West Cook News

Cicero School District 99 Board of Education met Aug. 16.

Here are the minutes provided by the board:

I. The meeting was called to order by President Tomschin at 6:30 p.m.

President Tomschin requested a motion to appoint Member Alice Couch as Secretary Pro-Tem.

It was moved by Member Manouzi and seconded by Vice-President Dominick to appoint Member Couch as Secretary Pro-Tem. Roll call: Yeas: President Tomschin, Vice-President Dominick, Secretary Terracino (via speakerphone virtual attendance), Members Couch and Manouzi. Nays: None. Absent: Members Moreno and Segura. Motion carried.

II. Roll call was conducted and the following members were recorded present: President Tomschin, Vice-President Dominick, Secretary Terracino (via speakerphone virtual attendance), Couch and Manouzi. Absent: Members Moreno and Segura.

III. A quorum was established.

IV. The pledge to the flag was recited.

V. Superintendent’s Report

Dr. Calderin noted that the departmental reports listed above were received in their board packet. He asked them if they had any questions on the items 1-4 as noted below. They indicated none.

A. Informational Items

1. Monthly Board Report

2. Freedom of Information Act requests

3. Enrollment Report

4. Security Report

9. Treasurer’s Report - Ms. Ewa Klis, Manager of Business Affairs. She briefed them on the revenues, expenditures and monthly expenses. She indicated that as of August 3, 2023, the state owed the district $ 452.14. She also briefed on results of the Evidence Based Funding and the percentage of funding that the district will receive from the state. She asked them if they had any questions. They indicated none.

5. Departmental Updates – Dr. Calderin reported that each Board Member received the Departmental Updates in their packet. He asked them if they had any questions. They indicated none.

Member Moreno arrived at 6:36 p.m.

VI. Other Reports

A. Construction Report – Marc Rogers, CCS International, Inc., presented a PowerPoint and provided the following updates on various construction projects.

Construction Projects

Unity Turf

•   Base Scope (Turf) Exterior Work: Final installation for the additional striping and marking is ongoing and anticipated to be completed no later than August 21, 2023.

•   Risks/Resolutions:

o Fabrication of Field Signage is in progress. The installation date is anticipated for August 24, 2023.

o Scoreboard design and procurement are in process with FGMA.

Unity Junior High School HVAC (2 Summer Projects)

•   Air conditioning will be turning on in the building this week and major equipment has started up.

•   Commissioning will continue into the school year.

Risks/Resolutions:

o Select exhaust fans have been delayed until September – Vision Construction is formulating a plan to ensure all required ventilation is provided regardless.

o Cleaning ahead of students returning is being coordinated with final work.

Unity Junior High Roofing Project

•   Hot asphalt placement will stop on August 17, 2023 as planned.

•   Sheet-metal work will continue into the school year

•   Risks/Resolutions:

o Recent rains have caused some weather delays but none that will impact the overall scheduled completion of the project in summer 2024.

Multi-Site HVAC (Phase 2 – Summer 2023)

•   2nd phase of work at Columbus West is substantially complete.

•   Work has been closed out at 3 out of 9 buildings. Commissioning/punch-list on the other 6 building.

•   Risks/Resolutions:

o District 99 staff is addressing isolated piping leaks at Columbus West and assess how wide-spread piping deterioration is outside of the project scope.

o Commissioning of the Cicero West chiller has been impacted y the flood damage.

Design, Bidding and Preconstruction Projects for 2023

Lincoln Chiller ( in pre-construction coordination)

•   Chiller has been purchased thru the pre-purchase program. Current delivery date remains as of late October. Timing and options are being reviewed with the contractors and the chiller manufacturer. The work was planned for September during the shoulder season, depending on weather.

Projects in Close-Out

Roosevelt Elementary

•   Sealcoat and striping work have been completed.

•   Minor punch-list and commissioning activities continue to be ongoing. Roosevelt Fencing

•   Final close-out continued to be in progress.

7/2/23 Rain Event Update

•   The district was prioritizing student and teacher spaces/buildings for repairs first.

•   First mobile units have arrived and are being prepared for set up. The second set of mobile units were scheduled to be delivered om August 17, 2023.

•   Provided a status update on damages and impending repairs at the Administration Building, Burnham, Cicero East, Cicero West and Liberty Schools.

General Updates and Capital Planning Report

Capital Program Planning

•   Feasibility study projects scope options and pricing has been received.

o Roofing (Cicero West and Roosevelt)

o Goodwin Masonry

o Multi-Site (6 schools) Fire Alarm and Intercom

Mr. Rogers asked the Board if they had any questions. Dr. Calderin asked him to follow up with Unity as the rooftop unit was not cooling in the office spaces. Mr. Rogers indicated he would follow up.

