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Presentations

Agenda Item 5.0

Return to School Recommendation – 5.01
The board reviewed and discussed options from the Return to School Plan Team, including a review of the work and timeline so far, considerations for the upcoming timeline, local health metrics and data, return to in-person learning planning considerations, an anticipated hybrid learning model schedule, and next steps. 

To view the presentation, please click here.

The district would communicate with families later in the week detailing instruction options, local health metrics and data, health and safety procedures, and next steps. Those can be viewed in the comprehensive 2020-21 Return to School Plan document here. 

Discussion Items 

Agenda Item 6.0

Discussion of Public Hearing on 2020 Tax Levy – 6.01
SG 4: Stewardship of Resources
The board discussed and directed the administration to move forward with preparing the levy and to set the public hearing date for November 9, 2020, prior to adoption. 

Discussion of 2020 Tax Levy – 6.02
SG 4: Stewardship of Resources
The board discussed a resolution directing the administration to prepare the levy and that a public hearing date be set for November 9, 2020. This hearing will proceed until the board president believes the concerns of the citizens are heard.

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, will be voted on by the board at the December 14, 2020, board meeting.

Discussion of Authorizing Reduction of Certain Fund Levies for the 2020 Tax Levy – 6.03
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.

At the December 14, 2020, board meeting, the board will vote on the adoption to direct the County Clerk to make the necessary reductions to CCSD59’s tax levy for the 2020 levy year in order that the levies by fund shall be no less than the following amounts as indicated:

• 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.

The board will vote at the December 14, 2020, board meeting on 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.

Discussion of Award of Bid for Paper Bid Summary – 6.04
SG 4: Stewardship of Resources
CCSD59 issues a paper bid once each year for a quantity projected to meet one year’s needs. The district is not required to purchase a specific quantity.

This year, the bid is for xerographic and vellum paper. Six bids were received with the lowest conforming bids submitted by Murnane Paper Company for xerographic and Midland Paper for vellum. Murnane submitted a bid of $59,423.50 for xerographic paper and Midland submitted a bid of $9,671.00 for vellum for a grand total of $69,094.50. Due to the lack of demand in the market, this cost will reflect a 14% decrease in price to the district as compared to last year.

The board will vote on the award of the bid as outlined above at the November 9, 2020, board meeting.

Discussion of First Student Contract Amendment – 6.05
SG 4: Stewardship of Resources
Due to schools participating in remote learning during the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting reduction in transportation needs, the district has discussed reducing contractual fees with First Student, one of the companies the district utilizes for bussing students. The contract with First Student currently costs $2,980,619.22 for the school year.  

First Student discussed the approximate fixed costs needed to continue providing services to CCSD59. Through an amendment to the contract, the district has tentatively agreed to pay 40% of the contracted cost for services, permitting the company to operate when CCSD59 begins its return to in-person learning while providing the district substantial financial savings.

The board will vote on approval of the amendment at the November 9, 2020, board meeting.

Action Items

Agenda Item 8.0

Approval of Permission to Bid for Vestibule Projects –  8.01
SG 4: Stewardship of Resources
The board 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.

Approval to Prepare 2021-2022 Budget – 8.02
SG 4: Stewardship of Resources
Section 5/17-1 of the Illinois School Code requires an annual tentative budget to be prepared by a representative designated by the board, which is available for public inspection for at least 30 days prior to final action. 

In addition, the Local Government Travel Expense Control Act, 50 ILCS 150/10, and Board of Education Policies 2:125 and 5:60 require the board to review the Maximum Allowable Reimbursement Amount (MARA).  The resolution adoption would set that amount equal to the budgeted travel expenses amount for the 2021-22 fiscal year.

The board designated the superintendent to cause a tentative budget to be prepared for the 2021-22 fiscal year, beginning July 1, 2021 and concluding June 30, 2022, based on a criteria of budget parameters.

Approval of Grand Prairie Contract Amendment – 8.03
SG 4: Stewardship of Resources
Due to schools participating in remote learning during the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting reduction in transportation needs, the district has discussed reducing contractual fees with Grand Prairie Transit, one of the companies the district utilizes for bussing students. The contract with Grand Prairie Transit currently costs $2,438,544.50 for the school year.  

Grand Prairie Transit provided a breakdown of fixed costs needed to continue providing services to CCSD59. Through an amendment to the contract, the district has tentatively agreed to pay 37% of the contracted cost for services beginning on August 17, 2020, and ending upon the district’s return to in-person instruction, at which time the normal contracted rate would resume. This permits the company to operate when CCSD59 returns to in-person learning while providing the district substantial financial savings.

The board approved the amendment to the agreement.

Approval of MOU: COVID-19 Staff Reassignments – 8.04
SG 4: Stewardship of Resources
The board approved a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the District 59 Education Association (DEA) regarding the temporary reassignment of certified and educational staff due to the numerous staffing challenges presented by COVID-19.

Approval of MOU: COVID-19 Certified Staff Evaluation Plan – 8.05
SG 4: Stewardship of Resources
In an effort to provide more time and focus on reopening/return-to-school plans due to COVID-19, the board approved a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the District 59 Education Association (DEA) regarding the option for qualifying staff members to forego the formal evaluation process this school year.

Approval of the Return to School Plan – 8.06
SG 1: Student Growth and Achievement
The board approved a timeline for students to begin returning to in-person instruction. The approved plan calls for a rolling start to the transition of students that selected in-person instruction back into the classroom in two groups. This will occur in the following order: 

• Thursday, November 5
  • Kindergarten, First, Second, Sixth (Group B)

• Monday, November 9
  • Kindergarten, First, Second, Sixth (Group A)

• Thursday, November 12
  • Third, Fourth, Fifth, Seventh, Eighth (Group B)
• Monday, November 16
  • Third, Fourth, Fifth, Seventh, Eighth (Group A)

 Approval of Soundfield/Wireless Microphone Proposal – 8.07
SG 1: Student Growth and Achievement
In support of hybrid in-person and remote learning, staff identified a need for additional technology as follows:

• A system that allows teachers to use a wireless microphone to amplify their voice, providing improved audio for both virtual conferences and throughout their classroom/learning space.
• A wireless microphone that can be used in smaller learning spaces that also connects to a computer to provide improved audio for virtual sessions.

Staff surveys will be sent to determine initial quantities of each item with a second round of purchases anticipated after the initial order is distributed. 

The board approved technology supports from these vendors as follows:

• Lightspeed Redcat amplification systems – estimated cost of $1,119 each (450 initial units anticipated, but quantity and cost may change). Riverside Technologies, Inc. was awarded the contract.
• SmartMike+ wireless microphones – estimated cost of $137 each (150 initial units anticipated, but quantity and cost may change). The vendor is to be determined.