Zion-Benton Township High School District 126 Board of Education met Feb. 25.
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 South Cafeteria, One Z-B Way, 3901 W. 21st Street, Zion, Illinois, commencing at 7:01 p.m.
President Nordstrom presided.
ROLL CALL
Members present: President Nordstrom, Vice President Nieto, Member Leech, and Member Stephen.
Members excused: Secretary Roberts, Member Richards, and Member White.
APPOINTMENT OF SECRETARY PRO TEMPORE
President Nordstrom appointed Member Stephen to serve as Secretary Pro Tempore in the absence of Secretary Roberts.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
AGENDA AMENDMENT
President Nordstrom requested if there were any amendments to the Agenda. Dr. Clark indicated that a resignation for paraprofessional Barbara Price should be added to personnel approvals, agenda item #15.
DISTRICT 126 RECOGNITION OF STUDENTS AND STAFF
Twelve students and staff members Allison Hall, Scott Lorenz, and Robert Strickland were recognized for their accomplishments on behalf of District 126 and the community.
COMMUNICATION FROM STAFF, GUESTS, AND DISTRICT RESIDENTS
New Tech students Rayna Van Horn, Yesenia Sanchez, and Gabriela Torrez asked the Board for their participation in a project they are working on through their internship with Zion Township that involves creating a website listing all elected officials from each taxing body, their resume, and a statement as to why they ran for their position. President Nordstrom advised their request would be taken under advisement.
CONSENT AGENDA
A motion was made by Vice President Nieto, seconded by Member Stephen to approve the Consent Agenda items. Motion was approved by a roll call vote of members present voting 4-0. Included in the Consent Agenda are the following:
Minutes of the Regular Meeting of January 28, 2020.
Activity Report – January 2020, EXHIBIT “A”.
Bills Paid Report – January & February 2020, EXHIBIT “B”.
Bills Payable Report – February 2020, EXHIBIT “C”.
School Treasurer’s Report – January 2020, EXHIBIT “D”.
Revenue & Expenditure Report – January 2020, EXHIBIT “E”.
FOIA Requests, EXHIBIT “F”.
Contractor Payout Requests, EXHIBIT “G”.
Illinois High School Theatre Festival Field Trip, EXHIBIT “H”.
Board Professional Development Reimbursement, EXHIBIT “I”.
Destruction of Closed Session Recordings – February 15, 2018 & February 22, 2018.
SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT
Dr. Clark reported on the following:
Calendar of Activities (EXHIBIT “J”, District 126 Activities, is included and made a part of these minutes.)
The next Regular Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, March 17, 2020, at 7:00 p.m. at Zion-Benton Township High School.
The IASB Lake Division Dinner Meeting is on Wednesday, March 11, 2020, at 6:00 p.m. at Round Lake High School.
The Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast is on Saturday, March 14th at 7:00 a.m.
Two wrestlers, Jaylen Beals and Jordan Chisum, qualified to participate in the IHSA state meet and Jordan Chisum placed 3rd.
The NJROTC Academic Team qualified for NJROTC Leadership & Academic Bowl Championship in Washington D.C. in June.
On February 26th, Colleen Newton and Sergeant Britini Parker are hosting a ceremony for 13 seniors who have committed to join the military. They will be live streaming with an astronaut who will administer the oath of enlistment from the International Space Station.
The boys basketball teams has advanced to sectionals. Dr. Clark provided each of the Board members a copy of the post season schedule.
REPORTS AND DISCUSSIONS Principals’ Report
New Tech High @ Zion-Benton East
Mr. Kubic reported on the following:
New Tech 8th Grade Recruitment Nights were very well attended.
124 students applied to attend NT@ZB as the Class of 2024, which means a lottery needed to be conducted. Acceptance letters have been mailed out to families.
Staff professional development continues to emphasize vision work and preparing students for the upcoming Assessment Day.
The Illinois 5Essentials survey is now closed. New Tech achieved a 100% participation rate among staff and a 95% participation rate among students.
New Tech staff continue to provide opportunities for civil engagement and social-emotional learning. Highlights include: teachers helping students register to vote before the March 1 deadline, coordinated trips to CLC and other venues to help establish mentoring relationships, a meeting with members of the Zion Police Departments to talk to students about issues of community safety, and the first annual student coordinated New Tech Night.
