Worth School District 127 Board of Education met Aug. 12.
Here is the minutes provided by the board:
Meeting In-person and Zoom Video Conference
1. MEETING OPENING
A. CALL TO ORDER
President Drew Sernus called the meeting to order at 5:06 p.m.
B. ROLL CALL
Members Present: Drew Sernus, Meghan Sisk, Michelle Egan, Danette Keeler, Stephanie Peltzer
Zoom: David Blanks, Vince Flores
Administrators:
Dr. Mark Fleming, Superintendent
Cindy Dykas, Business Manager/CSBO
Linda Esposito, Director of Curriculum and Instruction
Sinead Chambers,
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
Peggy and Chuck Reipsa
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, HONORING EMPLOYEES YEARS OF SERVICE - PEGGY REIPSA
Dr, Fleming opened by recognizing Peggy Reipsa and honoring her for all ·her efforts and hard work. He is very thankful she stayed another year and stated Ms, Reipsa did a wonderful job with the new teachers in the mentoring program. Drew Sernus and the Board of Education acknowledged her 14 years with the district and wished her well in her retirement.
Board of Education and staff took a brief recess for refreshments
B. WELCOME NEW TEACHERS
Dr. Fleming recognized the new teachers that will starting this upcoming school year and asked each principal to announce their name and position. Each principal shared new staff and changes for the 2020-2021 school year and Dr. Zampillo commented that all hires were done through Zoom video conferencing.
C. PROOF OF RESIDENCY PROCESS
Dr. Fleming shared with the Board that the District will be using a new software database LexisNexis. Several software companies were reviewed and LexisNexis was the right fit for our district. By utilizing this software program, parents will not have to come into the office to verify residency.
D. RETURN TO LEARN PLAN
Dr. Fleming stated that he is viewing the local metrics in the Worth area and monitoring the number of positive Covid-19 cases.
As of today, the positivity rate for Worth is 3.1%. The percentage rate has been slowly rising and Dr. Fleming will continue to monitor the daily numbers. Governor Pritzker's number for going full remote is 8%. The tech department has been hard at work putting together Chromebooks and assigning them to students. Each student will receive a protective case that allows them to use their computer while in the case for added protection. A letter will be sent home to parents with information for pick up as well an authorization form they will need to sign off on how to care and take of them. The first day of school is Wednesday, August 26 which will be a full remote day for all students. Thursday, August 27 will be an "A" day and Friday, August 28 will be a "B" day. A letter will be going out to parents outlining the details of "A" and "B" days. Dr. Fleming stated the district is currently at 40% remote.
E. WORTHWOODS RENOVATION UPDATE
Dr. Fleming shared with the Board that Worthwoods looks like a brand new building and looks beautiful. Bergen Construction and DLA have done an outstanding job with the design scheme and quality of work. Our next board Meeting on Wednesday, September 16 will be held at Worthwoods and the DLA will be there to discuss the renovation with a walk through. DLA will also give the Board an update on the upcoming renovations that will take place at Worth Elementary.
F. PPE POLICY
Dr. Fleming engaged the Board with details regarding the new PPE Policy that they will take action on later in the meeting. The policy was reviewed by the district's attorney and follows the Illinois State Board of Education and the Illinois Department of Public Health guidelines. The policy states everyone will need to wear a mask while in the building and it can only be removed if eating, drinking, band activities, outside social distanclng, or the person has trouble breathing.
G. IMRF INTERNAL AUDIT - CINDY DYKAS
Ms. Cindy Dykas shared with the Board that the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund conducted a remote audit for the district. The IMRF provides a pension to the support staff, custodians, paraprofessionals, and secretaries. IMRF recommended the following items that were not current with our records: Resolution #675; and Resolution #672. The Board took action on #672
in 2013 but because the form was not filed, they cited the district. The audit went very well and the district office and payroll departments should be commended for their work.
H. 2020-2021 BUDGET - CINDY DYKAS
Ms. Cindy Dykas engaged the Board regarding the 2020-2021 budget and stated that this was the most challenging budget to complete due to many unknowns. A tentative FY21 budget summary was presented and Ms. Dykas stated that there will be more detailed information to the budget at the September Board Meeting.
I. CONSOLIDATED DISTRICT PLAN - DR. JOSEPH ZAMPILLO
Dr. Zampillo shared details of the Consolidated District Plan is a plan. This plan needs to be submitted every year that details instructional resources, professional development opportunities, and special education. The Board is approving the plan this year due to changing the title classification moving from targeted assistance to school-wide assistance. Dr. Zamplllo stated that this is very exciting in that we can now distribute those funds school wide and they are not limited to Title funds.
