Illinois Valley Times

At a recent meeting, the Mendota Community Consolidated School District 289 Board discussed the district's budget deficit and its potential effects when combined with the state budget impasse.

The board is charged with the responsibility of representing all of the citizens of the district in providing the best possible elementary education services for the benefit of area families. The board sets district policy, establishes goals, hires a superintendent to manage the schools and monitors the achievement of established goals.

Below are the minutes from this meeting, as provided by the board.

Mendota School District 289 Board of Education Meeting Minutes

Narration:District #289 Education Board Room meeting 6-21-16

A regular meeting of the Board of Education of Community School District #289, LaSalle, Bureau, and Lee was held June 21, 2016 at 6:30 p.m. in the District #289 Education Center Board Room.

Narration:Roll Call

At 6:30 p.m. Mr. Pappas called the meeting to order with the following Board members answering present: Mr. Pappas, Mr. Pohl, Mr. Johnson, Mr. Sheaves, Mrs. Kain, and Mrs.

Komitas, Absent: Mrs. Ossman. Mr. Pappas declared a quorum was present.

Resolution Approve Agenda

A motion was made by Mr. Pohl, seconded by Mrs. Kain to approve the Agenda as presented. The following roll call was recorded: Ayes - Mr. Pappas, Mr. Pohl, Mr. Johnson, Mr.

Sheaves, Mrs. Kain, and Mrs. Komitas, Motion carried.

Public Participation:

Mr. Corless questioned the board on the sale of the iPads at Blackstone School.

Resolution:Consent Agenda

A motion was made by Mrs. Kain and seconded by Mr. Pohl to approve the Consent Agenda as presented, including Minutes from the May 2016 meetings, May Bank Reconciliation, Treasurer's Report, Imprest Fund Report, Activity Fund Report, the Cafeteria Report and the presentation and approval of bills. The following roll call was recorded: Ayes - Mr. Pappas, Mr. Pohl, Mr. Johnson, Mr. Sheaves, Mrs. Kain, and Mrs. Komitas. Motion carried.

(2.220, 4.050)

Board Meeting Minutes June 21, 2016

Narration:informational Items

There was one FOIA request made by Mr. Corless requesting the current board packet and/or bills for June 2016 meeting. The FOIA was completed and sent to Mr. Corless.

Funds update: The State owes:$357,906

Building and Grounds report was given by Dr. School. She updated the board members on the completed parking lots project and that she is seeking to obtain a quote for a boiler value at Northbrook School.

Superintendent report was given by Dr. School. She informed the board members of the current year end budget deficit was at $1,008,686. There are two situations involved in the deficit, the first being spending more then revenue and the second being the state situation. Dr. School presented charts with the board members indicating the cash on hand reports. Dr. School stated with the current fund balances the district can operate for approximately 10 months. Mrs. Kain clarified with questions regarding the ability of moving funds to another fund. Mrs. Kain also discussed the other options being referendums, cuts and consolidation which would be long term relief and not immediate. Mr. Pappas asked if there were any exceptions to bonding options for the present financial status. Mr. Sheaves voiced his feelings on the financial status of M289 being better then other local school districts. Mrs. Komitas asked if there could be emergency reassignment of funds by legislation because of the state status.

Mr. Pappas updated the Board members on negotiations and that a declaration of impasse has been declared and the process of contacting a federal mediator was made.

Mr. Johnson, on behalf of the Board, would like to recognize the passing of Mina Pohl and also sight her long service with the school district. Dr. School stated that the District did send flowers.

Resolution:Move to Executive Session

A motion was made Mrs. Komitas, seconded by Mr. Pohl to move to Executive session at 7:00 p.m. to discuss the appointment, employment, compensation, performance, or dismissal of specific employees, and contract negotiations. The following roll call was recorded: Ayes – Mr. Pappas, Mr. Pohl, Mr. Johnson, Mr. Sheaves, Mrs. kain, and Mrs. Komitas. Motion carried.

Narration:Board member entering meeting

Board member, Mrs. Ossman, entered the meeting at 7:09 p.m.

Resolution:Return to Open Session

A motion was made by Mr. Sheaves, seconded by Mrs. Ossman to return to Open session at 7:49 p.m. The following roll call was recorded: Ayes - Mr. Pappas, Mr. Pohl, Mrs. Ossman, Mr. Johnson, Mr. Sheaves, Mr. Kain, and Mrs. Komitas. Motion carried.

