Community Consolidated School District 62 Board Met March 15.
Here is the minutes provided by the boardL:
1. CALL TO ORDER
The regular meeting of the Board of Education of Community Consolidated School District 62 was held in the Forest School Board Room, 1375 Fifth Avenue, Des Plaines, Illinois.
President Ronald Burton called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. and asked for a roll call.
Physically Present Board Members: Burton, Duckmann, Garrett, Inzerello, Morley, Morrissey, Poskozim. Also present: Superintendent Hertel, Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources Amadei, Assistant Superintendent for Business Services Bertolozzi, Assistant Superintendent for Instructional Services Sangroula, Assistant Superintendent for Student Services Swanson, Chief Technology Officer Denenberg, Director of Community Relations Bova, and Assistant to the Superintendent Goodchild.
Absent: None
Following the Pledge of Allegiance, Poskozim moved, and Inzerello seconded, that the Board approve the March 15, 2021, District 62 School Board meeting agenda as presented. Burton called for a vote to approve the agenda.
Ayes: Duckmann, Garrett, Inzerello, Morley, Morrissey, Poskozim, Burton
Nays: None
Poskozim stated that he misread the motion and moved that the Board approve the March 15, 2021, meeting agenda with the addition of a Closed Session to consider the placement of individual students in special education programs and other matters relating to individual students. Inzerello seconded the motion and Burton called for a vote.
Ayes: Garrett, Inzerello, Morley, Morrissey, Poskozim, Burton, Duckmann
Nays: None
2. PUBLIC COMMENT
President Burton stated that no public comment was submitted. President Burton read the following statement: “I’d like to begin tonight’s Board meeting by acknowledging the fact that we are aware of an incident that occurred at one of our elementary schools last week involving one of our students that was hurt during recess. The safety and well being of our students and staff is a priority here in District 62, with no exception. Our goal is for all students to achieve high academic standards within a safe learning environment. The Board of Education is aware of this incident and I can assure you that this matter is under investigation so that we can determine what disciplinary action should be taken. We appreciate the support and collaboration from our School Resource Officer with the Des Plaines Police Department as she assists with this investigation.”
Superintendent Hertel then read the following statement: “We have learned about a rally occurring tomorrow morning, organized by one of the parents of this incident. For the safety of our students, staff and those attending the event, we are coordinating with the Des Plaines Police Department. At the recommendation of the Des Plaines Police Chief, we identified an area for the group to safely assemble and express views through protest, a constitutional right granted under the First Amendment. Any protesters wishing to participate in this assembly will be asked to gather on the grassy area at the southwest corner of Forest and Fifth Avenue at Forest Elementary School. Our School Resource Officer will be on site to support our families and community members who wish to be part of this peaceful protest, as well as myself and members of my administrative team. We appreciate our families and hope we can continue to have an open dialogue. District 62 does not tolerate bullying. We support our parents in bringing attention and awareness of this important topic. These last 12 months have been very challenging for all of us, especially children. As we welcome back more in-person learners to our schools, we recognize that we need to provide students with the necessary support to transition to a learning environment that may be a new experience for them.
Our goal is to provide an educational program that honors diversity and academics and focuses on the needs of all students. As Superintendent, I assure our community that we have processes in place to support children and we will continue to review, evaluate and update them so that all students can enjoy a safe, positive school experience. We owe it to the children we serve here in Community Consolidated School District 62.”
3. STUDENT LEARNING AND SUPPORT SERVICES
Superintendent Hertel reviewed the updated pandemic guidelines for schools from the Illinois State Board of Education. Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources Amadei reviewed current community pandemic metrics and stated that a majority of district staff has received vaccinations. He also reviewed a proposed voluntary, self-administered Covid testing program for staff being made available at no cost through the federal government. Assistant Superintendent for Instructional Services Sangroula reviewed the mandated state assessments that will be administered to only in-person students. Assistant Superintendent for Student Services Swanson reviewed plans for the ESY and SPARK summer school opportunities. Sangroula also reviewed summer school plans for Tier 3 interventions and Title I students that include a full day of both academic and enrichment activities. In addition, every district student will receive a workbook and online resources will be available to encourage learning over the summer break. Funds from the federal ESSER II grant will cover the cost of the increased learning opportunities. Hertel stated that approximately 96% of staff would be vaccinated by the beginning of next school year and the district will continue to support student academic and social emotional needs, track pandemic metrics, and continue mitigation efforts. Board members expressed appreciation for the efforts on behalf of district students.
Assistant Superintendent for Business Services Bertolozzi informed the Board that the current single and small group student transportation contract would end this school year. The district plans to put the contract out to bid and bring the winning contract to the Board for approval at a future meeting.
