Quincy Reporter

Community Consolidated School District 181 Board of Education met Sept. 18.

Here are the minutes provided by the board:

Call to Order

The Regular Business meeting of the Board of Education of Community Consolidated School District 181, DuPage and Cook Counties, Illinois, was called to order by Board Vice President William Cotter at 7:00 pm on September 18, 2023, at Hinsdale Middle School, 100 S. Garfield Ave., Hinsdale, IL.

Roll Call

Jean Duggan, Recording Secretary, took roll call. Board members present were: William Cotter, Grace Shin, Asim Aleem, Margaret Kleber, and Meg Cooper. Absent: Michael Martin and Sinead Duffy. Also present is Dr. Hector Garcia, Superintendent.

Pledge of Allegiance

William Cotter led the Pledge of Allegiance.

Board of Education Celebrations

The Board congratulated the i-Ready Super Stretch Schools on their remarkable growth and learning. During the last school year, the i-Ready Super stretch schools had 55 percent or more of students meet the Stretch Growth goals.

Public Comment,

Dennis Coleman, a Hinsdale resident and Monroe School parent, commented on class scheduling.

Lauren Allan, a Hinsdale resident and The Lane School parent commented on communications during an emergency.

Informational Items

Summer Programs Review 2023

Review of Summer Programs 2023

Dr. Robinson shared that the District offered five summer programs to students in D181. The programs offered during the summer of 2023 were Summer Learning, Bridge Math Program, Time to Shine, Extended School Year, and Math Camp. She introduced Ms. Jessica Schultz, Summer School Administrator and Teacher on Special Assignment.

Ms. Schultz shared that the five programs ran concurrently from June 12-30, 2023, at Clarendon Hills Middle School and Prospect School.

● Summer Learning Program:

○ Ms. Schultz said the Summer Learning program aims to provide a variety of activities designed to address the needs of all learners and provide extension and enrichment opportunities for students. She noted that many courses offered were interest-based enrichment programs that students could self select. Some classes were specifically targeted as remedial opportunities for instruction in core subjects. Lastly, she shared positive feedback from parents, students, and staff.

● Math Bridge:

○ Dr. Robinson shared that the summer Bridge courses are designed for students in grades 3-8 and recommended to accelerate their math pathway within District 181 based on approved placement criteria. She said each class provides in-depth instruction, practice, and assessment for standards needed to bridge to an advanced/accelerated math pathway. It was noted that the summer Bridge program was taught in person, with a virtual option. The classes included live instruction, small group sessions, independent practice, homework, and assessment. Lastly, Dr. Robinson shared the positive feedback from parents, students, and staff.

● Extended School Year (ESY):

○ Dr. Bergthold shared that students enrolled in ESY work to maintain skills in Reading, Math, and school functioning (OT/PT/Speech/Social Work). Students also worked on IEP goals to help them sustain the skills developed during the regular school term. Dr. Bergthold then shared the positive feedback from parents, students, and staff.

● Time To Shine

○ Dr. Robinson shared that Title I Time to Shine (TtS) is a balanced literacy program designed to maintain and improve the reading skills of elementary-age students while promoting a love of literacy. She noted that there were students from all nine schools: 131 students entering 1st-9th grade; 14 sections with 16 educators; daily one-hour classes with two sessions; and a small group targeted reading instruction. Lastly, she provided positive feedback from parents, students, and staff.

● Math Camp:

○ Dr. Robinson shared that math camp is a grant-funded 1-hour program for students who receive Tier 2 or Tier 3 math support throughout the school year. Math Camp helps students boost confidence in math and develop enjoyment of math and problem-solving as essential academic skills. She noted that there were daily 1-hour classes with two sessions. The program ran 15 days, and there was a total of 92 students with ten sections and 11 educators. Small group instruction included projects, games, warm ups, and activities, all focused on building math fluency and skills. Lastly, she provided positive feedback from parents, students, and staff.

