Cicero School District 99 Board of Education met Feb. 8
Here are the minutes provided by the board:
I. The meeting was called to order by President Tomschin at 6:30 p.m.
II. Roll call was conducted and the following members were recorded present: President Tomschin, Vice-President Dominick, Secretary Terracino, Members Manouzi and Moreno. Absent: Members Couch and Member Segura.
III. A quorum was established.
IV. The pledge to the flag was recited.
Dr. Calderin introduced Mr. Heriberto “Tito” Garcia, Principal of Columbus West School.
Mr. Garcia acknowledged Wayne Wente and Norma Regalado, who have been teachers at Columbus West since the school opened in 1998. They disseminated t-shirts that were made to commemorate the 25th anniversary, to the Board, Dr. Calderin and the Executive Council. President Tomschin wished them a happy 25th anniversary. As Mr. Garcia stated, Dr. Calderin noted it comes with commitment and dedication and on behalf of himself and the Board, he presented them a small gift as a token of appreciation for all that they do for the district. He also said, as he has told his children, you will go through life and you will go through a handful of people you can commit to, being your family or friends, but you can only trust a handful of five people. He was honored to say that his handful includes Mr. Wente, a good friend who he can trust with his life.
Mr. Garcia proceeded to introduce his 3rd and 4th grade students who performed a folkloric dance. He thanked Casa National Museum of Fine Art for their continued partnership, their teacher, Ms. Jocelyn Hernandez, the students and the parents for their support.
V. Superintendent’s Report
Dr. Calderin noted that the following reports were placed in each Board Member’s packet. He asked them if they had any questions. They indicated none.
A. Informational Items
1. Monthly Board Report
2. Freedom of Information Act requests
3. Enrollment Report
4. Suspension Report
5. Security Report
6. Quarterly Investment Report
7. Dr. Calderin noted that each year, since 1970, ISBE honors educators who have made significant contributions to the state’s public and nonpublic elementary and secondary schools. Awards are presented in seven categories from the Illinois State Board of Education being classroom teachers, early career educators, school administrators, student support personnel, educational support personnel, community volunteers and teams. This year ISBE honored 490 Illinoisans for extraordinary contributions to education across the state through its annual Those Who Excel and Teacher of the Year Awards. He recognized Julie Huff, 6th Grade Science Teacher who received the award of “Special Recognition” in the teacher category and Mayda Zamarripa, Assistant Principal at Liberty School who received the award of “Meritorious Service” in the administrator category.
President Tomschin congratulated them and thanked them for all they do for the community of District 99 and said it was very much appreciated and to be recognized by ISBE was an accomplishment.
Dr. Calderin introduced Ms. Kalyvas, for presentation of this month’s recipient of district 99’s Very Own Award.
8. Ms. Kalyvas presented this month’s recipient:
∙ Alejandro Jaime, Custodian at Unity Junior High School
Mr. Jaime received a pin and a certificate acknowledging him as one of District 99’s very own. There was a PowerPoint presentation highlighting Mr. Jaime. Dr. Calderin congratulated Mr. Jaime for being this month’s recipient.
Mr. Jaime said the last time he felt this nervous was when he got married. He thanked the Board and said that he loved his job and likes to do what he does and thanked them for the recognition.
President Tomschin noted that the custodians are the backbone of the district who keep the district going and were a key part of the entire organization. On behalf of the Board of Education, President Tomschin congratulated him and thanked him for his hard work.
Dr. Calderin noted it was a special day for teachers, staff and students. As President Tomschin stated, it was the people who make a difference and thanked him for everything that he does and said it was greatly appreciated.
9. Treasurer’s Report – Ms. Ewa Klis, Manager of Business Affairs. She briefed them on the revenues, expenditures and monthly expenses. She reported that the district received property taxes, which were from second installment of last year. President Tomschin asked if she knew the percentage of taxes received for the second installment. She responded that she would follow up with him on that amount. She indicated that as of January 31, 2023, the state owed the district $ 1,147,730.06. She asked them if they had any additional questions. They indicated none.
10. Departmental Updates
Dr. Calderin, Superintendent, reported the following updates:
∙ An update of the Strategic Plan was presented that focused on staff feedback regarding communication, assessment/foundational skills and well-being. He also shared results from the responses received through the Thought Exchange platform and the district’s actions to date regarding communication, assessment, foundational skills and well-being. He also highlighted the newsletter “All District 99” that has informational district updates and also the “Parent Resource Newsletter” to improve the home-school connection with the parents.
