Berkeley School District 87 Board of Education met April 25.
Here are 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 7:36 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 Hightower, Jackson, O’Connell and Sosa. Absent: Chavez, Mason, and Mora. Also present were Dr. Sullivan, Mrs. Zimmerman, Mrs. Vince, Mrs. Travis, Mr. White and Mr. Byrne.
Roll Call Vote
Ayes: Hightower Nays: None
Jackson
O’Connell Absent: Chavez
Sosa Mason
Mora
Motion carried 4-0
AUDIT PLANNING
Joe Lightcap, the District’s auditor from Baker Tilly Virchow Krause presented the Board with an overview of the upcoming audit process for the Fiscal Year 2022. He reviewed the dates and goals.
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION / WRITTEN:
Member Jackson moved, seconded by Member O’Connell, THAT ALL CORRESPONDENCE BE PUT ON FILE AS PRESENTED EXCEPT THAT WHICH REQUIRES IMMEDIATE ATTENTION.
Roll Call Vote
Ayes: Hightower Nays: None
Jackson
O’Connell Absent: Chavez
Sosa Mason
Mora
Motion carried 4-0
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION / ORAL:
Jenn Wisegarver, Jefferson Primary School Parent, JSM PTO Secretary, spoke about how the district plans to implement the book “Relationship, Responsibility, and Regulation” in its entirety. She discussed some of the opinions about the data presented at the last board meeting by Dr. Mieszanek. She expressed her concern about teachers building self-awareness and having a tool belt full of self-regulation strategies. She also expressed her concern over the District’s turnover rate and questioned how the district plans to fix this issue. She asked the board “How are these concepts of Building Self Awareness in teachers, creating a toolbelt full of self-regulation strategies for teachers, and connecting teachers with a mentor or a teammate currently implemented? Are observations of classrooms taking place, either by current staff or outside professionals? Are teachers who need assistance in this endeavor self-identifying or being identified? What assistance is being offered to both teachers and administrators to acquire this necessary skill? Dr. Sullivan stated that he would answer Mrs. Wisegraver’s questions via email after the board meeting.
CONSIDERATION OF OLD BUSINESS:
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Member O’Connell moved, seconded by Member Sosa, THAT THE MINUTES OF THE REGULAR BOARD MEETING MARCH 21, 2022, AND THE CLOSED SESSION MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 28, 2022, BE APPROVED AS SUBMITTED TO BOARD MEMBERS PRIOR TO THIS MEETING.
Roll Call Vote
Ayes: Hightower Nays: None
Jackson
O’Connell Absent: Chavez
Sosa Mason
Mora
Motion carried 4-0
REPORTS
SUPERINTENDENT None
CURRICULUM AND INSTRUCTION None
BUSINESS SERVICES
Mrs. Vince reviewed the Accounts and Claims payable figures and Member O’Connell moved, seconded by Member Jackson, THAT THE EXPENDITURES BE APPROVED IN THE AMOUNT OF $6,967,335.12, AS FOLLOWS:
PAYROLL 03/31/22……………………………………… $ 865,747.90
PAYROLL 04/15/22……………………………………… $ 829,923.31
REGULAR BOARD ACCOUNTS PAYABLE LISTINGS $ 1,013,325.74
P-CARD FUND LISTING……………………………..…. $ 18,971.30
REFERENDUM PROJECTS …………………………… $ 7,493.64
TOTAL $ 6,967,335.12
Roll Call Vote
Ayes: Hightower Nays: None
Jackson
O’Connell Absent: Chavez
Sosa Mason
Mora
Motion carried 4-0
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 O’Connell 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: Hightower Nays: None
Jackson
O’Connell Absent: Chavez
Sosa Mason
Mora
Motion carried 4-0
The Board recessed to closed session at 07:48 pm.
The Board reconvened to open session at 08:30 pm with all members present except Member Chavez, Mason, and Mora.
