Arlington Heights School District 25 Board of Education met July 30.
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 at 7:00 p.m. The meeting was held at Ivy Hill Elementary School, 2211 N. Burke Drive, Arlington Heights, and remotely via Zoom. Roll call was noted and the Pledge of Allegiance said.
Mr. Cerniglia thanked the community members for all of their input, and Dr. Bein and her staff for all that they are doing. Everyone is doing the best they can with all of the changes, and he asked that members of the audience that wish to speak during the Community Input portion of the agenda, please come forward with respect.
Board members present: Brian Cerniglia, Chad Conley, Scott Filipek, Erin Johannesen, and Rich Olejniczak
Board members present via Zoom: David Page and Anisha Ismail Patel Board members excused: None
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; Brad Katz, Information Technology Specialist; Lana O’Brien, Recording Secretary; staff; press; and community.
Community Input
Due to the large number of comments submitted via email and the length of each comment, they are being summarized by topic at this time. Each comment will be submitted to the Board of Education members in writing and posted to our website with the recording of tonight’s meeting. It is attached at the end of the minutes.
Topics via email:
• 34 - Urge the District to start the school year with an In-person Learning Environment with the option for families to choose Remote as the community majority has requested. Provide details for your decision.
• 1 - Disappointed in Dr. Bein’s lack of consistent communication and zero communication about the decision-making process. There needs to be accountability with a communication timeline
• 20 - Support Remote Learning for the start of the school year and look forward to more details on transitioning towards safe on-site learning
• 1 - Appreciation for Dr. Bein’s leadership with complete confidence based on her track record
• 10 - Need more details for the plan and providing suggestions to enhance Remote or Hybrid
The following comments were made in person:
• Amy Cataldo, 1324 N. Hickory Ave, wants the decision for in person or remote learning to be made by families for their children. She posed several questions regarding reopening schools.
• Renee Burns, 817 N. Harvard Ave., stated that she appreciates Dr. Bein’s leadership over the past six years, and that Dr. Bein has the unique position to gather data from multiple sources and weigh that information to make the best decision for the district. She fully supports the decision to begin the school year with remote learning, which will keep students and staff safe.
• Lyudmyla Ilyash, 1740 N. Windsor, wants the decision for in person or remote learning to be made by families for their children. She stated that the CDC and AAP support children returning to school.
• Kathy Dieringer, 419 S, Donald, stated that she doesn’t agree with the decision to start the year with remote learning. She requested that students be able to meet their teachers in person before school starts.
• Chris Jones, 612 E. Euclid Ave, stated that it is a difficult decision to have remote learning, and asked for extensive transparent communication from the administration and Board. He wanted to know when families are going to receive information, and hopes the district will send out details to parents soon. He asked what criteria the district will use to be able to return to school, and has suggestions for when students return to school with a hybrid plan.
• Kerri Hood, 1025 E. Cherry Ln, asked why the district made the change from offering options to only having remote learning; why the district surveyed the parents a second time; and what guidelines the district is following. She wants students to be in school, and feels that teachers aren’t prepared for online learning.
• Kate May, 423 S. Donald, thanked the district for the decision to move to remote learning, and for the well-being of students and staff. She is glad that the district chose the safest approach, and acted swiftly. She asked if the district is collaborating with the village or park district for additional resources for working parents.
• Stephanie Cronin, 1266 N. Chicago Ave., stated that it was difficult to hear that the district is moving to remote learning only, especially for a single parent. She explained that France has children in school, and it is working well.
• John Hoffman, 2627 N. Highland, stated the reason schools exist is to serve the students and families. He stated that the teacher’s union looks out for teachers, but feels that someone should be looking out for the students and parents. He feels the district had five months to try to make in person learning work. He is concerned about teachers and their own children, and how they will manage them and still teach.
• Dain Hampton, 919 E. Valley Ln., stated that students in Europe are back in school, and feels the district should be proactive. He is comfortable taking a chance with his kids, and they need to be back in school. He has worked in direct patient care with only a mask since March, and has had no issues.