VII. Correspondence – deviated from the agenda and moved to Old Business

VIII. Comments from the audience.

There was none presented.

IX. Board Moved To Executive Session

It was moved by Vice-President Dominick and seconded by Member Manouzi to adjourn into Executive Session at 6:42 p.m. Roll call: Yeas: President Tomschin, Vice-President Dominick, Secretary Terracino (via speakerphone virtual attendance), Members Couch, Manouzi and Moreno. Nays: None. Absent: Member 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 Member Couch ad Member Moreno to adjourn from Executive Session at 9:28 p.m. Roll call: Yeas: President Tomschin, Vice-President Dominick, Secretary Terracino (via speakerphone virtual attendance illness), Members Couch, Manouzi and Moreno. Nays: None. Absent: Member Segura. Motion carried.

XI. Reconvened To Open Session

It was moved by Vice-President Dominick seconded by Member Manouzi to reconvene to Open Session at 9:31 p.m. Roll call: Yeas: President Tomschin, Vice-President Dominick, Secretary Terracino (via speakerphone virtual attendance), Members Couch, Manouzi and Moreno. Nays: None. Absent: Member 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 noted below.

A. Approval of Minutes

Regular Meeting Open Session July 12, 2023

Regular Meeting Closed Session July 12, 2023

B. Approval of Payrolls:

Education Fund $ 6,950,714.41

Operations, Building & Maintenance Fund $ 508,710.75

Transportation Fund $ 86,481.17

GRAND TOTAL SALARIES $ 7,545,906.33

C. Approval of Bills:

Education Fund $ 4,753,065.68

Building & Maintenance Fund $ 668,362.33

Transportation Fund $ 452,132.40

Capital Projects $ 1,397,787.85

TORT $ 33,025.29

Debt Fund $ 20,497.74

TOTAL EXPENSES FOR AUGUST $ 7,324,871.29

D. Miscellaneous Monies

TOTAL RECEIPTS FOR MONTH OF AUGUST $ 601,973.86

E. Approval of Use of School Facility Requests

F. Approval of Resolution for Disposal of Personal Property

G. Approval of Purchase Orders over $ 25,0000.00

1. COTG SMART License Renewal $ 25,860.00

2. Power School Talent Ed Renewal $ 29,734.29

3. Proven IT Replacement of MFP’s from flood $ 96,287.57

4. Hand2Mind Math Manipulatives Grades 6-8 $ 31,356.54

H. Approval of Resolution Declaring an Emergency within Facilities of Cicero School District 99

I. Approval of contract (s) with Restore Construction, Inc., for Emergency Restorative Services related to flooding within District 99 Facilities, pending final legal review

J. Approval of termination of On-Call/Emergency Fencing Services Agreement with Bill Welding and Fabrication, LLC d/b/a BWF Construction

K. Approval to go out to rebid for District-Wide Fencing Services

L. Approval to go out to bid for a Health Insurance Broker

M. Approval of Intergovernmental Agreement between the Board of Education of District 99 and the Town of Cicero for the Administration and Funding of a School Crossing Guard Program for the 2023-2024 school year

N. Approval of Vehicle Purchase Agreement with Central States Bus Sales, Inc.

O. Approval of Purchase Agreement 3329 with IT-Re, Inc. for the purchase of decommissioned Chromebooks and Laptops

P. Approval of Agreement with CDW Government, LLC for the purchase of 1,200 Chromebooks including the Four-Year Extended Warranty Coverage

Q. Approval of Memorandum of Understanding between Cicero School District 99 and Family Focus in Partnership with Phillip Jackson Freedom Schools for the 2023-2024 school year

R. Approval of Early Childhood Services Agreement with West 40 Intermediate Services Center #2 for the provision of Coaching, Consulting and Professional Development Services for the 2023-2024 school year

S. Approval of First Amendment to Agreement with Kelly Services, Inc. for the provision of Educational Staffing

T. Approval of Affiliation Agreement with Loyola University of Chicago for Field-Based Experiences beginning August 16, 2023 and ending on June 30, 2028

U. Approval of Affiliation Agreement with Northern Illinois University for Field-Based Experiences beginning August 16, 2023 and ending on June 30, 2029

V. Approval of Agreement with Jane Addams College of Social Work for Field-Based Experiences beginning April 17, 2023 and ending on June 30, 2029

