Sycamore Community Unit School District #427 Board of Education met May 12.
Here is the minutes provided by the board:
The Board of Education of Sycamore Community Unit School District #427 met remotely in regular session via zoom video.
Members present
James M Chyllo, Julenne Davey, Jeff A Jacobson, Eric N Jones, Steve M Nelson, Kristen R Wrenn, Jim J Dombek
Others Present
Kathy Countryman, Superintendent; Kathy Sloniker, Administrative Assistant
Administrators Present
L. Reilley
Audience Members Present
R. Graves, R. Hooper, SRO; D. Olson, J. Winters, Chief of Police, SPD
Meeting called to order at 7:00 PM
1. Call to Order
1.01 Call To Order
President Dombek called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
1.02 Pledge of Allegiance
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
1.03 Roll Call/Adoption of Agenda
Motion by Jeff A Jacobson, second by Julenne Davey, to approve the agenda as presented.
Final Resolution: Motion Carried
Aye: James M Chyllo, Julenne Davey, Jeff A Jacobson, Eric N Jones, Steve M Nelson, Kristen R Wrenn, Jim J Dombek
2. Consent Agenda
2.01 Approval of Minutes of Regular Meeting April 28, 2020*
2.02 Approval of Executive Session Minutes April 28, 2020*
Motion by Steve M Nelson, second by Kristen R Wrenn, to approve the Consent Agenda as presented.
Final Resolution: Motion Carried
Aye: James M Chyllo, Julenne Davey, Jeff A Jacobson, Eric N Jones, Steve M Nelson, Kristen R Wrenn, Jim J Dombek
3. Audience to Visitors
3.01 Audience Participation
No one from the audience addressed the Board.
4. Communications/Correspondence/Informational Items
4.01 Various Letters/Newsletters
President Dombek stated that these items have been placed in the Board packet for the Board's information.
4.02 FOIA Requests
No FOIA requests were received since the last meeting.
4.03 Committee Reports
Nelson stated that there was no Planning and Zoning meeting and the Sycamore Education Foundation meets next week.
Davey reported that the Old North Grove School Association canceled their open house this summer.
Dombek attended a teleconference on school funding and even though no one knows exactly how things will turn out, he felt that the District will see a shortfall. He explained that money will be pulled from districts in tiers 3 and 4 and given to districts in tier 1 first and then to districts in tier 2. He stated that the Sycamore School District is in tier 2.
5. Superintendent's Report
5.01 Life School Update
Mrs. Countryman reviewed the District's Mission, Vision, Core Values, etc. with the Board.
Mrs. Graves explained that Life School is a program that helps students with disabilities transition from high school to adult life. She stated that their focus is on three areas: training, employment and independent living. She noted that next year, 2020-2021, Life School could potentially have as many as 15 students. She reported that three (3) of these students have applied for Project Search. Mrs. Graves stated that two of these students are from Sycamore and one student is from Somonauk. She explained that Project Search is a transition program for students with disabilities. She reported that if students are accepted, they participate in three internships (trimesters) and then receive gainful employment (laundry, transport, wellness center, prepare trays for medical procedures, office work, etc.). She stated that this is a great opportunity for our students. Mrs. Graves explained that, at this time, Project Search has been put on hold.
Nelson asked if there was a limitation to the number of students they would accept in the program. Mrs. Graves responded that 12 is their ideal number.
Mrs. Graves reviewed the list of community partners with the Board and thanked them for their willingness to participate with life School.
Mrs. Reilley asked what kinds of things these students can participate in once they leave Life School. Mrs. Graves responded that students should be able to walk downtown, cross the street, go to lunch with friends, access VAC services, go to the library, etc. Mrs. Graves reported that many of her students also participate in Special Olympics in the areas of soccer, swimming, basketball, volleyball, softball, etc. She commented that some students were planning on being in the production of Hairspray this fall, however, it has been canceled. Mrs. Graves reported that a bi-monthly newsletter is published to highlight Life School's curriculum units, student achievements, as well as upcoming events.
Wrenn asked who receives the newsletter. Mrs. Graves responded that parents, some community resources and some district administrators receive this newsletter. Wrenn suggested that the newsletter be sent to the Board and also pushed out in the District's social media.
Mrs. Graves commended everyone who is helping to make remote learning work for our students!
5.02 Annual SRO Report
Mr. Hooper, SRO, presented the annual School Resource Officer's (SRO) Report to the Board. He noted that there were 150 case reports, which covers two-thirds of the school year prior to the Governor's stay-at-home order. He commented that the reports were for accidents, stop arm violations, battery investigations (HS,MS,Elem), staff reports, etc. He stated that the SRO's are staying in contact with administrators and helping where needed; food pantry, etc.
Chief Winters stated that the Police Department values their relationship with the school district and are very proud of Ryan and Stacey and the job that do.
