South Cook News

Worth School District 127 Committee of the Whole met Oct. 9.

Here is the minutes provided by the committee:

CALL TO ORDER 

President Drew Sernus called the meeting to order at 5:32 p.m.

ROLL CALL 

Present: Absent: Drew Sernus, Dave Blanks, Danette Keeler, Stephanie Peltzer, Vince Flores

Absent: Meghan Sisk, Michelle Egan

Administrators: 

Dr. Mark Fleming, Superintendent

Cindy Dykas, Business Manager/CSBO 

Tim Hathhorn, Worth Elementary Principal 

Linda Esposito, Worthwoods Principal 

Dr. Joseph Zampillo, WJH Principal

Maureen Eichstaedt, WJH Assistant Principal 

Dr. Sinéad Chambers, Special Education Director 

Others Present:

JoAnne Albrecht, Worth Education Association 

Mary Zirngibl, Worth Elementary Teacher 

Brian Baier, Director of Facilities and Grounds 

Robert Jeffers, Director of Technology 

Jill Moore, Recording Secretary

Peggy Reipsa, Curriculum Director

3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

President Drew Sernus led the Pledge of Allegiance.

4. CITIZENS' REMARKS

There were no remarks.

5. DISCUSSION: FACILITIES AND FUTURE PLANNING

Cindy Dykas started discussions regarding the improvements that are needed based upon the Life Safety Report that was conducted at Worth Elementary, Worthwoods, Worth Junior High, and Worthridge. Cindy Dykas stated that she would like to implement a preliminary budget and present it to the Board at the December Meeting. Some of the improvements will likely begin in the Summer of 2020 and be ongoing each summer till the end of 2025.

Cindy Dykas transitioned the discussion to Bryan Baier who shared a detailed power point presentation outlining the repairs and upgrades needed at each school.

Worthwoods

• Classroom doors and closers need to meet fire code requirements.. 

• Classroom floors have gaps on outside wall which allows dirt to enter.

• Stairs in gymnasium need upgrades. 

• Hallway ceiling and Lighting needs upgrades.

• North parking lot crumbling and correct the grade at the main entrance that causes flooding near sidewalk. 

• Boys' and girls' bathroom need upgrading. Convert a staff bathroom to be ADA compliant.

• Library needs replacement of very worn carpet.

• Nurses office needs general upgrades and proper space.

• Exterior doors that are rotting and need replacement. Roof drains that need correcting.

• Playground and ball field that needs updating.

Worth Elementary

• Roof needs leak repairs, along with gutters, fascia and tuckpointing.

• Flooding in 5th grade wing and downspouts. 111th street - building facade/tuckpointing. 

• Garage needs major repairs due to rotting.

• Boys restroom (make ada compliant) update plumbing to stop leaks.

• Move cafeteria (non-ada compliant in basement location).

• Classroom doors and door closers.

• Library and media center in need of general upgrades.

Worth Junior High

• Carpet and shelving replacement in media center.

• 6th grade wing door needs replacement due to rotting.

Worthridge

• Hallway walls has peeling paint-(note: not lead based paint).

• Doors are not fire rated/cracked and falling apart.

• Staff bathrooms need to be ADA compliant. No floor drains.

• Wood paneling in offices needs to be removed.

• Youth bathroom on the rise side needs upgrades.

• Electrical panel is near water heater and needs to be relocated.

• Wiring and proper caulking/patch work.

Cindy Dykas noted that Life Safety funds can only be used for such repairs identified by the state. Cindy explained that based upon the list of items presented in Bryan's presentation, the district has enough funds to get those Life Safety repairs completed. Life Safety inspects approximately every 10 years which would allow those funds to build again. Board members engaged in conversation and allowed for questions regarding the work and future plans for each building. Dr. Fleming stated that the work at Worth Elementary will take multiple years to repair. Dr. Fleming explained that work should be started at Worthwoods in the summer of 2020 and then proceed with Worth Elementary. Worthridge would proceed later due to budget and timelines. Board members agreed to start with Worthwoods in the summer of 2020 that will follow with a long-term plan for the remainder of the schools. Some projects can be done during some of the shorter breaks while lengthier projects will need to be done during the summer months.

Danette Keeler moved to adjourn the meeting at 6:28 p.m. 

Stephanie Peltzer seconded the motion.

Voice Vote: 5 Aye - 2 Absent - Motion Carried

http://www.worthschools.org/127/wp-content/uploads/board/minutes/2019-20/10.9.19cwm.pdf