Cicero School District 99 Board of Education met July 15.
Here is the minutes provided by the board:
I. The meeting was called to order by President Tomschin at 6:35 p.m.
II. Roll call was conducted and the following members were recorded present: President Tomschin, Vice-President Polk, Secretary Terracino, Members Segura, Dominick and Couch. Absent: Member Rueda. An interpreter was present.
It was noted and posted that all members of the public wishing to listen to Board Meeting were able to dial in at 1-414-882-6725, and use access code 576-068-564#.
At the time for public comments, it would be opened for anyone who may have dialed in and wish to speak.
III. A quorum was established.
IV. The pledge to the flag was recited.
Superintendent Hernandez noted that the following reports were placed in each Board Member’s packet. He asked them if they had any questions. They indicated none.
V. Superintendent’s Report
A. Informational Items
1. Freedom of Information Act requests
2. Enrollment Report indicating 10,916 students
3. SecurityReport
4. Mrs. Ewa Klis, Manager of Business Affairs, presented the monthly Treasurer’s
Report. She briefed on the revenues, expenditures and monthly expenses. She indicated that the state owes the district 1.5 million dollars. She also noted that the tentative budget for FY21 will be presented at the August Board meeting for their approval. She asked if they had any questions, they indicated none.
President Tomschin noted that the Architect’s Report was in their packet. He asked the Board if they had any questions.
Vice-President Polk asked when the electronic scrolling board at the hallway at Sherlock School would be fixed. He noted that it hasn’t worked. President Tomschin asked if the architect or construction manager were on the conference call. Dean Manasses, FGM Architects, noted he was on the line. Mr. Manasses responded that the item in question was on the punch-list and would check the status with the construction manager,
V. Other Reports
A. Architect’s Report – FGM as presented in packet:
FGM continued to provide close-out project 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. He also noted that the commission activities of mechanical systems took place at the site on June 30, 2020.
FGM continued to provide construction administrative assistance to Vision Construction for the Parking and Playground Project at Sherlock School, Masonry Restoration Projects at Cicero East and Columbus East Schools and the Roof Top Replacement Projects at Cicero West and Columbus West schools.
FGM continued with coordinating efforts with the district and the HVAC controls contractor associated with the BAS Upgrades Project at Unity Junior High School. They noted that the contractor has provided an audit of the existing BAS system and several deficiencies were discovered. The contractor was in the process of reviewing the deficiencies and will provide estimated values to provide corrective measures. They noted this was anticipated and was incorporated into the base scope of work a with a bid allowance.
President Tomschin noted that the Construction Manager’s Report was in their packet. He asked the Board if they had any questions. They indicated none.
B. Construction Manager’s Report – Vision Inc. as presented in packet.
New Sherlock Elementary School
Sherlock School Project continued to be in the punch-list phase, which was 99% complete and the commissioning was still at 99% complete.
Vision reported that the parking lot/playground project was underway with the project tracking on schedule.
Columbus East
Vision reported that the 2020 work continued to be underway for masonry, abatement and window replacement. They continued to note that the project tracking was very near schedule even with recent area delays.
Cicero East
Vision reported that they continued to work on the Cicero East Phase 2 of the 2020 Capital Improvements with full crew on site. The exterior masonry work was 99% complete and the interior work was underway. They noted the project tracking was on schedule.
Cicero West and Columbus West
Vision reported that the rooftop replacement units were installed on July 9, 2020.
VII. Correspondence
There was none reported.
VIII. Comments from the audience via conference call or in person
Rachel Esposito, Language Arts Teacher at Unity and President of Cicero Council, commented on the district’s plans for back to school. She asked if the priorities have been identified, especially with over 10,000 students and over 2,100 staff members.
She commented that she didn’t think the district was prepared to start school until a new back to school plan is put in place. She thanked them for listening and hoped they all stay well.
Sharon Stone, Science Teacher at Unity and Vice-President of Cicero Council, commented on the various updated resources and guidance reports that noted how Covid-19 can be spread by different means. She noted that many parents of these children in Cicero are essential workers. She talked about the mortality rate in adults and children. She asked that they consider the facts and think what’s best for the children and family before a decision is made.
Ryan, son of a District 99 teacher, commented that he has grown more concern about schools reopening in the fall. He implored not to open the schools as doing so can place students and staff in danger.
