Aurora West Unit School District 129 Board met Sept. 4.
Here is the agenda provided by the board:
Board Members Present:
Robert Gonzalez, Allyson Herget, Valerie Brown Dykstra, Ira Lathan, Melody Saperston, Richard Kerns, Christopher Sparks.
Board Members Absent:
None
Board Secretary:
Alejandra Nunez
Administration present:
Dr. Jeff Craig – Superintendent, Dr. Brent Raby – Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning, Angie Smith – Assistant Superintendent of Operations and Dr. Michael P. Smith – Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources
Meeting called to order at 6:08 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: West Aurora High School, Hope D. Wall School, and AEAW.
Procedural: 2.2 Public Comment: Identification of Audience wishing to address the Board to an Agenda item
No members of the audience wished to address the Board.
Information, Recognition: 2.3 Those Who Make A Difference
Alex Perez, Director of Community Affairs, introduced Dr. Terry Collette, Principal at Hope D. Wall School to recognized Jacob Padgett, 1st grade student for his outstanding use of assistive technology in school. Jacob’s hard work truly makes a difference in his education, as he is able to use his tablet to actively participate in school activities. Dr. Collette believes that this level of access helps launch Jacobs learning into orbit like the true Hope Wall Rocket that he is. His family and teachers where present to support Jacob.
Then, Mr. Perez recognized the Barbers from Dapper Looks Barber Shop for making the difference in our community and for their generosity. The District and the Board thanked and recognized Robert Ríos, Adriana Soto, Christian Rodriguez, Alfredo Soriano, Jacinto Nicasio Jr. and Jovell Nieves for volunteering their work and resources during our Back- to-School Bash.
Angie Smith, Assistant Superintendent of Operations surprised Alex Perez with a special recognition for his participation in the 2018 NextGen Public Service Awards Nation’s Top 30 at Washington D.C. on August 8th, the awards recognize deserving individuals selected from the public service community and recognizes the competence, integrity, dedication and commitment to improve and inspire our communities. The Board congratulated Mr. Perez. Mr. Perez introduced his family and mentor Clayton Muhammad that were here to support him and surprise him. Then the Board took pictures with the various groups.
3. Consent Agenda
Action (Consent): 3.1 Approval of the Consent Agenda for September 4, 2018
Resolution: That the Board of Education approve the items contained in the Consent Agenda for September 4, 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 September 4, 2018.
Final Resolution: Motion Carries (7-0)
Yea: Mr. Robert Gonzalez, Mrs. Allyson Herget, Mrs. Valerie Brown Dykstra, Mrs. Melody Saperston, Mr. Ira Lathan, Mr. Richard Kerns, Mr. Christopher Sparks.
Note: All items approved within the consent agenda are listed below.
Action (Consent), Minutes: 3.2 Approval of Minutes from the August 20, 2018 Open and Closed Board of Education Meetings
Resolution: That the Board of Education approve the minutes from the August 20, 2018 open and closed Board of Education meetings.
Action (Consent): 3.3 Approval of Bill Listing for September 4, 2018
Resolution: That the Board of Education approve the bill listing for September 4, 2018.
Action (Consent): 3.4 Approval of the Personnel Report for September 4, 2018
Resolution: That the Board of Education approve the Personnel Report for September 4, 2018.
Action (Consent): 3.5 Approval of the Construction Letter of Credit
Resolution: That the Board of Education approve the recommendation for approval of Construction Letter of Credit.
4. Information
Information: 4.1 School Improvement Plan – Hope D. Wall School
Dr. Brent Raby, Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning called Dr. Terry Collette, Principal and Elizabeth Hornback, Assistant Principal of Hope D. Wall School to the podium to present Hope D. Wall School’s Improvement Plan for school year 2018- 2019. Dr. Collette started his presentation with their mission and vision statements. Mrs. Hornback mentioned that at Hope Wall they live the #makeadifference129 every single day making the impossible possible. Dr. Collette presented the Board with their goals for school year 2018-2019. Goal #1 is that 90% of Hope Wall students will demonstrate proficiency on the Spring 2019 on the Functional Academic Rubric Assessments. For Goal #2 the expectation is that 85% of students will meet expected growth targets in the area of Functional Skills. Goal #3 is to establish the baseline level of understanding of SEL Framework and how each of these components are demonstrated in our setting at Hope Wall. The entire presentation can be found on BoardDocs.
Information: 4.2 Title Plan SY 2018-2019 – Step 1
Dr. Brent Raby, Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning called Dr. Sarah Waddell, Director of Elementary to the podium to present the District’s Title Plan for school year 2018-2019 as step 1. Dr. Waddell started her presentation providing a comparison of funds received for FY18 against projected funds for FY19. Dr. Waddell specified that Title II is focused on Professional Development for the whole district, not just Title I schools. Title I funds are more focused on Professional Development only for Title I schools also for staff salaries, materials and supplies, family engagement activities, summer programming and non-public school share. FY19 Plans are very similar to the ones approved in June for FY18 just the dates have changed. The entire presentation can be found on BoardDocs.
Information: 4.3 Cell Phone Towers Proposal – Step 1
Angie Smith, Assistant Superintendent of Operations presented Ray Shinkle from Insite Inc. representing TMobile. Mr. Shinkle started this exploratory conversation by providing some feedback of the cell solution services provided by his company. He also talked about some facts and historical data. TMobile is interested in leasing two properties from West Aurora School District 129 to install cellular antennas to provide better service coverage and at the same time School District will be making revenue by leasing the antennas' space. The proposed locations are Aurora West High School and Hill Elementary. Mr. Shinkle presented the overall site plan and dimensions for both locations with before and after pictures of each site. Mr. Shinkle finalized his presentation specifying the next step after School Board approval, that the Insite Inc. and TMobile will move forward providing more detailed plans and draft lease agreements for your review. Board member Herget asked Mr. Shinkle if the antennas would disturb the neighborhood in any way, Board member Dykstra inquired about access to the building in case of a technical maintenance. Board member Sparks requested pictures of the pinned locations on the presented map. The entire presentation can be found on BoardDocs.
