West Cook News

Berkeley School District 87 Board of Education met Sept. 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 7:00 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, Espinoza, Mora, Chavez, Mason and O’Connell. Absent Jackson, Also present was Dr. Sullivan, Mrs. Zimmerman, Mrs. Zimmerman and Mrs. Vince 

PUBLIC HEARING ON BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 2024 

Mrs. Vince presented an overview of the budget for fiscal year 2024 and explained the filing process for the Board and the public audience.

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION 

Member O’Connell moved, seconded by Member Mora, THAT ALL CORRESPONDENCE BE PUT ON FILE AS PRESENTED EXCEPT THAT WHICH REQUIRES IMMEDIATE ATTENTION.

Roll Call Vote 

Ayes: O’Connell 

Hightower

Mason 

Mora

Espinoza

Chavez

Nays: None

Absent: Jackson

Motion carried 6-0

ORAL: Mrs. Chaparro spoke to the board regarding 

CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES: 

APPROVAL OF OLD MINUTES 

Member Espinoza moved, seconded by member Mora. THAT MINUTES OF THE REGULAR BOARD MEETING HELD ON SEPTEMBER 25, 2023 AND THE CLOSED SESSION MINUTES AUGUST 28 BE APPROVED AS SUBMITTED TO BOARD MEMBERS PRIOR TO THIS MEETING.

Roll Call Vote 

Ayes: O’Connell 

Hightower

Mason 

Mora

Espinoza

Chavez

Nays: None

Absent: Jackson

Motion carried 6-0

REPORTS 

SUPERINTENDENT None

CURRICULUM AND None

INSTRUCTION 

BUSINESS SERVICES 

Mrs. Vince reviewed the Accounts & Claims payable figures and Member O’Connell moved, seconded by Member Jackson, THAT THE EXPENDITURES BE APPROVED IN THE AMOUNT OF $9,359,291.04, AS FOLLOWS:

PAYROLL 8/31/23………………………………………………790,623.62

PAYROLL 9/31/23………………………………………………873,721.08

REGULAR BOARD ACCOUNTS PAYABLE LISTINGS….1,128,702.14

REFERENDUM PROJECTS………………………………..6,556,956.60

REGULAR BOARD ACCOUNTS PAYABLE-P CARD…….…..9,287.60

TOTAL $ 9,359,291.04

Roll Call Vote 

Ayes: O’Connell 

Hightower

Mason 

Mora

Espinoza

Chavez

Nays: None

Absent: Jackson

Motion carried 6-0

MONTHLY BUILDING REPORT 

Mrs. Vince explained that the Monthly Building Rental Report is submitted for informational purposes only. 

SPECIAL SERVICES None

HUMAN RESOURCES None

OTHER OLD BUSINESS None

CLOSED SESSION 

Member Espinoza moved, seconded by Member Mora, 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: O’Connell 

Hightower

Mason 

Mora

Espinoza

Chavez

Nays: None

Absent: Jackson

Motion carried 6-0

The Board recessed to closed session at 7:43 pm.

The Board reconvened to open session at 8:38 pm with all members present.

RESIGNATION OF BOARD MEMBER 

Member Espinoza moved followed by Member Mora, THAT THE BOARD APPROVE THE RESIGNATION OF BOARD MEMBER:

Roll Call Vote 

Ayes: Chavez 

Hightower

Mason 

Mora

Espinoza

Nays: None

Absent: Jackson

Motion carried 5-0

APPOINTMENT OF NEW BOARD MEMBER 

UPON CONSENSUS, THE BOARD APPOINTED MRS. CHARISE WALKER TO THE POSITION OF BOARD MEMBER.

Roll Call Vote 

Ayes: Chavez 

Hightower

Mason 

Mora

Espinoza

Nays: None

Absent: Jackson

Motion carried 5-0

OATH OF OFFICE 

Secretary Mason administered the Oath of Office to Mrs. Walker.

REPORTS OF THE BOARD: 

Member. Walker was appointed to PAEC Committee and Member Mason alternated. PAEC Members Mason and O’Connell reported that the meeting did not take place.

IASB No Report

EDUCATION & FINANCE No Report

POLICY & LEGISLATION No Report

FACILITIES Minutes from the September 23, 2023 are in the Board Packet for your review.

