Worth School District 127 Board of Education met Sept. 16.
Here is the minutes provided by the board:
1. MEETING OPENING
A, CALL TO ORDER
President Drew Sernus called the meeting to order at 5:39 p.m.
B. ROLL CALL
Members Present: Drew Sernus, Michelle Egan, Danette Keeler, Stephanie Peltzer
Zoom: David Blanks
Absent: Meghan Sisk, Vince Flores
Administrators:
Dr. Mark Fleming, Superintendent
Cindy Dykas, Business Manager/CSBO
Linda Esposito, Director of Curriculum and Instruction
Sinead Chambers, Director of Special Seivices
Tim Hathhorn, Worthwoods Principal
Ashley Toms, Assistant Principal, Worth Elementary/Worthwoods
Dr. Joseph Zampillo, Worth Junior High Principal
Jason Tooth, Assistant Principal, Worth Junior High
Maureen Eichstaedt, Worth Elementary Principal
Others Present:
JoAnne Albrecht, WEA President
Robert Jeffers, Director of Technology
Bryan Baier, Director of Facilities and Maintenance
Ed Wright, DLA Architects
Brian Pencak, DLA Architects
Brendan May, KLOA Inc.
Jill Moore, Board Recording Secretary
C, PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
President Drew Sernus led the Pledge of Allegiance.
President Drew Sernus read the guidelines for the Covid-19 restrictions and the purpose of offering a remote meeting.
2. SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT
A. DLA PRESENTATION ON WORTHWOODS/WORTH ELEMENTARY
Brian Pencak and Ed Wright shared with the Board a slide presentation of the upcoming renovation plans at Worth Elementary. Mr. Wright shared a detailed proposed floor plan and exterior rendering. Proposed plan included: site plan evaluation; access drives for pick-up and drop off with the primary entry from 112th. The next steps will be to involve the Illinois Department of Transportation (!DOT) to do a study regarding the traffic data. Board Members took time to ask questions and share comments regarding the renovations. All Board Members took time to comment that Worthwoods looks like beautiful and the renovation is amazing. They are looking forward to the upcoming plans for Worth Elementary.
B. BUSINESS MANAGER
Cindy Dykas shared a slide presentation of the 2020-2021 budget.
C. DIRECTOR OF CURRICULUM AND INSTRUQJON
Linda Esposito shared an update with the Board regarding curriculum. Ms. Esposito stated that a remote learning suivey went out to teachers to get feedback as to what is working well and what is not working.
What has worked well:
, Overwhelmingly stated they could not do it without their partner.
, Working together and camaraderie.
, Everyone is helping and supporting each other and working together.
• Seeing the students is key.
• Having live sessions is energetic and important.
, Working smarter, not harder!
What is not working well:
, Technical issues: Teachers and students getting bumped out; lagging and slow; need more direct tech support to teachers.
, Work needs to be done to provide Special Ed Services.
• Encore classes
, Uncertainty about report cards.
, Extra teacher remote planning days - this is a lot of work and stressful; teachers are taking work home; difficult to learn a new way to teach.
Feedback from parents/students:
• Workload is fine.
, Students are enjoying the lessons.
, Parents are appreciative of all the effort as they know it's a lot of work.
, Technology issues, but they understand,
What can we do better:
, Parents are concerned about all the screen time.
, Overwhelmingly they want to be in person, but understand that students need to come back safely.
, Support services need greater attention.
Board member asked Ms. Esposito how the attendance has been. She stated that the attendance has been great. Teachers are making phone calls home if students are not engaging and Officer Cozzi is making home visits to check in on students.
Board member asked where were at with our special education students. Ms. Esposito stated she will get back to the Board with that answer. There are areas we definitely need to focus on and we are working hard to get those in place.
Dr. Fleming stated that with encore and specials, we will get a plan together. Credit to the staff as they want to know how to do it; however, it will take some time.
D. DIRECTOR OF SPECIAL SERVICES
Dr. Chambers stated that 100% of our remote learning plan completed and families have been wonderful working with their schedules and parents are working hard to be a part of remote learning.
Dr. Chambers shared information regarding Acutrans. This company translates in over 100 languages and is a Hickory hills based company. The cost is $1.25/minute and they are offering the district 100 free minutes to try their services with no contract. We have a wide range of diverse languages and this will help our teachers and staff greatly. We plan to start the program on Thursday and we will report on feedback at the October Board Meeting.
'E, BUILDING UPDATE/REPORT
There were no building updates or reports.
3. CITIZENS' REMARKS • AGENDA AND NON-AGENDA ITEMS
Jill Moore read an e-mail from Adam Bednarz and addressed the following questions to Board Members:
1. What difference does our School district have from other schools that are doing hybrid learning or full in-school learning that deprives our district from sending out kids to School?
2. Is there an approximate time our children will do hybrid learning or start to attend school in person?
Dr. Fleming will reply to these questions on Thursday, September 17.
