Will County Gazette

Fairmont School District 89 Board met Dec. 18.

Here is the minutes provided by the board:

I. Call to Order- Mr. Lois Spoonhour called to order the Fairmont School Board Meeting at 5:30 p.m. on December 18, 2019.

II. Roll Call- Members Present: Mrs. Wright, Mrs. Cardenas, Mrs. Custer, Mrs. Pierzchalski, Mrs. Hunsaker, Mrs. Posey and Mr. Spoonhour.

a. Moment of Silence

b. Pledge of Allegiance

III.Petitions and Communication to the Board – In accordance with Board Policy 2:230, individuals may address the Board only at the appropriate time as indicated on the agenda and when recognized by the Board President. Comments shall be limited to 5 minutes.

a. Public Comment

i. Welcome Everyone.

i. Public Comment – No Public Comments.

b. Recognitions

IV. Superintendent’s Report: Dr. Cepela mentioned there will some transition with student mobility once school commences in January with enrollment. Briefed on items a-e.

a. Enrollment – 346

b. Next regularly scheduled Board Meeting is Wednesday, January 15, 2020.

c. Upcoming Events:

i. December 20, 2019 – Last day of student attendance before break

ii. December 24, 25, 26 – Christmas Break

iii. December 31, January 1 – New Year’s Break

iv. January 6 – EdCamp

v. January 7 – First day of student attendance after break, Board Committee Day

vi. January 8 – LAEC / Lockport Superintendent Meeting

vii. January 10 – Suburban Superintendent’s Meeting

viii. January 15 - Board

ix. January 16 – SOS Parent Meeting / 8th Parent Meeting

x. January 21 – Lewis Reading Program continues

d. EdCamp Update

e. Misc. Updates

V. Reports: Committee Reports were given at the Committee of the Whole. The Chairs of each committee will provide a brief summary. Board Committees have been increased to 4 – Finance, Policy, Parent Teacher Advisory, and Behavioral Intervention, in addition to Committee of the Whole.

a. Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) – None

b. Principal – Mrs. Daniels noted that it is end of second quarter and finishing up assessments. Upon returning vacation students will start MAP testing and refresh CHAMPS program.

c. Board President – Mr. Lou Spoonhour mentioned that at his session at the Triple I Conference; he was a delegate a vote regarding whether teachers should be armed and 198 were in favor and 246 were against teachers being armed. They instructed them to asses every student and push them further forward academically. He also took the opportunity to thank the Administration team for all their hard work. Mr. Spoonhour went to Willco Center along with Mrs. Hunsaker. Having attended the Special Person Day, he noticed many seniors had many good comments especially about the eight graders.

d. Board Policy Committee – Mrs. Karen Custer noticed there are many new policy issues such as the Cannabis Legislation for example who can and when to administer it as well as self- administration.

e. Board Finance / Buildings and Grounds Committee – Mr. Gerry Yeggy spoke of applying for a grant for the roof repair. I might have to be put on hold to repair or replace HVAC. The mentioned that finance has streamlined the process for the upcoming budget.

f. Parent Advisory Committee – Mrs. Dionne Wright, Mrs. Janice Posey, Mrs. Karen Hunsaker, Mrs. Karen Custer. Mrs. Hunsaker mentioned that at the parent committee the talked about DACA and behavioral issues. Spoke of changes to the Pre-K Program. Mentioned the eighth graders are doing a great job earning money for their trip as they volunteer at the school.

g. Behavioral Intervention Committee: Mrs. Dionne Wright, Mrs. Janice Posey, Mrs. Karen Hunsaker, Mrs. Linda Pierzchalski. Mrs. Pierzchalski spoke of how the hospitality room runs at the school and how the CHAMPS program has helped with school behavior and student respect towards others.

VI. Consent Agenda – Mrs. Hunsaker read the consent agenda items a-e.

a. November 13, 2019 Regular Session Minutes

b. November 13, 2019 Executive Session Minutes

c. December 10, 2019 Committee of the Whole Minutes

d. Decision to Destroy Verbatim Recording of Executive Session Minutes May 16, 2018. At the recommendation of the attorney, we will keep written minutes closed unless there is a reason to open. This move is to destroy verbatim recordings only.

e. Decision to Keep Closed Executive Session Minutes May 22, 2019. At the recommendation of the attorney, we will keep written minutes closed unless there is a reason to open. We will still review at each meeting. (There were none.)

