Illinois State Board of Education East St. Louis Financial Oversight Panel met Nov. 29.
Here are the minutes provided by the board:
Chair Jackie Settles called the meeting to order at 12:05 p.m.
Members Present
Jeff Collier, Jessie Granger, Dr. Debra Moore, Jackie Settles, Sister Julia Huiskamp
ISBE / District Staff Members / Others Present
Superintendent Arthur Culver, Chief HR Officer Tina Frye, Chief of Schools Keisa Garrett, Chief Academic Officer Jennifer Brumback, Chief School Business Official (CSBO) Delfaye Jason, Executive Director of Communications & Strategic Partnerships Sydney Stigge Kaufman, Attorney Garrett Hoerner participated via Zoom.
ISBE Division Administrator Michael Gum, ISBE Regional Financial Consultant Madison Dean participated via Zoom.
Adoption of Agenda
Member Collier moved, with a second by Member Moore, for the adoption of the Agenda giving the Oversight Panel Chair discretion to take agenda items out of order. The motion carried on a roll call vote. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0
Public Comments
No Public Comments.
Recognitions
Administration publicly congratulated the following recipients:
Student Leadership on State Student Advisory Boards
Two East St. Louis Senior High School students have been selected to serve on state advisory boards this year. We are proud they represent the East St. Louis School District on a state level while serving as student leaders and advocates.
∙ Jeremy Avan, Senior, was selected to serve on the Illinois Education and Career Success Network Student Advisory Council in School Year 2022-2023.
∙ Senior student Ranyia Cox is continuing to serve on the Illinois Student Advisory Council for the Illinois State Board of Education. This is her third year on the council. She serves on the State Equity Education Committee.
8th Grader Earns 2022 NAACP Rising Star Award
Shilores Stewart, 8th Grade Student at Mason Clark Middle School, received the distinguished "Rising Star/Youth Award" at the NAACP-East St. Louis Branch Freedom Fund Banquet on October 9, 2022. Shilores was selected because she exemplifies leadership at school as well as in the community. She excels academically, is a student council member and participates in AVID (college preparation program). Additionally, she donates her time to those who are in need.
Counselor Receives NAACP Award for Educational Excellence
Dr. Kareem Mateen, East St. Louis Senior High School Evening School Administrator and College and Career Counselor, is the 2022 recipient of the NAACP-East St. Louis Branch Award for Educational Excellence. Dr. Mateen is deeply passionate about his work in School District 189 and the students he serves. His role is to help students plan and prepare for their future. Dr. Mateen guides students to consider postsecondary options, encourages them to apply for scholarships, and supports them through the enrollment application process
Emerson Excellence in Teaching Award
Tamara Tally, 3rd Grade Teacher at Annette Officer Elementary School, has been selected by Emerson as one of the region’s 2022 Excellence in Teaching Award Recipients. Ms. Tally creates a welcoming learning environment for all learners through her use of classroom centers and instructional methods. She was selected to receive the Excellence in Teaching Award because a high percentage of her students met or exceeded state learning objectives on the Illinois Assessment of Readiness (IAR) in 2022. Ms. Tally is one of approximately 80 teachers across the St. Louis Metropolitan area who are being recognized by Emerson as outstanding educators.
Valuing our School Board Members
To recognize the outstanding efforts of the nearly 6,000 elected school board members throughout the state, November 15, 2022 is designated as “School Board Members Day” in Illinois. We recognize the persistent service and leadership provided by the East St. Louis School District Board of Education. We are grateful for our board’s committed efforts on behalf of children, families and our entire community. Thank you, District 189 Board of Education members, for your dedication to building a stronger future through education.
Presentation
Report - Debt Financing: Stifel
Anne Noble, Managing Director, provided an overview on the bond restructure for the District. 1. ESSER funds will be depleted in 2024 in some case that may put a strain on the District. 2. The District has the option of freeing up $3.2 million of EBF in the operating funds by transferring to a new bond issue and maintaining the same property tax levy.
3. Authorize the sale of the bonds in a 3-step process:
o November 15, 2022- Board Adopts Resolution of Intent to issue not to exceed $10 million of funding bonds and begin 30-day petition period.
o December 13, 2022 – Board Conducts Public Hearing; Credit rating presentation, and the end of 30-day petition period.
o January 24 2023 – Board Approves Sale of Bonds; Parameters Resolution
o February 27, 2023 - Bond Closing.
Panel member asked if alternative revenue bonds will be paid in January.
∙ No, bonds sold in 2011 will be paid off and bonds from 2007-2008 will be paid off in 2027 or 2028.
Anne Noble informed the Panel that she would work with the District to get a Credit Rating upgrade.
Report of the Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council (SSAC)
Executive Director of Communications & Strategic Partnerships Sydney Stigge-Kaufman provided a brief update about the Student Advisory Council meetings.
