Regular Meeting Minutes Board of Education ♦ Niles Township High Schools ♦ District 219 ♦ Cook County, Illinois October 6, 2015 I. Call to Order and Roll Call Board President Sproat called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. Board Members Present at Roll Call: Ruth Klint, Linda Lampert, Brian Novak, Joseph Nowik (6:00 p.m.), Mark Sproat. Board Members Absent: David Ko, Carlton Evans II. Closed Session It was moved by NOVAK and seconded by SPROAT to recess into closed session to discuss the appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of employees and collective bargaining. A roll call vote was taken. Voting Aye: Klint, Lampert, Novak, Nowik, Sproat. The motion carried. The Board recessed into Closed Session at 5:45 p.m. III. Open Session It was moved by KLINT and seconded by NOWIK to return to open session at 7:10 p.m. A roll call vote was taken. Voting Aye: Klint, Lampert, Novak, Nowik, Sproat. The motion carried. IV. Recall to Order President Sproat recalled the meeting to order at 7:13 p.m. The Pledge was recited. V.

President Sproat thanked everyone for attending the meeting. President Sproat made the following comment before moving into the agenda items. As we begin tonight’s meeting, the Board wants to acknowledge that there has been some concern among administrators and staff within the District and from the community about the approval of the 2015-16 Budget at our September Board meeting. After carefully reviewing this feedback, District administration has identified what appear to be some unintentional line item errors or reductions that were implemented with an inadvertent adverse impact to our schools and students. I want to emphasize that this Board is confident and committed to maintaining and enhancing our outstanding programs, services and the safety and wellbeing of our learning community and fiscal stability of our District. We acknowledge that it can be a difficult balance to achieve, but we are committed to being thorough, responsible and transparent in our fiscal planning and budgeting. It is perfectly acceptable and appropriate under Illinois School Code for the Board of a public school district to review, and as necessary, amend an approved budget. With that in mind, later in this meeting, regarding agenda item 8, I will be asking the Board to consider a request that our Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction, Dr. Anne Roloff, and our Assistant Superintendent of Business, Eric Trimberger, work with our building principals and other key district administrators to conduct the line-by-line item review of the District ‘s 2015-16 Budget. The idea would be that we would ask them to conduct this review and come back to the Board’s Finance Committee next month with a summary of their analysis and any recommended adjustments to the Budget that will maintain key educational programs and services.

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VI. Changes / Additions to the Agenda The green personnel handout was added to the agenda. The Additional Position Request for a Certified School Nurse and the New Support Staff Position Request for a Human Resources Secretary was removed from the agenda for addition discussion by the Board. There are three policies that will be addressed in the Policy and Procedures Second Reading. VII. Student Highlights The student being highlighted this month is Bryan Liston. Dr. Roloff asked Mitch Stern, a high school counselor and coach of the golf and baseball team at Niles West, to introduce Brian and talk about his accomplishments at Niles West. Brian has been a member of the golf team for the entire season and had a wonderful opportunity that he shared with everyone. He is at every sporting event and knows just about every adult and student in the building. Brian thanked Dr. Ness for inviting him to the meeting and told a little about how hard work led him to play on the varsity team. He said he will never forget Coach Stern and Coach Silva. Brian was congratulated and presented with a plaque by the Board. VIII. Student Representative Comments Niles North – Spencer Schwartz gave the following highlights for Niles North. Homecoming was this weekend and about 1,000 students attended. There was a different activity every day and the spirit and energy was great. The seniors won the Powder Puff Football game. They also won the Homecoming game against Main West. The Penny Awards hosted by Dance Marathon raised $850. Breakfast with the Board will be on October 22 at 7:15 a.m. IX. Audience to Visitors No one asked to speak on Board agenda items. X. Community Representative Comments No community representatives asked to speak. XI. Approval of Consent Agenda It was moved by NOVAK and seconded by KLINT to approve the Consent Agenda, as amended. A roll call vote was taken. Voting Aye: Klint, Lampert, Novak, Nowik, Sproat. The motion carried. Included in the Consent Agenda were: − Monthly Bills and Payroll in the amount of $11,313,744.96 − Personnel NAME Hedstrom, Jean