REPORTS OF THE BOARD:
PAEC. Member O’Connell reported on the regular meeting held on April 20, 2022. The Governing Board approved the minutes of the March 16, 2022 meeting as presented. The Governing Board also approved the consent agenda which encompasses payroll, bills and new business as presented. They also approved employment, resignations, terminations, and FMLA requests as presented. They approved the Proposed Extended Calendar 2022 as presented. They approved the 2022-2023 School year calendar as presented. They accepted the resolutions for the retirements of the five staff members as presented. They accepted money from several fundraisers for Senior graduation activities. They accepted $70.00 from the special Olympics fundraiser on March 3. They also accepted $62.25 from PAEC Academy for their staff snack fundraiser. The Governing board approved the PAEC High School senior graduation trip as presented. They approved the proviso township mental health Commission approved funding in the amount of $28,000 for the student Transitional Program for 2022-2023. They approved 2022-2023 bill rates from RCM Health Care Services for physical therapy - $72 an hot – Occupational Therapy $72 an hour – Speech-Language Therapy $72 an hour – School Psychologist $71 an hour and LPN $43 an hour as presented. They approved the 2022-2023 Baker Tilly Annual Audit fee of $42,650, and if a single audit is necessary – the fee will be $3,500. District 89 will transition in a student at PAEC center starting April 11, 2022.
The Governing Board meetings for 2022-2023 will start at 7 pm.
2022 – July 20, August 17, September 21, October 19, November 16, and December 21. 2023 – January 18, February 15, March 15, April 19, May 17, and June 21.
The next regular meeting will be Wednesday, May 18 at 6 pm.
IASB No Report
EDUCATION & FINANCE No Report
POLICY & LEGISLATION No Report
FACILITIES The minutes from the Facilities Committee Meeting held on April 25, 2022 are included in the Board packet.
HEALTH/SAFETY & TRANSPORTATION No Report
PUBLIC RELATIONS No Report
PARENT-TEACHER DISCIPLINE ADVISORY
Minutes of the Regular Board Meeting
Held on 04-25-2022 Page 5
BILINGUAL ADVISORY No Report
FOOD SERVICE ADVISORY No Report
SUPERINTENDENT:
LICENSED PERSONNEL – INTENT TO RETIRE
Member O’Connell moved, seconded by Member Sosa, THAT THE BOARD ACCEPT THE LETTERS OF INTENT TO RETIRE FROM THE FOLLOWING LICENSED PERSONNEL, AS PERSENTED FOR:
Kristie Pusatera – Effective end of 2024-2025 SY
Roll Call Vote
Ayes: Hightower Nays: None
Jackson
O’Connell Absent: Chavez
Sosa Mason
Mora
Motion carried 4-0
LICENSED PERSONNEL – RESIGNATION
Member Jackson moved, seconded by Member Sosa, THAT THE BOARD ACCEPT THE RESIGNATIONS FROM THE FOLLOWING LICENSED PERSONNEL, AS PRESENTED FOR:
Veronica Munaretto – Effective end of 2021-2022 SY
Mary Robey – Effective end of 2021-2022 SY
Lauren Bose – Effective end of 2021-2022 SY
Roll Call Vote
Ayes: Hightower Nays: None
Jackson
O’Connell Absent: Chavez
Sosa Mason
Mora
Motion carried 4-0
LICENSED PERSONNEL – LEAVE OF ABSENCES
Member O’Connell moved, seconded by Member Jackson, THAT THE BOARD APPROVE THE FOLLOWING LICENSED LEAVE OF ABSENCE REQUESTS, AS PRESENTED FOR:
Nancy Tortora
Kayla Gandia
Kimberly Marshall
Katie Coughlin
Roll Call Vote
Ayes: Hightower Nays: None
Jackson
O’Connell Absent: Chavez
Sosa Mason
Mora
Motion carried 4-0
LICENSED PERSONNEL – EMPLOYMENTS
