North Chicago Community Unit School District #187 Independent Authority met Sept. 26.
Here are the minutes provided by the panel:
Chair Jackie Settles called the meeting to order at 12:01 p.m.
Members Present
Jeff Collier, Jessie Granger, Jackie Settles
Members Absent
Dr. Debra Moore, Sister Julia Huiskamp
ISBE / District Staff Members / Others Present
Superintendent Arthur Culver, Interim Chief HR Officer Valencia Hawkins, 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, Director of Maintenance, Operations & Risk Management Joseph Haskell; Attorney Garrett Hoerner.
ISBE Regional Financial Consultant Madison Dean participated via Zoom.
Prayer
Member Collier led the prayer.
Adoption of Agenda
Member Granger moved, with a second by Member Collier, 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: 3 Nays: 0
Public Comments
No Public Comments.
Recognitions
Administration publicly congratulated the following recipients:
Student Earns National Recognition from the College Board
East St. Louis High School Student, Trinity McNeely, has been awarded National Recognition from the College Board. Trinity earned this academic honor because her GPA was 3.5 or higher and she had an outstanding performance on the PSAT/NMSQT® (National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test), PSAT™
10, and/or AP® Exams. Trinity received the National African American Recognition Award (NAARA) and we congratulate her on her high academic achievements.
Paraprofessional Earns Regional Recognition with KMOV Surprise Squad
Angela McCorkle, paraprofessional at the Wyvetter Younge School of Excellence, is known to all in her school campus and many across the district as an exceptional staff member who goes above and beyond to serve. She has worked as a model paraprofessional since 2005. Before employment with the district, Mrs. McCorkle volunteered, served as a lead parent and served on the PTA for approximately 12 years. Staff, parents, and students know they can count on her. Mrs. McCorkle is known to be the first and last adult at the school as part of her deep commitment to meeting the needs of students and helping them achieve. She has also been a long-time coordinator of the after-school program, cheer coach, and more. Because of her exceptional service, she was honored in front of her fellow Younge staff members by the KMOV Surprise Squad in August. At that time, the Surprise Squad provided her with a trophy, Blues hockey game tickets, and a $100 gift card. The story aired on KMOV Channel 4 on August 21, 2023. We salute Angela for her outstanding commitment and service.
Report of the Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council (SSAC)
Executive Director Sydney Stigge-Kaufman indicated that the Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council meetings were held in September. The meetings create wonderful opportunities to hear from students
• High School Student Advisory Council: Restroom cleanliness, transitions within the building to and from the bus during dismissal, after school clubs and vending machines.
• Lincoln Middle School Advisory Council: Concerns regarding bullying; interest in having more clubs.
• Mason-Clark Middle School Advisory Council: Concerns were restrooms, more time to eat and more library time. Both middle school campuses desire for more physical education time and 5th and 6th grade football.
Panel member asked if restrooms are inspected.
• Yes, custodians have a checklist; restrooms are cleaned after every class period at the middle school and every hour at the elementary school.
Panel member asked why restrooms are being locked at the High School.
• Restrooms are locked to discourage any foul play. The Cabinet will meet with administration at the High School to see why they are locked at certain times in certain areas.
Report of the Superintendent
Superintendent Culver provided a brief update about security and enrollment.
• The school year is off to a great start. Although housing projects are down, enrollment is still increasing. Expecting to top out at around 4800 students before the year ends.
• Tightening down on security at the Football games, so much is happening around the Metro East area that the District wants to take a proactive approach with the fights.
Panel member asked if security is mandatory at games.
• Yes.
District Buildings & Grounds (B&G) Report
Director Joseph Haskell provided an update on the Buildings & Grounds ongoing tasks.
• No action items for the month of September; focus has been on clearing work tickets and projects.
• Scoreboard at the Stadium is in progress to be complete. The score section of the board is up and running.
• Target complete date for the gym/locker room project is October 15, 2023.
• Scoreboard at the Stadium was delivered two weeks ago, at that time the District thought the scoreboard would be installed; instead it has been sitting outside. The District has incurred cost for overnight security to prevent vandalism and will ask for reimbursement for that cost.
• Inside videoboard sat outside for a few days it was finally put in the gym, once unboxed a confirmation from Daktronics will be requested to assure the Board works before it is installed in the gym.
Panel member asked for an update about the sewer/sinkholes.
• The city has submitted a PO to Hanks and the District will follow up to get an update.
District Finance Report
CSBO Delfaye Jason provided a brief update on the Comparative Analysis Finance Report
• Revenue was $22 million compared to $29 million last year.
• Expenditures $8 million compared to $8 million last year.
• Received 15% of the revenue expected and used 5% of the budget for the first two months of the year. You will notice expenditures numbers go back up next month due to teachers being back in session.
