Springfield Public Schools Board of Education met July 24.
Here is the minutes provided by the Board:
The Board of Education convened in Regular Session on July 24 A.D., 2017, at 4:00 p.m., there being present thereat:
Present: Adam Lopez, President
Julie Hammers, Board Secretary
Charles Flamini, Judith Johnson, Anthony Mares, Donna Moore, J. Michael Zimmers
Jennifer Gill, Superintendent
CALL TO ORDER
1.1 Roll Call President Lopez called the meeting to order.
APPROVAL OF EXECUTIVE SESSION
Mr. Flamini 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 Contract Negotiations – 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(2) 2.3 Pending and Imminent Litigation – 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(11) 2.4 Student Discipline and Other Matters Concerning Individual Students – 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(9,10) 2.5 Selection of Interim Board Member – 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(3)
Motion seconded by Mr. Zimmers and carried by the following vote:
Those voting “aye”: Flamini, Lopez, Mares, Zimmers Those voting “no”: None.
Adjournment to Executive Session The meeting adjourned at 4:01 p.m. and reconvened at 6:02 p.m. Upon reconvening, it was noted that six Board members were present as Mrs. Moore joined the meeting at 4:01 p.m. and Ms. Johnson joined the meeting at 4:07 p.m.
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. Frankie Baker Brown 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 announced that the Board selected Mrs. Jamie Sisti to fill the vacancy in sub-district 3. Mrs. Sisti will be sworn-in at the August 7, 2017 meeting. Mr. Lopez then introduced Mrs. Sisti, who was seated in the gallery, and provided her with an opportunity to speak. Mrs. Sisti introduced her daughter and thanked the Board for the opportunity to serve.
3.2 Board Salutes Mr. Mares thanked those that applied to fill the sub-district 3 vacancy. He indicated that the applicant pool was very strong.
Ms. Johnson reported that this summer she has been reading to students at Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptist Church. She indicated that many of the students are exceptional readers. Additionally, she reported that a reading company sales representative introduced her to a device that assists students with reading lessons. Next, Ms. Johnson congratulated Mrs. Mitchell on her recent nuptials. Lastly, Ms. Johnson encouraged parents to get their children vaccinated before the start of school.
Mr. Zimmers reported that he attended local productions at the Muni and Legacy Theatres that have featured students and staff. He commended them on their talent.
DISCUSSION ITEMS
4.1 Old Business AVID Conference Ms. Johnson reported that she attended the AVID conference in Dallas in June with several District administrators and teachers. She indicated that the workshops she attended were directed toward introducing the program to elementary schools. She asked that efforts be made to implement the program district-wide at the elementary level and require it for all students at the middle school level.
Mr. Zimmers inquired as to the number of schools that offer AVID. Mrs. Shelia Boozer, Director of Teaching and Learning, reported that AVID is offered at four district elementary schools currently with four others expressing interest in offering it in the near future.
Mrs. Gill reported that she found the school-wide implementation at middle school discussions in which she participated during the conference to be very informational.
4.2 New Business There was no new business at this time.
4.3 Board Policies Board members were provided with proposed changes to Board Policy 115 and Board Policy 116 for review. Mr. Lopez reported that action would be taken on the proposed changes at the August 7, 2017 meeting.
PRESENTATIONS TO THE BOARD
5.1 Master Facility Planning Update Board members were provided with a copy of an update of the Master Facility Planning. Copies have been filed with the Official Minutes and are available for public viewing on the Electronic School Board.
Sam Johnson of BLDD presented the update. He reported a vision for the future of district facilities was developed during the first half of the master planning process that includes: future- focused learning environments that support the success of all students, the smartest use of the District’s financial resources, and places our community can gather and of which they can be proud. He provided a schedule of upcoming community planning meetings. A recommendation to the Board of Education is planned for December. This will include a financing strategy.
