Dixon Unit School District 170 Board met Sept. 12.
Here is the minutes provided by the board:
The Board of Education met in regular session in the Board Room at the Administrative Center on Wednesday, September 12, 2018 at 6:00 p.m. for a Budget Hearing and at 6:02 p.m. for a regular meeting. Notification of the meeting together with an agenda and other Board material had been electronically downloaded to the individual Board members on Friday, September 7, 2018 and to the news media on Monday, September 10, 2018.
ROLL CALL
Mrs. Jill Stoker, President; Mr. Scott Johnson, Vice-President; Mrs. Linda Wegner, Secretary; Mr. J.R. Humphrey, Dr. Kelly Flanagan; Mr. Brandon Rogers and Mr. Brad Sibley
Electronically Present: None
Absent: None
Also present were: Mrs. Margo Empen, Superintendent; Mr. Dan Rick, Assistant Superintendent; Mr. Dave Blackburn, Business Manager; Mr. Kevin Schultz, Director of Buildings and Grounds; Dr. Michael Grady, Principal, Dixon High School; Mr. Doug Stansford, Assistant Principal, Dixon High School; Mr. Jared Shaner, Assistant Principal/Activities Director, Dixon High School (arrived at 6:25 p.m.); Mr. Andy Bullock, Principal, Reagan Middle School; Mr. Joey Sagel, Principal, Madison School; Mrs. Crystal Thorpe, Principal, Jefferson School; Mr. Jeff Gould, Principal, Washington School; Mr. Tim Lee, WIXN Radio (arrived 7:30 p.m.); Mr. Gavin Jensen, Sauk Valley Media; staff members and community members
FY19 BUDGET HEARING
Board President, Mrs. Jill Stoker, declared the budget hearing open at 6:01 p.m. The FY19 budget has been on display and available for public viewing for the past thirty days as required by law.
There being no questions or comments concerning the budget, a motion was made by Mr. Johnson, seconded by Mrs. Wagner, to declare the hearing closed at 6:02 p.m. This motion was submitted to a roll call vote with the following results: Voting yea--Humphrey, Sibley, Flanagan, Johnson, Rogers, Wegner and Stoker. Voting nay- -none. Motion unanimously approved.
REGULAR MEETING
Board President, Mrs. Jill Stoker, called the regular meeting to order at 6:02 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Mrs. Jill Stoker, President; Mr. Scott Johnson, Vice-President; Mrs. Linda Wegner, Secretary; Mr. J.R. Humphrey, Dr. Kelly Flanagan; Mr. Brandon Rogers and Mr. Brad Sibley
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Ms. Stacie McCullough led the Board of Education, administrative staff and visitors in the Pledge of Allegiance.
CONSENT AGENDA
A motion was made by Mr. Humphrey, seconded by Mr. Rogers, to approve the consent agenda items as presented. This motion was submitted to a roll call vote with the following results: Voting yea--Johnson, Rogers, Wegner, Sibley, Humphrey, Flanagan and Stoker. Voting nay--none. Motion unanimously approved. a. Approved the regular meeting minutes on August 8, 2018;
b. Approved the Treasurer’s Report and the Monthly Bills;
c. Approved the Balance Sheet and the Monthly Expense Report d. Approved the Sixth Day Enrollment Report;
e. Approve the Staff Report;
f. Ratified the LCSEA Treasurer’s Report;
g. Ratified the Diesel Fuel Bill.
SPECIAL PRESENTATION
Ms. Karen Chamberlain, DEA President and DHS teacher, was present to announce the DEA’s Teachers of the Month. For the month of September those recognized were Kelly Gingras, Brant Peterson, Diane Conklen, Maria Peterson, and Dorry Kingry. These staff members were congratulated on a well-deserved honor.
CITIZEN’S AGENDA None CORRESPONDENCES None
ACTION ITEMS
A motion was made by Mr. Sibley, seconded by Mr. Humphrey, to approve the adoption of the FY 19 budget as presented. This motion was submitted to a roll call vote with the following results: Voting yea--Rogers, Wegner, Sibley, Humphrey, Flanagan, Johnson and Stoker. Voting nay--none. Motion unanimously approved.
