Galena Unit School District #120 Board of Education met Jan. 21.
Here is the minutes provided by the board:
Call to Order; Pledge of Allegiance - The Board of Education of Galena Unit School District #120 met in regular session at the Galena Middle School Library. The meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m. President Korte led the audience in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance.
Roll Call - Roll call was taken, and a quorum was established. The following members were present: Member Einsweiler, Member Frank, Member Hyland, President Korte, Member McIntyre and Member Rosenthal. Member Long was absent.
Approval of Agenda - Member Frank moved, and Member McIntyre seconded the motion to approve the Agenda as presented. Voice vote, all present voted aye. Motion carried 6-0.
District Mission Statement - The District Mission Statement was recited, as follows: Within a safe and supportive environment, the mission of Galena Unit School District #120 is to empower every student with the knowledge and skills to become a life-long learner and a responsible, contributing member of society.
IASB Code of Conduct - Each month the Board reviews one tenet from the IASB Board of Conduct. This month the Board reviewed tenet #1, as follows: “ I will represent all school district constituents honestly and equally and refuse to surrender my responsibilities to special interest or partisan political group.”
Student Recognition - The following student was recognized for his accomplishment - GMS 2020 Geography Bee Winner: Andrew Koenigs. He will soon take a qualifying test to see if he qualifies for the Illinois State Geography Bee contest.
Audio may be found on BoardDocs via the district website (www.gusd120.k12.il.us).
Public Comments - none.
Superintendent/Administrative Reports
Interim Superintendent Report - The Interim Superintendent report may be found on BoardDocs, via the District website (www.gusd120.k12.il.us).
Audio may be found on BoardDocs via the district website (www.gusd120.k12.il.us).
Principal Reports - The Principal reports may be found on BoardDocs, via the District website
(www.gusd120.k12.il.us).
Audio may be found on BoardDocs via the district website (www.gusd120.k12.il.us).
GHS Athletic/Activity Director Report - The AD report may be found on BoardDocs, via the District website (www.gusd120.k12.il.us).
Audio may be found on BoardDocs via the district website (www.gusd120.k12.il.us).
Board Business/Committee Meeting Reports
Business Meeting Report - The following items were discussed/acted on at the January 7, 2020 Business Meeting:
Review Board Policy
Board Member Conflict of Interest
Feedback from Faculty and Staff Regarding Qualities for the New Superintendent
Discussion Regarding Format for the January 15, 2020 Public Forum
Discussion Regarding the Superintendent Interview Process
Consideration and Possible Approval to Hire a Full-time Paraprofessional
Committee Meeting Reports – There were no committee meetings held this month, however, a Public Forum was held on January 15, 2020, to receive the public's input concerning the qualities to be sought in a new superintendent.
Consent Agenda
Approval of Consent Agenda - Member Rosenthal moved and Member McIntyre seconded the motion to approve Consent Agenda Items 4.1 through 4.10. Roll call vote, all present voted aye. Motion carried 6-0. Audio may be found on BoardDocs via the district website (www.gusd120.k12.il.us)
Approval of Board Minutes - The Board approved the following Minutes:
12/17/19 Special Meeting Minutes
12/17/19 - Regular Meeting Minutes
1/7/20 - Business Meeting Minutes
1/15/20 - Special Meeting Minutes
1/15/20 - Executive Minutes
Approval of Bills - The Board approved the December Revolving Fund bills and the December Board bills as presented.
Approval of Financial Reports – The Board approved the December Financial Reports as presented. Superintendent Mathers provided the Board with a quick snapshot of where the District is at with their budget that was approved last fall. As of December, the Revenues were at 73% and the Expenditures were at 47% of the overall funds. He stated the numbers in the Education fund will go up with the CBA being settled and the O & M numbers will also go up due to the winter season. Transportation is in the negative, however, he reminded the Board that the lease had been paid up front. With those exceptions the District is in budget with all other funds.
Approval of Treasurer's Monthly Statement - The Board approved the December Treasurer’s Report as presented.
Approval of Activity Fund Reports, Scholarship Fund Report and Revolving Fund Report - The Board approved the December Activity Fund Reports, Scholarship Fund Report and Revolving Fund Report as presented.
Approval of Destruction of Closed Session Audio Recordings from April, 2018 - The Board approved the destruction of closed session audio recordings from April, 2018 in accordance with 5 ILCS 120/2.06(c).
Approval of Discipline/Suspension Reports - The Board reviewed and approved the December/January Discipline/Suspension Reports as presented.
Approval of Monthly Enrollment Report - The Board reviewed and approved the December monthly Enrollment Report, as presented.