Mrs. Gill asked about the number of years similarly sized school districts needed to complete the work that came out of similar plans. Mr. Johnson indicated that 10-20 years is typical for districts the size of Springfield.
BUSINESS REPORTS
6.1 Treasurer's Report Board members were provided with copies of the Treasurer’s Report for June 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 June with a cash balance of approximately $40.2 million in the bank for all funds. Mr. Bascio further reported earned interest for the month of approximately $15,800 with year-to-date interest earnings of approximately $228,000.
SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT
7.1 Superintendent's Report Mrs. Gill provided the following shout-outs and information:
• Thank you to the Reverend Dr. John Charlton of the First Day Fund for his work to once again provide supplies to students in need. The program is in its 25th year.
• Thank you to the Lanphier High School Football team, the Southeast High School Football team and the Springfield High School Football and Basketball teams for volunteering to assist the First Day Fund in packing supplies.
• Thank you to Michael Von Behren Builders for providing warehouse space for the school supplies.
• Pre-K, Kindergarten, 6th and 9th grade students, as well as students new to the District must provide proof of having had an physical and updated immunizations prior to starting school. In addition, all 12th grade students must provide proof of having received the meningococcal vaccine prior to the first day of school.
• Thank you to Angelface Adopt a Student program, established in honor of 2006 Southeast High School graduate Helynda Thompson to provide deserving college students with a care package filled with necessities as they head off to college.
• In order to receive the first General State Aid payment on time, legislation will need to be passed prior to August 3, 2017
Mr. Zimmers asked if a property tax freeze is still being considered by the State legislature. Mrs. Gill indicated that it is still a part of the legislation that is being considered. There was some additional discussion regarding the timing of potential payments from the State.
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 (Donna Moore) Moved, Member (Michael Zimmers) Seconded to approve the ORIGINAL motion 'The Superintendent recommends approval of the consent action items 8.2 through 8.8 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, Johnson, Lopez, Mares, Moore, Zimmers Those voting “no”: None.
8.2 Approval of the Minutes of the Executive Session and the Regular Meeting of July 10, 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 #18-01 — Beverage Vendor – Food Services Resolution: BE IT RESOLVED to accept the low acceptable bid for the following bids and to approve payment of same upon completion: Bid #18-01 — Beverage Vendor – Food Services
8.5 Tabulation of Bids and Recommendation for Purchase and Payment Bid #18-02 — Fuel – Buses and Warehouse Use Resolution: BE IT RESOLVED to accept the low acceptable bid for the following bids and to approve payment of same upon completion: Bid #18-02 — Fuel – Buses and Warehouse Use
8.6 Approval of Consultant Agreement with the American Reading Company Information about the Company: American Reading Company is a trusted partner of 5,320 schools and 1,070 districts in 50 states. The American Reading Company focuses on making literacy the heart of school transformation. Service Provided: The American Reading Company will provide four days of professional development on the IRLA model (Independent Reading Level Assessment Framework) for Matheny Withrow staff during the 2017-2018 school year. Benefits of the Service: This model will provide a valid and reliable formative assessment framework to assess independent reading levels of all students. Schools using the IRLA model report significantly higher student reading achievement vs. comparison schools. Resolution: WHEREAS, Springfield School District 186 desires services for professional development and training on the IRLA Model; and WHEREAS, The American Reading Company is qualified to provide such services and has agreed to provide four days of professional development and training consulting services at a cost of $2,900 per day ($11,600 total); and WHEREAS, The American Reading Company services are being funded through the School Improvement Grant budget; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education approves the retention The American Reading Company per the terms identified above and directs the Superintendent to execute the necessary documents on behalf of the Board.
