McHenry Times

Alden-Hebron Community Consolidated Unit School District #19 Board of Education met July 15.

Here is the minutes provided by the board:

President Norton called the regular meeting of the Board of Education of Alden-Hebron Community Consolidated Unit School District #19 to order at 7:08 P.M.

ROLL CALL

PRESENT: Mr. Norton, Mr. Winkelman, Mrs. Combs, Mr. Madsen, Mrs. Johnson, Mrs. Smith ABSENT: Mr. Berg

ALSO PRESENT:

Dr. Debbie Ehlenburg-Interim Superintendent, Tiffany Elswick-Asst. Supt., Tim Hayunga-MS/HS Principal, Cyndie Erckfritz-Transportation,

PRESENT-REMOTE:

Liz Elbrecht-STEM, Sophie Matla-1st Grade, Veronica Signorelli, Michelle Fay-MS Teacher, Cory Prentice-Food Service, Mike Miles, Jen Wittig, Scott LeBaron-IT, Vicki Spraker-ES Teacher, Alicia Hernandez-MS SpEd Teacher, Julie Cunningham-ES Para, Abby Parzygnat, Jodie Kanaly-HS PE, Misty Vazquez, Isabella ?, Kristi Madsen, Jacob Behrens-HS Math/Science, Diane Behrens-Food Service, Josh Jordan, Scott Redden-Buildings & Grounds, Patti Peisert-Kindergarten Teacher, Mary Slepcevich, Cindy Meyer-ES Para, Deb Reiter, Heidi Vanderstappen-Food Service, Carly Holicz, Britt ?, Jen Lariviere- MS/HS Para, Alicia Mulholland, Teresa Eick-George-HS Business Teacher, Amanda Croke-PreK Teacher, Colleen Geils-Media Specialist, Kris Stewart, Jean Hutchison-Custodial, Lisa Micklevitz, Kristen Norton-ELL, Whitney Scott-B-3 Parent Educator, Deb R., Katherine Longfield, Anet Marsek, Kyle Mandernack, Gritmackers, Jocelyn B., Sherry Harrington, Chantell Michels, A. Nannini, Caller 07, Jesica Carbajal, Allison, CM, Holly Arthur, Samantha Koehler, Sarah Pikrum, Stephanie Nelson-Transportation, Suzanne Nelson, Maggie Walters-4th Grade Teacher

Correspondence

None

COMMUNICATIONS

Public Comments:

None

Staff Comments

None

Board Comments

None

Consent Agenda

*A. Approval of June 17, 2020 Regular and Executive Session Minutes

*B. Recap of June 2020 Expenditures

*C. Treasurer’s Report for June, 2020

*D. Approval of Current Invoices & Payroll

*E. Personnel Report

*F. Budget: Request to Publish Notice of Public Hearing for tentative Budget on 9/16/20 at 7:00pm in the ES gym

*G. Resolution for Transporting Children for Serious Safety Hazard

Mrs. Smith moved, Mr. Winkelman seconded to approve the Consent Agenda as presented

Ayes: Mr. Norton, Mr. Winkelman, Mrs. Combs, Mr. Madsen, Mrs. Johnson, Mrs. Smith

Nays: None

Absent: Mr. Berg

Motion CarriedBUSINESS

ADMINISTRATION

Mrs. Tiffany Elswick-ES Principal/Asst Supt – as presented

Mr. Tim Hayunga-MS/HS Principal – as presented

Mr. Norton inquired about what has been decided about a graduation ceremony, and whether or not Illinois will be offering students the opportunity to take the SAT this summer. Mr. Hayunga reported that, after a survey of the families of graduates, it has been decided that on August 1, 2020, graduates will have the opportunity to come to the HS and “ceremoniously”, but individually receive their diplomas. Time slots will be blocked out at approximately 15-minute intervals. They can wear their caps and gowns and get their pictures taken. They will be allowed to have a limited number of family members accompany them, but must maintain social distancing and mask-wearing guidelines. Mr. Hayunga also stated that he has not heard whether or not the state will be offering the SAT this summer.

Dr. Debbie Ehlenburg-Interim Superintendent – as presented

Dr. Ehlenburg added that June 30th was the end of the fiscal year and that the annual audit will begin Monday, July 20th.

