Sangamon Sun

Spring Valley Community Consolidated School District 99 Board met April 18.

Here is the minutes provided by the Board:

1. Roll Call

2. Board of Education Members present: Ray Nolasco, Trisha Harrison, Jack Kusek, Jim Faletti, Ted

Urbanski, Jason Casford, Lindsay Ferrari-7:03 pm

3. Pledge Of Allegiance

4. Approval Of Agenda

Motion by Urbanski seconded by Harrison that the Board of Education approve the agenda.

Roll Call: Urbanski, Harrison, Kusek, Faletti, Casford and Nolasco all voted aye. No nays. Motion carried.

5. Introduction/Recognition Of Special Guests

6. Public Comment, Correspondence, And Announcements

7. Consent Agenda

A. Approval of March 21, 2018 Regular Meeting Minutes

B. Approval of the Financial Report

C. Approval of the Treasurer’s Report

D. Approval of District Bills

E. Approval of Imprest Fund Expenditures

F. Approval of Activity Fund Expenditures

Motion by Kusek seconded by Urbanski that the Board of Education approve the Consent Agenda.

Roll Call: Kusek, Urbanski, Harrison, Faletti, Casford, Ferrari and Nolasco all voted aye. No nays. Motion carried.

8. Discussion Only Items

A. Master Plan of Renovations to the 1965 &1969 JFK Additions

• The project will take place in 2 phases: Priority 1 - Roof replacement in 2019 summer; Priority 2 & Priority 3 projects – Summer 2020

• Why roof year 1? Making the envelop weather tight prior to the 2020 summer when we bring in all new piping and equipment is a priority 2020 summer. By doing the roof separate from 2 & 3 it won’t fall under the same general contractor and we will save the typical 15% mark-up. We also wouldn’t need to extend the summer break if split over 2 summers.

• Why not 1 year or 3 years to do project? 1-year would cause interference with schooling. The number of workers and equipment on site and scheduling would be difficult to manage. There would be no cost saving. 3-years would cost more for the project since the contractors would need to mobilize supplies and equipment multiple times.

• We will save money by changing asbestos companies.

• We will have all piping in the ceilings and close off the crawl space. Since we abandon the crawl space the asbestos will not need to be abated since it is sealed off. This will bring a considerable savings.

• Time is a savings. For Architect to be ready to go to bid and be ready for 2019 they will need to start no later than May. The earlier we go to bid the lower the costs. There are competing projects and roofers have a small window to work and this is a big project that few companies would be trusted to handle. Asbestos could start year 1 so they will be out of the way year 2. They could work during our breaks which is their down time. Being flexible with our time would reduce asbestos cost.

• Removed from the project: Boiler replacement ($155,000), AC in the gym ($45,000), and the electric upgrade & classroom receptacles ($29,000). Our staff will replace the sump pumps ($8,000) and perform the lockerroom demolition of lockers and floor tile ($?). Lockerroom plumbing and fixtures are part of the project. Our custodians will remove and scrap the lockers, paint walls, remove tile and keep a cement floor with an epoxy paint.

• In regards to the roof on the new section, I spoke with Phil Heppard who built our addition. We have a 15-year warranty. It should last much longer than that. We need to, and have been, keep a close eye on issues and having them addressed immediately by the roofing company. Currently they are working on an issue in our main vestibule.

• We have 3 Bernardi’s bond plans to choose from. It is a 4-meeting process with the 1st meeting to set the overall cost of the project. We will set the maximum bond issue for $4,500,000. We will set the final bond at a lower rate once we determine how much of our local reserves we are using to offset our bond amount.

• What could we do if there is left over money or contingency? We could pay off a portion of the bonds, but we would need to wait 5-7 years. We could also make an annual payment and abate taxes with excess money.

• The bonding process is a 4-meeting process. If we choose to move forward the 1st meeting we need to set the amount that we intend to borrow. A good reason to move soon is the low interest rate.

• All costs are tied into the overall bond. So, if we bond $5 million, 1% ($50,000) would go to Bernardi and 1% for all bonding expenses. Those are both 1-time upfront fees. The interest rates are the rates earned by the investors. Rates will most likely be going up in the near future. 1st Midstate charged 5% ($250,000) and much higher interest rates on our original bond. Here are the one-time charges on our recent $3,665,000 refinance:

Bernardi Securities Inc. = $34,818 new cost will be 1% of bond

Ice Miller, LLP (Bond & Disclosure Counsel) = $20,500.00 will drop to $16,000 to $18,000 (refinances cost more)

Standard & Poor’s (Rating Agency) = 10,750.00 will cost the same

Contingency Money (District #99) = 3,961.62 a rebate to SV99 – not a cost on new bond

Kutak Rock LLP (Underwriter’s Counsel) = 4,000.00 will cost the same

Dunbar, Breitweiser & Company, LLP (Verification Agent) = 2,700.00 not a cost on new bond

Puget Sound Capital Services, LLC (Escrow Bidding Agent) = 2,500.00 not a cost on new bond

Heartland Bank and Trust (Paying and Escrow Agent/Registrar) = 1,700.00 not a cost on new bond

Bernardi Securities Inc. (DTC / Book-Entry Setup) = 1,420.00 will cost the same

CUSIP (Bond Numbering) = 623.00 will cost the same

• Would we reduce the tax levy in other funds to lessen the burden on tax payers? This could be a slippery slope not knowing what the State would do from year-to-year.

