APPROVED 3/9/2015
Board of Education
Orland School District 135
Regular Meeting
Monday, February 9, 2015, 7:00 p.m.
Administration Center, Board Room
15100 South 94th Ave., Orland Park, Illinois
MINUTES
The regular meeting of the Board of Education, Orland School District 135, was held on Monday, February 9, 2015, at 7:00 p.m. at the Administration Center, 15100 S. 94th Ave., Orland Park, Illinois. Notice of the meeting, along with copies of the complete agenda, was delivered to members of the Board and emailed to news media on Friday, February6, 2015.
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order at 7:14 p.m. by President Joseph La Margo.
ROLL CALL, followed by recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance.
Present: Dr. Laura Berry, Michael Carroll, Sandra Kulak, Joseph LaMargo, MichaelMaratea, Greg Okon, Tina Zekich
Absent:
Also present were the following:
Ellen Belotti, Dir., Special Education
Eve Bukowski, President, Orland Council of Educators
Felicitas Cortez, Orland Park Prairie
Keri DeYoung, Principal, Centennial School
Dan Doogan, Dir., Technology
Brian Fogarty, Asst. Dir. of Curriculum
Carl Forn., Dir. of Finance
Colleen Gavin, Orland Council of Educators
Elizabeth Hayden, Asst. Principal, Century Jr. High
Laura Hindermann, stringer
Brian Horn, Principal, Century Jr. High
Jerry Hughes, Dir., Risk Management & Safety
Linda Kane, Principal, Orland Jr. High
David Kennedy, Principal, Jerling Jr. High
Tracy Marc, Coord., Community Relations
Julie Oberwise, Dir., Human Resources
Ami Porte-Lewis, Asst. Director, Special Education
Daniel Prorok, Principal, Liberty School
Sheila Schedin, Liberty School
David Snyder, Dir. of Curriculum
Janet Stutz, Superintendent
Dan Werfelman, Director of Facilities, Operations & Maintenance
Lynn Zeder, Asst. Supt., Teaching & Learning
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Board of Education February 9, 2015
STUDENT & STAFF RECOGNITIONS – Board of Education and Administration
Students:
Each year, the Orland/Palos VFW Post 2604 sponsors the Patriot’s Pen youth essay contest for students in Grades 6-8. The 300-400 word essay contest encourages young minds to examine America’s history, along with their personal experiences in modern American society. The Board formally recognized the following essay contest winners: Peter Bukiri (OJH), Thomas Cosler (JJH), Gabriela Goryl (JJH), Victoria Marshall (CJH), Katherine Summers (OJH), and Will Tenuta (CJH). The following students received Exceptional Honors: Geoff Fields (OJH), Maggie Tripp (JJH) and Aristotle Yanikos (CJH).
Each year, the Illinois Art Education Association (IAEA) selects 40 pieces of student artwork to be displayed in the IAEA Student Art Show. In November 2014, IAEA selected a painting by 4th grade Meadow Ridge student Neil Shastri. The painting, entitled Favorite Foods, depicts a style inspired by Pop Artist Wayne Thiebaud, and was selected from 740 entries. Neil received recognition at the IAEA Reception and Awards Ceremony on November 8, 2014 at the Sheraton Hotel in Lisle. The artwork was originally created while Neil was enrolled in grade 3 at Meadow Ridge.
Staff:
The following staff members have been recognized as nominated ABCDE recipients in the following categories:
Compassion: Meghan Wolbers, 2nd Grade, Park – submitted by parent, Becca Draper
Kathleen Toscano, Reading Interventionist, Centennial – submitted by parent Christine Borst
Outstanding: Laura Bingham, Early Childhood, Centennial – submitted by colleague
Achievement Nicole Conrad
CITIZENS’ REMARKS—AGENDA & NON-AGENDA ITEMS – None
SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT
Joseph Assignment: Dr. Stutz and the Board welcomed Dr. Alexis Felder, Founder of the Joseph Assignment, who expressed sincere gratitude to the District for its generous donation of old classroom materials and furniture that will now be utilized by 600 children in impoverished villages within Ghana, Liberia, and Sierra Leone. The Joseph Assignment is a non-for-profit global humanitarian organization that brings sustainable
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Board of Education February 9, 2015
initiatives (clean water, food/agriculture, education/adult literacy, health care/wellness, economic development, and shelter) to people living in developing nations.
