School Board Niles Township District 219, Cook County, Illinois MINUTES
Regular Board Meeting Tuesday, May 15, 2007
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, Robert Silverman, Lynda Gault Smith, Eileen Valfer. II. Executive Session It was moved by GAULT SMITH and seconded by DONIGER to recess into closed session to discuss matters relating to 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, Silverman, Gault Smith. The motion carried. The Board recessed into closed session at 6:45 p.m. At 7:40 p.m. it was moved by BURNETT and seconded by DONIGER to return to open session. A roll call vote was taken. Voting Aye: Burnett, Doniger, Greenspan, Klint, Silverman, Gault Smith. 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. Ratification of Votes from the April 17, 2007 Election It was moved by DONIGER and seconded by GAULT SMITH to adopt and ratify the canvass of the School Board election, already performed by the County Clerk and declare that Sheri Doniger, Jeffrey Dov Greenspan, Timothy Knudsen and Eileen Valfer have each been elected to serve a four‐year term. A roll call vote was taken. Minutes of Regular Board Meeting of May 15, 2007
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Voting Aye: Burnett, Doniger, Greenspan, Klint, Silverman, Gault Smith. The motion carried. V. Changes/Additions to the Agenda Two personnel handouts were added to the consent agenda. VI. Audience to Visitors (on agenda items only) Cyndi Cohen, Business Manager of District 73.5, stated that Districts 70, 71, 73, 73.5, 74, and 807 all researched and feel very confident in supporting the student transportation recommendation. Steve Blonder, attorney representing Alltown Bus Service and alumnus of Niles West asked what research had been done into the qualifications of Positive Connections. He said they do not have experience with special education students and are not located in the area, have no drivers, no facilities, and no buses. VII. Student Representative Comments Carly Valfer spoke of the success of several fine arts events including the band concert and Romeo and Juliet and announced upcoming events. Officers and Board representative for next year have been elected. Lindsay Leise spoke of upcoming events at West including Prom 007. She stated Teacher Appreciated Week was fun; their fine arts event, Trojan Women, was a success; movie night was good. VIII. Community Representative Comments No one asked to speak. IX. Approval of Consent Agenda It was moved by BURNETT and seconded by GAULT SMITH to accept the amended consent agenda. A roll call vote was taken. Voting Aye: Burnett, Doniger, Greenspan, Klint, Silverman, Gault Smith The motion carried. Included in the consent agenda: − Monthly Bills and Payroll in the amount of $4,823,569.66. −
Personnel
Approve the appointment and five year contract for Dr. Nanciann Gatta as Superintendent at an annual salary of $200,000 effective July 1, 2007.
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Minutes of Regular Board Meeting of May 15, 2007
Approve employment of the following certified staff for the 2007‐08 school year effective 8/27/07: NAME
POSITION/LOCATION
FTE
Branahl, Amy Brechling, Vanessa DeNapoli, Lisa Haack, Karen
Music – West, BA‐Step 5 Math – West , MA+60‐Step 7 English – West, BA+15‐Step 1 Applied Science & Technology BA, Step 1 (through 1/17/08) English – North, BA‐Step 1 Math – North, MA‐Step 1 Social Studies – North and Academic Achievement Center – West, BA+15, Step 2 English – West, MA+45‐Step 10 English – North, BA+15‐Step 8 Math – West, BA‐Step 8 Art – West, BA+15‐Step 5
1.0 1.0 1.0 .1
Haberl, James Koh, Kristen Minkus, Aaron Murphy, Eileen Paxson, Daniel Scott, Sarah Wismer, Barbara
1.0 1.0 1.0 .5 1.0 1.0 1.0
Approve employment of the following part‐time/temporary help effective 5/16/07: NAME
POSITION/LOCATION
Abonce, William Lam, Amy Perrone, Michael Phillips, Tyrone Prajapati, Unnati
Wrestling Assistant –North Volleyball Assistant – North Security Monitor – West Textbook Center Assistant – North Textbook Center Assistant – North
HOURLY RATE
$7.50 $7.50 $15.00 $7.50 $7.50
Approve the retirement of Patricia Moir, Executive Secretary – West, effective 6/30/11.
