Quincy Reporter

Community Consolidated School District 181 Board of Education met March 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 President Michael Martin at 6:01 pm on March 18, 2024, 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, Margaret Kleber, Grace Shin, Asim Aleem, Michael Martin, Sinead Duffy, and Meg Cooper. Also present: Dr. Hector Garcia, Superintendent.

Pledge of Allegiance

Michael Martin led the Pledge of Allegiance.

Executive Session

Michael Martin made a motion to adjourn into Executive Session at 6:02 p.m. to discuss personnel, safety, and matters related to individual students. Sinead Duffy seconded the motion. On roll call, the following members voted “Aye”: Grace Shin, Meg Cooper, William Cotter, Bill Cotter, Asim Aleem, Margaret Kleber, and Michael Martin. “Nay:” None. The motion carried.

Call to Order

Jean Duggan, Recording Secretary, took roll call at 7:11 p.m. Board members present were: Michael Martin, Grace Shin, Meg Cooper, William Cotter, Margaret Kleber, Asim Aleem, and Sinead Duffy. Also present, Dr. Hector Garcia, Superintendent.

Public Comment

Jenny Gannon, Hinsdale resident, and HMS parent, addressed the Board regarding the Illinois Youth Survey.

Action Items

Science Resource Recommendation

Ms. Reingruber shared that the District’s target for a curriculum renewal cycle is five years. The last science resource pilot and purchase was for the 2017-2018 school year, which included McGraw Hill (K-3) and Houghton Mifflin Harcourt (4-8). 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 2022-2023, with a pilot in the fall/winter of 2023-2024.

Ms. Reingruber shared that administrative recommendation:

● K-5 Mystery Science

○ Unlimited digital access for every teacher

○ Usage data and analytics

○ Standards-aligned lessons

○ Hands-on activities

○ Anchor phenomena and performance tasks

○ Assessments and answer keys

○ Engaging discussion questions

○ Print and digital handouts

○ “Stress-free” Mystery Packs

● 6-8 Elevate Science

○ Encourages active learning through storylines, lab activities, and science quests

○ Core science program with digital integration

○ Explores three dimensions of science

○ Engineering practice

○ Disciplinary Core Ideas

○ Cross-cutting concepts

○ Phenomena-based, with virtual and hands-on investigations

○ The Digital Realize platform provides access to all digital resources and editable print resources

She said the cost of the K-5 Mystery Science Implementation 5 yr Access for 7 Sites:

● Mystery Science on Discovery Experience (Action-Packed Real-World storylines, hands-on and virtual investigations, research-based grab-and-go lessons, activities, and strategies for teachers, over 190,000 engaging, K-12 standards-aligned resources across all content areas, integrated professional learning opportunities) - $167,825

● Mystery Science Kits - one kit per teacher - $47,625

● Professional Learning - 4 in-person events, 12 virtual hours - $23,400

● Total: $238,850

She said the cost of 6-8 Elevate Science Implementation:

● Elevate Module Teacher Editions - $6,528

● Student Edition 5-Year + Digital Courseware 5-Year License - $225,320

● Middle Grades Program Implementation Essentials PD - $3,450

● Lab Materials (TBD on FINAL COST) - $100,000

● Total: $335,298

Total Budgeted Cost of Five-Year Implementation K-8

● $600,000 was budgeted for the purchase of science resources. Future yearly lab consumable refills will be integrated into building budgets.

Next Steps:

● Order the resources for the student materials to be shipped over the summer. The teacher resources will be ready for spring professional development.

● June Institute Day professional development for staff with the vendors

● Spring/Summer Subject Area Committee work

○ Develop sequence

○ Pacing

○ Assessments

The Department of Learning confirmed that there will be enough consumable materials for all.

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

Approval of Natural Gas Parameters

Mike Duggan, Director of Facilities, shared that the District is currently a party to The Illinois Gas Cooperative Agreement. He said the District is also a party to the Master Energy Services Agreement between Vanguard Energy Services and the Illinois Gas Cooperative on behalf of its Members.

Mr. Duggan noted the following.

● The existing Illinois Gas Cooperative (IGC) agreement expires in July 2024.

● District desires a 3-year contract with a fixed rate (100% swing).

