Freeport School District 145 Board of Education met April 7.
Here is the minutes provided by the board:
1. CALL TO ORDER
Procedural: A. Call to Order
The special (REMOTE) meeting of the Board of Education of Freeport School District No. 145, Stephenson County, Illinois, was called to order by President Crutchfield at 6:00 p.m.
The public was allowed the opportunity to access the meeting by dialing the number provided and entering a pin.
2. ROLL CALL
Procedural: A. Roll Call
The following members were present: Ms. Janice Crutchfield, Mr. George McCarty, Mr. Pete Norman, Mr. Jack Sosnowski, Ms. Shirley Bradley, Ms. Martha Furst, and Pastor Adron Simmons (via telephone).
Members absent: None.
Also present: Dr. Anna Alvarado, Dr. Patrick McDermott, Mr. Chris Shockey, Ms. Paulette Williams-Thomas, Ms. Kelly Everding, Dr. Beth Summers, Ms. Dallas Pieper, Ms. Jennifer Heilman, Pastor Antwon Funches, Ms. Allison Funches, Pastor Rickey Stidmon, Pastor T. Marcellus Thomas, Ms. Carol Thomas, Mr. Rochester Thomas, Ms. Tawana Leonard, Ms. Cassandra Jamison, Ms. Shirley Hollis Boggess, Ms. LaVonna Mays, Ms. Avasa Newton, Ms. Dianna Newton, Ms. Michelle Griggs, Mr. Deontae Collier, Ms. Sheila Owens, Ms. Windy Pearson, Mr. Henry Shipp, Ms. Mary Hagen Shipp, Ms. Lucinda Lenoir, Ms. Zandra Bright, Ms. LaFrancine Baker, Mr. Willie Russell, and Ms. Greta Harrell
3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE/DISTRICT MISSION STATEMENT
Procedural: A. Pledge/District Mission
President Crutchfield read the District Mission Statement.
4. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Action: A. Approval of the agenda
Vice President McCarty moved, second by Member Norman to approve the agenda for the April 7, 2020, special meeting, as presented. On voice vote, the motion passed unanimously.
5. PUBLIC COMMENTS
Communications: A. Employee Associations
None.
Discussion: B. Public Forum - Public Forum is the opportunity for members of the public to address the board on matters of policy. Anyone wishing to address the board, please stand and state your name for the record.
None.
6. INFORMATION
Information: A. Enrollment/Boundaries
Ms. Dallas Pieper shared a presentation on Enrollment and Boundaries. She highlighted boundary changes which include the following: Empire and Lincoln Douglas boundaries now crosses to the east side of West Ave.; Blackhawk boundary now crosses to the west side of West Ave.; Center boundary now includes the Willow Lake and Oakwood Glenn subdivisions; and Lincoln-Douglas boundary now includes students from Cedarville. She reviewed current and new boundaries for each elementary building. At this time, fourth grade students and their siblings will be allowed to stay at their current building. It is not feasible to allow all grade levels to stay. Elementary breakdowns by socioeconomic status and race were highlighted.
Ms. Pieper discussed the E-Link software which will allow families to be able to type in their address and see what boundary they fall in. Discussion was held on the steps that will be taken to help students and families adjust to their new school. Class size was discussed. Projected building enrollments were highlighted.
Discussion continued on communication and modular needs and costs. The board and Dr. Alvarado thanked Ms. Pieper for her hard work. This item will be considered under action.
Information: B. COVID-19 Pandemic Update
Dr. Alvarado provided an update on the Covid-19 impact. She stated that books will be distributed at the Grab n Go sites. Families are also able to pick up remote learning packets at the Grab n Go sites or at Cub Foods, Sullivans, and Walmart. To date, 12,944 meals have been distributed. Dr. Alvarado thanked the Nutrition and Dining staff for what they are doing for students.
Dr. Alvarado discussed the Care Act. This Act closes the digital divide and will provide an additional $1.6 million for Freeport. The district will start building a plan and will share the plan with the board before submission.
Dr. Alvarado expressed her gratefulness to the Freeport School District staff for taking on the challenge of educating students during this time and for pushing our district to the next level. She also shared her appreciation for the board's support. She stated that the most important items during this pandemic re staying safe, feeding our students, and continuous learning. Discussion was held on flexibility with IEP's. Vice President McCarty stated that many people are having trouble getting food from food pantries in town and shared his appreciation for what Nutrition and Dining Services is doing.
President Crutchfield stated that the resolution that was going on this agenda addressing waiver of policy during a pandemic was reviewed by our attorney and was already addressed in our policy. Therefore, there was no need for the resolution.
7. ACTION
Action: A. Enrollment/Boundaries
Member Sosnowski moved, second by Member Bradley, to approve the Enrollment/Boundaries recommendations, as presented. On roll call, members voting aye: McCarty, Norman, Sosnowski, Bradley, Furst, Simmons, Crutchfield; members voting nay: None. The motion carried.
Action, Information: B. Updated Job Description - College and Career Advisor / Academy Coach
Vice President McCarty moved, second by Member Sosnowski, to approve the College and Career Advisor / Academy Coach job description, as presented. On roll call, members voting aye: Norman, Sosnowski, Bradley, Furst, Simmons, Crutchfield, McCarty; members voting nay: None. The motion carried.
8. ADJOURNMENT
Action: A. To adjourn the meeting
There being no further business to be conducted at this special meeting of the Board of Education, Vice President McCarty moved, second by Member Furst to adjourn. The motion carried unanimously, and at 7:08 p.m., President Crutchfield declared the meeting adjourned.
https://go.boarddocs.com/il/fsd145/Board.nsf/Public
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