POSITION Purchasing Agent

FROM December 31, 2015 (previously approved on 2/28/11)

TO June 30, 2016

− Approved the contract extension for the following associate for the 2015-16 school year: NAME Hedstrom, Jean

POSITION Purchasing Agent

SALARY $64,653

EFFECTIVE DATE December 31, 2015 – June 30, 2016

− Approved the retirement of the following licensed staff: NAME Miller, Timothy

POSITION Mathematics

EFFECTIVE DATE May, 2020

− Approved the leave of absence for the non-tenured certified staff for the 2015-2016 school year: NAME Valaitis, Nicole

POSITION/LOCATION Psychologist / Central

Minutes of the Regular Board Meeting of October 6, 2015

TYPE OF LEAVE Emergency – Unpaid

LEAVE FTE September 16, 2015 – November 30, 2015

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− Approved the employment of the following support staff for the 2015-2016 school year: NAME Ardam, Riva

POSITION Paraprofessional, Science – P1 / Step 2, 186 day calendar

FTE 1.0

EFFECTIVE DATE September 8, 2015

− Approved the following support staff unpaid leave of absence for the 2015-2016 school year: NAME Miller, Ian

POSITION/LOCATION Digital Literacy Paraprofessional / North

TYPE OF LEAVE Continued Education

LEAVE FTE 1.0 (second semester only)

− Approved the employment of the following part-time/temporary staff for 2015-16 School year: NAME Aichholzer, Haley Chavez, Lucy

POSITION / LOCATION Science Lab Assistant / West Textbook Center / West

SALARY $8.25/Hr. $8.25/Hr.

EFFECTIVE DATE October 7, 2015 September 22, 2015

Doherty, Hannah Ferrer, Kevin Gunartt, Maria Haider, Zayaan Hankes, Rose Luna, Miguel Luo, Sean Murray-Cannon, Darlene Newman, Noah Perdomo, Zach Preza, Gelson Toch, Jonah

Fine Arts / North Volleyball / North Science Lab Assistant / West Textbook Center / North Textbook Center / North Volleyball / North Volleyball / North Clerical, Nurse Office / West < 600/hours Textbook Center / North Textbook Center / North Trainer’s Room / North Textbook Center / North

$8.25/Hr. $8.25/Hr. $8.25/Hr. $8.25/Hr. $8.25/Hr. $8.25/Hr. $8.25/Hr. $14.00/Hr. $8.25/Hr. $8.25/Hr. $8.25/Hr. $8.25/Hr.

October 7, 2015 September 10, 2015 October 7, 2015 September 22, 2015 September 22, 2015 September 10, 2015 September 10, 2015 October 7, 2015 September 22, 2015 September 10, 2015 September 22, 2015 September 10, 2015

−

Approved the employment of the following staff for the Niles North EXPLORE Test, October 10, 2015 at the flat rate listed:

SUPERVISORS - $108 Dribin, Elizabeth Dunham, Lisa France, Kathy Pickett, Kia Skelton, Molly Sweeney, Cameron

−

PROCTORS - $87 Current, Karen French, Denise General, Robert Jamali, Toorun Kukalj, Sabina Relihan-Hantel, Maggie

EXTENDED TIME - $150 Caplan, Kara Corona, Lara Current, Meghan Erickson, Christine Haliday, Val Hribar, Rick Joffe, Matt Kakares, Irene McCabe, Kate Schero, Laura Souferis, Christine Stefl, Camilla Toynton, Elias

Approved the employment of the following staff for the Niles West EXPLORE Test, October 10, 2015 at the flat rate listed:

SUPERVISORS - $108

PROCTORS - $87

Fowler, Laura Kastrinakis, Kristina Metoyer, Stacey Moy, Jean Myer, Jen Richards, Heidi

Adamovic, Kelly Curescu, Gaby Dickman, Matthew Freeman, Clara Giannelli, Barbara Kilcommons, Lauren