Information: 4.4 2018 Bond Refunding – Step 1
Angie Smith, Assistant Superintendent of Operations called Robert E. Lewis, Senior Vice President and Managing Director at PMA Securities Inc. to present the District’s market update and refunding opportunity. Mr. Lewis presented the variables that impact the municipal Bond Market with historical interest rates data. Mr. Lewis also presented a draft timeline of key events. If the Board approves to move forward with the proposed investment, PMA Securities Inc. will come back with a more detail presentation. The entire presentation can be found on BoardDocs.
Information: 4.5 Hill Elementary Playground Project
Angie Smith, Assistant Superintendent of Operations introduced Bob Vaughan and Tom Herget to present Hill Elementary Playground Project. Mr. Vaughan started his presentation by sharing some great childhood memories at Hill Elementary with Wally Smith. Then Mr. Vaughan mentioned that they started this project thinking about giving back to the community and a way to honor and commemorate their dear friend Wally. Mr. Vaughan shared what makes Wally Smith special, not only because he was a former student and teacher at Hill Elementary. Mr. Herget and Mr. Vaughan meet with Fox Valley Park District, A+ Foundation and Assistant Superintendent of Operations of West Aurora School District to discuss the estimated cost and how long it will take to build the proposed playground. They have raise about $40,000 towards the $150,000 cost of this project and the estimated time of completion if approved by the Board will be September 2019. Fox Valley Park District, A+ Foundation and West Aurora School District agreed to contribute equal shares of $50,000. The Board thanked them for taking the time to give back to our community. The entire presentation can be found on BoardDocs.
Information: 4.6 Community Affairs Update to the Board
Alexander Perez, Director of Community Affairs presented the community affairs update highlighting the Open Houses throughout the district during the month of September. Also, he invited everyone present to participate in Fiestas Patrias Parade hosted by the Aurora Hispanic Heritage Advisory Board in partnership with the City of Aurora and Dollars for Scholars held on Sunday, September 16, 2018. The entire presentation can be found on BoardDocs.
5. Discussion
Discussion: 5.1 District & School Improvement Process
Dr. Brent Raby, Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning presented Liz Wendel, Director of Assessment to answer any following questions in regards of the District & School Improvement Process that the Board may have. The Board did not have further questions. The entire presentation can be found on BoardDocs.
Discussion: 5.2 Budget Presentation for District 129 and Hope D. Wall Joint Agreement – 2018-2019 – Step 2
Angie Smith, Assistant Superintendent of Operations presented Ryan Abrahamson, Director of Finance to answer any following questions in regards of the 2018-2019 Tentative Budget and the Hope D. Wall Joint Agreement. Mr. Abrahamson went over the operating funds balance history chart highlighting that this school year funding will hit the double mark. He is pleased to present a balanced budget for the 2018-2019 school year. Mrs. Smith explained the Board the approach that the district is taking as far as funds and expenditures. The entire presentation can be found on BoardDocs.
6. Potential Action Items as a result of Executive Session
Action: 6.1 Potential Action After Closed Session – 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(1) - Personnel
No action after closed session was needed.
7. Action Items
Action: 7.1 Consideration of Conference Change
Mr. Christopher Sparks motioned, second by Mrs. Allyson Herget that the Board of Education approve the Consideration of Conference Change as presented.
Final Resolution: Motion Carries (5-1)
Yea: Mr. Robert Gonzalez, Mrs. Allyson Herget, Mr. Richard Kerns, Mrs. Melody Saperston, Mr. Christopher Sparks.
Nay: Mrs. Valerie Brown Dykstra
Not Present at Vote: Mr. Ira Lathan
8. Comments
Procedural: 8.1 Public Comments: Audience Members Wishing to Speak to the Board Regarding a Non-Agenda Item
No members of the audience wished to speak to the Board regarding a Non-Agenda Item.
Information: 8.2 Superintendent Comments
Dr. Jeff Craig, Superintendent thanked the Athletic Staff at West Aurora High School for their efforts to bring relative information in regards of the conference change. Dr. Craig feels that tonight was the reflection of who makes the difference and feels proud to be part of West Aurora Team.
Information: 8.3 Student Board Member Comments
Annie Wu, Student Board Member, was absent during this meeting.
Information: 8.4 Board Member Comments & Dates to Remember
Mrs. Saperston commented that she attended three open houses.
Mr. Kerns also attended some of the open houses around the district. Mr. Kerns also visited the new Drivers Ed facility at West High and attended a football and tennis games during the past two weeks.
Mrs. Dykstra congratulated Alex Perez for his recognition tonight.
Mr. Sparks had no comments.
Mrs. Herget mentioned that she was happy about the conference change, due to the difference of environment she felt while visiting Elgin for a freshman game.
9. Adjournment
Action, Procedural: 9.1 Adjourn
Mr. Christopher Sparks motioned, second by Mrs. Allyson Herget to adjourn.
Final Resolution: Motion Carries (6-0)
Yea: Mr. Robert Gonzalez, Mrs. Allyson Herget, Mrs. Valerie Brown Dykstra, Mrs. Melody Saperston, Mr. Christopher Sparks, Mr. Richard Kerns.
Meeting adjourned at 7:49 PM.
https://www.boarddocs.com/il/asd129/Board.nsf/files/B68NMZ5DC6DD/$file/September%204%2C%202018%20-%20Regular%20Open%20Session%20Minutes.pdf
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