School Board Niles Township District 219, Cook County, Illinois MINUTES Regular Board Meeting, Thursday, July 14, 2005 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: Michael Burnett, Sheri Doniger, Jeffrey Greenspan, Ruth Klint, Timothy Knudsen, 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 student discipline, negotiations, litigation, and the employment, appointment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific employees. A roll call vote was taken. Voting Aye: Burnett, Doniger, Greenspan, Klint, Knudsen, Silverman, Gault Smith. The motion carried. The Board recessed into closed session at 6:45 p.m. Sheri Doniger left the meeting at 7:45 p.m. At 8:58 p.m. it was moved by BURNETT and seconded by KLINT to return to open session. A roll call vote was taken. Voting Aye: Burnett, Greenspan, Klint, Knudsen, Silverman, Gault Smith. The motion carried. Jeffrey Greenspan left the meeting at8:58 p.m. III. Recall to Order of Open Session Mr. Silverman recalled the meeting to order at 9:00 p.m. The Pledge was recited.
Minutes of Regular Board Meeting of July 14, 2005
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IV. Changes/Additions to the Agenda Removed from the consent agenda were student trips, which will be discussed under Business. Also added to the Business portion were a personnel handout, the Board’s response on the Union grievance and a student discipline matter. V. Audience to Visitors No one asked to speak. VI. Student Representative Comments Sheena Dev, the Niles North Student Board representative was introduced. Althea Deguzman, Niles West Student Board representative announced that she and her family will be moving out of the District later this month. A replacement will be selected after the new school year starts. VII. Community Representative Comments No one asked to speak. VIII. Approval of Consent Agenda It was moved by GAULT SMITH and seconded by KLINT to accept the amended consent agenda. A roll call vote was taken. Voting Aye: Burnett, Klint, Knudsen, Silverman, Gault Smith. The motion carried. Included in the consent agenda: − Monthly bills and payroll in the amount of $3,266,582.65. − Minutes from 6/15/05 Board meeting, open and closed session. − Personnel
Approve employment of the following certified staff for the 2005‐2006 school year: NAME
POSITION/LOCATION
FTE
EFFECTIVE DATE
Hawker, Christopher Levin, Elizabeth
Science – West, BA+15, Step 1 Theater – West, MA, Step 1
.75 .6
August 22, 2005 August 22, 2005
Approve the employment of the following support staff as Teacher Assistants in Special Education for the 2005‐2006 school year effective 8/22/05:
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Minutes of Regular Board Meeting of July 14, 2005
NAME
LOCATION
FTE
Casey, Daniel O’Reilly, Kelly Orlove, Seth
North, 186 Days, P1, S1 OCLC, 186 Days, P1, S1 West, 186 Days, P1, S1
1.0 1.0 1.0
Accept the resignation of the following certified staff: NAME
POSITION/LOCATION
MacDonald, Keith Physical Education – West
FTE
EFFECTIVE DATE
1.0
June 3, 2005
Accept the resignation of the following support staff effective 6/3/05: NAME Compere, Henry Lazar, Deborah Pater, Michael Scherr, Jennifer
POSITION/LOCATION Teacher Assistant – Special Education, North IRC Extended Hours – West Teacher Assistant – Special Education, North Teacher Assistant – Special Education, North
FTE 1.0 .6 1.0 1.0
− North Cook Young Adult Academy 2005‐2006 Contractual Agreement for 28 students and provision of diagnostic services for 24 new referrals at a total cost of $198,991.32. − Ombudsman Program 2005‐2006 Agreement for 75 slots at a total cost of $322,500.00. − EDRED Membership for 2005‐2006 at a cost of $4,171.00. − Intergovernmental Agreement with NTDSE 807 for the provision of services from certain special education staff. − Intergovernmental Agreement with NTDSE 807 for the provision of certain special education services. − Textbook Adoptions at an anticipated cost of $12,283.00. IX. Superintendent’s Report Neil Codell said the video tapes of the Board meetings went to libraries and schools. The meetings were aired on our cable channel the week following the meeting. Rotary will sponsor the circus to be held at Niles West next weekend and invited all Board members to attend. The Administrative In‐service for the next school year will be August 15 and 16. New staff orientation will take place August 17, 18 and 19. Opening Institute Day will be August 22. Mr. Codell spoke of a reunion that was held in early July honoring Charles Groeling who was a teacher for over 50 years. Niles East alumna Irene Lerner and her husband organized this special event. Principal’s Comments
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Bob Freeman was welcomed to his first Board meeting as Principal of Niles North. He said all staff and parents have been very supportive of him. Student Brian Chae received a 36 on his ACT test. Dale Vogler said renovations are going on at West over the summer.
