Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Board of Education of School District 157, Cook

MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION OF SCHOOL DISTRICT 157, COOK COUNTY, HELD AT THE

ADMINISTRATIVE CENTER ON THE 22nd DAY OF JANUARY 2013

The meeting was called to order at 7:03 p.m. by President Natalie Barnes, and upon roll call the following attendance was noted:

Present:Natalie Barnes

Kelsy Cowley

Charles Garcia

Eric Gibson

Tonya Reed

Absent:John Kresich

Annie Wade

Mr. Kresich arrived at 7:40 p.m.

Mrs. Reed left the meeting at 9:47 p.m.

Also present were: Dr. Michele Morris, Superintendent; Dr. Raymond LaPorte, Interim Business Manager; Dr. Bennie Knott, Schrum School Principal; Dr. Shernita Mays, Hoover School Principal; Mrs. Dana Ash, Schrum School Assistant Principal; Mrs. Shirley Creamer-Taylor, Hoover School Assistant Principal; and Mrs. Cynthia Revels-Young, Special Services Coordinator

APPROVE MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS

Motion was made by Mrs. Reed, seconded by Mrs. Cowley,to approve the minutes of the Tax Levy Hearing on December 18, 2012 and the regular and executive session meeting held on December 18, 2012. Upon roll call the following members voted Aye: Barnes, Cowley, Garcia, Gibson, Reed; Nays none; motion carried.

GOOD NEWS FROM THE SCHOOLS

Hoover School

Thus far, during the 2012-2013 school year, Hoover School students raised $350.00 by participating in the “Box Tops for Education”program. The program is organized by Mrs. NoellWiora, 5th grade teacher at Hoover School.

TheHoover School Winter Program was a huge success! The teachers did a wonderful job preparing students in Pre-Kindergarten through second grade to participate in the program. The students were engaging, entertaining and had a lot of self-confidence during their performances. The chorus sung loudly and proudly with moving new songs for the holiday season. There was a standing room only audience.

On January 17th Hoover School held its “Annual Spelling Bee”at 6:30 p.m. in the gym. Many students, staff and parents came out to support the students. The winner of the contest was a 7th grade Schrum School student. Dr. Morris shared with the Board of Education a copy of the outstanding Spelling Bee program. She highlighted the computerized pictures of the students in the program, as well as, their accomplishments put together by Mr. Donald Kratz. She said student presenters, Briana Bickart, Zaporah Price, and Janelle Stapleton conducted the announcements and introductions. So all the administrative team had to do was sit back and enjoy the program! Board of Education member, John Kresich was also in attendance for the program.

Hoover School is selling tickets for the Father/Daughter, Mother/Son Sweetheart Dance. The dance will be held on Friday, February 8thfrom 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. at Hoover School.

Schrum School

The Schrum School PBIS Team sold Christmas Candy Grams to the students for .50 cents each. The PBIS Team also gave each student a Special Candy Gram for Christmas.

The Schrum School 7th grade students enjoyed a free dress down day on Friday, January 11th for having the least amount of referrals.

Also atSchrum School, the Newbery Bowl Team took first place in the annual Cal-Ridge Newbery Bowl competition. The students were challenged to read seven to ten assigned books. The students were asked questions about the books they read, as they competed against other Cal-Ridge Schools. The team was sponsored by Mrs. Patrice Taylor and consisted of Kristen Gray, Giselle Hernandez, Tyrese Patterson, Harrison Phan, Horacio Rodriguez, Annisa Saucedo, and alternates Brandon Bickart and Samantha Pinnock. Dr. Morris shared with the Board of Education members that the Newbery Bowl Team will be treated to a pizza party tomorrow, January 23rd at 3:00 p.m. at Schrum School in celebration of their victory.

The Winter Concert was a delight with new holiday songs and music. It was a great way to begin the Winter Break.

The Schrum School Winter Kick-off was also a huge success. Every student had an opportunity to participate. They had six options of rooms to go to and have fun. Activities consisted of movies, games, crafts and treats.

Fun Night was held on Friday, January 11, 2013 at Schrum School. The turnout was small, but the participants had a lot of fun playing games and socializing.

PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT

Hoover School

The Hoover- Schrum PTOheld its monthly meeting on January 22, 2013. Parents, as well as, staff members are encouraged and invited to participate in the PTO. Some of the activities being planned include the Father/Daughter, Mother/Son Sweet Heart Dance and the next “Real Men” activity. Dr. Mays shared that 12 parents attended the Hoover-Schrum PTO meeting this evening.

The Hoover School Administration Teamis planninga volunteer luncheon meeting for parents who have successfully completed their background checks. The luncheon will be held on February 5th at 11:00 a.m. at Hoover School.

The Hoover School Winter Programhad standing room only. Parents were very excited to see their children perform; taking pictures, cheering and clappingwith encouragement.

Schrum School

Many parents attended theSchrum School Winter Concert in December.

As a part of the enhanced safety plan at Schrum School, parents who visit the building are escorted to classrooms and meetings.

Many parents have been attending Schrum School’s sport activities. The Schrum School Basketball season is nearing the end of their season, but the volleyball season is just beginning.

COMMENTS FROM VISITORS

No comments were made by visitors.

IMPREST FUND

The Board of Education reviewed the Imprest Fund Report from November 17, 2012 through January 11, 2013.

APPROVE CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS

Motion was made by Mrs. Reed, seconded by Mr. Gibson, to approve the consent agenda for items VIII.A.2, VIII.A.3, VIII.A.4 and VIII.A.5. Upon roll call the following members voted Aye: Barnes, Cowley, Garcia, Gibson, Reed; Nays none; motion carried.

VIII.A.2Approve Payrolls for December 7, 2012 and December 21, 2012, Totaling $511,943.38

VIII.A.3Approve Bills in the Amount of $308,833.74

VIII.A.4Approve the Superintendent or Designee to Prepare the Budget in

Tentative Form for the 2013 – 2014 School Year

VIII.A.5Approve the Professional Services Rendered in the Completion of the

Annual Continuing Disclosure Requirements Related to the District’s Bond

Issues from John Kasperek Co., Inc. for the Fee of $1,500

Motion was made by Mr. Garcia, seconded by Mrs. Reed, to approve consent agenda items VIII.A.2, VIII.A.3, VIII.A.4, and VIII.A.5. Upon roll call the following members voted Aye: Barnes, Cowley, Garcia, Gibson, Reed; Nays none; motion carried.

PTAB TARGET CORPORATION – INFORMATIONAL

Information was shared with the Board of Education members relative to the PTAB request from the Cook County Board of Appeal submitted by the Target Corporation. The PTAB was received on January 10, 2013 and forwarded to Odelson and Sterk. Dr. LaPorte shared with the Board of Education members that he will provide them with more information as he receives it. He reported that we still haven’t received the outcome of the J. C. Penney PTAB.

APPROVE LONG RANGE FACILITY ASSESSMENT OF THE EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER, DISTRICT OFFICE, HOOVER SCHOOL FACILITIES AND SCHRUM SCHOOL FACILITIES

The Board of Education members reviewed a proposal from Arcon to complete a long range facility assessment of the Early Childhood Center, District Office, Hoover School Facilities and the Schrum School Facilities. The assessment allows the district to evaluate the condition of the school facilities, in order to plan for future maintenance. The assessment will include items such as the exterior grounds including sidewalks, curbs, and drives, site drainage, and athletic fields. Other items that will be included are the roofs, walls, and windows. Interior items will include floor systems, walls, doors, and ceiling systems. The mechanical equipment, plumbing systems and fixtures, lighting levels and fixture conditions, along with adequate power infrastructure and distribution will also be analyzed. Arcon will also include services to file the necessary Life Safety 10 Year Survey and Amendments for the fixed fee of $15,800 plus reimbursables for the work outlined above. Motion was made by Mrs. Cowley, seconded by Mrs. Reed, to approve the long range facility assessment of the Early Childhood Center, District Office, Hoover School Facilities and Schrum School Facilities at a cost of $15,800, plus reimbursables for the work outlined. Upon roll call the following members voted Aye: Barnes, Cowley, Garcia, Gibson, Reed; Nays none; motion carried.