District135’s Contract & Purchasing Analyst Dean Casper relayed the process of identifying several private schools and organizations, such as the Joseph Assignment, as viable sources to receive surplus furniture donations by the District. The Joseph Assignment received 1,200 pieces of furniture, including: student desks, chairs, textbooks, bookcases, cabinets, easels, white boards, chalkboards, and science lab tables. Surplus donations also benefitted the Kesia School for Girls, St. Paul Church’s kindergarten program, St. Ailbe, and the Orland Park Veterans Post 2604.
Beginning last July, Mr. Casper, Finance Director Carl Forn, and Buildings & Grounds Director Dan Werfelman collaborated efforts on a surplus furniture project in order to identify furniture no longer used by the District. Project efforts included extending the surplus inventory to other educational settings, which proved beneficial to several groups and, in turn, saved the District thousands of dollars in disposal costs.
Dr. Felder presented the Board with a commemorative plaque in gratitude for the donation to the Joseph Assignment, along with Jamaican candy as a token of goodwill. The Board and Administration thanked Dr. Felder and the Joseph Assignment, expressing the District’s honor in the opportunity to contribute toward their efforts.
Bullying Prevention Resolution: Dr. Stutz provided an overview of the draft “Bullying Stops Here” Resolution, designed to identify bullying traits and oppose such actions via implementing bullying prevention programs essential to the cause.
The Resolution was brought forth in conjunction to a bullying prevention proclamation initiated in 2014 by Orland Park’s Village President, DanielMcLaughlin, in partnership with the Council of Mayors. The Board will take action upon recommendation for this Resolution during the ‘Board Motions’ portion of this meeting.
Last Day of School: Dr. Stutz explained that, at this time, the last day of school has been moved to Monday, June 8, 2015, due to the three (3) “snow” days used so far this year. It was explained that the District is considering to move the May 22 Institute Day to June 8 in order for students in Kindergarten through 7th Grade to finish their school year on Friday, June 5. It was noted, however, that this option would become moot in the event that further “snow” days become necessary.
As clarification, “snow” days will not affect 8th Grade students, due to graduations.
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Board of Education February 9, 2015
BOARD POLICY – Review of New and Revised Policies
The Board and Administration reviewed Policies 131.5 (Uniform Grievance), 216.3 (Video Surveillance), and 530 (Nepotism). Following review, it was the consensus of the Board that Policies 131.5, 216.3 and 530 be approved. The Board will take action upon such during the ‘Board Motions’ portion of this meeting.
TREASURER’S REPORT
Mr. Forn provided an overview of the month's financials, including cash flow and fund balance as of January 31, 2015, as outlined in the monthly report submitted to the Board for this meeting. It was noted that the expenditures remain in check with District revenues, and remains in compliance with the District’s Fund Balance Policy.
BOARD MOTIONS
Consent Agenda: Mr. LaMargo read the items on the proposed consent agenda. There being no requests for further discussion, Mr. La Margo moved (Mr. Carroll seconded) that the Board of Education approve the following consent agenda items:
1. Minutes: January 12, 2015, Committee of the Whole Meeting
January 12, 2015, Regular Board of Education Meeting
January 12, 2015, Closed Session
2. Accounts Payable: 1/31/15 $1,236,949.27
3. Petty Cash/Imprest Fund: 1/31/15 $6,569.37
4. Payroll Summary: 1/31/15 $5,086,978.50
5. Call List of Substitute Teachers, Substitute Paraprofessionals
and Substitute Nurses, presented as attached
Roll call on the consent agenda: Ayes: Dr. Berry, Mr. Carroll, Ms. Kulak, Mr. La Margo, Mr. Maratea, Mr. Okon, Ms. Zekich. Nays: None. Motion carried.
