Williamsville Community Unit School District 15 Board met May 15.
Here is the minutes as provided by the board:
Call to Order / Roll Call / Pledge of Allegiance / Approval of Agenda
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The meeting was called to order by 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 Charlie Waugh and seconded by Kurt Ratliff that the agenda be approved as amended.
Discussion: Consent Agenda g - Kyle Muskopf, Assistant Cross Country Coach and Curt Lochmann - Bus Driver
Motion Carried
Recognition of Employees and Public
Byron Painter - South County Publications
Tip Reedy, Current High School Principal at Monticello High School and new Superintendent of WCUSD15 as of July 1, 2017
Ginger Davis - parent, Maddie Walsh and Cara Buckley - juniors at WHS
Andrew and Alexis Call and Dave and Tiffanie Hanson - parents
The junior class had some money left over from After Prom and wanted to use it to make a couple donations. Cara Buckley and Maddie Walsh, representing the Junior Class After Prom Committee, presented a check for $1000 to be split between the David J Root Memorial Fund and the Jack Caldwell Scholarship Fund. They also donated $200 to the Maddie Finch Go Fund Me Account. Maddie Finch was just 16 years old when she tragically lost her life last weekend. The Board and Administration thanked them and commended them on their generous donations.
Mr. and Mrs. Call and Mr. and Mrs. Hanson spoke to the Board about the Pre K5 program. The child of Mr. and Mrs. Hanson is currently in the program and the child of Mr. and Mrs. Call would be eligible were the program to continue next year. The parents spoke to the Board about the value of this program for those with late summer birthdays who are not ready for Kindergarten. They talked about how well the program prepares them not only academically, but socially and emotionally. They noted the struggles that can ensue for this particular group of students without this type of transitional option.
They asked questions of the Board related to confirming that due diligence had been conducted as far as researching the program and reaching out to parents in order to explain it. Mr. Beard stated that much time was put into the decision and it was not one that was taken lightly. He spoke about the numerous ways the survey was advertised to determine interest in the program. It was advertised via several runs in the local newspaper, numerous postings and shares on Facebook, a letter that went to all SES parents, and articles in the SES newsletter. At the end of the day, 8 students were eligible and/or interested in the program, which is 4 short of the minimum number required to have it. Mr. Beard's recommendation involved both the lack of enrollment and the financial constraints of the district when making the decision to not include the PreK 5 program in the budget for the 2017-18 school year.
The Board thanked them for their time and efforts in regards to advocating for the program.
Approval of the Consent Agenda
A motion was made by Corey Conklin and seconded by Teresa Benner to approve the conset 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 24, 2017, Approval of the Executive Session Meeting Minutes of April 24, 2017, Approval of the Policy Committee Meeting Minutes of April 24, 2017, Approval of the Bills in the amount of $451,568.64, including reimbursement of the revolving fund in the amount of $608.90, Approval of the Treasurer's Report, Approval of the Lunch Report, and Approval of Superintendent's Acceptance of Resignation:
o Shayla Croy - HS Girls' Golf Coach
o Pam Berryhill - HS Cafeteria
o Kyle Muskopf - HS and JH Assistant Cross Country Coach
o Curt Lochmann - Bus Driver
o On roll call the following members answered aye!
Matt Seman Charles Waugh
Corey Conklin Teresa Benner
Tom Ray Kurt Ratiff
Pam Kovacevich
o On roll call the following members were absent:
Motion Carried
Information Items
A. Superintendent's Report
1. Financial Update
Mr. Beard stated that the district received payments of $97,000 for the Education Fund and $97,000 for the Transportation Fund. We are still owed $210,000 for the Education Fund and $290,000 for the Transportation Fund. Despite that, we will very likely not receive any more payments this year.
Mr. Beard noted a budget deficit of approximately $750,000 for the 2016-17 school year. Mr. Beard told the Board a sobering stat, that in a $14M budget, we currently have $500,000 cash on hand. The early tax money is a blessing and a curse, and we have no choice but to dip into it. This is a practice that we cannot continue.
