Lake County Gazette

Zion Benton Township High School District 126 Board of Education met Nov. 19.

Here is the minutes provided by the board:

The Board of Education of Zion-Benton Township High School District 126, Lake County, Illinois, met in Regular Session in the ZBTHS South Cafeteria, One Z-B Way, 3901 W. 21st Street, Zion, Illinois, commencing at 7:00 p.m.

President Nordstrom presided.

ROLL CALL

Members present: President Nordstrom, Vice President Nieto, Secretary Roberts, Member Leech, Member Richards, Member Stephen, and Member White (arrived at 7:30 p.m.)

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

AGENDA AMENDMENT

President Nordstrom asked Dr. Clark if there were any amendments to the agenda. Dr. Clark indicated that the following personnel approval item had come in since the agenda packet went out and needed to be added under Personnel Approvals Item 14:

Appointment: Phillips, Susan (Data Specialist)

COMMUNICATIONS FROM STAFF, GUESTS, AND DISTRICT RESIDENTS

Kathy Champine stated that in regards to the Natatorium project, she believes the construction of a new building is the better option rather than renovating. Ms. Champine would like the Board to provide more information on how the Natatorium will benefit community members. Specifically, she requested the Board highlight the benefits to the community of having the pool, e.g. quantify how many people will use it in the district and in partnership with the park district, what energy efficiencies can a new pool provide, what revenue streams will it provide, etc. She also stated the Board should look into solar energy options and green energy incentives that provide a return on investment. She also expressed her concerns that teacher salaries should be a livable wage.

Clyde McLemore spoke to the Board stating he was a parent and is concerned about the District’s high percentage of chronic absenteeism and the percentage of students with low-test scores. He also expressed concern that the District’s teachers and administrators are not more diverse. He asked that the Board to consider hiring a minority Superintendent.

Staff Sergeant Britini Parker addressed the Board on behalf of U.S. Army recruitment stating that the ability to access students has been limited and requested that recruiters be given greater and easier access to students.

CONSENT AGENDA

A motion was made by Member Roberts, seconded by Vice President Nieto to approve the Consent Agenda. Motion was approved by a roll call vote of members present voting 5-1. (Member Richards voted no.) Included in the Consent Agenda are the following items:

• Minutes of the Regular Meeting of October 22, 2019.

• Minutes of the Special Meeting of November 12, 2019.

• Activity Report – October 2019, EXHIBIT “A”.

• Bills Paid Report – October & November 2019, EXHIBIT “B”.

• Bills Payable Report – November 2019, EXHIBIT “C”.

• School Treasurer’s Report – October 2019, EXHIBIT “D”.

• Revenue & Expenditure Report – October 2019, EXHIBIT “E”.

• 2019 School Report Cards, EXHIBIT “F”.

• Contractor Payout Requests, EXHIBIT “G”.

• Band and Choir Overnight Field Trip, EXHIBIT “H”.

• Destruction of Closed Session Recordings—November 16, 2017.

SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT

Dr. Clark reported on the following:

• Calendar of activities (EXHIBIT “I”, Calendar of Activities, is included and made a part of these minutes.)

• The Veteran’s Day Recognition was a success with several veterans in attendance.

• There has been a time change for the Shakespeare Slam on November 21st. The show will now start at 6:00 p.m.

• The IASB Conference is from November 22-24, 2019. Information packets were provided to Board Members who will be attending.

• The NJROTC Pass and Review is on December 12th. Dr. Clark invited the Board Members to attend and see the troops parade and cadets perform.

• The next Regular Board of Education meeting is on Tuesday, December 17, 2019, at 7:00 p.m. at ZBTHS.