Member Jackson moved, seconded by Member O’Connell, THAT THE BOARD APPROVE THE EMPLOYMENT FOR THE FOLLOWING LICENSED PERSONNEL, AS PRESENTED FOR:
Betty Tapia - Bilingual Kindergarten Teacher @ Whittier Primary – Effective the start of the 2022-2023 SY
Melanie Swims - Inclusion Resource Teacher @ Riley Intermediate – Effective the start of the 2022-2023 SY
Roll Call Vote
Ayes: Hightower Nays: None
Jackson
O’Connell Absent: Chavez
Sosa Mason
Mora
Motion carried 4-0
LICENSED PERSONNEL – REASSIGNMENTS
Member O’Connell moved, seconded by Member Sosa, THAT THE BOARD ACCEPT THE FOLLOWING LICENSED PERSONNEL REASSIGNMENTS:
Kathryn Donar - Whittier's 2nd Grade Teacher to Riley's Social Worker
Roll Call Vote
Ayes: Hightower Nays: None
Jackson
O’Connell Absent: Chavez
Sosa Mason
Mora
Motion carried 4-0
EDUCATIONAL SUPPORT STAFF – RETIREMENTS
Member Sosa moved, seconded by Member O’Connell, THAT THE BOARD ACCEPT THE FOLLOWING EDUCATIONAL SUPPORT STAFF INTENT TO RETIRE:
GONZALO VAZQUEZ – CUSTODIAN – EFFECTIVE JUNE 30, 2022
Roll Call Vote
Ayes: Hightower Nays: None
Jackson
O’Connell Absent: Chavez
Sosa Mason
Mora
Motion carried 4-0
EDUCATIONAL SUPPORT STAFF – LEAVE OF ABSENCES
Member O’Connell moved, seconded by Member Jackson, THAT THE BOARD APPROVE THE FOLLOWING LEAVE OF ABSENCE REQUESTS, AS PRESENTED:
Francisco Herrera
Fernando Flores Pineda
Roll Call Vote
Ayes: Hightower Nays: None
Jackson
O’Connell Absent: Chavez
Sosa Mason
Mora
Motion carried 4-0
EDUCATIONAL SUPPORT STAFF – EMPLOYMENTS
Member O’Connell moved, seconded by Member Sosa, THAT THE BOARD EMPLOYS THE FOLLOWING SUPPORT PERSONNEL:
Diana Ramirez de Paiz - Cross Categorical Teacher Aide @ Jefferson Primary – Effective 4/4/2022
Roll Call Vote
Ayes: Hightower Nays: None
Jackson
O’Connell Absent: Chavez
Sosa Mason
Mora
Motion carried 4-0
POLICIES – ADOPTION
NONE
FUNDRAISERS
Member O’Connell moved, seconded by Member Sosa, THAT THE BOARD APPROVE THE FOLLOWING FUNDRAISER, AS PRESENTED:
Leukemia and Lymphoma Society Fundraiser – Penny War (May 2-20, 2022) Northlake Middle School UNICEF Donation Drive – Donation Drive to Help Children in Ukraine (May 9-13,2022)
Roll Call Vote
Ayes: Hightower Nays: None
Jackson
O’Connell Absent: Chavez
Sosa Mason
Mora
Motion carried 4-0
DONATIONS NONE
STUDENT RESIDENCY NONE
APPROVE SCHOOL SUPPORT PERSONNEL
Member O’Connell moved, seconded by Member Sosa, THAT THE BOARD OF EDUCATION APPROVE THE EMPLOYMENT OF THE FOLLOWING SCHOOL SUPPORT PERSONNEL, AS PRESENTED:
DANNIELL SCOTT – SCHOOL NURSE AT JEFFERSON SCHOOL – EFFECTIVE BEGINNING OF THE 2022-2023 SY (PENDING ALL PAPERWORK)
Roll Call Vote
Ayes: Hightower Nays: None
Jackson
O’Connell Absent: Chavez
Sosa Mason
Mora
Motion carried 4-0
POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING PERSONNEL MATTER
Member O’Connell moved, seconded by Member Jackson, THAT THE BOARD OF EDUACTION DISMISSES EMPLOYEE NEREIDA ESCAMILLA, WHITTIER LUNCHROOM SUPERVISOR, EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY AS DISCUSSED IN CLOSED SESSION AFTER DUE CONSIDERATION OF THE INFORMATION PRESENTED BY THE ADMINISTRATION, AS PRESENTED
Roll Call Vote
Ayes: Hightower Nays: None
Jackson
O’Connell Absent: Chavez
Sosa Mason
Mora
Motion carried 4-0
REVISE 2022-2023 SCHOOL CALENDAR