W. Approval of Amended Agreement with HealthPRO Pediatrics, LLC for the provision of Special Education and Student Services

X. Approval of Memorandum of Understanding between Cicero School District 99 and Tobii Dynavox, LLC for Assistive Technology Services for the 2023-2024 school year

Y. Approval of renewal of membership with Infinitec Assistive Technology Coalition for the 2023-2024 school year

Z. Approval of Program Agreement with Amanda S. Norris, Sustainable Mental Wellness, Inc. for the provision of Staff Mental Health Training and Support Services for the 2023-2024 school year

AA. Approval of Agreement with Crisis Prevention Institute, Inc. for the 2023-2024 school year

BB. Approval of Agreement to Extend Service Agreement with Grand Prairie Transit, Inc. beginning July 1, 2023 and ending on June 30, 2025

CC. Approval of renewal of Agency Contracts for Special Education and Student Services for the 2023-2024 School Year

1. Accountable School Staffing

2. Bilingual Speech Solutions

3. Center for Special Education Services, LLC

4. 3Chords Inc. and Therapy Travelers LLC collectively d/b/a Epic Special Education Staffing

5. Jigsaw Learning, LLC d/b/a Teachtown

6. Key2Ed, Inc.

7. Maxim Healthcare Services, Inc.

8. Maxim Healthcare Staffing Services, Inc.

9. Soliant Health, LLC

10.Sunbelt Staffing, LLC

DD. Approval of Tentative Budget for the 2023-2024 Fiscal Year

It was moved by Vice-President Dominick and seconded by Member Manouzi to approve the Consent Agenda Items A through DD as noted. Roll call: Yeas: President Tomschin, Vice-President Dominick, Secretary Terracino (via speakerphone virtual attendance), Members Couch, Manouzi and Moreno. Nays: None. Absent: Member Segura. Motion carried.

XIV. Approval of HVAC Emergency Repairs at Sherlock School

It was moved by Vice-President Dominick and seconded by Member Moreno to approve the HVAC Emergency Repairs at Sherlock School. Roll call: Yeas: President Tomschin, Vice-President Dominick, Secretary Terracino (via speakerphone virtual attendance), Members Couch, Manouzi and Moreno. Nays: None. Absent: Member Segura. Motion carried.

XV. Approval of Termination of Employee Albert Rubio

It was moved by Member Moreno and seconded by Member Couch to approve the Termination of Employee Albert Rubio. Roll call: Yeas: President Tomschin, Vice-President Dominick, Secretary Terracino (via speakerphone virtual attendance), Members Couch, Manouzi and Moreno. Nays: None. Absent: Member Segura. Motion carried.

XVI. Approval of Termination of Employee Eric Vasquez

It was moved by Member Moreno and seconded by Vice-President Dominick to approve the Termination of Employee Eric Vasquez. Roll call: Yeas: President Tomschin, Vice-President Dominick, Secretary Terracino (via speakerphone virtual attendance), Members Couch, Manouzi and Moreno. Nays: None. Absent: Member Segura. Motion carried.

President Tomschin asked for a motion on the Personnel Report as discussed and Amended in Executive Session.

XVII. Personnel Report

A. Certified Staff

1. Employment

Phelisha Adams, EC/PreK Blended (full day) Teacher, District, pending medical verification

Patrick Callahan, Dean of Students, Unity Jr. High School

Mira Church, 5th Gr. Co-Taught Teacher, Warren Park School, pending background and medical verifications

Liliana Corral, 2nd Gr. Dual Language Teacher, Warren Park School, pending certification and medical verifications

Marilyn Cullen-Reavill, Kindergarten Teacher, Lincoln School, pending medical verification

Crystal De La Huerta, Social Worker, Roosevelt School

Joel Duran, Kindergarten Co-Taught Teacher, Liberty School, pending medical and background verifications

Eliza Gallermo, Speech and Language Pathologist, District, pending medical and background verifications

Sharon Gliesmann, Special Education Program Supervisor, District

Valerie Gonzales-Malas, 2nd Gr. Teacher, Burnham School, pending medical and background verifications

Cheryl Huff, Digital Literacy / STEAM Teacher, Roosevelt, pending medical and background verifications

Paul Martin, 6th Gr. Spec. Education Resource Teacher, Cicero East School, pending medical and background verifications

Kelly Pawelko, Special Education Program Supervisor, pending medical verification

Matthew Sikora, Social Worker, Wilson School, pending medical

Grace Skelly, 8th Gr. Co-Taught Lang Arts Teacher, Unity Jr. High School, pending certification, medical, background verifications

