West Cook News

Berkeley School District 87 Board of Education Met May 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 Hightower at 7:47 pm in the Boardroom of the Administration Office, 1200 N. Wolf Road, Berkeley, IL.

ROLL CALL

On roll call by the secretary, the following were present: Members Chavez, Hightower, Jackson, Mason, Mora and Sosa. Absent: None. Also present was Dr. Bresnahan, Mrs. Zimmerman, Mrs. Vince, Dr. Sullivan and Mrs. Travis.

FOOD SUPPLIES BID:

Member Mason moved, seconded by Member Jackson, THAT THE BOARD AWARD THE FOOD SUPPLIES BID FOR THE 2021-2022 SCHOOL YEAR TO GORDON FOOD SERVICE, INC. AND COMMERICAL FOOD SYSTEMS INC., AS PRESENTED.

Roll Call Vote 

Ayes:  Chavez     Nays: None

Hightower

Jackson      Absent: None

Mason

Mora

Sosa

Motion carried 6-0

FOOD SERVICE PAPER SUPPLIES BID:

Member Mason moved, seconded by Member Mora, THAT THE BOARD AWARD THE FOOD SERVICE PAPER SUPPLIES BID FOR THE 2021-2022 SCHOOL YEAR TO GORDON FOOD SERVICES INC. AND COMMERCIAL FOOD SYSTEMS, INC., AS PRESENTED.

Roll Call Vote 

Ayes:  Chavez     Nays: None

Hightower

Jackson      Absent: None

Mason

Mora

Sosa

Motion carried 6-0

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION:

WRITTEN

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

Roll Call Vote 

Ayes:  Chavez     Nays: None

Hightower

Jackson      Absent: None

Mason

Mora

Sosa

Motion carried 6-0

ORAL / PUBLIC COMMENT None

CONSIDERATION OF OLD BUSINESS:

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Member Mason moved, seconded by Member Chavez, THAT THE MINUTES OF THE REORGANIZATION/SPECIAL BOARD HELD APRIL 28, 2021, THE REGULAR BOARD MEETING HELD APRIL 28, 2021, AND THE CLOSED SESSION MINUTES OF MARCH 22, 2021 BE APPROVED AS SUBMITTED TO BOARD MEMBERS PRIOR TO THIS MEETING.

Roll Call Vote 

Ayes:  Chavez     Nays: None

Hightower

Jackson      Absent: None

Mason

Mora

Sosa

Motion carried 6-0

REPORTS

SUPERINTENDENT None

CURRICULUM AND None

INSTRUCTION

BUSINESS SERVICES

Mrs. Vince reviewed the Accounts and Claims payable figures and Member Mora moved, seconded by Member Mason, THAT THE EXPENDITURES BE APPROVED IN THE AMOUNT OF $3,024,532.13, AS FOLLOWS:

PAYROLL 04/30/21……………………………………… $ 816,917.56

PAYROLL 05/14/21………………………………………    835,916.72

REGULAR BOARD ACCOUNTS PAYABLE LISTINGS  928,557.30

REFERENDUM PROJECTS…………………………… $408,861.64

REGULAR BOARD LISTING (P-CARD)………………… 33,165.70

TOTAL $ 3,024,532.13

Roll Call Vote 

Ayes:  Chavez     Nays: None

Hightower

Jackson      Absent: None

Mason

Mora

Sosa

Motion carried 6-0

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 #1

Member Mason moved, seconded by Member Jackson, 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; OR TO CONSIDER PENDING LITIGATION.

Roll Call Vote 

Ayes:  Chavez     Nays: None

Hightower

Jackson      Absent: None

Mason

Mora

Sosa

Motion carried 6-0

The Board recessed to closed session at 7:50 pm.

The Board reconvened to open session at 8:06 pm with all members present.

REPORTS OF THE BOARD:

PAEC Member Mason reported on the meeting of May 20, 2021. The minutes were approved. Retiree was introduced and acknowledged for her service. New officers were sworn in. First Student presented the FY2021 school year transportation billing structural information as it related to the pandemic.

IASB No Report

EDUCATION & FINANCE No Report

POLICY & LEGISLATION No Report

FACILITIES No Report

HEALTH/SAFETY & TRANSPORTATION No Report

PUBLIC RELATIONS No Report

PARENT-TEACHER ADVISORY Minutes from the meeting held on May 11, 2021 are in the Board Packet for your review. Dress Code, Technology and Policies were discussed.

BILINGUAL ADVISORY No Report

WELLNESS & FOOD ALLERGY Minutes from the meeting held on April 21, 2021 are in the Board Packet for your review. Summary of Policies, school programs and letter to parents regarding food allergies in school.

