Park Ridge-Niles Community Consolidated School District 64 Board of Education met Oct. 28.
Here is the minutes provided by the board:
Board President Rick Biagi called the meeting to order at 5:31 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.
TOUR OF FRANKLIN SCHOOL NEW SPACES
Franklin principal Marybeth Whitney-DeLaMar and Assistant Principal Christa Donnelly led the Board members and administration on a tour of the new spaces and improvements completed over the summer.
BOARD RECESSES AND ADJOURNS TO CLOSED SESSION
At 5:53 p.m. it was moved by Board member Sotos and seconded by Board member Ryles to adjourn to closed session to discuss the appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific employees of the public body or legal counsel for the public body, including hearing testimony on a complaint lodged against an employee of the public body or against legal counsel for the public body to determine its validity. However, a meeting to consider an increase in compensation to a specific employee of a public body that is subject to the Local Government Wage Increase Transparency Act may not be closed and shall be open to the public and posted and held in accordance with this Act [5 ILCS 120/2(c)(1)]; 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 the placement of individual students in special education programs and other matters relating to individual students [5 ILCS 120/2(c)(10)].
The votes were cast as follows:
AYES: Sotos, Pearl, Little, Sales, Biagi, Ryles, Sanchez
NAYS: None
PRESENT: None
ABSENT: None
The motion carried.
BOARD RECESSES FROM CLOSED SESSION AND RESUMES REGULAR MEETING
The Board recessed from closed session and resumed the regular meeting at 7:11 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 Facility Management Ronald DeGeorge; Public Information Coordinator Peter Gill; and approximately 36 members of the public.
CONSENSUS ON MEMBERSHIP FOR INTRAGOVERNMENTAL COMMITTEE
Board members Ryles, Sanchez, and Sotos responded with interest in joining Board president Biagi on this committee. President Biagi described the purpose of the task force, which will address a variety of issues, not just grounds equipment. The Board discussed a one-year term for committee members and future activities of the committee. Board member Sotos withdrew from consideration, and the Board agreed to decide between Ryles and Sanchez by coin toss at the end of the meeting.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE & WELCOME TO FRANKLIN SCHOOL
Principal Marybeth Whitney-DeLaMar and Assistant Principal Christa Donnelly presented a video from Franklin School to the Board and described various activities at the school. Whitney-DeLaMar also led a group activity on mindfulness.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
President Biagi invited comments on non-agenda items, reminding those present that comments are limited to three minutes. The comments were received as follows:
● Roseann Truppa: resident, addressed the Board on the issue of special education and continuum of services
● Tom Fisher: parent, read a letter he had previously sent to the Board addressing his continued concerns on the issue of special education and urging the Board to take action
● Miki Tesija: parent, addressed the Board on her concerns with the District’s special education and continuum of services
● Amanda Lorenc: Washington School staff, spoke in defense of teachers and teachers’ assistants
APPROVAL OF MEETING AGENDA
Pursuant to Board member Sotos’s request, the Board reached consensus to add a discussion on the possible reinstatement of the Board special education committee or appointment of a Board liaison to the PT3 committee.
STUDENT/STAFF RECOGNITION
Superintendent Olson noted that this past week was principals appreciation week, as recognized by the Illinois Principals Association. He thanked all of the District’s school principals for all the work they do and encouraged others to do the same. Board president Biagi thanked them as well on behalf of the Board.
BOARD SPECIAL EDUCATION COMMITTEE DISCUSSION
The Board members discussed the need to reinstate the Board special education committee, which was dissolved at the August 19 regular board meeting. Dr. Olson noted his objections to reinstatement and suggested that any decision should be deferred until the PT3 presentation at the November 11 Board meeting. The Board members reached consensus to wait for the PT3 report in November, which will include input from administration, staff members, and parents. Board member Rebecca Little volunteered to attend the next PT3 meeting on November 6 as an observer.