Accept the resignation of Joseph Greene, Social Studies – North, 1.0 FTE effective 6/30/07.
Accept the resignation of Thomas Zelski, Teacher Aide – North, effective 6/7/07.
Approve the stipend position for Daniel Paxson for the 2007‐2008 school year as Head Varsity Girls Basketball Coach.
Approve the appointment of Raphael De Lorm by the Skokie Police Department as the Police Liaison at Niles West.
− Minutes of 4/30/07 and 5/4/07 Meetings, open and closed sessions − Student Trips
For 21 West students to attend the Disney World Cross country Invite in Orlando, Florida on October 5‐7, 2007 at a cost to the District of $440.
For 20 North and West French students to attend a Montreal and Quebec trip on June 14‐18, 2008 at no cost to the District.
− Textbook Adoptions for an anticipated total cost of $44,913. − Resodding of Niles West Stadium Field by Francato Landscaping, Inc. in the amount of $8,500.
Minutes of Regular Board Meeting of May 15, 2007
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− Contract Extensions with R&G Consultants for processing Medicaid claims from July 1, 2007 and end June 30, 2009. X. Superintendent’s Report Neil Codell congratulated Dr. Gatta and spoke on the merits of an easy transition.
− AS& T Award Winners ‐ Sheree Freeman, Eric Lueder, and Lou Torres introduced award winners from FCCLA, DECA and IDEA. Each student presented their award winning topic and were recognized by the Board of Education.
Superintendent Codell spoke about the funding forum that was held where local legislators were present to address educational funding issues. Mr. Codell had several topics he wanted addressed. 1) Hold harmless – no reduction of per pupil expenditures in any new plan; currently District 219 receives 90% of their funding from local sources; 2) the Life Safety Levy needs to be removed from the tax cap;. 3) Mandates without funding needs to be stopped. 4) Special Education personnel reimbursement increased from $8,000 to at least $13,000 per teacher. Mr. Codell spoke on curriculum articulation with the feeder districts, our fine arts program, the winning of the conference title by the boys track team and accolades given the District for the Kennedy Award. − Principals’ Report Mr. Freeman spoke of the art fair, the awarding of a $25,000 grant for the Skokie Park District to get help with personal trainers and facilities, the chess team winning third in State and eighth in the nation and other events at Niles North. Ms. Vogler spoke of the girls track team being CSL champs, boys baseball team beating New Trier in extra innings, and other events at Niles West. XI. Board Committee and other Reports Policy Committee – A meeting will be held June 7 at 3:00 p.m. XII. Board Members’ Comments All of the Board members thanked Michael Burnett for his service and dedication to Niles Township High School District 219. Mr. Codell thanked him for his help with the referendum, applauded his knowledge of issues and the time devoted to the school arena. Mr. Burnett said it had been a privilege to be on the Board; he is proud of his part in the writing of the Mission Statement. Mr. Silverman spoke about the Pasta & Pops taking place for the 15th consecutive year and other fine arts extra‐curricular activities in the District and the benefit they have for our students and community members.
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Minutes of Regular Board Meeting of May 15, 2007
XIII. Adjourn Sine Die It was moved by GAULT SMITH and seconded by BURNETT to adjourn sine die. A roll call vote was taken. Voting Aye: Burnett, Doniger, Greenspan, Klint, Silverman, Gault Smith. The motion carried. President Silverman called for an adjournment to Sine Die. Michael Burnett exited the meeting. Eileen Valfer assumed a seat at the meeting. Call to Order Roll call: Present: Doniger, Greenspan, Klint, Silverman, Gault Smith, Valfer. Absent: Knudsen −
Selection of President Pro Tem It was moved by SILVERMAN and seconded by GAULT SMITH to appoint Neil Codell as President Pro Tem. A roll call vote was taken. Voting Aye: Doniger, Greenspan, Klint, Silverman, Gault Smith, Valfer. The motion carried.
−
Swearing in of Newly Elected Board members The newly elected Board members took their oath of office.