Minutes of the Regular Board Meeting of October 6, 2015

EXTENDED TIME - $150 SUPERVISOR Caceres, Felix Hastings, Loretta Kim, Gloria Rafferty, Molly Ramirez, Mario Schwartz, Beverly

EXTENDED TIME - $108 PROCTOR Feldman, Diane Garvey, Jackie Johnson, Susan Rasch, William

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Santiago, Kristen Schiel, John Shapiro, Laurie Wheatman, Judy

−

LeClaire, Chantel Liardakis, Nikki Papagorgeou, Laura Schiel, Joan Shenoo, Domenika Surbey, Alisen Tado, Cindy

Approved the employment of the following stipend positions for the 2015-2016 school year:

NILES NORTH Filipino, Sponsor NILES NORTH Boys Soccer, Assistant Football, Assistant Football, Assistant Boys Basketball, Assistant

NAME Ordonez, Jean NAME *Vlaskovic, Mihajlo Yim, Joseph (.25) *Rehmani, Sunil (.5) *Ford, Nicholas

NILES WEST Debate, Assistant Girls Cross Country, Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coordinator Hellenic Club, Sponsor Assyrian Club, Sponsor Assyrian Club, Sponsor * Not a full-time school year employee

NAME *Thomas, Troi (.25) Reynolds, Nicole Dickman, Matthew (.5) Kastrinakis, Kristina Slefo, Amanda (.5) Ardam, Riva (.5)

−

Approved the employment of the following substitute teachers for the 2015-2016 school year:

NAME Alfred, James Anderson, Scott Bolos, Vasilike (Long Term) Bregman, Daniel Burns, Andrea Cyriac, Jessy D'Amato, Joanne Dickman, Matthew −

Hernandez, Sergio Hornish, Ronald Lazovsky, Ben Zion Leavitt, Terry Loeffler, Kurt

Nusbaum, Susan Piri, Parisa Rago, Lori Reynolds, Elizabeth Sedlacek, Jonathan

Tower, Margaret Turkin, Rockwell Weiner, Angela Whaley, Nancy Zamansky, Darlene

POSITION/LOCTION Director of Humanities, North

SALARY $450/day - 4 days

EFFECTIVE DATE TBD

POSITION / LOCATION Fine Arts / North

SALARY $8.25/Hr.

EFFECTIVE DATE October 7, 2015

Approved the retirement of the following support staff:

NAME Knight, Lygia −

NAME Sorenson, Mara Strauss, Jessica Sullivan, Patrick

Approved the employment of the following part-time/temporary staff for 2015-16 School year:

NAME Doberty, Hannah −

NAME Macias, Alexis Marcelo, Jeschelle McIntosh, Valerie

Approved the administrative substitute for the 2015-2016 school year:

NAME Stein, Roger −

NAME Friedman, Lisa Frink, Samuel Gordon, Belinda

POSITION Nurse (LPN)

EFFECTIVE DATE May, 2019

Approved the employment of the following staff for the Niles West EXPLORE Test, October 10, 2015 at the flat rate listed:

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SUPERVISORS - $108

PROCTORS - $87

EXTENDED TIME - $150 SUPERVISOR Orlandi, Kathy

EXTENDED TIME - $108 PROCTOR Johnson, Susan Chipkin, Shelley Fowler, Laura Moy, Joan − Approved the employment of the following stipend positions for the 2015-2016 school year: NILES NORTH Boys Basketball, Assistant

NAME Abas, Brent

NILES WEST Girls Basketball, Assistant Girls Basketball, Assistant * Not a full-time school year employee

NAME *Moy, Nicole *Wittleder, William

−

Approved the Minutes of the September 8, 2015, and September 24, 2015 Board of Education Open and Closed Sessions.

− Approved District 219 to enter into a professional services agreement with GL Speech Associates for the provision of speech therapy services. −

Approved District 219 to enter into a professional services agreement with Educational Based Services for the provision of occupational therapy services. − Approved the ISBE Application for Recognition of Schools for FY 2015-16.

