DeKalb Times

Genoa-Kingston Community Unit School District #424 Board of Education met May 26.

Here is the minutes provided by the board:

Call to Order

Board President, Kristen Andrews called the Genoa-Kingston Board of Education meeting to order at 7:01 pm.

Physically Present: Kristen Andrews, Kristin Brynteson, David Cleveland, Mary Hintzsche, John Shipley, Julie Ratliff and Jake Wesner

Also Physically Present: Superintendent, Brent O’Daniell, and Assistant Superintendent, Brad Shortridge.

Digitally Present: None. 

Absent: None.

Pledge of Allegiance

Superintendent, O'Daniell led the guests and members of the Board of Education in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Mission Statement

Board member, Dr. Kristin Brynteson read the Mission Statement "Preparing students to excel and contribute to their community."

Public hearings petitions questions and comments from guests and visitors

There were no public hearings, petitions, questions and comments from guests and visitors.

Consent Agenda

Payrolls, Accounts Payable, Minutes, Bids, Resignations, Employment, Leave of Absence, Retirements

A motion was made by Dr. Brynteson, and second by Mrs. Ratliff, to approve the May 8, 2020 payroll in the amount of $554,370.28, the May 22, 2020 payroll in the amount of $603,092.36 the May 2020 Payable Board Report in the amount of $230,972.34, the April 28, 2020 Board of Education Meeting Minutes, the May 12, 2020 Special Board of Education Meeting Minutes, the April 28, 2020 Closed Session Meeting Minutes, and the May 12, 2020 Closed Session Meeting Minutes. The approval of the closed session minutes does not constitute disclosure or dissemination until the Board has authorized the dissemination or disclosure of these minutes.

To approve administration to seek bids for fuel for the 2020-21 SY.

To approve the following resignations:

Amy Barr - Teacher - Effective end of the 2019-2020 school year.

Alicia Carlton - Social Worker - Effective end of the 2019-2020 school year.

To approve the following employment considerations:

Kaitlyn Glasder - Teacher - Effective for the 2020-2021 school year.

To approve the following leave of absence:

Veronica DeMaggio - Teacher - Effective August 27, 2020 thru November 13, 2020

To approve the following retirements:

Barbara Benzinger - Teacher - Effective end of the 2025-2026 school year. Mike Lauer - Teacher - Effective end of the 2023-2024 school year.

Ayes: Brynteson, Hintzsche, Ratliff, Shipley, Wesner, Andrews 

Nays: 0

Motion Carried.

Treasurer's Report

Mrs. Krabbe shared a detailed April Treasurer’s Report with two updates. Mrs. Krabbe commented on the state being in the rears $278K and that the district will receive the December categorical payment as well as the annual scheduled property tax revenue distributed at the same rate as last year. Last year the district received approximately $1M in the month of May.

A motion was made by Mrs. Ratliff, and second by Dr. Brynteson, to approve the April Treasurer's Report as presented.

Ayes: Hintzsche, Ratliff, Shipley, Wesner, Brynteson, Andrews 

Nays: 0

Motion Carried.

Old Business

Approval of PRESS Policies Update #103 and Board Policy 6:300

Mr. O’Daniell stated there were no changes since the recent policy committee meeting and review. He also recommended adoption of PRESS Policies #103 and Board Policy 6:300 as presented.

A motion was made by Mr. Wesner, and second by Dr. Hintzsche, to approve the PRESS Policy Updates #103 and Board Policy 6:300 updates as presented.

Ayes: Ratliff, Shipley, Wesner, Brynteson, Hintzsche, Andrews 

Nays: 0

Motion Carried.

Mr. Cleveland joined the meeting in person at 7:15 pm

Approval of the 2020-21 Board Meeting Dates

A motion was made by Mr. Wesner, and second by Dr. Hintzsche, to approve the 2020-21 Board of Education Meeting Dates as presented.

Ayes: Shipley, Wesner, Brynteson, Cleveland, Hintzsche, Ratliff, Andrews 

Nays: 0

Motion Carried.

New Business

Approval of Auditor Engagement Letter

Mr. O’Daniell commented on the procedure to approve the auditor engagement letter for the annual audit.

Dr. Shortridge commented on the previous auditor bought out by WIPFL and recommended the board approve the auditor’s engagement letter as presented.

A motion was made by Mr. Cleveland, and second by Dr. Brynteson, to approve the Auditor Engagement Letter and WIPFL as presented.

Ayes: Wesner, Brynteson, Cleveland, Hintzsche, Ratliff, Shipley, Andrews 

Nays: 0

Motion Carried.

Acceptance of Donations

A motion was made by Mr. Wesner, and second by Dr. Brynteson, to accept these generous donations: a check in the amount of $24 to GES on behalf of an AT&T employee, and a donation of bags from NAPA Auto Parts to the GK Meal Program for distribution of meals.

Ayes: Brynteson, Cleveland, Hintzsche, Ratliff, Shipley, Wesner, Andrews 

Nays: 0

Motion Carried.

FOIA Report

There were no FOIA to report.

Board Discussion

Solar Project

Dr. Hintzsche asked about the future of solar projects for the district.

