DeKalb Times

Genoa-Kingston Community Unit School District #424 Board of Education met June 23.

Here is the minutes provided by the board:

Call to Order

Board of Education Meeting Minutes – 7:00 pm Tuesday, June 23, 2020 Genoa-Kingston Community Unit School District #424 Genoa-Kingston High School Library

980 Park Avenue Genoa, IL 60135

Digital Meeting – Join by phone

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Board President, Kristen Andrews called the Genoa-Kingston Board of Education meeting to order at 7:00 pm.

Roll call

Present - Kristin Brynteson, David Cleveland, John Shipley, Jake Wesner and Kristen Andrews

Absent - Julie Ratliff, Mary Hintzsche

Pledge of Allegiance

Superintendent; Brent O'Daniell will lead the guests and members of the Board of Education in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Mission Statement

Board Member, John Shipley will 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, questions, comments from guests and visitors

Consent Agenda

Payrolls, Accounts Payable, Minutes

A motion was made by Mr. Cleveland, and second by Dr. Brynteson, to approve the June 10, 2020 payroll in the amount of $674,010.19, the June 2020 Payable Board Report in the amount of $475,385.24, the May 26, 2020 Board of Education Meeting Minutes, The June 8, 2020 Policy

Committee Meeting Minutes, the June 9, 2020 Special Board of Education Meeting Minutes, the May 26, 2020 Closed Session Meeting Minutes, and the June 9, 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.

Ayes: Brynteson, Cleveland, Shipley, Wesner, Andrews 

Nays: 0

Motion Carried.

Early July Payments

Dr. Shortridge commented on the items to be paid prior to the July 28, 2020 board meeting. Dr. Shortridge asked the board to approve the early July payments as presented.

A motion was made by Dr. Brynteson, and second by Mr. Wesner, to approve the early July payments as presented.

Ayes: Cleveland, Shipley, Wesner, Brynteson, Andrews 

Nay: 0

Motion Carried.

Employment Action Resignation, Employment

Mr. O’Daniell stated the employment of Jesse Row was to fill a vacancy and was not a new position.

Mrs. Andrews congratulated Mr. Rucker on his new position and thanked him for his years at G-K. A motion was made by Mr. Cleveland, and second by Mr. Wesner,

To approve the following resignation:

Tom Rucker - Teacher - Effective June 16, 2020

To approve the following employment consideration:

Jesse Row - Teacher - Effective for the 2020-21 school year.

Ayes: Shipley, Wesner, Brynteson, Cleveland, Andrews 

Nays: 0

Motion Carried.

Treasurer's Report

Dr. Shortridge shared a detailed May Treasurer’s Report with the board.

Dr. Shortridge shared concerns over the district receiving a larger than usual first installment tax distribution than in previous years. He also stated that the State of Illinois owes the district approximately $135K.

A motion was made by Mr. Wesner, and second by Dr. Brynteson, to approve the May Treasurers Report as presented.

Ayes: Wesner, Brynteson, Cleveland, Shipley, Andrews 

Nays: 0

Motion Carried.

Old Business

Approval of 2020-21 Lunch/Milk Prices

Mr. O’Daniell commented on prior board discussions regarding the 2020-21 lunch and milk prices. He asked the board to approve the lunch and milk prices for the 2020-21 school year as stated in the motion.

A motion was made by Mr. Cleveland, and second by Dr. Brynteson, to approve the lunch prices as

follows; $2.90 for grades K-5, $3.00 for grades 6-12, $3.50 for adults, and for milk prices to remain the same at $0.45 a carton for the 2020-21 SY as presented.

Ayes: Brynteson, Cleveland, Shipley, Wesner, Andrews 

Nays: 0

Motion Carried.

Approval of Building Staff Handbooks/Department SOP's

Mr. Wesner commented on the prior policy committee meeting and board discussions. He asked the board to approve the 2020-21 Building Staff Handbooks and Department SOP’s as presented.

A motion was made by Mr. Wesner, and second by Dr. Brynteson, to approve the 2020-21 Building Staff Handbooks and Department SOP's as presented.

Ayes: Cleveland, Shipley, Wesner, Brynteson, Andrews 

Nays: 0

Motion Carried.

30-Day Public Display of Board Policy 6:190 - Extracurricular and Co-Curricular Activities

Mr. Wesner commented on the prior policy committee meeting and board discussions. He asked the board to approve the 30-day public display of Board Policy 6:190.

A motion was made by Mr. Wesner, and second by Mr. Cleveland, to approve the 30-Day Public Display of Board Policy 6:190 Extracurricular and Co-Curricular Activities as presented.