− Approved accepting the donation from Napoleon Manogura of a 202 Dodge Conversion Van for use in the automotive program at Niles West. XII. Business −

Review of FY 2016 Budget (Discussion Only) Eric Trimberger gave a brief overview and discussed the philosophy of the budget regarding the OEPP, the evaluations and direction from the Board. Mr. Trimberger said the preliminary budget went to the Board in July, which is the first time the Board had the opportunity to view the budget in the budget cycle. At that time, the OEPP was approximately $26,500. There was significant concern among the Board members because of the substantial increase over the prior year; administration was directed to look at ways to reduce the OEPP. Recommendations were brought to the August Board meeting at the time of the tentative budget. However, it was too late in the budget cycle to make significant changes because most of the budget consisted of salaries and benefits and the Board was contractually obligated to staff. There were no opportunities to reduce staff at that point, which left purchase services and supplies as areas that could be reviewed. The administration made recommendations to reduce travel and to limit other purchased services to last year’s actual expenses. Supplies were cut to 90% of last year’s actual expenditures. Shortly after the budget was posted upon adoption in September, we found that there were numerous unintended consequences with this directive. There was an approval of textbooks that was not in the budget for approximately $300,000. There were other unintended consequences, for example, debate was reduced $25,000, but we also reduced travel overall by 40% and this covered their ancillary expenses, i.e. hotels, so they were hit twice; this was an unintended consequence and we found other things as well. In particular, it is difficult for the staff because they made plans based on the request they submitted in the spring. Mr. Novak asked Mr. Trimberger to speak on amending the budget. Mr. Trimberger said the amended Budget would have to be put on a 30 day display and the Board would adopt it after the 30 day display. Mr. Novak asked about the Fine Arts Budget saying the overall Fine Arts Budget for Niles West went up from $1.542 million dollars to $1.981 million and the Niles North from $1.295 million to $1.767 million. This is an overall increase. Ms. Lampert stated that this is the same budget that was posted on line right after the Board’s meeting. Mr. Trimberger stated that the overall budgets did increase, however there were changes in purchase services and supplies where some of those items were decreased, but there is a substantial increase in capital accounts for both

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campuses, resulting in an overall increase in their budgets. There were some significant decreases in travel, i.e., etc. Ms. Lampert asked if there was ever a time when the Fine Arts budget was cut to $5,000, which was all over the internet. Mr. Trimberger said this is not accurate. Mr. Novak said the GCSI budget was greatly reduced and the Board will revisit this. Mrs. Klint stated that she does not want to continue with what we have always done without valid evaluation. Mrs. Klint feels we should bring down the OEPP because we will not be able to sustain an increase in the OEPP every year. She stated that she is not willing to increase the budget, but would be agreeable to having funds redirected and does not want to see the bottom line numbers increase. The GCSI money came out of buildings and operations about three years ago. She would like to see the $50,000 given to each school come back this year or at least $10,000 per building. She understands that the staff is a strictly volunteer staff. She asks that $20,000 be brought back to GCSI. Mr. Trimberger said we have done some preliminary analysis on the Budget and based on this analysis, $2.5 to $3 million dollars needs to be added back into the Budget. This will, however, increase the operating expense per pupil. The Board directed the Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum to work with the building principals and other key administrators to conduct a line-by-line item review of the District’s 2015-16 Budget and report back to the Board’s Finance Committee in the next month with a summary of their analysis and any recommended adjustments to the Budget that will maintain the educational programs and services. Ms. Lampert thanked everyone for their comments and concerns and said the Board heard your voices. She also noted that the Board does not create the Budget, but does approve it and the Board is taking the appropriate action to remedy this situation. −

