DeKalb Times

Sycamore Community Unit School District #427 Board of Education met Sept. 22.

Here is the minutes provided by the board:

The Board of Education of Sycamore Community Unit School District #427 met in regular session on September 22, 2020, 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; Kathy Sloniker, Admin. Assist. to Supt./Board of Education

Administrators Present

S. Balster, T. Carlson, J. Cleven, K. Crawford, M. Ekstrom, S. Frankiewicz, T. Franks, R. Janisch, L. Reilley, M. Rice, R. Schrader, K. Wesley

Audience Members Present J. Akst, Abby Carter, Angie Carter, T. Carter, C. Fioretto, J. Heine, M. Heine, R. Helm, C. Hoeve, A. Jordan, J. Kamm, D. Larson, J. McCormick, A. Miller, D. Olson, C. Peterson, M. Schwartz, H. Thomas, A. Tomlinson, H. Tucker, K. Valde, S. Ward, G. Wells, J. Wells

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 Jeff A Jacobson, 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. Consent Agenda

2.01 Approval of Minutes of Regular Meeting September 8, 2020*

2.02 Approval of Minutes of Executive Session September 8, 2020*

2.03 Bills Payable*

2.04 Financial Reports*

2.05 Resolution Directing Superintendent to Prepare the Budget*

2.06 Approval of 2020 Administrator and Teacher Compensation Report*

2.07 Intergovernmental Agreement for Pre-Student Teaching Clinical Experiences between Kishwaukee College District 523 Malta, IL and Sycamore CUSD #427*

2.08 Sycamore Middle School Improvement Plan*

2.09 Requests for Early Graduation*

Motion by Kristen R Wrenn, second by Eric N Jones. 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 Steve M Nelson, second by Kristen R Wrenn, to approve 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. Public Hearing

4.01 FY21 District #427 Budget

President Dombek called the Public Hearing on the District #427 Budget to order. No one from the audience spoke and no one submitted any written documentation regarding the District #427 budget. President Dombek closed the Public Hearing.

Mrs. Stuckert reviewed the Budget Goals with the Board. She noted that they are predicting a $304,418 deficit budget due to the unknowns of this school year.

5. Audience to Visitors

5.01 Audience Participation

Kathleen Valde addressed the Board regarding a survey that was sent to the families. She stated that the choices were limited to yes/no answers and did not allow for additional feedback on the questions. She felt the survey was flawed and inadequate.

Chris Fioretto stated that he agreed with the previous speaker regarding the survey. He also voiced concern that students are getting kicked out Google Classroom during synchronous learning several times a day, which is very frustrating for the students, and they are also missing out on instruction time with their teachers.

Tyler Carter, a Senior at Sycamore High School, stated that he is not able to sit in front of a computer for long periods of time. He noted that some schools are working around COVID-19, and he voiced his embarrassment that Sycamore Schools chose not to. He also felt that ALL students need to be back in school, not just the elementary students.

Abby Carter, a Senior at Sycamore High School, voiced her frustration with remote learning. She stated that finding assignments and trying to connect with other students takes longer than doing the work. She stated that the students simply want to be in a classroom with some sort of normalcy. She urged the Board to follow the return to learning plans of other local schools that are being successful.

Craig Peterson addressed the Board suggesting that textbooks be available for students to supplement on-line learning. He voiced frustration that Canvass and Infinite Campus are not in sync with students grades; on-line tests and quizzes do not allow students to skip questions; and he would like to see a single sign-on for all District electronic resources. He also felt that the proposed metric is unwise, requires interpretation, and will become an excuse for delaying a return to in-person learning. He requested access to School Board documents; i.e. minutes and presentations, on the District's website.

Mikala Heine, 8th grade student, voiced her concern with remote learning and looking at a screen for 4-6 hours. She reported that she sometimes gets kicked out of Google meets, and she has several siblings who are all using the internet at the same time, which slows it down. She also commented that she misses socializing with her friends.

Jeff Heine stated that e-learning is very stressful for his five (5) children. He stated that the students get kicked out of Google meets on a regular basis. He asked to get the students back in school as soon as possible.

Angie Carter asked for clarification when discussing the return to learning plan; does it include the entire District, only elementary schools, or only ABLE and special needs students. She questioned if all the Middle School and High School classes need to be in person, or could some of them continue with on-line classes. She also voiced frustration with the inconsistencies between Infinite Campus and Canvass regarding grades.

