Springfield Public School District #186 Board of Education met August 21.
Here is the minutes provided by the Board:
Present: Adam Lopez, President
Julie Hammers, Board Secretary
Judith Johnson
Anthony Mares
Donna Moore
Jamie Sisti
J. Michael Zimmers
Jennifer Gill, Superintendent
Call to Order:
1.1 Roll Call
President Lopez called the meeting to order.
Approval of Executive Session:
Mrs. Sisti 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)
Motion seconded by Mr. Zimmers and carried by the following vote:
Those voting “aye”: Johnson, Lopez, Mares, Moore, Sisti, Zimmers
Those voting “no”: None.
Adjournment to Executive Session:
The meeting adjourned at 5:32 p.m. and reconvened at 6:41 p.m. Upon reconvening, it was noted that six Board members were present as Ms. Johnson arrived at 5:35 p.m. and Mr. Mares arrived at 5:37 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. 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 welcomed back students and staff on this first day of school. He indicated that he visited Lanphier High School, Wilcox Elementary School, Matheny-Withrow Elementary School, Washington Middle School, and Southeast High School.
3.2 Board Salutes
Mr. Mares indicated that he had followed the District on Twitter most of the day to keep up with opening day happenings. He commended the Communications Department for the coverage provided through this medium. Mr. Mares reported that he is looking forward to visiting some schools on Wednesday, August 23.
Ms. Johnson reported visiting Matheny-Withrow for the first day of classes.
Mr. Zimmers reported that he visited Washington and Jefferson middle schools during registration. He thought that registration day at both schools was well organized. Additionally, Mr. Zimmers attended 6th grade orientation at Lincoln Magnet School, as well as visiting Enos Elementary School for the first day of classes. He commended the staff members of each of these schools.
Mrs. Moore also reported visiting several schools for the first day of classes, but indicated that she especially enjoyed her visit to Feishans Elementary School, where superheroes and first responders greeted and welcomed students back to school.
Mrs. Sisti also reported visiting several schools. She indicated that she especially enjoyed her visit to Douglas, where the staff was especially warm and welcoming.
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.
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 July 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 July with a cash balance of approximately $5.2 million in the bank for all funds. Earned interest for the month totaled approximately $29,000.
Mr. Bascio reported that the District received approximately $3.3 million in State payments during the week of August 14, 2017. Additionally, there has been no need to utilize the line of credit. He indicated that the District is currently awaiting two General State Aid payments. Mr. Mares inquired as to the number of categorical payments received, to date, for the 2017 fiscal year and the amounts of any outstanding payments. Mr. Bascio reported that the District had received three of the four categorical payments owed from FY17. The outstanding categorical payment still expected totals approximately $2.9 million with a few other smaller outstanding payments expected, as well.
6.2 FY18 Budget Overview
Board members were provided with drafts of the FY18 Budget overview. Copies have been filed with the Official Minutes and lay on file with the Board Secretary, where it is available for public inspection.
Mr. Bascio reported a projected budget surplus of $1.7 million, which does not include any potential salary increases. He provided additional information regarding expected revenue and spending in the Education Fund, Operations and Maintenance Fund, Transportation Fund, IMRF Fund and Tort Fund.
Mr. Zimmers asked about the federal Title II funds. Mrs. Gill reported that information had recently become available. The District will receive level funding for both Title I and Title II.
Superintendent's Report:
7.1 Superintendent's Report
Mrs. Gill provided the following updates and shout-outs:
• Extra student safety precautions were taken surrounding the eclipse. Mrs. Gill overviewed the additional precautions.
• She visited several schools for the first day including: Matheny-Withrow Elementary School, Washington Middle School, Southeast High School, Addams Elementary School and Marsh Elementary School. She welcomed back students and staff.
• With respect to Advanced Placement courses, 1037 students are enrolled in these courses, an increase of 272 students over the 2016-2017 school year and an increase of 130 additional African American students over the previous year. First time Advanced Placement students total 576 students, an increase of 176 students over the previous school year. Approximately 590 students will take at least one Advanced Placement class this year with 444 taking more than one Advanced Placement class this year. An Advanced Placement drop policy has been developed and tutoring help has been put in place to support students in these classes, if needed. Mrs. Gill detailed the supports offered to these students. She indicated data from last year’s Advanced Placement tests will be shared at a future meeting. There was some additional discussion regarding providing support to low-income students who need assistance with paying for AP tests and which AP subjects had seen the largest increase.
• Families can make appointments for the required shots and physicals with the Sangamon County Department of Public Health on Tuesday, August 29, 2017. Registration is limited to the first seventy-five families. The exclusion deadline is September 5, 2017. The required paperwork from students and families continues to come in to the school nurses on a daily basis.
• Thank you to Horace Mann and the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum for supporting over 750 students during the annual school supply drive. Both organizations conducted very successful events to collect donations of school supplies.
• Thank you to Nehemiah Child Development Center, a part of Calvary Missionary Baptist Church, and the Table of Life Ministries who partnered with the District to support the Read 5 and Beyond Summer Reading Program.
Ms. Johnson asked that some additional dissemination of information about the P4 program occur.