8.7 Approval of a Consulting Agreement with Parent Teacher Home Visit Project Consulting Agreement with Yessenia Ramirez with Parent Teacher Home Visit Project – One three-hour introductory training session for up to 60 participants covering the model of home visits, a step by step guide to conducting home visits, research, and potential barriers for launching and sustaining parent/teacher home visits. Resolution: WHEREAS, Springfield Public School District 186 is constantly looking for ways to improve the knowledge of the staff; and WHEREAS, the Parent Teacher Home Visit project will send two consultants, to present a staff development workshop which is an evidence-based model and works in partnership with parent teacher relations to assist staff in working in a model home visit partnership with families; and WHEREAS, the Parent Teacher Home Visit project services will be completely reimbursable through State Priority Grant funds; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education approves the retention of consultant the Parent Teacher Home Visit Project consultant to conduct a one-day workshop on August 16, 2017, at a cost of $3,500 per day and up to $1,500 travel expenses; not to exceed $5000.
8.8 Approval of the Amendments to the Intergovernmental Cooperation Agreement for the Capital Area Career Center Resolution: WHEREAS, the Springfield School District No. 186 (“District”) is a member of the Capital Area Career Center (“CACC”); and WHEREAS, the Executive Council has approved the proposed amendments to the Intergovernmental Cooperation Agreement by a majority favorable vote; and WHEREAS, the Board of Control has approved the proposed amendments to the Intergovernmental Cooperation Agreement by a minimum two-thirds favorable vote; and WHEREAS, the Board of Education of the District determines that it is in the best interest of the School District and CACC to approve the proposed amendments; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF EDUCATION OF SPRINGFIELD SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 186, SANGAMON COUNTY, ILLINOIS, AS FOLLOWS: Section 1. The Board of Education of the District hereby approves the proposed amendments to the Intergovernmental Cooperation Agreement. Section 2. The Superintendent is hereby directed to provide a signed copy of this resolution to the Executive Director of CACC within 45 days of receipt of proposed amendments.
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 (Michael Zimmers) 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, Johnson, Lopez, Mares, Moore, Zimmers Those voting “no”: None. Those voting “present”: Johnson on Addendum 2A only.
9.2 Approval of an Agreement with BLDD for Facilities Master Planning Resolution: The Superintendent recommends adoption of the following resolution: WHEREAS, Springfield Public School District 186 would like to develop a long-term facilities plan; and WHEREAS, BLDD Architects can provide expertise in developing a plan through facility
assessment, community engagement, and visioning; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education accepts BLDD Architects' proposal for the assessment and visioning phases of Master Planning Services at a cost of $142,500.
ORIGINAL - Motion Member (Donna Moore) Moved, Member (Michael Zimmers) Seconded to approve the ORIGINAL motion 'The Superintendent recommends adoption of the following resolution: WHEREAS, Springfield Public School District 186 would like to develop a long-term facilities plan; and WHEREAS, BLDD Architects can provide expertise in developing a plan through facility assessment, community engagement, and visioning; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education accepts BLDD Architects' proposal for the assessment and visioning phases of Master Planning Services at a cost of $142,500'.
Ms. Johnson inquired as to the cost of Phase 1. Mrs. Gill indicated the cost of Phase 1 to be approximately $124,000. Ms. Johnson asked if there would be a Phase 3. Mrs. Gill reported that there are no plans to conduct a third phase.
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 “present”: Johnson
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Ms. Johnson asked that a moment of silence be observed for Lanphier High School graduate James “Bubba” Grant and coach Steve Rockford, both of whom recently passed away. A moment of silence was observed.
10.1 Next Regular Meeting — Monday, August 7, 2017, at 5:30 p.m. — Board Room
10.2 Freedom of Information Report
10.3 Upcoming District Events Elementary/Middle/High School Registration: August 7, 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Middle/High School Registration: August 8, 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. 6th Grade Middle School Orientation: August 15, 8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Freshman Forward: August 15, 8:24 a.m. – 3:17 p.m. First Day of School (traditional calendar): August 21
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, August 7, 2017 at 5:30 p.m.
The meeting adjourned at 6:40 p.m.
http://esbpublic.springfield.k12.il.us/Reference_Library/ESB_Minutes/7.24.17minutes.pdf
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