OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS BOARD OF EDUCATION, DISTRICT NO. 148 DOLTON, COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS

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1 OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS BOARD OF EDUCATION, DISTRICT NO. 148 DOLTON, COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS The MINUTES of the Regular Meeting of the Board of Education, District No. 148, Dolton, Cook County, Illinois held at the Administrative Office in said School District at 7:00 p.m., on the 26 th of April. ROLL CALL After the Pledge of Allegiance, President Kim Adkins called the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m. and directed that the roll be called. Upon the roll being called, the following members answered present: Pam Gibson, Faith Gunter, Charles Lloyd, Ernesto Mickens, Joyce Jackson, and Kim Adkins. Absent was Larry Lawrence. Also present were, Jim Rock, Attorney, Ancel, Glink, Diamond, Bush, DiCianni & Krafthefer P.C., Interim Superintendent Dr. Mickles, Assistant Superintendent Dr. Moore, Chief School Business Official Mr. La Bella, Director of Technology, Ms. Marshall, Director of RtI/PBIS & Bully Prevention, Mrs. Navarre, Director of Building and Grounds, Mr. Reese, Principals Mr. Chambers, Mr. James, Mrs. Jeter, Dr. McFarlane, and Ms. Montgomery, Assistant Principals Mrs. Marks, Mr. Palicki, and Mrs. Williams and Board Secretary, Mrs. Sevier. President Adkins announced that the Regional Superintendent appointed Mr. Charles Lloyd to fill the vacancy on the Board that was created by the departure of Dr. Lisa Davis- Smith. On April 12, 2016 Mr. Lloyd was sworn in. Member Larry Lawrence arrived at 7:05 p.m. VISITORS Jamal Woodley, Joan Carreon, Gail Jilek, Leah Gusman, Tasha Thompson-Gray, Ms. Torrie, Tonya Watkins, Joanne Thomas, Gwendolyn Nance, Desirae Burks, Carol Williams, and Timothy Williams. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Member Lloyd moved and Member Mickens seconded the motion that the minutes of the Regular Meeting held on Tuesday, March 22, 2016, beginning at 7:00 p.m. be approved as written and directed the secretary to place them on file as part of the official Board Minutes. 1

2 Member Lloyd moved and Member Mickens seconded the motion that the minutes of the Special Meeting held on Tuesday, April 5, 2016, beginning at 6:02 p.m. be approved as written and directed the secretary to place them on file as part of the official Board Minutes. ADMINISTRATION-INFORMATION REPORTS Dr. Moore reported on Parent /Teacher conferences. Dr. Moore shared that we had a drop in parent attendance this year. However, over half, 54% of our students did have parent representation. Dr. Moore summarized Dr. Dunleavy s report on the Support Programs Partnerships. Dr. Moore reported that we have partnered with The Knights of Columbus. We have received donations and continued support. Dr. Ramaha was also highlighted for his dedication and generosity to District 148. Dr. Mickles shared that parents of Lincoln School were sent a letter updating them regarding the change in leadership and also assuring them that students will continue to receive a quality education. Dr. Mickles also reported on the Consolidation of Districts 133 and 148. We received a letter from the attorneys for the Village of Riverdale stating that they were well within their right to submit an advisory question for public policy to their residents on their voting ballots. They do acknowledge that any binding action would have to be initiated by both school districts. Dr. Mickles updated the Board on Senate Bill 100. Governor Rauner has signed a bill that reforms the discipline policy of public school in Illinois. Alternative measures must be in place by September Mrs. Navarre has formed a committee that is meeting and organizing ideas to discuss what is most beneficial for the district. Mrs. Navarre reported that Senate Bill 100 alters the way public schools administer the discipline of students. The Bill requires the reformation of out of school suspensions, expulsions and alternative placements. Senate Bill 100 will take effect September The committee has been meeting tirelessly and also attending Senate Bill 100 seminars. The committee is utilizing ideas from Restorative Justice and Capturing Kids Hearts. Restorative Justice is a program being piloted that consists of creating a positive environment and conflict resolution. The Capturing Kids Hearts program consists of tools that teach staff, faculty, and administrators how to build trusting, positive, and productive relationships among themselves and also with the students. The Bill also mandates that there be a classroom that students can stay in instead of being suspended from schools and losing out on classroom instruction. The classroom requirement has been discussed and the classroom locations are ready to be implemented in each school. 2