• We could offset the bond by using local funds my recommended transfers would be:

- $400,000 from Working Cash – We generate around $35,000 in new tax money each year. We have used this fund to keep Transportation in the black over the past few years as well as IMRF last year.

- We recently received an additional $173,000 in State Aid which typically roles into the Education Fund. We could use the new money and possibly match the amount using Ed Fund money since it is our most healthy fund and total $350,000.

- If we do those 2 things alone our bond issue will drop from $4,500,000 (-$750,000) to $3,750,000. I had John create 2 scenarios with 2 options. #1 – Bond $4,500,000 and pay in 18 or 20 years #2- Bond $3,750,000 and pay in 18 or 20 years.

B. Cash Flow & Budget Watch

We will see new money flow in next month’s reports.

C. Solar Energy Update

I have spoken to Siemens, Ameresco and Springfield Electric. Siemens and Springfield are confident in the opportunity to save us money, at around $.035 kWh. Ameresco isn’t quite sure if this is as cost effective as the other 2 groups have made it out to be. They are researching our history and Ameresco will present their findings to me. I should have answers soon.

D. 2018-19 Kindergarten

Pre-enrollment numbers for Kindergarten are at 53.

E. Evidence Based Funding Model

SV99 was placed in Tier 1 (of a 4 Tier system) within the new Evidence-Based Funding Model, which allows us to receive an additional $173,822.64 in General State Aid. Last August a more equitable school funding formula became law. Illinois districts are now receiving the first dollars through the new formula.

The new school funding model accounts for the diverse needs of students and prioritizes the most poorly funded school districts. The formula takes into account 27 key elements (included in your packet) that research shows have a strong impact on student achievement. Now with the dollars flowing, we can ask: how successful is the new formula at increasing equity and providing students and schools with the resources they need?

80% of new funding is going to districts where over half of the students served are from low- income households. Over 70% of new dollars will go to those districts below the median property wealth. Low-income students benefit and on average, they receive an additional $245 per pupil. Under- resourced districts, benefit. On average, Black students will receive an estimated $227 more per pupil, while Latino students will receive $275 more per pupil.

The new formula calculates the cost of a high-quality education, known as an adequacy target, for each school district. Adequacy targets are goals, and the state will hopefully scale to adequacy over time. Then it assesses where districts are currently. This model offers a common standard by which the school community could review the needs in each district.

The new data on adequacy is not surprising, but is troubling. Illinois school districts range from a low of 45% of adequacy to a high of 283% of adequacy. Spring Valley is at 60.6% adequacy. More than 300 districts are below 65% of adequacy. Though the formula distributes new dollars equitably, reaching adequacy for Illinois’ students is dependent on at least $350 million in incremental new funding being distributed through the formula each year.

The evidence-based funding identifies the gap, just as the Every Student Succeeds Act will provide an analysis of gaps in student achievement. In years past, NCLB relied on proficiency targets, by which all students were to meet a specific achievement level on stated tested areas in math and reading. ESSA provides a more rounded view of achievement, adding additional areas fine arts, science, social studies, attendance, and climate. Schools will outline goals based on gaps presented, but the analysis and goals goal setting will make improvements in education.

9. Administrative Reports

A. Assistant Principal Report-IESA changes, add games

B. Principal Report-5th grade Parent Night, May 14th 6:30-8:30

C. Superintendent Report

1. Newstrib Woman’s Expo August 9 from 3:00-8:00: will be held in the JFK Kennedy Center

2. We will be bidding out our Workmans Comp and Property Insurance

10. Action Items

A. Approved January/February Board Policy Updates

Motion by Ferrari seconded by Urbanski that the Board of Education Approve January/February Board Policy Updates.

Roll Call: Ferrari, Urbanski, Harrison, Kusek, Faletti, Casford and Nolasco all voted aye. No nays. Motion carried.

B. Approved the Technology Plan for 2018-2019

Motion by Ferrari seconded by Urbanski that the Board of Education approve the Technology Plan for the 2018-2019 SY.

