Sangamon Sun

Springfield Public Schools Board of Education met April 17.

Here is the minutes provided by the Board:

The Board of Education convened in Regular Session on April 17 A.D., 2017, at 4:35 p.m., there being present thereat:

Present: Adam Lopez, President

Julie Hammers, Board Secretary

Charles Flamini

Blake Handley

George Haven

Judith Johnson

Donna Moore

J. Michael Zimmers

Jennifer Gill, Superintendent

Dominique LaSalvia, Student Member

Call To Order:

1.1 Roll Call

President Lopez called the meeting to order.

Approval Of Executive Session:

Ms. Johnson moved to adjourn to Executive Session to consider the following matters:

2.1 Student Board Representative Interviews 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(3) 2.2 The Appointment, Employment, or Dismissal of Employees – 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(1) 2.3 Student Discipline and Other Matters Concerning Individual Students – 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(9,10)

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

Those voting “aye”: Flamini, Handley, Haven, Johnson, Lopez, Moore, Zimmers Those voting “no”: None.

Adjournment to Executive Session:

The meeting adjourned at 4:35 p.m. and reconvened at 6:30 p.m. Upon reconvening, it was noted that seven Board members were present.

President’s Report:

3.1 President’s Comments

Mr. 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.

Mr. Lopez thanked the students that applied for the Student Board of Education Representative position for the 2017-2018 school year.

3.2 Board Salutes

Mr. Haven also saluted the students that applied for the Student Board of Education Representative position. He reported that he enjoyed participating in the interviews, but found the decision a difficult one to make.

Mr. Zimmers encouraged the community to attend the All City Music Festival on Tuesday, April 18, 2017 at Sangamon Auditorium.

Mr. Lopez then gave the following announcements regarding upcoming events:

• April 18, 7:00 pm – All City Musical at Sangamon Auditorium

• April 20, 6:00 pm – Kindergarten Night at elementary schools

• April 26, 6:00 pm – Community Engagement Session – Educational Standards at Springfield High School

3.3 Recognition of Scholastic Art Award Winners

The Superintendent and Board of Education congratulated the following art students and their teachers for success at the Scholastic Art Awards: Franklin Middle School - Sue Krumrei, Instructor, Morgan Arnold – Gold Key, Avery Fifer – Gold Key, Elijah Gibson – Gold Key, Hannah Markey – Gold Key; Lincoln Magnet School – Bob Mitchell, Instructor, Elyse Browning – Gold Key, Madisyn Hanson – Gold Key; Lanphier High School – Beth Pianezza, Instructor, Harlie Courtwright – Gold Key, Zoey House-Chapman – Gold Key; Southeast High School – Deb Larson, Instructor, Summer Jett – Gold Key; Springfield High School – Cindy Huffman and Jacob Stapleton, Instructors, Joseph Abe-Bell – Gold Key, Elizabeth Bartels – Gold Key, Lillian Coady – Gold Key, Teyha McDonald – Gold Key, Quaye Meadow – 2 Gold Keys, Miranda Schneider – 2 Gold Keys, Grace Thompson – 3 Gold Keys, Avia Wang – 2 Gold Keys, Hannah Wyatt – 2 Gold Keys, Grace Jaderholm – Gold Key and American Vision Award.

3.4 Alex Harden's Shoe Giveaway Drawing

Mr. Lopez introduced Alex Harden, WNBA Player and Southeast High School Alumni. Ms. Harden, again this year, will provide shoes for one middle school's girl’s basketball team. Grant Middle School was the first recipient, last year. Representatives from each remaining middle school were called to the front of the room and a drawing was conducted to determine which school’s team would receive the shoes during the 2017-18 school year. The girls basketball team from Lincoln/Ball Charter was drawn.

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

Ms. LaSalvia reported that the Student Roundtable will attend the upcoming Our Schools Our Future Community Engagement Session on April 26 at Springfield High School.

Presentations To The Board:

There Were No Presentations To The Board At This Time.

Business Reports:

6.1 Treasurer's Report

Board members were provided with electronic copies of the Treasurer’s Report for March 2017. Copies have been filed with the Official Minutes and are available for viewing on the Electronic School Board.

Mr. Joseph Bascio, Business Manager, reported that the District ended the month of March with a cash balance of approximately $11.5 million in the bank for all funds. Interest earned during the month of February amounted to approximately $12,800, with interest earned year-to-date totaling approximately $191,000. Additionally, the District accessed the line of credit for $125,000.

