Aurora West Unit School District 129 Board met March 5.
Here is the minutes provided by the Board:
Board Members Present:
Robert Gonzalez, Allyson Herget, Valerie Brown Dykstra, Ira Lathan, Amie Thompson, Richard
Kerns, and Christopher Sparks.
Board Members Absent:
None
Board Secretary:
Joy Engfer
Administration present:
Dr. Jeff Craig – Superintendent, Dr. Brent Raby – Assistant Superintendent of Teaching & Learning, Angie Smith – Assistant Superintendent of Operations, and Dr. Michael Smith – Executive Director of Human Resources
Meeting called to order at 6:00 pm.
1. Opening Items
Procedural: 1.1 Call to Order
Robert Gonzalez, Board President, called the meeting to order and asked the secretary to call the roll.
Procedural: 1.2 Roll Call
Upon the roll call, all members of the Board were present.
Procedural: 1.3 Pledge of Allegiance
Robert Gonzalez, Board President, led the pledge of allegiance.
2. Recognitions
Recognition: 2.1 Recognition of Visitors
The following members of the audience wished to have their presence recognized: Washington Middle School, West Aurora High School, McCleery Elementary School, AEA-W, and potential student board member candidates.
Procedural: 2.2 Public Comment: Identification of Audience wishing to address the Board
Two members of the audience wished to address the Board regarding a non-agenda item.
Information, Recognition: 2.3 School Spotlight
Tony Martinez, Director of Community Affairs, introduced Dr. Brett Burton. Dr. Burton, Principal of Washington Middle School, introduced a portion of the Washington Student Ambassador Club. The students in attendance for this spotlight were Krystal Diaz, Kara Fowler, Jose Gonzalez, Jeremiah Johnson, Kelly Roney, and Sitota Solgos and they were all brought up to the podium. The students provide support to new students, help during parent teacher conferences and many other things during the school year. Dr. Burton also had their parents stand to be recognized. The Board thanked the group for all of their effort and wished them luck in the future.
Information, Recognition: 2.4 Special Recognition
Tony Martinez, Director of Community Affairs, introduced Dan Ulrich, Principal of McCleery Elementary. Principal Ulrich introduced Josie Curtis, teacher, and asked her to approach the podium. On Feb 6, 2018, following a staff meeting, teachers were dismissed back to their classrooms. Josie observed a collapsed staff member and then realized this staff member stopped breathing. Without hesitation, Josie began CPR on this person. The person was taken to the hospital and evaluated and is now doing well recovering. Principal Ulrich thanked her for what she did for this staff member. Josie is thankful that the staff member is on the road to recovery and she is glad she responded how she did. Board members thanked her for her heroics. The Board then broke for pictures.
3. Potential Action Items as a result of Executive Session
Action: 3.1 Potential Action After Closed Session - 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(9) - Student Disciplinary Cases
Mrs. Allyson Herget motioned, second by Mrs. Amie Thompson that based upon and after the Board's consideration of the evidence and testimony of the expulsion hearing held on February 12, 2018; the Board of Education finds that Student No. 1201296 has committed an act of gross as charged by the District's Administration, in violation of Board Policy 7:190, Student Behavior.
I move that the Board of Education expel Student No. 1201296 from West Aurora School District 129, for the remainder two calendar years beginning on February 12, 2018 and concluding on February 12, 2020, but that the expulsion be held in abeyance and that the student attend a district designated alternative placement as determined appropriate per the student’s Individualized Education Plan, pursuant to Article 13A of the Illinois School Code, with the option to transition back to a West Aurora school during the Spring semester of the 2019-2020 school year if the student is meeting all the program requirements as determined by the IEP team monitoring his case.
The Board finds that prior to considering a recommendation for expulsion, the District’s Administration attempted other behavioral and disciplinary interventions and determined there are no other appropriate and available behavioral and disciplinary interventions. The Board finds that based on evidence presented to the hearing officer removing Student No. 1201296 from the learning environment is in the best interest of the school because her behavior poses a threat to the safety of other students, staff, or members of the school community, and substantially disrupts, impedes or interferes with the operation of the school.