Dr. Mary Mycyk, Assistant Superintendent for Educational Services, provided the following updates:
∙ ECRA Ratings - Mathematics and Reading reflected expected growth. She acknowledged Columbus East, Liberty, Sherlock and Unity for achieving higher than expected growth. She also highlighted that the 6th graders across the district achieved higher than expected grown in Mathematics, with the 6th and 7th graders at Unity also achieving higher than expected growth in Math and Reading. She noted they wanted to celebrate this and continue the hard work they are doing to see what those outcomes will be at the end of the year. They’d like to think that the feedback given to staff impacted the results as noted.
∙ Other Educational Highlights
o As of today, 2,228 classroom visits with feedback were conducted, with 61% of goal met and it was anticipated to achieve the goal.
o Leadership Walkthroughs -Collaboration between Sonia Spaulding, from West 40 and D99 Leadership
o 9 buildings were visited and 36 classrooms with building administrators.
o Outcomes:
▪ Feedback to building administrators for improved feedback that will directly impact student learning.
▪ Feedback to district leadership on how to improve supportive accountability for building leadership.
▪ Norming on feedback expectations and language
∙ Parent University on March 10, 2023, with Cesar Lozano
∙ Academic Showcase and Day of the Child on April 29, 2023
∙ Enrollment Update
o Current Enrollment: 8948.
o Kindergarten Enrollment: 830.
President Tomschin asked about the Larry Dominick Literacy Club, if it was taking place. Ms. Veronica Morales, Principal of Cicero West, responded that the program has been in force at various sites with over 300 students participating.
Dr. Mycyk ask if they had any additional questions, they indicated none.
Ms. Elisabeth Nealon, Assistant Superintendent for Student Services, reported the following updates:
∙ Care Solace Utilization
o She reported that the program continued to provide supports to all staff, students and District 99 families through case management and by providing case management for mental health services.
o Key performance Indicators included the following:
Inbound Interactions 2,603, Family-initiated cases 34, communications 16,824, anonymous cases 134, referrals 370 and appointments into care 226.
∙ Unity’s Special Olympics basketball team will compete in the Regional’s Special Olympics Basketball State Tournament on March 10-11, 2023 in Bloomington, Illinois with special recognition of the team slated for the April Board Meeting as it was anticipated they would take first place. ∙ School Based Mental Health Roundtable is once again being hosted by
District 99 in collaboration with Riveredge Hospital on May 19, 2023, at Lincoln School. The content sessions are focused on “Trauma Informed Restorative Practices in Schools”, with student supports for suicide prevention and restorative practices as well as staff supports for wellness.
She asked the Board if they had any questions. They indicated none. Mr. Bryan Snyder, Chief Information Officer, provided the following updates:
∙ Firewall
o Cutover on January 28th failed and has been rescheduled for February 18th.
∙ Security Upgrades and Forecasting
o Hardening network security has been the focus since July 2021.
o Process is linear and prerequisites must be met to advance – audit, configuration changes, data table clean-up and systems integration.
∙ Briefed on External and Internal Threat Management, with the items that have already been implemented.
∙ Forecasting for Data Recovery which included security, resilience, monitoring, remediation, recovery and restoration. He noted that after reviewing different programs, he indicated would have a proposal for their review at the next meeting in March.
He asked the Board if they had any questions. They indicated none.
Ms. Rita Tarullo, Assistant Superintendent of Business Affairs/CFO/CSBO, and Marc Rodgers, CCS International, Inc. co-presented a PowerPoint on the Capital and Maintenance Planning for the district’s various capital projects.
The presentation outlined the following information as noted below that included estimates on necessary capital project construction/maintenance along with the current projects in place.
∙ 10-Year District Capital Needs (to keep Facilities warm/cool, dry and safe)
∙ 10-Year Funding vs. Cost Summary
o $87.5M Projected Funding Available
o $144.5M Projected Capital Needs not including Burnham work
∙ Review 5-Year Analysis & Scenarios
o 5-Year Analysis (Funding vs. Costs)
o 5-Year Scenario w/o Future Capital Projects
o 5-Year Scenario w Future Capital Projects - No Burnham Project
o Scenarios with Burnham
President Tomschin had asked how many of the district’s buildings met ADA requirements. Mr. Rodgers responded that he would follow up with him on that information.
