McHenry Times

Crystal Lake Community High School District 155 Board of Education met March 20.

Here is the minutes provided by the Board:

President Adam Guss called the meeting to order at 7:31 p.m. The President directed the Secretary to call the roll. Upon the roll being called, the following members answered present: Amy Blazier, Adam Guss, Ron Ludwig, Rosemary Kurtz, Nicole Pavoris, and Dave Secrest. Board member absent: Jason Blake.

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; George DiVenere, Director of Technology; Shannon Podzimek, Director of Communications; Matt Timmerman, Director of Curriculum and Assessment; Kim Dahlem, Director of Student Services; Dr. Steven Koch, Dr. Eric Ernd, Neil Lesinski, and Josh Nobilio, Principals CHSD 155. Additional names of attendance on attached sign-in sheet. The Pledge of Allegiance was said by all in attendance.

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

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

Nay: None

Absent: Jason Blake

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

Perfect ACT Score-

•Ved Patel – Cary-Grove High School

•Benjamin Hausch – Crystal Lake South High School

Shannon Podzimek, Director of Communications, also provided the introductions regarding Staff Recognition. The D155 programs and staff members listed below were recognized for these accomplishments.

Project Lead The Way 10-Year Recognition-

•Crystal Lake Central High School Project Lead The Way Team

Project Lead The Way Distinguished School-

•Prairie Ridge High School Project Lead The Way Team

2018 T3 International Conference Presentation-

•Katie Koch, Teacher, Crystal Lake South High School

IPA Reaching Out & Building Bridges Award-

•Kim Dahlem, Director of Student Services, D155 Center for Education

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

1. Sheila Shanafelt, R.J.B. Properties Inc. – Requested the following:

“I am officially requesting a copy of the most recently awarded contract for custodial/janitorial, or maintenance services. The information will be used for commercial purposes.”

Request was granted in part and denied in part.

2. Jim Cosler, Citizen – Requested the following:

“Please provide email and text communications between Cary Grove High School personnel and Mr. Paul Ingallinera within the preceding year.”

Request was denied.

3. Jim Cosler, Citizen – Requested the following:

“Please provide any email communications to or from members of the D155 school Board involving Matt Ahmann or the lawsuit filed by Mr. Ahmann involving D155.”

Request was granted in part and denied in part.

4. Scott Coffey, Citizen – Requested the following:

“All invoices, bills, and supporting documentation for all utilities-related expenses by building for the time period between January 1st, 2016 and February 1st, 2018. This would include, but is not limited to suppliers such as Centerpoint Energy, Mid-American Energy, Comcast, and the City of Crystal Lake.”

Request qualified as a voluminous request. Requester did not amend. Remains pending.

5. John Martin, Citizen – Requested the following:

“I am requesting copies of all electronic communication exchanges, to include but not limited to emails and text message, between any School District 155 staff and all employees, or contractors doing business on the behalf of, FGM Architects that occurred between July 1, 2017 and February 21, 2018. Please include any and all documents attached to these emails or text communications.

Amended request: “I am requesting copies of all electronic communication exchanges, to included 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 July 1, 2017 and February 21, 2018. Please include any and all documents attached to these emails or text communications.”

Request qualified as a voluminous request. Amended request remains pending.

6. Lisa Skwarek, Citizen – Requested the following:

“We spoke on the phone this past Friday about how I would be able to obtain the results of the feasibility study that was conducted last fall pertaining to the relocation of the District Office or Haber Oaks and whatever other information that may be in the study”.

Request was granted in part and denied in part.

7. Carolyn Schofield, Citizen – Requested the following:

“A copy of the Feasibility Study to Examine Relocating District Office/Haber Oaks Campus by FGM Architects as well as cost of the study if different than the Board approved $56,750. A copy of emails to and from staff and board members referencing the Haber Oaks relocation.”

Request was granted in part and denied in part.

8. Louise Medina, SMART Local 265 – Requested the following:

“I’m requesting all bid records, bid announcements, bid advertisements, work orders, invoices, receipts of payment, Random drug testing policy and certified copies of payroll for (Contractors listed below) for any work performed at Crystal Lake South, 1200 S McHenry Ave; Mechanical Concepts and all Sub Contractors of Mechanical Concepts (Approx. Bid to General Contractor = 260,000) 2017 Improvements.”

Request was granted in part and denied in part.

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

“I am requesting Crystal Lake Community High School District 155’s most recent collective bargaining agreement with the High School District 155 Education Association and a list of teachers represented under the contract by first name, last name, bargaining unit and position.”

