Cicero School District 99 Board of Education met Feb. 12.
Here is the minutes provided by the board:
I. The meeting was called to order by President Tomschin at 6:33 p.m.
II. Roll call was conducted and the following members were recorded present: President Tomschin, Vice-President Polk, Secretary Terracino, Members Rueda, Segura, Dominick and Couch. An interpreter was present.
III. A quorum was established.
IV. The pledge to the flag was recited.
President Tomschin requested a moment of silence for the recent death of David Castellanos III, a student at Liberty School, and his grandfather, David Castellanos.
Vice-President Polk also noted that he was personally proud of the turnout at the memorial service for the Castellanos family at Liberty School. He noted that it takes a community to raise a family. He noted that everyone’s presence exhibited that we were a community and what it meant to stand out in tough times. He was so proud of the staff, children and community and thanked everyone for their attendance that night.
President Tomschin thanked Vice-President Polk for his words.
Superintendent Hernandez noted that the following reports were placed in each Board Member’s packet:
V. Superintendent’s Report
A. Informational Items
1. Freedom of Information Act requests
2. Enrollment Report indicating 10,820
3. SuspensionsReport
4. MonthlyExpenditureReport
5. SecurityReport
6. Superintendent Hernandez reported that arrangements were being made for the district’s contribution with the adopted school in Guatemala, relief efforts for Puerto Rico and also the Cuevas family.
7. Marybeth King and Cory Kalyvas presented this month’s recipients of D99’s Very Own:
Lezley Harmon, 4-6 ESP Teacher at Columbus East School
Elvia Arellano, Teacher at Warren Park School
All recipients received a pin and a certificate acknowledging them as one of District 99’s very own. There was a PowerPoint presentation highlighting the recipients.
President Tomschin congratulated the recipients and thanked them all for their continued work and dedication to the community, which is much appreciated.
8. Quarterly Investment Report
9. Mrs. MeriAnn Besonen, Executive Director of Business Affairs/CSBO, presented the monthly Treasurer’s Report. She highlighted the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) and the provisions involved with the new state reporting system for expenditures. She asked if they had any questions, they indicated none.
VI. Other Reports
A. Architect’s Report – FGM – Dean Manasses reported the following updates:
FGM continued to provide construction administrative assistance to Vision Construction for the Sherlock School Replacement Project. They continued to obtain updates on punch-lists and open items as they are being addressed by the trade contractors.
FGM continued to provide construction administrative assistance to Vision Construction for the masonry restoration project at Cicero East School. They attended a pre-bid walk-through that was held on January 24, 2020, and answered bidding information requests by the trade contractors. They attended the February 4, 2020, bid opening and were currently preparing bid scope documents for the interior portion of the work.
FGM completed and provided bid scope documents to Vision Construction for the Lincoln exploratory selected demolition scope. They attended the February 4, 2020, bid opening.
FGM continued to attend weekly construction and design meetings. They were currently preparing documents for rooftop replacement scope of work at Cicero West and Columbus West Schools.
FGM has distributed bid scope of work documents for the HVAC controls associated with the chiller at Unity Junior High School. The bid opening for the project was on February 4, 2020, and were prepared to proceed with contract upon Board approval of recommendation of the bid package as follows:
Recommended for
Award to Amount
Bid Project
BAS Upgrades/Unity Chiller PCS Power & Communications Solutions Inc. $ 273,004.86
FGM Architects has reviewed the qualifications, references and conducted a scope review with the company listed above and recommended awarding them as the lowest responsible bidder. Mr. Manasses asked the Board if they had any questions. The Board indicated none.
B. Construction Manager’s Report – Vision Inc. – Jim Fraghia reported the following updates.
New Sherlock Elementary School
Vision reported that the Sherlock School Project was currently in the punch-list phase, which was 98% complete and the commissioning was at 97% complete. Vision continued to work with FGM and the district to release bid documents for Sherlock Playground/Parking Lot.
Columbus East School
Vision reported that they continue to wait for the start of Phase 2, which was anticipated in June 2020.
