DeKalb Times

Sycamore Community Unit School District #427 Board of Education met Aug. 11.

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

T. Carlson, C. Carrick, M. Ekstrom

Audience Members Present V. Alexander, A. Cambier, G. D'Addario, D. Eggleson, J. Funderburg, R. Helm, S. Horlock, A. Jordan, A. Keca, R. Majerus, A. Martinson, Jenn McCormick, Joe McCormick, K. Miller, P. Nelson, D. Olson, P. Olson, J. Ryder, K. Ryder, S. Shaver, H. Thomas, H. Tucker, S. Turner, J. Walter, J. Ward, B. White, L. Zucker

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

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 July 21, 2020*

2.02 Approval of Minutes of Executive Session July 21, 2020*

2.03 Approval of Minutes of Special Meeting July 28, 2020*

2.04 Approval of Minutes of Special Meeting August 4, 2020*

2.05 Approval of Minutes of Executive Session August 4, 2020*

Motion by Steve M Nelson, second by Kristen R Wrenn, to approve the Consent 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

3. Audience to Visitors

3.01 Audience Participation

Jenn McCormick, SEA President, shared data from a recent survey of teachers asking them if they felt safe to return to school as well as if they felt prepared to return to work. She indicated that the majority of the teachers responded that they do not feel safe or prepared to return.

Jon Walter, 4th Grade Teacher, asked the Board why they are continuing to push forward a hybrid plan when the teachers have questions and concerns about safety that have not been answered.

Angela Cambier, Teacher at Sycamore Middle School, addressed the Board concerned about what a teacher's day will look like. She asked if they would be asked to clean and watch hallways at the same time and voiced concern about teachers moving from classroom to classroom and the time it would take away from teaching.

Pam Nelson, Sycamore Middle School Teacher, stated that she was here this evening to advocate for students and staff and for a safe return for learning. She stated that staff needs to be prepared and structure and routines need to be established. She felt that safety of students and staff should be the number one priority.

Sue Shaver, Sycamore High School Teacher, voiced concern about the ability to thoroughly clean the high school without having a full custodian roster. She commented that some teachers do not know what subject or grade level they will be teaching.

Lee Zucker, Sycamore High School Special Education Teacher, addressed the Board regarding program changes that will be necessary due to COVID-19. She stated that her students would no longer have access to community trips and would not be able to practice their jobs and skills. She stated that the Life School program will be restricted to theoretical skills rather than hands-on learning.

Annette Keca, Sycamore High School Teacher, yielded her time to Sara Turner.

Sara Turner, Sycamore High School Teacher, voiced concern as both a teacher and parent, with the current plan. She stated that neither parents nor teachers have been informed as to what their day will look like. She noted that no professional development has been provided at this time. She felt the plans were vague, well-intentioned and hopeful, but are they realistic and sound. She also voiced her concerns for the safety of students and staff.

Scott Horlock and Ann Martinson, Sycamore High School Teachers, yielded their time to Pam Olson.

Pam Olson, Sycamore High School Teacher, voiced concern for the safety of students and staff as they return to learning this fall. She cited mathematical statistics indicating how many cases of COVID-19 she predicted the school could experience if school opens in the fall. She stated that more questions need to be addressed.

Kylie Ryder, a Senior at Sycamore High School, addressed the Board with a voice that she felt has been absent, the students. She stated that we can only learn from trying. She appreciated that the hybrid model allows those who are ready to return to school to do so. She noted that those who are not ready to return to school have the option of remote learning. She asked the Board to continue to allow the students in the community that choice. She further asked that the students be given an opportunity to work with Sycamore staff to show how Sycamore strong they can be.

Joe McCormick, Sycamore High School Teacher, felt that everyone in attendance is committed to the same end. However, he felt science, not fear or bravery, should drive the decision. He stated that countless hours have been spent on developing the hybrid plan and yet a myriad of concerns exists with little clarity. He stated that the simplest plan is best.

Vernon Alexander, community member, voiced concern about teachers being prepared for both methods of teaching. He was also concerned with elementary students not having chromebooks and asked if there would be specific times to contact a help desk for those having technology issues. He asked if and how the mandated drills would be conducted. He also questioned ventilation and/or air quality in all the schools.

Jason Fundeburg, community member, stated that he is an essential employee at his place of work, and he felt that teachers were even more essential. He cited statistics from a survey that indicated that the majority of stakeholders would like their children back in school five (5) days a week. He asked the Board to consider the stakeholders, when they make their decisions.

4. Communications/Correspondence/Informational Items

4.01 Various Letters/Newsletters

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

4.02 FOIA Requests

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

4.03 Committee Reports

Nelson stated that there was no City Planning and Zoning meeting. Nelson reported from the IASB Resolutions Committee. He noted that the Delegate Assembly will be held virtually this year.

5. Superintendent's Report

5.01 Athletic/Activities Presentation - C. Carrick

Mr. Wilder reviewed the Mission, Vision, Core Values, and PLC questions, with the Board.

