Downers Grove Community High School District 99 Board of Education met May 20.
Here is the minutes provided by the board:
Upon the Secretary's roll call, the following Board members answered present: Nancy Kupka, President; Mike Davenport, Vice President; and Members Sherell Fuller, Dan Nicholas, Terry Pavesich, Rick Pavinato and Joanna Vazquez Drexler.
Also present were Hank Thiele, Superintendent; Gina Ziccardi, Assistant Superintendent for Student Learning; Pete Theis, Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources; Scott Wuggazer, Assistant Superintendent for Student Services; Mark Staehlin, District Controller; Jim Kolodziej, Director of Physical Plant and Operations; Jill Browning, Communications Director; Ed Schwartz, South High Principal; Janice Schwarze, North High Principal; Student Board Members Eleanor Flynn and Kirk Hoffman; and Juli Gniadek, Secretary.
There were six visitors. A copy of the Visitor Roster is attached.
1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Member Pavesich moved and Member Nicholas seconded the motion that the Board of Education approve the Minutes of the April 29, 2019 Special/Workshop Meeting; the April 29, 2019 Board Reorganization/Workshop Meeting; the April 29, 2019 Closed Meeting; and the May 14, 2019 Parent Teacher Advisory Committee Meeting.
Upon the Secretary's roll call, Members Pavesich, Nicholas, Pavinato, Vazquez Drexler, Davenport, Fuller and Kupka voted AYE. The President declared the motion carried.
2. RECEPTION OF VISITORS – PUBLIC COMMENT
There were no public comments.
3. PRESENTATION OF DISTRICT 99 EDUCATION FOUNDATION CHECK TO GRANT RECIPIENTS
Diane Richard, District 99 Education Foundation Board Member, presented a ceremonial check to South High's Umoja (Unity) Club. Kenney White, South High In-School Intervention Supervisor, thanked the Foundation for the donation and shared the funds would be used to support philanthropy projects, a Historically Black College Tour and speakers.
The Board thanked the Foundation for their support.
4. APPOINTMENT OF BOARD COMMITTEES/LIAISONS
President Kupka thanked Board members for volunteering to serve on the various committees and noted everyone received their first choice. She then reviewed Board member assignments.
5. PARENT FEEDBACK OFFERED AT THE PARENT-TEACHER ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING
Scott Wuggazer stated the Parent Teacher Advisory Committee met on May 14 at North High and there were 26 people in attendance, including Board member Dan Nicholas. Mr. Wuggazer shared the attendees met in small groups and reviewed in school and out of school suspension data and a possible redesign of the in school intervention room. He stated feedback from the exit survey has been positive.
Member Nicholas shared the small groups worked well, with valuable feedback being received. He suggested the new in school intervention program be shared with the entire Board in the future.
6. DISCIPLINE CODE REVISIONS AND CHANGES TO THE STUDENT/PARENT HANDBOOK AND ATHLETIC/ACTIVITIES HANDBOOK
Dr. Thiele shared the District now has unified, user friendly, digital Student/Parent and Athletic/Activities Handbooks. He noted the Handbooks contain links to supporting documentation, so as policies or laws change the Handbooks remain current. Dr. Thiele stated the new Handbooks had been shared previously with the Board in draft form and since that time the process for obtaining a PE Exemption has been added to both Handbooks.
Mr. Wuggazer stated there were no substantive changes to the Discipline Code this year.
Dr. Thiele stated the Board would be voting on the Handbooks later in the meeting and once Board Action is taken, they will become Policy.
7. 2019-2020 RECOMMENDED AMENDED SCHOOL CALENDAR
Dr. Thiele stated the 2019-2020 calendar was discussed at the last Board meeting. He noted the change to the calendar involved moving the Institute Day from the end of the school year to the first day after Winter Break. He shared he received no feedback since the last Board meeting.
Dr. Thiele stated the Board would be taking Action on the 2019-2020 calendar later in the meeting.
8. 2020-2021 RECOMMENDED SCHOOL CALENDAR
Dr. Thiele stated the 2020-2021 calendar, which mirrors the 2019-2020 calendar, was also discussed at the last Board meeting. He stated the Board would be taking Action on the 2020-2021 calendar later in the meeting.
