Sangamon Sun

Park Ridge-Niles Community Consolidated School District 64 Board of Education met Nov. 11.

Here is the minutes provided by the board:

Board President Rick Biagi called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. Other Board members in attendance were T om Sotos , Carol Sales, Dr. Denise Pearl, Larry Ryles, Fred Sanchez, and Rebecca Little. Also present were Superintendent Eric Olson; Chief School Business Official Luann Kolstad; Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources Joel T. Martin; and Board Legal Counsel Anthony Loizzi.

Board of Education meetings are videotaped and may be viewed in their full length from the District’s website at http://www.d64.org. The agenda and reports for this meeting are also available on the website or through the District 64 Educational Service Center, 164 S. Prospect Ave., Park Ridge, IL 60068.

BOARD RECESSES AND ADJOURNS TO CLOSED SESSION

At 5:31 p.m., it was moved by Board member Sotos and seconded by Board member Sanchez to adjourn to closed session to discuss collective negotiating matters between the public body and its employees or their representatives, or deliberations concerning salary schedules for one or more classes of employees. [ 5 ILCS 120/2 (c)(2)]; and student disciplinary cases [5 ILCS 120/2(c)(9)]; which was approved by unanimous voice vote.

BOARD ADJOURNS FROM CLOSED SESSION AND CONVENES TO A PUBLIC HEARING ON THE 2019 TAX LEVY

At 6:45 p.m., the Board adjourned from closed session and convened to a public hearing on the 2019 Tax Levy pursuant to Section 23:140 of the School Code. Board President Biagi noted that the Board had approved the 2019 Tax Levy in a tentative form at the regular Board meeting on October 28, 2019, and that on October 31, 2019 notice of tonight’s public hearing was published in the Park Ridge Herald-Advocate, and notice of the hearing was also posted on the District’s website. He then invited comments from the administration and members of the Board; none were received. Board President Biagi invited comments from members of the public; none were received. He then asked if there were any more comments or clarifications from the administration or Board; none were received.

At approximately 6:53 p.m., it was moved by Board member Sotos and seconded by Board member Sanchez to adjourn from the public hearing and return to the regular meeting; which was approved by a unanimous voice vote.

BOARD ADJOURNS FROM THE PUBLIC HEARING ON THE 2019 TAX LEVY AND RESUMES THE REGULAR BOARD MEETING

The Board adjourned from the public hearing and after a short break resumed the regular meeting at 7:00 p.m. In addition to those listed above, also present were Assistant Superintendent for Student Learning Lori Lopez; Director of Student Services Lea Anne Frost; Director of Innovation and Instructional Technology Mary Jane Warden; Director of Facility Management Ronald DeGeorge; Public Information Coordinator Peter Gill; and approximately 35 members of the public.

Board president Biagi took a moment to honor all veterans on Veterans’ Day and to thank Board member Larry Ryles for his service; he then invited Mr. Ryles to lead the pledge.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

Board member Ryles led the pledge.

WELCOME TO LINCOLN SCHOOL

Lincoln Middle School principal David Szwed gave an overview of this year’s goals: building relationships, coming together as a community, and promoting positivity. He also presented a short video on the elective classes offered at the school. Dr. Szwed highlighted Lincoln PTO’s contributions and support and then invited Ms. Ilona Hutter, music teacher and band director, to introduce the Lincoln Symphonic Band.

STUDENT/STAFF RECOGNITION

Ms. Hutter introduced the students forming the top tier of the Lincoln Symphonic Band and led them into a performance of three songs. Ms. Erica Faulhaber, curriculum specialist and department chair for instrumental music, then recognized 5 outstanding student musicians selected by the Illinois Music Educators Association (ILMEA) in a regional competition to participate at upcoming events and awarded them their certificates.

BOARD MEMBER APPRECIATION DAY

Dr. Olson presented each Board member with a certificate in anticipation of Board Member Appreciation Day on Friday, November 15. With the help of the ILMEA award recipients, he handed out a certificate and a gift to each Board member and thanked them for their service, time, and dedication.

PUBLIC COMMENTS

President Biagi invited comments on non-agenda items; the comments were received as follows:

● Alice Dobrinksi: asked the Board members to speak into their microphones so the audience can hear

APPROVAL OF MEETING AGENDA

No changes were made to the agenda.