• The 2019 School Report Cards have been made available and reflect 2018-19 school year data. The District’s funding adequacy is listed as 55.3%. The Report Cards reflect the ESSA accountability data and the four school designations available based on that data are exemplary, commendable, underperforming, and lowest-performing. Both campuses received commendable ratings; however, the goal remains to close the achievement gap. The District’s attendance rate was 91.1%; however, Dr. Clark expressed that the percentage of students with chronic truancy is a particular concern. Chronic truancy under ESSA counts all absences towards chronic truancy, regardless of the reason. Last year’s five school cancellations likely negatively impacted attendance and truancy data, as did the number of students excluded from attending due to failing to provide the required physical exam and/or immunization records. The District will use the School Report Card data to inform its decision making in its efforts to improve student achievement.

• The Joint Calendar Committee of administration and union members created start of school calendar surveys to be administered to high school students and staff and parents/guardians from the four area school districts. The results will inform decisions about whether or not to move up the start of school to earlier in August. (EXHIBIT “J”, School Calendar Surveys, is included and made a part of these minutes.)

REPORTS AND DISCUSSIONS

Principals’ Reports

Zion-Benton Township High School

Dr. Pawelczyk reported on the following:

• Congratulations to the ZB Rifle Team who competed in the Area 3 Rifle Championship at Camp Perry and swept the podium by taking Gold, Silver, and Bronze place out of 42 teams

• ZBTHS hosted the Class of 2024 from Zion Central Middle School and Beach Park Middle School for the PSAT 8/9. The scores from these tests are used along with their 8th grade MAP scores and teacher recommendations to place students in appropriate 9th grade courses.

• The Veterans Day Ceremony on November 11th was successful and plans are underway regarding how the new South Commons and Performing Arts Center can be utilized next year to host a much grander event.

• The November 13th SIP Day focused on equitable grading practices is in an effort to address the District’s goal of eliminated the racial predictably of student outcomes.

• The new College and Career Center is being utilized daily for a variety of purposes including Schuler Scholar programming, counselor meetings, and college representative visits.

(EXHIBIT “K”, Zion-Benton Township High School Board of Education Report, is included and made a part of these minutes.)

New Tech High @ Zion-Benton East

Principal Kubic reported on the following:

• Recruitment season is underway. An informational packet was mailed to all eighth-grade families. Recruitment nights for the Class of 2024 will be on December 2, December 10, January 8, and January 23.

• The Climate and Culture Committee planned a staff appreciation lunch to celebrate the success of the first quarter. The committee also hosted a Veterans Day program for the student body that featured the NJROTC program and students wrote cards to active duty personnel through the Operation Gratitude initiative.

• New Tech will have a regular page of New Tech News in the Happenings newspaper which will feature stories about school and community events.

• New community partnerships continue to be a focus at New Tech with student internships, field trips, and community service projects.

• Spanish teacher Jay Reinosos led a field trip for Latinx students to NIU to participate in a Latinx Professionals in the Business Field event.

• Staff professional development time is focusing on interdisciplinary conversations, beyond diversity concepts, and authenticity in the classroom. (EXHIBIT “L”, New Tech High School @ Zion-Benton East Board of Education Report, is included and made a part of these minutes.)

SEDOL Report

Member Stephen reported that there was no SEDOL report at this time.

RECESS

No recess was taken.

BOARD COMMITTEE REPORTS

Curriculum Committee

Approval of Recommendations of 2018-19 Curriculum Changes

Member Richards reported the Curriculum Committee reviewed the administration’s curriculum recommendations at the Curriculum Committee meeting on November 11, 2019. She highlighted the following proposed changes to the 2020-21 curriculum:

• Introduction to Theatrical Production (formerly Stagecraft) has been revived and Theatrical Production Seminar will be added.

• Introduction to Piano will be added to the VPA Department.

• Latin American History and Latinx Literature and Compensation will be new courses.

• Department and course name changes from ELL program to Bilingual Education.

• Introduction to Teaching will be added in the English department.

• Electronic Music Technology will be retitled Music Production.

• Meteorology, Music Theory 1 and 2, Rhetoric and Composition, and Classical Humanities and Composition will be eliminated.

