Oglesby Elementary School District 125 Board of Education Met April 28.
Here are the minutes provided by the board:
Call to Order/Roll Call
Doug Kramarsic, President, called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m.
Present: Mike Barrie, Bob Etzenbach, Laura Hein, Jim Knoblauch, Scott Pescetto, Marc Strand, and Doug Kramarsic. Others present: Michael Pillion, Superintendent, Michael Balestri, Principal, Merritt Burns, Principal, and Traci Tomasson, Board of Education Secretary.
Pledge of Allegiance
Approval of Agenda
MOTION by Jim Knoblauch, seconded by Laura Hein, to approve the board meeting agenda for April 28, 2021. Voting aye: Jim Knoblauch, Laura Hein, Mike Barrie, Bob Etzenbach, Scott Pescetto, Marc Strand, and Doug Kramarsic. The motion carried 7- 0.
Approval of Consent Agenda
MOTION by Marc Strand, seconded by Mike Barrie, to approve the consent agenda as presented, keeping the March 17, 2021 closed minutes closed. Voting aye: Marc Strand, Mike Barrie, Bob Etzenbach, Laura Hein, Jim Knoblauch, Scott Pescetto, and Doug Kramarsic. The motion carried 7-0.
Public Comment, Correspondence and Announcements
Mr. Pillion said the Putnam County Rotary donated 7 bikes for students, and he noted that they will be distributed at the K-5 level. He also noted that the Peru Rotary donated dictionaries to the 3rd grade students at Lincoln School.
Canvassing of Votes
Mr. Pillion read the official results of the school board election as follows:
• Jim Knoblauch, 156 votes
• Doug Kramarsic, 141 votes
• Marc Strand, 128 votes
• Mike Porter, 126 votes
MOTION by Laura Hein, seconded by Scott Pescetto, to approve the board election canvassing of votes as presented. Voting aye: Laura Hein, Scott Pescetto, Mike Barrie, Bob Etzenbach, Jim Knoblauch, Marc Strand, and Doug Kramarsic. The motion carried 7-0.
School Board Organizational Meeting
Administration of Oath to the New Board Members
The New Oath of Office was read by Jim Knoblauch, Doug Kramarsic, Marc Strand, and Mike Porter.
Current Board Adjourns Sine Die
MOTION by Jim Knoblauch, seconded by Laura Hein, to adjourn. All in favor, aye. The motion carried 7-0. Time 5:35 p.m. Mr. Pillion presented a plaque to outgoing board member, Bob Etzenbach.
President Pro Tem Calls Meeting of the New School Board to order Michael Pillion, President Pro Tem, called the meeting to order at 5:39 p.m. Present: Mike Barrie, Laura Hein, Jim Knoblauch, Scott Pescetto, Mike Porter, Marc Strand, Doug Kramarsic. Others present: Michael Pillion, Superintendent, Michael Balestri, Principal, Merritt Burns, Principal, and Traci Tomasson, Secretary, Board of Education.
Nominations/Election of President
Michael Pillion, President Pro Tem, called for nominations for the office of president. Jim Knoblauch nominated Doug Kramarsic for President. No other nominations for president were made and the board was all in favor of Doug Kramarsic being elected as President.
Nominations/Election of Vice President
Doug Kramarsic, President, called for nominations for the office of vice president. Doug Kramarsic nominated Jim Knoblauch for Vice President. No other nominations for vice president were made and the board was all in favor of Jim Knoblauch being elected as Vice President.
Appointment of Board Secretary
MOTION by Jim Knoblauch, seconded by Marc Strand, to appoint Traci Tomasson as the Secretary of the Oglesby District #125 Board of Education with a 3.3% increase. Voting aye: Jim Knoblauch, Marc Strand, Mike Barrie, Laura Hein, Scott Pescetto, Mike Porter, and Doug Kramarsic. The motion carried 7-0.
Appointment of District Treasurer
MOTION by Scott Pescetto, seconded by Laura Hein to appoint Paul Danekas as the district treasurer with a 3.3% increase. Voting aye: Scott Pescetto, Laura Hein, Mike Barrie, Jim Knoblauch, Mike Porter, Marc Strand and Doug Kramarsic. The motion carried 7-0.
Appointment of Depository
MOTION by Jim Knoblauch, seconded by Marc Strand, to appoint Eureka as the district’s depository. Voting aye: Jim Knoblauch, Marc Strand, Mike Barrie, Scott Pescetto, and Doug Kramarsic. Laura Hein and Mike Porter abstained. The motion carried 5-0.
