Worth School District 127 Board of Education met March 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 6:43pm
B. ROLL CALL
Members Present: Drew Sernus, David Blanks, Meghan Sisk, Michelle Egan, Vince Flores, Danette Keeler, Stephanie Peltzer
Administrators: Dr. Mark Fleming, Superintendent Cindy Dykas, Business Manager/CSBO Tim Hathhorn, Worth Elementary Principal Linda Esposito, Worthwoods Principal Maureen Eichstaedt, WJK Assistant Principal Dr. Sinéad Chambers, Special Education Director
Others Present: Brian Pencak, DLA Ed Wright, DLA Cindy kats, Post 991 Auxillary Emily Fasano, Worthwoods Hala Ghaber, Worthwoods Lana Ballout, Worthwoods Olivia Franrick, Worthwoods Arlyn Diaz, Worthwoods Nicole Peters Jessica Peters Ylíana Zaragoza, Worthwoods JoAnne Albrecht, Worth Education Association Mary Zirngibl, Worth Elementary Bryan Baier, Director of Facilities and Grounds Robert Jeffers, Director of Technology Pam Ephraim, EC Aide Bahira Karim, EC Cassandra Gehrke, Worth Elementary Heather Kozik, Worth Elementary Michelle Okrzesik, Worth Elementary Jill Moore, Recording Secretary
C. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
President Drew Sernus led the pledge of Allegiance.
2. SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT
A. BUILDING WALK-THROUGH WITH DLA
Dr. Fleming opened by introducing Brian Pencak and Ed Wright from the DLA. Board Members and staff took a tour of Worth Elementary to view the building and discuss upcoming renovations.
B. BUILDING MARQUEES
Dr. Fleming tabled this discussion to the April Board Meeting due to time constraints,
C. HEATHER KOZIK - RECOGNITION - ENCHANTED BACKPACK
Dr. Fleming recognized Heather Kozik and the work that was accomplished through the grant received from Enchanted Backpack. Board President, Drew Sernus, presented a certificate to Heather Kozik in recognition of the climbing wall that was donated to Worth Elementary.
D. WORTHWOODS WAX MUSEUM PRESENTATION
Linda Esposito introduced Mrs. Fisher and Mrs. Hope and the work that went behind the Wax Museum. Students did lots of research and attended different locations to attain research to do each of their projects. Each student presented a 3-4 minute speech, followed with vision boards, illustrations of characters, slide shows, and each created their own costume. Mrs. Fisher and Mrs. Hope expressed how the community comes together to support the kids and the staff is very proud of the work they have done. Each student shared a condensed version of their presentation to Board members. Students were able to raise $935 and a check was presented to Cindy kats, Post 991 from the Women's Auxiliary.
E. RAPTOR VISITOR MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
Dr. Fleming discussed the upcoming implementation of the Raptor System. Dr. Fleming answered questions regarding party days and large assemblies and how to handle a larger crowd at schools. Dr. Fleming explained that it would not be feasible to accommodate visitor tags for large assemblies. However, for party days when they know in advance who is coming, visitor tags can be printed the day of event for smaller groups.
F. BULLYING INCIDENT REPORT LINK
Dr. Fleming shared that the district is implementing a Bullying Incident Report Link that will go on the district website and each school building. It will allow anyone to submit minimal or substantial information regarding a bullying incident. Dr. Fleming will be putting out a letter to parents to inform them and post information on social media. The link will be posited to the websites after spring break.
G. 2020-2021 SCHOOL CALENDAR
Dr. Fleming informed Board Members that in each of their supplemental folders enclosed is a draft copy of the 2020-2021 school calendar. Dr. Fleming shared that Casimir Pulaski Day and Veterans Day are being waived for the upcoming school year. A team of staff members and teachers were put together from each school to meet and plan the 2020-2021 school year. Dr. Fleming discussed and answered questions from Board Members regarding teacher institute days, snow days, and the week of Thanksgiving which is the biggest change to the calendar,
H. CENSUS NIGHT - 04.01.20 - WORTH JUNIOR HIGH
Dr. Fleming gave a brief update regarding the Worth Junior High Census Night on April 1, 2020. We have confirmed officials that will be setting up a table which includes the Worth Police Department, Worth Library, and the Worth Park District. We have acquired translators for the community to assist residents in completing the Census.
