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July 20, 2021 at 7:00 PM - Regular Meeting

Agenda
I. Join the Meeting Remotely
Description:  Due to unforeseen circumstances, tonight's Board of Education meeting will NOT be live-streamed. Community members are welcome to attend In-person. Tonight's meeting will be held at 7PM in the Kelvin Grove LRC. Visitors will enter thru Door #4 on the south end of the building. We apologize for any inconvenience and as always, thank you for your continued support of D91.

If you would like to address the Board of Education, please send your written comments to addresstheBoE@d91.net by 5:00 pm on the evening of the meeting. Please include your name as part of your remarks.
II. Roll Call
III. Call to Order
IV. Pledge
V. Approval of Consent Agenda
The Consent Agenda is a list of routine non-controversial items, which do not require further discussion and which are approved with one motion and one roll call vote. It is an effective procedure to handle routine matters on the agenda expeditiously. All consent items shall be listed with an asterisk(*) and will be enacted with one motion. However, any member of the Board of Education may request that an item be withdrawn from the Consent Agenda and discussed in its regular order.
V.A. Approval of Minutes *
Attachments: (1)
V.B. Approval of Financial Reports 
V.B.1. Payment of Bills (online)*
Attachments: (1)
V.B.2. AP Check Register*
Attachments: (1)
V.B.3. Monthly Financial Reports (on-line)*
Attachments: (3)
V.B.4. Activity Accounts*
Attachments: (1)
V.B.5. Treasurer's Report*
Attachments: (1)
V.B.6. Investment Report*
V.B.7. Flexible Spending Account*
V.C. FOIA Report *
Description:  We have not received any requests for information under the Freedom of Information Act since the June 2021 meeting of the Board of Education.
 
VI. Invitation to Address the Board of Education
Description:  Description: 

Per Policy 2:230 Public Comments at Board of Education Meetings and Petitions to the Board 

At each regular and special open meeting, the members of the public and District employees may comment on or ask questions of the Board, subject to reasonable constraints. 

The individuals appearing before the Board are expected to follow these guidelines: 

  1. Such a person shall submit a request in writing to the Board Secretary to address the Board. Such a request shall be received at least five (5) working days prior to the Board meeting and shall include said reason for the request.

  2. At the meeting, a person who has complied with number 1 above shall inform the Board Secretary of his/her presence at the meeting.

  3. Address the Board only at the appropriate time as indicated on the agenda and when recognized by the Board President.

  4. Identify oneself and be brief. Ordinarily, such comments shall be limited to five minutes.  In unusual circumstances, and when an individual has made a request in advance to speak for a longer period of time, the individual may be allowed to speak for more than five minutes. 

  5. The Board President may shorten or lengthen an individual’s opportunity to speak.  The President may also deny an individual the opportunity if the individual has previously addressed the Board on the same subject within the past 2 months. 

  6. The Board President shall have the authority to determine procedural matters regarding public participation not otherwise defined in Board of Education policy. 

  7. Conduct oneself with respect and civility toward others and otherwise abide by Board policy, 8:30, Visitors to and Conduct on School Property. 

Petitions or written correspondence to the Board shall be presented to the Board of Education in the next regular Board packet unless the Superintendent deems the matter to be urgent. 
VII. Board Reports/Discussion Items
VII.A. Board Committee Assignments for 2021-2022 & Select Negotiations Committee Members
Description:  Attached you will find the Board Committees for the 2021-2022 school year. 
During the organizational meeting, the Board decided to wait to appoint members to the negotiation committee. In addition, for the Parent-Teacher Advisory Committee, we need two representatives, not three.  One person can be an alternate in the event one or both of the members cannot attend.

This evening the Board will determine who the committee members will be for the Parent-Teacher Advisory and Negotiations.
 
VII.B. Cell Phone Reimbursement
Description:  Per my contract, the board has agreed to reimburse for cell phone use on a quarterly basis.  Here is the language from the contract:

The Superintendent will provide their own cell phone for district use.  The Board will reimburse the Superintendent quarterly at a mutually agreed upon monthly rate based on a comparison of other local districts.

After collecting information from local districts that reimburse for personal cell phone use, the range for cell phone reimbursement was between $50 and $55.  The board will need to make a recommendation for the monthly reimbursement amount this evening and will be brought to the August meeting for approval.
 
VII.C. Digital Camera for Streaming Athletics/ Activities
Description:  During the pandemic, there were some new ways of communication that we had to learn very quickly to be able to involve our students and families the best we could.  One of the outcomes of this was the ability to live stream athletic events for families members to view from a distance due to the social distancing guidelines that were in place at that time.