3 Dr. Mickles reported that we donated eleven pallets of old reading books to the Joseph Assignment Global Initiative. The books will be used by students in Jamaica and Ghana. Member Jackson discussed the Consolidation of Districts 133 and % of Riverdale residents would like for their District 133 to join District 148. Member Jackson respectfully asked for a public hearing on this matter. President Adkins shared that the Regional Superintendent will notify both District 133 and District 148 s Boards of Education, of the intent to consolidate the districts before anything can be formalized. Ms. Marshall reported that our Enrollment stands at 2,276 students which is an increase of 12 students over last month. PRESIDENT'S REPORT Three Committees met since the last Regular Board meeting. The Building & Grounds Committee and Finance Committee meetings were held on Tuesday, April 12, The District Leadership Team Committee meeting was held April 19, Summaries of these meetings will be presented following approval by each Committee. The approved summaries of the Building & Grounds Committee and Finance Committee meetings held March 8, 2016, and the District Leadership Team meeting held on January 27, 2016, were presented. ILLINOIS STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION RECOGNITION STATUS As part of ensuring operational compliance with the statute and rules, ISBE assigns a recognition status to each district and public school. All recognition assignments are now posted on ISBE s Public School Recognition Division website. The posting shows that all schools in Dolton SD 148 are Fully Recognized. SCOPE SPRING DINNER SCOPE (South Cooperative Organization for Public Education) will be holding their Spring Dinner tomorrow, April 27, 2016 at 6:30 p.m., at the Silver Lake Country Club in Orland Park. This year s topic will be Engaging in the Process. 3

4 FINE ARTS FESTIVAL This year, the Fine Arts Festival will take place: Monday, May 2, 2016 Thursday, May 5, 2016, 7:00 p.m., Monday Thursday at Park School s Gymnasium, Wentworth Ave., Riverdale, IL. The performances are as follows: Monday, May 2, 2016, District Art Display, Tuesday, May 3, 2016, Beginning Band, Beginning Vocal Ensemble, and District Drum Circle, Wednesday, May 4, 2016, Concert Band, Concert Choir, and District Drum Circle, and Thursday, May 5, 2016, District Wide Performing Arts. SUPERINTENDENTS COMMISSION FOR THE STUDY OF DEMOGRAPHICS & DIVERSITY The Superintendents Commission for the Study of Demographics & Diversity will be holding their Parent Conference 2016 & Annual Scholarship Banquet entitled Today s Child, Tomorrow s Adult on Wednesday, May 4, 2016, at the Tinley Park Convention Center, Convention Center Drive, Tinley Park, IL. The keynote speaker will be Byron Garrett. Topics will include: Bullying, College 101, and much more. ANNUAL DISTRICT RECOGNITION/RETIREMENT LUNCHEON FRIDAY, MAY 13, 2016 Board Members marked their calendars to reserve Friday, May 13, 2016, for District 148's Annual Recognition/Retirement Luncheon. The Luncheon will be held at Lincoln School, Lincoln Avenue, Dolton, IL 60419, from 12:30-3:00 p.m. Retirees include the following: Nora Rowe, Special Education Secretary, District Office, 30 years, Marty Isaac, Roosevelt Elementary, P.E. Teacher, 29 years, Gail Jilek, Special Education Teacher, Lincoln Elementary, 27 years, Myrna Ablin, Instructional/Intervention Coach, Riverdale Elementary, 25 years, Margaret Ward, Roosevelt Schools, Nurse, 23 years, Marietta Brazausky, Math Acceleration Teacher, Roosevelt Jr. High, 22 years, Roberta Matthews, Lincoln Elementary, 5th Grade Teacher, 22 years, Katherine Mader, 2 nd Grade Teacher, Franklin Elementary, 19 years, Carol Errico, Nurse, Park Elementary, 18 years, Candace Dunleavy, Director of Support Programs, District Office, 17 years, and Sharon Sanders, School Secretary, Early Childhood Center, 17 years. PARENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING The last Parent Advisory Committee meeting for the school year will be held on Tuesday, May 17, 2016 at 7:00 p.m. All parents were encouraged to participate. EIGHTH GRADE GRADUATIONS Lincoln Jr. High, Monday, May 23, 2016, 7:00 p.m. at Thornridge High School, Cottage Grove Ave, Dolton, IL., Washington Jr. High, Tuesday, May 24, 2016, 11:00 a.m. at St. Mark Missionary Baptist Church, Lincoln Avenue, Harvey, IL., and Roosevelt Jr. High, Tuesday, May 24, 2016, 4:00 p.m. at St. Mark Missionary Baptist Church, Lincoln Avenue, Harvey, IL. 4

