DeKalb Times

Genoa-Kingston Community Unit School District #424 Board of Education met Oct. 13.

Here is the minutes provided by the board:

Call to Order

President Kristen Andrews called the Genoa-Kingston CUSD #424 Special Board of Education Meeting to order at 6:30 pm.

Roll Call: Kristin Brynteson, David Cleveland, Mary Hintzsche, Stephanie Northrup, Ratliff, Wesner, Andrews

Physically Present: Kristen Brynteson, David Cleveland, Mary Hintzsche, Stephanie Northrup, Julie Ratliff, Jake Wesner, Kristen Andrews

Absent: Mary Hintzsche and David Cleveland

Pledge of Allegiance

Mr. O’Daniell led the guests and members of the Board of Education in the Pledge of Allegiance.

*David Cleveland joined the meeting remotely at 6:32 pm. Mission Statement

Dr. Kristin Brynteson read the Mission Statement, "Preparing students to excel and contribute to their community."

Public hearings petitions questions and comments from guests and visitors

There were no public hearings petitions questions and comments from guests and visitors

Presentations

10-Year Health Life Safety Presentation - David Hagney

Dr. Shortridge introduced Mr. Hagney of Hagney Architects. Mr. Hagney and his associate Ms. Baldwin shared a presentation regarding the recent review of the district’s 10-Year Health, Life, Safety Survey as well as the violations required and recommended by building. Ms. Baldwin stated the required items needed to be completed within 5 years. Mr. Hagney stated that the G-K District is in very good condition regardless of the required and recommended items. He also commented on the timeline and process to submit the final report.

*Dr. Mary Hintzsche entered the room and joined the meeting physically at 6:36 pm.

The board reviewed the 10-Health, Life, Safety Survey and violations required and recommended items by building as well as the process and timeline for the board to approve the items for the final report. The board discussed the costs associated with the required and recommended items by building as well as where the funds would come from.

Bond Presentation - Bob Lewis PMA

Dr. Shortridge introduced Mr. Lewis of PMA.

Mr. Lewis shared input over the 10-Year Health, Life, Safety Review and commented on the ways in which to finance or pay for the required and recommended violations while restructuring the current Bond.

Mr. Lewis shared a market analysis update along with scenarios for restructuring the current Bond and the impact to the taxpayer. Mr. Lewis also discussed the process and timeline for the restructuring.

Bond Discussion

The board discussed the scenarios Mr. Lewis presented for restructuring the current Bond.

Mr. Cleveland shared his concerns over the impact to the taxpayers of the community. He also commented on restructuring the Bond for enough new money to meet the needs of the buildings. Mr. Cleveland recommended reviewing both the 10-Year Health, Life, Safety Plan as well as the 10-Year Maintenance Plan prior to a final decision over restructuring the Bond.

Mrs. Andrews shared concerns regarding the timeline for the approving the 10-Year Health, Life, Safety plan and restructuring the Bond. She was also in favor of restructuring the current Bond with enough new money to help meet the needs of the buildings.

Dr. Shortridge was in favor of borrowing slightly more money due to the district’s positive financial rating and the current borrowing rates allowing for enough new money with the lowest impact to the taxpayer without overextending the district.

Mrs. Andrews asked the board for input.

Board members discussed scenarios with the lowest impact to the taxpayers. They agreed for a full review of both the 10-Year Health, Life, Safety Plan and 10-Year Maintenance Plan to meet building needs without overextending the district. The board also discussed completing as much building work in house to help reduce costs. The Board also discussed the Bond scenarios, process and timelines and agreed to publish restructuring the Bond for slightly more than anticipated. The process, timelines and discussions with recommendations and approvals for the 1- Year Health, Life Safety Plan as well as restructuring the Bond will take place at the October 27 and November 17 board meetings.

Old Business

Approval of the PRESS Policies Updates #104 and #105

Mr. Wesner commented on the PRESS Policy Updates #104 and #105 as well as clarified answers to the required PRESS Policy questions addressed by the district’s legal counsel.

Mrs. Andrews publicly thanked Mr. Wesner, Mrs. Ratliff and Mr. O’Daniell for time working through these policy updates.

A motion was made by Dr. Brynteson, and seconded by Dr. Hintzsche, to approve PRESS Policies Updates #104 and #105 as presented.

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

Nays: 0

Motion Carried.

Approval of the High School Football Scoreboard Project

Dr. Shortridge commented on the high school football scoreboard project discussed at a previous board meeting. The options were to either replace or retrofit the scoreboard. Dr. Shortridge asked the board for input.

Mrs. Ratliff asked for clarification regarding board policy and bidding projects.

Mr. O’Daniell commented on board policy and bidding projects.

Dr. Hintzsche asked about previous discussions regarding concerns over the timeline for installation.

Dr. Shortridge stated the scoreboard company’s timeline is currently 4-6 weeks. However, there could be a delay due to COVID-19 and the IHSA approving sports schedules and other schools looking for installation, which could change the installation timeline to 8-12 weeks. A delay in installation could pose a problem closer to the season opener in March 2021.