X. Board Members’ Comments Tim Knudsen commented on the Chicago Tribune article on Salt Creek School District. Ruth Klint said she and Lynda Gault Smith met some Life Skills students who were at a restaurant learning to order food. She said it was great to spend some time with them and what a wonderful class the District offers. Lynda Gault Smith officially welcomed Pete Marcelo as Assistant Superintendent of Special Education. Pete responded that he appreciates this opportunity and advised that most of the staff has been hired. They are receiving tremendous support from all other departments. The team is very excited. Robert Silverman said he is very excited about the Board goals they have been working on and believe it will be culture changing.
XI. Board Committee and Other Reports There were no committee meetings on which to report. XII. Business Union Grievance Mr. Silverman stated that a written response will be forthcoming and will be ratified at the next Board meeting. Mr. Silverman asked that the Union understand that the Board will not have a meeting within the next ten days. It was moved by GAULT SMITH and seconded by BURNETT to direct the Board’s council to write a response that denies the Union Grievance. A roll call vote was taken. Voting Aye: Burnett, Klint, Knudsen, Silverman, Gault Smith. The motion carried.
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Minutes of Regular Board Meeting of July 14, 2005
Student Discipline It was moved by KNUDSEN and seconded by GAULT SMITH to approve the agreement as amended for Student 2005‐14. A roll call vote was taken. Voting Aye: Burnett, Klint, Knudsen, Silverman, Gault Smith. The motion carried. Personnel It was moved by GAULT SMITH and seconded by BURNETT to approve the personnel handout. A roll call vote was taken. Voting Aye: Burnett, Klint, Silverman, Gault Smith. Voting Nay: Knudsen. The motion carried. Included is the following:
Approve the following stipend positions for the 2005‐2006 school year. NAME
POSITION/LOCATION
Carlson, Richard McTague, John Ryan
Lead Dean – North Lead Dean – West
NAME
POSITION/LOCATION
FTE
EFFECTIVE DATE
Mamon, Jevon
Teacher Assistant – Special Ed – North, P1‐S1, 186 days, Executive Secretary II –Confidential‐ North, $55,000/Yearly, 260 days, Athletic Trainer/Manager – West, M2‐S1, 260 days Lab Assistant – Science – North, P1‐ S1, 186 Days
1.0
August 22, 2005
1.0
July 1, 2005
.80
August 1, 2005
1.0
August 22, 2005
Perez, Fernando Schaefer, Victoria
$7,000 $7,000
Approve employment of the following support staff for the 2005‐2006 school year:
Noble, Mary
YEARLY SALARY
Approve 2005‐06 school year leaves of absence for the following certified staff: NAME
POSITION/LOCATION
FTE
TYPE OF LEAVE
Heintzelman, Carmela Wright, Laura
Spanish – West English – North
1.0 .60
Family Care – Unpaid Family Care – Unpaid
Accept the retirement of Dennis Degelmann, Director of Security effective June 30, 2007.
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Review of Preliminary 2005‐2006 Budget Gerry Yeggy explained that a decentralized process was employed to develop the preliminary budget. This budget features an increase in fund balances for FY 2005‐ 06 of over $6 million. The formal budget is the same as in years past. Susan Husselbee commented on a detailed report which explains unusual increases and decreases over the FY 2005‐06 budget. The preliminary budget will evolve into the tentative budget which will be presented to the Board at the August 1 meeting. Tim Knudsen expressed a concern over the level of debt service included in the budget. There was discussion of the principal’s assistant principal of operations, and IS budget figures. It was explained that supervising of deans, the literacy center and midi labs have caused a rise in some of these budget lines. There was discussion of various department budgets. Robert Silverman questioned salaries. It was explained that all salary increases and new positions listed have been Board approved. The budget includes the same number of FTEs that were authorized for last year. Michael Burnett questioned the high HR salary figure. It was explained that the money is placed in the HR budget, but transferred to the department where mid‐ year hires are needed. Last year’s budget had transfers within the budget, but the final dollar amount did not change. The overall dollars for special education is a savings, but the budget has an increase in many areas. Mr. Silverman explained that $6 million in fund balances projected would become less over time. Mr. Yeggy said there should be a surplus next year of $4 million and will decrease for the following years. Mr. Silverman asked that this information be clarified better for the community. The discussed changes will be completed and noted and brought back to the Board for approval on August 1. Purchases Carpeting at Niles West It was moved by KLINT and seconded by GAULT SMITH to award the contract to Touch of Beauty Carpeting for the purchase, removal, and installation of carpeting at Niles West High School in the amount of $44,920.40. Gerry Yeggy said this expense will be paid for by transferring funds budgeted for the eye wash area at North. A roll call vote was taken. Voting Aye: Burnett, Klint, Knudsen, Silverman, Gault Smith. The motion carried.