Reflecting on this practice, it has been found that this was a very beneficial way to have more people involved in our athletic events than those who would have been able to attend in-person.  Consideration of live streaming both athletics and activities would support the Community & District Relations strategic plan to actively involve the parents and community more. 

At the conclusion of the board discussion this evening, the administration is looking for direction from the school board on whether they should consider purchasing digital cameras to live stream events to use during the 2021-2022 school year.  If consideration is granted, funds for the purchase of digital cameras and necessary accessories would come from the ESSR III grant.
VII.D. Crossing Guards
Description:  On July 8th I attended a meeting with members of the Lockport Police Department regarding the current status of the crossing guard locations and staffing of those locations.  During this meeting, I learned there are ten locations that the Lockport Police Department provides crossing guards.  Of those ten, there are two used by other local public districts, one by a parochial school,  and the rest are located within our student walking/bike riding boundaries. 

The Lockport Police Department was requesting feedback from each district at an upcoming meeting on August 2nd to determine if the district could:
  1. Provide a crossing guard from the current district staff, OR
  2. Cost share the position and hire the current crossing guards, OR
  3. Feedback regarding the need for the current crossing guard locations.

After meeting with administration, we have prepared the following information for board.  If the board is supportive of this proposal, I will present on our district’s behalf at the August 2nd meeting.  Here is what we are recommending:
  1. We do not feel we could provide crossing guard support for all the designated locations near our schools. 
      1. 7th & Madison
      2. 9th & Madison
      3. Rte 7 & East 7th Street (2 crossing guards)
      4. Milne Grove
      5. 7th & Summit
      6. 7th & Read
  2. Although the cost share is a great option, we are not in a position to take on additional staff that would require supervision at this time. 
  3. We would like to offer the following suggestions (in this order) for elimination of crossing guard locations as needed based on staffing from the Lockport Police Department that pertain to our school district:
    1. Elimination of Milne Grove Crossing (6th & 7th Streets) - rationale - we can provide crossing support from our own staff given it is directly in front of the school.
    2. Elimination of 9th & Madison Crossing - rationale - with the change in times for Lockport High School dismissal, the few students that cross there will not have high school dismissal traffic and can use the street light pedestrian button to cross.
    3. Elimination of 7th & Read Crossing - rationale - with the change in times for Lockport High School dismissal, the few students that cross there will not have high school dismissal traffic and can cross along the walkway paths at the four way stop intersection.
VIII. Reports of the Superintendent
VIII.A. Esser III Grant & Review In-Person Learning Planning Document for 2021-2022
Description:  The administrative team time met on Tuesday, July 6th to plan for the upcoming school year by updating the district plan from last school year.  On Thursday, July 8th, Mr. Jennings, Mrs. Kozial, Ms. Rae and I met with union leadership: Mrs. Waxweiler, Mrs. Soulian, and Mrs. O’Halloran.  At this meeting, we discussed the plan for the upcoming school year and will be continuing to work together in the event that ISBE or IDPH provide updated guidance on the in-person learning guidelines for the 2021-22 school year so we can update the plan accordingly.  On July 9th the Illinois Board of Education (ISBE) and Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) provided updated guidance on masks.  We have not included our district plans per the new guidance at this time and will share the new place once further information is gathered.

In addition, we are reviewing the instructional programs and supports that will be included in the ESSER III grant to support the learning loss for students during the pandemic.  Discussions this evening will include considerations for costs regarding the in-person learning needs that may come from the ESSER III grant.

Here is the link to the In-Person Learning Plan for 2021-2022.
 
VIII.B. Highlights from Summer Learning Camp
Description:  Ms. Rae will provide a brief presentation that highlights the accomplishments of the Summer Learning Camp.
VIII.C. Annual Safety Review
Description:  Per 105 ILCS 128 Section 25, School Safety Drill Act, each District must conduct an annual review of their school(s) emergency and crisis response plans. This meeting was conducted in accordance with state guidelines. Participants in the meeting included Jaime Koziol, John Jennings, Deputy Chief Dave Bricker, Lockport Township Fire Protection District, and Detective Chris Neyhart, Lockport Police Department.

I have included a copy of the Annual Review Report that has been sent to the Regional Office of Education.
 
Attachments: (1)
VIII.D. Current Enrollment
Description:  We are working with families to complete registration paperwork so we can determine how many sections we will need.  Mrs. Koziol is contacting all kindergarten families we believe will be registering to urge them to complete the process.  At this time, we have 39 fully registered, 4 students who are finalizing registration the week of July 9th, and one student who picked up the registration packet.  This will place us at 44 students pending the five students’ complete registration.  Given this will be over the threshold of the 43 students to open a third section of kindergarten, we will be watching the numbers closely and will bring forward a recommendation for hire at the August board meeting.