Member O’Connell moved, seconded by Member Jackson, That the Board adopt the 2022-2023 school calendar as proposed showing the beginning of school as August 23, 2022, the end of school as June 9, 2023, with 180 attendance days, 3 institute days (8-22-22, 10-14-22, 2-17-23) and two all-day parent-teacher conferences (10-13- 2022 and 3-9-2023) for a total of 185 days
Roll Call Vote
Ayes: Hightower Nays: None
Jackson
O’Connell Absent: Chavez
Sosa Mason
Mora
Motion carried 4-0
APPROVE REVISED 2021-2022 SCHOOL CALENDAR
Member Jackson moved, seconded by Member O’Connell that the Board consider approving the revised 2021-2022 school calendar as proposed showing the beginning of school as August 24, 2021, the ending of school as June 3, 2022, with 175 attendance days, 3 institute days (8-23-21 10-08-21, 2-18-22) and two all-day parent-teacher conferences (10-07-21 and 03-10-22) for a total of 180 days
Roll Call Vote
Ayes: Hightower Nays: None
Jackson
O’Connell Absent: Chavez
Sosa Mason
Mora
Motion carried 4-0
APPROVE CONSOLIDATED DISTRICT PLAN FOR THE 2022-2023 SY
Member Jackson moved, seconded by Member O’Connell, THAT THE BOARD OF EDUCATION APPROVE THE CONSOLIDATED DISTRICT PLAN FOR THE 2022-2023 SCHOOL YEAR, AS PRESENTED
Roll Call Vote
Ayes: Hightower Nays: None
Jackson
O’Connell Absent: Chavez
Sosa Mason
Mora
Motion carried 4-0
MONTHLY REPORT
Dr. Sullivan informed the Board that the Reorganization meeting will be held at the next Board meeting in May. The new dates for the Board meetings will also be presented at the May Board meeting. He asked for the consent of the Board to post the job opening for two math interventionists and a primary special education coordinator. He will formally ask the Board for their approval of these three positions in May. Dr. Sullivan also informed the Board that two board members are still needed for the strategic planning committee. He also shared with the Board the District’s Renaissance Culture Rubric and discussed how he is utilizing to establish the” Berkeley Way”. He also informed the Board he is working on the intergovernmental agreement with Memorial Park District which will be brought to the Board for approval in May. He also asked the Board for their approval to move back to the old Board room setup, which allows more room for the public.
CURRICULUM & INSTRUCTION
MONTHLY REPORT
Mrs. Zimmerman gave an ELA update and thanked the board for their approval last month. She showed pictures of how schools celebrated Earth Day and the different activities that took place.
TECHNOLOGY
MONTHLY REPORT
Mr. Bryne gave an update on the online enrollment for the 2022-2023 school year. He updated the board on the process of adding the new technology to the new buildings. He showed a sample of the smartboards that will be installed in every classroom.
BUSINESS SERVICES
MONTHLY FINANCIAL REPORT
Mrs. Vince reviewed the Summary of Budget, Statement of Position, and Student Activity Reports for the period ending 3/31/22.
APPROVE TENTATIVE AMENDED BUDGET FOR THE FISCAL YEAR 2022
Member O’Connell moved, seconded by Member Sosa, THAT THE BOARD OF EDUCATION APPROVE THE TENTATIVE AMENDED BUDGET FOR THE FISCAL YEAR 2022 AS PRESENTED, ESTABLISH MONDAY, JUNE 27, 2022 AS THE DATE FOR THE PUBLIC HEARING ON THE BUDGET, DIRECT THE ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT FOR FINANCE AND OPERATIONS TO HAVE PUBLISHED THE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING FOR THIS DATE, AND TO DISPLAY THE TENTATIVE AMENDED BUDGET FOR THE FISCAL YEAR 2022 IN THE ADMINISTRATION BUILDING AS REQUIRED BY LAW.
