Springfield Public Schools Board of Education met June 19.
Here is the minutes as provided by the board:
Call to Order
1.1 Roll Call
President Lopez called the meeting to order.
Approval of Executive Session
Mrs. Moore moved to adjourn to Executive Session to consider the following matters:
2.1 The Appointment, Employment, or Dismissal of Employees – 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(1)
2.2 Pending and Imminent Litigation – 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(11)
2.3 Student Discipline and Other Matters Concerning Individual Students – 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(9,10)
Motion seconded by Mr. Handley and carried by the following vote:
Those voting “aye”: Flamini, Handley, Lopez, Mares, Moore, Zimmers
Those voting “no”: None.
Adjournment to Executive Session
The meeting adjourned at 5:31 p.m. and reconvened at 6:34 p.m. Upon reconvening, it was noted
that six 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 commended Mr. Rick Sanders, Director of School Support, on his service to the District
upon his impending retirement. Mr. Lopez thanked Mr. Sanders for his service.
Additionally, Mr. Lopez announced that Mr. Handley would be moving from his sub-district after
the July 10, 2017 meeting. Mr. Handley will be resigning his seat after that meeting. Mr. Lopez
thanked Mr. Handley for his hard work. Mr. Lopez then indicated that the replacement process
would be announced in July.
3.2 Board Salutes
There were no salutes at this time.
3.3 Recognition of Lanphier High School Track and Field Athletes
The Board of Education congratulated the following Lanphier High School athletes for success at
the IHSA 2A State Track and Field Meet: Dearis Herron – 9th place long jump, 6th place triple
jump, 5th place 400m; Jairus Jackson – 4th place 200m; Jaylen Muldrow, Ashley Farmer, Jada
Redding, and Martrice Brooks – 6th place 4x100m. Coaches: Mike Garcia and Tony Daniel.
Coach Daniel introduced his athletes in attendance.
3.4 Recognition of Springfield High School Track Athlete
The Board of Education congratulated Springfield High School athlete Ozzy Erwele for taking 5th
place in the 100 meter dash at the IHSA 3A State Track Meet. Coach: Joe Bunch
3.5 Recognition of the Southeast High School Girls Track Team
The Board of Education congratulated the following Southeast High School Girls Track Team for
taking 3rd place at the IHSA 2A State Track and Field Meet. The following athletes contributed to
the team placement: Serena Bolden – 4th long jump, 3rd triple jump, 2nd 4x100m; Dontavia
Howard – 2nd 4x100m, 9th 100 high hurdles, 5th 4x400m; Kaylynn Florence – 2nd 4x100m, 5th
4x400; Raven Moore – 2nd 4x100m, 4th 400m, 3rd 200m, 5th 4x400m; Tiarah Phillips – 5th place
4x400m; Alyssa Ashford, Kloe Crum, Sydney Huffman, Contessa Lee, Kashonna Mattison, Taliah
Phillips, Breanna Triplett, Kierra Wallace, and Elena Wittenauer. Coaches: Barb Montgomery,
Shirley Bernstein, Leah Berry, Liz Canaday.
Coach Montgomery introduced her athletes in attendance.
3.6 Recognition of the Rich Wolff Memorial Athletic Fund
The Board of Education recognized the support from the Rich Wolff Memorial Athletic Fund. An
overview of its support is attached ESB.
Jan Wolff, wife of Mr. Wolff, spoke on behalf of the family. She thanked the Board for the
recognition. Additionally, Mr. Sanders reported that the fund has donated over $60,000 to the
District over the course of the last 20 years.
Discussion Items
4.1 Old Business
There was no old business at this time.
4.2 Committees
Mr. Lopez asked the other members to review the list of committees provided to them. The floor
was open for discussion of the committee assignments. There was no discussion at this time.
4.3 New Business
There was no new business at this time.
4.4 Student Business
There was no student business at this time.
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 copies of the Treasurer’s Report for May 2017. 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 that the District ended the month of May with a
cash balance of approximately $14.2 million in the bank for all funds. Earned interest for the
month totaled approximately $10,700 with interest earnings year-to-date totaling approximately
$212,232.