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Minutes of Regular Board Meeting of July 14, 2005
Xerographic Paper for the 2005‐06 school year It was moved by GAULT SMITH and seconded by BURNETT to reject the bid of $144,444.45 from Unisource Worldwide, Inc. for the purchase of paper for the 2005‐06 school year and continue to purchase off the State Contract from Unisource Worldwide, Inc. Michael Burnett said he recalled that a comparison of paper costs was going to be done. Mr. Yeggy said this was done and there was an increase of about $7,000. This figure was used in considering the recommended vendor. Michael Burnett and Tim Knudsen asked for documentation on the comparison. Payments to Contractors It was moved by GAULT SMITH and seconded by KLINT to authorize payment to the IHC Group as listed in pay request #49 for contract Order Delivery Service and pay request #50 for Material Procurement Services totaling $33,298.35. A roll call vote was taken. Voting Aye: Burnett, Klint, Knudsen, Silverman, Gault Smith. The motion carried. SELF Settlement ‐Workers Compensation It was moved by GAULT SMITH and seconded by KLINT to authorize payment of $26,750 to SELF to close out the remaining cases from when District 219 withdrew from this cooperative. A roll call vote was taken. Voting Aye: Burnett, Klint, Knudsen, Silverman, Gault Smith. The motion carried. Student Trips Cheerleading Camp It was moved by BURNETT and seconded by KLINT to approve the student trip for 25 North cheerleaders to attend at camp at Illinois Wesleyan University in Bloomington, Illinois on July 7 – July 10, 2005 at no cost to the District. Mr. Knudsen said there was a similar student trip at the last meeting where the trip took place before the Board meeting. Neil Codell said the administration will work more efficiently to ensure this does not happen. Dale Vogler said competitions are
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hard to judge for the costs but trips that occur yearly should be submitted in a timely fashion. A roll call vote was taken. Voting Aye: Burnett, Klint, Knudsen, Silverman, Gault Smith. The motion carried. Illinois High School Theatre Festival Trip Mr. Knudsen asked if West was planning on attending. Dale Vogler said they were but were waiting for a theatre director to be selected. Mr. Knudsen said there were two places listed for cost to the District. These totals do not add up against the listed items. All the items listed add up to a third total of $7,380. Michael Burnett noted that the form used for this trip is outdated. Also noted was the fact that this was listed as coming to the board for a different date. It was moved by BURNETT and seconded by KLINT to approve approximately 40 Niles North drama students to attend the Illinois High School Theatre Festival in Bloomington, Illinois on January 5‐7, 2006 at a cost to the District of $7,380. A roll call vote was taken. Voting Aye: Burnett, Klint, Knudsen, Silverman, Gault Smith. The motion carried. Milikin Vocal Festival Michael Burnett noted the wrong form was used and the wrong date is listed. Tim Knudsen spoke on the itemized list of charges do not total the dollar amount listed. He also asked for cost of chaperones, who covers their bills, and if this will be additional charges. It was moved by BURNETT and seconded by GAULT SMITH to approve the student trip for 44 North vocal, jazz and choir students to attend Milikin Vocal Festival in Decatur, Illinois on February 17‐18, 2006 at a cost to the District of $4,585. A roll call vote was taken. Voting Aye: Burnett, Klint, Knudsen, Silverman, Gault Smith. The motion carried.
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Minutes of Regular Board Meeting of July 14, 2005
Midwest Vocal Jazz Invitational Tim Knudsen questioned who will cover the cost of meals for the chaperones. Bob Freeman said Dan Gregerman handled these charges last year, but will check and advise the Board. It was moved by BURNETT and seconded by GAULT SMITH to approve 28 North vocal, jazz and choir students to attend the Midwest Vocal Jazz Invitational in Kalamazoo, Michigan on March 17‐18, 2006 at no cost to the District. A roll call vote was taken. Voting Aye: Burnett, Klint, Knudsen, Silverman, Gault Smith. The motion carried. New York Trip Mr. Knudsen asked who will pay for meals for the two teachers and ten adult chaperones. Nanciann Gatta said these charges will come out of the activity account. It was moved by GAULT SMITH and seconded by KNUDSEN to approve approximately 125 North choir and orchestra students to attend a trip to New York City on April 7‐10, 2006 at no cost to the District. A roll call vote was taken. Voting Aye: Burnett, Klint, Knudsen, Silverman, Gault Smith. The motion carried. XIII. Old Business There was no old business. XIV. New Business There was no new business. XV. Audience to Visitors No one asked to speak.
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XVI. Correspondence and FOIA Requests There was no correspondence or FOIA requests. XVII. Information Items XVIII. Closed session It was moved by GAULT SMITH and seconded by BURNETT to recess into closed session to discuss matters relating to the employment, appointment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific employees with possible action to be taken and to adjourn therefrom. A roll call vote was taken. Voting Aye: Burnett, Klint, Knudsen, Silverman, Gault Smith. The motion carried. The Board recessed into closed session at 10:25 p.m. The meeting adjourned at 11:20 p.m. _________________________________
______________________________
President
Secretary
MINUTES APPROVED AUGUST 1, 2005.
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Minutes of Regular Board Meeting of July 14, 2005
