Carbondale Reporter

Galena Unit School District #120 Board of Education met May 19.

Here is the minutes provided by the board:

1. Welcome 

1.1 Call to Order - The Board of Education of Galena Unit School District #120 held their virtual meeting via Google Meet (due to the COVID-19 Shelter in Place Order) on May 19, 2020. The meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m.

1.2 Roll Call - Roll call was taken, and a quorum was established. The following members attended via Google Meet: Member Einsweiler, Member Frank, Member Hyland, President Long, Member Rosenthal and Member Stodden. Member McIntyre was absent.

1.3 Approval of Agenda - Member Rosenthal moved and Member Hyland seconded the motion to approve the Agenda as presented. Voice vote, all present voted aye. Motion carried 6-0.

1.4 Public Comments - none.

2. Superintendent/Administrative Reports

2.1 Interim Superintendent Report - The Interim Superintendent report may be found on BoardDocs, via the District website (www.gusd120.k12.il.us).

*Member McIntyre joined the meeting at 6:10 p.m.

In addition, Mr. Bianchetta reported that the greenhouse project was nearing completion; the hill around the greenhouse had now been graded and seeded and the downspouts were installed. He stated the only things left to do are for the downspouts to be connected to the underground drainage tile; the blacktop to be repaired from when utilities were run and to have the final walkthrough with United greenhouse.

Questions were raised as to who coordinated the projects overall and how much have all these last projects cost the District, as these are all standard steps that should have been done in the beginning and been caught by the contractor. No one seemed to know where the blame lies-with the previous superintendent, the architect or the contractors, but things were missed throughout the entire project; it was suggested the superintendent look back at the original bid to see if these things were included. Board members thanked Mr. Bianchetta and Mr. Mathers for stepping in and cleaning up the project to get it moving forward, and felt for any future projects they needed to be more thorough and detailed right from the start.

2.2 Principal Reports - The Principal reports may be found on BoardDocs, via the District website (www.gusd120.k12.il.us).

Mrs. Murphy gave an update to her report stating graduation had now been moved to June 12, 2020, at 7:30 p.m. She stated it will be a drive through ceremony around the track and they will hear speeches from the Co- Valedictorians and the Salutatorian. She also recognized the two Co-Valedictorians, Sophia Getz and Claire Leinen, as well as the Salutatorian, Elyse Keeffer. In addition, she recognized Sophia Getz for being selected as a National Merit Scholar, stating she is one of 7,500 Merit Scholarship winners from a group of more than 15,000 finalists.

2.3 GHS Athletic/Activity Director Report - The AD report may be found on BoardDocs, via the District website (www.gusd120.k12.il.us).

3. Board Business/Committee Meeting Reports 

3.1 Business/Committee Meeting Reports – The following items were discussed/acted upon at the May 5, 2020 Business Meeting:

● Reviewed the Third Quarter Financials

● Reviewed the District's Health Reimbursement Account Report

● Accepted the Resignation of Mrs. Erin Faulkner, GHS Ag Teacher

● Approved the hire of Sarah Lee as the High School Ag Teacher for the 2020-2021 School Year

● Approved the Job Description for the School Safety Designee

● Approved the GHS Key Club Advisor, Art Club Advisor, Spring Play Orchestra Director and Spring Play Vocal Director for the 2019-2020 School Year

● Received an update on Remote Learning and End of the Year Activities

● Received an updated on Facilities

4. Consent Agenda 

4.1 Approval of Consent Agenda – Member Hyland moved and Member Rosenthal seconded the motion to approve Consent Agenda Items 4.1 through 4.10. Roll call vote, all present voted aye. Motion carried 7-0.

4.2 Approval of Board Minutes - The Board approved the following Minutes:

● 4/8/20 Rescheduled Virtual Meeting Minutes

● 5/5/20 Virtual Business Meeting Minutes

4.3 Approval of Bills - The Board approved the March/April Revolving Fund bills and the April and May Board bills as presented, along with the usual and customary bills that come through during the period of time the shelter in place order is in effect.

4.4 Approval of Financial Reports – The Board approved the March Financial Reports as presented.

4.5 Approval of Treasurer's Monthly Statement - The Board approved the March and April Treasurer’s Report as presented.

4.6 Approval of Activity Fund Reports, Scholarship Fund Report and Revolving Fund Report - The Board approved the March and April Activity Fund Reports, Scholarship Fund Report and Revolving Fund Report as presented.