• Angelika Babich, 107 W. Euclid, Mt. Prospect thanked the district for all the hard work that is being done for students, families, and staff. She said that the pandemic is difficult for everyone, and that day care facilities are open and functioning with no spikes of Covid. She is comfortable with her children going to school with precautions, and feels that this is a great district, and it can make in person learning work.
• Ali Zaimi, 615 E. Appletree Ln, stated that after seeing how Chicago built a hospital in less than two weeks, feels that the district look into building temporary classrooms outside of schools to better accommodate in school learning for more students. He feels the district should put more effort into getting the children back in school.
• Laura Weigle, 506 S. Highland, stated that parents want more details for the district’s decision. She stated statistics regarding children and their incidence of Covid, and wants children to go back to school.
• Mairin Gradek, 1228 N. Chicago Ave., loves District 25, but is not happy that it is not offering in person learning. She feels that the district needs to be transparent about the details for the district’s decision, and that everyone can work together to make in person learning happen safely. She asked for the district to consider offering remote and in-person instruction.
• Kate Fontana, 1511 W. Oakton St., stated that several public medical groups have said we should have children back in school. She is concerned with the development of children, stated that teachers are essential workers, and that the district should offer the option for remote or in person learning.
Committee of the Whole Reports
Superintendent Report
Planning for 2020-2021
Dr. Bein thanked everyone for the community input provided at tonight’s Board meeting whether it was in person, or via email. She noted that she has received over 450 emails and will respond to each one.
Dr. Bein explained that the district utilized guidance from the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE)/Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) Part 3 Transition Joint Guidance, and the recently published ISBE/IDPH Fall 2020 Learning Recommendation documents. She reviewed the Phases in Illinois and what is allowed in Phase 4, which we are currently in. She explained the requirements of Executive Order 2020-40, and the most recent guidance from ISBE and IDPH. Schools must provide a 5-clock hour instructional experience, with a strong recommendation that at least 2.5 hours is synchronous live interaction between teacher and students, and the other 2.5 hours of individual practice. She clarified that 5 clock hours is the law, and District 25 normally has a 6.5 day with 1 hour of lunch and recess.
She utilized the Cabinet level administrators and not a committee until it was decided how the district would proceed. Two family surveys were initiated. The first survey had a 70% response rate, of which 85% selected in person learning, and 15% selected remote learning. The second survey had a 96% response rate, and 49% selected full in person, 27% selected hybrid on-site, and 25% selected remote learning. The district also has a remote Q&A document for staff, and held remote sessions with staff. Leadership meetings have been held with Arlington Teacher’s Association (ATA), who are dedicated to being a part of the solution. The ATA has not impacted or forced the district’s decision, and the district feels no pressure from them.
Dr. Bein noted that all of the pieces of information that she received from various sources were used in the decision to open the school year in the remote learning format. She reviewed community concerns. Special education services will be provided. The spring 2020 remote learning was not adequate, and will not be repeated. We are working with the Arlington Heights Park District and other groups to brainstorm childcare arrangements for families. We are following the guidance from the CDC, ISBE, and IDPH. Parent voices do matter and we utilized the surveys in making the decision.
Dr. Bein explained that she is concerned with the following: implementation of procedures needs significant practice; the middle school cohort model won’t work for us, unless we don’t have different levels of courses; how to support students that don’t wear facemasks in classrooms; long-term staffing coverage related to resignations; staffing for onsite and remote is not adequate, and many staff members would need to take leave.
The updated calendar will include staff work days on August 24-31, with the first day of school for students on September 1. This will be a transition model of instruction in four Steps. Step 1 will include having all students learning remotely, and bringing in high risk students. Step 2 will have an increase of students returning to in person learning, with an increase in the amount of time they would be in the school. Step 3 will be either an AM/PM or 2-day hybrid schedule for all students. Students could choose to remain in remote learning for Steps 2 - 4. In Step 4 all students would be in person, and we can move to this step even if the state does not move to Phase 5.
