Sangamon Sun

Springfield Public School District #186 Board of Education met January 16.

Here is the minutes provided by the Board:

Call To Order:

1.1Roll 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 Contract Negotiations – 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(2)

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”: Johnson, Lopez, Mares, Moore, Sisti, Zimmers

Those voting “no”: None.

Adjournment to Executive Session:

The meeting adjourned at 5:36 p.m. and reconvened at 6:38 p.m. Upon reconvening, it was noted that six Board members were present as Mr. Mares joined the meeting at 6:36 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 read a letter of resignation from Mr. Flamini effective January 5, 2018. He commended Mr. Flamini on his long tenure with the District, reporting that Mr. Flamini began his tenure in 1968 as a teacher and progressed onto becoming, SEA President, a school-level administrator, a district-level administrator, and then, in 2013 a member of the Board of Education. Additionally, Mr. Flamini worked for the Regional Office of Education after his retirement from the District.

Next, Mr. Lopez read the following statement regarding the process for filling the vacancy in Sub- District 7:

“Effective January 5, 2018, Mr. Flamini resigned from his “seat” as representative of Sub- District No. 7.

Pursuant to the requirements of the Illinois School Code, Mrs. Gill’s office will notify the Regional Superintendent’s Office of the vacancy in writing tomorrow.

The remaining Board members will select a temporary Board Member to serve in Mr. Flamini’s place until the first meeting of May 2019 when the newly elected Board member will take her/his place. Under the School Code, the selection process is time sensitive, and the Board will move swiftly to name an interim member.

To be appointed to fill a School Board vacancy, a person must have the same qualifications as the person he/she was appointed to replace. On the date of the appointment, he/she must be at least 18 years of age, a resident of the State and the District for at least one (1) year preceding appointment, a registered voter, not a school trustee or school treasurer and shall not be a child sex offender. The successor board member must be an inhabitant of the particular area (or Sub-District) from which his predecessor was elected if residential requirements apply.

The Board invites any qualified resident of Sub-District 7 who is interested in serving to write to me, Adam Lopez, Board President, 1900 West Monroe, and provide me with (1) your contact information; (2) a short statement of the reason(s) why you would like to serve on the Board; and (3) a resume outlining any qualifications you feel you have to be a Board member. All nominations are due by January 26, 2018, at 4:30 p.m.

If the Board decides to conduct interviews, you will be notified. Any interviews shall take place prior to the Board meeting on February 5, 2018."

3.2 Board Salutes

Mr. Zimmers thanked Mr. Flamini for his service and commended him on his contributions to the community and school district. Next, Mr. Zimmers thanked the district personnel that coordinated a professional development recently on BIST and Mr. Larry McVey, Coordinator of Title I, for including the funding for the professional development.

Ms. Johnson also thanked Mr. Flamini for his service. Next, she asked to be invited to future BIST training sessions. Ms. Johnson then encouraged employees to refrain from off-color jokes. She then reported attending the recent Minority Recruitment Advisory Committee (MRAC) Social at the Statehouse Inn and the Martin Luther King, Jr. Breakfast. She commended the winners of the Springfield Ministerial Alliance Martin Luther King, Jr. essay contest, which included students from across the community.

Mr. Mares reported that he recently attended a meeting with the Illinois Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) at the invitation of Mrs. Gill. He commended the group on starting a new program in conjunction with Lincoln Land Community College and the District that will encourage future employment in the electrical trades. Additionally, Mr. Mares reported recently visiting Jefferson Middle School. He then invited the community to attend the upcoming Boys City Basketball Tournament. Next, he reported attending the Frontiers International Martin Luther King, Jr. Breakfast. Lastly, Mr. Mares encouraged the community to support the district hockey team.

Discussion Items:

4.1 Old Business

There was no old business at this time.

4.2 New Business

Mrs. Gill provided information regarding upcoming business with First Student Bus Company. She indicated that a proposal would be brought forth at the February 5, 2018 meeting to extend the bus contract with the company. Then, she introduced Chris Coyle and Josh Goossen of First Student. Next, Mrs. Gill overviewed changes to the contract that would come about it the extension were to be approved. She also provided information about a new app that will allow parents to track their child’s bus and a driver rating system that will be made available to parents.

4.3 Student Business

Ms. Goswami reported that the Superintendent’s Student Roundtable continues to prepare for Unity Day. She reported that this year’s event would benefit Sojourn House. The Roundtable students have collected donations to support their cause. Attendees of the event will participate in games, watch a presentation from Sojourn House and make two buddy bracelets, one of which they will keep and the other will be given to a resident of Sojourn House.

Presentations To The Board:

There were no presentations to the Board at this meeting.

Business Reports:

6.1 Treasurer's Report

Board members were provided with electronic copies of the Treasurer’s Report for December 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 December 2017 with a cash balance of approximately $34.6 million in the bank for all funds. He reported earned interest for the month of approximately $47,500.00 and interest earnings year-to-date of approximately $275,000.

Mr. Zimmers asked for an update on potential state evidence based funding payments for the current fiscal year, in light of recent action taken by Governor Rauner. Mrs. Gill reported that she had spoken with local legislators and expressed concern about the lack of a funding model, to date.

Superintendent's Report:

7.1 Superintendent's Report

Mrs. Gill provided the following Shout-Outs and updates:

• She thanked parents for their patience while a decision was made to cancel school for the day due to the cold weather. She indicated that she and other area superintendents tend to work together to make a decision for the area to ensure as much uniformity amongst area districts as is possible.