FY 2016-17 School Calendar (Discussion Only) Dr. Roloff said that at the last Board meeting, the Board requested a revised draft calendar removing religious holidays. This calendar is for discussion tonight and will be reviewed by the Board and voted on at the next Board meeting. Dr. Roloff met with the Niles Township Superintendents and shared the draft with them. Next year there will be a Township Institute Day and the Superintendents are all in agreement on that date. Dr. Roloff also shared this with the Union and received their input. If approved, this would begin on Tuesday, August 16, with Teacher Institute Day and students starting school on Wednesday, August 17, which is a full week later than last year. Most of the sender districts begin school the week of August 22. The sender districts were very much in favor of this. President Sproat said we are trying to balance days, but it is not essential that we have the exact number of days each time. Dr. Roloff said graduation will be on Memorial Day weekend next year. This may or may not occur again in the future, depending on when Memorial Day falls. There are 86 days for the first semester with finals and 92 days for the second semester with finals. There are additional days built in for spring testing. Contractually we have 178 school days. President Sproat said we will try to keep our schedules in line with the feeder schools schedules and asked Dr. Roloff to follow-up with the feeder school and to keep our schedule in alignment as much as possible. Dr. Roloff said the Superintendents were comfortable with D219 starting a week earlier. President Sproat requested seeing the feeder school schedules. With regard to religious holidays, Mr. Sproat said the students would be able to take those days off without any repercussions, i.e. missing homework, tests, etc.

−

Tentative Tax Levy (Discussion and Action) Mr. Trimberger discussed the estimated tax levy. At the July 15 Finance Committee meeting, the administration recommended an overall increase in the tax levy of 3%. That is composed of .8% of 1 percent for the CPI increase on the operating side or $1 million dollars. The remaining 2.2% of this increase will be used for debt payments. Last year the Board used fund balance to reduce the debt portion of the 2014 tax levy approximately from $9.85 million dollars to $4.55 million dollars with the goal of freezing the overall tax levy on the District 219 portion of the tax bill. Our debt payments are increasing about $1 million dollars per year so it is not sustainable for the Board to continue to reduce the debt portion of the levy each year. The administration is recommending a 2.2% increase

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on the debt side of the levy and that will still require the Board to use approximately $2.95 million dollars in fund balance to make up the full debt payment for the 2015 tax levy. Mrs. Klint asked about the fund balances for 2016. Mr. Trimberger said the goal discussed in July was to phase the full debt payment back over a three year period. There is talk in Springfield of a two year property tax freeze. We are not sure if that tax freeze would impact the debt portion of the levy, so if there is an operating tax freeze the Board could consider a faster implementation to bring the full debt levy back on the tax bill. We are closely monitoring that situation. As information becomes available, we will share it with the Board. It was moved by LAMPERT and seconded by NOVAK to approve the resolution regarding the estimated amount necessary to be levied for Fiscal Year 2015. A roll call vote was taken. Voting Aye: Klint, Lampert, Novak, Nowik, Sproat. The motion carried. −

Summer School Report (Discussion and Action) Dr. Roloff introduced Chris Powell, who discussed the Summer School Report. 1,795 students attended summer school at Niles West this summer. There was a discussion on various classes. The Board is being asked to approve the dates for summer school next year, FY 2016. The Board will continue discussion on the Summer School Report at the November 3, 2015 Board meeting. Discussion will include what courses are being offered, remediation, classes for credit, Sizzling Summer Stem, etc. and finalize which buildings. The proposed date for starting summer school is June 13, 2016 and ending on July 29, 2016, which will give a two week break after summer school ends and before school starts. It was moved by KLINT and seconded by NOVAK to approve the dates for Summer School 2016. Other information regarding the Summer School Report will be postponed until the November 3, 2015 Board meeting. A roll call vote was taken. Voting Aye: Klint, Lampert, Novak, Nowik, Sproat. The motion carried.

