Committee of the Whole Meeting 5:30pm Tuesday, May 12, 2015 Genoa-Kingston Community Unit School District #424 Genoa-Kingston High School Community Room 980 Park Avenue Genoa, IL 60135 1. Call to Order 2. Closed session for discussion of the appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance or dismissal of specific employees of the District in compliance with 5 ILCS 120/2/(c)(1) and the selection of a person to fill a public office, as defined in this Act, including a vacancy in a public office, when the public body is given power to appoint under law or ordinance, or the discipline, performance or removal of the occupant of a public office, when the public body is given power to remove the occupant under law or ordinance in compliance with ILCS 120/2(c)(3), and collective negotiating matters between the District and its employees or their representatives, or deliberations concerning salary schedules for one or more classes of employees in compliance with 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(2) 3. Reconvene to Open Session 4. Impact Club Video 5. 2020 Survey 6. 2015-16 Phonics Recommendation 7. Amended School Calendar 2014-15 8. Triple I Conference - November 2015 9. Building Handbooks and District Handbooks 10. Board Meeting Dates 11. Superintendent/Board Communication 12. Future Agenda Items 13. Closed session for discussion of the appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific employees of the District in compliance with 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(1) and the selection of a person to fill a public office, as defined in this Act, including a vacancy in a public office, when the public body is given power to appoint under law or ordinance, or the discipline, performance or removal of the occupant of a public office, when the public body is given power to remove the occupant under law or ordinance in compliance with 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(3), and collective negotiating matters between the District and its employees or their representatives, or deliberations concerning salary schedules for one or more classes of employees in compliance with 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(2). 14. Reconvene to Open Session 15. Adjournment
Committee of the Whole Meeting 5:30pm Tuesday, May 12, 2015 Genoa-Kingston Community Unit School District #424 Genoa-Kingston High School Community Room 980 Park Avenue Genoa, IL 60135 Call to Order President Paul Kruse called the Genoa-Kingston CUSD #424 Committee of the Whole meeting to order at 5:36 pm. Present: Taunya Fischer, Kerri Sosnowski, Barb Gustafson, Kristin Brynteson and Paul Kruse Absent: Heather Edwards A motion was made by Paul Kruse, and seconded by Kristin Brynteson, to appoint Kristie Mulso as secretary pro-tem for this closed session. Voice vote: All. Motion carried Closed session for discussion of the appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance or dismissal of specific employees of the District in compliance with 5 ILCS 120/2/(c)(1) and the selection of a person to fill a public office, as defined in this Act, including a vacancy in a public office, when the public body is given power to appoint under law or ordinance, or the discipline, performance or removal of the occupant of a public office, when the public body is given power to remove the occupant under law or ordinance in compliance with ILCS 120/2(c)(3), and collective negotiating matters between the District and its employees or their representatives, or deliberations concerning salary schedules for one or more classes of employees in compliance with 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(2) A motion was made by Barb Gustafson, and seconded by Kristin Brynteson, to convene to closed Session for discussion of the appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance or dismissal of specific employees of the District in compliance with 5 ILCS 120/2/(c)(1) and the selection of a person to fill a public office, as defined in this Act, including a vacancy in a public office, when the public body is given power to appoint under law or ordinance, or the discipline, performance or removal of the occupant of a public office, when the public body is given power to remove the occupant under law or ordinance in compliance with ILCS 120/2(c)(3), and collective negotiating matters between the District and its employees or their representative, or deliberations concerning salary schedules for one or more classes of employees in compliance with 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(2) at 5:38 pm. Ayes: Brynteson, Fischer, Gustafson, Sosnowski, Kruse Motion Carried Reconvene The board reconvened to open session at 6:18 p.m.
