Somonauk Community Unit School District No. 432 Board of Education met May 18.
Here is the minutes provided by the board:
The closed meeting of the Board of Education, Somonauk Community Unit School District No. 432, was held in the Somonauk High School Legacy Room at 6:30 p.m. The following members were present remotely: Corey Britt, Nick Deacon, Scott Horsch, Norm Johnson, and Tom Nielsen,. Jay Streicher, Superintendent, and Michael Short were present. Amy Wiegman attended remotely at 6:36 p.m.
At 6:30 p.m., it was moved by Short, seconded by Nielsen that the Board of Education go into closed session for the purpose of considering the dismissal, appointment and employment of employees, including compensation, benefits and evaluation. Student disciplinary matters and the closed session minutes from November, 2019 through April 2020. On a roll call vote, the following members voted “AYE”: Britt, Deacon, Horsch, Johnson, Nielsen, Short and Wiegman. “NAY”: None. Motion carried.
At 7:09 p.m., it was moved by Short, seconded by Nielsen that the closed session be terminated and the Board reopen in regular session. On a voice vote, all members present voted "AYE". Motion carried.
At 7:15 p.m., President Short called the regular meeting to order. The following members participated remotely: Corey Britt, Nick Deacon, Scott Horsch, Norm Johnson, Tom Nielsen and Amy Wiegman. Jay Streicher, Superintendent, and Michael Short were present.
President Short recognized any visitors for public comment. There were none.
SUMMARY ITEM 20.13.01 – MOTIONS FROM CLOSED SESSION
It was moved by Nielson, seconded by Johnson, that the Board not release the closed session minutes from November 2019 through April 2020. On a roll call vote, the following members voted “AYE”: Britt, Deacon, Horsch, Johnson, Nielsen, Short and Wiegman. “NAY”: None. Motion carried.
It was moved by Nielsen, seconded by Wiegman, that the Board destroy the closed session audiotapes from June 2018 through November 2018. On a roll call vote, the following members voted “AYE”: Britt, Deacon, Horsch, Johnson, Nielsen, Short and Wiegman. “NAY”: None. Motion carried.
SUMMARY ITEM 20.13.02 – CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS
It was moved by Short, seconded by Johnson that the Board approve the minutes from the Building Grounds and Finance Committee meeting held on April 16, 2020, the minutes from the regular meeting held on April 20, 2020, the minutes from the Policy Committee meeting held on May 7, 2020, the Treasurer’s Report for May, the list of invoices due and the Activity Fund summary for May, said lists and reports to be attached to and become a part of these minutes; Enrollment Report, and Cafeteria Report. On a roll call vote, the following members voted “AYE”: Britt, Deacon, Horsch, Johnson, Nielsen, Short and Wiegman. “NAY”: None. Motion carried.
SUMMARY ITEM 20.13.03 – ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS
Norm Johnson reported on the I.V.V.C. meeting. Items discussed at the meeting included working through E-Learning and professional development hours. All scholarships were funded and awarded as usual and contract negotiations are still ongoing. The following students were also recognized; Evan Cummings, Martin Drew, Brandon Gross, Rain O’Connell, Anastasia Rader, Tyler Ryan, Lillian Scott, Trevor Vandermeer, Charles Vermeland, Gia Vidito, Hunter Wilkinson.
Nick Deacon reported there is no S.E.F. meeting scheduled at this time. At this time the MidSummer Show Down is in limbo until the Sandwich Fairgrounds makes a decision on the use of their grounds. All Scholarships have been chosen and the recipients will be notified shortly.
Jay Streicher, Superintendent discussed that Joint Conference that is scheduled to be held November 20-22, 2020. At this time the Board decided to hold off on making any reservations. It was also discussed that commuting back and forth to the conference is a possibility. Jay Streicher, Superintendent will reach out to the Hyatt Hotel to see if they are making any changes to their cancellation and/or refund policy.
SUMMARY ITEM 20.13.04 – FEASIBILITY STUDY UPDATE
Jay Streicher, Superintendent discussed where we are with the feasibility study. Everything seems to be coming together and they are hoping for a written report by June. If that happens the Board would like to look for a question/answer session in August or September if possible. Jay Streicher, Superintendent did state that the financial portion is not yet complete. The Board did ask that once the report is received that would like to be able to review it as well.
SUMMARY ITEM 20.13.05 – OTHER - CTS
Jay Streicher, Superintendent discussed that he asked CTS to continue to move forward with work if it was attorney reviewed and approved. Some of the items were questioned on their energy efficiency. There was also a possibility a couple of items could be challenged.