5 CEC SUMMER INSTITUTE CEC (Consortium for Educational Change) will hold the its Annual Summer Institute on Friday, August 5, 2016 at Chicago Marriott Oakbrook, in Oak Brook, IL. at 8:00 a.m. Join Learning Forward s Joellen Killion at CEC s Summer Institute COMMITTEE CHAIR REPORTS Member Adkins reported on the Building and Grounds meeting. During the meeting, they discussed the lighting in the parking lots and they have been repaired. Mr. La Bella shared that during the Finance Committee meeting, they discussed the E-Rate vendors, Riverdale recoating, and the ECHO lease, which will be brought to the attention of the full Board. Member Adkins reported that during the District Leadership Team Committee meeting they discussed Senate Bill 100 and how attendance affects student learning and how student attendance can be enhanced. DISTRICT ITEMS OF INTEREST The District 148 Drum Circle performed The D.R.U.M. Mantra, under the direction of Mrs. Jennifer Fitzpatrick and Ms. Ronisha Dubose. Our participants were: Etienne Atangana, Olivia Ayiku, Alexandria Ford, Kayla Gardner, Kyra Gardner, Gabriel Grier, Keevin Hamilton, Laniyah Neal, and Akira Sinnot. Our Junior High School Science Fair winners who qualified for competition at the Regional level received high marks on their projects at the Illinois Junior Academy of Science Region 9 Science Fair. The 2016 Regional fair took place on Saturday, March 12, 2016 at Metea Valley High School in Aurora. Fourteen Dolton West Elementary District 148 junior high school students participated in the Regional competition and gave fantastic presentations of their Science Fair projections. Four of the students projects received First Place honors and nine projects were given Second Place awards. Those who earned First Place recognition were Jalyn Perkins, Cydney Jackson and Leon Brazill from Roosevelt Junior High School. Also capturing First Place honors were Amari Fletcher and Shamariah White from Washington Junior High School. Receiving Second Place awards were Dashonna Johnson, Zakayla Penson, Quintin Croft and Anthony Martin from Lincoln Junior High School, Ari Brown, Brandon Hall, Kevin Jones and Oshealona Solsberry from Roosevelt Junior High School and Khadya Riley from Washington Junior High School. 5

6 ECHO LEASE RENEWAL FOR TUBMAN SCHOOL Member Adkins moved and Member Jackson seconded the motion that the Board renew the ECHO Lease Agreement for Tubman School which will expire June 30, 2016 and review the lease and agree to the same terms as the expiring one. RIVERDALE ROOF RECOATING Member Gibson moved and Member Mickens seconded the motion that the Board direct the Chief School Business Official to direct Planera Architects to prepare bid documents to recoat the Riverdale School s roof in order to extend the life and the warranty and seek bids for this project. CONDUCT PUBLIC HEARING ON THE TRANSFER OF FUNDS OPEN PUBLIC HEARING Member Adkins moved and Member Jackson seconded the motion that the Board open the meeting to the public, as required by law, to discuss the proposal to transfer $2.6 million from the Transportation Fund to the Education Fund. Discussion: Ms. Tori asked whether this transfer affects our Transportation expenses. Mr. La Bella explained that the transfer does not. The funds that are being transferred are used to pay district expenses and that the State allows us to transfer funds from the Transportation Fund to the Education Fund. Enough money is left in the Transportation Fund to pay the required expenses from that fund. 6

