Lincoln-Way Community High School District 210 Board of Education met Aug. 18.
Here is the minutes provided by the board:
MINUTES of an Emergency Meeting of the Board of Education of Lincoln-Way Community High School District Number 210, Will and Cook Counties, Illinois (the “School Board”) held an Emergency Meeting of the School Board at 7:00 P.M., in the Knights' Round Table Hall at the Lincoln-Way Central High School, 1801 East Lincoln Highway, New Lenox, Illinois, to discuss the reopening of school.
Executive Order issued by Governor Pritzker, March 16, 2020
“During the duration of the Gubernatorial Disaster Proclamation, the provisions of the Open Meetings Act, 5 ILCS 120, requiring or relating to in person attendance by members of a public body are suspended. Specifically, (1) the requirement in 5 ILCS 120/2.01 that “members of a public body must be physically present” is suspended, and (2) the conditions in 5 ILCS 120/7 limiting when remote participation is permitted are suspended. Public bodies are encouraged to postpone consideration of public business where possible. When a meeting is necessary, public bodies are encouraged to provide video, audio and/or telephonic access to meetings to ensure members of the public may monitor the meeting, and to update their websites and social media feeds to keep the public fully apprised of any modifications to their meeting schedules or the format of their meetings due to COBID-19, as well their cities related to COVID-19.”
A. Routine Matters
1. Call to Order
The Emergency Meeting of the Board of Education of Lincoln-Way Community High School District Number 210, Will and Cook Counties. Illinois, was called to order by President Kosteck at 7:00 P.M., on Tuesday, August 18, 2020, in the Central High School Knights' Round Table Hall, 1801 E. Lincoln Highway, New Lenox, Illinois, to discuss the reopening of school.
2. Pledge of Allegiance
After reciting the Pledge, President Kosteck welcomed the guests in the audience.
3. Roll Call - Welcome Guests
Members present: Beth Janus-Doyle, Aaron P. Janik, Joseph A. Kirkeeng, Joseph M. Kosteck, Richard C. LaCien, Jr., Christopher M. Lucchetti, and Deadra W. Stokes. A quorum was established.
Absent: None.
Also present: R. Scott Tingley, Superintendent; Bradley Cauffman, Assistant Superintendent of Business/CSBO; Laura Erlenbaugh, Director of Special Services; Aimee Feehery, Director of Curriculum and Instruction; Jen Hannon, Director of Community Relations; Cheryl Kay, Director of Technology; Michael Leone, Director of Transportation; Kelly Luzzo, Director of Finance; Sharon Michalak, Principal, Lincoln-Way East High School; Brian Murphy, Director of Data, Assessment, and Innovation; Steven Provis, Principal, Lincoln-Way Central High School; Robert Schiffbauer, Director of Personnel; Monica Schmitt, Principal, Lincoln-Way West High School; Rich Wilkey, Director of Building and Grounds, John Izzo, Board Attorney (conference call); Fox 32 Chicago News, and Linda Stone, Recording Secretary.
B. Public Comment
Katherine Levey, Tony Bruozas, Sophia Bruozas and Jenna Chiaramonte spoke to the Board and requested them to start school in-person. They discussed student mental health, lack of physical activity and COVID perceptions. The Board received 59 emails that were read prior to the meeting. President Kosteck, Secretary Janus-Doyle, and Superintendent Tingley read emails aloud through the 30 minute allotted time-frame for public comment.
C. Action
1. Reopening of School for the 2020-2021 School Year
Motion to approve the LW 210 Administration recommendations to go to remote learning from August 24, 2020 through September 18, 2020, as presented. Motion by Christopher M. Lucchetti, second by Beth Janus-Doyle.
Final Resolution: Motion Carried
Aye: Beth Janus-Doyle, Joseph M. Kosteck, Christopher M. Lucchetti, and Deadra W. Stokes.
No: Aaron P. Janik, Joseph A. Kirkeeng, and Richard C. LaCien, Jr.
Prior to the motion, Superintendent Tingley discussed the reopening plan; explaining this is a very fluid situation which is likely to change. The Board was provided with new guidelines given by the ISBE and IDPH. Although, quite restrictive, they can be accomplished. Nurses will be fit with N95 masks tomorrow. Superintendent Tingley expressed concern regarding the current level of spread in the county and the region. Several employees are currently in quarantine due to symptoms or contact with individuals that tested positive.
Superintendent Tingley stressed that he wants students back in school. However, they must be safe, and positivity rates need to be lower to sustain in-person student instruction without opening and closing school throughout the year. Student and staff health and safety is the highest priority. Guidance from the ISBE, IDPH, and the State of Illinois with clear metrics has continually been requested.
The Board discussed their views on the pros and cons of in-person instruction during COVID.
D. Closed Session
1. Adjourn to Closed Session – President Kosteck called for a motion to adjourn to closed session at 8:11 P.M. to discuss, Collective Negotiating.
Motion by Aaron P. Janik, second by Joseph A. Kirkeeng.
Final Resolution: Motion Carried
Aye: Aaron P. Janik, Beth Janus-Doyle Joseph A. Kirkeeng, Joseph M. Kosteck, Richard C. LaCien, Jr., Christopher M. Lucchetti, and Deadra W. Stokes.
2. Return to Open Session
The Board returned to Open Session at 8:16 P.M.
E. Possible Action after Closed Session
1. Action after Closed Session – None.
F. Other Business
G. Adjournment
1. Adjournment
Motion to adjourn the Emergency Meeting of the Board of Education of August 18, 2020, at 8:16 P.M. Resolution: Motion to adjourn. Motion by Aaron P. Janik, second by Joseph A. Kirkeeng.
Final Resolution: Motion Carried
Aye: Aaron P. Janik, Beth Janus-Doyle, Joseph A. Kirkeeng, Joseph M. Kosteck, Richard C. LaCien, Jr., Christopher M. Lucchetti, and Deadra W. Stokes.
https://go.boarddocs.com/il/lw210/Board.nsf/Public
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