6.2 FY 17 Amended Budget Summary

Board members were provided with copies of the Amended Budget for fiscal year 2017. Copies have been filed with the Official Minutes and are available for public viewing on the ESB.

Mr. Bascio reported that work on the amended budget has been completed. The original budget surplus of approximately $2.8 million was reduced to approximately $297,000 in the Educational Fund after negotiations were completed. He indicated that there are no unexpected changes to the Education Fund. The Operations and Maintenance Fund has a surplus of approximately $5,000. The Transportation Fund has a deficit of approximately $420,000, which is a decrease in the amount of deficit expected. Mr. Bascio reported that the fund balance will cover the deficit but he expects the deficit to be reduced further prior to need for the fund balance.

Superintendent's Report:

7.1 Superintendent's Report

Mrs. Gill provided the following shout-outs and information:

• The University of Illinois – Springfield Men’s Basketball Team recently visited and read to students at Matheny-Withrow Elementary School. She thanked administration at the university for their support.

• The Spartan Book Club won second place in the Fair Funding for Education contest. She congratulated the students on this achievement.

• The All City Music Festival will take place at 7:00 p.m. on April 18, 2017, at Sangamon Auditorium. The event will feature several accomplished guest conductors including: Dr. Leslie Manfredo, Assistant Professor of Music Education at Illinois State University, Dr. Abby Musgrove, Director of Choral Activities at Illinois College, Jim Culbertson, retired Band Director for the Decatur Public Schools and Dr. John Francis, Instructor of Music at Hannibal-LaGrange University. Mrs. Gill encouraged the community to attend this free event.

• K-Night, will be held on Thursday, April 20, 6-7 p.m. at each elementary school.

• Studio 186 Family Art Event will be held on Saturday, April 22. Students can make and take home art projects and participate in workshops.

• Springfield High School Student Council will host their 4st Annual Senior Citizen’s Dinner on Saturday, April 22.

• The YMCA in conjunction with Memorial Medical Center is hosting a series of events entitled the Healthy Family Series. This three-part series is designed to build wellness for children and families. The first session is scheduled for April 25. Interested families are encouraged to contact the YMCA for more details.

• Families of current high school juniors are reminded that students must have proof of having received two doses of the meningococcal vaccine before the first day of school. Mrs. Gill encouraged families to make their appointments now with their health care provider.

• She thanked the high school principals for their work to administer the SAT for the first time. Additionally, Mrs. Gill thanked the Food Services Department for providing breakfast to every student taking the test.

• The District’s assessments are wrapping up for the year. The PARCC assessment is now complete. The Illinois Science Assessment will be given prior to the end of April. This is a new mandatory state assessment.

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.

Original - Motion

Member (George Haven) Moved, Member (Donna Moore) 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'.

Ms. Johnson asked for additional details regarding 8.6 Approval of the 2019-2020 School Calendar. Mrs. Gill indicated that graduation that year would occur on May 30, five school days after the scheduled last day of school.

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

Those voting “aye”: Flamini, Handley, Haven, Johnson, Lopez, Moore, Zimmers Those voting “no”: None.

8.2 Approval of the Minutes of the Executive Session and the Regular Meeting of April 3, 2017

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 #17-05 — Consumer Science Classroom Renovation – Springfield 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 #17-05 — Consumer Science Classroom Renovation – Springfield High School

8.5 Approval of the Schedule of Meetings of the Board of Education for the 2017-2018 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 2017-2018 school year.

8.6 Approval of the 2019-2020 School Calendar

Resolution: Whereas, Springfield School District 186 is required to develop an annual calendar identifying pupil attendance days for the upcoming school year; and Whereas, the Springfield Education Association Executive Committee has reviewed and recommended adoption of the proposed calendar; Now Therefore Be It Resolved that the Board of Education approves the proposed public school calendar for the 2019-2020 school year and directs the Superintendent to submit the adopted calendar to the Regional Office of Education for approval.

