Sangamon Sun

Springfield Public School District #186 Board of Education met February 20.

Here is the minutes provided by the Board:

The Board of Education convened in Regular Session on February 20 A.D., 2018, at 5:37 p.m., there being present thereat:

Present: Adam Lopez, President

Julie Hammers, Board Secretary

Judith Johnson

Anthony Mares

Donna Moore

Bill Ringer

Jamie Sisti

Jennifer Gill, Superintendent

Call To Order:

1.1Roll Call

President Lopez called the meeting to order.

Approval Of Executive Session:

Mr. Ringer 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 and carried by the following vote:

Those voting “aye”: Johnson, Lopez, Mares, Moore, Ringer, Sisti

Those voting “no”: None.

Adjournment to Executive Session:

The meeting adjourned at 5:37 p.m. and reconvened at 6:30 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 then announced that the boys basketball teams for Southeast High School and Lanphier High School were playing each other. He indicated that the meeting might be short as several members planned to attend the game. He encouraged others to attend, as well.

Mr. Lopez then asked Mrs. Gill to provide the Board members with information regarding the process for adding schools to the Illinois High School Association’s Central State 8 grouping. Mrs. Gill indicated she would look into the matter.

3.2 Board Salutes

Mrs. Sisti saluted Peggy Cormeny, Coordinator of Family and Community Engagement. Mrs. Sisti detailed Mrs. Cormeny’s tenure with the District. She then reported receiving correspondence from a Lanphier High School teacher praising Mrs. Cormeny for her kindness, compassion, dedication and service to families and students. Mrs. Sisti asked Mrs. Cormeny, who was present in the audience with her husband, Tom Cormeny, to stand to be recognized.

Next, Mrs. Sisti saluted the staff of Feitshans Elementary School. She read correspondence received from a parent about efforts the staff had made to honor her child when the child was selected as the Student of the Month. She reported staff brought balloons to the student’s house after school. Mrs. Sisti then saluted Kelly McCann, first grade teacher at Enos Elementary School. She also received correspondence from a parent regarding the caring nature shown by Ms. McCann.

Mrs. Moore saluted the NAACP for their recent banquet during which several District students were honored. She also saluted the students that were honored.

Ms. Johnson saluted the Lanphier High School girls basketball team for advancing to sectionals. She wished them luck in continuing advancement through the post season. Next. Ms. Johnson reported visiting Ms. Jordan’s 1st grade class at Graham Elementary School. She was impressed by their behavior, knowledge and inquisitiveness. She also reported visiting Iles Elementary School during their Chinese New Year celebration. Ms. Johnson saluted the students that received honors during the NAACP Banquet, which she attended. Lastly, Ms. Johnson indicated that she is looking forward to attending the Jefferson Middle School African American History Bowl. She encouraged others to join her for the event. Lastly, Ms. Johnson reported the recent passing of community member, Marlon Page. She asked for prayers for him and his family.

Mr. Mares also reported attending the NAACP Banquet. He, too, saluted the group for the event and the students that were recognized during the event. Mr. Mares reported attending the Faith Coalition for the Common Good’s monthly meeting, which he found to be very informative. He encouraged others to attend in the future, too. Next, Mr. Mares reported visiting several schools including Southern View, Harvard Park, and Laketown schools. He saluted the staff and students of each of these schools. Lastly, Mr. Mares welcomed Mr. Ringer to the Board.

Mr. Ringer thanked District personnel for their assistance over the previous two weeks.

Mrs. Gill asked for a moment of silence to honor members of the community that had passed since the previous board meeting, including former Lanphier High School wrestling coach Jim Gardner, Lee School student Jake Elston, who was the son of Jack Elston, President of the Springfield Public Schools Foundation, and Mr. Page, who Ms. Johnson noted earlier in the meeting. In addition to these members of the local community, Mrs. Gill asked that the moment of silence also give remembrance to those killed in the recent school shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida. She noted the District’s ongoing efforts and dedication to keeping students and staff safe and indicated that the District is continually working to strengthen and improve protocols to ensure a safe environment for students and staff. A moment of silence was then observed.