Superintendent's Report
7.1 Superintendent's Report
Mrs. Gill provided information regarding the impact the State of Illinois budget impasse may have
on the District. She reported that the impasse may lead to a budget deficit for the District. By
July 1, 2017, the District will be owed approximately $10.2 million in categorical payments by the
State of Illinois, if no payments are received prior to then. Without a State budget, effective
July 1, 2017, the District will no longer receive General State Aid, which totals approximately $3.6
million per month. She indicated that District operations would likely be impacted beginning in
December if the budget impasse continues, as reserves would be exhausted by that point in time.
Additionally, Mrs. Gill reported that although the District has increased its cash reserves and
operated with a balanced budget over the last several years in an effort to improve the bond
rating, a continued State budget impasse is likely to result in a lowered bond rating for the District.
She also provided information regarding the impact of a potential property tax freeze,
Senate Bill 1 and possible reductions in federal funding.
Mr. Zimmers encouraged community members to contact their legislators regarding the budget
impasse, Senate Bill 1 and a potential property tax freeze.
Mr. Bascio reported that contingency plans are being created. Mr. Flamini urged community
members to consider the impact of a potential property tax freeze on schools.
Next, Mrs. Gill congratulated Mr. Sanders on his impending retirement. She thanked him for his
work and dedication to the District during his tenure.
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
8.10 as described in the corresponding resolutions.
Original - Motion
Member (Donna Moore) Moved, Member (Anthony Mares) Seconded to approve the
Original motion 'The Superintendent recommends approval of the consent action items 8.2
through 8.10 as described in the corresponding resolutions'. Upon a roll call vote being taken, the
vote was: Aye: 6 Nay: 0. The motion Carried. 6 - 0
Those voting “aye”: Flamini, Handley, Lopez, Mares, Moore, Zimmers
Those voting “no”: None.
8.2 Approval of the Minutes of the Executive Session and the Regular Meeting of June 5,
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 Declaration of Surplus Property
Resolution: Be It Resolved to declare the items on the attached document as surplus
materials and to be sold or disposed.
8.5 Approval of a Resolution Regarding the Renewal of Property, Casualty and Legal
Liability Insurance
The renewal proposal of Selective Insurance is being recommended by our broker, R. W. Troxell,
for FY 2017-2018 for our insurances in the amount of $502,623, which represents approximately
a $37,000, decrease over the previous year.
Resolution: Whereas, Springfield Public School District 186 will be in need of property,
casualty, and legal liability insurance for fiscal year 2017 – 2018; and Whereas, the District
requested R.W. Troxell, its insurance broker, to pursue renewal of the current property, casualty,
and legal liability insurance for fiscal year 2018; and Whereas, the District's insurance broker
has recommended renewing the current property, casualty, and legal liability insurance program
with Selective Insurance; Now Therefore Be It Resolved that the Board of Education
accepts the proposals of Selective Insurance for property, casualty, and legal liability insurance.
8.6 Approval of an Agreement with Comcast for Internet Services
Comcast has agreed to provide 1GB of ethernet dedicated internet to the District at a cost of
$42,000 per year. The cost is $18,000 per year less than the previous agreement.
Resolution: Whereas, Comcast has developed and maintained an internet network; and
Whereas, the District has a need for internet connectivity; and Whereas, the parties desire to
enter into an agreement for internet services for a term of 1 year; Now Therefore Be It
Resolved that the Superintendent and Business Manager are hereby authorized and directed
to enter into an internet service agreement with Comcast whereby the District will pay Comcast
$42,000 per year for such services.
8.7 Approval of an Agreement with Technology Resource Associates
The District is replacing the current school accounting system, which no longer meets the
District's needs.
Resolution: Whereas, the District has a need for a school accounting system; and Whereas,
Technology Resource Associates has developed an acceptable school system; Now
Therefore Be It Resolved that the Superintendent and Business Manager are hereby
authorized and directed to enter into an agreement with Technology Resource Associates for a
term of three years.