Illinois Gas Cooperative (IGC):

● Pros: Cooperative buying power, historical benefits.

● Cons: Variable rates after an initial period and ongoing and indefinite commitment.

Other options (Century Energy Solutions (broker with various vendors) & Vanguard):

● Pros: Century offers a fixed price (100% swing) rate for all terms.

● Cons: Vanguard's 100% swing fixed rate is only available for a 12-month commitment.

Request:

● Lock in a new rate with Century Energy Solutions (CES) at a maximum of $0.40/therm.

● Secure a 36-month or shorter-term contract with 100% swing (guaranteed, fixed price).

He said the recommendation would be to enter a new natural gas supply agreement within the parameters as presented. Approval of a fixed-rate natural gas supply contract starting August 1, 2024, with a ceiling rate of $0.0400/therm for 36 months or less, with the vendor providing the most favorable rate to the District on the date the agreement is signed.

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

Approval of the E-Rate for Internet and WAN Services

Ms. Bradford shared that the district is seeking a one-year fiber optic WAN contract for internet connectivity between the new administration center and Hinsdale Middle School.

● Once the District is no longer in the old administration center, the District will seek to bring all sites under one service provider

● The District received proposals from three providers:

○ AT&T, Verizon, and Metronet

● Although Metronet currently services WAN & Internet connectivity for District 181, AT&T provided the lowest cost for services overall (including no up-front costs)

● The Administration recommended the approval of AT&T to provide WAN services to the District under a 1-year contract.

● The one-year cost for E-rate/WAN services through AT&T will be approximately $15,372

Meg Cooper made a motion to approve the E-Rate for Internet and WAN Services as presented. Sinead Duffy seconded the motion. On roll call, the following members voted “Aye:” Asim Aleem, William Cotter, Michael Martin, Grace Shin, Sinead Duffy, Margaret Kleber, and Meg Cooper. “Nay:” None. The motion carried.

Approval of iPad Device Refresh

Ms. Bradford shared that the administration recommends purchasing the following devices

● iPad device refresh for Kindergarten and 3rd Grade

○ Kindergarten: 420 iPads 10th Gen, AppleCare, cases

○ 3rd Grade: 440 iPads 10th Gen, AppleCare, cases

● Each group will use the device for three years

● The purchase includes AppleCare+, which will cover two instances of accidental damage to the device per year for each of the three years of the lease (6 total instances).

Cost

● The total will be leased from Apple over three years, with annual payments being $132,629 per year.

● The total will be $397,886

● This is part of the District’s device refresh plan and is slightly less than the budget for FY25.

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

Resolution Authorizing Honorable Dismissal of a Part-Time, Non-Tenured Teacher Dr. Gina Herrmann, Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources, presented the resolution authorizing the honorable dismissal of a part-time, non-tenured teacher.

Dr. Herrmann noted the excellent work of the part-time teacher. However, the part-time position will be eliminated for the 2024-2025 school year due to a reduction in force.

William Cotter made a motion to approve the resolution authorizing the honorable dismissal of a part-time, non-tenured teacher. Sinead Duffy seconded the motion. On roll call, the following members voted “Aye:” William Cotter, Margaret Kleber, Michael Martin, Sinead Duffy, Grace Shin, and Meg Cooper. “Nay: None. Abstain: Asim Aleem. The motion carried.

Informational Items

Five-Year Forecasting

Ms. Bradford shared that the five-year financial forecast plan serves to provide a comprehensive outline of the District’s projected revenues and expenditures. The plan was developed to assist the District in making important decisions as financial assumptions change. She said the District will use this plan to establish District goals and initiatives, assist in budget planning, develop different scenarios, and analyze trends.

The five-year financial forecast plan is based on the adjusted FY24 budget. The adjusted FY24 budget is a projection of where the District is forecasting revenues and expenditures at the year's end.

FY24 Budget	All Funds Original	All Funds Projected Adjustment	Operating Funds Original	Operating Funds Projected Adjustment
Revenue	$87,100,355	$87,298,730	$83,503,103	$83,446,590
Expenditures	$100,789,596	$92,302,810	$73,481,843	$73,722,387

The key revenue levers influencing the five-year forecast include the local, state, and federal revenue. Key expenditure levers influencing the five-year forecast include salaries, benefits, 5-Year Facility Master Plan, 5- Year Technology Plan, 5-Year Textbook Adoption, Full Day Kindergarten, and District Office purchase and renovation.

