Cicero School District 99 Board of Education met Sept. 13
Here are the minutes provided by the board:
I. The meeting was called to order by President Tomschin at 6:33 p.m.
II. Roll call was conducted and the following members were recorded present: President Tomschin, Vice-President Dominick, Secretary Terracino, Members Couch, Manouzi and Moreno. Absent: Member Segura.
III. A quorum was established.
IV. The pledge to the flag was not recited, it was done previously before the Public Hearing
V. Superintendent’s Report
Dr. Calderin introduced Jill Miller, Principal at Cicero East. He noted Cicero East was a little different this year as Cicero West and Cicero East are combined as they navigate through the catastrophic floods that impacted Cicero West.
Ms. Miller welcomed everyone to Cicero East School. She presented a video highlighting the students and the Dual Language Program. She thanked the Board for the opportunities extended to the staff and students. The Board and Dr. Calderin thanked her for the presentation.
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. Open House 2023
6. Security Report
7. Dr. Calderin introduced Ms. Kalyvas, for presentation of this month’s recipient of District 99’s Very Own Award.
Ms. Kalyvas presented this month’s recipient:
• Alicia Rohr, ESL Resource Teacher at Wilson School
Ms. Rohr received a pin and a certificate acknowledging her as one of District 99’s very own. There was a PowerPoint presentation highlighting Ms. Rohr.
On behalf of the Board of Education, President Tomschin thanked her for all her hard work and dedication to the district and everything she does for the students and the community of Cicero.
8. 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 September 6, 2023, the state owed the district $ 5.6 million. She asked them if they had any questions. They indicated none.
9. PMA Presentation – Robert Lewis presented a PowerPoint highlighting the Qualified School Construction Bonds (QSCBs) that were issued in 2016. He reported that the QSCBs qualified for an interest rate subsidy that would come from the US Treasury directory to the district. This would offset a substantial portion of the interest cost for the district’s Series 2016B Bonds that lowers the aggregate net borrowing rate to about 0.37%. Mr. Lewis recommended revising the original sinking fund agreement to permit the purchase of Treasury securities in excess of the maximum permitted yield. He also noted that PMA would act as the district’s calculation agent to monitor compliance. He asked the Board if they had any questions. President Tomschin asked how they would ensure overall compliance, if the rates change in 4 or 5 years. Mr. Lewis responded they would accumulate extra earnings now so it wouldn’t affect the sinking fund in the future and would be capped at 1.4%.
10. Departmental Updates
Dr. Calderin, Superintendent, reported the following updates:
• Flood mitigation efforts continue to be prolonged through our insurance carriers. Once approvals are given, work will continue.
• The dedication ceremony for Larry Polk Field will take place tomorrow, September 14, 2023 at 4:30pm at Unity Junior High School on the turf field. All are invited to attend.
He asked if they had any questions, they indicated none.
Dr. Mary Mycyk, Assistant Superintendent for Educational Services reported the following updates:
• Enrollment Update
o K-8 Enrollment as of today was 8564.
o Kindergarten Enrollment is currently at 825.
• Educational Services Updates
o Classroom walkthroughs have begun
o Beginning of year assessments have been delivered for Literacy and Math assessment data. Data will be used to identify students in need of interventions, as well as grouping students for extended day.
o Fall MAP ASSESSMENT IS ONLY BEING DELIVERD TO Kindergarten students thus reducing the number of MAP assessments delivered to our 1st through 8th grade students.
o Extended day for Math and Reading will begin next week.
She asked if they had any questions, they indicated none.
Ms. Elisabeth Nealon, Assistant Superintendent for Student Services, provided the following updates:
• Regional Bowling Competition:
o FOUR student-athletes took home GOLD MEDALS.
o ONE student-athlete took home a SILVER MEDAL.
o ONE student-athlete took home a BRONZE MEDAL.
• Mental Health Services Grant Applications
o Due September 9
o District may be awarded up to $500,000 to
o increase support for mental health services
o Funding allocation includes training and
o hiring of support staff
• Partnership with TOC-Health Dept. - for the 1st Annual TOC Mental Health event, October 19th.
She asked if they had any questions, they indicated none.