Board Meeting Minutes June 21, 2016

Resolution:Approve Extension of Time for Health/Life Safety Work items

Dr. School informed the board members this action is a formality that must be completed annually. The district must annually report all items listed under the amendments to the Regional Office of Education, and whether they have been completed or not. The request for extended time for completion is to allow the district another year to complete the required work. Board President, Mr. Pappas, asked if there were any questions or comments. No questions or comments were made. A motion was made by Mrs. Kain, seconded by Mr. Pohl to approve the extension of time for Health/life safety work items. The following roll was recorded: Ayes – Mr. Pappas, Mr. Pohl, Mrs. Ossman, Mr. Johnson, Mr. Sheaves, Mrs. Kain, and Mrs. Komitas. Motion carried. (4.150)

Resolution:Approval of Prevailing Wage

Dr. School informed the board members that the prevailing wage adoption is an annual item and a school code requirement. Board President, Mr. Pappas, asked if there were any questions or comments. No questions or comments were made. A motion was made by Mr. Pohl, seconded by Mrs. Komitas to approve the adoption of the prevailing wage as presented. "laborers, workers, and mechanics employed by or on behalf of a school district, its contractors, or subcontractors to perform construction work including any maintenance, repair, assembly, or disassembly work performed on equipment whether owned, leased, or rented must be paid not less that the hourly wage generally prevailing for similar work in the area. A school district employer need not pay prevailing wages to its own employees.

The school district must ascertain the prevailing rate of wages on a per-hour basis or ask the Department of Labor to ascertain the rate. The School district must specify in its resolution and call for bids that the prevailing hourly rate will be paid for each worker, and must stipulate in the contract that all workers must be paid no less than such prevailing rate. The school district must require contractors to include in their bonds provisions to guarantee the payment of prevailing wage rates." per 9:300 of the Illinois School Law Survey 11th edition.

The following roll call was recorded: Ayes - Mr. Pappas, Mr. Pohl, Mrs. Ossman, Mr. Sheaves, Mrs. Kain, and Mrs. Komitas. Nay- Mr. Johnson. Motion carried. (2.020)

Resolution:Approve Authorization Payment of remaining FY 16 bills

Dr. School informed the Board members since this is the last month of the fiscal year that often bills are received and due for payment by June 30th, but don't arrive early enough to be included in the monthly meeting. This motion will provide the office with the ability to pay the remaining bills that arrive after the monthly meeting but are due by the June 30th which is the fiscal year. Board President, Mr. Pappas, asked if there were any questions or comments. No questions or comments were made. A motion was made by Mr. Sheaves, seconded by Mrs. Ossman to approve and authorize the District to pay all remaining bills due by June 30, 2016, and July FY17 bills due prior to our next regular meeting. The following roll call was recorded: Ayes- Mr. Pappas, Mr. Pohl, Mrs. Ossman, Mr. Johnson, Mr. Sheaves, Mrs. Kain, and Mrs. Komitas. Motion carried. (2,020)

Board Meeting Minutes June 21, 2016

Resolution:Approval of Fundraisers

Dr. School informed the Board members of the fundraisers that were recommended by the administrative team that were determined to pursue this year. Board President, Mr. Pappas asked if there were any questions or comments. No questions or comments were made. A motion was made by Mr. Sheaves, seconded by Mr. Pohl to approve the Club's Choice, Spirit Wear, Disney Trip, Great Scripts, and 5B's barbecue fundraisers for the 2016-2017 school year as presented. The following roll call was recorded: Ayes- Mr. Pappas, Mr. Pohl, Mrs. Ossman, Mr. Sheaves, Mrs. Kain, and Mrs. Komitas. Present: Mr. Johnson. Motion carried. (7.325)

Resolution:Approval of acceptance of Milk Bids

Dr. School informed the Board members of the Milk bid received. Board President, Mr. Pappas, asked if there were any questions or comments. No questions or comments were made. A motion was made by Mrs. Ossman, seconded by Mr. Sheaves to approve the acceptance of Milk bid by NCIMD at a cost of 25 cents for white milk and 27 cents for chocolate milk with the escalator clause of an increase of.0005 per half pint. The following roll call was recorded: Ayes- Mr. Pappas, Mr. Pohl, Mrs. Ossman, Mr. Johnson, Mr. Sheaves, Mrs. Kain, and Mrs. Komitas. Motion carried. (2.020)

Resolution:Approval of acceptance of Bread Bid

Dr. School informed the Board members of the bread bid received. Board President, Mr. Pappas, asked if there were any questions or comments. No questions or comments were made. A motion was made by Mrs. Ossman, seconded by Mr. Sheaves to approve the acceptance of bread bid by BIMBO Bakeries at a cost of 2.00 for bread and 8.10 hamburger buns (30 count) and 3.04 for hot dog buns (16 count). The following roll call was recorded: Ayes- Mr. Pappas, Mr. Pohl, Mrs. Ossman, Mr. Johnson, Mr. Sheaves, Mrs. Kain, and Mrs. Komitas. Motion carried. (2.020)

