Worth School District 127 Board of Education met Dec. 11.
Here is the minutes provided by the board:
1. MEETING OPENING
A. CALL TO ORDER
President Drew Sernus called the meeting to order at 6:38pm
B. ROLL CALL
Present: Drew Sernus, David Blanks, Meghan Sisk, Danette Keeler, Vince Flores, Stephanie Peltzer Absent: Michelle Egan
Administrators:
Dr. Mark Fleming, Superintendent
Cindy Dykas, Business Manager/CSBO
Tim Hathhorn, Worth Elementary Principal
Linda Esposito, Worthwoods Principal
Dr.Joseph Zampillo, WJHPrincipal
Maureen Eichstaedt, WJHAssistant Principal
Dr. Sinead 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
Pam Ephraim, ECAide
Lucia Bolarova, Parent
Kathy DeRuiter, WJH
Katelyn Orlando, WE,WJH
Kathy Sweet, WE,WJH
Michelle Okrzekik, WE
Jill Moore, Recording Secretary
C. PLEDGEOF ALLEGIANCE
President Drew Sernus led the Pledge of Allegiance.
2. SUPERINTENDENT'SREPORT
A. ELIZABETH HENNESSEY- PROPERTY TAX RELIEF GRANT
Elizabeth Hennessey presented to the Board a detailed Property Tax Relief Grant. The Grant provides school districts with high tax rate relative to other school districts with an opportunity to lower the property tax burden on local taxpayers with the state replacing a portion of foregone tax revenue with state funds. January 6, 2020 is the deadline to apply with April 15, 2020 abatement certificate and payment distribution by May 20, 2020. The overall consensus by the Board is to apply for the Grant.
B. KATHY DERUITER - THANK YOU - WJH BD
Dr. Fleming shared a special thank you to Kathy DeRuiter for putting together the WJH Birthday celebration. Kathy stated that l 50+ people attended including staff members and several were 1969 graduates. The attendees were impressed with the many changes over the years and enjoyed touring the building. Kathy stated that they displayed past yearbooks, staff pictures, along with sports and band pictures. The overall response and turnout was very positive. Board President, Drew Sernus presented a certificate of appreciation to Kathy for all her hard work.
C. LETTER FROM RETIRED WORTH 127 TEACHER
Maureen Eichstaedt shared a letter from a retired school teacher expressing his sincere appreciation to the school board, staff and community.
D.IMPLEMENTATION OF NEW PHONE SYSTEM
Dr. Fleming commented that the new phone system is on track to be implemented on January 6, 2020. Robert Jeffers and his team have been doing an outstanding job preparing and implementing this process.
E.THREAT ASSESSMENT TEAM
Dr. Fleming discussed with the Board Illinois Bill 1561. This Bill requires all school boards of school districts to develop threat assessment protocols and to create threat assessment teams. Provides that the threat assessment team shall include specified personnel and other members. Dr. Fleming will report back to the Board with further details.
F. SOCIAL MEDIA
Dr. Fleming shared with the Board the research that was done with the majority of local districts regarding social media. The results showed that the majority of districts are able to share social media posts, but with supervision and each district has blocked certain words to prevent inappropriate content. Dr. Fleming stated that with Class Intercom in place it allows our district the right screening for the safety of students and staff. With social media being so new to our district, Dr. Fleming will continue to monitor this process.
G. 2019 TAX LEVY PROCESS
Cindy Dykas stated that the 201 9 Tax Levy was presented and reviewed at the November 13th Board of Education Meeting.
3. PUBLIC HEARING ON 2019 TAX LEVY
A. Motion to Conduct a Public Hearing
by Meghan Sisk, second by Dave Blanks
Final Resolution: Motion Carried
Yes: Drew Sernus, David Blanks, Danette Keeler, Meghan Sisk, Vince Flores, Stephanie Peltzer
Cindy Dykas stated that the 2019 Tax Levy was presented and reviewed at the November 13th Board of Education Meeting. All requirements of the levy have been met and are in compliance with the law. The purpose of the hearing is to give interested parties an opportunity to comment on the 2019 Tax Levy. Cindy Dykas invited audience members to comment and/or ask questions. There were no comments or questions.
B. Motion to Close Public Hearing
Motion by Danette Keeler, second by Vince Flores
Yes: Drew Sernus, David Blanks, Danette Keeler, Meghan Sisk, Vince Flores, Stephanie Peltzer
4. CITIZENS' REMARKS- AGENDA AND NON-AGENDA ITEMS
A parent requested to comment on the need for District #127 to consider bus service for students. Her comment was that the amount of children in the district has grown and the amount of traffic has increased at each school. She stated that neighbors complain when they park near to the school to drop off their student and she stated she would be willing to pay more to allow her child to take the bus. President, Drew Sernus commented that the district has had ongoing conversations regarding this issue. He stated that buses are very expensive to implement. The Board of Education will take her comment into consideration.
5. BOARD MOTIONS
Action (Consent): A. APPROVALOF CONSENTAGENDA ITEMS Action (Consent): 8. BOARD BILLSPAYABLE
lO- Education Fund $121,420.32
20 - Operations and Maintenance Fund $173,367.95
40 - Transportation Fund $ 4,004.65
80 - Tort Immunity Fund $ 58,758.00
90 - Life Safety Fund $ 234.52
Total $357,785.44
December 11, 2019: $ 88,254.84
Motion by Meghan Sisk, second by Dave Blanks.