On a final note for Board Salutes, Ms. Johnson saluted Lanphier High School’s Boys Basketball 1983 Champions, who were recently honored during a home game at Lanphier.

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.

4.3 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 electronic copies of the Treasurer’s Report for January 2018. 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 January with a cash balance of approximately $31.5 million in the bank for all funds. He further reported earned interest for the month of approximately $60,300 and year-to-date earned interest of approximately $334,000. Lastly, Mr. Bascio reported the District had received $2.4 million in categorical and Early Start payments from the State of Illinois over the course of the previous two weeks. Mrs. Moore asked how much money remained outstanding from the State of Illinois. Mr. Bascio indicated $2.7 million remains outstanding. There was some discussion regarding the line of credit.

Superintendent's Report:

7.1 Superintendent's Report

Superintendent Gill provided the following updates and shout outs:

• She saluted Springfield High School Assistant Principal Derrick Williams who received the Education Award at the NAACP Banquet.

• The District will have a job fair in the Board Room of 1900 W. Monroe on March 9, 2018. She encouraged those interested in employment with the District to attend.

• She reminded the community of the upcoming 10th Annual Disabilities to Possibilities Conference on Saturday, February 24, 2018, at Southeast High School.

• She reminded the community of the upcoming 36th Annual Springfield Public Schools Foundation Dinner and Art Auction, also on February 24, 2018.

Mrs. Gill then provided details regarding a request from Mayor Langfelder for a letter of support for extending the Eastside TIF district. Ms. Johnson expressed support of the extension and the District providing a letter of support for this. Mr. Mares asked for additional information regarding the potential benefits and/or disadvantages for the District if the TIF were to be extended. Mrs. Gill reported that it might be possible to negotiate to allow some of the payments that would typically be seen at the end of the TIF period to be paid out during the life of the TIF. There was additional discussion regarding this possibility.

Mrs. Moore indicated that she is against extension of the TIF because she feels that the District’s students suffer from the loss of income to the District. There was then some additional discussion regarding how TIF funds are used. Mrs. Moore asked that the City of Springfield be contacted to provide a list of projects that have come out of the current life of the Eastside TIF.

Resolution: Ms. Johnson motioned that the Superintendent be directed to submit a letter of support for the extension of the Eastside TIF district per the request from Mayor Langfelder. Mr. Lopez seconded the motion and opened the floor for additional discussion.

Mrs. Moore inquired as to the timeframe for submission of the letter. She encouraged that the Board be provided with additional notice for future requests of this nature. There was then some additional discussion regarding how the funds generated by the TIF are to be used and how those funds will benefit District students.

Mr. Lopez then reviewed the motion and asked that the vote be called. Upon a roll call vote being taken, the vote was: Aye: 5 Nay: 1. The motion Carried. 5-1

Those voting “aye”: Johnson, Lopez, Mares, Ringer, Sisti

Those voting “no”: Moore

Mrs. Gill reported that she would draft a letter of support in the morning, which would be shared with the full board for approval prior to being sent to the City of Springfield.

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 (Judith Johnson) Moved, Member (Anthony Mares) 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, Ringer, Sisti

Those voting “no”: None

Those voting “present”: Moore on item 8.6

8.2 Approval of the Minutes of the Executive Session and the Regular Meeting of February 5, 2018, and the Minutes of the Executive Session and Special Meeting of January 23, 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 Approval of an Agreement with Comcast for Internet Services

Renewal of an agreement with Comcast to provide two connections of 1GB ethernet dedicated internet to the District at a cost of $59,401 per year for three years. The cost is $29,278 per year less than the current agreement. One of the current connections is being upgraded from 500MB to 1GB.

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 3 years; Now Therefore Be It Resolved that the Board of Education approves a contract with Comcast for internet connection services effective July 1, 2018, through June 30, 2021, and authorizes the Superintendent to take such actions as may be necessary and proper to implement this resolution.