• Senior English Courses will be revised to provide portfolio outcomes that will meet Transitional English requirements. Successful portfolios will allow students to matriculate directly into credit bearing courses at CLC without taking a remediation course.

• New Tech High will offer Transitional Math for students who wish to immediately matriculate to credit bearing math courses at CLC.

• New Tech High will be integrating an earned honors opportunity starting with freshman English, Social Science, and Science until and adding each grade level until all four years offer earned honors.

• Real World Computer Applications and Personal Finance will replace the non-dual credit Digital Media and Internet Fundamentals courses respectively.

A motion was made by Member Richards, seconded by Member Vice President Nieto to approve the 2020-21 curriculum recommendations as presented. Motion was approved by roll call vote of members voting 7-0. (EXHIBIT “M”, 2020-21 Curriculum Recommendations, is included and made a part of these minutes.)

Business/Bid/Finance Committee

Approval of Resolution for Participation in State of Illinois Federal Surplus Property Program

President Nordstrom reported that an opportunity is available through the Illinois Department of Central Management Services (CMS) to acquire surplus musical instruments, equipment, vehicles, furniture and computer software. In order to participate, the District needs to complete and submit the CMS Federal Surplus Property Program application. A motion was made by President Nordstrom, seconded by Secretary Roberts to approve the Resolution for participation in the State of Illinois Federal Surplus Property Program. Motion was approved by a roll call vote of members voting 7-0. (EXHIBIT “N”, Resolution for participation in State of Illinois Federal Surplus Property Program, is included and made a part of these minutes.)

NEW BUSINESS

Approval of Property Tax Relief Grant Application

Dr. Wilkinson reported that there is another Property Tax Relief Grant available to qualifying districts. This grant provides opportunity for schools to apply for funds to replace a portion of local property taxes. District 126 is ranked 13th on the list of eligible districts and should qualify for the grant similar to the prior year. If approved for the full amount, $1,675,773 of property taxes would be abated,

and the grant would provide $1,635,262. This would be a net loss of $40,521 to the annual tax extension, which compounds in perpetuity.

A motion was made by Member Leech, seconded by Secretary Roberts to approve the Property Tax Relief Grant Application. Motion was approved by a roll call vote of members present voting 7-0. (EXHIBIT “O”, Property Tax Relief Grant, is included and made part of these minutes.)

2019 Levy Information

Dr. Wilkinson presented a recommended 2019 levy for District 126. Highlights include the following:

• The levy is in the amount of $30,938,696 and is factored based on a “best estimate” of what the District’s EAV will be.

• The dollars generated via the 2019 property tax levy will be the major revenue source for the 2020-21 budget.

• The levy is what is requested based on the needs of the District, but the tax extension is what is actually received in the spring.

• The amount the District will receive is limited to what is legally allowable based on CPI, actual EAV, and new construction; therefore, the District estimates a higher amount in the levy knowing ultimately it will receive less and only what it is allowed to receive.

• The results of the 2019 EAV levy will be known in the spring when the tax extension is received and the funds will be allocated for the 2020-21 school year.

• Since the District is not requesting a 5% increase, a Truth in Taxation Hearing is not required; however, in keeping with prior years, the Board will conduct a hearing for transparency purposes and to provide the community opportunity to give input.

• The District’s Evidence Based Funding adequacy rating was 55% last year and it is currently unknown what impact a property tax freeze may have.

• It is anticipated with the second property tax relief grant that the District’s tax rate will fall 50-cents, which would equate to $248 for a home with a market value of $150,000.

(EXHIBIT “P”, 2019 Tax Levy Information, is included and made a part of these minutes.)

2019 Tax Levy Public Hearing

A motion was made by Member Richards, seconded by Secretary Roberts to go into a public hearing regarding the 2019 Tax Levy. Motion was approved by a roll call vote of members present voting 7-0.

Kathy Champine asked if the final extension figure would include the abatements. Dr. Wilkinson responded that the final extension does include the final abatements.