−

Policy and Procedures First Reading (Discussion Only) Mrs. Klint said that Policy 2:60 had changes brought by the state. Most significant is the change in Policy 4:10, where students receiving free or reduced price meals are only responsible for half of the school year and the summer bus fees and are not responsible for the entire fee. Also, the use of a charter bus requires 150 miles instead of 100 miles. The change to Policy 4:10-AP1 is that those who enroll for bus service after the opening of school will be permitted only if there is room available on the bus route serving the payer rider residence area, i.e. once those routes are established when people come mid-year, they will be permitted if there is room on the route. Policy 4:140 has a very broad change. The Policy Committee met twice with the bookkeepers and different representatives and narrowed in what our fines and fees are costing us when we don’t collect them. Our current policy is that we withhold graduation and diploma for someone with outstanding fines and fees. After four years, that is quite a hefty penalty to put on a parent, so we have taken the view that fees are more so parent responsibility. If you do not have your fees paid, you will not participate in graduation or receive a diploma. What changed are the consequences for fines and fines. The Policy Committee is proposing that until fines are paid, students with fines from the previous school year will be excluded from or denied summer camps and summer courses other than core curriculum and remedial classes and then extracurricular activities which would be the following year. We are not pulling any student out in the middle of a club or extracurricular activities, as they would have until the following year to pay their fine or fees.

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The 1 ½ mile area for free bus service was discussed by the Board. President Sproat would like to take a look at this again because he does not want students walking on a busy street. Policy 6:90 has a change and we added the words, “reasonable fees for all students.” We require reports to include the number of participants and the number of meetings. This will allow the Board and those making decisions, to make better and wiser decisions. Policy 6:248 - The transportation fee for field trips will remain at $5.00. −

Policy and Procedures Second Reading (Discussion and Action) There was a discussion on the second Reading of Policy and Procedures. Policies 3:20, 5:15 and 4:110-AP1 are being removed. The following policy and procedural changes were adopted at the October 6, 2015 Board of Education Meeting. Number 7:60AP3

Name Administrative Procedure – Establishing Student Residency

Changes Problem: Policy allows submission of less helpful documents when verifying residency. Solution:

7:100

Health Examinations, Immunizations, and Exclusion of Students

Update permissible documents for residency verification. Extend meningococcal immunization deadline to October 15 each school year.

It was moved by LAMBERT and seconded by NOVAK to approve Policy and Procedures Second Reading. A roll call vote was taken. Voting Aye: Klint, Lampert, Novak, Nowik, Sproat. The motion carried. XIII. Interim Superintendent’s Report Dr. Roloff said the Annual Review of Programs is at Niles North tomorrow at 6:30 p.m. The Annual Review is a compilation of ideas brought to our attention by students, parents, teachers and administrators. These topics are all aligned to the Strategic Plan. There are only two items on this year’s Annual Review which will be discussed at the meeting tomorrow night. The first item is On-line Blended Learning where we will discuss how on-line blending learning may benefit students. Programs we already have in place, as well as experiences with Illinois Virtual School will also be discussed. The second topic is School Day. This has been discussed for the past five to six years. We will review the School Day options with the audience sharing pros and cons to each proposed option. Finally, we will direct the audience to the website where they can give additional feedback on these two items. The EXPLORE tests will be administered at Niles West on October 10 and we are excited to begin our journey with the class of 2020. Information about last year’s PARRC assessment is slowly being released. At this time, we do not have student or District scores nor do we know when we will be receiving them or how they will be used in state or federal reporting. Dr. Roloff will keep the Board advised of the PARRC exam scores as they become available. There are great things going on in the building. Many of the teachers are participating in a wide variety of programs during the school day, i.e. teaching literacy, school improvement plans, equity and much more.

