Sara Olson - Principal, Elm School | Community Consolidated School District 181
Sara Olson - Principal, Elm School | Community Consolidated School District 181
Community Consolidated School District 181 Board of Education met Aug. 12.
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 William Cotter at 6:00 pm on August 12, 2024, at Hinsdale Middle School, 100 S. Garfield Ave., Hinsdale, IL.
Roll Call
Jean Duggan, Recording Secretary, took roll call. Board members present were: Asim Aleem, Margaret Cooper, Margaret Kleber, Grace Shin, Sinead Duffy, Michael Martin, and William Cotter. Also present, Dr. Hector Garcia, Superintendent.
Pledge of Allegiance
William Cotter led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Executive Session
William Cotter made a motion to adjourn into Executive Session at 6:01 p.m. to discuss personnel and review of closed session minutes. Michael Martin seconded the motion. On roll call, the following members voted “Aye”: Margaret Kleber, Grace Shin, Asim Aleem, Margaret Cooper, Michael Martin, Sinead Duffy, and William Cotter. ”Nay”: None. The motion carried.
Call to Order
Jean Duggan, Recording Secretary, took roll call at 7:00 p.m. Board members present were William Cotter, Margaret Kleber, Grace Shin, Margaret Cooper, Sinead Duffy, Michael Martin, and Asim Aleem. “Nay:” None. Also present, Dr. Hector Garcia, Superintendent.
Board of Education Celebrations
The Board of Education recognized the Building and Grounds Department and the D181 maintenance staff for their work and progress on the Full Day Kindergarten project. They added nearly 40,000 square feet of new classrooms and related spaces across six schools in 57 working days.
The Board also recognized and thanked the Department of Learning and staff for a very successful summer learning program.
Public Comment
Kim Notaro, a Hinsdale resident, addressed the Board regarding the Village of Clarendon Hills 55th Street TIF District Proposal.
Jennifer Anderson, a Hinsdale resident and The Lane School parent, addressed the Board regarding the Rising Stars Program.
Katie Raymond, a Hinsdale resident and The Lane School parent addressed the Board regarding the Rising Stars program.
Action Items
Village of Clarendon Hills 55th Street TIF District Proposal
Mrs. Mindy Bradford, Assistant Superintendent of Business and Operations, presented the Village of Clarendon Hills 55th Street TIF District Proposal. The Board reviewed a proposal from the Village of Clarendon Hills to establish a Tax Increment Financing (TIF) district along 55th Street. This economic development tool could significantly impact the school district's revenue stream, prompting careful consideration of the potential financial implications. The Board expressed concerns about the possible loss of funding, the diversion of tax revenue, and the need for more clarity about why District 181 residential properties were included in the TIF.
Potential Loss of Funding:
● A TIF could freeze property taxes for the school district at current levels, even if property values increase. This could mean a $1-3.2 million loss in potential tax revenue over 23 years.
Diverted Funds:
● Increased property tax revenue from the TIF area would be used for development projects, not schools.
Lack of Clarity:
● The school district had concerns with the original intergovernmental agreement and how it could impact funding calculations. The district has received a new proposal that is being reviewed. Next Steps:
● The school board discussed the proposal and provided guidance for the Joint Review Board (JRB) on August 14, 2024. A public hearing is scheduled for August 19, 2024.
William Cotter made a motion to direct Ms. Mindy Bradford as the JRB representative for District 181 to vote against the TIF at the August 14, 2024, meeting. Sinead Duffy seconded the motion. On roll call, the following members voted “Aye:” Asim Aleem, Margaret Kleber, William Cotter, Grace Shin, Sinead Duffy, Michael Martin and Margaret Cooper. “Nay:” None. The motion carried.
Informational Items
Construction Update
Mr. Michael Duggan, Director of Facilities, presented a Construction Update. He said significant advancements have been made in the Full Day Kindergarten initiative, with new classrooms and support spaces completed at a rapid pace.
Significant Progress Made:
● The District has made substantial progress on the Full Day Kindergarten project, adding nearly 40,000 square feet of new classrooms and related spaces across six schools in 57 working days.
