Westchester School District 92.5 Board of Education met Thursday, Nov. 10.
The Board of Education has complete and final control over local school matters subject only to limitations imposed by State and Federal law. No one member or group of members may act in the name of the Board.
Here are the minutes as provided by Westchester School District 92.5:
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION, DISTRICT 921/2, COOK COUNTY, WESTCHESTER, ILLINOIS, HELD IN THE WESTCHESTER MIDDLE SCHOOL MULTI-PURPOSE ROOM, 1620 NORFOLK AVENUE, AT 7:00 P.M., ON THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2016.
I. The regular meeting of the Board of Education of School District 921/2, Westchester, Illinois, was held in the Westchester Middle School Multi-Purpose Room, at 1620 Norfolk Avenue, on Thursday, November 10, 2016, commencing at 7:01 p.m.
I.A. ROLL CALL: On the call of the roll the following members were found to be present: President Wilhight, Vice President Slager, Secretary Bradford, Members Lasky, Quiroz, and Voegtle. Member Randle was absent at the call of the roll. Also present at the meeting were Dr. Michael Dziallo, Kelly Baas, Jakub Banbor, Stephanie DelFiacco, Greg Leban, Beth Malinski, Nathan Molby, Lillian Mosier, and Sheri Wagner. Guests present: Matt Bartodziej, Sheryl Brown, Jenny Berg, Colleen Cerny, Maggie Church, Donna DeVito, Jazime Falicetti, Patrizia Fiordirosa, Mandy Geimer, Dennis Gress, Kelly Hernandez, Karen Klemchuk, Lora Lafin, Barb Lappe, Sarah Malcolm, Alma Mata, Crystal McDowell, Tiffany McMorrow, Nathan Pellizzari, Scott Pope, Maria Vasquez Scavella, Laura Tevere, Christina Thomas, and Lesley Tumpach.
I.B. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Girl Scout Troop 45430 presented the colors and led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance.
I.C. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA AS PRESENTED: A motion was made by Mrs. Quiroz, seconded by Mr. Slager, that the Agenda be approved. When the question was called, the vote was taken with the following results: 6 Ayes; 0 Nay; 1 Absent. The President declared the motion carried.
II.A. MOTION TO OPEN THE PUBLIC HEARING CONCERNING THE PROPOSAL TO SELL $2,300,000 WORKING CASH FUND BONDS FOR THE PURPOSE OF INCREASING THE WORKING CASH FUND OF THE DISTRICT: A motion was made by Mrs. Lasky, seconded by Mr. Bradford, to open the Public Hearing to receive public comments on the proposal to sell $2,300,000 Working Cash Fund Bonds for the purpose of increasing the Working Cash Fund of the District at 7:05 p.m., as advertised in the Suburban Life Newspaper. When the question was called, the Roll Call Vote was taken with the following results: 6 members voting Aye, Lasky, Quiroz, Voegtle, Bradford, Slager, Wilhight; 0 Nays; 1 Absent, Randle. The President declared the motion carried.
BOARD COMMENTS: None.
WRITTEN TESTIMONY: None.
PUBLIC COMMENTS: None.
II.B. MOTION TO ADJOURN THE PUBLIC HEARING CONCERNING THE PROPOSAL TO SELL $2,300,000 WORKING CASH FUND BONDS FOR THE PURPOSE OF INCREASING THE WORKING CASH FUND OF THE DISTRICT: A motion was made by Mrs. Quiroz, seconded by Mr. Slager, to adjourn the Public Hearing to receive public comments on the proposal to sell $2,300,000 Working Cash Fund Bonds for the purpose of increasing the Working Cash Fund of the District at 7:06 p.m. When the question was called, the Roll Call Vote was taken with the following results: 6 members voting Aye, Lasky, Quiroz, Voegtle, Bradford, Slager, Wilhight; 0 Nays; 1 Absent, Randle. The President declared the motion carried.
III. BOARD SALUTE: President Wilhight recognized Donna DeVito, ESL Teacher at WPS, for creating Splash Café. The activity gave her ESL students the experience of planning and running a small restaurant and the money earned was donated to the World Food Program. A video highlighting the activity was submitted to NBC’s “Goal to Be Greater” campaign and was named a top three finalist.
IV. AUDIENCE COMMENTS: None.
V. SUPERINTENDENT SEARCH SURVEY OUTCOMES, FOCUS GROUP RESULTS, AND LEADERSHIP PROFILE PRESENTATION: Drs. Anne Noland and Sheila Harrison-Williams, consultants from BWP and Associates, presented the “Superintendent Candidate Profile” compiled from data gathered from focus group discussions, surveys, and Board member interviews conducted in October. The Board requested a few changes/additions to the profile.