Ayes: Shipley, Wesner, Brynteson, Cleveland, Andrews 

Nays: 0

Motion Carried.

Discussion/Approval of Fuel Bid

Dr. Shortridge shared the results of the recent fuel bid and asked the board for approval of Blake Oil Company due to Blake Oil Company winning the bidding process.

A motion was made by Mr. Cleveland, and second by Mrs. Andrews, to approve Blake Oil Co. as the District's fuel provider for the 2020-2021 school year, due to Blake Oil Co. winning the bidding process.

Ayes: Wesner, Brynteson, Cleveland, Shipley, Andrews 

Nays: 0

Motion Carried.

Approval of Second Accounts Payable Run June 2020

Dr. Shortridge commented on the need to have a second accounts payable run to ensure necessary payments were made in the current FY-20 budget year.

A motion was made by Dr. Brynteson, and second by Mr. Cleveland, to approve the second accounts payable run for June 2020.

Ayes: Brynteson, Cleveland, Shipley, Wesner, Andrews 

Nays: 0

Motion Carried.

July 28, 2020 Board Meeting Reminder

Mr. O’Daniell shared a reminder that there is only one board meeting scheduled in July scheduled for Tuesday, July 28, 2020 @ 7pm.

Mrs. Andrews recommended an additional board meeting in July if necessary due to the new Phase IV plans and guidance from the state for reopening schools.

Mr. O’Daniell stated if there was a need for an additional meeting in July he would notify the board.

New Business

FOIA Report

There is one FOIA to report from Ashley Wood FOIA Professional Services.

Donations

There was one generous donation from Board President, Kristen Andrews in the amount of $20 donated back to the district from winnings in this year's athletic booster draw down.

A motion was made by Dr. Brynteson, and second by Mr. Wesner, to approve these generous donations; $20.00 donated back to the district from Kristen Andrews GK athletic draw down winnings.

Ayes: Cleveland, Shipley, Wesner, Brynteson, Andrews 

Nays: 0

Motion Carried.

Budget Discussion

Dr. Shortridge shared the business office calendar through October. He also stated depending on June revenues, the district could have a surplus this year of approximately $600K with a projected deficit next year of approximately $500-$600K.

Mr. Cleveland shared his concerns over deficit spending, the 50% fund balance policy, as well as when the board should hold discussions regarding scenarios for spending cuts. He also asked if there were state guidelines for deficit spending. He further asked about community input.

Mr. Shipley shared concerns over deficit spending and was in favor of seeing scenarios to consider spending cuts.

Dr. Shortridge commented on state requirements, forms, and formulas required for a deficit spending plan. He stated the district has never had to file a deficit spending plan due to maintaining level fund balances and postponing larger maintenance projects. He also commented on conversations in the past with community input. Dr. Shortridge stating he will share a review of the FY-21 budget in July and asked for input from the board regarding the request for scenarios and budget cuts.

Mrs. Andrews commented on the closure of Davenport Elementary School with community input. She also shared concerns over the budget and current pandemic. Mrs. Andrews recommended a review of the tentative budget prior to further discussions.

Mr. O’Daniell commented on Dr. Shortridge and his longevity in the district as business manager to minimize the deficit while cognizant of district needs. He also shared concerns over the request of the business manager to create scenarios. He commented on the current budget and financial reserves of the district.

Dr. Brynteson commented on the fiscal responsibilities of the board as well as the fluid 50% fund balance for the district to stay operational. She also commented on the board working strategically to do what is in the best interest of the students, district, and community.

Mrs. Andrews recommended a review of the FY-21 Tentative Budget with the potential for future additional meetings to discuss the budget.

Bond Discussion

Dr. Shortridge shared an update from PMA financial regarding scenarios for restructuring the current Bond with parameters and terms requested by board member Mr. Cleveland.

Mr. Cleveland asked the board for input.

Mr. Shipley shared concerns regarding future capital projects. He also asked about a scenario with an abatement and borrowing short term to help reduce property taxes.

Dr. Brynteson asked all scenarios and the impact on taxpayers.

Dr. Shortridge will follow up with Mr. Lewis regarding board questions and concerns. He also stated he would never be in favor of taking money away from Fund 10, which helps to educate students.

Mr. Cleveland stated making a decision to restructure the Bond by September to meet the March 2021 deadline.

Mrs. Andrews asked about next steps.

Mr. Cleveland was in favor of scenario 5 to restructure the current Bond and borrow some money without hurting the education of students.

Mr. O’Daniell commented on the cost of future capital projects.

