Berkeley School District 87 Board of Education met February 24

By Michael Abella

Apr 12, 2020

Berkeley School District 87 Board of Education met Feb. 24.

Here is the minutes provided by the board:

CALL TO ORDER

The regular meeting of the Board of Education was called to order by President O’Connell at 7:14 pm in the Boardroom of the Administration Office, 1200 N. Wolf Road, Berkeley, IL.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

STUDENT PRESENTATION

Mrs. Zielinski and the Music Middle School Exploratory class performed for the Board. They thanked the Board for their continuous support of the students and staff of District 87.

ROLL CALL

On roll call by the secretary, the following were present: Members Chavez, Hightower, Jackson, O’Connell, and Rosas. Absent: Mason and Sosa. Also present were Dr. Bresnahan, Dr. Sickele, Mrs. Vince, Dr. Sullivan and Mrs. Travis.

President O’Connell appointed Vice-President Hightower pro-tem secretary.

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION

WRITTEN

Member Rosas moved, seconded by Member Jackson, THAT ALL CORRESPONDENCE BE PUT ON FILE AS PRESENTED EXCEPT THAT WHICH REQUIRES IMMEDIATE ATTENTION.

Roll Call Vote

Ayes: Chavez Nays: None

Hightower

Jackson

O’Connell Absent: Mason

Rosas Sosa

Motion Carried 5-0

ORAL

Member Chavez read a letter from a community member.

Several community members asked questions and presented their opinions to the Board regarding issues.

CONSIDERATION OF OLD BUSINESS

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Member Chavez moved, seconded by Member Jackson, THAT THE MINUTES OF THE REGULAR BOARD MEETING HELD JANUARY 27, 2020 AND THE CLOSED SESSION MINUTES OF DECEMBER 16, 2019, BE APPROVED AS SUBMITTED TO BOARD MEMBERS PRIOR TO THIS MEETING.

Roll Call Vote

Ayes: Chavez Nays: None

Hightower

Jackson

O’Connell Absent: Mason

Rosas Sosa

Motion Carried 5-0

REPORTS

SUPERINTENDENT None

CURRICULUM AND None

INSTRUCTION

BUSINESS SERVICES

Mrs. Vince reviewed the Accounts and Claims payable figures and Member Rosas moved, seconded by Member Jackson, THAT THE EXPENDITURES BE APPROVED IN THE AMOUNT OF $2,976,433.19, AS FOLLOWS:

PAYROLL 01/31/20……………………………………… $ 779,755.37

PAYROLL 02/14/20…………………………………...…... 900,809.88

REGULAR BOARD ACCOUNTS PAYABLE LISTINGS 1,259,628.57

PROCUREMENT CARD………………………………....… 36,239.37

IMPREST FUND LISTING……………………………..........…. 00.00

TOTAL $ 2,976,433.19

Roll Call Vote

Ayes: Chavez Nays: None

Hightower

Jackson

O’Connell Absent: Mason

Rosas Sosa

Motion Carried 5-0

MONTHLY BUILDING REPORT

Mrs. Vince explained the Monthly Building Rental Report is submitted for information purposes only.

FACILITIES AND TRANSPORTATION

None

SPECIAL SERVICES

None

HUMAN RESOURCES

None

OTHER OLD BUSINESS

None

CLOSED SESSION

Member Rosas moved, seconded by Member Chavez, THAT THE BOARD RECESS TO CLOSED SESSION TO CONSIDER A STUDENT DISCIPLINE/ RESIDENCY MATTER; TO CONSIDER THE PURCHASE/LEASE OF REAL PROPERTY FOR THE USE OF THE PUBLIC BODY; TO CONSIDER INFORMATION REGARDING APPOINTMENT, EMPLOYMENT, OR DISMISSAL OF AN EMPLOYEE OR OFFICER; TO CONSIDER PENDING LITIGATION; OR TO DISCUSS NEGOTIATIONS.

Roll Call Vote

Ayes: Chavez Nays: None

Hightower

Jackson

O’Connell Absent: Mason

Rosas Sosa

Motion Carried 5-0

The Board recessed to closed session at 7:33 pm.

The Board reconvened to open session at 7:53 pm with all members except Members Mason and Sosa.