7 CLOSE PUBLIC HEARING Member Adkins moved and Member Jackson seconded the motion that the Board close the meeting to public discussion of the proposal to transfer $2.6 million from the Transportation Fund to the Education Fund. ADOPT RESOLUTION A FOR THE TRANSFER OF FUNDS Member Adkins moved and Member Jackson seconded the motion that the Board adopt Resolution A authorizing the transfer of $2.6 million from the Transportation Fund to the Education Fund as was presented in the Budget. DESTRUCTION OF VERBATIM RECORDINGS Member Mickens moved and Member Lloyd seconded the motion that the Board Table the Motion to permit the statutory destruction of the Closed Session tapes from the November 19, 2009 to December 22, 2011 meetings, as they satisfy the criteria required by law for their destruction. Discussion: Member Lloyd questioned whether we can destroy some tapes and maintain others. The attorney shared that tapes can be maintained if there is litigation pertaining to the tapes. Otherwise the law does not require that we maintain the recordings. Ayes: Gibson, Lloyd, Mickens, Adkins Nays: Lawrence, Gunter, Jackson NOMINATION AND ELECTION OF VICE PRESIDENT Member Gibson moved and Member Adkins seconded the motion that the Board elect Member Ernesto Mickens Jr. to the office of Vice President of the Board of Education of School District 148, such election being for a 1-year term as of this date, or until a successor is elected. 7

8 Discussion: There was a discussion regarding a previous Resolution that resolves the debt of Board members and the alleged debt of a Board member. There was also a discussion regarding the policy of good standing which disallows Board members to become officers of the Board. Ayes: Gibson, Lloyd, Mickens, Adkins Nays: Lawrence, Gunter, Jackson Member Jackson moved and Member Lawrence seconded the motion that the Board elect Member Faith Gunter to the office of Vice President of the Board of Education of School District 148, such election being for a 1-year term as of this date, or until a successor is elected. There wasn t a need for a second vote because the previous motion for nomination passed. COORDINATORS TO WORK SUMMER LEARNING ACADEMY PROGRAM Member Lloyd moved and Member Mickens seconded the motion that the Board approve the payment of Coordinators to work the Summer Learning Academy Program, commencing on Monday, June 13, 2016 through Thursday, June 30, 2016, with funds to be taken from the FY 16 Title I Grant, not to exceed $9, APPROVAL OF E-RATE VENDORS Member Adkins moved and Member Lloyd seconded the motion that the Board approve the proposal from Call One for phone service with the rates being the same as last year. 8

9 Member Adkins moved and Member Mickens seconded the motion that the Board approve the proposal from Marcor in the amount of $7, to provide battery backup on main network equipment at each building. Member Adkins moved and Member Lloyd seconded the motion that the Board approve the proposal from CIPAFilter for a three year cost of $18,896.00, $11, being E-rate eligible for firewall and web filter, which is necessary to accommodate our increased internet speed. Discussion: Member Adkins questioned whether there are two different amounts that were being paid. Mr. La Bella answered that we are only paying $18, and the $11, will be reimbursed to the District. Member Adkins moved and Member Mickens seconded the motion that the Board approve a three year contract with AT & T for internet service. 9

10 APPROVE BILLS AND ACCOMPANYING FINANCIAL REPORTS Member Adkins moved and Member Mickens seconded the motion that the Board approve the bills presented for payment for the month of April 2016, as printed under the Action Items/New Business, Agenda Items F-9-a - F-9-j totaling $1,138, and the accompanying Financial Reports, directing the secretary to place all reports on file for audit. DESCRIPTION AMOUNT SUB-TOTAL GRAND TOTAL a. Regular Bills $1,042, b. IDEA Grant - Preschool 1, c. PFA Grant d. PS EXP Grant 34, e. Safety Grant f. Supp GSA Police Liaison 7, g. Title I Grant 22, SUBTOTAL 1,108, h. District Custodian OT i. Total Secretaries Overtime j. Total Teacher Substitute 29, SUBTOTAL 29, GRAND TOTAL $1,138,