Mr. Beard presented a 2005-2017 cash flow analysis and reiterated where we are at the end of April with a balance in all funds of $1,550,901 and a balance in the Operating Funds of $1,513,007. By comparison, at the end of April 2016, our balance in all funds was $2,391,396 and in the Operating Funds was $2,347,453.
2. Facilities Update
Mr. Beard informed the Board that some new leaks were discovered at the junior high and Tremco has been good about addressing them. These were not part of the original scope of Work and have cost us about $3000 to repair. He noted that roofs will have to be part of our long term plan.
Mr. Beard informed the Board of another issue that will need to be part of long term planning - heating and air conditioning units at both the high school and Sherman elementary. Most of these units are individual, not commercial, and are approaching the 30 year mark.
He also noted the annual school safety meeting is later this week where crisis and emergency plans will be discussed and reported on to the Regional Office of Education.
3. Legislative Update
Mr. Beard stated that while multiple bills are being floated for school funding, none of them will be successful until more money is put into the model. The revenue has to be increased. He noted that many education groups throughout the State are going to rally at the capital on Wednesday in an event called Fix the Formula.
Bill Brady from Bloomington is floating a plan called The 5 for 5 Plan which proposes to increase funding by $5B and decrease spending by $5B, but as Mr. Beard noted, the devil is in the details.
Regarding rumors about the Grand Bargain, nothing of Substance has been presented recently.
4. Fiscal Year 2017 Amended Budget- First Reading
Mr. Beard presented the amended budget showing a deficit of $524,000 in the working cash fund. Our estimated fund balance at June 30, 2017, including early tax money, is a little over $4M, which is money for the next fiscal year. The Education Fund deficit is over $500,000, and the deficit in the O&M Fund is over $300,000. These two funds make up most of our deficit.
The budget will be open for public inspection for the next 30 days and will be voted on in June.
5. Prevailing Wage Statement
Mr. Beard reminded the Board this is something that is done annually in order to abide by prevailing wage laws.
6. Demand to Bargain - WEA
Mr. Beard informed the Board the WEA has requested we begin the bargaining process for the next contract. The Board will schedule some meetings regarding the current Collective bargaining agreement and respond before the 60 day guideline.
7. PreK-5 Program
Mr. Beard noted he has spent significant time researching this program, and spoke about the many efforts and avenues utilized to advertise it. Information was run in the paper for multiple weeks, it was posted on social media and shared numerous times. A letter was sent home to every SES parent, and the information was placed both in the SES and teacher newsletters multiple times. At the end of the day, after an initial interest of 16 students, 8 remained, which is 4 shy of the minimum number used to continue the program. In addition, the district would have to take on the cost of additional teacher, adding around $50,000 between salary and benefits to already deficit budget.
Mr. Beard met with the current Kindergarten teachers to give them a head's up that they may have some students in their classes requiring some extra help. The teachers were very receptive and excited. He noted that this is a wonderful program, and that Mrs. Moffitt is outstanding in this area. No one disputes all the benefits of the program. Mr. Beard spoke with parents and invited them to meeting, of which 3 families attended. They shared their stories and he laid out the rationale he used to make his decision. He noted they were doing their best to advocate for their child, but that we have to advocate for all. He went on to state that Athens is the only school in the area who offers this program and their demographics are a driving factor for this. He answered all emails and prayed a lot, but at the end of the day, this is the best decision for the district. It was not taken lightly at all, and it is the first of many tough decisions coming up due to the district's financial situation.
A question was asked if additional aides could be provided for those maybe not ready for Kindergarten, but we will not know those needs until next year. We do not yet want to recommend any additional aides until our teachers can work with and evaluate our students.
8. Athletic Training Services
Due to monies owed by the State, SportsCare will no longer provide athletic training services to our school district. We are fortunate to have been able to partner with Springfield Clinic who will be taking over the majority of this for us at no cost. Costs incurred for extra coverage, such as for the basketball holiday tournament, will be covered by our generous Sports Boosters.
