Lincoln-Way Area Special Education

Minutes April 28, 2015

Board of Special Education Page -2-

LINCOLN-WAY AREA SPECIAL EDUCATION

Joint Agreement District 843

MINUTES

Regular Meeting, April 28, 2015

Minutes of the regular meeting of the Board of Special Education, Will County, Illinois, held at Martin P. Mackay Education Center, 516 S. Cedar Road, New Lenox, IL, at 7:00 p.m. on the 28th day April 2015.

I. CALL TO ORDER

The meeting was called to order by President Patrick Usher at 7:00 p.m.

II. ROLL CALL

Present: James Gast (District #210), Mark Gray (District #114), Pam Kohlbacher (District #161), Stacy Cesta (District #159), Patrick Usher (District #157C)

Staff Present: Dr. Sally H. Bintz, Director

Harold Huang, Interim Business Manager

Cheryl Della Penna, Administrative Assistant

Visitors Present: Emily Bauer Janis Nicholson

Patsy Bodach Jodi Nystrom

Judy Boyens Amy Panfil

Marie Golulet-Raffety Sarah Rexroad

Sue Kaczmarczyk Dawn Roiland

Michelle McCauley Susan Stack

III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING AND CLOSED SESSION OF MARCH 25, 2014

A motion was made by Stacy Cesta and seconded by James Gast to approve the minutes of the Regular Meeting and Closed Session of March 25, 2014.

Voting Aye: Cesta, Gast, Gray, Kohlbacher, Usher

Motion carried: 5 Aye, 0 Nay

IV. PUBLIC COMMENT

There were no comments

V. REPORTS

Dr. Bintz requested that the following presentation be moved to the beginning of the Director’s Reports:

C. Director’s Report

1. Infinitec Achievement Awards

Mrs. Patsy Bodach, Speech and Language Pathologist, was in attendance to present a video of the Annual Infinitec Southwest Technology Achievement Award Dinner highlighting two Pioneer Grove students. District #33C and District #157C each had a student nominated and then received recognition for their accomplishments as learners with disabilities who have demonstrated outstanding achievement in overcoming challenges and accomplishing personal goals using technology. The Cooperative is part of an Infinitec coalition for assistive technology for students. Infinitec promotes opportunities for inclusion and independence for children with disabilities through assistive technology, information and training, and access to specialists. For the past five years Cooperative students have been winners of the Annual Technology Achievement Award. Mrs. Bodach explained to the Board members that the Cooperative districts can either rent or purchase equipment and software for students in need of communication devices. She expressed her appreciation to the districts for their generosity and support in allowing the students to benefit from the experiences associated with the assistive technology equipment. The Governing Board thanked Mrs. Bodach for her special and informative presentation.

A. Treasurer’s Report

Dr. Bintz stated that the Cooperative balances are gradually decreasing and are where they were predicted to be at this time. The most significant item to report is the challenge the Cooperative will have to payout all of the non-certified staff who will be released at this Board Meeting. Mr. Huang has requested a Business Manager meeting on May 14, 2015 to discuss the possibility, should it be necessary, of seeking a supplemental payment from the districts for a short period of time to cover end of the year payments. It was also reported that the third personnel reimbursement was received today.

B. Review of Advisory Committee Minutes

Dr. Bintz reviewed the minutes from the April 14, 2015 Advisory Meeting.

C. Director’s Report

2. Parent Advisory Council

Dr. Bintz reported that the Council will meet on May 4, 2015. The members of the organization continue to be engaged in discussions about communication.

3. Foundation

Dr. Bintz indicated that the March 28, 2015 Foundation Fundraiser held at the Hickory Creek Middle school was a big success. The event raised approximately $5,000. The next meeting of the Foundation will take place on May 9 to elect new officers.

4. Interim Financial Report

Mr. Huang reviewed the Interim Financial Report.

5. Teacher Appreciation Week

Dr. Bintz stated that Teacher Appreciation Week is May 4 – 8 and she will be distributing appreciation gifts to the staff.

6. Mackay Center Awards Night

Dr. Bintz reported that the Mackay Awards Night will take place on May 14, 2015 at 6:00 p.m. at the Lincoln-Way Central High School in the North Cafeteria. She invited the Governing Board to stop by if they are available to do so. Dr. Bintz stated this event is very special where the students are recognized for individual achievements and their families have the opportunity to witness the exceptional relationship the staff has with the students.