Click on the link to receive the most up-to-date Enrollment and Class Size for 2021-2022.
 
VIII.E. Summary of Transition Days 
Description:  To allow for a seamless transition, the following language was included in my contract:
If the Superintendent uses up to five (5) vacation days at her current place during the months of January - June, 2021 for the purpose of ensuring a smooth transition between superintendents and as approved by the Board, she will be reimbursed at her per diem rate, based upon her initial base salary as set forth in this Contract. Dates, times, persons in attendance and agenda of any such meetings must be provided to the Board as they take place.

In addition to attending board meetings, committee meetings, and special board meetings in the evenings from January through June, I was also able to take advantage of the five vacation days I took from my previous role to accomplish the following transition opportunities:
Date Hours Transition Activity
March 2, 2021 2.5 hours Initial Transition Meeting w/Mrs. Gray
March 5, 2021 8 hours Meet & Greet w/Milne Grove Staff
March 9, 2021 9 hours Meet & greet w/Kelvin Grove Staff
April 7, 2021 5 hours Transition Meeting w/Mrs. Gray - Board Packet Review
April 20, 2021 2 hours School Psychologist Interviews
April 23, 2021 6 hours Executive Secretary Interviews
April 26, 2021 3 hours Transition Meeting w/Mrs. Gray - Board Packet Review
June 4, 2021 4 hours Transition Meeting w/Mrs. Gray - Board Packet Review
June 14, 2021 6 hours Financial/Budget Overview w/Mrs. Gray; Meeting with PMA & 5Sight representatives

I would like to publically thank Mrs. Donna Gray for her support and leadership as I transitioned into the role of Superintendent here is District 91.  She went above and beyond to create monthly checklists for me to review, organized files for reference, and suggestions for me to follow as I begin my role in the district.  Mrs. Gray’s ongoing commitment to the success of District 91 is second to none, still sending information to help support me in my role as the new superintendent.  The transition meetings were extremely effective and have allowed me to walk in with an awareness of this district, the current practices that are in place, and the opportunity to continue the great work that has been taking place. Thank you to the school board for allowing me the opportunity to learn about the district prior to the July 1st start date.
 
IX. Action Items
IX.A. Policy 6:185 Second Reading
Description:  RECOMMENDATION

To adopt the new policy below as discussed during the first reading at the June 8, 2021 general meeting.

BACKGROUND

Last month the Board reviewed the new policy below. I have listed the agreed upon actions to be affirmed this evening.

6:185               Remote Education Program

It is recommended that the Board of Education adopt policy 6:185 as written.
 
Attachments: (1)
IX.B. Disposal of District Property
Description:  RECOMMENDATION

It is recommended that the Board of Education approve the disposal of the district property listed in the attachments.

BACKGROUND

Every summer as we are preparing the schools for the fall reopening, we identify items that are either beyond repair, unsafe for use, or beyond their useful life. None of these items are in good enough condition to donate to another district or are considered obsolete technology, nor do we have room to store these items.  Other items could be old resources that are no longer being used as part of our curriculum or were old files that need to be disposed of.

Attached are the following lists that include resources, equipment, furniture, etc. that are no longer in use:
  • From Mr. Pierson - list of items that are no longer useful, needed, or damaged;
  • From Mrs. Randolph - list of items that will be donated to University of Illinois
  • From Ms. Rae - list of items that will be recycled, shred, or donated
IX.C. Accept Donations
Description: 
RECOMMENDATION

Accept the donation of a piano stand to be used in our music classroom.


BACKGROUND

A donation of one Midi Piano X Stand (to use with one of our electric pianos that doesn't have a stand) four our music program.  The stand is being donated by Mr. & Mrs. Al Benson.

It is recommended this donation be accepted by the Board of Education.
 
IX.D. Board of Education Agreements
Description:  RECOMMENDATION

Approve Board Agreements as official agreements of the District 91 Board of Education.

BACKGROUND
           
The agreements are being presented as approved in 2020.

It is my recommendation that the Board of Education approve the proposed Board Agreements as presented.
 
Attachments: (1)
IX.E. Chess Club
Description:  RECOMMENDATION

To approve the addition of a Chess Club for District 91.

BACKGROUND
           
At the June board meeting, Mrs. Soulian and student representatives presented a proposal for the addition of a Chess Club for the 2021-2022 school year.  As part of the strategic plan goal to offer diverse programs that address the academic, social-emotional and developmental needs of all students, it is recommended the board considers the approval of Chess Club.
 
