School Board Niles Township District 219, Cook County, Illinois AMENDED MINUTES Regular Board Meeting Tuesday, April 8, 2008 The meeting was held in the Board Room of the District Office located at 7700 Gross Point Road, Skokie, Illinois. I. Call to Order and Roll Call Board President Robert Silverman called the meeting to order at 6:40 p.m. Board members present at Roll Call: Sheri Doniger, Carlton Evans, Jeffrey Greenspan, Ruth Klint, Robert Silverman, Lynda Smith, Eileen Valfer. II. Executive Session It was moved by VALFER and seconded by SMITH to recess into closed ses‐ sion to discuss matters relating to student discipline, litigation and the em‐ ployment, appointment, compensation, discipline, performance or dismissal of specific employees. A roll call vote was taken. Voting Aye: Doniger, Evans, Greenspan, Klint, Silverman, Smith, Valfer. The motion carried. The Board recessed into closed session at 6:40 p.m. At 7:50 p.m. it was moved by DONIGER and seconded by SMITH to return to open session. A roll call vote was taken. Voting Aye: Doniger, Evans, Greenspan, Klint, Silverman, Smith, Valfer. The motion carried. III. Recall to Order of Open Session Mr. Silverman recalled the meeting to order at 7:55 p.m. The Pledge was recited. IV. Changes/Additions to the Agenda Added to the consent agenda was a personnel handout and a student trip. V. SuperStar Awards North students recognized were Jamie Ehrenpreis for academics, Arsen Sarkisian for athletics and Elaina Dixon and Stephanie Camba for community service. West
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students recognized were Katherine O’Connor for academics, Stephen Robertson for athletics and Aatifa Sadiq for community service.
VI. Student Representative Comments Anum Amjad thanked the Board for attending the breakfast meeting. She advised the Board of upcoming events. VII. Community Representative Comments No one asked to speak. VIII. Approval of Consent Agenda It was moved by SMITH and seconded by DONIGER to accept the amended consent agenda. A roll call vote was taken. Voting Aye: Doniger, Evans, Greenspan, Klint, Silverman, Smith, Valfer. The motion carried. Included in the consent agenda: − Monthly Bills and Payroll in the amount of $4,065,527.65. − Personnel
Approve employment of the following certified staff for the 2008‐09 school year effective August 25, 2008: NAME
POSITION/LOCATION
FTE
Fahy, Mary Haack, Karen Kaprak, Kristin Makris, Georgia Testa, Eric Thielsen, Richard
Social Studies – North/West, BA – Step 2 Applied Science & Technology – North, BA‐Step 1 Special Education – West, MA – Step 11 Math – North/West, BA – Step 2 Foreign Language – West, BA – Step 4 Science – North, BA – Step 2
1.0 .1 .2 1.0 .8 1.0
Approve the following interns for the 2008‐09 school year effective 8/25/08: NAME
POSITION/LOCATION
SALARY
Johnston, Jadie Uchendu, Blessing Watkins, Megan Dewlow, Joseph John, Ashley Goulet‐Raffety, Marie Lag, Meagan Byers, Katie Graul, Nicole Kleiman, Jennifer
Social Work Intern – North Social Work Intern – North Social Work Intern – North Psychology Intern ‐ North Psychology Intern – North Social Work Intern – West Social Work Intern – West Psychology Intern – West Psychology Intern – West Social Work Intern – Niles Central
$9,000 $9,000 $9,000 $16,000 $16,000 $9,000 $9,000 $16,000 $16,000 $9,000
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Minutes of Regular Board Meeting of April 8, 2008
Approve the following part‐time temporary staff for the 2007‐2008 CRT scoring at $15.00 per hour : Fiorito, Michelle Kruszynski, Mark
O’Connell, Geraldine Ortiz, Rebecca
Speciale, Raquel
Retain the employment of the following non‐tenured teachers for the 2008‐2009 school year:
FIRST YEAR
SECOND YEAR
THIRD YEAR
FOURTH YEAR
