Wethersfield Community Unit School District 230 Board met Jan. 11.
Here is the minutes provided by the Board:
President Bryan called the January 11, 2018 Regular Meeting to order at 6:32pm with the following members present: Baker, Brody, Newman, Reeves, Ryan, Schiltz, and Bryan. Also in attendance were: Supt. Kazubowski, Principal Friedman, Principal Johnston, and District Technology Coordinator Jason Phelps.
REGULAR BUSINESS
Consent Agenda
A motion was made by Ryan and seconded by Reeves to approve consent agenda items: Minutes of the December 14, 2017 Regular Meeting and Executive Session; Minutes of the December 14, 2017 Public Hearing on the December 2017 Tax Levy; Investment Reports, Financial Reports, Bills and Activity Fund Report; and Student Suspensions; and acknowledgement of receipt and response to a Freedom of Information Act Request. On a roll call vote the following members voted “Yes:” Baker, Brody, Newman, Reeves, Ryan, Schiltz, and Bryan. The motion carried 7-0.
Correspondence
There was no correspondence.
Comments from Visitors
There were no comments from visitors.
Star Courier Correspondent Mike Helenthal arrived at 6:36pm.
Board Reports
President Bryan asked Board Members to share any reports on matters related to various committees and organizations. Janean Friedman communicated the Wethersfield Academic Foundation is sponsoring a Music Trivia Night on Saturday, March 3 at The Dunes. A few new things are going to be incorporated such as Wine/Beer Tasting and an indoor putting green for a chance to win prizes. Mrs. Friedman also shared the WAF is looking to expand their mission beyond technology purchases to include such things as Robotics, Computer Coding, and Science Department Supplies. Angie Ryan reported the PATT Schwan’s Fundraiser did not reach their fundraising goal so they are looking for another fundraiser to supplement the lower revenue. She also shared Family Fun Night would take place on February 10 and the PATT Spring Craft Show will be held in Moss Gym on March 10.
OLD BUSINESS
Approve District Computer Network Upgrades and Bids
District Technology Coordinator, Jason Phelps, provided a summary of the recommended computer network upgrades and bids for summer, 2018. The upgrades consisted of replacing the computer network’s CAT 5 wiring with CAT 6 wiring to include 3 drops in each classroom and direct runs to each device and wireless access point, replacement of our current switches and servers, and new high speed wireless access points at all locations. Jason Phelps shared the positives the upgrades would have on security, speed and reliability of the computer network.
A cost breakdown of the wiring upgrades and hardware was presented, and it was communicated E-rate Federal Funding would pay for 70% of the cost of the upgrades. Discussion ensued and questions were answered.
A motion was made by Baker and seconded by Newman to approve the computer network upgrades and bids as presented pending receiving funding approval from E-rate to pay for approximately 70% of the cost of the project with the project bids consisting of a network wiring bid of $53,841 from Tri City Electric and a new network servers, new network switches, and new wireless access points bid of $57,594.67 from Riverside Technologies. On a roll call vote the following members voted “Yes:” Baker, Brody, Newman, Reeves, Ryan, Schiltz, and Bryan. The motion carried 7-0.
Approve Seniority Lists/RIF Lists
Mr. Kazubowski reviewed Senate Bill 7 requirements on how teacher evaluations, district job categories, and RIF group lists determine the order a RIF would occur if the board of education made a decision to reduce or eliminate a position or job category. He reminded the board student growth makes up 30% of the overall evaluation rating of a teacher, and he provided a review of how the student growth process works.
A motion was made by Schiltz and seconded by Newman to approve the certified seniority lists, non-certified seniority lists, and tentative RIF Grouping Lists as presented. On a roll call vote the following members voted “Yes:” Baker, Brody, Newman, Reeves, Ryan, Schiltz, and Bryan. The motion carried 7-0.
Approve Resolution to Abate $146,797.75 From Debt Service Fund With Proceeds from Facility Sales Tax To Pay on the Alternate Revenue Bonds, Series 2014
A motion was made by Ryan and seconded by Brody to approve a resolution abating $146,797.75 from the Debt Service Fund with proceeds from the facility sales tax to pay on the Alternate Revenue Bonds, Series 2014 as presented. On a roll call vote the following members voted “Yes:” Baker, Brody, Newman, Reeves, Ryan, Schiltz, and Bryan. The motion carried 7-0.
District Facilities Committee
Mr. Kazubowski reminded the board last year the following volunteered to serve on the District Facilities Planning Committee: Board Members Sue Brody and Steve Newman; Staff Members Cathy Dana, Mary Alepra, Paul Alepra, Amanda Blair, Janean Friedman, Jeremiah Johnston, and Julie O’Riley; and Parent Volunteer Dan Heir.
Mr. Kazubowski reported when the weather breaks he was going to schedule the committee’s first planning meeting where members of the committee took a walking tour of the building and grounds to determine areas where an upgrade/repair was needed.
Other Old Business
Mr. Kazubowski provided a summary of what the service technician from MSI out of Galesburg determined during his visit in December in regards to the elementary heating have inconsistent heating from room to room. Mr. Kazubowski communicated, that based on the service technician’s recommendations, the heating issue appears to be corrected as our elementary classrooms had very consistent heat during the cold spell that took place the last few weeks.
Mr. Kazubowski communicated the cold weather delayed the installation of the new football field sound system the board approved last board meeting. He indicated the new system would be up and running prior to our first home track meet that will take place in March.
Mr. Kazubowski reported members of our Fellowship of Christian Athletes organization would be presenting fundraising checks to Steve Peart at the Wethersfield vs Annawan boys’ basketball game that will take place on January 23 in Annawan.