Mrs. Andrews asked Mr. Cleveland, and Dr. Shortridge to work together to present the final scenario for restructuring the current Bond with a timeline to include the 10 year maintenance plan to present at the July 28, 2020 board meeting.

Board Discussion

There was no board discussion.

Administrative Reports

Mrs. Andrews thanked administrators for their June administrative reports.

Mr. O’Daniell asked the board if they would be in favor of no administrative reports for the month of July.

The board was in favor of no administrative reports for the month of July.

Superintendent/Board Communication

ISBE Grant:

Mr. O’Daniell commented on the district receiving a School Maintenance Grant for $50K used to offset the costs for the KES Roof/HVAC project. He publicly thanked Mr. Ratliff and Dr. Steinbach for their work applying for the grant with assistance from Dr. Shortridge and Mrs. Krabbe. He stated Mr. Ratliff and Dr. Steinbach have also applied for an additional Grant in a larger amount to offset the costs for the KES Roof/HVAC project.

GKEF Mini Grants

Mr. O’Daniell commented on the district receiving mini grants from the GKEF (Genoa Kingston Education Foundation) He thanked the GKEF for their work and continued support of the district.

Northwestern Medicine

Mr. O’Daniell commented on the thank you note from Northwestern Medicine for a PPE donation from the GK District.

Face Shields

Mr. O’Daniell commented on the concerns regarding the requirement for students to wear face coverings upon fall re-entry. He also commented on the countywide effort between the ROE and Superintendents to work with Sycamore based company, Upstaging, for a potential bulk purchase of face shields for the entire staff and students. The cost would be approximately $16K. He asked the board for input to support providing one shield and face covering for each student with future purchases at a minimal cost.

Board members Andrews, Shipley, Brynteson and Wesner were in favor of purchasing the face shields in bulk for students and staff.

Board member Cleveland was not in favor of the purchase.

Body Temperature Cameras

Mr. O’Daniell shared information with the board regarding the purchase of body temperature cameras for the district fall re-entry. He stated the cameras were approximately $17K each for a total of $68K and could be purchased from the Cares Act Grant funds.

Board President, Kristen Andrews asked for input from board members and a straw poll vote to move forward with the purchase.

Board members Shipley, Brynteson, Andrews and Wesner were in favor of purchasing the body Board member Cleveland was not in favor of the purchase.

ISBE reentry guidance

Mr. O’Daniell commented on information recently released from the Governor and Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) regarding guidance for fall re-entry. In a recent Superintendent’s meeting, all county schools agreed to release their re-entry plans together. He also commented on bringing the board an amended 2020-21 public school calendar due to November 3, 2020 Election Day being a day off for this year only.

The board held a lengthy discussion regarding fall re-entry and discussed concerns over students wearing masks all day, high risk students as well as remote learning for those students that did not

want to physically attend school.

Graduation:

Mr. O’Daniell commented on a recent meeting with parents of seniors to discuss holding a senior graduation.

Mr. Wesner commented on the three graduation scenarios discussed; holding a drive through graduation, utilizing the football field, holding graduation in the gym. All scenarios would limit those in attendance. The consensus was to hold graduation on the football field weather permitting. Holding a parade on a separate day was discussed.

Future Agenda Items

July 28, 2020 BOE Meeting – 7:00 pm

Approval of Board Policy 6:190 Extracurricular and Co-Curricular Activities

Discussion/Approval of Tentative FY-21 Budget/Public Display/Hearing

Discussion/Approval of Park District After-School Child Care Program Intergovernmental Agreement Discussion/Approval of Pay to Shuttle Program

Acceptance & Preliminary Approval of Resignations and Hiring's

Discussion/Approval of the NIA Ballot

Review of Superintendent Evaluation Tool

Budget Discussion

Bond Discussion

Amended 2020-2021 School Calendar Approval of return school plan

Closed Session for the purpose of discussion relating to 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. Wesner, and seconded by Dr. Brynteson, to convene to Closed session for the purpose of discussion relating to the appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific employees of the District in compliance with 5 ILCS 120/2 (c) (1) at 9:19 pm.

Ayes: Shipley, Wesner, Brynteson, Cleveland, Andrews 

Nays: 0

Motion Carried.

Reconvene

The Board of Education reconvened to open session at 9:36 pm.

Adjournment

A motion was made by Jake Wesner, and seconded by Kristen Brynteson, to adjourn the Board of Education Meeting at 9:36 pm.

Roll Call Vote:

Ayes: Cleveland, Shipley, Wesner, Brynteson, Andrews

Nays: 0

Motion Carried

https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/823851/062320_BOARD_MEETING_MINUTES.pdf