Request was granted.

Julie Haislip, D47 teacher and parent, addressed the Board and shared her concerns regarding the relocation of Haber Oaks Campus to Crystal Lake South High School. Ms. Haislip requested that the Board review their decision and reconsider their motion of relocation.

Carolyn Schofield, parent, spoke of district website improvements (individual staff email links and Board of Education Meeting packets) and response to her Freedom of Information Request. Ms. Schofield requested that the Board reconsider their decision on the relocation of Haber Oaks Campus to Crystal Lake South High School.

Cindy Markee, parent, requested that the Board reconsider their decision on the relocation of Haber Oaks Campus to Crystal Lake South High School. Ms. Markee also commented on the real estate market, property taxes, and declining student enrollment; suggesting curriculum options for consideration.

Scott Coffey, citizen, commented on the dismissal of teachers, response to his Freedom of Information Request, relocation of Haber Oaks Campus, selling of district property, district finances, and outsourcing of food service.

Craig Asbach, parent, addressed the Board and shared his concerns regarding the March 14th walkout.

John Pletz, citizen, commented on the real estate market and property taxes. Mr. Pletz also requested that the Board reconsider their decision on the relocation of Haber Oaks Campus with a possible move of the district office.

Jeremy Davis, Assistant Superintendent of Finance and Operations, presented the Treasurer’s Report for the month ending February 28, 2018. Board members were informed that CHSD155 is owed approximately $343,000 by the State of Illinois. Evidence-based Funding, what was originally called General State Aid, continues to flow timely to school districts.

Mr. Davis also informed the Board that the County Clerk’s offices have begun to release property tax data. It is anticipated that Mr. Davis will be able to provide a property tax update at the April 17, 2018 Board of Education Meeting.

Jeremy Davis announced that the Finance Department received The Certificate of Excellence in Financial Reporting (COE) from the Association of School Business Officials (ASBO) International for the fourth consecutive year. It was noted that this certificate reflects the effort and dedication of the entire CHSD 155 business office staff.

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 February 14, 2018 through March 13, 2018 in the amount of $7,775,608.99.

Dave Secrest moved and Nicole Pavoris seconded the motion that the Bills as listed on the Agenda in the amount of $7,775,608.99 be approved and ordered paid as presented. Upon the roll being called, the following members voted.

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

Nay: None

Absent: Jason Blake

Jeremy Davis, Assistant Superintendent of Finance and Operations, announced that the next item for consideration was the Adoption of FY19 Budget Officer Resolution. Board President Adam Guss requested that reading of the Resolution to Designate a Budget Officer for the Fiscal Year 2018-2019 be waived.

Nicole Pavoris moved and Dave Secrest seconded the motion that the Board of Education adopt the FY19 Budget Officer Resolution. It was noted that pursuant to Chapter 105, Article 5/17-1 of the Illinois School Code, the Board of Education is required annually to name an individual (or individuals) the responsibility of preparing the next fiscal year budget. This involves no additional cost to the district. Upon the roll being called, the following members voted.

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

Nay: None

Absent: Jason Blake

Resolution To Designate A Budget Officer For The Fiscal Year 2018-2019

Whereas, by the provisions of Chapter 105, Article 5/17-1 of the Illinois School Code, this Board of Education of Community High School District 155, McHenry and Lake Counties, Illinois, is required to adopt an annual budget before the end of the first quarter of each fiscal year and,

Whereas, the Board of Education establishes the fiscal year to begin July 1, 2018 and,

Whereas, the tentative budget shall be made available for public inspection for at least 30 days prior to final action thereon and,

Whereas, at least one public hearing shall be held as to such budget prior to final action thereon and,

Whereas, the Board of Education is required to designate a person to prepare in tentative form the budget for fiscal year 2018-2019.

Now Therefore Be It And It Is Hereby Resolved by this Board of Education of Community High School District 155, McHenry and Lake Counties, Illinois, that the Superintendent or designee of Community High School District 155 be designated as the person to prepare the 2018- 2019 fiscal year budget in tentative form and to make such budget available as required by Illinois School Code.

