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 28 th of November ROLL CALL After the Pledge of Allegiance, President Ernesto Mickens called the meeting to order at 7:08 p.m. and directed that the roll be called. Upon the roll being called, the following members answered present: Larry Lawrence, Charles Givines, Kim Adkins and Ernesto E. Mickens. Absent were: Charles W. Lloyd, Faith E. Gunter. Also present were Attorney Maureen Lemon (Ottosen Britz Kelly Cooper Gilbert & Dinolfo, Ltd.), Superintendent of Schools Dr. Nohelty, Assistant Superintendent Dr. Moore, Director of Support Programs Mrs. Llanes, Director of RTI/PBIS & Bully Prevention Mrs. Navarre, Director of Technology Ms. Marshall; Principals: Mr. Chambers, Mr. James, Dr. McFarlane, Ms. Montgomery, Dr. Parker, Ms. Walker; Assistant Principals: Mr. Palicki, Mrs. Williams; and Senior Executive Assistant Mrs. Chapman. VISITORS Jennifer Fitzpatrick, Bob Moffett, LeShele Armour, Dexter Miles, Debbie Miles. Evelyn Smith-Atangana, Paul Walker, Darlene Hudson, Melanie Stamps, Lil Husbands, Lucille Eytcheson, Jamal Woodley, Tamela Woodley, Brittany Herrera, David Jennings, Tanya Williams, Michael Griffin, Joan Carreon, Kimberly Bell, Karen Cash, Benita Stewart, Cheryl Hill, Leah Gusman, Gavin Armour, Fatimah Al-Nurridin, Ameena K. Harris, and Tracy Sherill. OATH OF OFFICE FOR NEW BOARD MEMBER Ms. Lemon administered the Oath of Office to new Board Member, Mr. Dexter Miles. Mr. Mickens welcomed Mr. Miles to District 148. Mrs. Adkins congratulated Mr. Miles and stated she believes he will be an asset to the Board. Mr. Miles shared information about himself. Mr. Miles is a high school science teacher and stated he looks forward to serving the community to the best of his ability. ADMINISTRATION - INFORMATION REPORTS Mrs. Llanes, Director of Support Programs, reported health initiatives took place in the month of November and throughout the year. Dental exams are offered through Universal Dental, which provides cleaning, fluoride treatments and dental exams for students. Tables are set up at parent teacher conference for parents to sign permission slips for dental exams. A dental office has opened in South Holland for restorative treatment to children in need at no cost and works with parents to provide transportation to this office. Support Programs is working with them to be a part of the resilience. Robert Crowne Health Center will be offering health education classes. The following topics will be discussed by each grade level: 5 th and 6 th grades - Growth and Development; 7 th grade Teen Health; 8 th grade Science Behind Drugs. All programs meet the State requirements for health. All annual reviews were completed for 8 th graders. Transition meetings were held with District 205. Mrs. Llanes shared there was a good turn out with parent participation as they were interested in meeting and speaking with representatives from District 205 high schools. There was discussion 1