2015-16 Proposed School Calendar – 30 Day Display: Mr. Maratea moved (Dr.Berry seconded) that the Board of Education approve the proposed 2015-16 Official School Calendar to be placed on 30-day public display, as presented. Roll Call: Ayes: Mr.Carroll, Ms. Kulak, Mr. La Margo, Mr.Maratea, Mr. Okon, Ms. Zekich, Dr. Berry. Nays: None. Motion carried.
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Board of Education February 9, 2015
Resolution – Bullying Prevention: Dr. Berry moved (Mr. Carroll seconded) that the Board of Education adopt a ‘Bullying Stops Here’ Resolution for Orland School District 135, effective February 9, 2015, as presented. Roll Call: Ayes: Ms. Kulak, Mr. La Margo, Mr.Maratea, Mr. Okon, Ms. Zekich, Dr. Berry, Mr. Carroll. Nays: None. Motion carried.
Approval of New and Revised Board Policies: Mr. Carroll moved (Ms. Kulak seconded) that the Board of Education approve the following new and revised policies:
NEW 131.5 Uniform Grievance
NEW 216.3 Video Surveillance
REVISED 530 Nepotism
Roll Call: Ayes: Mr. La Margo, Mr.Maratea, Mr. Okon, Ms. Zekich, Dr. Berry, Mr.Carroll, Ms. Kulak. Nays: None. Motion carried.
Retirement – Certified Staff: Ms. Kulak moved (Mr. Okon seconded) that the Board of Education accept notice of retirement, subject to the terms of the collective bargaining agreement, for JaniceRompala, 1st Grade, Park School, effective the end of the 2014-15 school year. Roll Call: Ayes: Mr.Maratea, Mr. Okon, Ms. Zekich, Dr. Berry, Mr. Carroll, Ms. Kulak, Mr. La Margo. Nays: None. Motion carried.
Employment – Certified Staff: Mr. Okon moved (Ms. Zekich seconded) that the Board of Education employ the following, effective as indicated:
Victoria Miller, 5th Grade, High Point, effective 1/26/15
Patricia McGuire, Media Specialist, Meadow Ridge, effective 2/17/15
Victoria O’Sullivan, Early Childhood (.5), Centennial, effective 2/11/15
Roll Call: Ayes: Mr.Okon, Ms. Zekich, Dr. Berry, Mr. Carroll, Ms. Kulak, Mr. La Margo, Mr.Maratea. Nays: None. Motion carried.
Employment – Classified Staff: Ms. Zekich moved (Mr. Maratea seconded) that the Board of Education employ the following, effective February 9, 2015:
Beth Wood, Lunchroom/Playground, Jerling Jr. High
Kathy Shaheen, Paraprofessional, Centennial
Roll Call: Ayes: Ms. Zekich, Dr. Berry, Mr. Carroll, Ms. Kulak, Mr. La Margo, Mr.Maratea, Mr.Okon. Nays: None. Motion carried.
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Board of Education February 9, 2015
Approval – Grade 3-5 Teacher Technology Purchase: Mr. Maratea moved (Dr. Berry seconded) that the Board of Education approve a purchase with Apple Inc., for technology devices for grade 3-5 teachers, in an amount not to exceed $156,000, effective February 9, 2015, as presented. Roll Call: Ayes: Dr. Berry, Mr. Carroll, Ms. Kulak, Mr.La Margo, Mr.Maratea, Mr. Okon, Ms. Zekich. Nays: None. Motion carried.
Amendment #25 – Architectural Contract: Full Day Kindergarten Center - amended
Dr. Berry moved (Mr. Carroll seconded) that the Board of Education enter into a contract with FGM Architects for architectural services related to the addition and/or renovation to an existing school building to accommodate the all-day kindergarten in an amount not to exceed 7.75% of the cost of construction and toauthorize the Superintendent of Schools to execute the same upon the approval of the Board's attorney to the terms and conditions of said contract. Roll Call: Ayes: Mr. Carroll, Ms.Kulak, Mr. La Margo, Mr.Maratea, Mr. Okon, Ms. Zekich, Dr. Berry. Nays: None. Motion carried.
