Bid Accepted for Geothermal HVAC Project
Superintendent Mark Cross and architects Jacob Been and Scott Rihel from Healy Bender Patton & Been Architects reviewed the results of the recent bid opening for phase two of the geothermal HVAC project. This work is scheduled to be completed in the summer of 2024, following work with the geothermal wells that will take place this winter.

There were nine bids submitted and the recommended low bid and two accepted alternate bids from Reed Construction Corporation of Chicago totaled $7,800,800. The Board expressed their satisfaction with the planning and design of the project, particularly in light of the fact that the bis were slightly under the low end of this phase of the construction budget.

Mr. Cross and Member Steve Wyent shared that work is beginning on the next issuance of bonds to pay for the remainder of the project following the successful referendum last November.

Strong Fiscal Year 2023 Audit   
School district auditor Jim Henry of Evoy, Kamschulte, Jacobs, LLP attended the meeting to review the fiscal year 2023 audit. During FY23, the district continued to build its fund balances, continued its practice of not issuing short-term debt, and continued to maintain a balanced budget. There were no findings or concerns expressed with the audit and the district maintains a strong “AA” rating with a positive outlook from Standard & Poors.

Property, Casualty and Liability Insurance Renewal
Mr. Cross reviewed the insurance renewal proposal for the school district’s property, casualty, liability, flood, cyber, automobile, and worker compensation insurance coverage. The total renewal was $128,575.00, which is a 15.7 percent increase over the current year. Unfortunately, the larger increase follows an industry wide trend, and discussion was held on how to mitigate this increase in future years. Mr. Cross and the Finance Committee will discuss this as well, but the Board agreed that approval was necessary to move forward.

In Key Action Items, the Board of Education… 

• Adopted the updated e-Learning Plan, after the hearing earlier in the meeting.
• Approved the fiscal year 2023 audit and annual financial report.
• Approved recommended low bid and two alternates of $7,800,800 from Reed Construction Corporation for phase two of the geothermal HVAC project.
• Approved the property, casualty and liability insurance renewal.
• Approved Elona Hitaj as Cass Junior High School EPIC Program Assistant
• Appointed Urszula Tanouye as the 2023 IASB Delegate Assembly Representative.
• Approved Memoranda Understanding with the Cass Education Association regarding the eLearning plan and activity bus

Fiscal Year 2024 Budget Hearing
Superintendent Mark Cross reviewed the proposed fiscal year 2024 budget. He said there were no substantive changes with the budget that was originally presented last month. Budgeted expenditures for FY24 are just under $15 million for the regular budget, and with the geothermal HVAC and safety and security work included, the total budget is approximately $21 million.

Federal Impact Aid
Mr. Cross reviewed where the district stands with Federal Impact Aid funding. He is an active part of a national organization that advocates for impact aid due to the impact of Argonne National Laboratory. Our district is unique in that Argonne is federally owned property that has a huge impact locally. Of the school district’s 2,807 total acres, 1,026 acres are federal land as part of Argonne. This means that roughly 37 percent of our school district’s total real estate is federally owned property. Argonne also impacts Burr Ridge School District 180 and Lemont High School District 210.

The district typically receives around $400,000 annually in federal impact aid funding. However, in comparison, the other 1,781 acres (approximately 63 percent) would have generated an estimated $5,272,197 in local property taxes if it was taxable land. This means that on a per acre basis, federal impact aid replaces just 8 cents of every dollar lost to federal property, which puts our school district at a huge disadvantage. Mr. Cross shared that he plans to communicate to our local school community more about Federal Impact Aid in Cass 63, and he will keep the Board apprised of the federal FY24 budget and the district’s impact aid funding.

Update and Discussion Regarding Facility, Safety, and Security Projects
The district is currently receiving bids for the summer 2024 geothermal HVAC project. Asbestos abatement will also be involved separately from the HVAC project. The Board learned that the BluePoint security system has been installed and the new exterior video cameras are complete. Taking the new systems live and planning for training is under way.