Summer 2024 Program Dates

● Summer Math Bridge - June 6-28, 2024

● Summer Learning Program, ESY, Time to Shine, and Math Camp

Ms. Shin commented on the great success of the summer programs and the tremendous interest in the D181 summer programs.

SEL Satchel Pulse Update

Dr. Bergthold shared that the MTSS Committee members have been working to create a consistent system for identifying student social-emotional needs during the previous two years. Recently, the Committee recommended using Satchel Pulse to determine the needs of Kindergarten through fifth-grade students after successfully piloting the screener. Both middle schools already have an established Advisory plan, which is reviewed annually.

Dr. Bergthold said that during the 2023-24 school year, the District will be collecting data similar to the information that was collected using the Social, Academic, and Emotional Behavior Risk Screener (SAEBRS); however, the data will come from the Satchel Pulse screener. The goal is to gather baseline data and resources and develop a District-wide MTSS model for social-emotional learning aligned with Illinois SEL standards and the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL). The data supports the MTSS Committee in curating and designing a plan for lessons that cover the critical competencies that all students need to be successful in their pursuits.

Elementary teachers will complete the Satchel Pulse screener during September by rating their students' competencies in Kindergarten through second grades. Students in grades third through fifth will answer questions about themselves, and their teachers will also provide information. Once the screener is complete, data will be reviewed, parents will be provided results, and interventions will be communicated. Throughout the school year, teachers will utilize some resources available in Satchel Pulse to teach social skills to their students. The MTSS Committee has provided resources from the platform for teachers to use and the opportunity to give feedback to the Committee on student engagement and ease of use. Once the information is gathered, the Committee will create a lesson plan for the 24/25 school year and provide support for using the platform.

2023-2024 SEL Timeline

● July /August 2023 - Completed SEL Calendar; Identified Themes; Previewed Lessons; PD; Advisory Review

● September 2023 - ES SEL; Screener (Satchel)

● October 2023 - Middle School SEL; Screener (DAP); SEL Lesson Introduction

● November 2023 - SEL Lesson Planning; Intervention Reviews

● January-March 2024 -Finalize Tier 1 Plan; PD Planning

Next Steps

• MTSS Committee - Identify Tier I Lessons and processes

• Creation of a District-Wide SEL Plan

• Feedback on SEL lessons

• Feedback on data protocols

• FY25 Satchel proposal (multi-year vs. single year)

Per a question, Dr. Bergthold said they can get data by grade level but may not be able to report it by school. Science Pilot Update

Kristin Reingruber, Director of Assessment, Instruction, and Evaluation, shared an update for the K-8 science resource pilot that is taking place during the 2023-24 school year.

Curriculum Renewal Cycle

● The D181 target for a curriculum renewal cycle is five years

● The last science resource pilot and purchase was for the 2018-2018 school year

○ K-3: McGraw Hill

○ 4-8: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

● The Department of Learning and Science Subject Area Committee Members researched resources and planned the Science pilot in the spring of 2022 and fall/winter of 2022/202

● The K-8 Science resource will begin during the fall of the 2023-2024 school year

The Science SAC identified the following priorities for a new science resource:

● Hands-on activities

● Organized resource/units

● Aligned to NGSS and prioritizes the standards that we have identified in our pacing guides

● Assessments and labs included

● If an online component is offered - review the current state of that resource

● Differentiated materials to meet the needs of all students (above, at, and below grade level)

● Cohesive K-8

The Science SAC members reviewed all sample resources:

● EdReports review of resources

○ Focus

○ Coherence

○ Rigor

○ Alignment to NGSS

● Alignment to D181 Priorities

Pilot Process & Procedures:

● All SAC members and their grade-level team in elementary will pilot

● All middle school science teachers at middle school will pilot

● Each teacher will pilot one unit of instruction from each resource

● Units from the first resource (Mystery Science & Elevate) were selected and paced by the SAC in March. The units from the second resource (Amplify and OpenSciEd) were selected and paced by the SAC in May

● Mystery Science and Elevate trained elementary and middle school teams during back-to-school PD days. Training for the second resource units (Amplify and OpenSciEd) will be conducted during the November 2023 Institute Day.