I. WORTH 127 PARENT ORGANIZATION
Dr. Fleming informed the Board that he was contacted by a Worth parent that expressed the interest in starting a (PTO) Parent Teacher Organization. The PTO is a formal organization composed of parents, teachers and staff that is intended to facilitate parental participation in a school. Dr. Fleming stated that he would like to implement a program for students and infomed the parent that she was welcome to set up a table at the Census Night to acquire interest,
), BUILDING UPDATE/REPORT
Maureen Eichstaedt engaged the board in the Title 1 Math Program that was implemented after winter break. The program was initiated with one day a week and blossomed to three days per week. The program has been well attended and students are doing their homework. The program allows students to do a working lunch for students that do not have internet at home. The program has been very successful which has given students a purpose and an additional benefit is students are not home alone. The cap per grade level is 22 and teachers are managing the process. Parents have been very positive and encouraged that their child is getting extra Math help. It's been very successful. Working lunch have given kids a purpose and allowed for kids not sitting alone. Cap is 22 per grade level. Teachers manage the process. Parents are happy and are encouraging to have their students sign up.
Dr. Fleming gave an update on the Coronavirus and the continued steps being taken to keep students and staff safe and healthy. Each school has posted a hand washing video and is being played throughout the day during the morning breakfast and lunch. Custodians will be doing a deep cleaning and sanitizing of each building this Saturday, March 14th. Dr. Fleming stressed that it's very important for any staff member or student to stay home if they are sick. The Illinois State Board of Education has been in continual contact and they are communicating how to put E-Learning in place and have strongly recommended superintendents to implement a plan. Robert Jeffers and Matt Aggen are working on the technology portion and Dr. Fleming will be meeting with each of the principals on Thursday to further discuss next steps if schools end up being canceled due to the Coronavirus.
Dr. Fleming discussed with the Board the challenges they will face regarding E-Learning which would include: compiling all the charging cables; possible damage to Chromebooks with students taking them home; should we have a paper back-up plan; how can we service IEP students. Dr. Fleming stated he will be discussing all scenarios with school principals to be able to accommodate students through E-Learning.
3. CITIZENS' REMARKS - AGENDA AND NON-AGENDA ITEMS
There were no citizens' remarks
4. CONSENT AGENDA Action (Consent):
A. BOARD BILLS PAYABLE Resolution: Recommended Motion (roll call): "that the Board of Education approve the Board Bills Payable in the amount of $206,660.44 and $49,047.13."
Motion by Meghan Sisk, second by David Blanks.
Final Resolution: Motion Carried
Pro Yes: Drew Sernus, David Blanks, Meghan Sisk, Danette Keeler, Michelle Egan, Stephanie Peltzer
Action (Consent): 6, PAYROLL SUMMARY
Resolution: Recommended Motion (roll call): "that the Board of Education approve the Payroll Summary for the Education Fund in the amount of $587,269.60, the Building Fund in the amount of $42,083.05, and the FICA/IMRF/Medicare in the amount of $45,327.74,"
Motion by Meghan Sisk, second by David Blanks, Final Resolution: Motion Carried Yes: Drew Sernus, David Blanks, Meghan Sisk, Danette Keeler, Michelle Egan, Stephanie Peltzer
Action (Consent) : C, RESIGNATION OF CERTIFIED STAFF - RETIREMENT - JUNE 30, 2023 - DEBBIE WOODS
Recommended Motion (roll call): "that the Board of Education approve the resignation of certified staff - retirement - June 30, 2023 - Debbie Woods".