∙ SSAC met at the High school in November. The main topic discussed were assemblies to celebrate school spirit, talent shows, and requesting a room for social emotional support for students at the High School.
∙ SSAC met at Lincoln Middle School last month and rescheduled the meeting at Mason Clark until December.
Report of the Superintendent
Superintendent Culver discussed bonds, test scores and change of insurance broker.
Bonds
∙ The bond issue would free up $3.2M in the operating fund that would support the payment of the TRS for certified staff. To address learning loss and teacher retention; in the last contract the District agreed to pay 1/3 of TRS in FY22, 2/3 of TRS in FY23 and 100% in FY24. TRS is anticipated to cost approximately $5 million in FY24. If the District does not extend the bond to accommodate the $5M, there will have to be significant staff and programing reductions.
Test Scores
∙ Out of the District’s nine (9) rated schools, five (5) of the nine (9) are Commendable and three (3) of the schools were 3 points from Commendable The segment of students with disabilities were the main reason the three (3) schools did not meet commendable status.
Panel member asked why the District is still not meeting State Averages.
∙ When comparing the Districts population to other Districts made up like ours, the District’s growth is higher. Even factoring in COVID on the State Average, the District is showing a 3% increase.
Change of Insurance Broker
∙ Prior year insurance increased between 15%-17%.
∙ The new insurance broker selected for FY23 provided the District with new insurance rates, in addition the Broker spoke to Blue Cross Blue Shield and they provided a credit of $150,000.
∙ Alliant/Mesirow negotiated an overall 5.5% increase which saved the District $1M
District Buildings & Grounds (B&G) Report
CSBO Delfaye Jason provided an update on the Buildings & Grounds ongoing tasks.
∙ For the month of November, the main focus was switching the systems over for the weather change and reviewing the security in the building to assure students and staff stay safe.
Panel member asked if there are metal detectors at each school.
∙ Yes, there is one metal detector at each entrance.
Superintendent Culver informed the Panel that Buildings and Grounds is also looking into external bulletproof glass doors, and 1st floor windows that an individual can see out but individuals outside are unable to see in.
District Finance Report
CSBO Delfaye Jason provided a brief update on the Comparative Analysis Finance Report.
∙ Revenue: $50 million this year; $48 million last year.
o Due to local rev and CPPRT
∙ Expenditures: $29 million this year; $29 million last year.
ISBE Report
ISBE Division Administrator Michael Gum commended the District on the hard work on the State presentation. Superintendent Culver thanked ISBE for the assistance and support they provided.
Executive Session
No Executive Session.
13. A. Regular Meeting of October 24, 2022
Member Collier moved, with a second by Member Granger, to approve the FOP Regular Meeting Minutes of October 24, 2022. The motion carried on a roll call vote. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0
14. Approval of Items on the Consent Agenda
15. Approval of Consent Agenda Items (November 2022 Board of Education Meeting) Member Collier moved, with a second by Member Huiskamp, to approve Consent Agenda Items 15.A. through 15.I. The motion carried on a roll call vote. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0
15. A. Finance Items: Part B - H - Treasurer's Report, Part B - Board Bills $5,397,889.43, Payroll $6,739,908.93, Credit Card $63,649.61, Payroll Wire Transfers $1,066,885.88, A/P EFT's $339.64, W/C Claims $64,381.69, Part C Miscellaneous Cash Receipts $2,378,448.45, Part D Athletics $8,056.60, Part E Monies Returned and Miscellaneous Payments $0, Part F Open A/P $0, and Part H Overtime $33,175.18, for Month of October
15. B. Payment of Invoices for Legal Services from Becker, Hoerner & Ysursa, P.C. for the Month of September 2022. Amount: $6,559.87
15. C. Acceptance of a donation of toys for a Toy drive at Avant Elementary School from American Legion Post 28. Estimated Value: $2,000
15. D. Acceptance of a donation of 20 5ml bottles of perfume to be used at the "7 hours of Joy" event in December at Gordon Bush Alternative from Saint Rita Parlor. Estimated Value: $800.
