Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Board of Education of School District 157, Cook

MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION OF SCHOOL DISTRICT 157, COOK COUNTY, HELD AT THE ADMINISTRATIVE CENTER ON THE 23rd DAY OF OCTOBER 2012

The meeting was called to order at 7:01 p.m. by President Natalie Barnes, and upon roll call the following attendance was noted:

Present: Natalie Barnes Kelsy Cowley Charles Garcia John Kresich Tonya Reed Annie Wade

Absent: Eric Gibson Tonya Reed

Mrs. Reed arrived at 7:04 p.m.

Also present were: Dr. Michele Morris, Superintendent; Dr. Raymond LaPorte, Interim Business Manager; Dr. Bennie Knott, Schrum School Principal; Dr. Shernita Mays, Hoover School Principal; Mrs. Dana Ash, Schrum School Assistant Principal; Mrs. Shirley Creamer-Taylor, Hoover School Assistant Principal; Mr. Joe Kekelik, Director of Buildings and Grounds; Mrs. Rose Jordan, Technology Director, and her spouse, Mr. Ken Jordan.

APPROVE MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS Motion was made by Mr. Garcia, seconded by Mrs. Cowley, to approve the minutes of the regular and executive session meetings held on September 25, 2012; the Budget Hearing meeting held on September 28, 2012; and the Special meeting held on September 28, 2012. Upon roll call the following members voted Aye: Barnes, Cowley, Garcia, Kresich, Reed, Wade; Nays none; motion carried.

GOOD NEWS FROM THE SCHOOLS Hoover School

Hoover School continues to implement a child centered approach to learning by engaging the students in well rounded experiences. On September 26th, fifty tickets were donated from the Black McDonald’s Association for the Univer-Soul Circus. Hoover School students who improved in their behavior and academics attended the event.

1 Hoover School hosted a Character Education Program called the NED Show on September 28th. All Hoover School students attended the assembly and were fascinated by the program and its usage of yo-yos. NED is an acronym for “Never give up,” “Encourage others,” and “Do your best.”

The Annual Fire Fighters and Police Officers Appreciation Breakfast was held on Friday, October 12th, at Hoover School. Mayor Michelle Markiewicz-Qualkinbush and City Clerk Nyota Figgs were in attendance, along with Police Chief Edward Gilmore and Fire Chief William Galgan and many police officers and fire fighters. During the program portion of the appreciation breakfast, the students did a wonderful job performing songs and poems, and presenting their essays and artifacts expressing their admiration and gratitude.

Several grade levels at Hoover School participated in field trips. Kindergarten students went to the Apple Orchard, the first grade students went to Brookfield Zoo, and the third grade class went to Butterfield Farm.

Schrum School

Schrum School students began their after school program on October 2, 2012. Saturday School began on October 13th.

The Schrum School Girls’ Basketball season is underway. Everyone is invited to come out and support the Lady Spartans Basketball team.

On October 5th, Schrum School hosted the Real Men Hoop: Old School vs New School parental involvement activity. About 30 fathers came out to play basketball. The game was very competitive.

Many Schrum School students used their PBIS award tickets to watch the basketball intramural playoffs. Prizes were raffled at the game.

School Spirit Week was held at Schrum School. The students kicked off School Spirit Week with Jersey day. Jersey day was followed by Urkel Day, Disco Day and Spartan day.

The Student Council members have been selected for the 2012 – 2013 school year by student vote. For their first activity of the school year, the Student Council recently facilitated the annual link contest.

2 PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT UPDATE

Hoover School

Hoover School fathers participated in the “Real Men Hoop: Old School vs New School Basketball Game” fundraiser at Schrum School. Approximately 10 Hoover School dads participated in the basketball game. The atmosphere was exciting and competitive between the Schrum boys basketball players and the fathers/father-figures.

RtI parent meetings were held on October 15th at Hoover School. The RtI team scheduled and met with parents throughout the day to discuss, communicate and assess student progress with parents. The parents were very cooperative and appreciative of the feedback, and they gained a better understanding of what is being done for their child.

A Hispanic Heritage Program was held on October 18th at Hoover School. Several parents volunteered to help with the program by teaching traditional dances and utilizing authentic clothing.

Schrum School

Many parents participated in the “Real Men Hoop: Old School vs New School Basketball Game” which was held at Schrum School. Parents also chaperoned the trip to the Univer-Soul Circus.

The Schrum School grade level staff meet with one or two parents each week to keep communication open.

Many parents have consistently attended the Spartan Girls’ Basketball home games, as well as, their away games.