A fiancée of a District 99 teacher commented that he was a Covid-19 researcher professionally and understands the policies and pressures faced by leadership. He asked that some leadership be taken to make safe decisions.
A member of the audience who called in commented that she has medical issues and with Cicero being a hot spot for Covid-19, she is concerned about returning to work in the fall. She implored to please put the well-being of children in their thoughts before decisions are made.
Tracy Vana, Teacher at Roosevelt School, expressed her concern about safety in her return to school in the fall. She commented on the constant sanitizing and the loss of student instruction. She talked about the different safety concerns she had. She noted this should be a priority and was opting for remote learning to begin the school year.
A Special Education Teacher commented on the anticipated learning environment upon the return to school. She talked about her concerns with the students who are high functioning and the challenges faced to keep their protective masks on during class.
Vice-President Polk asked to speak and announced that there were 250 people on the call and noted that everyone has a valuable point to make and know that it is a dangerous time. He noted there are seven Board members, each have family or children in the family who are of education age. He noted that they were not here to endanger anyone. They were here to understand and move forward in their decisions. District 99 will be a safe environment. If that means everyone stays home, that would be it. He noted as a Board, they need make sure they are doing the right thing. He noted this Board appreciates the 250 who took the time to be on the conference call this evening. He noted he had never seen 250 people in a meeting, especially everyone sharing their concerns with the current events. He noted he was a police officer in town and was well aware of the COVID dangers along with being a policeman. He said they would get through this and will be safe and will be taking care of this community. He reiterated safety was their top priority.
A teacher from Cicero East commented that she appreciated the Board for hearing their concerns. She also noted some of them have felt they were not be considered when the district was making decisions. Vice-President Polk responded that surveys were shared with staff and were still awaiting the final data results. He asked to please trust the Board.
Nichole DenHamer, Teacher at Lincoln School. She thanked the previous speakers who discussed the high functioning students, safety equipment, and cleanliness. She asked about the cleaning and sanitizing and how often it would take place. She expressed her concerns about staff safety measures and thanked them for their time.
A member of the audience noted she was the proud parent of a teacher and is a senior teacher in the community. She noted she heard all the anguish of the callers who voiced their concerns. She also said the Board to think about the decisions they would be making and to please listen to the teachers.
Elizabeth Soto, parent of a student in District 99 asked the Board to consider E-Learning when school resumes. She noted that students brought back into the classroom could result in more covid cases.
Ms. Rodriguez, Social Worker in District 99, said she was very proud to work for District 99. She noted a lot was at stake for returning to school and noted it would take an emotional toll. She thanked them for their time. She asked the Board to think about the student’s mental well-being in their decisions and thanked them for listening.
Ms. Rodriguez, teacher at Drexel School. She indicated all callers had valid points and thanked them for their time. She just wanted to say that the fact that everyone joined the meeting to discuss this same topic was beyond her. She also noted there should be a lot of focus and professional development for E-Learning.
Marissa Mills, Teacher at Unity, commented that face to face instruction only be reinstated if the data and study show that the covid numbers have declined.
Kindergarten Teacher from District 99 commented that the job of a police officer can’t be compared to that of a teacher. She noted the most utmost respect for police officers, but teacher’s lives should not be compared as their job is to educate and not risk their life.
A daughter of District 99 employee thanked everyone for their comments and concern for everyone’s safety. She also noted that online learning was the best option.
Victoria Rezko, teacher at Wilson School. She commented there was a lot of concerns to take into consideration. She wanted to express here wish of transparence and inclusion. She wanted to make sure that staff and parents are informed of plans and protocols when decisions are made.
A teacher at Unity entering her 20th year in the district noted her same concerns as others who called in. She noted that due to her health, she was high risk for the virus and noted it would be hard not to be in class, but would be the safest for her to do. She commented on the cleaning and if instruction time would be lost. She also noted that students sometimes forget their IDs, what would happen if they forgot their mask and if the district will provide the safety equipment. She thanked them for her time and appreciated what they were doing.
A teacher at Lincoln School commented that she respected the other callers who call with their health concerns and high risk. She noted she was a healthy teacher and would be considered a good candidate for in-person learning and thanked them for their time.
