Richland School District #88A Board of Education met March 21.
Here is the minutes provided by the Board:
Call To Order: President Hernandez called the Meeting to order at 7:00 pm.
Members Present: Stephanie Hernandez, Michelle Cipiti , Sam Chellino, Steve McNabb, Raymond Moland, George Pitchford, Stormy Reiter
Members Absent: none
Others Present: Mr. Joseph Simpkins, Superintendent, Andrea Kemp, Recording Secretary, Dr. Kelly Whyte, Principal, Kristen Bonie, SpEd Coordinator, Mr. Philip Robb, Director of Finance/HR, Sue Haney, Tammy Moore, Laura Ettema, Terri Gass
Board Salute – Vice President Cipiti saluted the volunteers and organizers of the recent IGSMA Choir Competition on March 17. It was noted that Ms. Powers and Mrs. Burk arranged the competition and enlisted staff volunteers to make it a success.
Administrative Reports – Mr. Phil Robb – Contract negotiation dates were sent out during March. Pending a response, they should begin in April. Mr. Robb informed the Board that the recent state lunch audit went well with few adjustments to be used as guidance. He updated information on Buildings and Grounds regarding safety concerns and an ongoing safety audit. Select staff have been supplied with keys to avoid doors being propped open. Panic buttons for school secretaries and updated cameras are also in progress. Vice President Cipiti remarked that voter chatter on social media observed that the gates from polling places to the school could be opened. Mr. Simpkins said that this was not the case, as the gates are bolted to the walls for the day. Secretary Chellino also mentioned that to be the case.
Dr. Kelly Whyte – Dr. Whyte reported that PARCC season is in progress. There were a few changes this year, but the schedule put in place was a success. She applauded Mr. Cole and Mrs. Wehrman for moving access points throughout testing for each area for the best connections. She recognized Mrs. Conklin and Ms. Canal for their data entry of accommodations and the staff for their flexibility. Dr. Whyte said that there was ongoing Professional Development and curriculum visits happening with other schools and that a reading curriculum called ARC (American Reading Company) in Chicago schools was being looked into as well. Teacher Evaluation tools are being discussed in relation to student growth. Using testing results at differing percentages, students are receiving RtI (Response to Intervention) assistance to help students at lower levels achieve. Students with mid to higher levels are provided other resources to help them move up or stay within levels of achievement.
Ms. Kristen Bonie – Ms. Bonie reiterated that PARCC was continuing with Special Education staff using student groups to reflect accommodations based on IEPs. Homebound services have been requested more frequently this year. Mrs. Sakalas has been working with Ms. Bonie to help obtain information about student health concerns. The most recent LASEC meeting confirmed that summer school would be at Richland from June 5 until July 12. In closing, Ms. Bonie stated that she enjoyed going to Mrs. Wichert’s room to hear the students read aloud to her.
Visitors/Communication - none
Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA) Requests Information only - Brad Bradley, President of VOICE-Advocacy, a non-profit group, made a request. This is a follow-up to three previous requests, which were responded to in a timely manner. All requests asked for documentation on an on-going legal matter that involve a former student.
Action Reports
AR 0318-1 Treasurer’s Report (Dr. Markley)
Mr. Robb, Director of Finance/HR, presented the Treasurer’s Report for Dr. Markley this week.
Motion to approve the Treasurer’s Report
Motion made by Member Reiter and seconded by Member Pitchford.
Roll Call Vote Motion Passed
Consent Agenda Items #AR 03/18-2 (CA1-CA8)
*1. Activity Report
*2. Imprest Fund(s)
*3. Lunch Report
*4. Attendance Report
*5. Suspensions & Detentions
*6. Payroll & Bills
*7. Approve the minutes from the Regular Board Meeting on February 21, 2018.
*8. Approve Executive Session Minutes from September 2016 be kept closed and verbatim record destroyed.
Motion to approve items 1 through 8 by consent agenda.
Motion made by Member Pitchford and seconded by Secretary Chellino.