Adopted and approved this 20th day of March, 2018, upon motion made by_______________________ and seconded by _______________________. For the adoption of the foregoing resolution, a roll call vote was taken. The members voted as follows:

Jeremy Davis, Assistant Superintendent of Finance and Operations, presented information regarding the proposed Budget Calendar for the upcoming Fiscal Year 2019 which commences on July 1, 2018 and extends through June 30, 2019. It was noted that several key factors considered when formulating these target dates for the current budgeting process include: obtaining critical staff and agency input, making a tentative budget available to the public prior to the beginning of the fiscal year, and meeting all statutory requirements and deadlines. In addition, Mr. Davis explained that the Public Hearing/Final Approval date is tentative as the Board of Education Meeting dates after June 2018 have yet to be scheduled. It was noted that Final Budget Approval is required by the end of September 2018.

Proposed Fiscal Year 2019 Budget Calendar

March 20 Appoint Budget Officer (Supt. or designee)

April - May Building and Departmental Meetings/Input

Estimate of Overall Revenues

Estimate of Overall Expenditures

May 4 Initial draft of Tentative Budget for Cabinet Review

May 8 or 9 Tentative Budget for BOE Finance Committee Review

June 19 Full BOE approval of Tentative Budget/ Public Posting

July-August TBA Public Hearing and Final Budget Approval

(tentative date: this meeting not yet scheduled)

Jeremy Davis, Assistant Superintendent of Finance and Operations, then shared a Presentation of Five-Year Fiscal Projections. It was noted that CHSD 155 has utilized prior years’ actual data, imported the current Board-approved FY18 Budget, adjusted some current year revenues/expenditures as new information has been received since FY18 Budget approval, consulted with Forecast 5 Analytics, and estimated future year revenues and expenditures for five (5) additional fiscal years.

Mr. Davis shared a Five-Year Fiscal Projection Base Model. It was noted that this Base Model contains annual $1,200,000 Debt Service Abatements beginning in Tax Year 2017 and continuing through Tax Year 2021. Board members were informed that the district is projected to remain solvent in the next five years in this Base Model.

Mr. Davis also shared another Model with a 10% reduction in the 2018 Tax Levy and no additional Debt Service Abatements. Board members were shown that this updated Model shows a drastic fund balance decline over the next five (5) fiscal years.

Mr. Davis provided additional information regarding fund balances vs. cash balances. It was noted that D155 cash balances typically are higher than D155 fund balances due to tax revenue received and deferred prior to July 1, the first day of the fiscal year. Board members were shown a two-year history of cash balances and fund balances in District 155.

Jeremy Davis, Assistant Superintendent of Finance and Operations, then presented information regarding the district’s agreement with HR Imaging Partners for school photos and senior yearbook portraits. It was noted that this agreement with HR Imaging Partners had been discussed at the March 14, 2018 Budget, Planning, Finance, and Audit Committee Meeting.

Ron Ludwig moved and Rosemary Kurtz seconded the motion that the Board of Education approve HR Imaging Partners Contract Renewal as presented naming them the “Official Photographer” for Community High School District 155 and each of its high schools. Upon the roll being called, the following members voted.

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

Nay: None

Absent: Jason Blake

Jeremy Davis, Assistant Superintendent of Finance and Operations, then presented information regarding the district’s agreement with Jostens for publishing high school yearbooks. It was noted that this requires annual written agreements each spring prior to the upcoming school year. Board members were informed that students and/or families do not purchase yearbooks directly from individual schools. Instead, Jostens handles all money and purchasing. The schools will distribute the yearbooks. In addition, pricing for yearbook production is different for each school due to variations of number of pages and content. It was further noted that this had been discussed at the March 14, 2018 Budget, Planning, Finance, and Audit Committee Meeting.

Ron Ludwig moved and Amy Blazier seconded the motion that the Board of Education approve Jostens Yearbook Agreements as presented for the 2018-2019 school year at no cost to the school district. Upon the roll being called, the following members voted.

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

Nay: None

Absent: Jason Blake

Jeremy Davis, Assistant Superintendent of Finance and Operations, announced that the final item for consideration was the Approval of New Student Activity Fund Account(s). Administration is seeking approval for the creation of the following: Eyes Open Club (Prairie Ridge High School); Culinary Student Sales (Crystal Lake South High School); Business Scholarship (Crystal Lake Central High School); and Girls Gymnastics (Prairie Ridge High School). It was noted that these New Student Activity Fund Accounts had been discussed at the March 14, 2018 Budget, Planning, Finance, and Audit Committee Meeting.

Ron Ludwig moved and Nicole Pavoris seconded the motion that the Board of Education approve the New Student Activity Fund Account(s) as presented. Upon the roll being called, the following members voted.