Appointment of Legal Council
MOTION by Laura Hein, seconded by Mike Barrie, to appoint Robbins Schwartz Nicholas Lifton & Taylor, LTD as the district’s legal council. Voting aye: Laura Hein, Mike Barrie, Jim Knoblauch, Scott Pescetto, Mike Porter, Marc Strand, and Doug Kramarsic. The motion carried 7-0.
Establishment of Board Committees
Doug Kramarsic said he will leave the committees as they are right now substituting Mr. Porter into the committees where Bob Etzenbach served. He said he may make some other changes, but will be in contact with the board members.
Set Meeting Dates, Times, and Location for Regular Board Meeting
MOTION by Laura Hein, seconded by Jim Knoblauch, to set the regular board meetings for the third Wednesdays of each month at 5:30 p.m. in the Lincoln Library. Voting aye: Laura Hein, Jim Knoblauch, Mike Barrie, Scott Pescetto, Mike Porter, Marc Strand, and Doug Kramarsic. The motion carried 7-0.
Building and Grounds Committee Report
Jim Knoblauch said the committee met April 16th with the architect and discussed the boiler at Washington and authorized Mr. Pillion to start the process with the replacement. He said they also discussed the ventilation system at Washington which is at the beginning stage but will need to work together with the boiler system.
Discussion/Approval of Seeking Quotes for the Boiler Project
MOTION by Jim Knoblauch, seconded by Laura Hein to authorize Mr. Pillion to begin seeking quotes for the boiler project as presented. Voting aye: Jim Knoblauch, Laura Hein, Mike Barrie, Scott Pescetto, Mike Porter, Marc Strand, and Doug Kramarsic. The motion carried 7-0.
Discussion/Approval to Work with Architect/Engineer for Future Ventilation Project
MOTION by Scott Pescetto, seconded by Marc Strand to authorize Mr. Pillion to begin working with the architect and engineer on the future ventilation project as presented. Voting aye: Scott Pescetto, Marc Strand, Mike Barrie, Laura Hein, Jim Knoblauch, Mike Porter, and Doug Kramarsic. The motion carried 7-0.
Discussion/Approval of Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
Jim Knoblauch said Suarez received a total of 3 bids, one from Humana, United Health Care and BlueCross BlueShield. He noted that BCBS and Humana will work with Envision, our third-party administrator, but United does not. He said the committee agreed to go with BCBS for health, dental and vision, and noted that the teachers’ union was also in agreement.
MOTION by Jim Knoblauch, seconded by Mike Barrie, to approve the medical, dental and vision switch to BlueCross BlueShield as presented. Voting aye: Jim Knoblauch, Mike Barrie, Laura Hein, Scott Pescetto, Mike Porter, Marc Strand, and Doug Kramarsic. The motion carried 7-0.
Discussion/Approval of IESA Membership and Fees for 2021-2022 Mr. Burns said we will have the same sports as in previous years and there will be some discounts based on what took place this past school year.
MOTION by Laura Hein, seconded by Mike Barrie, to approve the IESA Membership and Fees for 2021-2022 as presented. Voting aye: Laura Hein, Mike Barrie, Jim Knoblauch, Scott Pescetto, Mike Porter, Marc Strand, and Doug Kramarsic. The motion carried 7-0.
Discussion/Approval of New Science Series
Mr. Balestri said they had a committee who looked at multiple textbooks and series for science. He said a few years ago the state updated the science standards and this new series called Savvas Elevate Science aligns well with the standards and STEM lessons. He said after six years we can renew or look at another company.
MOTION by Marc Strand, seconded by Mike Barrie, to approve the new science series by Savvas Elevate Science as presented. Voting aye: Marc Strand, Mike Barrie, Laura Hein, Jim Knoblauch, Scott Pescetto, Mike Porter, and Doug Kramarsic. The motion carried 7-0.
First Reading of Policy 7:345
Mr. Pillion said the policy was in the board packet and noted that he has been discussing this new policy as it has to do with SOPPA (Student Online Personal Protection Act). He said the staff has been surveyed and work has begun on getting agreements with companies that are utilized. He said the information will be linked on the website. He also noted that the staff will have professional development on the process and will have to have approval before using any new apps that use student data.
Reports/Updates
Superintendent Report/Information
• Enrollment Report– Mr. Pillion said the enrollment report is similar to previous months with some move-outs in preschool.
• Cafeteria Report – Mr. Pillion said the report is in the packet and is the new summary since we are on the new program.
