Kankakee Times

Bourbonnais Elementary School District No. 53 Board of Education met Dec. 20.

Here are the minutes as provided by Bourbonnais ESD No. 53:

The Regular Meeting of the Board of Education of Bourbonnais Elementary School District No. 53, Kankakee County, Illinois was called to order by President Rob Rodewald on Tuesday, December 20, 2016 at 7:02 PM at the Administrative Office, 281 W John Casey Road, Bourbonnais, IL. 1.02 Pledge of Allegiance.

1.03 The following members answered roll call: Justin Giacchino, John Hall, Michael Jurka, Rich McBarnes, Nicole McCarty, Jayne Raef, Rob Rodewald.   Absent: None.

District Administrators Present: Superintendent Daniel Hollowell, Ed,D.; Dr. James Duggan, Director of Instruction, Bernadette Henriott, Director of Student Support Services; Kevin Baker, Director of Business Services; Dennis Crawford, Associate Director of Business Services; Mary Bicknell, Principal; Jeffrey Gindy, Principal; Jon Hodge, Principal; Jennifer Longtin, Principal; Shannon Swilley, Associate Principal; Roger Hale, Technology Director.

2. Recognition of Staff, Students and Community

2.01 Recognition of Board Members – Michael Jurka, Jayne Raef, Rich McBarnes

On behalf of Bourbonnais Elementary School District No. 53, Rob Rodewald, Board President recognized the following Board members for receiving the Illinois Association of School Boards Master School Board Member awards. Board members received awards for the time and effort that they devote to self-improvement and leadership activities and to achieving the Association's mission of excellence in local school governance.

Michael Jurka - Level 1

Richard McBarnes - Level 2

Jayne Raef- Master Status Maintained

2.02 Recognition of Community - Ruthie Bissaillon - Crossing Guards

On behalf of Bourbonnais Elementary School District No. 53, Daniel Hollowell, Superintendent, recognized Crossing Guard Ruthie Bissaillon for her dedication to our students. Ruthie is the crossing guard at LeVasseur and works everyday making sure our students cross Bethel Road safely. On a recent day Ruthie slipped on the ice and was injured. As the nurse and paramedics were trying to attend to Ruthie, her concern was not her own pain and injuries but the safety of the students. She was attempting to delay her trip to the hospital until after the children were done crossing for the morning. This exemplifies Ruthie's dedication to our children.

2.03 Recognition of Community - Get Your Backpack On, Inc.

On behalf of Bourbonnais Elementary School District No. 53, Jeff Gindy, Principal, recognized Get Your Backpack On, Inc. for donating backpacks filled with school supplies to every school in the district.

2.04 Recognition of Community -Kankakee County Sheriff's Office

On behalf of Bourbonnais Elementary School District No. 53, Jeff Gindy, Principal, recognized Kankakee County Sheriff's Office Shop with a Cop Program for taking kids out to shop for their Christmas gifts, out to eat and to a parade.

2.05 Recognition of Community - Pearl Vision's World Sight Day

On behalf of Bourbonnais Elementary School District No. 53, Jeff Gindy, Principal, recognized Pearl Vision's World Sight Day. Many students were able to receive an exam and glasses.

2.06 Recognition of Community - Kankakee Kiwanis Winter Warmth Program

On behalf of Bourbonnais Elementary School District No. 53, Jeff Gindy, Principal, recognized Kankakee Kiwanis Winter Warmth Program. Many students benefited from receiving a winter coat, gloves and hat.

2.07 Recognition of Community - Kankakee Telecom Pioneers

On behalf of Bourbonnais Elementary School District No. 53, Jeff Gindy, Principal, recognized Kankakee Telecom Pioneers for providing a new pair of shoes or boots to students.

2.08 Recognition of Community - Santa, Inc.

On behalf of Bourbonnais Elementary School District No. 53, Jeff Gindy, Principal, recognized Santa, Inc. Many families received their Christmas needs from Santa Inc. including presents for the children and necessities for the parents.  

