Present: Board President Greg Robitaille; Board Members Lori Goldstein, Carol Ducommun, Keith Dronen, Marc Glucksman, Patrick O’Donoghue Administrators: Superintendent Paul Sally; Assistant Superintendent for Finance and Operations Christopher Johnson; Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction Peter Tragos; Assistant Superintendent for Student Services Timothy Hayes; Assistant Superintendent for Special Education Joanne Panopoulos; Principal (Winnetka) Denise Dubravec; Principal (Northfield) Paul Waechtler; Board Secretary Lindsey Ruston. Absent: Board Vice President Cathleen Albrecht Public Comment: None Significant Information Items: Superintendent Goals (Sally): Presentation of district goals for 2018-19, which had not been done publicly in previous years. Goal is to get into an annual planning cycle, coordinated with the long-term strategic plan (New Trier 2030) in development now. Sally set goals for each of the 6 topics in the New Trier 2030 framework: Student Academic Engagement, Growth, and Readiness; Student Personal Engagement, Growth, and Well-Being; Culture, Climate, and Equity; Leadership Throughout the School; Community Engagement, Partnerships, and Governance; Facilities, and Finance and Human Resources. For example, under Student Academic Engagement, Growth, and Readiness, he set 2 goals related to post-high school programming, one with respect to the changing landscape of selective and highly-selective schools and the other to provide expanded information to students and parents across the entire continuum of post-high school options. In Student Personal Engagement, Growth and Well-Being, he set a goal of having targeted responses to concerns identified in the Youth Risk Behavior Survey, e.g., student use of alcohol, e-cigarettes and technology. See presentation at: https://www.boarddocs.com/il/newtrier/Board.nsf/files/B4Q4CJ830A4E/$file/6.%20C.%20Supt%20Goals%20Presentation.pdf. Board Member discussion focused on importance of transparency in the process, acknowledgment that process may look very different next year after this year’s experience and having New Trier 2030 in place by then, concern about whether deliverables should be more quantifiable. Development of New Trier 2030 strategic plan is in full swing, with stakeholders from various groups on the committee, and input sought from all at: http://www.newtrier.k12.il.us/Homepage/News/STRATEGIC_PLANNING_SURVEY/. Trustees discussed importance of communicating survey with ALL stakeholders, including those who do not use services of New Trier. Treasurer’s and Financial Reports (Johnson): Snapshot reports variations from last year are timing-related. Final audited financial report from 2017/18 expected at October BoE meeting. To see reports: https://www.boarddocs.com/il/newtrier/Board.nsf/files/B4LS6B6C707B/$file/7.%20(A.)%20Treasurer's%20Report%20Aug%202018.pdf; https://www.boarddocs.com/il/newtrier/Board.nsf/files/B4LS826CB00D/$file/7.%20(B.)%20Monthly%20Financials%20and%20Summary%20Aug%2018.pdf Strategic Communications Report (Nicole Dizon, Director of Communications): Presentation on importance of communication and communication goals and strategies with various constituencies, including students, parents, other community members, and alumni. Noted that Community Engagement Committee, formed over 10 years ago to oversee district’s community engagement, looking for new members. Currently publicizing and encouraging responses to survey (see link above under Superintendent Goals). Voting Items for BOE Members: FY2019 Budget for 2018-19 School Year (Johnson): Budget required to be adopted each year by September 30. Budget is balanced, with a projected surplus of $781K, largely due to projected property tax revenue for new property being greater than assumed (but less than levy request) at the time the 2017 levy approved November 2017. See Observer Report below for November 16, 2017, BoE meeting for discussion of the 2017 levy approval. Budget’s largest expenditures are for salaries (65%) and benefits (12%). To see budget, what budget supports, and process involved in developing budget: https://www.boarddocs.com/il/newtrier/Board.nsf/files/B4LUF47779E0/$file/6.%20(F.)%20FinalBudgetFY19_091018_Final.pdf. For presentation given to Board on budget, see: https://www.boarddocs.com/il/newtrier/Board.nsf/files/B4LUF277799D/$file/6.%20(F.)%20BudgetPresentation_FY19.pdf. Points made by various Board members in discussion included: hope that just because an expenditure is in budget, should not be spent if ultimately not needed this year (Sally confirmed not a use it or lose it budget); one board member’s concern about always budgeting for maximum tax levy, but also an acknowledgment by same member that operating budget very tight, can’t handle too much squeeze; budget does not show the trade-offs that are made, all the things that are not funded, that are discussed in the finance committee; acknowledgment that this is a rather lean budget, budget process rather stringent, involves many steps. Request made to staff to walk through all the steps of process in detail at a future meeting. Budget unanimously approved. Security Updates (Johnson): 2nd phase of security updates (exit doors with alarms, access control, lockdown hardware) in amount of $720K approved unanimously. Security consultant coming to November BoE meeting to discuss best practices and other potential improvements. Consent Agenda: August Bill List; Personnel Report; Reciprocal Reporting Agreements with Winnetka and Northfield Police Departments; Board Policies regarding medical marijuana and registration/ID requirements for visitors; adjusted school calendar for testing; ISBE Compensation Report; Paper Bid. Nothing pulled, unanimously approved. Next Meeting: October 15, 2018 Meeting Length: 2 hrs Observer: Mary Lawlor
1 Comment
Present: Board President Greg Robitaille, Vice President Cathleen Albrecht; Board Members: Carol Ducommun, Keith Dronen, Marc Glucksman, Lori Goldstein, Patrick O’Donoghue.