● The classroom pilots will begin in September 2023 and end in February 2024.

● Parents will receive a letter in September if their child’s teacher will pilot the science resources, along with specific details regarding the pilot.

Per a question, Ms. Reingruber said ultimately, they would prefer to pick one resource.

Ms. Shin commented that parents expressed a concern about their students being in a pilot. She said that all students take the common assessments and are closely monitored.

Summer Capital Projects Summary

Clarendon Hills Middle School

Walk-in Cooler Replacement and Related Kitchen Work

In conjunction with the District Architect and Quest Food Management Services, the 20-plus-year-old cooler at CHMS was at the end of its life cycle and needed replacement. The existing cooler was too small and was prone to breakdown. Additionally, this replacement was identified in the Facilities Master Plan. Healy Bender prepared specifications and bidding documents for this project. A public bidding was held on January 26, 2023. The most responsible low bidder was Metropolitan Corp. of Dyer, IN, with a base bid amount of $157,000. The work was completed on schedule and on budget. The life span for this project is 15-20 years.

Elm School MRC and Surrounding Classroom Remodel and The Monroe MRC Remodel

Remodel completed of nine classrooms and offices surrounding the MRC at Elm. These rooms were constructed with temporary metal walls, which were not soundproof. It was determined that they should be replaced while remodeling the MRC. Healy Bender prepared plans and specifications for the remodeling of the classrooms and offices as well as the ceilings of the classrooms and the MRC and paint throughout.

At the same time, the Administration worked with its Sourcewell contractors for flooring, painting, and furnishing of the MRCs at Elm and Monroe (including the Monroe entry and learning commons). A public bidding for the Architect run portion of the work at Elm on March 3, 2023. Lite Construction was the lowest responsible bidder, resulting in a final contract amount of $619,739.00 for that portion of the work. At the same time, the Sourcwell contractor's portion of the work at Elm and Monroe was awarded in the amount of $407,000.00. All work was completed on schedule and approximately $20,000 over budget. The lifespan for these projects is 15 to 20 years.

Monroe and The Lane Door and Hardware Security Upgrade

Monroe and The Lane had some original hardware in the buildings from the 1920s and the 1950s when the schools were respectively constructed. These two schools and Prospect were the only District schools left to require this security upgrade. Healy Bender prepared specs and bidding documents for this project. A public bidding was held on January 26, 2023. The most responsible low-bidder was R.L. Sohol General Contractors, Inc. of Plainfield, IL, with a base bid of $565,000.00. All steel doors and related hardware have been installed and painted. Due to delays in obtaining the wood doors at both locations, the installation of the doors and hardware will be completed during the week of November 20, 2023, when no students are in the buildings. It is expected the project will be completed on budget. The lifespan for these projects is 50+ years.

Oak School Roof Rehabilitation

This section of the Oak roof was nearly 20 years old and at the end of its warranty. The rehabilitation will extend the warranty for an additional 20 years. Healy Bender prepared specifications and bidding documents for this project, and a public bidding was held on January 26, 2023. The lowest responsible bidder was Malcor Roofing Inc. of Saint Charles, IL, in the amount of $228,000.00. Including change orders, this project was $1,800 under budget and was completed and inspected on time. In addition, funds received from the FY23 ISBE School Maintenance Grant for $50,000 were used to defray the cost of this project.

The Lane and Madison School - Playground Replacement

Pursuant to an initiative to replace the older playground equipment in the district, a great deal of research was completed into possible replacement structures. It was determined to seek equipment that met national fitness standards and was inclusive and fun. The administration worked with the principals and provided the plans to the PTOs and a menu of items they could contribute from the same manufacturers with the exact specifications. The PTO generously donated complimentary pieces that have enhanced the basic layout. By utilizing the District’s cooperative purchasing agreement, the following work was completed:

● Demolition of existing structures, installation of new and engineered wood fiber $397,000

● Concrete $95,000

● Poured in Place, surfacing $97,000

● Excavation and grading $40,000

● Total $629,000

Mr. Duggan said that there were some challenges at The Lane School. The projects ended up being $79,000 over budget due to the required earthmoving and hauling costs associated with the restoration of the old playground area at The Lane and extensive grading and concrete curbing, which was needed to provide for the “poured-in-place” surface and maintain drainage across the property. The lifespan for these projects is 15-20 years. He said they will continue to work on the project and increase accessibility next summer.