Mr. Carrick reviewed the athletic and activities goals for the 2020-2021 school year with the Board. He stated that the goals are to: (1) provide full participation in every club, activity and sport that the District has offered in previous years; (2) run all programs in an environment that follows the guidelines set by the IDPH and ISBE; and (3) be willing to move athletics and activities to different times of the year or through alternative means to ensure we offer a full program for athletics and activities. He reviewed the athletic activities that occurred over the summer as well as the reorganized athletic calendars for the 2020-2021 school year for both high school and middle school athletics. He reported that middle school and high school clubs or activities will be expected to meet a minimum of one time per month and the advisors or sponsors will choose if the meeting will be in-person or virtual. He noted that all in-person activities must follow the same procedures that athletic teams use for practice or contact sessions. Mr. Carrick stressed the importance of athletics and activities in the students lives. He explained that students need the connections, the physical activity, and mental stimulation. He reported that there were no complaints from students about wearing a mask.

Jacobson asked how many students participated in the summer activities. Mr. Carrick responded that approximately 300 students and over 50 coaches participated and no one tested positive for the Coronavirus.

Dombek asked if there was enough space for the clubs and activities to meet. Mr. Carrick answered that there is enough space, but it may look different and some may need to meet via Zoom.

5.02 Return to Learning Update

Mr. Wilder shared the number of students choosing remote learning (29%) and the number of students choosing the hybrid model (71%) and indicated that scheduling is now being finalized. He reported that Chromebooks would be available for all students in grades 6-12 and for remote learners in grades K-5, as well as in each class for hybrid learners. He noted that the District also has 300 iPads that can be used until the ordered Chromebooks are received. Mr. Wilder stated that the DeKalb County Health Department is putting together some information on Health and Safety that the District will send to all staff and stakeholders as soon as it is received. He stated that this information will include FAQ's, a screening flowchart, symptoms of COVID, and when it is safe to return to school.

Mrs. Stuckert gave the Board an update on transportation. She stated that, with the number of students that have signed up for transportation and the staggered start times, she is anticipating approximately 20 students on the buses. She also indicated that she would be reaching out to the Park District and the YMCA to offer to provide transportation of our students to their facilities.

Nelson suggested moving the start of school to after Labor Day to allow additional time for training staff and for teachers to prepare. Mr. Wilder indicated that he would be comfortable bringing the students back after Labor Day. He stated that the buildings are now open and this would allow time for the teachers to come into their classrooms and giving them extra time to plan.

The Board held a lengthy discussion regarding delaying the start of school and felt they would be in favor of it, if the time was well spent. Mr. Wilder stated that those two (2) weeks would be voluntary and informal opportunities for staff. The Board asked to have an update on what will happen during that two-week period at the next meeting.

5.03 Board Retreat

Mr. Wilder stated that the Board and Administration have traditionally held quarterly Board retreats. He noted that the first meeting has been scheduled for Tuesday, October 6th. He suggested that meeting could focus on the return to learning plan and how things have progressed so far and then begin planning for a full return. He felt the meeting could be an in-person meeting if the Board was willing to do that. It was the consensus of the Board to hold an in-person meeting.

5.04 Live-streaming Board Meetings

Mr. Wilder discussed the logistics and possibility of live-streaming future meetings and asked the Board of Education for direction on this topic. He stated that there are some challenges to continuing to live-stream meetings once the auditorium space is no longer available. He felt the Middle School ELA area would be a good location, but the District would need to purchase additional equipment that could be kept there permanently and then all the meetings would need to take place at that location.

The Board felt the idea was worth exploring, but voiced concern with costs and having all of their meetings in the same location.

5.05 2020-2021 Amended District Calendar*

Mr. Wilder stated that due to the earlier conversation about moving the start of school back a couple of weeks, he recommended that the Board table this item until the August 18th meeting.

Motion by Steve M Nelson, second by Eric N Jones, to table the approval of the 2020-2021 Amended District Calendar until Tuesday, August 18, 2020.

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. Assistant Superintendent for Business' Report

6.01 FY21 Budget Update

Mrs. Stuckert explained that she normally presents the tentative budget to the Board at this meeting, however, due to the complexity of the budget this year, she will be bringing the tentative budget to the Board at their August 18, 2020, meeting. She noted that this will still give her the 30 days necessary to post the tentative budget prior to adopting the final budget the end of September.

7. Open Discussion and Future Agenda Items

7.01 Open Discussion, Issues, Observations, Questions

None.

7.02 Future Agenda Items

None.

8. Personnel

8.01 Executive Session for the Consideration of Matters Related to the Appointment, Employment, Discipline, or Dismissal of Personnel and Imminent Litigation*

Motion by Eric N Jones, 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 8:50 p.m. and Out at 8:57 p.m.

9. Action Items from Executive Session

9.01 Approval of the Personnel Report; Retirements*

Motion by Eric N Jones, 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 Jeff A Jacobson, second by James M Chyllo, to adjourn the meeting at 8:59 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