McHenry Times

Crystal Lake Community High School District 155 Board of Education met April 17.

Here is the minutes provided by the Board:

President Adam Guss called the meeting to order at 7:55 p.m. The President directed the Secretary to call the roll. Upon the roll being called, the following members answered present: Jason Blake, Amy Blazier, Adam Guss, Rosemary Kurtz, Ron Ludwig, Nicole Pavoris, and Dave Secrest.

Also present were: Steve Olson, Superintendent; Scott Shepard, Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services; Thomas Kim, Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources; Jeremy Davis, Assistant Superintendent of Finance and Operations; Erica Bruso, Director of Fiscal Services; Shannon Podzimek, Director of Communications; Neil Lesinski, Cary-Grove Principal; Josh Nobilio, Crystal Lake South Principal; and Rebecca Saffert, Cary-Grove Vice Principal. Additional names of attendance on attached sign-in sheet. The Pledge of Allegiance was said by all in attendance.

Nicole Pavoris moved and Amy Blazier seconded the motion that the minutes of Regular Meeting March 20, 2018 and Executive Session March 20, 2018 be approved as presented. Upon the roll being called, the following members voted.

Aye: Jason Blake, Amy Blazier, Adam Guss, Rosemary Kurtz, Ron Ludwig, Nicole Pavoris, Dave Secrest

Nay: None

Neil Lesinski, Cary-Grove High School Principal, welcomed the Board of Education. Mr. Lesinski then spoke how the theme of the evening’s presentation, Empowering the Pursuit of Personal Aspirations, is related to the CHSD 155 mission statement.

Mike Manning, Industry and Careers Division Leader, shared information about the Industrial Technology Department, specifically the Capstone class to be housed at Cary-Grove High School next year. Three Cary-Grove students then shared their experiences and classes taken through the Industrial Technology Department. These different paths of courses included Project Lead The Way; Metals and Automotive; and Drafting and Architecture, CNC course. Mr. Manning thanked the staff, administration, and community for their support.

Neil Lesinski then explained the Functional Communications Skills Program. Mr. Lesinski shared a video of students involved in this program as well as their participation in various school activities.

Additionally, three Cary-Grove Teachers provided information regarding the C-G Buddies Program. Three Cary-Grove students also shared their thoughts and experiences from being part of this program.

Shannon Podzimek, Director of Communications, provided the introductions regarding Student Recognition. The CHSD 155 students listed below were recognized for these accomplishments.

Perfect AP Score-

•Rachel Grochowski, Crystal Lake Central High School

•Lauren Felleson, Cary-Grove High School

•Brandon Lolli, Cary-Grove High School

•Isabella Smith, Cary-Grove High School

•Parth Patel, Cary-Grove High School

Chess – State Competition-

•Jason Drews, Cary-Grove High School, 10th place

Shannon Podzimek, Director of Communications, announced that Staff Recognition was being postponed and would take place at the May 15, 2018 Board of Education Meeting.

Shannon Podzimek, Director of Communications, reported there were thirteen Requests for Records Under Freedom of Information Act.

1. Jon Styf, Editor, Northwest Herald – Requested the following:

Original request:

“1. The daily attendance report for Cary-Grove High School for Feb. 26-March 1.

2. Any communication – electronic, written or text messages – between District155 staff regarding school safety, security or a student walkout between Feb. 26-March 1.

3. Any communication between D-155 staff and the public regarding the security issue at Cary-Grove between Feb. 26-March 1.” Narrowed request:

“As for Parts 2 and 3 of the request, separately, I will limit the request to Steve Olson, Shannon Podzimek and Neil Lesinski.” Request was granted in part and denied in part.

2. John Martin, Citizen – Requested the following:

“[A]ll electronic communication exchanges, to include but not limited to emails and text message, between any School District 155 Board of Education members and all employees, or contractors doing business on the behalf of, FGM Architects that occurred between January 1, 2018 and February 21, 2018. Please include any and all documents attached to these emails or text communications.” (emphasis in original)

Request was granted in part and denied in part.

3. Carolyn Schofield, Citizen – Requested the following:

“.I would like to confirm that were not cover pages or summaries associated with the report which outlined the scope of project or conclusion.

I would also like to narrow the email request which was denied as voluminous to pertain to the emails for Jeremy Davis and Jeff Daurer again in reference to the Haber Oaks relocation.”