Bauman, Evan Boll, Michael Branahl, Amy Brechling, Vanessa Choi, Jane DeNapoli, Lisa Farley, Erin Gerambia, Lia Haberl, James Hahne, Jennifer Hentz, Stephanie Kasprzak, Kathleen Koh, Kristen Locallo, Lauren Minkus, Aaron Paxson, Daniel Platt, Allison Powell, Page Ronning, Lydia Scott, Sarah Swiatkiewicz, Michael Tackes, Jeffrey Wismer, Barbara
Bartl, Natalie Battalini‐Ellis, Nikki Baum, Scott Bramley, Scott Conklin, Patricia Foster, Jayson Frampton, John Gillies, Katherine Griffith, Ellen Gross, Rachel Hawker, Christopher Kannokada, Manoj Komo, Natalie Levin Elizabeth Lim, Susie Linklater, Erin McCarte, Kathleen Penney, Autumn Rush, Michael Shirk, Timothy Stuckey, Sarah Torres, Paul Trapani, Jody Widdes, Jason Yoo, Judy Zilewicz, John
Barak, Rebecca Brzezinski, Benjamin Doonan, Kirby Greene, Brian Heinz, Michael Howes, Elizabeth Joshi, Ankur Koch, Amy Koreman, Neil Korshak, Jill Lipka, Jacalyn Massarsky, Julie Meyer, Richard Moscovitch, Anna Orloske, Tanya Pieczynski, Edward Putnam, Todd Quinlan, Daniel Shaoul, David Shay, Elizabeth Shuster, Sara Smith, Samuel Snow, Tricia
Amaro, John Apfel, Stacey Barton, Robert Bellwoar, Paul Erickson, Christine Freeman, Sheree Gin, Daniel Jackson, Kristen Jeter, Andrew Kim, Alejandra McEvoy, Jennifer Shah, Hetal Sullivan, William Ude, Barbara Vanderjeugdt, Terri Weimer, Matthew Woods, Tricia Wulfram, Frederick
First Year: Full-time teachers employed before 11/1/07, in their first year of employment in District 219. Second Year: Teachers in their second consecutive year of full-time employment in District 219. Third Year: Teachers in their third consecutive year of full-time employment in District 219. Fourth Year: Teachers in their fourth consecutive year of full-time employment in District 219, therefore attaining tenure.
Approve the staffing report to authorize 394.5 certified FTE to staff the general and special education programs at Niles North, Niles West and Niles Central for the 2008‐2009 school year.
Approve the resolution to release part‐time and part‐year teachers.
Approve the resolution to release first year non‐tenured teacher.
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Approve the leave of absence for the following certified staff for the 2008‐09 school year: NAME
Position/Location
DiVito, Brandy Trzaskus, Susan
Special Education – North Science – North
Leave FTE
1.0 .2 1.0
August 25, 2008‐January 15, 2009 January 20 – June 10, 2009 Family Care – Unpaid (On or about 9/1/08 – 1/15/09)
Approve new hourly pay rates for part‐time security monitors and officers effective 2008‐2009 school year: TYPE OF STAFF
CURRENT RATE
NEW RATE
$13.00 $15.00 $16.50
$16.00 $18.00 $20.00
Non‐Police Officer/Monitor Police Officer – First Year Police Officer – Second year on
Accept the resignation Mark Wilson effective June 30, 2008.
Approve the multi‐year contract extensions for the following administrators:
NAME
POSITION/LOCATION
CONTRACT TERM
Ballard, Guy Freeman, Robert Marcelo, Elipidio
Chief Technology Officer – District Principal – North Assistant Superintendent for Special Educa‐ tion & Pupil Personnel Services – District
7/1/08 – 6/30/11 7/1/08 – 6/30/12 7/1/08 – 6/30/12
Approve the employment of Karen Current as Registrar – Pupil Personnel Services North, S4‐S1, 260 days effective July 1, 2008.
Approve the following part‐time/temporary staff effective 4/9/08:
TYPE OF LEAVE
NAME
POSITION/LOCATION
RATE
Ahmed, Saad Berdysheva, Yevgeniya Choute, Christine Cyriac, Ashley Ference, Carl Lagiola, Lauren
Textbook Center Assistant – North Textbook Center Assistant – West Textbook Center Assistant – West Textbook Center Assistant – West Textbook Center Assistant – North Textbook Center Assistant – West
$7.50/Hr. $7.50/Hr. $7.50/Hr. $7.50/Hr. $7.50/Hr. $7.50/hr.