Resolution:Approve non-certified staff FMLA leave

Dr. School informed the Board members of the non-certified staff FMLA leave. Board President, Mr. Pappas, asked if there ware any questions or comments. No questions or comments were made. A motion was made by Mrs. Ossman, seconded by Mr. Sheaves to approve the Northbrook school non-certified staff members request for FMLA leave from 8/19/16 to 9/30/16 utilizing sick days for the leave time. The following roll call was recorded: Ayes- Mr. Pappas, Mr. Pohl, Mrs. Ossman, Mr. Johnson, Mr. Sheaves, Mrs. Kain, and Mrs. Komitas. Motion carried. (2.020)

Board Meeting Minutes June 21, 2016

Resolution:Approve resignation

Dr. School informed the Board members of the resignation letter received from Kelly Sexton as 6th grade reading teacher. Board President, Mr. Pappas, asked if there were any questions or comments. No questions or comments were made. A motion was made by Mr. Sheaves, seconded by Mrs. Ossman to approve, with deepest regret, the resignation of Kelly Sexton as 6th Grade reading teacher. The following roll call was recorded: Ayes- Mr. Pappas, Mr. Pohl, Mrs. Ossman, Mr. Johnson, Mr. Sheaves, Mrs. Kain, and Mrs. Komitas. Motion carried. (2,020)

Resolution:Approve resignation

Dr. School informed the Board members of the resignation letter received from Ericka Tomminello as 8th grade special education resource teacher. Board President, Mr. Pappas, asked if there were any questions or comments. No questions or comments were made. A motion was made by Mrs. Ossman, seconded by Mr. Pohl to approve, with regret, the resignation of Ericka Tomminello as 8th grade special education resource teacher. The following roll call was recorded: Ayes- Mr. Pappas, Mr. Pohl, Mrs. Ossman, Mr. Johnson, Mr. Sheaves, Mrs. Kain, and Mrs. Komitas. Motion carried. (2.020)

Resolution:Approve certified staff FMLA leave

Dr. School informed the Board members of the certified staff FMLA leave. Board President, Mr. Pappas, asked if there ware any questions or comments. No questions or comments were made. A motion was made by Mrs. Ossman, seconded by Mrs. Komitas to approve the Northbrook school certified staff members request for FMLA leave from 8/18/16 to 10/11/16 utilizing sick days and dock days for the leave time. The following roll call was recorded: AyesMr. Pappas, Mr. Pohl, Mrs. Ossman, Mr. Johnson, Mr. Sheaves, Mrs. Kain, and Mrs. Komitas. Motion carried. (2.020)

Resolution:Approve resignation

Dr. School informed the Board members of the resignation letter received from Janet Delong as media aide. Board President, Mr. Pappas, asked if there were any questions or comments. No questions or comments were made. A motion was made by Mrs. Kain, seconded by Mr. Pohl to approve, with regret, the resignation of Janet Delong as media aide. The following roll call was recorded: Ayes- Mr. Pappas, Mr. Pohl, Mrs. Ossman, Mr. Johnson, Mr. Sheaves, Mrs. Kain, and Mrs. Komitas. Motion carried. (2.020)

Resolution:Hire Personnel

Dr. School informed the Board members of the recommendation for hire on the 8th grade science teacher. Board President, Mr. Pappas, asked if there were any questions or comments. No questions or comments were made. A motion was made by Mrs. Ossman, seconded by Mr. Pohl to approve the employment of Jordan Zoelzer as 8th grade science teacher at BA+0 step 2. The following roll call was recorded: Ayes- Mr. Pappas, Mr. Pohl, Mrs. Ossman, Mr. Sheaves, Mrs. Kain, and Mrs. Komitas. Present - Mr. Johnson. Motion carried. (2.020)

Board Meeting Minutes June 21, 2016

Resolution:Hire personnel

Dr. School informed the Board members of the recommendation for hire on the 6th grade language arts teacher. Board President, Mr. Pappas, asked if there were any questions or comments. No questions or comments were made. A motion was made by Mrs. Kain, seconded by Mr. Pohl to approve the employment of Andrew Lippert as 6th grade language arts at BA+16 step 5. The following roll call was recorded: Ayes- Mr. Pappas, Mr. Pohl, Mrs. Ossman, Mr. Sheaves, Mrs. Kain, and Mrs. Komitas. Present - Mr. Johnson. Motion carried. (2.020)

Resolution:Approve Contract renewals

Dr. School informed the board members of her recommendation for the rehire of all administrators. Board President, Mr. Pappas, asked if there were any questions or comments. No questions or comments were made. A motion was made by Mr. Sheaves seconded by Mrs. Ossman to approve Stacy Kelly as Blackstone Principal for a one year 2016-2017 contract with salary and benefits TBD. The following roll call was recorded: Ayes- Mr. Pappas, Mr. Pohl, Mrs. Ossman, Mr. Johnson, Mr. Sheaves, Mrs. Kain, and Mrs. Komitas. Motion carried. (2.020)

