Bourbonnais Elementary School District 53 Board of Education met March 31.
Here is the minutes provided by the board:
The Regular Meeting of the Board of Education of Bourbonnais Elementary School District No. 53, Kankakee County, Illinois was called to order by Board President Rob Rodewald on Tuesday, March 31, 2020 at 7:00 PM at the Administrative Offices, 281 W John Casey Road, Bourbonnais, IL.
1.02 Pledge of Allegiance
1.03 Roll Call The following members were physically present at said location: Jayne Raef, Rob Rodewald.
The following members were allowed by a majority of the members of the Board of Education in accordance with and to the extent allowed by rules adopted by the Board of Education to attend the meeting by video or audio conference: Kelly Dunnill, John Hall, Jamie Freedlund, Rich McBarnes, Nicole McCarty. No member was not permitted to attend the meeting by video or audio conference.
The Governor’s Executive Order 2020-07, issued on March 16, 2020, suspends the Open Meetings Act provisions relating to in-person attendance by members of a public body. Specifically, the Governor’s Order: (1) suspends the requirement in Section 2.01 that “members of a public body must be physically present;” and (2) suspends the limitations in Section 7 on when remote participation is allowed. This Executive Order is effective the duration of the Gubernatorial Disaster proclamation, which is 30 days from its issuance on March 9, 2020.
The following members were absent and did not participate in the meeting in any manner or to any extent whatsoever: None.
District Administrators Present: Dr. Margaret Longo, Interim Superintendent; Dennis Crawford, CSBO, Roger Hale, Director of Technology, by Audio; Anitra Crockett, Director of Student Support Services.
2. Recognition of Staff, Students and Community-There were no recognitions of staff, students or community.
3. Communications from/to:
3.01 Communications from/to BEA
Dr. Margaret Longo, Interim Superintendent read an email to the Board at the request of the BEA Co-Presidents Lauren Lundmark and Lori Henry.
3.02 Communications from/to Visitors – There were no attendees requesting to address the Board.
3.03 Communications from/to Board - Mr. Rodewald addressed the audience about COVID-19 and the efforts by staff, students, parents, and community.
3.04 Communications from/to Administration-There were no Administrators requesting to address the Board.
3.05 Superintendent – FOIA Requests – There was one FOIA request reported by
Dr. Margaret Longo, Interim Superintendent by Vince Espinoza for High School Grading Scales. This was completed in a timely manner.
Dr. Longo shared information from IASA about planning for the future after COVID-19.
4.0 Routine Business/Consent Agenda
Dr. Margaret Longo, Interim Superintendent, recommended the Board approve the Routine Business/Consent Agenda as presented.
4.01 Approval of Minutes - Regular Meeting February 25, 2020 - 7:00 PM
4.02 Approval of Minutes - Special Meeting February 25, 2020- 6:00 PM
4.03 Approval of Minutes - Executive Session February 25, 2020 - 6:00 PM
4.04 Approval of Minutes - Special Meeting March 19, 2020 - 6:00 PM
4.05 Approval of Bills and Payroll
4.06 Approval of Treasurer's Report
4.07 Approval of Personnel
Employment - Certified Staff - Effective August 17, 2020
Foisy, Keli; First Grade Alan Shepard (pending licensure)
Chappel, Emily; LBSI at Liberty
Employment - Certified Staff - Rehire 2020-2021
Erickson, Michelle; Interventionist - Alan Shepard
Kremer, Traci; Interventionist - LeVasseur
Prairie, Kendra; Interventionist - Alan Shepard
Rodgers, Marlo; Interventionist - LeVasseur
Worsham, Erin; Interventionist - Alan Shepard
Bacon, Teri; Interventionist (Part-Time) - Shabbona
