Freeport School District 145 Board of Education met March 16.
Here is the minutes provided by the board:
1. CALL TO ORDER
Procedural: A. Call to Order
The rescheduled (special) 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. at the Administration Building, 501 E. South Street, Freeport, Illinois.
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
President Crutchfield explained that because of the COVID-19, Gov. JB Pritzker has mandated that all gatherings of 50 or more people be cancelled throughout the state.
Member Sosnowski moved, second by Vice President McCarty to approve the agenda for the March 16, 2020, rescheduled (special) meeting, as presented. On voice vote, the motion passed unanimously.
5. APPROVAL OF PREVIOUS MINUTES
Action, Minutes: A. Regular and closed meeting minutes of March 3, 2020
Member Norman moved, second by Member Bradley to approve Regular and closed meeting minutes of March 3, 2020, as presented. On voice vote, the motion passed unanimously.
6. COMMUNICATIONS/PUBLIC COMMENTS
Communications: A. Employee Associations
None.
Communications: B. Student Organizations
None.
Communications: C. 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. (3 Minutes Please)
Pastor Antwon Funches shared concerns regarding the decision to move Ms. Renee Coleman from FMS to Center School. He stated that under her tenure at Freeport Middle School, there has been progress and removing her will slow down or halt the progress. He further stated that the move would be detrimental to the health of the school.
Ms. Wendi Pearson shared comments regarding the benefits of having Ms. Coleman at Freeport Middle School. She also shared that Ms. Coleman has dealt with issues that students have and regardless of where she is placed, there needs to be support. Ms. Pearson also shared concerns about the lack of black teachers at the high school.
President Crutchfield stated that normally, the board does not comment during public forum. She expressed that if anyone thinks that, as and African American woman, she would not sit and allow any racially motivated action to take place. He explained that many times, community members are not aware of the facts. She further stated that she agrees that Ms. Coleman is a great principal and that Dr. Alvarado has praised Ms. Coleman many times. She asked those concerned to take it back to the community that Ms. Coleman has been supported.
Mr. Henry Shipp asked for details on the moving of Ms. Coleman. President Crutchfield shared that by law, the district is not allowed to share this information.
Ms. Michelle Griggs shared that she is a Freeport Middle School teacher and was not given a choice when she had to move from Carl Sandburg to Freeport Middle School. She shared that the move was difficult, but she thinks it was the best experience. She stated that she has stayed because Ms. Coleman is a woman of integrity. She discussed the improvements made at Freeport Middle School and also stated that, as a Center School parent, she hasn't agreed with everything that has been done at Center. She expressed that she feels as though it is making it difficult for her to want to continue as a teacher at Freeport Middle School teacher.
Mr. Deontae Collier stated that since he has been a Family Resource Coordinator at Freeport Middle School, attendance has went up, academics and test scores have went up, and behavior has gone down, all under the leadership of Ms. Coleman. He also commented on the family atmosphere at Freeport Middle School.
Ms. LaFrancine Baker, Teacher at Freeport Middle School, shared concerns regarding the move of Ms. Coleman. She stated that two administrations ago, the climate and culture was much different than it is now. She shared that she appreciates the work Ms. Coleman has done on changing the culture and climate at Freeport Middle School and she wants what is best for students not just to survive, but where students can thrive.
Ms. Sheila Owens, Administrative Assistant at Freeport Middle School shared concerns about the staff at Freeport Middle School. She stated that, for the past two years, staff have grown as a family. She shared concerns about staff morale and asked the board to take staff morale into consideration. She also asked the board to give Freeport Middle School a chance to build on what has already started.
Communications: D. Superintendent's Report
Dr. Alvarado shared the Superintendent’s Report. She shared photos of her experience reading a book to Taylor Park’s kindergarten and first grade classrooms. She stated that this always helps her put things in perspective on what matters most in her work.
