School Board Niles Township District 219, Cook County, Illinois MINUTES Regular Board Meeting, Monday, September 29, 2003
The meeting was held in the Board Room of the District Office, 7700 Gross Point Road, Skokie, Illinois. I.
Call to Order and Roll Call Board President Robert Silverman called the meeting to order at 6:58 p.m. Board members present at Roll Call: Michael Burnett, Sheri Doniger, Jeffrey Greenspan, Tim Knudsen, Robert Silverman, Lynda Gault Smith.
II.
Executive Session It was moved by GREENSPAN and seconded by DONIGER to recess into closed session to discuss matters relating to litigation, negotiations, and the employment, appointment, compensation, discipline, performance or dismissal of specific employees. A roll call vote was taken. Voting Aye: Burnett, Doniger, Greenspan, Knudsen, Silverman, Gault Smith. The motion carried. The Board recessed into closed session at 6:58 p.m. At 7:58 p.m. it was moved by GREENSPAN and seconded by GAULT SMITH to return to open session of the Regular Board Meeting. A roll call vote was taken. Voting Aye: Burnett, Doniger, Greenspan, Knudsen, Silverman, Gault Smith. The motion carried.
III.
Recall to Order of Open Session Mr. Silverman recalled the meeting to order at 8:04 p.m. The pledge was recited.
IV.
Changes / Additions to the Agenda Mr. Silverman advised that added to the consent agenda was a personnel handout and technology grant.
V.
Audience to Visitors No one asked to speak at this time.
Minutes of Regular Board Meeting of September 29, 2003
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VI.
Student Representative Comments Jamie Johns and Alyson Kirkpatrick from Niles North advised the Board that Student Association has undergone a change in structure. The organization will now have a president, vice president and three chairs including climate, which involves how students interact, special events and community chest, which will do a fundraiser for all clubs in the school. There are 35 people on the executive board. They are very excited about the upcoming year. The Board suggested having a meeting with Student Association in the future.
VII.
Community Representative Comments No one asked to speak.
VIII.
Approval of Consent Agenda It was moved by DONIGER and seconded by BURNETT to accept the amended consent agenda. A roll call vote was taken. Voting Aye: Burnett, Doniger, Greenspan, Knudsen, Silverman, Gault Smith. The motion carried. Included in the consent agenda: − Monthly Bills and Payroll in the amount of $6,205,297.55. − Minutes of 9/8/03 Regular Meeting, Public and Closed Sessions. − Personnel
Approve hiring the following part-time/student help for the 2003-04 school year effective September 30, 2003: NAME
POSITION
Asprec, Caryn Chiu, Jason Clark, Maureen Croon, Michael Croon, Patricia Doubinskaia, Svetlana Lazar, Deborah Ojeda, Daniela Patel, Tarpan Persaud, Stephanie Wand, Robert
IRC Assistant- North Intern-Information Services - West Library Extended Hours - North Grade 3, Step 1 Library Monitor - West Library Monitor - West Russian Tutor – West, Grade 3, Step 1
Hourly Rate
$6.00 $10.00 $15.16 $6.00 $6.00 $15.16
Library Extended Hours – West, Grade 3, Step 3 Science Lab Assistant - West Science Lab Assistant - West Science Lab Assistant - West Science Lab Assistant - West
$15.67 $6.00 $6.00 $6.00 $6.00
Approve the request for a leave of absence for the following support staff: NAME
POSITION
TYPE OF LEAVE
EFFECTIVE DATE
Vollman, LeAnne
Secretary A Benefits
Article IV, Section 6.3 Unpaid
February 1, 2004 February 1, 2005
Approve Noreen Ryan as a clerical substitute for the 2003-04 school year. Page 2 of 10
Minutes of Regular Board Meeting September 29, 2003
Approve the following stipend positions for the 2003-2004 school year: NAME
POSITION
Fitzgerald, Heather Fitzgerald, Heather France Katherine Hampton, Mathew Landon, Alexandra Naughton, Jacklyn Nelson, Mitchell Reynolds, Nicole
Assistant Girls' Basketball - North Assistant Softball (.50) – North R.I.O.T Assistant – North Season Strength Coordinator – North (9/29 – 10/30/03) Cheerleading Varsity – West R.I.O.T. Sponsor – North Assistant Softball (.50) – North Cheerleading Freshman – West
Approve the following teacher substitutes for the 2003-2004 school year: NAME
NAME
NAME
Breit, Robert Cameron, Regina Choi, Lisa Cohen, Joel Coursey, John Curtis, Judith
Fisher, Penny Giudice, Andrew Ippach, Ingrid Israel, Nahrain Kachka, Arlene Kapis, Michael
Papaioannou, Vasilios Shyman, Jerome Stelzer, Stephen Sweetow, Herb Vanderporten, April
Approve raising the hourly rate for Residency Hearing Officers from $22.00/hour to $25.00/hour.