Vision has completed the public bidding process on behalf of the district for the 2019 capital improvements at Columbus East for the Window Shades and Blinds. They conducted scope reviews with the 2 lowest bidders for the bid package as presented.
Vision has thoroughly interviewed the qualified bidders for the 2019 capital improvements at Columbus East School for Window Shades/Blinds and were prepared to proceed with contract upon Board approval of recommendation of the bid package as follows:
Recommended for
Award to Amount
Bid Package # 1
Window Shades and Blinds AVDG $46,865.00
Vision Inc. has reviewed the qualifications and conducted a scope review with the company listed above and recommended awarding them as the lowest responsible bidder.
Cicero East School
Vision reported that all contractors were off site as of November 15, 2019.
Vision was working with FGM and the district to release bid documents for the
2020 capital improvements project – interior scope at Cicero East School.
Vision completed the public bidding process on behalf of the district for the phase 2 of the 2020 capital improvements project at Cicero East School. They conducted
scope reviews with the 3 lowest bidders for the masonry bid package as presented.
Vision has thoroughly interviewed the qualified bidders for the masonry project at part of the 2020 capital improvements at Cicero East and were prepared to proceed with contract upon Board approval of recommendation of the bid package as follows:
Recommended for
Award to Amount
Bid Package # 4
Masonry All Masonry $1,774,000.00
Vision Inc. has reviewed the qualifications and conducted a scope review with the company listed above and recommended awarding them as the lowest responsible bidder.
Lincoln School
Vision has completed the public bidding process on behalf of the district for the 2020 capital improvements project at Lincoln School – exploratory demolition phase. They conducted scope reviews with the 3 lowest bidders for the masonry bid package as presented.
Vision has thoroughly interviewed the qualified bidders for 2020 capital improvements at Lincoln for the exploratory demolition phase and were prepared to proceed with contract upon Board approval of recommendation of the bid package as follows:
Recommended for
Award to Amount
Bid Package # 4
Masonry J & E. Duff $67,700.00
Vision Inc. has reviewed the qualifications and conducted a scope review with the company listed above and recommended awarding them as the lowest
responsible bidder.
2020 Capital Improvement Projects
Vision continued to work with FGM and the district to release bid documents for the 2020 Capital Improvement work.
Mr. Fraghia asked if there were any questions. The Board indicated none.
VII. Correspondence
There was none reported.
Prior to the start of public comments, Vice-President Polk asked everyone because it was a large crowd, that they remain with decorum so everyone can be heard. He also noted that we were all here for one reason, and that was our children. Board Attorney Jannotta informed the attendees that per Board policy, there was a limit of 3 minutes for speaking per person.
VIII. Comments from the audience
Rachel Esposito, a Language Arts Teacher at Unity for 17 years, President of Teacher’s Union, Executive Vice-President of Local 571 and newly elected Vice-President of the Illinois Federation of Teachers, commented that they stand here today to be seen and be heard as they are experiencing problems at one of their buildings, which is affecting their working conditions and their students.
Sharon Stone, Science Teacher at Unity Junior High School since 2003 and the Executive Vice-President of the Teacher’s Union, read a statement on behalf of Adriana Dineen, teacher who has been in the district for 15 years. Ms. Dineen stated that she was upset by Ms. Gorgal’s text and found it to be very inappropriate and disregarded her professionalism. It was noted that Ms. Dineen presented the HR Department a copy of the text that was sent to her.
Christina Rodriguez, a co-taught teacher at Lincoln, commented that she has had the unfortunate experience of witnessing Ms. Gorgal behave, in her opinion, in an unprofessional manner and would cause emotional distress on staff members and belittle them during meetings.
Araselly Gutierrez, Teacher at Lincoln School, finished the statement from Ms. Rodriguez and noted that she hoped the board will consider all stories that are being heard tonight and know that there are more staff members with more stories. She noted that there is a lot of fear among the teachers because of the unhealthy environment.