● The Monroe school project was delayed due to a Com Ed power line relocation. The District does expect the Monroe project to be completed on schedule for the 2025-2026 school year.
Immediate Impact:
● Phase 1 projects have been completed in time for the 2024-2025 school year, including classroom renovations, new playgrounds, and improved facilities at multiple schools.
● Phase 2 projects are scheduled to be completed for the 2025-2026 school year.
Continued Focus on Facilities:
● The District remains committed to maintaining high-quality facilities that support student learning, as outlined in the strategic plan.
Dr. Garcia said the district will continue to update the Board on Phase II of the projects.
End-of-the-Year Budget Highlights
Mrs. Mindy Bradford, Assistant Superintendent of Business and Operations, presented the End-of-Year Budget Highlights. She outlined the District's strong financial position at the end of FY24, exceeding revenue projections while effectively managing expenses. She added that the annual audit process will begin on August 13th.
Stronger-Than-Expected Financial Position:
● The District ended FY24 with a higher-than-budgeted operating fund balance, indicating a solid financial position.
Revenue Exceeds Budget:
● Total revenue surpassed projections due to higher interest rates, increased student fee collection, and unexpected revenue streams.
Expense Management:
● The District effectively managed expenses, with several categories coming in under budget. Higher than budgeted spending in a few areas, like professional services and transportation, was offset by savings in other places, resulting in no negative impact on the district’s results.
Timing Impacts Financial Results:
● The timing of various revenue streams, expenses, and capital projects influenced the year-end financial picture. The District will continue to monitor these factors closely, including assessing the timing impact on the FY25 Budget.
Safety Update:
Dr. Jeffrey Alstadt, Director of Communications, presented a Safety Update. He said the District prioritizes creating a safe learning environment through various efforts. He shared an overview of the District’s safety initiatives, including the expansion of the Safety Officer program and the development of comprehensive safety protocols.
Strong Foundation in Place:
● The District has established a robust safety framework including physical security measures, emergency plans, and staff training.
Expanded Safety Officer Program:
● To enhance school safety, the district is increasing the number of safety officers from one to three, rotating throughout the district.
● The team of officers are active and retired police officers from the Hinsdale, Clarendon Hills, and Burr Ridge police departments.
Continued Improvement:
● The District is committed to ongoing safety enhancements, including refining standard operating procedures, conducting reunification drills, and providing additional staff training.
Communication:
● The District will continue to share safety information with the community through regular updates and communication channels.
D181 Collaboration - 2024-2025
Dr. Alstadt presented an overview of the District’s collaborative partnerships for the upcoming school year. He noted that District 181 continues to foster strong relationships with community organizations to enhance student experiences and build a stronger community.
Strong Partnerships:
● District 181 maintains robust collaborations with various community stakeholders, including the D181 Foundation, PTOs, Sister Schools, Rotary Club, and The Community House. These partnerships are essential for enhancing student learning, supporting school programs, and fostering community engagement.
Shared Goals and Support:
● Collaborations involve shared goals, mutual support, and resource sharing. As an example, the district provides resources to PTOs, supports Sister School initiatives, and actively participates in community events like the Hinsdale Rotary Run.
Enriched Student Experiences:
● Partnerships create enriched learning experiences for students. Students benefit from joint activities, service projects, and after-school programs offered through collaborations.
Community Building:
● These partnerships contribute to building a strong and connected community. By working together, the district and its partners enhance the overall well-being of students, families, and the community.
D181 New Staff - 2024-25
Dr. Gina Herrmann, Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources, presented the D181 New Staff report for the 2024-25 school year. She outlined the district’s comprehensive, multi-step hiring process to recruit and select exceptional candidates. The district is thrilled to announce the addition of a diverse group of talented individuals to its administrative, teaching, and support staff teams.
New Staff Hires:
● District 181 has welcomed many new employees, including administrators, teachers, educational support staff, and district safety officers.
Diverse Expertise:
● The newly hired staff brings a wide range of skills and experience to the district, which will enhance student learning and district operations.
