Community High School District 99 Board of Education met Jan. 23.
Here are the minutes provided by the board:
January 23, 2023
The Board of Education, Community High School District 99, met in regular session at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, January 23, 2023 at the Administrative Service Center.
Upon the Secretary's roll call, the following Board members answered present: Nancy Kupka, President; Mike Davenport, Vice President; and Members Christopher Espinoza, Jennie Hagstrom, Terry Pavesich and Joanna Vazquez Drexler. Member Sherell Fuller arrived at 6:31 p.m.
Also present were Hank Thiele, Superintendent; Scott Wuggazer, Assistant Superintendent for Student Services; Jeree Ethridge, Chief School Business Official; Jill Browning, Director of Communications; Ryan Doherty, Director of Student Experiences; Student Board Members Luka Paulauskas and Kaitlyn Vincent; and Juli Gniadek, Secretary.
There were ten visitors. A copy of the Visitor Roster is attached.
1. STUDENT BOARD MEMBER QUESTIONS AND COMMENTS
Kaitlyn Vincent, South High Student Board Member, commented on the positive changes made to ACCESS based on the survey results. She also mentioned Senior Nights occurring in many sports, D99 Hoops Pack the Place, the girls' basketball fundraiser that raised $7,000 for "We Back Pat," freshman orientation night, Black History Month and the Spirit Assembly.
North High Student Board Member Luka Paulauskas spoke about the cleanup stations in the cafeteria and the seating areas and how they are helping these areas stay cleaner. She spoke about the Jazz Band Concert on January 31, the Coaches vs Cancer Basketball Game on January 27, the success of the cheer teams and World Languages Week.
2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Member Vazquez Drexler moved and Member Pavesich seconded the motion that the Board of Education approve the Minutes of the December 12, 2022 Business Meeting.
Upon the Secretary's roll call, Members Vazquez Drexler, Pavesich, Davenport, Espinoza, Fuller, Hagstrom and Kupka voted AYE. The President declared the motion carried.
3. RECEPTION OF VISITORS - PUBLIC COMMENT
Julia Kennedy Beckman, representing the District 99 Education Foundation, called attention to the donation by the Foundation to South High's eSports program, which is being accepted by the Board this evening. She noted the IHSA is already recognizing eSports. Ms. Beckman stated the Foundation is happy to support creative programs in the schools and also expressed the Foundation's thanks to the District for supporting its efforts.
4. PUBLIC HEARING
President Kupka announced that the next agenda item for the Board of Education was a public hearing to receive public comments on the proposal to sell bonds in the amount of $3,000,000 for the purpose of conforming its existing facilities that house students to the building code promulgated by the State Board of Education of the State of Illinois, by altering, reconstructing and repairing said facilities and having equipment purchased and installed therein, the Life Safety Bonds and explained that all persons desiring to be heard would have an opportunity to present written or oral testimony with respect thereto.
The President opened the discussion and Jeree Ethridge explained that the reasons for the proposed issuance of the Life Safety Bonds were as follows: The original galvanized water piping through the oldest parts of North High School is causing water discoloration, rust build up in the pipes and low water pressure. The galvanized piping needs to be removed and replaced with copper piping. This project is being moved up by two years to meet the emerging needs. It is expected to cost just under $3 million. The District does not have sufficient available resources on hand to fund this project and therefore will need to issue bonds. This project does qualify to be funded by Fire Prevention and Life Safety Bonds.
President Kupka asked for additional comments from the members of the Board of Education. Member Davenport noted the Board has talked about this previously. There was no written testimony. The President asked for oral testimony or any public comments concerning the proposed issuance of the Life Safety Bonds. Laura Hois inquired if any funds originally intended for COVID could be applied to this expense. Dr. Thiele responded there are no ESSER COVID relief funds that would qualify for this type of work. President Kupka then announced that all persons desiring to be heard had been given an opportunity to present oral and written testimony with respect to the proposed issuance of the Life Safety Bonds.
Member Davenport moved and Member Pavesich seconded the motion that the Hearing be finally adjourned. President Kupka inquired if there was an additional discussion; there was none. President Kupka directed the Secretary to take a roll call vote upon the motion.
Upon the Secretary's roll call, Members Davenport, Pavesich, Vazquez Drexler, Espinoza, Fuller, Hagstrom and Kupka voted AYE. The President declared the motion carried and the Hearing was finally adjourned.
5. QUARTERLY FINANCIAL REPORT
Jeree Ethridge stated the Fund Balances are on target, with 90% of Revenues received, and State aid is coming in on a timely basis. She stated overall Expenditures are in line with expectations, and those specific areas that are not are being monitored. In summary, Ms. Ethridge stated Revenues and Expenditures will align with budget figures.
6. POST ISSUANCE TAX COMPLIANCE REPORT
Ms. Etheridge stated the District must comply with federal tax rules for tax exempt bonds when they are issued and while they are outstanding for the bonds to remain tax exempt. She explained the Post Issuance Tax Compliance Report provides bond holders with the District's financial data on an annual basis and that the District's bond underwriters complete this process for the District. Ms. Ethridge informed the Board the District has completed the reporting requirement and the bonds are in compliance with federal tax rules.
7. 2023 SUMMER SCHOOL COMPENSATION RECOMMENDATION
Dr. Thiele stated the teacher stipend for Summer School is usually increased by CPI, but since CPI is greater than the District's cap, the recommendation is for the increase to reflect the District's cap of 5%. He also stated this is an Action Item this evening. Hank Thiele noted there is no Summer School Coordinator salary; it is part of Ryan Doherty's position.