The Board finds that based on evidence presented to the hearing officer the duration of Student No. 1201296’s expulsion is appropriate based on the recent disciplinary history of the student, the severity of the behavior and risk of harm to students, the substantial disruption of the school and instruction, and ongoing impact on the school environment. The two-year expulsion being held in abeyance is contingent upon the student’s full participation in the alternative school program, including regularly attending school; complying with attendance policies, school rules, and any referrals for services or counseling made by the alternative school; and successfully completing the alternative school’s curriculum in alignment with his individualize goals. I move that, should Student No. 1201296 fail to fully participate in the alternative school program and the alternative school refers the student back to the District, Student No. 1201296 shall be immediately expelled from West Aurora School District 129 for the remainder of the District Administration’s recommended expulsion duration, with specialized services pursuant to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.
Final Resolution: Motion Carries (7-0)
Yea: Mr. Robert Gonzalez, Mrs. Allyson Herget, Mrs. Amie Thompson, Mrs. Valerie Brown Dykstra, Mr. Ira Lathan, Mr. Richard Kerns, Mr. Christopher Sparks
Action: 3.2 Potential Action After Closed Session - 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(9) - Student Disciplinary Cases
Mrs. Allyson Herget motioned, second by Mrs. Amie Thompson that, based upon and after the Board's consideration of the evidence and testimony of the expulsion hearing held on March 2, 2018, the Board of Education finds that Student No. 3010177 has committed an act of gross as charged by the District's Administration, in violation of Board Policy 7:190, Student Behavior.
I move that the Board of Education expel Student No. 3010177 from West Aurora School District 129, for the remainder of the 2017-2018 school year and for first semester of the 2018-2019 school year and until February 26, 2019. I move that the Board of Education also expel Student No. 3010177 from West Aurora School District 129 for the second semester of the 2018-2019 school year and first semester of the 2019-2020 and until February 26, 2020, but that the expulsion be held in abeyance and Student No. 3010177 be administratively transferred to an alternative school, Success Academy, or another alternative school as determined by the District’s Administration, pursuant to Article 13A of the Illinois School Code.
The Board finds that prior to considering a recommendation for expulsion, the District’s Administration attempted other behavioral and disciplinary interventions and determined there are no other appropriate and available behavioral and disciplinary interventions. The Board finds that based on evidence presented to the hearing officer removing Student No. 3010177 from the learning environment is in the best interest of the school because his behavior poses a threat to the safety of other students, staff, or members of the school community, and substantially disrupts, impedes or interferes with the operation of the school.
The Board finds that based on evidence presented to the hearing officer the duration of Student No. 3010177’s expulsion is appropriate based on the recent disciplinary history of the student, the severity of the behavior and risk of harm to students and staff, the substantial disruption of the school and instruction, and ongoing impact on the school environment.
The 2018-2019 and 2019-2020 expulsion being held in abeyance is contingent upon the student’s full participation, during the 2018-2019 and 2019-2020 school year in the alternative school program, including regularly attending school, complying with attendance policies, school rules, and any referrals for services or counseling made by the alternative school; and successfully completing the alternative school’s curriculum. I move that, should Student No. 3010177 fail to fully participate in the alternative school program and the alternative school refers the student back to the District, Student No. 3010177 shall be immediately expelled from West Aurora School District 129 for the remainder of the District Administration’s recommended expulsion duration.
Final Resolution:
Motion Carries (7-0) Yea: Mr. Robert Gonzalez, Mrs. Allyson Herget, Mrs. Amie Thompson, Mrs. Valerie Brown Dykstra, Mr. Ira Lathan, Mr. Richard Kerns, Mr. Christopher Sparks
Action: 3.3 Potential Action After Closed Session - 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(1) Personnel
There was no action taken.
4. Consent Agenda
Action (Consent): 4.1 Approval of the Consent Agenda for March 5, 2018
Resolution: That the Board of Education approve the items contained in the Consent Agenda for March 5, 2018.
Mrs. Valerie Brown Dykstra motioned, second by Mr. Christopher Sparks that the Board of Education approve the items contained in the Consent Agenda for March 5, 2018.