Focus on Student Success:
● The new hires are dedicated to supporting student success and creating a positive learning environment.
Strengthened District Capacity:
● Adding these new staff members will enhance the district's capacity to meet the needs of students and the community.
FOIA Update
Dr. Garcia shared that the District received two requests and completed two since the last FOIA update at the June 17, 2024 Board meeting.
Consent Agenda
Personnel
| Resignation | |||
| Name | Position | Location | Effective Date |
| Kathleen Speetzen | Social Studies Teacher | HMS | June 4, 2024 |
| Employment-Pending successful completion of the onboarding process and background check | ||||
| Name | Position | Location | FTE | Effective Date |
| Sarah Hein | Social Studies Teacher | HMS | 1.0 | August 16, 2024 |
| Lane Advancement, effective for the 2024-2025 school year, August 16, 2024 | ||||
| Name | Position | Current | Advanced | Salary |
| Christiana Zigras | Gr. 1 Teacher | BA | BA+15, 5 | $66,246.48 |
| Angela Gannon | Resource Teacher | MA | MA+30, 8 | $88,693.63 |
| Perry Penn | Gr. 3 Teacher | MA | MA+30, 9 | $91,978.58 |
| Michael Bale | MS Art Teacher | MA+15 | MA+30, 12 | $101,833.43 |
| Caroline Partyka | Resource Teacher | MA | MA+30, 7 | $85,408.68 |
| Jordan Thornquist | Reading Specialist | MA | MA+30,11 | $98.548.48 |
| Stephanie Palumbo | Gr. 3 Teacher | BA | BA+15, 6 | $68,983.93 |
| Employment-Pending successful completion of the onboarding process and background check | |||||
| Name | Position | Location | FTE | Compensation | Effective Date |
| Susan Reeder | Administrative Assistant | Madison | 1.0 | $22.09/hr. | August 6, 2024 |
| Lisette Kreuzer | RtI Tutor | Madison | Hourly | $20.95/hr. | August 20, 2024 |
| Laura Castellanos | Administrative Assistant | HMS | 1.0 | $22.09/hr. | July 30, 2024 |
| Vivian Trujillo | Instructional Asst. - Spec. Ed. | Madison | .5 | $18.00/hour | August 15, 2024 |
| Vivian Trujillo | Instructional Asst. - Specialized | Madison | .5 | $20.90/hour | August 15, 2024 |
| Tyler Drozd | Instructional Asst. Foundations | HMS | 1.0 | $22.03/hour | August 15, 2024 |
| Maria Kukulski | Instructional Asst. - ECE | Oak ECE | 1.0 | $20.90/hour | August 15, 2024 |
| Thressa Bradley Johnson | Instructional Asst. Spec. Ed. | The Lane | .5 | $18.00/hour | August 15, 2024 |
| Thressa Bradley Johnson | Instructional Asst.- Specialized | The Lane | .5 | $20.90/hour | August 15, 2024 |
| John Kramer | Instructional Asst. - Program RISE | Walker | 1.0 | $22.03/hour | August 15, 2024 |
| Mary Sipka | Instructional Asst. - Spec. Ed. | Prospect | 1.0 | $18.00/hour | August 15, 2024 |
| Dannee Polomsky | Instructional Asst. - Spec. Ed. | Monroe | 1.0 | $18.00/hour | August 15, 2024 |
| Angela Kapotas | RtI Tutor | Prospect | Hourly | $20.95 | August 20, 2024 |
| Resignation | |||
| Name | Position | Location | Effective Date |
| Amanda Casper | Administrative Asst. to the Principal | HMS | July 1, 2024 |
| Kristi Haan | Building Nurse | HMS | July 22, 2024 |
| Nancy Murphy | RtI Tutor | Walker | May 31, 2024 |
| Daisy Camacho | Instructional Assistant | Walker | May 31, 2024 |
| Cedomir Bojovic | Head Custodian | Districtwide | August 3, 2024 |
| Jill Biegansky | RtI Tutor | The Lane | May 31, 2024 |
| Megan Mikhail | RtI Tutor | Oak | May 31, 2024 |
| Employment, Safety Officer, pending successful completion of onboarding process and background check | |||||
| Name | Position | Location | FTE | Hourly Rate | Effective Date |
| Jonathan Wheaton | Safety Officer | District-wide | Hourly | $50.00 | August 20, 2024 |
| Michal Dzierzega | Safety Officer | District-wide | Hourly | $50.00 | August 20, 2024 |