Approve the addition of one section of English 13-23 (Freshman Basic) at Niles West for the current school year.
Approve one additional section of English 12-22 (Freshman Regular) and Reading at Niles North for the current school year due to closed sections of required courses.
Approve the hiring of (1.0) FTE in Special Education at Niles North for the current school year.
− Donations of a 2003 Ford Escort ZX2 and a 2003 Ford Escort from Ford Motor Company for Niles North High School automotive program. − Resolution authorizing intervention in proceedings before the state property tax appeals board with the law firm of Franczek Sullivan providing legal counsel. − Resolution authorizing intervention in proceedings involving PTAB Docket No. 02-21240.0901-C-3 through 02-21240.001-C-3 before the state property tax appeals board with the law firm of Hodges, Loizzi, Eisenhammer, Rodick & Kohn providing legal counsel. − Authorize the emergency repairs to the Niles North Sportsfield Watermain with Abbey Paving in an amount not to exceed $15,000 and that this amount be funded from the Referendum Construction Project contingency. − Change in regular board meeting date from April 5, 2004 to April 7, 2004. − Adding the state technology fund grant of $40,129 to the Technology Innovation Program for the current year. Minutes of Regular Board Meeting of September 29, 2003
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− Student Trip – for 125-150 Niles North Orchestra/Choir members to attend the Music Department Tour, April 2-4, 2004 in Atlanta, Georgia at a cost to the District of $220 for two subs on one day. IX.
Superintendent’s Report Mr. Codell read a letter he received from Niles North graduate Ali Leipsiger thanking Mr. Schmidt for spending hours with her on the phone assisting her in her college math course. Mr. Codell attended a meeting with the North Shore Superintendents and said all school districts are discussing budget cuts, tax caps, and PTAB. There was a hearing this past week involving state legislators which discussed the impacts of tax caps and the effects this is having on the schools. It is also a problem that is facing park districts and libraries. He said the legislature needs to look at other ways of funding schools. The Superintendent’s Financial Advisory Committee held their first meeting last week. At the next two meetings this group will break down into subcommittees. ED·RED will be holding a property tax refund meeting on October 23 from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. if any Board members wish to attend. The six day enrollment figures are very close to the projections from the Oswald Report. The Board asked for a copy of the Oswald Report, as newer members have not seen this data. Mr. Codell said he met with the Niles Township Superintendents’ Association. They discussed our withdrawal from NTDSE. There was agreement to proceed with the audit and appraisals called for in the by-laws. Discussion also took place on the school calendar guidelines. The superintendents asked that we all share the same winter and spring breaks. Mr. Codell advised that interviews for the Board vacancy will take place on October 13th. Mr. Knudsen asked that a discussion take place at the next meeting regarding the Superintendent’s Financial Advisory Committee. He said he has some suggestions and would like to discuss the makeup of this group, implementation of recommendations, recommendations not implement, board members attending meeting, and future budget cuts.
Principal’s Report Brad Swanson said the week has been relatively calm with excitement for homecoming anticipated for next week, with a kick-off scheduled this Saturday with a drive-in theater. There will be festivities all next week with Open House taking place on Thursday. A Principal’s Recognition Breakfast will occur on October 15. The School Improvement Team has been meeting and they have three subcommittees, climate, which will address Page 4 of 10
Minutes of Regular Board Meeting September 29, 2003
beautification of the building, reading and writing, and improving student performance. Dale Vogler advised that West has the same schedule for homecoming and open house. The National Honor Society will be doing tours during the community open house, parent groups will have tables to encourage membership, and a survey will be taken. College Night will take place on October 15 with over 300 colleges and universities attending. Parent Night will take place on October 20 with PTSA and Student Services doing parent education programs. The You Make A Difference Breakfast will be done on a monthly basis with the first one taking place October 23. Freshman Parent Night will take place October 28, with report cards being distributed at this event to improve attendance. The schools will be hosting a diversity event in November with the Skokie Diversity Group.
X.
Board Members’ Comments Dr. Doniger spoke regarding the Outreach Committee and said the superintendents would like the boards of all the feeder schools to have an opportunity to become better acquainted. Dr. Doniger suggested having this meeting soon, and each district can identify one important issue for their school. Mr. Codell will meet with the superintendents on October 15 and come back with some more concrete information. It was suggested to do this in early December. Mr. Burnett thanked Mr. Codell for sharing the letter from Ali. He said Mr. Borek challenged him at the last meeting to find additional revenue for the school. He said since that time he has contacted five state representatives to discuss this issue. Mr. Burnett mentioned eliminating class rank as an idea to discuss. The Board asked that EPAC discuss this issue at their next meeting. Mr. Burnett said Morton Grove is having a town hall meeting to discuss issues facing the community, and said District 219 should consider something similar. Mr. Knudsen thanked everyone involved in providing the building tours at the last meeting. Mr. Greenspan said the AVID Program is geared to enhance education for average students. Evanston and Chicago have adopted this program and asked that EPAC discuss it for District 219.