2 regarding programming for high school. Mr. Mickens asked if students dental care were being tracked with their exams. Mrs. Llanes responded yes. Mrs. Navarre Director of MTSS/PBIS & Bully Prevention, stated during parent teacher conference, questionnaires were made available to parents regarding Restorative Justice. Mrs. Navarre reported the following responses from the questionnaire: Question Yes No Do you know what Restorative Justice/Practices are? Has your child talked to you about circles they have participated in during school? Would you like to know more about Restorative Justice? Would you be willing to come to a one-day training at the school? Mrs. Navarre reported 13 parents left their information indicating they were interested in learning more about Restorative Justice. Mrs. Navarre will contact Ms. Karen Fulton to make arrangements to reach out to the community. Mrs. Navarre discussed Capturing Kids Hearts. Ms. Nina Dillard was in District on November 14-16, 2017 at Lincoln, Roosevelt and Franklin. Mrs. Navarre shared that Riverdale has been nominated as a showcase school in District 148 by Ms. Dillard. Ms. Dillard will be back December 4-6, 2017 to provide additional support for all staff and meeting with Dr. Nohelty and Dr. Moore. Mrs. Adkins asked why Washington was left out. Mrs. Navarre stated as of now three schools are working with Capturing Kids Hearts and there has been discussion about adding more schools. Ms. Marshall, Director of Technology, introduced Valerie Scott as the new PC Network Technician. Ms. Marshall stated Technology is continuing to work on Erate filing. Ms. Marshall discussed over the winter break there will be updates to all laptops and installation of the new application for PARCC testing for grades 5 th to 8 th. Mrs. Adkins asked if students would be taking paper test. Dr. Moore stated District 148 opted for grades 3 rd to 4 th to take the paper test. Dr. Moore, Assistant Superintendent, presented slightly 162 more student enrolled than last year, however the numbers were down by 66 students. 66 students were not represented this year over last year s data. Dr. Nohelty, Superintendent of Schools, introduced Ms. Stamps to discuss Operation Warm Coat. Ms. Stamps shared Operation Warm Coat is a virtual coat closet of 120 coats for students in District 148. Pictures of students in coats were shared with the Board for review. Ms. Stamps discussed ATT Pioneer Program, which provides new shoes for students. Lincoln School will participate in this event on December 6, A school bus will transport 25 students from Lincoln School to Famous Footwear in Homewood. Students will be greeted by a personal shopper. Dr. Nohelty discussed the 2017 property tax levy and the steps required to prepare for this. Dr. Nohelty shared information regarding the Property Tax Extension Limitation Law ( PTELL ). Property tax over the last 10 years is average 1.82% with the highest at 4.1% in 2008 and the lowest at 0.1% in In 2017 it is 2.1%. Last year s total tax extension was 14,941,907. The 2.1% is on top of last year s extension, which is the minimum we may be able to receive. 4.72% is estimated as we are up for a tri-annual assessment year and adjustments are made property value tends to increase and go up. Bond and levy interest which the county levys on the school districts behalf which lowers the overall tax increase that we are requesting to 4.3%. Next steps is the 2

3 estimated tax levy has to be 20 days prior to the adoption, December 19 is slated for the adoption of the tax levy, a notice will be placed in the Southtown Star for a Truth and Taxation hearing. Notice must be in paper 7 days from the adoption and no more than 14 days (December 8 and December 11). Truth and Taxation hearing will be held on December 19, 2017 at 6:50 p.m. and a final recommendation for the levy to be adopted will take place at the December 19, 2017 Board meeting. Once the levy is adopted it must be filed with Cook County the last Tuesday of the month (December 26, 2017). Dr. Nohelty reported District 148 received two FOIA requests from Zak Koeske requesting information of a former Board Member. Both requests were responded fulfilled. Dr. Nohelty reported the District s enrollment numbers for November 2016 was 2,149 students. Dr. Nohelty stated the enrollment total for November 2017 is 2,170, which is a gain of 21 students this year. Dr. Nohelty stated our enrollment numbers have increased each month. PRESIDENT'S REPORT The Finance Committee and Buildings & Grounds Committee meetings were held on Tuesday, November 14, Summaries of these meetings will be enclosed in the Board Packet following approval by each committee. The approved summaries of the Finance Committee and Buildings & Grounds Committee meetings held on Tuesday, October 10, 2017 are enclosed for your review. OPERATION PUT IT BACK A thank you letter from Operation Put It Back! was received thanking Dr. Nohelty and the Board of Education for their attendance at the community event Bringing The Community Together To Do It For The Children held on Friday, October 20, 2017 at the Crystal Light Banquet. Scholarships were presented to four students in the South Suburban School Districts and Chicago Public Schools. ILLINOIS ASSOCIATION OF SCHOOL BOARDS ANNUAL CONFERENCE The Illinois Association of School Boards Annual Conference was held on Friday, November 17, 2017 to Sunday, November 19, Mr. Lawrence attended workshops that discussed parliamentary practices that outline the Roberts Rule of Order, how to work with difficult Board Members and the importance of focusing on making the students first. Mr. Givines attended the new Board Member workshop and stated he was glad that he attended. Mrs. Adkins shared information regarding the general speakers discussion on education, how to be intentional and what it is the Board would like to see with our students. There was discussion regarding having student a student representative as a Board Member. Mr. Lawrence suggested using junior high students as student representative and working with principals to identify those students. Mr. Mickens attended workshops that discussed student behavior and school safety. Mr. Mickens shared information regarding the delegate meeting and the discussion of the 1% sales tax. RIVERDALE PARK DISTRICT WINTER WONDERLAND WITH SANTA & FRIENDS Riverdale Park District will host their annual Winter Wonderland with Santa and Friends on Saturday, December 16, Lunch, entertainment, raffles and toys will be provided to those families in need. Registration forms for those families who would like 3