Jennifer Wells voiced frustration with remote learning. She stated that she is a single mom of two elementary students with IEP's, and she is struggling to get them to do their work.

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

The Board reviewed the FOIA requests that had been received.

6.03 Committee Reports

President Dombek stated that the Policy Committee met last week. He stated that the Board is approving one set of policy revisions at this meeting and the District has already received the next set of proposed to revisions.

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 reviewed input that he received from other districts with the Board. He stated that most of them are either hybrid or remote and those that have remote students are considering returning to in-person instruction through a hybrid model. He pointed out that many districts who implemented a hybrid model incurred significant costs, particularly at the high school level due to staffing issues. He commented that school districts are following IDPH protocols, however, interpretation of IDPH guidelines varies.

Ms. Reilley, Director of Student Services, gave the Board a presentation regarding what remote learning looks like for special education students. She explained that students who are eligible for an IEP (Individual Education Program) receive supports and services to be able to access their education. Mrs. Reilley reviewed what an IEP is, how an IEP is developed for a student, and what it entails with the Board.

Ms. Schwartz, Early Childhood Coordinator, reviewed what remote learning looks like for the District's early childhood program. She pointed out that, while in-person learning is best, they are now interacting with the students remotely. She reviewed some success: increased parental interaction; specific individual time one on one; and increased verbal responses from students, as well as some challenges: maintaining attention; mask wearing; and sustaining technology.

Ms. Reilley shared with the Board what staff is doing to meet the needs of the elementary and middle school students. She reviewed some successes: seeing the kids; building connections, offering paraeducator support, developing new routines, and more communication with the family, as well as some challenges: too much screen time; finding a quiet place to learn, internet connections, etc.

Ms. Ward, Special Education Coordinator at the High School, gave the Board a presentation on what remote learning looks like for students at the high school level. She stated that some successes at the high school include: collaboration with staff; all day Google Meets to support students; Google Read and Write support; and in-service training. She noted that there are some challenges as well, including: technology; students struggling with executive functioning skills and self-advocacy skills, etc.

Ms. Kamm, Social Worker, reviewed how the Social workers are supporting the social and emotional learning for students, families and staff by developing relationships, building connections and creating partnerships.

Ms. Hoeve, Speech/Language Pathologist shared how services are provided to students in a remote setting. She stated that she has had the luxury of working to support families across academic, social and community areas to make sure their needs are being met.

Wrenn asked if families of students with IEP's are having issues, how should they proceed. Ms. Reilley suggested that the parents or students should reach out to their case manager or the building administrator, to set up a meeting to discuss their needs.

Mr. Wilder thanked Ms. Lynn Reilley and the student services staff for all their work and for their presentation this evening.

Hybrid Options - Elementary Level Report

Mr. Wesley, South Prairie Elementary Principal, shared an update and celebrations.

Ms. Crawford, Southeast Elementary Principal, reported on the survey that went to all District families. She also stated that the elementary principals spoke with 10 districts who were currently operating with some type of hybrid/remote instruction to learn about what went well and what needed improvement in their plan.

Mr. Schrader, West Elementary Principal, reviewed three plan options with the Board: Stand Alone (full day hybrid); Stand Alone (Half Day Hybrid); and Parallel Plan. He reported that the Principals prefer the Parallel Plan because it will allow the students to keep the teacher that they have been working with the first 9 weeks whether they are remote or in-person.

Mr. Franks, North Elementary Principal, explained that teachers will be teaching the hybrid students and the remote students at the same time utilizing technology to teach live during the day. He pointed out that teachers would be teaching reading, writing, and math, as well as their morning meeting, synchronously. He stated that asynchronous lessons would include social studies, SEL, specials and handwriting. He noted that all lessons would be recorded and posted at the end of the day to allow flexibility for families.

Mr. Janisch, North Grove Elementary Principal, stated that this model allows the District, as well as families, to shift smoothly from remote to hybrid learning and vice versa if necessary. He noted that this plan also allows teachers to teach all students every day. He stated that the structure will continue to be A/B Days (Monday, Wednesday/Tuesday, Thursday) and Friday will be remote for all students.

The Board members asked many questions about the parallel plan. Mr. Janisch explained that this plan will be difficult for our staff, but we feel it is best for the situation we are in and it gives the District the best opportunity to be fluid and adapt to change.