Administrators: Superintendent Paul Sally; Assistant Supt for Finance & Ops Christopher Johnson; Secretary Supt Lindsey Ruston; Assistant Supt for Curriculum &Instruction Peter Tragos; Assistant Supt for Student Services Timothy Hayes; Assistant Superintendent Special Ed Joanne Panopoulos; Principal (Winnetka) Denise Dubravec; Principal (Northfield) Paul Waechtler. Absent: None Significant Public Comment: None Information Items: Long Range Facilities Study (Chris Johnson/Steve Cashman – from Cashman Stahler Group) Presented findings from study done during 2017-18 school year to analyze future facilities needs. Stated expected usage of study is to inform strategic plan and help prioritize needs over next 15 years. Findings & recommendations were shared in areas related to: academic spaces, enrollment & scheduling efficiency, athletic & KW spaces, site/envelope/mechanical/electrical & plumbing, energy efficiency. Process going forward will be led by Facilities Steering Committee and Finance Committee with updates to the Board. Expect first phase of work to occur in FY20-FY24 without requiring referendum or additional taxpayer funding. Proposed 15-year framework to be presented to BOE in May 2019 https://boarddocs.com/il/newtrier/Board.nsf/files/B3XT9G6976C2/$file/6.%20(C.)%20FacilitiesStudySummaryandNextSteps_082418_Final.pdf Student Vaping Report (Timothy Hayes) Presented results of 2017 Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS), developed by the CDC. Focus of report to BOE and discussion was due to the significant increase in students indicating they had used vapes (e-cigarettes). While cigarette smoking has continued to decline, marijuana use has fluctuated (and risen recently; also hypothesized due to vaping), vaping has increased from 19% in 2014 & 2016 to 42% last year. Discussion focused on what NTHS can/should be doing to raise awareness with all community members; opportunities to educate parents and students; and suggestions on how to address via in-school discipline as well as through the local law enforcement community. Board requested additional, follow-up report at an appropriate time to keep this topic front & center. https://boarddocs.com/il/newtrier/Board.nsf/files/B3X7GY73986C/$file/2018YRBSBoardReportFINAL.pdf Campus Security Update (Chris Johnson) Verbal update to BOE on visible and behind the scenes changes to security as of start of school year. Specific reference to: Staff ID visibility, new secure vestibules for entry, improved camera systems. Next phase of security improvements to be recommended in September, expected cost/budget of $700k. Treasury & Financial Reports (Chris Johnson) Shared revised report with objective of creating greater ease of understanding and reinforcing District transparency. Financial report is first one of the fiscal year, making comparisons year-on-year less relevant. Noted strong revenue collections, due to Cook County tax bills going out on time, enabling greater opportunity to collect revenue earlier in the year, which led to +36% higher revenue this year vs last year. Positive variance vs last year is simply timing-related, and will reverse itself later in the year. For detailed reports, see link: https://boarddocs.com/il/newtrier/Board.nsf/files/B3X7WH75A419/$file/7.%20(B.)%20Monthly%20Financials%20and%20Summary%20July%2018.pdf Action Items Consent Agenda: Reciprocal Reporting Agreements with Winnetka and Northfield Police Depts were listed on the consent agenda; but were removed to be voted on in September. These were not discussed in this meeting. Quest Food Service Contract Amendment pulled for clarifying question; voted on & approved unanimously separately. Consent agenda including the following, approved unanimously: Bill list for period July 1-31, 2018; Personnel Report; Board Policies – Second Reading (6-300, 6-305, 6-310, regarding graduation requirements, transfer credits, and credits for non-district classes); Infinity Transportation Contract Extension; Ratification of Master Lease Agreement and Lease Schedules No. 3 & 4 to the Master Lease Agreement with Dell Financial Services dated 11/17/17, for the leasing of network storage equipment and copiers at a cost not to exceed a total of $1,174,595; Approval of Qualified Depository Accounts Next meeting: September 17, 2018 Observer: Cindy Levine Meeting Length: 2 hours; 25 minutes Present: Board President Greg Robitaille, Vice President Cathleen Albrecht. Board Members:Carol Ducommun, Keith Dronen, Marc Glucksman, Lori Goldstein, Patrick O’Donoghue.