Roll Call Vote
Ayes: Hightower Nays: None
Jackson
O’Connell Absent: Chavez
Sosa Mason
Mora
Motion carried 4-0
ADOPT RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING THE TRANSFER OF INTEREST BETWEEN FUNDS
Member Jackson moved, seconded by Member O’Connell, THAT THE BOARD ADOPT THE RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING THE TRANSFER OF INTEREST BETWEEN FUNDS, AS PRESENTED.
Roll Call Vote
Ayes: Hightower Nays: None
Jackson
O’Connell Absent: Chavez
Sosa Mason
Mora
Motion carried 4-0
APPROVE CONTRACT AGREEMENT WITH NSN EMPLOYER SERVICES
Member O’Connell moved, seconded by Member Jackson, THAT THE BOARD APPROVE THE RENEWAL CONTRACT AGREEMENT WITH NSN EMPLOYER SERVICES, AS PRESENTED.
Roll Call Vote
Ayes: Hightower Nays: None
Jackson
O’Connell Absent: Chavez
Sosa Mason
Mora
Motion carried 4-0
APPROVE NUTRITIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT MILK VENDOR CONTRACT
Member O’Connell moved, seconded by Member Sosa, THAT THE BOARD APPROVE THE NUTRITION SERVICES DEPARTMENT MILK VENDOR CONTRACT FOR THE 2022-2023 SCHOOL YEAR, AS PRESENTED.
Roll Call Vote
Ayes: Hightower Nays: None
Jackson
O’Connell Absent: Chavez
Sosa Mason
Mora
Motion carried 4-0
APPROVE AT&T COMPLETELINK RENEWAL
Member O’Connell moved, seconded by Member Jackson, THAT THE BOARD OF EDUCATION APPROVE THE AT&T DISCOUNT PROGRAM CONTRACT FOR THE 2022-2023 SCHOOL YEAR, AS PRESENTED.
Roll Call Vote
Ayes: Hightower Nays: None
Jackson
O’Connell Absent: Chavez
Sosa Mason
Mora
Motion carried 4-0
RATIFY AT&T CENTREX RENEWAL
Member O’Connell moved, seconded by Member Sosa, THAT THE BOARD OF EDUCATION RATIFY THE AT&T CENTREX CONTRACT, AS PRESENTED
Roll Call Vote
Ayes: Hightower Nays: None
Jackson
O’Connell Absent: Chavez
Sosa Mason
Mora
Motion carried 4-0
APPROVE POSTAGE MACHINE LEASE – QUADRANT LEASING USA, INC.
Member O’Connell moved, seconded by Member Jackson, THAT THE BOARD OF EDUCATION APPROVE THE MAILING EQUIPMENT LEASE WITH QUADIENT LEASING USA, INC. AND QUADIENT FINACE, INC. PENDING ATTORNEY APPROVAL, AS PRESENTED
Roll Call Vote
Ayes: Hightower Nays: None
Jackson
O’Connell Absent: Chavez
Sosa Mason
Mora
Motion carried 4-0
APPROVE CHANGE ORDERS
Member O’Connell moved, seconded by Member Jackson, THAT THE BOARD OF EDUCATION APPROVE CHANGE ORDER NO. 42-49, AS PRESENTED.
Roll Call Vote
Ayes: Hightower Nays: None
Jackson
O’Connell Absent: Chavez
Sosa Mason
Mora
Motion carried 4-0
APPROVE WOLD PROPOSAL FOR PRIMARY SCHOOL IMPROVEMENTS
Member O’Connell moved, seconded by Member Jackson, THAT THE BOARD OF EDUCATION APPROVE THE PRIMARY SCHOOL IMPROVEMENTS DESIGN PROPOSAL, AS PRESENTED.
