McHenry Times

Woodstock Community Unit School District 200 Board of Education Learning Resources Center met Dec. 10.

Here is the minutes provided by the board:

I - CALL TO ORDER

Mr. Gilmore, President, called the meeting to order at 6:45 p.m.

II - ROLL CALL

Present: Dr. Bidwell, Dr. Farris, Mr. Gilmore, Mr. Headley, Mr. Parisi, and

Dr. Moan, Superintendent

Absent: Mr. Homuth and Mr. Miceli

III - CLOSED SESSION

MOTION – Moved by Mr. Parisi and seconded by Dr. Bidwell to go into closed session at 6:46 p.m. for the purpose of discussing litigation, when an action against, affecting or on behalf of the particular District has been filed and is pending before a court or administrative tribunal, or when the District finds that an action is probable or imminent, in which case the basis for the finding shall be recorded and entered into the closed meeting minutes; and the appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific employees of the District or legal counsel for the District, including hearing testimony on a complaint lodged against an employee or against legal counsel for the District to determine its validity, with roll call vote as follows:

Mr. Parisi - Yes

Dr. Bidwell - Yes

Mr. Headley - Yes

Dr. Farris - Yes

Mr. Gilmore - Yes

The Board returned to open session at 7:02 p.m

IV - ROLL CALL

Present: Dr. Bidwell, Dr. Farris, Mr. Gilmore, Mr. Headley, Mr. Parisi, Dr. Moan, Superintendent, Mr. Brian McAdow, Associate Superintendent for Human Resources and Operations, Dr. Justin Smith, Assistant Superintendent for Middle and High School Education, Mrs. Keely Krueger, Assistant Superintendent for Early Childhood and Elementary Education, and Mrs. Risa Hanson, Chief Financial Officer.

Absent: Mr. Homuth and Mr. Miceli

V - CONSENT AGENDA

MOTION – Moved by Mr. Parisi and seconded by Dr. Bidwell to approve the Consent Agenda including minutes; routine personnel matters with addendum; financial reports; bills payable; Woodstock High School co-curricular fundraising requests 2019-2020; Woodstock North High School co-curricular fundraising requests 2019-2020; summer 2019 security upgrades change order; a resolution reauthorizing participation in the Illinois School District Liquid Asset Fund Plus (The Fund); Everest Nursing Solutions Inc. agreement; and the designation of individuals to develop the 2020-21 budget, with roll call vote as follows:

Mr. Parisi - Yes

Dr. Bidwell - Yes

Mr. Headley - Yes

Dr. Farris - Yes

Mr. Gilmore - Yes

1. Approval of Minutes

1.1 Regular Meeting of November 19, 2019

1.2 Closed Session of November 19, 2019

2. Approval of Routine Personnel Matters Employment

Approve the employment of Micaela Estrada as Food Service Personnel for the 2019-2020 school year at 4 hours per day, 5 days per week, $11.28 per hour. (PWE)

Approve the employment of Margaret Gomberg in an additional position as Assistant Boys Swim Coach for the 2019-2020 school year at a stipend of $4,609. (WNHS)

Approve the employment of Jacob Schnulle as Job Coach for the 2019-2020 school year at 6 hours per day, 5 days per week, $13.17 per hour. (WNHS)

Approve the employment of Angela Haurum as a.625 FTE Student Support Interventionist for the 2019-2020 school year only at a salary of $17,407*. (NWMS)

Approve the employment of Kathy Burgin as Special Education One-on-One Health Associate for the 2019-2020 school year at 6.5 hours per day, 5 days per week, $12.28 per hour. (OES)

Approve the employment of Castidie Creighton as Special Education One-on- One Associate for the 2019-2020 school year at 6.75 hours per day, 5 days per week, $11.28 per hour. (NWMS)

Approve the employment of Jennifer Feller as Special Education One-on-One Health Associate for the 2019-2020 school year at 6 hours per day, 5 days per week, $12.28 per hour. (VDELC)

* Salary includes Board-paid contribution to TRS.

