School Board Niles Township District 219, Cook County, Illinois MINUTES Regular Board Meeting, Monday, December 14, 2004
The meeting was held in the Board Room of the District Office located at 7700 Gross Point Road, Skokie, Illinois. I.
Call to Order and Roll Call Board President Robert Silverman called the meeting to order at 6:45 p.m. Board members present at Roll Call: Michael Burnett, Jeffrey Greenspan, Ruth Klint, Tim Knudsen, Robert Silverman, Lynda Gault Smith.
II.
Executive Session It was moved by BURNETT and seconded by GAULT SMITH to recess into closed session to discuss matters relating to litigation, negotiations, and the employment, appointment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific employees. A roll call vote was taken. Voting Aye: Burnett, Greenspan, Klint, Knudsen, Silverman, Gault Smith. The motion carried. The Board recessed into closed session at 6:45 p.m. Sheri Doniger arrived at 7:15 p.m. At 8:00 p.m. it was moved by KLINT and seconded by DONIGER to return to open session of the Regular Board Meeting. A roll call vote was taken. Voting Aye: Burnett, Doniger, Greenspan, Klint, Knudsen, Silverman, Gault Smith. The motion carried.
III.
Recall to Order of Open Session Mr. Silverman recalled the meeting to order at 8:08 p.m. The pledge was recited.
IV.
Changes / Additions to the Agenda Removed from the consent agenda were three checks – 367926 to Academic Superstore, 368068 to Starfire Swords, and 367968 to Dell Marketing and Technology Innovation purchase of equipment.
Minutes of Regular Board Meeting of December 14, 2004
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V.
Public Hearing on Property Tax Levy It was moved by GREENSPAN and seconded by GAULT SMITH to open the public hearing. A roll call vote was taken. Voting Aye: Burnett, Doniger, Greenspan, Klint, Knudsen, Silverman, Gault Smith. The motion carried. Raymond Solal, 8912 Mansfield, Morton Grove asked for answers on the increase of 22% in the levy. He said property taxes have increased and wanted to know the projected cost for 2005. Mr. Solal asked for a report on the success of graduates of District 219. It was moved by GREENSPAN and seconded by DONIGER to close the public hearing. A roll call vote was taken. Voting Aye: Burnett, Doniger, Greenspan, Klint, Knudsen, Silverman, Gault Smith. The motion carried.
VI.
Audience to Visitors Gil Peters, 5802 Carol, Morton Grove asked that he be able to speak following the report on the poet workshop.
VII.
Student Representative Comments No students were at the meeting.
VIII.
Community Representative Comments No one asked to speak.
IX.
Approval of Consent Agenda It was moved by GAULT SMITH and seconded by BURNETT to accept the amended consent agenda. A roll call vote was taken. Voting Aye: Burnett, Doniger, Greenspan, Klint, Knudsen, Silverman, Gault Smith. The motion carried. Included in the consent agenda: − Monthly Bills and Payroll in the amount of $4,026,719.68. − Personnel Approve Jennifer Jacobucci and Patricia Ponzetti as teacher substitutes for 2004-2005.
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Minutes of Regular Board Meeting December 14, 2004
Approve Mary Bloom as a clerical substitutes for the 2004-2005. Approve employment of the following certified staff for 2004-05 school year: NAME
POSITION/LOCATION
FTE
EFFECTIVE DATE
Lee, Sylvia
ESL – West , BA, Step 1
.60
December 6, 2004
Approve the hiring of the following part-time help at $6.00 per hour: NAME
POSITION/LOCATION
EFFECTIVE DATE
West, Megan Bradley, Elena Nowak, Cheryl
Theatre Stage Assistant – West Textbook Center Assistant–North Science Lab Assistant – West
December 1, 2004 December 15, 2004 December 15, 2004
Approve the hiring of the following temporary help for CRT Scoring at $15.00 per hour effective January 5, 2005: Golata, John Kapis, Michael
Piper, Sandra Shiel, John
Silver, Manny Speciale, Raquel
Approve the leave of absence for the following certified staff: NAME
POSITION/LOCATION
TYPE OF LEAVE
EFFECTIVE DATE
Weitzel, Monica
Social Worker – West
FMLA-Unpaid
January 24, 2005
− Minutes of 11/1, 11/18, and 11/22 Meetings, open and closed sessions. − 2004 School Report Card for Niles North, Niles West, and District 219. − Student Trips For 18 North varsity wrestlers to attend the Mid-States High School Wrestling Tournament in Whitewater, Wisconsin on December 27-29, 2004 at a cost to the District of $100 for van usage.
