Board Update 12/12/22
Presentations
Agenda Item 4.0
Byrd School – Building Community – 4.01
Admiral Byrd Elementary staff members presented their Team Byrd Days Program and the impact it has had on students. The program was created two years ago by Admiral Byrd staff to help foster a sense of community among all students and families.
The video features students talking about their favorite aspects of the program, and included a message to Admiral Byrd from University of Kentucky basketball player Oscar Tshiebwe. The video presentation can be viewed here.
FY 2022 Annual Audit – Baker Tilly – 4.02
The Baker Tilly firm presented the district’s year end balances for Fiscal Year 2022. Operating funds saw a surplus of $1,335,352, and an additional $9,954,533 added into the Capital Projects fund to adhere to the board directive of improving and retaining the district’s properties.
Discussion Items
Agenda Item 7.0
Crisis Go Application – 7.01
Strategic Goal (SG) 4: Stewardship of Resources
Crisis Go is an application that allows staff to immediately alert others in the event of an emergency and assists with preparing for, preventing, and responding to various situations.
While the district has emergency communication guidelines in place, Crisis Go has also been vetted through district members and local police departments and could serve as an effective tool to streamline those procedures. Surrounding districts are also purchasing this product, meaning local districts would have a uniform system of notification in the event of emergencies. The cost is $15,300 per year and includes staff training.
The board will vote on approval of purchasing the Crisis Go application at the board meeting on January 9, 2023.
Fitness Room Flooring – 7.02
SG 4: Stewardship of Resources
At each junior high school, the current flooring in the fitness room areas is in need of repair or updates to provide a safe environment for students. The board discussed replacing the fitness room flooring with Ecore through Direct Fitness at a total cost of $92,360.62 for all three schools combined.
The board will discuss approval of the replacement flooring for the district’s junior high fitness rooms at the board meeting on January 9, 2023.
Action Items
Agenda Item 8.0
Adoption of 2022 Tax Levy – 8.01
SG 4: Stewardship of Resources
At the September 27, 2022, board meeting, the board discussed and directed the administration to move forward with preparing the levy and to set the public hearing date for November 14, 2022. While the district’s proposed levy does not surpass the 5.0% threshold that requires a public hearing via the state’s Truth in Taxation Law, the administration believes meeting the spirit of the law is in the best interest of the district and community.
A public hearing was held during the November 14, 2022, board meeting. The total 2022 capped funds levy of $95,476,017 is 4.99% above the 2021 extended levy of $90,929,697.
The resolution for adopting the levy was approved by the board.
Authorizing Reduction of Certain Fund Levies – 8.02
SG 4: Stewardship of Resources
At the board meeting on October 10, 2022, the board discussed the authorization of reduction of certain fund levies.
The board provides direction to the County Clerk in assigning levy amounts by fund following final determination of total extension. The district is requesting a 5.0% increase in the levy over the prior year’s extension to ensure receipt of the maximum allowable tax rate in accordance with the Property Tax Extension Limitation Act. (PTELA).
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 those reductions shall be made to the Operations & Maintenance Fund.
The board approved the resolution as outlined above.
Approval of Equity Journey Final Recommendation: School pairings, boundary changes, and re-purposing of Ridge Family Center and corresponding student assignment – 8.03
Strategic Goals: All
The board voted to not approve the Equity Journey Final Recommendation. While the board did not approve the proposed plan, the goal of addressing the district’s inequities remains a priority moving forward.
The board will continue to hold follow up discussions to determine the best next steps to establish a long-term solution to address the eight areas of focus for improvement as identified through the strategic planning process, equity audit, and equity planning over the past three years.
Report and Authorization to File Annual Financial Report for FY 2022 with ISBE – 8.04
SG 4: Stewardship of Resources
The Annual Financial Report (AFR) is a standardized document that meets independent auditing and reporting requirements for Illinois public schools.
The board accepted the audit report prepared by Baker Tilly as the official audit of CCSD59’s financial statements for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2022, and authorized the administration to submit the AFR to the Illinois State Board of Education in accordance with 105 ILCS 5/3.
Approval of District 59 Education Foundation Donation – 8.05
SG 4: Stewardship of Resources
The board approved a donation from the District 59 Education Foundation to Rupley, the Early Learning Center (ELC), and Robert Frost totaling $1,881.25. This donation will be split between the schools and used as follows:
- Rupley Elementary will receive $399.98 for Physical Education programming
- The ELC will receive $481.27 for journals
- Robert Frost Elementary will receive $1,000.00 for literacy and math center activities and the OZOBOT program
Approval of Commercial Ovens for Junior Highs – 8.06
SG 4: Stewardship of Resources
Due to the lack of available equipment and space in the district’s schools, meals provided to CCSD9 students have historically been brought in by outside vendors.
After reviewing the design of junior high buildings, it was determined the district could set up commercial ovens to allow for fresh temporary meals, to ensure that there are no meal shortages, and to potentially give students additional breakfast and lunch options.
The board approved providing one commercial oven at each of the three junior high schools at a total cost of $35,472.20.
Approval of Allied Contract Amendment for Roofing and Windows – 8.07
SG 4: Stewardship of Resources
As outlined in the Ten Year Facilities Plan, Robert Frost and Salt Creek Elementary are in need of roofing repairs.
Additionally, some of the current windows at Grove Junior High along with Clearmont, Admiral Byrd, and John Jay Elementary need replacing. The district and Allied Facility Partners have agreed on an addendum to the current contract with a guaranteed maximum price not to exceed $8.6 million for all work performed.
The board approved the addendum as outlined above.
Approval of Donation to Early Learning Center – 8.08
SG 4: Stewardship of Resources
The board approved a donation from Ms. Cody and Mr. Elliott to the Early Learning Center in the amount of $500. This donation will be used to support the students and their families by providing assistance with food, clothing, shelter, and other miscellaneous items.