Other

Approve a change in retirement date for Jane Benda from a previously approved end of the 2020-2021 school year to the newly requested end of the 2019-2020 school year. (CMS – Language Arts Teacher)

Approve the rescindment of retirement for Kathleen Wakitsch from a previously approved end of 2019-2020 school year. (OES – Autism Teacher)

Approve the transfer of Michelle Fawkes to a position of Food Service Cook for the 2019-2020 school year at 7 hours per day, 5 days per week, $14.17 per hour. (WHS)

Approve a change in hours for Raquel Hanson for the 2019-2020 school year to 6 hours per day, 5 days per week. (Transportation – Route Driver)

Approve a change in hours for Susan Jewasinski for the 2019-2020 school year to 6 hours per day, 5 days per week. (Transportation – Route Driver)

Approve the transfer of Angelica Vidals to a position of Bilingual RTI Associate for the 2019-2020 school year at 6 hours per day, 5 days per week. (WWE)

Approve the transfer of Kathryn Zabielski to a position of Food Service Cook for the 2019-2020 school year at 7 hours per day, 5 days per week, $12.98 per hour. (WNHS)

Resignation

Approve the retirement of Dale Daugherity, effective the end of the 2019- 2020 school year. (WNHS – Industrial Tech Teacher)

Approve the resignation of Maria Arellano, effective November 18, 2019. (PWE – Special Education One-to-One Bilingual Health Associate)

Approve the resignation of Kathryn Evans, effective November 1, 2019. (PWE – Special Education One-to-One Health Associate)

Approve the resignation of Makayla Gibbs, effective December 5, 2019. (WHS – Special Education One-to-One Associate)

Approve the retirement of Christine Graf, effective the end of the 2021-2022 school year. (NWMS – Food Service Manager)

Approve the retirement of Melvin Harris, effective the end of the 2020-2021 school year. (Clay – Student Intervention Facilitator)

Approve the resignation of Benjamin Hernacki-Hager, effective January 20, 2020. (WWE – Kids Club Associate)

Approve the retirement of Jennifer Herring, effective the end of the 2021- 2022 school year. (Clay – Special Education Classroom Associate)

Approve the retirement of Sandra Metcalf, effective the end of the 2019-2020 school year. (Dean – Special Education Health Associate)

Approve the resignation of Jennifer Mickle, effective December 2, 2019. (WNHS – Job Coach)

Approve the retirement of Terry Moses, effective the end of the 2020-2021 school year. (Clay – Student Intervention Facilitator)

Approve the retirement of Therese Schauer, effective the end of the 2020- 2021 school year. (PWE – Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant)

Approve the retirement of Maribeth Dhom, effective the end of the 2021-2022 school year. (Dean – Secretary to the Principal)

Leave of Absence

Approve a leave of absence for medical reasons for Bayza Senbetta beginning November 13, 2019 and continuing through an anticipated return date of December 3, 2019, using available paid sick leave days per doctor’s written instructions, with any balance of the leave unpaid. (CMS – Dual Language Teacher)

Approve a leave of absence under FMLA for Robert Teuber beginning January 14, 2020 and continuing through an anticipated return date of February 11, 2020, using available paid sick leave days concurrently per doctor’s instructions, with any balance of the leave unpaid. (WWE – 5th Grade Teacher)

Approve an unpaid leave of absence for Jennifer Hummel-Geddis from December 2, 2019 through a return date of January 6, 2020. (Transportation – Route Driver)

Approve a change in the approved medical leave of absence dates for Philip Kline from December 9, 2019 to December 20, 2019 to the newly requested dates from January 6, 2020 to Janaury17, 2020. (CMS – Special Education Classroom Associate)

Approve an extension of the approved leave of absence for Alma Meal, with the current medical leave of absence to continue through a return date to be determined. (GWE – RTI Intervention Associate)

Approve an unpaid leave of absence for Jane Srednicki from January 6, 2020 through a return date of February 3, 2020. (Transportation – Route Driver)