For 15 Niles varsity wrestlers to attend the Mahomet-Seymour Wrestling Tourney in Mahomet, Illinois on January 14-15, 2005 at a cost to the District of $100 for van usage.
For 11 North and West music students to attend the IMEA All-State Music Festival in Peoria, Illinois on January 26-29, 2005 at a cost to the District of $4,980.00.
For 27 North Take One students to attend the IMEA All State Music Festival in Peoria, Illinois on January 27-29, 2005 at a cost to the District of $6,173.00.
For approximately 40 North and West students to attend Model UN at the University of Chicago on February 3-6, 2005 at no cost to the District.
For 27 West students to attend the Science Olympiad Invitational at Solon, Ohio on February 4-5, 2005 at a cost to the District of $2,689.44 plus substitutes and coaches’ food.
For 18 North students to attend Marine Science at St. Petersburg, Florida on March 2-6, 2005 at a cost to the District of $220.00.
Minutes of Regular Board Meeting of December 14, 2004
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For 36 West WHO Club members to attend Habitat for Humanity in Miami, Florida on March 27-April 2, 2005 at no cost to the District.
− Intergovernmental Agreement for School Resource Officer with the Village of Skokie. − Maintenance Contract for Smartnet Software with Prism Innovations at a cost of $12,372.00. − Payments to IHC Group of $69,428.24 for Contract Order Delivery Services and $1,727.54 for Material Procurement Services. X.
Superintendent’s Report Student Recognitions Students recognized from Niles North were Michael Greenspan for academics, Ben Cohen for athletics, and Tamara Fouche for community spirit. Niles West students recognized were Jimmy Zhu for academics, Stefanie Masterton for athletics, and Swati Patel for community spirit. Neil Codell spoke on the Intergovernmental Agreement with the Village of Skokie for the Student Resource Officers. He said initially the cost for the resource officer was covered by a grant but this has expired and the Village of Skokie has agreed to contribute money to this program in order to keep it going. Skokie Police Chief Leo McCann was introduced. He said he was pleased that arrangements were made to continue having the resource officers. Mr. Silverman thanked officers Jan Gillono and Frank Czaja for doing such a great job. Mr. Codell said the Financial Advisory Committee reconvened last week with about 30 people in attendance. They recommended no change in fees and committed to meet on a yearly basis. On November 30 the NTDSE held a community meeting and from this many interesting questions were raised. There was an attempt to videotape tonight’s meeting but there were some problems and it has been rescheduled to January 10. The annual ED·RED Dinner is scheduled for January 31 and Mr. Codell said it is important for the Board members to attend. If so the board meeting date will have to be rescheduled. Mr. Burnett asked that the February 22 meeting be moved to a later date. Mr. Codell said meetings have been taking place with five elementary districts and the bus company to try to have both high schools starting time be 8:00 a.m. On December 6 a community forum on the school day configuration was attended by approximately 130 people. Every issue raised at this meeting will be addressed.
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Minutes of Regular Board Meeting December 14, 2004
Brian Nolan and Peter Geddeis will be at the January 10 meeting to discuss student representatives on the Board. District 219 staff contributed over $8,000 to the United Way campaign. Principals’ Report Brad Swanson stated holiday concerts, the variety show, and principal’s recognition breakfast took place this month. He noted that the PTSA has developed a very strong parent network of 25-30 parents to share successes and strategies for raising high school students. Dale Vogler said concerts were held during the last two weeks. The Winter Assembly on January 7 will feature a special guest and all board members are invited.