COMMENTS FROM VISITORS No comments were made from visitors.

IMPREST FUND The Board of Education reviewed the Imprest Fund Report from September 15, 2012 through October 12, 2012.

APPROVE CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS Motion was made by Mrs. Cowley, seconded by Mr. Kresich, to approve the consent agenda for items VIII.A.2, VIII.A.3, and VIII.A.4. Upon roll call the following members voted Aye: Barnes, Cowley, Garcia, Kresich, Reed, Wade; Nays none; motion carried.

3 VIII.A.2 Approve Payrolls for September 14, 2012 and September 28, 2012, Totaling $496,047.10

VIII.A.3 Approve Bills in the Amount of $410,637.09

VIII.A.4 Approve Closed Session Minutes, Reviewed by the Policy Committee on October 15, 2012, to Remain Closed or Released to Open Status as Indicated on List Provided

Motion was made by Mrs. Cowley, seconded by Mr. Garcia, to approve consent agenda items VIII.A.2, VIII.A.3, and VIII.A.4. Upon roll call the following members voted Aye: Barnes, Cowley, Garcia, Kresich, Reed, Wade; Nays none; motion carried.

FIRST READING PRESS, JANUARY 2012 The Policy Committee met on October 15, 2012, to review the PRESS – January, 2012 issue. The policy revisions will be on the November 27, 2012 Board of Education meeting agenda for 2nd reading and adoption.

APPROVE SES SERVICES WITH PROVIDERS LISTED SES providers have been selected by the Hoover School and Schrum School parents. Each SES provider will be required to submit a contract for SES services that includes the following Information:  Once a parent has selected a provider, District 157 shall enter into an agreement with the provider that:  Requires our district to develop, in consultation with the parents and the provider chosen by the parents…  a statement of specific achievement goals for the student,  how the student’s progress will be measured,  a timetable for improving achievement that, in the case of a student with disabilities, is consistent with the student’s Individualized Education Program.  Describes how the student’s parents and teacher(s) will be regularly informed of the student’s progress.  Provides for the termination of the agreement if the provider is unable to meet the goals and timetables.  Contains provisions for District 157 to make the required payments to the provider.  Prohibits the provider from disclosing to the public the identity of any student who is eligible for or receiving Supplemental Educational Services without the written permission of the student’s parents.

4 Contracts may be submitted by the following providers:

 1:1 On-Line Tutoring  ATS Project Success  African American Images  Educational Consultants  Grade Crackers  Growing Scholars  Jeremi Learning  Learning Curve Educational Services  Scholars for the 21st Century  Sylvan Learning  Tutor Owl

Dr. Morris shared with the Board of Education that the vendors have been selected by the Hoover School and Schrum School parents. Per the NCLB act, priority will be given to low income, at-risk students. Our Title I allocation will provide SES for approximately 53 students.

Motion was made by Ms. Wade, seconded by Mrs. Reed, to approve SES services from the providers listed for the 2012 – 2013 school year. Upon roll call the following members voted Aye: Barnes, Cowley, Garcia, Kresich, Reed, Wade; Nays none; motion carried.

APPROVE CONTRACT WITH ARCON ASSOCIATES, INC. TO CONDUCT A 3 YEAR ASBESTOS RE-INSPECTION AND A 3 YEAR ASBESTOS PLAN FOR SCHRUM SCHOOL The contract agreement with Brian Rominski, of Arcon Associates, Inc., is to conduct a 3 year asbestos re-inspection and 3 year asbestos plan for Schrum School. The contract is for the federally mandated 3 year asbestos re-inspection and 3 year asbestos plan. This year, Schrum School will be the only building of the district’s three buildings to be inspected. This single building re-inspection status is due to Hoover School and the District Office being placed on the IDPH “Asbestos Free Schools” list during the last 3 year inspection in 2009. The cost for the 3 year inspection is $950.00.

Motion was made by Mr. Garcia, seconded by Mr. Kresich, to approve the contract with Arcon Associates, Inc. to conduct a 3 year asbestos re-inspection and 3 year asbestos plan for Schrum School. Upon roll call the following members voted Aye: Barnes, Cowley, Garcia, Kresich, Reed, Wade; Nays none; motion carried.

5 FURNITURE ORDER An itemized furniture order was shared with the Board of Education members for furniture for Hoover School and Schrum School for a total cost of $12,055.35. Orders were placed with School Outfitters in the amount of $8,020.60; K-Log, Inc. in the amount of $3,349.80; and Whiteyboards.com in the amount of $684.95.