Request was granted in part and denied in part.

4. Craig Asbach, Citizen – Requested the following:

“[A]ll meeting minutes and communications (email and other) related to the District’s introduction, consideration and decision process regarding the Student Walkout planned for tomorrow 3/14/18.” Request was granted in part and denied in part.

5. Brendan Bakala, Illinois Policy Institute – Requested the following:

“Please provide any form or other related documentation the school district provides to employees that authorizes dues deduction to be paid to any exclusive representative currently holding a collective bargaining agreement with the district, as well as any documentation outlining the process for revoking that authorization.”

No responsive records.

6. John Pletz, Citizen – Requested the following:

“The packet for today’s Budget, Finance and Audit meeting.”

Request was granted.

7. Mark Kownick, Citizen – Requested the following:

Please provide any and all documents relating to and including any and all settlement agreements, terms and settlement amounts between Matthew Ahmann and District 155.”

Request was granted in part and denied in part.

8. Lisa Skwarek, Citizen – Requested the following:

“I would like to submit a request for documentation the district had at their disposal that showed the breakdown in cost comparing the closing and moving of Haber Oaks compared to closing and moving the district office.”

Request was granted in part and denied in part.

9. John Dickson, Citizen – Requested the following:

“Please produce a copy of any settlement agreement entered into by D155 with Matthew Ahmann.”

Request was granted in part and denied in part.

10. Jon Styf, Editor, Northwest Herald – Requested the following:

“1. Any communication – electronic, written or text messages – from or to Rebecca Saffert, Amy Langelund or Jim Kelly regarding school safety, security or a student walkout between Feb. 26-March 1.

2. Any communication between Rebecca Saffert, Amy Langelund or Jim Kelly and the public regarding the security issue at Cary-Grove between Feb. 26-March 1.”

Request was granted in part and denied in part.

11. John Pletz, Citizen – Requested the following:

“In light of reoccurring school tragedies, what security measures are presently in place to protect students and staff, should someone attempt to enter the school with malintent? Are there any additional security measures being considered or plans to pursue additional and greater measures? Who is in charge of this program?”

No responsive records. Recent public communication concerning student safety and security provided.

12. Brian McSherry, SMART Local 265 – Requested the following:

“I’m requesting information for the construction and/or maintenance work planned for any building owned or leased by your district which includes the scopes listed below. In addition, if any contracts have already been awarded, please include the names and contact information of those contractor(s) and/or sub-contractor(s).

HVAC (Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation), Exhaust Systems.

Architectural Metals used for weatherproofing and/or ornamental purposes.

Gutters and /or Downspouts.

New installation and/or replacement of lockers.

New installation and/or replacement of toilet partitions.

Kitchen Renovations.

Current HVAC Maintenance Contracts.”

Request was granted in part and denied in part.

13. Michelle Mbekeani-Wiley, Staff Attorney, Community Justice Division – Requested the following:

“How many School Resource Officers are employed in your school district? Please provide the Memorandum of Understanding or any agreement that you have with the police department that provides you with a School Resource Officer.”

Request was granted in part and denied in part.

Board members Dave Secrest and Jason Blake and Steve Olson, Superintendent, commented on the Requests for Records Under Freedom of Information Act. Comments included the recent number of Freedom of Information Requests (FOIAs), time involved to provide the appropriate information, number of FOIA response pages, use of materials requested, and transparency/efficiency of providing additional information on the district website. It was further noted that stakeholders are beginning to “click” on the new Board of Education Information website page - viewing public notices, agendas, informational packets, presentations, and approved minutes.

John Pletz, Citizen, wished to address the Board. Mr. Pletz complimented the Cary-Grove Presentation – Empowering the Pursuit of Personal Aspiration; and thanked Board members Dave Secrest and Ron Ludwig on their individualized votes (abstain) from agenda items as listed under the Report of the Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources at the March 20, 2018 Board of Education Meeting.

Jeremy Davis, Assistant Superintendent of Finance and Operations, presented the Treasurer’s Report for the month ending March 31, 2018. Board members were informed that the Treasurer’s Report, as of the end of March 2018, marks the end of the third quarter for FY18. It was noted that the district is performing well.