Page 2 Impact Club Video Mr. Burgess introduced Callie Busby a senior who helps to run the Impact Club along with Ms. Wilkins. Mr. Burgess stated he presented an opportunity to the Impact Club in creating an antibullying campaign and contest. Callie Busby led the efforts in creating a contest district wide. Mr. Burgess stated the Impact Club is a very diverse group of students that did a great job researching and sharing information to create a video and contest for all grade levels. Callie Busby presented a G-K High School anti-bullying campaign video to the board that the Impact Club students have initiated. Callie Busby stated the Impact Club is a community service group. She also stated visiting each building in the district to talk about bullying issues. Callie Busby and the Impact Club created a video presentation to share with students at Genoa Elementary School, Genoa-Kingston Middle School and Genoa-Kingston High School. She also stated creating a grade level appropriate presentation for Davenport Elementary and Kingston Elementary Schools including words and a Sesame Street movie. Callie Busby stated the students created videos, posters, and even books conveying the antibullying message. The winners received a pizza party. She also stated the Impact Club s video clearly states how bullying impacts students. Callie Busby thanked Mr. Burgess for bringing the antibullying contest to the forefront and hopes it will continue for years to come. Mr. Burgess asked if the impact was stronger because G-K Students appeared in the video. Callie Busby stated the appearance of our students had a huge impact. The Board of Education thanked Mr. Burgess, Ms. Wilkins, Callie Busby, and the Impact Club for their efforts in bringing awareness to the bullying issues. 2020 Survey Mr. Burgess stated Dr. Steinbach and the Vision 20/20 group created a survey for parents, teachers and students. Dr. Steinbach presented a collaboration of the 20/20 survey data to the board. Dr. Steinbach stated the surveys were open for three weeks in April. Dr. Steinbach stated most parents surveyed have reliable internet service at home. He also stated 32% of parents felt it was important District #424 provide students with a computer to use at school and home. Most parents liked the idea of renting or purchasing the technology. Dr. Steinbach also stated the teacher survey stated 46% were very familiar or comfortable with using the web to find new tools or applications. The survey also stated teachers are currently using; I-pads, Elmo-Document Camera-Smart Board, Chrome books, and laptops. The teachers also stated being familiar with; Dropbox, email and calendar applications. Dr. Steinbach stated the student data revealed that students felt it was very important to have technology available at home and at school. The survey also stated the type of technology commonly used by students was; cell phones, laptops and tablets. Students were also asked their comfort level with technologies and what programs they felt they could use further help with. Dr. Steinbach stated the 2020 surveys were very helpful to move our district forward in technology. Brynteson stated the survey data was fantastic. She also asked if there was data to suggest what parents and students would like to do with the current technology.
Page 3 Dr. Steinbach stated students and parents shared math, E-Spark, and more I-pad time as areas to use technology. The surveys also stated parents were very supportive of technology and Chrome books in school and at home. President Paul Kruse stated the board was supportive in the efforts to continue to grow technology in the district. Mr. Burgess stated recently raising registration fees to help cover the cost of technology. He also stated furthering staff and student s education in the use of technology and tools, as well as our Tech Expo as ways the district continues to support and help grow technology in the district. Dr. Shortridge stated the board can feel confident we are headed in the right direction with technologies. Mrs. Hill stated we have just started developing the technologies program. She also stated this is the first year we have had Chrome books in the district and the impact it has had on our students learning is very positive. President Paul Kruse asked if there was any PLC training for this type of technology. Mrs. Hill stated working with the current sixth grade team in training other staff members. 2015-16 Phonics Recommendation Mr. Burgess stated Mrs. Dudley, the curriculum committee and the kindergarten group have a recommendation for a new phonics program. Mrs. Wills stated the Phonics Committee met on April 29th to discuss the input from the involved grade levels. Kindergarten, 1st, and 2nd grades unanimously recommended Jolly Phonics. Mrs. Wills stated Jolly Phonics will take the students through phonics in writing, music and reading. The Jolly Phonics program will be consistent across the grades. The Phonics Committee fully agreed with their suggestion. The intent is to begin using the new program in the K-2 primary level classrooms. Third Grade teachers will provide phonics support using activities from Sitton Spelling and Word Skills and referencing the Common Core Reading Foundational Skills Standards. Recommendation: The Phonics Committee recommends Jolly Phonics for K-2 phonics classroom instruction in Genoa-Kingston District 424 beginning in the fall of 2015. Mrs. Hill stated the curriculum council saw the urgency to update the phonics program. Sosnowski stated she was glad to see the phonics program brought back. The new phonics recommendation will be placed on the May 26, 2015 board of education agenda for approval of 30 day public notice. Amended School Calendar 2014-15 Mr. Burgess stated the three snow days have been added to the 2014-15 calendar and we will seek approval of the final 2014-15 school calendar at the Tuesday, May 26, 2015 regular board meeting.