Administrators: Superintendent Paul Sally; Assistant Superintendent for Finance and Operations Christopher Johnson; Secretary Superintendent Lindsey Ruston; Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction Peter Tragos; Assistant Superintendent for Student Services Timothy Hayes; Assistant Superintendent for Special Education Joanne Panopoulos, Principal (Winnetka) Denise Dubravec; Principal (Northfield) Paul Waechtler. Absent: None CITIZEN’S COMMENTS: None Information Items: Teacher Evaluation Overview and Update--Peter Tragos reported on the professional culture at New Trier. This dense report covered the methods of developing and evaluating teachers. New Trier values formative and evaluative feedback and supporting development and growth for every teacher at each stage in their career. Every non-tenured teacher is evaluated yearly and tenured teachers are evaluated bi-annually. Board discussion focused on incorporating student feedback, coaches evaluations, time spent on teacher evaluations, and assessment categories for teachers. Treasurer’s and Financial Reports--Chris Johnson submitted snapshot reports for June, last month of FY18; he expects to be on budget for fiscal year. Highlights included increased interest income ($500,000) as interest rates rise (now over 2%). Board Policy--First Reading Transfer Credits Toward Graduation Requirements. Changes in board policy are in response to the increase in non-district learning experiences. Students are pursuing personalized and non-traditional courses and are requesting these experiences to be included on transcripts. This pertains to both students who are transferring into NT and current NT students. Changes maintain the district’s discretion for the valuation criteria outside courses. Visitors To and Conduct On School Property. Changes reflect current practice of requesting and keeping visitors’ photo IDs.The present system scans the visitor’s driver’s licence and runs a criminal background check against a sex offender database. Board concerns about storing information found on ID, the internal security of the visitor management system, options for visitors without government-issued IDs, and the verification of the ID were brought up during discussion. It was determined that this policy was not ready for a second reading and would go back to the policy committee for more discussion. Voting Items Tentative 2019 Budget-- Chris Johnson presented the Tentative Budget for FY19 to the Board for review and approval in September. School districts must adopt a budget by the end of the first quarter of the fiscal year. The budget takes into consideration historical expenditures, state legislative changes, staffing levels and enrollment trends. Currently there is a net increase of 42 students for the 2018/19 school year. The Tentative Budget for FY19 is balanced with a surplus of $594,000 in Operating Funds per Mr. Johnson. Unanimously approved. Final budget to be presented for approval at September meeting. Campus Security Expenditures-Chris Johnson Phase 1 of Campus Security Plan has two capital expenditures of over $50,000 which were not previously approved and now require Board approval. Shatterproof film installation (both campuses) $205,000 Secure vestibules at 3 entrances (Winnetka Campus) $370,000 Board discussion included plans for coverage for all entrance/exit points (dozens at both campuses), the role of campus security officers and SRO’s, and the ultimate goal of integrating all surveillance systems. Unanimously Approved. Consent Agenda: Bill List for the Period, June 1 - 30, 2018, Personnel Report (Appointments, Change of Status, Resignations, Retirements and Terminations), Construction Change Order #34, Closed Session Records Review, ED-RED Membership Renewal, Printer, Copier Lease, Technology Network Managed Services Contract Renewal, Technology Network Equipment Service Contract, Board Policies - Second Reading and Approval (2-230), Canvas Instructure Contract. Unanimously approved. Meeting Length: 2 hours. Observer: Siobhan Hill Next Meeting: August 16, 2018 Present: Board President Greg Robitaille, Vice President Cathleen Albrecht; Board Members: Carol Ducommun, Marc Glucksman, Lori Goldstein, Patrick O’Donoghue.
Absent: Keith Dronen Administrators: Superintendent Paul Sally; Assistant Supt for Finance & Ops Christopher Johnson; Secretary Supt Lou Anne Kelly; Assistant Supt for Curriculum &Instruction Peter Tragos; Assistant Supt for Student Services Timothy Hayes; Principal (Winnetka) Denise Dubravec; Principal (Northfield) Paul Waechtler. Absent: None CITIZENS’ COMMENTS: A community member from HEROS (Healing Everyday Racism in Our Schools) provided update to the Board. Submitted a letter signed by community members with recommendations for “addressing racism at its roots and fostering a just, healthy school culture.” Committee wants to continue the dialogue. Board President commented he had read the letter and that it provided “a lot to think about.” Asked for time to reflect and wants to continue to engage. Tim Hayes will spearhead this for the Administration. PRINCIPALS’ REPORT Winnetka Principal Dubravec acknowledged Sears Center for hosting graduation and confirmed that graduation in 2019 will return to Northwestern. Acknowledged appreciation of parents involved with graduation party, and commented that there were no issues, all students had a safe & fun graduation evening. Information Items Strategic Planning Update (Dr. Mona Hansen): New Trier 2030 kicked off in May, with 30 people on core team, representing student, community, teachers and parents. Broader team will be involved as the work expands later in the fall. Core team has examined the prior plan, agreed that current mission is robust and will maintain it. Small committee will review vision and make suggestions. Structure for plan was shared. Process will include community outreach via surveys as well as community engagement evenings. Greg Robitaille and Carol Ducommun represent the BOE on the committee Security Plan Update (Athena Arvanitis): Shared update since last report. Hired outside consultants: Telgian Engineering & Consulting and Facility Engineering Assoc. Conducted enhanced lockdown drill, with particular focus on new wing at Winnetka campus identifying areas for further improvement; hosted student forums to review practices and encouraged sharing with advisories. Future training planned for new security system to be installed this summer. Summer ’18 work, in the budget, will include: shade installation, shatterproof film installation, visitor management upgrade, secure vestibules (including double buzz system in Winnetka) and exterior signage. Phase II work which requires more planning and will take place after school begins will include technological system design and larger