Mr. Davis then explained Evidence Based Funding as well as additional Tier Funding, which is calculated based on a school district’s individual needs to educate its specific student population. It was originally estimated that CHSD 155 would receive approximately $300,000 - $400,000 from Tier Funding. Board members were informed that the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) has since released its calculations for Tier Distributions. In determining Tier Distributions, ISBE calculated an Adequacy Target, which utilizes a school district’s specific student population to generate a dollar amount that it would take to educate all students within the district. CHSD 155 was calculated to be funded at 71% of its Adequacy Target and will now receive additional funding of $504,069 over the final three months of this fiscal year. Mr. Davis further explained that, according to the state, CHSD 155 receives 71% of the dollars it needs from local property taxes, other local revenues, and state funding. It was noted that CHSD 155 percentage (71%) is lower than all four of its regional feeder school districts.

Jeremy Davis then reported that the state now owes CHSD 155 approximately $686,000 and is about four months behind in mandated categorical payments. It was noted that mandated categorical payments are reimbursements for special education and transportation expenditures.

Mr. Davis announced that CHSD 155 recently received the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) Certificate of Achievement in Financial Reporting for its annual Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR). This is the third consecutive year that CHSD 155 has received this award. The GFOA Certificate of Achievement in Financial Reporting represents the highest form of recognition in governmental accounting and financial reporting. Board members were informed that this certificate, in addition to last month’s Certificate of Excellence in Financial Reporting received from the Association of School Business Officials International, represents D155’s commitment to fiscal integrity, transparency, and high-quality financial reporting.

Jeremy Davis, Assistant Superintendent of Finance and Operations, recommended that the Board of Education approve the attached Bill List and Bills Summary for the period of March 14, 2018 through April 10, 2018 in the amount of $9,852,225.17.

Jason Blake moved and Ron Ludwig seconded the motion that the Bills as listed on the Agenda in the amount of $9,852,225.17 be approved and ordered paid as presented. Upon the roll being called, the following members voted.

Aye: Jason Blake, Amy Blazier, Adam Guss, Rosemary Kurtz, Ron Ludwig, Nicole Pavoris, Dave Secrest

Nay: None

Jeremy Davis, Assistant Superintendent of Finance and Operations, presented information regarding the District’s 2017 Tax Extension/Rate. It was noted that the McHenry and Lake County Clerks have finalized Equalized Assessed Valuation updates for Tax Year 2017 for local school districts. Mr. Davis explained that, as a result, the District’s tax rate and tax extension are known. The D155 tax rate fell from $2.829 per $100 of EAV to $2.702 per $100 of EAV (a 4.5% decline). Board members were informed that with a tax extension of $73.1 million, the District will receive $250,000 less than it received three years ago (Tax Year 2014). It was further noted that both the District tax rate and extension have declined over the past three years while local property values have increased over 14%.

In summary, Jeremy Davis shared that D155 has operated fiscally responsible and has managed to reduce its tax extension over a 3-year period. Despite a reduced tax extension, D155 has presented balanced budgets and operated “in the black” and Future fiscal projections indicate D155 should remain solvent over the next five years while being able to complete its deferred maintenance listed in its Facilities Condition Assessment (FCA).

Thomas Kim, Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources, requested the approval of Resignation, Retirement, Dismissal, Non-Renewal, Employment, Coaching, and Extra-Curricular Assignments.

A. Resignation, Retirement, Dismissal, and Non-Renewal

1. Charles Ahsmann retiring boys assistant basketball coach at Crystal Lake South High School, effective after the 2017-2018 season.

2. Lauren Bauer resigned as one-half fall and one-half winter head dance coach at Crystal Lake South High School, effective after the 2017-2018 season.

3. Anne Burns retiring as English teacher at Crystal Lake Central High School, effective after first semester of the 2018-2019 school year.

4. Scott Busam resigned as sophomore class sponsor at Crystal Lake South High School, effective after the 2017-2018 school year.

5. Raymond Card released as boys head basketball coach at Prairie Ridge High School, effective after the 2017-2018 season.

6. Anna Carroll resigned as freshman class sponsor at Crystal Lake South High School, effective after the 2017-2018 school year.

7. Michelle Dare resigned as science teacher on leave of absence at Crystal Lake Central High School, effective after the 2017-2018 school year.

8. Sarah House resigned as assistant volleyball coach at Crystal Lake South High School, effective after the 2017-2018 season.

9. James Kelly resigned as boys one-half assistant basketball coach at Cary-Grove High School, effective after the 2017-2018 season.