− Nominations for Board Officers Sheri Doniger nominated the following slate of officers: Robert Silverman, President; Lynda Gault Smith, Vice President, Ruth Klint, Secretary and Sheri Doniger, Secretary Pro Tem. Jeff Greenspan nominated the following slate of officers: Ruth Klint President, Tim Knudsen, Vice President, Sheri Doniger, Secretary and Lynda Gault Smith, 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 reviewed the nominees for officers. For President Robert Silverman and Ruth Klint. Ruth Klint declined her nomination for this position. Vice President nominations of Lynda Gault Smith and Timothy Knudsen. Secretary nominations of Ruth Klint and Sheri Doniger. Sheri Doniger declined her nomination for this position. Secretary Pro Tem of Sheri Doniger and Lynda Gault Smith. Lynda Gault Smith decided her nomination for this position.
Minutes of Regular Board Meeting of May 15, 2007
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Roll Call for Vice President Doniger: Lynda Gault Smith Greenspan: Timothy Knudsen Klint: Lynda Gault Smith Silverman: Lynda Gault Smith Gault Smith: Lynda Gault Smith Valfer: Lynda Gault Smith Lynda Gault Smith received the majority of votes to assume the Vice President position.
Roll call for Robert Silverman for President: Aye: Doniger, Klint, Silverman, Gault Smith, Valfer. Nay: Greenspan. Robert Silverman received the votes to assume the President position.
Roll Call for Ruth Klint for Secretary Aye: Doniger, Klint, Silverman, Gault Smith, Valfer. Abstain: Greenspan. Ruth Klint received the votes to assume the Secretary position.
Roll Call for Sheri Doniger for Secretary Pro Tem Aye: Doniger, Klint, Silverman, Gault Smith, Valfer. Abstain: Greenspan. Sheri Doniger received the votes to assume the Secretary Pro Tem position. − Set Regular Board Meeting Schedule for June 2007 – April 2008 It was moved by GAULT SMITH and seconded by DONIGER to accept the Regular Board Meeting Schedule for June 2007 through April 2008. A roll call vote was taken. Voting Aye: Doniger, Greenspan, Klint, Silverman, Gault Smith, Valfer. The motion carried. A list of approved Board meeting dates is as follows: Monday, June 18, 2007 Monday, July 9, 2007 Monday, July 30, 2007 Thursday, August 23, 2007 Monday, September 17, 2007 Monday, October 15, 2007 Monday, November 5, 2007 Page 6 of 10
Monday, November 26, 2007 Monday, December 17, 2007 Monday, January 14, 2008 Monday, February 4, 2008 Monday, February 25, 2008 Monday, March 17, 2008 Monday, April 7, 2008 Minutes of Regular Board Meeting of May 15, 2007
− Adopt Existing Board of Education Policies It was moved by DONIGER and seconded by GAULT 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 roll call vote was taken. Voting Aye: Doniger, Greenspan, Klint, Silverman, Gault Smith, Valfer. The motion carried. − Designate Banks of Depository for District Funds It was moved by GAULT SMITH and seconded by DONIGER to approve the des‐ ignation of the Cole Taylor Bank as the Bank of Depository for all District Funds. A roll call vote was taken. Voting Aye: Doniger, Greenspan, Klint, Silverman, Gault Smith, Valfer. The motion carried. − Committee Assignments • ED∙RED – Ruth Klint • LICA ‐ Lynda Gault Smith temporary as Ms. Gault Smith cannot continue because of the time of the meetings) • ISBE Convention Delegate • Finance Committee ‐ Greenspan • Facility Committee ‐ Greenspan • Alliance for Lifelong Learning ‐ Greenspan No motion was made as President has authority to appoint. XIV. Business Building School Improvement Reports The Building School Improvement Reports were presented by Dr. Roger Stein and department chairs were available to answer questions. After discussion and questions, Mr. Silverman thanked the directors for their fine report. It was moved by GAULT SMITH and seconded by DONIGER to approve the Niles North and Niles West School Improvement Reports, noting that projected expenditures will reflect budgetary guidelines. A roll call vote was taken. Voting Aye: Doniger, Greenspan, Klint, Silverman, Gault Smith, Valfer. The motion carried. Minutes of Regular Board Meeting of April 30, 2007