projects that may impact the appearance/function of campus. Board requested an overall roadmap and recommendation in a cohesive plan based on expert opinion, over defined timeframe. Administration confirmed that is their intent, are currently in research phase and plan to present plan, along with associated budget, end of summer Facilities Update (Chris Johnson): Update on summer work, proceeding fine. Separate discussion focused on Village Storm Water Planning & Duke Child Field Improvements to address needs of Village of Winnetka, The District and the Park District. There are many variables to address and the District is pleased with the collaborative process to date and likelihood of win-win-win. Expect to address water issues as well as field safety issues. After 3-4 years of discussion expect construction to begin next year. Will bring back a more formal plan in a few months. Greg Robitaille and Patrick O’Donoghue are on the committee Treasurers and Budget Reports: (Johnson): Expect to end year on budget with small surplus Board Policy Review (First Read): Addressing public participation at BOE meeting. Review prompted by concern that Board cannot compel speaker to give address information. Resulted in Board discussion regarding public comment, timing allowed for individuals and for topics. Administration will review and bring back second read in July. Action Items FY 2018 Amended Budget (Spiwak) District amending budget to reflect unanticipated changes: Capital projects reflect the remaining expenses for the Winnetka campus project due to timing of expenses. Additionally, District reclassified expenses associated with community services and adult education to those budget areas from ‘instruction’ or ‘support’. Historically, there have been ‘limited expenses’ that have been allocated to instruction or support but are not used for that purpose, and they are seeking to align the budget. These expenses represent the costs associated with the community and adult education uses of pools, gyms, fields, theaters and other spaces as well as how some staff people apportion their time. The amendment has no net effect on the budget as it is simply a reclassification of expenses. In FY ‘18 this represents $280,481, which is <10% of budget so an amendment is not required; however, District is doing so in service of transparency. The Administration expect to do this annually and expect no issues related to audit. Amended budget unanimously approved by all members present. Consent Agenda (unanimously approved, nothing pulled) Bill List for May 1-31 2018; Personnel Report (Appointments, Changes of Status, Resignations, Retirements, and Stipends), Construction Change Order #33, Naming Recommendation, North Cook Intergovernmental Agreement, Mac Hardware Replacement Lease, Desktop Computer Replacement Lease, Intergovernmental Agreement Regarding the Placement of Individual Student Meeting Length: 1 hr 30 minutes. (Note started @7:15, 10-minute break to celebrate retirement of Secretary Lou Anne Kelly, Adjourned @8:55) Observer: Cindy Levine Next Meeting: July 16, 2018 Present: Board President Greg Robitaille, Vice President Cathleen Albrecht; Board Members: Carol Ducommun, Keith Dronen, Marc Glucksman, Lori Goldstein, Patrick O’Donoghue.
Administrators: Superintendent Paul Sally; Assistant Supt for Finance & Ops Christopher Johnson; Secretary Supt Lou Anne Kelly; Assistant Supt for Curriculum & Instruction Peter Tragos; Assistant Supt for Student Services Timothy Hayes; Principal (Winnetka) Denise Dubravec; Principal (Northfield) Paul Waechtler. Absent: None CITIZENS’ COMMENTS: A parent raised the topic of increasing kids’ access to gym space after school, for informal usage. They have been in contact with Augie Fontanetta, who is supportive. Dr. Sally and Augie Fontanetta will follow up Four individuals from the New Trier community spoke to recent incidents of racist graffiti at NTHS this year. Individuals covered the following points/requests: 1) Wanting to ensure that the BOE/Administration deals with this in a way that does not sweep it under the rug nor in a way that creates a political problem, but want to ensure recognition of the hurt it creates and ensure all students feel safe; 2) Reinforce support for the black students in the school; 3) Highlighted work done by a group recently formed (HEROS – Healing Everyday Racism in Our Schools) who are working on comprehensive policy proposal for the community. Currently circulating w/in the community; expect to get recommendation to BOE shortly. Response from Tim Hayes indicating they are working through how to respond. Excited to hear about proposal to come from HEROS group. Board President also reinforced looking forward to the report and expect to review & discuss PRINCIPALS’ REPORT Related to above topic, highlighting initiative led by Social Studies teacher, Todd Maxman, “Student Voices in Equity” with mission to “foster a Trevian community that emboldens students to understand privilege and its effects and commits itself to cultivating compassion and equity”. Students set up a project encouraging sharing of variety of perspectives on “what it means to be _________ at New Trier”. Received 110 responses which were displayed on posters, placed in student lounge, raising awareness of situations/circumstances that are visible as well as those that are hard to see. Group is in process of determining what they do next with this. Dr. Sally indicated Administration interest in this initiative Information Items Foreign Exchange Students – several students spoke and reflected on their experiences this past year during their time in the NT community. New Trier Extension Report (DeDe Kern) Ms. Kern, Manager of New Trier Extension, shared an update on the community education program. Highlights of report include: 1) Magnitude and breadth of program offerings (500 programs, 67 instructors and 3,799 community members in 2016-17 school year). 2) Improvements made over last few years to streamline the registration process and make it more accessible on-line. 3) NTX is in a healthy financial position in recent years and has been self-sustaining financially. 4) Goals for the future include: raising awareness & generating greater participation; standardizing the evaluation process; increasing professional development & investigating opportunities to partner with teachers/departments for programs and use the new spaces at Winnetka Campus. Board questions and discussion focused on: 1) Seeking to understand the number of different individuals who participate: students vs adults and district vs non-district participants; 2) Interest in reviewing the PR plan; 3) Confirming that classes are meeting ‘minimums’ required to run the class, they have healthy numbers and very few that sell out and leave people disappointed Calendar Study Update (Waechtler) Over past three academic years Hanover Research has surveyed students, staff and parents regarding school calendar. 