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Dupage Policy Journal

Thursday, April 18, 2024

Benjamin School District 25 Board of Education met Sept. 9

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Benjamin School District 25 Board of Education Sept. 9.

Here is the minutes provided by the Board:

Call to Order

President Vince Engstrom called the regular meeting of the Board of Education to order at 7:01 p.m. in the Administration Service Center boardroom, 28W250 St. Charles Road, West Chicago, Illinois 60185.

Roll Call

In attendance were Members Jack Buscemi, Jodi Krause, Dennis Peterson, Anna Taylor, and Vince Engstrom; Tammy Mastroianni and Lisa Willuweit - absent; Superintendent Dr. Jim Woell; Business Manager Cheryl Witham; Evergreen School Principal Laura Pfanenstiel; Benjamin Middle School Principal Mike Fitzgerald; Recorder Jennifer Szabo; and, members of the staff and community whose signatures are filed with these minutes.

Pledge of Allegiance

President Engstrom led in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Public Hearing on Fiscal Year 2019-2020 Budget

Member Taylor moved and Member Buscemi seconded to leave Open Session and enter into a public hearing on the FY 2019-2020 budget at 7:02 p.m. for the purpose of receiving public comment. On a roll call vote, Members Buscemi, Krause, Peterson, Taylor, and Engstrom -aye. Members Mastroianni and Willuweit - absent. Motion carried.

Cheryl Witham previewed the 2019-2020 budget and asked for public comment. Hearing no public comment, Member Buscemi moved and Member Krause seconded to adjourn the Public Hearing and return to Open Session at 7:04 p.m. On a roll call vote, Members Buscemi, Krause, Peterson, Taylor, and Engstrom - aye. Members Mastroianni and Willuweit – absent. Motion carried.

Approve Agenda

Member Krause moved and Member Taylor seconded to approve the agenda as presented. On a roll call vote, Members Buscemi, Krause, Peterson, Taylor, Engstrom – aye. Members Mastroianni and Willuweit - absent. Motion carried.

Board Salute

The board extended a special salute to Megan Dusing, Natalie Fierce, Sherry Anderson, and Courtney Milner for acquiring tenure status. Dr. Woell shared his appreciation for their dedication and work ethic.

Approve Draft of Minutes

Regular Meeting Minutes of August 12, 2019 - Member Taylor moved and Member Krause seconded to approve the minutes as presented. On a roll call vote, Members Buscemi, Krause, Peterson, Taylor, and Engstrom – aye. Members Mastroianni and Willuweit – absent. Motion carried.

Superintendent’s Report

Acknowledge Newly Tenure Teachers - Dr. Woell acknowledged Megan Dusing, Natalie Fierce, Sherry Anderson, and Courtney Milner for acquiring tenure status. Teachers received pens from Board President Engstrom.

Technology Update - Chief Technology and Information Officer Greg Martin highlighted summer projects including: student and staff computers images, 16 BenQ's installed, new presentation remotes for staff, upgraded voice override, clock system, 55 students enrolled in Summer Steam Camp and Kindergarten students are now 1:1.

Opening of School/Enrollment Status Report/6th Day Count – Dr. Woell provided a report on the beginning of the school year, and the current student enrollment. Dr. Woell suggested the board consider a study for future student projection.

Administrators and Teacher salaries and Benefits 2019 Report – Dr. Woell indicated that annually the School Board is required to report to the State Board of Education on or before October 1, the compensation information of administrators and teachers. Dr. Woell presented the Board with the proposed report for 2019-2020, which will be posted on the district's website.

GSF Contract Update - On May 22, 2019, the Board of Education approved a contract bid award to GSF to provide custodial cleaning, maintenance and grounds upkeep. The amount of the total bid approved for July 1, 2019 through June 30, 2020 was $441,656.57. At this same meeting, the Board also approved a prorated amount for the 14 workdays from June 11, 2019 through June 30, 2019.

