Sangamon Sun

Springfield School District 186 Board met May 7.

Here is the minutes provided by the Board:

Present: J. Michael Zimmers, President

Julie Hammers, Board Secretary

Judith Johnson

Adam Lopez

Anthony Mares

Donna Moore

Bill Ringer

Jamie Sisti

Jennifer Gill, Superintendent

Rekha Goswami, Student Member

Call To Order:

1.1Roll Call

President Zimmers called the meeting to order.

Approval Of Executive Session:

Mr. Zimmers 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 Student Discipline and Other Matters Concerning Individual Students – 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(9,10)

Motion seconded by Mr. Ringer and carried by the following vote:

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

Those voting “no”: None.

Adjournment to Executive Session:

The meeting adjourned at 5:46 p.m. and reconvened at 6:32 p.m. Upon reconvening, it was noted that seven Board members were present as Ms. Johnson joined the meeting in progress at 5:56 p.m.

President's Report:

3.1 President's Comments

Mr. Zimmers 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. Hankins in the front row of the audience. Additionally, he reminded those interested in addressing the Board that comments are limited to three minutes.

Mr. Zimmers welcomed the large crowd in attendance and thanked them for their attendance.

3.2 Board Salutes

Mrs. Sisti reported attending kindergarten preview night at Wilcox Elementary School. Mrs. Sisti then thanked teachers throughout the district for their dedication, in honor of Teacher Appreciation Week.

Mr. Lopez saluted his daughters’ teachers at Wilcox and the Early Learning Center. He thanked them for the progress their teaching, dedication and hard work have produced this year.

Mr. Zimmers saluted the staffs of Iles and Douglas Schools for welcoming him during recent visits. Mr. Zimmers reported that he also recently volunteered to work at a middle school boys track meet and attended the boys City High School Track Meet. Lastly, Mr. Zimmers saluted the students and staff that were given awards during the Council for Exceptional Children’s (CEC) recent award banquet, which he attended.

Ms. Johnson also reported attending the Council for Exceptional Children’s award banquet. She saluted the organizers and award recipients for their tenacity, determination and the inspiration they provide to other students in their schools. Lastly, Ms. Johnson reported attending a meeting with Superintendent Gill and members of the Springfield Chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).

Mr. Mares reported attending the Council for Exceptional Children’s banquet, too. He congratulated and thanked District staff that are retiring and will be honored during the District Retirement Dinner on May 8, 2018.

Mr. Ringer saluted Southeast High School student, Gwen Wisecup, who was recently awarded the State Journal Register’s Voice’s 2018 Top Teen Award. Next, Mr. Ringer saluted Southeast High School student, Serena Bolden, for setting two new Central State 8 records in the long jump and triple jump events during the Central State 8 Conference Girls Track and Field Meet on May 3, 2018.

3.3 Recognition of National History Bee Qualified FMS Students

The Board recognized five students from Franklin Middle School who participated at the Regional History Bee in St. Louis and advanced to the National History Bee. Participants in the St. Louis regionals included students from central and southern Illinois, the city and county of St. Louis, and central Missouri. Students who placed in the top ten by grade level advanced to the nationals.

Mr. Tod Davis, principal, introduced the following students, who were presented with a Certificate of Recognition: 7th Grade – John Paul Moore, Damon Sturm, Molly Tolsdorf; 8th Grade - Olivia Baima. Mr. Davis reported that 7th grade student Arnav Nagrecha had also participated and qualified for the National History Bee, but was unable to attend the evening’s meeting. Mr. Zimmers asked the students’ parents to stand to also be recognized.