8.8 Approval of a Consultant Agreement with Southern Illinois University School of
Medicine
Renewal of a consultant agreement for the 2017-2018 school year.
Resolution: Whereas, Mary Dobbins, M.D. is a full-time faculty member in the Department of
Psychiatry of the Southern Illinois University’s School of Medicine and is appropriately qualified to
serve as the Springfield Public School District 186 consultant and agrees to do observations,
conduct assessments, participate in meetings, and provide staff development services; and
Whereas, the District desires to appoint Mary Dobbins, M.D. to serve as the District Consultant
and to provide services; and Whereas, Mary Dobbins, M.D. has indicated her willingness and
desire to serve as the District’s Consultant on a part-time basis while employed by the University;
and Whereas, the University has agreed to grant Mary Dobbins, M.D. release time from her
faculty appointment so that Mary Dobbins, M.D. may serve as the District’s Consultant on a parttime
basis; and Now Therefore Be It Resolved that the Board of Education approves an
agreement between Springfield Public School District 186 and Southern Illinois University School
of Medicine for the time period of August 15, 2017, through May 31, 2018, approximately 13
hours per month during the school year, for a total not to exceed 124 hours computed at a rate
not to exceed $23,705.
8.9 Approval of an Agreement with United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) Land of Lincoln
Resolution: Whereas, Springfield Public Schools desire to provide opportunities to high school
students with disabilities to practice real-life work skills in a professional environment, that will
prepare them for future employment/services; and Whereas, United Cerebral Palsy Land of
Lincoln (UCP) exists to provide training and assessment for it’s students to allow them time to
develop knowledge, skills, and abilities in a professional environment that will prepare them for
future employment/services; and Whereas, the Intergovernmental Cooperation Act and the
Constitution of the State of Illinois permits the State of Illinois and the District governmental
agencies to cooperate together in the performance of their responsibilities by agreements; Now
Therefore Be It Resolved that the Board of Education accepts and agrees to the
Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the District and UCP on the administration of the
agreement for the 2017 – 2018 school year, effective July 1, 2017, through June 30, 2018.
8.10 Approval of the Student and Family Handbook for the 2017-2018 School Year
That the Board of Education approves the reviewed and revised Student and Family Handbook
for the 2017-2018 school year.
Resolution: Whereas, it is required to review the Student and Family Handbook annually; and
Whereas, a committee consisting of parents, administrators, teachers and secondary students
reviewed and revised the Student and Family Handbook for the 2016-2017 school year; Now
Therefore Be It Resolved that the Board of Education approves the newly reviewed and
revised Springfield Public Schools Student and Family Handbook for the 2017-2018 school year.
Roll Call Action Items
9.1 Approval of Personnel Recommendations
Resolution: The Superintendent recommends adoption of the Personnel recommendations as
presented.
Original - Motion
Member (Blake Handley) Moved, Member (Donna Moore) 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: 6 Nay: 0. The motion Carried.
6 - 0
Those voting “aye”: Flamini, Handley, Lopez, Mares, Moore, Zimmers
Those voting “no”: None.
Mr. Lopez introduced Bryant Sanders, who has transferred from an Administrative Intern position
at Feitshans Elementary School to an Administrative Intern position at Harvard Park Elementary
School for the upcoming school year. Mr. Lopez congratulated Mr. Sanders on his new position.
Mr. Sanders thanked the Board for the opportunity to serve the District in this capacity. He
introduced his family members in attendance.
9.2 Approval of a Resolution Authorizing Notice to Remedy
Resolution: The Superintendent recommends adoption of the following resolution: Whereas,
the Board of Education has received reports from Administration regarding the conduct of Aaron
Graves, a teacher of this School District; and Whereas, the Board finds and determines that
such reports state causes, charges, reasons, and conduct of Aaron Graves, which, if not
removed, are causes, charges, and reasons warranting discharge and dismissal of Aaron Graves
as a teacher in this School District; and Now Therefore, be it resolved by the Board of
Education of Springfield Public School District No. 186, Sangamon County, Illinois, as follows:
Section 1: That the President and Secretary of this Board of Education are hereby authorized
and directed to sign and serve, or cause to be served, on behalf of this Board of Education, on
Aaron Graves, pursuant to Section 5/24-12(d) of the Illinois School Code, 105 ILCS 5/24-12(d), a
Notice To Remedy substantially in the form of Exhibit 1, attached to and made a part of this
Resolution, which Notice enumerates causes, charges, reasons, and defects that this Board
determines, if not remedied, may result in the discharge and dismissal of Aaron Graves as a
teacher in the School District. Section 2: This Resolution shall be in full force and effect upon its
adoption.