8.5 Approval of an Agreement for Telephone Service

One year contract for phone service associated with District alarm systems, elevators, and fax machines. The cost is $3,500 per month. There is no rate increase for the upcoming year.

Resolution: Whereas, the District continues to have a need for telephone service to support alarm systems, elevators, and fax machines; and Whereas, Call One has agreed to provide the service from July 1, 2018, through June 30, 2019; Now Therefore Be It Resolved that the Board of Education approves a contract with Call One for telephone services effective July 1, 2018, through June 30, 2019, and authorizes the Superintendent to take such actions as may be necessary and proper to implement this resolution.

8.6 Approval of Consultant Services for Blessed Sacrament

Mary Colson with Summit Professional Education will provide professional development on April 18-19, 2018, at Blessed Sacrament School. She will present on applying and integrating the NGSS Science Standards into the classroom. This will be for all of K-8 science teachers. She will present to K-4 teachers from 8:00-3:30 on one day and 5-8 teachers from 8:00-3:30 on the second day. Resource teachers will also be included in their grade level-appropriate sessions. The total cost is $6,965. Mary Colson is an eighth-grade earth science teacher at Horizon Middle School in Moorhead, Minnesota. During her 26 years of classroom teaching, Ms. Colson has engaged students with the big ideas of Earth science through authentic explorations in the lab and outdoors. She is coauthor of the 2016 NSTA Press book: Learning to Read the Earth and Sky: Explorations Supporting the NGSS. She is a contributing author to the soon-to-be released NSTA Press book: Preparing Teachers for Three-Dimensional Instruction, edited by Jack Rhoton. In addition to teaching, Ms. Colson is a professional development facilitator for the National Science Teachers Association.

Resolution: Whereas, Mary Colson, will conduct a two-day workshop on applying and integrating the NGSS Science Standards for all of K-8 science teachers’ k-8; and Whereas, the training will align with Common Core State Standards and help all teachers improve student achievement in core content areas; and Whereas, Mary Colson is qualified to provide such training and has agreed to provide such training at a cost of $6,965; and Whereas, Mary Colson consultant services are completely reimbursable through the Title II grant; Now Therefore Be It Resolved that the Board of Education approves the retention of consultants Mary Colson, per the terms identified above and directs the Superintendent to execute the necessary documents on behalf of the Board.

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 (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, Ringer, Sisti

Those voting “no”: None.

9.2 Approval of the Collective Bargaining Agreement with Project SCOPE Program Staff

Approval of the Collective Bargaining Agreement with Project SCOPE Program Staff for the 2017- 18 and 2018-19 school years. SCOPE is a user-fee funded program.

Resolution: Whereas, the Board of Education of Springfield Public School District 186 has concluded bargaining of a collective bargaining agreement with the International Brotherhood of Teamsters Local 916 representing the Project SCOPE Program Staff; and Whereas, the terms of the agreement have been approved by the bargaining teams of the Board of Education and the Project SCOPE Program Staff; Now Therefore Be It Resolved that the Board of Education of Springfield Public School District 186 does hereby ratify the terms of that agreement to be in effect for the 2017-18 and 2018-19 school years.

Original – Motion

Member (Donna Moore) Moved, Member (Judith Johnson) Seconded to approve the Original motion 'whereas, the Board of Education of Springfield Public School District 186 has concluded bargaining of a collective bargaining agreement with the International Brotherhood of Teamsters Local 916 representing the Project SCOPE Program Staff; and Whereas, the terms of the agreement have been approved by the bargaining teams of the Board of Education and the Project SCOPE Program Staff; Now Therefore Be It Resolved that the Board of Education of Springfield Public School District 186 does hereby ratify the terms of that agreement to be in effect 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, Ringer, Sisti

Those voting “no”: None.

9.3 Approval of Salary Determination for the Project SCOPE Coordinator

Salaries for support staff are reviewed and set for coming school years, including the Project SCOPE Coordinator. Resolution: The Superintendent recommends approval of the salary for the Project SCOPE Coordinator for the 2017-18 and 2018-19 school years.