It has been agreed with GSF that the original bid from GSF actually included all of the aforementioned costs and that there is no amendment needed. The original bid amount remains in place as approved by the Board. This clarified understanding with GSF has removed the need for any additional amendments regarding salaries and benefits.

Before going to bid again, bid documents will be redrafted to include complete line item costs for services and benefits in order to avoid any further misunderstandings moving forward.

Top Work Place – The 2019 Top Workplace main event will be held on November 7, 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. in the United Club at Soldier Field. Dr. Woell asked board members to discuss who would like to attend and to let him know.

FOIA Request - Dr. Woell shared with the Board that a FOIA request under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act, 5 ILCS 140/ was received on August 22, 2019 from Tanner F, K12 Transportation Research, for all special needs transportation contracts, which cover 2019-2020 school year for Benjamin School District 25 and includes the estimated contract value. The district complied with the request.

Introductions to Board Policies – Dr. Woell introduced the following board policies:

2:110, Qualifications, Term and Duties of Board Officers - The policy, Cross References, and footnotes are updated for continuous improvement and to align with a 2014 change to 105 ILCS 5/9-2 and 10 ILCS 5/1-3 reassigning the duties of the local election authority official.

2:140, Communications To and From the Board - The policy, Legal References, and footnotes are updated. Policy updates are in response to: 1. A five-year review, 105 ILCS 5/10-16.5, amended by P.A. 100-1055 (additions to the Oath of Office); 2. PAB-member feedback that having questions or communications go only to the superintendent may be problematic and may not entirely comply with the 2014 requirement; and 3. Best practice considerations to align with IASB's Foundational Principals of Effective Governance.

2:140-E, Guidance for Board Member Communications, Including Email Use - The exhibit is updated in response to a five-year review.

2:230, Public Participation at School Board Meetings and Petitions to the Board - The policy, Legal References, and footnotes are updated. The policy is updated in response to a five-year review and PAO 19-2. In PAO 19-2, the Ill. Public Access Counselor (PAC) ordered a board to refrain from applying unestablished and unrecorded rules to restrict public comment at future meetings. The footnotes are updated for the same reasons, and the Legal References are updated for style.

2:240, Board Policy Development - The policy is unchanged. Footnotes are updated in response to a five year review.

3:10, Goals and Objectives - The policy is unchanged. The footnotes are updated in response to an amendment to 23 Ill. Admin.Code $1, Appendix D, and for continuous improvement.

3:60, Administrative Responsibility of the Building Principal - The policy is unchanged. The footnotes are updated for continuous improvement in response to a five-year review.

4:20, Fund Balances - The policy and footnotes are updated to align with the Ill. State Board of Education's existing School District Financial Profile guidance regarding fund balances.

4:45-AP1, Insufficient Fund Checks - The procedure is updated in response to a five-year review.

4:45-AP2, Local Debt Recovery Program Implementation Procedures - The procedure is updated in response to a five-year review and 105 ILCS 1231, added by P.A. 100-1092 (school lunch account debts).

4:45-E1, Cover Page Documenting the Process to Seek Offset from the Illinois Office of the Comptroller The exhibit is updated for the reasons discussed above in 4:45-AP2, Local Debt Recovery Program Implementation Procedures.

4:45-E2, Notice of Claim to Seek Debt Recovery; Challenge; and Response to Challenge - The exhibit is updated for the reasons discussed above in 4:45-AP2, Local Debt Recovery Program Implementation Procedures.

4:55-AP, Controls for the Use of District Credit and Procurement Cards - The procedure is updated in response to a five-year review to align with policy 2:125, Board Member Compensation; Expenses.

4:70-AP, Resource Conservation - The procedure and a footnote are updated in response to a five-year review.

4:90, Activity Funds - The policy is unchanged. The footnotes are updated in response to a five-year review.

5:30-AP1, Interview Questions - The procedure is updated in response to a five-year review.

5:35, Compliance with the Fair Labor Standards Act - The policy is unchanged. The footnotes are updated with minor style changes and a revised web link.