The Lane School Flooring Replacement

By utilizing the cooperative purchasing agreement, Consolidated Flooring of Chicago was awarded a contract for the installation of new LVT flooring and walk-off carpeting in the halls and classrooms of The Lane School in the amount of $480,000. The project was completed on time and within the budgeted amount. The life span for this project is 30+ years.

District Office Update

Ms. Bradford provided an update on the District Office. She shared the history and the plan to close on a property at 133 Ogden Ave., Hinsdale, IL. The District received the fully executed amendment between the seller and tenant on September 15, 2023. The closing is scheduled for September 29, 2023. She also said that the administration has been working with PFM, the District’s investment advisories, to ensure the adequacy of liquid funds available to fund the purchase.

Budget Year-End

Ms. Bradford presented the unaudited budget year-end for FY23. She noted that the FY23 unaudited total fund balance ended at approximately $50.2MM compared to last year at $45.1MM. The FY23 unaudited operating fund balance ended at approximately $40.0MM compared to the previous year at $39.4MM.

Unaudited Year End - Revenue

The total year-to-date revenue came in favorably at approximately $82.3MM. The revenue included roughly $78.0MM in local sources, $3.0MM in-state sources, and $1.4MM in federal sources.

● Revenue Variance (Account line items > $100,000)

○ Local Revenue

■ $855,200 over in Interest on Investments: Due to higher than anticipated interest rates

■ $543,100 over in CPPRT Revenue: Due to improvement in economic conditions

■ $434,900 over in Property Taxes: Due to some continued early tax receipts

■ $408,000 over in Other Local Revenue: Primarily due to the positive change in the market value of investments

○ State Revenue

■ $189,300 under in Transportation Reimbursement: Due to low revenue in FY23 vs. historical trend data. FY2024 Transportation Claim is higher and in line with historical trends.

○ Federal Revenue

■ $183,200 over in ARP IDEA: Due to timing of receipts. Funds received in early FY2023 related to Summer 2022 work. The FY2023 budget reflected the phasing out of the grant.

■ $51,000 over in ESSER III: Due to timing of receipts. Funds received in early FY2023 related to Summer 2022 work. The FY2023 budget reflected the phasing out of the grant.

■ $172,400 under in IDEA Flow-Through: Due to timing of receipts. A significant reimbursement was received in August 2023 (Recorded in FY2024) for work done in FY2023. That payment was approximately $333,000.

Unaudited Year End - Expenses

Ms. Bradford shared that the total year-to-date expenses were favorable at approximately $77.3 MM. This included roughly $57.4MM in salaries and benefits, $7.0MM in purchased services, and $13.0MM in other expenses.

● Expenses Variance (Account line items > $100,000)

○ Salaries and Benefits Expenses

■ $320,700 under in Certified Salaries

■ $264,100 under Classified Salaries

■ $2.0MM over in Benefits: Due to an increase in insurance premiums, reserve payment to new insurance co-operative, a significant annual renewal rate increase, and insurance run-out payments

○ Purchased Services Expenses

■ $247,200 under in Professional Services: Due to a less-than-expected need for professional services across the district

■ $221,800 under in Regular Education Transportation: Due to lower than expected need for services (including route consolidation due to driver shortage)

■ $128,300 under in Preschool Transportation: Due to lower-than-expected route needs

■ $412,800 over in repairs and maintenance: Due to unanticipated concrete repairs at several schools, fees for furniture storage and moving, and ongoing HVAC maintenance

○ Total Other Expenses

■ $5.2MM under in Capital Improvements: Primarily due to a shift in the timing of the purchase of the district office building and the related renovations

■ $342,500 under in Textbooks: Due to a shift in the timing of textbook purchases (post-COVID)

■ $171,100 under in Private Tuition: Due to a decrease in outplaced students

Enrollment Report

Dr. Gina Herrmann, Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources, shared that the total student enrollment on August 29, 2023 was 3,559. The enrollment reflects an approximate 1.38% decrease from the 2022 sixth-day student enrollment of 3,608.