2017-18 survey and focus groups also sought input on priorities and calendar options Key learnings: 1) Impact of providing fewer days off in the middle of the year was evident. Stressful for students & staff; 2) Ending the semester before winter break (2015-16) was quite popular, especially with students. Priorities (in order, based on over 2,000 respondents): students not having homework over winter break; students able to manage end-of-semester workload; students having periodic long weekends; calendar similar to sender districts; regularity of weeks without days off to provide continuity of instruction Calendar options included: 1) Early-mid August start, finals before Winter Break; end in early June; 2) Mid/late August start, finals 1 week after Winter Break; end in early/mid June; 3) Late August start, finals 2 weeks after Winter Break, end in mid-June. Option 2 universally disliked. Administration continuing to evaluate for 2019-20 school year. Treasurers and Budget Reports: (Johnson): Reflect impact of tax receipt timing Collected 99.3% of revenue to date; received prompt state payment. Expect to end year with small surplus Action Items Consent Agenda (unanimously approved, nothing pulled) Bill List for April 1-30 2018; Personnel Report (Appointments, Changes of Status, Resignations, Retirements, and Stipends), IASB Annual Dues 2018-19, Prevailing Wage Resolution, Computer Hardware Lease, Technology Network Equipment Purchase, NTESPA Side Letter Agreement, Settlement Agreement Meeting Length: 1 hr 45 minutes. Observer: Cindy Levine Next Meeting: June 11, 2018 Present: Board President Greg Robitaille, Vice President Lori Goldstein; Board Members: Cathleen Albrecht, Carol Ducommun, Keith Dronen, Marc Glucksman, Patrick O’Donoghue.
Administrators: Superintendent Paul Sally; Assistant Superintendent for Finance and Operations Christopher Johnson; Secretary Superintendent Lou Anne Kelly; Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction Peter Tragos; Assistant Superintendent for Student Services Timothy Hayes; Principal (Winnetka) Denise Dubravec; Principal (Northfield) Paul Waechtler. Absent: None CITIZEN’S COMMENTS: A parent urged the board to take a look at New Trier Athletics with the goal of serving more athletes. Specifically, a student’s inability to try out for more than one sport. Why, if a student is cut from a spring sport, can’t they join the track team mid-way through the season? Why is there such a large gap between the organization and professionalism of interscholastic sport teams and intramurals at NT? Information Items Advisor Study Program (Hayes) Hanover Research was hired to study NT’s Adviser system in 2015. The Adviser system was last overhauled in 1965. The goal was to highlight strengths and determine areas for further review and improvement. Hanover Research reviewed other schools that used an adviser system, surveyed stakeholders, and using the information from these surveys, questions were used in focus groups with students, parents and staff. $5.9 million is spent yearly on the Adviser system. 162 Advisers. Areas for Targeted for Improvement and Next Steps
PowerSchool Update: (Stephanie Helfand, Chief Technology Officer) Power School is the new Student Information System that has been implemented this year. Presently, it is being used for Special Education/ IEPs, Student Demographics, Course Selection and Registration, and Adviser Portal. The system will also enable the district to check residency with expediency. The information system has met or exceeded goals. Total project implementation is expected to be $260,000. Strategic Planning Update: (Sally) After an interview process, Dr. Linda Hanson has been chosen to facilitate the Strategic Plan. There will be a more thorough update in June. The process will start in August, and the plan will be presented at the December 2018 Bof E meeting. There will be a core committee of parents, staff, and administrators. Long term facilities plan (building upgrades) will be incorporated. Facilities Steering Committee Update: (Johnson) Summer 2018 Projects include: Northfield Campus--A restroom/concession building, outdoor bleachers, six new tennis courts and resurfacing of existing courts (tennis court construction made possible by a $1,264,521 donation from a private foundation), resurfacing the west parking lot, and replacement of the asphalt track. Winnetka Campus--Rehabbing second floor offices and a restroom. Project is $411,00 over budget presently, but confident that it will end up much closer to budget, since there will be no design changes. 2019 and Beyond: Ongoing assessments of mechanical systems, roofs, and energy usage at both campuses. Energy use study will be presented at the June 2018 B of E Meeting. Campus Security Updates: Summer 2018-Additional security at Winnetka vestibules, additional coverings and shatter-proof film on windows. Treasurers and Budget Reports: (Johnson) Is on target. And expected. Public Hearing --Reduction in Force: (Tragos) Recommending faculty reductions for the 2018-19 school year. Reductions are the result in changes in assignment which resulted in overstaffing. Example-staff returning from leaves, sabbaticals, or assignments outside of their department. School Code requires a public hearing whenever the number of honorable dismissals exceeds 5 employees. This year they are dismissing eight teachers. Voting Items Tentative 2018 Amended Budget: Unanimously Approved Resolution for Honorable Dismissal: Unanimously Approved Board Officer Elections Greg Robitaille was nominated as President Kathy Albrecht was nominated as Vice President Lou Anne Kelly was nominated as Secretary of the Board of Education 5/1 to 6/30 Lindsey Ruston was nominated as Secretary of the Board of Education 7/1 to 4/15/19 Unanimously Approved Resolution to Appointment District Treasurer Chris Johnson was appointed as District Treasurer. Unanimously approved Consent Agenda Bill List for March 1-31, 2018; Personnel Report (Appointments, Changes of Status, Resignations, Retirements, and Stipends, Administrators Stipends for the Director of Business Services, Director of Communications, Director of Human Resources, Assistant Principal for Student Services, Assistant Principal-Northfield Campus); Notice to Remedy, Ratification of Change Order #32, Board Policy, 2nd Reading, Bid Package #2-Summer 2018 Construction Items approved unanimously. Meeting Length: 2 hrs 12 minutes. Observer: Siobhan Hill Next Meeting: May 21, 2019 Present: Board President Greg Robitaille, Vice President Lori Goldstein; Board Members: Cathleen Albrecht, Carol Ducommun, Keith Dronen, Marc Glucksman, Patrick O’Donoghue.