Robert Mensch, Principal at Liberty School, thanked the Board and the Administration for their support with the Castellanos family involved in the recent tragedy that claimed the lives of a kindergarten student at Liberty and his grandfather along with the family that was displaced. Mr. Mensch further stated that he is speaking on behalf of his building and noted that they have received an outpouring of support from the community as they begin to heal and noted that he was very proud to be part of this community and thanked them for their generosity.
Amanda Ballestra, teacher at Lincoln. She stated that a student brought to her attention a notebook that contained threatening and unsafe information. She noted that Ms. Gorgal dismissed it and asked her to call the student’s parents.
Maggie Chmiel, a teacher at Lincoln, commented that she had never felt more disrespected, belittled while working with Ms. Gorgal between 2017-2019.
Carole Scardina, teacher at Lincoln, noted she filed a complaint for a hostile work environment at Lincoln School.
Michelle Martinez, a teacher in the district, commented that she was bullied by Ms. Gorgal for years when she was working at her building.
Julie Huff, teacher at Lincoln School, finished the statement for Ms. Carole Scardina.
Cindy Covelli, worked over 20 years in the district and was currently a teacher at Lincoln School. She said she had heard the rumors about the school being a toxic work environment, however, noted that she experienced it for the first time in October 2019 when she was called into a meeting with Ms. Gorgal and the Dean, Nancie Miller.
Veronika Madas, teacher at Lincoln, commented that she had never felt bullied and harassment due to age, race, skin or hair color, instead she felt bullied and harassed as a human being.
Christy Oskavek, former teacher at Lincoln School. She noted that she personally felt harassed after her first year of teaching at Lincoln.
Marissa Sierra, teacher in the district for over 12 years, now first year teacher at Lincoln School. She noted she was a proud veteran and had received a medal for outstanding service and has always gone above and beyond the call of duty to help the students of District 99 because she was one of them. She noted she had never encountered any administrator who used fear tactics to lead their school and noted that good leaders should not use the “winning it all cause mentality” that she has seen.
Debra Pelayo, Parent Leader at Lincoln, commented she has four students in District
99. She noted that there are many incidents that she can speak of, but would only speak of two. She spoke of an incident at Lincoln School, in which the fire alarm was activated and the students were outside in negative degrees’ weather and asked how they would feel if it was their child. As a parent, she approached Ms. Gorgal and asked her about starting a fund to buy foil blankets for the children and would seek the parents’ assistance. Ms. Gorgal put her hands up in the air and started yelling at her in
front of other administrators in the office because she had suggested something.
She also noted that Ms. Gorgal had promised a PTA in her school and asked Ms. Pelayo to get it started. Ms. Pelayo noted she worked very hard to get it started and Ms. Gorgal collected the PTA money in Ms. Pelayo’s named and there is no PTA.
A parent in the audience who didn’t state her name, noted she never heard anything
bad about Ms. Gorgal. Her husband noted he was surprised by what he has heard about Ms. Gorgal. He noted that he and his wife are very involved in Lincoln School activities. He noted that there is a lot of good things happening at Lincoln as well and the statistics speak for themselves, he noted he went to Lincoln as a child. His wife also stated that she is very involved with volunteering at Lincoln and was proud of all
the great things happening at Lincoln School.
Ashley Kosenesky, currently a teacher at Unity for three years, commented she taught her first two years at Lincoln School. She noted that there is a shortage of teachers in the state and country and to have someone that toxic, it hurts the students and the teachers.
Camille Salas, District Math Coach, noted that she has had very good relationship with all her administrators. She noted when she was a teacher at Lincoln, Ms. Gorgal was a Dean at that time. She talked about an issue with a student who had a history of behavioral issues. She noted that when she questioned an issue she was told she was being unprofessional.
Yamica Rivera, a parent who has children at Lincoln, commented that the principal that she knows is very passionate and cares about the students and loves everything she does. She noted that Ms. Gorgal tries to find all possible ways to find a solution to a problem. She noted that one of the students at Lincoln won an award for Achieve 3000. She noted that Ms. Gorgal is genuinely compassionate, organized, attentive, reliable, professional, the list can go on and can ensure that her students are learning in a
safe learning environment. She noted that Lincoln was not just a school, but a family that can have ups and downs. She noted that Ms. Gorgal serves to motivate and encourage all students to do their best.
