Elgin Area School District U46 Board of Education met Jan. 27.
Here is the minutes provided by the board:
The Regular Meeting of the Board of Education was called to order at 5:30 p.m. at the Educational Services Center, 355 East Chicago Street, Elgin, Illinois. The following Board members answered roll call: John Devereux, Melissa Owens, Eva Porter, Donna Smith, Kate Thommes, and Sue Kerr.
Board member Veronica Noland was not present for this meeting.
President Kerr requested a motion to move into closed session to discuss individual student disciplinary matters; pending, probable or imminent litigation; the appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance or dismissal of specific employees; the purchase or lease of real property for the use of the School Board; the setting of a price for the sale or lease of real property owned by the School Board; collective negotiating matters between the School Board and its employees or their representatives, or deliberations concerning salary schedules for one or more classes of employees; review of closed session minutes; and individual student matters. The motion was made at 5:31 p.m. by Ms. Owens, second by Ms. Thommes. Upon roll call, yes votes: Mr. Devereux, Ms. Owens, Mrs. Porter, Mrs. Smith, Ms. Thommes and Ms. Kerr. No votes: 0. The motion carried by a vote of 6-0.
A motion was made at 7:05 p.m. by Ms. Thommes, second by Mrs. Smith, to reconvene into open session. Upon roll call, yes votes: Mr. Devereux, Ms. Owens, Mrs. Porter, Mrs. Smith, Ms. Thommes, and Ms. Kerr. No votes: 0. The motion carried by a vote of 6-0.
The business session began at 7:09 p.m. Present for the business session of the meeting were the same Board members listed above, Student Board Member Hallie Furtak, Chief Executive Officer Tony Sanders and Chief Legal Officer Miguel Rodriguez. The following administrators were also present: Steve Burger, Dr. Josh Carpenter, Ann Chan, Dr. Suzanne Johnson, Dr. Jeff King, Lela Majstorovic, Dr. Ushma Shah, Dale Burnidge, Mike Demovsky, Sheila Downs, Mary Fergus, John Heiderscheidt, and Bruce Phelps. Also present were: other administrators, guests, and visitors. Ms. Furtak led the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance.
1. Accent on Achievement – Mr. Sanders
A. National School Counseling Week
In recognition of National School Counseling Week, the U-46 Board of Education presented a Proclamation of Appreciation to Alexa Charsha-Hahn, U-46 lead counselor, on behalf of all U-46 high school guidance counselors.
School District U-46 has 44 school counselors serving more than 17,500 students in five high schools, eight middle schools, and two alternative programs. The role of a school counselor is to support a student's academic, social, and emotional growth and assist them with establishing plans for their future. Counselors meet with students throughout the school year on both an individual and group basis to address social and emotional issues that arise in their lives and help them create academic plans that align with their post-high school goals.
B. National Board Certified Teachers
As part of the Board of Education's Accent on Achievement, the Board of Education recognized School District U-46 teachers who have recently achieved or renewed National Board Certification. This is the highest credential in the teaching profession and may be the most powerful professional development experience available to teachers. The Board of Education recognizes new National Board Certified Teacher Michael Bartos of Bartlett High School and renewing National Board Certified Teachers Otilia Garcia of Oakhill Elementary School, Trenie Gorak of Fox Meadow Elementary School, Julie Isham of Willard Elementary School, Rebecca Narofsky of Lincoln Elementary School, and Ryan Sims of Streamwood High School.
2. Strategic Plan Report - Mr. Sanders (Board Policy 2.020 - School Board Powers and Duties)
A. Family and Community Engagement Update
Ms. Fergus, Director of School and Community Relations and Ms. Jimenez, Coordinator of Family and Community Engagement, presented an update to the Board of Education on U-46 Family and Community Engagement.
Ms. Fergus stated that some of the communication highlights from the past year have included U-46’s social media outlets, the “Let’s Talk” function on the District’s website, the Alumni Profile Campaign, Spanish translation requests, the U-46 Style Guide, and the updated U-46 Intranet. Ms. Jimenez stated the community outreach highlights have included the 5 Essentials Survey, the FDK Promise, Explore, AAPLI/HPLI meetings, U- 46 Principal for a Day, Census 2020, the Real Estate Professionals Breakfast, and the U- 46 Volunteer Reception.
Next steps for communication and engagement include expanding the U-46 Educational Foundation, employee recognition, school improvement initiatives, Equity Plan updates, continued Pathways communications, and expanding U-46 Engage.
3. Comments from the Audience
Rosalia Cornejo stated that she had concerns that there is not a bilingual assistant principal at Elgin High School. Ms. Cornejo stated EHS has the largest dual language program and needs an assistant principal who is able to communicate with parents.
4. Other Business – Board Member and CEO Update
A. Additional Information
Mr. Sanders stated that the Board spent 7 hours this past Saturday conducting Board evaluations as well as his own evaluation. Mr. Sanders also stated PADS of Elgin is holding a dance fundraiser this Saturday where members of the U-46 team would be participating.