NETBOOK DEPLOYMENT FOR 3 RD – 8 TH GRADE STUDENTS – ROSE JORDAN Rose Jordan shared information with the Board of Education related to the netbook deployment for 3rd – 8th grade students. An update was also provided regarding the installation of new SMARTboards in several classrooms.

SUPERINTENDENT’S UPDATE REPORT Dr. Morris highlighted the 4th Annual Police Officers and Fire Fighters Appreciation Breakfast which was held on Friday, October 12, 2012 at Hoover School. Approximately 25 Police Officers and 15 Fire Fighters were in attendance, along with Calumet City Mayor, Michelle Markiewicz-Qualkinbush, and Calumet City Clerk, Nyota T. Figgs. Students from every grade level, including Early Childhood/Pre-kindergarten through 8th grade, conducted outstanding presentations during the program portion of the appreciation breakfast. Approximately 15 students were transported by school bus from Schrum School to Hoover School to participate in the presentations. In addition, the Hoover Chorus students performed during the program. The presentations included speeches, songs, poems, artwork, essays, and Power Point presentations.

The food for the Police Officers and Fire Fighters breakfast was prepared by Board member, Charles Garcia. Everyone in attendance was delighted with the scrumptious breakfast that Mr. Garcia prepared, and we are thankful to him for sharing his special talents and gifts with us.

Dr. Morris also highlighted the Real Men Hoop: Old School vs New School Basketball g Game which was held on October 5, 2012 at Schrum School. The “Old School Dads” played against the “New School Boys Basketball Team.” It was an exciting game, with the score being very close throughout the game. The boys won by just 2 points.

Dr. Morris shared with the Board of Education that the outdoor basketball rims at Schrum School are mounted everyday for use during recess, and the rims are taken down every day after recess is over. In addition, footballs, basketballs, jump ropes, soccer balls, and volleyballs have been purchased for outdoor recess at Schrum School.

APPROVE IASB FULL MAINTENANCE POLICY UPDATING SERVICE

6 The IASB Full Maintenance Updating service helps keep the district’s policy manual up to date with changes in law, regulations, and local conditions. The annual fee for this service is $1,470.00. Motion was made by Ms. Wade, seconded by Mrs. Reed, to approve the IASB full maintenance policy updating service through the 2013 calendar year, at an annual fee of $1,470.00. Upon roll call the following members voted Aye: Barnes, Cowley, Garcia, Kresich, Reed, Wade; Nays none; motion carried.

APPROVE IASB SCHOOL BOARD POLICIES ONLINE SERVICE IASB has contracted with MicroScribe Publishing, Inc. to convert and format the policies for school districts into Web documents, which include links to legal references. The cost for this service would include a one-time publishing fee of $950.00 and the annual subscription fee of $2,500. This service would allow direct access to our school board policies, online, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, for staff, parents, and the community. Mr. Garcia asked if the Board of Education can make a plea to IASB to reduce the cost of the online policy service. Dr. Morris said that there is not a lot of flexibility. Mrs. Barnes stated the IASB has a service that we need. Motion was made by Mrs. Reed, seconded by Mrs. Cowley, to approve the IASB School Board Policies Online Services at a one-time publishing fee of $950.00 and the annual subscription fee of $2,500, for a total of $3,450. Upon roll call the following members voted Aye: Barnes, Cowley, Garcia, Kresich, Reed, Wade; Nays none; motion carried.

MANDATORY OPEN MEETINGS ACT BOARD MEMBER TRAINING – CANCELLATION OF MEETING SCHEDULED FOR OCTOBER 25, 2012 AT 6:00 p.m. At the September 25, 2012 Board of Education meeting, the Board of Education members scheduled a meeting to be held on October 25, 2012 at 6:00 p.m. to work as a group to complete the Mandatory Open Meetings Act Board Member Training. To date, Board of Education members, Tonya Reed and John Kresich have completed the mandatory training online. Board Members, Charles Garcia, Natalie Barnes, Kelsy Cowley, and Superintendent Dr. Michele Morris are registered for the mandatory training and will be completing the training in the near future. If the remaining two Board of Education members would like to be registered and complete the mandatory training online, please notify Louise Chyko and she will register the remaining members for the training. However, Board of Education members may also complete the training at the Joint Conference in November if they choose to do so. Board of Education members will receive a confirmation by e-mail once they are registered. The confirmation will include instructions for accessing the course and an “enrollment key,” that is needed to take the specific course. The Board of Education members will then be instructed to create an account by choosing a user name and password. A second e-mail will be sent requesting confirmation of the new account. Board of Education members are then ready to take the course after entering the enrollment key.