Clyde McLemore asked what the tax levy would translate to in simple dollars for residents and will residents see a decrease in taxes? Dr. Wilkinson responded that the tax rate is estimated to drop by 50-cents, but assessments will vary from home to home and ultimately determine the actual amount.

Upon no further public comment, a motion was made by Member Leech, seconded by Member Stephen close the public hearing. Motion was approved by a roll call vote of members present voting 7-0

Approval of 2019 Levy Resolutions

A motion was made by Vice President Nieto, seconded by Secretary Roberts to approve the 2019 Levy Resolutions that includes the following:

• $30,938,696 total levy across all funds, including $20,930,473 for the Education Fund, $3,652,500 for the Operations & Maintenance Fund, and $1,219.892 for the Transportation Fund.

• $450,003 for both the Municipal Retirement and Social Security Fund.

• $2,714,078 to be levied as a special tax for Special Education Program purposes.

• $365,250 to be levied as a special tax for Working Cash Fund purposes.

• $705,999 to be levied as a special tax for Fire Prevention, Safety and Environmental and Energy Conversation Fund purposes.

• $317,702 for Tort Immunity.

• $37,831 to be levied as a special tax for Special Education District of Lake County for its employees for Illinois Municipal Retirement purposes.

• $94,965 to be levied for the purpose of funding Technology Lease Purchase.

Motion was approved by a roll call vote of members present voting 6-1. (Members Richards voted no.) (EXHIBIT “Q”, 2019 Tax Levy Resolutions, are included and made a part of these minutes.)

Approval of Summer School Breakfast Program Opt Out

A motion was made by Member White, Seconded by Secretary Roberts to approve the administration’s recommendation to opt out of the Summer Breakfast Program due to safety and cost concerns. Motion was approved by a roll call vote of members present voting 7-0. (EXHIBIT “R”, Annual Summer Breakfast Program Opt Out, are included and made a part of these minutes.)

Consideration of IASB Resolutions for Delegate Assembly

Advisory Vote on IASB Resolution #1 Recommendation

A motion was made by Member White, seconded by Member Richards to approve IASB recommendation to adopt Resolution #1 on Student Safety

Protection as written. Motion was approved by a roll call vote of members voting 4-3 (Vice President Nieto, Secretary Roberts, and Member Stephen voted no.)

Advisory Vote on IASB Resolution #2 Recommendation

A motion was made by Member White, seconded by Member Richards to approve IASB recommendation to adopt Resolution #2 on Business Enterprises–Minority Owned as written. Motion was approved by a roll call vote of members voting 7-0.

Advisory Vote on IASB Resolution #3 Recommendation

A motion was made by Member White, seconded by Member Leech to approve IASB recommendation to adopt Resolution #3 on School Safety Grant Program as written. Motion was approved by a roll call vote of members voting 7-0.

Advisory Vote on IASB Resolution #4 Recommendation

A motion was made by Member White, seconded by Member Richards to approve IASB recommendation to adopt Resolution #4 on School District Police Force as written. Motion was approved by a roll call vote of members voting 5-2 (Vice President Nieto and Secretary Roberts voted no.)

Advisory Vote on IASB Resolution #5 Recommendation

A motion was made by Member Richards, seconded by Member Roberts to approve IASB recommendation to adopt Resolution #5 of Background Check – Substitute Teachers as written. Motion was approved by a roll call vote of members voting 7-0.

Advisory Vote on IASB Resolution #6 Recommendation

A motion was made by Member Leech, seconded by Member White to approve IASB recommendation to adopt Resolution #6 on School Safety- Traffic Zones as written. Motion was approved by a roll call vote of members voting 7-0.

Advisory Vote on IASB Resolution #7 Recommendation

A motion was made by Member Leech, seconded by Secretary Roberts to approve IASB recommendation to adopt Resolution #7 on School Board Elections – Seating of New Members as written. Motion was not approved by a roll call vote of members voting 0-7.