Final Resolution: Motion Carries (7-0) Yea: Mr. Robert Gonzalez, Mrs. Allyson Herget, Mrs. Amie Thompson, Mrs. Valerie Brown Dykstra, Mr. Ira Lathan, Mr. Richard Kerns, Mr. Christopher Sparks
Note: All items approved within the consent agenda are listed below.
Action (Consent), Minutes: 4.2 Approval of Minutes from the February 20, 2018 Open and Closed Board of Education Meetings
Resolution: That the Board of Education approve the minutes from the February 20, 2018 open and closed Board of Education meetings.
Action (Consent), Minutes: 4.3 Approval of Minutes from the February 26, 2018 SPECIAL Open and Closed Board of Education Meetings
Resolution: That the Board of Education approve the minutes from the February 26, 2018 SPECIAL open and closed Board of Education meetings.
Action (Consent): 4.4 Approval of Bill Listing for March 5, 2018
Resolution: That the Board of Education approve the bill listing for March 5, 2018.
Action (Consent): 4.5 Approval of the Personnel Report for March 5, 2018
Resolution: That the Board of Education approve the Personnel Report for March 5, 2018.
Action (Consent): 4.6 Board of Education Meeting Calendar 2018-2019
Resolution: That the Board of Education approve the Board of Education meeting calendar for 2018-2019 as presented.
5. Information
Information: 5.1 School Improvement Plan - Washington Middle School
Dr. Jeff Craig, Superintendent, introduced, Dr. Brett Burton. Dr. Burton, Principal of Washington Middle School, thanked the Board for the opportunity to present. Dr. Burton began by outlining the three improvement goals created for the year. Goal one states that by the end of the 2017-2018 school year, WMS will see a 5% increase in the number of students in grade 6-8 who achieve above the 50% percentile as evidenced by student achievement data in Reading and math. Goal two states that 95% of all WMS students will achieve expected of higher than expected growth as measured by ECRA Spring testing. The final goal states that Washington will decrease the amount of assigned Out of School Suspensions by 5% for 2017-2018 compared to 2016-2017. Dr. Burton then moved onto a slide that outlined the student proficiency scores in math over the last three semesters based on grade level. In every grade, the math scores were raised over the last three semesters. Dr. Burton then discussed the student proficiency scores in reading. The sixth grade and eighth grade classes both dipped over the last three semesters. Seventh grade scores actually rose over the last three semesters. Dr. Burton then went through the general action plan to make sure that proficiency scores increase. Part of this plan includes the implementation of the General Reads Program. Also administration will continue to meet, mentor, and motivate Super 60 students. The ELA teachers will also integrate test taking strategies and conferencing with students. Dr. Burton then went through some of the current ECRA scores and compared them to the past three years. Dr. Burton then turned to highlights and strengths of Washington. This year the First Star General Program was started for incoming sixth graders. The program is a 6th grade orientation program designed to help incoming 6th grade students get ahead before the first day of school. The Junior Student Ambassador Program also receives approximately 100 plus new students per year. The ambassadors induct new students and provide services to families at curriculum nights, conferences and 5th grade fun nights. Washington also uses the "My GeniusNow" program which provides valuable after-school education opportunities for students. Dr. Burton then opened for any questions. Board member Herget asked if Dr. Burton thought that English language barriers played a role in the decline of the reading scores. Liz Wendel, Director of Assessment, addressed this question. Board member Thompson asked what is in place in terms of support to replace out of school suspensions. Dr. Burton expanded on the before school Monday program that was started. The entire presentation can be found on BoardDocs.
Information: 5.3 2018-2019 Budget Preparation Authorization - Step 1
Ryan Abrahamson, Director of Finance, addressed the Board on the 2018-2019 budget preparation. Ryan let the Board know that the District needs to start planning for next year's budget. Ryan went through some of the state payments that we have received and are still owed. A budget timeline was presented and this follows the same process as in previous years. Ryan asked if there were no other discussion points, would the Board allow this to be approved in two steps. This resolution is only to get the ball rolling on the preparation. The Board agreed and this will be an action item on the March 19, 2018 meeting.