9. LACROSSE AS A DISTRICT 99 SPORT STARTING IN 2019-2020
Dr. Thiele stated administration is recommending boys and girls lacrosse be fully funded and recognized as District 99 sports next year. Denise Kavanaugh, North High Athletic Director, and
South High Athletic Director, presented information on the evolution of lacrosse in District 99, which started as an unfunded sport in 2014. They shared currently there are three levels for boys and two levels for girls; the current cost for participants is $400, which will decrease to $117 if the sport is funded; both the boys and girls teams are a combination of North and South High students; and the cost to the District to fund the sport will be approximately $61,000. Ms. Kavanaugh stated if the sport is funded the current schedule would be maintained. Mr. Konstans stated when it comes to the point that too many students are being cut, each school will have its own teams.
Dr. Thiele stated the Board would vote on making lacrosse a District sport at the June Board meeting.
10. BOND PARAMETER RESOLUTION
Mark Staehlin stated there was one positive change to the Resolution since it was introduced at the last Board meeting; the interest rate has gone down 1.2%. He also noted the Illinois Finance Authority (IFA) approved the District's application and Standard and Poor's upgraded the District's rating to AAt. Mr. Staehlin shared the IFA approval and AA+ rating will, over the life of these bonds and future bonds, save the District over $1,000,000 dollars.
Mr. Staehlin stated the Parameters Resolution gives President Kupka and Dr. Thiele the authority to approve the bond sale, with an expected closing of June 27.
11. TECHNOLOGY LEASE
Mr. Staehlin stated there were no changes to the lease to fund student Chromebooks and staff tablets since it was presented at the last Board meeting. He noted this lease replaces one that is falling off.
12. CAPITAL PROJECTS UPDATE
Jim Kolodziej stated the three projects to be completed this summer are renovation of select locker rooms at both North and South High and new lighting for the South High pool. He stated there was a fourth project, auditorium lighting at North High, that is being postponed a year. Mr. Kolodziej stated
coming in much higher than budgeted and the ability to take LED lights from the South auditorium, when it is demolished, to use at North. He noted the funds allotted for North will be used to address smaller projects there. Mr. Kolodziej stated he is familiar with the contractors who are the low acceptable bidders and later in the meeting the Board will be asked to approve the bids.
13. MFP BID PROGRESS
Mr. Kolodziej stated all items for the MFP will be bid out by the end of the year. He shared, in the most recent group of bids, all came in within budget except one, and it is being rebid.
Jim Kolodziej shared there were no bids received for the bleachers at North and South and that item is also going to rebid.
14. MASTER FACILITY PLAN PROGRESS
Dr. Thiele shared Groundbreaking Ceremonies were held at both schools and work has begun. He stated the Permits have been received from the Village.
Jim Kolodziej shared work is ahead of schedule at North High.
15. FREEDOM OF INFORMATION REQUESTS
Dr. Thiele reported the District had three Freedom of Information Act requests this month that were responded to
16. CONSENT AGENDA
Pete Theis stated there were two changes to the Personnel Reports since they were first published: the addition of Samantha Wascher to the Appointment-Certified list and the addition of Marissa Charleston to the Resignations-Classified list.
Member Pavesich moved and Member Davenport seconded the motion for the Board of Education to approve the Consent Agenda which includes: A. Personnel Report - Appointment-Certified; Appointment-Classified; Transfer of Position-Classified; B. Personnel Report - Resignation-Certified; Resignation Classified; C. Personnel Report - Termination-Classified; D. Financial Pages; E. Student Tours; F. SASED Board of Control/Governing Board Appointment Resolution; G. Approval of Treasurer's Surety Bonds; H. Approval of District Auditor Services; I. Approval of District Depositories; J. Approval of 2018-2019 School Calendar - Amend to Drop Emergency Day.
Upon the Secretary's roll call, Members Pavesich, Davenport, Fuller, Nicholas, Pavinato, Vazquez Drexler and Kupka voted AYE. The President declared the motion carried.
17. APPROVAL OF 2019-2020 AMENDED SCHOOL CALENDAR
Member Vazquez Drexler moved and Member Fuller seconded the motion for the Board of Education to approve the 2019-2020 Amended School Calendar as presented.
Upon the Secretary's roll call, Members Vazquez Drexler, Fuller, Nicholas, Pavesich, Pavinato, Davenport and Kupka voted AYE. The President declared the motion carried.