Resolution Approve Contract renewals

Dr. School informed the board members of her recommendation for the rehire of all administrators. Board President, Mr. Pappas, asked if there were any questions or comments. No questions or comments were made. A motion was made by Mrs. Ossman seconded by Mrs. Kain to approve Vicki Johnson as Lincoln Principal for a one year 2016-2017 contract with salary and benefits TBD. The following roll call was recorded: Ayes- Mr. Pappas, Mr. Pohl, Mrs. Ossman, Mr. Johnson, Mr. Sheaves, Mrs. Kain, and Mrs. Komitas. Motion carried. (2.020)

Resolution Approve Contract renewals

Dr. School informed the board members of her recommendation for the rehire of all administrators. Board President, Mr. Pappas, asked if there were any questions or comments. No questions or comments were made. A motion was made by Mr. Sheaves seconded by Mrs. Ossman to approve Paula Daley as Northbrook Principal for a one year 2016-2017 contract with salary and benefits TBD. The following roll call was recorded: Ayes- Mr. Pappas, Mr. Pohl, Mrs. Ossman, Mr. Johnson, Mr. Sheaves, Mrs. Kain, and Mrs. Komitas. Motion carried. (2.020)

Resolution:Approve Contract renewals

Dr. School informed the board members of her recommendation for the rehire of all administrators. Board President, Mr. Pappas, asked if there were any questions or comments. No questions or comments were made. A motion was made by Mr. Sheaves seconded by Mrs. Ossman to approve Jessica Kreiser as Director of Student Services and Northbrook Associate Principal for a one year 2016-2017 contract with salary and benefits TBD. The following roll call was recorded: Ayes- Mr. Pappas, Mr. Pohl, Mrs. Ossman, Mr. Sheaves, Mrs. Kain, and Mrs. Komitas. Present- Mr. Johnson Motion carried. (2,020)

Board Meeting Minutes June 21, 2016

Resolution:Approve Contract renewals

Dr. School informed the board members of her recommendation for the rehire of all administrators. Board President, Mr. Pappas, asked if there were any questions or comments. No questions or comments were made. A motion was made by Mr. Sheaves seconded by Mrs. Komitas to approve Beth Wackerlin as District Curriculum Director for a one year 2016-2017 contract with salary and benefits TBD. The following roll call was recorded: Ayes- Mr. Pappas, Mr. Pohl, Mrs. Ossman, Mr. Sheaves, Mrs. Kain, and Mrs. Komitas. Present - Mr. Johnson. Motion carried. (2.020)

Resolution:Approve Restructuring & non-certified staff wages

Dr. School informed the board members of her recommendation for the restructuring of the district office and non-certified staff wages. Board President, Mr. Pappas, asked if there were any questions or comments. No questions or comments were made. A motion was made by Mrs. Komitas seconded by Mr. Pohl to approve district office restructuring for head bookkeeper, bookkeeper, and IT assistant with salary and benefits TBD. The following roll call was recorded: Ayes- Mr. Pappas, Mr. Pohl, Mrs. Ossman, Mr. Sheaves, Mrs. Kain, and Mrs. Komitas. Present - Mr. Johnson. Motion carried. (2.020)

Resolution:Approve Safety Amendment for Lincoln Sidewalk

Dr. School informed the board members that the City of Mendota (Carl) has offered one last time to provide the concrete to M289 at no cost to replace the brick sidewalk area in front of Lincoln School. The sidewalk area has many low spots where it has sunk broken brick areas. Board President, Mr. Pappas, asked if there were any questions or comments. Mr. Johnson asked questions about the labor cost of the project and the history on the voting of past board members on the brick sidewalk subject. A motion was made by Mrs. Kain, seconded by Mrs. Komitas to approve the submission of a life safety amendment and a public hearing to replace brick sidewalks in front of Lincoln School in partnership with the City of Mendota. The following roll call was recorded: Ayes- Mr. Pappas, Mr. Pohl, Mrs. Ossman, Mr. Sheaves, Mrs. Kain, and Mrs. Komitas. Nay - Mr. Johnson. Motion carried. (2.020)

Resolution:Adjourn meeting

At 8:25 p.m. with no further business to conduct a motion was made Mrs. Kain, seconded by Mrs. Ossman to adjourn the meeting. The following roll call was recorded: Ayes- Mr. Pappas, Mr. Pohl, Mrs. Ossman, Mr. Johnson, Mr. Sheaves, Mrs. Kain, and Mrs. Komitas. Motion carried.

The next regular Board meeting will be July 21, 2016 at 6:30 in the District #289 Education Board room.

Mr. Pappas, Board President Mrs. Ossman, Board Secretary