10.Kathryn Koll resigned as musical producer at Crystal Lake South High School, effective after the 2017-2018 school year.

11.Kristin Lee going from one-half fall and one-half winter head cheerleading coach to one-quarter fall and one-quarter winter assistant cheerleading coach at Prairie Ridge High School, effective for the 2018-2019 season.

12.Rick Lima released as girls head basketball coach at Prairie Ridge High School, effective after the 2017-2018 season.

13.Nikki Limberis retiring as one-half food service worker at Crystal Lake South High School, effective March 23, 2018.

14.Alyssa Nuttall resigned as English teacher at Crystal Lake Central High School, effective after the 2017-2018 school year.

15.Neil Ray resigned as spring play technical director at Prairie Ridge High School, effective after the 2017-2018 school year.

16.Alfred Ripoli retiring as second-shift lead custodian at Cary-Grove High School, effective June 29, 2018.

17.Eric Samuelson resigned as boys one-half assistant basketball coach at Cary-Grove High School, effective after the 2017-2018 season.

18.Janet Simpson retiring as administrative assistant to the assistant superintendent of educational services at Community High School District 155, effective June 29, 2018.

19.Christine Sullivan resigned as one-quarter fall and one-quarter winter assistant cheerleading coach at Prairie Ridge High School, effective after the 2017-2018 season.

20.Samuel Sweeney resigned as girls head tennis coach and boys head tennis coach at Crystal Lake Central High School, effective after the 2017-2018 season.

21.William Wynn retiring as senior class sponsor at Crystal Lake South High School, effective after the 2017-2018 school year.

B. Employment

1. Julie Bentle going from one-third art teacher at Crystal Lake South High School to two-thirds art teacher at Crystal Lake South and Haber Oaks Campus effective for the 2018-2019 school year.

2. Elizabeth Hartig going from world language teacher to one-half world language teacher and one-half instructional technology coach at Crystal Lake Central High School, effective for the 2018-2019 school year.

3. Katie Koch going from math teacher to one-half math teacher and one-half instructional technology coach at Crystal Lake South High School, effective for the 2018-2019 school year.

4. Kaitlyn Sanford going from special education teacher to one-half special education teacher and one-half instructional technology coach at Prairie Ridge High School, effective for the 2018-2019 school year.

5. Stephanie Sukow going from English teacher to one-half English teacher and one-half instructional technology coach at Cary-Grove High School, effective for the 2018-2019 school year.

C. Coaching and Extra-Curricular Assignments

1. Corey Bruns to be employed as one-quarter assistant baseball coach at Cary-Grove High School, effective for the 2017-2018 season.

2. Steven Karlblom to be employed as girls assistant basketball coach at Prairie Ridge High School, effective for the 2018-2019 season.

3. Matthew Nelsen to be employed as one-quarter assistant baseball coach at Cary-Grove High School, effective for the 2017-2018 season.

4. Timothy Taege to be employed as girls head basketball coach at Prairie Ridge High School, effective for the 2018-2019 season.

5. Charisse Weil going from one-half fall and one-half winter assistant cheerleading coach to one-half fall and one-half winter head cheerleading coach at Prairie Ridge High School, effective for the 2018-2019 season.

Ron Ludwig moved and Rosemary Kurtz seconded the motion that the Board of Education approve the Resignation, Retirement, Dismissal, Non-Renewal, Employment, Coaching, and Extra-Curricular Assignments as presented. Upon the roll being called, the following members voted.

Aye: Jason Blake, Amy Blazier, Adam Guss, Rosemary Kurtz, Ron Ludwig, Nicole Pavoris, Dave Secrest

Nay: None

Steve Olson, Superintendent, spoke of District Accomplishments which included the following: the 20th annual College Fair recently held at Crystal Lake Central High School and the three CHSD 155 principals who will soon be completing their first year in the role at Cary-Grove, Crystal Lake South, and Crystal Lake Central High Schools. Mr. Olson also spoke on the outpouring of support and generosity from the community and district during the recent passing of Prairie Ridge teacher John Mason.

Steve Olson, Superintendent, announced that the Workforce Development Committee will have its first meeting on Monday, May 21, 2018 at 7:00 p.m. at the District Center for Education.