An advisory committee of stakeholders including Board representation, administrators, employee group representatives, medical professionals, and parents will be formed. They will meet weekly beginning August 31 to evaluate indicators and advise if it is appropriate to progress along the continuum. The final decision will be determined by the Superintendent in consultation with the Board. The district will routinely communicate updates to all stakeholders. Possible transition dates were provided.
Remote learning will mirror the on-site experience of a 5-hour clock day. It may mimic a hybrid model to assist with transitioning to on-site learning, and will also allow for small group instruction within classrooms. All subjects will be provided. Teachers and staff will work from District 25 property except where the law provides an accommodation. Attendance will be taken by teachers, and feedback and grades on assignments will be provided. IEP, 504, and EL services will also be provided. Exceptions may be OT and PT, and specific IEP needs, which will be provided on-site. Social Emotional learning supports will be provided, as will technology and internet connectivity.
The protocols for hybrid learning in the elementary and middle schools were explained. Extracurricular programming will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Potential scenarios were discussed if there is a possible exposure, or if someone contracts COVID. The district will continue to work closely with IDPH on making determinations and contact tracing.
The timeline for the school year was shared.
August 7 Detailed reopening booklet sent to District 25 families and staff
August 24 First Institute Day for Staff
August 25 Class assignments will be sent to families
August 31 First meeting of Advisory Committee
Sept. 1 School Begins for students
June 9, 2021 Last day of school for students
Dr. Bein noted that the district needs significantly more time to implement safety protocols, and we fully believe we can best meet our student’s needs with a transition model.
Board members asked questions and there was discussion on the topic. A full recording of the meeting can be viewed at https://youtu.be/q8E-Ma3JABs. The video of the Board meeting is included in the Board minutes binder, which is housed at the District office.
A summary of the Board discussion is below, and a full recording of the meeting can be viewed at https://youtu.be/q8E-Ma3JABs. The video of the Board meeting is included in the Board minutes binder, which is housed at the District office.
Mr. Page
§ Appreciates the work that Dr. Bein and staff have put into the plan, even with the plans changing.
§ Asked what the August 24-31 staff days are for.
• Dr. Bein responded that they are typical days used for getting ready for the school year, as well as planning for more rigorous remote learning, so there’s a strong start to bring kids online.
§ Appreciates that the end goal is to get kids back in school safely as soon as possible. We all have opinions on how to start the school year, but the health and safety of the students and staff is very important.
§ He believes Dr. Bein made the right decision.
Ms. Patel
§ Thanked the administration and the District 25 team under Dr. Bein.
§ Social emotional – consider what was brought up by parents about SEL. Decisions are made for all the students in the district.
§ How to consider that the social workers and teachers have 1:1 interaction with students.
Mr. Olejniczak
§ Thanked staff and Dr. Bein for all the work that is being done to plan. There is no decision will come without some level of cost, be it financial, emotional, etc.
§ What does it mean that the schools must provide a 5 hour clock day?
• Dr. Bein responded that it’s a minimum average requirement. We typically have 6.5, but 1 hour doesn’t count for lunch or recess. Also middle schools have passing periods. We meet the 5-hour minimum with a little more, so the 5 hours of remote learning would meet our standards. The remote instructional experience will be similar to what is happening on site, and must mirror the same grade level standards. Moving forward it’s required that it is similar, but is remote instead of in a classroom. Providing grades, giving feedback on assignments. And the full curriculum would be provided, PE, art, music, everything we typically have in all levels of courses. EL support is generally in a typical classroom but gets pulled out. We will continue to do that. That is a group that we would like to bring back as early as possible. For our EL teachers we have masks that have clear in the middle so they are able to see their mouths.
§ Why can’t we have enough teachers for all onsite and remote?
