Sycamore Community Unit School District #427 Board of Education met July 28.
Here is the minutes provided by the board:
The Board of Education of Sycamore Community Unit School District #427 met in special 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; Lacey Lantz, Administrative Assistant
Administrators Present
T. Carlson, M. Ekstrom, M. Rice, K. Webster
Audience Members Present
V. Alexander, J. Akst, J. Brens, Y. Bruner, J. Funderburg, R. Helm, R. Hooper, A. Jordan, B. Klein, R. Majerus, J. McCormick, D. Olson, J. Sapita, S. Sapita, D. Smith, H. Thomas, J. Threewitt, H. Tucker, K. Viller
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 Roll Call/Adoption of Agenda
Motion by Jeff A Jacobson, 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. Superintendent's Report
2.01 Return to Learn Update*
Mr. Wilder reviewed the District's Mission, Vision, Core Values, PLC questions, etc. with the Board.
Mr. Wilder gave the Board an update on the OSCAR Program. He stated that, unfortunately, OSCAR will not be able to operate this year, mostly do to space constraints, staffing and circumstances beyond our control. However, he recognized that childcare is an issue and the District is planning to offer daycare, at a cost, for District staff. He commented that the District realizes that there is a need for childcare in the community as well and the District has been working with community partners to see if they would be able to provide daycare for District families. Mr. Wilder reported that the Kishwaukee YMCA and the Sycamore Park District are planning on providing daycare for the community. He noted that if the District discovers that other entities will be offering daycare, they will push that information out to parents.
Wrenn asked if the District would provide transportation to the other childcare options. Mr. Wilder responded that the District will not be providing transportation at this time.
Dr. Webster reviewed in-person learning schedules, including start and ending times for each grade level as well as lunch schedules. She stated that the District will be returning to the regular grading process for assignments and activities and daily attendance will be taken for both in-person and on-line learning. She also reviewed additional information regarding special education learning options. Dr. Webster stated that families will also have the opportunity for fully on-line learning and gave some samples of what that might look like for students. She stated that when students return to school, the District's top priority will be student health and safety, and that includes social and emotional health as well. She reviewed programs and procedures that will be provided to support students in these areas. She noted that District resources and the core curriculum will be used in both learning options. She stated that the Early Childhood program will receive services through in-person learning only. However, she noted that if a student has a documented medical condition, the team will review and consider the student's individual needs.
The Board asked questions concerning flexibility with on-line learning times, A/B schedules, the nine (9) week parameter, etc. Dr. Webster indicated that the nine (9) week commitment is important for continuity of learning, but changes could be made for extenuating circumstances. Mr. Wilder stated that the District will attempt to be as flexible as possible for parents.
The Board asked about the availability of Chromebooks, WIFI, and what would happen if there were technology issues. Mr. Wilder stated that the District has some hotspots and the Sycamore Education Foundation is working with the Sycamore Public Library on writing a grant to obtain addition hotspots. He stated that the District will do their best to help the students until the Chromebooks arrive and if technology issues occur, the District would work to find an alternative for that day.
The Board asked about professional development for teachers and if students would have the same teacher throughout the year. Mr. Wilder indicated that he will be bringing a change to the calendar to the Board that would have the teachers returning on August 17th, but changing the first day of student attendance to August 24th. He noted that August 19-21 would then be used for remote planning days for teachers. Dr. Webster indicated that students would maintain the same teacher, but changes may happen depending on staffing issues throughout the year. Mr. Wilder explained that it is also possible if an on-line only student decides to change to the hybrid model after school begins, they may not be able to attend their home school.
Dr. Wesbster reiterated that the District is trying very hard to make education look normal in a very abnormal time. She stated that the goal is to provide an optimal learning experience for our students. She assured the Board that on-line learning in the fall will be very different from the emergency remote learning that happened in the spring. Dr. Webster commented that the District is working hard to balance screen time with human connection. She noted that the District is currently working on developing a list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) to be posted to the District's website.
In response to questions from the Board, Mr. Wilder stated that the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) has suggested two and half hours of in-person learning, with a minimum of five hours of instruction time for students. He also noted that if parents have additional questions they can contact his office or their student's school.