Superintendent’s Recommendation: At this time, I would entertain a motion to approve the Consent Agenda Items A – E as presented. May I have a motion please? First by Mrs. Hunsaker, Second motion by Mrs. Pierzchalski. Aye Ms. Posey, Aye Mrs. Cardenas, Aye Mrs. Hunsaker, Aye Mr. Spoonhour, Aye Mrs. Pierzchalski, Aye Mrs. Custer and Aye Mrs. Wright. 7 Ayes and 0 Nays. Motion Carries.

f. *Monthly Financial Information 

i. Revenue Summary Report

ii. Expenditure Report

iii. Treasurer's Report

iv. Bills Payable

v. Budget Comparison Report

vi. Cash Flow Report

Mrs. Janice Posey – Board Member Mrs. Karen Custer – Board Member Mrs. Linda Pierzchalski – Board Member Mrs. Dora Cardenas – Board Member

Superintendent’s Recommendation: At this time, I would entertain a motion to approve the monthly financials as presented. May I have a motion please? First by Mrs. Pierzchalski, Second motion by Mrs. Custer. Aye Mrs. Cardenas, Aye Mrs. Hunsaker, Aye Mrs. Posey, Aye Mrs. Wright, Aye Mrs. Pierzchalski, Aye Mrs. Custer and Aye Mr. Spoonhour. 7 Ayes 0 Nays. Motion Carries.

VII. *Action Items

a. Action Item 20-24: Personnel Recommendations:

i. Preschool Staffing – Permission to hire a replacement teacher for PreK

ii. One on One Special Education Aide

iii. Misc. – Superintendent’s Evaluation Materials.

Superintendent’s Recommendation: At this time, I would entertain a motion to delay this action until after executive session. May I have a motion please? First by Mrs. Wright, Second motion by Mrs. Pierzchalski. Aye Mrs. Posey, Aye Mr. Spoonhour, Aye Mrs. Wright, Aye Mrs. Cardenas, Aye Mrs. Custer, Aye Mrs. Pierzchalski, and Mrs. Hunsaker. 7 Ayes 0 Nays. Motion Carries.

a. Action Item 20-25: Procurement Card Information: Final Reading of the Procurement Card Resolution.

Superintendent’s Recommendation: At this time, I would entertain a motion to approve the Procurement Card Resolution as presented. May I have a motion please? First by Mrs. Posey, Second motion by Mrs. Pierzchalski. Aye Mrs. Posey, Aye Mrs. Wright, Aye Mrs. Pierzchalski, Aye Mrs. Custer, Aye Mr. Spoonhour, Aye Mrs. Hunsaker, and Aye Mrs. Cardenas. 7 Ayes 0 Nays. Motion Carries.

b. Action Item 20-26: Procurement Card Information: Final Reading of the Procurement Card Manual.

Superintendent’s Recommendation: At this time, I would entertain a motion to approve the Procurement Card Manual as presented. May I have a motion please? First by Mrs. Posey, Second motion by Mrs. Pierzchalski. Aye Mr. Spoonhour, Aye Mrs. Pierzchalski, Aye Mrs. Custer, Aye Mrs. Hunsaker, Aye Mrs. Posey, Aye Mrs. Wright and Aye Mrs. Cardenas. 7 Ayes and 0 Nays. Motion Carries.

c. Action Item 20-27: Approval of Final Levy: Our levy is due to the County Clerk’s Office by the 4th Tuesday of December. Approval of the Tentative Levy is required at the November meeting. The finalized levy is now an action item.