Dr. Alvarado provided an update on the mandated emergency school closing. She stated that keeping people at home is the best strategy in containing the coronavirus. Freeport School District will be closed from March 16 through March 30. She stated that there is a possibility that this could be extended. The days students will not be present will be considered Act of God days. There will be no need to make up these dates at the end of the school year. Emergency Learning Plans (E-Learning) are recommended, but not required. Districts are expected to do what they can for continuity of learning, even if student work is not graded. Standardized testing (IAR) may either be canceled or there may be an extended window depending on ISBE being able to file for a waiver from the US Department of Education. SAT is also on hold and ISBE is working with College Board and Higher Ed and will provide updates soon. Dr. Alvarado stated that special education has received limited guidance on delivery of services during school closure. ISBE will provide more guidance in the near future. She also stated that schools are encouraged to provide meals during Act of God Days and even during Spring Break due to the national health emergency. Freeport School District will share information with families on the schedule for Grab n Go. The district is required to document meal service count on a daily basis and will apply for a waiver in order to have flexibility to either do Grab n Go or food delivery
Dr. Alvarado further discussed e-learning plans. She stated that a survey was conducted to determine household internet capabilities.
An update was provided on the Three Year Vision. Dr. Alvarado shared that she is working with Curriculum Coordinator and Education Departments to complete their portion of the commitment. Principals and the Superintendent Teacher Advisory will work on their portion. Ms. Paulette Williams Thomas will be meeting with various stakeholder groups. Dr. Alvarado has also met with M45 for feedback on layout.
7. INFORMATIONAL REPORTS
Information: A. Enrollment/Boundaries
Ms. Dallas Pieper shared current and proposed boundaries with the board. She requested time to be able to review the situation more deeply and also take the time to check implications on transportation. This will be brought back to the April 7, 2002, Board of Education meeting.
Discussion followed.
Ms. Pieper shared that the goal is to keep families together but don't want to spend a lot of money on modulars.
The board consented to allowing Ms. Pieper extra time. She will share more information at the April 7 meeting. Member Bradley shared that she realizes the importance of watching our finances, but as the Taylor Park Task Force shared during their presentation, the students come first.
Information: B. Review of eLearning Plan
Dr. Alvarado discussed the interest to purchase a District License to Remind in order to facilitate communication between Staff, Students, and Parents/Guardians on eLearning (Remote Learning Days). The app would be beneficial should there be a need to close schools due to the COVID-19, as well as e-Learning days in the future for other reasons such as Inclement Weather or a Natural Disaster.
Having a paid plan provides access to the following features which are not a part of the free account: student/class Rostering, organization-wide Messaging, administrative oversight and control, community engagement statistics, and priority support.
Discussion: C. FINANCE COMMITTEE: Monthly Financial Report, Updates
Dr. McDermott highlighted the Monthly Financial report for February. The calendar was reviewed. Revenues are at $3.3 million and expenditures are $4.3 million.
Dr. McDermott discussed legislation on school consolidation. There are a lot of bills forcing school consolidation. He also highlighted bills on the pension cost shift and the property tax freeze. Dr. McDermott stated that there is a lot tied to the Constitutional amendment to change income tax. He will keep the board informed.
The Federal Government dropped the interest rate to 0 percent. Dr. McDermott will contact the bond agent to see if the district can refinance.
Ms. Pieper is scheduled to present the Enrollment and Transportation update at the April 21 board meeting.
Questions and comments were shared.
Information: D. PLC MOU (Freeport Education Association / Freeport School District)
Mr. Chris Shockey stated that during the development of the 2020-2021 school calendar, there was discussion about eliminating the late start Wednesdays. With doing that, the district will have to reduce the school day by 5 minutes. In doing so, and MOU will need to be established and included in the current agreement between the Freeport Education Associaiton and Freeport School District.
The FEA has reviewed and has gone through their approval process. Questions and comments were shared.
This item will be brought back to the next board meeting.
Information: E. Proposed Discipline Disparities Action Plan
Moved to April 21 meeting.
Information: F. Workload Plan for Special Educators
Moved to April 21 meeting.
Information: G. Updated Job Description - College and Career Advisor / Academy Coach
Mr. Shockey stated that with the implementation of academy and the current employee retiring, this is a good time to update the job description. Member Furst stated that she is concerned that the district will deemphasize the college prep piece. President Crutchfield stated that she did not want this duty to be on individual counselors because they do not always reach every student.