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

Nay: None

Absent: Jason Blake

Thomas Kim, Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources, presented the Resolution - Honorable Dismissal of Teachers. It was noted that this Resolution reflects a decrease in the number of teachers the District will employ during the 2018-2019 school year. The District is required by law to provide notification to the teacher(s) at least forty-five (45) days prior to the conclusion of the school year. Board President Adam Guss requested that reading of the Resolution – Honorable Dismissal of Teachers be waived.

Ron Ludwig moved and Dave Secrest seconded the motion that the Board of Education approve the Resolution - Honorable Dismissal of Teachers as presented. Upon the roll being called, the following members voted.

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

Nay: None

Absent: Jason Blake

Resolution

Honorable Dismissal Of Teachers

Whereas, the teachers listed in this Resolution are employed by the Board of Education of Community High School District No. 155 during the 2017-2018 school year; and

Whereas, the Board has determined to decrease the number of teachers employed and discontinue some particular type of teaching service in the School District; and

Whereas, each teacher has been categorized into one or more positions that the teacher is qualified to hold, based upon legal qualifications and any other qualifications established in the District’s job description for such positions; and

Whereas, within each position and subject to agreements made by the District’s Joint Committee on honorable dismissals, the District has assigned each teacher to one of four groupings based on performance evaluation ratings; and

Whereas, the Board must first dismiss those teachers in Group 1 before dismissing any teacher in Group 2 who is qualified to hold a position currently held by a teacher in Group 1, and these Group 1 teachers are not entitled to recall rights; and

Whereas, the Board must first dismiss those teachers in Group 2 before dismissing any teacher in Group 3 who is qualified to hold a position currently held by a teacher in Group 2, and these Group 2 teachers are entitled to limited recall rights only in certain circumstances; and

Whereas, the Board must first dismiss those teachers in Group 3 before dismissing any teacher in Group 4 who is qualified to hold a position currently held by a teacher in Group 3, and teachers in Groups 3 and 4 are entitled to recall rights; and

Whereas, as between or among teachers in Group 1 qualified to hold a position, the sequence of dismissal is at the Board’s discretion; and

Whereas, as between or among teachers in Group 2 qualified to hold a position, the teacher or teachers with the lowest average performance evaluation rating must be dismissed first; and

Whereas, as between or among teachers in Group 2 with the same average performance evaluation rating and within each of Groups 3 and 4, the teacher or teachers with the shorter length of continuing service with the District must be dismissed first unless an alternative method of determining the sequence of dismissal is established in a collective bargaining agreement or contract between the Board and a professional faculty members’ organization; and

Whereas, whenever the number of honorable dismissal notices based upon economic necessity exceeds five (5) or one hundred fifty percent (150%) of the average number of teachers honorably dismissed in the preceding three (3) years, whichever is greater, the Board is required to hold a public hearing on the question of dismissals; and

Whereas, a public hearing on the question of the dismissals is not required; and

Whereas, the Board has concluded that the teachers named in this resolution will be honorably dismissed at the end of the 2017-2018 school year, pursuant to Section 24-12 of the School Code (105 ILCS 5/24-12).

Now, Therefore, Be It Resolved by the Board of Education of Community High School District No. 155, McHenry and Lake Counties, Illinois, that:

Section 1: The following teachers shall be honorably dismissed at the end of the 2017-2018 school year because of the decision of the Board to decrease the number of teachers employed:

Rebecca Adams

Raymond Card

Sarah Eastman

Rick Lima

Erin Scott

Matthew Swedberg

Haley Wickstrom

Section 2: The following teacher shall be honorably dismissed at the end of the 2017-2018 school year because of the decision of the Board to discontinue some particular type of teaching service:

Bradley Delisle

Section 3: The President and Secretary of the Board are authorized and directed to give the teachers a written Notice of Honorable Dismissal, together with the reason therefore, attached as Exhibits A1 and A2 and incorporated by reference, by first class mail at least forty-five (45) days before the end of the school year.

Section 4: The Superintendent or designee shall also deliver a copy of the Notice to the teachers by certified mail, return receipt requested and personally with a signature receipt. A copy of the receipt is attached as Exhibit B and incorporated by reference.

Section 5: This Resolution is in full force and effect upon its passage.

Adopted this 20th day of March, 2018, by the following vote:

Ayes:

Nays:

Absent:

Thomas Kim, Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources, then presented information regarding Summer Workers 2018. It was noted that each summer, CHSD 155 employs additional workers for grounds, maintenance, moving services, limited custodial support, and some operations record keeping. It was noted that in the past, the Board has approved ten (10) Summer Workers. It is being requested that the Board approve the hire of six (6) Summer Workers for 2018.

