School Board Niles Township District 219, Cook County, Illinois MINUTES Regular Board Meeting Monday, February 2, 2009 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 6:45 p.m. Board members present at Roll Call: Sheri Doniger, Carlton Evans, Jeffrey Greenspan, Ruth Klint, Robert Silverman, Eileen Valfer. II. Executive Session It was moved by EVANS and seconded by DONIGER to recess into closed session to discuss matters relating to student discipline, litigation and the appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance or dismissal of specific employees. A roll call vote was taken. Voting Aye: Doniger, Evans, Greenspan, Klint, Silverman, Valfer. The motion carried. The Board recessed to closed session at 6:45 p.m. At 7:37 p.m. it was moved by DONIGER and seconded by EVANS to return to open session. A roll call vote was taken. Voting Aye: Doniger, Evans, Greenspan, Klint, Silverman, Valfer. The motion carried. III. Recall to Order of Open Session Mr. Silverman recalled the meeting to order at 7:45 p.m. The Pledge was recited. IV. Changes/Additions to the Agenda Added to the consent agenda were personnel items; however, one of them will be added to business section. Removed from the consent agenda was the change in the Board meeting date. Added to the business section will be a student trip. President Silverman took this opportunity to address the Sun‐Times article in which they talk about Neil Codell being the highest paid superintendent in the state. He
Minutes of Regular Board Meeting of February 2, 2009
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wanted to communicate openly to the public that the Board members are elected officials and are accountable to ensure that tax dollars are spent wisely. Mr. Silverman spoke of the accomplishments of Neil Codell in building a collaborative relationship with the two bargaining units, administration and the Board, resulting in an upcoming daycare facility and a wellness committee. He cited other accomplishments under Mr. Codell’s leadership, including the introduction of the Individualized Learning Plan (ILP), which tracks the academic progress of every student; changing the school mod schedule to nine periods; increasing the number of attendance days, and the many connections and solid links he built with community organizations. Mr. Codell’s average salary of $275,490 was ¼ of 1% of the District budget. Mr. Codell put in countless hours to promote and acknowledge District 219. Mr. Silverman spoke of the District’s diverse population with six out of every ten students speaking a native language other than English. The article said our state test scores are down from recent years but the article failed to mention that this is due to having to include ELL and special education students’ scores. Mr. Silverman said the District looks at every student’s individual growth, which is up on average 5 points, and that is also the Board’s goal. Mr. Silverman further stated that Neil Codell’s retirement benefits are based on the same state laws that govern benefits for teachers, administrators and support staff. This enhancement was to encourage higher paid staff to retire so school districts could hire staff at a lower cost. Mr. Silverman further stated that he and the entire Board recognize the challeges in our community with the recession and they are trying to make the best use of the district funds. Last year administrative costs did not go above 5% and the District stayed within fund limits of the budget. He said the Board is thrilled with the benefits Neil Codell brought to District 219. V. Audience to Visitors Patricia Jones, 9012 Lamon, Skokie addressed the Board regarding her daughter. Her daughter has participated in numerous extra curricular activities. She said incidents have happened this year where her daughter was mistreated and was also kicked off of a team. She feels the school did not handle this properly. Dr. Gatta will address this situation in more detail with Mrs. Jones. Gil Peters, 5802 Carol, Morton Grove spoke of Neil Codell and the Sun Times article regarding his salary. He said his taxes have him paying $2,000 to District 219. He said it takes him and 161 other families to cover Mr. Codell’s salary. VI. Student Representative Comments Amy Amin said she will be at Curriculum and Activities night as they want to encourage incoming students to get involved in student government.
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Minutes of Regular Board Meeting of February 2, 2009
Danielle Butbul said more mirrors were installed in the boys’ bathrooms as many were vandalized. Vending machines with healthy foods were installed for use by students after school. VII. Community Representative Comments No one asked to speak. VIII. Approval of Consent Agenda It was moved by DONIGER and seconded by VALFER to accept the amended consent agenda. A roll call vote was taken. Voting Aye: Doniger, Evans, Greenspan, Klint, Silverman, Valfer. The motion carried. Included in the consent agenda: − Monthly Bills and Payroll in the amount of $5,123,870.73 − Personnel Approve the employment of the following support staff effective 2/3/09: NAME
POSITION/LOCATION
FTE
Mandic, Ljubomir Maintenance Mechanic I – West, M1‐Step 1, 260 days, Silverberg, Ivan Teacher Assistant –English – North, P1‐Step 1, 186 days
1.0 1.0
Approve employment of the following temporary/part‐time staff effective 2/3/09: NAME
POSITION/LOCATION
Colby, Ashley Floyd, Jarad Marzalado, Anna Marie Pacis, Vincent Smith, Jessica
Science Lab Assistant – North Science Lab Assistant – North Athletics – North Textbook Center Assistant – North Wrestling Scorer – North
HOURLY RATE
$7.75 $7.75 $7.75 $7.75 $7.75
Accept the resignation and tentative agreement of Jane Stanton, Registered Nurse – North, effective February 3, 2009.