Nelson asked if there would be any changes to the SRO program if and when school opens in the fall. Mr. Hooper responded that they may need to wear masks, but they would adapt to any required changes.
Chief Winters assured the Board that Ryan and Stacie will continue to be the primary resources for the schools, no matter what that role will look like in the fall.
Mrs. Countryman and President Dombek thanked Mr. Hooper and Chief Winters for their report and for everything they do to support for the students, faculty, and staff, in our District.
5.03 End of Year Activities Update
Mrs. Countryman reviewed the most recent plans for the end of year activities with the Board. She reported that the formal Orchesis show is on pause, but they are working on putting together clips from the final dress rehearsal that will be pushed out tomorrow. She stated that the virtual Prom Court was announced last night via Facebook. She noted that Senior Awards Night will be a virtual event taking place on May 21st, honoring the students that receive scholarships. She reported that Graduation will be a virtual event that will take place on May 24th. She stated that students have received their caps and gowns, and can submit pictures to be included in the virtual event. Mrs. Countryman reported that the Spartan Senate is preparing a survey to send to seniors to gather some ideas for the August 2nd gathering. Mrs. Countryman commended the maintenance department for putting up the signs near the high school honoring our seniors.
Jacobson asked if consideration was given to the senior letter asking to postpone graduation until August 2nd. Mrs. Countryman responded that it was decided to keep the original date of May 24th to give everyone a chance to participate. She explained that some students will be leaving the area in the summer. She also noted that a survey is going out to seniors to gather their input for the August 2nd celebration.
Jones asked if Mrs. Countryman would be able to participate in the August 2nd celebration in light of her retirement in June. She responded that she would hope to be available and able to participate.
Dombek stated that District is trying to make the best of this unique situation.
5.04 Class of 2020 Graduation Requirements Modification*
Motion by Kristen R Wrenn, second by Eric N Jones, to suspend for the Class of 2020 any Board policies to the extent such policies impose graduation requirements beyond the minimum requirements established by the Illinois School Code as modified by the Governor’s Executive Order 2020-31 and the State Board of Education Emergency Rules implementing Executive Order 2020-31.
Final Resolution: Motion Carried
Aye: James M Chyllo, Julenne Davey, Jeff A Jacobson, Eric N Jones, Steve M Nelson, Kristen R Wrenn, Jim J Dombek
6. Open Discussion and Future Agenda Items
6.01 Open Discussion, Issues, Observations, Questions
Wrenn asked about the students' belongings that are still at school. Mrs. Countryman responded that the items have been bagged and sitting in the building. She stated that the next step will be for parents to drive through and have the items put in their cars. She noted that the Technology Department will be handling the return of the Chromebooks.
Nelson ask what the District is doing to meet the social emotional needs of students due to quarantine. Mrs. Countryman responded that Dr. Webster will be addressing that in her presentation to the Board on May 26, 2020. She stated that there will be a Town Hall meeting tomorrow night, and she will be having a staff meeting tomorrow. She agreed that we need to be supporting our students.
Jacobson asked about the possible financial impact to the district. Mrs. Countryman responded that Mrs. Stuckert is working with IASBO and she will ask her to present her findings to the Board in June. She reported that no purchasing is being allowed unless it is for e-learning until we have a clearer picture on the budget.
6.02 Future Agenda Items
Re-Entry Plan - Dr. Webster, May 26, 2020
Financial Update - Mrs. Stuckert, June 23, 2020
7. Executive Session
7.01 Executive Session for the Consideration of Matters Related to the Appointment, Employment, Discipline, or Dismissal of Personnel and Imminent Litigation*
Motion by Kristen R Wrenn, second by James M Chyllo, that the Board of Education adjourn to executive session for the consideration of matters related to the appointment, employment, discipline, or dismissal of personnel and imminent litigation.
Final Resolution: Motion Carried
Aye: James M Chyllo, Julenne Davey, Jeff A Jacobson, Eric N Jones, Steve M Nelson, Kristen R Wrenn, Jim J Dombek
In at 8:09 p.m. and Out at 8:13 p.m.
8. Action Items from Executive Session
8.01 Personnel Report; Employment, Resignations*
Motion by Steve M Nelson, second by Kristen R Wrenn, to approve the personnel report as presented.
Final Resolution: Motion Carried
Aye: James M Chyllo, Julenne Davey, Jeff A Jacobson, Eric N Jones, Steve M Nelson, Kristen R Wrenn, Jim J Dombek
9. Adjournment
9.01 Adjournment
Motion by Kristen R Wrenn, second by James M Chyllo, to adjourn the meeting at 8:16 p.m.
Final Resolution: Motion Carried
Aye: James M Chyllo, Julenne Davey, Jeff A Jacobson, Eric N Jones, Steve M Nelson, Kristen R Wrenn, Jim J Dombek
https://go.boarddocs.com/il/syc427/Board.nsf/Public
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