Mr. O’Daniell commented on the previous discussions where the board asked to hold off on future solar project discussions pending the restructuring of the Bond.

Bond

Mr. Cleveland commented on recent conversations with Dr. Shortridge regarding an additional scenario to restructure the district’s current Bond. Mr. Cleveland was in favor of a $2M borrowing cap in an effort to decrease property taxes. He also commented on an option for tax abatement.

Dr. Shortridge commented on PMA’s recommendation of $3M over the next 9 years to level out the district’s debt.

Mrs. Andrews thanked Dr. Shortridge and Mr. Cleveland for their work on the Bond restructuring scenarios.

End of the School Year Thank You

Mrs. Andrews publicly acknowledged the efforts of the entire staff, students and community for making the best out of a bad situation. She stated she was aware of the work that went into ending the school year due to COVID-19. She wished the students a good summer and thanked the entire staff for their hard work.

Administrative Reports

The board reviewed all May administrative reports.

Mrs. Andrews thanked the administrators for their reports and the end of the year videos.

Dr. Brynteson echoed Mrs. Andrews’s previous sentiments thanking all administrators for their positive attitude working through the pandemic and end of the year situations.

Superintendent/Board Communication

Wednesday, June 3 Administrative Retreat

Mr. O’Daniell commented on the upcoming Administrative Retreat to begin planning for the 2020-21 school year.

Surveys

Mr. O’Daniell commented on surveys recently sent out and current responses. He also stated the survey results will be shared at the administrative retreat on June 3 to prepare for the 2020-21 school year. He also publicly thanked those that have already taken the survey.

Building pick up and drop offs

Mr. O’Daniell publicly thanked the building teams for planning and preparing for belonging pick up and drop offs.

CDC and Fall Re-entry

Mr. O’Daniell commented on the CDC website with information regarding future expectations including wearing masks all day and social distancing in schools. Mr. O’Daniell shared concerns regarding transportation and social distancing with 71 passenger busses only allowing for 12 increasing transportation costs to the district. Mr. O’Daniell commented on future meetings with the DeKalb County Health Department to discuss all expectations, concerns and scenarios for schools reopening. Mr. O’Daniell also shared concerns regarding bringing students back into buildings prior to a viable treatment or vaccine and not wanting to compromise the health and safety of staff and students.

Mr. O’Daniell was also pleased to announce the state and governor passed a flat budget for education. He also stated there would be no new EBF money however; the district can count on all categorical payments which is unheard of.

Dr. Shortridge commented on working on the district’s budget to include the current news and estimated revenues.

Mr. Cleveland asked about not following CDC guidelines and the district liabilities.

Mr. O’Daniell commented on the potential legal repercussions for not following guidelines. He also shared his frustration regarding the current guidelines and feasibility for school districts. Mr. O’Daniell commented on fall re-entry scenarios with a potential for a hybrid of face-to-face and remote learning. Mr. O’Daniell was hopeful for guidance in July for teachers to start planning and keeping the board informed to updates.

Dr. Brynteson commented on an upcoming state superintendent webinar. She also shared concerns regarding re-entry guidelines, transportation, cafeteria and packaged foods.

Camp Maple Leaf

Mrs. Simmons commented on Camp Maple Leaf offering remote summer options to help our students at a cost savings to the district.

Mr. O’Daniell publicly thanked Mrs. Simmons for her ongoing efforts to help support our student’s needs in the district.

High School Graduation

Mr. O’Daniell commented on working with staff, students and parents for scenarios to make high school graduation as memorable as possible. Graduation is scheduled for July 26 however; there is a student leaving for the military on July 21 and we will be working to accommodate that student with a separate graduation.

Future Agenda Items

Policy Committee Meeting Monday, June 1, 2020 @ 9:00 am.

Special Board of Education Meeting - June 9, 2020 @ 6:30

Treasurer's Bond

Discussion of Building Staff Handbooks/Departmental SOP's Discussion Second Accounts Payable Run

Discussion of 2020-21 Lunch and Milk Fees

Discussion of Northwestern Illinois Association Ballot Budget Discussion

Bond Discussion

Board of Education Meeting - June 23, 2020 @ 7pm

Approval of Treasurer's Bond

Approval of Building Staff Handbooks/Departmental SOP's Approval of Second Accounts Bills Payable Run

Approval of 2020-21 Lunch and Milk Fees Approval of Northwestern Illinois Association Ballot

One meeting in July - July 28, 2020 @ 7pm

Closed session for discussion of the appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific employees of the District in compliance with 5 ILCS 120 /2/(c)(1)

A motion was made by Mr. Cleveland, and second by Dr. Brynteson, to convene to closed session for discussion of the appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific employees of the District in compliance with 5 ILCS 120 /2/(c)(1) at 7:52 pm.

Ayes: Brynteson, Cleveland, Hintzsche, Ratliff, Shipley, Wesner, Andrews 

Nays: 0

Motion Carried.

Reconvene

The Board of Education reconvened to open session at 10:39 pm.

Adjournment

A motion was made by Jake Wesner, and seconded by David Cleveland, to adjourn the Board of Education Meeting at 10:39 pm.

Voice Vote: All Ayes: 7

Nays: 0 Motion Carried

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