Oswego Community Unit School District 308 Board of Education Meeting
Monday, January 10, 2022
Oswego East High School Community Room

Video Link 

4.1 The Board of Education will elect an officer for the position of secretary

Jennifer Johnson was elected to the role of Secretary on the Board of Education by majority vote, filling the position vacated with the departure of Ruth Kroner.

5.1 Public Hearing concerning the intent of the Board of Education to sell not to exceed $18,000,000 Working Cash Fund Bonds for the purpose of increasing the working cash fund of the District.

No oral or written testimony was shared by members of the public. The hearing was adjourned. 

6.1 Public Comment

Three comments were made by community members, which can be viewed on the video.

7.1 Board Member Comments

Full comments can be heard on the video.

• Mrs. Simelton shared in regards to her role as the Delegate for the assembly at the Illinois Association of School Boards conference in Chicago. In the assembly board representatives vote in favor or against resolutions. The full record of voting and resolutions along with more information regarding the assembly can be found online.

• Information was shared on the upcoming Human Library that will be held online on January 17, 12pm-2pm. 

• Additional comments were shared in regards to the return to school today, the appreciation for all the hard work in preparation for school resuming today. 

7.2 Committee Meeting Reports

Policy & Legislative Committee Update and Teaching & Learning Committee Update

Full reports can be heard on the video recording. Policies from the committee meeting are included for first reading on the agenda. The SEL presentation was previewed by the Teaching and Learning committee and is being shared in full at the meeting. 

7.3 Superintendent Report

• Condolences to the family and friends of Oswego East High School freshman Madalyne Lattuca who unexpectedly passed away last week. 

• Congratulations: 166 State Scholars were named amongst Class of 2022 at both high schools.

• January 13th (5-7pm) is the next Open Interview opportunity to apply for open positions, and engage in an interview with one visit. This effort has proven successful over the past several months, as we face staffing shortages. 

• COVID-19 Updates:

• Reminders were shared on mitigation measures, testing opportunities and the request to stay home when not feeling well. 

• Plans were shared regarding what the plan would look like if a specific class, school or the district were to pivot to remote learning. 

7.4 Student Ambassador Report 

Work continues with the survey feedback from students and their identified priorities. 

8.1 Social Emotional Learning Presentation

Presented by Dr. Heidi Podjasek, Director of Social Emotional Learning

Presentation

Update on the current work related to support social emotional learning across our district, assisting students, parents, families, and staff. Formal curriculum programs have been acquired for the district in all grade levels, including opportunities for professional development for staff. Implementation of curriculum, consistent practices, training, and response to needs will be prioritized over the next several years. Partnerships with outside agencies have expanded to connect student/parent needs to professional services. 

Outreach events are being planned throughout the school year.  Student voice is being used to help shape supports and make necessary changes.

9.0 Consent Agenda

9.1 Minutes from previous Meeting

9.2 Board Policy References/Legal Updates: Section 2: School Board (2:105) Section 4: Operational Services (4:110, 4:120) Section 5: General Personnel (5:220) Section 6: Instruction (6:15, 6:20, 6:300, 6:340) Section 7: Students (7:10, 7:20, 7:190, 7:340) Section 8: Community Relations (8:70, 8:100)

10.1 Financial Statements

Financial Statements for December, 2021

10.2 Board Policies First Read: Section 1: School District Organization (1:30) Section 2: School Board (2:150, 2:240) Section 4: Operational Services (4:165) Section 5: General Personnel (5:90, 5:120, 5:185, 5:250, 5:330) Section 7: Students (7:160, 7:165) Section 8: Community Relations (8:90)      

10.3 Resolution for Interfund Loans and Transfers

On January 10 and January 24, 2022, the Board of Education will consider authorizing the issuance of tax anticipation warrants in an amount of up to $20,000,000 for educational purposes.

Section 10-22.33 of the School Code authorizes select interfund loans. Section 20-5 of the School Code authorizes loans from the Working Cash Fund. These loans will minimize the amount of borrowing that is needed, in compliance with the School Code, and saves on financing costs.

Last year, loans of $5,300,000 from the Operations and Maintenance Fund to the Educational Fund, $2,100,000 from the Transportation Fund to the Educational Fund, and $14,400,000 from the Working Cash Fund to the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund ($3,000,000) and the Educational Fund ($11,400,000) were authorized.

Based on audited fund balances and cash flow needs, prior to the January 24, 2022 Board of Education meeting these amounts will once again be determined to address financial needs in the education fund. The resolution provides for the repayment of these loans within 3 years, which is the length of time authorized by the School Code. The loans, however, will be repaid upon receipt of the majority of the District’s property taxes for levy year 2021.

