Arlington Heights School District 25 Board of Education met Jan. 16.
Here is the minutes provided by the board:
Brian Cerniglia, President of the Arlington Heights School District 25 Board of Education, called the meeting to order on January 16, 2020 to accept a motion to adjourn into closed session at 6:35 p.m. The meeting was held at the Dunton Administration Building, 1200 S. Dunton Avenue, Arlington Heights, Illinois.
The meeting was noticed for closed session to discuss: Appointment, Employment, Compensation, Discipline, Performance or Dismissal of Specific Employees/Independent Contractors/Volunteers of the District, 5 ILCS 120/2 (c)(1); Review closed session minutes, 5 ILCS 120/2 (c)(21); Collective negotiating matters between the public body and its employees or their representatives, 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(2); Litigation when the public body finds that an action is probable, 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(11).
Regular Meeting
Brian Cerniglia, President of the Arlington Heights School District 25 Board of Education, called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. on January 16, 2020. The meeting was held at the Dunton Administration Building, 1200 S. Dunton Avenue, Arlington Heights, Illinois. Roll call was noted and the Pledge of Allegiance said.
Board members present: Brian Cerniglia, Chad Conley, Scott Filipek, Erin Johannesen, and Rich Olejniczak
Board members excused: David Page and Anisha Ismail Patel
Others Present: Dr. Lori Bein, Superintendent; Stacey Mallek, Assistant Superintendent for Business/CSBO; Brian Kaye, Assistant Superintendent for Personnel and Planning; Dr. Becky FitzPatrick, Assistant Superintendent for the Department of Student Learning; Chris Fahnoe, Director of Technology and Assessment; Adam Harris, Communications Coordinator; Brad Katz, Information Technology Specialist; Lana O’Brien, Recording Secretary; staff; and community.
Recognitions and Presentations
Mr. Cerniglia, on behalf of the Board, and Dr. Bein extended congratulations to the Thomas Middle School 8th Grade Girls Basketball team that competed at the State tournament. Ms. Lori Naumowicz, Principal of Thomas Middle School, talked about the student-athletes and reviewed the successful season that the team had. She thanked the parents for their support. See thanked the coaches and noted that Kristin Christensen was the 2019 Illinois Basketball Coaches Association Coach of the Year, and Heather Nisbet, was a 2019 Thomas Pride of the Wolfpack inductee.
Community Input
Emily Gromer requested District 25 help advocate for adding an aquatic center at John Hersey High School; more consistency with lunch hours and lunch policies across the district; and adding flashing crossing signs and 20 m.p.h. signs through the district, especially near Kennicott and Maude. She also inquired about the status of Standards-based report cards for Thomas; discussed third grade class sizes at Patton; and school improvements at Patton, specifically, a larger commons area and an updated stage.
Consent Agenda
Motion: R. Olejniczak moved and E. Johannesen seconded the motion that the
Board of Education approve those items on the Consent Agenda as follows: (A) Personnel Report and Addendum to Personnel Report; (B) Treasurer’s Report; (C)
that the Board of Education approve those items on the Consent Agenda as follows: (A) Invoices; (D) Fixed Asset Disposal Report; (E) Public Hearing on the 2019 Tax Levy Minutes of December 12, 2019; (F) Regular and Closed Session Meeting minutes of December 12, 2019.
Roll Call: B. Cerniglia, yes; C. Conley, yes; S. Filipek, yes; E. Johannesen, yes; R. Olejniczak, yes. Motion carried 5/0.
Communications:
The following reports were given:
• NSSEO – Ms. Johannesen reported that NSSEO appreciates the collaborative relationship with District 25. Dr. Bein added that at the next NSSEO Board meeting, a District 25 student who is making great strides in their program, will be recognized.
• ED-RED – Ms. Mallek reported that the ED-RED legislative dinner meeting will be held at the end of the month. Dr. Bein and Ms. Patel will attend, and John Cullerton will be the keynote speaker at the meeting.
The following reports were received:
• PTA – Ms. Kusumpa was unable to attend, but on her behalf Dr. Bein explained that the PTA started a community closet that social workers or principals can use to get coats, hats, and boots for children in need.
• ATA – Ms. Drevline showed a video that spotlighted students, staff and sports. She spoke about the benefits of the wrestling program, TED Talks at Thomas, and a poetry submission for students.
There were no reports from the following. • IASB
• ABC25
Committee of the Whole Reports
Student Learning
Elementary Social Studies Curriculum Adoption
Dr. FitzPatrick introduced Melanie Zenisek, Science and Social Studies Coordinator, and two members of the Social Studies Committee, Breanna Pustai, Windsor Second Grade Teacher, and Idelle Melamed, Patton Library Media Specialist.
The K-5 Social Studies committee was made up of elementary teachers and administrators. Their goal was to more closely align the curriculum with the Illinois Social Science Learning Standards. The group reviewed various curriculum resource programs before deciding to pilot TCI: History Alive! in the spring of 2018 and McGraw-Hill in the winter of the 2018-19 school year. Upon completion of these pilots, the committee felt TCI: History Alive! is the ideal resource. The timeline allowed the committee to continue to work on the scope and sequence for the resource and to create documents to help teachers align their teaching with the standards.