Marisa Mills, teacher at Unity. She commented that she was there to speak on behalf of her colleagues and students. She noted that she has worked with Ms. Gorgal in the past and has witnessed her treat fellow staff members poorly and be unprofessional.
Gina Fazzini, teacher at Lincoln, spoke on behalf of a parent who has a student at Lincoln School, of who she is advocating for. Ms. Gorgal instead switched his classroom, however, failing to address the needs of this student. She noted that the student is suffering as a result of this negligence.
Nichole Viera, parent of a child at Lincoln School and also a district employee. She feels horrible about what the staff has been saying. She noted that she has nothing but positive things to say about Ms. Gorgal and has only had positive experiences with her at Lincoln School. On a professional level, she has had a good working experience
with her. She noted that she had an issue at Lincoln, in which Ms. Gorgal handled the situation in an efficient manner.
Vice-President Polk thanked everyone who took the time to be here today. He congratulated them for being professional and showing what a class act they can be.
He noted that everything said will be considered and will deal with it. He reminded them that the Board Meetings are always open to the public and always listen to public comments. Last, but not least, he also talked about being a first responder, and how sometimes they are forgotten about. He talked about how the death of a child affects them and they need to deal with this on a daily basis and that it is tough. He noted there will always be problems, but noted that District 99 is doing a great job, has fantastic staff and students and was very proud of each and every one of them for what they do for the community.
IX. Board Moved To Executive Session
It was moved by Vice-President Polk and seconded by Member Dominick to adjourn into Executive Session at 8:02 p.m. Roll call: Yeas: President Tomschin, Vice- President Polk, Secretary Terracino, Members Rueda, Segura, Dominick and Couch. Nays: None. Motion carried.
PURPOSE
A. Student Disciplinary cases. 5ILCS 120/2(c)(9).
B. The placement of individual students in special education programs and other matters relating to individual student. 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(9).
C. 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 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 Transparence 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).
D. 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).
E. Litigation, when an action against, affecting or on behalf of the particular public body has been filed and is pending before a court or administrative tribunal, or
when the public body finds that an action is probable or imminent, in which case the basis for the finding shall be recorded and entered into the minutes of the closed meeting. 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(11)
F. The purchase or lease of real property for the use of the public body, including meetings held for the purpose of discussing whether a particular parcel should be acquired. 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(5)
X. Adjourned From Executive Session
It was moved by Vice-President Polk and seconded by Member Couch to adjourn from Executive Session at 10:25 p.m. Roll call: Yeas: President Tomschin, Vice-President Polk, Secretary Terracino, Members Rueda, Segura, Dominick and Couch. Nays: None. Motion carried.
XI. Reconvened To Open Session
It was moved by Vice-President Polk and seconded by Member Couch to reconvene
to Open Session at 10:28 p.m. Roll call: Yeas: President Tomschin, Vice-President Polk, Secretary Terracino, Members Rueda, Segura, Dominick and Couch. Nays: None. Motion carried.
XII. Action as a result of Executive Session if necessary
There was no necessary action taken as a result of Executive Session.
XIII. Consent Agenda
President Tomschin requested a motion for the consent agenda.
It was moved by Vice-President Polk and seconded by Member Couch to
approve Consent Agenda items A through Z as presented. Roll call: Yeas: President Tomschin, Vice-President Polk, Secretary Terracino, Members Rueda, Segura, Dominick and Couch. Nays: None. Motion carried.