Amy Blazier moved and Rosemary Kurtz seconded the motion that the Board of Education approve Summer Workers 2018 as presented. Upon the roll being called the following members voted.

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

Nay: None

Absent: Jason Blake

Thomas Kim, Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources, requested revisions prior to the approval of Resignation, Retirement, Dismissal, Non-Renewal, Leave of Absence, Employment, Coaching, and Extra-Curricular Assignments. Board members were informed that under Agenda Item C. Resignation, Retirement, Dismissal, and NonRenewal, item #3 should be removed and item #14 should state the effective resignation date as February 23, 2018.

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

1. Cheryl Bettison retiring as switchboard secretary at Crystal Lake South High School, effective May 31, 2018.

2. Matthew Blankshain resigned as math teacher at Crystal Lake Central High School, effective after the 2017-2018 school year.

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

4. Jaclyn Fowler resigned as math teacher at Crystal Lake Central High School, effective after the 2017-2018 school year.

5. Matt Fralick resigned as boys one-half assistant golf coach at Crystal Lake Central High School, effective February 28, 2018.

6. Diana Gallagher resigned as special education teacher at Crystal Lake South High School, effective after the 2017-2018 school year.

7. David Hartl going from girls head indoor track coach to girls one-half head indoor track coach at Prairie Ridge High School, effective for the 2017-2018 school year.

8. Tracy Hefferan resigned as special education teacher at Crystal Lake South High School, effective after the 2017-2018 school year.

9. Thomas Kim resigned as assistant superintendent of human resources at Community High School District 155, effective June 30, 2018.

10.Anthony Lazzara resigned as psychologist at Haber Oaks Campus, effective after the 2017-2018 school year.

11.Nicholas Livas released as girls assistant basketball coach at Prairie Ridge High School, effective March 12, 2018.

12.Frank Lopuszynski retiring as ten-month in school suspension supervisor at Crystal Lake Central High School, effective August 1, 2018.

13.Meghan Lozano resigned as nine-month special education paraprofessional at Cary-Grove High School, effective March 9, 2018.

14.Derrek Seubert resigned as second-shift custodian at Crystal Lake Central High School, effective February 23, 2018.

15.Monica Venne resigned as teacher on leave of absence at Crystal Lake Central High School, effective after the 2017-2018 school year.

16.Lara Vetta resigned as one-half Fall assistant dance coach at Cary-Grove High School, effective March 6, 2018.

17.Tracy Wells resigned as two-thirds food service worker at Crystal Lake Central High School, effective February 15, 2018.

18.Laurie Whitlock resigned as occupational therapist at Prairie Ridge High School, effective after the 2017-2018 school year.

D. Leave of Absence

1. Mimi Kallwitz requesting a parental leave of absence as two-fifths math and physics teacher at Prairie Ridge High School, effective for the 2018- 2019 school year.

2. Kara Murren requesting a leave of absence as social worker at Crystal Lake South High School, effective for the 2018-2019 school year.

E. Employment

1. Veronica Gutzmer to be employed as attendance clerk at Crystal Lake South High School, effective March 12, 2018.

2. Helen Elaine Pierce going from nine-month attendance clerk at Crystal Lake South High School to ten-month dean secretary at Cary-Grove High School, effective March 1, 2018.

3. Manuel Rodriguez to be employed as second-shift custodian at Crystal Lake Central High School, effective March 8, 2018.

F. Coaching and Extra-Curricular Assignments

1. Sarah Eastham to be girls one-half head indoor track coach at Prairie Ridge High School, effective for the 2017-2018 season.

2. Vicki Hamill to be employed as assistant softball coach at Crystal Lake Central High School, effective for the 2017-2018 season.

3. Jessica Ludwig to be employed as head Fall and Winter cheerleading coach at Crystal Lake South High School, effective for the 2018-2019 season.