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Principals’ Report Niles North – Dr. McTague said Homecoming was amazing. He thanked everyone who made this a success. Niles North Theatre presents “Lord of the Flies” this weekend with a community performance on Thursday. The Niles North Parents Advisory Council will have a Parent STEM Engineering Night seminar on October 20, where the parents can learn about engineering sequences, tour the robotics classroom, and the auto and engineering labs. This weekend our boys’ soccer team will play in Toyota Park, the home of the Chicago Fire for another Skokie Skirmish against Niles West. Niles West – Dr. Ness said Homecoming was last week and was awesome. There was great participation from everyone and it took an entire building to pull off this fabulous week event. There were over 1,200 students attending the dance this week. He gave special thanks to everyone involved. Niles West had the Hall of Fame during the week. The Activities Committee established a charity called Pay It Forward, which focuses on our families and kids. The purpose of the charity is that teachers and staff members contribute for students that cannot afford Homecoming events, prom and other extracurricular activities. The Foundation was able to pay for five students this year that otherwise would not be able to attend due to financial concerns. Niles West Theatre will present Shakespeare’s “Mid Summer Night’s Dream” in the Black Box Theatre with a different interpretation. The Acapella Group gave the Board a cd disk they made last year. Board Members’ Comments Mr. Novak thanked everyone for coming to the Board meeting tonight. Ms. Lampert stated that during the campaign outsourcing was discussed. That dialogue is just beginning and we are currently awaiting a report on statistics. XIV. Board Committee Reports Policy Committee – Mrs. Klint said there was a Classrooms First meeting on September 9 which was the first meeting where District 67 joined us. District 67said they would like to align with District 219 and that their focus is on technology. They have already taken advantage of the digital literacy advances that District 219 has enabled them to do. They are working with staff to prepare their teachers. District 69 implemented a higher math level this year which they anticipated introducing in three years, which makes them three years ahead as far as math implementation. They restructured school day to better support their STEM and Core curriculum and according to what their teachers feel would be most workable. Both schools also talked about how they appreciated the opportunity to be able to take advantage of our professional development. The costing model was discussed. The priority right now is to identify these costs and they will be working on budgets. The next CFC Board meeting is on November 18 and it will be held at District 219. After that meeting, we will receive a full report as far as money. Things are going well. Ms. Lampert, Mr. Evans and Ms. Klint attended the ED-RED luncheon on Friday. Two Congressmen and one Senator were in attendance and spoke. The discussion centered on what the future looks like as far as funding and equity in funding. The meeting consisted of our peers from other area schools. This is quite a divisive issue, but it was a healthy discussion. Our best hope is that whatever is passed on would be eased in but there is no guarantee. The meeting was quite informative and time well spent. XV. Old Business There was no old business. XVI. New Business There was no new business. XVII. Audience to Visitors (on items related to District business) John Fuller, First Vice President of the Evanston North Shore NAACP, thanked the Board for the opportunity to speak, and said he was speaking at the request of President, George Mitchell. Mr. Fuller. expressed the NAACP’s appreciation of Dr. Gatta for all she does to enhance the learning of all students, her relationship with the NAACP and students at District 219. Mr. Fuller said the NAACP wishes Dr. Gatta continued success in pushing forward positive educational programs for all students under her guidance. Minutes of the Regular Board Meeting of October 6, 2015

