DeKalb Times

Sycamore Community Unit School District #427 Board of Education met May 26.

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

K. Webster

Audience Members Present

L. Holtz, D. Olson, K. Poynter

Meeting called to order at 7:00 PM

1. Opening Items

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 Steve M Nelson, second by Eric N Jones, 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 May 12, 2020*

2.02 Approval of Minutes of Executive Session May 12, 2020*

2.03 Bills Payable*

Motion by Jeff A Jacobson, second by James M Chyllo, 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

None.

5. Superintendent's Report

5.01 Ag Academy Presentation and FFA Awards

Mrs. Countryman reviewed the Mission, Vision, Core Values, etc. with the Board.

Mrs. Poynter reported that three (3) students: Jess Mantzke, Max Griffey, and Bradford Edwards will receive their State FFA Degree. She noted that these students will be honored, virtually, at the State FFA Convention as well.

Mrs. Poynter reviewed the many businesses that the students were able to visit and the guest speakers that spoke to the students during the year. She stated that each day of e-Learning the students had a guest speaker they could listen to as well. She pointed out that former District graduates were working at some businesses that the students visited. She stated that one of their favorite visits was Upstaging in Sycamore and a trades fair where they were able to talk to union workers. Mrs. Poynter shared three (3) videos of students discussing their experiences in the Ag Academy class.

Dombek stated that he missed being able to attend the FFA banquet this year. Mrs. Poynter stated that they are working on possibly doing something later. She also stated that a third teacher has been hired for the Ag Department. She noted that she would forward the video that the teacher made for the students to the Board for their review and information.

Mrs. Countryman and the Board of Education thanked Mrs. Poynter for her presentation to the Board.

5.02 Sycamore Education Foundation - Lauren Holtz, Executive Director

Lauren Holtz, Executive Director of the Sycamore Education Foundation (SEF) updated the Board on the current activities of the Sycamore Education Foundation. She stated that she was hired as the first Executive Director in October. She reported that 13 grants were funded for a total of $36,295; $5,215 was raised for the Spartans Read Together initiative; and three (3) new scholarships were established for graduating seniors. Mrs. Holtz noted that the Sycamore Education Foundation (SEF) website was updated to be more user-friendly and to tell its story; visibility for SEF was enhanced through social media platforms; the Sycamore High School Alumni Committee was revived and an alumni Facebook group was founded; and SEF helped to celebrate the Class of 2020 by coordinating and delivering 250 senior signs. She explained that a “Give $7 to 427” campaign was developed for the Give DeKalb County event and $10,538 was raised by 147 donors, plus additional funds from the bonus pool. She noted that this was a record amount of many as well as a record number of donations for the Foundation.

Mrs. Holtz stated that SEF is exploring new ideas for fundraising events and opportunities in light of the impact of COVID-19. She noted that their largest fundraiser is the annual "Take Root" event, which will need to be handled differently this year. She stated that their plan for next year is to continue with the initiatives that were begun this year and elaborate on them as well as rolling out an employee payroll deduction program. She stated that she looks forward to continuing the strong relationship with the District.

Mrs. Countryman thanked Mrs. Holtz for her presentation to the Board.

President Dombek thanked the Sycamore Education Foundation and Mrs. Holtz for their efforts on behalf of the students of the Sycamore School District. He stated that he was excited to see the growth in the Foundation.

5.03 Re-Entry Proposal - Dr. Webster

Dr. Webster discussed the re-entry planning with the Board. She stated that both the District and Learning and Teaching re-entry planning teams began meeting last week. She explained that they are planning for multiple scenarios so the District can be as flexible as possible. She commented that they are following CDC and ISBE guidance to help determine the specific details that will be included in the plan and all planning will ultimately be based on the District's Strategic Design. She explained that the key component of the plan is clear communication so that everyone is aware of the progress being made and how the plan is unfolding. Dr. Webster noted that the planning teams are also focusing on preparing for the summer to provide support and professional development to empower staff and students to start the school year strong.

Wrenn asked when will a decision have to be made. Dr. Webster responded that the month of June will be very busy. She stated that they will need to balance making timely decisions, but there will be a solid plan.

Dr. Webster reported that a survey was sent to every member of the school district to find out what they felt went well during e-learning and, if school resumes in the fall, what they would need; social/emotional, physical, etc.

Jones asked if there has been any coordinating with the other school districts in the County as well as meeting with Jeff Keicher, State Representative. Mrs. Countryman responded that the Regional Office of Education has been meeting on a weekly basis so that the districts can coordinate, and she is communicating with Representative Keicher as well. She stated that Dr. Webster has been working with her colleagues in other districts and will be attending a meeting with LUDA next week.

Mrs. Countryman stated that they will bring an update to the Board at its meeting in June.

Chyllo stated that it would be helpful if the Board could receive information prior to the meeting.

5.04 Policy Revisions - 1st Reading*

Mrs. Countryman stated that the Board Policy Committee met to consider the next round of policy revisions. She stated that these policies are being presented to the Board for a first reading. She noted that they will be placed on the June 23rd agenda for final approval.

Dombek stated that most of the changes are statutory changes and a couple of changes were made in the footnotes.

Nelson commented that he is expecting many upcoming policy changes in the future and if that happens, he suggested discussing them with the full Board in a retreat-type setting.

6. Open Discussion and Future Agenda Items

6.01 Open Discussion, Issues, Observations, Questions

Nelson asked about extra-curricular events (athletics, music, orchesis, clubs, etc.) as well as ISBE requirements for renting buildings. Mrs. Countryman responded that she will ask Mr. Ekstrom, Director of Buildings and Grounds, to attend the June meeting to give the Board a report on these items.

Mrs. Countryman complimented the Seniors and their families and the Communications Department on how they came together for the end of the year celebrations. Dombek felt that more work was put into this type of graduation than a traditional ceremony. He stated that it wasn't the celebration we wanted, but it was really well done.

6.02 Future Agenda Items

Mr. Ekstrom, Director of Buildings and Grounds - Extra Curricular Activities and Building Rentals for FY21.

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 Eric N Jones, 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

8. Action Items from Executive Session

8.01 Personnel Report; Employment, Resignations, Leaves of Absence*

Motion by Jeff A Jacobson, second by Eric N Jones, 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 James M Chyllo, second by Julenne Davey, to adjourn the meeting at 8:21 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