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

Aye: Amy Blazier, Adam Guss, Rosemary Kurtz, Ron Ludwig for items C, D, E, Nicole Pavoris, Dave Secrest

Nay: None

Abstain: Ron Ludwig for item F

Absent: Jason Blake

Thomas Kim, Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources, then presented information regarding the Request For Proposal (RFP) – Benefits Consultant/Broker Services. Mr. Kim shared background history noting that a relationship began approximately 35 years ago with Home Life Group/Fringe Funding. Board members were informed that the rationale for RFP includes ensuring the best plan along with best cost options for all stakeholders, increase in number of employees since 1982-1983, Health Savings Account option, and transitional period in district leadership. In addition, Mr. Kim explained the RFP process which includes developing parameters based on feedback from Education Association other employees’ feedback, Education Association and CHESS notified, Legal review of RFP, RFP packet sent out in March, review of proposals in April, interviewing selected vendors in April, review results with the Board of Education in May, and potential Board of Education vote to approve an agreement in June.

Steve Olson, Superintendent, acknowledged Thomas Kim, Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources, for his work on the district’s health insurance. Mr. Olson then spoke of recent District Accomplishments which included the musicals that were recently performed at all four D155 high schools; Crystal Lake Central Science Olympiad Team capturing a bid to the state championship tournament; Prairie Ridge Girls Gymnastics Team finishing second at state; and nine D155 Art Students earning over $1.3 million in scholarships.

Steve Olson, Superintendent, shared the history of Transportation Joint Agreement (TJA) noting that it was established in 1974 and is overseen by an Advisory Board by both districts 47 and 155. Mr. Olson further explained that the D155 Board of Education had requested district administration examine the operations of TJA and review safety concerns stemming from the October 17, 2017 unannounced Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) inspection.

Jeremy Davis, Assistant Superintendent of Finance and Operations, provided a Transportation Joint Agreement (TJA) Examination Update. Board members were informed that unbeknownst to TJA leadership, ten (10) buses were removed from the TJA bus lot during the October 17, 2017 IDOT safety inspection. When TJA leadership discovered what had occurred, those ten (10) buses were ordered out-of-service later that same day. It was noted that the IDOT inspector visually examined these ten (10) buses and the issue was resolved to the IDOT inspector’s satisfaction.

Mr. Davis shared information regarding the findings from the 85 buses that were inspected on October 17, 2017 and resolutions to any citations/findings. Mr. Davis also explained safety precautions and procedures currently followed by TJA including bus driver training, daily and periodic bus inspections, bus driver evaluations, and bi-monthly bus driver meetings. Board members were informed that D155 administration affirms the school buses are well maintained and safe to transport students.

Board member Ron Ludwig questioned the bus tire built in tread wear indicators. Mr. Davis explained that these indicators are embedded in the tread with tires being examined every day. It was noted that brakes and brake pads are checked as well.

It was noted there were no Old Business, Committee Reports, New Business items, or Matters to be Brought up by the Board.

It was moved by Amy Blazier and seconded by Nicole Pavoris that the Board of Education enter into Executive Session at 9:30 p.m. to discuss the Appointment, Employment, Compensation, Discipline, Performance or Dismissal of Employee(s) (Section C1); and Litigation, when an action against, affecting or on behalf of the particular public body has been filed and is pending before a court or administrative tribunal, or when the public body finds that an action is probable or imminent, in which case the basis for the finding shall be recorded and entered into the minutes of the closed meeting (Section C11). Upon the roll being called, the following members voted.

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

Nay: None

Absent: Jason Blake

Adam Guss, Board President, stated there would possibly be two items requiring action resulting from Executive Session.

It was moved by Dave Secrest and seconded by Amy Blazier that the Board of Education enter into Public Session at 10:13 p.m. Upon the roll being called, the following members voted.

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

Nay: None

Absent: Jason Blake

Nicole Pavoris moved and Dave Secrest seconded the motion that the Board of Education approve the employment of Julie Deka as Division Leader – Special Education – Prairie Ridge High School for 2018-2019 with the actual Employment Contract pending attorney review and approval. Upon the roll being called, the following members voted.

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

Nay: None

Absent: Jason Blake

Dave Secrest moved and Nicole Pavoris seconded the motion that the Board of Education approve Settlement Agreement in U.S. District Court No. 18-CV-50010 as presented. Upon the roll being called, the following members voted.

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

Nay: None

Absent: Jason Blake

There being no further business, it was moved by Amy Blazier and seconded by Ron Ludwig that the meeting adjourn at 10:15 p.m. Upon the roll being called, the following members voted.

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

Nay: None

Absent: Jason Blake

The next regular meeting of the Board of Education will be held on Tuesday, April 17, 2018 at 7:30 p.m. in the Library at Cary-Grove High School, 2208 Three Oaks Road, Cary, IL 60013.

http://boardinfo.d155.org/boardinfolisting