Superintendent’s Recommendation: At this time, I would entertain a motion to approve the Final Levy as presented. May I have a motion please? First by Mrs. Wright, Second motion by Mrs. Custer. Aye Mrs. Hunsaker, Aye Mr. Spoonhour, Aye Mrs. Pierzchalski, Aye Mrs. Custer, Aye Mrs. Wright, Aye Mrs. Cardenas, and Aye Mrs. Posey. 7 Ayes and 0 Nays. Motion Carries.

d. Action Item 20-28: E-Learning Days: Requires a public hearing with posting in the paper. This will be conducted before the January Board Meeting – with Board approval to move follow. We will then need approval from ROE. This is the first reading.

Superintendent’s Recommendation: First Reading – no action tonight.

e. Action Item 20-29: Approval of Abatement Resolution 2018 Refunding Bonds against the 2019 Levy. Resolution abating the tax heretofore levied for the year 2019 to pay debt service on General Obligation Refunding School Bonds (Alternate Revenue Source), Series 2017, of the District 89. This is the final reading.

Superintendent’s Recommendation: At this time, I would entertain a motion to approve the Abatement Resolution 2018 Refunding Bonds against the 2019 Levy as presented. May I have a motion please? First by Mrs. Custer, Second motion by Mrs. Pierzchalski. Aye Mrs. Posey, Aye Mr. Spoonhour, Aye Mrs. Wright, Aye Mrs. Cardenas, Aye Mrs. Custer, Aye Mrs. Pierzchalski, and Mrs. Hunsaker. 7 Ayes 0 Nays. Motion Carries.

f. Action Item 20-30: Budget Calendar: The Budget Calendar is presented to start the 2020-2021 Budget Process.

Superintendent’s Recommendation: At this time, I would entertain a motion to approve the 2020 - 2021 Budget Calendar as presented. May I have a motion please? First by Mrs. Custer, Second motion by Mrs. Pierzchalski. Aye Mrs. Cardenas, Aye Mrs. Custer, Aye Mrs. Hunsaker, Aye Mrs. Pierzchalski, Aye Mrs. Posey, Aye Mr. Spoonhour and Aye Mrs. Wright. 7 Ayes and 0 Nays. Motion Carries.

g. Action Item 20-31: Approval of Policy, Administrative Procedures and Exhibits: The Policy Committee met after the Committee of the Whole and reviewed the PRESS Issue 102 Policies, Administrative Procedures and Exhibits. The PRESS Issue 102 Policies, Administrative Procedures and Exhibits are presented for a first reading tonight. They are:

i. PRESS online – Press Issue 102. Policies:

2:20 School Board – Powers and Duties of the School Board; indemnification 

:70 School Board – Vacancies on the School Board – Filling Vacancies 

2:100 School Board – Board Member Conflict of Interest

2:105 School Board – Ethics and Gift Ban

2:110 School Board – Qualifications, Term, and Duties of Board Officers 

2:200 School Board - Types of School Board Meetings

2:220 School Board – School Board Meeting Procedure 

2:250 School Board – Access to District Public Records 

2:260 School Board – Uniform Grievance Procedure

3:50 General School Administration – Administrative Personnel Other Than the Superintendent

4:15 Operational Services – Identity Protection

4:30 Operational Services – Revenue and Investments

4:40 Operational Services – Incurring Debt

4:60 Operational Services – Purchases and Contracts

4:80 Operational Services – Accounting and Audits

4:110 Operational Services – Transportation

4:140 Operational Services – Waver of Student Fees

4:150 Operational Services – Facility Management and Building Programs

4:170 Operational Services – Safety

4:175 Operational Services – Convicted Child Sex Offender; Screening; Notifications 

4:190 Operational Services – Targeted School Violence Prevention Program

5:10 Personnel – Equal Employment Opportunity and Minority Recruitment

5:20 Personnel – Workplace Harassment Prohibited

5:30 Personnel – Hiring Process and Criteria

5:50 Personnel – Drug and Alcohol-Free Workplace, E-Cigarette, Tobacco, and Cannabis Prohibition 

5:90 Personnel – Abused and Neglected Child Reporting

5:100 Personnel – Staff Development Program

5:120 Personnel – Employee Ethics; Conduct; and Conflict of Interest

5:125 Personnel – Personnel – Personal Technology and Social Media; Usage and Conduct 