Mr. Graves addressed the Board regarding this agenda item.
Original - Motion
Member (Michael Zimmers) Moved, Member (Anthony Mares) Seconded to approve the
Original motion 'The Superintendent recommends adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas, the Board of Education has received reports from Administration regarding the
conduct of Aaron Graves, a teacher of this School District; and Whereas, the Board finds and
determines that such reports state causes, charges, reasons, and conduct of Aaron Graves,
which, if not removed, are causes, charges, and reasons warranting discharge and dismissal of
Aaron Graves as a teacher in this School District; and Now, Therefore, be it resolved by the
Board of Education of Springfield Public School District No. 186, Sangamon County, Illinois, as
follows: Section 1: That the President and Secretary of this Board of Education are hereby
authorized and directed to sign and serve, or cause to be served, on behalf of this Board of
Education, on Aaron Graves, pursuant to Section 5/24-12(d) of the Illinois School Code, 105 ILCS
5/24-12(d), a Notice To Remedy substantially in the form of Exhibit 1, attached to and made a
part of this Resolution, which Notice enumerates causes, charges, reasons, and defects that this
Board determines, if not remedied, may result in the discharge and dismissal of Aaron Graves as
a teacher in the School District. Section 2: This Resolution shall be in full force and effect upon
its adoption'. Upon a roll call vote being taken, the vote was: Aye: 5 Nay: 0Abstain: 1. The motion
Carried. 5 - 0 - 1
Those voting “aye”: Flamini, Lopez, Mares, Moore, Zimmers
Those voting “no”: None.
Those voting “abstain”: Handley
9.3 Approval of a Resolution Regarding Designation of Depositories
The Board of Education is required to annually authorize the designation of financial institutions
as depositories of school funds.
Resolution: The Superintendent recommends adoption of the following resolution: WHEREAS,
Joseph Bascio, Treasurer of Springfield School District No. 186, has requested this Board to
designate an approved depository or depositories in which the funds and money which shall
come into his hands as Treasurer shall be deposited; and WHEREAS, after due consideration,
this Board finds said request to be reasonable and in conformity with practices of other political
subdivisions and bodies politic within this State; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the
aforesaid Treasurer is hereby directed to deposit all public money and funds now in, or coming
into his hands as Treasurer, in his name as Treasurer, in the following financial institutions, but
the amount to be deposited in any financial institution shall not exceed seventy-five [75%] percent
of the capital and surplus of any such financial institution: Bank of America, Chicago, Illinois Bank
of Springfield, Springfield, Illinois Chase Bank, Illinois Carrollton Bank, Springfield, Illinois
Commerce Bank, St. Louis, Missouri Fifth Third Securities Inc. First Bank, FSB, Springfield,
Illinois Hickory Point Bank & Trust, FSB, Springfield, Illinois Illini Bank, Springfield, Illinois Illinois
Educators Credit Union, Springfield, Illinois Illinois National Bank, Springfield, Illinois Illinois
School District Liquid Asset Fund Plus, Illinois Marine Bank, Springfield, Illinois PMA Financial
Network Inc., Aurora, Illinois PNC Bank, Illinois Prairie State Bank and Trust, Springfield, Illinois
Regions Financial Corporation, Springfield, Illinois Security Bank, Springfield, Illinois The Illinois
Funds, Springfield, Illinois Town and Country Bank, Springfield, Illinois United Community Bank,
Springfield, Illinois US Bank, Illinois Warren-Boynton State Bank, Springfield, Illinois Williamsville
State Bank, Springfield, Illinois Be It Further Resolved that the aforesaid Treasurer and the
Surety and Sureties of his official bond are hereby relieved and discharged from any liability
responsibility growing out of the closing of any of the above-designated official depositories, or
the failure of any of said depositories to pay on demand any such funds or money so deposited;
and Be It Further Resolved that each said depository herein designated as an official
school depository for such money and funds shall furnish this Board with a copy of all bank
statements which it is required to furnish to the Auditor of Public Accounts or the Comptroller of
the Currency while acting as such depository.