11 ACCEPT STUDENT ACTIVITY ACCOUNT REPORT Member Mickens moved and Member Lloyd seconded the motion that the Board accept the Student Activity Account Report as submitted. BUILDING & GROUNDS AND RENTAL REPORTS Member Gibson moved and Member Lloyd seconded the motion that the Board accept the Building and Grounds and the Rental Reports as submitted. AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION Mr. Woodley questioned the disciplinary actions that his son received. President Adkins respectfully asked that Mr. Woodley speak with the Superintendent to resolve the issue. Member Jackson addressed the Board and the community as a resident and explained what she described as her sixteen years of honest and honorable Board service. She took issues with some Board members previous actions and urged the entire Board to be more dedicated and reminded each of them that they need to put the District s students first. Ms. Torie wanted more information regarding the consolidation of School Districts 133 and 148. President Adkins shared that this was a proposal that came from the Village of Riverdale and District 148 did not have any knowledge that this proposal was going to be put on the ballot. Attorney Rock share that there is a legal process that must be followed before a consolidation of the districts can take place. Ms. Watkins with the Worker Center for Racial Justice shared information. Statistics were given for childcare expenses. She would like parents to contact their legislators to speak to them about unaffordable childcare. She also informed the Board about a free event in Dolton. Ms. Williams thanked the Board for instituting programs that allow the ELL students at Park School to receive extra help. 11

12 President Adkins shared the Mission Statement and Philosophy for District 148. The mission is to support all children to reach their highest level of performance. She encouraged her fellow Board members to put forth effort, to the best of their ability, to be focused, and to make sure that the students of District 148 are supported. She encouraged the Board members to be an example of good stewards. Member Mickens shared that he has been on the Board since He thanked the Board for allowing his children to receive an excellent education. He hopes that the Board can move forward cohesively. Mrs. Jackson left after the regular Board meeting. CLOSED SESSION Member Adkins moved and Member Jackson seconded the motion that the Board move into Closed Session at 8:45 p.m. for: Discussion of hiring a new superintendent, employee performance and employee Compensation pursuant to 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(1): (a) The appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific employees of the public body or legal counsel for the public body Collective Bargaining Update pursuant to 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(2), Review of Closed Session minutes pursuant to 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(21), and Pending Litigation pursuant to 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(11). RETURN TO OPEN SESSION Member Adkins moved and Member Lawrence seconded the motion that the Board return to Open Session at 10:01 p.m. 12

13 ACTION FOLLOWING CLOSED SESSION Member Adkins moved and Member Mickens seconded the motion that the Board dismiss Employee # (D) effective April 26, Member Adkins moved and Member Mickens seconded the motion that the Board will not make for public inspection the Minutes for the Closed Sessions held between July 23, 2009 and December 15, Ayes: Gibson, Lloyd, Mickens, Adkins Nays: Lawrence, Gunter MOTION TO ACCEPT CORRESPONDENCE Member Adkins moved and Member Mickens seconded the motion that the Board accept the Correspondence as written and be placed on file as part of the official Board Minutes. This month s correspondence contained one request for retirement from Mary Short, Special Education Teacher, Lincoln Jr. High and one letter of resignation from Terrence La Bella, Chief School Business Official, District Office. 13

14 APPROVE RETIREMENT REQUESTS Member Gibson moved and Member Adkins seconded the motion that the Board accept the request for retirement, in accordance with the P.N. Agreement between the DEA and the Board of Education, from the following employee: Mary Short, Special Education Teacher, Lincoln Jr. High, effective the last day of the school year. ACCEPT RESIGNATION Member Mickens moved and Member Gibson seconded the motion that the Board accept the resignation from the following employee: Terrence La Bella, Chief School Business Official, District Office, effective July 31, EMPLOYMENT OF NON-CERTIFIED PERSONNEL Member Gibson moved and Member Adkins seconded the motion that the Board approve the employment of the following non-certified employees as determined by the most current Board/DSA Agreement in effect, contingent upon satisfactory receipt of all employment mandates: Sophia Cameron, School Secretary, Lincoln Elementary, effective March 18, 2016, and Mark Hardwick, Full-Time Night Custodian, Roosevelt Elementary, effective February 25,

15 ADJOURNMENT Member Adkins moved and Member Gibson seconded the motion that the Board adjourn the meeting on April 26, 2016 at 10:06 p.m. On roll call, the following vote was taken: Kim Adkins, President Joyce Jackson, Secretary 15