5:150 Personnel – Personnel Records

5:190 Personnel – Teacher Qualifications

5:200 Personnel – Terms and Conditions of Employment and Dismissal

5:220 Personnel – Substitute Teachers

5:250 Personnel – Leaves of Absence

5:260 Personnel – Student Teachers

5:285 Personnel – Drug and Alcohol Testing for School Bus and Commercial Vehicle Drivers 

5:290 Personnel – Employment Termination and Suspensions

5:330 Personnel – Sick Days, Vacation, Holidays, and Leaves

6:15 Instruction – School Accountability

6:20 Instruction – School Year Calendar and Day

6:60 Instruction Curriculum Content

6:65 Instruction – Student Social and Emotional Development 

6:150 Instruction – Home and Hospital Instruction

6:180 Instruction – Extended Instructional Programs

6:210 Instruction – Instructional Materials

6:270 Instruction – Guidance and Counseling Program

6:300 Instruction – Graduation Requirements

6:310 instruction – High School Credit for Non-District Experiences; Course Substitutions; Re-Entering Students

6:320 Instruction – High School Credit Proficiency

6:340 Instruction – Student Testing and Assessment Program

7:20 Students – Harassment of Student Prohibited

7:150 Students – Agency and Police Interviews

7:180 Students – Prevention of and Response to Bullying, Intimidation, and Harassment 

7:190 Students – Student Behavior

7:200 Students – Suspension Procedures

7:270 Students – Administering Medication to Students

7:290 Students – Suicide and Depression Awareness and Prevention

7:340 Students – Student Records

8:30 School Community Relations – Visitors to and Conduct on School Property

ii. PRESS online – Press Issue 102. Administrative Procedures (AP) and Exhibits (E):

2:20 School Board E – Waiver and Modification Request Resource Guide

2:70 School Board E – Checklist for Filling Board Vacancies by Appointment

2:150 School Board AP – Superintendent Committees

2:220 School Board E2 – Motion to Adjourn to Closed Meeting

2:220 School Board E6 Log of Closed Meeting Minutes

2:250 School Board AP1 – Access to and Copying of District Public Records

2:250 School Board AP2 – Protocols for Record Preservation and Development of Retention Schedules

2:250 School Board E2 - Immediately Available District Public Records and Web-Posted Reports and Records

3:40 General School Administration E – Checklist for Superintendent Employment Contract Negotiation Process

4:15 Operational Services AP1 – Protecting the Privacy of Social Security Numbers

4:15 Operational Services AP2 – Treatment of Personally Identifiable Information Under Grant Awards 

4:60 Operational Services AP1 – Purchases

4:60 Operational Services AP3 – Criminal History Records Check of Contractor Employees

4:60 Operational Services AP4 – Federal and State Award Procurement Procedures

4:80 Operational Services AP3 – Inventory Management for Federal and State Awards

4:170 Operational Services AP1 – Comprehensive Safety and Security Plan

4:175 Operational Services AP1 – Criminal Offender Notification Laws; Screening

4:190 Operational Services AP2 – Threat Assessment Team (TAT)

5:20 Personnel AP – Sample Questions and Considerations for Conducting the Internal Harassment in the Workplace Investigation

5:20 Personnel E – Resolution to Prohibit Sexual Harassment

5:30 Personnel AP1 – Interview Questions

5:30 Personnel AP2 – Investigations

5:120 Personnel AP1 – Statement of Economic Interests for Employees 

5:120 Personnel AP2 – Employee conduct Standards

5:220 Personnel AP – Substitute Teachers

5:250 Personnel AP – School Visitation Leave

5:285 Personnel AP – Drug and Alcohol Testing for School Bus and Commercial Vehicle Drivers 

5:150 Personnel AP – Personnel Records

6:60 Instruction AP – Comprehensive Health Education Program

6:60 Instruction AP, E1 – Notice to Parents / Guardians of Students Enrolled in Family Life and Sex Education Classes

6:170 Instruction AP2, E1 – District Annual Report Card Required by Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) 

6:300 Instruction E1 – Application for a Diploma for a Service Member Killed in Action or for Veterans of WWII, the Korean Conflict, or the Vietnam Conflict