Ms. Thommes stated that she attended the presentation “Unraveling Anxiety: It's More Than Just Worries” at Poplar Creek Library, and it was a great presentation with valuable information.
Mrs. Smith stated that she was able to catch up with previous student board member, Eric Loera, over the holiday break, and that it is nice to keep in contact to see the great things former students are up to.
Mrs. Porter stated that she attended the MLK breakfast on January 18th at Elgin Community College, and Tina Raglin received an award on behalf of Ron Raglin.
B. FOIA Requests – 6
Mr. Sanders stated there were six FOIA requests that the District has responded to since the previous Board meeting, and these responses are available on the Board book and would be made available on the District’s website.
5. Consent Agenda
A. Personnel Report and Workers' Compensation Cases
B. Minutes of Board Meeting - January 13, 2020
C. Termination of Cynthia Khanani - Elementary Secretary
D. Contract Renewal - Health Services - AED Management Plan
E. Bid - Business Services - Age and Obsolescence Plan for Cafeteria Lunch Tables
F. Bid - Plant Operations - Abbott Middle School Parking Lot and Vault Project #355
G. Bid - Plant Operations - Bartlett High School Dectron Unit Replacement Project #205
H. Bid - Plant Operations - Channing Elementary School Window Replacement Project #627
I. Bid - Plant Operations - Creekside Elementary School Parking Lot Project #700
J. Bid - Plant Operations - Elgin High School Domestic Water Piping Replacement Phase 3 Project #238
K. Bid - Plant Operations - Fire Alarm Systems Replacement at Bartlett Elementary School Project #550, Hanover Countryside Elementary School Project #801, and Sycamore Trails Elementary School Project #1478
L. Bid - Plant Operations - Kenyon Woods Middle School Parking Lots and Drives Project #450
M. Bid - Plant Operations - Larsen Middle School Gymnasium HVAC Replacement Project #503
N. Bid - Plant Operations - South Elgin High School Beacon Academy TV Production Studio and Mobile Classroom Renovation/Upgrade Project #277
O. Bid - Plant Operations - Larsen Middle School Site Improvement Project #501
P. Change Order - Plant Operations - Parkwood Elementary School Paving Project #1329
Q. Change Order - Plant Operations - Prairieview Elementary School Paving Project #1351
R. Change Order - Plant Operations - Library Furniture - Bartlett, Larkin, and South Elgin High Schools Projects #2034, #2035, and #2036
S. Building Permits – 2
Motion by Ms. Owens, second by Mrs. Porter, to approve the January 27, 2020 consent agenda items A-S as presented. Upon roll call, yes votes: Mr. Devereux, Ms. Owens, Mrs. Porter, Mrs. Smith, Ms. Thommes, and Ms. Kerr. No votes: 0. The motion carried by a vote of 6-0.
6. Discussion/Action
A. Itemized Bills – January 27, 2020
Mr. Burnidge, Director of Financial Operations, was available to respond to questions from the Board of Education regarding the attached bills. Administration recommended the Board of Education approve the List of Bills in the amount of $10,968,909.76.
Motion by Ms. Owens, second by Mrs. Porter, to approve the list of itemized bills of January 27, 2020, in the amount of $10,968,909.76 as presented. Upon roll call, yes votes: Mr. Devereux, Ms. Owens, Mrs. Porter, Mrs. Smith, Ms. Thommes, and Ms. Kerr. No votes: 0. The motion carried by a vote of 6-0.
B. Advanced Automotive Technology Curriculum Proposal
Ms. Stewart, Coordinator of Career and Technical Education, and Ms. Majstorovic, Assistant Superintendent for Secondary Schools, were available to respond to questions from the Board of Education.
Motion by Ms. Owens, second by Mr. Devereux, to approve the Advanced Automotive Technology Curriculum Proposal as presented. Upon roll call, yes votes: Mr. Devereux, Ms. Owens, Mrs. Porter, Mrs. Smith, Ms. Thommes, and Ms. Kerr. No votes: 0. The motion carried by a vote of 6-0.
C. 2020-2021 Board of Education Meeting Schedule
The Board discussed the 2020-2021 Board of Education Meeting Schedule.
Motion by Ms. Thommes, second by Mrs. Porter, to approve the 2020-2021 Board of Education Meeting Schedule as presented. Upon roll call, yes votes: Mr. Devereux, Ms. Owens, Mrs. Porter, Mrs. Smith, Ms. Thommes, and Ms. Kerr. No votes: 0. The motion carried by a vote of 6-0.
7. Other Business – CAC Update
There were no CAC updates.
8. Other Business
A. December Financial Report
Mr. Burnidge, Director of Financial Operations, reviewed the Financial Report and was available to respond to questions from the Board of Education. Mr. Burnidge stated that the total fund balance as of December 31, 2019 totaled $362,418,355.00 − a $24.4 million decrease from the November 30, 2019 fund balance. The District received $600,000 in property tax payments, $17.9 million in evidence-based funding, and $5.2 million in categoricals. $5.7 million is still due from the State, and $4.2 million in federal revenue was received in December. The District’s total revenue is 10.4% higher than last year at this time due to the timing of evidence-based funding and property tax receipts. Expenditures are 15% higher than last year at this time due to capital projects.