XI.
Board Committee and Other Reports Sheri Doniger reported that the next Policy Committee meeting will take place October 14.
Minutes of Regular Board Meeting of September 29, 2003
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XII.
Business Building Update Paul Babski said the punch list work is progressing with a goal of completion for all items by the end of the year. Matt Overeem said the boiler start up is scheduled for tomorrow. A consultant has been hired to assist with elevators at both schools. There was a bleacher incident that occurred at North and awareness training is scheduled for staff. The electronic signs should be installed around October 12. A check has been received for the flood damage that occurred in August. Three Year asbestos Re-inspection – Boelter and Yates It was moved by GREENSPAN and seconded by BURNETT to authorize the President to execute a professional services agreement with Boelter & Yates, Inc. for the Asbestos three-year reinspections for Niles North and Niles West High Schools in an amount of $4,200.00. Mr. Silverman asked if this was legally required and Mr. Overeem confirmed that it was. The firm will compile paperwork and assure that asbestos has not been affected from construction. A roll call vote was taken. Voting Aye: Burnett, Doniger, Greenspan, Knudsen, Silverman, Gault Smith. The motion carried. Purchases / Payments to Contractors / Change Orders It was moved by DONIGER and seconded by GAULT SMITH to accept the bids of $2,400 from Arends Sewing Machine and $14,946 from Libertyville Sewing Center for the purchase of sewing machines and software. A roll call vote was taken. Voting Aye: Burnett, Doniger, Greenspan, Knudsen, Silverman, Gault Smith. The motion carried. It was moved by BURNETT and seconded by GREENSPAN to authorize the payments for various contractors included in pay request #42 totaling $1,758,433.92. A roll call vote was taken. Voting Aye: Burnett, Doniger, Greenspan, Knudsen, Silverman, Gault Smith. The motion carried.
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Minutes of Regular Board Meeting September 29, 2003
Included for payment were the following: • Payment #29 to IHC Group for Material Procurement Services in the amount of $229,421.41 • Payment #28 to IHC Group for Contract Order Delivery Services in the amount of $159,858.90. • Final Payment #18 to Alliance Glass & Metal, Inc. for Trade Package 8a-nw for Glass & Aluminum at Niles North & Niles West in the amount of $209,079.42. • Payment #16 to The Pickus Companies for Trade Package 2c-nw for Building Excavation & Site Grading at Niles North and Niles West in the amount of $13,732.12. • Payment #3 to Fritz Landscaping Company, Inc. for Trade Package 2d-nw for Landscaping and Seed at North and West in the amount of $19,527.84. • Payment #13 to S.G. Krauss Company for Trade Package 5c-nw for Plumbing at Niles North and Niles West in the amount of $23,264.51. • Payment #11 to Esche & Lee Incorporated for Trade Package 4b-n for Masonry at Niles North in the amount of $14,989.00. • Payment #2 for DME Access Lifts for Trade Package 14b-nw for Elevators/ Wheelchair Lifts at Niles North and Niles West in the amount of $27,564.30. • Payment #7 to Hargrave Builders, Incorporated for Trade Package 6f-nw for General Trades for Niles North and Niles West in the amount of $111,488.63. • Payment #8 to McHenry County Glass & Mirror, Inc. for Trade Package 8b-nw for Glass and Aluminum for North and West in the amount of $69,678.00. • Payment #11 to International Decorators Inc. for Trade Package 9e-nw for Metal Studs, Dry Wall & Paint at North and West in the amount of $32,960.70. • Payment #7 to Libertyville Tile & Carpet for Trade Package 9g-nw for Finish Flooring at Niles North and Niles West in the amount of $57,142.44. • Payment #9 to Chicago Spotlight, Inc. for Trade Package 11a-nw for Theatrical Equipment at Niles North and Niles West in the amount of $73,862.10. • Payment #10 to Abbott and Associates, Inc. for Trade Package 15j-w for HVAC at Niles West in the amount of $7,468.23. • Payment #7 to Alliance Fire Protection for Trade Package 15j-nw for Fire Protection at Niles North and Niles West in the amount of $1,865.88. • Payment #12 to Berry Electric for Trade Package 16d-w for Electrical at Niles West in the amount of $99,856.72. • Payment #9 to Kil-Bar Electric Company for Trade Package 16f-n for Electrical at Niles North in the amount of $66,412.39. • Payment #9 to Ideal Heating Company for Trade Package 15k-n for HVAC at Niles North and District in the amount of $114,908.92. • Payment #2 to Boelter Contracting, LLC for Trade Package 11b-n for Food Service Equipment at Niles North in the amount of $98,731.80. • Payment #5 to Abbey Paving for Trade Package 2g-nw for Asphalt paving, site utilities at Niles North and Niles West in the amount of $279,421.61.