Based on the projected year-end FY24 budget and the key revenue and expenditures levers, Ms. Bradford said the District is anticipating an operating revenue budget for FY25 of $86.5 MM. This is $3.1 MM more than FY24’s adjusted operating revenue budget. She said the District anticipates an operating expenditure budget for FY25 of $77.0 MM, which is $3.3 MM more than FY24’s adjusted operating expenditure budget. This does not include any other financing sources/uses. She said the District forecasts that the operating fund balance will be approximately 51.6% for FY25 and between 47.6%-49.5% for FY26-FY29.

Full-Day Kindergarten Update

Ms. Bradford and Mr. Todd Rusche, from Turner and Townsend, presented an update on full-day kindergarten.

Mr. Rusche shared that Turner and Townsend will provide continuous financial and construction progress monitoring, tracking, oversight, and reporting on all project aspects in conjunction with the District staff. They will act as the District’s eyes and ears in the field and aggressively advocate for its interest in all projectaspects.

During the preconstruction phase, they will monitor and develop the following:

● Develop the budget cost reporting format, project management plan, and responsibility matrix

● Establish communications protocols

● Review contractor construction schedules

● Develop a master construction schedule

● Review contractor submittal schedules and early submittals with the Architect

● Identify long lead time items and review contractor procurement plans to ensure delivery

● Coordinate with ComEd for Underground Electrical line relocation at Oak and Monroe Schools

● Procure field materials testing and lab services

Construction Phase Activities

● Contractor and construction oversight: Site visits to review progress and quality

● Review Requests for Information (RFIs) and field conditions with Architect

● Review all potential change orders and change orders

● Review contractor pay requests

● Direct weekly Owner, Architect, and Contractor meetings

● Coordinate Owner provided Furniture, Fixtures, and Equipment (FF&E)

Financial Tracking and Oversight

● Monthly Progress Reports

○ Budget/Cost Report, cash flow projections, change order logs, contingency usage

○ Schedule and progress review, RFI logs, and documentation

○ Payment request documentation and contractor performance review

● Construction Completion and Post-Construction

○ Assist the architect with the development and completion of the punch list by the contractor.

○ Coordinate inspections with the Architect for substantial completion and occupancy.

○ Coordinate receipt of Operations Manuals and product Warranties from Contractors.

○ Coordinate project financial closeout

○ Coordinate and participate in post-construction warranty walk-throughs

Mr. Rusche shared that he foresees a low number of change orders. He said the drawings were solid, and each potential change order would be fully vetted if any were received.

He shared a sample project schedule and RACI (Responsibility, Approver, Consulted, and Informed) Matrix that will be used for each school. He noted that this is the best way to provide clear direction, roles, and responsibilities for all of the teams involved to improve the efficiency of this project.

He shared a sample project budget report and noted that the “original” budget will not change. Any change orders will be clearly identified and tracked separately so that the board will know the exact level of change orders that have been approved.

Winter MAP and SIP Update

Ms. Reingruber shared that the grade-appropriate MAP assessment was administered to grades 1-7 students between December 11-22, 2024. She noted that the winter administration of MAP provides the District with a data point to evaluate instruction, increase/decrease individual student support, enrich the curriculum for students, and inform future course placement. Results for all grade levels will be presented for both reading and math. Achievement by grade and school was shared as well. Growth by building, grade, cohort, as well as 3-year and 4-year averages was shared.

She noted that the building goals for School Improvement Plans reflect students’ performance levels on MAP and are linked to end-of-year goals for student achievement and growth.

Winter Celebrations

Growth and Achievement

● Large numbers of students moving from Low Achievement and/or Low Growth to High Growth/High Achievement quadrant when comparing Fall to Winter MAP

Team Collaboration

● Collaboration meetings continue to increase staff awareness of data trends and collective efficacy.

Students by Name and Need

● Common assessments and work with standards support instructional scaffolding and continued student growth. Teachers are acutely aware of student strengths and needs.