VI. APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA AS PRESENTED: Upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, a motion was made by Mr. Bradford, seconded by Mr. Slager, to approve the Consent Agenda as presented.
B. Approve the bills in the amount of $992,947.40 and payrolls in the amount
of $481,708.32 and authorize payment. C. Approve the minutes of the October 20, 2016 Open Session as written. D. Approve the Second Reading of the following Board of Education Policies:
• Policy 2:130 Board Superintendent Relationship
• Policy 2:150 Committees
• Policy 2:160 School Attorney
• Policy 2:170 Procurement of Architectural, Engineering, and Land
Surveying Services
• Policy 5:330 Sick Days, Vacation, Holidays, and Leaves
• Policy 7:15 Student and Family Privacy Rights
• Policy 7:290 Suicide and Depression Awareness and Prevention E. Appoint Dr. Michael J. Dziallo, Superintendent, as Treasurer of the Student Activity Fund for the 2016-2017 School Year, effective November 1, 2016. F. Approve the Resolution appointing Dr. Michael J. Dziallo, Superintendent,
as District 921?2's Authorized Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund Agent. G. Approve the disposal of district property (WPS Media Center videos and
WMS Computer lab technology) as presented.
When the question was called, the Roll Call Vote was taken with the following results: 6 members voting Aye, Lasky, Quiroz, Voegtle, Bradford, Slager, Wilhight; 0 Nays; 1 Absent, Randle. The President declared the motion carried.
VII.A. APPROVE THE RESOLUTION REGARDING THE ESTIMATED AMOUNTS NECESSARY TO BE LEVIED FOR THE YEAR 2016 AND SCHEDULE THE TAX LEVY HEARING FOR DECEMBER 8, 2016: Upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, a motion was made by Mr. Slager, seconded by Mrs. Quiroz, to approve the resolution regarding the estimated amounts necessary to be levied for the year 2016 and schedule the tax levy hearing to be held on December 8, 2016. When the question was called, the Roll Call Vote was taken with the following results: 6 members voting Aye, Lasky, Quiroz, Voegtle, Bradford, Slager, Wilhight; 0 Nays; 1 Absent, Randle. The President declared the motion carried.
VII.B. APPROVE THE PURCHASE OF ONE SNOWPLOW BLADE AND THREE TRUCK-MOUNTED SALT SPREADERS IN THE AMOUNT OF $8,348,96: Upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, a motion was made by Mrs. Lasky, seconded by Mrs. Wilhight, to approve the purchase of one snowplow blade and three truck- mounted salt spreaders in the amount of $8,348.96. When the question was called, the Roll Call Vote was taken with the following results: 6 members voting Aye, Lasky, Quiroz, Voegtle, Bradford, Slager, Wilhight; 0 Nays; 1 Absent, Randle. The President declared the motion carried.
VII.C. MOTION FOR APPROVAL OF FORMAL EMPLOYMENT CONTRACT: Upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, a motion was made by Mrs. Quiroz, seconded by Mr. Slager, to approve the formal Employment Contract between the Board of Education of Westchester Public Schools and the following Administrator, effective as stated.
• Dennis Gress Interim Dir. of Finance & Operations December 1, 2016 –
June 30, 2017 When the question was called, the Roll Call Vote was taken with the following results: 6 members voting Aye, Lasky, Quiroz, Voegtle, Bradford, Slager, Wilhight; 0 Nays; 1 Absent, Randle. The President declared the motion carried.
VII.D.1. ACCEPT THE RESIGNATIONS, WITH REGRET, OF THE FOLLOWING STAFF MEMBERS, EFFECTIVE AS STATED: Upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, a motion was made by Mr. Bradford, seconded by Mr. Voegtle, to accept the resignations, with regret, of the following staff members, effective as stated.
• Georgette Tolen WPS-Cafeteria Supervisor November 11, 2016
• Stephanie Mack WMS-1:1 Paraprofessional December 22, 2016 When the question was called, the Roll Call Vote was taken with the following results: 6 members voting Aye, Lasky, Quiroz, Voegtle, Bradford, Slager, Wilhight; 0 Nays; 1 Absent, Randle. The President declared the motion carried.
VII.D.2. APPROVE THE EMPLOYMENT OF THE FOLLOWING SUPPORT STAFF MEMBER, AS ASSIGNED BY THE ADMINISTRATION, EFFECTIVE AS STATED, FOR THE 2016-2017 SCHOOL YEAR: Upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, a motion was made by Mrs. Lasky, seconded by Mrs. Quiroz, to approve the employment of the following support staff member, as assigned by the administration, effective as stated, for the 2016-2017 school year.
• Norma Martinez District-Bus Driver October 14, 2016 When the question was called, the Roll Call Vote was taken with the following results: 6 members voting Aye, Lasky, Quiroz, Voegtle, Bradford, Slager, Wilhight; 0 Nays; 1 Absent, Randle. The President declared the motion carried.