8.7 Approval of a Contract with Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID)

AVID is a system to prepare students for four-year college eligibility. Students who are cable of completing a college-prep curriculum but may be falling short of their potential are provided with core components in the AVID elective which supports students as take the most rigorous classes. AVID’s teaching strategies, curriculum and trainings can be used school-wide starting as early as elementary school. Resolution: Whereas, AVID and Springfield Public Schools Districts 186 have previously signed an AVID agreement to support AVID programming; and Whereas, schools wish to participate in the continued development of the AVID program for the 2017-18 school year; Now Therefore Be It Resolved that the Board of Education approves the extension of the AVID Agreement for the 2017-18 school year for a total of $43,150 to be paid from the Department of Instruction and authorizes the Superintendent to execute the necessary documents on behalf of the Board.

8.8 Approval of a Change to the Flexible Benefit Plan Document

Resolution: Whereas, the Board of Education (Board) offers a flexible benefit plan to its employees under the terms and conditions set forth in such plan; and Whereas, the maximum allowable Medical Spending Account limit has increased from $2,550 per year to $2,600 per year; and Whereas, it is advisable from time to time to ratify such plan and its summary plan description as amended; Now Therefore Be It Resolved That the Springfield Public School District No. 186 Flexible Benefit Plan and Summary Plan Description effective June 1, 2017, as presented to this Board, are approved, adopted, and ratified, and the duly authorized agents of the Board are hereby authorized and directed to execute and deliver to the Administrator of the Plan one or more counterparts of the Plan; and Be It Further Resolved that the Superintendent or his designee shall be instructed to take such actions as are deemed necessary and proper in order to implement the Plan, and to set up adequate accounting and administrative procedures to provide benefits under the Plan.

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 (Charles Flamini) 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: 7 Nay: 0. The motion Carried. 7 - 0

Those voting “aye”: Flamini, Handley, Haven, Johnson, Lopez, Moore, Zimmers Those voting “no”: None.

Mr. Lopez congratulated Mr. Jason Wind, Principal of Southeast High School, on his change of assignment to Director of School Support beginning July 1, 2017. Mr. Wind addressed the Board. He thanked them for the opportunity to serve the District in this manner.

9.2 Approval of Resolution Regarding Auditing Services

Resolution: The Superintendent recommends adoption of the following resolution: Whereas, in 2012, the District conducted a Request for Proposal (RFP) for auditing services and in accordance with Board Policy 420.31 for external audits, the RFP was for the duration of five years; and Whereas, on February 8, 2017, the District conducted another five-year RFP inviting several independent Certified Public Accounting firms to submit proposals for auditing services; and Whereas, on March 8, 2017, the District received proposals from six Certified Public Accounting firms licensed in the State of Illinois; and Whereas, as part of the process, a questionnaire and rubric was developed to aide in assessing each firm’s written proposal as well as oral presentation interviews conducted with three firms that submitted proposals; and Whereas, the final audit services fee for fiscal year 2016 was $94,500 and the proposed “not to exceed fee” for audit services for fiscal year 2017 will be $82,000--representing a savings of $12,500 over the prior year—with subsequent increases of $2,500, $2500, $2,600, and $2,700 per year; Now Therefore Be It Resolved that the Administration recommends to the Board of Education approval of RSM US LLP to perform auditing services for the fiscal years ending June 30, 2017, through June 30, 2021 , assuming continued good performance.

Original – Motion

Member (George Haven) Moved, Member (Blake Handley) Seconded to approve the Original motion 'The Superintendent recommends adoption of the following resolution: Whereas, in 2012, the District conducted a Request for Proposal (RFP) for auditing services and in accordance with Board Policy 420.31 for external audits, the RFP was for the duration of five years; and Whereas, on February 8, 2017, the District conducted another five-year RFP inviting several independent Certified Public Accounting firms to submit proposals for auditing services; and Whereas, on March 8, 2017, the District received proposals from six Certified Public Accounting firms licensed in the State of Illinois; and Whereas, as part of the process, a questionnaire and rubric was developed to aide in assessing each firm’s written proposal as well as oral presentation interviews conducted with three firms that submitted proposals; and Whereas, the final audit services fee for fiscal year 2016 was $94,500 and the proposed “not to exceed fee” for audit services for fiscal year 2017 will be $82,000--representing a savings of $12,500 over the prior year—with subsequent increases of $2,500, $2500, $2,600, and $2,700 per year; Now Therefore Be It Resolved that the Administration recommends to the Board of Education approval of RSM US LLP to perform auditing services for the fiscal years ending June 30, 2017, through June 30, 2021 , assuming continued good performance'. Upon a roll call vote being taken, the vote was: Aye: 7 Nay: 0. The motion Carried. 7 - 0

Those voting “aye”: Flamini, Handley, Haven, Johnson, Lopez, Moore, Zimmers Those voting “no”: None.