Administrators: Superintendent Paul Sally; Assistant Superintendent for Finance and Operations Christopher Johnson; Secretary Superintendent Lou Anne Kelly; Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction Peter Tragos; Assistant Superintendent for Student Services Timothy Hayes; Principal (Winnetka) Denise Dubravec; Principal (Northfield) Paul Waechtler. Absent: None CITIZEN’S COMMENTS: None Information Items:
Presentation from Student Leaders of CTA (Commit To Action): CTA is NT’s Gay/Straight Alliance. Their goal to to create a safe discussion space for student-led activism and bring awareness to faculty and students about LGBTQ+ issues. Accomplishments: Changing Stalls in locker rooms. Gender neutral bathrooms in the new wing. LGBTQ+ graduation-friendly attire. Staff Lunch and Learn Ongoing objectives: Providing more ways for participation in Day of Silence and equipping staff with materials to better explain DOS. LGBTQ+ inclusive sex ed Adding Day of Dialogue. . New Administrators: Asst. Superintendent for Special Education(New Position): Dr. Joanne Panopoulos; Assistant Principal: Mike Lee (currently Science Dept. Chair at NT); Director of Curriculum and Instruction: Chimille Dillard Safety & Security Presentation (Sally): Available on the School Website Prevention: NT believes the most important thing a school can do to provide a safe environment is to provide support for students through connections. These connections are made through academics, sports and clubs. The adviser system is the foundation for this support. Daily Procedures and Physical Security Measures: Formalized building hours have been instituted. Visitor check-in will improve. Not recommended: Metal detectors, students wearing Ids, and arming teachers. Emergency Procedures Already in Place: Security Resource Officers (SROs) are a coordination between the Winnetka and Northfield Police Depts; there is an armed officer on both campuses who is specially trained in all areas of school safety. Lockdown protocol will be assessed. Staff will continue to refine threat assessment procedures. Board Policy--1st Readings
Voting Items Student Fees: Recommendations for 2018-19 school year fees proposed and approved, including a 2% increase in general and activity fees, a 4% increase to the transportation fee, and a 5% increase to the parking fee Consent Agenda: Bill List for February 1-28, 2018; Personnel Report (Appointments, Changes of Status, Resignations, Retirements, and Stipends); Construction Change Order #31; IHSA Renewal; Health Life Safety Amendments which include the purchase of the bleachers and curtains. Items approved unanimously. Items Pulled from Consent Agenda, but ultimately approved unanimously: Bid Package #1--Summer Construction--Track replacement will cost $627,000; Capital Expenditures FY 2019 Meeting Length: 2 hrs 12 minutes. Observer: Siobhan Hill Next Meeting: April 16, 2019 Present: Board President Greg Robitaille, Vice President Lori Goldstein; Board Members: Cathleen Albrecht, Carol Ducommun, Keith Dronen, Marc Glucksman, Patrick O’Donoghue
Administrators: Superintendent Paul Sally; Assistant Superintendent for Finance and Operations Christopher Johnson; Secretary Superintendent Lou Anne Kelly; Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction Peter Tragos; Assistant Superintendent for Student Services Timothy Hayes; Principal (Winnetka) Denise Dubravec; Principal (Northfield) Paul Waechtler. Public Comment: None Information Items: Student Safety (Sally): Announced had sent email to parents after Parkland, FL, school shooting, received many thoughtful emails back, will convene BOE for closed session soon to discuss security and will summarize that discussion at next Regular BOE Meeting. Emphasized that student safety is number one concern. Report Addressing Adolescent Risk Behaviors: Health Education for Students, Staff and Parents (Tragos, Hayes, and Kinetic Wellness Faculty): Responding to Board Member Glucksman’s request at September BOE meeting, details health curriculum’s adaptiveness to trends and reports of teenage risky behavior and, as an example, an in-depth look at KW’s work to address growing teenage use of e-cigarettes. Winnetka Construction End of Project Summary Report (Sally, Tragos, Johnson): Reports on promises made and met by district to community about taxpayer investment in facilities, educational benefits being realized by the new space, features incorporated into building, history of recent facilities planning and proposals, history of project from inception to completion, project budget, lessons learned during the process, and how district will finalize remaining project details (minor work, change orders still to come). All-in cost expected to be $104.2 million. Board members lauded success of project (including in timelines, ending up very close to budget and maintaining full curriculum during construction), administration, staff and previous BOEs involved and work of Pepper Construction (construction manager) and Wight and Company (architect). Notification of Sale of $7M in General Obligation Bonds (Johnson): Public sale occurred January 24 of bonds approved at December BOE meeting to fund Summer 2018 facilities projects. Total debt service to be $8,163,179, which is $383,726 less than initial projection in December for a