Motion by Meghan Sisk, second by David Blanks. Final Resolution: Motion Carried Yes: Drew Sernus, David Blanks, Meghan Sisk, Danette Keeler, Michelle Egan, Stephanie Peltzer
Action (Consent): D. RESIGNATION OF CERTIFIED STAFF - RETIREMENT - JUNE 30, 2023 - CHRISTINE SOCHA
Recommended Motion (roll call): "that the Board of Education approve the resignation of certified staff - retirement - June 30, 2023 - Christine Socha".
Motion by Meghan Sisk, second by David Blanks, Final Resolution: Motion Carried Yes: Drew Sernus, David Blanks, Meghan Sisk, Danette Keeler, Michelle Egan, Stephanie Peltzer
Action (Consent): E. RESIGNATION OF CERTIFIED STAFF - RETIREMENT - JUNE 30, 2024 - KATHRYN A. DENNIS
Recommended Motion (roll call); "that the Board of Education approve the resignation of certified staff - retirement - June 30, 2024 - Kathryn A. Dennis".
Motion by Meghan Sisk, second by David Blanks.
Final Resolution: Motion Carried Yes: Drew Sernus, David Blanks, Meghan Sisk, Danette Keeler, Michelle Egan, Stephanie Peltzer
Action (Consent): F, RESIGNATION OF CERTIFIED STAFF - RETIREMENI - JUNE 30, 2024 - TIMOTHY J. DLHY
Recommended Motion (roll call): "that the Board of Education approve the resignation of certified staff - retirement - June 30, 2024 - Timothy J. Dlhy".
Motion by Meghan Sisk, second by David Blanks. Final Resolution: Motion Carried Yes: Drew Sernus, David Blanks, Meghan Sisk, Danette Keeler, Michelle Egan, Stephanie Peltzer
Action (Consent): G. RESIGNATION OF CERTIFIED STAFF - RETIREMENT - JUNE 30, 2024 - KATHRYN L. DERUITER
Recommended Motion (roll call); "that the Board of Education approve the resignation of certified staff - retirement - June 30, 2024 - Kathryn L. DeRuiter".
Motion by Meghan Sisk, second by David Blanks. Final Resolution: Motion Carried Yes: Drew Sernus, David Blanks, Meghan Sisk, Danette Keeler, Michelle Egan, Stephanie Peltzer
Action (Consent): H. RESIGNATION OF CERTIFIED STAFF - RETIREMENT - UNE 30, 2024 - JOANNE K. ALBRECHT
Recommended Motion (roll call): "that the Board of Education approve the resignation of certified staff - retirement - June 30, 2024 - JoAnne Albrecht".
Motion by Meghan Sisk, second by David Blanks. Final Resolution: Motion Carried Yes: Drew Sernus, David Blanks, Meghan Sisk, Danette Keeler, Michelle Egan, Stephanie Peltzer
Action (Consent); I. RESIGNATION OF CERTIFIED STAFF - RETIREMENT - JUNE 30, 2024 - SHERRY STRYCKER
Recommended Motion (roll call): "that the Board of Education approve the resignation of certified staff - retirement - June 30, 2024 - Sherry Strycker".
Motion by Meghan Sisk, second by David Blanks. Final Resolution: Motion Carried Yes: Drew Sernus, David Blanks, Meghan Sisk, Danette Keeler, Michelle Egan, Stephanie Peltzer
Action (Consent): J. RESIGNATION OF CERTIFIED STAFF - RETIREMENT - JUNE 30, 2024 - MARIAN COLON
Recommended Motion (roll call): "that the Board of Education approve the resignation of certified staff - retirement - June 30, 2024 - Marian Colon".
Motion by Meghan Sisk, second by David Blanks. Final Resolution: Motion Carried Yes: Drew Sernus, David Blanks, Meghan Sisk, Danette Keeler, Michelle Egan, Stephanie Peltzer
Action (Consent). K RESIGNATION OF CERTIFIED STAFF - RETIREMENT - JUNE 30, 2024 - DEBRA BURGHGRAEF
Recommended Motion (roll call): "that the Board of Education approve the resignation of certified staff - retirement - June 30, 2024 - Debra Burghgraef".
