School Board Niles Township District 219, Cook County, Illinois MINUTES Regular Board Meeting Monday, July 21, 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 6:45 p.m. Board members present at Roll Call: Sheri Doniger, Carlton Evans, 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 residency and the employment, appointment, compensation, performance or dismissal of specific employees. A roll call vote was taken. Voting Aye: Doniger, Evans, Klint, Silverman, Smith, Valfer. The motion carried. The Board recessed into closed session at 6:48 p.m. Jeffrey Greenspan arrived at 6:54 p.m. At 7:40 p.m. it was moved by DONIGER and seconded by SILVERMAN 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 7:51 p.m. The Pledge was recited. Mr. Silverman welcomed Dr. Gatta, Anne Roloff and Paul O’Malley and stated this was the Board’s first paperless meeting. IV. Changes/Additions to the Agenda Added to the consent agenda was the student residency case and settlement agreement with support staff discussed in closed session along with a personnel handout. Removed from the consent agenda and moved to business, were Minutes of Regular Board Meeting of July 21, 2008
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student trips, the intergovernmental agreements with the NTDSE, disposal of furniture, disposal of textbook and security enhancements. V. Audience to Visitors No one asked to speak. VI. Community Representative Comments No one asked to speak. VII. Approval of Consent Agenda It was moved by DONIGER and seconded by SMITH 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 $3,646,979.16. − Personnel
Approve the employment of the following certified staff for the 2008‐2009 year:
NAME
POSITION/LOCATION
Albandia, Christopher Belkind, Edith Eichler, Heidi Lubarsky, Christine
Special Education – North, MA‐Step 2 Hebrew – North, MA+60‐Step 9 Biology – North, BA+15‐Step 1 English – North, BA+15‐Step 1
EFFECTIVE DATE
8/25/08 – 1/15/09 8/25/08 8/25/08 8/25/08
NAME
POSITION/LOCATION
FTE
Galpern, Melissa Lund, Joan
Teacher Assistant/Math – West, P1‐Step 3, 186 days Registered Nurse/Pupil Personnel Services ‐ North, P3‐Step 2, 186 Days One‐on‐One Teacher Assistant/Special Education – North, P1‐Step 4, 186 Days ELL Tutor – North, P1‐Step 1, 186 Days Clerk A/IRC – West, S1‐Step 1, 186 Days
1.0 1.0
Patel, Shamim Stevenson, Kari
1.0 .6 1.0 1.0
Approve employment of the following support staff for the 2008‐2009 school year effective August 25, 2008:
Mamon, Jevon
FTE
1.0 1.0 1.0
Approve the leave of absence for the following certified staff for the 2008‐09 year: NAME
POSITION/LOCATION
LEAVE FTE TYPE OF LEAVE
Montgomery, Dan
English – North
.2
Union Business ‐ Unpaid
Approve the retirement of the following certified staff: NAME
POSITION/LOCATION
EFFECTIVE DATE
Connelly, John
Social Studies – North
June 30, 2013
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Minutes of Regular Board Meeting of July 21, 2008
Approve the resignation agreement with Employee #2008‐23.