Mr. Bryan Snyder, Chief Information Officer, provided the following updates:
• Cybersecurity and Data Resilience
o Firewall – Project has been completed
o Vulnerability and Pen Testing – The vulnerability and penetration test MSA and SOW are in the board packet for approval this month. Outcomes of this assessment will drive the next 18 month security pln. The development of the Technology Disaster Recovery Plan continued to be updated.
• VoIP Cloud
o Over 750 lines have been ported to the cloud platform with only 16 remaining on the old call/manager system. The project completion is anticipated by or before October 1, 2023.
• Chromebook/Hotspot Deployment
o Over n1,700 devices have been deployed via three deployment windows: BOY initial Deployment, BOY Deployment II (in an attempt to reach those absent during the initial deployment) and 6th Day Enrollment Deployment.
• Projects in the Horizon
o IDF Batter Back-ups (district-wide)
o Redundant Dark Fiber at select locations
o Several security items
He asked the Board if they had any questions, they indicated none.
11. Perfect Attendance for the 2022-2023 School Year.
Dr. Calderin acknowledged the staff, by reading out loud their name, who had perfect attendance for the 2022-2023 school year. He noted that Teachers and certified administrators will receive District 99 Swag valued at $100 and other staff have received the incentive as noted in their respective bargaining agreements or Policy 5:330.
Joan E. Arnold Eilen Nahm
Sonia Camargo Sepideh Noekhah
Geoffrey Davis Araceli Pena
Thomas Eukovich Mark Peterson
Bertha Garcia Isabel Ramirez
Kelly Gomorczak Kristin Rea
Nichole Gross Tina Riedl
Matthew Hart Juanita Spahn
Maribel Hernandez Alfonso Vega
Rosario Hernandez Magdalena Vega
Epifania Ibarra Mark Zak
Christian Kalonji Kanyiki Anthony Zell
Letisha Miller
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: Additional striping was completed.
• Sound System – work was completed and ready to be used.
• Risks/Resolutions:
• Punch list activities are ongoing for the turf, sound system and signage. The scoreboard design and procurement continued to remain in process with FGMA Architects.
Unity Junior High School HVAC (2 Summer Projects)
• Capital project equipment started up and was functioning prior to August 21, 2023.
• Chiller (not project related) issues were resolved on August 21, 2023.
• Communication for equipment is working as of September 11, 2023.
• Planning efforts are underway to sequence heating override settings.
• Commissioning will continue into the school year (back of house)
Unity Junior High Roofing (2 Summer Project)
• Critical year 1 summer work completed. Balance of work limited to summer to occur next year (2024)
• Sheet-metal work will continue into the school year.
• Risks/Resolutions:
o Scheduling for summer 2 work will be critical over the coming months. Multi-Site HVAC (Phase 2 – Summer 2023)
• 2nd phase of work 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 assessing how wide-spread piping deterioration is outside of the project scope. A scope of work is to be developed by FGM.
o Commissioning of the Cicero West chiller has been impacted by the flood damage.
Temporary Office Mobiles
• Substantially completed on August 31, 2023
• Occupancy paperwork sent from the Regional Office of Education on September 1, 2023
Design, Bidding and Preconstruction Projects for 2023
Lincoln Chiller ( in pre-construction coordination)
• Chiller is shipping in September.
Projects in Close-Out
Roosevelt Elementary
• Minor punch-list and commissioning activities continue to be ongoing. Roosevelt Fencing
∙ Final close-out continued to be in progress.
Cooling Status Update
Unity – Cooling is generally functional, issues were primarily with the existing communication system (BAS)
Lincoln – Cooling is generally functional, issue was with the “to be replace” chiller.
Liberty – Cooling with issues noted in specified rooms/spaces and issues with existing equipment air flow and VAVs.
Columbus West - Cooling with issues noted in specific rooms/spaces and issue with found mechanical piping conditions.
Roosevelt – Temporary Cooling repair quote presented for Board approval. 7/2/23 Rain Event Update
• The district continued with prioritizing student and teacher spaces/buildings for repairs first.
• Agreements on repair costs has not been finalized by the district’s insurance provider and contractors for all damaged properties.