18. APPROVAL OF 2020-2021 SCHOOL CALENDAR
Member Vazquez Drexler moved and Member Davenport seconded the motion for the Board of Education to approve the 2020-2021 School Calendar as presented.
Upon the Secretary's roll call, Members Vazquez Drexler, Davenport, Fuller, Nicholas, Pavesich, Pavinato and Kupka voted AYE. The President declared the motion carried.
19. APPROVAL OF BOND PARAMETERS RESOLUTION
Member Pavesich moved and Member Vazquez Drexler seconded the motion for the Board of Education to approve the Resolution providing for the issue of not to exceed $60,000,000 General Obligation School Bonds, Series 2019, of Community High School District Number 99, DuPage County, Illinois, for the purpose of paying certain costs of those capital projects approved by referendum at the March 20, 2018, general primary election, providing for the levy of a direct annual tax sufficient to pay the principal and interest on said bonds, and authorizing the proposed sale of said bonds to Raymond James & Associates Inc., or the Illinois Finance Authority.
Upon the Secretary's roll call, Members Pavesich, Vazquez Drexler, Davenport, Fuller, Nicholas, Pavinato and Kupka voted AYE. The President declared the motion carried.
20. APPROVAL OF TECHNOLOGY LEASE
Member Fuller moved and Member Vazquez Drexler seconded the motion for the Board of Education to approve the modification of the existing master lease with Wintrust, Capital, in the amount of $1,000,000, and authorize the administration to sign and execute all necessary documents related to this lease modification.
Upon the Secretary's roll call, Members Fuller, Vazquez Drexler, Davenport, Nicholas, Pavesich, Pavinato and Kupka voted AYE. The President declared the motion carried.
21. APPROVAL OF THE 2019-2020 STUDENT/PARENT HANDBOOK WHICH CONTAINS THE STUDENT DISCIPLINE CODE AND THE 2019-2020 ATHLETIC/ACTIVITIES HANDBOOK
Member Davenport moved and Member Pavinato seconded the motion for the Board of Education to approve the 2019-2020 Student/Parent Handbook which contains the Student Discipline Code and the Athletic/Activities Handbook.
Upon the Secretary's roll call, Members Davenport, Pavinato, Vazquez Drexler, Fuller, Nicholas, Pavesich and Kupka voted AYE. The President declared the motion carried.
22. AWARD OF BIDS - CAPITAL PROJECTS
Member Pavesich moved and Member Davenport seconded the motion for the Board of Education to approve the combined list of low acceptable bidders' award of contracts in the aggregate amount of $564,755.00, as presented.
Upon the Secretary's roll call, Members Pavesich, Davenport, Fuller, Nicholas, Pavinato, Vazquez Drexler and Kupka voted AYE. The President declared the motion carried.
23. POLICY COMMITTEE REPORT -SECOND READING
Dr. Thiele and Members Nicholas and Pavinato stated they had received no questions since the first reading of the policies.
The Policy Committee brings the following Board policies forward for second reading and approval:
2.20 Powers and Duties of the School Board; Indemnification
4.30 Revenue and Investments
4.100 Insurance Management
4.110 Transportation
4.150 Facility Management and Building Programs
4.190 Targeted School Violence Program
5.250 Leaves of Absence
6.15 School Accountability
6.236 Websites and Social Media.
6.270 Guidance and Counseling Program
Member Pavinato moved and Member Nicholas seconded the motion to approve the policies as presented.
Upon the Secretary's roll call, Members Pavinato, Nicholas, Pavesich, Vazquez Drexler, Davenport, Fuller and Kupka voted AYE. The President declared the motion carried.
24. RECOGNITION OF OUTGOING STUDENT BOARD MEMBERS AND INTRODUCTION OF 2019-2020 STUDENT BOARD MEMBERS
Dr. Thiele recognized Student Board Members Eleanor Flynn and Kirk Hoffman for their service to the Board and especially the perspective they provided on the Master Facility Plan and pilot classrooms.
The Board thanked the students for their service.
Ms. Flynn shared she will be playing field hockey at the University of Iowa and studying International Relations. Mr. Hoffman shared he will be attending the University of Wisconsin - Madison, where he hopes to join the band, and will be studying Chemical Engineering.