Mrs. Johnson asked Dr. Ehlenburg (but also directed her question to Mr. Hayunga and Mrs. Elswick), if there was a plan for including “racism in education” as a professional development topic for the upcoming school year. Mrs. Elswick responded by saying that the administration is exploring different options for professional development for the year, as they always do. However, at this time, the priority for professional development is going to be remote learning.

Mrs. Elswick then presented a PowerPoint of the Return-to-School plan “AHSD 19 Roadmap for Return to School, fall 2020” that has been developed by the Transition Team for the fall semester. Included were the results of the parent survey. Options include remote learning, a hybrid option (small groups, on-site, every other day), and hybrid plus (on-site for 5 days per week, for families who are in need of supervision for students that are 13-years-old or younger, or IEP/504 students who need extra support). The administration is requesting that families make their choice of which model they would like to participate in by July 27, 2020.

Mr. Norton inquired about staggering bus routes to prevent buses from being over the passenger limit. Dr. Ehlenburg stated that they will make a decision after they find out how many students will need to be transported. She also stated that they are considering having a paraprofessional on the buses in the mornings who will check temperatures and make sure that students have their masks with them.

Mr. Norton opted to accept Public Comments so people could voice their concerns at this time as the administration had just finished presenting their plan for reopening. Parents expressed concerns about mask-wearing, social distancing, busing, use of lockers and sharable items, etc. Administrators referred to and elaborated on the “The Roadmap” to address concerns presented by the public. Additionally, the administration made it very clear to all those present that it is a completely fluid situation, which could change at any time, depending on what the state mandates in the future as a response to COVID19 numbers.

Dr. Ehlenburg reminded the Board that the remote learning for the fall of 2021 will go back to traditional grading. It will go back to pre-COVID19 expectations.

Mr. Madsen moved, Mrs. Johnson seconded to approve the AHSD 19 Roadmap for Return to School, fall 2020 as presented

Ayes: Mr. Norton, Mr. Winkelman, Mrs. Combs, Mr. Madsen, Mrs. Johnson, Mrs. Smith

Nays: None

Absent: Mr. Berg Motion Carried

FINANCE

Dr. Ehlenburg restated that the annual audit will start Monday, July 20, 2020. Mrs. Johnson asked if there will be any adjustment to the FY2021 budget as a result of COVID19. Dr. Ehlenburg stated that that remains to be seen. Also, she has applied for the CARES grant for relief from COVID related expenses.

PHYSICAL STRUCTURES/MAINTENANCE

Mr. Redden stated that the work that his crew is doing is going smoothly. The MS/HS vestibule flooring has been removed and will be replaced; one of the stoops at the MS/HS has been removed so that it, and the railings can be replaced. Some of these projects are being completed with the matching MaintenanceGrant funds. They are keeping all areas cleaned. There was an error in the striping after the seal-coating at the ES. Mr. Redden has reported it to the company and it will be rectified.

TRANSPORTATION

Mrs. Erckfritz presented her year-end report to the BOE.

Mr. Norton inquired about the new bus that will be added to the District fleet. Mrs. Erckfritz stated that the new bus would be delivered within the next 2 weeks.

COMMUNICATIONS

Public Comments: See Above

Staff Comments None

Board Comments

 Mr. Madsen asked that parents be very diligent with self-certifying the health of their children before sending them to school.

 Mrs. Johnson stated that she hopes decisions regarding instruction this year will be based on science, safety, and the needs of parents.

 Mr. Winkelman stated that this school and community enjoys a tradition of working together and supporting families and that District 19 will get through this.

 Mrs. Smith mentioned that there was a lot of work done by the administration to develop the “Roadmap” and the remote learning plan. She reminded those present that this plan is fluid and to please have patience with the District.

 Mr. Norton congratulated the staff and administration for the job they have done in response to the COVID19 crisis. He stated that this is another opportunity to do great things. He also asked that everyone take safety very seriously in this pandemic. Finally, he thanked everyone for coming to the meeting and everyone who remoted into the meeting.

Adjournment

Mrs. Smith moved, Mr. Winkelman seconded to adjourn the meeting at 9:07pm.

Motion Carried.

https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/857118/7-15-2020_minutes.pdf