Approval of FOIA log: 2019–2020 - The Board reviewed and approved the December/January monthly FOIA log as presented.
Old Business
Discussion and Possible Action on the Contract with QNS for Technology Services for the District - The District has contracted with QNS for several years and there is a clause in the contract that it will automatically renew for another three years unless they receive notification of non-renewal within 120 days of the contract expiration date. Mr. Mathers explained it’s not saying we won’t be back, but it’s good business to contact other companies in addition to QNS to see if we can get the same or better services for our dollar. He recommended the Board approve sending a letter of non-renewal to QNS. To this end the following motion was made:
Member Rosenthal moved and Member Einsweiler seconded the motion to approve sending a notification letter to QNS of an automatic non-renewal of technology contract services for three years. Voice vote, all present voted aye. Motion carried 6-0.
Audio may be found on BoardDocs via the district website (www.gusd120.k12.il.us)
Consideration and Possible Adoption of Revisions to Board Policies: 2:20, 2:70, 2:100, 2:105, 2:110, 2:200, 2:220, 2:250, 2:260, 3:50, 4:15, 4:30, 4:40, 4:60, 4:80, 4:110, 4:140, 4:150, 4:170, 4:175, 4:190, 5:10, 5:20, 5:30, 5:50, 5:90, 5:100, 5:120, 5:125, 5:150, 5:190, 5:200, 5:220, 5:250, 5:260, 5:285, 5:290, 5:330, 6:15, 6:20, 6:60, 6:65, 6:150, 6:180, 6:210, 6:270, 6:300, 6:310, 6:320, 7:20, 7:150, 7:180, 7:190, 7:200, 7:270, 2:290, 7:340, 8:30 -
The following policies contain several revisions, as Superintendent Bianchetta explained in detail to the Board at the time of the first reading at the December meeting. It was recommended that the Board approve the Policies with the revisions as presented.
| Policy # | Title of Policy |
| 2:20 | Powers and Duties of the School Board; Indemnification |
| 2:70 | Vacancies on the School Board – Filling Vacancies |
| 2:100 | Board Member Conflict of Interest |
| 2:105 | Ethics and Gift Ban |
| 2:110 | Qualifications, Term, and Duties of Board Officers |
| 2:200 | Types of School Board Meetings |
| 2:220 | School Board Meeting Procedure |
| 2:250 | Access to District Public Records |
| 2:260 | Uniform Grievance Procedure |
| 3:50 | Administrative Personnel Other Than the Superintendent |
| 4:15 | Identity Protection |
| 4:30 | Revenue and Investments |
| 4:40 | Incurring Debt |
| 4:60 | Purchases and Contracts |
| 4:80 | Accounting and Audits |
| 4:110 | Transportation |
| 4:140 | Waiver of Student Fees |
| 4:150 | Facility Management and Building Programs |
| 4:170 | Safety |
| 4:175 | Convicted Child Sex Offender; Screening; Notifications |
| 4:190 | Targeted School Violence Prevention Program |
| 5:10 | Equal Employment Opportunity and Minority Recruitment |
| 5:20 | Workplace Harassment Prohibited |
| 5:30 | Hiring Process and Criteria |
| 5:50 | Drug- and Alcohol-Free Workplace; E-Cigarette, Tobacco, and Cannabis Prohibition |
| 5:90 | Abused and Neglected Child Reporting |
| 5:100 | Staff Development Program |
| 5:120 | Employee Ethics; Conduct; and Conflict of Interest |
| 5:125 | Personal Technology and Social Media; Usage and Conduct |
| 5:150 | Personnel Records |
| 5:190 | Teacher Qualifications |
| 5:200 | Terms and Conditions of Employment and Dismissal |
| 5:220 | Substitute Teachers |
| 5:250 | Leaves of Absence |
| 5:260 | Student Teachers |
| 5:285 | Drug and Alcohol Testing for School Bus and Commercial Vehicle Drivers |
| 5:290 | Employment Termination and Suspensions |
| 5:330 | Sick Days, Vacation, Holidays, and Leaves |
| 6:15 | School Accountability |
| 6:20 | School Year Calendar and Day |
| 6:60 | Curriculum Content |
| 6:65 | Student Social and Emotional Development |
| 6:150 | Home and Hospital Instruction |
| 6:180 | Extended Instructional Programs |
| 6:210 | Instructional Materials |
| 6:270 | Guidance and Counseling Program |
| 6:300 | Graduation Requirements |
| 6:310 | High School Credit for Non-District Experiences; Course Substitutions; Re-Entering Students |
| 6:320 | High School Credit for Proficiency |
| 7:20 | Harassment of Students Prohibited |
| 7:150 | Agency and Police Interviews |
| 7:180 | Prevention of and Response to Bullying, Intimidation, and Harassment |
| 7:190 | Student Behavior |
| 7:200 | Suspension Procedures |
| 7:270 | Administering Medicines to Students |
| 7:290 | Suicide and Depression Awareness and Prevention |
| 7:340 | Student Records |
| 8:30 | Visitors to and Conduct on School Property |
Member Rosenthal moved and Member McIntyre seconded the motion to approve the following policies: 2:20, 2:70, 2:100, 2:105, 2:110, 2:200, 2:220, 2:250, 2:260, 3:50, 4:15, 4:30, 4:40, 4:60, 4:80, 4:110, 4:140, 4:150, 4:170, 4:175, 4:190, 5:10, 5:20, 5:30, 5:50, 5:90, 5:100, 5:120, 5:125, 5:150, 5:190, 5:200, 5:220, 5:250, 5:260, 5:285, 5:290, 5:330, 6:15, 6:20, 6:60, 6:65, 6:150, 6:180, 6:210, 6:270, 6:300, 6:310, 6:320, 7:20, 7:150, 7:180, 7:190, 7:200, 7:270, 2:290, 7:340, 8:30, as presented. Voice vote, all present voted aye. Motion carried 6-0.