15. E. Acceptance of a donation of 24 to 30 coats at Vivian Adams Early Childhood Center from Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
15. F. Acceptance of a donation of cleats for 6 athletes for the Special Olympics Flag Football team from Kevin & Monique Green. Estimated Value: $200
15. G. Use of Premise Requests.
15. H. Professional Development Requests and Addendums. Approximate Cost $117,956.94
15. I. Field Trip Requests and Addendums. Approximate Cost $80,325
16. APPROVAL OF ACTION AGENDA ITEMS (November 2022 Board of Education Meeting)
16. A. Approval of Personnel Report/Addendums & Contracts
Member Collier moved, with a second by Member Huiskamp, to approve Personnel Report/Addendums & Contracts. The motion carried on a roll call vote. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0
16. B. Approval to Read all Resolutions by Heading only
Member Collier moved, with a second by Member Granger, to approve Personnel Report/Addendums & Contracts. The motion carried on a roll call vote. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0
16. C. Approval of Curriculum Action Items 7.A List and Addendums. Approximate Cost: $149,027
Member Collier moved, with a second by Member Huiskamp, to approve the Curriculum Action Items 7.A. List and Report/Addendums & Contracts. The motion carried on a roll call vote. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0
16. D. Approval of Representation Letter for TorHoerman Law LLC for E-Cigarette Manufacturer Litigation Marketing, Sales Practices, and Products Liability Litigation (U.S.D.C/N.D.CA Case No. 19-md-02913-WHO)
Member Collier moved, with a second by Member Granger, for approval of Representation Letter for TorHoerman Law LLC for E-Cigarette Manufacturer Litigation Marketing, Sales Practices, and Products Liability Litigation (U.S.D.C/N.D.CA Case No. 19-md-02913-WHO). The motion carried on a roll call vote. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0
Panel member asked if the District is hiring the lawyer identified in the lawsuit.
∙ No, the District is joining the lawsuit and if the lawsuit is successful the district will receive potential income.
16. E. Approval of Resolution #111522-A Declaring the Intent of the Board to Issue not to Exceed $10,000,000 of Funding Bonds and Directing that Notice of such Intention be Published in the Manner Provided by law.
Member Collier moved, with a second by Member Huiskamp, to approve Resolution #111522-A Declaring the Intent of the Board to Issue not to Exceed $10,000,000 of Funding Bonds and Directing that Notice of such Intention be Published in the Manner Provided by law. The motion carried on a roll call vote. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0
16. F. Approval of a noncompetitive procurement (2 CFR 200.320(c) in which the SFA can work with their current or a new company on a fixed price per meal contract based on current market and local needs.
Member Collier moved, with a second by Member Granger, for Approval of a noncompetitive procurement (2 CFR 200.320(c) in which the SFA can work with their current or a new company on a fixed price per meal contract based on current market and local needs. The motion carried on a roll call vote. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0
Superintendent Culver informed the Panel that 16. F. is about the Food Service Contract and instead of going out for bid the District will extend the contact with the current provider for 1 year.
16. G. Approval of a contract with Lindenwood-Athletic facility usage for varsity boys’ basketball practice and games.
Member Collier moved, with a second by Member Granger, for the approval of a contract with Lindenwood-Athletic facility usage for varsity boys basketball practice and games. The motion carried on a roll call vote. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0
Superintendent Culver explained to the Panel that the District was hoping the gym would be complete for basketball season; however, there were delays with equipment and supplies.
16. H. Approval of Resolution #111522-B to Amend the East St. Louis School District 189 403(b) Retirement Plan.
Member Huiskamp moved, with a second by Member Granger, for the approval of Resolution #111522- B to Amend the East St. Louis School District 189 403(b) Retirement Plan. The motion carried on a roll call vote. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0
Panel member asked who services the plan.
∙ Omni
16. I. Approval of enrolling in District Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance for the calendar year 2023 with Alliant/Mesirow. (6% increase for health, 3% decrease for dental and vision, and 10.8% decrease for life insurance).
Member Collier moved, with a second by Member Granger, for the approval of enrolling in District Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance for the calendar year 2023 with Alliant/Mesirow. (6% increase for health, 3% decrease for dental and vision, and 10.8% decrease for life insurance). The motion carried on a roll call vote. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0
16. J. Approval of an addendum to the Illinois Central Bus (ILC) Company agreement to include the use of ILC vans to transport our English Learner children to the Regional Office of Education, our Homeless children to school, and the alternatively placed children to the
Regional Safe School Program. Cost: N/A
Member Collier moved, with a second by Member Moore, for the approval of an addendum to the Illinois Central Bus (ILC) Company agreement to include the use of ILC vans to transport our English Learner children to the Regional Office of Education, our Homeless children to school, and the alternatively placed children to the Regional Safe School Program. Cost: N/A
Project (chiller replacement at Younge School of Excellence). The motion carried on a roll call vote. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0
Panel member asked how the students are identified.
∙ During enrollment.
17. OLD BUSINESS
No old business.
18. NEW BUSINESS
No new business.
19. ANNOUNCEMENTS
Next Financial Oversight Panel Meeting: December 16, 2022 at 12:00 p.m.
20. A. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, Member Moore moved, with a second by Member Huiskamp, to adjourn the meeting at 1:13 p.m. The motion carried on a roll call. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0
https://www.isbe.net/Documents_Finance_ESL/112822-Minutes.pdf
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