Heather Smith, Special Education Program Supervisor, District,

Stephanie Solis, 2nd Gr Dual Language Teacher, Lincoln School, pending medical and background verifications

Magdalena Sotelo, 3rd Gr. Dual Language Teacher, Sherlock School, pending medical and background verifications

Wendy Torres, Speech and Language Pathologist, District, pending medical and background verifications

2. Accepted Resignations

Maryam Bozai, 7th Gr. Co-Taught LBSI Math Teacher, Unity Jr. High School, effective June 2, 2023

Susan Buzzelli, Interventionist, Burnham School, effective July 11, 2023

Danielle English, Special Education Program Supervisor, District, effective July 27, 2023

Jamie Funkhouser, Resource/Instructional Teacher, Burnham School, effective July 30, 2023

Evmorfia Georgacopoulos, Kindergarten Co-Taught Teacher, Lincoln School, effective July 17, 2023

Amy Kalas, Assistant Director of Special Education, District, effective August 25, 2023

Elizabeth Krysinski, Social Worker, Goodwin School, effective August 4, 2023

Tiffany Kusano, Kindergarten Co-Taught Teacher, Liberty School, effective July 19, 2023

Nicole C. LaRocco, Digital Literacy / STEAM Teacher, Sherlock, effective August 11, 2023

Jessica Martinez, 4th Grade Dual Language Teacher, Wilson, effective August 10, 2023

Michelle Nugent, Special Education Program Supervisor, District, effective July 27, 2023

Juliet Price, Social Worker, Drexel School, effective June 2, 2023

Gabriela Serrano-Gonzalez, 5th Gr. Dual Language Teacher, Warren Park School, effective July 20, 2023

Jennifer Tosch, 4th Gr. Co-Taught LBSI Teacher, Columbus East School, effective July 18, 2023

Taylor Zilleox, Special Education Techer, Drexel School, effective August 11, 2023

3. Other

Denied Resignations

a. Alma Ferrel, 4th Gr. Dual Language (English) Teacher, Lincoln School, effective August 17, 2023

b. Amanda Grawunder, ESL Teacher, Unity Jr. High School, effective August 14, 2023

c. Melanie Woods, Music Teacher, Lincoln School, effective August 15, 2023

B. Non-Certified Staff

1. Employment

Candy Acevedo, Board Certified Behavior Analyst, District

Claudia Alves, Substitute Custodian, District

Carla Betancourt, EC Non-Instructional Classroom Supervisor, District

Fernando Carbajal, Substitute Custodian, District

Jesus Castaneda Sotelo, Substitute Custodian, District

Eduardo Diaz, Substitute Custodian, District

Maricela Diaz, Night Custodian, District

Gary Dolatowski, Substitute Custodian, District

Leslie Erazo, Special Education Program Assistant, District, pending medical verification

Aleidi Garcia, Night Custodian, District

Fabiola Garcia, Lunch Supervisor, Wilson School

Lorena Garcia, Substitute Custodian, District

Stephanie Garcia, Multilingual Program Assistant, Cicero East, pending medical and background verifications

Alicia Gutierrez, Night Custodian, District

Leidiana Guzman, Lunch Supervisor, Wilson School

Maricela Guzman, Special Education Program Assistant, District

Tracie Hartman, Night Custodian, District

Ashley Lomax, School Nurse, Warren Park

Ana Marquez, Special Education Program Assistant, Columbus West School,

Richard Mayer, Special Education Program Assistant, Columbus East School

Mary McFall, School Nurse, Liberty School

Jose Mendoza, Substitute Custodian, District

Daylin Moncada, Special Education Program Assistant, Columbus East

Jovita Montano, Night Custodian, District

Alex Molina, Security Guard – 10 Month AM, District

Nancy Moreno, Security Guard – 10 month, District

Jimmy Ortiz, Night Custodian, District

Maria Pablo, Night Custodian, District

Laura Padilla, Security Guard – 10 month, District

Ieshia Piggee, Special Education Program Assistant, Drexel, pending medical and background verifications

Julio Rojas, Security Guard – 10 month AM, District

2. Resignations

Maricela Diaz Silva, Substitute Custodian, effective August 18, 2023

Jose Maldonado, Custodian, Wilson School, effective July 21, 2023

Janet Alejandra Marquez Gonzalez, Custodian, Unity East School, effective July 5, 2023

Elvia Martinez, Lunch Supervisor, Unity Jr. High School, effective August 10, 2023