Approve a leave of absence under FMLA for Travis Mohr from an anticipated start of March 27, 2020 and continuing through an anticipated two (2) weeks thereafter, using available paid sick leave days concurrently per doctor’s written instructions, with any balance of the leave unpaid. (Clay – Physical Education Teacher)

Approve a leave of absence under FMLA for Mark Tschappat beginning December 16, 2019 and continuing through a return date of January 27, 2020, using available paid sick leave days concurrently per doctor’s written instructions, with any balance of the leave unpaid. (Clay – Physical Education Teacher)

Approve a leave of absence for Courtney Patrick for medical reasons with an anticipated start of January 6, 2020 and continuing through an anticipated return date of March 9, 2020, using available paid sick leave days per doctor’s written instructions with any balance of the leave unpaid. (Clay – Special Education Classroom Associate)

3. Approval of Financial Reports (On File)

3.1 Treasurer’s Report

3.2 Investment Period

3.3 Budget Summary Report

4. Approval of Bills Payable (On File)

5. Approval of Woodstock High School Co-Curricular Fundraising Requests 2019-2020 (On File)

6. Approval of Woodstock North High School Co-Curricular Fundraising Requests 2019-2020 (On File)

7. Approval of Summer 2019 Security Upgrades Change Order (On File)

8. Approval of a Resolution Reauthorizing Participation in the Illinois School District Liquid Asset Fund Plus (The Fund) (On File)

9. Approval of Everest Nursing Solutions Inc. Agreement (On File)

10. Approval of the Designation of Individuals to Develop the 2020-21 Budget (On File)

VI - COMMUNICATIONS

1. Mr. Parisi informed Board members that unless there were other suggestions,

he planned on donating the same item to the Education Foundation fundraiser from the Board as last year.

2. Mr. Headley informed the Board that Westwood Elementary School is the latest school to partner with the Food Pantry.

VII - SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT

1. Dr. Moan highlighted upcoming holiday events throughout the district.

2. Dr. Moan informed the Board that the Dual Degree program is off to a great start with approximately 13 students from each high school enrolled in the program.

VIII - MONITORING REPORT

1. Dual Language and Illinois State Seal of Biliteracy Update (On File)

Assistant Superintendent Keely Krueger updated the Board on the Dual Language program and Illinois State Seal of Biliteracy recognition.

Mrs. Krueger explained that the Dual Language program enrollment has steadily increased from 51 students in 2004-2005 when the program was implemented to 2450 in 2019-2020. Approximately 38% of District 200’s student population is currently enrolled in Dual Language.

Mrs. Krueger added that as the Dual Language program population reaches high school, more course offerings have become available for those students. Program offerings have led to students achieving both Dual Language recognition for high school graduates as well as students receiving the Illinois State Seal of Biliteracy on school transcripts.

Mrs. Krueger pointed out that District 200 Hispanic ELA student scores exceed scores in neighboring districts that have Dual Language programs. She added that since the introduction of the Dual Language program in District 200, the Hispanic graduation rate has increased 30% from 64% in 2004 to 94% in 2019. Mrs. Krueger remarked that District 200’s Hispanic graduation rate is currently 12% higher than the State Hispanic graduation rate of 82%.

IX - UNFINISHED BUSINESS

There was no unfinished business.

X - NEW BUSINESS

1. Presentation of Parent Satisfaction Survey Results (On File)

Dr. Moan highlighted another year of positive results from the 2019-2020 parent satisfaction survey. Dr. Moan added that there are always areas of improvement to focus on, but overall the percentages of parents who strongly agree or agree continues to be high.

2. Approval of a Resolution Approving the 2019 Tax Levy

This item was included on the agenda so the Board could adopt the resolution pertaining to the 2019 tax levy so it could be filed with the McHenry County Clerk before the last Tuesday in December.

Chief Financial Officer Risa Hanson provided the Board with a brief overview of the levy.

