North Cook News

Arlington Heights School District 25 Board of Education met May 7.

Here is the minutes provided by the board:

Scott Filipek, Vice President of the Arlington Heights School District 25 Board of Education, called the meeting to order on May 7, 2020 to accept a motion to adjourn into closed session at 7:04 p.m. The meeting was held remotely via Zoom.

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); Security procedures to respond to the safety of employees, students, staff, the public, or public property, 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(8); Litigation when an action is probable, 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(12).

Regular Meeting Scott Filipek, Vice President of the Arlington Heights School District 25 Board of Education, called the meeting to order at 7:35 p.m. on May 7, 2020. The meeting was held remotely via Zoom. Roll call was noted and the Pledge of Allegiance said.

Board members present: Chad Conley, Scott Filipek, Erin Johannesen, Rich Olejniczak, David Page, and Anisha Ismail Patel

Board members excused: Brian Cerniglia

Others Present: Dr. Lori Bein, Superintendent; Stacey Mallek, Assistant Superintendent for Business/CSBO; Dr. Brian Kaye, Assistant Superintendent for Personnel and Planning; Dr. Becky FitzPatrick, Assistant Superintendent for the Department of Student Learning; Dr. Peg Lasiewicki, Assistant Superintendent for Student Services; Chris Fahnoe, Director of Technology and Assessment; Adam Harris, Head of Communications and Story Telling; Lana O’Brien, Recording Secretary; staff; and community.

Recognitions and Presentations – None

Community Input – None

Consent Agenda

Motion: D. Page moved and R. Olejniczak 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) Invoices; (E) Organizational, Regular and Closed Session Meeting minutes of April 23, 2020 Roll Call: C. Conley, yes; S. Filipek, yes; E. Johannesen, yes; R. Olejniczak, yes; D. Page, yes; and A. Patel, yes. Motion carried 6/0.

Communications: The following reports were given:

● NSSEO – Ms. Johannesen reported that the playground at Miner School is nearly complete, and they are working on the ground material. There will be a ribbon cutting ceremony when possible. NSSEO’s summer program will be held remotely, and they are working to make it the best possible experience for their students. They are planning for their end of year events to be virtual. The Timber Ridge Talent Show will be held on May 22 at 6:30 p.m. via Zoom, which can be accessed from the NSSEO website.

● IASB – Ms. Patel shared that IASB is hosting another Zoom meeting for school board members on May 8 at 1:00 p.m. The North Cook executive committee will be meeting on May 11 to begin planning for the fall dinner meeting.

● ED-RED – Ms. Mallek stated that a Zoom meeting was held on May 4, which featured the State Board of Education. They discussed the Evidence Based Funding formula and the CARE grant. Ms. Patel shared that ED-RED would like to engage school board members more, and suggested that Board members follow ED-RED on social media.

The following reports were received:

● ATA – Ms. Drevline thanked the Board for the letter that was sent to staff, and noted that staff greatly appreciated it. She thanked Cabinet for the video that they emailed thanking the teachers and staff. It is wonderful to see the yard signs throughout the community supporting teachers and 8th graders. She thanked the PTA organizations at the schools, especially the middle schools’ PTAs trying to make things special for the 8th graders. She thanked the Board for all they do. Staff is looking forward to the reverse parades at their buildings, as they are a good way to have a parade with staff at safe distances from each other, and families safe in their cars.

There were no reports from the following.

● PTA

● ABC25

Committee of the Whole Reports Student Learning – No Report

Student Services – No Report

School Board Meeting May 7, 2020 p. 3

Business and Finance 2020-21 NSSEO Budget Ms. Mallek stated that there were no changes to the budget since it was presented at the last Board meeting.

Motion: D. Page moved and E. Johannesen seconded the motion that the Board of Education approve the 2020-21 NSSEO budget as presented. Roll Call: C. Conley, yes; S. Filipek, yes; E. Johannesen, yes; R. Olejniczak, yes; D. Page, yes; and A. Patel, yes. Motion carried 6/0.

Facilities Management – No Report

Personnel and Planning – No Report

Superintendent Report Remote Learning Update Dr. Bein presented an update on the Remote Learning plan for District 25. She reviewed the timeline of what occurred since February 28. She showed the calendar dates for the rest of the school year, which include a few changes. The last day of student attendance will be May 29, which aligns with District 214 and most of the surrounding districts. District 25 has five remote planning days that have not been used, which we will use at the end of the year on June 1 - 5. Lessons will be available for students during that week, but they will be voluntary, and staff will not provide daily instruction. The 8th grade graduation will be virtual, and be shown via YouTube on June 5 at 7:00 p.m. We will try to have the video available on the original graduation dates. ESY will be held remotely June 10 – July 3. There is no decision on Summer Band at this time. Next school year’s calendar dates are as planned, with staff returning on August 17, and the first day of classes for students is on August 20.