Proposal – Space Utilization Analysis: Mr. Carroll moved (Ms. Kulak seconded) that the Board of Education enter into a contract with Studio GC for a space utilization analysis at four primary schools for an amount not to exceed $15,000. Roll Call: Ayes: Ms. Kulak, Mr. La Margo, Mr.Maratea, Mr. Okon, Ms. Zekich, Dr. Berry, Mr. Carroll. Nays: None. Motion carried.
Refunding Debt Certificates: Ms. Kulak moved (Mr. Okon seconded) that the Board of Education adopt a Resolution authorizing and providing for the issue of not to exceed $3,310,000 General Obligation Refunding Debt Certificates (Limited Tax), Series 2015, for the purpose of refunding certain outstanding debt certificates, and providing for the security for and means of payment of said Certificates, effective February9,2015, as presented. Roll Call: Ayes: Mr. La Margo, Mr.Maratea, Mr. Okon, Ms. Zekich, Dr.Berry, Mr. Carroll, Ms. Kulak. Nays: None. Motion carried.
2015-16 Student Fee Schedule: Mr. Okon moved (Ms. Zekich seconded) that the Board of Education approve student fees for the 2015-16 school term, as listed below:
Grade 1-5 Fee $160.00
Grade 6 Fee $172.00
Grade 7-8 Fee $167.00
Calculator Purchase: Gr. 1-5 (as needed) $ 5.00
Calculator Purchase: Gr. 6-8 (as needed) $ 15.00
Gym Suit Purchase: Gr. 6-8 (as needed) $ 15.00
Instrument Rental: Gr. 4-8 (as needed) $ 75.00
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Board of Education February 9, 2015
The student fee schedule has remained the same for the past 10 years. The 2015-16 kindergarten fees were approved at the January 12, 2015, regular meeting. Roll Call: Ayes: Mr.Maratea, Mr. Okon, Ms. Zekich, Dr. Berry, Mr. Carroll, Ms. Kulak, Mr.LaMargo. Nays: None. Motion carried.
Authorization – FY 2016 Budget: Ms. Zekich moved (Mr. Maratea seconded) that the Board of Education authorize the Superintendent to prepare the FY 2016 Tentative Budget for consideration at the June 9, 2015, meeting of the Board of Education. Roll Call: Ayes: Mr. Okon, Ms. Zekich, Dr. Berry, Mr. Carroll, Ms. Kulak, Mr. La Margo, Mr.Maratea. Nays: None. Motion carried.
Approval - FY 2016 Budget Calendar: Mr. Maratea moved (Dr. Berry seconded) that the Board of Education approve the FY2016 Budget Calendar, as presented. Roll Call: Ayes: Ms. Zekich, Dr. Berry, Mr. Carroll, Ms. Kulak, Mr. La Margo, Mr.Maratea, Mr.Okon. Nays: None. Motion carried.
Acceptance of Resignation – Administrative Staff: Dr. Berry moved (Mr. Carroll seconded) that the Board of Education accept notice of resignation for Ellen Belotti, Director of Special Education, effective June30,2015. Roll Call: Ayes: Dr. Berry, Mr.Carroll, Ms. Kulak, Mr. La Margo, Mr.Maratea, Mr. Okon, Ms. Zekich. Nays: None. Motion carried. The Board expressed gratitude for Mrs. Belotti’s dedicated service and caring demeanor for District 135 families, and wished her well in her future educational endeavors.
BOARD MEMBER REPORTS AND REQUESTS
Board Work - Committee of the Whole: The public is encouraged to attend the Board's Committee of the Whole meetings in order to gain insight on the discussions and considerations brought forth prior to approval at the Board meeting level.
CLOSED SESSION
Mr. Carroll moved (Ms. Kulak seconded) that the Board of Education adjourn to closed session to discuss student disciplinary matters, and the appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific employees or legal counsel. Roll Call: Ayes: Mr. Carroll, Ms. Kulak, Mr. La Margo, Mr. Maratea, Mr. Okon, Ms. Zekich, Dr. Berry. Nays: None. Motion carried (7:53 p.m.).