Services covered will include contact sports at the varsity level, including JV football, but excluding freshmen football. A trainer will also be here 2 days per week for practices.
Some professional development will take place to train coaches on how to tape ankles, wrists, and the like. Paramedics can always be called in a situation that warrants it should no trainer be present.
We would like to thank our Sports Boosters who have paid for this service for our student athletes in the past, and have so generously offered to Continue doing so.
9. HVAC Service Options
Mr. Beard provided an overview of the current status of our HVAC agreement, and some options. Should the district choose to terminate the agreement, we must do so 30 days prior to June 30.
Roger Shores, the senior member of the HVAC team, is going to retire. A new contract will be drawn up with Local 137 to employee one member, current junior member of the HVAC team, Austin Burris. As a part of that agreement, Roger will have an agreement to work not more than 30 hours per month as approved by the Superintendent and full time HVAC person. This will Cut our cost in this area by 50%. We will keep this arrangement for one year and then re-evaluate.
A question was asked about replacing Mr. Tibb's position, possibly on a part time basis. This will be studied by Mr. Reedy and a recommendation made to the Board at a later date.
10. Other
It was brought up to discuss whether or not the Board might want to propose a ballot measure regarding the elimination of some boundaries and replacing it with an at large candidacy option from any area. This would be due to difficulty in filling the board seat from the 'outlier township area. There is currently a bill in the legislature to eliminate this option, and it was recommended not to have too many issues be put to the voters at this point.
B. Principal’s Report
Janis Lindsey- full report Submitted to the Board
Elementary Activities
May 11 1st grade field trip
May 18-19 Data Day
May 22 End of Year Celebration
May 22 Preschool for All fieldtrip
May 24 Last day for Preschool for All children
May 24 4th grade field trip
May 26 11:00 Dismissal- last day for students, seniors will do their senior walk
May 30 Last day for teachers
Congratulations to the following students from Mrs. Mundstock's class. With over 50 entries in the Vachel Lindsay Poetry illustration Contest, Sherman Elementary took the top five spots in the Kindergarten-1st grade category with the illustration of "The Little Turtle"
1st place-Tommy Phillips (1st grade)
2nd place-Zoey Albrecht (1st grade)
3rd place-Lexi Sonneborn (1st grade)
Honorable Mention-Cashton Crossin (Kindergarten)
Honorable Mention-Rain Lundberg (1st grade)
In the 2nd-4th grade category, Sherman Elementary took the top four spots with the illustration of "The Mouse that Gnawed the Oak Tree Down"
1st place-Adam Prior (3rd grade)
2nd place-Max Tavine (3rd grade)
3rd place-Gavin Fasig (3rd grade)
Honorable Mention-Gracie McCormick (3rd grade)
Recommendation to hire Morgan Heinz as K-4 Special Education teacher for the 2017-18 school year Recommendation to accept Lisa Bosworth's request for a one year leave of absence for the 2017-18 school year.
Clay Shouflere
MS
o field trip last week to New Salem
o Track and field day coming up next week
o 4th grade will be spending a day in the MS to get ready for next year
JH
o End of year chorus and band concerts were fantastic - shout out to Mrs. Cole and Mr. Muskopf
o Graduation is next Friday
Doug Furlow - full report Submitted to the Board Recommendation to approve Amy Bolar as a long term substitute for Jeff Surbeck to begin the 2017-18 school year. Jeff will be on assignment for the National Guard. Amy has a Science degree and experience as an Environmental Biologist. She has subbed regularly at the high school this school year and done an excellent job.
Awards banquet was last week. Adam Clark was student of the year. Prom went very well. Assembly before Prom was fantastic as well. Shout out to Mrs. Walsh and student council for their efforts there.
WHS held its annual fine arts night on May 9. As usual, the performances were amazing and the event was well attended. Student art work was also displayed. Thank you to Mr. Casson, Mr. Hendrickson, and Mr. Muskopf for their dedication to our students.