Mr. Ekstrom presented an update regarding the District's facilities and operations regarding the re-entry plan. He stated that face coverings for all students and staff will be required and classrooms will be cleaned and disinfected daily with an emphasis on high touch surfaces and common areas. He noted that restrooms, cafeterias, and other common areas will be cleaned throughout the day. He commented that teachers will be responsible for a quick clean of desks, etc. between classes. Mr. Ekstrom stated that elementary students will be eating lunch in the cafeterias and will be able to play on the playground equipment during recess. He explained that all rooms have fresh air exchange from either Air Handler Units or Univets, which provide fresh air year round.
In response to questions from the Board, Mr. Ekstrom stated that the playgrounds have been open since July. He noted that teachers may need to adjust where they congregate to adhere to social distancing guidelines. He explained that teachers will be in the hallways during passing periods at the High School to help with congestion and social distancing. He noted that middle school and elementary students will stay in their classrooms. He explained that students will only be allowed to enter the buildings 15 to 20 minutes early with monitored access. Mr. Ekstrom commented that unused desks will remain in the classrooms due to lack of storage. He stated that the District will not be utilizing the cocooning method as it would be very challenging in our school environment.
The Board asked questions regarding guidelines for parents to help them understand when to keep students home based on symptoms or exposure to COVID, steps that will be followed if someone tests positive for COVID, and when the District would allow more students to attend full time. Mr. Wilder responded that the District will communicate with parents and place information on the website to help them understand when to keep their children home from school based on guidance from the health department. He reported that the District will work with the health department when symptoms are found prior to a positive test and quarantine as necessary per a doctor's recommendation. He explained that if a person tests positive for COVID, the District will work with the health department for contact tracing and the health department will contact anyone that has had contact with that person. He stated that while the District has a responsibility to the community, they also need to respect confidentiality. Mr. Wilder stated that a flow chart will be developed, posted to the District's website, and used internally to monitor cases as they arise. He reiterated that the goal of the District is to protect its students and staff. Regarding when the District will allow more students to attend in-person, Mr. Wilder stated that the District will be evaluating and monitoring the process regularly and watching the statistics in our town and county, etc. in order to make that determination.
Wrenn asked to postpone voting on the plan until after the audience has had a chance to participate.
Motion by Steve M Nelson, second by Jeff A Jacobson, to approve the Return to Learn Plan as presented.
Final Resolution: Motion Carried
Aye: James M Chyllo, Jeff A Jacobson, Eric N Jones, Steve M Nelson, Kristen R Wrenn, Jim J Dombek
Nay: Julenne Davey
3. Audience to Visitors
3.01 Audience Participation
Jason Funderburg stated that 66% of parents in the community asked for five (5) days of in-school learning and asked if the District would be able to accommodate five (5) days of school for those 66%.
Jason Akst stated that he would like to know what classes will be offered via the hybrid plan versus the on-line plan. He also asked if students could change from hybrid to on-line learning every nine (9) weeks throughout the year or just one time. Mr. Akst also stated that he and his wife would be interested in serving on a parent focus group. He also suggested that the District pay close attention to the data in order to adjust the school year going forward.
Vernon Alexander stated that he hasn't heard anything about KEC, dual credit classes or honors classes and wondered if they would still be offered. He was wondering if students would still be held to the same amount of credits. He also asked what training would be provided for substitute teachers if they need to do the on-line or hybrid learning.
Krista Viller asked about honors classes as well. She also asked if there will be some type of orientation for 9th and 6th grade students to help foster that transition. She also stated that communication is very important.
Jenn McCormick, SEA President stated that they surveyed their members in mid-July and 63.4% of our members do not feel it is safe to return to work right now and 29.1% have considered not returning. She felt that concern for student and staff safety should cause us to pause and ask if we are doing the right thing. She wondered if the District should delay opening school to see what might happen in the state and in our community.
Andy Jordan, High School Teacher and SEA Vice President, stressed the importance of safety and security for students and staff. He noted that this is not a Sycamore problem, it is a global pandemic, and the District needs to what is best for students.
Jake Brens, 8th Grade English Teacher, voiced concern about students maintaining 6' distances and wearing masks and who would be responsible for enforcing these safety guidelines for common areas. He felt that clear protocol for teachers and students following a positive diagnosis was necessary. He felt it is unreasonable to suggest that it is safe to return to school right now and felt the District's time should be spent on E-Learning until all stakeholders believe it is safe to return to school.
4. Adjournment
4.01 Adjournment
Motion by Kristen R Wrenn, second by James M Chyllo, to adjourn the meeting at 9:47 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
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