REPORTS OF THE BOARD

PAEC Member O’Connell reported on the meeting of February 20, 2020. The Governing Board approved minutes, payroll, agenda and bills. The Board voted on the Roof Project and the Roofing company. The Board took action on the following items: agreed to accept the Side Agreement for the allocation method for the Roof Project; accepted the bid from A-1 Roofing Company; approved FMLA requests; approved the .30 FTE increase for Occupational Therapy at District 88, PAEC Elementary and PAEC Center; approved the.34 FTE increase for the Physical Therapy services at PAEC Early Childhood; approved the Memorandum of Understanding between PAEC Governing Board and PAEC Council of Teachers, West Suburban Teachers Union, Local 571 in order to address the procedure relating to posting vacancies;

accepted donations; and approved unemployments, resignations and terminations. The next meeting will be March 19, 2020 at 6:00 pm.

IASB No Report

EDUCATION & FINANCE No Report

POLICY & LEGISLATION January 27, 2020 minutes are in the board book for your review.

BUILDING & GROUNDS No Report

HEALTH/SAFETY & TRANSPORTATION

No Report

PUBLIC RELATIONS

No Report

PARENT-TEACHER ADVISORY

No Report

BILINGUAL ADVISORY

No Report

FOOD SERVICE ADVISORY

No Report

SUPERINTENDENT

LICENSED PERSONNEL - RESIGNATIONS

Member Jackson moved, seconded by Member Rosas, THAT THE BOARD ACCEPT THE RESIGNATION

OF THE FOLLOWING LICENSED PERSONNEL:

SAMANTHA ISSAM WHITTIER KINDERGARTEN TEACHER EFFECTIVE 02/07/20 JENNA TEEGARDEN TEACHER ON-LEAVE EFFECTIVE AT THE END OF THE 2019-2020 SCHOOL YEAR KELLY KOZKOWSKI SPECIAL EDUCATION SUPERVISOR EFFECTIVE AT THE END OF THE 2019-2020 SCHOOL YEAR

Roll Call Vote

Ayes: Chavez Nays: None

Hightower

Jackson

O’Connell Absent: Mason

Rosas Sosa

Motion Carried 5-0

LICENSED PERSONNEL – LEAVE OF ABSENCES

Member Chavez moved, seconded by Member Jackson, THAT THE BOARD APPROVE THE LEAVE REQUESTS, AS PRESENTED FOR THE FOLLOWING:

DONNA WIESMAN

CATHERINE SANDERS

JINIFIR FERMANDO

STEPHEN BAIR

MELANIE RIESER

Roll Call Vote

Ayes: Chavez Nays: None

Hightower

Jackson

O’Connell Absent: Mason

Rosas Sosa

Motion Carried 5-0

LICENSED PERSONNEL - EMPLOYMENTS

Member Jackson moved, seconded by Member Rosas, THAT THE BOARD EMPLOY THE FOLLOWING PERSONNEL PENDING ALL EMPLOYMENT PAPERWORK, AS PRESENTED: TASHA BANKS SUNNYSIDE PART-TIME SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGIST AND OCTAVIA ALTHEIMER DISTRICT SUBSTITUTE

Roll Call Vote

Ayes: Chavez Nays: None

Hightower

Jackson

O’Connell Absent: Mason

Rosas Sosa

Motion Carried 5-0

LICENSED PERSONNEL - REASSIGNMENTS

Member Rosas moved, seconded by Member Jackson, THAT THE BOARD REASSIGN MARCK CASTELLANOS, MATH TEACHER AT MACARTHUR TO THE POSITION OF DISTRICT SUBSTITUTE, EFFECTIVE FEBRUARY 24, 2020, AS PRESENTED:

Roll Call Vote

Ayes: Chavez Nays: None

Hightower

Jackson

O’Connell Absent: Mason

Rosas Sosa

Motion Carried 5-0

EDUCATIONAL SUPPORT STAFF - RESIGNATION

Member Rosas moved, seconded by Member Chavez, THAT THE BOARD ACCEPT THE FOLLOWING

RESIGNATION:

ASIA TILLMON MACARTHUR TEACHER AIDE EFFECTIVE 03/20/20

Roll Call Vote

Ayes: Chavez Nays: None

Hightower

Jackson

O’Connell Absent: Mason

Rosas Sosa

Motion Carried 5-0

EDUCATIONAL SUPPORT STAFF – LEAVE OF ABSENCES

Member Rosas moved, seconded by Member Jackson, THAT THE BOARD APPROVE THE LEAVE REQUEST, AS PRESENTED FOR THE FOLLOWING: ROSA SALVADOR de ALVAREZ