Approve employment of the following part‐time/temporary staff effective 7/22/08:
NAME
POSITION/LOCATION
Borjas, Celeste Chang, Min Chun, Ann Hayat, Famal Mok, Kim Moy, Jaclyn Nissan, Linora Pulik, Marina Rebelos, Andrenna Rodriquez, Julio Skarbek, Samantha Vu, Paul
Yearbook Assistant – West Gymnastics Assistant – West Yearbook Assistant – West Textbook Center Assistant – North Yearbook Assistant – West Yearbook Assistant – West Textbook Center Assistant – North Textbook Center Assistant – North Textbook Center Assistant – North Textbook Center Assistant ‐ North Football Assistant – North Textbook Center Assistant – North
HOURLY RATE
$12.00 $7.75 $12.00. $12.00 $12.00 $12.00 $12.00 $12.00 $12.00 $12.00 $7.75 $7.75
Approve employment of the following stipend positions for the 2008‐09 school year: SCHOOL
POSITION
NAME
North North North North North North West West West West West
Boys Soccer Assistant Boys Soccer Assistant Boys Tennis Head Boys Tennis Assistant Strength Coordinator Strength Coordinator Boys Basketball Assistant Girls Tennis Assistant Marching Band Percussion Assistant Sports Medicine Club Wrestling Assistant
*Espina, Samantha *Kuccil, Eric *Muresan, Nicolas *Muresan, Alex (.5) Egofske, Mark (.16) Hare, Michael (.34) Mamon, Jevon *Apfel, Gloria Camp, Matthew Austen, Christopher (.5) Hutchison, Lewis
* Not a District 219 employees
− Minutes of 6/30/08 regular meeting, open and closed sessions. − Textbook Adoptions for the 2008‐09 school year for an anticipated total cost of $4,164. − Transfer interest earned of $174,531.37 and $862,247.27 from the Transporta‐ tion Fund and Working Cash Fund, respectively, totaling $1,036,778.64 to the Educational Fund as of June 30, 2008. − North Cook Young Adult Academy contract renewal for the 2008‐09 school year in the amount of $244,621.08. − Purchase of Xerographic Paper for 2008‐09 under the State contract from Unisource Worldwide, Inc. with an estimated cost of $201,857.18 excluding any potential price and quantity adjustments. Minutes of Regular Board Meeting of July 21, 2008
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− ED‐RED Membership for 2008‐09 in the amount of $4,287.50. − Accept the residency hearing officer’s report on Student Case #2008‐17 and find that Student #2008‐17 did not qualify as a legal resident of District 219 for school attendance purposes for the entire 2007‐08 school year, to charge tuition for the entire school year and to withdraw student from attendance effective July 22, 2008. VIII. Superintendent’s Report Dr. Gatta said this is the dawning of a new era with this being the first paperless board meeting. She spoke of the hopes of getting more community involvement with the easy access of board materials. Dr. Gatta further stated that by having these meetings paperless, the district is more ecologically friendly due to the reduced use of paper. She spoke of further efforts with the initiation of the ‘green shuttle’ at the start of the school year which will have school vans pick up staff at train and bus stations. This will allow teachers more time to do daily tasks while saving energy. Dr. Gatta spoke of the LEED rules for schools, and requirements for transportation. She also spoke of the district’s efforts in using ‘green’ cleaning supplies. Dr. Gatta said we are reaching out to the community with the annual community report, foundation newsletter and will be sending a DVD home which highlights school information for students and parents. She spoke of reaching abroad and the new relationships developed from her trip to China and the wish to create sister schools for opportunities for our students. Cory Wallace has been named director of ELL Parent Center. −
Principals’ Report Kaine Osburn said projects such as the student activities area, bleachers and turf field are nearing completion. A banner advertising the 50th anniversary is in front of the building. Scott Ackman and Chris Schwarz have published an article on Balbo Drive. Bob Freeman spoke of the new landscaping at North and said not only does it enhance the building but will improve cooling. He spoke of the work on the interior and said all is going well.
IX. Board Members’ Comments Lynda Smith thanked Guy Ballard for his work in developing paperless board meetings. Sheri Doniger said she attended the national education tech conference and our district is right on track with technology. She said education in the future will be different and we are ready for this change.
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Minutes of Regular Board Meeting of July 21, 2008
Jeff Greenspan spoke of the paperless system and said how easy it was to view an article and send an email regarding this topic. X. Board Committee Reports Facility Committee – The next meeting will be August 5 at 8:00 a.m. Mr. Greenspan spoke of the six classroom addition being energy efficient and environmentally conscious. The cost benefits will be provided to the District and will possibly enable grant funding. He said we will look at all of our facilities to be environmentally aware and eco friendly. He suggested offering pre tax public transportation cards to staff, and adding bike racks at North with security cameras to monitor this and bus loading areas. He said everything is ready for the start of school. Nanciann suggested all Board members come to the next facility meeting to learn about the eco friendly construction. Policy Committee – The next meeting will be in August. Jeff Greenspan suggested that the Facility Committee and Policy Committee discuss the advertising policy at the same time. XI. Business Student Trips It was clarified that the trip for boys soccer is an IHSA tournament event and the other boys’ soccer trip is a camp, which is not paid for by the District. It was noted that for the Vikettes trip, the coach should not be paying for their portion of the trip, and that should be paid by District funds. It was moved by SMITH and seconded DONIGER to approve the trip for 16 Niles North Vikettes, Just of Kix Overnight Camp on August 5‐8, 2008 in Ripon, Wisconsin, at no cost to the District, with the coaches $241.00 lodging being paid for out of activity funds. A roll call vote was taken. Voting Aye: Doniger, Evans, Greenspan, Klint, Silverman, Smith, Valfer. The motion carried. It was moved by SMITH and seconded by DONIGER to approve a trip for 15 West girls cross country members to attend the Peoria Training Trip in Chillicothe, Illinois on August 13‐15, 2008 at a cost to the District of $200. A roll call vote was taken. Voting Aye: Doniger, Evans, Greenspan, Klint, Silverman, Smith, Valfer. The motion carried. Minutes of Regular Board Meeting of July 21, 2008
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It was moved by SMITH and seconded by DONIGER to approve a trip for 18 West boys cross country members to a Devil’s Lake State Park in Baraboo, Wisconsin on August 20‐21, 2008 at a cost to the District of $444.60. A roll call vote was taken. Voting Aye: Doniger, Evans, Greenspan, Klint, Silverman, Smith, Valfer. The motion carried.