• Funding Update – Mr. Pillion said the district did receive some preschool and categorical payments. He said we now know the preliminary ESSER III money is $877,486, and noted the plan is to use the money for the increase in services for special education, RtI, more Prometheans, and supplement with the ROE for services. He said with ESSR we have to post a plan for return to learning on the website and noted that we have been doing that since August. He said it is on the website and provides opportunity for public comment. He said the district received extra tax money due to an inaccuracy on TIF 6. He said he spoke with the auditor and county and the auditor said to put it in the Education and O&M funds.
• FOIA Report – None at this time.
• New Evaluations – Mr. Pillion said the new evaluation was in the packet for non certified positions, including custodians. He said he has shared it with the unions, and noted that it will be more accurate and will be implemented next year with some professional development prior to evaluations.
• Graduation – Mr. Burns said under the current regulations, they will be able to have a graduation ceremony in the gym with students sitting in separate areas with four additional family members as well as board members and administration. He also noted that students will be able to go on stage and do speeches with masks off. He said the plan has been approved by the LaSalle County Health Department and a letter has been sent to the ROE. He noted that he will try to live stream for those students and families who will not be attending. Mr. Pillion asked the board if they were OK with the plan and also mentioned the backup plan is at LP stadium. He noted that he thinks we should try to have it in Oglesby if the board agrees with the plan and the safety precautions. Following discussion, the board agreed with the plan.
• Summer School Update – Mr. Pillion said they are leaning more towards the idea of a jump start program at the beginning of August under two weeks long before the start of school. He said there are teachers who are available and now it will fall back on the parents to say yes or no.
• Library Grant – Mr. Pillion said we received $750 for the annual library grant.
• Levy – Mr. Pillion said he is still waiting on final figures from the county and noted that the numbers seemed off and the tax rate will do down since all of the money wasn’t captured. He said next year the tax rate will be back to where it is now, and noted that the final numbers are not in.
Principal Report (Lincoln)
• State Testing Update–Mr. Balestri said they administered the IAR test to the third through fifth grade last week, and noted that testing took approximately 360 minutes of instructional time during the week. He said the 5th grade participated in the ISA test April 27, 28 and 29th, and noted that this was an additional 180 minutes of instructional time for 5th grade. He added that the remote learners came in during the afternoon to take their tests and the attendance was good.
• Science Curriculum Series – Mr. Balestri said after a comprehensive search of different science curriculum series, the science committee is recommending the purchase of Savvas Elevate Science. He said the series is fully aligned to the Next Generation Science Standards, has an extensive digital component, and has built in STEM lessons aligning with the Makerspace activities already in place.
• Professional Development – Mr. Balestri said the staff participated in a group session on April 14th during early dismissal, and noted the session involved the viewing of a presentation by Myron Dueck on assessment practices. He said the staff had small group discussions regarding the video and will continue the discussion on the early release days.
• Summer Program Planning – Mr. Balestri said we are continuing to evaluate and monitor the needs of our student population as it relates to summer programming, and noted that after surveying teachers there will be enough staff to facilitate a summer program.
• 4th & 5th Grade TikTok Musical – Mr. Balestri said Ms. Armstrong is working with students in 4th and 5th grade to produce a TikTok Musical called Spotlight with all of the songs centering on light and shining bright. He said she has 20 students who have been working before and after school to film the musical, and said both in-person and remote students are participating.
• P.B.I.S. Spotlight Students – Mr. Balestri congratulated the following P.B.I.S. Spotlight Students at Lincoln School: Kindergarten, Penny Eutis & Jerra Martin; 1st Grade, Kyran Price & John Vargas; 2nd Grade, Finn Carter & Lilabeth Skodachek; 3rd Grade, Gabrianna Cervantes & Hellen Mucu; 4th Grade, Johnathan Kamnikar & Olivia Sargent; 5th Grade, Faith Leopold & Emilee Thrush.
Principal Report (Washington)
• PLC – Mr. Burns thanked Mr. Balestri for his work in supporting our staff members instructional efforts, noting that he identified and worked diligently to provide staff members with an opportunity to get quality professional development in a really dynamic method for all teachers.
• P.B.I.S. – Mr. Burns said the P.B.I.S. team is working to develop an end of the year celebration scheduled for all students on May 28.
• Jamboard Team – Mr. Burns thanked the Jamboard Team for a great job developing the Virtual Spelling Bee for our students March 26th, and congratulated first place winner, Jason Curran, and second place winner, Franc Cole Knap.
• School Improvement Team – Mr. Burns said Academic Olympics were held for the students April 16 to kick off the IAR testing. He thanked Mrs. Cozzi, Mr. DeBrock, Mrs. Goff-Rietgraf-Zimmer, and Ms. Jones for organizing the event.
