DeKalb Times

Sycamore Community Unit School District #427 Board of Education met Aug. 25.

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, N. Cox, R. Helm, R. Hooper, A. Jordan, J. Malone, NIA; J. McCormick, A. Miller, D. Olson, H. Tucker

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 Kristen R Wrenn, 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 August 11, 2020*

2.02 Approval of Minutes of Executive Session August 11, 2020*

2.03 Approval of Minutes of Special Meeting August 18, 2020*

2.04 Approval of Minutes of Executive Session August 18, 2020*

2.05 Bills Payable*

2.06 Financial Reports*

2.07 Policy 3:70 - Succession of Authority*

Motion by Eric N Jones, second by James M Chyllo, 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. NIA Consent Agenda

3.01 NIA Bills Payable*

3.02 NIA Personnel Report*

Motion by Kristen R Wrenn, second by Julenne Davey, to approve the NIA 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

4. Audience to Visitors

4.01 Audience Participation

Annie Miller, Special Education Teacher at Sycamore Middle School, voiced concern about a comment that was made at the last Board meeting that IEP's were not met last Spring. She stated that the Special Education teachers at the Middle School are amazing teachers who work very hard to meet the needs of their students. She assured the Board that these teachers will continue to provide the best education they possibly can to all their students.

Vernon Alexander, community member, asked if the reason for choosing remote learning was due to isolation or money. He suggested using the field house at the high school for isolation, if necessary. He felt that these issues won't be over in nine weeks, and he asked the Board to make a decision for the next nine weeks quickly so parents have time to plan. He also asked if every elementary student will have the same technology.

5. Public Hearing

5.01 FY21 NIA Budget

Jon Malone, Director of NIA, stated that the final budget for NIA fits the historical pattern of a deficit budget. However, he explained that by the end of the year they usually end up with a balanced budget.

Jones inquired about the budget increase. Mr. Malone responded that some would be due to salary increases and also a new hire as they transfer from a bookkeeper to a financial person.

No one from the audience addressed the Board regarding the NIA budget and no one submitted any written documents.

President Dombek closed the public hearing.

6. Communications/Correspondence/Informational Items

6.01 Various Letters/Newsletters

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

6.02 FOIA Requests

No FOIA requests were received since that last Board meeting.

6.03 Committee Reports

None.

7. Superintendent's Report

7.01 Return to Learning Update

Mr. Wilder reviewed the District's Mission, Vision, Core Values, and PLC Questions with the Board.

Mr. Wilder stated that as a follow-up from last week's meeting, the District's bandwidth should be sufficient for the District's remote learning plan. He noted that, if necessary, the District's bandwidth could be increased without major upgrades to the system. He explained that outages with Zoom or Google are of the District's control. Mr. Wilder stated that a technology survey was sent to families last week to determine if they have a device that their student could use on a regular basis or if they needed a District device. Based on the survey results, he reported that grades 1-8 will receive Chromebooks and Kindergarten students will receive iPads until the new Chromebooks arrive. Mr. Wilder also reported that Teachers will be working from their classrooms, unless medically unable to do so.

Jacobson asked about internet availability for families. Mr. Wilder responded that, so far, the District has been able to fill all the requests for internet.

Mr. Wilder stated that Special Education is federally mandated under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and the Department of Education has not given the District any flexibility in meeting those needs despite the current challenges under COVID-19 guidance. He reported that the special education staff will deliver services remotely, which will be a challenge. However, he stated that the Special Education staff have and will continue to do an amazing job to provide services to the best of their ability despite the challenges. Mr. Wilder reviewed the remote learning plans for students with IEP's with the Board. He stated that students in the ABLE program will have the option for in-person learning beginning Tuesday, September 8, 2020.

Wrenn stated that parents continue to reach out to her with concerns. Mr. Wilder responded that parents should contact their student's teacher if they have questions and then follow the chain of command if they still have concerns. He noted that the special education staff will be contacting the parents soon regarding schedules, supports and services that will be implemented during remote learning.