A motion was made by Mr. Sibley, seconded by Mr. Rogers, to approve the following monthly Health Insurance Renewal Premiums for Retirees and Persons on Leave, and Persons Covered under COBRA and LCSEA as presented. This motion was submitted to a roll call vote with the following results: Voting yea-- Wegner, Sibley, Humphrey, Flanagan, Johnson, Rogers and Stoker. Voting nay--none. Motion unanimously approved.
A motion was made by Mr. Sibley, seconded by Mr. Rogers to adopt the health insurance renewal rates from the following: Specific Excess Coverage – Voya; Life Insurance and AD&D – Voya; Health Plan Third Party Administration – Insurance Program Managers Group (IMPG); and Flex 125 Administration – Insurance Program Managers Group (IMPG) as presented. This motion was submitted to a roll call vote with the following results: Voting yea--Sibley, Humphrey, Flanagan, Johnson, Rogers, Wegner and Stoker. Voting nay- -none. Motion unanimously approved.
A motion was made by Mr. Johnson, seconded by Mrs. Wegner, to approve the Memorandum of Understanding between DEA and the Board of Education as presented. This motion was submitted to a roll call vote with the following results: Voting yea--Humphrey, Flanagan, Johnson, Rogers, Wegner, Sibley and Stoker. Voting nay- -none. Motion unanimously approved.
A motion was made by Mr. Sibley, seconded by Mr. Humphrey, to approve the recommendation for the closed session minutes to remain confidential as presented. This motion was submitted to a roll call vote with the following results: Voting yea-- Humphrey, Flanagan, Johnson, Rogers, Wegner, Sibley and Stoker. Voting nay--none. Motion unanimously approved.
INFORMATION ITEMS
Mr. Blackburn reviewed his Business Report.
Mr. Schultz informed Board members that during the process of remodeling the high school, the intent was to blend some of the new in with some of the old. A large cooper relief art work was found in room 308 before construction and was restored by Mr. Mike Miller, who is a member of the maintenance staff at the district office. Mr. Brett Ketelsen, Senior Project Manager from Russell Construction and Mr. Schultz showcased that piece for the Board members to see the details. Board members were informed that it will be displayed at Dixon High School.
Mr. Schultz informed Board members on the projects being done by maintenance staff that included mowing, completing fall projects and working on teachers’ requests.
Mr. Schultz informed Board members that last Monday, September 3rd, Mr. Shaner called him to report that there was a large amount of water north of the building on the cafeteria floor and was streaming in to some classrooms and the library. Several custodial and maintenance workers were called in. It was discovered that a roof drain was partially plugged and because of the heavy rain water, it was backed up and going through another pipe that was leading it in to the building. After 6 hours of repairs, it was functional. Mr. Schultz explained that this problem was unforeseen and that issues like this one may arise.
Mr. Brett Ketelsen, Senior Project Manager from Russell Construction, reviewed with Board members the projects that have been done, projects being completed, and future projects to be done at Dixon High School and Jefferson School for the month of September.
Mr. Schultz reported that Mr. Ketelsen will be helping with the Green House that will be constructed at the high school on the north side of the building. Board members were informed that the maintenance staff will be doing some of the work to keep the costs down.
Board members were informed that District Administrators will be looking at the remaining work to be done and the contracts to determine what dollar amount will be needed to be borrowed to finish those projects. In April, the Board passed a Resolution providing for the issue of approximately $10,735,000 General Obligation School Bonds. Mr. Schultz reported that this will be presented in January or February, 2019.
Board members received in their packet a report from Mr. Jim Manley on the August website activity and social media report.
Mr. Rick stated that several administrators and teachers began their Canvas core training last Friday. He reported that they are confident in the product that was chosen and it has helped them make a decision on the type of machine to use for the 1 to 1 Initiative.
Board members were informed by Mrs. Empen that on Monday she attended a workshop that was presented by ESSA to the IASA districts with Mr. Rick. IASA is rolling out a strategic dashboard that will be provided for them to go in and look at things as they are invested in this. Board members were informed this will be rolled out to them in October.