• Illinois Assessment of Readiness (IAR) – Mr. Burns said IAR started Monday, April 19th.
• Science – Mr. Burns said “You Be the Chemist Challenge” was held at IVCC on March 6th and noted that they are still awaiting the final standings. He said the three assessments of Science will be administered to 8th grade students the week of April 26th.
• Excel Banquet – Mr. Burns said there will be 65 students invited for a special awards breakfast in early May who made honor roll or high honor roll both trimesters.
• Extracurricular – Mr. Burns said the Awards Banquet will be hosted virtually on May 24, 2021, and noted that pins and awards will be distributed to the students along with report cards on the final day of school. Mr. Burns said the 7th and 8th grade girls’ basketball teams have been working hard on a number of concepts and adjusting to new factors when playing the game of basketball. He said they have numerous contests throughout the month of April, and he noted that he has really enjoyed working with the students. He said the 5th and 6th grade girls’ basketball teams have been working with Coach Pescetto to develop their competitiveness this season. He said the girls consistently give 100% at practice and games, and noted their 4-0 record. Mr. Burns said the Scholastic Bowl team was a challenging season playing all virtually and winning two of the last three matches to finish with a record of 2-4. He congratulated the team and Coach Sienza on a successful season. Mr. Burns said the track season opened March 30th against Peru Parkside, and after spring break there were 7 track meets over a 3-week span. Unfortunately, he said the conference meet and state series have been canceled, and noted that the sectional meet will be at Putnam County.
• P.B.I.S. – Mr. Burns congratulated the following P.B.I.S. Spotlight Students at Washington School: 8th Grade, Nick Legrenzi; 7th Grade, Owen Mrowicki; 6th Grade, Greyson Ernat.
Old Business
Mr. Pillion said the IGA with the city is planned for the May 3rd council meeting.
New Business
None
Closed Session
MOTION by Jim Knoblauch, seconded by Laura Hein, to enter into closed session at 6:38 p.m. to discuss:
1. The appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific employees of the public body or legal counsel for the public body, including hearing testimony on a complaint lodged against an employee of the public body or against legal counsel for the public body to determine its validity. 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(1).
2. Collective negotiating matters between the public body and its employees or their representatives, or deliberations concerning salary schedules for one or more classes of employees. 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(2).
Voting aye: Jim Knoblauch, Laura Hein, Mike Barrie, Scott Pescetto, Mike Porter, Marc Strand, and Doug Kramarsic. The motion carried 7-0.
MOTION by Marc Strand, seconded by Mike Barrie, to return to regular session at 6:51 p.m. Voting aye: Marc Strand, Mike Barrie, Laura Hein, Jim Knoblauch, Scott Pescetto, Mike Porter, and Doug Kramarsic. The motion carried 7-0.
Action Items after Closed Session
Approval of Resignations
MOTION by Jim Knoblauch, seconded by Laura Hein, to approve the resignations as presented. Voting aye: Jim Knoblauch, Laura Hein, Mike Barrie, Scott Pescetto, Mike Porter, Marc Strand, and Doug Kramarsic. The motion carried 7-0.
Approval of Employment of Recommended Personnel
MOTION by Mike Barrie, seconded by Mike Porter, to approve the employment of Caitlin Nelson for the special education position at Washington School and the 5th and 6th grade girls’ basketball coach for 2021-2022 as presented. Voting aye: Mike Barrie, Mike Porter, Laura Hein, Jim Knoblauch, Scott Pescetto, Marc Strand, and Doug Kramarsic. The motion carried 7-0.
Approval of Retention of Personnel
MOTION by Jim Knoblauch, seconded by Mike Barrie, to re-employ Julee Corcoran as a nurse for the 2021-2022 school year. Voting aye: Jim Knoblauch, Mike Barrie, Laura Hein, Scott Pescetto, Mike Porter, Marc Strand, and Doug Kramarsic. The motion carried 7-0.
Approval of Seeking Personnel as Needed
MOTION by Laura Hein, seconded by Scott Pescetto, to allow Mr. Pillion to seek needed personnel as presented. Voting aye: Laura Hein, Scott Pescetto, Mike Barrie, Jim Knoblauch, Mike Porter, Marc Strand, and Doug Kramarsic. The motion carried 7- 0.
Adjourn
MOTION by Jim Knoblauch, seconded by Marc Strand, to adjourn. All in favor, aye. The motion carried 7-0. Time: 6:54 p.m.
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