In closing Mr. Rodgers noted the next steps and recommendations as noted below:
∙ Start feasibility study process in order to confirm and align future capital improvement projects (scope/cost/budget)
o Approval to be requested in March Board Meeting
∙ Annually evaluate high priority projects and enrollment with Board of Education to determine future Capital Improvement and new construction.
∙ Reevaluate the need for Burnham on an annual basis based on finances and enrollment trends
∙ Consider obtaining additional $12MM - $24MM in bonds dependent upon future scope of work
President Tomschin noted they were doing an amazing job.
VI. Other Reports
There was none reported.
VII. Correspondence
There was none reported.
VIII. Comments from the audience.
Valerie Rathbun, Fifth Grade Co-Taught Teacher at Cicero East School, asked the Board to look into how and when students are assessed. She shared a personal story about a student in her class. She noted that her student and other students tend to have anxiety when assessments are taking place. She also noted that the various assessments are taking away from instructional time. She commented on the various tools that she wants to use to help her students.
Blanca Vargas, Town Trustee, congratulated the honorees this evening and said she loved the student’s performance, it reminded her of when she was a child. She addressed her concern about the cold weather and asked the Board to consider purchasing warm jackets for the Crossing Guards in the district.
IX. Board Moved To Executive Session
It was moved by Member Moreno and seconded by Vice-President Dominick to adjourn into Executive Session at 7:23 p.m. Roll call: Yeas: President Tomschin, Vice-President Dominick, Secretary Terracino, Members Manouzi and Moreno. Nays: None. Absent: Members Couch and Segura. 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. 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).
C. 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).
D. 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).
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).
X. Adjourned From Executive Session
It was moved by Secretary Terracino and seconded by Vice-President Dominick to adjourn from Executive Session at 9:33 p.m. Roll call: Yeas: President Tomschin, Vice-President Dominick, Secretary Terracino, Members Manouzi and Moreno. Nays: None. Absent: Members Couch and Segura. Motion carried.
XI. Reconvened To Open Session
It was moved by Member Manouzi and seconded by Member Moreno to reconvene to Open Session at 9:36 p.m. Roll call: Yeas: President Tomschin, Vice-President Dominick, Secretary Terracino. Members Manouzi and Moreno. Nays: None. Absent: Members Couch and Segura. Motion carried.
XII. Action as a result of Executive Session if necessary
There was none presented.
XIII. Consent Agenda
President Tomschin asked for a motion to approve the consent agenda as discussed and noted below.
A. Approval of Minutes
1. Regular Meeting Open Session January 11, 2023
2. Regular Meeting Closed Session January 11, 2023
B. Approval of Payrolls:
Education Fund $ 6,917,097.04
Operations, Building & Maintenance Fund $ 422,908.81
Transportation Fund $ 150,233.77
GRAND TOTAL SALARIES $ 7,490,239.62
C. Approval of Bills:
Education Fund $ 2,479,171.31
Building & Maintenance Fund $ 367,688.86
Transportation Fund $ 168,843.89
Capital Projects $ 586,444.61
TORT $ 734,114.76
Debt Fund $ 40,995.48
Fire Prevention $ 955.71
TOTAL EXPENSES FOR FEBRUARY $ 4,378,214.62
D. Miscellaneous Monies
TOTAL RECEIPTS FOR MONTH OF FEBRUARY $ 634,623.34
E. Approval of Proposed 2023-2024 School Calendar
F. Approval of Use of School Facility Requests
G. Approval of Resolution for Disposal of Personal Property
H. Approval of Purchase Orders over $ 25,0000.00
1. Quill/Staples Folding Chairs for Unity $ 66,000.00 2. Anchor Mechanical 2 Temp Pumpt Replacements $ 53,550.00 3. SAVVAS ReadyGen and My Perspectives Licenses $ 88,604.00 4. TCI Science Curriculum for K-5 $ 703,794.00
I. Approval of Amended IL – Empower Agreement between Cicero School District 99 and West 40 Intermediate Service Center #2 for Professional Development Services for the 2022-2023 school year
J. Approval of Agreement between VDA, Inc. and Cicero School District 99 for the provision of Vertical Transportation Consultancy Services beginning February 9, 2023 and ending on June 30, 2025
K. Approval to go out to bid for Mechanical Preventative Maintenance for District 99 Facilities
L. Approval of Vehicle Purchase Agreement between Central States Bus Sales, Inc. and Cicero School District 99
M. Approval of proposal with Prasino Engineering for Construction Phase Commissioning for the Mechanical HVAC Upgrade for the 2023 Capital Improvements at Unity Junior High School
N. Approval of proposal for Interstate Electronics Company to furnish and install the Outdoor Soccer Field Sound System at Unity Junior High School
O. Approval of Master Electric Energy Sales Agreement between Cicero School District 99 and ENGIE Resources LLC for the provision of Electric Services
P. Approval of Bid Recommendation for the Chiller Replacement Project at Lincoln School
Bid Package # 5 Steel
Q. Approval of Bid Recommendations for the Roofing Project at Unity Junior High School
Bid Package # 23 Mechanical
Bid Package # 26 Electrical
R. Approval of A101-2017s and Assignment of Contractor Agreements for the Roofing Project at Unity Junior High School
Bid Package # 4 J & E Duff, Inc.