Roll Call Vote
Ayes: Hightower Nays: None
Jackson
O’Connell Absent: Chavez
Sosa Mason
Mora
Motion carried 4-0
APPROVE WOLD PROPOSAL FOR PRIMARY SCHOOL HVAC UPGRADES
Member O’Connell moved, seconded by Member Jackson, THAT THE BOARD OF EDUCATION APPROVE THE PRIMARY SCHOOL HVAC UPGRADES DESIGN PROPOSAL, AS PRESENTED.
Roll Call Vote
Ayes: Hightower Nays: None
Jackson
O’Connell Absent: Chavez
Sosa Mason
Mora
Motion carried 4-0
APPROVE WOLD PROPOSAL – FURNITURE PHASE 2
Member O’Connell moved, seconded by Member Sosa, THAT THE BOARD OF EDUCATION APPROVE THE SUNNYSIDE, MACARTHUR, RILEY, AND NORTHLAKE SCHOOL OFFICES, SPECIAL CLASSROOMS, LEARNING COMMONS, CAFETERIAS, MEDIA CENTERS, AND MISCELLANEOUS OFFICE FURNITURE BE PURCHASED THROUGH LOWERY MCDONNELL COMPANY FOR THE TOTAL FURNITURE PACKAGE IN THE AMOUNT OF $2,286,472.60 THROUGH NCPA, TIPs, AND SOURCEWELL PURCHASING COOPERATIVE BID AWARDS, AS PRESENTED.
Roll Call Vote
Ayes: Hightower Nays: None
Jackson
O’Connell Absent: Chavez
Sosa Mason
Mora
Motion carried 4-0
APPROVE LAWN CARE AGREEMENT AMENDMENT
Member Sosa moved, seconded by Member O’Connell, THAT THE BOARD OF EDUCATION APPROVE THE AMENDED CONTRACT AGREEMENT FROM ROMANO LANDSCAPING LLC FOR LAWN CARE AND GROUNDS MAINTENANCE, PENDING ATTORNEY REVIEW, AS PRESENTED.
Roll Call Vote
Ayes: Hightower Nays: None
Jackson
O’Connell Absent: Chavez
Sosa Mason
Mora
Motion carried 4-0
MONTHLY REPORT
Mrs. Vince notified the Board that the ISBE notified the District that will be getting approximately $317,000 in return due to some schools being overpaid. She informed the board about the funds from the recapture levy as well as the Vanguard pricing surge in national gas and electricity. Their recommendation is to lock in the rate lock now. She asked for a consensus to lock the rate with vanguard for gas and electricity. She notified the Board that the 2nd installment of property taxes will be approximately six months late. She also publicly thanked FS director Marcus Shelton and the FS workers at Macarthur for showing Bellwood School district how the FS is run and that they were a leading example of being a self-operated school district.
FACILITIES
MONTHLY REPORT
Mr. White gave an update on the construction at Riley School. He stated that part of the building has begun to settle. Only two classrooms are impacted, and he does not see a danger to the students. He has a plan to run some tests to see how and if the building is still settling. Once they figure out what caused it, they will determine a plan to solve it. It will take some time. The soil at Riley is bad.
HUMAN RESOURCES
MONTHLY REPORT
Mrs. Travis updated the Board on the current 2022-2023 vacancies. She notified the Board about HB1167 - Covid Admin Leave days for the 2021-2022 SY. We will be reinstating the sick days staff used due to covid. All staff must have been fully vaccinated or vaccinated within the last 5 weeks. We need to have something in place by May 10th. She reminded the Board that their statement of economic interest is due May 2nd. She is working with two retention committees. The Support Staff committee consists of 15-16 members and the certified staff committee consists of 5-6 members.
OTHER NEW BUSINESS
None
ANNOUNCEMENTS
The next board meeting is May 23, 2022.
ADJOURNMENT
Member Jackson moved, seconded by Member O’Connell, THAT THE MEETING BE ADJOURNED AT 9:40 PM.
Roll Call Vote
Ayes: Hightower Nays: None
Jackson
O’Connell Absent: Chavez
Sosa Mason
Mora
Motion carried 4-0
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