoming Dates:

Thursday –5/12 Fine Arts Night

Sunday –5/22 Baccalaureate

Sunday - May 29 Graduation - UIS-5:30 pm

Girls soccer won their regional and play in sectional tomorrow. They also won the conference. Softball and Baseball start regional next week, and both won their conferences. Several athletes advanced to state track.

Mr. Furlow informed the Board they have been working on the master schedule for next school year and will be adding some STEM courses in robotics and agricultural areas.

Adam Eucker — full report submitted to the Board

Clay Shoufler - full report submitted to the Board

Graduation Friday, May 27, 6:30 pm Junior High Gymnasium

End of Year Awards Friday, May 27 6" Grade 8:40 am (Fine Arts Gym) 7" Grade, 10:45am (Fine Arts Gym) 8th Grade: 8:30 am (New Gym)

Chorus and Band News Mrs. Cole and Mr. Muskopf have capped off another successful and rewarding year with our fine arts students. Each group received Best in Show at the recent IESA Music Ensemble Contest. This award would be similar to reaching the State Finals in a team sport. Congrats to the students and staff.

JH Musical WJHS Musical Theater Group will present "into the Woods, Jr." on Friday, May 20th at 7:00 PM and Sunday, May 22nd at 2:00 PM. The cast is made up of 33 auditioned 7th and 8" graders.

14 track athletes going to state

Finishing up year with RTI and Data days

Side note — Mr. Root stated the memorial tree was planted for Jack Caldwell at the high school, and a dedication will be forthcoming.

A motion was made by Corey Conklin and seconded by Charles Waugh to approve tentative 2015-16 amended budget

Discussion: None

• On roll call the following members answered aye:

Charlie Waugh Matt Seman Corey Conklin Pam Kovacevich Tom Ray

• On roll call the following members were absent:

Teresa Benner

Motion carried

A motion was made by Pam Kovacevich and seconded by Tom Ray to approve the Resolution Adopting Prevailing Wage

Discussion: Mandatory — done annually

• On roll call the following members answered aye:

Charlie Waugh Matt Seman Corey Conklin Pam Kovacevich Tom Ray

• On roll call the following members were absent:

Teresa Benner

Motion carried

A motion was made by Tom Ray and seconded by Corey Conklin to employ staff.

• Chase Gruening: Volunteer High School Football Coach for 2016-17 Mike McCormick: Volunteer High School Football Coach for 2016-17 Lindsey Bonner and Katherine Brumleve: SES Teachers Jeff Surbeck: Volunteer HS and JH Cross Country Coach for 2016-17 Charles Waugh: Volunteer HS Marching Band Flag Coach for 2016-17

Discussion: Flags will be added as a complementary program to the band for parades and half time shows

• On roll call the following members answered aye:

Tom Ray Matt Seman Corey Conklin Pam Kovacevich

• On roll call the following members answered present:

Charlie Waugh

• On roll call the following members were absent.

Teresa Benner

Motion carried

A motion was made by Pam Kovacevich and seconded by Matt Seman to approve early graduation for:

• Cheyenne Brawner, Elizabeth Loftus and Isabella Szabo

Discussion. The District practice is to allow this for students to pursue their future plans

Motion carried

A motion was made by Charles Waugh and seconded by Pam Kovacevich to approve maternity leave for Kristie Haarmann

Discussion: None

Motion carried

Recommendation to Adjourn Sine Die.

Vice President Seman stated that there is not further business to be conducted by our Board, therefore a nomination and second is made to adjourn Sine Die.

A motion was made by Matt Seman and seconded by Tom Ray to adjourn Sine Die.

Discussion: None

• On roll call the following members answered aye:

Charlie Waugh Matt Seman Corey Conklin Pam Kovacevich Tom Ray

• On roll call the following members were absent:

Teresa Benner

Motion carried

Selection of President Pro Tempore

Mr. Root stated that ‘To launch a reorganization process, someone must be elected to serve as President Pro Tempore until the Board elects a permanent president. Traditionally, the Superintendent has served as President Pro Tempore. This takes a nomination, second and a roll call vote.

A motion was made by Matt Seman and seconded by Charlie Waugh to appoint Superintendent Root President Pro Tempore.

Discussion: None

• On roll call the following members answered aye,

Charlie Waugh Matt Seman Corey Conklin Pam Kovacevich Tom Ray

• On roll call the following members were absent:

Teresa Benner

Motion carried

Board reorganization process

Mr. Root opened the floor to nominations for the office of President.

A motion was made by Pam Kovacevich and seconded by Tom Ray to nominate Matt Seman for President. Mr. Root asked if there were any other nominations. Hearing none, Mr. Root called for a unanimous voice vote.

Mr. Root declared Matt Seman Board President.

President Seman opened the floor to nominations for the office of Vice-President.

A motion was made by Corey Conklin and seconded by Tom Ray to nominate Charles Waugh for Vice-President. President Seman asked if there were any other nominations. Hearing none, President Seman called for a unanimous voice vote. President Seman declared Charles Waugh Board Vice-President.

President Seman opened the floor to nominations for the office of Secretary.

A motion was made by Matt Seman and seconded by Pam Kovacevich to nominate Teresa Benner for Secretary. President Seman asked if there were any other nominations. Hearing none, President Seman called for a unanimous voice vote. President Seman declared Teresa Benner Board Secretary.

In summary, Board officers for the current year are: President — Matt Seman

Vice-President — Charles Waugh Secretary – Teresa Benner

Side note: Mr. Root stated that every 5-7 years, our track needs to resurfaced. We are in year 7. Once it is done, it is good for another 7 years. This will occur in July and the total cost is about $46,000, on the next fiscal year. If we wait until next year, we would have to add the track to the parking lot work being completed.

A motion was made by Pam Kovacevich and seconde Session for the purpose of negotiations

augh to enter into Executive

Discussion: None

• On roll call the following members answered aye:

Charlie Waugh Matt Seman Corey Conklin Pam Kovacevich Tom Ray

• On roll call the following members were absent.

Teresa Benner

Motion carried

The Board entered executive session at 7:58pm and returned to open session at 9:02pm.

A motion was made by Tom Ray and seconded by Corey Conklin to return to open session.

Discussion: None

Motion carried.