REVIEW OF 2019 PROPOSED TAX LEVY AND RESOLUTION #1236 TO APPROVE 2019 PROPOSED TAX LEVY AND ESTABLISHMENT OF PUBLIC HEARING
CSBO Kolstad explained the levy process and said the District adheres to the Property Tax Extension Limitation Law (PTELL) adopted in 1995 which limits increases in property tax extensions to 5%. She noted the deadlines for adopting the tax levy and recommended that the Board hold a public hearing at the November 11 regular meeting and adopt the tax levy at the subsequent regular meeting on December 16. She explained that while the District is requesting a tax levy of 4.87% and is not required to hold a public hearing, the administration wants to continue its long practice of holding such a hearing. She explained that the percentage increase requested is always set higher in order to try and capture tax revenues from new construction. She also explained that taxpayers bills do not increase when the levy increases. She clarified how the Equalized Assessed Value (“EAV”) (the partial value of a property to which tax rates are applied and the figure on which a tax bill is calculated) affects the tax rate, and that it is unknown at this time. She described the known factors that are used to calculate the tax levy, as shown in her report. She answered questions from the Board, namely on the potential financial consequences for the District if the tax is not levied.
ACTION ITEM 19-10-1
It was moved by Board member Ryles and seconded by Board member Sanchez that the Board of Education
of Community Consolidated School District No. 64 approve the 2019 Tax Levy Estimate, establishment of the Date and Time of the Truth-in-Taxation hearing for November 11, 2019 at 6:45 p.m., and Publication of Notice of Truth-in-Taxation hearing.
The votes were cast as follows:
AYES:Ryles, Pearl, Little, Sotos, Sales, Biagi, Sanchez
NAYES: None
PRESENT: None
ABSENT: None
The motion carried.
REVIEW RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING A SUPPLEMENTAL TAX LEVY TO PAY THE PRINCIPAL OF AND INTEREST ON OUTSTANDING LIMITED BONDS OF THE DISTRICT CSBO Kolstad said the previous Board issued bonds in March of 2014 to complete various construction projects at Field School; those bonds are tied to the Consumer Price Index (CPI), which at the time was estimated to remain at 2%. She also explained that the District is limited on how much money it can spend yearly on the repayments of these bonds. The Board had approved a supplemental tax levy in 2016 but no such requests were made in 2017 and 2018, as the administration expected the Board to issue more bonds. The request is now made for a supplemental tax levy to pay for the aforesaid 2014 bonds because the Board did not issue more bonds, and the CPI was below the originally anticipated 2% for two consecutive years. The District needs to make up for the difference in that lack of anticipated revenue. CSBO Kolstad noted that this supplemental levy is in addition to the 4.87% tax levy and amounts to around $123,000. She stated the Board has the option to make the payment out of the Debt Service Fund, which is currently slightly in excess of $2M, stressing that this money can only be used to service debt. She answered Board questions, clarifying that the Debt Service Fund always has a higher balance due to the loss and cost factor to compensate for potential property tax bill refunds and delinquent property taxpayers. The Board reached consensus that there was no need for a supplement tax levy at this time and the money could come out of the Debt Service Fund.
LAWN CARE AND FERTILIZER DISCUSSION
Board president Biagi addressed the issue of the use of EQ Biosolids by the Park Ridge Park District on District 64 school fields, noting rising concerns from community members and parents about their safety. The Board discussed the long-standing intragovernmental agreement between the District and the Park Ridge Park District for use of various school fields and grounds for extracurricular athletic events, in return for the Park District maintaining the grounds; the Board might revisit this agreement and add specific limitations on the use of certain fertilizers and the timing of their application. Biagi suggested that the District cease the use of biosolids until further research into their safety. The Board discussed that the District’s administration should conduct such research and that the Board would not rely on the Park Ridge Park District’s conclusions. The District should also consider other safer alternatives. Facility management director DeGeorge clarified that the District fertilizes grounds when students are not in attendance, usually in August.
Public Comments were received as follows:
Kristen Olson: addressed the Board on the use of biosolids and the value for the District in renting fields and gyms.
ACTION ITEM 19-10-2
It was moved by Board president Biagi and seconded by Board member Pearl that the Board of Education of Community Consolidated School District 64, Park Ridge-Niles, Illinois, consent that it will not use or plan for future use of the EQ Biosolids until a further inquiry into its safety has been concluded by District 64.
The votes were cast as follows:
AYES: Sotos, Biagi, Little, Pearl, Ryles, Sanchez, Sales
NAYS: None
PRESENT: None
ABSENT: None The motion carried.