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 Accounts Payable for $113,046.53
(EDUCATIONAL); $684,724.06 (OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE); and $1,036 (TORT IMMUNITY) for a total of $798,806.59."
Motion by Meghan Sisk, second by Drew Sernus.
Final Resolution: Motion Carried
Yes: Drew Sernus, David Blanks, Meghan Sisk, Danette Keeler, Michelle Egan, Vince Flores, 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 $176,060.94, the Building Fund in the amount of $65,732.65, and the FICA/IMRF/Medicare in the amount of $36,882.29."
Motion by Meghan Sisk, second by Drew Sernus.
Final Resolution: Motion Carried
Yes: Drew Sernus, David Blanks, Meghan Sisk, Danette Keeler, Michelle Egan, Vince Flores, Stephanie Peltzer
Action (Consent): C. RESIGNATION OF CERTIFIED STAFF - CHRISTOPHER ELLIOTT - PHYSICAL EDUCATION TEACHER - WORTHWOODS - EFFECTIVE AUGUST 7, 2020
Motion by Meghan Sisk, second by Drew Sernus.
Final Resolution: Motion Carried
Yes: Drew Sernus, David Blanks, Meghan Sisk, Danette Keeler, Michelle Egan, Vince Flores, Stephanie Peltzer
Action (Consent): D. RESIGNATION OF CERTIFIED STAFF - JACOB BERNARD - SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHER - WORTH JUNIOR HIGH - EFFECTIVE AUGUST 7, 2020
Motion by Meghan Sisk, second by Drew Sernus.
Final Resolution: Motion Carried
Yes: Drew Sernus, David Blanks, Meghan Sisk, Danette Keeler, Michelle Egan, Vince Flores, Stephanie Peltzer
Action (Consent): E. RESIGNATION OF CERTIFIED STAFF • MARISSA MALLOY • 3RD GRADE TEACHER • WORTH ELEMENTARY • EFFECTIVE JULY 30, 2020
Motion by Meghan Sisk, second by Drew Sernus.
Final Resolution: Motion Carried
Yes: Drew Sernus, David Blanks, Meghan Sisk, Danette Keeler, Michelle Egan, Vince Flores, Stephanie Peltzer
Action (Consent): F. RESIGNATION OF CERTIFIED STAFF • EWA ELIJASZ-RZONCA • SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHER - EFFECTIVE JULY 23, 2020
Motion by Meghan Sisk, second by Drew Sernus.
Final Resolution: Motion Carried
Yes: Drew Sernus, David Blanks, Meghan Sisk, Danette Keeler, Michelle Egan, Vince Flores, Stephanie Peltzer
Action (Consent): G. RECLASSIFICATION OF CERTIFIED STAFF· ABBY HILL - SPECIAL EDUCATION - 2020-2021 SCHOOL YEAR
Motion by Meghan Sisk, second by Drew Sernus.
Final Resolution: Motion Carried
Yes: Drew Sernus, David Blanks, Meghan Sisk, Danette Keeler, Michelle Egan, Vince Flores, Stephanie Peltzer
Action (Consent): H. RECLASSIFICATION OF CLASSIFIED STAFF - BRANDON LYNN - SUBSTITUTE CUSTODIAN TO PERMANENT PART-TIME • EFFECTIVE 08.01.20
Motion by Meghan Sisk, second by Drew Sernus.
Final Resolution: Motion Carried
Yes: Drew Sernus, David Blanks, Meghan Sisk, Danette Keeler, Michelle Egan, Vince Flores, Stephanie Peltzer
Action (Consent): I. EMPLOYMENT OF CERTIFIED STAFF· KRISTOPHER MARTIN· PT ART TEACHER - WW/WE· EFFECTIVE 2020- 2021 SCHOOL YEAR
Motion by Meghan Sisk, second by Drew Sernus.
Final Resolution: Motion Carried
Yes: Drew Sernus, David Blanks, Meghan Sisk, Danette Keeler, Michelle Egan, Vince Flores, Stephanie Peltzer
Action (Consent): J. EMPLOYMENT OF CERTIFIED STAFF • JOHN ROLENCE • WJH MATH TEACHER • EFFECTIVE 2020-2021 SCHOOL YEAR
Motion by Meghan Sisk, second by Drew Sernus.