Upcoming Dates:
Saturday - 5/13 Prom - Illinois Building
Sunday - 5/21 Baccalaureate
Sunday - May 28 Graduation — UIS — 5:30 pm
Adam Eucker- full report Submitted to the Board
o Fall parent/athlete night Monday at 6:00
o Sports Boosters annual golf outing is Friday, July 7. Last year this event raised over
$10,000
o Sports Boosters has agreed to take over the purchase of sports uniforms and believe that next year they can replace those in the rotation for this year, as well as next, excluding football
o State track coming up
o Baseball and Softball are starting the postseason. We are hosting baseball regionals and softball sectionals. Softball just won their 20" conference title
Action Items
A motion was made by Pam Kovacevich and seconded by Corey Conklin to approve the Prevailing Wage Resolution
Discussion: None
o On roll call the following members answered aye!
Matt Seman Charles Waugh
Corey Conklin Teresa Benner
Tom Ray Kurt Ratliff
Pam Kovacevich
o On roll call the following members were absent:
Motion Carried
A motion was made by Kurt Ratliff and seconded by Tom Ray to employ staff for the 2017-18 School year.
o Morgan Heinz-K-4 Special Education Teacher
o Derek Smith - Assistant Football Coach
o Abbey Norman - Volunteer Assistant Junior High Volleyball Coach
Discussion: None
o On roll call the following members answered aye:
Matt Seman Charles Waugh
Corey Conklin Teresa Benner
Tom Ray Kurt Ratliff
Pam Kovacevich
o On roll call the following members were absent:
Motion carried
A motion was made by Charlie Waugh and Seconded by Matt Seman to approve policy committee meeting minutes:
a 2:100, 3.70, 4:15, 4:130-E, 5:120, 5:230, 5:285, 5:300, 6:70 and 7:100
Discussion: All reviewed in policy committee meeting on April 24, 2017
o On roll call the following members answered aye:
Matt Seman Charles Waugh
Corey Conklin Teresa Benner
Tom Ray Kurt Ratliff
Pam Kovacevich
o On roll call the following members were absent:
Motion Carried A motion was made by Kurt Ratliff and seconded by Teresa Benner to approve early graduation request for Emily Loftus
Discussion: None
Motion carried
A motion was made by Pam Kovacevich and seconded by Tom Ray to approve an unpaid leave of absence for the 2017-18 school year for Lisa Bosworth
Discussion: None
o On roll call the following members answered aye!
Matt Seman Charles Waugh
Corey Conklin Teresa Benner
Tom Ray Kurt Ratliff
Pam Kovacevich
o On roll call the following members were absent: Motion Carried
A motion was made by Pam Kovacevich and seconded by Tom Ray to approve a paternity leave for Mitch Davidson at the beginning of the 2017-18 school year
Discussion: None
o On roll call the following members answered aye!
Matt Seman Charles Waugh
Corey Conklin Teresa Benner
Tom Ray Kurt Ratliff
Pam Kovacevich
o On roll call the following members were absent:
Motion Carried
A motion was made by and seconded by to approve fees for the 2017-18 School year
Discussion: Question - If approved now, can be they changed at a future meeting
o On roll call the following members answered aye!
Matt Seman Charles Waugh
Corey Conklin Teresa Benner
Tom Ray Kurt Ratliff
Pam Kovacevich
• On roll call the following members were absent.
Motion Tabled
A motion was made by Matt Seman and seconded by Charlie Waugh to approve Sports Medicine Services agreement with Springfield Clinic
Discussion: None
o On roll call the following members answered aye:
Matt Seman Charles Waugh
Corey Conklin Teresa Benner
Tom Ray Kurt Ratliff
Pam Kovacevich
o On roll call the following members were absent:
Motion Carried
Adjournment
A motion was made by Charlie Waugh and seconded by Corey Conklin to adjourn the meeting.
Discussion: None
Motion carried.
Meeting adjourned at 7:24 pm
http://www.wcusd15.org/index.php/board/board-meeting-minutes/931-20170515-board-meeting-minutes/file
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