9.3 Approval of the Superintendent's Employment Agreement

Resolution: Whereas,by vote taken on January 21, 2014, the Board of Education approved an Employment Agreement with Jennifer E. Gill; and Whereas, based on the performance of the Superintendent, the President of the Board of Education of Springfield School District No. 186 recommends that the Board of Education extend Ms. Gill’s Employment Agreement through June 30, 2022; and Whereas,based on the performance of the Superintendent, the President of the

Board of Education of Springfield School District No. 186 recommends that the Board of Education contribute an additional $2,995.00 per year into Ms. Gill’s Section 403(b) plan; Springfield Public Schools Board of Education met April 17. based on the performance of the Superintendent and other factors, the President of the Board of Education of Springfield School District No. 186 recommends that the Board of Education add language to the Superintendent’s Agreement that defines the parties’ responsibilities in the event that legislation is enacted that would affect the parties’ abilities to make retirement contributions as defined under the Agreement; Now, Therefore, Be It Resolved that the Board of Education hereby extends the Employment Agreement of Jennifer E. Gill through June 30, 2022; increases its annual contribution to the Superintendent’s Section 403(b) plan by $2,995.00 effective July 1, 2017; and adds language to the Superintendent’s Agreement that defines the parties’ responsibilities in the event that legislation is enacted that would affect the parties’ abilities to make retirement contributions as defined under the Agreement.

Original – Motion

Member (George Haven) Moved, Member (Donna Moore) Seconded to approve the Original motion Whereas, by vote taken on January 21, 2014, the Board of Education approved an Employment Agreement with Jennifer E. Gill; and Whereas, based on the performance of the Superintendent, the President of the Board of Education of Springfield School District No. 186 recommends that the Board of Education extend Ms. Gill’s Employment Agreement through June 30, 2022; and Whereas,based on the performance of the Superintendent, the President of the Board of Education of Springfield School District No. 186 recommends that the Board of Education contribute an additional $2,995.00 per year into Ms. Gill’s Section 403(b) plan; Whereas,based on the performance of the Superintendent and other factors, the President of the Board of Education of Springfield School District No. 186 recommends that the Board of Education add language to the Superintendent’s Agreement that defines the parties’ responsibilities in the event that legislation is enacted that would affect the parties’ abilities to make retirement contributions as defined under the Agreement; Now, Therefore, Be It Resolved that the Board of Education hereby extends the Employment Agreement of Jennifer E. Gill through June 30, 2022; increases its annual contribution to the Superintendent’s Section 403(b) plan by $2,995.00 effective July 1, 2017; and adds language to the Superintendent’s Agreement that defines the parties’ responsibilities in the event that legislation is enacted that would affect the parties’ abilities to make retirement contributions as defined under the Agreement'. Upon a roll call vote being taken, the vote was: Aye: 6 Nay: 1. The motion Carried. 6 - 1

Those voting “aye”: Flamini, Handley, Haven, Lopez, Moore, Zimmers Those voting “no”: Johnson.

9.4 Student Discipline

Resolution: That the Board approves the student discipline as discussed in Executive Session and summarized by the Superintendent.

Original – Motion

Member (Michael Zimmers) Moved, Member (George Haven) 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, Handley, Haven, Lopez, Moore, Zimmers Those voting “no”: None. Those voting “abstain”: Johnson

Announcements:

10.1 Next Regular Meeting — Monday, May 1, 2017, at 5:30 p.m. — Board Room 10.2 Alliance Legislative Reports – 100-13 and 100-14 10.3 Freedom of Information Report 10.4 Upcoming Events

• April 18, 7:00 pm – All City Musical at Sangamon Auditorium

• April 20, 6:00 pm – Kindergarten Night at elementary schools

• April 26, 6:00 pm – Community Engagement Session – Educational Standards at Springfield High School

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, May 1, 2017. The meeting adjourned at 7:11 p.m.

http://esbpublic.springfield.k12.il.us/Reference_Library/ESB_Minutes/4.17.17minutes.pdf