TRIPLE I CONFERENCE – INFORMATIONAL

7 The Triple I Conference is scheduled for November 16th – 18th. To date, the Board of Education members have been invited to a luncheon hosted by Arcon Associates, Inc. on Saturday, November 17th at 12:00 p.m. at the Palm Restaurant in the Swiss Hotel. An invitation has also been received from William Blair to join them for cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, on Friday, November 16, 2012 from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. at the Trump Hotel, 401 North Wabash Avenue, Chicago, IL. A RSVP is requested by November 9th if a Board of Education member plans to attend. An invitation from Odelson & Sterk for dinner on Friday, November 16th is expected to be forthcoming.

NSBA 73 RD ANNUAL CONFERENCE IN SAN DIEGO – INFORMATIONAL Registration and housing for the 73rd Annual NSBA Conference in San Diego, California opened on Wednesday, October 17th. The official conference hotel list is posted on the NSBA conference website. The registration fee for the conference is $725.00. Late registration fee, after January 10, 2013, is $755.00. More information will be forthcoming.

SCHEDULE DATE FOR POLICY COMMITTEE MEETING – DISCUSSION The Policy Committee of the Board of Education scheduled November 14, 2012, at 8:30 a.m. as the date for the next Policy Committee meeting to review the May 2012 PRESS Policy Updates and closed session minutes for March 2012 – September 2012.

CALUMET CITY MAYOR’S TOWN HALL MEETINGS – INFORMATIONAL The Calumet City Town Hall meeting scheduled at Hoover School on Wednesday, October 17, 2012 from 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. has been rescheduled to Monday, October 22, 2012. The Town Hall meeting scheduled on Wednesday, October 24, 2012 from 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. will take place at Schrum School.

APPROVE CONTRACT FOR EMPLOYEE APPRECIATION DINNER WITH THE CENTER FOR VISUAL AND PERFORMING ARTS Motion was made by Ms. Wade, seconded by Mr. Garcia, to approve the contract agreement with The Center for Visual and Performing Arts, as presented. Upon roll call the following members voted Aye: Barnes, Cowley, Garcia, Kresich, Reed, Wade; Nays none; motion carried.

SET DATE FOR BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS COMMITTEE MEETING The Buildings and Grounds Committee selected November 14, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. for the next Buildings and Grounds Committee meeting.

SET DATE FOR FINANCE COMMITTEE MEETING The Finance Committee selected October 29, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. for the next Finance Committee meeting.

NEW BUSINESS

8 Mr. Garcia asked if ECHO could possibly help with furnishing mulch for the Pre- kindergarten playground. Dr. Morris said that she will ask the President of ECHO if this item can be included on their agenda.

MOTION TO ADJOURN TO CLOSED SESSION

Motion was made by Mrs. Cowley, seconded by Mrs. Reed, to adjourn to closed session at 7:50 p.m. to discuss:

Matters concerning specific employees or legal counsel, as permitted in Section 2 (c) (1) of the Open Meetings Act.

Pending Litigation. 5 ILCS 120/2 (c) (11).

Collective negotiating matters. 5 ILCS 120/2 (c) (2).

Student disciplinary cases. 5 ILCS 120/2 (c) (9).

Discussion of minutes of meetings lawfully closed under the Open Meetings Act. 5 ILCS 120/2 (c) (21).

Upon roll call the following members voted Aye: Barnes, Cowley, Garcia, Kresich, Reed, Wade; Nays none; motion carried.

Motion was made by Mrs. Cowley, seconded by Mr. Garcia to return to open session at 8:10 p.m. Upon roll call all members voted Aye; Nays none; motion carried.

Dr. LaPorte shared information with the Board of Education members relative to the current audit by John Kasperek and Co. Dr. LaPorte said that the overall deficit indicated does not reflect the $1,080,959 Sears PTAB that is not reported as revenue for the district. This amount is directly paid from the levy. He said that the district has a $120,380 surplus, or a balanced budget FY 12. Dr. LaPorte shared that he attributes the balanced budget to the excellent monitoring by the Superintendent and the ladies in the District Office, Juanina Anderson and Sue Jabaay.

Motion was made by Mrs. Cowley, seconded by Mr. Garcia, to return to Open Session at 9:33 p.m. Upon roll call all members voted Aye; Nays none; motion carried.

APPROVE CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS Motion was made by Mrs. Cowley, seconded by Mrs. Reed, to un-table the salary increases for 2012 – 2013 for employees who are exempt from the Collective Bargaining Agreement. Upon roll call the following members voted Aye: Barnes, Cowley, Garcia, Kresich, Reed, Wade; Nays none; motion carried.