Approve change in retirement date for certified staff: Lou Torres, Applied Science & Technology West from January 2009 (approved 2/4/08) to June 2009.
Approve the employment of the following teacher substitutes for the 2008‐09 year: Apfel, Gloria Olsheski, Jessica Lasser, Alicia Reinbold, Mary Mitchell, Kevin Sackett, Jessica Moffett, Michael Zubb, Paul
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Approve the employment of the following stipend positions for the 2008‐2009 school year: NAME
SCHOOL
POSITION
Iafrate, Stephanie (.25) – 2nd Semester Leung, Linda (.25) – 2nd Semester *Ramirez, Geraldo Hentz, Stephanie Bravos, George Choi, Jane DeNapoli, Lisa Fahrenbacher, Matthew Fliman, Jessica Glaubke, Margaret
Niles North
Chinese Club
Niles North
Chinese Club
Niles North Niles West Niles West Niles West Niles West Niles West Niles West Niles West
Swimming Assistant Coach Girls Soccer Assistant Coach Variety Show International Relations Council Croatian Club Computer Club Russian Club International Relations Council Co‐ Sponsor Boys Indoor Track Assistant Coach Recycling “Go Green” Club Bosnian Club Wild Wolves Club Rock & Roll Club Boys Indoor Track Assistant Coach Swimming Assistant Coach
*Grossman, Michael (.5) Niles West Gulak, Tatyana Niles West Jukic, Jasminka Niles West Koreman, Neil Niles West Lander, Steven Niles West *Perez, Jorge (.5) Niles West VanderJeugdt, Daniel Niles West * Indicates not a District 219 employee
− Minutes of 1/12/09, Open and Closed Sessions − Student Trips
For 13 North Chess students to attend the State Chess Meet in Peoria, Illinois on February 12 – 14, 2009 at cost to the District of $3,442.63.
For 25 North WHO Club members to attend a spring break service trip to New Orleans on February 22‐28, 2009 at no cost to the District.
For 3 West and North students to attend a French Exchange in France on June 12‐26, 2009 at no cost to the District.
− Disposal of Obsolete Textbooks entitled The Developing Child. − Niles Township Property Tax Appeals Cooperative Payment of $11,719.25 for efforts undertaken on behalf of Niles Township High Schools District 219 in the property tax appeal arena. IX. Superintendent’s Report Dr. Gatta spoke about events going on in our schools.
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Minutes of Regular Board Meeting of February 2,, 2009
−
Principals’ Report Mr. Freeman spoke of the competitions, awards and accomplishments of students and staff. He also advised the Board of upcoming events. Mr. Osburn spoke about upcoming events at Niles West. Niles West band director Bill Koch was present, from the band were Stephen Small, Beth Kimura and Elizabeth Lotsof, and orchestra students present were Spencer Love, Hillary Lindwall, Jennifer Wong and Tommy Ng. The band and orchestra competed in the Presidential Inaugural Heritage Music Festival in Washington, D.C. on January 17‐19 and were awarded first place trophies for Outstanding Band and Outstanding Orchestra. They also received the Adjudicators Award, which is given to an instrumental group with an average score of 92 or higher. Maestro Awards for their extraordinary musical ability were given to Stephen Small for alto saxophone and the entire Wind ensemble bassoon section of Margaux Lim, Julie Schwenk, Colleen Galicia. The students also had an opportunity to attend the presidential inauguration ceremonies.