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
8.9 as described in the corresponding resolutions.
Original – Motion
Member (Michael Zimmers) Moved, Member (Anthony Mares) Seconded to approve the Original motion 'The Superintendent recommends approval of the consent action items 8.2 through 8.9 as described in the corresponding resolutions'. Mrs. Moore expressed concern regarding voting on some items with the uncertainty surrounding funding at the State of Illinois level. Upon a roll call vote being taken, the vote was: Aye: 6 Nay: 0. The motion Carried. 6 - 0
Those voting “aye”: Johnson, Lopez, Mares, Moore, Sisti, Zimmers
Those voting “no”: None.
8.2 Approval of the Minutes of the Executive Session and the Regular Meeting of August 7, 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 Approval of an Agreement with the City of Springfield
Resolution: Whereas, district schools will benefit from School Safety Officer services; and Whereas, the City of Springfield employs policy officers specifically trained to provide such services; Now Therefore Be It Resolved that the Board hereby approves an Intergovernmental Cooperation Agreement with the City of Springfield pending final legal review whereby the City shall provide the services of School Safety Officers at Lanphier, Southeast, and Springfield for a term commencing August 18, 2017, and ending on or about June 1, 2018, at a cost to the District of approximately $230,000.
8.5 Approval of an Agreement with NAACP Regarding the Alternative Education Program
Resolution: That the Board of Education approves the attached contract pending final legal review.
8.6 Approval of an Agreement with Memorial Medical Center for Audiological Services
Resolution: Whereas, Memorial Medical Center provides the services of a Licensed Audiologist who provides comprehensive hearing healthcare services; and Whereas, Memorial Medical Center and the Audiologist agree to provide assistive devices and other necessary services for students with related and hearing impairments; and Whereas, District 186 desires to provide services for students with hearing impairments; Now Therefore Be It Resolved that the Board of Education approves an agreement between Springfield Public School District 186 and Memorial Medical Center for the 2017-2018 school year (August 21, 2017 through July 31, 2018) at a rate of $35 per hour not to exceed $6,300.
8.7 Approval of an Agreement with UIS regarding AVID Tutors
The University of Illinois at Springfield is partnering with Springfield Public Schools to provide tutors for AVID students through the Federal Work Study program.
Resolution: Whereas, the University of Illinois at Springfield Board of Trustees has received Federal Work Study fees for the placement of college students in the public non-profit settings to serve as tutors; and Whereas, Lanphier, Southeast, Springfield, Franklin, Grant, Jefferson, Lincoln, and Washington schools meet the requirements for the federal funds as participating sites for work study placement; and Whereas, Springfield Public School District 186, the Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois at Springfield and the above mentioned schools desire to provide opportunities for eligible work study students to support the tutorial needs of the AVID students; and Whereas, the University of Illinois at Springfield and Springfield Public School District 186 will have a total wage rate of $9 per hour with the University's contribution being $6.75 maximum and the District's share being $2.25 maximum (from AVID funds); Now Therefore Be It Resolved that the Board of Education approves the agreement with the Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois at Springfield to provide tutors for the AVID schools for the period of August 28, 2017, to May 12, 2018.
8.8 Approval of a Renewal Agreement with UIS regarding the America Reads/America Counts Program
Resolution: Whereas, the University of Illinois at Springfield Board of Trustees has received Federal Work Study fees for the placement of college students in the public non-profit settings to serve in the America Reads/America Counts Program; and Whereas, schools meeting the requirements for the federal funds as participating sites for work study placement; and Whereas, Springfield Public School District 186, the Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois at Springfield and the above mentioned schools desire to provide opportunities for eligible work study students to support the America Reads/America Counts Program; and Whereas, the University of Illinois at Springfield and Springfield Public School District 186 will have a total wage rate of $9 per hour with the University's contribution being 100 percent; Now Therefore Be It Resolved that the Board of Education approves the agreement with the Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois at Springfield to provide the America Reads/America Counts program
8.9 Approval of an Agreement with GameTime c/o Cunningham Recreation
Resolution: Be It Resolved that the Board of Education approves an agreement with GameTime c/o Cunningham Recreation for the purchase and installation of playground equipment at the Early Learning Center for a total cost of $36,669.05 reimbursable through the Preschool for All grants.
Roll Call Action Items:
9.1 Approval of Personnel Recommendations
Resolution: The Superintendent recommends adoption of the Personnel recommendations as presented.
Original – Motion
Member (Judith Johnson) 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”: Johnson, Lopez, Mares, Moore, Sisti, Zimmers
Those voting “no”: None.