10.4 Resolution Authorizing the Issuance of Tax Anticipation Warrants in anticipation of the collection of Taxes levied for the year 2021

Section 17-16 of the School Code authorizes the District to issue warrants in anticipation of the collection of property taxes, referred to as tax anticipation warrants, or TAWs. TAWs may be issued to meet the expenses of the District if the District anticipates having insufficient funds to pay those expenses as they arise. The attached resolution authorizes the issuance of TAWs in anticipation of the property taxes levied in 2021, payable in 2022. The resolution establishes the parameters within which the TAWs may be issued. Specifically, the resolution authorizes up to $20,000,000 in TAWs to be issued against the educational fund, a reduction of $5,000,000 from the previous sale in 2021.A maximum interest rate of 3 percent per annum is included as a parameter. Additionally, the TAWs must mature by July 31, 2022, may have optional redemption provisions, and may be issued on a taxable or tax-exempt basis. The resolution authorizes the Administration to proceed to sell the TAWs by May 31, 2022. The flexibility created by these tailored parameters will allow the Administration to act in the District’s best interests based upon numerous market considerations and the District’s financial position at the time of sale. The timeline is January 10, 2022: Information item sent to Board; January 24, 2022: Send action item to Board. 
Parameters resolution will be maximum borrowing of $20,000,000 and maximum interest rate of 3% per annum.

10.5 Draft OEHS Pool Rental Agreement

To support District efforts to engage community swim clubs in a pool facility rental agreement, the sample Aquatic Program Agreement will serve to establish and clarify the relationship and commitments between the AQUATICS PROGRAM and Oswego Community Unit School District 308.  In addition to this agreement, the AQUATICS PROGRAM must complete and submit all applicable and appropriate Activity/Facility requests through District 308 for the normal facility rental approval process.

In addition to facility usage expectations, the sample agreement also provides language to ensure the AQUATICS PROGRAM complies with District 308’s Student Code of Conduct and applicable Board of Education Policies. All activities of the AQUATICS PROGRAM must at all times be under the supervision of competent adults who would be eligible to coach within District 308’s Co-Op High School Swimming Program.  Any illegal behavior would be referred to proper authorities for appropriate legal action. This Agreement may be terminated immediately by District 308 if the AQUATICS PROGRAM refuses/fails to comply with these provisions.

Pool Rental fees would be adjusted based on the profit or non-profit status of the aquatics program – ranging from $35 - $160 per hour in addition to district staff/custodial rental fees.

11.1 Approval of Bills for Payment

Approved bills for payment

Motion to authorize the payment of bills in the amount of $2,697,597.80 as presented.

Motion passed 

11.2 Approval of Stewart Farm Lease Extension

The School Code (105 ILCS 5/15-3) authorizes the School District to enter into farm leases of no longer than 5 years. On March 12, 2012, the School District first entered into a two-year Illinois Cash Farm Lease with Stewart Farms Partnership for the 122 acre District-owned property on Route 126 near Minkler Road. That lease was extended in May 2014, March 2016, January 2018 and again in January 2020. The most recent Illinois Cash Farm Lease is scheduled to expire on January 29, 2022.

Stewart Farms Partnership has leased the property for years and has always made prompt payments under the past leases. Stewart Farms Partnership is again interested in leasing the property for two years expiring on January 29, 2024 at the per acre rental of $300.

The lease is attached for your consideration for Stewart Farms Partnership to incorporate the same terms and conditions as the prior lease, including a fixed annual rental rate of $36,600 (122 acres @ $300 acre).

Recent Farm Doc Daily reports from the University of Illinois provide current farm rental rates for the state of Illinois.  Based on that information, $300 remains favorable to the District and exceeds the current values discussed in the University of Illinois resources.

Stewart Farm Lease Contract

Motion to approve the Stewart Farm Lease Extension for a Two Year Period 

Motion Passed

11.3 Action on Uniform Grievance Procedure Complaint

Motion to authorize Dr. Marino to prepare a Written Decision affirming the findings of Complaint Manager Kenneth Miller with respect to the November 11, 2021 complaint filed by Mr. Wayne Harshberger.

Motion Passed

11.4 Student Disciplinary Case 2021-22-1

To expel Student 2021-22-1 and assign them to attend the alternative GOAL learning program through the first semester of the 2022-2023 school year, pursuant to the Board's written findings and decision

Motion Passed

11.5 Approval of Personnel Report

Motion to approve the personnel report as presented.

Motion Passed

Adjournment