SUPERINTENDENT:

LICENSED STAFF - RESIGNATION

Member Mason moved, seconded by Member Mora, THAT THE BOARD ACCEPT THE RESIGNATION OF THE FOLLOWING PERSONNEL:

NICLA RENNER RILEY 5TH GRADE TEACHER EFFECTIVE 06/04/21

Roll Call Vote 

Ayes:  Chavez     Nays: None

Hightower

Jackson      Absent: None

Mason

Mora

Sosa

Motion carried 6-0

LICENSED STAFF - LEAVE OF ABSENCES

Member Mason moved, seconded by Member Mora, THAT THE BOARD APPROVE THE FOLLOWING LICENSED PERSONNEL LEAVE OF ABSENCES:

PAULITA ARROYO

AMANDA JEFFREY

AMANDA MARICICH-MOSCOSO

Roll Call Vote 

Ayes:  Chavez     Nays: None

Hightower

Jackson      Absent: None

Mason

Mora

Sosa

Motion carried 6-0

ADMINISTRATOR- EMPLOYMENT

Member Mason moved, seconded by Member Chavez, THAT THE BOARD EMPLOY MARIA HENDRICKS FOR THE POSITION OF PRINCIPAL AT RILEY, EFFECTIVE 08/02/21.

Roll Call Vote 

Ayes:  Chavez     Nays: None

Hightower

Jackson      Absent: None

Mason

Mora

Sosa

Motion carried 6-0

EDUCATIONAL SUPPORT STAFF - LEAVE OF ABSENCES

Member Jackson moved, seconded by Member Chavez, THAT THE BOARD APPROVE THE FOLLOWING EDUCATIONAL SUPPORT STAFF LEAVE OF ABSENCE:

MARICELA ARECHIGA

Roll Call Vote 

Ayes:  Chavez     Nays: None

Hightower

Jackson      Absent: None

Mason

Mora

Sosa

Motion carried 6-0

EDUCATIONAL SUPPORT STAFF - EMPLOYMENTS

Member Mason moved, seconded by Member Mora, THAT THE BOARD EMPLOY THE FOLLOWING PERSONNEL:

JEFFREY GAFFUD RILEY CROSS CATEGORICAL TEACHER LANE 1 STEP 1

Roll Call Vote 

Ayes:  Chavez     Nays: None

Hightower

Jackson      Absent: None

Mason

Mora

Sosa

Motion carried 6-0

RATIFY TENTATIVE STAFFING ASSIGNMENTS FOR 2021-2022

Member Mora seconded by Member Jackson, THAT THE BOARD OF EDUCATION RATIFY THE TENTATIVE STAFFING ASSIGNMENTS FOR THE 2021-2022 SCHOOL YEAR, AS PRESENTED.

Roll Call Vote 

Ayes:  Chavez     Nays: None

Hightower

Jackson      Absent: None

Mason

Mora

Sosa

Motion carried 6-0

OFFICIAL SCHOOL TIMES

Member Jackson moved, seconded by Member Mora, THAT THE BOARD OF EDUCATION APPROVE THE OFFICIAL SCHOOL TIMES, AS PRESENTED.

Middle Schools:

Bus Drop-Off 7:55 a.m.

Breakfast Begins 8:00 a.m.

Instructional Day Begins 8:25 a.m.

School Dismissal 3:05 p.m.

Primary Schools:

Bus Drop-Off 8:35 a.m.

Breakfast Begins 8:40 a.m.

Instructional Day Begins 9:00 a.m.

School Dismissal 3:30 p.m.

Intermediate Schools:

Bus Drop-Off 8:40 a.m.

Breakfast Begins 8:45 a.m.

Instructional Day Begins 9:00 a.m.

School Dismissal 3:30 p.m.

Roll Call Vote 

Ayes:  Chavez     Nays: None

Hightower

Jackson      Absent: None

Mason

Mora

Sosa

Motion carried 6-0

SUPERINTENDENT’S MONTHLY REPORT

Dr. Bresnahan reported that the Parent-Teacher Advisory Committee met on May 11. One of the topics of discussion was the student uniform dress code. The feedback from the committee suggest that the dress code be revised for next school year. Dr. Bresnahan received consensus from the board to work on revising the current dress code.

The MacArthur/Sunnyside Groundbreaking: will be held on June 1st at 6:00 pm.

According to the Illinois State Board of Education, beginning with the 2021-22 school year, all schools must resume fully in-person learning for all student attendance days. Remote instruction will be available to eligible students.

The district is planning a retirement picnic on June 4th.

CURRICULUM & INSTRUCTION

ENGLISH LANGUAGE AUDIT REPORT

During the month of April, the Consortium for Educational Change (CEC) conducted a Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment audit of our English Language Arts (ELA) curriculum at the district’s request. The audit provided a detailed assessment of where we are at present, including curriculum, instruction, assessment, data analysis, processes, structures, and products. The audit looks for alignment and determines the extent to which we have developed and implemented a sound, valid, and operational system of curriculum, instruction, and assessment management. The audit indicated strengths and opportunities for growth within the English Language Arts curriculum.

MONTHLY REPORT

Mrs. Zimmerman reported that summer professional development will be offered on June 7 & 8. The training will focus on teaching EL Learners and digital platform tools.

The summer curriculum work will consist of further developing the exploratory curriculum guides by the team.