4. PUBLIC HEARING 2020-2021 BUDGET
Action: A. CONDUCT A PUBUC HEARING ON THE FY21 BUDGET
Recommended Motion (roll call): "that the Board of Education conduct a public hearing regarding the proposed budget for 2020-2021, which has been on file in accordance with the requirements of the School Code of Illinois."
Motion by Danette Keeler, second by Drew Sernus.
Final Resolution: Motion Carried
Yes: Drew Sernus, David Blanks, Danette Keeler, Michelle Egan, Stephanie Peltzer
Cindy Dykas reported that, as required, a legal notice was published in the Daily Southtown after the Board was presented with a tentative budget at the August meeting. The notice stated that the Board set this date for a public hearing on its FY21 budget and that the budget would be on display at the Administrative Center during normal business hours. Having met all the requirements for the public hearing, she opened the floor to members of the audience to comment on the budget.
Hearing no comments, Cindy Dykas recommended the Board close the public hearing and return to regular session.
Action: B. CLOSE THE PUBUC HEARING ON THE FY21 BUDGET
Recommended Motion (roll call): "that the Board of Education close the public hearing and return to regular session.''
Motion by Stephanie Peltzer, second by Drew Sernus.
Final Resolution: Motion carried
Yes: Drew Sernus, David Blanks, Danette Keeler, Michelle Egan, Stephanie Peltzer
5, CLOSED SESSION
Action: A. ADJOURN TO CLOSED SESSION
Recommended Motion (roll call): "that the Board of Education adjourn to closed session to discuss the appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific employees and security procedures, school building safety and security, and the use of personnel and equipment to respond to an actual, a threatened, or a reasonably potential danger to the safety of employees, students, staff, the public, or public property; and collective negotiating matters between the public body and its employees of their representatives, or deliberations concerning salary schedules for one or more classes of employees."
Motion by Michelle Egan, second by Stephanie Peltzer.
Final Resolution: Motion Carried
Yes: Drew Sernus, David Blanks, Danette Keeler, Michelle Egan, Stephanie Peltzer
Action: B. RECONVENE IN PUBUC SESSION
Recommended Motion (roll call): "that the Board of Education upon completion of it's discussions in closed session reconvene in public session. 11
Motion by Michelle Egan, second by David Blanks.
Final Resolution: Motion Carried
Yes: Drew Sernus, David Blanks, Danette Keeler, Michelle Egan, Stephanie Peltzer
6. CONSENT AGENDA
Action (Consent): A. BOARD BILLS PAYABLE
Resolution: Recommended Motion (roll call): "that the Board of Education approve the Accounts Payable for $197,783.60
(EDUCATIONAL); $575,542.25 (OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE); for a total of $773,325.85."
Recommended Motion (roll call): "that the Board of Education approve the Consent Agenda Items as listed in 6A- 6J".
Motion by Michelle Egan, second by Drew Sernus.
Final Resolution: Motion Carried
Yes: Drew Sernus, David Blanks, Danette Keeler, Michelle Egan, Stephanie Peltzer
Action (Consent): B. PAYROLL SUMMARY
Resolution: Recommended Motion (roll call): "that the Board of Education approve the Payroll Summary for the Education Fund in the amount of $354,162.21, the Building Fund in the amount of $44,997.44, and the FICA/IMRF/Medicare in the amount of $36,866.83."
Recommended Motion (roll call): "that the Board of Education approve the Consent Agenda Items as listed in 6A- 6J".
Motion by Michelle Egan, second by Drew Sernus.
Final Resolution: Motion carried
Yes: Drew Sernus, David Blanks, Danette Keeler, Michelle Egan, Stephanie Peltzer
Action (Consent): C. 2020-2021 COMPENSATION FOR IMRF EMPLOYEES
Recommended Motion (roll call): "that the Board of Education approve the Consent Agenda Items as listed in 6A - 6J".
Motion by Michelle Egan, second by Drew Sernus.
Final Resolution: Motion carried
Yes: Drew Sernus, David Blanks, Danette Keeler, Michelle Egan, Stephanie Peltzer
Action (Consent): D. EIS ADMINISTRATOR AND TEACHER SALARY AND BENEFITS REPORT - SCHOOL YEAR 2019-2020
Recommended Motion (roll call): "that the Board of Education approve the Consent Agenda Items as listed in 6A - 6J".
Motion by Michelle Egan, second by Drew Sernus.
Final Resolution: Motion Carried
Yes: Drew Sernus, David Blanks, Danette Keeler, Michelle Egan, Stephanie Peltzer
Action (Consent): E. RESIGNATION OF ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF· RETIREMENT - PRINCIPAL TIM HATHHORN • EFFECTIVE 09.16.20
Recommended Motion (roll call): "that the Board of Education approve the Consent Agenda Items as listed in 6A - 6J".