4 to attend must be submitted to Riverdale Park District by December 8, WINTER CONCERTS The District Bands and Vocal Ensembles will be presenting their Winter Concerts. Please mark your calendars to attend these events. Wednesday, December 13, 2017 at 7:00 p.m., Washington Jr. High School Gym Beginners Band and Thursday, December 14, 2017 at 7:00 p.m., Washington Jr. High School Gym Advanced Band. Mrs. Gunter arrived at 7:46 p.m. METRA S SAFETY POSTER & ESSAY CONTEST The Metra Safety Poster and Essay Contest is a key initiative in campaigning to increase children s awareness and understanding of how to stay safe near trains and railroad tracks. This year s theme is Eyes Up, Devices Down: Look, Listen, Live. The deadline for entries is Wednesday, January 31, Posters advertising this contest are displayed at District Office and all District 148 schools. District 148 supports and promotes public safety NATIONAL SCHOOL BOARD ASSOCIATION S ANNUAL CONFERENCE The National School Board Association s Annual Conference will be held April 7-9, 2018 in San Antonio. Conference registration and hotel registration have been confirmed for Mr. Ernesto Mickens, Mr. Larry Lawrence, Mrs. Kim Adkins, Mr. Charles Givines, Mrs. Faith Gunter, Mr. Charles Lloyd and Dr. Kevin Nohelty. Airline reservations have not been secured as of the time of this meeting. COMMITTEE CHAIRS REPORTS Dr. Nohelty reported on the Finance Committee meeting held on November 14, Dr. Nohelty stated items discussed at this meeting are under action items that will be voted on later in the meeting. Dr. Nohelty briefly discussed the exterior lighting at all District schools. Mr. Givines reported on the Buildings & Grounds Committee meeting held on November 14, Mr. Givines stated the same information as reported in the Finance Committee report. There was discussion regarding a snow removal plan and landscaping outside of all schools for next year. Attendance and inspection by the county was also discussed. Mr. Mickens asked if winter equipment is prepared for winter. Dr. Nohelty responded updates regarding winter equipment would be discussed at the Finance Committee meeting in December. DISTRICT ITEMS OF INTEREST Mr. Donermeyer presented a PowerPoint presentation regarding Every Student Succeeds Act ( ESSA ). The Tri-M Music Honor Society was introduced by Mrs. Fitzpatrick. The students performed Bring Me Little Water Silvy. A card was presented to the Board from the students performing. Each Student received a certificate and gift from the Board of Education. The Board Members thanked the students for their performance. Dr. Nohelty provided an update the attendance incentive for the month of October. No classrooms achieved the 10 consecutive days of perfect attendance. 4

5 Dr. Nohelty announced the schools with the highest attendance percentage for the month of October 2017: 2 nd runner up Lincoln Elementary (94.47%) and 1 st runner up - Roosevelt Jr. High (95.420%). Lincoln Jr. High was awarded the traveling trophy for achieving the highest attendance percentage (95.55%) for the month of October Dr. Nohelty commended Dr. Parker on this achievement. Dr. Parker thanked the staff, students and parents for their hard work and efforts in achieving this award. Dr. Nohelty shared information regarding the new attendance incentive for the month of December: Perfect attendance and no tardies for 5 consecutive days beginning Monday, December 4, 2017 to Friday, December 8, The winning classroom(s) will receive a popcorn and movie day from the Superintendent of Schools. CONSENT AGENDA Mr. Lawrence moved and Mrs. Gunter seconded the motion that the Board of Education, Dolton West School District 148 establish the Consent Agenda dated November 28, 2017 to include Items 1 through 6. Mrs. Adkins asked to remove the resignation request for LeShele Silas-Armour as a letter rescinding this resignation was received on November 27, Mrs. Adkins moved and Mrs. Gunter seconded the motion that the Board of Education, Dolton West School District 148 approve the November 28, 2017 Consent Agenda. Ayes: Gunter, Lawrence, Givines, Adkins, and Mickens Abstain: Miles RENEWAL OF POLICY REFERENCE EDUCATION SUBSCRIPTION (PRESS) Mr. Lawrence moved and Mrs. Gunter seconded the motion that the Board of Education, Dolton West School District 148 approve the renewal of the Policy Reference Education Subscription Service (PRESS) from the Illinois Association of School Boards in the amount of $