Steve Olson, Superintendent, requested the Board of Education approve the Intergovernmental Agreement for Regional Special Education Programming Among Districts 3, 26, 46, 47, 155, and 158. It was noted that the Region Districts created this Intergovernmental Agreement since the withdrawal from SEDOM becomes effective June 30, 2018. This Intergovernmental Agreement, approved by the other five districts, is meant to provide a comprehensive continuum of services for special needs students that live within the respective boundary areas of each district.

Dave Secrest moved and Amy Blazier seconded the motion that the Board of Education approve the Intergovernmental Agreement for Regional Special Education Programming Among Districts 3, 26, 46, 47, 155, and 158 as presented. Upon the roll being called, the following members voted.

Aye: Jason Blake, Amy Blazier, Adam Guss, Rosemary Kurtz, Ron Ludwig, Nicole Pavoris, Dave Secrest

Nay: None

Steve Olson, Superintendent, requested Board approval of the annual renewal for Cary-Grove, Crystal Lake Central, Crystal Lake South, and Prairie Ridge High Schools membership in the Illinois High School Association (IHSA). It was noted that this membership renewal is for the 2018-2019 school term and does not require payment of membership dues or state series entry fees for action of the IHSA Board of Directors.

Amy Blazier moved and Nicole Pavoris seconded the motion that the Board of Education approve the IHSA Membership Renewal as presented. Upon the roll being called, the following members voted.

Aye: Jason Blake, Amy Blazier, Adam Guss, Rosemary Kurtz, Ron Ludwig, Nicole Pavoris, Dave Secrest

Nay: None

It was noted that there were no Old Business, Committee Reports, or New Business items.

Adam Guss, Board President, and Board members Dave Secrest and Amy Blazier individually spoke under Matters to be Brought up by the Board. Mr. Guss requested that individual Board of Education email addresses be added to the district website and that, moving forward, a Board chairperson be named to each existing Board of Education Committee. Board chairpersons are as follows:

•Board Policies – Rosemary Kurtz

•Boundary and Enrollment – Amy Blazier

•Budget, Planning, Finance, and Audit – Jason Blake

•Community Relations/Inter-Governmental Affairs – Amy Blazier

•Curriculum, Staff Development, and Student Services – Nicole Pavoris

•Operations – Ron Ludwig

•Strategic Planning – Dave Secrest

•Transportation Joint Agreement – Dave Secrest

It was noted that both of these requests do not require a vote or policy change.

Board member Dave Secrest spoke of his attendance at the 20th annual College Fair recently held at Crystal Lake Central High School. Board member Amy Blazier spoke of the upcoming Rising Artist Show to be held at Cary-Grove High School.

It was moved by Amy Blazier and seconded by Nicole Pavoris that the Board of Education enter into Executive Session at 9:05 p.m. to discuss the Appointment, Employment, Compensation, Discipline, Performance or Dismissal of Employee(s) (Section C1). Upon the roll being called, the following members voted.

Aye: Jason Blake, Amy Blazier, Adam Guss, Rosemary Kurtz, Ron Ludwig,

Nicole Pavoris, Dave Secrest

Nay: None

Adam Guss, Board President, stated there would be one possible item requiring action resulting from Executive Session.

It was moved by Nicole Pavoris and seconded by Jason Blake that the Board of Education enter into Public Session at 9:45 p.m. Upon the roll being called, the following members voted.

Aye: Jason Blake, Amy Blazier, Adam Guss, Rosemary Kurtz, Ron Ludwig,

Nicole Pavoris, Dave Secrest

Nay: None

Amy Blazier moved and Rosemary Kurtz seconded the motion for the Board of Education to approve Jay Sargeant as Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources with the actual Employment Contract pending attorney review and approval. Upon the roll being called, the following members voted.

Aye: Jason Blake, Amy Blazier, Adam Guss, Rosemary Kurtz, Ron Ludwig, Nicole Pavoris

Nay: None

Present: Dave Secrest

There being no further business, it was moved by Ron Ludwig and seconded by Rosemary Kurtz that the meeting adjourn at 9:47 p.m. Upon the roll being called, the following members voted.

Aye: Jason Blake, Amy Blazier, Adam Guss, Rosemary Kurtz, Ron Ludwig, Nicole Pavoris, Dave Secrest

Nay: None

The next regular meeting of the Board of Education will be held on Tuesday, May 15, 2018 at 7:30 p.m. at the Center for Education, One South Virginia Road, Crystal Lake, IL 60014.

http://boardinfo.d155.org/boardinfolisting