4.7 Approval of Destruction of Closed Session Audio Recordings from July and August, 2018 - The Board approved the destruction of closed session audio recordings from July and August, 2018 in accordance with 5 ILCS 120/2.06(c).

4.8 Approval of Discipline/Suspension Reports – Due to remote learning there were no Discipline Reports to share with the Board.

4.9 Approval of Monthly Enrollment Report - The Board reviewed and approved the April monthly Enrollment Report, as presented.

4.10 Approval of FOIA log: 2019–2020 - The Board reviewed and approved the April monthly FOIA log as presented.

5. Old Business 

5.1 Consideration and Possible Approval of Amended 10-Year Health, Life Safety Survey – Mr. Bianchetta requested the Board amend the HLS Survey that was presented in April. He stated while working on processing the survey and preparing it for ISBE approval he had a conversation with an acquaintance in the HLS Division at ISBE regarding the funding source for the HLS projects. He explained essentially the HLS plan that’s submitted to the State is referred to as an amendment. The amendment has a column where the school district indicates how the work will be paid for. In this case, our architect entered "other" as the funding source for all of the violations.

"Other" means that a source other than HLS funds will be used. A school district can't use HLS funds to pay for work that is listed as "other". However, you can use other sources of revenue if you indicate that the work will be funded with HLS and your HLS funds run short. It was a logical assumption to list the funding source as "other" because the District doesn't have the capacity to issue HLS bonds for the work. This is due to the fact that our District is under tax caps and has a very small debt limit. However, the District does have about $220,000 in its HLS Safety Fund, and it can add to this amount in the annual tax levy. Therefore, it was his recommendation to change the funding source to HLS (F-Fire safety) for all of the violations on the Survey which would create greater flexibility in financing the work. It will allow the District to use HLS, Operations and Maintenance, and or Capital Project (Sales Tax) to complete HLS work. To this end the following motion was made:

Member Rosenthal moved and Member Stodden seconded the motion to approve the changes to the Health Life Safety Survey, as presented. Roll call vote, all present voted aye. Motion carried 7-0.

5.2 Consideration and Possible Approval of Contract for Technology Services – Quality Network Solutions (QNS) had been supplying the District technology services for the last six years. This is the third year of a three-year contract with QNS. The contract stipulated the District must give 120 days (March 1, 2020) notice or the contract would automatically renew for an additional three years. Back in February, the District notified QNS that it did not intend to automatically renew their contract. This allowed the District to investigate other options. Over the course of the last few months, Mr. Bianchetta and Mr. Mathers interviewed three other technology companies (in addition to QNS) and requested quotes for a one-year and multiple year option. The companies are TC Network, Arrow Company, and Computer Dynamics. After consideration, they did not believe Computer Dynamics was equipped to meet the District needs and Arrow withdrew from consideration because they felt they were not ready to expand into the school market. They did extensive research on TC Network and received absolute excellent recommendations from 12 school districts that have a contract with TC Network. The feedback from staff regarding QNS was that their service was adequate.

Mr. Bianchetta and Mr. Mathers compared the quotes with Mr. Vincent from QNS and TC Networks. The bottom line is that when the annual contract costs, antivirus software, and "add on" costs were considered, they believed TC Networks was the less expensive option. They also believed TC Networks were equipped to offer the District superior service. It was their recommendation that the District approve a two-year contract, with a 3rd year option with an increase equal to the CPI with TC Networks. The contracted services would be for 32 hours per week of onsite technology support and remote services as required.

Representatives from TC Networks joined the meeting virtually and gave a brief overview of the story of their company and discussed how their approach differed from other tech companies. In addition, they shared their plan for transition, stating they were comfortable taking over from QNS, as QNS was East Dubuque’s provider last year so they are familiar with how things were left. They don’t come in heavy handed at the beginning of the year, as that wouldn’t work well for the budget and not everything QNS did was bad, so there are things they won’t need to redo. The first year they dig into inventory to see what needs to be replaced, look at computer rotations, talk with staff, etc. They want to see where there are concerns and what the District needs are moving forward.