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Transportation Contract Gerry Yeggy stated that Niles Township High Schools cooperated in the bid process with Districts 807, 70, 71, 73, 73.5 and 74 to maximize the tax dollars. Bids were opened and analyzed and Positive Connections was the lowest responsible bidder. Representatives from Positive Connections (STA) assured the Board of their commitment to all the stipulations indicated in their bid, including equipment (newer buses and GPS), letter of intent for facility, driver recruitment, and Nextel phones for drivers. It was moved by DONIGER and seconded by VALFER to accept the low bid from Positive Connections (STA) in the projected amount of $1,476,286 to provide transportation services to include regular, special education and charter routes for Niles Township High Schools District 219 beginning in August of 2007 and extending until July of 2010 and authorize the administration to execute a transportation contract with Positive Connections (STA). A roll call vote was taken. Voting Aye: Doniger, Greenspan, Klint, Silverman, Gault Smith, Valfer. The motion carried. Personnel President Silverman stated that the appointment of Dr. Gatta as Superintendent was done on the consent agenda prior to EileenValfer being seated. Since Ms. Valfer was involved in this decision, he asked that the Board reaffirm this appointment.
It was moved by GAULT SMITH and seconded by DONIGER to reaffirm the appointment of Dr. Nanciann Gatta as the Superintendent beginning with the 2008‐ 09 school year. A roll call vote was taken. Voting Aye: Doniger, Greenspan, Klint, Silverman, Gault Smith, Valfer. The motion carried. Preliminary Budget Due to a Finance Committee meeting scheduled for June 19th to discuss the budget, Mr. Silverman suggested tabling discussion on this matter until that date. Mr. Greenspan complimented the budget presented. It was moved by GAULT SMITH and seconded by DONIGER to table discussion of the Budget until after the Finance Committee meeting scheduled for June 19. A voice vote was taken. The motion carried.
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Minutes of Regular Board Meeting of April 30, 2007
Policy Changes – 2nd Reading It was moved by DONIGER and seconded by GAULT SMITH to approve Policy 7:310 Restrictions on Publications and Written or Electronic Material School‐ Sponsored Publications and Web Sites for second reading. A roll call vote was taken. Voting Aye: Doniger, Greenspan, Klint, Silverman, Gault Smith, Valfer. The motion carried. 2007‐08 Student Handbook Changes There was an in‐depth discussion regarding the listing of excused absences and the policy regarding release for religious holidays. It was agreed to amend the wording under ‘excused absences’ in the handbook and also amend the policy on this same topic. It was moved by DONIGER and seconded by GAULT SMITH to accept the changes, including those discussed this evening, in the Student Handbook for the 2007‐08 school year. A roll call vote was taken. Voting Aye: Doniger, Greenspan, Klint, Silverman, Gault Smith, Valfer. The motion carried. Purchase of Culinary Lab Cabinets at Niles North It was moved by GAULT SMITH and seconded by GREENSPAN to accept the bid of $75,752.35 from Lowery McDonnell Company for the purchase of Culinary Lab cabinets at Niles North High School. A roll call vote was taken. Voting Aye: Doniger, Greenspan, Klint, Silverman, Gault Smith, Valfer. The motion carried. XV. Old Business There was no old business. XVI. New Business There was no new business.
Minutes of Regular Board Meeting of April 30, 2007
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XVII. Audience to Visitors No one asked to speak. XVIII. Correspondence and FOIA Requests There was a FOIA Request from Bob Huck. Mr. Yeggy will ask legal counsel for help on response. XIX. Information Items − April 2007 Financial Report XX. Adjournment It was moved by DONIGER and seconded by GAULT SMITH 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 10:40 p.m. _________________________________
______________________________
President
Secretary
Minutes approved June 18, 2007.
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Minutes of Regular Board Meeting of April 30, 2007