Final Resolution: Motion Carried
Yes: Drew Sernus, David Blanks, Meghan Sisk, Danette Keeler, Michelle Egan, Vince Flores, Stephanie Peltzer
Action (Consent): K. EMPLOYMENT OF CERTIFIED STAFF - RULA JABER - 3RD GRADE TEACHER • WORTH ELEMENTARY - EFFECTIVE 2020-2021 SCHOOL YEAR
Motion by Meghan Sisk, second by Drew Sernus.
Final Resolution: Motion Carried
Yes: Drew Sernus, David Blanks, Meghan Sisk, Danette Keeler, Michelle Egan, Vince Flores, Stephanie Peltzer
Action (Consent): L. EMPLOYMENT OF CLASSIFIED STAFF • CHERYL BOSLEY • WORTH ELEMENTARY • LUNCHROOM SUPERVISOR • EFFECTIVE 2020-2021 SCHOOL YEAR
Motion by Meghan Sisk, second by Drew Sernus.
Final Resolution: Motion Carried
Yes: Drew Sernus, David Blanks, Meghan Sisk, Danette Keeler, Michelle Egan, Vince Flores, Stephanie Peltzer
Action (Consent): M. EMPLOYMENT OF CLASSIFIED STAFF • LILLIA LOPEZ - WORTHWOODS ELEMENTARY - LUNCHROOM SUPERVISOR - EFFECTIVE 2020-2021 SCHOOL YEAR
Motion by Meghan Sisk, second by Drew Sernus.
Final Resolution: Motion Carried
Yes: Drew Sernus, David Blanks, Meghan Sisk, Danette Keeler, Michelle Egan, Vince Flores, Stephanie Peltzer
Action (Consent): N. EMPLOYMENT OF CLASSIFIED STAFF - KELLY STERGIOPOULOS - WORTH ELEMENTARY - LUNCHROOM SUPERVISOR • EFFECTIVE 2020-2021 SCHOOL YEAR
Motion by Meghan Sisk, second by Drew Sernus.
Final Resolution: Motion Carried
Yes: Drew Sernus, David Blanks, Meghan Sisk, Danette Keeler, Michelle Egan, Vince Flores, Stephanie Peltzer
5. MOTIONS
Action: A. REGULAR BOE MINUTES - JUNE 10, 2020
Recommended Motion (roll call): "that the Board of Education approve the minutes of the June 10, 2020 regular Board Meeting."
Motion by Danette Keeler, second by Drew Sernus.
Final Resolution: Motion Carried
Yes: Drew Sernus, David Blanks, Meghan Sisk, Danette Keeler, Michelle Egan, Vince Flores, Stephanie Peltzer
Action: B. REGULAR CLOSED SESSION MINUTES· JUNE 10, 2020
Recommended Motion (roll call): "that the Board of Education approve the minutes of the June 10, 2020 closed session minutes. 11
Motion by Michelle Egan, second by Stephanie Peltzer.
Final Resolution: Motion Carried
Yes: Drew Sernus, David Blanks, Meghan Sisk, Danette Keeler, Michelle Egan, Vince Flores, Stephanie Peltzer
Action: C. SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES· 07.29.20
Recommended Motion (roll call): "that the Board of Education approve the minutes of the July 29, 2020 Special Board Meeting."
Motion by Stephanie Peltzer, second by Michelle Egan.
Final Resolution: Motion Carried
Yes: Drew Sernus, David Blanks, Meghan Sisk, Danette Keeler, Michelle Egan, Vince Flores, Stephanie Peltzer
Action: D. SPECIAL MEETING CLOSED SESSION MINUTES- 07.29.20
Recommended Motion (roll call): "that the Board of Education approve the closed minutes of the July 29, 2020 Special Board Meeting.
Motion by Michelle Egan, second by Drew Sernus.
Final Resolution: Motion Carried
Yes: Drew Sernus, David Blanks, Meghan Sisk, Danette Keeler, Michelle Egan, Vince Flores, Stephanie Peltzer
Action: E. IMRF INTERNAL AUDIT RESOLUTION - 675
Recommended Motion (roll call): "that the Board of Education approve the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund 675."
Motion by Danette Keeler, second by Stephanie Peltzer.
Final Resolution: Motion Carried
Yes: Drew Sernus, David Blanks, Meghan Sisk, Danette Keeler, Michelle Egan, Vince Flores, Stephanie Peltzer
Action: F. IMRF INTERNAL AUDIT RESOLUTION - 672
Recommended Motion (roll call): "that the Board of Education approve the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund 672."
Motion by Stephanie Peltzer, second by Drew Sernus.