• 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 and they indicated none.
VII. Correspondence
Secretary Terracino read a thank you noted form the family of Geraldine Ward for the beautiful flowers received
It was moved by Secretary Terracino and seconded by Vice-President Dominick to accept and place on file the correspondence received. Roll call: Yeas: President Tomschin, Vice-President Dominick, Secretary Terracino, Members Couch, Manouzi and Moreno. Nays: None. Absent: Member Segura. Motion carried.
VIII. Comments from the audience.
Kate Armstrong, Vice-President of Cicero Council and a Speech and Language Pathologist in the district, used her voice to advocate for the most vulnerable students. She asked the district to please consider all possible avenues with special education as they are struggling. She noted these past 4 years have been the hardest in her last 10 years.
Julie Stanley, Special Education teacher and Treasurer for Cicero Council, commented that the start of the school year has been difficult. She noted that complaints that they heard are similar to what she had been struggling with. She noted training was not helpful for special education and would hope that the district will work to resolve the matters as soon as possible for the benefit of staff and students.
Sarah Boyle, Representative of Cicero Council and School Psychologist, commented that this year has been challenging due to losing staff. She urged the Board to speak with the staff members of special education as they serve the most vulnerable students.
Ashley, a teacher commented it was disheartening to see board members on their cell phones during the meeting.
Rocio Ramirez, a parent, commented that Dual Language was emphasized and asked if there was any translating for the parents at board meeting.
A special education teacher expressed her concern with starting the school year without amplified materials. She wanted the same consideration for special education teachers as her general education comrades.
Kim Poleski, teacher at Cicero East, commented that she is running in circles everyday and is being positive to keep them afloat. She is concerned about conditions, basic needs not being met. She talked about the trailers and fencing and having bathroom issues with students. She talked about the newcomers and wanted to know what the plan was to accommodate them. She asked if registration can be made easier for the parents.
A teacher from Cicero East commented on the young learners and said that the Kindergarten and 1st Graders need more assistance. She said if classroom can’t be made smaller, then hire program assistants to assist.
IX. Board Moved To Executive Session
It was moved by Vice-President Dominick and seconded by Secretary Terracino to adjourn into Executive Session at 7:29 p.m. Roll call: Yeas: President Tomschin, Vice-President Dominick, Secretary Terracino, 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. Student Disciplinary cases. 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(9)
F. 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 Member Manouzi to adjourn Executive Session at 10:15 p.m. Roll call: Yeas: President Tomschin, Vice-President Dominick, Secretary Terracino, Members Couch, Manouzi and Moreno. Nays: None. Absent: Member 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 10:18 p.m. Roll call: Yeas: President Tomschin, Vice-President Dominick, Secretary Terracino, 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 discussed.
A. Approval of Minutes
Regular Meeting Open Session August 16, 2023
Regular Meeting Closed Session August 16, 2023
B. Approval of Payrolls:
Education Fund $ 6,800,664.23
Operations, Building & Maintenance Fund $ 476,885.26
Transportation Fund $ 42,519.71
GRAND TOTAL SALARIES $ 7,320,069.20
C. Approval of Bills:
Education Fund $ 3,479,213.64
Building & Maintenance Fund $ 1,082,097.06
Transportation Fund $ 85,982.43
Capital Projects $ 1,775,565.14
TORT $ 15,634.62
Debt Fund $ 40,995.48
TOTAL EXPENSES FOR SEPTEMBER $ 6,479,488.37
D. Miscellaneous Monies
TOTAL RECEIPTS FOR MONTH OF SEPTEMBER $ 359,327.05
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. CDW Backup to IDF Network Equipment $ 77,000.00
2. CDW Staff Desktop Computers $ 46,500.00
3. Key2Ed Professional Development $ 53,100.00
H. Approval of a donation in the amount of $ 1,000.00 from the Chicago Bears Organization which will be used for the purchase of classroom materials for Carmina Rosales at Burnham School
I. Approval of Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton LLP as Bond Counsel for the Amendment to the Bond Fund Investment Agreement of December 29, 2016
J. Approval of QSCB Sinking Fund Investment Facilitation Agreement with PMA Securities, LLC for the provision of Bond Investment Services
K. Approval of Master Service Agreement with The Hack Ninja, SP for the provision of Cyber security Services
L. Approval of Capacity Building Service Agreement with West 40 Intermediate Service Center #2 for the provision of Professional Development Support Services for the 2023-2024 school year
M. Approval of Staff Travel for Conference Attendance
1. Jack Rein, MTSS Director, Heather Mathis, Principal, Cory Kalyvas, Associate Principal and Brad Randmark, Assistant Principal, Restorative Conferencing: Training of Trainers, October 23-25, 2023, in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
2. Nokhaze Ilyas, Director of Technology, Infrastructure and Operations, National Future of Educational Technology Conference on January 23-26, 2024, in Orlando, Florida
It was moved by Secretary Terracino and seconded by Member Couch to approve the Consent Agenda Items A through M as discussed. Roll call: Yeas: President Tomschin, Vice-President Dominick, Secretary Terracino, Members Couch and Manouzi. Nays: Member Moreno. Absent: Member Segura. Motion carried.