PT3 BOARD UPDATE

Dr. Olson stated that the administration had agreed to give the Board periodic updates on the work of PT3 and noted that in addition to Director of Student Services Frost, a parent representative and a teacher representative were present tonight to update the Board on the work accomplished by this committee. Dr. Frost summarized PT3’s work over the past year, noted the addition of new members this year, the meetings that took place so far during which PT3 explored their role and goals for the year and their association with other groups such as all-abilities committees and PTOs. She stated that at the last meeting, PT3 broke into sub-groups and reviewed the audits and their goals going forward which are as follows: the continuum of services, parent education, and communication with stakeholders. She then asked Mrs. Andrea Yannella, parent representative, and Casey Gibbons, teacher representative, to discuss PT3. Both representatives have been on PT3 since its creation. Mrs. Yannella noted the improved relationships between administration and parents and better communication, as well as Dr. Olson’s open mind and proactive participation in PT3. She stated that a sense of urgency remains to implement new procedures faster, especially for parents of outplaced students. She said that PT3 is a good sounding board for the administration. Casey Gibbons explained that the group did not have clear direction the first year, but Dr. Olson has helped move things forward. The group is headed in a positive direction and much clearer on its tasks. The Board asked questions and received clarifications, mainly that the group had invited former Special Education Board Committee members to participate in PT3 following the dissolution of the committee. Mrs. Yannella noted that Board representation at PT3 would be helpful and beneficial. The Board and representatives also explored the necessity of another audit to check on the progress made. Dr. Frost said that audit questions should be chosen carefully and summer would be a better time to discuss another audit given the current tasks at hand which require focus, such as the continuum of services. The discussion centered on the previous audits and how to ensure that the next one is more thorough and independent. Ms. Gibbons noted the prior Special Education Board Committee’s work seemed redundant and PT3 was able to have a more centralized role with everyone working together. She said a Board member’s presence would not be disruptive but a good way to keep the Board informed. The Board noted it wants to ensure it stays informed on new procedures and implementation, and the progress being made. Dr. Olson stated that any new recommendations would be presented to the Board before they are implemented. He said the next PT3 update to the Board should be in February. The Board agreed that members should take turns attending PT3 meetings to keep informed and have a better understanding of the group’s work. The discussion briefly centered around the existing disconnect between special education and general education groups and the need for better communication to help bridge the gap. PT3 representatives noted that this is one of the group’s goals for this year: better communication between all stakeholders. Dr. Olson concluded by inviting any parent to meet with him or Dr. Frost and bring their concerns and questions, as the administration is working to rebuild trust with parents and the community.

President Biagi invited comments from the audience which were received as follows:

● Lara Liss: addressed the Board on their role and the need for transparency and oversight, especially with big decisions still to be made. She noted she was encouraged by tonight’s discussion.

● Miki Tesija: addressed the Board on the issue of the home school model vs. the cluster model and the need to have any decision supported by modern research.

● Alice Dobrinski: spoke on the issue of decorum and asked the Board members to be the leaders they are supposed to be.

Following the public comments, Dr. Olson thanked Dr. Frost and the PT3 members for their work and dedication.

2018-19 STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT UPDATE AND PRESENTATION OF ILLINOIS SCHOOL REPORT CARD

Assistant Superintendent Lopez noted that each year at this time the District shares with the Board and community the results of student assessments from the previous year. Student performance is assessed in the fall with the Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) in reading and math as well as the spring Illinois Assessment of Readiness (IAR), formerly PARCC, in English Language Arts (ELA) and math required by the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE). She also noted that the District participates in the Illinois 5Essentials Survey and a spring climate survey. She stressed that a standardized assessment test is only one piece of data that teachers rely on to assess students. She summarized the results for MAP from the previous year, noting strong performance from District 64 students who continue to demonstrate above-average growth. She noted consistent performance on the IAR test, with science increasing slightly. She mentioned that about half of our students go on to participate in accelerated classes at the high school level.

Dr. Lopez then introduced the 2019 Illinois School Report Card and reviewed the range of academic and student success data indicators that are factored into each school’s summative designation. She reported that both Franklin and Field demonstrated exceptional growth this past year and received an “exemplary” rating, which is given to schools with no students performing in the bottom 5% and with performance in the top 10% of schools statewide. All remaining D64 schools had placed in the “commendable” level. Dr. Lopez noted that the report cards for D64 and each school are posted on the D64 website, for further details.

She then shared highlights from the Illinois 5Essentials survey that students and parents participated in, and the Climate and Safety survey which the District uses to survey students and staff. She noted that various administrators who were previously employed by the District are no longer here. The general trends show that the parent-teacher trust is strong, as well as students’ support of each other and that students have rigorous study habits. The composite result of all schools in the climate survey showed an overall healthy environment. Dr. Lopez noted that SEL committees use the data from the climate survey to create appropriate action plans.

In conclusion, Dr. Lopez stressed that the District was focusing on differentiated instruction to increase student growth. In addition, strategies were put in place to respond to student misbehavior and to support staff in dealing with incidents. She answered a question from the Board on absenteeism and how it impacted the report card. She noted that last year the District had more stringent reporting than required by the State and this had been realigned this year and improved the scores. Dr. Olson noted that during his visits to schools he was glad to see a focus on the “whole child” and not just test scores.