Bertolozzi advised the Board that the heating and air conditioning system at Algonquin Middle School needs to be replaced. The district will work with 20/10 Engineering Group to secure bids prior to bringing back to the Board for consideration at the April 19, 2021 meeting.
Morley moved, seconded by Poskozim, that the Board approve the Closed Session Minutes of February 16, 2021 as presented. Burton called for a vote.
Ayes: Inzerello, Morley, Morrissey, Poskozim, Burton, Duckmann, Garrett
Nays: None
4. CONSENT AGENDA
Morley moved, and Duckmann seconded, that the Board approve the Consent Agenda items which include the following items:
Approval of the Revised Personnel Report
Approval of the Staffing Plan for 2021/2022 School Year
Authorization of Contract Approvals
Approval of Minutes – Business Meeting of February 16, 2021
District 62 Net Payroll for February 2021
District 62 Warrant Register and Report of Bills for February 12, 17, 24, 26, March 2, and 9, 2021
Voided Check Register for February 2021
Monthly Financial Summary for February 2021
North Cook Net Payroll for February 2021
North Cook Warrant Register and Report of Bills for February 12, 26(2), and March 15, 2021
Burton called for a vote.
Ayes: Morley, Morrissey, Poskozim*, Burton, Duckmann, Garrett, Inzerello
Nays: None
* Poskozim recused himself from approval of any payments made to Exelon Corporation or its subsidiaries.
Personnel Report – Approval of the revised personnel report for March 15, 2021. FAMILY MEDICAL LEAVE
Steven Fratamico, a Custodian at Terrace Elementary School, is requesting an 8-week Family Medical Leave beginning approximately March 8, 2021.
Marie Gaddini Murphy, a Reading Specialist Teacher at South Elementary School, is requesting a 2-week Family Medical Leave beginning March 24, 2021.
Sara Kranz, an Instructional Coach at Forest Administration, is requesting a 6 to 8-week Family Medical Leave beginning approximately August 12, 2021.
Sylvia Ortega, a Receptionist at the Administration Center, is requesting an intermittent Family Medical Leave beginning March 18, 2021.
Noelle Schwartz, a Reading Resource Teacher at Central Elementary School, is requesting a 4-week Family Medical Leave beginning March 2, 2021.
Brad Stein, a Principal at Terrace Elementary School, is requesting an intermittent Family Medical Leave beginning February 23, 2021.
LEAVE OF ABSENCE
Emily Heslop, a Language Arts/Literacy Teacher at Chippewa Middle School, has requested a child-rearing leave of absence for the remainder of the 2020-2021 school year.
Heather Jacobs, a Fifth Grade Teacher at Orchard Place School, has requested a child-rearing leave of absence for the remainder of the 2020-2021 school year.
Robin Makar, a Third Grade Teacher at Plainfield Elementary School, has requested a leave of absence for the remainder of the 2020-2021 school year.
EARLY RETIREMENT CONTRACT APPROVALS (Certified)
It is recommended that the Board approve the request for early retirement contracts for those certified teaching staff members who have submitted a written notice to participate in the Early Retirement Option under the terms of the Early Retirement Incentive Program of The Des Plaines Community Consolidated School District 62 and the Des Plaines Education Association Collective Bargaining Agreement 2018-2023. Column heading indicates the final contract termination date.
5. COMMUNICATIONS (No Board Action)
Board of Education –
Board member Poskozim stated that ED-RED is seeking board members for four open seats. Morley reminded members that the IASB North Cook division virtual meeting is scheduled for March 17, 2021.
Superintendent’s Report –
Superintendent Hertel recognized Stephanie Duckmann for her service on the IASB North Cook division executive board. He noted that the amount of food distributed this week was doubled, as schools will be on spring break March 22 through 26, 2021. Bertolozzi reviewed the monthly Maine Township Treasurer’s report and provided an update on the proposed revision to the Teachers Retirement System (TRS) savings options. He informed the Board about the necessity to purchase additional school desks in order to maintain social distancing in classrooms and confirmed ongoing negotiations with IDOT on the installation of a stoplight at the North Elementary School entrance. Hertel stated that there were no student suspensions and one FOIA request was handled during the month.
6. CLOSED SESSION
At 7:52 p.m. Poskozim moved, and Inzerello seconded, that the Board go to Closed Session to consider the placement of individual students in special education programs and other matters relating to individual students. Burton called for a vote.
Ayes: Morrissey, Poskozim, Burton, Duckmann, Garrett, Inzerello, Morley
Nays: None
The Board returned from Closed Session at 9:11 p.m. with all members present who were formerly in attendance.
7. ADJOURNMENT
President Burton adjourned the meeting at 9:11 p.m.
https://go.boarddocs.com/il/d62/Board.nsf/Public
Alerts Sign-up