Final Resolution: Motion Carried
Yes: Drew Sernus, David Blanks, Meghan Sisk, Danette Keeler, Michelle Egan, Vince Flores, Stephanie Peltzer
Action: G. APPROVAL OF CONTRACT FOR SNOW PLOW SERVICES
Recommended Motion (roll call): "that the Board of Education approve the contract with Beverly Snow & Ice Inc. for unlimited snow plowing for the 2020-2021 school year, at a cost not to exceed $8,185."
Motion by Michelle Egan, second by Drew Sernus.
Final Resolution: Motion Carried
Yes: Drew Sernus, David Blanks, Meghan Sisk, Danette Keeler, Michelle Egan, Vince Flores, Stephanie Peltzer
Action: H. CONSOLIDATED DISTRICT PLAN - DR. JOSEPH ZAMPILLO
Recommended Motion (roll call): "that the Board of Education approve the Worth School District 127 Consolidated District Plan.''
Motion by Meghan Sisk, second by Danette Keeler.
Final Resolution: Motion Carried
Yes: Drew Sernus, David Blanks, Meghan Sisk, Danette Keeler, Michelle Egan, Vince Flores, Stephanie Peltzer
Action: I. APPROVAL OF LEASE AGREEMENT WITH THE EISENHOWER COOPERATIVE
Recommended Motion (roll call): "that the Board of Education approve the resolution authorizing a lease with the Eisenhower Cooperative for the 2020-2021 School Year.''
Motion by Michelle Egan, second by Danette Keeler.
Final Resolution: Motion Carried
Yes: Drew Sernus, David Blanks, Meghan Sisk, Danette Keeler, Michelle Egan, Vince Flores, Stephanie Peltzer
Action: J. APPROVAL OF PPE - FACE COVERING POLICY 4: 182
Recommended Motion (roll call): "that the Board of Education approve the Face Covering Policy 4:182.''
Motion by Meghan Sisk, second by Stephanie Peltzer.
Final Resolution: Motion Carried
Yes: Drew Sernus, David Blanks, Meghan Sisk, Danette Keeler, Michelle Egan, Vince Flores, Stephanie Peltzer
Board Member requested clarification regarding the type of mask students and staff should be wearing. Dr. Fleming answered questions regarding the mask and that nose and mouth should be fully covered.
Action: K. APPROVAL OF THE AMENDED SCHOOL CALENDAR - 2020-2021 SCHOOL YEAR
Recommended Motion (roll call): "that the Board of Education approve the amended school calendar for the 2020-2021 school year."
Motion by. Meghan Sisk, second by Drew Sernus.
Final Resolution: Motion Carried
Yes: Drew Sernus, David Blanks, Meghan Sisk, Danette Keeler, Michelle Egan, Vince Flores, Stephanie Peltzer
6. BOARD DISCUSSION AND/OR ACTION
Dr. Fleming and Dr. Chambers addressed questions regarding how remote and in-person learning will work for EL Students. Dr. Chambers stated that staff and teachers did a wonderful job this past spring accommodating those students and staying in continual contact with parents. Dr. Fleming stated that adding two additional Teacher Institute days in the beginning of the year is vital in planning for the IEP Students. For speech and students with hard of hearing,
7. BOARD MEMBER REPORTS AND REQUESTS
Board Member commented that the district did a wonderful job putting together the remote plan. Dr. Fleming commended all administrative staff for their efforts and teamwork.
8. CITIZENS' REMARKS - AGENDA ITEMS
There were no citizens1 remarks.
9. CLOSED SESSION
Action: A. ADJOURN TO CLOSED SESSION
Recommended Motion (roll call): "that the Board of Education adjourn to closed session at 6:21 p.m. 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 Meghan Sisk, second by Drew Sernus.
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
Recommended Motion (roll call): "that the Board of Education upon completion of it's discussions in closed session reconvene in public session at 8:31 p.m.''
Motion by Meghan Sisk, second by Drew Sernus.
Final Resolution: Motion Carried
Yes: Drew Sernus, David Blanks, Meghan Sisk, Danette Keeler, Michelle Egan, Vince Flores, Stephanie Peltzer
10. ADJOURNMENT
Action: A. ADJOURN MEETING
Recommended Motion (roll call): "that the Board of Education upon completion of public session adjourn the meeting at 8:34 p.m."
Motion by Meghan Sisk, second by Danette Keeler
Voice Vote: All Yes
Final Resolution: Motion Carried
https://worthschools.org/wp-content/uploads/board/minutes/2020-21/8.12.20min.pdf
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