DeKalb Times

Genoa-Kingston Community Unit School District #424 Board of Education Committee of the Whole met Sept. 8.

Here is the minutes provided by the board:

Call to Order

Board president, Kristen Andrews called the Genoa-Kingston CUSD #424 Committee of the Whole meeting to order at 7:01 pm.

Roll Call: Dr. Brynteson, Mr. Cleveland, Dr. Hintzsche, Mrs. Ratliff, Mr. Wesner, Mrs. Andrews

Present: Brynteson, Hintzsche, Ratliff, Wesner, Andrews

Virtually Present: Cleveland

Also present Superintendent O’Daniell and Assistant Superintendent Brad Shortridge Absent: None

Return to Learn Plan Update

Mr. O’Daniell shared a Return to Learn update and slide presentation with the board. He stated the first week of school was successful. He also commented on a recent survey sent to staff to address technology challenges. Mr. O’Daniell publicly thanked the technology department for their hard work during these unprecedented times to address these concerns. Mr. O’Daniell also commented on the staff being excited to have students back in the buildings while following social distance and mask guidelines. He further commented on staff maximizing instructional strategies in the hybrid scenario.

Mr. O’Daniell asked the board to discuss the district’s technology needs as well as the potential for adding a Computer Tech I position. He stated it was necessary to add the position due to the remote and hybrid needs of the district as well implementation of the new SIS system, Skyward. Mr. O’Daniell commented on Mr. Spear’s role as the district’s full time Power School manager and potential retirement leaving only two computer techs to support the district. Mr. O’Daniell stated it was necessary to have both instructional coaches as well as technology staff. The Computer Tech I is going to be helping with software and support while the instructional coaches would help with

hybrid learning and teaming with instructors.

The board held a lengthy discussion to consider adding a Computer Tech I position to the staff. They also discussed filling the Instructional Coach position in the future.

Dr. Shortridge commented on the need for a fourth Computer Tech position as well as future Instructional Coach.

Mr. Herrig stated the additional Computer Tech I position would allow for the necessary support to staff and students.

Dr. Hintzsche was in favor of the additional Computer Tech I position.

Mr. O’Daniell went on to discuss transportation. He stated the bus drivers are feeling comfortable with their routes with approximately 25 students riding at one time. He also stated Friday, September 11 would the last day to ESP’s would need to be on the bus. While Mr. O’Daniell reserves the right to reverse action in the future if necessary. Mr.

O’Daniell publicly thanked the transportation department for their hard work during these unprecedented times.

Mr. O’Daniell commented on ISBE lunch program changes from the National School Lunch Program back to the Summer Foods School Program through the end of the calendar year.

Mr. O’Daniell also shared the most recent COVID data. Mr. O’Daniell stated he would continue to report COVID data on a weekly basis or as needed. He also commented on the DCHD reporting cases, and enforcing quarantine recommendations. He further stated the DCHD is the only one that can enforce a school closure.

Dr. Hintzsche left the room at 7:33 pm

Mr. O’Daniell asked for further discussions regarding the request to add a Computer Tech I FTE position.

The board held a lengthy discussion regarding the addition of the Computer Tech I FTE position.

Dr. Hintzsche returned to the meeting at 7:37 pm.

The board was in favor of posting the Computer Tech I position immediately. Public hearings petitions questions and comments from guests and visitors

No public hearings petitions questions and/or comments from guests and visitors Policy Committee Update

Mr. O’Daniell commented on feedback from the attorney regarding legal questions in the current PRESS Policies issues #104 and #105. Mr. O’Daniell will send the list of questions with the attorney’s recommendations to the Policy Committee for review.

Further board discussions will take place at the September board meeting with final approval at the October board meeting.

Budget Discussion

Dr. Shortridge commented on the budget. He also commented on the change in food service and maintenance grant both affecting the budget.