XI.
Board Members’ Comments Jeffrey Greenspan said he attended the Community Forum on school day configuration. He said there were a number of parents and students frustrated that they had no input on this change. His hope is that students will still get a choice of classes they want and extra curricular students will still be able to participate in the activities they want. He said these are concerns he shares and has raised in the past. Michael Burnett asked that the administration look into adding the parking fee on the student fee statement. Lynda Gault Smith said at the last NTDSE meeting, Mr. Codell was thanked for attending the meeting on the planned withdrawal by District 219 from the organization. She thanked both principals for welcoming her in the schools as she cooked with the special ed students. Ruth Klint noted that the West PTSA has been discussing school day for over two years and it has been discussed by many committees. She suggested being more proactive to have parents and students fill slots that are available to them on various committees to be kept aware of school issues. Mr. Silverman said ‘Arms and the Man’ has been selected to go to the Illinois Theatre Festival. District 219’s new special education comprehensive plan will be reviewed by the state on February 3. He stated one of the goals of the withdrawal was to maintain the quality of education but to do so at a lower cost. He said the feeder schools will have to pay more, but the total cost for the township will be lower. Ralph Martire attended the Neighbors for Strong Schools meeting to discuss HB 750. Mr. Silverman said unless some holes are filled this bill will hurt our school district and will lower the quality of education we offer.
Minutes of Regular Board Meeting of December 14, 2004
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XII.
Board Committee and Other Reports Facility Committee – Jeffrey Greenspan said a meeting will be held on January 5 at 7:30 a.m. Policy Committee – Sheri Doniger reported the Policy Committee met on December 1.
XIII.
Business Personnel Mr. Silverman noted there was a personnel handout that was not placed on the consent agenda. It was moved by GAULT SMITH and seconded by GREENSPAN to accept the personnel recommendations. A roll call vote was taken. Voting Aye: Burnett, Doniger, Greenspan, Klint, Knudsen, Silverman, Gault Smith. The motion carried. Personnel items approved were – Hiring of the following support staff for the 2004-2005 school year: NAME
POSITION/LOCATION
FTE
EFFECTIVE DATE
Kakares, Irene
Clerk A – AS&T - North, Grade S1, Step 1, 186 days Teacher Assistant – North Academic Recovery – Grade P1, Step 1
1.0
December 13, 2004
.50
January 3-June 3, 2005
Kim, Linda
Leave of Absence for the following support staff for the 2004-2005 school year: NAME
POSITION/LOCATION
TYPE OF LEAVE
EFFECTIVE DATE
Schnite, Karian
Teacher Assistant – North - Academic Recovery
Family Care Unpaid
January 3, 2005 – June 3, 2005
Hiring of the following part-time student help at $6.00 per hour: NAME
POSITION/LOCATION
EFFECTIVE DATE
Lanzourakis, Nicholas Le, Huybach Nieva, Marianne Nguyen, Samson
Textbook Center Assistant – West Textbook Center Assistant – North Textbook Center Assistant – West Textbook Center Assistant – West
December 15, 2004 December 15, 2004 December 15, 2004 December 15, 2004
High School Report on Poetry Workshop Jennifer Firer, Director of English and Reading, stated there was a video of the poetry workshop. Tim Knudsen asked for a copy of this video. Ms. Firer read a report she compiled on the history of the guest poets, the topic of one of the guest poets and what her plans are in the future for guest speakers. Ruth Klint thanked Ms. Firer for her report. Page 6 of 13
Minutes of Regular Board Meeting December 14, 2004