Audio may be found on BoardDocs via the district website (www.gusd120.k12.il.us)
Confirm Special Meeting Dates and Times for the Purpose of Interviewing Superintendent Candidates – The Special Meeting dates and times were confirmed for the first round of Superintendent interviews, as follows: January 22nd, January 23rd, and January 24th starting at 4:20 p.m. in the District Office.
New Business
Consideration and Acceptance of Donation from Anderson-Weber Toyota - Anderson-Weber Toyota reached out to Mr. Soat indicating they would like to donate two new scoreboards to Galena Middle School. The total cost of two scoreboards from All-American Scoreboards is $8539. The scoreboards would be very similar to those at GHS (without the individual stat panel). Anderson Weber would pay for the cost of each scoreboard along with signage to be included. The School District would be responsible for installation. Mr. Soat recommended that the Board accept this generous donation, as presented. To this end the following motion was made:
Member Rosenthal moved and Member McIntyre seconded the motion to accept the generous donation from Anderson-Weber Toyota of two new scoreboards for Galena Middle School having a value of $8539.00, with the understanding the District would be responsible for the installation. Roll call vote, all present voted aye.
Motion carried 6-0.
Audio may be found on BoardDocs via the district website (www.gusd120.k12.il.us)
Preliminary Discussion of 2020-2021 School Calendar – Superintendent Mathers provided the Board with a draft calendar for FY21. The calendar starts with two Inservice dates on August 17th and 18th with the last Inservice date being May 24th, and an additional five emergency days built in after that date. The Parent Teacher conference schedule is a bit different from past school years, as there was feedback from holding them at different times at the three schools. The principals came to a consensus to hold conferences at all three schools on October 15th and again on October 22nd from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm. By doing it this way it banks time to have a comp day the Wednesday before Thanksgiving. He stated this is a first reading as they are still waiting on feedback from staff and will be working with the CTE districts to align the calendars as much as possible.
Audio may be found on BoardDocs via the district website (www.gusd120.k12.il.us)
Consideration and Possible Approval of Intergovernmental Agreement for Track Coop - Superintendent Mathers stated this is the same Intergovernmental Agreement as has been done in the past with the same three schools, East Dubuque, River Ridge and Galena. He recommended the Board approve the Agreement. To this end the following motion was made:
Member Rosenthal moved and Member Einsweiler seconded the motion to approve the renewal of the Intergovernmental Agreement for Track Co-Op, as presented. Roll call vote, all present voted aye. Motion carried 6-0.
Audio may be found on BoardDocs via the district website (www.gusd120.k12.il.us)
Consideration and Possible Approval of Requests to Attend Three Overnight FFA Conferences – Superintendent Mathers stated Mrs. Faulkner is requesting the Board approve three overnight FFA conferences and provided the Board with pertinent details, as follows:
212 Conference in Decatur, IL - This conference offers students the opportunity to develop personal and leadership skills that will be valuable to them now and in the future. Students attend workshops led by staff trained by The National FFA Organization. This year there will be 3 students attending. We will be staying at Decatur Hotel and Conference Center. The 3 female students will share a room and Mrs. Faulkner will be in her own room. The only cost to the district is transportation.