private placement. Board members commended sense of urgency in financial staff, noted that if sale had even happened 2 weeks later total debt service would have been higher. Treasurer’s and Financial Reports (Johnson): Snapshot reports, expect to be on budget for fiscal year. Voting Items for BOE Members: Scholarship Fund Allocation: After receiving report on New Trier High School Scholarship Trust Fund (501(c)(3) trust organization formed in 1949, whose trustees are the BOE members), voted on recommendation from Christopher Johnson and Myron Spiwak to approve maximum allocation ($165,438) from that fund for scholarships for Class of 2018. All voted yes. Consent Agenda: Bill List for January 1-31, 2018; Personnel Report (Appointments, Changes of Status, Resignations, Retirements, Stipends, Administrator’s Contract--Assistant Superintendent for Special Education); Construction Change Order #30; BOE Meeting Calendar 2018-2019. Nothing pulled, all voted yes. To see any documents from this meeting, click on the link below, then on Meetings (top right), then 2018 (left), then February 19, 2018, Regular Meeting of the Board of Education, then View the Agenda, then click on the document sign to the right of any agenda item: https://www.boarddocs.com/il/newtrier/Board.nsf/Public Next Meeting: March 19, 2018 Meeting Length: 2 hrs 6 minutes. Observer: Mary Lawlor Present: Board President Greg Robitaille, Vice President Lori Goldstein; Board Members: Cathleen Albrecht, Keith Dronen, Marc Glucksman, Patrick O’Donoghue Absent: Carol Ducommun
Administrators: Superintendent Paul Sally; Assistant Superintendent for Finance and Operations Christopher Johnson; Secretary Superintendent Lou Anne Kelly; Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction Peter Tragos; Assistant Superintendent for Student Services Timothy Hayes; Principal (Winnetka) Denise Dubravec; Principal (Northfield) Paul Waechtler. Public Comment: None Information Items: Construction Update (Christopher Johnson): Current state of Winnetka construction. Mostly weather-related items still open, still in final negotiations with subcontractors. Bond Issuance for Summer 2018 Project (Christopher Johnson): Public sale recommended by Raymond James over private sale, to occur this week. Moody’s gave District an unqualified Aaa rating, highest possible rating. Village of Winnetka Stormwater Project and Duke Childs Fields: Ad hoc committee to be formed to work with Village of Winnetka on its stormwater plan at Duke Childs; opportunity for District to make changes to fields if it so desires. Village of Winnetka Consideration of Tax Incremental Financing (TIF) District (Christopher Johnson and Guest Speaker, Christopher Rintz, Village of Winnetka President, speaking informally, not on behalf of Village): Rintz spoke informally to Board about Village’s potential plans for a TIF district to fund Village infrastructure; if formed, it would have implications on District 203 revenue. Johnson made suggestions about how District could reduce impact on revenue if it occurs. Much discussion on how TIF financing works, implications for District, potential steps to minimize impact. 2018-2019 Administrative Structure (Paul Sally): New administrative organizational charts for next school year revealed. Includes a new Asst. Supt. of Special Education position (instead of current Director of Special Education, which is currently filled on an interim basis by 2 individuals), for which there is a search process currently underway. Raising this position to the Asst. Supt. level intended to give Special Education a voice at table for all planning/analysis. Also includes a reorganization of Winnetka campus leadership (not an increase in administration, but a consolidation/redistribution of responsibilities). Board Member O’Donoghue requested that chart include full time equivalents (FTE) in chart so Board has an idea how many people work in different areas covered by chart, to better understand where dollars are allocated in budget process. Board Annual Planning Cycle and Foundations of Strategic Planning (Paul Sally): Starting 1) new process of annual plan for setting goals/evaluating progress of Superintendent and District and 2) development of a new long-term strategic plan, which hasn’t been done since 2005-2010 strategic plan. Board discussion considered whether new annual plan process is needed (i.e., may be redundant with annual reports already called for in District Calendar), or an important bringing together of different pieces in a more coherent process. No Board Member objected to starting annual new process, but open to tweaking it if redundancies emerge. New annual plan process not formally adopted, but may be adopted after assessing its usefulness. Next steps for long-term plan are to engage a strategic consultant and establish a core committee (including staff, board community, students), with hope to revisit not reinvent earlier plan. Treasurer’s and Financial Reports (Christopher Johnson): Snapshot reports, expect to be on budget for fiscal year. Budget Assumptions for 2018-2019 Fiscal Year (Christopher Johnson): Update of budget assumptions/parameters to inform development of next fiscal year’s budget, which is starting now and ultimately to be approved July/August. Discussion focused on specifics of various assumptions and how software District uses has informed process. Voting Items for BOE Members: Budget Calendar and Authorizing Administration to begin Budgeting Process for 2018-2019 Fiscal Year: All present voted yes (Ducommun absent). 