Mr. Silverman said he appreciates that we as a school take risks, however some, and as is the fact in this case, are not always right. He said that in all his years on the Board, this report and reflection is the best he has ever seen. Ms. Firer thanked the parents for voicing their opinions and had they not done so, it would not have caused this reflection. At this point Audience to Visitors were welcome to speak: Gil Peters, 5802 Carol, Morton Grove, thanked Jennifer for her apology. He stated that the safe road should always be taken. He spoke about an issue of a student who after leaving this poetry slam due to being uncomfortable, was assigned a questionable book in English class, and the teacher commented that ‘someone’s parent may be calling about this.’ Robin Olen, 8535 Menard, Morton Grove, said she spoke to Jennifer Firer following the poetry slam and nothing was done. She then came to a Board meeting to discuss this and that is when any review of this event was done. Mr. Silverman said smart and calculated risks are good to take when it is expected that they will have a positive outcome, but this poetry slam was not a good risk. He said we have to respect everyone’s viewpoint. It is never the District’s intention to offend anyone. Dana Des Jardins, Niles West English teacher said she was present during the poet’s reading. She said the poem was uncomfortable. She said a few students left, but others stayed to discuss their concerns with the poet and this was done in a very respectful manner. Jacob Rukin, 4525 Columbia, Lincolnwood, a Niles West student, said he was present during the poet’s reading and said we need to embrace controversy not stop it. New Courses for 2005-06 Roger Stein explained there are four categories of new courses that are proposed, which are 1) change credits in ESL classes, 2) offer two courses at North that are already being offered at West, 3) new courses by department, and 4) new courses in fine arts. He also said that some courses are recommended to be dropped due to low enrollment. All of these recommendations have been reviewed by CSSI. Dr. Stein reviewed the proposed science program Level II courses which will allow students at this academic level to have four years of science. The Board asked that Advanced Science Topics be renamed Science Research. Mr. Knudsen addressed the AS&T proposal of dance and piano and ask that they not be offered as students wishing to take these classes can take private lessons. Mr. Burnett asked for clarification if the dance class would add an FTE and Dr. Stein said it would not. Mr. Silverman spoke on offering piano and said these are areas we ought to be teaching our students. He asked how piano and guitar were picked and not other instruments. Roger Stein said that guitar has been offered Minutes of Regular Board Meeting of December 14, 2004
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for many years and is popular with the students. Currently guitar is offered for one semester, so it was decided to add Guitar II. Mr. Freeman explained that piano stemmed from a MIDI lab. Teachers said they wanted to address all students and piano being a primary instrument, it was decided to go with that. It was noted again by the Board, that they wanted no additional staffing costs if these programs are offered. Mr. Codell explained that costs will depend on the number of classes students take. Most students take 5+1, but if the majority choose 6+1 FTE’s will increase. There is no way to project this until classes are selected by students. Mr. Greenspan spoke in favor of dance as a class for students where religious beliefs hamper them from taking a traditional PE class. He also commented that guitar and piano are courses that meet fine arts requirements. A discussion took place on offering managerial accounting and college accounting and combining these courses if not enough students sign up. Mr. Silverman mentioned that sign language is being offered by New Trier and is something we should look into for the future. Ruth Klint commented that with these proposed electives, they possibly could be offered in summer school. It was moved by GAULT SMITH and seconded by DONIGER to change the number of credits from one to two in ESL 1-2, ESL 3-4, and ESL 5-6. A roll call vote was taken. Voting Aye: Burnett, Doniger, Greenspan, Klint, Knudsen, Silverman, Gault Smith. The motion carried. It was moved by GAULT SMITH and seconded by DONIGER to offer social studies courses already offered at West of World War II and Law at North. A roll call vote was taken. Voting Aye: Burnett, Doniger, Greenspan, Klint, Knudsen, Silverman, Gault Smith. The motion carried. It was moved by DONIGER and seconded by BURNETT to approve new or revised courses by department. A roll call vote was taken. Voting Aye: Burnett, Doniger, Greenspan, Klint, Knudsen, Silverman, Gault Smith.