There have been various challenges which include putting together a whole new system of school for remote learning; training teachers on remote tools, and curriculum and instruction; providing student access to devices and internet; special education supports; and the stress on parents and families. The 8th Grade Washington D.C. trip was cancelled and the district is working with our attorney to get full refunds for the families. We received full refunds from all canceled field trips and other events.

Several successes were highlighted. Dr. Bein thanked Dr. FitzPatrick and the Department of Student Learning who put together the remote learning plan. There have been many offers of help from families and staff. Food Service has been working overtime to provide meals for students. Over 80,000 meals have been provided through April 30, which include breakfasts and lunches, and fresh produce and milk. There have been two pickup locations, and food has also been delivered to homes for families that cannot attend the pickup. The families have been appreciative and thankful. Because of all the volunteers and offers of help we have been able to add something to each bag such as a book, or stuffed animal.

Dr. Bein stated that Mr. Fahnoe and the Technology Department have distributed or delivered over 500 devices and are continually working on repair and replacement. Some families don’t have internet access, and the technology department was able to obtain hot spots for them. Families are also able to pick up paper packets if they don’t have consistent internet access.

A remote learning survey was sent out to both teachers and families, and over 1,800 responses were received. Overall, the majority of both groups felt that the current remote learning format has been a positive and productive experience for students. The most challenging part of remote learning for both groups are other individual reasons. Dr. Bein shared the common comments from both teachers and families, which include the difficulty in finding balance between work and home, and the interest in increased interaction between teachers and students.

Dr. Bein detailed the next steps, which include distributing students’ personal items and students returning learning materials and devices; classroom closures; 8th grade graduation; planning for ESY; and planning for the 2020-2021 school year. Superintendents are planning for four scenarios for the next school year.

Board members asked questions regarding standardized testing and advanced math and English. State testing is waived for the year, and won’t be made up, and we will provide some sort of assessment in the fall. We are deciding how students will qualify for advanced learning next year, but there are no details yet.

Dr. Bein was thanked for the detailed presentation and information on all of the different facets of remote learning. The Board is pleased that there will be contingency plans in place. Board members thanked Dr. Bein for her leadership and stated that the Board supports her in whatever challenges lay ahead. Board members thanked the teachers, administration and staff for going above and beyond to support the students. Dr. Bein stated that it is a blessing to be in the Arlington Heights community, and she is thankful for all the help that has been offered from the staff and community.

First Reading of Policies Dr. Bein stated that the following policies and exhibits are presented to the Board for a first reading. These policies and exhibits reflect modifications and additions as recommended by the Illinois Association of School Boards. The policies in Section 2 have a considerable amount of new language.

Press 103: 2:125 Board Member Compensation; Expenses 2:125-E1 Board Member Expense Reimbursement Form 2:125-E2 Board Member Estimated Expense Approval Form 2:160 Board Attorney 2:160-E Checklist for Selecting a Board Attorney 5:60 Expenses 5:60-E1 Employee Expense Reimbursement Form 5:60-E2 Employee Estimated Expense Approval Form 5:150 Personnel Records 5:280 Duties and Qualifications 6:135 Accelerated Placement Program 6:280 Grading and Promotion 7:70 Attendance and Truancy 8:10 Connection with the Community 8:30 Visitors to and Conduct on School Property 8:110 Public Suggestions and Concerns

First Reading of Policies – Five Year Review Dr. Bein stated that the following policies are presented by the Illinois Association of School Boards for a five-year review, keeping material aligned with good governance principles and keeping the legal references current.

Five-Year Review - Press 103: 4:50 Payment Procedures 7:130 Student Rights and Responsibilities 7:325 Student Fundraising Activities 8:80 Gifts to the District

The Board did not return to the closed session.

Motion: D. Page moved and R. Olejniczak seconded the motion to adjourn the meeting. Roll Call: C. Conley, yes; S. Filipek, yes; E. Johannesen, yes; R. Olejniczak, yes; D. Page, yes; and A. Patel, yes. Motion carried 6/0.

The regular meeting adjourned at 8:18 p.m.

https://www.sd25.org/cms/lib/IL01904427/Centricity/Domain/218/200507%20Board%20Minutes.pdf