School Board Niles Township District 219, Cook County, Illinois MINUTES Regular Board Meeting Monday, November 5, 2007
The meeting was held in the Student Commons of Niles North High School located at 9800 Lawler Avenue, Skokie, Illinois.
I. Call to Order and Roll Call Board President Robert Silverman called the meeting to order at 7:20 p.m. Board members present at Roll Call: Sheri Doniger, Jeffrey Greenspan, Ruth Klint, Robert Silverman, Lynda Gault Smith.
II. Executive Session It was moved by GAULT SMITH and seconded by DONIGER to recess into closed session to discuss matters relating to negotiations and vacancy in a public office. A roll call vote was taken. Voting Aye: Doniger, Greenspan, Klint, Silverman, Gault Smith. The motion carried. The Board recessed into closed session at 7:25 p.m. At 7:59 p.m. it was moved by GREENSPAN and seconded by GAULT SMITH to return to open session. A roll call vote was taken. Voting Aye: Doniger, Greenspan, Klint, Silverman, Gault Smith. The motion carried.
III. Recall to Order of Open Session Mr. Silverman recalled the meeting to order at 8:00 p.m. Board members present at Roll Call: Sheri Doniger, Jeffrey Greenspan, Ruth Klint, Robert Silverman, Lynda Gault Smith.
IV. Changes/Additions to the Agenda Board vacancy will be added as Item IX. V. Audience to Visitors (on agenda items only) No one asked to speak.
Minutes of Regular Board Meeting of November 5, 2007
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VI. Student Representative Comments Anum Amjad gave an update on upcoming events. Student Association is having a ‘safe rides’ meeting with the PTSA with an idea about giving rides home to students if they are “under the influence.” There are still problems with late buses. Karina Mendez Keil said the Partners in Health Charity has been selected for Dance Marathon. She also updated the Board on upcoming events.
VII. Community Representative Comments No one asked to speak. VIII. Approval of Consent Agenda It was moved by GAULT SMITH and seconded by DONIGER to accept the consent agenda. A roll call vote was taken. Voting Aye: Doniger, Greenspan, Klint, Silverman, Gault Smith. The motion carried. Included in the consent agenda: −
Monthly Bills and Payroll in the amount of $4,691,091.35.
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Personnel − Approve employment of the following part‐time/temporary help effective 11/6/07:
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NAME
POSITION/LOCATION
Chen, Yilan Palanca, Kurt Paljevic, Nurije Sanchez, Katherine Small, Stephen Onciu, Gabriella
IRC Assistant – North Sports Photographer – North IRC Assistant – North IRC Assistant – West Science Lab Assistant – West ESL Tutor – West
RATE
$7.50/Hr. $7.50/Hr. $7.50/Hr. $7.50/Hr. $7.50/Hr. $19.64/Hr.
Approve employment of the following staff for Explore Test 2007 for Niles North: SUPERVISORS
PROCTORS
*Ader, Lillian Camel, Christine France, Katherine Litberg, Lisa McEvoy, Jennifer Wick, Karin
Drblik, Carolyn Harris, Robin Katz, Paula Martin, Janice Masanek, Juanita Ranft, Susan Reed, Scott Watson, Daphne
* Not a District 219 Employee
−
Approve the title change for the following administrator effective 11/6/07: ADMINISTRATOR
TITLE
Ballard, Guy
From: Director of Technology To: Chief Technology Officer
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Minutes of Regular Board Meeting of November 5, 2007
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Approve Rosemarie Alioto and Corie Kosovich as clerical substitutes for the 2007‐08 year.
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Approve the following stipend positions for the 2007‐2008 school year:
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NILES NORTH
NAME
German Club German Club Spanish Club
Apfel, Stacey (.5) Ronning, Lydia (.5) Landis, Jennifer
Approve the following teacher substitutes for the 2007‐2008 school year: Coleman, Donald Doppelt, David Gitles, Marcia Troung, Hoang
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Minutes of 10/15/07, Open and Closed Sessions
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2007 School Report Cards for Niles North, Niles West and District 219
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Student Trips −
For Niles North varsity wrestling team members to attend turkey duals in Lafayette, Indiana on November 23‐24, 2007 at a cost to the District of $450.
