North Egypt News

Community High School District 99 Board of Education met May 20.

Here are the minutes provided by the board:

The Board of Education, Community High School District 99, met in regular session at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, May 20, 2024 at the Administrative Service Center.

Upon the Secretary's roll call, the following Board members answered present: Don Renner, President; and Members Kara Casten, Ken Dawson and Sherell Fuller. Members Christopher Espinoza, Jennie Hagstrom and Terry Pavesich were absent.

Also present were Hank Thiele, Superintendent; Gina Ziccardi, Associate Superintendent for Student Learning; Rob Lang, Assistant Superintendent for Staff Services; Scott Wuggazer, Assistant Superintendent for Student Services; Travis McGuire, Assistant Superintendent for Learning Resources; Jeree Ethridge, Chief School Business Official; Jill Browning, Chief Communications Officer; Courtney DeMent, North High Principal; Arwen Lyp, South High Principal; and Juli Gniadek, Secretary.

1, STUDENT RECOGNITIONS

Ms. Lyp shared Skills USA is an academic competition; she introduced Mark Molinari, one of the advisors for Skills USA, who spoke on behalf of Brandy Palmerin and Ryan Altenburg, the other advisors. Mr. Molinari thanked the Board for their support and shared 70 students went to State in Springfield. He introduced South High student Ben Burak, who shared his experience at the State Competition, and recognized Troy Graveen and Sumit Shah who took 1st Place in 3D Design and Animation.

Dr. Thiele read excerpts from a Proclamation from the Village of Downers Grove declaring Thursday, May 23, 2024, Troy Graveen and Sumit Shah Day. He then read excerpts from a Proclamation from the Village of Woodridge declaring Monday, May 20 2024, Troy Graveen and Sumit Shah Day.

Mr. Molinari recognized Alex Burak, who took 2nd Place in Architectural Drafting.

Dr. Thiele read excerpts from a Proclamation from the Village of Downers Grove declaring Friday, May 24, 2024, Alex Burak Day. He then read excerpts from a Proclamation from the Village of Woodridge declaring Monday, May 20 2024, Alex Burak Day.

Mark Molinari recognized Alex Auernhammer, Nathan Bennema, Zachary Cotner and Donnie Okleme for taking 2nd Place in Engineering Technology Design.

Dr. Thiele read excerpts from a Proclamation from the Village of Downers Grove declaring Monday, May 27, 2024, Alex Auernhammer, Nathan Bennema, Zachary Cotner and Donnie Okleme Day. He then read excerpts from a Proclamation from the Village of Woodridge declaring Monday, May 20 2024, Alex Auernhammer, Nathan Bennema, Zachary Cotner and Donnie Okleme Day.

Mr. Molinari recognized Audrey Curulewski for taking 2nd Place in Technical Spelling and also qualifying for State in Badminton.

Dr. Thiele read excerpts from a Proclamation from the Village of Downers Grove declaring Thursday, May 30, 2024, Audrey Curulewski Day. He then read excerpts from a Proclamation from the Village of Woodridge declaring Monday, May 20 2024, Audrey Curulewski Day.

Ms. Curulewski explained, for the Technical Spelling Competition, there are 100 words provided and there is multiple choice to select the correct spelling. Donnie Okleme shared his team's project was the design of a remote control lawnmower with a camera.

Ms. Lyp stated all students who finished 6th Place or higher at the Skills USA competition were invited to attend the Board meeting and be recognized. She congratulated the students and asked them to stand.

Arwen Lyp recognized South High TCD students Vinotas Harris, who was awarded 2nd Place Silver in Digital Cinema, and Alison Garge, who was awarded 3rd Place Bronze in Cosmetology, at the Skills USA competition. Ms. Garge shared her competition included an interview, a men's haircut, a special haircut and an up do.

Dr. DeMent recognized North High TCD student Dezirae Whitfield who took 1st Place Gold in Esthetics at the Skills USA competition.

Courtney DeMent introduced Color Guard Coach Crystal Zaragoza and student Angelina Antonio. Ms. Zaragoza stated there is only one Commander's Medallion Award given each year to a student in the 85 units from different schools that compete in the Midwest Color Guard Circuit. She shared Ms. Antonio received the Award for her outstanding leadership not only of her team but also the community. Ms. Antonio shared she has been a Captain of the Winter Guard for two years and this past fall she became the first DGN color guard initiated drum major.

The Board and those in attendance applauded all of those who were recognized.

2. STAFF RECOGNITIONS

Dr. DeMent recognized Anthony Calderone, North High teacher and Head Badminton Coach, on his induction into the Badminton Coaches Hall of Fame. She shared Mr. Calderone is in his 30th year of serving as Head Coach, has had at least six top four finishes at Sate and has coached three State Championship Badminton Teams. Mr. Calderone expressed how honored he felt to receive this recognition and appreciates the support of the school and the District.

The Board and those in attendance congratulated Mr. Calderone.

3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Member Casten moved and Member Dawson seconded the motion that the Board of Education approve the Minutes of the April 15, 2024 Business Meeting, the May 6, 2024 Workshop Meeting, and the May 13, 2024 Parent-Teacher Advisory Committee Meeting.