Bid Package # 7 Riddiford Company, Inc.
Bid Package # 23 Amber Mechanical Contractors, Inc.
Bid Package # 26 Richmond Electric Co., Inc.
S. Approval of A133-2019 Exhibit A Guaranteed Maximum Price Amendment for the Roofing Project at Unity Junior High School
T. Approval of Additional Service Request 01 for Score Board Support and Sound System Coordination for the Field Turf and Track Project at Unity Junior High School
U. Approval to obtain Request for Qualifications for a consultant to develop Scope of Work for Asphalt and Concrete Projects District-Wide
V. Approval of Student and Staff Travel for Tournament Attendance
1. 12 students, 12 parent chaperones, 4 coaches and 1 administrator for overnight field trip to participate in the Special Olympics State Basketball Tournament in Bloomington, IL on March 10-11, 2023 W. Approval of Staff Travel for Conference Attendance
1. Aldo Calderin, Superintendent, Carson Solutions HVAC Summit, An Innovative Alternative to Unit Ventilators in Schools, on February 26-28, 2023, in Scottsdale, Arizona
2. Elisabeth Nealon, Assistant Superintendent for Student Services, RTI at Work Institute, on March 26-29, 2023, in Glendale, Arizona
X. Approval of Board Travel for Conference Attendance
1. Derek Dominick, James Terracino, Malika Manouzi and Graciela Segura, Board Members, National School Safety Conference, on July 24-28, 2023, in Las Vegas, Nevada
It was moved by Vice-President Dominick and seconded by Secretary Terracino to approve the Consent Agenda Items A through X as discussed in Executive Session and noted. Roll call: Yeas: President Tomschin, Vice-President Dominick, Secretary Terracino, Members Manouzi and Moreno. Nays: None. Absent: Members Couch and Segura. Motion carried.
XIV. Approval of Settlement Agreement between JP Morgan Chase Bank, N.A. and Cicero School District 99 regarding the purchase of property commonly known as 5241-49 W. 23rd Street, Cicero, Illinois 60804, County of Cook
It was moved by Member Moreno and seconded by Vice-President Dominick to approve the Settlement Agreement between JP Morgan Chase Bank, N.A. and Cicero School District 99 regarding the purchase of property commonly known as 5241-49 W. 23rd Street, Cicero, Illinois 60804, County of Cook. Roll call: Yeas: President Tomschin, Vice-President Dominick, Secretary Terracino, Members Manouzi and Moreno. Nays: None. Absent: Members Couch and Segura. Motion carried.
XV. Approval of Settlement Agreement relating to M.I. vs the Board of Education of Cicero School District 99, Case # 2022CH11335
It was moved by Member Moreno and seconded by Secretary Terracino to approve the Settlement Agreement relating to M.I. vs the Board of Education of Cicero School District 99, Case #2022CH11335. Roll call: Yeas: President Tomschin, Vice-President Dominick, Secretary Terracino, Members Manouzi and Moreno. Nays: None. Absent: Members Couch and Segura. Motion carried.
XVI. Resolution Authorizing Issuance of Notice to Remedy to Renee Paradiso
It was moved by Vice-President Dominick and seconded by Member Moreno to approve the Resolution Authorizing Issuance of Notice to Remedy to Renee Paradiso. Roll call: Yeas: President Tomschin, Vice-President Dominick, Secretary Terracino, Members Manouzi and Moreno. Nays: None. Absent: Members Couch and Segura. Motion carried.
President Tomschin requested approved of the Personnel Report as amended in Executive Session.
