Board Update 12/14/20
Presentations
Agenda Item 5.0
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion – 5.01
The district continued its efforts to strengthen family and community partnerships and create an inclusive learning environment, both of which are goals of the district strategic plan. The Superintendent’s Leadership Team presented previous efforts and next steps from the district in the areas of diversity, belonging, inclusion, and equity to gain a deeper understanding of our practices and make further strides in educational equity.
You can view the presentation here.
Discussion Items
Agenda Item 6.0
Return to School Planning – 6.01
The board reviewed and discussed the status of remote learning and a potential return to in-person learning. The Return to School Plan Team presented considerations for an upcoming timeline, local health metrics and data, planning considerations, and other next steps. The board determined the transition to in-person instruction would begin on Thursday, January 14, 2021, with a remote learning option remaining in place for families. Board members voiced their belief in the importance of families and community members remaining safe and adhering to local health department guidelines to ensure a successful return to the classroom.
To view the presentation, please click here.
The district would communicate additional information to families later in the week on the status of the return to in-person instruction.
Action Items
Agenda Item 8.0
Adoption of 2020 Tax Levy – 8.01
Strategic Goal (SG) 4: Stewardship of Resources
The board held a public hearing on November 9, 2020, regarding the 2020 tax levy, where the board president believes any concerns of the citizens were heard.
The board approved the adoption of a total tax capped levy in the amount of $90,355,930 for 2020, which is 4.96% above the 2019 extended tax capped levy of $86,086,427.
Approval of Authorizing Reduction of Certain Fund Levies – 8.02
SG 4: Stewardship of Resources
Public Act 89-01 subjected Cook County school districts to the Property Tax Extension Limitation Act (“PTELA”) for the 2020 levy year. It also imposed a limit on the increase in tax extensions from the 2019 levy year to the 2020 levy year. The County Clerk has notified each Cook County taxing district now subject to the PTELA that it may direct the Clerk’s Office to make specific and necessary reductions to its tax levy for the 2020 levy year to meet the requirements of the PTELA.
The board approved the adoption to direct the County Clerk to make the necessary reductions to CCSD59’s tax levy for the 2020 levy year so the levies by fund shall be no less than the following amounts:
- Education $75,223,370
- Special Education $995,564
- Building $6,539,277
- Transportation $4,715,825
- Working Cash $0
- Municipal Retirement $1,571,942
- Social Security $1,309,952
If any additional reductions are required to be made to the district’s tax levy beyond those projected and specified by the board, 100% of such reductions shall be made to the Operations & Maintenance Fund.
Approval of Program Fee for Typically Developing Preschool Students: 2021-22 School Year – 8.03
SG 4: Stewardship of Resources
Currently, CCSD59’s Preschool Program has space to host 60 typically developing students. The 2020-21 school year rate charged to families with typically developing children for the program is $238 per month ($1,190 per semester/$2,380 per year).
After comparing the fee to other local school districts that blend the student population and where instruction is offered by certified teachers, the board approved a 0% increase. The tuition will remain the same for the 2021-22 school year.
The schedule will also remain the same for the 2021-22 school year for typically developing students, with students attending a four-day (M, T, Th, & F) school week from either 8:15 – 10:45 a.m. or 12:00 – 2:30 p.m.
Approval of K-8 Instructional Materials Fees: 2021-22 School Year – 8.04
SG 4: Stewardship of Resources
Instructional materials fees for the 2020-21 school year, which were collected to offset a portion of the cost of instructional materials and supplies, had remained unchanged from the prior three school years, and were as follows:
- Half Day Kindergarten: $35
- Full Day Kindergarten – Grade 5: $55
- Grades 6-8: $65
The board approved eliminating these fees for the 2021-22 school year. There is no instructional fee for all students, including kindergarten through eighth grade, for the 2021-22 school year.
Approval of Junior High School Extracurricular Participation Fees: 2021-22 School Year – 8.05
SG 4: Stewardship of Resources
The board approved the junior high school extracurricular participation fees for the 2021-22 school year, which will offset a portion of the cost of materials and supplies for extracurricular activities. The fees are as follows:
- Basketball: $30.00
- Cheerleading: $30.00
- Cross Country: $15.00
- Spirit Squad/Pom Poms: $30.00
- Soccer: $30.00
- Volleyball: $30.00
- Wrestling: $30.00
There is no increase in these fees from the 2020-21 school year. Students who have qualified for a waiver of school fees are not required to pay the extracurricular participation fees.
Approval of Kerry Foods Donation to Byrd Elementary School – 8.06
SG 4: Stewardship of Resources
The board approved a donation in the amount of $1,250 from Kerry Foods, a local company in Elk Grove, to Admiral Byrd Elementary School. This donation will be used for Admiral Byrd’s holiday giving plan for families in need.
Approval of Education Foundation Donation to Grove Junior High – 8.07
SG 4: Stewardship of Resources
The board approved a donation in the amount of $1,000 from the District 59 Education Foundation to Grove Junior High School. The contribution was made by a Grove parent who wanted to recognize three teachers who have been supporting their children.
Approval of Juliette Low Community Members Donation to Juliette Low PTO – 8.08
SG 4: Stewardship of Resources
The board approved a donation in the amount of $2,445 from the Juliette Low community to the Juliette Low PTO. This donation will be used to purchase gift cards to help families in need as well as the overall school.
Approval of Award of Bid for Vestibules – 8.09
SG 4: Stewardship of Resources
At prior board meetings, the board had discussed security improvements budgeted for this year for vestibules at Brentwood, Clearmont, and Juliette Low to direct visitors to check into the main office prior to accessing the rest of the building. The work falls under the capital improvement plan.
As improvements require a public bid if construction exceeds $50,000, the board approved permission to bid for this project work, and bids were opened on November 11, 2020. The bids included a base cost and costs of alternate options for the project work.
The board awarded the bids to the following vendors as summarized below:
- TOR Construction for general trades
- Cannonball Mechanical for plumbing
- Hartwig Plumbing and Heating for HVAC
- Carey Electric for electrical work
Please click here to view a summary of the bid submissions.
Approval of Return to School Plan – 8.10
SG 1: Student Growth and Achievement
The board approved the transition plan to the hybrid model of in-person instruction.
The board had discussed a soft rollout beginning no earlier than January 11, 2021, to be completed by January 19, 2021, before selecting January 14 as the confirmed start date within these parameters. As previously planned, the in-person hybrid model will utilize a supervised remote learning approach for families that have chosen remote learning.