APPROVAL OF GROUNDS EQUIPMENT BID
Dr. Olson noted that the report had not changed since its original presentation at the prior Board meeting on September 23, 2019 and was being presented only for Board approval tonight. Facility Management Director DeGeorge answered a Board question and confirmed that the current equipment’s lease runs out on January 15, 2020, and the new equipment should be available before then.
ACTION ITEM 19-10-3
It was moved by Board member Ryles and seconded by Board member Little that the Board of Education of Community Consolidated School District No. 64 approve the bid from Atlas Bobcat for a Bobcat Skid-Steer Loader S595 T4 at a total cost of $45,805 and approve the bid from Bobcat Skid-Steer Loader S450 T4 at a total cost of $33,996.
The votes were cast as follows:
AYES: Pearl, Biagi, Sotos, Sales, Ryles, Little
NAYES: Sanchez
PRESENT: None
ABSENT: None
The motion carried.
DISCUSSION OF SUMMER 2020 CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS
CSBO Kolstad stated that the administration had met with Studio GC architects to review plans for summer 2020. She summarized the major projects that were completed in the last five years, as listed in her report, noting these projects mainly focused on Health Life and Safety, asbestos abatement, mechanicals, and other immediate structural needs. She stated that the administration is now focusing on the next 5-year master plan, and therefore the list of projects for this coming summer is rather short: the Washington School construction project, District-wide door hardware replacement (that was previously deferred), and the resurfacing of the Lincoln School parking lot, which requires detention work. She clarified that the administration was not requesting action from the Board tonight and that Dr. Olson only wanted to keep the Board informed of the plans for the summer.
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 19-10-4
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 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.
Scott Briski - Employ as.46 Physical Education Teacher at Washington School effective October 10, 2019 - BA, Step 1 - $19,524.37.
Jamie Busse - Employ as Special Education Teacher Assistant at Roosevelt School effective October 7, 2019 - $16.31 hourly.
Jill Hagan - Employ as.93 Math Intervention Teacher at Emerson School effective October 15, 2019 - BA, Step 1 - $38,687.78.
Carla Hoover - Employ as Accounts Payable Specialist at ESC effective October 22, 2019 - $21.76 hourly. Laura Papageorgiou - Employ as.5 Physical Education Teacher at Lincoln School effective October 15, 2019 - MA, Step 1 - $23,923.03.
Carrie Ryan - Employ as Special Education Teacher Assistant at Roosevelt School effective October 7, 2019 - $16.31 hourly.
Dhimitri Treska - Employ as.35 Physical Education Teacher at Lincoln School effective October 15, 2019 - MA, Step 1 - $16,745.68.
Brittney O'Grady - Change in Assignment from.5 Kindergarten Teacher to.5 Kindergarten and.44 Title I Intervention Teacher at Field School effective October 15, 2019 - $44,577.19.
Shannon O'Toole - Change in Assignment from.5 Kindergarten Teacher at Roosevelt School to.5 Kindergarten Teacher at Roosevelt School and.5 Teacher Assistant at Jefferson School effective October 21, 2019 - $16.31 hourly.
Elmin Pittges - Change in Assignment from.5 Teacher Assistant at Jefferson School to.81 Teacher Assistant at Jefferson School effective October 21, 2019 - $16.31 hourly.
Lindsey Plantan - Change in Assignment from.5 Kindergarten Teacher at Carpenter School to.5 Kindergarten Teacher at Carpenter School and.5 Extended Day Kindergarten Teacher at Jefferson School effective October 21, 2019 - BA, Step 1 - $46,543.46.
Laura Isard - Resign as Teacher Assistant at Washington School effective October 24, 2019.
The votes were cast as follows:
AYES: Pearl, Ryles, Little, Biagi, Sotos, Sanchez, Sales
NAYS: None
PRESENT: None
ABSENT: None
The motion carried.
CONSENT AGENDA
Dr. Olson explained that the District has a backlog of audio closed recordings dating back to 2010 which will be destroyed according to Board policy. Minutes of these meetings were previously approved and will be kept in accordance with law and policy.