5:35-AP1, Fair Labor Standards Act Exemptions - The procedure is updated in response to a five-year review.

5:35-AP2, Employee Records Required by the Fair Labor Standards Act - The procedure is updated in response to a five-year review.

5:35-AP3, Compensable Work Time for Non-Exempt Employees Under the FLSA - The procedure is updated in response to a five-year review.

5:35-AP4, Fair Labor Standards Act 12-Step Compliance Checklist - The procedure is updated in response to a five-year review.

5:35-E, Volunteer Agreement Executed by a Non-Exempt Employee - The procedure is updated in response to a five-year review.

5:40, Communicable and Chronic Infectious Disease - The policy is unchanged. The footnotes are updated with minor style changes and for continuous improvement in response to a five-year review.

5:120-E, Code of Ethics for Illinois Educators - The exhibit is updated in response to a five-year review.

5:130, Responsibilities Concerning Internal Information - The policy is unchanged. The footnotes are updated in response to a five-year review.

5:180, Temporary Illness or Temporary Incapacity - The policy, Legal References, Cross References, and footnotes are updated in response to a five-year review.

5:310, Compensatory Time Off - The policy is unchanged. The footnotes are updated in response to a five-year review.

5:310-E, Agreement to Receive Compensatory Time Off - The exhibit is unchanged.

6:40, Curriculum Development - The Legal References, Cross References, and footnotes are updated in response to a five-year review.

6:110, Programs for Students At Risk of Academic Failure and/ or Dropping Out of School and Graduation Incentives Program - The policy is unchanged. The footnotes are updated to incorporate amendments to various School Code provisions due to P.A. 100-465 (evidence-based funding) in response to a five-year review.

6:120-AP1, E2, Special Education Required Notice and Consent Forms - The exhibit is updated in response to a five-year review.

6:120-AP2, Access to Classrooms and Personnel - The procedure is updated in response to a five-year review.

6:120-AP2, E1, Request to Access Classroom(s) or Personnel for Special Education Evaluation and/or Observation purposes - The exhibit is updated in response to a five-year review.

6:280-AP, Evaluating and Reporting Student Achievement - The procedure is updated in response to a five-year review.

6:300-E1, Application for a Diploma for Veterans of WWII, the Korean Conflict, or the Vietnam Conflict- The exhibit is updated and a footnote is added in response to a five-year review.

6:340, Student Testing and Assessment Program - The policy, Legal References, and footnotes are updated. The policy and footnotes are updated in response to the Ill. State Board of Education's transition from the Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers to the Illinois Assessment of Readiness as the State accountability measure for grades 3-8. The footnotes are also updated in response to P.A.s 100-807 and 100-1121, which added content requirements to school State Report Cards, and to include a new option for informing the larger school community about a district's reliable assessments. A correction is made to the Legal References.

7:40-AP, Placement of Nonpublic School Students Transferring Into the District - The procedure is updated with a new link to the Ill. State Board of Education's Home Language Survey and in response to a five-year review.

7:170, Vandalism - The policy is unchanged. A footnote is updated in response to a five-year review.

7:240-AP2, Extracurricular Drug and Alcohol Testing Program - The procedure is updated in response to a five-year review.

7:250-AP1, Measures to Control the Spread of Head Lice at School - The procedure is updated in response to a five-year review.

7:280-AP, Managing Students with Communicable or Infectious Disease - The procedure and Legal References are updated in response to a five-year review. New footnotes are added to include web links to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) resources and a special education procedure resource cited in the procedure.

7:280-E2, Reporting and Exclusion Requirements for Common Communicable Diseases - The procedure is updated in response to an amendment to 77 Ill.Admin. Code Part 690, Communicable Diseases (43 Ill. Reg. 2386). Other continuous improvement changes are made, including moving text formerly in the footnotes to the text of the procedure for ease of use.

8:25-AP, Advertising and Distributing Materials in Schools Provided by Non-School Related Entities - The procedure is updated in response to five-year review including reference to the Student Online Personal Protection Act (SOPPA), 105 ILCS 85/, added by P.A. 100-315.