X. Board Members’ Comments Jeffrey Greenspan spoke of the five athletes who were given football scholarships. He said Curtis Tate should be recognized for having a part in these students receiving this award. XI. Board Committee and Other Reports Policy – Dr. Doniger said a meeting is scheduled for tomorrow. Facility – Mr. Greenspan reported that the District enrolled in demand reduction with Commonwealth Edison and as a result we received $50,000 in credit. XII. Business Personnel It was moved by VALFER and seconded by DONIGER to approve the employment of John Heintz as Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources and Chief Legal Officer, a 260‐day position, at a yearly salary of $152,250 effective July 1, 2009. A roll call vote was taken. Voting Aye: Doniger, Evans, Klint, Silverman, Valfer. Abstain: Greenspan. The motion carried. Minutes of Regular Board Meeting of February 2, 2009
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Dr. Gatta spoke of John Heintz and how he began his career as a teacher in Niles Township in 1990. He brings his experience as a teacher along with his juris prudence degree. He has a deep passion for having students come first and Dr. Gatta said how pleased she is that is coming back to the District. Mr. Heintz was present. He thanked the Board for his approval. His family was present and he introduced them. Student Trip Mr. Freeman said the cheerleaders were in competition this past weekend. They qualified for state which will take place this weekend and therefore this request is late in coming to the Board. It was moved by SILVERMAN and seconded by DONIGER to approve the trip for 24 Niles North cheerleaders to attend the state competition in Bloomington, Illinois on February 5‐7, 2009 at an estimated cost to the District of $4,584.00. A roll call vote was taken. Voting Aye: Doniger, Evans, Greenspan, Klint, Silverman, Valfer. The motion carried. Daycare Lease Ruth Klint said the Board can feel very comfortable about this decision. It came down to three providers and presentations were made by each with questions asked by the committee. The teachers are very excited about the childcare provider. It was moved by VALFER and seconded by DONIGER to approve the Daycare Lease Agreement with Children’s Learning World, a Montessori School. A roll call vote was taken. Voting Aye: Doniger, Evans, Greenspan, Klint, Silverman, Valfer. The motion carried. Policy Changes – 2nd Reading Paul O’Malley reported that per the Board’s request a survey was done of surrounding schools for their bidding threshold for purchases. The results show that New Trier, Stevenson and Glenbrook all have raised their amount to $25,000 which is the same as the state law bidding procedure. Mr. O’Malley further stated that for any pricing we get quotes from three different vendors.
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Minutes of Regular Board Meeting of February 2,, 2009
It was moved by DONIGER and seconded by VALFER to accept the policy changes for second reading. A roll call vote was taken. Voting Aye: Doniger, Evans, Greenspan, Klint, Silverman, Valfer. The motion carried. Policy changes were for ‐ Number 2:220 3:20 4:60 4:70 4:160 5:90 5:150 5:240 5:290 6:60 6:120 6:160 6:300 7:10 7:20 7:50 7:210 7:230 7:240 7:290 7:300
Name School Board Meeting Procedures Administrative Organizational Chart Purchases and Contracts Resource Conservation Hazardous and Infectious Materials Abused and Neglected Child Report Personnel Records Suspension Employment Termination and Suspensions Curriculum Content Special Education English Language Learners Graduation Requirements Equal Educational Opportunities Harassment of Students Prohibited School Admissions and Student Transfers To and From Non‐District Schools Expulsion Procedures Misconduct by Students with Disabilities Code of Conduct for Participants in Extracurricular Activities Adolescent Suicide Awareness and Prevention Programs Extracurricular Activities
Change in date of the April 6, 2009 Regular Board Meeting It was moved by DONIGER and seconded by VALFER to change the April 6 Board meeting date to March 30, 2009. A vote voice was taken. The motion carried. XIII. Old Business There was no old business. XIV. New Business There was no new business.
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XV. Audience to Visitors No one asked to speak. XVI. Correspondence and FOIA Requests There was one FOIA request asking for a listing of candidates that filed for the school board election. XVII. Information Items •
December 2009 Financial Report
XVIII. Closed Session It was moved by EVANS and seconded by DONIGER to recess into closed session to discuss matters relating to student disciple , take action on this in open session and adjourn therefrom. A roll call vote was taken. Voting Aye: Doniger, Evans, Greenspan, Klint, Silverman, Valfer. The motion carried.
The Board went into closed session at 9:40 p.m. At.10:05 p.m. the Board returned to open session. Student Discipline Case 2009‐11 It was moved by EVANS and seconded by VALFER to approve the hearing officer’s report on Student Case 2009‐11 and to put the expulsion recommendation in abeyance and approve the settlement agreement discussed in closed session. A roll call vote was taken. Voting Aye: Doniger, Evans, Greenspan, Klint, Silverman, Valfer. The motion carried.
The meeting adjourned at 10:05 p.m. _________________________________
______________________________
President
Secretary
Minutes approved February 23, 2009.
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Minutes of Regular Board Meeting of February 2,, 2009