IX. Board Moved To Executive Session
It was moved by Vice-President Polk and seconded by Secretary Terracino to adjourn into Executive Session at 7:21 p.m. Roll call: Yeas: President Tomschin, Vice- President Polk, Secretary Terracino, Members Segura, Dominick and Couch. Nays: None. Absent: Member Rueda. Motion carried.
PURPOSE
A. The appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific employees, specific individuals who serve as independent contractors in a park, recreational, or educational setting, or specific volunteers of the public body or legal counsel for the public body, including hearing testimony on a complaint lodged against an employee, a specific individual who serves as an independent contractor in a park, recreational, or educational setting, or a volunteer 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).
B. Security procedures, school building safety and security, and the use of personnel and equipment to respond to an actual, a threatened, or a reasonably potential danger to the safety of employees, students, staff, the public, or public property. 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(8).
C. 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).
D. 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)
E. 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 Secretary Terracino to adjourn from Executive Session at 8:50 p.m. Roll call: Yeas: President Tomschin, Vice-President Polk, Secretary Terracino, Members Segura, Dominick and Couch. Nays: None. Absent: Member Rueda. Motion carried.
XI. Reconvened To Open Session
It was moved by Vice-President Polk and seconded by Member Dominick to reconvene to Open Session at 8:56 p.m. Roll call: Yeas: President Tomschin, Vice-President Polk, Secretary Terracino, Members Segura, Dominick and Couch. Nays: None. Absent: Member Rueda. 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 Secretary Terracino to approve Consent Agenda items A through U as presented. Roll call: Yeas: President Tomschin, Vice-President Polk, Secretary Terracino, Members Segura, Dominick and Couch. Absent: Member Rueda. Nays: None. Motion carried.
A. Approval of Minutes
1. Public Hearing on the Amended Budget for 2019-2020 Fiscal Year, June 17, 2020
2. Regular Meeting Open Session June 17, 2020
3. Regular Meeting Closed Session June 17, 2020
B. Approval of Payrolls:
Education Fund $ 6,623,908.06
Operations, Building & Maintenance Fund $ 397,741.80
Transportation Fund $ 156,103.49
GRAND TOTAL SALARIES $ 7,177,753.35
C. Approval of Bills:
Education Fund $ 2,920,440.86
Building & Maintenance Fund $ 221,451.97
Debt Fund $ 25,175.00
Transportation Fund $ 660,123.30
Capital Projects Fund $ 1,321,741.02
TORT $ 4,000.00
TOTAL EXPENSES FOR JULY $ 5,152,932.15
D. Miscellaneous Monies
TOTAL RECEIPTS FOR MONTH OF JULY $ 13,801.56
E. Personnel Report
1. Certified Staff
a. Employment
Ashley Adler, Speech/Language Pathologist, District, pending medical and background verifications
Eileen Casey, AIP Grades 2-4, Lincoln School
Nicholas Cybulski, Dean, Wilson School, pending medical and background verifications
Mary Glorioso, EC Teacher, Liberty School, pending medical and background verifications
Myeisha Ramirez, Dean, Unity Jr. High School, pending medical and background verifications
Dana Muslimovic, Principal, Goodwin School, pending medical and background verifications