3.4 Recognition of Lincoln Magnet School Student Winners at the Regional National Geographic Championship

The Board recognized the following Lincoln Magnet School students and sponsoring teachers for their success at the Regional National Geographic Championship. Mrs. Nicole Heyen, principal, introduced the students and teachers, who were then presented with a Certificate of Recognition. Mrs. Heyen introduced the 1st Place Team, Overall Best Portfolio teachers, Mrs. Mueth, Ms. Wrightand, and Mrs. Erickson, as well as students Ryne Crum, Chase Heyen, Luke Hockenyos and Nick Tolbert. Next, GeoChallenge finalists from Lincoln Magnet School’s Fearless Fin Whales were recognized including teacher, Ms. Kyes, and students Jake Baldin, Megan Becker, Josue Reyes and Michelle Ye. Lastly, teachers and students from Team LLAK were recognized including teacher, Ms. Moskus and students Amiyah Gordon, Larry Letcher, Kendall Logan and Lauren Wilson

Nicole Heyen, Principal, introduced the students and teachers. She presented each of the students with a certificate of recognition.

3.5 Recognition of Shining Stars

The Superintendent and Board recognized the following employees chosen to receive the Shining Star Award for their outstanding contribution to Springfield Public Schools: Laura Brenneisen, Third Grade Teacher, Southern View; Sarah Danner, Special Education Teacher, McClernand; Vicki Peterman, Case Manager, Enos/Harvard Park; and Reiko Hurd, Site Administrator, Springfield Learning Academy.

Discussion Items:

4.1 Old Business

Board Officer Election Policy

Ms. Johnson asked about policy related to Board officer elections based on concerns she expressed related to the timing of elections. Superintendent Gill indicated that elections had been held as required and outlined in Board Policy. Superintendent Gill indicated that she would provide additional information regarding the referenced policy to members.

4.2 New Business

Summer Feeding Program Locations

Ms. Johnson asked to be provided with the locations of this year’s Summer Feeding Program. She asked specifically which facility was chosen to replace the program at Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptist Church. Superintendent Gill reported that she would look into the matter and provide the Board with the requested information.

4.3 Student Business

Ms. Goswami reported that the incoming Student Board Member, Zaire Harris, was present for the evening’s meeting. She welcomed him and expressed excitement for his selection. Next, she reported that the Superintendent’s Student Roundtable would hold it’s final meeting of the year on May 23, 2018, at the University of Illinois – Springfield, where they will meet with Chancellor Susan Koch.

Presentations To The Board:

5.1 Equal Opportunity Schools

Board members were presented with electronic copies of a presentation on Equal Opportunity Schools (EOS). Copies have been filed with the Official Minutes and are available for public viewing on the Electronic School Board.

Ms. Kia Franklin, Director of Partnership Success, Equal Opportunity Schools, addressed the Board. Ms. Franklin provided information regarding partnership goals between the district and EOS and how the partnership aligns to the District Improvement Plan. She shared information provided by students regarding what those students would like their teachers and schools to know about them. Next, Ms. Franklin reviewed data regarding district trends related to Advanced Placement enrollments, how the work to build AP enrollments has been supported, changes to the course offerings, and accomplishments for each high school. Ms. Franklin then provided information regarding the number of AP tests taken during the 2016-2017 school year and projected numbers for the current school year. Superintendent Gill provided information regarding support received from local community organizations and the State to ensure any student that wanted to take an AP test(s) would be able to do so. There was then some discussion regarding information that is made available to parents from Equal Opportunity Schools, attrition rates and data related to underrepresented student groups.

Mr. Zimmers asked Ms. Franklin to request information from the District in the future related to the number of middle school students taking or registering for higher-level courses. Ms. Johnson asked that a focus on instruction in study skills at the middle school level be undertaken for all students, including for those not enrolled in the AVID program.

Board Policy 245.01 – Board Officers – Election and Appointment-

Superintendent Gill provided members with copies of Board Policy 245.02 – Board Officers – Election and Appointment per a request during Old Business from Ms. Johnson. She read the policy, which details the meetings at which officer elections should occur.

5.2 Facilities Financing - Stifel

Board members were provided with copies of options for facilities financing. Copies have been filed with the Official Minutes and are available for public viewing in the Board Office.