Roll Call Vote Motion passed
Committees (Voice Vote) - none 1. Committee-of-the-Whole 2. Finance Committee 3. Policy Committee 4. Parent Advisory Committee
Superintendent’s Report
Graduation is set for Thursday, May 24, 2018. The state owes Richland approximately $25,000 of new formula money scheduled to be released in April. The state is also behind on the funding of 2nd quarter categorical payment (was to be paid in January). The new accountability model for how schools will be measured going forward is still being finalized and will be a good topic for the summer retreat. School Fees are included in action items this month for board approval. In addition, new for this year, a Math Team sponsor position/staff member must be approved. This is due the new conference Richland belongs to. Cash flow for this time of year is better than it was last year at the same time due to conservative spending in anticipation of the state falling behind on their obligations. March and April will see higher expenditures due to a 3 pay period month and bond payments coming due.
Old Business – Action Reports - none
New Business – Action Reports
AR 0318-3 Approve fees for 2018-2019 school year.
Motion made by Member McNabb and seconded by Vice President Cipiti
Roll Call Vote Motion passed
AR 0318-4 Approve position of a sponsor for Math Team.
Motion made by Member Moland and seconded by Member Reiter
Roll Call Vote Motion passed
Executive Session for the purpose of employment, student discipline, and pending legal issues.
Motion made by Vice President Cipiti and seconded by Member Reiter to go into EXECUTIVE SESSION for the purpose of employment, student discipline, and pending legal issues at 7:34 pm.
Roll Call Vote Motion passed
Motion made by Member Moland and seconded by Vice President Cipiti to return to Regular Session at 8:46 pm.
Roll Call Vote Motion passed
AR 0318-5 Approve Executive Session Minutes from February 21, 2018.
Motion made by Member McNabb and seconded by Member Reiter.
Roll Call Vote
Motion passed
AR 0318-6 Approve staffing plans for 2018-2019
Motion made by Member Moland and seconded by Member Pitchford
Roll Call Vote Motion passed
AR 0318-7 Approve Mediation Agreement
Motion made by Member Pitchford and seconded by Member Reiter
Roll Call Vote – 1 abstain Motion passed
Personnel – Action Reports
A. Certified Staff A – (1) Resignation
A – (2) Hiring/Contract Renewals/Reassignment/Ratification
AR 0318-11 Approve Jennifer Mueller as Math Team coach.
Motion made by Vice President Cipiti and seconded by Member Moland
Roll Call Vote Motion passed
A – (3) Non-Renewal/Termination
AR 0318-8 Approve non-renewal for certified staff members Ms. Bardachowski, Ms. Castaneda and Mr. Makropoulos.
Motion made by Secretary Chellino and seconded by Member McNabb
Roll Call Vote Motion passed
A – (4) Leave/Requests/FMLA A – (5) Retirement
B. Non-Certified Staff
B – (1) Resignation
B – (2) Hiring/Contract Renewals/Reassignment/Ratification
B – (3) Non-Renewal/Termination
B – (4) Leave/Requests/FMLA
B. Non-Certified Staff
AR 0318-9 Approve FMLA for lunch aide, Crystal Zukoski.
Motion made by Member Moland and seconded by Vice President Cipiti.
Roll Call Vote Motion passed.
B – (5) Retirement
AR 0318-10 Accept retirement for principal’s secretary, Joanie Kowalewski.
Motion made by Vice President Cipiti and seconded by Member Moland
Roll Call Vote Motion passed.
Discussion Items
1. Three Rivers Division Spring Dinner – Thursday, March 22, 2018 - Renaissance Center 214 North Ottawa Street at 5:45 pm. Five to attend.
2. Statements of Economic Interest deadline is May 1, 2018. Mrs. Kemp keeping count.
3. School Board Governance Recognition Application
4. Committee of the Whole – Finance – April 11 – 6 pm. Working dinner.
5. Survey for Meeting Effectiveness. President Hernandez and Member Reiter discussed.
President Hernandez will complete tabulations on comments to improve meetings.
Adjournment
Motion made by Member McNabb and seconded by Member Reiter to adjourn at 8:51.
Motion passed
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