DeKalb Times

Sycamore Community Unit School District #427 Board of Education met July 21.

Here is the minutes provided by the board:

The Board of Education of Sycamore Community Unit School District #427 met in regular session in the auditorium at Sycamore High School, 427 Spartan Trail, Sycamore, Illinois. This meeting was also live-streamed through Spartan TV.

Members present

James M Chyllo, Julenne Davey, Jeff A Jacobson, Eric N Jones, Steve M Nelson, Kristen R Wrenn, Jim J Dombek

Others Present

Steve Wilder, Superintendent; Nicole Stuckert, Asst. Supt. for Business Services; Nick Reineck, Asst. Supt. for HR and Educational Programs; Kathy Sloniker, Admin. Assist. to Supt./Board of Education

Administrators Present

K. Crawford, M. Ekstrom, T. Franks, R. Janisch, M. Rice, R. Schrader, K. Webster, K. Wesley

Audience Members Present A. Cambier, A. Christensen, C. Countryman, K. Countryman, H. Hicks, A. Jordan, B. Klein, P. Loan, T. Loan, R. Majerus, J. McCormick, A. Milovancevich, I Milovancevich, J. Sapita, S. Sapita, D. Sender

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

President Dombek welcomed new Superintendent Wilder and new Assistant Superintendent for HR/Educational Services.

Motion by Jeff A Jacobson, second by Eric N Jones, to approve the agenda as printed.

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 June 23, 2020*

2.02 Approval of Minutes of Executive Session June 23, 2020*

2.03 Bills Payable*

2.04 Review of Executive Session Minutes January 2020-June 2020*

2.05 Approval to Dispose of Executive Session Recorded Minutes through January 2019*

2.06 High School Dual Credit Psychology Instructional Materials*

2.07 High School AP World History Instructional Resource Adoption*

2.08 NIA Executive Board Ballot*

Motion by Steve M Nelson, second by Kristen R Wrenn, to approve the Consent Agenda as printed.

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 Recognition of Retiring Superintendent

President Dombek and the Board of Education presented retiring Superintendent, Mrs. Kathy Countryman, with a gift in appreciation for all of her years of service with the District. Mrs. Countryman, thanked the Board for the gift and for the opportunity to serve the District and its students and staff for the past 20 years.

4.02 Various Letters/Newsletters

President Dombek stated that these items have been placed in the Board packet for the Board's information.

4.03 FOIA Requests

The Board reviewed the FOIA request that was received since the last meeting.

4.04 Committee Reports

Nelson stated that there was no Planning and Zoning meeting this month. He reported that the Sycamore Education Foundation met and elected officers, however, they are still looking for a treasurer. He noted that five (5) new Board members were inducted to the Foundation. Nelson stated that the Board reviewed the budget, which was difficult due to the pandemic.

Davey reported from the Old North Grove School Association. She stated that they are applying for a grant to replace the windows, and they are planning to use the same glass if possible.

Dombek stated that he attended a virtual meeting with the IDPH and ISBE regarding the beginning of the 20-21 school year. He felt that they were very loose in their guidance, but noted that they were going to release newer guidelines in a few days. Dombek also attended the IASB Policy virtual meeting.

5. Superintendent's Report

5.01 Basics DeKalb County

Amanda Christensen gave the Board a presentation regarding Basics DeKalb County. She stated that Basics is a Kindergarten Readiness Collaborative to prepare students for school and life success. She explained that learning begins at day one and science shows that 80% of brain growth happens during the first three years of life. She stated that Kindergarten readiness is a strong predictor of later education, health, and adult achievement and is a foundation from which children can adapt to school systems and learn successfully. Ms. Christensen stated that there are five fun, simple and powerful ways to give every child a great start in life: 1) Maximize love and Manage Stress; 2) Talk, Sing, and Point; 3) Count, Group, and Compare; 4) Explore through Movement and Play; 5) Read and Discuss. She explained that Basics DeKalb County aims to engage the whole community so that everyone knows the Basics and every parent or caregiver receives encouragement and support for using them. She encouraged the Board members and the School District to become a member of Basics by signing the Partner Pledge and to visit their website: www.dkroeedteam.com or Facebook page for more information.

Jones asked Ms. Christensen if she could speculate on what Kindergarten readiness might be as it relates to the additional burden of the pandemic. Mrs. Christensen responded that she agrees that there has been a truncated Pre-Kindergarten experience for those children who were in a formal early learning setting. She noted that we must be aware that our little children have felt the effects of the pandemic. She stressed the importance of parents maintaining a positive attitude. She noted that the children have probably picked up more about what is going on in our world than we realize.

5.02 Return to Learn Update - Dr. Webster/Mr. Ekstrom

Mr. Wilder stated that a lot of work has been going on for several months, and he thanked the staff for all of their collaborative work. He noted that it has not been easy, and it has required a lot of flexibility. Mr. Wilder stated that the District has received feedback from staff and the community, and he feels the Return to Learn plan reflects the best effort for students in the safest environment possible. He explained that the District will follow CDC, IDPH, ISBE and the DeKalb County Health Department guidelines to make the best decisions. He stated that face masks wil have to be worn at all times and face shields will be permitted in some cases, as well as social distancing. He noted that the plan is not final and the District will continue to work on the plan based on feedback from the Board, students, parents, etc.