Newsom, Carli; Interventionist (Part-Time) - Upper Grade Center
Employment - Certified Staff Extra Duty 19-20
Estes, Diana; Game Club 1st Semester Shepard
Kowaleski, Mallory; Game Club 1st Semester LeVasseur
Kowaleski, Mallory; Game Club 2nd Semester LeVasseur
Kutemeier, Leslie; Game Club - 2nd Semester Shepard
Kutemeier, Lesslie; Game Club 1st Semester Shabbona
Laskey, Deb; Robotics
Peyton, Cloe; Game Club 2nd Semester Shabbona
Riegel, Lisa; Robotics
Riegel, Lisa; Team Steam
Informational - Certified Staff Position Change
McCorkle, Pam; Interventionist - Shabbona
Parson, Elizabeth; Interventionist - Shabbona
Renchen, Jenny; Interventionist - Liberty
Zink-Jones, Wendi; Assignment Change to 1.0 FTE
Resignation - Certified Staff
Domanszky, Meghan; LBSI-Destiny at LeVasseur effective end of 2019-2020 SY
Macholz, Adam;Extra Duty Team Steam effective 19-20 season
Newsome, Anna; Spanish Teacher BUGC effective end of 2019-2020 SY
Support Staff - Position Change
Leppert, Lisa; Assistant Business Manager/Superintendent Secretary/Board Secretary, effective April 1, 2020
Employment - Support Staff - Rehire effective August 17, 2020
Alvarez-Hunt, Karen; Part-Time Teacher Assistant - LeVasseur
Blankenship, Alison; Part-time Teacher Assistant - LeVasseur
Employment - Support Staff
Kirk, Lallo; Bus Driver effective March 11, 2020
Resignation - Support Staff
Bishop, Joan; Technology Information Specialist effective July 10, 2020
FMLA Requests - See attached
4.08 Approval of Contracts - Over the Moon Pediatric Therapy Co.
4.09 Approval of Contract with Childhood Potentials, Inc. Denise Howard, CCC-SLP/L
4.10 Approval of Job Description for Educational Interpreter
4.11 Approval of a Job Description for a Special Education Case Manager
4.12 Approval of an Increase in School Fees for the 2020-2021 School year
4.13 Approval of Revision Job Description - Dean
4.14 Approval to Dispose of Non-Usable Equipment - Technology Recycle Program
4.15 Approval of American Red Cross Licensed Training Provider Agreement
4.16 Revision to Job Title-Assistant Business Manager/Superintendent Secretary/Board Secretary
4.17 Approval of Liberty Furniture - Dennis Crawford, CSBO
4.18 Items removed from Routine Business/Consent Agenda
Member Rich McBarnes requested item 4.07 be removed from business/consent agenda
Motion by Rich McBarnes, second by John Hall to approve Routine Business less item 4.07. The following voice votes were heard: Ayes: Kelly Dunnill, Jamie Freedlund, John Hall, Rich McBarnes, Nicole McCarty, Jayne Raef, Rob Rodewald. Nays: None. Absent: None. Final Resolution: Motion Carries
Motion by Jamie Freelund, second by Rob Rodewald to approve routine business consent agenda item 4.07. The following voice votes were heard: Ayes: Kelly Dunnill, Jamie Freedlund, John Hall, Nicole McCarty, Jayne Raef, Rob Rodewald. Nays: None. Abstain: Rich McBarnes. Absent: None. Final Resolution: Motion Carries.
5. Mission of Bourbonnais Elementary School District #53 is to: Collaborate with staff, students, families, and community
5.01 Approval of Salary Structure for Transportation Employees - Dennis Crawford, CSBO
The Board packet included the proposal to pay bus drivers and aides per hour starting the 2020-2021 school year. The pay will be more competitive with surrounding Districts, as it is the same structure. This will allow for better recruitment efforts. This should also clean up payroll challenges.
Motion by Rich McBarnes, second by Kelly Dunnill to approve the salary structure for transportation employees as presented. The following voice votes were heard: Ayes: Kelly Dunnill, Jamie Freedlund, John Hall, Rich McBarnes, Nicole McCarty, Jayne Raef, Rob Rodewald. Nays: None. Abstain: Jayne Raef. Absent: None. Final Resolution: Motion Carries.