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For 15 Niles North varsity wrestlers to attend the Mid‐States Wrestling Tourney in Whitewater, Wisconsin on December 27‐29, 2007 at a cost to the District of $300.
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2008 Library Per Capita Grant
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American Heritage Security Contract Extension to June 30, 2013 with an annual increase over the 2007‐08 school year equal to the CPI or 3%, whichever is less.
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Smartnet – Network Hardware Maintenance Agreement Renewal with Prism Innovations for an amount not to exceed $38,115.00.
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Purchase of two TI Navigator Classroom Learning Systems, six TI‐84 Plus Silver Edition classroom calculator packs, 22 viewscreen calculators and 16 viewscreen packages from School Saves in the amount of $21,613.22.
IX. Board Vacancy Bob Silverman announced a Board vacancy for Tim Knudsen who is moving out of the District. The Board needs to appoint someone for this position within 45 days. The term for this appointment will run through the April 2009 election, at which time a two year board position will be on the ballot. It was moved by DONIGER and seconded by KLINT to accept the resignation of Timothy Knudsen. A roll call vote was taken. Voting Aye: Doniger, Greenspan, Klint, Silverman, Gault Smith. The motion carried. Mr. Silverman asked the public to get the word out on this vacancy. The application deadline is November 20 at 5:00 p.m. with interviews to be scheduled on November 26.
Minutes of Regular Board Meeting of November 5, 2007
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X. Superintendent’s Report Neil Codell spoke about the ILP Presentation that was given at the NSBA Tech Conference in Nashville where they had a very good audience and have received many follow‐up emails regarding this program. He also said the teamwork of this program with the Board and administration was envied by many. Parent /Teacher Conferences will be held on November 14 and 20. Parents can sign up online. There already is an increase of sign‐ups over last year. Letters have gone out to parents advising them what we are doing regarding the MRSA situation. The CHOICES Program was held for students with IEPs. Dr. Marcelo commented that this was a wonderful program with over 500 people in attendance. Mr. Codell spoke of the recent state mandated ‘moment of silence.’ He said Niles Township will comply with this ruling but feels the state has much bigger issues to deal with. −
Principals’ Report Bob Freeman said TREK was held over two days during PLAN/PSAE testing and was a great opportunity for students to come in contact with new learning experiences. He said the video announcements are going very well. The Names Assembly is starting for freshmen. Kaine Osburn said the CSL Conference is being held at West. Over 450 applications have been submitted by seniors for the first round of college applications. The Names Assembly was held and they have added improvements over last year, including revisiting students in the classroom.
Board member Eileen Valfer arrived at 8:30 p.m.
XI. Board Members’ Comments Lynda Gault Smith said that she and Ruth Klint attended the IASB fall meeting, at which they announced that NCLB is in utter confusion nationally and in the state. Sheri Doniger said she attended the tech conference and it was marvelous to see how advanced our district is in the technology realm. Bob Silverman said tonight’s tour of North was wonderful and we are very fortunate to have the facilities we have in our schools. He also congratulated Guy Ballard on his title change.
XII. Board Committee Reports Jeff Greenspan said the Facility Committee is working on the budget and some capital improvements. He said that work for West facilities needs to be added to ensure that all work is done together. Sheri Doniger said a Policy Committee meeting was held and changes are on the agenda for first reading.