State Vet Science - This is a state Career Development Event that students who have competed the previous years showed interest in going to compete at the state contest in Joliet. If students win the state contest they would advance to the National Contest at the 2020 National FFA Convention. Students apply knowledge they have learned directly related to veterinary science. The team is not currently set but is typically all females. We will be staying in a hotel in Joliet, IL. Students will have their own room and Mrs. Faulkner will have her own. Cost to the district will be transportation.
State Awards Day at University of Illinois - Students compete with their Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) record books. In their record books students track their activities, what they are learning, the amount of time spent, and money invested or earned from their individual project. Students must advance through the Section and District Interview Contests. Attendees would only be those that win at the District level. Any students would have separate hotel rooms based on gender and Mrs. Faulkner would have a separate room. Additional chaperone (to serve as a judge at the competition) is only required if more than one student advances. Last year Mackenzie Furlong placed 2nd in state with her Wildlife Entrepreneurship Project. Cost to the district will be transportation.
Superintendent Mathers recommended approval. To this end the following motion was made:
Member Einsweiler moved and Member McIntyre seconded the motion to allow the Agricultural Education teacher to take students to various overnight conferences, as presented. Roll call vote, all present voted aye. Motion carried 6-0.
Audio may be found on BoardDocs via the district website (www.gusd120.k12.il.us)
Approval of ISBE School Maintenance Grant Application - The Board was provided with a copy of the application for the state School Maintenance Project Grant. Superintendent Mathers stated it is a matching grant with a request for $50,000 from the state and a required $50,000 match from the District. The project included in the grant is the repair and replacement of the air handling system at the Primary School. This project was discussed at an earlier meeting. Bids have already been sent out on this project and the bid opening will take place in the District Office on January 24th. The grant deadline is February 14th and the application, if approved, would be submitted well in advance of that date. To this end the following motion was made:
Member Einsweiler moved and Member Rosenthal seconded the motion to approve the ISBE School Maintenance Grant Application with the Funding Source Being the District Capital Fund, as presented. Roll call vote, all present voted aye. Motion carried 6-0.
Audio may be found on BoardDocs via the district website (www.gusd120.k12.il.us)
Consideration and Possible Action on the Status of Closed Session Minutes from July 1, 2019 through December 31, 2019 - The Illinois School Code requires that Boards of Education review closed session minutes at least twice a year to determine if the minutes should be kept closed. Closed session minutes from July through December were available for the Board’s review. The Board felt there was no need to go into Closed Session and the following motion was made:
Member Rosenthal moved and Member McIntyre seconded the motion to keep the Executive Session Minutes from July 1, 2019 through December 31, 2019 in closed status. Voice vote, all present voted aye. Motion carried 6-0.
Audio may be found on BoardDocs via the district website (www.gusd120.k12.il.us)
Comments
Public Comments - none.
Closing Comments from Board Members –
Member Rosenthal thanked the Interim Superintendents for all they’ve done since they’ve been here. He’s impressed with the superintendent search process; feels they have some great applicants and is looking forward to watching the process continue.
Member Hyland attended the Crisis Team meeting and was very impressed. He said from what he learned, our current cameras are great, however have limitations as they do not cover blind spots. Moving forward, if they’re looking at purchasing camera’s they should look at getting something that would cover the entire area.
Member Frank thanked the Principals and the Athletic Director for all they do, as it wouldn’t happen without their leadership and direction.
President Korte said it was nice to be back and was hopeful to continue with the Board’s good work.
Member Einsweiler thanked the 12 people that showed up to the Public Forum and appreciated their feedback and the feedback from the staff. He said it’s nice to see everyone’s thoughts are pretty much the same with what they’d like to see in the next superintendent.
Member McIntyre appreciates everything the Interim Superintendents have done for this District.
Audio may be found on BoardDocs via the district website (www.gusd120.k12.il.us)
Executive Session For...
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." OMA exemption 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(1) … and
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." OMA exemption 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(2) -
Member Einsweiler moved and Member Rosenthal seconded the motion to enter into Executive Session at 6:58
p.m. for 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." OMA exemption 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(1) and for 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." OMA exemption 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(2). Roll call vote, all present voted aye. Motion carried 6-0.
Discussion of minutes of meetings lawfully closed under the Open Meetings Act, whether for purposes of approval by the body of the minutes or semi-annual review of the minutes as mandated by Section 2.06." OMA exemption 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(21) – No need to go to Executive Session on Item 8.3.
Reconvene to Open Session
Motion to Reconvene to Open Session – Member Rosenthal moved, and Member Hyland seconded the motion to reconvene to open session at 10:10 p.m. Voice vote, all present voted aye. Motion carried 6-0.