Upon the Secretary's roll call, Members Casten, Dawson and Renner voted AYE. Member Fuller abstained. The President declared the motion carried.

4. RECEPTION OF VISITORS-PUBLIC COMMENT

There were no public comments.

5. INTRODUCTION OF NEW STUDENT BOARD MEMBERS

Dr. DeMent introduced new North High Student Board member Rehan Hashim and noted he will offer wisdom and the perspective of the student body. Mr. Hashim stated he is excited to join the Board and work for a better District 99.

Ms. Lyp introduced new South High Student Board member Jason Trejo and noted he is a problem solver and a member of Student Council, Class Board and Changemakers. Mr. Trejo expressed his excitement and promised to do his best.

President Renner welcomed the students and stated the Board values their opinion.

Dr. Thiele welcomed the students to the Board on behalf of the Administration.

Board members welcomed the students. Mr. Hashim and Mr. Trejo joined the Board.

6. DISTRICT 99 EDUCATION FOUNDATION PRESIDENT

Julia Beckman, President of the District 99 Education Foundation, thanked the Board for their support of the Foundation and thanked Members Casten and Pavesich for being the Board representatives to the Foundation. Ms. Beckman reported on the amount of scholarships and funds disbursed the last couple of years, and stated the total amount distributed since 1995 is $957,582. She noted during the pandemic the Angel Fund helped many families and continues to support students in need.

Donna Dawson, Foundation Grant Chair, shared the criteria for a Learning Grant is that it must be an innovative project and provided information on some of the grants awarded over the past year.

Ms. Dawson asked that anyone interested in volunteering go to the Foundation's website. Ms. Beckman stated donations can also be made on the website. Dr. Thiele stated the Foundation's website is d99ef.org. The Board thanked the Foundation for their work.

7. STRATEGIC PLAN: DRAFT INDICATORS AND MEASURES

Dr. Thiele stated a focus of the Board was to tie measurable District goals to the Strategic Plan and for staff to provide input on the goals. Two or three areas of concentration were established for each of the four strategic directions, according to Dr. Thiele, and staff were given an opportunity to provide input on the goals. He shared the goal for each of the areas will be to reach everyone and strategies will be developed to close the gap, with periodic report outs to the Board on the measurable progress.

The consensus of the Board was they support the new process of establishing and monitoring the District goals.

8. 2024-2025 PROPOSED AMENDED SCHOOL CALENDAR: DEPARTMENT COLLABORATION TIME

Dr. Thiele reported results from surveys given to staff indicated all employee groups (CMG, SSA, security, faculty, etc.) would like more time to meet, whether it be for professional development specific to the group, or teachers meeting for course team collaboration. To accomplish this, for the 2024-2025 school year only, he presented a plan to have four 1:30 p.m. dismissal days for students on Fridays with all staff remaining on site. He stated Action on the proposed 2024-2025 calendar is approval of the plan.

9. PARENT-TEACHER ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING FEEDBACK

Scott Wuggazer reviewed the topics discussed at the Parent-Teacher Advisory Committee meeting, which included the PATH Program, SAP, Chronic Absenteeism, cell phone discipline data and the Consolidated District Plan. He thanked Members Dawson and Espinoza for attending. Mr. Wuggazer shared feedback from the meeting included appreciation for the PATH Program, which keeps students in school when there is a major discipline code violation; student attendance in HAC is difficult for families to navigate; and a request to see more EL data.

Member Dawson reported the teachers in attendance appreciated the revisions made to the cell phone policy. He also commended the schools on the PATH Program for keeping students in the school building where they continue to receive receiving an education as well as receiving additional supports.

10. ENGLISH DEPARTMENT NOVELS

Dr. Thiele stated this is an Action Item later and the same practice was followed as in previous years. He noted there are 181 titles, 15,000 books, and the lowest responsible bid was $121,840.91.

11. ILLINOIS STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION CONSOLIDATED DISTRICT PLAN

Gina Ziccardi stated the Consolidated District Plan is required annually and is in the form of a series of questions. She reviewed supports provided for at risk learners, specifically EL students, and pointed out changes to last year's Plan that are incorporated in this year's Plan.

12. PROPOSED 2024-2025 BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING CALENDAR

Dr. Thiele stated next year's meeting calendar follows the format of previous years. President Renner noted in September there are back to back meetings and suggested the September 16 Business Meeting be moved to September 23. The consensus of the Board was to move the meeting to September 23.

13. 2024-2025 BOARD COMMITTEE/LIAISON APPOINTMENTS

President Renner asked if there were any questions regarding the appointments. Dr. Thiele stated the appointments take effect July 1 and this is an Action Item later in the meeting.

14. DISTRICT DEPOSITORIES

Dr. Thiele stated this is brought to the Board annually for approval.

15. FREEDOM OF INFORMATION REQUESTS

Dr. Thiele reported the District received and responded to Freedom of Information Act requests and they are posted on the District's website.