SUMMARY ITEM 20.13.06 – PERSONNEL REPORT
President Mike Short read the personnel report. It was moved by Short, seconded by Nielsen that the Board approve the personnel report as presented. On a roll call vote, the following members voted “AYE”: Britt, Deacon, Horsch, Johnson, Nielsen, Short and Wiegman. “NAY”: None. Motion carried.
SUMMARY ITEM 20.13.07 – POLICY UPDATE
Jay Streicher, Superintendent presented to the board that the updated policy manual had all necessary changes made and was ready for approval. The Board approved the policy with a change in 2:120. The Board requested that the last sentence of the “Mandatory Board Member Training” section read, “.District website a log identifying the mandatory training and development activities of each Board member. It was moved by Short, seconded by Nielsen, that the Board adopt the entire policy manual as presented with change to policy 2:120. On a roll call vote, the following members voted “AYE”: Britt, Deacon, Horsch, Johnson, Nielsen, Short and Wiegman. “NAY”: None. Motion carried.
SUMMARY ITEM 20.13.08 – ARBOR MANAGEMENT CONTRACT FOR 2020-2021
Jay Streicher, Superintendent presented the Arbor Management contract renewal for the 2020-2021 school year and reported that this is the fourth year in our agreement with Arbor. This renewal is just an increase in price per meal and not an extension of our current agreement. It was moved by Short, seconded by Wiegman, that the Board renew the contract with Arbor Management Inc. for the 2020-2021 school year. On a roll call vote, the following members voted “AYE”: Britt, Deacon, Horsch, Johnson, Nielsen, Short and Wiegman. “NAY”: None. Motion carried.
SUMMARY ITEM 20.13.09 – HEALTH LIFE SAFETY AMENDMENT
Jay Streicher, Superintendent presented how the amendments would allow for us to use our Life Safety Funds to self fund some of the roof and HVAC work that is planned for the summer. It was moved by Short, seconded by Horsch that the Board accept the Life Safety amendments as presented. On a roll call vote, the following members voted “AYE”: Britt, Deacon, Horsch, Johnson, Nielsen, Short and Wiegman. “NAY”: None. Motion carried.
SUMMARY ITEM 20.13.10 – HEALTH AND DENTAL RATES FOR 2020-2021
Jay Streicher, Superintendent discussed the initial renewal rates that were received from Kepple Insurance. Initial figures showed an increase of 14% for Blue Cross/Blue Shield. It was requested by Jay Streicher, Superintendent to have Kepple shop around for better pricing and five companies came back with figures. United Healthcare came with a 6% decrease from our current rate. Jay Streicher, Superintendent has a meeting scheduled with the teacher insurance committee on Wednesday, May 20, 2020 to discuss the options.
SUMMARY ITEM 20.13.11 – PROPOSED BOARD MEETING DATES FOR 2020- 2021
It was moved by Nielsen, seconded by Wiegman that the Board approve the proposed Board of Education meeting dates for 2020-2021 noting that a special meeting would need to be held after elections. On a roll call vote, the following members voted “AYE”: Britt, Deacon, Horsch, Johnson, Nielsen, Short and Wiegman. “NAY”: None. Motion carried.
SUMMARY ITEM 20.13.12 – LUNCH PRICES FOR 2020-2021
It was moved by Wiegman, seconded by Johnson that the Board approve the proposed price increases on meals. JRW $2.90, SMS $3.10, SHS $3.35 and Adults $4.00. Prices are a reflection of what is called the “paid lunch equity tool”. This tool is sent out by ISBE and informs districts of what they need to charge for school lunches. On a roll call vote, the following members voted “AYE”: Britt, Deacon, Horsch, Johnson, Nielsen, Short and Wiegman. “NAY”: None. Motion carried.
SUMMARY ITEM 20.13.13 – DEKALB COUNTY AND LASALLE COUNTY TAX EXTENSIONS
Jay Streicher, Superintendent reported on the DeKalb County and LaSalle County tax extensions for 2019.
SUMMARY ITEM 20.13.14 – OTHER
Jay Streicher, Superintendent reported on that administration was working on End of Year Events. They were working on details regarding graduation and pick up days for supplies. It was reported that all three buildings had dates set for pick up of supplies. Jay Streicher, Superintendent also reported that grades 9-11 will keep their Chromebooks over the summer.
President Short opened the floor for public comment. There were none and there being no further business, it was moved by Short, seconded by Johnson that the meeting be adjourned at 8:20 p.m. On a voice vote, all members present voted “AYE.” Motion carried.
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