7. Insurance

Dr. Bintz provided the Governing Board with an update on the Insurance Committee. She indicated that the members are dedicated and have met on a monthly and/or bimonthly basis. At the April 22, 2015 meeting there was agreement among the members that the Cooperative only fund HMO insurance costs at 100% for individual coverage and the Cooperative only be responsible for a total insurance cost of PPO of no more than the cost of an HMO plan plus 10%, or a comparably priced PPO coverage to make it in compliance with the Affordable Care Act. The Committee indicated that all members agreed that they understood the issues and challenges facing the Cooperative. With the unanimous agreement of the Insurance Committee the Cooperative will be able to make a recommendation to the two Cooperative Unions with regard to insurance costs for the next school year during their negotiations.

D. Principals’ Reports

SELF Program

Mrs. Judy Boyens informed the Governing Board that she met with the Principal of Liberty Junior High School to discuss the transition for sixth grade students moving to the 7th grade next year. She stated that the month of May is filled with student anxiety and she and her team are working on a cost effect way for students to earn incentives to participate in stress reducing activities.

Mackay Education Center

Mrs. Rexroad reported that today was the last day of the PARCC student assessments. The students are gearing up for graduation and many are engaged in community service trips to meet their graduation requirements. The students will attend and assist with the Field Days to be held at Pioneer Grove. Mrs. Rexroad stated that some students may be eligible to graduate early in December of this year. Some of the student council members will be participating in assisting with the 8th grade step-up-day to meet the students and answer questions. Mrs. Rexroad also stated that the students took a lot of pride in preparing their ASSET Day banner.

Pioneer Grove Educational Center

Mrs. Sue Kaczmarczyk reported that Pioneer Grove had a busy month of activities. A reporter from the Frankfort Station spent time at the Pioneer Grove Center viewing students working with Mrs. Pamela Berezin, the art assistant, on the ongoing Brazilian rainforest art exhibit. The summer program is fully staffed and Mrs. Kaczmarczyk stated that she is fortunate to have college students enrolled in education sign up to work the summer program. Another special activity was to take a trip with the students to the Orland Marcus Cinemas. Throughout the month all of the students participated in swimming at Lincoln-Way East High School. The students will also be attending the Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra presentation on April 29 at Lincoln-Way East where seven out of nine classes will attend the event. Mrs. Kaczmarczyk indicated that the students are wrapping up the State assessments.

E. FMLA Requests

Arlene Ramsdorf, bus monitor, effective April 27, 2015 for four workweeks.

F. FOIA Requests

Dr. Bintz reported that she received a FOIA request today from the law office of Cooney & Conway seeking access to documents and/or records regarding the construction and renovations to Pioneer Grove Educational Center from its contemplation until 1998. Dr. Bintz stated that the Cooperative would not be able to respond to the requests because the Cooperative did not take possession of this building until July 1, 2006.

VI. APPROVAL OF THE CONSENT AGENDA

Acting on the recommendation of the Director, Mark Gray moved, seconded by Stacy Cesta, for the Governing Board to ratify the Consent Agenda as follows:

A. Approval of Current Payables

Current payables were presented for review in each respective fund.

B. Approval of Financial Statement

The Financial Statement for the month of March 2015 and investments through April 28, 2015 was presented.

C. Approval of Personnel Items as Listed:

1. Resignation

Non-Certified Staff

Michael Frantini, Technology Director, effective June 30, 2015.

Justin McGlone, bus driver, effective April 17, 2015.

CONSENT VOTE:

Voting Aye: Cesta, Gast, Gray, Kohlbacher, Usher

Motion carried: 5 Aye, 0 Nay

VII. CLOSED SESSION

A motion was made by Mark Gray and seconded by Pam Kohlbacher to move to closed session at

7:50 p.m. for the purpose of discussing:

A. The appointment, employment, compensation, or dismissal of specific employees of the Cooperative.

B. Litigation

Voting Aye: Cesta, Gast, Gray, Kohlbacher, Usher

Motion carried: 5 Aye, 0 Nay

OPEN SESSION

A motion was made by Mark Gray and seconded by Stacy Costa to return to open session at 8:03 p.m. On voice vote the motion carried.

VIII. ACTION ITEMS

A. Calendar Adoption for 2015-2016 School Year

A motion was made by Pam Kohlbacher and seconded by Stacy Cesta to approve the proposed calendar for the 2015-2016 school year.

Voting Aye: Cesta, Gast, Gray, Kohlbacher, Usher

Motion carried: 5 Aye, 0 Nay

B. Summer Working Hours

A motion was made by Pam Kolhlbacher and seconded by Mark Gray to approve the summer work hour schedule to include Monday through Thursday 7:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. and Friday closed, effective June 8 through August 7, 2015.