• Dr. Bein responded that we couldn’t staff to do both at the same time starting August 20, because they create certain class sizes. Also, it doesn’t allow for everyone to social distance. Once we know who is doing what and where, we need to make sure that there are enough certifications for the curriculum. Larger number of staff here as well as remote to meet the same class sizes. We don’t want class sizes of 60 or more students remote. We may not have enough staff to teach a particular subject, and may have to livestream.
§ Why can’t classrooms just stream live?
• Dr. Bein responded that it is more possible with high school, but is a bit more difficult with this level. There is a concern with the privacy of the student. When everyone starts remote, they will all have a similar experience with the teacher that they have. The balance is when some are onsite and some are remote, as there would be transition for kids remaining remotely if those others go back. Remote learning would be like a typical school day.
Motion: S. Filipek moved and C. Conley seconded the motion that the Board of Education extend the time limit on the discussion an additional 20 minutes.
Roll Call: B. Cerniglia, yes; C. Conley, yes; S. Filipek, yes; E. Johannesen, yes; R. Olejniczak, yes; D. Page, no; and A. Patel, yes. Motion carried 6/1.
Mr. Olejniczak
§ Teachers are going back one week later, where do we make it up?
• Dr. Bein responded that we are reaching the required 185 teacher days and 176 student days.
§ Please relook at the hybrid model where students come onsite 2.5 hours and are at home 2.5 each day, or we could do 2 days each and 1 day in between to clean.
Mr. Page
§ Teaching children online and in person is a challenge as the teacher is trying to manage people in the classroom and online. It would not work as well as one might think it would. Also, going AM/PM versus 2 days each should be looked at by the administration. We should let the people with the educational background plan what is best for the students of District 25. The Board is responsible for the big-picture view.
Ms. Patel
§ We have full confidence with District 25 and the curriculum team. All curriculum questions should be determined by the district administration and teachers.
§ The pandemic is the most challenging time, and how schools should operate is challenging. There is no right answer. In this case we have the best worst decision. It’s clear that our children are very cherished and loved. I urge Dr. Bein to continue to meet the needs of all of our students and staff.
Mr. Filipek
§ For the transition model - does step 4 directly correlate with Illinois Phase 5 for the state?
• Dr. Bein noted that we could move to step 4 without Illinois being in Phase 5, if we are legally allowed to and follow the local health metrics.
§ He is glad to see that a local decision could be made, and we are going to do what is best for our kids and community.
Ms. Johannesen
§ If we move to Step 4 because the state puts us there, that would happen, but we could also make it a local decision.
Mr. Conley
§ Thanked Dr. Bein and all the staff for all their hard work.
§ Not clear on staffing concerns for the two models. What metrics are we going to use, and will it be clearly communicated to the community? We need clear metrics for what is expected, and we don’t want the metrics to change as we move forward. He likes the plan because it’s well thought out.
§ Expressed the importance that staff work from district property.
• Dr. Bein responded that we want input from the advisory committee to obtain the metrics, and that it’s consistent.
Kelly Drevline, Arlington Teachers’ Association (ATA) President, District 25 teacher, former District 25 parent, and member of the community addressed the Board regarding the upcoming school year. The ATA is committed to work with administration to make sure the district has the best plan in place, and that everyone is doing the best we can. Our students’ and staff health and safety is our primary concern. Remote learning will be very different from what we had in the spring. In the spring, we had to shift gears overnight, but this fall is different. We have had time to prepare curriculum for all subjects for all grades. We know the plan will be the safest for our community, and will provide comprehensive and robust learning.
Motion: D. Page moved and E. Johannesen seconded the motion that the Board of Education extend the time limit on the discussion an additional 5 minutes.
Roll Call: B. Cerniglia, yes; C. Conley, yes; S. Filipek, yes; E. Johannesen, yes; R. Olejniczak, yes; D. Page, yes; and A. Patel, yes. Motion carried 7/0.