Dr. Herrmann highlighted the following observations:

● Enrollment at Walker, The Lane, Oak, and HMS has increased and is projected to increase.

● Enrollment at Madison has decreased this year but is projected to increase in the upcoming years.

● Enrollment at CHMS has decreased this year but is projected to increase in the upcoming years.

● Enrollment at CHMS has decreased and is projected to continue until the 2026-2027 school year.

● Enrollment at Prospect has decreased and is projected to decrease slightly this year.

● Enrollment at Elm and Monroe will remain steady in future years.

FOIA Update

The District received three FOIA requests and completed all of the requests since the last FOIA update on August 14, 2023, Board of Education meeting.

Consent Agenda

Personnel

Certified Licensed Educators:

Extracurricular Stipend effective for the 2023-24 school year.
Name	School	Extra Assignment	Stipend
Jennifer Scheuerman	CHMS	Athletic Director	$2,757.17
Jennifer Scheuerman	CHMS	Cross Country Coach	$1,778.15
Michael Piper	CHMS	Cross Country Coach	$1,778.15
Angela Dimitriou	CHMS	Cross Country Coach	$1,778.15
Melinda Phelan	CHMS	Cross Country Coach	$1,778.15
Christine Alsip	CHMS	Cross Country Coach	$1,778.15
Samantha Eagen	CHMS	Cross Country Coach	$1,778.15
Daniel Powers	HMS	Athletic Director	$2,757.17
Daniel Powers	HMS	Cross Country Coach	$1,778.15
Tim Klayum	HMS	Cross Country Coach	$1,778.15
Scott Burnette	HMS	Cross Country Coach	$1,778.15
Kelly Saranecki	HMS	Cross Country Coach	$1,778.15
Raleigh Seraponas	HMS	Cross Country Coach	$1,778.15
Melissa Livanos	HMS	Cross Country Coach	$1,778.15

Lane Advancement, effective August 18, 2023
Name	Position	Current	Advanced	New Salary*
Susan Martin	Certified School Nurse	BA	BA+15, 9	$71,544.31
Christina Belfiore	Teacher Librarian	MA+24	MA+30, 12	$94,377.60

*Based on FY23 HCHTA Salary Schedule. Salary will be adjusted according to the FY24 Salary Schedule per HCHTA negotiated agreement upon settlement.

Classified Staff:

Employment pending successful completion of onboarding process and background check
Name	Position	Location	FTE	Hourly Rate	Effective Date
Laura Masood	IA Special Education	Elm	1.0	$17.64	8/18/2023
Shelbi Domjen	IA Specialized	Monroe	1.0	$20.49	8/29/2023
Susan Tobolski	IA-MRC	Walker	1.0	$17.64	8/18/2023
Laurel Alexander	IA-Special Education	Elm	1.0	$17.64	8/30/2023
Megan Mikahail	RTI Tutor	Oak	Hourly	$20.54	9/25//2023
Carolynne Ozanich	IA-Specialized RISE	Walker	1.0	$21.59	9/18/2023

Change in FTE/Position
Name	Current Position	Location	New Position	Hourly Rate	Effective Date
Tracy Bassett	.5 FTE ECE IA	Oak ECE	1.0 FTE ECE IA	$21.56	8/18/2023
Jennifer Ortega	.5 FTE RISE IA	Walker RISE	1.0 FTE RISE IA	$21.79	9/15/2023