Bond Discussion

Mr. Cleveland commented on the impending Bond payment. He asked to hold further discussions on September 22 to include PMA representative Bob Lewis. He asked that Mr. Lewis be prepared to review the three options previously discussed by the board. Formal approval of the Bond will take place at a future board meeting. Mr. Cleveland asked that the operations department consider the needs of the district to allow the board to filter larger budgeted items. He also commented on the request for a generator at the middle school. He further commented on keeping the taxpayer in mind when considering the impending Bond. Mr. Cleveland stated the board should consider utilizing the education fund for building needs and that building needs are part of the education of students.

Dr. Shortridge asked the board for direction prior to Mr. Lewis’s visit. He also commented on the generator project written into a grant. Dr. Shortridge shared concerns over using educational funds for capital projects and stated the district can sell bonds for capital projects but cannot pay salaries or purchase textbooks that educate students.

The board asked that Mr. Lewis present the three options the board previously discussed.

Board Communication

Mrs. Andrews thanked the staff for their efforts with the Return to Learn plan. She expressed her appreciation for the hard work in every grade level and happy to see the students back to school whether in hybrid or in person learning scenarios.

Dr. Hintzsche thanked the administration and staff for their efforts maneuvering through COVID. She also asked about the timeline for Mr. Owen to send out another staff survey.

Mr. O’Daniell will follow up with Mr. Owen.

Superintendent/Board Communication

Mr. O’Daniell’s communication was shared in the Return to Learn update at the beginning of the meeting.

Future Agenda Items

September 22, 2020 BOE Meeting

Appointment of New Board Member

Public Hearing and Approval of the FY-21 Budget Salary & Benefits Compensation Report

Policy committee update

October 13, 2020 Committee of the Whole Meeting Bo PMA

Levy Information & Necessary Approval Dates

Closed session for discussion of the appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance or dismissal of specific employees of the District in compliance with 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(1) and Collective bargaining matters between the District and its employees or their representatives, or deliberations concerning salary schedules for one or more classes of employees in compliance with 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(2) and The selection of a person to fill a public office, as defined in the Open Meetings Act, including a vacancy in a public office, when the public body is given power to appoint under law or ordinance or the discipline, performance or removal of the occupant of a public office, when the public body is given power to remove the occupant under law or ordinance in compliance with 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(3)

A motion was made by Dr. Brynteson, and seconded by Dr. Hintzsche, to convene to Closed session for discussion of the appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance or dismissal of specific employees of the District in compliance with 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(1) and Collective bargaining matters between the District and its

employees or their representatives, or deliberations concerning salary schedules for one or more classes of employees in compliance with 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(2) and The selection of a person to fill a public office, as defined in the Open Meetings Act, including a vacancy in a public office, when the public body is given power to appoint under law or ordinance or the discipline, performance or removal of the occupant of a public office, when the public body is given power to remove the occupant under law or ordinance in compliance with 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(3) at 7:58 pm.

Roll Call Dr. Brynteson, Mr. Cleveland, Dr. Hintzsche, Mrs. Ratliff, Mr. Wesner, Mrs. Andrews

Ayes: Brynteson, Cleveland, Hintzsche, Ratliff, Wesner, Andrews 

Nays: 0

Motion Carried.

Reconvene

The Committee of the Whole Meeting reconvened to open session at 9:32 pm.

Kristin Brynteson left the room at 9:32 pm Kristin Brynteson returned at 9:33 pm

Personnel Action

No personnel Action

Adjournment

A motion was made by Mr. Wesner, and seconded by Dr. Brynteson, to adjourn the Committee of the Whole Meeting at 9:34 pm.

Roll Call Vote: Mary Hintzsche, Julie Ratliff, Jake Wesner, Kristin Brynteson, David Cleveland, Kristen Andrews

Ayes: Hintzsche, Ratliff, Wesner, Brynteson, Cleveland, Andrews

Nays: 0

Motion carried

https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/931829/090820_COW_MEETING_MINUTES_7PM.pdf