Mrs. Andrews was in favor of a new scoreboard due to Mr. Jerbi raising funds and no new money needed for the project.

Mr. Cleveland shared concerns over not bidding the project.

Mr. Jerbi shared concerns over other companies and compatibility with the current scoreboards and remotes. Mr. Jerbi also commented on the scoreboard and the victory light being two different projects each falling under $25K.

Dr. Shortridge thanked Mr. Jerbi for his input and stated compatibility can be included in the final decision for the scoreboard project.

The board agreed to seek bids for the high school scoreboard project.

A motion was made by Mr. Wesner, and seconded by Mr. Cleveland, to approve to seek bids for the High School Scoreboard Project

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

Nays: 0

Motion Carried.

New Business

Levy Information and Necessary Approval Dates

Dr. Shortridge commented on the process for the Levy as well as shared Levy information and timeline for necessary approval dates.

Approval of all necessary approval dates will take place on October 27.

Review of the 2020 IASB Resolutions

Mr. O’Daniell stated the Triple I Conference will be held virtually this year due to Covid-19. He also shared the 2020 IASB Resolutions for board review and asked the board to discuss and appoint a board delegate for the delegate assembly at the October 27 Board of Education Meeting.

Acceptance of Donations

Acceptance of donations was tabled until October 27.

Budget Discussion

No discussion

Board Discussion

Dr. Hintzsche asked if there were district concerns over equity and if there were specific trainings for equity.

Mr. O’Daniell commented on the annual GCN training required by all staff each year that includes equity training.

Superintendent/Board Communication

GK FFA Successes

Mr. O’Daniell commented on the GK FFA successes and publicly thanked Mrs. Gabriel and her students for their accomplishments. Mrs. Gabriel wrote for and earned a $15K Grant allowing to update all the classroom welding equipment. Mr. O’Daniell also commented on the GK FFA efforts to raise chickens, sell pumpkins, and hold a scarecrow-building contest in downtown Genoa.

COVID-19 Update

Mr. O’Daniell was proud to report there have been no new Covid cases in the district in the last two weeks and no close contact in the schools reported. He also stated the current plan is working and publicly thanked staff, students and the community for their ongoing efforts and support.

April 6, 2021 Consolidated Election

Mr. O’Daniell commented on the April 6, 2021 consolidated election.

Learning Plan Changes

Mr. O’Daniell commented on communication sent out last week regarding students and families that wanted to consider a change in learning plans from full remote to hybrid or vice versa.

Survey's

Mr. O’Daniell commented on the climate survey recently sent to staff, students and parents.

ISBE Designations

Mr. O’Daniell shared the district’s ISBE designation of outstanding.

Kishwaukee Division Virtual Meeting - October 29 - No charge for this event

Mr. O’Daniell commented on the Kishwaukee Division Virtual Meeting on October 29.

2020 IASB Virtual Summit - November 20, 2020 $50 per person

Mr. O’Daniell commented on the 2020 IASB Virtual Summit in lieu of the annual Triple I Conference in Chicago on November 20.

Superintendent Evaluations

Mrs. Andrews commented on starting the Superintendent Evaluation Process.

Dr. Brynteson commented on the Superintendent Evaluation process and timeline and recommended a review of the evaluation instrument at the next board meeting on October 27.

Future Agenda Items

Board of Education Meeting October 27, 2020 @ 7:00 pm

Potential FY-20 AFR Presentation

Potential Acceptance of FY-20 AFR

Approval of Notice of Intent Resolution Bond Sale

Approval of the High School Football Scoreboard Project Bid Discussion of the 10-Year Health Life Safety Report

Approval of Publication of the Levy Hearing date, Truth and Taxation Notice (if necessary) Approval to Adopt the Tentative Levy

Discussion of the 2020 IASB Resolutions for the Triple I Conference

2020 IASB Delegate Selection Triple I Conference

Budget Discussion

Review of the Superintendent Evaluation Tool

Board of Education Meeting - November 17, 2020 @ 7:00 pm - one Meeting on November

BINA Hearing

Approval of the 10-Year Health Life Safety Report Potential Review of the 2021-2022 Public School Calendar Budget Discussion

Superintendent Evaluation

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)

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) at 8:27 pm.

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

Nays: 0

Motion Carried.

Reconvene

The Board of Education reconvened to open session at 8:53 pm.

Approval of the Memorandum of Understanding 2.0 between the Genoa-Kingston CUSD #424 and the Genoa-Kingston Education Association

A motion was made by Dr. Brynteson, and seconded by Mr. Wesner, to approve the Memorandum of Understanding 2.0 between the Genoa-Kingston CUSD #424 and the Genoa-Kingston Education Association.

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

Nays: None

Motion Carried

Adjournment

A motion was made by Mr. Wesner, and seconded by Mr. Cleveland, to adjourn the Special Board of Education Meeting at 8:55 pm.

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

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

Nays: None

Absent: None Motion Carried

https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/986846/101320_SPECIAL_BOARD_MEETING_MINUTES.pdf