Review Board Policy 7:180, Prevention of and Response to Bullying, Intimidation, and Harassment - The board reviewed the policy. Dr. Woell was added as the Superintendent and no other changes were made and the policy was sent to ISBE.

President's Report

Board Planning Calendars for September and October - Board President Engstrom reviewed the timelines highlighting the 175th Celebration on September 22 and the school walk through on September 26 at 8:00 a.m. at Benjamin Middle School.

Citizens' Desire to Address the Board on Agenda Items

There was nobody in the audience who Desired to Address the Board on Agenda Items.

Board Reports and Requests

Report: SASED - Member Buscemi reported classes started on August 21, 2019 and that the roof work and paving has been completed.

Report: LEND - Member Peterson reported the next LEND meeting will be on September 13, 2019.

Report: Carol Stream Intergovernmental Meeting – August 29, 2019, 500 N. Gary Ave, Carol Stream - Dr. Woell reported discussion took place regarding the legalization of cannabis in January 2020 with DuPage County Members.

Notice: 39th Annual School Law Seminar - Saturday, September 28, 2019, 8:00 a.m., Mc. Donald's Hamburger University, 2715 Jorie Boulevard, Oakbrook, IL. Member Person offered to drive Board Members and will leave the Administration Center at 7:15 a.m.

Notice: DuPage Division Fall Dinner Meeting - October 30, 2019, 5:45 p.m. Optional Networking Time and Registration Table Opens; 6:15 p.m. Dinner meeting begins, The Carlisle, 435 E. Butterfield Rd., Lombard, IL. Member Peterson and Dr. Woell will attend on behalf of the board.

2019 Joint Annual Conference Registration – Transform Vision Into Reality, November 22-24, 2019 Hyatt Regency, Sheraton Grand Chicago, and Swisssôtel. Early registration by October 1, 2019 for $499 per person - Member Peterson offered to drive Board members to the conference. Dr. Woell asked Board members to please notify district office if they need to cancel prior to October 1.

Notice: Carol Stream Intergovernmental Council Meeting - The next meeting is scheduled for December 5, 2019.

Notice West Chicago Intergovernmental Council Meeting- TBD

Financial Report

Cheryl Witham presented the year-to-date financial statements/Treasurer's Report for the month ended August 31, 2019 along with the accounts payable and payroll.

Year-To-Date Financial Statements and Treasurer's Report for the Month Ended August 31, 2019 Accounts Payable: 08/15/19-09/09/2019 = $611,885.98 Payroll: 08/01/19 = $28,142; 08/15/19 = $27,176.17; 09/04/19 = $196,137.47

Member Taylor moved and Member Buscemi seconded to approve the Financial Report as presented. On a roll call vote Members Buscemi, Krause, Peterson, Taylor, and Engstrom - aye. Members Mastroianni and Willuweit - absent. Motion carried.

Consent Agenda

Personnel: Lori Edler resigned from Evergreen Elementary School Lunchroom Supervisor; Lori Edler, Evergreen Elementary School Teacher Assistant at $12.40/hourly; Anastasia Santelli, Evergreen Elementary School Lunchroom Supervisor at $29.26 per day/$19.51 per day when scheduled to work the one-hour shift. Matthew Caley, Benjamin Middle School Teacher Assistant (PE) at $12.40/hourly.