● Bills, Payroll and Benefits Bills
Fund Fund Total
10 - Education Fund $ 1,557,971.48
20 - Operations and Maintenance Fund $ 345,751.04
30 - Debt Services $ 10,971.97
40 - Transportation Fund $ 368,273.74
50 - Retirement (IMRF/SS/MEDICARE) $ -
60 - Capital Projects $ 652,145.37
61 - Capital Projects-2017 Debt Certificates $ -
80 - Tort Immunity Fund $ 396.00
90 - Fire Prevention and Safety Fund $ -
Total: $ 2,935,509.60
Payroll & Benefits
Fund Fund Total
10 - Education Fund $ 9,924,962.80
20 - Operations and Maintenance Fund $ 1,490,849.49
30 - Debt Services Fund $ 167,914.20
40 - Transportation Fund $ 717,332.87
50 - IMRF/FICA Fund $ 154,341.46
51 - SS/Medicare $ 195,862.26
60 - Capital Projects Fund $ 4,340,029.71
80 - Tort Immunity Fund $ 488,687.50
Total: $17,479,980.29
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 September 31, 2019
● Destruction of Audio Closed Recordings: October 25, 2010; December 13, 2010; January 10, 2011; January 24, 2011; February 14, 2011; May 23, 2011; June 13, 2011; June 27, 2011; and December 19, 2011.
ACTION ITEM 19-10-5
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 Consent Agenda for October 28, 2019 which includes: Bills, Payroll and Benefits; Approval of Financial Update for Period Ending September 31, 2019; and Destruction of Audio Closed Recordings.
The votes were cast as follows:
AYES:Sanchez, Ryles, Sales, Little, Sotos, Pearl, Biagi
NAYS: None
PRESENT: None
ABSENT: None
The motion carried.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
ACTION ITEM 19-10-6
It was moved by Board member Pearl and seconded by Board member Sanchez that the Board of Education of Community Consolidated School District 64, Park Ridge – Niles, Illinois, approve the minutes from the Regular Meeting on September 23, 2019.
The votes were cast as follows:
AYES: Sanchez, Ryles, Little, Sotos, Pearl, Biagi, Sales
NAYS: None
PRESENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
The motion carried.
OTHER DISCUSSION AND ITEMS OF INFORMATION
Dr. Olson provided an update on the Halloween Hustle from the prior weekend, which is the Elementary Learning Foundation’s (ELF) biggest fundraiser of the year. Carpenter School retained its trophy with the most participation, and Field School received second place. Dr. Olson informed the Board that the District had been recognized by the Illinois Association of School Business Officials (IASBO) for the District’s explanation of student fees on its website and congratulated CSBO Kolstad and her department. He also informed the Board about the North Cook Division dinner he recently attended with Board members Pearl and Little. Dr. Pearl and Mrs. Little both stated it was an opportunity to interact with fellow Board members from other Districts. Dr. Olson followed by a discussion on the IASB Triple I conference taking place in November and whether the Board would send a delegate to vote on the resolutions which IASB compiled this year. The Board agreed to forgo sending a delegate this year, as they have not participated in the past, and to further discuss this matter before the next conference.
NEW BUSINESS
Board Secretary Sales and Superintendent Olson agreed to discuss the IASB Triple I conference delegate at the next Board policy committee meeting and also agreed to set a date for the next such meeting.
BOARD RECESSES AND ADJOURNS TO CLOSED SESSION
At 9:49 p.m. it was moved by Board president Biagi and seconded by Board member Sanchez to adjourn to closed session to discuss the appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific employees of the public body or legal counsel for the public body, including hearing testimony on a complaint lodged against an employee of the public body or against legal counsel for the public body to determine its validity. However, a meeting to consider an increase in compensation to a specific employee of a public body that is subject to the Local Government Wage Increase Transparency Act may not be closed and shall be open to the public and posted and held in accordance with this Act [5 ILCS 120/2(c)(1)]
The votes were cast as follows:
AYES: Biagi, Little, Pearl, Sales, Ryles, Sanchez, Sotos
NAYS: None
PRESENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
The motion carried.
BOARD ADJOURNS FROM CLOSED SESSION AND RESUMES REGULAR MEETING
Upon returning from the second closed session and prior to adjourning from the regular meeting, the Board flipped a coin to select the second representative for the intragovernmental committee with the City of Park Ridge and the Park Ridge Park District to explore sharing grounds equipment. Board member Larry Ryles won the coin toss and was appointed to the committee by Board president Biagi.
ADJOURNMENT
At 11:09 p.m. it was moved by Board president Biagi and seconded by Board member Sanchez to adjourn, which was approved by unanimous voice vote.
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