Mr. Bullock reported that Reagan Middle School is finishing up the AIMSweb testing and is ready for fall benchmarking.
Mrs. Thorpe thanked Mr. Schultz and the maintenance workers for providing air conditioning for the cafeteria at Jefferson school.
Dr. Grady stated the climate control is great at the high school along with the new bathrooms.
Mr. Shaner reported that the Booster’s Club held last Friday night a bake sale and 50/50 drawing at the football game and then presented a check to P.J. Ginn for $2,700 for his medical expenses.
Mr. Shaner reported that the Draw Down is on Saturday, November 10th. Board members were also informed that it is Homecoming Week and that on Friday afternoon at 1:30 p.m. in the gym, activities with the students and staff will begin with the homecoming parade following that. The homecoming dance is Saturday.
Mr. Shaner reported that they are working closely with Mr. Duane Long, from the Park District, on improvements for parking alongside the area where the Al Morrison fields are and where the high school baseball fields are.
Mr. Gould reviewed the material that was in the agenda packet on the 2018 Kindergarten Individual Development Survey (KIDS) Summary. KIDS is administered through observation in natural settings either through teacher observation, family observation, or examples of the child’s work. The State Board of Education mandated that all kindergartners be measured on the KIDS Fourteen Readiness Measures once a year at the minimum. This includes Measures in Approaches to Learning-Self Regulation (ATL-REG), Social and Emotional Development (SED), Language and Literacy Development LLD), and Cognition Math (MATH). They will be rated either “Demonstrating Kindergarten Readiness” or “Need Additional Support” by the assessment.
Board members received information in the agenda packet from Mr. Bullock and Mr. Sagel on this year’s Summer School Program. Reagan provided APEX Credit Recovery to grades 6-8 and had 36 out of 37 students who successfully completed the program. Madison provided Language Arts, Math and Social Studies for students in Grade 2-6 and had 23 total students who satisfactorily complete the requirements.
Board members received information in the agenda packet from the Illinois State Board of Education. A letter was addressed to Mrs. Empen on their behalf recognizing the Circle of Quality that the District’s Preschool for All program has achieved in ExceleRate Illinois. This is the state’s quality recognition and improvement system for early learning and development programs. Based on the most recent monitoring results, Washington School’s Preschool for All program has received the Gold Circle of Quality. Mrs. Empen reported that this is the third year for this reward. Mr. Gould recognized those staff members who were present and responsible for achieving this award: Ms. Hele Babin and Ms. Stacie McCullough were introduced as the teachers and Mrs. Anne Lawrence and Corinna Gerdes as the Paraprofessionals. Mrs. Jennifer Sagel, last year’s Parent Coordinator and Mrs. Monica Wolfley, this year’s Parent Coordinator were not present, but acknowledged as an important part of this program also.
Handouts where given to Board members from building principals on their PBIS updates as they briefly gave their report about their building. Mrs. Empen stated that there is a common theme that threads throughout the buildings and progressed in the years. She stated that there is a common discussion at the Administrative Meetings on honoring students when they do right.
SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT
Board members received an invitation from Ms. Nadia Wirchnianski that was enclosed in their agenda packed. The invitation is to the Jefferson School’s event on Friday, September 14, 2018 as Jefferson School celebrates the day that Francis Scott Key wrote “The Star-Spangled Banner” in 1814. Students will assemble by the flag pole at the main entrance at 7:45 a.m.
Board members were reminded that registration is now open for the Northwest Division Dinner Meeting at Stillman Valley High School on Monday, October 29, 2018. The event starts at 6:00 p.m. and will feature Dixon USD 170 as they present the topic What We’ve Learned.
Board members were informed that the District has received two FOIA requests. The first was received on September 5, 2018 from Ms. Connie Cain on the Superintendent’s Employment Contract and the second one was received on September 11, 2018 from Josh Fine, HBO Real Sports, for the number of football players and how many qualified for the free/reduced program. The District has complied with both requests.
Mrs. Empen acknowledged Mrs. Roxanne Mahan, Secretary to the Superintendent, who is ending her career with Dixon Public Schools and retiring on September 18, 2018, and thanked her for 26 years of service.