Resignation
Name	Position	Location	FTE	Effective Date
Shalyn Brady	Instructional Assistant	Madison	1.0	6/2/2023
Ashraf Amaya	Instructional Assistant	Elm	1.0	6/2/2023
Charles Bradley	Instructional Assistant	HMS	1.0	8/17/2023
Keerthika Rathinam	Instructional Assistant	Walker	1.0	8/20/2023
Carol Ziegler	Instructional Assistant	Walker	1.0	8/17/2023
Robyn Strausser	RTI Tutor	Elm	Hourly	6/2/2023

Approval of Minutes

The Board was asked to approve the minutes from the following meeting:

● Regular Business Meeting - August 14, 2023

Monthly Financial Report

The Board was asked to approve the Monthly Financial reports for the following months:

● June 2023

● July 2023

● August 2023

Administrator / Teacher Salary and Benefit Report

Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources Gina Herrmann shared that on October 1 of each year, each school district in this State shall post on its Internet website, if any, an itemized salary compensation report for every employee in the district holding an administrative certificate and working in that capacity, including the district superintendent. The salary compensation report shall include, without limitation, base salary, bonuses, pension contributions, retirement increases, the cost of health insurance, the cost of life insurance, paid sick and vacation day payouts, annuities, and any other form of compensation or income paid on behalf of the employee. This report is presented at a regular school board meeting, subject to applicable notice requirements. In addition, each school district shall submit the completed report to the office of the district's regional superintendent of schools.

Policy Adoption

The Board was asked to adopt the following policies:

● 2:80 - Board Member Oath and Conduct

● 4:45 - Insufficient Fund Checks and Debt Recovery

● 8:25 - Advertising and Distributing Materials in Schools Provided by Non-School Related Entities

● 8:95 - Parental Involvement

● 2:170 - Procurement of Architectural, Engineering, and Land Surveying Services

● 4:100 - Insurance Management

● 5:230 - Maintaining Student Discipline

● 6:190 - Extracurricular and Co-Curricular Activities

● 6:240 - Field Trips and Recreational Class Trips

● 7:275 - Orders to Forgo Life-Sustaining Treatment

● 7:305 - Student Athlete Concussions and Head Injuries

Committee Reports

Finance and Facilities Committee

● The Finance and Facilities Committee met on September 12, 2023. The topics for discussion were as follows:

● Budget Year-End

● Summer Captial Projects Summary

● District Office Building Update

● Monthly Financials

Academic Success Committee

● The Academic Success Committee met on September 7, 2023. The topics for discussion were as follows:

● Curriculum and Professional Learning Highlights 2023

● Summer Programs Review 2023

● SEL Satchel Pulse Update

● Science Pilot Update

● District-Level Committee Updates

Payment of Bills and Reimbursements

Bills and Reimbursements were presented in the amount of $2,416,491.15

Michael Martin made a motion to approve the consent agenda as presented. Sinead Duffy seconded the motion. On roll call, the following members voted “Aye:” Grace Shin, Michael Martin, Asim Aleem, William Cotter, Sinead Duffy, Margaret Kleber, and Margaret Cooper. ”Nay:” None. The motion carried.

Executive Session

Michael Martin made a motion to adjourn into the Executive Session at 8:08 p.m. to discuss the review of closed session minutes and negotiations. Margaret Kleber seconded the motion. On roll call, the following members voted “Aye”: Grace Shin, Michael Martin, Meg Cooper, William Cotter, Asim Aleem, Sinead Duffy, and Margret Kleber. “Nay:” None. The motion carried.

Call to Order

Jean Duggan, Recording Secretary took roll call at 9:05 p.m. Board members present were: Michael Martin, Grace Shin, Sinead Duffy, Meg Cooper, William Cotter, Margaret Kleber, and Asim Aleem. Also present, Dr. Hector Garcia, Superintendent.

Adjournment

Michael Martin made a motion to adjourn at 9:06 p.m. Grace Shin seconded the motion. All in favor. The motion carried.

https://go.boarddocs.com/il/hccsdil/Board.nsf/files/CWSKZD5446C2/$file/2023_09_18_Reg.%20Bus.%20Mtg.%20Min..pdf