November 14, 2019 at 7:00 PM - Board of Education Regular Meeting

Description:  Minutes of regular meeting held October 17, 2019
Minutes of closed meeting held October 17, 2019
November Bills Payable
October Treasurer's Report
Destruction of closed meeting audio recording from May 17, 2018

Description:  Luke Bedrosian will be in attendance so that we may recognize his accomplishments in being selected November Student of the Month.

Description:  Jeremy Anderson, Dean of Students, will be in attendance to recognize his receipt of the first Excellence in Education Award of the school year.

Description:  November 15, 2019, has been designated as School Board Member Day in Illinois.  This year’s School Board Members Day theme is “Transform Vision into Reality.”  On behalf of the students, staff, and administration we thank you for the leadership you have provided on the Board of Education.  We also thank you for your collective support of our vision to provide excellent educational opportunities for the students of Grant Community High School. 

Description:  We are actively planning ahead for curriculum changes effective with the 2021/22 school year.  The next 18 months will be spent preparing curriculum and instruction to effectively deliver these courses.  Our proposed curriculum additions include:
-        AP Computer Science Principles
-        AP Music Theory
-        Honors Journalism
-        Introduction to Teaching
 Additionally, there is one title change recommended for 2021/22:
- Journalism (change from Publications – Newspaper)
Recommend approval of the 2021/22 curriculum changes as presented. 

Description:  On November 6th, the Guiding Coalition met with DMGroup to continue developing our vision for a new tiered model of intervention supports (MTSS).  This meeting was very productive in synthesizing all of our input into one collective vision, which I have included for your review.  Most importantly, when we have a fully developed, articulated, communicated, and implemented MTSS system, we will: 
·        Provide high-quality instruction using grade level curriculum to meet specific student needs in the classroom.
·        Provide students with targeted, research-based interventions that allow students additional time to master content. 
·        Adhere to a fluid intervention system to allow movement between tiers by using a defined, consistent data protocol. 
·        Provide necessary resources to staff, students, and families that support their academic growth and other specific needs. 
·        Prepare students for college and/or career. 
We are in the process of defining milestones for our work, with the goal to have the framework complete by next summer.  The Guiding Coalition will meet on November 18th to further discuss Tier 1 instruction.  Our next meeting with DMGroup is scheduled for December 18th.         

Description:  The IASB/IASA/IASBO Joint Annual Conference is a just a week away.  As one of the nation’s largest state education conferences, we expect this to be a premier learning opportunity.  Included in your packet is a link to the Resolutions Committee Report that will be discussed at the IASB Delegate Assembly.  The meeting will take place on Saturday, November 23rd at 10:30 a.m.  It would be ideal to have a representative attend as a delegate.  Let’s plan to discuss the resolutions up for consideration so that our delegate can vote on behalf of the Board.  We will have your conference badges available at the meeting.  Conference details can be found at https://www.iasb.com/conference/.      

Description:  According to state statute, School Board Policy 7:180 Prevention of and Response to Bullying, Intimidation, and Harassment must be revisited a minimum of every two years, even if changes are not necessary. There are a few minor modifications recommended by IASB at this time. Recommend approval of the policy as presented.  

Additionally, the PRESS Issue 102 was just received by the district and we will be working diligently to begin updating the record number of policies required.      

Description:  Illinois School Report Cards were released on October 30.  Here is the link to access the School Report Card online: https://www.illinoisreportcard.com/.  We are very pleased to have received a Commendable rating again this year.  While we are indeed proud of the quality educational services we provide and the efforts of faculty and staff to help students achieve at high levels, we are working diligently to improve student learning.  Our work with DMGroup is focused on strengthening our instructional program and preparing all students well for college and/or a career.  I have included a letter provided to parents regarding the Report Card.  Here are a few of the highlights included:       
- 94% student attendance
- 89% of freshman are on track to graduate on time
- 90% graduation rate 
- 78% of students enroll in college
- 425 students took early college coursework while at Grant
- 1,077 college credits earned through successful AP tests
- 20 average class size

Description:  Public Act 101-0012 of the Illinois General Assembly permits local school districts to establish an e- learning plan to address student learning in a remote environment.  With faculty and students each having possession of a district provided computer, we are able to extend educational experiences beyond the walls of the classroom. Student learning activities will be tied to the existing curriculum, shall be valuable learning experiences, and each learning activity is expected to be the length of a typical class period.  The E-learning Plan has been jointly developed by faculty and staff.  A public hearing before approval is required.  That has been planned for 6:45 p.m. on December 19, 2019.   A copy of the resolution that we will be bringing forth to you next month, as required by the Illinois State Board of Education, is included for your review.   

