Chicago Heights School District 170 Board of Education met April 27

By Kristine Gonzales-Abella

Jun 1, 2020

Chicago Heights School District 170 Board of Education met April 27.

Here is the minutes provided by the board:

ROLL CALL

Upon roll call, those present were: Member Castanon

Member Cordes

Member Karwowski

Member DiGiovanni

Member Nevarez

Member Sanders

President Costello

Those absent were: None

PUBLIC COMMENT

Sarah Repking, Gina Sefik, Shannon Vera, Stevie Scharwarth, Sue Allred, Susana Salinas, Tony Narcisi, Tracy Sundwall, William Seidelmann, Mary Thompson, Melissa Garcia, Meredith Parker, Michelle Belair, Monica Hinojosa, Nancy Glennon, Natalie Lewis, Natasha Roberson, Nicole Govert, Odilia Gomez, Phyllis Marconi, Rhonda Adams, Samantha Nichols, Sandy Graziano, Diana Carlsen, Debra Page, Desiree Dennis, Gretchen Sutherland, Elizabeth Briones, Elizabeth Tapajna, Emily Repking, Erica Hamrin, Gene Gidera, Gloria McFarlane, Angela Jacobucci, Jessie Tanis, Julie Lynch, Kaitlin Damiani, Kathy Haywood, Kathy Smok, Jennifer Kerr, Karen Brennan, Lori Barberi, Louisa Flamini, Mamie Kernagis, Mary Ellen Smith, Dana Flamini, Patti Corcoranm Anne Contreras, Artis McCann, Ashlee Walik, Briana Heckler, Cassie Oman, Christine Zomparelli attended the meeting via Zoom.

Assistant Superintendent Mary Kay Entsminger addressed the Board to thank the staff for all the hard work they have done to improve E-Learning and completely learning a new way of teaching. She also acknowledged the concern the teachers have for their students' well-being and how they are going above and beyond for their students. Karen Brennan addressed the Board to thank the administration, especially Assistant Superintendent for all the efforts to assist teachers with E-Learning. Ms. Brennan also asked if there would be any way to either add more professional development or allow more participants to the professional development currently being offered. She also asked when staff will be allowed to enter buildings to close up their classrooms. Superintendent Thomas Amadio informed her that boxes and bags were ordered to pack up teacher and student belongings. Once these were delivered a date would be set for items to be packed up. Dana Flamini addressed the Board to thank Assistant Superintendent Mary Kay Entsminger for making the transition to E-learning more accessible to both teachers and students. She also wanted to inform the Board of the positive response she has had from parents. Ms. Flamini communicates with parents and students daily via Remind. Finally, she wanted to thank the District for the support for teachers and students while going through this difficult time.

BOARD ACTION ITEMS

A. Approval of Zenere Landscape Grant School Ballfield Maintenance Proposal.

Member Karwowski moved, seconded by Member Castanon, to approve the Zenere Landscape Grant School Ballfield Maintenance Proposal.

Upon roll call, those voting yea: Member Castanon

Member Cordes

Member Karwowski

Member DiGiovanni

Member Nevarez

Member Sanders

President Costello

Those voting nay: None

Motion Carried.

C. Approval of Zenere Landscape Landscape Maintenance Renewal Agreement.

Member Cordes moved, seconded by Member Sanders, to approve the Zenere Landscape Maintenance

Renewal Agreement.

Upon roll call, those voting yea: Member Castanon

Member Cordes

Member Karwowski

Member DiGiovanni

Member Nevarez

Member Sanders

President Costello

Those voting nay: None

Motion Carried.

D. Approval of Math Textbook Adoption.

President Costello moved, seconded by Member Cordes, to approve the Math Textbook Adoption.

Upon roll call, those voting yea: Member Castanon

Member Cordes

Member Karwowski

Member DiGiovanni

Member Nevarez

Member Sanders

President Costello

Those voting nay: None

Motion Carried.

E. Approval of Resolution for Dismissal and Nonrenewal of Classified Staff.

Member Sanders moved, seconded by Member DiGiovanni, to approve the Resolution for Dismissal and Nonrenewal of Classified Staff

Upon roll call, those voting yea: Member Castanon

Member Cordes

Member Karwowski

Member DiGiovanni

Member Nevarez

Member Sanders

President Costello

Those voting nay: None

Motion Carried.

NEW BUSINESS

President Costello extended his thanks to the entire School District 170 staff for all of their efforts during this unprecedented time.

Member Sanders wanted to suggest that if we again face this type of situation that any school supplies such as hand sanitizer and Clorax wipes be returned to parents. President Costello recommended that such supplies should be stockpiled at the school for future use.

EXECUTIVE SESSION

There was no executive session.

ADJOURNMENT OF MEETING

Upon roll call, those voting yea: Member Castanon

Member Cordes

Member Karwowski

Member DiGiovanni

Member Nevarez

Member Sanders

President Costello

Those voting nay: None

Motion Carried.