Superintendent Gill introduced Mr. Tom Crabtree, Director of Public Finance Team with Stifel, presented information about options for facilities financing. Mr. Crabtree provided information regarding the allowable outstanding debt, debt capacity, types of debt available to school districts, timeline for adding a referendum to the ballot, PTEL laws, debt service extension base, tax caps, available Health, Life, Safety funding, and the County School Facilities Sales Tax option.

Ms. Johnson asked for additional information regarding past Health, Life, Safety projects and information regarding recent referendums introduced by other districts in the county. Mr. Zimmers asked that the Board be provided with additional information related to placing a County School Facilities Sales Tax referendum on the ballot. He indicated that he would like to have additional discussion regarding this topic during the next regular meeting. Mrs. Gill indicated that she would bring information related to Health, Life, Safety work to the Board at the next meeting.

Business Reports:

6.1 Financial Report

Board members were provided with copies of the Monthly Financial Report for April 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 Education fund saw revenues of approximately $5.5 million for the month of April and expenditures of approximately $9.2 million. Mr. Bascio further reported that the Operations and Maintenance fund saw revenues in April of approximately $381,500 and expenditures of approximately $1.1 million. Lastly, Mr. Bascio reported outstanding State payments total approximately $3.057 million.

Superintendent's Report:

7.1 Superintendent's Report

Superintendent Gill provided the following shout outs and information:

• Shout out to Franklin Middle School’s Scholastic Bowl team for taking second place at the IESA State Tournament.

• Shout out to district teachers and staff for Teacher Appreciation Day. She thanked the teachers and staff for their dedicated service to the students of the district.

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 (William Ringer) 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: 7 Nay: 0. The motion Carried. 7 - 0

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

Those voting “no”: None.

8.2 Approval of the Minutes of the Executive Session and the Regular Meeting of April 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 Travel for Springfield High School's Scholastic Bowl Team

Resolution: Whereas, Springfield High School's Scholastic Bowl Team has requested permission to travel to Atlanta, Georgia, for the National Tournament; and Whereas, Springfield High School agrees to raise all necessary funds and abide by all rules and regulations of Springfield School District 186; Now Therefore Be It Resolved that Springfield High School's Scholastic Bowl Team has permission to travel to Atlanta, Georgia, from May 25 through May 27, 2018.

8.5 Approval of a Continuation Agreement with Equal Opportunity Schools (EOS)

Resolution: Whereas, Springfield Public School District 186 is committed to continuously improving the quality of educational opportunity and achievement for students; and Whereas, Equal Opportunity Schools (EOS) is qualified and experienced in helping schools identify and upgrade students who can succeed in Advanced Placement courses but are not yet enrolled; and Whereas, Springfield Public Schools and EOS commit to closing participation gaps in Advanced Placement courses, raise Advanced Placement performance, and develop structures for sustainability; and Whereas, this agreement also includes opportunities to partner with other like districts and schools to collaborate and learn best practices; Now Therefore Be It Resolved that the Board of Education approves the agreement with Equal Opportunity Schools for the 2018-2019 school year for a total cost of $73,200.

8.6 Approval of the Updated 2018-2019 Regular and Balanced School Calendars

Updated the day of observance for Veterans Day to match the federal holiday of November 12, 2018.

Resolution: Whereas, Springfield School District 186 is required to develop an annual calendar identifying pupil attendance days for the upcoming school year; and Whereas, the Springfield Education Association Executive Committee has reviewed and recommended adoption of the proposed calendars; Now Therefore Be It Resolved that the Board of Education approves the proposed regular and balanced school calendars for 2018-2019 and directs the Superintendent to submit the adopted calendars to the Regional Office of Education for approval.

Roll Call Action Items:

9.1 Approval of Personnel Recommendations

Resolution: The Superintendent recommends adoption of the Personnel recommendations as presented.

Original - Motion

Member (Jamie Sisti) 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: 7 Nay: 0. The motion Carried. 7 - 0

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

Those voting “no”: Johnson on Page 6, Classified, Number 1.