Roll Call Vote

Ayes: Chavez Nays: None

Hightower

Jackson

O’Connell Absent: Mason

Rosas Sosa

Motion Carried 5-0

EDUCATIONAL SUPPORT STAFF – EMPLOYMENTS

Member Chavez moved, seconded by Member Rosas, THAT THE BOARD EMPLOY THE FOLLOWING PERSONNEL, PENDING ALL EMPLOYMENT PAPERWORK, AS PRESENTED. MUSARAT KHAN WHITTIER TEACHER AIDE

Roll Call Vote

Ayes: Chavez Nays: None

Hightower

Jackson

O’Connell Absent: Mason

Rosas Sosa

Motion Carried 5-0

POLICIES

Member Chavez moved, seconded by Member Rosas, THAT THE BOARD ADOPT THE FOLLOWING POLICIES, AS PRESENTED:

Policy 202.00 Powers and Duties of the Board (revised)

Policy 205.00 Board Member Conflict of Interest (revised)

Policy 207.00 Vacancies on School Board – Filling Vacancies (revised)

Policy 233.02 Uniform Grievance Procedure (revised)

Policy 312.02 Identity Procedure (revised)

Policy 402.01 Investment Policy (revised)

Policy 502.00 Equal Opportunity Employment and Minority Recruitment (revised)

Policy 506.01 Staff Development Program (revised)

Policy 506.03 Employee Ethics, Conduct, and Conflict of Interest (revised)

Policy 511.00 Workplace Harassment Prohibited (revised)

Policy 519.00 Temporary Illness or Temporary Incapacity (revised)

Policy 522.00 Drug - and Alcohol- Free Workplace (revised)

Policy 523.00 Department of Children and Family Services/Child Abuse and Neglect (revised)

Policy 535.00 Substitute Teachers (revised)

Policy 613 Instruction and Curriculum (revised)

Policy 701.01 Equal Educational Opportunities (revised)

Policy 717.00 Administration of Medication to Students (revised)

Policy 722.02 Preventing Bullying, Intimidation, and Harassment (revised)

Policy 722.07 Targeted School Violence Prevention Program (revised)

Policy 810.00 Visitors and Conduct on School Property (revised)

Roll Call Vote

Ayes: Chavez Nays: None

Hightower

Jackson

O’Connell Absent: Mason

Rosas Sosa

Motion Carried 5-0

FUNDRAISERS

Member Rosas moved, seconded by Member Jackson, THAT THE BOARD APPROVE THE FOLLOWING

FUNDRAISERS, AS PRESENTED:

SUNNYSIDE PTA:

➢ PANERA NIGHT

➢ CHIPOTLE NIGHT

Roll Call Vote

Ayes: Chavez Nays: None

Hightower

Jackson

O’Connell Absent: Mason

Rosas Sosa

Motion Carried 5-0

SUPERINTENDENT’S MONTHLY REPORT

Dr. Bresnahan reported on the AASA Conference she attended. Sunnyside’s administrators and 3 lead teachers presented Developing a Collaborative Culture for Student Achievement downtown at the ESSA Conference.

CURRICULUM & INSTRUCTION

LIBRARY MEDIA STAFFING PROPOSAL

Dr Sickele reported that the District currently employs two full-time Library Media Specialists (LMS) to oversee the six libraries in each of our schools. Each school also employs a full-time library aide to maintain the school library on a daily basis.

Prior to the 2018-2019 school year, we employed one Library Media Specialist to oversee all 6 school libraries. During the 2018-2019 school year, the board approved the proposal to add an additional Library Media Specialist; each LMS now oversees 3 libraries. This position was funded by the elimination of the library clerk position.

After the board approved the addition of this position, the central office administrators worked to provide the appropriate time for all K-5 grade level teachers to have common plan time each day. This was accomplished by creating a 6-day rotation of specials, and the addition of STEM and Library lessons to this new 6-day rotation. This required the Library Media Specialists to add a half day of teaching responsibilities to their schedule every day. When proposing the addition of one position two years ago, we did not plan for these specialists to be teaching in addition to their library supervision work. This has prevented the Library Media Specialists from supporting the Middle School Library Media Centers to an appropriate level. They are not available on a regular basis to provide opportunities for classroom support and instruction at the middle schools in the way we envisioned with the addition of one Library Media Specialist.

MONTHLY REPORT

Dr. Sickele reported that Institute Day was held on February 14th.The focus was on MTSS and was very well received. Ms. Chester, science teacher applied for The Trout in the Classroom grant and Northlake Middle school will be the recipient of the grant for next school year.