Approve the following disciplinary actions: CASE#
DISCIPLINARY ACTION
2008‐19 2008‐20
Suspension without pay (3) days (4/9‐ 4/11/08) Resolution and Remediation Plan
Accept the following resignations: NAME
POSITION/LOCATION
FTE
Houston, Kristina Platt, Allison
Relief Resource Clerk – North Psychologist – North
1.0 1.0
EFFECTIVE DATE
June 11, 2008 June 30, 2008
Approve the stipend position of Niles West Girls Tennis Head Coach to George Bravos for the 2008‐2009 school year.
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Minutes of Regular Board Meeting of April 8, 2008
Approve the following teacher substitutes for the 2007‐2008: Cetnarowski, Britt Genge, Lawrence Goodlow, Moturayo
Lamback, Ruth Nelsestuen, Krista Piolla, Stephanie
Whiteside, Karen
− Minutes of 3/13/08 and 3/17/08 meetings, Open and Closed Sessions − Student Trips For 12 North Chess Club members to attend the National Scholastic Chess Meet in Atlanta, Georgia on April 18‐20, 2008 at a cost to the District of $4,085.47.
For 15 West Math team members to attend a state meet in Champaign, Illinois on April 25‐26, 2008 at a cost to the District of $1,401.52.
For 20 North students to attend the Science Olympiad State competition in Champaign, Illinois on April 25‐26, 2008 at a cost to the District of $4,879.42.
For 24 West and North CDE/DECA students to attend the International Career Development Conference in Atlanta, Georgia on April 25‐30, 2008 at a cost to the District of $10,166.00.
For 31 North RIOT Club members to attend the IJAS State Competition in Champaign, Illinois on May 2‐3, 2008 at a cost to the District of $4,640.50.
− Purchasing and Installation of Carpeting – Administrative Center by Touch of Beauty Carpeting in the amount of $36,317.58. − Purchase of Student Handbooks for the 2008‐09 school year from Premier Agendas, Inc. in the amount of $16,560. − Upgrade and Replace Router Equipment by the purchase of a Cisco Catalyst 6500 from Netrix for a cost not to exceed $162,605.66. − Donation to Niles West Science Department of a Newtonian Reflector with Telrad finder and Pier Mount from Rudolph Macejak. − Permission to donate obsolete textbooks to Follet Educational Services that will either recycle the books, send them to African countries for use in their schools or buy them from District 219. − Final Calendar for 2007‐08 school year for freshmen, sophomores and juniors will have the final day of school be Monday June 9. Final day for seniors will be May 30.
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IX. Superintendent’s Report −
Principals’ Report Kaine Osburn reviewed events occurring at Niles West including spring concerts, Lisa Show, ACT testing, shadow days, college night, National Library Week, Health & Wellness Week and You Make a Difference breakfast. Bob Freeman spoke about shadow days, testing, athletics, Parade of Flags and the National Honor Society Induction for 70 students.
Neil Codell introduced Shawn Nepatal, who worked with Carlton Evans to have the Chicago boys’ all star basketball players participate in a contest at Niles North. He said it was a fantastic event and it was very special for him to show off his alma mater. Mr. Codell said the Superintendent’s Financial Advisory Committee will meet on Thursday to review and give their suggestions regarding finances and school fees. He said this group has met for four years and their participation is valued. The Business Office was awarded the Certificate of Financial Recognition for the fourth year in a row. The Niles Chamber had Night of Roses which honored West teacher Jessica Filman. X. Board Members’ Comments Lynda Smith said she, Sheri Doniger and Jeff Greenspan attended the NSBA Conference in Orlando. She said it was a wonderful experience and had the opportunity to network with many different people and hear what other districts do well. She said her focus was ELL and paperless board meetings. Sheri Doniger agreed that the conference was wonderful. She said her focus was on health and wellness and board policies. She believes our district does a phenomenal job on policies. Ruth Klint said she shadowed a student and found it very beneficial to experience the environment of the school. Carlton Evans said he viewed the student’s art work at the Skokie Library and thought it was wonderful. XI. Board Committee Reports Sheri Doniger said a Policy Committee meeting was held on April 7. Jeff Greenspan said a Facility Meeting was held on March 17 and a few items from that meeting are on tonight’s agenda.
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Minutes of Regular Board Meeting of April 8, 2008
XII. Adjourn Sine Die It was moved by DONIGER and seconded by SMITH to adjourn sine die. A roll call vote was taken. Voting Aye: Doniger, Evans, Greenspan, Klint, Silverman, Smith, Valfer. The motion carried.