5.02 Approval of Bus Driver /Bus Aide Handbooks - Dennis Crawford, CSBO
The Board packet included a copy of the revised bus driver/bus aide handbook. The handbook includes updated policies and administrative procedures.
Motion by Rob Rodewald second by Jayne Raef by voice vote to approve the transportation employees handbook as presented. The following voice votes were heard: Ayes: Kelly Dunnill, Jamie Freedlund, John Hall, Rich McBarnes, Nicole McCarty, Jayne Raef, Rob Rodewald. Nays: None. Absent: None. Final Resolution: Motion Carries.
6. Mission of Bourbonnais Elementary School District #53 is to: Provide a safe learning environment with innovation instructional practices
6.01 Approval of New 1.0 First Grade Position - Dr. James B. Duggan, Assistant Superintendent
Dr. Duggan recommends the board create a new first grade position for the 20/21 school year to be prepared for the expected enrollment increase at this grade level. This teacher would be based at Alan Shepard.
There are currently 245 kindergarten students across 10 classes. Typically a class size increases after kindergarten. For instance, a similar kindergarten group in 17-18 is now 265 in 2nd grade with 11 teachers. Due to COVID-19 this position is contingent on enrollment and budget.
Motion by Jayne Raef, second by Rob Rodewald to approve a new 1.0 FTE First Grade position for the 2020/2021 school year as presented. The following voice votes were heard: Ayes: Kelly Dunnill, Jamie Freedlund, John Hall, Rich McBarnes, Nicole McCarty, Jayne Raef, Rob Rodewald. Nays: None. Absent: None. Final Resolution: Motion Carries.
6.02 Approval of 1.0 Case Manager Position - Dr. Anitra Crockett, Director of Student Support Services
The Board members were given a proposal in the Board packets requesting approval of 1.0 case manager by Dr. Anitra Crockett, Director of Student Services. In an effort to ensure that IEPs are written with consistency and fidelity in accordance with state and federal guidelines, Dr. Crockett recommended 1 FTE special education case manager position be created. 1 FTE special education case manager would:
- Reduce the amount of planning time spent on IEP paperwork;
- Allow special education teachers time to plan instruction with general education peers; and
- Support elementary buildings in the pre-referral process as a member of the ESSIST team.
Motion by Jayne Raef, second by John Hall to approve 1.0 FTE Special Education Case Manager as presented. The following voice votes were heard: Ayes: Kelly Dunnill, Jamie Freedlund, John Hall, Rich McBarnes, Nicole McCarty, Jayne Raef, Rob Rodewald. Nays: None. Absent: None. Final Resolution: Motion Carries.
7. Mission of Bourbonnais Elementary School District #53 is to: Inspire all students to reach their unique potential as globally conscious learners
7.01 Illinois State Scholars - Dr. Margaret Longo, Interim Superintendent
Dr. Longo read the names of the 2019-2020 Illinois State Scholars who attended BESD53.
| Alexander Betterton | Reece Brown | Abigail Chinski | Sarah Hourihan |
| Kyle Huffaker | Aislee Klups | Sydney Kremer | Mya Lamontagne |
| Kaitlyn Lockwood | Elizabeth Noble | Allison O'Gorman | Faith Quigley |
| Zackary Randazzo | Connie Vi | Benny Wang | Amanda Williams |
8.01 Dates to Remember
- April 28, 2020 Regular Board Meeting 7:00 PM Administrative Office
- May 1, 2020 Economic Interest Statements Due
9.01 Non-Agenda Business by Board or Administration
10. Adjournment
10.01 Adjourn Motion by Rich McBarnes, second by Rob Rodewald to adjourn 7:36 PM. Ayes: All. Nays: None. Motion Carries
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