MOTION – Moved by Mr. Headley and seconded by Mr. Parisi to waive the reading of and approve the resolution authorizing the final tax levy for the year 2019, with roll call vote as follows: (On File)

Mr. Headley - Yes

Mr. Parisi - Yes

Dr. Farris - Yes

Dr. Bidwell - Yes

Mr. Gilmore - Yes

3. Consideration of a Resolution Abating a Portion of the Tax Levied for the Year 2019 to Pay Debt Service on General Obligation School Refunding Bonds, Series 2014, of the District

This item was included on the agenda so the Board could approve a resolution to abate $2,999,387.50 of the taxes levied to pay debt service on the Series 2014 General Obligation School Refunding Bonds in order to reduce the district’s 2019 tax levy for taxes payable in 2020.

3. Consideration of a Resolution Abating a Portion of the Tax Levied for the Year 2019 to Pay Debt Service on General Obligation School Refunding Bonds, Series 2014, of the District (Con’t)

Chief Financial Officer Risa Hanson explained that at the November 19, 2019 Board of Education meeting, the Board determined that it would like to reduce the Debt Service levy by $2,999,387.50. The abatement resolution was prepared by Chapman & Cutler, the district’s bond counsel. Approval of the resolution would authorize the McHenry County Clerk to reduce the Series 2014 School Refunding Bonds’ tax levy $2,999,387.50.

MOTION – Moved by Mr. Headley and seconded by Mr. Parisi to waive the reading of and approve the resolution abating a portion of the tax levied for the year 2019 to pay debt service on the General Obligation School Refunding Bonds, Series 2014, of Community Unit School District Number 200, McHenry County, Illinois, with roll call vote as follows: (On File)

Mr. Headley - Yes

Mr. Parisi - Yes

Dr. Farris - Yes

Dr. Bidwell - Yes

Mr. Gilmore - Yes

4. Approval of a Property Tax Relief Grant

This item was included on the agenda so the Board could approve an application for a Property Tax Relief Grant provided by the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE).

Chief Financial Officer Risa Hanson explained that beginning in fiscal year 2019, the State Board of Education began providing property tax relief grants to eligible school districts. ISBE announced that grants are available again for fiscal year 2020 with a deadline to apply by January 6, 2020. These grants provide school districts with high tax rates relative to other school districts an opportunity to lower the property tax burden on local taxpayers with the state replacing a portion of this tax revenue with state funds.

Once all school districts apply, ISBE will determine, by the end of January 2020, which districts will receive the available funds beginning with the district with the highest tax rate, followed by the next highest, until approximately $50 million is distributed.

Mrs. Hanson added that according to ISBE, District 200 is ranked 76 out of 851 school districts and is eligible to receive $4,434,306 in grant funds if the district were to abate $5,110,711. However, there is over $123.9 million of possible property tax relief grants ahead of our district. Consequently, District 200 may receive anywhere from zero to $4.44 million.

Administration is recommending applying for the entire amount the district is eligible to abate, $5,110,711. If the district were to receive this full amount the tax rate, based on current EAV assumptions, would go down approximately $.45. Realistically, the tax rate decrease range would be $.00 to $.45, based on the amount of the grant the district may receive.

MOTION – Moved by Dr. Farris and seconded by Dr. Bidwell to approve the Property Tax Relief Grant Application for fiscal year 2020, with roll call vote as follows: (On File)

Dr. Farris - Yes

Dr. Bidwell - Yes

Mr. Headley - Yes

Mr. Parisi - Yes

Mr. Gilmore - Yes

5. Approval of Budget Development Parameters and Assumptions for the 2020- 2021 Budget

This item was included on the agenda so the Board could establish the budget development parameters and assumptions to be used in estimating budgets for 2020-2021 through 2023-2024. Chief Financial Officer Risa Hanson explained the planning parameters and assumptions. Mrs. Hanson reviewed assumptions used for the three previous school years as a point of reference. Mrs. Hanson added that as new information is known and projections become actual with the passage of time between now and September 22, 2020, the scheduled date of budget adoption, the parameters and assumptions will be updated.