APPROVE THE FINDINGS OF THE RESIDENCY INVESTIGATION, AND HEREBY DETERMINE THAT THE IDENTIFIED STUDENTS DO NOT RESIDE WITHIN THE BOUNDARIES OF HOOVER-SCHRUM MEMORIAL SCHOOL DISTRICT 157

Motion was made by Mr. Garcia, seconded by Mrs. Reed, to table the findings of the residency investigation. Upon roll call the following members voted Aye: Barnes, Cowley, Garcia, Gibson, Reed; Nays none; motion carried.

SUPERINTENDENT’S UPDATE REPORT – INFORMATIONAL

Dr. Morris highlighted information from the two Superintendents’ meetings she recently attended - the Suburban Superintendent’s meeting and the IASA Suburban Cook County meeting which featured a Sraga Hauser Law Firm presentation that focused on the Pension Reform in Illinois. She shared that the proposed amendments from the State Representatives have not garnered enough support to receive the votes that are required to adopt the amendments. Dr. Morris said that each of the amendments include possible options regarding cost shifts to the local school districts, increases in employee contributions, decreases in the cost of living adjustments, and the changes related to the Early Retirement Option.

Dr. Morris shared that Dr. LaPorte included in his update information regarding the General State Aid (GSA) funding that will be reduced to 89% of the original allocation. He shared that Hoover-Schrum School District 157 will receive approximately $174,000 less in GSA funds. He said that the good news is that the transportation funds will not be reduced this school year. Mrs. Barnes asked Dr. LaPorte if this reduction in the original allocation also affects Chicago Schools. Dr. LaPorte said that the CPS schools will most likely be affected, but their level of reduction may not be as high as the suburban districts.

Dr. Morris also shared with the Board of Education members that Joe Kekelik and she met with representatives from BP regarding the district’s use of their facility located on the southwest corner of 159th and Mackinaw, as the “Safe Haven” site for Hoover School if an incident occurs that requires the staff and students to evacuate the building. The BP representatives agreed to allow the district to use their facility as a “Safe Haven.” However, their current lease will end at the end of this calendar year. Dr. Morris said that when their lease ends, she is hopeful that we will be able to make arrangements with the new owners of the facility. If this is not possible, we will have to make arrangements with another nearby facility such as the car wash on 159th Mackinaw.

Dr. LaPorte shared information with the Board of Education relative to his meeting with Kickert Bus Company regarding extending their contract with our district for another year. He also shared that he has a meeting scheduled with Preferred Meals on tomorrow. He said that he will keep the Board of Education members informed as to the progress in either negotiating a future contract or the need to collect bids for transportation services.

THE COLLINS FRESH YOUTH FEST – INFORMATIONAL

Alderman Antoine Collins will be hosting the Collins Fresh Youth Fest which will be held on Saturday, January 26th from 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. The Youth Fest will include workshops and seminars for parents and students on various topics related to youth and community. Participants will be eligible to win the various prizes listed on the flyer. Hoover-Schrum students who participate in the Youth Fest will also receive incentives from their schools. Hoover School students will be treated to an ice-cream social or pizza party and Schrum School students will receive free admission to a Fun Night. In addition, students will receive incentives if their parents attend the Youth Fest Parent Workshops. Dr. Morris shared that Shagg Nice, one of the Hot Boyz disc jockeys from the Power 92 radio station, came to Schrum School and Hoover School to promote participation in the Collins Fresh Youth Fest. He also participated in an all-call telephone announcement with Dr. Morris.

SUPERINTENDENT’S COMMISSION FOR THE STUDY OF DEMOGRAPHICS AND DIVERSITY CONFERENCE 2013: MARCH 21 – 22, 2013 – INFORMATIONAL

The Superintendent’s Commission for the Study of Demographics and Diversity will hold their annual conference on March 21 – 22, 2013, at the Tinley Park Convention Center in Tinley Park, IL. The banquet for the Board of Education Recognition and the presentation of High School Scholarships will be held on Thursday, March 21st from 6:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. All Board of Education members are invited to attend.

NSBA 73RD ANNUAL CONFERENCE IN SAN DIEGO – INFORMATIONAL

Registration and housing for the 73rd Annual NSBA Conference in San Diego, California opened on Wednesday, October 17, 2012. The official conference hotel list is posted on the NSBA conference website. The registration fee for the conference is $725.00. Late registration fee, after January 10, 2013, is $755.00.