HEALTH/SAFETY & TRANSPORTATION No Report

PUBLIC RELATIONS No Report

PARENT-TEACHER ADVISORY No Report

BILINGUAL ADVISORY No Report

FOOD SERVICE ADVISORY No Report

SUPERINTENDENT: 

LICENSED PERSONNEL - EMPLOYMENTS 

Member Mora moved, seconded by Member Chavez, THAT THE BOARD EMPLOY THE FOLLOWING TEACHER EFFECTIVE 10/2/23, PENDING ALL EMPLOYMENT PAPERWORK:

EVELYN NUNEZ    SECOND GRADE TEACHER    WHITTIER

Roll Call Vote 

Ayes: Chavez 

Hightower

Mason                     

Mora

Espinoza

Walker

Nays: None

Absent: Jackson

Motion carried 6-0

LICENSED PERSONNEL - LEAVE OF ABSENCES 

Member Espinoza moved, seconded by Member Mora, THAT THE BOARD APPROVE THE LICENSED PERSONNEL LEAVE REQUEST AS PRESENTED.

MARIA HENDRICKS

SUNIL MODY

JEFFREY SPITZER

KRISTA OCAMPO

Roll Call Vote 

Ayes: Chavez 

Hightower

Mason 

Mora

Espinoza

Walker

Nays: None

Absent: Jackson

Motion carried 6-0

ADMINISTRATION & STAFF COMPENSATION REPORTS 

Member Mora moved, seconded by Member Mason, THAT THE BOARD ACCEPT THE REPORTS, AS PRESENTED.

Roll Call Vote 

Ayes: Chavez 

Hightower

Mason 

Mora

Espinoza

Walker

Nays: None

Absent: Jackson

Motion carried 6-0

EDUCATIONAL SUPPORT STAFF EMPLOYMENTS 

Member Mason moved, seconded by Member Mora, THAT THE BOARD EMPLOY THE FOLLOWING PERSONNEL, PENDING ALL EMPLOYMENT PAPERWORK:

Julia Maguellal-Sosa Teacher Aide Inclusion MacArthur (effective 9/27/23) Arturo Lopez Teacher Aide Bilingual MacArthur (effective 9/11/23) Anthony Del Vescovo Custodian PM Shift Northlake (effective 10/02/23) Kara Tuzzolino Zacarias Lunchroom Monitor Northlake (effective 9/25/23)

Roll Call Vote 

Ayes: Chavez 

Hightower

Mason 

Mora

Espinoza

Walker

Nays: None

Absent: Jackson

Motion carried 6-0

EDUCATIONAL SUPPORT STAFF LEAVE OF ABSENCE 

Member Mora moved, seconded by Member Mason, THAT THE BOARD APPROVE THE EDUCATIONAL SUPPORT STAFF LEAVE OF ABSENCE REQUEST AS PRESENTED FOR: 

YESENIA VILLALOBOS DIAZ

Roll Call Vote 

Ayes: Chavez 

Hightower

Mason 

Mora

Espinoza

Walker

Nays: None

Absent: Jackson

Motion carried 6-0

FUNDRAISER REQUEST 

Member Mason moved, seconded by Member Espinoza, THAT THE BOARD APPROVE THE FUNDRAISERS, AS PRESENTED:

Riley Intermediate Walk-a-thon - October 12, 2023

● Riley will be selling green bracelets and walking shoe cut-outs for $1 a piece. The proceeds will help sponsor events throughout the 2023-2024 school year.

● Boo Grams (October)

● Snowflake Grams (December)

● Heart Grams (February)

● St. Patrick Grams (March)

● Movie Nights (November, January and April)

● Spring Carnival (end of the school year celebration)

● Winter Wonderland- families activities to help raise money for camp duncan 

● Riley School store will sell (pencils, erasers, folders, and other supplies)

● Little Caesar Fundraiser

● Books Are Fun Book Blast in October

Jefferson/Sunnyside/MacArthur PTO

● Scholastic Book Fair - October 2-5

● Loteria Night October 13, 2023 5-7 p.m.

● Trunk or Treat Night - October 27, 2023 5-7 p.m.

● Spirit Wear Fundraiser - September - July 2024

Roll Call Vote 

Ayes: Chavez 

Hightower

Mason 

Mora

Espinoza

Walker

Nays: None

Absent: Jackson

Motion carried 6-0

MONTHLY REPORT 

Dr. Sullivan reported on the overview on the strategic plan and grant funding. Dr. Sullivan reflected on the progress and accomplishment of our buildings. He informed the board of the Joint Annual Conference that will take place in November and invited the board to attend.

CURRICULUM & INSTRUCTION 

MONTHLY REPORT 

Mrs. Zimmerman touched base on SEL Hub with West 40 Partnership and Special Education Pathways.