ADJOURNMENT
A motion was made by Mr. Humphrey, seconded by Mr. Sibley, to convene into executive session at 7:56 p.m. for the purpose of discussing the appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance or dismissal of specific employees; collective negotiating matters; and individual student matters. This motion was submitted to a roll call vote with the following results: Voting yea--Rogers, Flanagan, Humphrey, Sibley, Wegner, Johnson and Stoker. Voting nay--none. Motion unanimously approved.
A motion was made by Mr. Johnson, seconded by Mr. Rogers, to reconvene to open session at 8:40 p.m. This motion was submitted to a roll call vote with the following results: Voting yea--Rogers, Flanagan, Humphrey, Sibley, Wegner, Johnson and Stoker. Voting nay--none. Motion unanimously approved.
A motion was made by Mr. Humphrey, seconded by Mr. Johnson, to approve the following personnel items. This motion was submitted to a roll call vote with the following results: Voting yea--Johnson, Rogers, Wegner, Sibley, Humphrey, Flanagan and Stoker. Voting nay--none. Motion unanimously approved.
Dixon School District #170
Approve the request of retirement for Mary Ellingsen, Office Assistant, Jefferson School, effective the end of the 2018-19 school year;
Approve the request of retirement of Randy Barton, Courier Service and Receiving Clerk, Administration Office, the end of the day on December 31, 2018;
Approve the employment of Stephanie Hopper, Part-time Office Assistant, Dixon High School, effective August 15, 2018;
Approve the change in status of Kellie Glenn, Third Grade Teacher, to Third Grade Title 1 Teacher, Jefferson School, effective September 4, 2018;
Approve the change in status of Chris Pierce, from Health Assistant at Reagan Middle School, to Health Assistant at Dixon High School, effective November 1, 2018;
Approve the request of Family Medical Leave for Abbey Kelly, Fourth Grade Teacher, Madison School, effective August 20, 2018 through September 27, 2018, 28 work days, returning on September 28, 2018;
Approve the request of Family Medical Leave for Kellie Glenn, Third Grade Teacher, Jefferson School, effective August 30, 2018 through August 31, 2018, 2 work days, returning on September 4, 2018;
Approve the request of Family Medical Leave for Kelli Full, Special Education Teacher, Dixon High School, effective September 29, 2018 through October 12, 2018, 9 work days, returning on October 15, 2018;
Approve the request of Family Medical Leave for Lindsay Mitchell, Fourth Grade Teacher, Madison School, effective October 1, 2018 through October 26, 2018, 19 work days, returning on October 29, 2018;
Approve the request of Family Medical Leave for Jessica Wolf, Building Secretary, Madison School, effective October 18, 2018 through October 31, 2018, 10 work days, returning November 1, 2018;
Approve the change in status of Justin Munroe, Head Custodian, Reagan Middle School, to Head Custodian, Dixon High School, effective December 1, 2018;
Approve the change in status of Dianne Frye, from HR/SIS Coordinator to HR Coordinator & Admin. Assistant to Superintendent, effective September 14, 2018;
Approve the change in status of Jane Gascoigne, from Principal Secretary at Washington School to SIS Coordinator at the Central Office, effective September 14, 2018;
Approve the employment of Amy Wedekind, Lunchroom Supervisor, Jefferson School, effective September 13, 2018;
Approve the employment of the following Coaches/Advisors/Volunteers for the 2018-19 school year:
Seth Nicklaus, Assistant Boys’ Basketball Coach, Dixon High School;
Dan Hawkins, Assistant Boys’ Soccer Coach, Dixon High School;
Chris Blumhoff, Assistant Boys’ Soccer Coach, Dixon High School;
Brittany Schwarz, Volunteer Assistant Wrestling Coach, Dixon High School;
Cole Gehrt, Volunteer Assistant Football Coach, Dixon High School;
Maria Peterson, Volunteer Volleyball Coach, Reagan Middle School;
Karen Kaufman, Group Interpretation Advisor, Dixon High School
A motion was made by Mr. Johnson seconded by Mr. Humphrey, to adjourn at 8:41 p.m. By voice vote, motion unanimously approved.
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