Celebrating Student Success

● Goal-setting opportunities allow students to track and celebrate their progress.

Schoolwide Culture

● Common language, expectations, celebrations, and supporting a challenging, supportive, and positive school environment.

The winter SIP strategy summary is as follows:

Winter Opportunities

Focused Data Analysis

● Monitor trends to plan for improvement. Continued SMART goal setting.

Instructional Practices

● Be intentional in meeting the needs of all learner profiles.

Professional Development

● Continue targeted, internal professional development strategies with building teams (vocabulary, differentiation, classroom strategies).

Team Collaboration

● Continue to utilize collaboration time to enhance student growth across content areas. Capitalize on opportunities to learn from one another.

Social Emotional Learning

● Review updated screener data and continue to provide instructional strategies and support related to social-emotional learning needs. Continue to build and emphasize universal language.

Ms. Cooper asked if any district would expect to see the growth decrease as the grades increase. Ms. Reingruber said yes, that is true.

Dr. Garcia said he is proud of the team effort and the outstanding numbers.

Ms. Shins thanked the team and noted how proud the principals of their schools are.

FOIA Update

The district received two FOIA requests and completed the requests since the last FOIA update on February 12, 2024, at the Board of Education meeting.

Consent Agenda

Personnel

Administrators

FY25 Salary
Name	Position	Location	Salary
Erick Jones	Assistant Principal	CHMS	$112,955
Ronald May	Assistant Principal	HMS	$124,724
Mindy Bradford	Assistant Superintendent of Business and Operations	District	$194,250
Gina Herrmann	Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources	District	$182,209
Kathleen Robinson	Assistant Superintendent of Learning	District	$197,014
Dana Bergthold	Assistant Superintendent of Student Services	District	$159,653
Kristin Reingruber	Director of Assessment, Instruction and Evaluation	District	$138,800
Jeffrey Alstadt	Director of Communications	District	$93,616
Michael Duggan	Director of Facilities	District	$116,708
Catie Norton	Director of Financial Services	District	$114,616
Matthew Kunesh	Director of Technology	District	$125,427
Levi Brown	Principal	CHMS	$150,951
Sara Olson	Principal	Elm	$146,830
Cory Burke	Principal	HMS	$135,856
Barbara Shanahan	Principal	Madison	$132,147
Erin Eder	Principal	Monroe	$122,880
Effey Nassis	Principal	Oak	$129,108
Kristin Cummings	Principal	Prospect	$139,489
Brandon Todd	Principal	The Lane	$145,830
Eric Chisausky	Principal	Walker	$144,564

FY25 Salary
Name	Position	Location	Salary
Megan Byrne	Pupil Service Administrator	Oak/Walker	$99,986
Terese Molloy	Pupil Service Administrator	Elm/Madison	$99,986
Kylee Nosalik	Pupil Service Administrator	CHMS/Prospect	$100,880
Michelle Nugent	Pupil Service Administrator	Monroe/The Lane	$99,840
Christopher Reid	Pupil Service Administrator	HMS	$106,984
Hector Garcia	Superintendent	District	$296,076

Certified Licensed Educators

Resignation
Name	Position	Location	FTE	Effective Date
Michelle Gentile	2023-24 Leave of Absence	HMS	.5	June 4, 2024
Patricia Hagstrom	2023-24 Leave of Absence	Walker	1.0	June 4, 2024
David Kowalski	Science/Language Arts teacher	HMS	1.0	June 4, 2024
Anila Ajdini	Math teacher	HMS	1.0	June 4, 2024

HCHTA Notice of Retirement under the July 1, 2023-June 30, 2027 contract
Name	Position	School	Retirement date
Helen Dunlea	Grade 4 Teacher	Madison	June, 2026 (2 Years)
Patricia Ward	Behavior Analyst	Districtwide	June, 2027 (3 Years)
Dawn Barcus	Grade 4 Teacher	Elm	June, 2028
Kathryn Cox	Science Teacher	CHMS	June, 2028
Amy Grippando	Reading Specialist	The Lane	June, 2028

