Zion-Benton Township High School District 126 Board of Education met Dec. 17.
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 Courtyard Cafeteria and College and Career Center, 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 Stephen, and Member White (joined closed session at 7:52 p.m.). Excused: Member Richards.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
DISTRICT 126 RECOGNITION OF STUDENTS AND STAFF
Twelve students and staff members, Jesus Cardenas, Jeff Lobo, and Michelle Rymer were recognized for their contributions to the District and the community.
AGENDA AMENDMENTS
President Nordstrom requested if there were any amendments to the Agenda. Dr. Clark indicated that a leave of absence for teacher Cory Klema should be added to personnel approvals, agenda item #17.
COMMUNICATIONS FROM STAFF, GUESTS, AND DISTRICT RESIDENTS
Citizen Kathy Champine requested the Board consider advertising its upcoming interfund transfer of funds in the local “ZB Happenings” weekly publication.
Staff member Tiffany Staples thanked the Board and Dr. Clark for approving a professional development opportunity allowing her to attend the Courageous Conversations National Summit.
CLOSED SESSION
A motion was made by Member Leech, seconded by Secretary Roberts to go into closed session at 7:30 p.m. for consideration of appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance or dismissal of specific personnel.
(5ILCS 120/2(c)(1)). Motion was approved by a roll call vote of members present voting 5-0.
RECONVENE IN OPEN SESSION
A motion was made by Member Leech, seconded by Member Stephen to return to open session at 8:17 p.m. Motion was approved by a roll call vote of members present voting 6-0.
APPROVAL OF 3-YEAR CONTRACT FOR NEW SUPERINTENDENT
A motion was made by Secretary Roberts, seconded by Member Leech to approve a 3-year contract for Dr. Jesse Rodriguez as superintendent of schools effective July 1, 2020. Motion was approved by a roll call vote of members present voting 5-1. (Member White voted no).
CONSENT AGENDA
A motion was made by Member Leech, seconded by Member Stephen to approve the Consent Agenda. Motion was approved by a roll call vote of members present voting 6-0. Included in the Consent Agenda are the following:
• Minutes of the Special Meeting – November 18, 2019
• Minutes of the Regular Meeting – November 19, 2019
• Minutes of the Special Meeting – November 25, 2019
• Minutes of the Special Meeting – December 3, 2019
• Minutes of the Special Meeting – December 9, 2019
• Activity Report – November 2019, EXHIBIT “A”.
• Bills Paid Report – November & December 2019, EXHIBIT “B”.
• Bills Payable Report – December 2019, EXHIBIT “C”.
• School Treasurer’s Report –November 2019, EXHIBIT “D”.
• Revenue & Expenditure Report – November 2019, EXHIBIT “E”.
• Board Member Training Expense Reimbursements, EXHIBIT “F”.
• Contractor Payout Request, EXHIBIT “G”.
• Destruction of Closed Session Recordings – December 5, 2017 and December 21, 2017.
SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT
Dr. Clark reported on the following:
• The Calendar of Activities (EXHIBIT “H”, District 126 Activities, is included and made a part of these minutes.)
• All Board members are encouraged to attend the Performing Arts Center and South Commons Grand Opening and Dedication on January 14, 2020.
• Upcoming New Tech recruitment nights are on January 8th and January 23rd, 2020.
• This year Teacher Institute Day will be held on January 21, 2020, and will include a multi-jurisdiction coordinated crisis training for all staff.
• The next Regular Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, January 28, 2020, at 7:00 p.m. at ZBTHS.
• Annual reminder that all board members are mandated reporters. (EXHIBIT “I” DCFS Mandated Report Requirements, is included and made a part of these minutes.)
• There is an upcoming need for the Policy Committee to meet for the purposes of brining Board policies up to date.
REPORTS AND DISCUSSIONS Principals’ Report
New Tech High @ Zion-Benton East
Mr. Kubic reported on the following:
• Class of 2024 recruitment efforts continue to go well with eighth grade visits and orientation nights taking place.
• The Green Bees are working with maintenance on expanding the District’s recycling program.
• The Principal’s Advisory Team is working with the Climate and Culture Committee on coordinating extracurricular involvement and events with students.