BUSINESS SERVICES

MONTHLY FINANCIAL REPORT

Mrs. Vince reviewed the Summary of Budget, Statement of Position, and Student Activity Reports for the period ending 01/31/20.

E-RATE SERVICES CONTRACTS FOR 2020-2021 SCHOOL YEARS

Member Rosas moved, seconded by Member Jackson, THAT THE BOARD APPROVE THE E-RATE CONTRACTS FOR THE 2020-2021 SCHOOL YEAR, PENDING ATTORNEY REVIEW, AS PRESENTED:

Roll Call Vote

Ayes: Chavez Nays: None

Hightower

Jackson

O’Connell Absent: Mason

Rosas Sosa

Motion Carried 5-0

TELEPHONE PRESENTATION:

Mr. Byrne reported that the current phone system and phone handsets are approximately twenty years old.

The system is being phased out which has helped guide our decision to transition to a new phone system.

In addition to the phone system being phased out, we have experienced a greater number of phone outages this year in compared to previous school years. The District has worked to maximize our investment in our current phone system.

We have evaluated several different types of phone systems including the purchase of a new PBX system, a Hosted Voice solution, and a Hybrid solution. After a careful review, we feel a Hosted Voice solution will provide us with the highest quality of service and provide us the greatest flexibility to increase services,

decrease service, and move services throughout Berkeley School District.

A Hosted Voice Over Internet Protocol (VOiP} solution will provide a variety of enhanced features. The

telephone recommendation will be brought to the Board at the March meeting.

PAEC GOVERNING BOARD ACTION TO AWARD BID FOR PAEC ROOF PROJECT 2020 AND APPROVE THE INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT

Member Chavez moved, seconded by Member Jackson, THAT THE BOARD ACCEPT THE PAEC GOVERNING BOARD’S ACTION TO AWARD THE PAEC 2020 ROOFING PROJECT, APPROVE THE RELATED INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT, AS PRESENTED AND APPROVE DISTRICT 87 TO EXERCISE THE UPFRONT PAYMENT OPTION FOR THE PAEC ROOF PROJECT, AS PRESENTED.

Roll Call Vote

Ayes: Chavez Nays: None

Hightower

Jackson

O’Connell Absent: Mason

Rosas Sosa

Motion Carried 5-0

MONTHLY REPORT

Mrs. Vince reported that she received EBC initial rates and information on legislative changes. The final

EBC rates are still pending. The Township held a meeting for Business Managers to review Infinite Visions.

Mrs. Vince attended the IASBO Leadership Training Day.

Mrs. Vince asked the Board for consensus to lock-in rates to extend the gas rates until 2023. The Board gave consensus.

SPECIAL SERVICES

School District 87 would like to offer summer school during the Summer of 2020 at both Jefferson Primary School and at Whittier Primary School. Funding for our Summer School program will come from several sources, including ESSA Title 1 Grant; the LIP-LEPS Title III Grant; the Afterschool Programming Grant; and local funds.

The District provides Schoolwide Title 1 programming. Therefore, all students are eligible to participate in programming. Summer School enrollment will be prioritized by student academic need. Students entering grades PK-8 in the 2020-2021 school year will be eligible for participation. We will prioritize registration to ensure that those students who are struggling are given available spots first, based on their student achievement data from the current school year.

SUMMER SCHOOL PROPOSAL

Member Rosas moved, seconded by Member Jackson, THAT THE BOARD APPROVE THE SUMMER SCHOOL 2020 PROPOSAL, AS PRESENTED.

Roll Call Vote

Ayes: Chavez Nays: None

Hightower

Jackson

O’Connell Absent: Mason

Rosas Sosa

Motion Carried 5-0

MONTHLY REPORT

Dr. Sullivan reported the Pre-K Grant was approved for $572,234. Included in the grant is exploring transportation for Pre-K students. The School Safety Meeting was held on February 20, 2020 with the police, fire departments and administrators to discuss best practices.

HUMAN RESOURCES

MONTHLY REPORT

Mrs. Travis updated the Board on the vacancies and the College/Career Recruiting Fairs.

OTHER NEW BUSINESS

None

ANNOUNCEMENTS

None

ADJOURNMENT

Member Member Chavez moved, seconded by Member Rosas, THAT THE MEETING BE ADJOURNED AT 8:32 PM.

Roll Call Vote

Ayes: Chavez Nays: None

Hightower