6 APPROVE RENEWAL OF SCHOOL BOARD POLICIES ONLINE SUBSCRIPTION Mrs. Gunter moved and Mrs. Adkins seconded the motion that the Board of Education, Dolton West School District 148 approve the renewal of School Board Policy Online from the Illinois Association of School Boards in the amount of $2, APPROVAL TO PURCHASE MATH IN FOCUS TEACHER EDITION BOOKS Mrs. Adkins moved and Mrs. Gunter seconded the motion that the Board of Education, Dolton West School District 148 approve to purchase Teacher Editions of the Math in Focus Online Program for all grade level teachers in the amount of $37, Funds to purchase the materials will be taken from the Title I grant, not to exceed $37, Mrs. Adkins asked if this purchase is for books. Dr. Moore confirmed the purchase is for math books. Mrs. Adkins asked for the motion to be modified to include the word books. Mrs. Adkins moved and Mrs. Gunter seconded the motion that the Board of Education, Dolton West School District 148 approve to purchase Teacher Editions of the Math in Focus Online Program Books for all grade level teachers in the amount of $37, Funds to purchase the materials will be taken from the Title I grant, not to exceed $37, APPROVAL TO PURCHASE SURVEILLANCE CAMERAS Mrs. Gunter moved and Mrs. Adkins seconded the motion that the Board of Education, Dolton West School District 148 approve to purchase surveillance cameras from Inter-Pacific, Inc. for all District 148 schools in the amount of $108, Please note the video surveillance system does not require the District to purchase an annual license renewal. All costs are included. 6

7 RENEWAL OF LIFE SAFETY SYSTEM SERVICE AGREEMENT Mr. Lawrence moved and Mrs. Gunter seconded the motion that the Board of Education, Dolton West School District 148 approve the renewal of Life Safety System Service Agreement for District 148 Administrative Office and schools with SimplexGrinnell in the amount of $13, The current agreement expires November 30, The renewal date is December 1, 2017 to November 30, Ayes: Gunter, Lawrence, Givines, Adkins, and Mickens Abstain: Miles SET TRUTH IN TAXATION HEARING Mr. Lawrence moved and Mrs. Gunter seconded the motion that the Board of Education, Dolton West School District 148 set the time, date and location for the Truth in Taxation Hearing for 6:50 p.m. on December 19, 2017 at the District 148 Administrative Office, 114 W. 144 th Street, Riverdale, IL. AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION Mr. Robert Moffet, President of the Dolton Education Association ( DEA ), asked if the Math in Focus purchase books or an online program. It was confirmed that the purchase are for books. Ms. Darlene Hudson stated she was speaking on behalf of all students regarding issues of bullying. Ms. Hudson shared she has a good rapport with many students at Lincoln. Ms. Hudson commented there are a lot of issues at Lincoln and is asking for an independent study of Lincoln. Ms. Lil Husband, Teacher at Park School/Treasurer of DEA, addressed Mr. Mickens regarding a statement he made in the Chicago Tribune. Ms. Husbands shared her experience on various boards and questioned if the Board of Education has crossed ethical lines. Mr. Mickens discussed having integrity as a Board Member, seeing improvement on test scores and suggested that the Board of Education and DEA work together. Mr. Michael Anthony commended the Board of Education on doing a good job. Mr. Anthony shared information regarding prior Board meetings and addressed Mr. Lawrence. Mr. Lawrence reiterated that the Board has one employee, Dr. Nohelty. There was discussion regarding how business with the Board was conducted in the past. 7

8 Mr. Givines shared the reason he joined the Board of Education is to run the District according to policy. Mr. Givines stated nothing has ever been said District 148. Ms. Cheryl Hill shared concerns regarding how the Board responds to questions from audience participation and how to be representatives of the community. EXECUTIVE SESSION There was no Executive Session. None None None RETURN TO OPEN SESSION ACTION(S) FOLLOWING EXECUTIVE SESSION MISCELLANEOUS ADJOURNMENT Mr. Adkins moved and Mr. Lawrence seconded the motion that the Board of Education adjourns the meeting held on November 28, 2017 at 9:00 p.m. Ernesto E. Mickens, President Kim Adkins, Secretary 8