Roll Call: Ferrari, Urbanski, Harrison, Kusek, Faletti, Casford and Nolasco all voted aye. No nays. Motion carried.

C. Approved a 3-year Technology Lease with Hometown National Bank

Motion by Harrison seconded by Kusek that the Board of Education approve a 3-year Technology Lease with Hometown National Bank.

Roll Call: Harrison, Kusek, Faletti, Urbanski, Casford, Ferrari and Nolasco all voted aye. No nays. Motion carried.

D. Approve 3-Year Yearbook Contract –Tabled.

E. Approved A Resolution authorizing and providing for an Installment Purchase Agreement for the purpose of paying the cost of purchasing real or personal property, or both, in and for Spring Valley Community Consolidated School District No. 99, Bureau County, Illinois, and authorizing and providing for the issue of not to exceed $4,500,000 Taxable General Obligation (Limited Tax) Debt Certificates, Series 2018, of said District evidencing the rights to payment under such Agreement, prescribing the details of the Agreement and Certificates, and providing for the security for and means of payment under the Agreement of the Certificates.

Motion by Kusek seconded by Ferrari that the Board of Education approve a Resolution authorizing and providing for an Installment Purchase Agreement for the purpose of paying the cost of purchasing real or personal property, or both, in and for Spring Valley Community Consolidated School District No. 99, Bureau County, Illinois, and authorizing and providing for the issue of not to exceed $4,500,000 Taxable General Obligation (Limited Tax) Debt Certificates, Series 2018, of said District evidencing the rights to payment under such Agreement, prescribing the details of the Agreement and Certificates, and providing for the security for and means of payment under the Agreement of the Certificates.

Roll Call: Kusek, Ferrari, Harrison, Urbanski, Casford and Nolasco all voted aye. Faletti voted Nay. Motion carried.

F. Authorized Basalay, Cary & Alstadt to proceed with Proposed Plan on Priority 1

Motion by Urbanski seconded by Faletti that the Board of Education authorize Basalay, Cary & Alstadt to proceed with Proposed Plan on Priority 1.

Roll Call: Urbanski, Faletti, Harrison, Kusek, Casford, Ferrari and Nolasco all voted aye. No nays. Motion carried.

11. Executive Session- Reference: 5 ILCS 120 (c) 1, 2,14 [Review of closed session minutes, staff issues, and Collective negotiation matters.] TIME: 9:07 pm

Motion by Harrison seconded by Kusek that the Board of Education go into Executive Session.

Roll Call: Harrison, Kusek, Faletti, Urbanski, Casford, Ferrari and Nolasco all voted aye. No nays. Motion carried.

Begin Closed: 9:10 pm

End Closed: 9:40 pm

12. Possible Action After Closed Session

A. Accepted the resignation of Abby Francis, Band Director and General Music Instructor, with regret

Motion by Casford seconded by Urbanski that the Board of Education accept with regret the resignation of Abby Francis, Band Director and General Music Instructor.

Roll Call: Casford, Urbanski, Harrison, Kusek, Faletti, Ferrari and Nolasco all voted aye. No nays. Motion carried.

B. Accepted the resignation of Katie Sailer, PK, with regret

Motion by Kusek seconded by Faletti that the Board of Education accept with regret the resignation of Katie Sailer, PK.

Roll Call: Kusek, Faletti, Harrison, Urbanski, Casford, Ferrari and Nolasco all voted aye. No nays. Motion carried.

C. Authorized the Creation of the JFK Behavioral Disorder Classroom

Motion by Kusek seconded by Harrison that the Board of Education authorize the creation of the JFK Behavioral Disorders Classroom

Roll Call: Kusek, Harrison, Faletti, Urbanski, Casford, Ferrari and Nolasco all voted aye. No nays. Motion carried.

D. Approved the hiring of Kristen Lamps, Special Education teacher

Motion by Harrison seconded by Kusek that the Board of Education approve the hiring of Kristen Lamps, Special Education teacher

Roll Call: Harrison, Kusek, Faletti, Urbanski, Casford, Ferrari and Nolasco all voted aye. No nays. Motion carried.

E. Approved April Closed Session Minutes

Motion by Faletti seconded by Ferrari that the Board of Education approve April Closed Session Minutes.

Roll Call: Faletti, Ferrari, Harrison, Kusek, Urbanski, Casford and Nolasco all voted aye. No nays. Motion carried.

13. Adjournment 9:43 pm

Motion by Harrison seconded by Faletti adjourn the April 18, 2018 Board of Education Meeting.

Roll Call: Harrison, Faletti, Kusek, Urbanski, Casford, Ferrari and Nolasco all voted aye. No nays. Motion carried.

http://www.sv99.org/vimages/shared/vnews/stories/5b1541660e4cd/4-18-18%20Board%20Meeting%20Minutes.pdf