XIV. Approval of BP23-CO06 Change Order for Key West Metal Industries for work performed at Liberty School for the HVAC Priority Repair Work Project
It was moved by Vice-President Dominick and seconded by Member Moreno to approve the BP23-CO06 Change Order for Key West Metal Industries for work performed at Liberty School for the HVAC Priority Repair Work Project Roll call: Yeas: President Tomschin, Vice-President Dominick, Secretary Terracino, Members Couch, Manouzi and Moreno. Nays: None. Absent: Member Segura. Motion carried.
XV. Resolution Authorizing an Amendment to the Bond Fund Investment Agreement of December 29, 2016, Regarding the Taxable General Obligation School Building Bonds, Series 2016B (Qualified School Construction Bonds)
It was moved by Vice-President Dominick and seconded by Secretary Terracino to approve the Resolution Authorizing an Amendment to the Bond Fund Investment Agreement of December 29, 2016, Regarding the Taxable General Obligation School Building Bonds, Series 2016B (Qualified School Construction Bonds. Roll call: Yeas: President Tomschin, Vice-President Dominick, Secretary Terracino, Members Couch, Manouzi and Moreno. Nays: None. Absent: Member Segura. Motion carried.
XVI. Resolution Waiving the Limitation on Administrative Costs
It was moved by Vice-President Dominick and seconded by Member Moreno to approve the Resolution Waiving the Limitation on Administrative Costs as discussed during the Public Hearing. Roll call: Yeas: President Tomschin, Vice-President Dominick, Secretary Terracino, 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
Talia Garcia, Speech and Language Pathologist, District, pending medical and background verifications
Bethany Wilson, Music Teacher, Lincoln School, pending medical and background verifications
2. Resignations
Cherisa Baity, Reading Interventionist, Sherlock School, effective August 17, 2023
3. Other
a. Rescission of Previous Resignation Denials
Alma Ferrel, 4th Gr. Dual Language (English) Teacher, Lincoln School, effective August 17, 2023
Melanie Woods, Music Techer, Lincoln School, effective August 15, 2023
b. Approval of Lisa Wojcik as the Assistant Director of Early Childhood
c. Approval to rescind retirement for Lauren Pertchi from June of 2025 to June 30, 2024
d. Termination of employee #7588 (Edgardo Garofalo Garofalo)
B. Non-Certified Staff
1. Employment
Crystal Estrada, Special Education Program Assistant, District, pending medical and background verifications
Raquel Galena Gonzalez, Lunch Supervisor, Roosevelt School
Tomasa Garcia, Special Education Program Assistant, District, pending certification
Christina Garza, Security Guard – 10 months, District
Moraima Gomez, Lunch Supervisor, Roosevelt School
Analisa Guerrero, School Nurse, District,
Nancy Hernandez, Security Guard – 10 Months, District
Stacy Hernandez, Parent Leader, Drexel School
Amanda Luna, Security Guard, District
Lourdes Manriquez, Lunch Supervisor, Unity Jr. High School
Maria D. Marin Arriola, Lunch Supervisor, Unity Jr. High School
Anais Medrano, Lunch Supervisor, Wilson School
Juana Ortega, Lunch Supervisor, Unity Jr. High School
Yurittzi Rayquillo, Phone Caller, Columbus East School
Milagros Rico, Lunch Supervisor, Burnham School
Diana Rodriguez, Lunch Supervisor, Liberty School
Evelin Vasquez, Lunch Supervisor, Unity Jr. High School
Auteria Woodards, Security Guard – 10 months, District
2. Resignations
Fernando Carbajal, Substitute Custodian, District, effective August 21, 2023