The Board was asked to approve the following minutes:
● Regular Business Meeting - June 17, 2024
Succession of Authority Plan - 2024-25
When the superintendent is temporarily absent, matters requiring action and decisions will be directed to the appropriate cabinet member. When the superintendent’s absence is planned, a member of the cabinet will be designated as having the authority to cover District matters. In the event of an unplanned absence or when the superintendent is temporarily unavailable, the succession of authority sequence will be:
● Kathleen Robinson, Assistant Superintendent of Learning
● Gina Herrmann, Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources
● Mindy Bradford, Assistant Superintendent of Business and Operations
Policy Adoption
The Board was asked to adopt the following policy as presented:
● Policy 8:20 - Community Use of School Facilities
Policy - First Read - Approval for Public Display
The Board was asked to approve the following policies for public display:
● Policy 2:70 - Vacancies on the School Board - Filling Vacancies
● Policy 4:14 - Identity Protection
● Policy 4:70 - Resource Conservation
● Policy 4:80 - Accounting and Audits
● Policy 2:125 - Board member Compensation; Expenses
● Policy 2:160 - Board Attorney
● Policy 5:130 - Responsibilities Concerning Internal Information
● Policy 5:180 - Temporary Illness or Temporary Incapacity
● Policy 5:200 - Terms and Conditions of Employment and Dismissal
● Policy 5:290 - Employment Termination and Suspensions
● Policy 5:310 - Compensatory Time-Off
● Policy 6:110 - Programs for Students At Risk of Academic Failure and/or Dropping Out of School and Graduation Incentives Program
● Policy 6:140 - Education of Homeless Children
● Policy 6:150 - Home and Hospital Instruction
● Policy 7:170 - Vandalism
Committee Reports
Finance / Facilities Committee
● The Finance and Facilities Committee met on June 11, 2024 The topics for discussion were as follows: ○ Monthly Financials
○ Budget Public Hearing and Adoption
○ Approval of the Fiscal Year 2024-25 Budget
○ Health Insurance Rate Renewal
○ Authorization to Pay Summer Bill Runs
○ Capital Improvement Resolution
○ Debt Service Resolution
○ Working Cash Resolution
○ Workers’ Compensation and Property Liability Insurance Renewal
● The first 2024-25 Finance/Facilities Committee meeting is scheduled for September 10, 2024.
Academic Success Committee
● The Academic Success Committee met on June 17, 2024. The topics for discussion were as follows: ○ Spring MAP & SIP Update and Special Education Update
● The first 2024-25 ASC meeting is scheduled for September 5, 2024.
Gifts and Contributions
The Board was asked to accept the following gifts and contributions with gratitude: 1. Donor Name: District 181 Foundation
Donation: HMS Rooftop Garden Seating
Beneficiary: HMS Staff and Students
Value: $2,500
2. Donor Name: District 181 Foundation
Donation: Tech Ambassador Supplies and Curriculum; Staff (HCHTA) Summer Professional Development
Beneficiary: D181 School Staff and Students
Value: $14,329.11
Payment of Bills and Reimbursements
Bills and reimbursements were presented in the amount of $7,403,914.29.
William Cotter made a motion to approve the consent agenda as presented. Meg Cooper seconded the motion. On roll call, the following members voted “Aye:” William Cotter, Margaret Kleber, Grace Shin, Margaret Cooper, Sinead Duffy, Michael Martin, and Asim Aleem. “Nay:” None. The motion carried.
Adjournment
William Cotter made a motion to adjourn at 8:17 p.m. Michael Martin seconded the motion. All in favor. The motion carried.
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