BUSINESS SERVICES 

MONTHLY FINANCIAL REPORT 

Mrs. Vince reviewed the Summary of Budget, Statement of Position, and Student Activity Reports for the period ending in 9/25/23.

RATIFY PROPERTY TAX APPEAL SETTLEMENT 

Member Mora moved, seconded by Member Walker, THAT THE BOARD OF EDUCATION RATIFY THE PROPOSED SETTLEMENT FOR THE RACCONTO PROPERTY TAX APPEAL FOR THE 2019, 2020 AND 2021 TAX YEARS AS PRESENTED AND DISCUSSED IN CLOSED SESSION.

Roll Call Vote 

Ayes: Chavez 

Hightower

Mason 

Mora

Espinoza

Walker

Nays: None

Absent: Jackson

Motion carried 6-0

APPROVE CHANGE ORDER #3 - AV PROJECT 

Member Chavez moved, seconded by Member Espinoza, THAT THE BOARD OF EDUCATION APPROVE AV PROJECT CHANGE ORDER THREE, AS PRESENTED.

Roll Call Vote 

Ayes: Chavez 

Hightower

Mason 

Mora

Espinoza

Walker

Nays: None

Absent: Jackson

Motion carried 6-0

ADOPT BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 2024 

Member Chavez moved, seconded by Member Espinoza, THAT THE BOARD OF EDUCATION ADOPT THE RESOLUTION FOR THE ADOPTION OF THE BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 2024 AS PRESENTED.

Roll Call Vote 

Ayes: Chavez

Hightower

Mason 

Mora

Espinoza

Walker

Nays: None

Absent: Jackson

Motion carried 6-0

CONSIDERATION OF CHANGE ORDERS NO. 191-194 2020 REFERENDUM CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS 

Member Chavez moved, seconded by Member Espinoza, THAT THE BOARD OF EDUCATION APPROVE CHANGE ORDERS NO. 191 THROUGH 194 AS PRESENTED.

Roll Call Vote 

Ayes: Chavez 

Hightower

Mason 

Mora

Espinoza

Walker

Nays: None

Absent: Jackson

Motion carried 6-0

APPROVE CHANGE ORDER #7- FURNITURE -SUNNYSIDE/MACARTHUR AND RILEY/NORTHLAKE PROJECTS 

Member Chavez moved, seconded by Member Espinoza, THAT THE BOARD OF EDUCATION APPROVE THE FURNITURE FOR THE SUNNYSIDE/MACARTHUR AND RILEY/NORTHLAKE PROJECTS CHANGE ORDER SEVEN, AS PRESENTED.

Roll Call Vote 

Ayes: Chavez 

Hightower

Mason 

Mora

Espinoza

Walker

Nays: None

Absent: Jackson

Motion carried 6-0

APPROVE CHANGE ORDER #3 - FURNITURE-JEFFERSON/WHITTIER PROJECTS 

Member Chavez moved, seconded by Member Espinoza, THAT THE BOARD OF EDUCATION APPROVE THE FURNITURE FOR THE JEFFERSON/WHITTIER PROJECTS CHANGE ORDER THREE, AS PRESENTED.

Roll Call Vote 

Ayes: Chavez 

Hightower

Mason 

Mora

Espinoza

Walker

Nays: None

Absent: Jackson

Motion carried 6-0

BUSINESS OFFICE MONTHLY REPORT 

Mrs. Vince gave an update from ESSER Grants final payments are required by 9/30 per grant. District 87 is in Tier 2 for the 2024 school year under evidence based funding. The corporate personal property estimated for the 24 fiscal year projects are expected to decrease by 29%. Mrs. Vince also shared with the board the tax levy filling process.

HUMAN RESOURCES 

MONTHLY REPORT 

Mrs. Travis updated the Board on the remaining licensed and support staff current vacancies. She updated the Board on the teacher and substitute shortage.

OTHER NEW BUSINESS 

Joe Byrne, Director of Educational Technology reported that the department has been busy supporting staff and students.

ANNOUNCEMENTS 

Monday 11/13 - Regular Board Meeting, 7:00 p.m.

ADJOURNMENT 

Member Mora moved, seconded by Member Espinoza, THAT THE MEETING BE ADJOURNED AT 9:40 PM.

Roll Call Vote 

Ayes: Chavez 

Hightower

Mason 

Mora

Espinoza

Walker

Nays: None

Absent: Jackson

Motion carried 6-0

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