Due to some vocal issues, Mrs. Gill briefly left the meeting. Mr. Lopez indicated that the Board would move ahead to the Consent Action Items and return to the Superintendent’s Report upon her return to the meeting. Upon her return, Mrs. Gill provided the following Shout-outs and updates:

• She thanked the Springfield Ministerial Alliance for hosting the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Essay Contest.

• She encouraged the public to attend the upcoming Boys and Girls City Basketball Tournaments.

• She reported that the District would be collecting money and canned goods throughout the tournament as part of the 3rd Annual Spirit of Giving to benefit St. Martin de Porres.

• She thanked the student leadership that has organized the upcoming Unity Day event.

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 8.6 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 8.6 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”: Johnson, Lopez, Mares, Moore, Sisti, Zimmers

Those voting “no”: Mares on 8.6 only

Those voting “present”: Johnson on 8.6 only

Mrs. Gill returned to the meeting at 7:11 p.m. With respect to item 8.6, Ms. Johnson then asked if there would be any additional items associated with the facilities study that would require additional funding. Mrs. Gill provided a justification for the study along with additional cost information about the cost associated with similar surveys conducted by other school districts of similar size. Mr. Lopez reported that the funds necessary to conduct the survey associated with item 8.6 had already been approved in the Superintendent’s Office’s line item of the regular budget to be used at her discretion. He emphasized that item 8.6 is not a request for any additional funding. There was some additional discussion regarding how the facilities study will move forward from here and what the study will entail.

Mr. Lopez then asked that the Superintendent’s Report continue.

8.2 Approval of the Minutes of the Executive Session and the Regular Meeting of January 2, 2018

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 an Agreement with Southern Illinois University School of Medicine for Audiological Services

Resolution: Whereas, Southern Illinois University (SIU) School of Medicine provides the services of a Licensed Audiologist who provides comprehensive hearing healthcare services; and Whereas, SIU School of Medicine 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 SIU School of Medicine for the time period of January 17, 2018, through July 31, 2018, at a rate of $35 per hour not to exceed $6,300.

8.6 Approval of a Resolution Regarding the University of Illinois at Springfield Center for State Policy and Leadership's Research Proposal

Resolution: Whereas, Springfield Public School District 186 would like to further assess public opinion regarding the Master Facilities Plan presented to the Board of Education on December 4, 2017; and Whereas, the University of Illinois at Springfield Center for State Policy and Leadership is qualified to facilitate focus groups, conduct a community-wide survey, and provide the results of each; Now Therefore Be It Resolved that the Board of Education accepts the proposal to conduct this work at a total cost of $12,518.

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 (Anthony Mares) 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 Salary Determination for Central Office Staff

Salaries for administrative staff are reviewed and set for coming school years, including Central Office Staff.

Resolution: The Superintendent recommends approval of the salaries for Central Office Staff for the 2017-18 and 2018-19 school years.

Original - Motion

Member (Michael Zimmers) Moved, Member (Donna Moore) Seconded to approve the Original motion 'The Superintendent recommends approval of the salaries for Central Office Staff for the 2017-18 and 2018-19 school years'. 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 Salary Determination for Non-Represented Employees

Salaries for support staff are reviewed and set for coming school years, including Non- Represented Employees.

Resolution: The Superintendent recommends approval of the salaries for Non-Represented Employees for the 2017-18 and 2018-19 school years.

Original – Motion

Member (Donna Moore) Moved, Member (Anthony Mares) Seconded to approve the Original motion 'The Superintendent recommends approval of the salaries for Non- Represented Employees for the 2017-18 and 2018-19 school years'. 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.

9.4 Approval of Salary Determination for Ancillary Support Staff Salaries for support staff are reviewed and set for coming school years, including Ancillary Support Staff.

Resolution: The Superintendent recommends approval of the salaries for Ancillary Support Staff for the 2017-18 and 2018-19 school years.

Original – Motion

Member (Donna Moore) Moved, Member (Anthony Mares) Seconded to approve the Original motion 'The Superintendent recommends approval of the salaries for Ancillary Support Staff for the 2017-18 and 2018-19 school years'. 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.

9.5 Approval of an Addition to Board Policy

Resolution: Whereas, the Board of Education of Springfield School District 186 maintains Board Policy manuals giving direction to the District; and Whereas, such policy and manuals reflect case law, legal rulings, legislation, and district practice; Now Therefore Be It Resolved that the Board approves the attached policy regarding sexual harassment.

Original – Motion

Member (Donna Moore) Moved, Member (Anthony Mares) Seconded to approve the Original motion 'Whereas, the Board of Education of Springfield School District 186 maintains Board Policy manuals giving direction to the District; and Whereas, such policy and manuals reflect case law, legal rulings, legislation, and district practice; Now Therefore Be It Resolved that the Board approves the attached policy regarding sexual harassment'. 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 — Monday, February 5, 2018, at 5:30 p.m. — Board Room

10.2 Upcoming District Events

January 18-20 – Boys’ City Tournament at BOS Center

January 24, 25, 27 – Girls’ City Tournament at Springfield High School

10.3 Freedom of Information Report

Board members were provided with electronic copies of the Freedom of Information Act report for December 28, 2017 through January 11, 2018. 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, Mr. Lopez declared the meeting adjourned until Monday, February 5, 2018. The meeting adjourned at 7:22 p.m.

http://esbpublic.springfield.k12.il.us/Reference_Library/ESB_Minutes/1.16.18minutes.pdf