Recommendations from Executive Session (see below Items 10.1 to 10.7)
Personnel
Consideration and Approval of Retirement Resignation -
Member Hyland moved and Member Rosenthal seconded the motion to accept the Retirement Resignation of Heidi O’Shea effective at the end of the 2023-2024 school year, with a 4% increase in creditable earnings in each of the last four years, as allowed per Section 3.10 of the 2018-2019 CBA. Roll call vote, all present voted aye.
Motion carried 6-0
Consideration and Possible Approval of Non-Paid Day(s) Requests and Dock Day Request – Board members approved the following Non-Paid Day requests and Dock Day request, however, said in the future they will write a policy that prohibits the use of non-paid/dock days unless there is a hardship. To this end the following motions were made:
Member Rosenthal moved and Member Hyland seconded the motion to approve Non-Paid Day(s) Request from Nikki Bauer, Paraprofessional, as presented. Voice vote, all present voted aye. Motion carried 6-0.
Member Rosenthal moved and Member Hyland seconded the motion to approve Non-Paid Day(s) Request from Cassandra Folks, Paraprofessional, as presented. Voice vote, all present voted aye. Motion carried 6-0.
Member Rosenthal moved and Member Hyland seconded the motion to approve Non-Paid Day(s) Request from Kelsie Hillard, Paraprofessional, as presented. Voice vote, all present voted aye. Motion carried 6-0.
Member Rosenthal moved and Member Hyland seconded the motion to approve Non-Paid Day(s) Request from Vicky Richard, Paraprofessional, as presented. Voice vote, all present voted aye. Motion carried 6-0.
Member Rosenthal moved and Member Hyland seconded the motion to approve the Dock Day Request from Sandra Getz, Teacher, as presented. Voice vote, all present voted aye. Motion carried 6-0.
Consideration and Possible Internal Transfer of Emily Mills, 1st Grade Teacher, to K-8 STEM position for the 2020-2021 School Year –
Member Rosenthal moved and Member Hyland seconded the motion to approve the internal transfer of Emily Mills from First Grade to the K-8 STEM position for the 2020-2021 School Year. Roll call vote, all present voted aye. Motion carried 6-0.
Consideration and Possible Approval of Collective Bargaining Agreement with the Galena Federation of Teachers –
Member Rosenthal moved and Member Hyland seconded the motion to approve the 2019 – 2024 Collective Bargaining Agreement with the Galena Federation of Teachers, as presented. Roll call vote, all present voted aye, except for Member McIntyre who abstained. Motion carried 5-0-1.
Member Rosenthal moved and Member Hyland seconded the motion to approve the Memorandum of Understanding on Ghost Lane 10 with the Galena Federation of Teachers, as presented. Roll call vote, all present voted aye, except for Member McIntyre who abstained. Motion carried 5-0-1.
Member Rosenthal moved and Member Hyland seconded the motion to approve the Memorandum of Understanding on Hold Harmless Stipends with the Galena Federation of Teachers, as presented. Roll call vote, all present voted aye, except for Member McIntyre who abstained. Motion carried 5-0-1.
Consideration and Possible Approval of Compensation for Mr. Ben Soat, GMS Principal for the 2019-2020 School Year –
Member Rosenthal moved and Member Hyland seconded the motion to set Mr. Ben Soat's salary for the 2019- 2020 school year with a salary increase of 3%. Roll call vote, all present voted aye. Motion carried 6-0.
Consideration and Possible Approval of Contract and Compensation for Mrs. Jill Muehleip, GPS Principal for the 2019-2020 School Year –
Member Rosenthal moved and Member Hyland seconded the motion to set Mrs. Jill Muehleip's salary for the 2019-2020 school year with a salary increase of 3%. Roll call vote, all present voted aye. Motion carried 6-0.
Consideration and Possible Approval of Compensation for Bus Drivers: Route Wage and Wait-time Wage for the 2019-2020 School Year -
Member Rosenthal moved and Member McIntyre seconded the motion to increase the Bus Driver route rate for the 2019-2020 School year by $1.00 per route. Roll call vote, all present voted aye. Motion carried 6-0.
Member Rosenthal moved and Member McIntyre seconded the motion to increase the Bus Driver wait-time rate for the 2019-2020 school year by .20 cents. Roll call vote, all present voted aye. Motion carried 6-0.
Adjournment
Motion to Adjourn - Member Rosenthal moved and Member Hyland seconded the motion to adjourn the meeting at 10:18 p.m. Voice vote, all present voted aye. Motion carried 6-0.
https://gusd120.k12.il.us/Pirates/meeting-information-docs/
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