Fabiola Mendoza, Lunchroom Supervisor, Lincoln School, effective August 8, 2023

Monica Monarrez, Special Education Program Assistant, Drexel School, effective August 11, 2023

Nancy Moreno, Phone Caller, Cicero West School, effective August 4, 2023

Laura Padilla, Substitute Custodian, District, effective August 15, 2023

Mariana Rodriguez, Lunch Backup Hostess, effective August 4, 2023

Blanca Toledo, Program Assistant, Columbus East School, effective August 4, 2023

Nina Valdez, Lunch Supervisor, Unity Jr. High School, effective August 7, 2023

3. Other

a. Approval of Eric Croasdale as Lead Mechanic

b. Approval of Anthony Zell as Head Custodian

c. Termination of employee #3507440, Part Time Bus Driver, effective August 16, 2023 (Lavina Redmond)

d. Termination of employees:

#7535 Substitute Custodian (Susan Castillo)

#7520 Substitute Custodian (Noah Berrnklau)

#7555 Substitute Custodian (Sebastian Sanchez)

#7225 Substitute Custodian (Diego Urbina)

#7350 Substitute Custodian (Ivan Meraz)

#7389 Substitute Custodian (Dylan Vahl)

C. FMLA Requests

#5663, April 24, 2023 through June 2, 2023

#2038, June 15, 2023 through June 27, 2023

#3327, March 24, 2023 through March 23, 2024 (intermittent)

#5596, May 15, 2023 through May 31, 2023

#6058, February 27, 2023 through February 26, 2024 (intermittent)

#3360, October 7, 2022 through January 12, 2023

#0868, July 7, 2023 through September 21, 2023

#6805, August 18, 2023 through November 9, 2023

#5256, August 18, 2023 through August 17, 2024 (intermittent)

#4227, August 29, 2023 through October 10, 2023

#7410, August 19, 2023 through November 9, 2023

#0902, March 29, 2023 through March 28, 2024 (intermittent)

#6364, May 10, 2023 through May 23, 2023

#7092, August 18, 2023 through October 12, 2023

It was moved by Member Moreno and seconded by Vice-President Dominick to approve the Personnel Report as discussed and amended in Executive Session. Roll call: Yeas: President Tomschin, Vice-President Dominick, Secretary Terracino (via speakerphone virtual attendance), Members Couch, Manouzi and Moreno. Nays: None. Absent: Member Segura. Motion carried.

XVIII. Student Discipline Dispositions

A. Student Number 990028123 shall be expelled for the first semester of the 2023-2024 academic school year. That said expulsion will be held in abeyance pending the successful completion of a program at Menta Academy.

It was moved by Member Manouzi and seconded by Member Moreno to approve the Student Discipline Disposition that was discussed and considered by the Board of Education as noted above. Roll call: Yeas: President Tomschin, Secretary Terracino (via speakerphone virtual attendance), Members Couch, Manouzi and Moreno. Nays: None. Absent: Member Segura. Motion carried.

XIX. Old Business

Member Couch read correspondence that was received for the Board.

Tina Berry sent a note thanking the Board for their comforting expression of sympathy.

The Schullo family sent a note thanking the Board for their heartfelt support and the beautiful sympathy flowers that were received.

It was moved by Member Moreno and seconded by Member Manouzi to accept and place on file the correspondence received. Roll call: Yeas: President Tomschin, Vice-President Dominick, Secretary Terracino (via speakerphone virtual attendance), Members Couch, Manouzi and Moreno. Nays: None. Absent: Member Segura. Motion carried.

XX. Informational Items

President Tomschin announced the next regularly scheduled Board Meeting to be held on September 13, 2023, 6:30 p.m. at Cicero East School. Also, a Special Meeting for the Budget Hearing will be held on September 25, 2023 at the Administration Building.

President Tomschin thanked the entire Buildings and Grounds crew and the maintenance staff for all the work that has been going on in the buildings for a little over a month, due to the flood. He wanted to proactively thanked the parents for cooperating with the students being displaced in different schools, potentially due to the catastrophic flood that occurred. He also thanked Secretary Terracino for being able to join the meeting on a virtual basis even though he was under the weather.

XXI. Adjournment

It was moved by Vice-President Dominick and seconded by Secretary Terracino to adjourn from Open Session at 9:36 p.m. Roll call: Yeas: President Tomschin, Vice-President Dominick, Secretary Terracino (via speakerphone virtual attendance due to illness), Members Couch, Manouzi and Moreno. Nays: None. Absent: Member Segura. Motion carried.

https://meetings.boardbook.org/Documents/CustomMinutesForMeeting/1488?meeting=593930