9.2 Approval of an Agreement with the Northwest Evaluation Association
Founded by educators nearly 40 years ago, Northwest Evaluation Association (NWEA) is a global not-for-profit educational services organization known for our flagship interim assessment, Measures of Academic Progress (MAP). More than 7,400 partners in U.S. schools, districts, education agencies, and international schools trust us to offer Kindergarten through grade 12 assessments that accurately measure student growth and learning needs, professional development that fosters educators’ ability to accelerate student learning, and research that supports assessment validity and data interpretation. Service Provided: NWEA will provide support with technology set-up, test administration, and training and professional development on the assessments and reports. Benefits of the Service: NWEA delivers the insights that help students learn, teachers teach, and leaders lead, which include proven assessment solutions, customized professional learning, and industry-leading research to keep schools and districts ahead of the curve as times and standards change. Cost: $175,750 (includes test administration set-up, support, and PD)
Resolution: Whereas, the Northwest Evaluation Association (NWEA) provides kindergarten through grade 12 MAP assessments in reading, math and language arts; and Whereas, Northwest Evaluation Association (NWEA), is qualified to provide training and has agreed to provide assessments, test administration set-up and support to the District during the 2017-2018 school year at a cost of $175,750; and Whereas, Northwest Evaluation Association (NWEA) services will be paid for out of the Department of Instruction Assessment Budget; Now Therefore Be It Resolved that the Board of Education approves the agreement with Northwest Evaluation Association (NWEA) per the terms identified above and directs the Superintendent to execute the necessary documents on behalf of the Board.
Original – Motion
Member (Donna Moore) Moved, Member (Anthony Mares) Seconded to approve the Original motion 'Whereas, the Northwest Evaluation Association (NWEA) provides kindergarten through grade 12 MAP assessments in reading, math and language arts; and Whereas, Northwest Evaluation Association (NWEA), is qualified to provide training and has agreed to provide assessments, test administration set-up and support to the District during the 2017-2018 school year at a cost of $175,750; and Whereas, Northwest Evaluation Association (NWEA) services will be paid for out of the Department of Instruction Assessment Budget; Now Therefore Be It Resolved that the Board of Education approves the agreement with Northwest Evaluation Association (NWEA) per the terms identified above and directs the Superintendent to execute the necessary documents on behalf of the Board'. Upon a roll call vote being taken, the vote was: Aye: 6 Nay: 0. The motion Carried. 6 - 0
Those voting “aye”: Johnson, Lopez, Mares, Moore, Sisti, Zimmers
Those voting “no”: None.
9.3 Approval of an Agreement with the FastBridge Learning
Launched in early 2015, FastBridge Learning is a learning company that bridges research-to- practice, assessment-to-intervention, and Research to Results to make it easier than ever for teachers to use not just assessments, but a portfolio of high quality, efficient, research-based tools to make informed educational decisions for their students, deliver instruction and intervention and obtain professional development Service Provided: FastBridge will provide support with technology set-up, on-line training, and test administration. Benefits of the Service: FastBridge Learning provides ability for schools to have a universal screener and curriculum- based assessments that allow for regular and on-going monitoring of every student’s performance throughout the school year. This on-going monitoring helps to identify students who are responding well to core instruction (on track), as well as those who may require supplemental (some risk) or intensive (high risk) intervention and instructional support as an integral component to an effective MTSS program. Cost: $84,000 (includes FastBridge subscription) Resolution: Whereas, the FastBridge Learning provides kindergarten through grade 12 assessments in reading, math and social and emotional learning (SEL); and Whereas, FastBridge Learning, is qualified to provide online training and has agreed to provide assessments, test administration set-up and support to the District during the 2017-2018 school year at a cost of $84,000; and Whereas, FastBridge Learning services will be paid for out of the Department of Instruction Assessment Budget; Now Therefore Be It Resolved that the Board of Education approves the agreement with FastBridge Learning per the terms identified above and directs the Superintendent to execute the necessary documents on behalf of the Board.
Original – Motion
Member (Donna Moore) Moved, Member (Michael Zimmers) Seconded to approve the Original motion 'whereas, the FastBridge Learning provides kindergarten through grade 12 assessments in reading, math and social and emotional learning (SEL); and Whereas, FastBridge Learning, is qualified to provide online training and has agreed to provide assessments, test administration set-up and support to the District during the 2017-2018 school year at a cost of $84,000; and Whereas, FastBridge Learning services will be paid for out of the Department of Instruction Assessment Budget; Now Therefore Be It Resolved that the Board of Education approves the agreement with FastBridge Learning per the terms identified above and directs the Superintendent to execute the necessary documents on behalf of the Board'. Upon a roll call vote being taken, the vote was: Aye: 6 Nay: 0. The motion Carried. 6 - 0
Those voting “aye”: Johnson, Lopez, Mares, Moore, Sisti, Zimmers
Those voting “no”: None.
Announcements:
10.1 Next Regular Meeting — Tuesday, September 5, 2017, at 5:30 p.m. — Board Room
10.2 Alliance Legislative Reports
The Alliance Legislative Reports are available at the link below.
http://iasb.com/govrel/alrmenu.cfm
10.3 Upcoming District Events
August 21 – First Day of School
August 23, 6:00-7:30 p.m. – Facilities Community Engagement Session in the Springfield High School Commons
August 31 – Teacher Appreciation Event at Horace Mann
Public Comment:
There was no public comment at this time.
Adjournment:
There being no further business to come before the Board, President Zimmers declared the meeting adjourned until Tuesday, September 5, 2017 at 5:30 p.m.
The meeting adjourned at 7:23 p.m.
http://esbpublic.springfield.k12.il.us/Reference_Library/ESB_Minutes/8.21.17minutes.pdf
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