Panel member asked about the Arts Implantation Grant.
• There are 3 individuals from the community who are assisting with band and marching band practice. These individuals offer small group support with specific instruments to build their skill three hours after school, four days a week and weekend performances.
Panel member asked how you come up with compensation.
• General rate is $30.00 hour.
ISBE Report
No Report.
Executive Session
No Executive Session.
14. A. Regular Meeting of August 21, 2023
Superintendent Culver asked for a motion to approve the FOP Regular Meeting Minutes of August 21, 2023.
Member Collier moved, with a second by Member Granger, to approve the FOP Regular Meeting Minutes of August 21, 2023. The motion carried on a roll call vote. Ayes: 3 Nays: 0
15. Approval of Consent Agenda Items (September 2023 Board of Education Meeting) Superintendent Culver asked for a motion to approve Consent Agenda Items 15.A. through 15.J.
Member Collier moved, with a second by Member Granger, to approve Consent Agenda Items 15.A. through 15.J. The motion carried on a roll call vote. Ayes: 3 Nays: 0
15. A. Part B - H - Treasurer's Report, Part B - Board Bills $2,520,787.77, Payroll $2,114,360.21, Credit Card $27,372.96, Payroll Wire Transfers $1,069,071.11, A/P EFT's $1,664.69, W/C Claims $84,965.52, Part C Miscellaneous Cash Receipts $328,784.82, Part D Athletics $2,500, Part E Monies Returned and Miscellaneous Payments $0, Part F Open A/P $0, and Part H Overtime $22,356.12, for Month of August
15. B. Payment of Invoices for Legal Services from Becker, Hoerner & Ysursa, P.C. for the Month of August 2023. Amount: $10,368.25
15. C. Acceptance of a donation of school supplies for homeless students from CSL Plasma. Estimated Value: $145.00
15. D. Acceptance of a donation of school supplies for classroom teachers from Teach for America-St. Louis Way. Estimated Value: $1,050.00
15. E. Acceptance of a donation of school supplies for homeless students from Draft Kings at Casino Queen. Estimated Value: $631.00
15. F. Approval of annual fundraisers for the 2023-2024 school year for the following schools: Vivian Adams Early Childhood Center, Katie Wright Elementary, Lincoln Middle, and Mason Clark Middle for school student activities.
15. G. Approval of annual fundraisers for the 2023-2024 school year for the following schools: James Avant Elementary, Dunbar Elementary, Officer Elementary, Katie Wright Elementary, Lincoln Middle, and Wyvetter Younge School of Excellence for PTA.
15. H. Approval to purchase 2 tables for the East St. Louis Branch& NAACP Banquet on October 8, 2023. Cost: $1,600
15. I. Use of Premise Requests.
15. J. Professional Development Requests and Addendums. Approximate Cost: $537,364.18 16. APPROVAL OF ACTION AGENDA ITEMS (September 2023 Board of Education Meeting)
Superintendent Culver asked for a motion to approve by omnibus vote Action Items 16.A, 16.B, 16.C, 16.D, 16.E, and 16.F.
Member Collier moved, with a second by Member Granger, to approve the Superintendent’s recommendation. The motion carried on a roll call vote. Ayes: 3 Nays: 0
Superintendent Culver asked for a motion to approve the following:
16. A. Approval of Personnel Report/Addendums & Contracts.
16. B. Approval of Curriculum Action Items 7.A List and Addendums. Approximate Cost: $514,495
16. C. Approval of the General Liability, Property, Excess Liability, Worker's Compensation, Auto & Crime Insurance Renewal for September 30, 2023, through September 30, 2024. Cost: $1,532,461 $32,671 – liability premium is for Chubb short-term policy dates of September 30, 2023 to October 31, 2023 (32 days of coverage)
16. D. Approval of the Cyber Liability Insurance Coverage for September 30, 2023, through September 30, 2024. Cost: $32,918
16. E. Approval of Ranking Architectural Firms Pursuant to Section 6 of the Illinois Local Government Professional Services Selection Act (50 ILCS 510/6)
16. F. Approval of Worker's Compensation Settlement Agreement(s).
Member Collier moved, with a second by Member Granger, to approve the Superintendent’s recommendation. The motion carried on a roll call vote. Ayes: 3 Nays: 0
17. OLD BUSINESS
No old business.
18. NEW BUSINESS
No new business.
19. ANNOUNCEMENTS
Next Financial Oversight Panel Meeting: October 23, 2023 at 12:00 p.m.
20. A. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, Member Collier moved, with a second by Member Granger, to adjourn the meeting at 12:35 p.m. The motion carried on a roll call. Ayes: 3 Nays: 0
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