8. PROPOSED 2023 SUMMER SCHOOL AND SUMMER CALENDAR
Dr. Thiele shared this calendar follows the District's traditional summer calendar with two exceptions: the addition of the Juneteenth holiday and the shifting of the week of July 4 requiring three days of attendance, including Friday, of that week. He stated this is an Action Item this evening.
9. RESULTS OF THE INTERSCHOLASTIC ATHLETIC AND ACTIVITIES SURVEY BOARD POLICY 6.195
Ryan Doherty presented results of the Activities and Athletics survey, which was administered in October 2022. Mr. Doherty noted the survey was given at a specific allotted time so the number of respondents, 2337, was much larger than the last survey, which had 287 respondents. He shared, for the first time, students were asked their reasons for not participating in activities and athletics. Trends noted by Mr. Doherty included: participation in both athletics and activities decreases from freshman to senior year; interest in participating and ability to participate increased from freshman to senior year; and the primary reason for not participating in sports and/or activities given is working after school followed by participation in sports and/or activities outside of school. Mr. Doherty stated he plans to administer the survey every year and to collect email addresses so the Athletic Directors and Activity Directors can follow up with students.
Dr. Thiele shared participation in two or more athletics or activities is one of the College and Career Readiness indicators for State accountability.
10. FREEDOM OF INFORMATION REQUESTS
Dr. Thiele reported the District received and responded to Freedom of Information Act requests this month and they are posted on the District's website.
11. CONSENT AGENDA
President Kupka recognized the donations from the Wildermuth Family, the District 99 Education Foundation, and the Anonymous Donor and offered thanks.
Dr. Thiele noted, in the original Personnel Report, Monica Chovanec was listed as a resignation but the heading did not appear on the Personnel Report so her name was removed; her resignation will be on the Personnel Report next month under the correct heading.
Dr. Thiele called attention to the Recommendation to Hire Dr. Travis McGuire as the Assistant Superintendent for Learning Resources, replacing Rod Russeau. He shared Dr. McGuire is in the audience.
Member Davenport moved and Member Pavesich seconded the motion for the Board of Education to approve the Consent Agenda as presented which includes: A. Personnel Report - Appointment- Administration; Appointment-Certified; Appointment-Classified; Leave of Absence-Certified; Leave of Absence- Classified; Transfer of Position-Classified; B. Personnel Report - Retirements-Certified; Resignations-Classified; C. Financial Pages; D. Approval of the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR); E. Review of Closed Session Minutes and Verbatim Recordings; F. Educational Tours; G. Acceptance of Donation - District 99 Education Foundation; H. Acceptance of Donation - Wildermuth Family; and I. Acceptance of Donation - Anonymous Family.
Upon the Secretary's roll call, Members Davenport, Pavesich, Vazquez Drexler, Espinoza, Fuller, Hagstrom and Kupka voted AYE. The President declared the motion carried.
12. APPROVAL OF THE 2023 SUMMER SCHOOL COMPENSATION RECOMMENDATION
Member Espinoza moved and Member Pavesich seconded the motion for the Board of Education to approve the 2023 Summer School Compensation as presented.
Upon the Secretary's roll call, Members Espinoza, Pavesich, Vazquez Drexler, Davenport, Fuller, Hagstrom and Kupka voted AYE. The President declared the motion carried.
13. APPROVAL OF THE 2023 SUMMER School and Summer CALENDAR
Member Fuller moved and Member Vazquez Drexler seconded the motion for the Board of Education to approve the 2023 Summer School and Summer Calendar as presented.
Upon the Secretary's roll call, Members Fuller, Vazquez Drexler, Davenport, Espinoza Hagstrom, Pavesich and Kupka voted AYE. The President declared the motion carried.
14. OLD BUSINESS
None.
15. NEW BUSINESS
None.
16. RECEPTION OF VISITORS - PUBLIC COMMENT
Ilene Briner advocated for stopping the ideology of DEI (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion) and instead placing emphasis on high scoring outcomes. Noel Manley questioned the results of the District's investment in equity and the policies that have contributed to the decline in test scores. Laura Hois stated the District's job is to educate and not indoctrinate and encouraged parents to protect their children.
17. REPORT ON LEGISLATIVE EDUCATION NETWORK OF DUPAGE (LEND)
No report.
18. REPORT ON SCHOOL ASSOCIATION FOR SPECIAL EDUCATION IN DUPAGE COUNTY (SASED)
No report.
19. REPORT ON DISTRICT 99 EDUCATION FOUNDATION
Member Pavesich reported the Foundation's last meeting was dedicated mostly to housekeeping/budget work. She stated donations to the Foundation can be made on their website and will be gladly accepted.
20. REPORT ON ILLINOIS ASSOCIATION OF SCHOOL BOARDS (IASB)
President Kupka reported the DuPage Division meeting is at South High on February 1 this year.
21. UPCOMING BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETINGS
President Kupka announced the following meeting dates:
February 6, 2023 Workshop Meeting - 6:30 p.m. - ASC
February 27, 2023 Regular Business Meeting - 6:30 p.m. - ASC
22. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business or discussion, Member Pavesich moved and Member Vazquez Drexler seconded the motion that the meeting be adjourned. Upon the unanimous voice vote of the seven members in attendance, the President declared the motion carried. The meeting adjourned at 7:30 p.m.
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