Hybrid Options - Middle and High School Report

Mr. Carlson, Principal, Sycamore High School, stated that they looked at three guiding principles: Health and Safety Implications, Instructional Implications, and Cost Implications. He shared the survey results with the Board. Mr. Carlson reviewed the Hybrid Standalone Plan and the Hybrid Parallel Plan with the Board and explained that the Hybrid Parallel Plan would work best at the middle school and high school level. He stated that this model is similar to the model proposed by the elementary principals. He noted that staff would teach all groups of students (A, B, Remote) simultaneously. He stated that this plan would require a financial investment, but it would be significantly less than the Hybrid Standalone Plan. He stated that one good thing that may come from this situation is that the District has been talking about implementing Mass Customized Learning, and he felt that the current situation is preparing the District to achieve that.

Mr. Wilder reviewed the revised Metric Model with the Board and discussed the advantages of using metrics to make informed decisions. He noted that this model has been reviewed by the SEA leadership, and he proposed using this model to make decisions to transition from one learning model to another.

The Board members asked questions and voiced concerns about balancing the metric model with activity in the area as well as in the District buildings.

Mr. Wilder explained that the ultimate decision to transition from one learning model to another will be a judgement call by the Superintendent, which will be based on several factors, including the metric model.

Mr. Wilder reviewed the IDPH Guidelines with the Board. He explained that some changes have been made that he felt would allow the District to make some judgement calls, which gives the District a little more flexibility.

Mr. Wilder reviewed a timeline with the Board that indicated that he would like the Board to give direction regarding the Hybrid Parallel model at the October 6th Special Board meeting in order to begin planning for instruction during the second quarter. He noted that he is proposing to transition to the Hybrid model on Wednesday, November 4th. He mentioned that early childhood and some LEAF students will return Monday, October 5th.

It was the consensus of the Board to move forward with the Hybrid Parallel Plan as presented. Wrenn voiced concern with moving forward without knowing the total cost of the plan.

President Dombek stated that this plan will be placed on the October 6th agenda as an action item.

7.02 Sycamore Education Foundation (SEF) Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) - 2nd Reading*

Mr. Wilder stated that revisions have been made to the MOU and the final revisions were presented to the SEF Board last night. He recommended that no action be taken on this item tonight. He indicated he would bring it back to the Board after the SEF has had a chance to review the proposed changes.

7.03 Policy Revisions - 2nd Reading*

Mr. Wilder recommended approving the policies included in the Board's packet, except for Policy 4:180 Pandemic Preparedness. He stated that he has reached out to the District's attorneys for legal council, but has not heard back from them as of this evening. He noted that this policy has also been included in the next round of policy revisions.

Motion by Steve M Nelson, second by Eric N Jones, to approve the policy revisions as presented, excluding Policy 4:180 Pandemic Preparedness.

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

8. Assistant Superintendent for Business' Report

8.01 Approval of Resolution Regarding FY21 District Budget*

Motion by Eric N Jones, second by Jeff A Jacobson, to approve the resolution regarding the FY20 District Budget 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

9. Open Discussion and Future Agenda Items

9.01 Open Discussion, Issues, Observations, Questions

Nelson suggested that hte District consider purchasing a device to put inside the mask that makes it easier to hear people talking and also makes them more breathable.

Jacobson thanked the parents and students that addressed the Board tonight. He assured them that their concerns are always heard, and the Board is doing their best to address those concerns.

Jones voiced his disappointment that the Technology Committee did not meet last year.

Chyllo thanked all the parents that have volunteered to use their own devices while the District waits for ordered devices to be received.

President Dombek asked the District to look into some issues that surfaced tonight regarding; not being able to skip questions; availability of textbooks for students; single sign on, etc. Mr. Wilder indicated that he would look into those concerns.

9.02 Future Agenda Items

None.

10. Executive Session

10.01 Executive Session for the Consideration of Matters Related to the Appointment, Employment, Compensation, 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, compensation, 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 11:14 p.m. and Out at 11:15 p.m.

11. Action Items from Executive Session

11.01 Approval of the Personnel Report; Employment, Resignations*

Motion by Kristen R Wrenn, second by Jeff A Jacobson, 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

12. Adjournment

12.01 Adjournment

Motion by Steve M Nelson, second by Julenne Davey, to adjourn the meeting at 11:17 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