Dr. Webster stated that the District has created three (3) different plans to be ready for anything that happens. She stated that the Hybrid Learning model is a blended learning model which places student and staff safety as the District's top priority. She explained that this plan will have students following an A/B schedule Monday through Thursday and alternating Fridays. (Group A students would attend school on Mondays and Wednesdays and alternating Fridays and Group B students would attend on Tuesdays and Thursdays and alternating Fridays.) She stated that students will still be participating in independent learning provided by their teacher on days when they are not in person. She noted that families will be assigned the same schedule to the greatest extent possible for student continuity across schools. Dr. Webster stated that the silver lining is that there will be smaller class sizes, which will help to close any gaps and target instruction.

Dr. Webster stated that families will have the option of choosing a full virtual learning schedule. She indicated that every effort will be made to ensure remote learners have a reliable internet connection, including providing access to mobile hotspots as available. She explained that this will not be the emergency remote learning plan that was conducted in the spring. She noted that grades will be assigned and attendance will be taken with all learning plans.

Mr. Ekstrom reported that classrooms will be cleaned and disinfected daily with an emphasis on high tough surfaces and common areas. He noted that restrooms, cafeterias, and other common areas will be cleaned throughout the day. He stated that students will receive grade level appropriate education and guidance for proper physical distancing, the use of PPE and proper hand hygiene during the first two (2) weeks of school. He noted that there will also be signage in the buildings for washing hands, signs of COVID, social distancing, how to wear your mask, etc. Mr. Ekstrom stated that Music related courses, Physical Education and Driver's Education classes will follow the most current IDPH/ISBE guidelines for student and staff safety measures. He noted that athletics and extracurricular activities will follow the guidelines provided by the IHSA and the IESA.

Davey asked what a typical day at the High School will look like for students and staff. Dr. Webster responded that those are the details that will have to be determined. Mr. Wilder stated that the high school will be a challenge. He noted that passing times may be staggered so that all the students are not in the hallway at the same time, etc.

Some Board members felt that the start date of school should be pushed back to give the District more time to plan and prepare. Mr. Wilder responded that planning for this has been going on for a long time already, and he felt that August 19th was still a realistic date. However, he noted that he would keep the Board informed, if the District feels that we cannot be ready by that date.

Nelson asked if the District is required to shut down shortly after school begins, is there a transition plan in place. Dr. Webster responded that they are currently working on how to move between all three plans nimbly (Hybrid, Fully In-Person, Remote). She explained that right now the focus is on getting students back in school on August 19th. Dr. Webster indicated that the District will be in an ever-changing state throughout the course of this school year. She stated that everyone is doing the best they can, in a very obscure situation, to make sure our staff and students are ready and safe.

Jacobson asked if the District would receive the chromebooks in time for school to begin. Dr. Webster responded that the District does not have a delivery date at this time, however, Ms. Horton is in constant contact with the supplier. Mr. Wilder indicated that Ms. Horton has a plan to begin the school year even if the devices come in late.

Jones felt that the on-line plan needs to be communicated to parents as soon as possible.

Dombek asked about the plans for transportation. Ms. Stuckert responded that staggered start times have been discussed as well as trying to keep families together on the bus, however, nothing has been finalized at this time. She noted that she is also working with Mr. Ekstrom regarding cleaning the buses.

Dombek asked about the availability of childcare. Mr. Wilder responded that the biggest issue is space. He noted that the District is looking at providing childcare for staff and Ms. Walz is contacting other agencies in the community to see what they can provide.

Dombek asked what would happen if someone is diagnosed with COVID. Mr. Reineck explained that the District would work with the DeKalb County Health Department on a case-by-case basis. Mr. Wilder stated that he could reach out to the Health Department to see if someone could attend an upcoming Board meeting.

Board members asked questions about the Hybrid and the E-Learning options. Dr. Webster responded that these plans will continue to be refined based on the information available and will strive to deliver the best possible education for our students while keeping everyone safe.

5.03 2020-2021 Amended District Calendar*

Mr. Wilder informed the Board that Governor Pritzker has declared November 3, 2020, as a mandatory state holiday. He noted that by adding this holiday, it is also necessary to add another day at the end of the year to maintain 176 student attendance days. Therefore, he reported that the proposed last day for student attendance will now be Friday, May 28, 2021.

Motion by Kristen R Wrenn, second by James M Chyllo, to approve the amended calendar for the 2020-2021 school year 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

6. Asst. Supt. for Business Services' Report

6.01 Approval of Sycamore High School and South Prairie Elementary School Resurfacing/Repair Bids*

Mrs. Stuckert recommended that the Board accept the lowest bid package, which was received from Curran Contracting Company, in the amount of $198,829.34.

Motion by Eric N Jones, second by Jeff A Jacobson, to accept the bid package received from Current Contracting Company in the amount of $198,829.34 for parking lot resurfacing/repair projects at Sycamore High School and South Prairie Elementary Schools 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

7. Open Discussion and Future Agenda Items

7.01 Open Discussion, Issues, Observations, Questions

Jacobson stated that he liked how information was shared with the community regarding the Board meeting.

7.02 Future Agenda Items

None.

8. Executive Session

8.01 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 9:22 p.m. and Out at 9:41 p.m.

9. Action Items from Executive Session

9.01 Personnel Report; Employment, Leaves, Resignations, Retirements*

Motion by James M Chyllo, 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

10. Adjournment

10.01 Adjournment

Motion by Eric N Jones, second by Jeff A Jacobson, to adjourn the meeting at 9:44 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