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Minutes of Regular Board Meeting December 14, 2004
The motion carried. These changes are as follows: Science Physical Science 13-23 New Science Topics 13-23 New Science Research New Anatomy & Physiology Revised English World Literature Revised Physical Education Dance 3 New Fine Arts Guitar 2 New Art Connections New
Applied Science & Technology Interior Design New Financial Accounting New Work Program Revised Computer Applications Revised Fashion Workshop Revised Speedwriting/Note Taking Drop Business Mathematics Drop Computer Applications: Excel/Access Drop Building Trades 1-2 Drop Technology 1 & 2 Drop Meals & Entertainment Drop
It was moved by DONIGER and seconded by BURNETT to approve the new courses in Fine Arts of Computer Imaging, Digital Photography and Class Piano 1 and as well as the accompanying technology request of $260,500.43. There was discussion that the piano class teaches digitizing music and music theory. It was noted to put MIDI in the class description for this course. A roll call vote was taken. Voting Aye: Burnett, Doniger, Greenspan, Klint, Silverman, Gault Smith. Voting Nay: Knudsen. The motion carried. The Board thanked the administration for developing new courses and dropping classes that are not being taken by students. They will watch to make sure these new classes do not add additional costs.
High Volume Copier Lease It was moved by GREENSPAN and seconded by DONIGER to accept the proposal from Canon Business Solutions to enter into a 36 month lease agreement for eight digital stand-alone imaging devices at a guaranteed minimum cost of $102,492.12 per year with extra finishing capabilities on two of the production units. Mr. Burnett asked why it was not recommended to lease copiers from various different vendors. Jean Hedstrom explained that if that were done it would
Minutes of Regular Board Meeting of December 14, 2004
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change the RFP. Mr. Yeggy said this lease should save the District $100,000 per year. A roll call vote was taken. Voting Aye: Burnett, Doniger, Greenspan, Klint, Knudsen, Silverman, Gault Smith. The motion carried.
Policy Changes – 1st Reading Dr. Doniger noted that Policy 2:220 notes a change in certain motions where an ‘abstain’ will be listed as a ‘no’ vote.
Property Tax Levy Mr. Greenspan noted we always want to maximize the levy. Gerry Yeggy suggested a resolution to reduce both the education and transportation funds if a reduction caused by the PTELLA is required. It was moved by GREENSPAN and seconded by DONIGER to approve the resolutions prepared for the 2004 property tax extension request in the Education, Building and Operations, Transportation, Working Cash, IMRF, Special Education, Tort Liability, Medicare-Social Security, Life Safety and Leasing Funds and advise the county clerk which funds should be reduced. Mr. Yeggy said refinancing our outstanding debt saved the District $750,000. Jeffrey Greenspan commented that our rating by Moody’s has improved dramatically. Mr. Knudsen said this levy is an increase of 22%. Mr. Silverman said by law we cannot get any more than we are entitled to and we need to ask for an amount so that we don’t leave anything uncollected. The law almost encourages us to ask for this amount. Mr. Knudsen noted that Transportation has an excess and this proposal is raising it by almost 5%. Mr. Greenspan said not only do you want to maximize dollars, you want to maximize tax dollars in each fund. If you don’t levy enough for funds, it compounds over the year. Mr. Burnett said he believes we should ask for the exact amount we need and continues to be confused by this philosophically because it is not based on what budget projection figures are. A roll call vote was taken. Voting Aye: Doniger, Greenspan, Klint, Silverman, Gault Smith. Voting Nay: Page 10 of 13
Minutes of Regular Board Meeting December 14, 2004
Burnett, Knudsen. The motion carried.