IASB POLICY PROCEDURE MANUAL UPDATE – INFORMATIONAL

Dr. Morris shared information with the Board of Education members relative to the IASB Policy Procedure Manual. All of the administrators in the district participated in extensive sessions, led by IASB representative Jackie Griffith, to work on the policy Procedures Manual. The sessions were held on November 8, 2012 at 9:00 a.m. and December 4, 2012 at 1:00 p.m. This valuable service provides to school districts the essential support that is needed to develop the critical procedures that will provide guidance to employees in adhering to the district’s policies.

IASB LEGISLATIVE UPDATE BREAKFAST – FEBRUARY 2, 2013, PRAIRIE-HILLS DISTRICT 144, MARKHAM, IL

The annual IASB Legislative Update Breakfast will be held on February 2, 2013, at Prairie-Hills School District 144, 3015 W. 163rd Street, in Markham, IL. Deanna Sullivan, along with leaders from the IASB South Cook Division, will provide an in-depth outline of how the Association’s Resolution process works. They will provide a tutorial on each of the steps involved in the IASB Resolution process; share how all schools get behind the proposed ideas through the Delegate Assembly; provide samples of successful education lawmaking; and share techniques for effectively writing a resolution to make a change. The cost for breakfast registration is $25.00. Participants will earn 5 credits in IASB’s Master Board Member Program for attendance at the breakfast.

IASB SPRING DINNER MEETING – WEDNESDAY, MARCH 27, 2013

The annual IASB Spring Dinner meeting will be held on Wednesday, March 27, 2013 at the Holiday Inn in Matteson, IL. The key speaker is Dr. Stuart Yager, Associate Professor, Western Illinois University and Dr. Donna McCaw, Ed.D., Western Illinois University. They will present to the Board of Education members key points about transitioning to the common core state standards and the rationale for this national effort. Board of Education members will earn 5 credits in IASB’s Master Board Member Program.

CALL FOR PROPOSALS FOR THE IASB – IASA – IASBO JOINT ANNUAL CONFERENCE – NOVEMBER 22 – 24, 2013

Information relative to the IASB Share the Success Panel Presentations was shared with the Board of Education members. A committee of Association members will evaluate all proposals received in the IASB Springfield office by February 15, 2013. A select number of school districts and organizations will be chosen to make panel presentations in Chicago. Districts and organizations that are selected will make their presentations during a 90 minute panel session. Presenters give insight and practical information on how to solve common problems. They share discoveries and innovations from programs succeeding in their school districts. They also give tips on how school boards can achieve such successes in their own school districts.

EMPLOYEE RECOGNITION DINNER UPDATE – DISCUSSION

The Event Planning Committee of the Board of Education provided an update to the Board of Education members relative to the Employee Recognition Dinner to be held on Friday, March 8, 2013 at The Center for Visual and Performing Arts. Dr. Morris shared information with the Board of Education members relative to the meeting she had this afternoon with Union President Carla Germany. She reported that the Union President shared that the staff would prefer the Board of Education to provide some other form of appreciation in lieu of the Employee Recognition Dinner. They shared that many of them feel that if they do not attend the dinner, consequences will be issued to the non-attendees. While they did not have many alternatives of options for the dinner, they did however recommend that the Board of Education consider showing their appreciation to the staff by giving gift cards to the staff to purchase items for their classrooms . Dr. Mays and Dr. Knott were unaware of the sentiments expressed to the Union. Mrs. Reed shared that the Employee Recognition Dinner is not a union issue. Mrs. Barnes said that she thinks it is important for the staff to be appreciated and she hopes the Employee Recognition Dinner will continue to be held for the staff. Mrs. Barnes also suggested in the future perhaps a luncheon during Staff Appreciation Week could take the place of the Employee Recognition Dinner. Mrs. Reed said that it is hard for the Board of Education members to attend an event that takes place in the afternoon because the Board of Education members will have to miss work to attend the event. Dr. Morris shared that if we cancel the event and The Center for Visual and Performing Arts is unable to book another event on the date that we reserved, the district will lose the deposit we submitted. As March 8th is approximately 6 weeks away, the Board of Education decided to go forth with the banquet. The Event Planning Committee set the date of Wednesday, January 30th at 3:00 p.m. to meet at Schrum School to plan the event.