MOTION – Moved by Mr. Parisi and seconded by Dr. Farris to approve the budget development parameters and assumptions for use in the preparation of the 2020-2021 tentative budget, with roll call vote as follows: (On File)

Mr. Parisi - Yes

Dr. Farris - Yes

Dr. Bidwell - Yes

Mr. Headley - Yes

Mr. Gilmore - Yes

6. Approval of Northwood Middle School Life Safety Amendment

This item was included on the agenda to the Board could review and approve a Life Safety Amendment for roof repairs at Northwood Middle School.

Chief Financial Officer Risa Hanson explained that a Life Safety Amendment needs to be approved by the Board in order to access Life Safety Funds for roof repairs at Northwood Middle School.

Mr. Hanson added that Wold Architects has prepared the amendment for a total estimated cost of $230,535.00 including fees and contingency. Once the amendment is approved, it will be forwarded to ISBE for approval. It is anticipated that this work can be completed over the summer of 2020. MOTION – Moved by Mr. Parisi and seconded by Dr. Bidwell to approve the use of Life Safety funds in order to make roof repairs at Northwood Middle School, with roll call vote as follows: (On File)

Mr. Parisi - Yes

Dr. Bidwell - Yes

Mr. Headley - Yes

Dr. Farris - Yes

Mr. Gilmore - Yes

7. Approval of PowerSchool Student Information System Contract

This item was included on the agenda so the Board could review and approve the proposal to adopt the use of the PowerSchool Student Information System (SIS) for maintaining student records.

Dr. Moan explained that the district’s current student information system eSchool SIS was originally adopted for use by District 200 in 2005. At the time it represented a significant move forward for the district as it combined individual building non-uniform systems into one cohesive district-wide system. At the time eSchool SIS by Pentamation was a leader in student information systems. Over the years, the company Pentamation was sold to various other software companies. During these years of transition for the company, eSchool SIS was not able to maintain its leadership status and keep pace with the features and flexibility necessary for today’s technology driven curriculums. In 2018, the eSchool SIS software was sold to the PowerSchool Company.

Dr. Moan added that PowerSchool SIS is one of the nation’s premier Student Information Systems. It serves over 45 million students in 85 countries and has received numerous awards for its leadership in the area of student information. The PowerSchool SIS is used by over 250 school districts across Illinois including, Huntley Community Unit School District 158, Wauconda Community Unit School District 118 and Elmhurst Community Unit School District 205. It also has features and functionalities that integrate seamlessly with many of the current technologies we use in the district, such as our online student registration system.

Since eSchool SIS is now a part of the PowerSchool Company portfolio, we are able to use this to our advantage and upgrade our lagging system to a vastly improved system with some significant savings.

The proposal to upgrade to the PowerSchool SIS includes a one-time setup fee, training, and a software subscription license for year two. The setup fee includes the transfer and conversion of our current data (student demographics, contacts, emergency information, medical information, schedules, grades, attendance, transcripts, state and federal reporting, etc.) as well as the customization of the system to meet our district needs. Both onsite and web based training is also part of the initial set-up.

Dr. Moan concluded by informing the Board that the initial startup cost would be made up over three years with the savings that will come from switching to PowerSchool from eSchool.

MOTION – Moved by Mr. Headley and seconded by Mr. Parisi to approve the implementation of the PowerSchool Student Information System for the 2019- 2020 school year, with roll call vote as follows: (On File)

Mr. Headley - Yes

Mr. Parisi - Yes

Dr. Bidwell - Yes

Dr. Farris - Yes

Mr. Gilmore - Yes

XI - COMMITTEE REPORTS

There were no committee reports.

XII - ADJOURNMENT

MOTION – Moved by Dr. Farris and seconded by Dr. Bidwell to adjourn the meeting at 7:40 p.m., with roll call vote as follows:

Dr. Farris - Yes

Dr. Bidwell - Yes

Mr. Parisi - Yes

Mr. Headley - Yes

Mr. Gilmore - Yes

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