• New Tech continues to find ways to engage with the community, including working with a newly formed homeowner’s group comprised of local government and organizational leaders, collaborating with ZB Public Library, and student led interviews with community members and businesses.
• Professional development has focused on several areas, including preparations for the development of an Earned Honors program, mindfulness and meditation, and establishing plans to provide more direct support to students.
(EXHIBIT “J”, New Tech High @ Zion-Benton East Principal’s Report, is included and made a part of these minutes.)
Zion-Benton Township High School
Dr. Pawelczyk reported on the following:
• A ZBTHS Transitions student placed 4th in State at the Special
Olympic State Bowling Tournament and beat his 3-game average from the last tournament by 25 points.
• During the December 11th SIP day, Dr. Pawelczyk, along with the
Division Chairs and Dr. DiGangi, facilitated the third grading for equity workshop where they continued the discussion on equitable grading practices.
• College counselors met with juniors this month to discuss factors to consider in post-secondary planning.
• The Z-BFT sponsored a holiday Hot Cocoa Social for all staff and in the process raised over $1,600 for Abiding Love Food Pantry.
(EXHIBIT “K”, Zion-Benton Township High School Principal’s Report, is included and made a part of these minutes.)
SEDOL Report
Member Stephen reported that SEDOL has been having concerning issues and directed Board members to contact herself or Dr. Clark with any questions.
RECESS
No recess was taken.
COMMITTEE REPORTS Business/Bid/Finance
President Nordstrom reported that the Business, Bid, Finance Committee recently met and discussed several decisions related to the audit and facility projects. Many of the items discussed will be further explained by Dr. Wilkinson under New Business as action items.
NEW BUSINESS
Approval of 2018-19 Audit
Dr. Wilkinson provided the Board information about the 2019 audit. Highlights included:
• The District’s Financial Profile Score for fiscal year 2019 was 4.0, which is the highest score attainable and maintains the District’s Financial Recognition status.
• This year’s audit provided an unqualified, unmodified, clean opinion, which is what school districts want.
• District staff did a very good job preparing documents for the audit. President Nordstrom applauded Dr. Wilkinson and his Business Office staff for their efforts that resulted in an excellent audit.
A motion was made by Member White, seconded by Secretary Roberts to approve the 2019 Audit. Motion was approved by a roll call vote of members voting 6-0. (EXHIBIT “L”, 2019 Auditor’s Report, is included and made a part of these minutes.)
Approval of Resolution to Set a Hearing to Discuss an Interfund Transfer
Dr. Wilkinson requested approval of a resolution to set a hearing to discuss transferring funds from the Education Fund to the Operations and Maintenance Fund in alignment with the Board’s prior adoption of the 2019-20 budget. The funds will then be transferred to the Site and Construction Fund to assist with the expenses of the upcoming natatorium project. A motion was made by Member White, seconded by Member Stephen to approve the Resolution Setting a Hearing to Discuss an Interfund Transfer at the January 28, 2020, Regular Board Meeting. Motion was approved by a roll call vote of members voting 6-0. (EXHIBIT “M”, Resolution, is included and made a part of these minutes.)
Approval to Request Health-Life Safety Amendments for Security Glass Laminate and Video Surveillance System Projects
Dr. Wilkinson reported that health-life safety projects have been identified that require appropriate amendments be approved and filed with ISBE. The projects which would be funded via the Fire Prevention Life Safety Fund along with a $50,000 school maintenance grant. The projects include installation of security glass laminate in the Performing Arts Center, College and Career Center, and the upper exterior windows of the hallways where the students shelter in place for storms. The estimated cost to do this is $44,774. The District would also replace video surveillance software and cameras at both campuses. A motion was made by Member White, seconded by Member Leech to approve authorizing the administration to work with the District’s architect to prepare HLS Amendments for the Security Glass Laminate and Video Surveillance System projects. Motion was approved by a roll call vote of members present voting 6-0. (EXHIBIT “N”, Life Safety Amendment, is included and made a part of these minutes.)