The Rotary Interact Club held a successful blood drive.
Staff members coordinated activities for Black History Month.
EXHIBIT “K”, New Tech High @ Zion-Benton East Board of Education Report – Tuesday, February 25, 2020, is included and made a part of these minutes.
Zion-Benton Township High School
Dr. Pawelczyk reported on the following:
Along with Dr. DiGangi, Dr. Pawelczyk met with over 200 students identified as having AP potential to provide encouragement and information about available courses.
The Class of 2024 Parent Orientation Night was very well attended and the ability to utilize the new Performing Arts Center was wonderful.
NJROTC Rifle Team place 1st and 8th out of 27 teams at the Navy Nationals Rifle Competition.
The IL 5Essentials Survey has been administered and ZBTHS achieved an 86% participation rate among staff and an 89% participation rate among students.
Spring Parent-Teacher Conferences were successful and resulted in more parent-teacher contact due to the arena-style format the school has started using for these events.
EXHIBIT “L”, Zion-Benton Township High School Board of Education Report – Tuesday, February 25, 2020, is included and made a part of these minutes.
STUDENT DISCIPLINE UPDATES
ZBTHS Assistant Principal Niemi provided an overview of the 2019-20 semester one discipline data and the five infraction reports for District 126. The data reflects consistency across semesters in regards to student behaviors with some minor variabilities. Suspensions and suspensions pending conference continue to maintain consistent from previous semesters after sharp decreases a few years ago. In-School detentions decreased by 5% from 2018-19 to the 2019-20 school year. Mr. Niemi credits the addition of interventionists and social workers working with the students for the declining number of students who are repeat offenders.
EXHIBIT “M”, Student Discipline Updates, is included and made a part of these minutes.
TIF Report – Proposed Zion TIF
Dr. Wilkinson reported that he attended a joint review board meeting to consider the proposed designation of the City of Zion Illinois Route 173/Lewis Avenue TIF. The next step is a public hearing on March 17, 2020.
Member Leech asked Dr. Wilkinson if the purpose of the TIF is to improve property in that area. Dr. Wilkinson responded that the purpose of the TIF is to improve property and draw business to the designated area. Member Leech then asked if the City of Zion has ever considered at 15-year TIF. Dr. Wilkinson explained that the City of Zion is following the state statute.
SEDOL Report
No report.
RECESS
No recess was taken.
BOARD COMMITTEE REPORTS
Business/Bid/Finance Committee
President Nordstrom reported that the Business, Bid, Finance Committee recently met and discussed several topics. Highlights include: resolution for abating property taxes, Health-Life safety amendments for replacement of HVAC roof top units, various facility repairs, bus leases, and the Zion TIF. Many of the items discussed will be further explained by Dr. Wilkinson under New Business as action items.
Policy Committee
A motion was made by Member Leech, seconded by Member Stephen to approve the First Reading of the following policies:
a) Board Policy 1:10 – School District Legal Status
b) Board Policy 1:20 – District Organization, Operations, and Cooperative Agreements
c) Board Policy 2:10 – School District Governance
d) Board Policy 2:20 – Powers and Duties of the School Board, Indemnification
e) Board Policy 2:30 – School District Elections
f) Board Policy 2:40 – Board Member Qualifications
g) Board Policy 2:70 – Vacancies on School Board – Filling Vacancies
h) Board Policy 2:80 – Board Member Oath and Conduct
i) Board Policy 2:100 – Board Member Conflict of Interest
j) Board Policy 2:105 – Ethics and Gift Ban
k) Board Policy 2:110 – Qualifications, Term, and Duties of Board Officers
l) Board Policy 2:120 – Board Member Development
m) Board Policy 2:140 – Communications to and from the Board
n) Board Policy 2:150 – Committees
o) Board Policy 2:160 – School Attorney
p) Board Policy 2:170 – Procurement of Architectural, Engineering, and Land Surveying Services
q) Board Policy 2:200 – Types of School Board Meetings
r) Board Policy 2:220 – School Board Meeting Procedure
s) Board Policy 2:230 – Public Participation at School Board Meetings and Petitions to the Board