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Sherry Baehr and Beverly Zbinder, librarians at Niles West and Niles North discussed how the budget cuts to the North and West libraries will affect students. They read statements about books and book talks and how this affects the students. They asked that the library budget be reconsidered. Joy Cheng, Jackie Lipka, Jennifer Hahne and Monica Weitzel, representing the school psychologists and social workers thanked the Board for giving them the opportunity to speak. They spoke about the health clinic and staffing concerns. They said the District’s assumption was that the clinic would augment service by focusing on general education students allowing the District staff to focus on our special education mandate. What wasn’t considered in that process is that the health clinic uses a medical model while District 219’s staff uses a school based problem solving educational model. These are two very different service delivery systems. The medical model provides patient care through on-going therapy. There was a discussion on the difference between the services provided by the clinics and the psychologists and social workers. A list of services that they are now unable to provide was read. Lorenzo Fiol, a resident of Morton Grove, asked questions about the fund balance as of January 2015 and September 2015. He also asked for the costs of the investigation and discovery of the attorneys, and forensic accounts. Ms. Lampert said we cannot discuss that at this time. Mr. Fiol asked the amount of the pending invoices for these charges thus far. He asked if the science program will get the money back that was cut in the Budget. President Sproat said we are looking at all of the budgets. He asked the gross pay for the Superintendent and Assistant superintendent. President Sproat said that these numbers are available to the public online. Shelia Lakhani Gilani, a resident of Skokie and active member of the business community, commented she has known Dr. Gatta for twenty years. She gave comments in support of Dr. Gatta and the programs she supported. She urged the Board to stop pursuing legal action against Dr. Gatta and wasting the taxpayers’ money. Usha Kamaria. Skokie resident and member of Coming Together in Skokie, discussed the religious holidays on the calendar. Ms. Kamaria does not want religious days taken off the calendar. She also commented on her support of Dr. Gatta and asked for her reinstatement. Habeeb Quadri, resident of Morton Grove and representative of the Muslim community feels that our schools are trail blazers. He spoke about the school calendar and asked that before any final decision on the calendars is taken by the Board that it be discussed with the community liaisons. Mitch Stern discussed the budget cuts to student services. He asked that this be reconsidered by the Board. Andy Klamm and Michael Nocella and science teachers at Niles North and Niles West, spoke on budget concerns as they relate to the science department. They asked that the budget cut for science be reconsidered. Nick Hankes, is a resident of Skokie and on the Board of East Prairie School, discussed the District’s finances and the fund balances. He wants to see a breakdown of OEPP in a pie chart from 2005 to the present. He wants to know what makes up the OEPP and how percentages changed from 2005 to present. His second point is that when you look at all the different programs, there seems to be favoritism towards debate and some other clubs. He would like the District to be equitable in how the different clubs are treated. Elena Duarte, a Lincolnwood resident, thanked the Board members and stated that they are doing an awesome job. She also said whatever the Board needs from her as a parent, taxpayer and attorney, she will help in any way she can. She discussed the situation that is presently occurring with regard to Dr. Gatta and John Heintz. Karen Johnson, a Niles resident and parent, discussed the Fine Arts budgets. Ms. Johnson feels that we do not need a PR firm to communicate to the community. She discussed the Board’s actions and cuts in the Budget and the OEPP.

Minutes of the Regular Board Meeting of October 6, 2015

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Mary Kay Bianchi, a Skokie resident and parent of a student at Niles West, discussed the fact that the Board members have excellent intent but she feels that the Village of Skokie had been put in the spot light with regard to Dr. Gatta and John Heintz. She discussed the ACT score at Niles West. She does not feel that the issues of the past can be fixed in one year. She discussed the Board’s responsibility. Michele Ranger, a resident of Skokie, discussed diversity in the two high schools and the growth the District has accomplished. She also spoke on the budget cuts and gave accolades to Dr. Gatta. She feels we are taking the schools backwards. She thinks Dr. Gatta did a good job and should be reinstated. Nina Dawod, a parent, resident member of the community and taxpayer, spoke about Dr. Gatta and she would like to see her return to the District. Dr. John Kalaras, Skokie resident, thanked Dr. Ness and the excellent work the District is doing. He would like for the Board to reconsider reinstating Dr. Gatta. Denyse Stoneback, President of People for a Safer Society, spoke on gun violence in schools. She is requesting a meeting on gun violence and the gun shop and range that will be opening in Niles. She discussed the mass shooting incidents. She invited everyone to the Skokie Village Board meeting in support of taking action against the gun shop and range location. She requested that this Board act as well. She also addressed communication and transparency in the District. She thanked District 219 for taking action on a very important issue. Niles North will be implementing the Say Something campaign during Say Something Week, which runs from October 19-23 and teaches students how to look and recognize warning signs, signals and threats of an individual that may be a threat to themselves or others to speak to a trusted adult to get help. She thanked Dr. McTague for being proactive. Dr. Benita Bell, Lincolnwood resident, read a statement on behalf of Dr Gatta’s reinstatement. XVIII. Information Items − Monthly Financial Report – August 2015 XIX.

Adjournment It was moved by KLINT and seconded by LAMPERT to adjourn the meeting. A roll call vote was taken. Voting Aye: Klint, Lampert, Novak, Nowik, Sproat. The motion carried.

The meeting adjourned at 10:20 p.m.

_______________________________________ President

Minutes of the Regular Board Meeting of October 6, 2015

___________________________________ Secretary

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