NEW BUSINESS
Appoint FY 19 Auditors
A motion was made by Reeves and seconded by Schiltz to approve Gorenz & Associates as our FY 19 Auditors as presented. On a roll call vote the following members voted “Yes:” Baker, Brody, Newman, Reeves, Ryan, Schiltz, and Bryan. The motion carried 7-0.
February 8, 2018 Board Meeting
A motion was made by Newman and seconded by Baker to move the Thursday, February 8, 2018 board meeting to Wednesday, February 7, 2018. On a roll call vote the following members voted “Yes:” Baker, Brody, Newman, Reeves, Ryan, Schiltz, and Bryan. The motion carried 7-0.
Annawan-Wethersfield Co-op Meeting
Steve Newman and Dave Reeves provided a summary of the fall sports/activities co-op review meeting that took place with Annawan representatives on December 15. Input was sought from the board about their interest in holding an Annawan and Wethersfield full board co-op meeting after the conclusion of winter sports. It was the consensus of the board to have Mr. Kazubowski work with Matt Nordstrom from Annawan to set a date and plan for the co-op meeting.
Approve Summer 2018 Projects
Mr. Kazubowski provided a summary on the building/maintenance projects he is recommending be completed this spring and summer. The recommended projects consisted of:
Phase 2 of the Roger Mann STEM Lounge which consists of installing a drop ceiling in the Lounge
Replacement of the air conditioning wall unit in the elementary library with a mini-split unit
Minor projects identified by the facilities committee
Misc. repairs and maintenance items
A motion was made by Brody and seconded by Baker to approve the summer building and maintenance projects as presented. On a roll call vote the following members voted “Yes:” Baker, Brody, Newman, Reeves, Ryan, Schiltz, and Bryan. The motion carried 7-0.
Approve State Agriculture Grant and Salary
A motion was made by Newman and seconded by Ryan to approve the State Agriculture Matching Grant and Salary Adjustment for Agriculture Teacher Kate Rashid as presented. On a roll call vote the following members voted “Yes:” Baker, Brody, Newman, Reeves, Ryan, Schiltz, and Bryan. The motion carried 7-0.
Approve Board Polices 2-171, 4-120, 4-600, 4-610, 5-200, 6-105, 6-400, 6-510, 6-521, 6-750, 7-160, 7-300, 9-110, 11-110, 11-330
A motion was made by Newman and seconded by Schiltz to approve the board policy updates as presented. On a roll call vote the following members voted “Yes:” Baker, Brody, Newman, Reeves, Ryan, Schiltz, and Bryan. The motion carried 7-0.
Principal’s Report
The principals answered questions on their reports.
Other New Business
Mr. Kazubowski reported a new sound system, paid for with revenue from the Student Incentive Activity Fund, was installed by Jason Phelps over Christmas Break. It was noted Mr. Trill is in the process of building a wooden cabinet to hang on the wall of the cafeteria that will house the amplifier and equipment for the sound system.
Mr. Kazubowski commended Janean Friedman and Shelley Gomez for all the time and attention they put into creating and submitting the new Pre-kindergarten Competitive Grant Application required by the State. Mrs. Friedman provided a summary of the application process and noted we are not guaranteed our grant will be renewed as it is a competitive grant process.
Mrs. Friedman communicated she was contacted by the ROE seeking our interest in expanding the 21st Century Grant Soarin Program to the elementary. It was reported, based on staff input, we have asked the ROE to include Wethersfield Elementary in the grant application they will be submitting to the State.
It was shared that Mr. Trill was contacted by reporter Fran Riley from Channel 6 news in regards to him doing a story on the Introduction to Carpentry Class and how it is not only teaching students a valuable skill but giving back to the community at the same time. It was communicated Mr. Riley would be visiting our district on March 20 to do the story.
Enrollment trend data over the past 10 years for all school districts in the Tri-county area was shared with the board.
Discussion on Governor Rauner’s Amendatory Veto of the Evidence Based School Funding Formula Bill was discussed.
Comments from Visitors
There were no comments from visitors.
CLOSED SESSION
A motion was made by Baker and seconded by Brody to enter into Executive Session at 7:35pm for the purpose of Employment and Evaluation of Personnel, Student Discipline and Individual Student Matter. On a roll call vote the following members voted “Yes:” Baker, Brody, Newman, Reeves, Ryan, Schiltz, and Bryan. The motion carried 7-0.
OPEN SESSION
A motion was made by Brody and seconded by Baker to return to Open Session at 8:21pm. On a roll call vote the following members voted “Yes:” Baker, Brody, Newman, Reeves, Ryan, Schiltz, and Bryan. The motion carried 7-0.
Employment of Personnel
A motion was made by Ryan and seconded by Newman to approve the employment of Alex Coppejans and Todd Hanson as assistant baseball coaches for the 2017-2018 school year, Cody Phillips as volunteer assistant baseball coach for the 2017-2018 school year, and Abby Crockett as student worker in the cafeteria for 2nd semester of the 2017-2018 school year. On a roll call vote the following members voted “Yes:” Baker, Brody, Newman, Reeves, Ryan, Schiltz, and Bryan. The motion carried 7-0.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
NO SCHOOL- January 15, 2018- Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday
District Spelling Bee- Friday, January 19, 2018 at 1:15pm in Moss Gym
FFA Pork Chop Dinner- Tuesday, February 6, 2018 during Boys’ Basketball vs. Ridgewood
PATT Family Fun Night: Saturday, February 10, 2018
February 9, 2018: Midterm for 3rd Nine Weeks
ADJOURN
A motion was made by Newman and seconded by Brody to adjourn at 8:22pm. On a roll call vote the following members voted “Yes:” Baker, Brody, Newman, Reeves, Ryan, Schiltz, and Bryan. The motion carried 7-0.
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