Introduction to Board Policies: 2:110, Qualifications, Term and Duties of Board Officers; 2:140, Communications To and From the Board; 2:140-E, Guidance for Board Member Communications, Including Email Use; 2:230, Public Participation at School Board Meetings and Petitions to the Board; 2:240, Board Policy Development; 3:10, Goals and Objectives; 3:60, Administrative Responsibility of the Building Principal; 4:20, Fund Balances; 4:45-AP1, Insufficient Fund Checks; 4:45-AP2, Local Debt Recovery Program Implementation Procedures; 4:45-E1, Cover Page Documenting the Process to Seek Offset from the Illinois Office of the Comptroller; 4:45-E2, Notice of Claim to Seek Debt Recovery; Challenge; and Response to Challenge; 4:55-AP, Controls for the Use of District Credit and Procurement Cards; 4:70-AP, Resource Conservation; 4:90, Activity Funds; 5:30-AP1, Interview Questions; 5:35, Compliance with the Fair Labor Standards Act; 5:35-AP1, Fair Labor Standards Act Exemptions; 5:35-AP2, Employee Records Required by the Fair Labor Standards Act; 5:35-AP3, Compensable Work Time for Non-Exempt Employees Under the FLSA; 5:35-AP4, Fair Labor Standards Act 12-Step Compliance Checklist; 5:35-E, Volunteer Agreement Executed by a Non-Exempt Employee; 5:40, Communicable and Chronic Infectious Disease; 5:120-E, Code of Ethics for Illinois Educators; 5:130, Responsibilities Concerning Internal Information; 5:180, Temporary Illness or Temporary Incapacity; 5:310, Compensatory Time Of; 5:310-E, Agreement to Receive Compensatory Time Of; 6:40, Curriculum Development; 6:110, Programs for Students At Risk of Academic Failure and/ or Dropping Out of School and Graduation Incentives Program; 6:120-AP1, E2, Special Education Required Notice and Consent Forms; 6:120-AP2, Access to Classrooms and Personnel; 6:120-AP2, E1, Request to Access Classroom(s) or Personnel for Special Education Evaluation and/or Observation Purposes; 6:280-AP, Evaluating and Reporting Student Achievement; 6:300-E1, Application for a Diploma for Veterans of WWII, the Korean Conflict, or the Vietnam Conflict; 6:340, Student Testing and Assessment Program; 7:40-AP, Placement of Nonpublic School Students Transferring Into the District; 7:170, Vandalism; 7:240-AP2, Extracurricular Drug and Alcohol Testing Program; 7:250-AP1, Measures to Control the Spread of Head Lice at School; 7:280-AP, Managing Students with Communicable or Infectious Disease; 7:280-E2, Reporting and Exclusion Requirements for Common Communicable Diseases; 8:25-AP, Advertising and Distributing Materials in Schools Provided by Non-School Related Entities.

Review Board Policy 7:180, Prevention of and Response to Bullying, Intimidation, and Harassment – The board reviewed the policy.

Member Taylor moved and Member Peterson seconded to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. On a roll call vote, Members Buscemi, Krause, Peterson, Taylor, and Engstrom - aye. Members Mastroianni and Willuweit - absent. Motion carried.

Action Items

Adopt FY 2019-2020 Legal Budget - Cheryl Witham recommended the approval of the budget based on there being no objections made of the budget hearing. Member Peterson moved and Member Taylor seconded to Adopt the FY 2019-2020 Legal Budget as presented in the Public Hearing. On a roll call vote, Members Buscemi, Krause, Peterson, Taylor, and Engstrom - aye. Members Mastroianni and Willuweit - absent. Motion carried.

Approval of Amendment to Superintendent Contract - Member Peterson moved to amend the Superintendent contract for Dr. Jim Woell to provide for required TRS health insurance payments and reimburse the Superintendent for such payments he made to date in the amount of $604.70. On a roll call vote Members Buscemi, Krause, Peterson, Taylor and Engstrom – aye. Members Mastroianni and Willuweit - absent. Motion carried.

Citizens' Desire to Address the Board on Non-Agenda Discussion Items

There were no Citizens' who Desired to Address the Board on Non-Agenda Discussion Items.

Discussion Items

Mr. Fitzgerald share with the board that Sherry Anderson is observing him as principal for a college requirement.

Adjournment

The meeting unanimously adjourned at 7:50 p.m.

https://4.files.edl.io/cd72/10/17/19/140754-830e2287-96fa-4248-abcd-31d517dd73a9.pdf