Summer book bundles have been ordered and will be distributed to all District 87 students. The books are in English and Spanish.

We are exploring the idea of adding the 6th grade option to the exploratory program for world languages for the 2022-2023 school year.

The administration will pause the school improvement needs at this point until we get back to our regular school routine.

BUSINESS SERVICES

MONTHLY FINANCIAL REPORT

Mrs. Vince reviewed the Summary of Budget, Statement of Position, and Student Activity Reports for the period ending 04/30/21.

DIRECT AND AUTHORIZE HEARING ON TRANSFER OF FUNDS

Member Jackson moved, seconded by Member Mason, THAT THE BOARD OF EDUCATION DIRECT AND AUTHORIZE A PUBLIC HEARING ON THE TRANSFER OF FUNDS, SUCH HEARING TO BE HELD ON JUNE 28, 2021, AS PRESENTED.

Roll Call Vote 

Ayes:  Chavez     Nays: None

Hightower

Jackson      Absent: None

Mason

Mora

Sosa

Motion carried 6-0

ESTABLISH CHANGE ORDER PROCESS

Item Tabled.

STUDENT ACCIDENT INSURANCE RENEWAL

Member Mason moved, seconded by Member Jackson, THAT THE BOARD OF EDUCATION AUTHORIZE THE BUSINESS OFFICE TO OFFER THE STUDENT ACCIDENT INSURANCE PROGRAM AS PRESENTED BY ZEVITZ-REDFIELD & ASSOCIATES, INC. AS A SERVICE TO FAMILIES IN DISTRICT #87 FOR THE 2021-2022 SCHOOL YEAR.

Roll Call Vote 

Ayes:  Chavez     Nays: None

Hightower

Jackson      Absent: None

Mason

Mora

Sosa

Motion carried 6-0

MONTHLY REPORT

Mrs. Vince reported that the balance in the transportation fund has a limit and since it has not been a regular year for transporting District 87 students, it is a possibility we will need to transfer funds. The SSCIP Liability Pool has been requesting all districts have a current appraisal. The district will have an early appraisal and again with the new construction to be in compliance with SSCIP guidelines. SSCIP sent a communication that there will no longer be coverage for claims or suits related to COVID beginning July 1, 2021.

Mrs. Vince updated the board on the Township investments.

The SELF renewal has increased 10% based on our experience modifiers and calculations. Mrs. Vince met with Vanguard representative about historical gas usage and the mitigation for the winter months.

SPECIAL SERVICES

CONSOLIDATED DISTRICT PLAN

Member Jackson moved, seconded by Member Mason, THAT THE BOARD OF EDUCATION APPROVE THE CONSOLIDATED DISTRICT PLAN, AS PRESENTED.

Roll Call Vote 

Ayes:  Chavez     Nays: None

Hightower

Jackson      Absent: None

Mason

Mora

Sosa

Motion carried 6-0

WREN WORKS CONSULTANT AGREEMENT

Member Mason moved, seconded by Member Mora, THAT THE BOARD APPROVE THE CONSULTANT AGREEMENT WITH WREN WORKS FOR PRE-KINDERGARTEN SERVICES, AS PRESENTED.

Roll Call Vote 

Ayes:  Chavez     Nays: None

Hightower

Jackson      Absent: None

Mason

Mora

Sosa

Motion carried 6-0

MONTHLY REPORT

Dr. Sullivan reported that the district will be offering voluntary Bionex rapid COVID testing for our students and staff.

He reported Ms. Spatafore is working on improving the efficiency in our special education staffing program.

HUMAN RESOURCES

Mrs. Travis reported that Interviewing for the 2021-2022 is underway. Principals, assistant principals, and district administrators have all been active participants in this process.

Mrs. Vince and I met with all the retirees to answer questions and explain the process of finalizing their employment with the district.

The staff have been sending Dr. Bresnahan messages of gratitude and well wishes.

OTHER NEW BUSINESS

Ms. Tortora invited the Board to tour the planned improvements at Jefferson.

ANNOUNCEMENTS None

CLOSED SESSION #2

Member Mason moved, seconded by Member Jackson, THAT THE BOARD RECESS TO CLOSED SESSION TO CONSIDER EMPLOYMENT, OR DISMISSAL OF AN EMPLOYEE OR OFFICER.

Roll Call Vote 

Ayes:  Chavez     Nays: None

Hightower

Jackson      Absent: None

Mason

Mora

Sosa

Motion carried 6-0

The Board recessed to closed session at 8:55 pm.

The Board reconvened to open session at 9:26 pm with all members present.

ADJOURNMENT

Member Jackson moved, seconded by Member Mason, THAT THE MEETING BE ADJOURNED AT 9:27 PM.

Roll Call Vote 

Ayes:  Chavez     Nays: None

Hightower

Jackson      Absent: None

Mason

Mora

Sosa

Motion carried 6-0

https://www.berkeley87.org/UserFiles/Servers/Server_389410/File/About/Board%20of%20Ed/05-24-21minutes.pdf