XVII. Personnel Report
A. Certified Staff
1. Employment
2. Resignations
Pamela Eggum, Special Education Teacher, Roosevelt School, effective February 3, 2023 Lisa Lazansky-Roach, Assistant Principal, Unity Jr. High School, effective June 16, 2023 Meredith Lee, Associate Principal, Unity Jr. High School, effective June 30, 2023
3. Other
a. Approval of a Leave of Absence extension for Susan Buzzelli from January 31, 2023 through April 11, 2023
b. Approval of a Leave of Absence for Cari Sandoval from February 10, 2023 through April 1, 2023
B. Non-Certified Staff
1. Employment
Gabriela Aquilar, Substitute Custodian, District
Gabriela Campos, Substitute Custodian, District
Marcela Casales, Substitute Custodian, District
Susan Castillo, Substitute Custodian, District
Liliana Gamboa, Special Education Program Assistant, District, pending medical verification
Alyssa Martin, Special Education Program Assistant, District, pending medical verification
Jovita Montano, Substitute Custodian, District
Jaime Millan Nohemi, Substitute Custodian, District
Toya Patschull, Special Education Program Assistant, District, pending medical and background verifications
Karen Pereda, Substitute Receptionist/District Clerk HR, Administration Building
Laura Padilla, Substitute Custodian, District
Mireya Rivera, Substitute Custodian, District
Desmond Smith, Substitute Custodian, District
Alicia Gutierrez Velazquez, Substitute Custodian, District
Charles White, Substitute Custodian, District
Lavall Willis, Substitute Custodian, District
2. Resignations
Alma Capron, Special Education Program Assistant, Lincoln School, effective January 27, 2023
Jose E. Gonzalez, Custodian, Cicero West School, effective February 10, 2023
Arturo Jaramillo, Night Custodian, Service Center, effective February 8, 2023
Yesenia Mata, Parent Leader, Cicero East School, effective January 23, 2023
Dominique McBride, Data and Assessment Coordinator, District, effective February 2, 2023
Maria Montalvo, Lunchroom Supervisor, Liberty School, effective January 18, 2023
3. Other
a. Approval of Maria Barragan as a Day Custodian
b. Approval of contract amendment for Maria G. Jaramillo
c. Approval of Arturo Jaramillo as a 12 month Security Guard
d. Approval of a Leave of Absence for Rachel Rodriguez from February 15, 2023 through June 2, 2023
e. Approval to rescind retirement from Martha Silva from February 7, 2023, to June 2, 2023.
f. Approval of termination of Employee #7330
g. Approval of termination of Employee #2343
C. FMLA Requests
#1441, January 11, 2023 through March 31, 2023 (was intermittent previously)
#5093, December 13, 2022 through December 23, 2022
#5076, January 9, 2023 through January 20, 2023
#3256, December 21, 2022 through March 29, 2023
#5415, January 9, 2023 through March 31, 2023
#5584, December 7, 2022 through December 6, 2023 (intermittent)
#3300, January 18, 2023 through April 18, 2023
#3110, January 25, 2023 through January 24, 2024 (intermittent)
#5445, January 17, 2023 through April 11, 2023
#6736, January 17, 2023 through April 11, 2023
#0166, January 9, 2023 through January 20, 2023
#5050, January 17, 2023 through April 17, 2023
#1363, December 19, 2022 through March 24, 2023
#4123, January 16, 2023 through May 3, 2023
#7150, December 16, 2022 through March 23, 2023
#5567, January 25, 2023 through April 25, 2023
#5416, January 20, 2023 through April 20, 2023
#5083, January 18, 2023 through April 18, 2023
It was moved by Vice-President Dominick and seconded by Secretary Terracino to approve the Personnel Report as amended in Executive Session. Roll call: Yeas: President Tomschin, Vice-President Dominick, Secretary Terracino, Members Manouzi and Moreno. Nays: None. Absent: Members Couch and Segura. Motion carried.
XVIII. Old Business
There was none to report.
XIX. Informational Items
President Tomschin announced the next regularly scheduled Board Meeting will be held on March 8, 2023, 6:30 p.m. at Goodwin School. He thanked everyone, wished them a good evening and to enjoy the nice breaking weather.
XX. Adjournment
It was moved by Member Moreno and seconded by Vice-President Dominick to adjourn from Open Session at 9:40 p.m. Roll call: Yeas: President Tomschin, Vice-President Dominick, Secretary Terracino, Members Manouzi and Moreno. Nays: None. Absent: Members Couch and Segura. Motion carried.
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