IX.F. Classroom Maintenance Agreement with LASEC
Description:  RECOMMENDATION

To approve the classroom maintenance agreement between District 91 and LASEC for the 2021-2022 school year.

BACKGROUND

I have enclosed a copy of the maintenance agreement between LASEC and District #91 for the use of three rooms at Kelvin Grove and one room at Milne Grove.  These are the same programs we housed in the past few years.

CAD (Cognitive and Adaptive Development)                      1 room at KG
LASEC Academy                                                                  1 room at KG 
CD (Intermediate)                                                                 1 room at KG
CD (Primary)                                                                        1 room at MG

Having these programs in our buildings will allow us to keep more students in their home school and exempt us from more costly transportation services.

The agreed upon rate is $13,000 per year per room.  This is a $1,000 increase per room over last year.

It is my recommendation that the Board of Education approves the classroom maintenance agreement between District 91 and LASEC in the amount of $52,000, for the 2021-2022 school year.
 
Attachments: (1)
IX.G. Personnel Report
Description: 
IX.H. IMRF Appointment of Authorized Agent
Description:  RECOMMENDATION

To approve Dr. Kathleen Wilkey to replace Mrs. Donna Gray as the IMRF Authorized Agent for Lockport School District 91.

BACKGROUND

The governing body of an IMRF employer must appoint a qualified party as the employer’s IMRF Authorized Agent.
 
IX.I. Energy Purchase Contract Authorization
Description:  RECOMMENDATION

To approve Dr. Kathleen Wilkey to replace Mrs. Donna Gray to be allowed the authority to purchase natural gas or electricity for the district without formal approval as done in the past.

BACKGROUND

Please see the attached documentation from Mr. Pierson with background information regarding the energy contract authorization.

 
Attachments: (1)
IX.J. Sale of School Property
Description: 

RECOMMENDATION

To approve the resolution for the sale of school property.

BACKGROUND

       

Please see the attached documentation from Mr. Pierson with background information regarding the sale of the school property.  In addition, you will find a copy of the resolution along with the public notice for acceptance of bids that were prepared by the attorney.


 
Attachments: (1)
IX.K. Approval of CallOne One-Year Phone Service Contract
Description:  RECOMMENDATION
To approve a one-year contract with CallOne for their Silver Customer Care level of service at a cost of $2,995.

BACKGROUND
           
Please see the attached documentation from Mr. Pierson with background information regarding the contract with CallOne.  This is the same phone system we have used the past five years.  The original five year contract was around $25,000.  The per year cost recommendation for the 2021-2022 school year is less than the annual cost per the original contract.
 
Attachments: (2)
X. Informational Items
X.A. Legislative Report
Attachments: (1)
X.B. Upcoming Dates
Description:  District Events
August
August 16 - 17           Teacher’s Institute - No School
August 18                   First Day of School for Grades K-8 (Dismissal at 11:30 - Teachers’ In-Service PM)
August 19                   First Full Day of School for K-8

Kelvin Grove Upcoming Events
July
July 26 - 27                Girls Softball Tryouts  9:00 - 11:00 am

August
August 2 - 3              Boys Baseball Tryouts  TBD
August 9                     Boys Baseball Alternate Tryout  TBD
August 12                   Locker Set-Up at KG for Junior High Students  12:00 - 2:00 pm
                                    Class Lists Posted at MG and KG

Milne Grove Upcoming Events
July    
July 26                        Kindergarten Screenings (Time: 8:00 am - 1:00 pm)
July 28                        Kindergarten Screenings (Time: 11:00 am - 4:00 pm)
July 29                        Kindergarten Screenings (Time:  8:00 am - 1:00 pm)

For the screening, please enter door G (west, rear of school)
Note:  Screenings are required in order for your child to be assigned to a class.

August
August 10                   New Parent Orientation - Via Zoom
                                    Time:  11:30 am - 1:00 pm
August 12                   Kindergarten Ice Cream Social - Place:  Playground
                                    Time:  6:30 - 7:30 pm
                                   
 
XI. Closed Session
The appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific employees of the District or legal counsel for the District, including hearing testimony on a complaint lodged against an employee or against legal counsel for the District to determine its validity. [1] However, a meeting to consider an increase in compensation to a specific employee of a public body that is subject to the Local Government Wage Increase Transparency Act may not be closed and shall be open to the public and posted and held in accordance the [the Open Meetings Act].  5 ILCS 120/2(c)(1), as amended by P.A. 99-646.
XII. Adjournment

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