VII.E. STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT REVIEW/SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT PLANS: Mrs. Baas, Director of Curriculum, presented student assessment data and the School Improvement Leadership Teams presented their building’s School Improvement Plans. The plans identified the process, the action plans for reading, math and social emotional learning, and additional supports being utilized to guide instructional improvements for the 2016-2017 school year.
VIII.A. SUMMER 2017 CAPITAL PROJECTS PLANNING: Rob Wroble and Nathan Pellizzari of Legat Architects shared a Capital Improvements Prioritization spreadsheet listing a series of possible projects for each school. They requested that the Board identify the projects to be considered a priority to be completed next summer. The Buildings and Grounds Committee will meet on November 17, 2016 to discuss and identify recommended priority projects so that authorization to go to bid can be granted in December.
IX. INFORMATION ITEMS
A. Administrator Reports: The administrator reports were available in
BoardDocs.
B. School Board Members Day: November 15 is School Board Members Day. The learning communities of WPS, WIS, and WMS as well, as the District Office, expressed their appreciation to the members of the Board of Education for their dedicated leadership and service to the children of our community.
C. Correspondence: None.
D. Board President’s Report: The WEA/Board leadership and Dr. Dziallo presented a joint wrap-up of the continued discussions stemming from the forum held earlier this year. The Board’s focus will center on sincerity, reliability and “staying in their lane” to build and increase trust. Another forum with the Board, WEA/WSSA membership, and Administration will be held in May.
E. Committee Reports: Mr. Slager reported that at its October 6, 2016 meeting, the Finance Committee discussed billing the general contractor for the overtime costs incurred by the maintenance staff. Mrs. Quiroz reported that the Education Committee met in October and will meet again on December 8, 2016 at 6:00 p.m. Mr. Voegtle reported that the Policy Committee met prior to tonight’s Board of Education meeting, is making progress in reviewing the Policy Manual, and will meet again in February. The Discipline Committee is making great strides and will survey students, staff, and parents in the future regarding PBIS.
F. Legislative Report: President Wilhight attended the recent HLERK/IASA law conference and noted that transgender discussions will need to be held so that the District can be proactive in its decisions.
G. IASB West Cook Report: A nationally acclaimed expert in school security and school crisis planning, Paul Timm, was the featured speaker at the November 3, 2016 IASB West Cook Dinner.
H. FOIA Reports: No FOIA requests were received in October.
I. Superintendent’s Report: 1,154 students were enrolled as of November 1, 2016, and there were no suspensions issued in October. Dr. Dziallo asked for direction to remedy the incorrect shades ordered for WIS and WMS, and he was directed to order the correct shades that the Board originally chose. The District will hold a Holiday Open House on December 9, 2016, from 3:30-7:00 p.m. for staff off site. A dinner thanking the maintenance staff for their efforts this summer is tentatively being planned for January 26, 2016.
X.A. BOARD RETIRED TO CLOSED SESSION: A motion was made by Mrs. Quiroz, seconded by Mr. Voegtle that the Board retire into Closed Session to discuss the appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific employees. When the question was called, the Roll Call Vote was taken with the following results: 6 members voting Aye, Lasky, Quiroz, Voegtle, Bradford, Slager, Wilhight; 0 Nays; 1 Absent, Randle. The President declared the motion carried and the Board retired at 10:24 p.m.
X.B. BOARD RECONVENES: At 11:05 p.m. the Board reconvened in Open Session after the conclusion of its Closed Session.
XI. NAME THE DISTRICT 921/2 "PERSON OF THE YEAR" FOR 2016: A motion was made by Mr. Slager, seconded by Mrs. Wilhight, to name Greg Leban as District 921/2 "Person of the Year" for 2016. When the question was called, the Roll Call Vote was taken with the following results: 6 members voting Aye, Lasky, Quiroz, Voegtle, Bradford, Slager, Wilhight; 0 Nays; 1 Absent, Randle. The President declared the motion carried.
XII. OTHER ITEMS OF INTEREST: The idea of notes from of every Board meeting being emailed to parents or exploring other ways to increase communication was
discussed.
XIII. ADVANCED PLANNING: None.
XIV. ADJOURNMENT: A motion was made by Mrs. Quiroz, seconded by Mr. Voegtle, that the Board meeting be adjourned. When the question was called, the Roll Call Vote was taken with the following results: 6 members voting Aye, Lasky, Quiroz, Voegtle, Bradford, Slager, Wilhight; 0 Nays; 1 Absent, Randle. The President declared the motion carried and the Board adjourned at 11:20 p.m.
Zachary R. Bradford, Secretary
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