2.09 Recognition of Community - Blessings in a Backpack

On behalf of Bourbonnais Elementary School District No. 53, Jeff Gindy, Principal, recognized Blessings in a Backpack for providing food on Fridays for approximately 100 BESD 53 students.

2.10 Recognition of Community - The Library Bar in Bourbonnais

On behalf of Bourbonnais Elementary School District No. 53, Jeff Gindy, Principal, recognized The Library Bar in Bourbonnais. They held a fundraiser and donated many gift cards to help many of our families in need. Gift cards included Jewel, JcPenney, Kohls, and Target.

2.11 Recognition of Community - Bourbonnais PTA

On behalf of Bourbonnais Elementary School District No. 53, Jeff Gindy, Principal, recognized Bourbonnais PTA for providing many items students needed for example coats, PE outfits, clothing, and school supplies to our students and families.

3. Communications

3.01 Communications from/to BEA Co-Presidents

Jan St. John, BEA Co-President wished the Board and staff Happy Holidays. Introduction of BEA Staff: Lisa Carlton, Stacey Welsh, Theresa Luhring, Beth McDowell, Ellen Michals, Nicolina Leddy, Elley Johnston.

3.02 Communications from/to Visitors – No comments from visitors.

3.03 Communication from/to Administration –A video and pictures were shown of how Administrators recently motivated their students to fill the Salvation Army buckets.

3.04 Communications from/to Board – No comments from Board of Education.

3.05 Superintendent – FOIA Request –- There was one FOIA request reported by the Superintendent. Illinois Retired Teachers Association seeking names of retired teachers at the end of the 2016-2017 school year. This was responded to in a timely manner.

4. Routine Business/Consent Agenda

Superintendent Daniel Hollowell, Ed.D. recommended the Board approve the following routine business consent items:

4.01 Approval of Minutes - Regular Meeting November 22, 2016 - 7:00 PM

4.02 Approval of Minutes - Special Meeting November 22, 2016 - 6:00 PM

4.03 Approval of Minutes - Closed Session November 22, 2016 6:00 PM

4.04 Approval of Bills and Payroll

4.05 Approval of Treasurer's Report

4.06 Approval of Personnel

Employment - Certified Staff

Rozak, Christine; 5th Grade at Liberty Intermediate effective January 3, 2017

Employment - Support Staff

Hoffman, John; Bus Driver effective November 7, 2016

Johnson, Naima; Full Time Teacher Assistant at Shabbona effective January 3, 2017

Offill, Rebecca; Part-time Secretary Shepard/Shabbona effective January 3, 2017

Unpaid Leave of Absence - Certified Staff

Austiff, Janet; effective November 30, 2016 - April 27, 2017

Resignation - Support Staff

Graeber, Jennifer; Media Assistant at Shabbona effective December 9, 2016

Approve Dismissal Contract Agreement - Clark, Bert

FMLA Requests - See attached

4.07 Approval of 1-Year Lease on Mini Lift Bus - Midwest Transit Equipment

4.08 Approval of Revisions of Policies, Administrative Procedures and Exhibits-First Reading

4.09 Items Removed from Routine Business/Consent Agenda

There were no items removed from routine business/consent agenda.

Motion by Rich McBarnes, second by Michael Jurka to approve Routine Business/Consent Agenda as presented. The following voice votes were heard: Ayes: Justin Giacchino, John Hall, Michael Jurka, Rich McBarnes, Nicole McCarty, Jayne Raef, Rob Rodewald. Nays: None. Absent: None. Final Resolution: Motion Carries.

5.01 Certify Tax Levy- Kevin Baker, Director of Business Services

Kevin Baker, Director of Business Services presented the 2016 tax levy. The consumer price index for 2015 is .7% = $39,198 additional tax revenue. The new property estimate is $2.615 million which equals $82,204 additional tax revenue. Mr. Baker explained the tax cap effect and the effect on the homeowners tax bill.   Mr. Baker also presented the equalized assessed value through and general state aid projections through 2019.