A. Approval of Minutes
1. Regular Meeting Open Session January 15, 2020
2. Regular Meeting Closed Session January 15, 2020
B. Approval of Payrolls:
Education Fund $ 6,497,998.31
Operations, Building & Maintenance Fund $ 378,199.28
Transportation Fund $ 140,169.00
GRAND TOTAL SALARIES $ 7,016,366.59
C. Approval of Bills:
Education Fund $ 1,887,492.68
Building & Maintenance Fund $ 292,511.31
Debt Fund $ 25,175.00
Transportation Fund $ 107,053.95
Capital Projects Fund $ 259,056.91
TORT $ 2,843.60
TOTAL EXPENSES FOR FEBRUARY $ 2,574,133.45
D. Miscellaneous Monies
TOTAL RECEIPTS FOR MONTH OF FEBRUARY $ 19,819.60
E. Personnel Report
1. Certified Staff
a. Employment
Louis G. Ingratta Sr., Social Worker, Lincoln/Roosevelt Schools pending medical and background verifications
Danielle Kocsielak, Emotional Support Program, Columbus East School, pending medical and background verifications
Guadalupe Manrique, Dual Language Kindergarten, Liberty School, pending medical and background verifications
b. Resignations
Raymond Gora, 8th Gr. Math Co-Taught, Unity Jr. High School, effective February 3, 2020
c. Other
1. Approval to rescind retirement for Susan Kleinmeyer from June 30, 2021 to June 30, 2023.
2. Non-Certified Staff
a. Employment
Eisen Chao, Technology Specialist II, District, pending medical and background verifications
Violeta Diaz, Lunch Supervisor, Unity Jr. High School-West
Abigail Farfan Balderas, Lunch Supervisor, Burnham School
Sandy Galindo, Special Education Interpreter, District, pending medical verification
Laura Hernandez, Special Education Interpreter, District, pending medical and background verifications
Nia Noriega, Lunch Supervisor, Unity Jr. High School
Yamica Rivera, Lunch Supervisor, Unity Jr. High School-West
Paulette Striegel, Lunch Supervisor, Lincoln School
b. Resignations
Patricia Farren, Lunch Supervisor, Unity Jr. High School, effective January 9, 2020
Karen Gierald, School Secretary, Columbus East School, effective June 12, 2020 due to retirement
Seth Hall, Technology Specialist II, District, effective February 7, 2020
Magdalena Martinez, Lunch Supervisor, Unity Jr. High School, effective January 6, 2020
David Moreno, Night Custodian, McKinley/Roosevelt School, effective January 22, 2020
Daphne Ponce, Lunch Supervisor, Unity Jr. High School, effective January 24, 2020
Carolina Soto, Lunch Supervisor, Unity Jr. High School, effective January 17, 2020
Beatriz Valdovinos, Lunch Hostess, Burnham School, effective February 14, 2020
c. Others
1. Approval to rescind the resignation of Adela Plaku effective January 24, 2020
2. Dismissal of Omar Romero
3. Termination of employee #6993
4. Termination of employee #6807
5. Summer School 2020 - Site Administrators
Rachel Fassl-Downing, Lincoln
Cory Kalyvas, Warren Park
Jose Rosales, Cicero West
Nicole Rotolo, Sherlock
6. Summer 2020 - Travel Course
Lisette Nino, Teacher, Unity
Jennifer Pretto, Teacher, Unity
Heather Mathis, Administrator
Luis Illa, Administration
3. FMLA Requests
#3255, January 21, 2020 through January 20, 2021 (intermittent)
#3220, December 2, 2019 through January 10, 2020
#0805, January 6, 2020 through March 27, 2020
#1418, January 24, 2020 through January 23, 2021 (intermittent)
#2011, January 20, 2020 through January 19, 2021 (intermittent)
#6711, January 20, 202 through April 10, 2020
#6424, January 27, 2020 through January 26, 2021 (intermittent)
#1152, January 16, 2020 through January 15, 2021 (intermittent)
#3144, December 26, 2019 through January 10, 2020
#1048, January 29, 2020 through January 28, 2021 (intermittent)
#5527, February 3, 2020 through May 1, 2020
#2451, January 17, 2020 through January 16, 2021 (intermittent)
#1968, January 28, 2020 through April, 28, 2020
#6081, January 14, 2020 through January 31, 2021 (intermittent)
#4113, January 27, 2020 through January 26, 2021 (intermittent)
F. Approval of Use of School Facility Requests
G. Approval of Resolution for Disposal of Personal Property
H. Approval of Purchases Orders over $25,000.00