There was discussion as to what funds were used in the past for the Quincy soccer camp. It was agreed that the motion would have the trip paid from District funds but if research shows that activity funds were used in the past, this would be done for the Quincy trip. It was moved by SMITH and seconded by DONIGER to approve 20 North soccer members to attend the Quincy Notre Dame soccer camp in Qunicy, Illinois on August 29‐30, 2008 at a cost to the District of $3,289.28, however if past practice showed activity funds were used for this trip, the $3,289.28 will be paid from activity funds, and for 24 West soccer members to attend the Indian State Cup Soccer Tournament in Rockton, Illinois on September 19‐20, 2008 at a cost to the District of $2,315.00. A roll call vote was taken. Voting Aye: Doniger, Evans, Greenspan, Klint, Silverman, Smith, Valfer. The motion carried. NTDSE Intergovernmental Agreements for Staff Services & Educational Services It was asked why these services cannot be provided by District 219 staff. Dr. Marcelo said this is for severely physically and mentally handicapped students who are unable to attend our Life Skills classes. We would need new equipment or programs and one‐on‐one aides to accommodate these students. It was further noted that NTDSE has the ability to charge us a 10% surplus over cost, but are charging us the cost rate. It was moved by SMITH and seconded by DONIGER to approve the Intergovernmental Agreements with NTDSE for Provision of Certain Staff and Provision of Certain Special Education Services. A roll call vote was taken. Voting Aye: Doniger, Evans, Greenspan, Klint, Silverman, Smith, Valfer. The motion carried.
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Minutes of Regular Board Meeting of July 21, 2008
Disposal of Obsolete Textbooks Mr. Silverman said we as a District should be commended for donating obsolete books for use in African countries. It was moved by SMITH and seconded by DONIGER to approve donating the obsolete textbooks to Follette Educational Services that will either recycle the books, send them to African countries for use in their schools or buy them from District 219with no cost to the Board in working with Follet Educational Services. Books with no resale value will be offered for donation to the Learning House in Wheeling. A roll call vote was taken. Voting Aye: Doniger, Evans, Greenspan, Klint, Silverman, Smith, Valfer. The motion carried.
Disposal of Damaged/Obsolete Furniture& Equipment Mr. Silverman asked if we tried to donate or sell these items before disposing of them. The administration offered opportunities for both buildings to look at the furniture to see if they could use some of this equipment. It was moved by SMITH and seconded by DONIGER to dispose of damaged and obsolete furniture and equipment in the most economical way. A roll call vote was taken. Voting Aye: Doniger, Evans, Greenspan, Klint, Silverman, Smith, Valfer. The motion carried. Security Enhancements It was noted that this is part of the ongoing capital improvement projects. This is for locks and security equipment and installation. It was moved by SMITH and seconded by DONIGER to accept the proposal from Siemens Building Technologies in the amount of $90,229. A roll call vote was taken. Voting Aye: Doniger, Evans, Greenspan, Klint, Silverman, Smith, Valfer. The motion carried.