9.2 Approval of a Resolution Regarding Adoption of Curriculum-Science

The Curriculum Council acts as an advisor to the Board to recommend curriculum for adoption. During the 2017-2018 school year, middle and high school science curriculum was reviewed and recommended for adoption. The Curriculum Council consists of board members, administrators, teachers, and community members.

Resolution: Whereas, the Springfield Schools Curriculum Council heard the presentations from the Curriculum Coordinator and their representatives and recommended the adoption of the following textbooks and materials: Middle and High School Sciences through AP Biology; Now Therefore Be It Resolved that the Board of Education approves the sciences curriculum adoption recommended from the Curriculum Council to be implemented in the 2018-2019 school year and to be purchased with budgeted district textbook funds.

Original - Motion

Member (Donna Moore) Moved, Member (Adam Lopez) Seconded to approve the Original motion 'whereas, the Springfield Schools Curriculum Council heard the presentations from the Curriculum Coordinator and their representatives and recommended the adoption of the following textbooks and materials: Middle and High School Sciences through AP Biology; Now Therefore Be It Resolved that the Board of Education approves the sciences curriculum adoption recommended from the Curriculum Council to be implemented in the 2018-2019 school year and to be purchased with budgeted district textbook funds'. Upon a roll call vote being taken, the vote was: Aye: 7 Nay: 0. The motion Carried. 7 - 0

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

Those voting “no”: None.

9.3 Approval of an Amendment to Health Life Safety Survey

This resolution allows for the expenditure of Health Life Safety funds to remove asbestos containing floor tile at the Administrative Center

Resolution: The Superintendent recommends adoption of the following resolution: Be It Resolved that the Board of Education of Springfield School District #186, hereby accepts and approves the amended certified estimate from the Architect in the amount listed for building repair at the building listed below: Administrative Center – Lower Level Asbestos Floor Tile Removal $23,760 Remove approximately 2,200 square feet of asbestos containing floor tile and mastic from the lower level of the Administrative Building.

Original - Motion

Member (Donna Moore) Moved, Member (Anthony Mares) Seconded to approve the Original motion 'The Superintendent recommends adoption of the following resolution: Be It Resolved that the Board of Education of Springfield School District #186, hereby accepts and approves the amended certified estimate from the Architect in the amount listed for building repair at the building listed below: Administrative Center – Lower Level Asbestos Floor Tile Removal $23,760 Remove approximately 2,200 square feet of asbestos containing floor tile and mastic from the lower level of the Administrative Building'. Upon a roll call vote being taken, the vote was: Aye: 7 Nay: 0. The motion Carried. 7 - 0

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

Those voting “no”: None.

9.4 Student Discipline

Resolution: That the Board approves the student discipline as discussed in Executive Session and summarized by the Superintendent as:

One 9th grade student be hereby expelled from further attendance at Lanphier High School through the end of the 2018-2019 school year with a program.

Original - Motion

Member (Donna Moore) Moved, Member (Adam Lopez) Seconded to approve the Original motion 'That the Board approves the student discipline as discussed in Executive Session and summarized by the Superintendent'. Upon a roll call vote being taken, the vote was: Aye: 6 Nay: 0Abstain: 1. The motion Carried. 6 - 0 - 1

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

Those voting “no”: None.

Those voting “abstain”: Johnson

Announcements:

10.1 Next Regular Meeting — Monday, May 21, 2018, at 5:30 p.m. — Board Room

10.2 Upcoming District Events

May 28 – No School – Memorial Day

May 29 – Last Day of School

June 2 – High School Graduation

June 6 – Last Day of School for Graham & Southern View

10.3 Freedom of Information Report

10.4 Alliance Legislative Reports – 100-64 and 100-65

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

Public Comment:

There was no public comment at this time.

Adjournment:

There being no further business to come before the Board, Mr. Zimmers declared the meeting adjourned until Monday, May 21, 2018. The meeting adjourned at 8:33 p.m.

http://esbpublic.springfield.k12.il.us/Reference_Library/ESB_Minutes/5.7.18minutes1.pdf