Original - Motion
Member (Blake Handley) Moved, Member (Anthony Mares) Seconded to approve the
Original motion 'The Superintendent recommends adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas, Joseph Bascio, Treasurer of Springfield School District No. 186, has requested this
Board to designate an approved depository or depositories in which the funds and money which
shall come into his hands as Treasurer shall be deposited; and Whereas, after due
consideration, this Board finds said request to be reasonable and in conformity with practices of
other political subdivisions and bodies politic within this State; Now Therefore Be It
Resolved that the aforesaid Treasurer is hereby directed to deposit all public money and funds
now in, or coming into his hands as Treasurer, in his name as Treasurer, in the following financial
institutions, but the amount to be deposited in any financial institution shall not exceed seventyfive
[75%] percent of the capital and surplus of any such financial institution: Bank of America,
Chicago, Illinois; Bank of Springfield, Springfield, Illinois; Chase Bank, Illinois; Carrollton Bank,
Springfield, Illinois; Commerce Bank, St. Louis, Missouri; Fifth Third Securities Inc. First Bank,
FSB, Springfield, Illinois; Hickory Point Bank & Trust, FSB, Springfield, Illinois; Illini Bank,
Springfield, Illinois; Illinois Educators Credit Union, Springfield, Illinois; Illinois National Bank,
Springfield, Illinois; Illinois School District Liquid Asset Fund Plus, Illinois; Marine Bank,
Springfield, Illinois; PMA Financial Network Inc., Aurora, Illinois; PNC Bank, Illinois; Prairie State
Bank and Trust, Springfield, Illinois; Regions Financial Corporation, Springfield, Illinois; Security
Bank, Springfield, Illinois; The Illinois Funds, Springfield, Illinois; Town and Country Bank,
Springfield, Illinois; United Community Bank, Springfield, Illinois; US Bank, Illinois; WarrenBoynton
State Bank, Springfield, Illinois; Williamsville State Bank, Springfield, Illinois. Be It
Further Resolved that the aforesaid Treasurer and the Surety and Sureties of his official
bond are hereby relieved and discharged from any liability responsibility growing out of the
closing of any of the above-designated official depositories, or the failure of any of said
depositories to pay on demand any such funds or money so deposited; and Be It Further
Resolved that each said depository herein designated as an official school depository for such
money and funds shall furnish this Board with a copy of all bank statements which it is required to
furnish to the Auditor of Public Accounts or the Comptroller of the Currency while acting as such
depository'. Upon a roll call vote being taken, the vote was: Aye: 6 Nay: 0. The motion Carried.
6 - 0
Those voting “aye”: Flamini, Handley, Lopez, Mares, Moore, Zimmers
Those voting “no”: None.
Announcements
10.1 Next Regular Meeting — Tuesday, July 10, 2017, at 5:30 p.m. — Board Room
10.2 Alliance Legislative Reports – 100-22, 100-23, 100-24
Board members were provided with an electronic link to the Alliance Legislative Reports. The
reports are available for public viewing at http://iasb.com/govrel/alrmenu.cfm
10.3 Freedom of Information Report
Board members were provided with electronic copies of the Freedom of Information Act report.
Copies have been filed with the Official Minutes and are available for public viewing on the
Electronic School Board.
Public Comment
There was no public comment at this time.
Adjournment
There being no further business to come before the Board, President Lopez declared the meeting
adjourned until Monday, July 10, 2017 at 5:30 p.m.
The meeting adjourned at 7:14 p.m.
http://esbpublic.springfield.k12.il.us/Reference_Library/ESB_Minutes/6.19.17minutes.pdf