2018/2019 School Calendar: All present voted yes (Ducommun absent). As approved: http://newtrier.k12.il.us/Calendars/School_Year_Calendars/School_Year_Calendar_2018-2019/ Consent Agenda: Bill List for December 1-31, 2017, Personnel Report, Construction Change Order #29, Alltown Transportation Contract Extension, Closed Session Records Review. All present voted yes (Ducommun absent). To see any documents from this meeting, click on the link below, then on Meetings (top right), then 2018 (left), then January 22, 2018, Regular Meeting of the Board of Education, then View the Agenda, then click on the document sign to the right of any agenda item: https://www.boarddocs.com/il/newtrier/Board.nsf/Public Next Meeting: February 19, 2018 Meeting Length: 2 hrs 4 minutes. Observer: Mary Lawlor Present: Board Vice President Lori Goldstein, Board Members Cathleen Albrecht, Keith Dronen, Carol Ducommun, Marc Glucksman.
Absent: Board President Greg Robitaille, Board Member Patrick O’Donoghue. Administrators: Superintendent Paul Sally; Assistant Superintendent for Finance and Operations Christopher Johnson; Secretary Superintendent Lou Anne Kelly; Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction Peter Tragos; Assistant Superintendent for Student Services Timothy Hayes; Principal (Winnetka) Denise Dubravec; Principal (Northfield) Paul Waechtler. Public Comment: Teacher Brian Van Mersbergen’s commendation of Dr. Sally. Information Items: Profile for Class of 2017 and Student Information Report (Peter Tragos) and 2016-2017 Extra Curricular Report (Timothy Hayes): Very dense reports including 1) information on Class of 2017’s academic awards/test results/course taking patterns/college matriculation and survey results from previous classes and 2) extracurricular participation (and trends among those not participating) for all classes during 2016-2017 school year. Much board discussion on details, meaning and usefulness of these reports and next steps for Administration to take. Monthly Construction Report (Christopher Johnson): Summarized current state of Winnetka campus renovation—nearly complete but still working on punch list and final negotiations with subcontractors. Total project cost has declined slightly but still not a final final number. Martin Luther King Day Update (Timothy Hayes): This is last year school will be in session on MLK day with major construction finished. Some teachers/departments working significance of MLK into their curricula for day, and there will be displays on MLK around campuses. Treasurer Report and Financial Reports (Christopher Johnson): Snapshot reports, still expect to be on budget for fiscal year. Summer 2018 Projects Update (Christopher Johnson): The Board has been talking for months about Summer 2018 projects (improvements to student services and administrative offices at Winnetka and athletic and parking lot improvements at Northfield), to be funded by up to $7 million in working cash bonds and a donation for the tennis courts from the Eckert Foundation. Discussion focused on tennis court changes and whether to include bleachers. Voting Items for BOE members: Facilities Financing Bond for Summer 2018 Projects: Approved issuance of up to $7 million in 10-year working cash bonds to fund the Summer 2018 projects. Public sale or private placement, evaluated daily. All present voted in favor (Robitaille and O’Donoghue absent). Construction Management: Approved construction management contract for Summer 2018 project to Pepper Construction. All present voted in favor (Robitaille and O’Donoghue absent). Consent Agenda: Bill List November 1-30, 2017; Personnel Report; Construction Change Order #28; Cashman Stahler Group Facilities Assessment Contract; Authorization to Purchase Press Box; Authorization to Purchase Bleachers. After removal of Bleacher Purchase from the Consent Agenda, all present voted in favor (Robitaille and O’Donoghue absent). Authorization to Purchase Bleachers: Approved bleacher purchase for Summer 2018 project. Albrecht voted against, all others present voted in favor (Robitaille and O’Donoghue absent). Albrecht argued waiting until after facilities study completed and bleacher improvements could be prioritized against other projects and surveying students to see if more will come to games if bleachers expanded. Others noted New Trier having lowest home capacity/student population ratio by far among conference and similar schools, parent complaints about overcrowding, wanting a safe place for students to be on a Friday night and for students to be in stands and not other places on campus during games, and wanting to encourage school spirit. To see any documents from this meeting, click on the link below, then on Meetings (top right), then 2017 (left), then December 18, 2017, Regular Meeting of the Board of Education, then View the Agenda, then click on the document sign to the right of any agenda item: https://www.boarddocs.com/il/newtrier/Board.nsf/Public Next meeting: January 22, 2018 Observer: Cindy Levine Meeting Length: 2 hr. |
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