Minutes of Regular Board Meeting of July 21, 2008
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NTSA Intergovernmental Agreement for ELL Parent Center It was moved by SMITH and seconded by DONIGER to approve the intergovernmental agreement with the NTSA for the ELL Parent Center. It was noted that Districts 67 and 69 are not participating in this center. It was clarified that there will be no additional insurance cost for the District. A roll call vote was taken. Voting Aye: Doniger, Evans, Greenspan, Klint, Silverman, Smith, Valfer. The motion carried.
403(b) Third Party Administrator It was moved by DONIGER and seconded by SMITH to approve the contract with TSA Consulting Group, Inc. to act as the District’s 403(b) plan third party administrator. It was noted that we solicited five proposals and received four. There are new IRS regulations effective January 1 and there are more requirements we have to follow as a District. Employees will still be able to select investment options. A roll call vote was taken. Voting Aye: Doniger, Evans, Greenspan, Klint, Silverman, Smith, Valfer. The motion carried.
Tax Objection Complaint Intervention It was moved by SMITH and seconded by DONIGER to authorize Franczek Sullivan P.C. to act on our behalf in the Niles Township Property Tax Appeals Cooperative regarding tax objection complaints. A roll call vote was taken. Voting Aye: Doniger, Evans, Greenspan, Klint, Silverman, Smith, Valfer. The motion carried.
2008‐09 Tentative Budget A Finance Committee meeting was held on June 30 and per pupil expenditures were discussed. The tentative budget is higher than the preliminary budget. NTFT salary increases, some positions for mid‐year hires, lane changes and TA’s affected this change. It was noted that the actual expenditures will not be
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Minutes of Regular Board Meeting of July 21, 2008
available for a few weeks. The board expressed concern about the differences. It was explained that the restructuring of debt skewed some actuals. This is been the same in years passed. It was decided to compare actuals in the future. Mr. Silverman said it was explained but feels that the budget is too high. It was noted that legal fees were reduced by $100,000 and TA’s were reduced. It was discussed that the increases for expenditures are far less than increases for revenue, so we do have the revenue to offset the increased budget. It was noted that the per pupil expenditure is higher than Evanston, New Trier and Maine Townships. It was stated that it would have to be further analyzed to determine why we are higher than these other districts. It was noted that our tax rate is lower than surrounding areas while we are spending more per pupil. There seems to be a disconnect and it is hard to figure out why. Jeff spoke of the capital expenditures our district has experienced that this is something that the other districts mentioned have not had. The board asked to determine over the next year what is driving our budget per pupil over the other districts. Bob Silverman said he was proud of what our District has done and as always wants to improve on our accomplishments. It was moved by DONIGER and seconded by SMITH to authorize the administration to place on public display the 2008‐09 Tentative Budget and adopt the resolutions. A roll call vote was taken. Voting Aye: Doniger, Evans, Greenspan, Klint, Silverman, Smith, Valfer. The motion carried.
Six Classroom Addition at Niles West – Bid Acceptance – Storefront, Curtainwall & Glazing It was moved by GREENSPAN and seconded by DONIGER to authorize the administration to accept the low bid of $110,500 submitted by Alliance Glass & Metal, Inc. for storefronts, curtainwall and glazing in conjunction with the six‐ classroom addition at Niles West High School. A roll call vote was taken. Voting Aye: Doniger, Evans, Greenspan, Klint, Silverman, Smith, Valfer. The motion carried. Minutes of Regular Board Meeting of July 21, 2008
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Six Classroom Addition at Niles West Bid Acceptance– Structural Steel It was moved by KLINT and seconded by DONIGER to authorize the administration to accept the low bid for $242,500 submitted by SG Kraus Co. for structural steel in conjunction with the six classroom addition at Niles West High School. A roll call vote was taken. Voting Aye: Doniger, Evans, Greenspan, Klint, Silverman, Smith, Valfer. The motion carried. XII. Old Business There was no old business. XIII. New Business There was no new business. XIV. Audience to Visitors No one asked to speak. XV. Correspondence and FOIA Requests A request was received. We asked for an extension and are discussing this matter with our attorney. XVI. Adjournment It was moved by SMITH and seconded by DONIGER to adjourn the meeting. A roll call vote was taken. Voting Aye: Doniger, Evans, Greenspan, Klint, Silverman, Smith, Valfer. The motion carried.
The meeting adjourned at 9:40 p.m.
_________________________________
______________________________
President
Secretary
Minutes approved August 21, 2008.
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Minutes of Regular Board Meeting of July 21, 2008