t) Board Policy 2:240 – Board Policy Development
u) Board Policy 2:250 – Access to the District Public Records
v) Board Policy 2:260 – Uniform Grievance Procedure
w) Board Policy 3:10 – Goals and Objectives
x) Board Policy 3:30 – Chain of Command
y) Board Policy 3:40 – Superintendent
z) Board Policy 3:50 – Administrative Personnel Other Than the Superintendent
aa) Board Policy 3:60 – Administrative Responsibility of the Building Principal
bb) Board Policy 3:70 – Succession of Authority
cc) Board Policy 4:10 – Fiscal and Business Management
dd) Board Policy 4:15 – Identity Protection
ee) Board Policy 4:20 – Fund Balances
ff) Board Policy 4:30 – Revenue and Investments
gg) Board Policy 4:40 – Incurring Debt
hh) Board Policy 4:45 – Insufficient Fund Checks
ii) Board Policy 4:50 – Payment Procedures
jj) Board Policy 4:55 – Use of Credit and Procurement Cards
kk) Board Policy 4:60 – Purchases and Contracts
ll) Board Policy 4:70 – Resource Conservation
mm)Board Policy 4:80 – Accounting and Audits
nn) Board Policy 4:90 – Student Activity Fund Management
oo) Board Policy 4:100 – Insurance Management
pp) Board Policy 4:110 – Transportation
qq) Board Policy 4:120 – Food Services
rr) Board Policy 4:130 – Free and Reduced-Price Food Services
ss) Board Policy 4:140 – Waive of Student Fess
tt) Board Policy 4:150 – Facility Management and Expansion Programs uu) Board Policy 4:160 – Environmental Quality of Buildings and Grounds vv) BoardPolicy4:170–Safety
Motion was approved by a roll call vote of members present voting 4-0. (EXHIBIT “O”, First Reading – Board Policy Revisions, is included and made a part of these minutes.)
NEW BUSINESS
Approval of Repeat Abatement of 1st Property Tax Relief Grant
Dr. Wilkinson reported that at the February 28, 2019 meeting, the Board approved a resolution abating $1,835,424 in property taxes levied for the 2018 levy year as part of the first Property Tax Relief Grant for fiscal year 2020. In order to maintain lower property taxes for the community, the District would need to repeat the abatement of the first property Tax Relief Grant proceeds received in fiscal year 2020. A motion was made by Member Leech, seconded by Vice President Nieto to approve the repeat abatement of the first Property Tax Relief Grant proceeds for $1,793,018 received in 2020 for fiscal year 2021 as presented. Motion was approved by a roll call vote of members present voting 4-0. (EXHIBIT “P”, Repeat Abatement of 1st Property Tax Relief Grant, is included and made a part of these minutes.)
Approval of Resolution Abating Property Taxes Levied by the Board of Education for the 2019 Levy Year
Dr. Wilkinson reported that as previously shared with the Board, the District applied for and received a Property Tax Relief Grant from the Illinois State Board of Education in the amount of $1,635,252 based on an abatement of $1,675,773, which will provide property taxpayers with relief of those funds. Dr. Wilkinson recommended that the Board adopt the Resolution Abating Property Taxes Levied by the Board of Education for the 2019 Levy year. A motion was made by Member Leech, seconded by Member Stephen to approve the Resolution Abating $1,675,773 of Property Taxes Levied by the Board of Education for the 2019 levy year as presented. Motion was approved by a roll call vote of members present voting 4-0. (EXHIBIT “Q”, Resolution Abating Property Taxes Levied by the Board of Education for the 2019 Levy Year, is included and made a part of these minutes.)
Approval to Request HLS Amendment for HVAC Roof Top Units
Dr. Wilkinson reported that a health-life safety project has been identified that requires appropriate amendments be approved and filed with ISBE. The project is the replacement of HVAC Roof Top Units 10 and 11 at the Horizon Campus. The estimated costs of the Fire Prevention Life Safety funds for the project is $276,000. A motion was made by Vice President Nieto, seconded by
Member Leech to authorize administration to work with the District’s architect to prepare a HLS amendment for the replacement of HVAC roof top units 10 and 11 at the Horizon campus. Motion was approved by a roll call vote of members present voting 4-0. (EXHIBIT “R”, Request Health-Life Safety Amendment, is included and made a part of these minutes.)