Page 4 Triple I Conference November 20-22 2015 Mr. Burgess stated it is important to seek confirmation of board attendance in advance for the IASB Triple I Conference. Mr. Burgess stated more information will be posted on IASB as it becomes available. Mrs. Mulso will email all board members with the details and hotel information for Triple I Conference in November. Building Handbooks and District Handbooks The board reviewed the 2015-16 building and district handbooks. Mr. Burgess stated any changes or updates are the recommendations of the handbook committee. He also stated any changes are new law or legislation. The building and district handbooks will be placed on the May 26, 2015 board of education meeting for final approval. Board Meeting Dates Mr. Burgess presented the 2015-16 board meeting dates for the board to review. He also stated there is only one meeting in July; however the rest of the meetings are typical. Brynteson stated she may not be able to attend the July 14, 2015 board meeting or may be able to attend by video or audio and would give the board 24 hour notice if need be. The 2015-16 board meeting dates will be placed on the May 26, 2015 board of education meeting for final approval. Superintendent/Board Communication Graduation Mr. Burgess stated High School Awards Night will be Wednesday, May 13, 2015 at 7:00 pm. High School Graduation will be held on Sunday, May 17, 2015 beginning at 1:00 pm. Middle School Promotion will be held on Wednesday, May 20, 2015 at 7:00 pm. Project Lead the Way Mr. Burgess stated developing a funding source, and use of the district s new signage to tie Project Lead the Way into the community. Mr. Burgess stated he will be attending a webinar through a cooperative with The University of Illinois and Northern Illinois University about Project Lead the Way. He also stated Mr. McCune will attending further education regarding Project Lead the Way to bring into the middle school this fall. Mr. Burgess stated talking to several schools that are involved with Project Lead the Way. He also stated that Byron School District dropped out of the program because of financial reasons not academic reasons. He further stated talking to Byron about purchasing some of their materials with grant money left over from the savings in Chrome books this year. Summer Building Usage Mr. Burgess stated working on the details of summer building usage.
Page 5 Teacher Appreciate Week Mr. Burgess thanked Regan Peterson for baking cookies for the buildings for teacher appreciation week. Future Agenda Items Building and Grounds Presentation Board Member Appointment Seating new Board Member 2014-15 Final School Calendar Approval 2015-16 Board Meeting Date Approval 2015-16 Building and District Handbook Approval Prevailing Wage Resolution 2015-16 Phonics Recommendation 30 Day Public Display Approval Closed session for discussion of the appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific employees of the District in compliance with 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(1) and the selection of a person to fill a public office, as defined in this Act, including a vacancy in a public office, when the public body is given power to appoint under law or ordinance, or the discipline, performance or removal of the occupant of a public office, when the public body is given power to remove the occupant under law or ordinance in compliance with 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(3), and collective negotiating matters between the District and its employees or their representatives, or deliberations concerning salary schedules for one or more classes of employees in compliance with 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(2). A closed session was not needed at this time. Adjournment A motion was made by Gustafson, and seconded by Sosnowski, to adjourn the Board of Education meeting at 7:31 pm. Voice vote: All motion carried. Paul Kruse, Board President Heather Edwards, Board Secretary