Advisory Vote on IASB Resolution #8 Recommendation

A motion was made by Member Richards, seconded by Secretary Roberts to approve IASB recommendation to not adopt Resolution #8 of School Board Elections – Swearing In as written. Motion was approved by a roll call vote of members present voting 5-2 (Member Stephen and Member White voted no.)

Advisory Vote on IASB Resolution #9 Recommendation

A motion was made by Member Richards, seconded by Secretary Roberts to approve IASB recommendation to adopt Resolution #9 on School Board Elections-Terms as written. Motion was not approved by a roll call vote of members present voting 3-4 (Vice President Nieto, Secretary Roberts, Member Stephen, and Member White voted no.)

Advisory Vote on IASB Resolution #10 Recommendation

A motion was made by Vice President Nieto, seconded by Member White to approve IASB recommendation to not adopt Resolution #10 on School Board Member Compensation as written. Motion was approved by a roll call vote of members present voting 7-0.

Advisory Vote on IASB Resolution #11 Recommendation

A motion was made by Member Richards, seconded by Member White to approve IASB recommendation to adopt Resolution #11 on Charter School Renewal of Charters as written. Motion was approved by a roll call vote of members present voting 6-1 (Secretary Roberts voted no.)

Advisory Vote on IASB Resolution #12 Recommendation

A motion was made by Member White, seconded by Member Richards to approve IASB recommendation to adopt Resolution #12 on Charter Schools–At Risk Students as written. Motion was approved by a roll call vote of members present voting 7-0.

Advisory Vote on IASB Resolution #13 Recommendation

A motion was made by Member Richards, seconded by Member Leech to approve IASB recommendation to adopt Resolution #13 on Position Statement 5.05 Prevailing Wage Act as written. Motion was approved by a roll call vote of members present voting 5-2 (Vice President Nieto and Member White voted no.)

Advisory Vote on IASB Resolution #14 Recommendation

A motion was made by Member White, seconded by Member Richards to approve IASB recommendation to adopt Resolution #14 of Position

Statement 1.01 Educational Programs as written. Motion was approved by a roll call vote of members present voting 7-0.

Advisory Vote on IASB Resolution #15 Recommendation

A motion was made by Vice President Nieto, seconded by Secretary Roberts to approve IASB recommendation to adopt Resolution #15 on Position Statement 2.27 State Authorized Charter School as written. Motion was approved by a roll call vote of members present voting 7-0.

Advisory Vote on IASB Resolution #16 Recommendation

A motion was made by Member Richards, seconded by Vice President Nieto to approve IASB recommendation to adopt Resolution #16 on Position Statement 2.04 Funding Special Education Programs as written. Motion was approved by a roll call vote of members present voting 7-0.

Advisory Vote on IASB Resolution #17 Recommendation

A motion was made by Secretary Roberts, seconded by Member Richards to approve IASB recommendation to adopt Resolution #17 on Position Statement 2.04 Funding Special Education Programs as written. Motion was approved by a roll call vote of members present voting 7-0.

Advisory Vote on IASB Resolution #18 Recommendation

A motion was made by Member Leech, seconded by Secretary Roberts to approve IASB recommendation to adopt Resolution #18 on Position Statements 1.08 Standardized Test Procedures and 1.09 Student Assessment as written. Motion was approved by a roll call vote of members present voting 7-0.

The Board confirmed that Secretary Roberts would represent the District at the delegate meeting and vote in accordance with the results of the votes that took place during tonight’s meeting. (EXHIBIT “S”, Advisory Votes on IASB Resolution Recommendations, is included and made a part of these minutes.)