Minutes of Regular Board Meeting of September 29, 2003
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Payment #8 and Final Payment #9 to Focus Environmental Contractors, LLC for Asbestos Abatement at Niles North and Niles West in the amount of $47,199.00.
It was moved by GREENSPAN and seconded by GAULT SMITH to approve change orders totaling $333,611.37. Matt Overeem said this included clarification of the Siemens change orders and other work performed by this company. Mr. Knudsen said the $235,000 change order was tabled asking for information on this expenditure and feels not enough information was provided. Mr. Knudsen said he was troubled by receiving an additional change order of $99,305 and questioned why this was not bid out. Mr. Silverman said he feels the Siemens write up is adequate, but asked if this was written up in June, why the Board is just being asked to vote on it now. Mr. Overeem said a series of discussions take place to ensure that pricing is appropriate and these discussions often become contentious requiring an extended period of time to reach closure. A roll call vote was taken. Voting Aye: Burnett, Doniger, Greenspan, Silverman, Gault Smith. Voting Nay: Knudsen. The motion carried. Change orders included are: Change order #5 for a deduct of ($10,601.28) with Alliance Glass & Metal and to revise their contract amount from $1,674,840.95 to $1,664,239.67. Change order #9 for $17,848.00 with The Pickus Companies and to revise their contract from $1,766,700.37 to $1,784,548.37. Change order #3 for a deduct of ($1,681.00) with The Pickus Companies and to revise their contract from $504,906.18 to $503,225.18. Change order #7 for a deduct of ($5,947.00) with Central Ceiling Systems, Incorporated and to revise their contract amount from $417,245.00 to $411,298.00. Change order #11 for a deduct of ($312.35) with MacDonald Construction Services and to revise their contract amount from $1,260,782.37 to $1,260,470.02. Change orders #4 for $99,305.00 and #5 for $235,000.00 with Siemens Building Technologies and to revise their contract from $3,628,089.00 to $3,727,394.00. Niles West IRC Report Penny Swartz and Helen Rifkin showed a video of the renovations to the IRC. They invited the Board to the open house dedication on October 2 and 3, 2003.
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Minutes of Regular Board Meeting September 29, 2003
Class of 2003 Student ACT Scores Dr. Stein explained that the increase in scores is a victory for school improvement as this has been a goal for many years. Dr. Stein reviewed the comparison for 2002 and 2003 graduates and the increase in scores. He also reviewed ACT tests taken by 2003 graduates and the increase in sub tests for these students. PSAE tests will be reviewed at the next board meeting. Mr. Burnett asked for scores for neighboring districts. Roger Stein will obtain this information. Mr. Silverman said you can see the benefit of interventions that have been put in place. Mr. Knudsen congratulated all involved for reversal of the downward trend.
Community Relations Committee Mr. Greenspan said they are still waiting for a report from staff and once received a meeting date will be set.
School Calendars Neil Codell reported that there was an editorial in the Pioneer Press in favor of the school calendar concept of ending the semester before winter break. The elementary districts have said they want to be sure that all schools in the township have their winter and spring breaks at the same time. The calendar will be introduced to parent groups next month.
Policy Changes 1st Reading No changes were made to policies up for first reading. XIII.
Old Business There was no old business discussed.
XIV.
New Business There was no new business discussed.
XV.
Audience to Visitors (on items related to district business) No one asked to speak.
XVI.
Correspondence and FOIA Requests There were no correspondence or FOIA requests.
Minutes of Regular Board Meeting of September 29, 2003
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XVII. Closed Session It was moved by BOREK and seconded by DONIGER to recess into closed session to discuss matters relating to litigation and the employment, appointment, compensation, discipline, performance or dismissal of specific employees with possible action to be taken. A roll call vote was taken. Voting Aye: Burnett, Doniger, Greenspan, Knudsen, Silverman, Gault Smith. The motion carried. The meeting went into closed session at 9:42 p.m. At 11:11 p.m. the Board returned to open session. Special Education Student Placement Settlement Offer It was moved by DONIGER and seconded by GAULT SMITH to enter into a settlement agreement to pay for education at New Leaf Academy until June 30, 2004. A roll call vote was taken. Voting Aye: Burnett, Doniger, Greenspan, Knudsen, Silverman, Gault Smith. The motion carried. XVIII. Adjournment It was moved by GREENSPAN and seconded by KNUDSEN to adjourn the meeting. A voice vote was taken. The motion carried. The meeting adjourned at 11:15 p.m.
________________________________ President
_____________________________ Secretary
MINUTES APPROVED OCTOBER 20, 2003.
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Minutes of Regular Board Meeting September 29, 2003