6:300 Instruction E2 – State Law Graduation Requirements

6:300 Instruction E3 – Form for Exemption from Financial Aid Application Completion

7:50 Students AP – School Admissions and Student Transfers to and From Non-District Schools 

7:190 Students AP6 – Guidelines for Investigating Sexting Allegations

7:190 Students AP7 – Student Discipline Guidelines

7:190 Students AP8 – Student Re-Engagement Guidelines

7:190 Students E3 – Memorandum of Understanding

7:240 Students AP1 – Code of Conduct for Extracurricular Activities

7:270 Students AP1 – Dispensing Medication

7:270 Students AP2 – Checklist for District Supply of Undesignated Asthma Medication, Epinephrine injectors, Opioid Antagonists, and/or Glucagon

7:270 Students E1 – School Medication Authorization Form

7:270 Students E2 – School Medication Authorization Form-Medical Cannabis

7:290 Students AP – Resource Guide for Implementation of Suicide and Depression Awareness and Prevention Program

7:340 Students AP1 – School Student Records

7:340 Students AP1, E1 – Notice to Parents / Guardians and Students of Their Rights Concerning a Student’s School Records

7:340 Students AP2 – Storage and Destruction of School Student Records

7:340 Students AP2, E1 – Letter Containing Schedule for Destruction of School Student Records

8:30 School-Community Relations AP – Visitors to and Conduct on School Property

8:95 School-Community Relations AP – Parental Involvement

8:95 School-Community Relations E1 – Letter Notifying Parents/Guardians of School Visitation Rights

Superintendent’s Recommendation: First Reading. Final approval at the January Board Meeting.

VIII. New Business: Dr. Cepela spoke on her evaluation and presented the Board with her binders.

a. Superintendent’s Evaluation: The evaluation materials are presented at this Board Meeting. The Superintendent’s evaluation is due March 1.

b. 2020 – 2021 School Calendar – First Read of the 2020- 2021 School Calendar. We align with LTHS as much as possible and looking at May 3rd as the remaining day off in school calendar.

c. Misc. -Mr. Lowe spoke on the water situation in Lockport and stated that Joliet has chosen to go with Michigan water for the residents.

IX. Executive Session –At this time I would entertain a motion to go into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing the appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific employees of the public body including hearing testimony on a complaint lodged against an employee 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 the Act. 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(1). May I have a motion please? First by Mrs. Pierzchalski, Second motion by Mrs. Posey. Aye Mr. Spoonhour, Aye Mrs. Wright, Aye Mrs. Cardenas, Aye Mrs. Custer, Aye Mrs. Hunsaker, Aye Mrs. Pierzchalski, and Aye Mrs. Posey. 7 Ayes and 0 Nays. Motion Carries. Adjournment at 6:35 p.m.

X. Possible action as a result of Executive Session. Returned to open session at 7:13p.m. *Action Items

a. Action Item 20 - 24: Personnel Recommendations:

i. Preschool Staffing – Permission to hire a replacement teacher for PreK

ii. One on One Special Education Aide

iii. Misc. – Superintendent’s Evaluation (Materials distributed – No action taken)

Superintendent’s Recommendation: At this time, I would entertain a motion to approve the Personnel Recommendations Parts i. and ii. above- May I have a motion please? First by Mrs. Posey, Second motion by Mrs. Pierzchalski.

Aye Mrs. Posey, Aye Mrs. Pierzchalski, Aye Mrs. Custer, Aye Mrs. Cardenas, Aye Mrs. Hunsaker, Aye Mrs. Wright, Aye Mr. Spoonhour. 7 Ayes, 0 Nays, Motion Carried.

XI. Motion to Adjourn

Motion to adjourn was First made by Vice President Mrs. Wright, Seconded by Mrs. Custer.

Aye Mrs. Wright, Aye Mrs. Custer, Aye Mrs. Pierzchalski, Aye Mrs. Posey, Aye Mrs. Cardenas, Aye Mrs. Hunsaker, Aye Mr. Spoonhour. 7 Ayes, 0 Nays, Motion Carried.

Adjournment was at 7:15 p.m.

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