Final Resolution: Motion Carried
Yes: Drew Sernus, David Blanks, Danette Keeler, Meghan Sisk, Vince Flores, Stephanie Peltzer
Action (Consent): C. PAYROLL SUMMARY
Resolution: "That the Board of Education approve the Payroll Summary"
Education Fund: $569,193.97
Building Fund: $42,314.87
FICA/IMRF/Medicare: $42,311.4 l
Motion by Meghan Sisk, second by Dave Blanks.
Final Resolution: Motion Carried
Yes: Drew Sernus, David Blanks, Danette Keeler, Meghan Sisk, Vince Flores, Stephanie Peltzer
Action (Consent): D. MONTHLY FINANCE REPORTS
Resolution: 'That the Board of Education approve the Monthly Finance Reports.
Motion by Meghan Sisk, second by Dave Blanks.
Final Resolution: Motion Carried
Yes: Drew Sernus, David Blanks, Danette Keeler, Meghan Sisk, Vince Flores, Stephanie Peltzer
Action: E. APPROVAL OF THE REGULAR BOARD MINUTES 11. l3.19
That the Board of Education approve the minutes of the November 13, 2019, regular meeting.
Motion by Meghan Sisk, second by Dave Blanks.
Final Resolution: Motion Carried
Yes: Drew Sernus, David Blanks, Danette Keeler, Vince Flores, Stephanie Peltzer Abstain: Meghan Sisk
Action: F. APPROVAL OF CLOSED SESSION BOARD MINUTES 11.13.19
That the Board of Education approve the minutes of the November 13, 2019 closed session minutes.
Motion by Stephanie Peltzer, second by Dave Blanks
Final Resolution: Motion Carried
Yes: Drew Sernus, David Blanks, Danette Keeler, Vince Flores, Stephanie Peltzer Abstain: Meghan Sisk
Action: G. 2019 TAX LEVY
Recommended Motion (roll call): "that the Board of Education adopt the Resolution providing for the Tax Levy for the Year 2019, as recommended by the Business Manager /CSBO and the Superintendent."
Motion by Danette Keeler second by Dave Blanks
Final Resolution: Motion Carried
Yes: Drew Sernus, David Blanks, Danette Keeler, Meghan Sisk, Vince Flores, Stephanie Peltzer
Recommended Motion (roll call): "that the Board of Education adopt the Resolution providing for 2019 Tax Levy for Working Cash, as recommended by the Business Manager/CSBO and the Superintendent."
Motion by Danette Keeler second by Dave Blanks
Final Resolution: Motion Carried
Yes: Drew Sernus, David Blanks, Danette Keeler, Meghan Sisk, Vince Flores, Stephanie Peltzer
Recommended Motion (roll call): "that the Board of Education adopt the Resolution providing for 2019 Tax Levy for Special Education Purposes, as recommended by the Business Manager/CSBO and the Superintendent."
Motion by Danette Keeler second by Dave Blanks
Final Resolution: Motion Carried
Yes: Drew Sernus, David Blanks, Danette Keeler, Meghan Sisk, Vince Flores, Stephanie Peltzer
Recommended Motion (roll call): "that the Board of Education authorize the President to sign the Certificate of Compliance with the Truth in Taxation Law, as recommended by the Business Manager/CSBO and the Superintendent."
Motion by Danette Keeler second by Dave Blanks
Final Resolution: Motion Carried
Yes: Drew Sernus, David Blanks, Danette Keeler, Meghan Sisk, Vince Flores, Stephanie Peltzer
Recommended Motion (roll call): "that the Board of Education adopt the Resolution Authorizing Reduction of Certain Fund Levies for the 2019 Levy Year, as recommended by the Business Manager/CSBO and the Superintendent."
Motion by Danette Keeler second by Dave Blanks
Final Resolution: Motion Carried
Yes: Drew Sernus, David Blanks, Danette Keeler, Meghan Sisk, Vince Flores, Stephanie Peltzer
6.BOARD DISCUSSION AND/OR ACTION
A. TRI-CONFERENCE
Dr. Fleming and Board Members each discussed the benefits and time spent at this years Tri-Conference in Chicago, IL. Board Members discussed the sessions and workshops they attended and how beneficial the conference is every year.
7. BOARD MEMBER REPORTS AND REQUESTS
Dr. Joseph Zampillo commented that Officer Cozzi from the Worth Police Department participated in "Shop with a Cop" in early December. It's a program that rewards children with the opportunity to purchase toys and necessities while shopping with a police officer. The program is a wonderful event that makes a tremendous difference in the community.
8. CITIZENS'REMARKS- AGENDA ITEMS
There were no citizens' remarks
Michelle Egan entered public session at 8:02Qm
9. CLOSED SESSION
Action: A. ADJOURN TO CLOSED SESSION
That the Board of Education adjourn to closed session at 8:05pm to discuss the appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific employees of the District; and Collective negotiating matters between the District and its employees or their representatives, or deliberations concerning salary schedules for one or more classes of employees.
Motion by Meghan Sisk, second by David Blanks.
Final Resolution: Motion Carried
Yes: Drew Sernus, David Blanks, Meghan Sisk, Danette Keeler, Michelle Egan, Vince Flores, Stephanie Peltzer
Action: B.RECONVENE IN PUBLIC SESSION
That the Board of Education upon completion of its discussions in closed session reconvene in public session at 9:32pm.
Motion by Vince Flores, second by David Blanks.
Final Resolution: Motion Carried
Yes: Drew Sernus, David Blanks, Meghan Sisk, Danette Keeler, Michelle Egan, Vince Flores, Stephanie Peltzer
10. ADJOURNMENT
Action: A. ADJOURNMEETING
http://www.worthschools.org/127/wp-content/uploads/board/minutes/2019-20/12.11.19min.pdf
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