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Minutes of Regular Board Meeting of November 5, 2007
XIII. Business Capital Projects for 2008‐09 Jeff Greenspan said these items along with facilities at West are the only projects that we need to retain architects in which to go forward. Once drawings are completed the bids can go out for summer projects. Bob Silverman said he has concerns regarding the turf field at West so soon and asked if we should possibly wait a while. Mr. Greenspan said there are only two types of materials being used for turf fields and what is installed at North is the better quality. He also commented that we will have the winter to see if there are any problems at North and if so, we will have the opportunity to stop the process at West. Karl Costello said student athletes and coaches truly enjoy the turf field. He added that Glenbrook North has the other type of turf and they feel ours is superior. It was also noted that North had high costs for the turf field due to poor drainage and because West has better drainage, the cost may be lower. They would like to add two lanes to the track at West and felt this would be the best time to have this done. It was moved by GREENSPAN and seconded by DONIGER to authorize the administration to begin planning for the capital improvement projects of synthetic turf for Niles West stadium field, Niles West facilities, re‐roofing Niles West gymnasium, Niles North re‐roofing and replacement of contest gymnasium bleachers at Niles West for the 2008‐09 school year. A roll call vote was taken. Voting Aye: Doniger, Greenspan, Klint, Silverman, Gault Smith, Valfer. The motion carried. Long Term Debt Restructuring – Intent to Issue Refunding Bonds Jeff Greenspan said this resolution is for payment of outstanding debt and setting of a public hearing. He said a way to finance construction was done through performance contracting; now we want to go to long term bonds to create funds to pay for capital projects. We were able to pay back by borrowing against the energy savings and are able to do so without increasing property taxes. It was moved by GREENSPAN and seconded by KLINT to pass an Intent to Issue Funding Bonds Resolution to cover the debt certificates associated with the performance contracting debt occurred during our construction program and the performance contracting obligation incurrent last month at our regular Board meeting. A roll call vote was taken. Voting Aye: Doniger, Greenspan, Klint, Silverman, Gault Smith, Valfer. The motion carried. Mr. Greenspan asked that the Public Hearing on these bonds be held on November 26.
Minutes of Regular Board Meeting of November 5, 2007
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Policy Changes – 1st Reading Sheri Doniger said policy changes by the Policy Committee are presented for Board review. No comments were expressed by Board members. Proposed Course Change for 2008‐09 Chris Powell said he would like to apply for a grant through Project Lead the Way program. To be eligible for this program we will need to add a college level prep course. He said that there is a shortage of engineers and at the college level there is a huge dropout rate. Project Lead the Way was formed to alleviate these problems. This proposed course was presented at the last CSSI meeting and they expressed problems with the grade weights and prerequisites. These concerns will be addressed at the next CSSI meeting. However, the application deadline is before the next meeting and Chris Powell asked that the Board approve this program in concept in order to apply. He said grant money will be used to pay for the course and the only added cost to the District will be teachers’ salaries. It was moved by GAULT SMITH and seconded by DONIGER to approve the proposal for Introduction to Engineering Design, in concept, with the understanding that the administration will seek final board approval at the November 26 meeting. A roll call vote was taken. Voting Aye: Doniger, Greenspan, Klint, Silverman, Gault Smith, Valfer. The motion carried. Ruth Klint expressed her concern over approving something that has not been endorsed by CSSI but has voted for this due to the timeline issue.
XIV. Old Business There was no old business. XV. New Business There was no new business. XVI. Audience to Visitors No one asked to speak. XVII. Correspondence and FOIA Requests There was no correspondence or FOIA requests.