Motion by Michelle Egan, second by Drew Sernus.
Final Resolution: Motion carried
Yes: Drew Sernus, David Blanks, Danette Keeler, Michelle Egan, Stephanie Peltzer
Action (Consent): F. EMPLOYMENT OF CERTIFIED STAFF - LISA STRZEMPA - FULL-TIME PERMANENT SUBSTITUTE TEACHER - 09.16.20
Recommended Motion (roll call): "that the Board of Education approve the Consent Agenda Items as listed in 6A - 6J".
Motion by Michelle Egan, second by Drew Sernus.
Final Resolution: Motion carried
Yes: Drew Sernus, David Blanks, Danette Keeler, Michelle Egan, Stephanie Peltzer
Action (Consent): G. EMPLOYMENT OF CERTIFIED STAFF • SHANNON GARBIE • FULL-TIME PERMANENT SUBSTITUTE TEACHER • 09.16.20
Recommended Motion (roll call): "that the Board of Education approve the Consent Agenda Items as listed in 6A- 6J".
Motion by Michelle Egan, second by Drew Sernus.
Final Resolution: Motion Carried
Yes: Drew Sernus, David Blanks, Danette Keeler, Michelle Egan, Stephanie Peltzer
Action (Consent): H. EMPLOYMENT OF CERTIFIED STAFF· BARBARA O'SULLIVAN • WW/WE LIBRARY MEDIA SPECIALIST· EFFECTIVE 09.14.20
Recommended Motion (roll call): "that the Board of Education approve the Consent Agenda Items as listed in 6A- 6J".
Motion by Michelle Egan, second by Drew Sernus.
Final Resolution: Motion carried
Yes: Drew Sernus, David Blanks, Danette Keeler, Michelle Egan, Stephanie Peltzer
Action (Consent): I. RECLASSIFICATION OF CLASSIFIED STAFF - ARIEL BURNS - PART-TIME CUSTODIAN TO SUBSTITUTE
CUSTODIAN- EFFECTIVE 09.16.20
Recommended Motion (roll call): "that the Board of Education approve the Consent Agenda Items as listed in 6A - 6J".
Motion by Michelle Egan, second by Drew Sernus.
Final Resolution: Motion carried
Yes: Drew Sernus, David Blanks, Danette Keeler, Michelle Egan, Stephanie Peltzer
Action (Consent).;_J. CALL LIST OF SUBSTITUTE TEACHERS AND SUPPORT STAFF
Recommended Motion (roll call): "that the Board of Education approve the Consent Agenda Items as listed in 6A • 6J".
Motion by Michelle Egan, second by Drew Sernus.
Final Resolution: Motion carried
Yes: Drew Sernus, David Blanks, Danette Keeler, Michelle Egan, Stephanie Peltzer
7. MOTIONS
Action: A. REGULAR BOARD MINUTES
Recommended Motion (roll call): "that the Board of Education approve the minutes of the August 12, 2020 regular session minutes."
Motion by Stephanie Peltzer, second by Michelle Egan.
Final Resolution: Motion carried
Yes: Drew Sernus, David Blanks, Danette Keeler, Michelle Egan, Stephanie Peltze
Action: B. CLOSED SESSION MINUTES
Recommended Motion (roll call): "that the Board of Education approve the minutes of the August 12, 2020 closed session minutes."
Motion by Danette Keeler, second by Stephanie Peltzer.
Final Resolution: Motion carried
Yes: Drew Sernus, David Blanks, Danette Keeler, Michelle Egan, Stephanie Peltzer
Action: C. ADOPTION OF FY21 BUDGET
Recommended Motion (roll call): "that the Board of Education approve the 2020-2021 Budget according to the Resolution for Worth School District 127."
Motion by Michelle Egan, second by Drew Sernus.
Final Resolution: Motion carried
Yes: Drew Sernus, David Blanks, Danette Keeler, Michelle Egan, Stephanie Peltzer
8. BOARD DISCUSSION AND/OR ACTION
There was no Board discussion and/or action.
9. BOARD MEMBER REPORTS AND REQUESTS
A. REPORTS AND COMMENTS
Board Member announced she will be out of town in October and November, however; in November she will be available to Zoom at that meeting. Board member commented on the great job the teachers and staff did during the open house.
Board Member requested a copy of the DLA presentation that took place this evening. Jill Moore will make sure all members receive a copy electronically.
10. CITIZENS' REMARKS - AGENDA ITEMS
There were no citizens' remarks.
11, CLOSED SESSION
Action: A. ADJOURN TO CLOSED SESSION
This closed session did not take n.tace. All closed session items were covered in closed session Sa.
Action: B. RECONVENE IN PUBLIC SESSION
12. ADJOURNMENT
Action: A. ADJOURN METTING
https://worthschools.org/wp-content/uploads/board/minutes/2020-21/9.16.20min.pdf
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