Ms. Zenisek explained the philosophy of the program, which includes resources to support teachers and students. It also puts students at the center of instruction and taps a variety of learning styles. She also reviewed the progression for each grade, which aligns with the Illinois Learning Standards for Social Science and most of the district’s current practices.
The program was selected for the following reasons. It is aligned to the Illinois Learning Standards for Social Science and also to the Illinois Learning Standards for ELA, to ensure students develop literacy skills through Social Studies. The student text provides reading out loud and the ability to increase the font size or enlarge any images, to ensure success for all learners. It allows for differentiated instruction by providing suggestions specific to lessons. The primary sources are systematically embedded in every lesson at the appropriate time in a seamless fashion. The media library allows teachers to quickly filter through a large number of resources, including primary sources, videos, images, and more. It is a web-based application so it will work on all different devices. It provides the ability to view online student text in Spanish.
Ms. Pustai described how she utilized the program with Beebot to help students understand cardinal directions on a map, and learn about their community. Ms. Melamed explained that she worked with 1st and 4th grade teachers during the pilot. She likes what the program provides including suggestions for more in- depth information, and how well it connects to the library.
The costs were provided, and it was explained that professional development and additional training throughout the six years is included. This program provides continuity with the middle school curriculum because the district previously adopted TCI’s program for the middle school curriculum. This will be brought back at a future Board meeting for approval. Dr. Bein mentioned that the cost provided is a one-time cost, that covers six years.
Board members asked questions and there was discussion regarding implementation as well as continuity across the district. The committee was thanked for their thorough work on the curriculum adoption.
Student Services – No Report
Business and Finance
Internet and WAN Lease Agreement
Ms. Mallek stated that the current lease agreement is expiring. A Historically, we have entered into five-year leases for our internet/WAN services, but bid was sent out through the E-rate process requesting pricing for both 36 and 60 months. because prices have dropped over the past five years, and as a result of the bid pricing, we don't believe the 60-month pricing justifies locking in costs for that long. Additionally, the state is working on a matching grant program that would reduce our costs even more. One of the vendor’s bid pricing reflected the state funding, but after conversations with the state we are not comfortable that the District would qualify for, and achieve the level of funding reflected at this time. Based on this, we have determined that Wide Open West is the lowest bidder currently meeting all our needs.
Mr. Brad Katz was thanked for the work he did on the project. There will be a significant cost savings on an annual basis over our current agreement.
We will bring this back at the next Board meeting for approval, which will require 2/3 Board approval. If the state program is working in three years, then we can apply for the state grant.
Board members asked questions regarding internet speeds and 5G. The internet speed will double with the new contract, and that the infrastructure for 5G is not ready yet.
Annual Report on Tax Exempt Bonds
Ms. Mallek noted that, according to policy, she is required to review the District’s contracts to determine whether the Tax Advantaged Obligations comply with the federal tax requirements applicable to each issue of the Tax Advantaged Obligations. She has reviewed all compliance matters with Elizabeth Hennessey of Raymond James, and believes the district is in compliance with all requirements. Ms. Mallek was thanked for the report.
Facilities Management
School Maintenance Project Grant Program Application Submission Ms. Mallek explained that the School Maintenance Project Grant (SMPG) is a dollar for dollar state matching grant program providing awards up to $50,000 to grantees exclusively for the maintenance or upkeep of buildings or structures for educational purposes. The grant application is due by February 14, but first needs Board approval to apply as there is a matching requirement. The intent is to submit the grant for the work that will be occurring at Patton Elementary School this summer as it relates to galvanized piping replacement and other ancillary updates.
Board members asked clarifying questions regarding the grant. It was explained that the awarding of the grant is based on priority, the number of submissions received, the dollar amount requested, and how many districts apply. There is no guarantee we will receive it.
Motion: E. Johannesen moved and S. FIlipek seconded the motion that the Board of Education approve the submission of the School Maintenance Project Grant Program Application.
Roll Call: B. Cerniglia, yes; C. Conley, yes; S. Filipek, yes; E. Johannesen, yes; R. Olejniczak, yes. Motion carried 5/0.
Personnel and Planning
2020-2021 School Calendar
Dr. Bein asked the Board to hold on approving the 2020-2021 calendar. We received additional information and will take it back to the calendar committee for a final determination. The committee is comprised of teachers, administrators, and parents.
Motion: R. Olejniczak moved and C. Conley seconded the motion that the Board of Education move the calendar back to the calendar committee until such time that the Superintendent determines there is a final recommendation. Roll Call: B. Cerniglia, yes; C. Conley, yes; S. Filipek, yes; E. Johannesen, yes; R. Olejniczak, yes. Motion carried 5/0.
Superintendent Report – No Report
The Board did not return to closed session.
Motion: R. Olejniczak moved and E. Johannesen seconded the motion to adjourn the meeting.
Roll Call: B. Cerniglia, yes; C. Conley, yes; S. Filipek, yes; E. Johannesen, yes; R. Olejniczak, yes. Motion carried 5/0.
The regular meeting adjourned at 8:20 p.m.
https://www.sd25.org/cms/lib/IL01904427/Centricity/Domain/218/200116%20Board%20Minutes.pdf
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