Motion by John Hall, second by Nicole McCarty to approve to certify the 2016 tax levy as presented. The following voice votes were heard: Ayes: Justin Giacchino, John Hall, Michael Jurka, Rich McBarnes, Nicole McCarty, Jayne Raef, Rob Rodewald. Nays: None. Absent: None. Final Resolution: Motion Carries.

5.02 Determine Dates for Bi-Annual Review of Executive Session Minutes

January 24, 2017 at 6:30 PM will be the bi-annual review of executive session minutes.

5.03 Economic Enterprise Zone – Superintendent Daniel Hollowell, Ed.D.

Dr. Hollowell requested the Board approve the resolution ordinance as explained in the June 28, 2016 Board meeting by Mr. Mike Van Mill of the Village of Bourbonnais. The District would become part of the Enterprise Zone which gives incentives for industrial, warehousing, and manufacturing growth along the I-57 corridor and the new interchange.

Motion by Nicole McCarty, second by Michael Jurka to approve resolution ordinance for participation in abatement of certain ad valorem taxes of Bourbonnais Elementary School District #53 through the Kankakee River Valley Economic Enterprise Zone. The following voice votes were heard: Ayes: Justin Giacchino, John Hall, Michael Jurka, Rich McBarnes, Nicole McCarty, Jayne Raef, Rob Rodewald. Nays: None. Absent: None. Final Resolution: Motion Carries.

5.04 ESL Program - Dr. Jim Duggan, Director of Curriculum

Dr. Duggan presented the English as a Second Language current program statistics. There are currently 51 active students and 3 staff members. Dr. Duggan explained the changes in ACCESS testing and exit criteria which may result in scores going down and fewer students exiting the program. The ESL had one family night with over 40 people in attendance, there are two more events scheduled this year. Dr. Duggen explained some the upcoming challenges which include the number of students needing services at different locations and the limited number of teachers with ESL endorsements. Dr. Duggan explained some of the possible adjustments considered to overcome these challenges. Discussion followed.

6.01 Authorizing Architect to Prepare Bids Specs for Parking Lot Improvements - Dennis Crawford, Assistant Director Business Services

Dennis Crawford presented the scope of the work necessary for the parking lot improvements at all schools. The work includes preparation of existing site conditions plans, preparation of site demolition plans, preparation of site utility, grading and pavement plans. Mr. Crawford gave a detailed description of the needs at each of the facilities. Discussion followed.

Motion by Rich McBarnes, second by Justin Giacchino to approve Jh2B proposal to prepare bid plans and specifications for parking lot improvements as presented.

The following voice votes were heard: Ayes: Justin Giacchino, John Hall, Michael Jurka, Rich McBarnes, Nicole McCarty, Jayne Raef, Rob Rodewald. Nays: None. Absent: None. Final Resolution: Motion Carries.

6.02 Coding Class at Liberty Intermediate - Dr. Jim Duggan, Director of Curriculum

Dr. Duggan presented the Tynker program currently being used as part of the Explore Tech class for 5th and 6th graders. This program continues with Mindstorms at the Upper Grade Center. This program is designed to help teach students to use a computer program to write instructions to a computer as opposed to using established applications. Discussion followed.

7.01 DIBELS Mid Year Report - Dr. Jim Duggan, Director of Curriculum

Dr. Duggan presented the Mid-Year Dibels progress. This year marks the largest percentage increase in the number of students meeting benchmark between beginning of year and mid-year since 2012-2013. Dr. Duggan gave results by schools and grade levels. Discussion followed.

8. Informational Items - 8.01 Dates to Remember

December 21, 2016 - Early Dismissal - Schedule B

December 22, 2016 - January 2, 2017 Winter Break

January 3, 2017 School resumes at regular time

January 6, 2017 Early Dismissal - Schedule B - End of First Semester

January 16, 2017 Martin Luther King Holiday - No School

January 24, 2017 Regular Board of Education Meeting 7:00 PM at Administrative Office

9.01 Non-Agenda Business by Board or Administration

There was no non-agenda business by Board or Administration.

10.01 Adjourn   Motion by Nicole McCarty, second by Michael Jurka to adjourn 8:11 PM. Ayes: All. Nays: None. Motion Carries