PRESENT DRAFT CALENDAR FOR 2020-21 SCHOOL YEAR

Dr. Olson reviewed the calendar for 2020-21, finalized by the Calendar committee at their last meeting. He noted that the District was planning a later start date again to accommodate summer construction, and that winter and spring breaks were in alignment with District 207. The Board did not have any questions or comments. Board president Biagi invited comments from the public, none were received. The calendar will be brought back for adoption by the Board at the December 16 regular Board meeting.

APPROVAL OF RECOMMENDED PERSONNEL REPORT

It was noted that the Board is relying upon the recommendation of the Superintendent and administration in their professional judgment as to the hiring of these individuals per Policy 2:130.

ACTION ITEM 19-11-1

It was moved by Board member Sotos and seconded by Board member Pearl that the Board of Education of Community Consolidated School District 64, Park Ridge – Niles, Illinois, approve the Personnel Report, noting that the Personnel Report is based on the recommendation of the Superintendent and not upon the Board’s direct knowledge regarding any of the specific individuals selected for employment.

Kendra Hutchinson - Change of Assignment from.85 C of C Teacher to.93 C of C and ASC Teacher at Emerson School effective October 28, 2019 - MA, Step 3 - $54,931.23.

Julie Dinverno - Leave of Absence request, personal - Intervention Teacher at Franklin School effective August 31, 2019 - June 10, 2020 (tentative).

Leticia Hernandez - Resign as Teacher Assistant at Franklin School effective November 6, 2019. Giovani Biondo - Retire as Night Custodian at Franklin School effective January 7, 2020.

The votes were cast as follows:

AYES: Biagi, Sotos, Sanchez, Ryles, Sales, Little, Pearl 

NAYS: None

PRESENT: None

ABSENT: None

The motion carried.

CONSENT AGENDA

● Bills, Payroll and Benefits

Bills

Fund                                                                 Fund Total

10 - Education Fund                                        $     937,732.11

20 - Operations and Maintenance Fund          $    269,399.62

30 - Debt Services                                           $ 2,187,934.47

40 - Transportation Fund                                 $        3,232.99

50 - Retirement (IMRF/SS/MEDICARE)           $ -

60 - Capital Projects                                        $    392,119.53

61 - Capital Projects-2017 Debt Certificates  $ -

80 - Tort Immunity Fund                                  $          708.50

90 - Fire Prevention and Safety Fund             $ -

Total: $ 3,791,127.22

Payroll & Benefits

Fund                                                                Fund Total

10 - Education Fund                                       $ 17,493,392.35

20 - Operations and Maintenance Fund         $   2,138,568.31

30 - Debt Services Fund                                 $        66,147.27

40 - Transportation Fund                                $   1,087,987.72

50 - IMRF/FICA Fund                                     $      262,962.43

51 - SS/Medicare                                           $      346,415.40

60 - Capital Projects Fund                             $   4,990,975.08

80 - Tort Immunity Fund                                 $     488,687.50

                                                             Total: $26,875,136.06

The Accounts Payable detailed list can be viewed on the District 64 website’s business services page at

www.d64.org.

● Approval of Financial Update for the Period Ending October 31, 2019

● Destruction of Audio Closed Recordings: April 9, 2012; April 23, 2012; June 25, 2012; July 9, 2012; and December 10, 2012

ACTION ITEM 19-11-2

It was moved by Board member Pearl and seconded by Board member Little that the Board of Education of Community Consolidated School District 64, Park Ridge – Niles, Illinois, approve the Consent Agenda for November 11, 2019 which includes: Bills, Payroll and Benefits; Approval of Financial Update for Period Ending October 31, 2019; and Destruction of Audio Closed Recordings.

The votes were cast as follows:

AYES:Little, Sales, Sotos, Ryles, Biagi, Pearl, Sanchez 

NAYS: None

PRESENT: None

ABSENT: None

The motion carried.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

ACTION ITEM 19-11-3

It was moved by Board member Sanchez and seconded by Board member Pearl that the Board of Education of Community Consolidated School District 64, Park Ridge – Niles, Illinois, approve the minutes from the Closed Session on October 28, 2019 and the Regular Meeting on October 28, 2019.

The votes were cast as follows:

AYES: Sotos, Ryles, Sanchez, Sales, Little, Biagi, Pearl 

NAYS: None

PRESENT: None

ABSTAIN: None

ABSENT: None The motion carried.

OTHER DISCUSSION AND ITEMS OF INFORMATION

Dr. Olson mentioned the draft agenda for the December 16 meeting and the FOIA request received. President Biagi noted the possibility of a special meeting being scheduled before the next regular meeting on December 16.

NEW BUSINESS

Board member Sales noted the need for the Board to set its goals for the year at an upcoming meeting. Board member Ryles asked superintendent Olson to look into the frequency with which teachers are posting gradeson the portal for parents to view.

ADJOURNMENT

At 9:44 p.m. it was moved by Board member Sotos and seconded by Board member Pearl to adjourn, which was approved by a unanimous voice vote.

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