16. CONSENT AGENDA

Member Casten moved and Member Dawson seconded the motion for the Board of Education to approve the Consent Agenda, as amended, which includes: A. Personnel Report - Appointment- Administration; Appointment-Certified; Leave of Absence-Certified: Leave of Absence-Classified; Appointment-Classified; Transfer of Position-Classified; B. Personnel Report - Resignation-Certified; Resignation-Classified; C. April Treasurer's Report and April Financial Pages; D. Student Trips; E. SASED Governing Board/Board of Directors Alternate Appointment Resolution; F. Resolution of Nomination for Membership on Downers Grove Plan Commission; G. 2023-2024 Final School Calendar; H. 2024-2025 Proposed Board of Education Meeting Calendar; and I. 2024-2025 Proposed Amended School Calendar.

Item G. was amended to reflect the current year of 2024 for the dropped designated emergency days in the cover memo. Item H. was amended to change the September Board Business Meeting from September 16, 2024 to September 23, 2024.

Upon the Secretary's roll call, Members Casten, Dawson, Fuller and Renner voted AYE. President declared the motion carried.

Dr. Thiele recognized Phil Howard, the District's newly appointed CTO, who was in attendance at the meeting.

17. AWARD OF BID - ENGLISH DEPARTMENT NOVELS

Member Casten moved and Member Dawson seconded the motion for the Board of Education to approve the lowest responsible bid of $121,840.91 from BookPal to provide novels for the 2024-2025 school year.

Upon the Secretary's roll call, Members Casten, Dawson, Fuller and Renner voted AYE. President declared the motion carried.

18. RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING DISTRICT DEPOSITORIES

Member Fuller moved and Member Dawson seconded the motion for the Board of Education to adopt the Resolution Authorizing Depositories and to authorize the District Administration to complete and sign all appropriate documents required to maintain District accounts at the depositories as listed.

Upon the Secretary's roll call, Members Fuller, Dawson, Casten and Renner voted AYE. The President declared the motion carried.

19. ILLINOIS STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION CONSOLIDATED DISTRICT PLAN

Member Dawson moved and Member Casten seconded the motion for the Board of Education to approve the Illinois State Board of Education Consolidated District Plan as presented.

Upon the Secretary's roll call, Members Dawson, Casten, Fuller and Renner voted AYE. The President declared the motion carried.

20. OLD BUSINESS

None

21. NEW BUSINESS – POLICY COMMITTEE – First READING OF POLICIES

Dr. Thiele explained the policies were being brought forward for First Reading and a key policy was the policy on advertising. He asked that any questions be forwarded to President Renner, Member Espinoza or himself. He stated in June the policies would be up for final approval.

o 2.40, Board Member Qualifications

o 2.260, Uniform Grievance Procedure

o 2.265, Title IX Sexual Harassment Grievance Procedure

o 2.270, Discrimination and Harassment on the Basis of Race, Color, and National Origin Prohibited

o 4.60, Purchases and Contracts

o 4.165, Awareness and Prevention of Child Sexual Abuse and Grooming Behaviors

o 4.190, Targeted School Violence Prevention Program

o 5.10, Equal Employment Opportunity and Minority Recruitment

o 5.20, Workplace Harassment Prohibited

o 5.100, Staff Development Program

5.120, Employee Ethics; Code of Professional Conduct; and Conflict of Interest

o 5.140, Solicitations By or From Staff

o 7.10, Equal Educational Opportunities

o 7.20, Harassment of Students Prohibited

7.180, Prevention of and Response to Bullying, Intimidation, and Harassment

o 7.185, Teen Dating Violence Prohibited

o 8.25, Advertising and Distributing Materials in Schools Provided by Non-School Related Entities

President Renner requested Board members familiarize themselves specifically with policy 8.25.

22. RECEPTION OF VISITORS – PUBLIC COMMENT

There were no public comments.

23. REPORT ON LEGISLATIVE EDUCATION NETWORK OF DUPAGE (LEND)

Member Casten reported legislation of interest was reviewed, dues are going up 5%, a new sub- committee has been formed to review federal legislation and next year's meeting dates were provided.

24. REPORT ON SCHOOL ASSOCIATION FOR SPECIAL EDUCATION IN DUPAGE COUNTY (SASED)

Dr. Thiele reported work is ongoing on scheduling, facilities and a new budget formula.

25. REPORT ON DISTRICT 99 EDUCATION FOUNDATION

No report.

26. REPORT ON ILLINOIS ASSOCIATION OF SCHOOL BOARDS (IASB)

Member Dawson reported the Joint Annual Conference is coming up and the IASB put out a document on recruiting new Board members.

27. UPCOMING BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETINGS

28. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Dr. Thiele thanked the Board members for their support and attendance at graduation. He also thanked the buildings for the preparations they made for graduation.

29. ADJOURNMENT

There being no further business or discussion, Member Casten moved and Member Dawson seconded the motion that the meeting be adjourned. Upon the unanimous voice vote of the four members in attendance, the President declared the motion carried. The meeting adjourned at 8:09 p.m.

https://campussuite-storage.s3.amazonaws.com/prod/11165/bf837fc0-1ca3-11e6-b537-22000bd8490f/2808972/c8bb8206-2d16-11ef-897e-0affdb6e9e91/file/052024%20Business%20%20Meeting%20-%20Signed.pdf