Mr. Mathers stated the District will get federal e-rate reimbursement of approximately $20,000 that will go straight TC Networks to be applied to their bill.

To this end the following motion was made:

Member Rosenthal moved and Member Hyland seconded the motion to approve a two-year contract with TC Networks for technology support services for the Galena School District in an annual amount of $88,780, with a third year option with an increase based upon the CPI. Roll call vote, all present voted aye. Motion carried 7-0.

6. New Business 

6.1 Consideration and Possible Approval of ESY Summer Program – Mr. Bianchetta stated the District has special needs students who require summer school to meet their IEP goals. This summer program is called ESY for Extended School Year. Mrs. O’Shea, our School Social Worker, stated this proposal looks different from past years as traditionally these services were offered on site. This year services will be done virtually or will be delivered in packets. The upside to this is students will get individualized attention, as the way it worked out, the teachers who have been working with the students directly are willing to continue with them in this way. To this end the following motion was made:

Member Rosenthal moved and Member Stodden seconded the motion to approve the Extended School Year (ESY) summer program, as presented. Roll call vote, all present voted aye. Motion carried 7-0.

6.2 Consideration and Possible Approval of Employee Health Insurance Renewal – Recently the District received their employee health insurance renewal from BC/BS and are looking at a 12.14% increase in medical insurance premiums for next year. The reason for this increase is two-fold. First, the District had a high claims year. The target loss ratio (claims paid over premiums paid) was 85% and the loss ratio was 107%. Secondly, projected medical inflation is 7%. The 7% figure is based upon the assumption that many people have put off medical procedures during the COVID period and, therefore, there will be a significant increase in claims when restrictions are lifted. It was important to note, our health insurance advisors tried to obtain other bids for our coverage from other providers and there was little interest. The only alternate bid they received was 33% higher than what the District currently pays.

The new monthly medical rates are as follows:

• Employee: $487.08

• Employee and Spouse: $999.53

• Employee and Child(ren) $1033.49

• Family: $1,545.95

These new rates will create an additional $130,698.84 in new expenses. The District will cover 73% ($95,410.27) and the employee 27%.

The dental renewal monthly rates stayed the same, as follows:

• Employee: $35.55

• Employee and Spouse: $66.75

• Employee and Child(ren) $86.73

• Family: $127.40 To this end the following motion was made:

Member Rosenthal moved and Member Einsweiler seconded the motion to approve the employee health insurance renewal from BC/BS, as presented. Roll call vote, all present voted aye, with the exception of Member McIntyre who abstained. Motion carried 6-0-1.

6.3 Financial Implications Resulting from COVID-19 – Mr. Mathers gave an update on the possible financial implications as a result of COVID-19. He stated over the past several weeks he has sat through many webinars put on by ISBE, IASA, School Administrators, Illinois Association of School Boards, etc. Most of the information is consistent so you’re not getting mixed messages. The information at this time is a best guess, as no state legislatures are in Springfield yet, and until they pass anything with the budget all of this is conjecture at best. Traditionally in Illinois you will have seven years of really good and three years bad. That’s the cycle they go through as far as funding is concerned. The comment by IASA this week was to expect a 10-year recovery. That’s how much they expect it to impact finances in the State of Illinois.

He stated the good news is as a School District and a School Board we’ve been good fiduciaries of money, as we have fund balances to carry us through some of the situations that are going to be coming. He projects the District will have between $350,000 and $500,000 in lost revenues. He stated we know the one percent sales tax funds will be going down, as people are not buying as much as they were; Corporate Personal Property Replacement Tax will be cut by 25 to 33%, state aid may be cut, as well as cuts to Special Education and Transportation.

6.4 Possible approval of the ISBE Emergency Graduation Requirement for the Class of 2020 – The Illinois State Board of Education recommended local school districts consider approving emergency graduation requirements for the class of 2020. The idea behind the emergency requirements is that COVID-19 has had a negative impact on some seniors that has jeopardized their ability to meet graduation standards previously set by the school district. Essentially, the emergency requirements would apply to seniors who were in position to meet district graduation requirements prior to the suspension of onsite instruction, but are now in jeopardy of not meeting local graduation standards. Under the reduced emergency graduation requirements, seniors would have to earn at least: 

• 3.5 credits of language arts

• 2.5 credits of science

• 1.5 credits of social studies

•.5 credit of music, art, foreign language, or vocational education

Mr. Bianchetta, Mr. Mathers and Mrs. Murphy strongly recommended the Board approve the ISBE emergency graduation requirements for the class of 2020. To this end the following motion was made:

Member Rosenthal moved and Member Einsweiler seconded the motion to approve the ISBE Emergency Graduation Requirements for the class of 2020. Voice vote, all present voted aye. Motion carried 7-0.