Call to Order Roll call: Present: Doniger, Evans, Greenspan, Klint, Silverman, Smith, Valfer. −
Selection of President Pro Tem It was moved by SMITH and seconded by DONIGER to appoint Neil Codell as President Pro Tem. A roll call vote was taken. Voting Aye: Doniger, Evans, Greenspan, Klint, Silverman, Smith, Valfer. The motion carried.
− Nominations for Board Officers Sheri Doniger nominated the following slate of officers: Robert Silverman, President; Lynda Smith, Vice President, Ruth Klint, Secretary and Sheri Doniger, Secretary Pro Tem. −
With no other nominations President Pro Tem Codell closed the floor on nominations for Board Officers.
−
Vote on Board Officers Mr. Codell asked for a roll call on the slate of officers presented. Voting Aye: Doniger, Evans, Greenspan, Klint, Silverman, Smith, Valfer. The motion carried. Mr. Silverman took over chairing the meeting.
− Set Regular Board Meeting Schedule for June 2007 – April 2008 It was moved by SMITH and seconded by DONIGER to accept the Regular Board Meeting Schedule for April 208 through April 2009. A voice vote was taken. The motion carried.
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A list of approved Board meeting dates is as follows: Monday, April 28, 2008 Monday, October 27, 2008 Monday, May 19, 2008 Monday, November 17, 2008 Monday, June 16, 2008 Monday, December 15, 2008 Monday, June 30, 2008 Monday, January 12, 2009 Monday, July 21, 2008 Monday, February 2, 2009 Monday, February 23, 2009 Thursday, August 21, 2008 Monday, March 16, 2009 Monday, September 15, 2008 Monday, April 6, 2009 Monday, October 6, 2008 − Adopt Existing Board of Education Policies It was moved by DONIGER and seconded by SMITH that all Rules, Regulations, and Policies heretofore adopted by the preceding Board of Education of District 219 be the same and hereby readopted and confirmed as the Rules, Regulations, and Policies of this School Board. A voice vote was taken. The motion carried. − Designate Banks of Depository for District Funds It was moved by SMITH and seconded by DONIGER to approve the designa‐ tion of the Cole Taylor Bank as the Bank of Depository for all District Funds. A roll call vote was taken. Voting Aye: Doniger, Evans, Greenspan, Klint, Silverman, Smith, Valfer. The motion carried. − Committee Assignments It was mutually agreed to defer this to the April 28 Board meeting. XIII. Business Niles West Synthetic Turf and Track Work Jeff Greenspan said requests were put out for a new synthetic turf field and for widening the track at West. He explained that everyone is very happy with the conditions at North. Legat Architects analyzed the two bids that were received including a breakout of the two costs. Mr. Greenspan said it comes down to quality of materials. While at NSBA in Orlando he had an opportunity to examine both materials and said that the FTX Mondo track surface is extremely highly regarded and believes it will be the best quality and longer lasting. It was explained that the track will be rolled and the base will be cushioned rubber on
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Minutes of Regular Board Meeting of April 8, 2008
asphalt. This will provide a faster track and it will also drain better. Should any part of the track become damaged that section can easily be removed and replaced. Bob Silverman commended Jeff Greenspan for his research and working towards getting these synthetic fields at both schools. Mr. Greenspan said the citizens of Niles Township gave the Board the opportunity to make the best return on this investment and the community will not be shortchanged. He said the Board was criticized for the co‐gen by the community and received heat from the press, but currently we are saving the district money. He said the turf field should provide the same opportunity for savings. It was moved by GREENSPAN and seconded by DONIGER to accept the bid from Mondo USA, Inc. in the amount of $1,902,100 for the synthetic turf and track work at Niles West High School. A roll call vote was taken. Voting Aye: Doniger, Evans, Greenspan, Klint, Silverman, Smith, Valfer. The motion carried. Niles West Restructuring Plan Neil Codell asked that the Board take action on this plan. He said the state has strict guidelines since Niles West did not achieve AYP. The plan consists of 12 interventions the administration believes will produce positive results. It was noted there are 28 high schools that are in state ‘restructuring’. The twelve interventions are: 1. Revamp the administrative structure of the Special Education Program and the supervision of a building‐level administrator. 2. Restructure the daily homeroom period based on gender. 3. Restructure and “balance” the student composition of the daily homeroom period to ultimately achieve an all‐school ethos of achievement and success. 4. Restructure the delivery of professional development to focus on content area reading strategies. 5. Restructure the delivery of reading instruction to academically at‐risk freshmen and sophomores by providing two new double‐period/integrated courses in Freshman English & Reading and Sophomore English & Reading. Also, create two additional integrated programs for freshman students who will share English, Social Studies and Science teachers.