Motion was made by Mr. Garcia, seconded by Mrs. Cowley, to approve the consent agenda for items VIII.G.1, VIII.G.2, VIII.G.3, and VIII.G.4. Upon roll call the following

9 members voted Aye: Barnes, Cowley, Garcia, Kresich, Reed, Wade; Nays none; motion carried.

VIII.G.1 Approve Salary Increases for 2012 – 2013 for Employees Who Are Exempt from the Collective Bargaining Agreement as Presented

VIII.G.2 Approve the Hiring of Johnny Burchett, Part-Time In-School Detention Supervisor for Schrum School, five hours per day, at a Salary of $15.00 per hour, Effective October 24, 2012

VIII.G.3 Approve the Contract for Speech/Language Services with Educational Based Services (EBS), as Presented

VIII.G.4 Accept Letter of Retirement from Rose Jordan, Effective January 1, 2013

Motion was made by Mr. Garcia, seconded by Mrs. Cowley, to approve consent agenda items VIII.G.1, VIII.G.2, VIII.G.3, and VIII.G.4. Upon roll call the following members voted Aye: Barnes, Cowley, Garcia, Kresich, Reed, Wade; Nays none; motion carried.

ASSIGNMENT OF SUBSTITUTE TEACHER, CHARLES CHADWELL, TO WORK PART-TIME IN THE 8 TH GRADE SPECIAL EDUCATION CLASSROOM ON TUESDAY THROUGH FRIDAY MORNING, AND REASSIGNMENT OF SUBSTITUTE TEACHER, CALLIE RILEY, TO WORK TWO DAYS PER WEEK AS AN RtI READING TEACHER During the 2011 – 2012 school year, substitute teacher, Callie Riley worked in the Special Education classroom on Tuesday through Friday morning at Schrum School so that Special Education Paraprofessional Carolyn Perryman could provide library support to the students and staff of Schrum School. During the Professional Growth Goal Setting Conference for Dr. Bennie Knott, Dr. Morris discussed the students’ needs for RtI support in the area of reading 5 days per week. (Currently Schrum School only receives RtI support 3 days per week, in spite of the fact that Hoover School receives RtI support every day and the salary is the same for the RtI teachers at both schools). To provide Schrum School with the same RtI reading support as Hoover School, Dr. Morris and Dr. Knott agreed that Callie Riley, who is a certified teacher, with endorsements in the area of reading, should be reassigned to provide RtI reading support 2 days per week for the Schrum School students, which will increase their support to 5 days per week. As a result, Callie Riley will still provide the same amount of support to Schrum School that she provided during last school year. (As referenced above, last year Callie Riley worked 4 half days, Tuesday through Friday morning, which equals 2 full days). In order to allow Carolyn Perryman the opportunity to provide library support and services to the students of Schrum School, substitute teacher, Charles Chadwell, will work in the 8th grade Special Education classroom Tuesday through Friday in the morning.

10 POSTING FOR RECLASSIFIED PART-TIME IN-SCHOOL DETENTION SUPERVISOR FOR HOOVER SCHOOL – DISCUSSION During the Board of Education Finance Committee meeting which was held on Wednesday, October 10, 2012, the Finance Committee members discussed the reclassification of the part-time In-School Detention Supervisor position for Hoover School. Per the Finance Committee, the posting for the position should include the same preferred requirements that were included in the posting for the Schrum School In-School Detention Supervisor position. (Teacher certification or substitute certification is preferred, but not required). This item will be placed on the November 27, 2012 Board of Education meeting agenda for approval.

REASSIGNMENT OF RITA BARNES, HOOVER SCHOOL IN-SCHOOL DETENTION SUPERVISOR TO PART-TIME SCHRUM SCHOOL CLERICAL ASSISTANT/IMC SUPERVISOR WITH CURRENT SALARY AND HOURS TO REMAIN UNCHANGED – DISCUSSION A Board of Education Finance Committee meeting was held on Wednesday, October 10, 2012. During the meeting, a recommendation was made by the Finance Committee to reassign Rita Barnes, Hoover School In-School Detention Supervisor to part-time Schrum School Clerical Assistant/IMC Supervisor. The current salary and hours for Rita Barnes will remain the same. This item will be placed on the November 27, 2012 agenda for approval.

ADJOURNMENT

Motion was made by Mrs. Reed, seconded by Mrs. Cowley, to adjourn at 9:45 p.m. Upon roll call all members voted Aye; Nays none; motion carried.

______

President ` Secretary