Technology Purchase There was discussion on the current request for purchases and the information page on the Innovating with Technology Program. Mr. Ballard explained that the information page shows the history of the program. The current request for computers will come out of the $100,000 allocated for this year’s purchases. Mr. Knudsen asked for an explanation between the current pulled bill of over $17,000 for Dell computers and this request. Mr. Ballard said they do not relate as the bill was for the science labs at both buildings. Mr. Knudsen questioned the cost of each computer saying his research show they range from $558-$900 each. Mr. Ballard said we do not buy retail machines and pay premium to ensure that parts will be available for the lifetime of the machine. It was asked if we have a discount program with Dell and Mr. Ballard said we buy through the state purchasing program. It was moved by DONIGER and seconded by BURNETT to approve the purchase of 60 Dell OptiPlex GX280 computers at a cost not to exceed $48,898.80. A roll call vote was taken. Voting Aye: Burnett, Doniger, Greenspan, Klint, Knudsen, Silverman, Gault Smith. The motion carried.
Monthly Bills Removed from Consent Agenda 367968 to Dell Marketing for $17,595.14 - It was noted that the check for Dell was answered during the Technology Purchase discussion. 367926 to Academic Superstore for $673.41 – It was questioned why not download the Adobe Acrobat off the web for free. Mr. Ballard said that professional versions have to be purchased for educational use. 368068 to Starfire Swords for $1,893.00 – It was noted that rather than pay $2,000 for daggers for a play, they should be rented and when are they going to be used again. It was stated that they will be used for other plays. It was moved by GAULT SMITH and seconded by DONIGER that the above mentioned bills be approved. A roll call vote was taken. Voting Aye: Doniger, Greenspan, Klint, Knudsen, Silverman, Gault Smith. Minutes of Regular Board Meeting of December 14, 2004
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Abstain: Burnett. The motion carried. XIV.
Old Business Mr. Knudsen asked about the bus contract that saved feeder districts $900,000 but costs our District an additional $103,000 and indicated Mr. Yeggy was going to start the ball rolling to have the feeder districts for this cost. Mr. Yeggy said this is still in the works. Mr. Knudsen asked if the special education van is complete and Mr. Yeggy said that it was not done as yet.
XV.
New Business There was no new business.
XVI.
Audience to Visitors (on items related to district business) Raymond Solal, 8912 Mansfield, Morton Grove thanked the board for the format they use for the agenda and the Village of Morton Grove has emulated this same design. He asked and was assured that students have choices for beverages in the schools. He asked that we work with the Village of Morton Grove in taping our board meetings and also that Arabic be offered as a foreign language.
XVII. Correspondence and FOIA Requests There was no correspondence or FOIA requests. XVIII. Information Items − Innovating with Technology Program − Procedures 2:220:E3 2:260-E1 3:70-AP 5:30-AP2 5:35-AP1 6:190-AP4 6:240-AP 7:240-AP1 7:60-AP3
Board Treatment of Closed Meeting Verbatim Records and Minutes Names of Complaint Managers and Grievance Coordinator Succession Plan Investigations Fair Labor Standards Act Exemptions Student Group Trips Field Trip Guidelines Code of Conduct for Extra-Curricular Activities Establishing Student Residency
− Moody Investors Service Page 12 of 13
Minutes of Regular Board Meeting December 14, 2004
XIX.
Closed Session It was moved by BURNETT and seconded by KNUDSEN to recess into closed session to discuss matters relating to the employment, appointment, compensation, discipline, performance or dismissal of specific employees, with possible action to be taken and to adjourn therefrom with possible action to be taken. A roll call vote was taken. Voting Aye: Burnett, Doniger, Greenspan, Klint, Knudsen, Silverman, Gault Smith. The motion carried.
The Board went into closed session at 11:50 p.m. At 1:30 a.m. the Board returned to open session.
Personnel It was moved by GAULT SMITH and seconded by DONIGER to accept the contract and June 30, 2008 retirement for Dale Vogler. A roll call vote was taken. Voting Aye: Burnett, Doniger, Greenspan, Klint, Knudsen, Silverman, Gault Smith. The motion carried. The meeting adjourned at 1:35 a.m.
________________________________ President
_____________________________ Secretary
MINUTES APPROVED JANUARY 10, 2005.
Minutes of Regular Board Meeting of December 14, 2004
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