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6. Restructure how we track student progress by creating an Individualized Learning Plan (ILP) for each student. The ILP will help teachers learn more about their students’ academic achievement and how they learn best. 7. Restructure the graduation requirement in mathematics for at‐risk students. 8. Restructure the administration by increasing the level of instructional supervision in the areas of Reading and English. 9. Restructure the school’s master schedule to allow more eighth grade students to attend high school math classes. 10. Restructure the administration by employing a consultant who will implement school improvement interventions with the Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction and with Niles West Directors of Instruction. 11. Restructure study halls. 12. Professional Development – on assessment.
There was discussion that CRISS training will be integrated with interventions Niles West is already implementing relative to the improvement of student reading. Training will take place outside of the regular day. Research shows that supplemental educational services (mandated by NCLB) tutors have not helped students achieve state standards. Gender based homerooms will help deliver the guidance curriculum even more effectively. The Board asked to be apprised of parent feedback on single gender homerooms. The staff will keep track of these comments. It was moved by VALFER and seconded by DONIGER to approve the Niles West Restructuring Plan for submission to the Illinois State Board of Education by April 30, 2008. A roll call vote was taken. Voting Aye: Doniger, Evans, Greenspan, Klint, Silverman, Smith, Valfer. The motion carried. Additional Student Coursebook Changes for 2008‐09 It was moved by SMITH and seconded by DONIGER to approve Reading 3‐4 and Sophomore English 33‐43 for the 2008‐09 school year. A roll call vote was taken. Voting Aye: Doniger, Evans, Greenspan, Klint, Silverman, Smith, Valfer. The motion carried.
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Policy Changes – 2nd Reading It was moved by DONIGER and seconded by SMITH to approve the policy changes. A roll call vote was taken. Voting Aye: Doniger, Evans, Greenspan, Klint, Silverman, Smith, Valfer. The motion carried. Policies approved are: Number Name 2:260 Uniform Grievance Procedure 4:10 Fiscal and Business Management 4:60 Purchases and Contracts 4:110 Transportation 5:10 Equal Employment Opportunity and Minority Recruitment 5:35 Compliance with the Fair Labor Standards Act 5:100 Staff Development Program 5:120 Ethics 5:250 Leaves of Absence 5:270 Employment At‐Will, Compensation, Assignment and Benefits 5:290 Employment Termination and Suspensions 6:60 Curriculum Content 7:20 Harassment of Students Prohibited 7:60 Residency 7:70 Attendance and Truancy 7:180 Preventing Bullying, Intimidation and Harassment 7:220 Bus Conduct 8:20 Community Use of School Facilities Total Project Management Services for Niles West Projects It was moved by SMITH and seconded by DONIGER to authorize the administration to execute the proposed agreement with Legat Architects for the referenced work at Niles West High School. A roll call vote was taken. Voting Aye: Doniger, Evans, Greenspan, Klint, Silverman, Smith, Valfer. The motion carried.
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XIV. Old Business There was no old business. XV. New Business There was no new business. XVI. Audience to Visitors Eric Poders, 7940 Foster, Morton Grove addressed the Board regarding his participation in the Environmental Awareness Campaign and having the high school students getting involved in this effort. He also spoke of the MS Walk and challenged the principals to get groups together for this fundraiser. Board comments were made that there are many drives and many community service efforts going on at all times for students through our schools. XVII. Correspondence and FOIA Requests There was no correspondence or FOIA requests. XVIII. Adjournment It was moved by GREENSPAN and seconded by DONIGER to adjourn the meeting. A roll call vote was taken. Voting Aye: Evans, Greenspan, Klint, Silverman, Smith, Valfer. The motion carried. The meeting adjourned at 10:21 p.m.
_________________________________
______________________________
President
Secretary
Minutes approved April 28, 2008.
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Minutes of Regular Board Meeting of April 8, 2008