Motion by Meghan Sisk, second by David Blanks. Final Resolution: Motion Carried Yes: Drew Sernus, David Blanks, Meghan Sisk, Danette Keeler, Michelle Egan, Stephanie Peltzer
Action (Consent); 4. TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT - CLASSIFIED STAFF - CINDY ZILA
Recommended Motion (roll call): "that the Board of Education approve the Termination of employment - classified staff - Cindy Zila".
Motion by Meghan Sisk, second by David Blanks.
Final Resolution: Motion Carried Yes: Drew Sernus, David Blanks, Meghan Sisk, Danette Keeler, Michelle Egan, Stephanie Peltzer
Action (Consent): M. RESIGNATION OF CLASSIFIED STAFF - EWA ZOLNIK R
Recommended Motion (roll call): "that the Board of Education approve the resignation of classified staff - Ewa Zolnik".
Motion by Meghan Sisk, second by David Blanks, Final Resolution: Motion Carried Yes: Drew Sernus, David Blanks, Meghan Sisk, Danette Keeler, Michelle Egan, Stephanie Peltzer
5. MOTIONS Action: A. REGULAR BOARD MINUTES - 02.19.20
Recommended Motion (roll call): "that the Board of Education approve the minutes of the February 19, 2020 regular meeting."
Motion by Michelle Egan, second by David Blanks.
Final Resolution: Motion Carried Yes: Drew Sernus, David Blanks, Meghan Sisk, Danette Keeler, Michelle Egan, Stephanie Peltzer
Action: B. CLOSED SESSION MINUTES - 02.19.20
Recommended Motion (roll call): "that the Board of Education approve the minutes of the February 19, 2020 closed session minutes."
Motion by Stephanie Peltzer, second by David Blanks. Final Resolution: Motion Carried Yes: Drew Sernus, David Blanks, Meghan Sisk, Danette Keeler, Michelle Egan, Stephanie Peltzer
Action: C. PARENT STUDENT HANDBOOK
Recommended Motion (roll call); "that the Board of Education approve the Parent Student Handbook."
Motion by Meghan Sisk, second by Michelle Egan. Final Resolution: Motion Carried Yes: Drew Sernus, David Blanks, Meghan Sisk, Danette Keeler, Michelle Egan, Stephanie Peltzer
6, BOARD DISCUSSION AND/OR ACTION
There were no Board Discussions and/or Actions.
7. BOARD MEMBER REPORTS AND REQUESTS
There were no Board Member Reports or Requests.
8. CITIZENS' REMARKS - AGENDA ITEMS
There were no citizens' remarks.
9. CLOSED SESSION
Action: A. ADJOURN TO CLOSED SESSION
Recommended Motion (roll call): that the Board of Education adjourn to closed session at 9:00pm to discuss the appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific employees; the placement of individual students in special education programs and other matters relating to individual students; and the setting of a price for sale or lease of property owned by the public body,"
Motion by Michelle Egan, second by David Blanks.
Final Resolution: Motion Carried Yes: Drew Sernus, David Blanks, Meghan Sisk, Danette Keeler, Michelle Egan, Stephanie Peltzer
Action: B. RECONVENE IN PUBLIC SESSION
Recommended Motion (roll call): "that the Board of Education upon completion of its discussions in closed session reconvene in public session at 10:18pm."
Motion by Meghan Sisk, second by David Blanks. Final Resolution: Motion Carried Yes: Drew Sernus, David Blanks, Meghan Sisk, Danette Keeler, Michelle Egan, Stephanie Peltzer
10. ADJOURNMENT
Recommended Motion (voice vote): That the Board of Education motion to adjourn the meeting at 10:19pm
Final Resolution: Motion Carried Voice Vote: Yes:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/10BG-h2K9BBFCxF6VJ363kW-7iUg-AOlgCmoJvkr23vg/edit
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