Gary Dolatowski, Substitute Custodian, District, effective August 17, 2023
Lorena Garcia, Substitute Custodian, District, effective September 1, 2023
Tomasa Garcia, Night Custodian, Unity Jr. High School, effective September 15, 2023
Leticia Gomez, Phone Caller, Columbus East School, effective August 11, 2023
Rosa Huitron, Lunch Supervisor, Liberty School, effective August 23, 2023
Krystal Martinez, Lunch Supervisor, Lincoln School, effective July 17, 2023
Roberta Olson, Lunch Supervisor, Unity Jr. High School, effective August 25, 2023
Ximena Pineda, Substitute Nurse, effective August 21, 2023
Emily Regalado, Program Assistant, Goodwin School, effective August 21, 2023
Mireya Rivera Mondragon, Substitute Custodian, District, effective September 13, 2023
Veronica Rodriguez, Lunch Supervisor, Cicero West School, effective August 25, 2023
Guadalupe Sanchez, Program Assistant, Lincoln School, effective September 8, 2023
Nancy Torres, Lunch Supervisor, Cicero East School, effective August 18, 2023
3. Other
a. Approval of Violeta Murillo to Full-Time Bus Driver
b. Approval of Jhoanna Velasquez to Hostess at Burnham School
c. Approval of Maria Gloria Munoz to Hostess at Unity West Jr. High School
d. Termination of probationary employee #7654 (Alex Molina)
e. Termination of employee #7592 (Javier Ledesma, Part-Time Bus Driver)
C. FMLA Requests
#7137, August 22, 2023 through September 1, 2023
#3508, August 18, 2023 through June 2, 2024 (intermittent)
#3919, May 22, 2023 through October 30, 2023
#5611, August 24, 2023 through May 30, 2024 (intermittent)
#6180, August 24, 2023 through May 30, 2024 (intermittent)
#2387, August 22, 2023 through November 13, 2023
#5554, August 22, 2023 through November 13, 2023
#3289, August 18, 2023 through November 9, 2023
#4112, August 24, 2023 through August 23, 2024 (intermittent)
#4043, September 5, 2023 through September 4, 2024 (intermittent)
#5091, August 18, 2023 through September 15, 2023
#2294, August 18, 2023 through November 9, 2023
#6928, August 21, 2023 through November 10, 2023
#5244, August 22, 2023 through November 13, 2023
#5890, November 16, 2023 through November 15, 2024 (intermittent)
It was moved by Vice-President Dominick and seconded by Member Moreno to approve the Personnel Report as discussed. Roll call: Yeas: President Tomschin, Vice-President Dominick, Secretary Terracino, Members Couch, Manouzi and Moreno. Nays: None. Absent: Member Segura. Motion carried.
XVIII. Student Discipline Dispositions
A. Student Number 990021004 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 Vice-President Dominick 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, Vice- President Dominick, Secretary Terracino, Members Couch, Manouzi and Moreno. Nays: None. Absent: Member Segura. Motion carried.
XIX. Old Business
There was none to report.
XX. Informational Items
President Tomschin announced a Special Meeting for the Budget Hearing on September 25, 2023, at the Administration Building; Also, the next regularly scheduled Board Meeting to be held on October 11, 2023, 6:30 p.m. at Lincoln School.
XXI. Adjournment
It was moved by Member Moreno and seconded by Member Couch to adjourn from Open Session at 9:36 p.m. Roll call: Yeas: President Tomschin, Vice-President Dominick, Secretary Terracino, Members Couch, Manouzi and Moreno. Nays: None. Absent: Member Segura. Motion carried.
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