Ms. Flynn and Mr. Hoffman thanked the Board for the opportunity to be a part of it and shared they found the experience interesting. Both students shared they would consider serving on the Board as adults.
Janice Schwarze thanked Ms. Flynn for her service and introduced Hailey Grubich, the new North High Student Board Member. Ms. Schwarze shared some of the activities Ms. Grubich is involved in.
Ed Schwartz thanked Mr. Hoffman for his service and introduced Ariel Johnson, the new South High Student Board Member. Mr. Schwartz shared some of the activities Ms. Johnson is involved in.
Ms. Grubich and Ms. Johnson shared their excitement at having the opportunity to serve on the Board.
The Board welcomed its new Student Members.
25. RECEPTION OF VISITORS – PUBLIC COMMENT
Ms. Jana Peters and Mr. David Thompson asked the Board to review the practice of not allowing students to wear tassels, cords and stoles at the graduation ceremony for honors received, specifically those in the technical areas.
The Board thanked the visitors for providing their input. Dr. Thiele thanked the parents for their concern and stated the Administrative Team was meeting the next day and he would add this to the meeting's agenda.
26. REPORT ON LEGISLATIVE EDUCATION NETWORK OF DUPAGE (LEND)
Mark Staehlin reported he attended the last LEND meeting and at this time there are several pieces of pending legislation and data is being compiled
27. REPORT ON SCHOOL ASSOCIATION FOR SPECIAL EDUCATION IN DUPAGE COUNTY (SASED)
Dr. Kupka reported SASED has a new Business Manager and Executive Director and there is also is construction occurring.
28. REPORT ON DISTRICT 99 EDUCATION FOUNDATION
Member Pavesich reported the Foundation awarded another grant and is interviewing three new prospective Board members.
29. REPORT ON ILLINOIS ASSOCIATION OF SCHOOL BOARDS (IASB)
Member Davenport reported the NASB Conference is in Chicago next year. Member Pavesich stated she attended the conference the last time it was in Chicago and recommends Board members attend.
30. UPCOMING BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETINGS
President Kupka announced the following meeting dates:
May 24, 2019 Graduation
June 3, 2019 Special/Workshop Meeting – 6:30 p.m. – Administrative Service Center
June 17, 2019 Regular Business Meeting – 6:30 p.m. - Administrative Service Center
Dr. Thiele stated there are no agenda items for the June 3 Board Workshop and recommended removing it from the calendar. The consensus of the Board was to follow Dr. Thiele's recommendation and cancel the June 3 Board meeting.
31. CLOSED SESSION
President Kupka announced the Board would not be voting on anything, except Adjournment, after it came out of Closed Session.
Member Pavesich moved and Member Nicholas seconded the motion that the meeting be adjourned to closed session for the purpose of discussing litigation, when an action against, affecting or on behalf of the District has been filed and is pending before a court or administrative tribunal, or when the District 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); discussing collective negotiating matters between the District and its employees or their representatives, or deliberations concerning salary schedules for one or more classes of employees. 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(2).; and the appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific employees of the District or legal counsel for the District, including hearing testimony on a complaint lodged against an employee or against legal counsel for the District to determine its validity. 5 İLCS 120/2(c)(1), as amended by P.A. 93-0057.
Upon the Secretary's roll call, Members Pavesich, Nicholas, Pavinato, Vazquez Drexler, Davenport, Fuller and Kupka voted AYE. The President declared the motion carried.
The meeting adjourned to Closed Session at 7:51 p.m.
32. RECEPTION
Prior to entering Closed Session, a brief reception was held where outgoing Student Board Members were thanked for their service and the new Student Board Members were welcomed.
33. RECONVENE TO REGULAR SESSION
The meeting was reconvened in Open Session with the following members of the Board of Education in attendance: Nancy Kupka, President; Mike Davenport, Vice President; and Members Sherell Fuller, Dan Nicholas, Terry Pavesich, Rick Pavinato and Joanna Vazquez Drexler.
Also present were Hank Thiele, Superintendent; Pete Theis, Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources; Mark Staehlin, District Controller; and Juli Gniadek, Secretary.
34. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business or discussion, Member Davenport moved and Member Pavesich seconded the motion that the meeting be adjourned. Upon the unanimous voice vote of the seven members in attendance, the President declared the motion carried. The meeting adjourned at 10:04 p.m.
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