b. Resignations
Anne Kruder, Reading Interventionist, Columbus West, effective July 15, 2020
Christine Lojewski, Teacher, effective June 30, 2020
Carrie Skelton, Math Coach, District, effective June 30, 2020
Mayra Soto, 5th Grade Transitional, Warren Park, effective June 30, 2020
c. Other
1. Approval of a Leave of Absence for Moira Serwas for the 2020-2021 school year
2. Non-Certified Staff
a. Employment
Nely Nevarez, Night Custodian, District
b. Resignations
Logan Bass, Summer Help, effective June 24, 2020
Evelia M. Bejar, Bus Driver, effective July 5, 2019 due to retirement
Victor Gonzalez, Bus Driver, effective August 16, 2019 due to retirement
James Mei, Info Service Summer Intern, effective July 6, 2020
c. Others
1. Cash out 5 vacation days for employee #5824 for a total of $1,630.20
2. Summer Help
Phoebe Unzueta, pending medical and background verifications
3. Info Services Summer Interns
Leopoldo Almanza, pending medical and background verifications
Sequoia Gonzalez, pending medical and background verifications
Devin Tennyson, pending medical and background verifications
Alex Trinh, pending medical and background verifications
4. Termination of employee #6900
5. Termination of employee #6905
6. Termination of employee #7021
7. Termination of employee Robert Sieg Jr.
8. Termination of Employee Gabriel Almanza Canchola
3. FMLA Requests
#3054, July 6, 2020 through September 25, 2020
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. TCI Materials $ 41,580.00 District Funds
2. Providence/KS
State Bank Equipment Rental $ 70,674.00 District Funds
3. CDW Chromebooks Purchase $ 241,000.00 Grant Funds
4. CDW Chromebooks Purchase $ 469,000.00 Grant Funds
5. CDW Chromebooks Purchase $ 975,250.00 Grant Funds
6. Providence/KS State Bank Equipment Rental $ 1,495,395.00 District Funds
I. Approval of Addendum to Agreement between Cicero School District 99 and Grand Prairie Transit WS for Student Transportation Services
J. Approval to renew Illinois Association of School Boards Restricted Annual Dues for the 2020-2021 school year
K. Approval of Parking Lot Lease Agreement between Cicero School District 99 and Prism Holistic Care, Ltd., dba Prism Health Lab for the use of District’s parking lot located at 1845 S. Laramie Ave., Cicero, Illinois
L. Approval of renewal of Agreement with Project Lead the Way Gateway Program for Unity Junior High School for the 2020-2021 school year
M. Approval of Proposal with Learning Forward for Instructional Coaching Professional Development Services
N. Approval of Agreement between Carnegie Learning Inc., and Cicero School District 99 for the purchase of Math Learning Software, Professional Development Services and Math Textbook Adoption
O. Approval of Partnership Agreement between Cicero School District 99 and Concordia University Chicago for collaboration of Student Teaching
P. Approval of Agreements between Cicero School District 99 and West 40 Intermediate Service Center #2 for Professional Development Services for the 2020-2021 school year
1. IL-Empower Agreement
2. Implementation Support Agreement
Q. Approval of Intergovernmental Agreement with West 40 Intermediate Service Center
#2 for the Regional Safe School Program for the 2020-2021 school year
R. Approval for FGM Architects to go out to bid for the Flooring Project at the Media
Center at Liberty School
S. Approval of renewal of membership in the Infinitec Assistive Technology
Coalition for the 2020-2021 school year
T. Approval of Outpatient Services Agreement between Cicero School District 99 and
Riveredge Hospital
U. Approval of renewal of agency contracts for Special Education and Student
Services for the 2020-2021 school year
1. Educational Based Services Inc.
2. New Mediscan II, LLC dba Cross Country Education
3. All Source Recruiting Group Inc., dba Ardor Health Solutions
XIV. Approval of contract for Assistant Superintendent of Business Affairs/Chief Financial Officer/CSBO for Rita Tarullo beginning July 1, 2020 and ending June 30, 2022
It was moved by Vice-President Polk and seconded by Member Segura to approve contract for Assistant Superintendent of Business Affairs/Chief Financial Officer/CSBO for Rita Tarullo beginning July 1, 2020 and ending June 30, 2022. Roll call: Yeas: President Tomschin, Vice-President Polk, Secretary Terracino, Members Segura, Dominick and Couch. Nays: None. Absent: Member Rueda. Motion carried.
XV. Approval of Resolution for Publication of Notice for Public Inspection of Tentative Budget for FY2020-2021 (from August 20, 2020 through September 21, 2020)
It was moved by Vice-President Polk and seconded by Member Couch to approve Resolution for Publication of Notice for Public Inspection of Tentative Budget for FY2020-2021 (from August 20, 2020 through September 21, 2020). Roll call: Yeas: President Tomschin, Vice-President Polk, Secretary Terracino, Members Segura, Dominick and Couch. Nays: None. Absent: Member Rueda. Motion carried.
XVI. Old Business
There was none to report.
XVII. Informational Items
President Tomschin that the next regularly scheduled Board Meeting will be held on August 19, 2020, at 6:30 p.m. at the Administration Building.
XVIII. Adjournment
It was moved by Member Dominick and seconded by Member Couch to adjourn from
Open Session at 9:01 p.m. Roll call: Yeas: President Tomschin, Vice-President Polk, Secretary Terracino, Members Segura, Dominick and Couch. Nays: None. Absent: Member Rueda. Motion carried.
https://v3.boardbook.org/Public/PublicItemDownload.aspx?mk=50382254&fn=minutes.pdf
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