HCHTA Notice of Retirement under the July 1, 2023-June 30, 2027 contract
Name	Position	School	RetirementDate
Cherise Madden	Grade 5 Teacher	Elm	June, 2028
Ruben Pena	Social Worker	CHMS	June, 2028
Lisa Powers	Language Arts Teacher	HMS	June, 2028
Stephanie Vercoe	Kindergarten Teacher	Madison	June, 2028
Amy Wheeler	Kindergarten Teacher	Prospect	June, 2028
Jodie Whitney	Resource Teacher	HMS	June, 2028
Maureen Windmoeller	Physical Therapist	Walker	June, 2028

Classified Staff

Employment
Name	Position	Location	FTE	Hourly Rate	Effective Date
Maria Arocha Santiago	IA Specialized ECE	Oak	1.0	$20.49	February 16, 2024
Jungjin Park	IA Special Education	Elm	1.0	$17.64	February 16, 2024

Resignation
Name	Position	Location	FTE	Effective Date
Jennifer Roake	IA	Elm	1.0	March 2, 2024
Brian Marroquin	Business & Operations Coordinator	District Office	1.0	June 7, 2024

Change in Retirement Date, under the 2018-2022 HESS contract
Name	Position	Location	Original retirement date	New retirement date
Nancy Discipio	IA	CHMS	June, 2026	May 31, 2024

FY25 Exempt Salary
Name	Position	Location	Salary
Sharon Arvis	HR Assistant	District	$68,965
Chris Conkright	Maintenance Supervisor	District	$76,290
Robert DuChateau	Senior Systems Administrator	District	$92,892
Jean Duggan	Administrative Assistant to Supt and BOE	District	$90,579
Michael Frankovic	Systems Administrator	District	$77,436
Timothy Awoyemi	HDT Team Lead	Monroe/District	$62,400
Katherine Netko	Payroll Coordinator	District	$70,980
Deborah Prasch	Buildings and Ground Coordinator	District	$83,275
Angela Rangel	Benefits Coordinator/Registrar	District	$67,452
Nick Skrip	Student Information Specialist	District	$77,486
Diane Torti	HR Assistant	District	$53,947

Approval of Minutes

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

● Regular Business Meeting - February 12, 2024

● Special Board Meeting - February 26, 2024

Monthly Financial Report

The monthly Financial Reports for February 24, 2024, were submitted for review and approval.

Authorize Issuance of Board's Step Three Grievance Written Decision

Committee Reports

Finance and Facilities Committee

The Finance and Facilities Committee met on March 12, 2024. The topics for discussion were as follows:

● Five-Year Forecasting

● Full-Day Kindergarten Update

● Monthly Financials

● Approval of Natural Gas Parameter

● Approval of E-Rate for Internet and WAN Services

● Approval of iPad Device Refresh

Academic Success Committee

The Academic Success Committee meeting was held on March 7, 2024. The topics discussed were as follows:

○ Winter MAP Update

○ Winter SIP Update

○ District-Level Committee Updates

Gifts & Contributions

The Board was asked to approve the following gift with gratitude:

1. Donor Name: Julie Vlahos and Oak School Neighborhood Preschool Families

Donation: $525.00

Beneficiary: Oak School Neighborhood Preschool

Value: $525.00

2. Donor Name: Kenneth Moy

Donation: Bike Racks

Beneficiary: Oak School Students

Value: $4,398.60

3. Donor Name: HMS PTO

Donation: $60,000 to be used to update the rooftop outdoor garden

Beneficiary: Hinsdale Middle School Staff and Students

Value: $60,000

4. Donor Name: CHMS PTO

Donation: $15,000 to be used to purchase flexible seating

Beneficiary: Clarendon Hills Middle School Staff and Students

Value: $15,000

5. Donor Name: Private Donation (Anonymous)

Donation: $15,000 to be used for a new garden

Beneficiary: Prospect School Staff and Students

Value: $15,000

Payment of Bills and Reimbursements

Bills and Reimbursements were presented for approval in the amount of $1,199,701.82

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

Adjournment

Michael Martin made a motion to adjourn at 8:18 p.m. Grace Shin seconded the motion. All in favor. The motion carried.

https://go.boarddocs.com/il/hccsdil/Board.nsf/files/D48SSY723E7B/$file/2024_03_18_Reg.%20Bus.%20Mtg.%20Min.pdf