Original – Motion

Member (Donna Moore) Moved, Member (Judith Johnson) Seconded to approve the Original motion 'The Superintendent recommends approval of the salary for the Project SCOPE Coordinator 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, Ringer, Sisti

Those voting “no”: None.

9.4 Approval of Salary Determination for Project SCOPE Assistant Coordinators

Salaries for support staff are reviewed and set for coming school years, including Project SCOPE Assistant Coordinators.

Resolution: The Superintendent recommends approval of the salaries for Project SCOPE Assistant Coordinators for the 2017-18 and 2018-19 school years.

Original – Motion

Member (Jamie Sisti) Moved, Member (Anthony Mares) Seconded to approve the Original motion 'The Superintendent recommends approval of the salaries for Project SCOPE Assistant Coordinators 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, Ringer, Sisti

Those voting “no”: None.

9.5 Approval of a Resolution Regarding the Springfield Ball Charter School Recharter Agreement

Resolution: The Superintendent recommends adoption of the following resolution: Whereas, pursuant to Article 27A of the Illinois School Code, a school district may grant a charter school the charter to operate; and Whereas, pursuant to Article 27A of the Illinois School Code, a charter may be extended by the District for up to five (5) years; and Whereas, Springfield Ball Charter School serves District 186 and its student populations as a public school which is non-sectarian, non-religious, non-home based, and non-profit (105 ILCS 5/27A-5A); and Whereas, the Board of Education believes that it is in the best interest of District students to extend the charter for Springfield Ball Charter School for a term of five (5) years; and Whereas, recognizing that the School District’s projected revenues from the State of Illinois are uncertain and that pension reform legislation and other legislative initiatives could materially impact the School District’s expenses during the term of the contract the Board of Education may elect to reopen any economic term or condition of this Agreement for negotiation; Now Therefore Be It Resolved that the Board of Education of Springfield School District No. 186 hereby approves the renewal of the charter school agreement for Springfield Ball Charter School for a period of five (5) years.

Original – Motion

Member (Jamie Sisti) Moved, Member (Judith Johnson) Seconded to approve the Original motion 'The Superintendent recommends adoption of the following resolution: Whereas, pursuant to Article 27A of the Illinois School Code, a school district may grant a charter school the charter to operate; and Whereas, pursuant to Article 27A of the Illinois School Code, a charter may be extended by the District for up to five (5) years; and Whereas, Springfield Ball Charter School serves District 186 and its student populations as a public school which is non-sectarian, non-religious, non-home based, and non-profit (105 ILCS 5/27A-5A); and Whereas, the Board of Education believes that it is in the best interest of District students to extend the charter for Springfield Ball Charter School for a term of five (5) years; and Whereas, recognizing that the School District’s projected revenues from the State of Illinois are uncertain and that pension reform legislation and other legislative initiatives could materially impact the School District’s expenses during the term of the contract the Board of Education may elect to reopen any economic term or condition of this Agreement for negotiation; Now Therefore Be It Resolved that the Board of Education of Springfield School District No. 186 hereby approves the renewal of the charter school agreement for Springfield Ball Charter School for a period of five (5) 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, Ringer, Sisti

Those voting “no”: None.

Announcements:

10.1 Next Regular Meeting — Tuesday, March 6, 2018, at 5:30 p.m. — Board Room

10.2 Upcoming District Events

February 22, 6pm – 6th Grade Preview Night

March 5 – No School

10.3 Freedom of Information Report

10.4 Alliance Legislative Reports – 100-53, 100-54, 100-55

Available at https://www.iasb.com/govrel/alrmenu.cfm

Public Comment:

The following individuals addressed the Board regarding bullying: Cheryl Britz, Tasha Zepp, and Sondra Deloney.

Adjournment:

There being no further business to come before the Board, Mr. Lopez declared the meeting adjourned until Tuesday, March 6, 2018. The meeting adjourned at 7:26 p.m.

http://esbpublic.springfield.k12.il.us/Reference_Library/ESB_Minutes/2.20.18minutes.pdf