BOE Summary: 02-27-23
Video Link
3. Call to Order - Public Session (7:15 pm)
3.1 Roll Call
3.2 Pledge of Allegiance
4. Recognitions
4.1 PRIDE Recognitions
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Alli Anderson - Teacher - TOSA District Administration Center
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Erin Gleason - Teacher - TOSA District Administration Center
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Dominique Rquibi - Teacher - TOSA District Administration Center
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Raggin Sondgeroth - Teacher - TOSA District Administration Center
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Mike Bailey - Employee - Mechanic Maintenance
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Dan Long - Employee - Building Engineer Boulder Hill
5. Public Comment
5.1 Opportunity for the Public to address the Board of Education
One individual spoke during public comment, which can be heard on the recording.
6. Comments
6.1 Superintendent's Report
The Community Advisory Committee met and learned about the 5 Essentials Survey which seeks feedback from parents, teachers and students. The committee members researched the results from two schools and shared what they learned.
At the February 6 Board meeting a public comment was made in regards to dollars spent for contractual services in our district. It was expressed that the district was spending 1.4 million dollars on contracted services for teaching assistants. That is not the case. The actual expenses for contracted services from August 15 through December 22 at OH was $60,958.90 and at OE for the same period was $40,003.54.
On Thursday, Feb 9, Dr. Petzke, Dr. Hildebrand, Mrs. Bankowski, and Mrs. Dahlquist met with many of the teaching assistants at OE to hear concerns as well as address some misinformation that had been shared during public comment. The administrators listened to concerns about how teaching assistants were being utilized as well as the concern about low pay. Mrs. Dahlquist had follow up meetings with Mrs. Bankowski to dive further into the utilization questions and work on plans for improvement. Mrs. Dahlquist is also meeting with special education leaders to review schedules and prioritize student needs.
Congratulations to 2015 OEHS graduate Ebony Graves who will represent the State of Illinois in the Black Women’s Pageant.
Congratulations to OEHS students Jensen Coonradt, Aarin Bothra; Ahmed Faisal; Denise Gutierrez; Marc Townsend; Oliva Schwarb; and Mr. Scott Johnson as winners of the Lemelson MIT InvenTeam Competition for group projects. These students from the Stem Club, worked on developing a device to improve poor school air quality using algae biofiltration. Out of hundreds of proposals submitted for consideration, their project was awarded $7,500 in order to further develop the project as well as receive MIT mentorship.
6.2 Student Ambassador Report
Feb. 15 the SSAC met to discuss student mental health surveys to push out this semester. The primary question is what is the cause of mental health concerns in students? The discussion included how SEL will be discussed in classrooms. Students have expressed the desire to have SEL intertwined in classroom discussions, rather than standalone SEL lessons. They discussed safe spaces, relationships between students, students and staff.
6.3 Board Committee Reports
6.4 Board Member Comments
Mrs. Johnson shared that on Feb. 21 she joined the Community Chat online. The topic was self-care and why it is important, she felt it was a very moving experience. Attendees were from a diverse background but shared a common goal for the wellbeing of their students. It is a safe place to share, be vulnerable and support one another. The next meeting is on March 22.
Mr. Ploger visited Long Beach, where he used to volunteer years ago as a parent. He visited classrooms, toured the building. He also inquired with Dr. Sparlin regarding the roof issues, which are being addressed by the Operations Department.
Mrs. Simelton discussed the scheduled Public Forum that was to be hosted by students on March 6. Students are now planning an event the week after that for candidates to the Board, so the student-planned public forum event will not be held. Several board members shared their opinions on the forum, and the format to be used. The board landed on hosting a meeting on the original date, March 6 as a “community circle”. More information will be sent out soon.
7. Approve Consent Agenda
7.1 Minutes from previous Meetings
7.2 Acknowledgement of Freedom of Information (FOIA) Requests
A motion was made to approve the consent agenda items, passed 7-0
8. Information
8.1 High School Social Studies Materials
Executive Director of High School, Mr. Dan Arntzen explained the process for determining the need for new curricular resources and how they are chosen. Student choice and voice were big factors in choosing potential resources.
Several textbooks were chosen for review by committees for each subject; each made a recommendation for an appropriate text (Contemporary Human Geography, Civics, US History) which are provided in both printed text and electronic format. The materials will be available for public viewing at the district office, and brought back to the board for approval on April 11.
8.2 Advertising Costs Associated with Superintendent Search
The Board of Education reviewed potential paid advertising options for the search. Dr. Kevin O’Mara, President of School Exec Connect answered questions about the recommendations. A link to the job listing will be included on the district website, in addition to the recommended sources.
8.3 Thinking Upstream - District Climate
Presented by Faith Dahlquist, Dr. Heather Kincaid and Theresa Komitas, information about the Executive Leadership Team’s identified priorities, concerns and asks of the board were discussed. The presentation includes data on the high turnover rates of building and district administrators as well the salary disparity between SD 308 and comparison districts. Additional portions of the presentation were discussed in closed session.
9. Action Items
9.1 Approval of Roof Bids - Oswego High School and Homestead Elementary School
Motion Passes 7-0
9.2 Approval of District Mission Statement
Motion Passes 6-1
9.3 Ratification of Letter of Agreement with School Exec Connect
Motion Passes 7-0
9.4 Approval of Advertising Costs Associated with Superintendent Search
Motion Passes 7-0
9.5 Approval of MOU (Memorandum of Understanding) with Oswego Education Support Professionals Association as presented
Motion Passes 7-0
9.6 Approval of the 2022-2026 Collective Bargaining Agreement with the OTA (Oswego Transportation Association) Pending Attorney Review
Motion Passes 7-0
10. Closed Session
10.1 Enter Closed Session under statute(s): 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(1) The appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance or dismissal of certain employees and individuals.
10.2 Return to Open Session
11. Action Items
11.1 Approval of Personnel Report
Motion Passes 4-0
12. Adjournment
12.1 Adjourn 11:44pm