Mr. Olejniczak
§ Asked who the members of the advisory committee are and if the minutes of the meeting will be online. He also asked how often they would meet.
• We don’t know the members yet
• Yes, the minutes will be online.
• At first, they would meet weekly, then every other week, then monthly.
§ Are we calling additional TAs back?
• Yes, because they are required on individual students’ IEPs. These are the low incidence students we would be attempting to bring back as soon as possible. For remote learning middle school students will have different teachers for different subjects, and elementary students would have all of their teachers.
Motion: R. Olejniczak moved and S. Filipek seconded the motion that the Board of Education extend the time limit on the discussion an additional 30 minutes.
Roll Call: B. Cerniglia, yes; C. Conley, yes; S. Filipek, yes; E. Johannesen, yes; R. Olejniczak, yes; D. Page, no; and A. Patel, yes. Motion carried 6/1.
Mr. Olejniczak
§ What is the student-teacher interaction expectations? What is the expectation that the teacher is available at another time other than when they are together for a student to ask a question?
• They would be available at the same time they are available during the onsite. Whatever the process that they normally use in an onsite school setting. At first there will be no extracurricular activities. They will be handled on a case by case basis. We will be using the IESA guidance on athletics. We are asking staff to not host any extracurriculars in September until our instruction program is solid.
§ Will we still be giving lunch support for families?
• Dr. Bein replied yes, once school opens, we are back on the national lunch program, and we will still be providing it to them when remote. Families could also purchase lunch. We are applying to provide breakfasts for those that qualify.
§ How would bus/transportation operate?
• Dr. Bein stated that Ms. Mallek will work with our bus company on a modified contract. We are also working with them for when we move to the hybrid model.
• What about the parochial schools and transportation? There was discussion regarding the parochial schools and transportation, and only three students across the district utilize that service.
§ How will mandated testing change?
• Last spring ISBE waived the state test. They are currently not waiving them, so all students would be tested in the spring. The assessment coordinator is working with other districts to determine the best testing for all students.
Mr. Conley
§ Are we considering cross country?
• Dr. Bein responded that we could, and we would utilize protocols that would meet safety measures.
Ms. Patel
§ Could we have golf club, or tennis club? Could we take advantage of outdoor spaces?
§ Is there a consideration that students can meet and greet outdoors with their class and teacher?
• Dr. Bein noted that we are starting to brainstorm on those topics.
Mr. Olejniczak
§ Is the calendar committee coming back to look at an updated calendar?
• Dr. Bein said that the Regional office is guiding us on calendar changes as the ISBE timeline requirements change, but we can bring it to the August 13 Board meeting.
Ms. Johannesen
§ We are all in this together, and it is extremely challenging. We all have different perspectives and unique experiences. This is a wonderful district and there is no weak leak. It’s not us versus them, it’s us together. Everyone in the district is working on what is best for our children. We all want the same thing. We must continue to be positive and work together. Mr. Cerniglia agreed.
Mr. Page
§ He agreed with Ms. Johannesen and thanked her. I know there is no easy answer that would make everyone happy, but we are in an unprecedented time. We are all part of an amazing community, with wonderful leadership, and supportive staff. Thank you in advance, teachers, parents, students, and staff.
Mr. Cerniglia
§ The district and Board have a commitment to get students back in school as soon as possible, and as safely as possible. Everyone has put a lot of time to make the best decisions that we can, and to do what is best for the students. We will be transparent.
Motion: S. Filipek moved and C. Conley seconded the motion to adjourn the meeting.
Roll Call: B. Cerniglia, yes; C. Conley, yes; S. Filipek, yes; E. Johannesen, yes; R. Olejniczak, yes; D. Page, yes; and A. Patel, yes. Motion carried 7/0.
The regular meeting adjourned at 9:26 p.m.
https://www.sd25.org/cms/lib/IL01904427/Centricity/Domain/218/200730%20Board%20Minutes%20with%20Public%20Comments.pdf
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