6.5 Possibility of Rescheduling the June 2nd Business Meeting Date – The main topic of the June Business Meeting is to have a discussion of the role and work of the Board Facilities. Mr. Vincent wished to be part of this discussion, however, he already has a meeting scheduled in DeKalb for June 2nd. He asked the Board to consider moving the Tuesday, June 2nd meeting to Monday, Wednesday or Thursday of that week. To this end the following motion was made:

Member Rosenthal moved and Member Frank seconded the motion to approve rescheduling the June 2, 2020 Business Meeting to June 4, 2020 at 6:00 p.m. Voice vote, all present voted aye. Motion carried 7-0.

7. Comments 

7.1 Public Comments – Mr. Bianchetta commented on how special it was for one of our students to be a National Merit Scholar. He’s been in this business for 39 years and this is only the second time he’s been in a district where a student received this award. It is quite an accomplishment.

Kate Laskowski thanked the Interim Superintendents, stating the teachers talked as a Union and the support and leadership from Mr. Bianchetta and Mr. Mathers has been great; they cannot imagine how they would have made it through this past school year without them.

7.2 Closing Comments from Board Members – Member Hyland stated with the financial impact from the pandemic he would like the Board to take into consideration what role fundraising and fees might play into next school year.

Board members thanked the administration, teachers and parents who helped the students get through remote learning. Everyone did an awesome job with the hand that was dealt.

8. Executive Session For. 

8.1 The appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific employees, specific individuals who serve as independent contractors in a park, recreational, or educational setting, or specific volunteers of the public body or legal counsel for the public body, including hearing testimony on a complaint lodged against an employee, a specific individual who serves as an independent contractor in a park, recreational, or educational setting, or a volunteer of the public body or against legal counsel for the public body to determine its validity. However, a meeting to consider an increase in compensation to a specific employee of a public body that is subject to the Local Government Wage Increase Transparency Act may not be closed and shall be open to the public and posted and held in accordance with [the Open Meetings Act]. 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(1), amended by P.A. 101-459.

8.2 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. 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(2) – 8.1 and 8.2 - Board members stated there was no need for Executive Session.

9. Reconvene to Open Session 

9.1 Motion to Reconvene to Open Session – There was no Executive Session.

9.2 Recommendations from Executive Session (see below) – There was no Executive Session.

10. Personnel 

10.1 Acceptance of Resignation - JoAnn Garza, GMS Cheer Coach – Joann Garza submitted her resignation as GMS Cheer Coach, effective immediately. The position has since been posted internally. To this end the following motion was made:

Member Rosenthal moved and Member Einsweiler seconded the motion to accept the resignation of Joann Garza, GMS Cheer Coach, effective immediately. Voice vote, all present voted aye. Motion carried 7-0.

10.2 Acceptance of Resignation: Victoria Schuler, GMS Student Council Advisor – Victoria Schuler submitted her resignation as GMS Student Council Advisor effective the end of the 2019-2020 school year. To this end the following motion was made:

Member Rosenthal moved and Member Frank seconded the motion to accept the resignation of Victoria Schuler, GMS Student Council Advisor, effective the end of the 2019-2020 School Year. Voice vote, all present voted aye. Motion carried 7-0.

10.3 Consideration and Possible Approval of a Leave of Absence for Taylor Ozee as Assistant Volleyball Coach for the 2020-2021 School Year – Taylor Ozee submitted her Leave of Absence request as Assistant Volleyball Coach for the 2020-2021 School Year. The administration recommended approval. To this end the following motion was made:

Member Rosenthal moved and Member Frank seconded the motion to approve a leave of absence for Taylor Ozee as Assistant Volleyball Coach for the 2020-2021 School Year. Voice vote, all present voted aye. Motion carried 7-0.