Approval of Bus/Lease Purchases 2020-21
Dr. Wilkinson requested approval of the following:
Lease/purchase of three 2021 Blue Bird, Visions 71-passenger buses with Cum ISB diesel engines on Blue Bird Chassis. The District will trade in three 71-passenger 2012 model buses and receive $36,000 in trade value.
Lease/purchase of one 2020 Micro Bird 35-passenger bus with a gas engine on a Chevy Chassis. The District will trade in one small 2012 model bus and will receive $7,500 in trade in value.
Lease/purchase of one 2020 Micro Bird 27-passenger lift bus on a Chevy Chasses. The District will trade in one small 2012 model bus and will receive $7,500 in trade in value.
Lease of one 2020 Micro Bird 14-passenger activity bus. The District will turn in one activity bus upon delivery.
A motion was made by Vice President Nieto, seconded by Member Stephen to approve the 2020-21 Bus Lease/Purchase Proposals as presented. Motion was approved by a roll call vote of members voting 4-0. (EXHIBIT “S”, 2020-21 Bus Lease/Purchase, is included and made a part of these minutes.)
OLD BUSINESS
Capital Projects Update
Dr. Wilkinson reported that the final punch list items for the Performing Arts Center are being completed.
OTHER BUSINESS
There was none.
CLOSED SESSION
A motion was made by Member Leech, seconded by Vice President Nieto to go into closed session at 8:10 p.m. for consideration of appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific personnel, and confidential student matters. (5ILCS 120/2(c)(1,10)). Motion was approved by a roll call vote of members present voting 4-0.
RECONVENE IN OPEN SESSION
A motion was made by Vice President Nieto, seconded by Member Stephen to return to open session at 8:49 p.m. Motion was approved by a voice vote of members present voting 4-0.
PERSONNEL APPROVALS
A motion was made by Vice President Nieto, seconded by Member Stephen to approve the personnel approvals as amended. Motion was approved by a roll call vote of members present voting 4-0. Included in the personnel approvals were the following:
-Appointments:
Geary, Ryan (Asst. Softball),
Simon, Matt (Asst. Football).
-Employments:
Alter, Abbie (Instructional Aide),
Haight, Christopher (Instructional Aide),
Nelson, Eric (Lead Maintenance Tech),
Olivera, Damary (IMC Clerk).
-Leave of Absence:
Asciutto, Mary (ZBTHS World Language),
Dravillas, Stacey (ZBTHS Math),
Lusk, Cory (ZBTHS Special Ed),
Weatherly, Karen (Bus Aide).
-Resignation:
Gallagher, Thomas (ZBTHS Math),
Price, Barbara (Parapro),
Rivera, Jose (Parapro),
Woodson, Lisa (ZBTHS Special Ed).
EXHIBIT “T”, Monthly Personnel Report, is included and made a part of these minutes.
APPROVAL OF 2020-21 STAFFING RECOMMENDATION
Dr. Clark presented a recommendation that the Board of Education approve the addition of a Division Chair for Career Programming effective with the 2020-21 school year to support the District’s efforts to further career programming. A motion was made by Member Leech, seconded by Member Stephen to approve the addition of a Division Chair for Career Programming for the 2020-21 school year. Motion was approved by a roll call vote of members present voting 4-0. (EXHIBIT “U”, 2020-21 Staffing Recommendation, is included and made a part of these minutes.)
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Dr. Clark shared that a meet and greet for incoming superintendent Dr. Rodriguez has been scheduled for 6 p.m. on April 16, 2020, prior to the musical in the South Commons. Dr. Clark also shared that she would be authorizing the District offset the ticket cost of entrance into the musical in an effort to encourage attendance and school engagement for the first theatrical performance in the PAC. Board members agreed.
ADJOURNMENT
A motion was made by Member Stephen, seconded by Member Leech to adjourn the meeting at 9:03 p.m. Motion was approved by a voice vote of members present voting 4-0.
https://www.zbths.org/site/handlers/filedownload.ashx?moduleinstanceid=1159&dataid=6214&FileName=MNFeb2520R.pdf
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