Questions and comments were shared.
This item will be brought back April 21, 2020, board meeting for consideration
8. CONSENT AGENDA
Vice President McCarty moved, second by Member Sosnowski, to approve the Consent Agenda items as follows: Freeport School District and CareerTEC Bills; March 17, 2020 Personnel Report; and IHSA Membership Renewal. On roll call, members voting aye: McCarty, Norman, Sosnowski, Bradley, Furst, Simmons, Crutchfield; members voting nay: None. The motion carried.
9. ACTION
Action: A. Jones Farrar PYP Program Expansion
Member Furst moved, second by Member Bradley, to approve the Jones Farrar PYP Program Expansion, as presented. On roll call, members voting aye: Norman, Sosnowski, Bradley, Furst, Simmons, Crutchfield, McCarty; members voting nay: None. The motion carried.
Member Norman asked about other programs who want extensions and shared that he has heard concerns from parents who do not want their child at Sandburg. President Crutchfield stated that she has heard comments from both sides.
Action: B. Enrollment/Boundaries
Revisit at April 7, 2020 meeting (see above information item).
10. COMMITTEE REPORTS
Discussion: A. Board Update on Committees
Member Furst shared that the Equity Committee meeting met and discussed the discipline disparities action plan.
Vice President McCarty reported on the Building and Grounds Committee. The group met on March 9. Vice President McCarty discussed steam trap inspections at Blackhawk and also the FHS varsity locker room. He stated that there has been no word back from the architect yet and is concerned with the timeline to do some of the capital improvement projects. He expressed the need to get the projects lined up and get better at planning things out and moving them forward. Discussion was held on the needs of the district and the services we are being provided by our architects. Mr. McDermott and Member Sosnowski will contact our architects.
Vice President McCarty also shared that the Education Committee did meet. He also stated that he attended the IASB NW division meeting and heard a presentation on safety and security. He discussed highlights from the presentation.
11. CLOSED SESSION
At 7:35 p.m., Member Sosnowski moved, second by Vice President McCarty, to enter into Closed Session for the purpose of the Appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific employees of the public body or legal counsel for the public body, including hearing testimony on a complaint lodged against an employee of the public body or against legal counsel for the public body to determine its validity. However, a meeting to consider an increase in compensation to a specific employee of a public body that is subject to the Local Government Wage Increase Transparency Act may not be closed and shall be open to the public and posted and held in accordance with this Act. On roll call, members voting aye:, Sosnowski, Bradley, Furst, Simmons, Crutchfield, McCarty, Norman; members voting nay: None. The motion carried
President Crutchfield stated that the Board would be returning to Open Session for possible action.
Members present: Sosnowski, Bradley, Furst, Simmons, Crutchfield, McCarty, Norman.
Also present were: Dr. Anna Alvarado, Mr. Chris Shockey, and Ms. Greta Harrell
Open Session
At 7:53 p.m., Member Norman moved, second by Vice President McCarty, to return to Open Session. On roll call, members voting aye: Bradley, Furst, Simmons, Crutchfield, McCarty, Norman, Sosnowski; members voting nay: None. The motion carried.
Members present: Bradley, Furst, Simmons, Crutchfield, McCarty, Norman, Sosnowski.
Also present were: Dr. Anna Alvarado, Mr. Chris Shockey, and Ms. Greta Harrell.
12. POSSIBLE ACTION
Action: A. Resolution for dismissal of non-final year probationary teachers
Member Bradley moved, second by Vice President McCarty, to adopt the Resolution for dismissal and nonrenewal of the following non-final year probationary teachers: Susan Bussian, Jean Eiler, Jeff Lehman, and William Wheeler. On roll call, members voting aye: Furst, Simmons, Crutchfield, McCarty, Norman, Sosnowski, Bradley; members voting nay: None. The motion carried.
13. ADJOURNMENT
Action, Procedural: A. To adjourn the meeting
There being no further business to be conducted at this rescheduled special meeting of the Board of Education, Member Sosnowski moved, second by Member Bradley to adjourn. The motion carried unanimously, and at 8:00 p.m., President Crutchfield declared the meeting adjourned.
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