Approval of Title I Schoolwide Plans
Dr. Clark reported that the Annual Title I meeting was held with stakeholders on December 11, 2019. Participants were provided an overview of the history of the Title I federal grant and information on how District 126 utilizes its Title I grant to support its Strategic Plan for Improvement. The District and School Title I Compacts were reviewed and stakeholder input sought. A motion was made by Secretary Roberts, seconded by Vice President Nieto to approve the District Title I Schoolwide Plans. Motion was approved by a roll call vote of members present voting 6-0. (EXHIBIT “O”, Title I Schoolwide Plans, are included and made a part of these minutes.)
Approval of Contracted Service Agreement for Social Worker
Dr. Clark reported that one of the District’s social worker is taking a short-term leave of absence and administration has been unable to secure someone to fill that position. In order to comply with students’ IEP requirements, it is recommended that the Board approve a third-party staffing service for social worker services. A motion was made by Member Leech, seconded by
Secretary Roberts to approve a third-party staffing services entity agreement for social work services with Therapy Travelers and to authorize the superintendent to execute the agreement upon the District’s legal counsel approving the contract document. Motion was approved by a roll call vote of members present voting 6-0. (EXHIBIT “P”, Recommendation to Approve Contracted Service Agreement for Social Worker, is included and made a part of these minutes.)
OTHER BUSINESS
Capital Improvements Update
Dr. Wilkinson reported on the following:
• The Performing Arts Center is nearing completion and the final punch list items should be completed within two weeks.
• The grand opening for the Performing Arts Center will be held on January 14, 2020 at 6 p.m.
• The domestic hot water heater project is on track to be completed over winter break.
CLOSED SESSION
A motion was made by Secretary Roberts, seconded by Member Stephen to go into closed session at 8:55 p.m. for consideration of appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance or dismissal of specific personnel; confidential student matters; and semi-annual review of closed session minutes for possible public inspection. (5ILCS 120/2(c)(1,10,21)). Motion was approved by a roll call vote of members present voting 6-0.
RECONVENE TO OPEN SESSION
A motion was made by Member White, seconded by Member Stephen to return to open session at 9:45 p.m. Motion was approved by a roll call vote of members present voting 6-0.
PERSONNEL APPROVALS
A motion was made by Member Leech, seconded by Member Stephen to approve the personnel approvals as amended. Motion was approved by a roll call vote of members present voting 6-0. Included in the personnel approvals were:
- Appointment:
Holverson, Diane (ZBTHS Registrar).
- Employments:
Longo, Brianna (Bus Aide),
Martinez, Martha (Health Office Secretary), Mercado, Patricia (Part-Time Paraprofessional), Tamez, Cindy (Bus Aide).
- Leaves of Absence:
Klema, Cory (ZBTHS Special Education Teacher), Sosbe, Sacramento (Bookkeeper).
- Resignations:
Nuccio, Richard (Assistant Football Coach), Quinn, Terri (Building and Grounds Secretary), Sabeva, Milena (ZBTHS Math Teacher).
EXHIBIT “Q”, Monthly Personnel Report, is included and made a part of these minutes.
RELEASE OF CLOSED SESSION MINUTES FOR POSSIBLE PUBLIC INSPECTION
A motion was made by Member White, seconded by Member Leech to approve the release of closed session minutes for possible public inspection as recommended. (EXHIBIT “R”, Release of Closed Session Minutes for Possible Inspection, is included and made a part of these minutes.)
APPROVAL OF MODIFICATION TO DISTRICT 2019-20 STAFFING PLAN
A motion was made by Secretary Roberts, seconded by Member Stephen to approve the modification to the District’s 2019-20 Staff Plan by adding a new position of a second shift Lead Maintenance Technician. Motion was approved by a roll call vote of members present voting 6-0. (EXHIBIT “S”, New Hire Maintenance Position, is included and made a part of these minutes.)
ADJOURNMENT
A motion was made by Vice President Nieto, seconded by Member Leech to adjourn the meeting at 9:48 p.m. Motion was approved by a voice vote of members present voting 6-0.
https://www.zbths.org/site/handlers/filedownload.ashx?moduleinstanceid=1159&dataid=6114&FileName=MNDec1719R.pdf
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