10.4 Acceptance of Resignation: Abby Wills - GHS Assistant Volleyball Coach – Abby Wills submitted her resignation as GHS Assistant Volleyball Coach. To this end the following motion was made:

Member Frank moved and Member Rosenthal seconded the motion to accept the resignation of from Abby Wills as GHS Assistant Volleyball Coach, effective immediately. Voice vote, all present voted aye. Motion carried 7-0.

10.5 Consideration and Possible Approval to Hire Emily Mills as GMS Student Council Advisor for the 2020-2021 School Year – Mr. Soat recommended the Board hire Emily Mills as the GMS Student Council Advisor the 2020- 2021 School Year. To this end the following motion was made:

Member Frank moved and Member Stodden seconded the motion to approve Emily Mills as the GMS Student Council Advisor for the 2020-2021 school year. Roll call vote, all present voted aye. Motion carried 7-0.

10.6 Approval of GHS Drama Club Advisor for the 2019-2020 School Year – This is another new position that was included in the new 2019-2024 contract, but was inadvertently missed when the extra duty roster was submitted at a previous meeting. Mrs. Murphy requested that the Board approve Tracy Jenkins as GHS Drama Club Advisor for the 2019-2020 school year. To this end the following motion was made:

Member Rosenthal moved and Member Frank seconded the motion to approve the GHS Drama Club Advisor for the 2019-2020 School Year, as presented. Roll call vote, all present voted aye. Motion carried 7-0.

10.7 Consideration and Possible Approval of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Board and the Custodians – Mr. Mathers recommend the Board approve the Memorandum of Understanding with the custodians, stating the custodial staff requested an MOU concerning their use of vacation days for the summer of 2020. Per their contract they can sell 5 days back at the end of the year but cannot roll over days. Due to the COVID-19, the custodial staff will have a difficult time utilizing their vacation days this summer and requested the ability to carry over 5 vacation days to next school year. The Memorandum of Understanding would allow them to carry over 5 days, but they would then lose their right to sell back five days this school year.

Member Rosenthal stated he did not like the idea of the custodians selling days back and does not like doing agreements outside of the contract. Mr. Mathers stated this agreement would be for one year only; it’s a financial savings to the District. To this end the following motion was made:

Member Einsweiler moved and Member Stodden seconded the motion to approve the Memorandum of Understanding between the Board and the Custodians, as presented. Roll call vote, all present voted aye, with the exception of Member Rosenthal who voted Nay. Motion carried 6-1.

10.8 Consideration and Possible Approval of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Board and Galena Federation of Teachers – This MOU is being made due to a teacher starting her Master’s program prior to the current contract being ratified. The teacher is paying 100% of the cost and this does not create past practice nor precedent for future issues with Section 3.8 of the CBA. Mr. Mathers recommended the Board approve the Memorandum of Understanding with the Galena Federation of Teachers concerning the teacher’s horizontal movement on the salary schedule as a result of the completion of continuing education course work. There being no further discussion the following motion was made:

Member Rosenthal moved and Member Einsweiler seconded the motion to approve the Memorandum of Understanding between the Board and the Galena Federation of Teachers, as presented. Roll call vote, all present voted aye. Motion carried 7-0.

10.9 Consideration and Possible Approval to Extend a Contract to Craig Mathers to Serve as a District Consultant for the FY21 School Year – The Board had previously discussed the possibility of employing Mr. Mathers as a consultant to the Superintendent for the 2020-2021 school year, and Mr. Vincent requested that the Board give this position consideration. The recommendation was to employ Mr. Mathers for up to 45 days to be determined by Mr. Vincent. Mr. Mathers would assist primarily with the financial side, grant apps, etc. To this end the following motion was made:

Member Rosenthal moved and Member Einsweiler seconded the motion to Extend a Contract to Craig Mathers to Serve as a District Consultant for the FY21 School Year. Roll call vote, all present voted aye. Motion carried 7-0.

11. Adjournment 

11.1 Motion to Adjourn - Prior to adjournment the Board thanked Mr. Bianchetta for his services, as this would be his last meeting with Galena USD #120.

Member Rosenthal moved and Member Frank seconded the motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:17 p.m. Voice vote, all present voted aye. Motion carried 7-0.

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