Information: 5.4 Prior Trip Approvals - West Aurora High School
Dr. Jeff Craig, Superintendent, presented two prior trip approvals to the Board. They both are future overnight trips that would be taken by students and chaperones at West Aurora High School. The Board did not have any questions on these trips. They will be approved during the March 19, 2018 meeting.
Information: 5.5 Community Affairs Update to the Board
Tony Martinez, Director of Community Affairs, mentioned the boys’ varsity basketball game. The District also held the Fine Arts Festival this past Saturday. There was something to see at every level. The Warren A. Felts dedication also occurred on Saturday. Tony mentioned the well-attended ceremony from both staff, community, and family. Future events included band concerts, Parent University, and other various end of the year.
Dr. Jeff Craig then mentioned that this is Tony's last Board meeting. He is moving on to another opportunity and Dr. Craig summarized some of his accomplishments while on the team. He wished him the best of luck and thank you.
6. Comments
Procedural: 6.1 Public Comments: Audience Members Wishing to Speak to the Board Regarding a Non-Agenda Item
Alex Alexandrou, Chief of Staff for City of Aurora, addressed the Board to discuss the pending referendum on the March 20, 2018 ballot for Aurora. He distributed handouts that outlined what can be found publicly regarding the ballot question “Shall the City Election Law be rejected?” He summarized what a yes vs. no vote on this ballot questions would signify.
David Verdeyen, 13 Briargate Circle, Sugar Grove, addressed the Board as a District resident. He mentioned the 2.5% raise the teaching staff was given this year and stated that this is a bargain and wished there was more money to give. He then mentioned the student walk out that occurred. He thinks that there should not be penalties to those students that walk out, but also no shenanigans. He also stated that he called the state representatives to ask two questions and was not given any answers. He believes we should encourage our students as future leaders.
Information: 6.2 Superintendent Comments
Dr. Jeff Craig, Superintendent, summarized judging at the Fine Arts Festival and the dedication of the Warren A. Felts band wing. He believes the dedication was an incredible impact on the family and the students. He thanked the committee and the Board for approving this dedication. March 14, 2018, he will be attending the State of the Village Address in North Aurora.
Information: 6.3 Student Board Member Comments
Sofia Partida, Student Board Member, enjoyed the Fine Arts Festival. She also mentioned the potential walk out on March 14 and is curious on how the day will play out.
Information: 6.4 Board Member Comments & Dates to Remember
Board member Kerns mentioned the joyous Fine Arts Festival and stated the judging was very difficult. He also mentioned the upcoming 8th grade band concerts. Board member Dykstra mentioned the Christopher Patterson fundraiser that will be on Saturday, March 10. This is the first annual. Board member Sparks mentioned Parent University and the talk that Judge Cruz gave on social media and appropriate use. Board member Herget thanked Mr. Alexandrou for explaining the verbiage on the upcoming referendum vote. She also attended the Kishwaukee Division meeting and the new programs that were discussed. Board member Thompson attended Bandtasia "Jazz Dinner Dance" which is one of her favorite events. She also mentioned the wonderful Fine Arts Festival. Board member Lathan thanked Tony Martinez for all of his efforts. President Gonzalez thanked Board member Dykstra for mentioning the Christopher Patterson fundraiser and thanked the potential student board member candidates for attending. The next meeting will be held on March 19, 2018.
7. Adjournment
Action, Procedural: 7.1 Adjourn
Mrs. Amie Thompson motioned, second by Mr. Ira Lathan to adjourn.
Final Resolution: Motion Carries (7-0)
Yea: Mr. Robert Gonzalez, Mrs. Allyson Herget, Mrs. Amie Thompson, Mrs. Valerie Brown Dykstra, Mr. Ira Lathan, Mr. Richard Kerns, Mr. Christopher Sparks
Meeting adjourned at 7:48 pm.
https://www.boarddocs.com/il/asd129/Board.nsf/files/AXKK6S4E2056/$file/March%205%2C%202018%20-%20Regular%20Open%20Session%20Minutes.pdf
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