Mr. Wilder presented an Instructional Model Metrics chart that was developed by the Sycamore Education Association, and shared with the administration. He noted that this plan is a draft and is being presented for information and discussion. He noted that one advantage of using metrics to inform and determine learning models is that emotions, opinions, biases, etc. are removed from the decision-making. Mr. Wilder indicated that he would bring this item back to the Board at a future meeting for approval.

The Board discussed the matrix and had several questions. They voiced concerns about IDPH guidelines, isolation areas and the cost of high school and middle school schedules. They also asked how quickly the District could transition from one plan to another and the challenges for parents as well. Mr. Wilder responded that he will share this matrix with the DeKalb County Health Department to get their feedback, and he will continue to work with the High School and Middle School to further discuss scheduling options.

8. Asst. Supt. for HR/Educational Programs' Report

8.01 Enrollment/Staffing Update

Mr. Reineck reviewed the enrollment and staffing numbers with the Board. He reported that Kindergarten numbers are lower than previous years and overall enrollment is down slightly. He stated that two (2) math interventionists positions were budgeted, but not hired due to the remote learning model. Mr. Reineck explained that he has received many resignations/retirements from non-certified employees mostly due to the COVID-19 situation, but hiring for those positions are on hold. He also noted that a middle school technology coach has also been placed on hold during the remote learning model.

Nelson asked if we return to a hybrid model, how quickly will the District be able to hire additional staff. Mr. Reineck responded that some people that have resigned will return once it is safe to do so. He felt the District would be in a good place if that were to happen.

9. Asst. Supt. for Business Services' Report

9.01 Approval of Resolution Regarding FY21 NIA Budget*

Motion by Steve M Nelson, second by Kristen R Wrenn, to approve the resolution regarding FY21 NIA Budget as presented.

Final Resolution: Motion Carried

Aye: James M Chyllo, Julenne Davey, Eric N Jones, Steve M Nelson, Kristen R Wrenn, Jim J Dombek

Nay: Jeff A Jacobson

9.02 Finance Subcommittee

Mrs. Stuckert stated that she would like to form a Finance Subcommittee. She suggested that membership for this committee would include: Steve Wilder, Nicole Stuckert, Nick Reineck, and two members of the Board of Education. She proposed that meetings be scheduled on a quarterly basis or more often when necessary. She explained that this subcommittee would allow those two Board members to become more versed in the District's finances.

It was the consensus of the Board to move forward with the formation of a Finance Subcommittee.

President Dombek asked the Board members to let him know if they are interested in serving on this committee, and he would make those appointments at the next meeting.

10. Open Discussion and Future Agenda Items

10.01 Open Discussion, Issues, Observations, Questions

Jones stated that he read that the lunch program was running during remote learning, and meals were being delivered by bus. He felt vans would be more efficient. Mrs. Stuckert explained that out-placed students may be using the vans.

Jones reported that the Return-to-Learning plan has not been updated on the website since July 31st.

Davey commended Jenn McCormick, Steve Wilder and Jim Dombek for their welcoming speeches to all staff.

Mrs. Sloniker stated that the September 8th Board meeting was originally scheduled take place at Southeast Elementary School and asked if the Board wanted to meet at Southeast or continue to meet at the High School. She also asked where the Board would like to hold the October 6th Board/Administrators Retreat.

Dombek suggested returning to the Board's regular meeting schedule and the Board was in favor of that. The Board also felt that it was important to continue having the meetings broadcast, which would mean that the meetings would continue to be held at the high school until further notice. The meeting place for the Board/Administrator Workshop will be decided at a later date.

10.02 Future Agenda Items

Appointments to Finance Subcommittee

Instructional Model Matrix Update

11. Personnel

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

Motion by Jeff A Jacobson, second by Eric N Jones, 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

Mr. Reineck reviewed the Personnel Report with the Board.

In at 8:22 p.m. and Out at 8:25 p.m.

12. Action Items from Executive Session

12.01 Approval of the Personnel Report; Resignations, Retirements, Leaves of Absence*

Motion by Kristen R Wrenn, second by Steve M Nelson, 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

13. Adjournment

13.01 Adjournment

Motion by Eric N Jones, second by Kristen R Wrenn, to adjourn the meeting at 8:27 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