Approval of Intergovernmental Agreement Between the City of Zion Fire/Rescue Department and School District 126

Dr. Clark reported that the District requested that area first responders assist the school with a crisis reenactment drill on January 21, 2020, during Teacher Institute Day. The Zion Fire Department is requesting the District approve an intergovernmental agreement in order to receive compensation for the overtime its personnel will be eligible to receive for participating in this event. A motion was made by Member White, seconded by Member Richards to approve the intergovernmental agreement between the City of Zion Fire/Rescue Department and School District 126 as presented. Motion was approved by a roll call vote of

members voting 7-0. (EXHIBIT “T”, Intergovernmental Agreement Between the City of Zion Fire/Rescue Department and School District 126, is included and made a part of these minutes.)

OLD BUSINESS

Capital Improvements Update

Dr. Wilkinson updated the Board on the District’s capital improvements. Highlights included the following:

• The 21st Street exit is nearly complete.

• The hot water heater replacement project is ready to be completed over holiday break.

• Meetings are scheduled with architects and engineers to discuss the potential new natatorium design.

• The Performing Arts Center flooring is down and rooms are being finished. Acoustical ribbons are up and seating is scheduled to arrive next week, followed by installation of carpet. Completion date is scheduled for December 13th.

• Fencing on the west side of the football field has been replaced.

• The summer renovation projects are complete with the exception of the installation of the folding divider wall in the College and Career Center training room.

Member Richards asked Dr. Wilkinson about an ~$2,000 change order for the summer project. Dr. Wilkinson clarified that the change order was to install sound proofing in the Special Education Director’s office, which was not originally part of the scope of the project.

OTHER BUSINESS

CLOSED SESSION

A motion was made by Member Richards, seconded by Vice President Nieto to go into closed session at 9:02 p.m. for consideration of appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance or dismissal of personnel and collective bargaining. (5ILCS 120/2(c)(1,2)). Motion was approved by a roll call vote of members present voting 7-0.

RECONVENE TO OPEN SESSION

A motion was made by Vice President Nieto, seconded by Member Richards to return to open session at 9:29 p.m. Motion was approved by a roll call vote of members present voting 7-0.

PERSONNEL APPROVALS

A motion was made by Vice President Nieto, seconded by Member Leech to approve the personnel approvals as amended. Motion was approved by a roll call vote of members present voting 7-0. Included in the personnel approvals were:

- Appointment:

Phillips, Sue (District Data Specialist). - Employments:

Burton, Donita (Bus Driver), Duron, Cheyenne (Program Attendant), Price, Barbara (Part-Time Parapro), Rdzok, Melanie (Instructional Aide), Taylor, Tamika (Full-Time Parapro). - Leaves of Absence:

Cartwright, Tina (Bus Driver), McLaren, David (ZBTHS English). - Resignations:

Klema, Rory (Instructional Aide), Lorenz, Scott (Maintenance & Pool Technician).

EXHIBIT “U”, Monthly Personnel Report, is included and made a part of these minutes.

APPROVAL OF MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING WITH Z-BFT REGARDING SICK LEAVE BENEFITS FOR CLASSIFIED POSITIONS

A motion was made by Member Richards, seconded by Member White to approve a Memorandum of Understanding with the Z-BFT regarding sick leave benefits for classified positions. Motion was approved by a roll call vote of members present voting 7-0. EXHIBIT “V”, Memorandum of Understanding Regarding Sick Leave for Classified Staff, is included and made a part of these minutes.

APPROVAL OF MODIFICATION TO UNION EXEMPT SICK LEAVE BENEFITS FOR IMRF EMPLOYEES

A motion was made by Member White, seconded by Member Richards to approve modifications to union exempt sick leave benefits for union-exempt IMRF employees. Motion was approved by a roll call vote of members present voting 7-0. EXHIBIT “W”, Union Exempt IMRF Sick Leave Benefits, is included and made a part of these minutes.

ADJOURNMENT

A motion was made by Member Leech, seconded by Member White to adjourn the meeting at 9:31 p.m. Motion was approved by a voice vote of members present voting 7-0.

https://www.zbths.org/site/handlers/filedownload.ashx?moduleinstanceid=1159&dataid=6044&FileName=MNNov1919R.pdf