Description:  The recommended 2020/21 calendar is being presented for approval.  The first day of student attendance is scheduled for August 12, 2020, the last day of school will be May 21, 2021, and graduation held on May 23, 2021.  Both winter and spring break follow the Lake County Regional Office of Education recommended calendar.  The calendar has been shared and discussed with our feeder districts.  Recommend approval of the 2020/21 calendar as presented. 

Description:  The 25th annual Gala was held on November 2.  We had 246 attendees for dinner, silent and live auctions, and dancing.  The transition to Handbid was well received and went smoothly.  We raised approximately $35,343, which is an increase of almost $6,900 from the year prior.  Funds will be utilized to support students in financial need and to provide student scholarships.  Many thanks to the Board members that were able to attend.      

Description:  The National School Boards Association Annual Conference will be in Chicago this year from April 3 to April 6.  While we don’t typically attend national conferences, I wanted to make you aware of this local opportunity.  This was discussed at the IASB Fall Dinner and a few Board members expressed interest so I wanted to include on agenda.  Details regarding the conference can be found here: https://www.nsba.org/Events/NSBA-2020-Annual-Conference-and-Exposition.  If there is interest in attending, I would suggest an action item next month for the board to consider.  Registration is $765 each if registration occurs before January 10, 2020. 

Description:  Due to low participation numbers last year, action was taken to reduce the number of coaches in the girls’ basketball program by one.  I am happy to report participation numbers are up this year with a total of 41 student-athletes: 
            10  Varsity
            11  JV
            10  JV2A
            10  JV2B
With enough interest to field four levels, we are recommending an increase of one coach for the program.  The Union did provide consent to bypass the typical committee process to appoint a new coach, given the timing of this need.   

Description:  Recommend employment of the following individuals: 
·        Linda Markiewicz, Food Service, $10.40/hr., starting 11/5/2019 
·        Charles Cashmore, 2nd shift Custodian, $13.25/hr., starting 10/21/2019 
·        Paul Marquez, Custodian, $13.25/hr., starting 11/4/2019 
·        Raya Mayer, Custodian, $13.25/hr., starting 11/11/2019 
Recommend accepting the letter of resignation from: 
·        Carol Sieckowski, Transportation, effective 12/20/2019
Notification of FMLA request from Blair Schoell, Divisional Administrator, beginning October 28, 2019 on an intermittent basis for a total of 60 days. 

Description:  Mr. Schmidt will give his monthly Principal’s Report.

Description:  Attached please find the tentative 2019 Certificate of Tax Levy.  The county is predicting that our equalized assessed value will increase from $886,914,632 in 2018 to $936,247,700.  This is a 5.56% increase from the previous year.  Additionally, they are projecting our new construction to be $9,245,943, which is also an increase of 33%.  In December, I will bring the resolutions and recommendation for approval of the final 2019 tax levy. 

Description:  I’ve included an update on the 5-Year Financial Projections.  I will go over them with you at the meeting.

Description:  One part of the new evidenced-based funding from the state of Illinois that began in fiscal year 2019, is a property tax relief grant.  The state is providing $53.65 million for eligible school districts.  In return for abating a portion of taxes, qualifying districts receive a state grant that is a portion of the tax relief they provide.  Recommend applying for the Fiscal Year 2020 Property Tax Relief Grant. 

Description:  As noted in the audit, there are funds still remaining in the Bond and Interest Fund.  Since the bonds are paid off, and our current long range planning does not include any bond issuances, we can move those funds to the Operation and Maintenance Fund.  This resolution is required to make that transfer.  Recommend approval of the Resolution Authorizing Transfer of Excess Bond Proceeds to the Operations and Maintenance Fund of Grant Community High School District #124.