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Minutes of Regular Board Meeting of November 5, 2007
XVIII. Information Items − Procedures Number 1:20‐AP 2:140‐E 2:250‐AP2 3:70‐AP 4:170‐E2 4:180‐AP1 4:180‐AP2 5:10‐AP 5:90‐AP1 5:120‐AP2 5:130‐AP 5:270‐AP 5:280‐AP 5:35‐AP2 6:120‐E 6:170‐AP1 6:170‐AP2 6:170‐E1 6:170‐E2 6:235‐AP1 6:235‐AP2 7:150‐AP 7:190‐AP3 7:240‐AP1
Name Checklist for Handling Intergovernmental Agreement Requests Guidance for Board Member Communications, Including Email Use Protocols for Record Preservation and Development of Retention Schedules Succession Plan Employee Accident or Injury Report School Action Steps for Pandemic Influenza Pandemic Influenza Surveillance and Reporting Workplace Accommodations for Nursing Mothers Child Abuse Reporting Employee Conduct Standards Email Retention Terms and Conditions of Employment for Confidential Staff REMOVE ‐ Paraprofessional Working in a Program Supported with Title I Funds Compensable Work Time for Non‐Exempt Employees Under the FLSA Notice to Parent/Guardian of Section 504 Rights Checklist for Development, Implementation, and Maintenance of Parental Involvement Compacts for Title I Programs Notice to Parents Required by No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 District Level Parental Involvement Compact School Level Parental Involvement Compact Acceptable Use of Computers and Electronic Networks Building Procedures Agency and Police Interviews Guidelines for Reciprocal Reporting of Criminal Offenses Committed by Students Code of Conduct for Extra‐Curricular Activities
XIX. Closed Session It was moved by GAULT SMITH and seconded by DONIGER to recess into closed session to discuss matters relating to negotiations (collective bargaining) and the employment, appointment, compensation, discipline, performance or dismissal of specific employees with action to be taken after closed session. A roll call vote was taken. Voting Aye: Doniger, Greenspan, Klint, Silverman, Gault Smith, Valfer. The motion carried. Minutes of Regular Board Meeting of November 5, 2007
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The Board went into closed session at 9:16 p.m. At 12:20 a.m. on November 6 the Board returned to open session. Personnel It was moved by GAULT SMITH and seconded by DONIGER to suspend Employee Case 2008‐02 without pay for three days; approve a remediation plan; and decrease spring season stipend by 50%. A roll call vote was taken. Voting Aye: Doniger, Greenspan, Klint, Silverman, Gault Smith, Valfer. The motion carried. It was moved by GAULT SMITH and seconded by VALFER to approve a remediation plan for Employee Case 2008‐04 and decrease spring season stipend by 50%. A roll call vote was taken. Voting Aye: Doniger, Greenspan, Klint, Silverman, Gault Smith, Valfer. The motion carried. It was moved by GAULT SMITH and seconded by VALFER to approve a remediation plan for Employee Case 2008‐05 and decrease spring season stipend by 25%. A roll call vote was taken. Voting Aye: Doniger, Greenspan, Klint, Silverman, Gault Smith, Valfer. The motion carried. It was moved by GAULT SMITH and seconded by VALFER to approve termination of Employee Case 2008‐06. A roll call vote was taken. Voting Aye: Doniger, Greenspan, Klint, Silverman, Gault Smith, Valfer. The motion carried.
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Minutes of Regular Board Meeting of November 5, 2007
It was moved by DONIGER and seconded by VALFER to deny the Board level grievance on hybrid teaching model. A roll call vote was taken. Voting Aye: Doniger, Greenspan, Klint, Silverman, Gault Smith, Valfer. The motion carried. It was moved by DONIGER and seconded by GAULT SMITH to approve • Employment of Mary Jo Aronica, Foreign Language & ESL at West, MA‐ Step 17, at .6 FTE effective November 6, 2007. • Resignation of Debra Tyrpak, Executive Secretary‐ Foreign Language & ESL at North effective November 2, 2007. A roll call vote was taken. Voting Aye: Doniger, Greenspan, Klint, Silverman, Gault Smith, Valfer. The motion carried.
XX. Adjournment It was moved by VALFER and seconded by DONIGER to adjourn the meeting. A roll call vote was taken. Voting Aye: Doniger, Greenspan, Klint, Silverman, Gault Smith, Valfer. The motion carried. The meeting adjourned at 12:28 a.m. on November 6, 2007.
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______________________________
President
Secretary
Minutes approved November 26, 2007.
Minutes of Regular Board Meeting of November 5, 2007
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