1. CDW Equipment $ 51,240.00 District Funds
2. Crown Castel Dark Fiber $ 37,500.00 District Funds
3. Frontline Software $ 27,885.00 District Funds
4. Schoology Software $ 63,000.00 District Funds
5. Tyler Technologies Service $ 26,901.00 District Funds
I. Approval of Proposal and Service Agreement with Johnson Controls for Burglar Alarm Panel Upgrade and Monitoring Services at the District’s Records Center
J. Approval of School Maintenance Project Grant application in the amount of $50,000.00 through the Illinois State Board of Education
K. Approval of Hardship and Eligibility Amendments to Cicero Public School District 99 403(b) Retirement Plan
L. Approval of 1 year Maintenance Agreement with Suburban Elevator Company for 6 elevators throughout District
M. Approval of bid recommendation for the HVAC Controls for the Unity Chiller
N. Approval of Project Authorization 14 to Professional Services Agreement with FGM Architects for Cicero East Masonry Renovation Project
O. Approval of bid recommendation for the 2020 Capital Improvements Project at Lincoln School
Bid Package # 4 Masonry
P. Approval of bid recommendation for the 2020 Capital Improvements Project Phase II at Cicero East School
Bid Package # 4 Masonry
Q. Approval of bid recommendation for the 2019 Capital Improvements Project at Columbus East School
Bid Package # 1 Window Shades and Blinds
R. Approval to file class action for GSE bonds antitrust settlement litigation
S. Approval Master Service Agreement with School Mint Inc. for subscription for online student registration
T. Approval of Memorandum of Understanding between Cicero School District 99 and Seguin Garden and Gifts for the service, maintenance and care of the Living Wall at Sherlock School
U. Approval of Specialty Group Facility Usage Agreement with Pav YMCA in Berwyn, Illinois for the Robotics Club
V. Approval of Partnership Agreement with Illinicare Health for the 2020-2021 school year
W. Approval of Agreement between Cicero School District 99 and LearnWell for the provision of Educational Services
X. Waiver of First Reading and Approval to adopt revised policy 7:100, Health, Eye, and Dental Examinations; Immunizations; and Exclusion of Students
Y. Approval of Student and Staff Travel
1. 60 students, 4 teachers and 2 administrators to participate in the US Space and Rocket Center Space Camp Enrichment Program on June 21-26, 2020 in Huntsville, Alabama
Z. Approval of Staff Travel for Conference Attendance
1. Cao Mac, Chief Information Officer, Domopalooza, March 17-20, 2020, in Salt Lake City, Utah
XIV. Student Discipline Dispositions
It was moved by Vice-President Polk and seconded by Secretary Terracino to approve the student dispositions that was considered by the Board of Education as discussed in executive session. Roll call: Yeas: President Tomschin, Vice-President Polk, Secretary Terracino, Members Rueda, Segura, Dominick and Couch. Nays: None. Motion carried.
Student Number # 990015232 shall be expelled from all attendance and/or enrollment at Cicero School 99 for the remainder of the 2019-2020 school year. That said expulsion shall be held in abeyance pending successful enrollment, attendance and completion of an appropriate program at Menta Academy. If said student is successful at Menta Academy, student may enroll in high school. That said student is not allowed any Cicero School District 99 property.
XV. Old Business
There was none to report.
XVI. Informational Items
President Tomschin announced that the next Regularly Scheduled Board Meeting will be held on March 11, 2020 at 6:30 p.m. at Goodwin School.
XVII. Adjournment
It was moved by Vice-President Polk and seconded by Member Dominick to adjourn from Open Session at 10:30 p.m. Roll call: Yeas: President Tomschin, Vice-President Polk, Secretary Terracino, Members Rueda, Segura, Dominick and Couch. Nays: None. Motion carried.
https://v3.boardbook.org/Public/PublicItemDownload.aspx?mk=50362488&fn=minutes.pdf
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