B. Investment Report Second Quarter
Mr. Burnidge, Director of Financial Operations, presented the Investment Report for the second quarter and was available to respond to questions from the Board of Education. Mr. Burnidge stated the investment funds’ total for the second quarter was $322,142,950 with a 2.029% yield and $1,934,882 in accrued interest from October 1, 2019 through December 31, 2019.
C. Secondary Schools Financial Report for the Second Quarter
Mr. Burnidge, Director of Financial Operations, reviewed the Secondary Schools Quarterly Financial Report and was available to respond to questions from the Board of Education. Mr. Burnidge stated the activity account’s fund balance from October 1, 2019 through December 31, 2019 had a balance increase of 2.2%. The total fund balance increased from $3,922,626 to $4,011,289 due to athletic admissions, winter sports participation fees, and club fundraisers.
9. Work Session
A. 2020-2021 School Fees
Dr. King, Deputy Superintendent of Operations and Finance/Chief School Business Official, presented the school fees and was available to respond to questions from the Board of Education. The Optional Student Insurance costs are listed as "TBD" because the insurance company does not publish new rates until April or May. Administration recommended approval of the School Fees for the 2020-2021 School Year.
10. Work Session - Bids (Board Policy 4.060 - Purchasing/Purchasing Authority)
A. Bid - School Safety and Culture - Two-Way Radio Purchase
Mr. Phelps, Senior Business Official of Business Services, Mr. Heiderscheidt, Director of School Safety and Culture, and Mr. McKenzie, Security Operations Manager, presented the bid and were available to respond to Board questions. Administration recommended award of the low bid meeting specification to Communications Direct Inc. in the amount of $62,556.48 and requested authorization for district administration to execute related documents. This expenditure will be charged to the Educational Fund. The cost is included in the budget for the 2019-2020 fiscal year.
B. Proposal - Plant Operations - Lease of Modular Unit for Pathways Construction
Mr. Phelps, Senior Business Official of Business Services, and Ms. Downs, Director of Plant Operations, presented the attached proposal and were available to respond to questions from the Board of Education. Administration requested approval of the lease with Aries Building Systems, LLC. in the amount of $216,847.14 and requested authorization for district administration to execute related documents. This expenditure will be charged to the Operations and Maintenance Fund. The cost is included in the budget for the 2019-2020 fiscal year.
C. Proposal - Plant Operations - Annual Fire Alarm Testing Services
Mr. Phelps, Senior Business Official of Business Services, and Ms. Downs, Director of Plant Operations, presented the attached proposal and were available respond to Board questions. Administration recommended approval of the proposal from Cintas Inc. in the amount of $56,824.00 and requested authorization for district administration to execute related documents. This expenditure will be charged to the Operations and Maintenance Fund. The cost is included in the budget for the 2019-2020 fiscal year.
D. Proposal - Plant Operations - Facility Master Plan
Mr. Phelps, Senior Business Official of Business Services, Dr. King, Deputy Superintendent of Operations and Finance, and Ms. Downs, Director of Plant Operations, presented the attached proposal and were available to respond to questions from the Board of Education. Administration requested approval of the proposal from DLR Group in the amount of $1,893.990.00 and requested authorization for district administration to execute related documents. This expenditure will be charged to the Operations and Maintenance Fund. The cost is included in the budget for the 2019-2020 fiscal year.
11. Work Session - Work Session - Change Orders (Board Policy 4.164 - Construction Contracts, Bidding, Awards, and Payments)
A. Change Order - Plant Operations - Sycamore Trails Elementary School Paving Project #1477
Mr. Phelps, Senior Business Official of Business Services, and Ms. Downs, Director of Plant Operations, presented the attached change order and were available to respond to questions from the Board of Education. Administration recommended the Board of Education approve the change order with A-Lamp Concrete Contractors in the amount of minus $66,510.00. This credit will be applied to the Operations and Maintenance Fund.
B. Change Order - Plant Operations - Nature Ridge Elementary School Paving Project #1225
Mr. Phelps, Senior Business Official of Business Services, and Ms. Downs, Director of Plant Operations, presented the change order and were available to respond to questions from the Board of Education. Administration recommended the Board of Education approve the change order with A-Lamp Concrete Contractors in the amount of minus $25,750.00. This credit will be applied to the Operations and Maintenance Fund.
12. Adjournment
Motion by Ms. Owens, second by Ms. Thommes, to adjourn the Regular Board Meeting of January 27, 2020, at 8:24 p.m. Upon roll call, yes votes: Mr. Devereux, Ms. Owens, Mrs. Porter, Mrs. Smith, Ms. Thommes, and Ms. Kerr. No votes: 0. The motion carried by a vote of 6-0.
https://www.u-46.org/site/handlers/filedownload.ashx?moduleinstanceid=23593&dataid=47041&FileName=Minutes%20of%20Board%20Meeting%201.27.2020.pdf
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