In Key Action Items, the Board of Education …

• Adopted the Fiscal Year 2024 Budget
• Approved the recommended Board policy updates
• Approved Meagan Garcia as Concord teacher assistant
• Accepted the resignation of part-time speech pathologist Sue Binder
• Approved the District’s Concussion Oversight Team Members
• Established a public hearing regarding the district’s eLearning plan for Tuesday, October 17, 2023 at 7:00 p.m. as part of the regular meeting

Board Approves Tentative Fiscal Year 2024 Budget
Superintendent Mark Cross reviewed the tentative fiscal year 2024 budget, highlighting the great strides the district has made financially in recent years. This includes the building of cash reserves to a healthier level, elimination of short-term borrowing practices, carefully monitoring expenditures, and the successful passage of the referendum for certain facility needs. Excluding estimated expenditures related to planned facility improvements, the total expenditure budget for FY24 is just under $15 million.

The Board established a public budget hearing for Tuesday, September 26, 2023 at 7:00 p.m. in the District Community Room. Following the hearing, the Board will consider final approval of the FY24 budget.

Therapy Dog Visits at Concord
The use of therapy dogs in the school setting has become very common, and Principal Laura Anderson has brought her therapy dogs to Concord for many years. Therapy dogs are not service animals, but are dogs who volunteer with their owners or handlers to help people in settings such as schools, nursing homes, hospitals, and other areas of need. Like the dogs who also visit for our SASED special education program students, Dr. Anderson’s dog Bane is tested and certified through Therapy Dogs International.

Outside of her role as the principal at Concord, Dr. Anderson is also a certified trainer with an extensive background in this area. While many students look forward to and enjoy the visits, both Mr. Cross and Dr. Anderson wanted to discuss with the Board a more formal set of procedures so that parents are aware of the background, purpose, and training of the dog, the frequency of visits, and how parents can opt out should there be students who may have allergies or other concerns.

Mr. Cross shared that there is no intention of increasing or changing the visits, but to simply communicate and share openly with parents what is taking place. He said that Dr. Anderson will do so with parents in an upcoming communication and prior to Bane’s first visit of the 2023-24 school year.

In Other Key Action Items, the Board of Education… 

• Approved the employment of the following new staff for the 2023-24 school year:

• • Jenny Amezquita, Cass teacher assistant
  • Sue Binder, Cass part-time speech pathologist
  • Mary DeGroot, Cass permanent substitute teacher
  • Tina Nure, Cass program assistant
  • Candy Papanicholas, Concord teacher assistant
  • Pete Pauley, Cass evening custodian
  • Amy Perez, Concord administrative assistant
  • Maria Raush, Concord teacher assistant

• Approved the Behavioral Threat Assessment Procedure
• Approved September 26, 2023 at 7:00 p.m. to hold the Fiscal Year 2024 Public Budget Hearing in the District Community Room at Cass Junior High School
• Approved the recommended bid of $1,586,000 from TCI Geothermal for phase one of the geothermal HVAC Project.
• Approved the 2023-24 Food Service Agreement with Center Cass District 66.
• Approved the release of closed session minutes from January 24 and March 21, 2023, as well as the destruction of verbatim audio records from closed session meetings held prior to January 1, 2022 per the Illinois Open Meetings Act, 5 ILCS 120.

Public Hearing for the Amended Fiscal Year 2023 Budget
Superintendent Mark Cross reviewed the updated FY23 budget and noted that there was only a slight adjustment since it was presented to the Board at the May 16 meeting. The budget is being amended due to higher than anticipated special transportation costs, as well as the addition of capital projects fund after the successful referendum to address safety, security, and HVAC needs.

Strategic Plan Progress Review
Mr. Cross gave a progress update on the Strategic Plan highlighting the strides that have been made over the recent months and year under the three pillars of Academic Growth and Achievement, Student Services and Support, and Student Health and Safety.

In Key Action Items, the Board of Education… 

• • Adopted the amended fiscal year 2023 budget
  • Approved the recommended Board policy updates
  • Approved the Board of Education Agreements and Protocols
  • Approved the employment of Monique Bell as Cass Junior High library assistant and Katie Paljetak as Concord Elementary teacher assistant, both effective at the start of the 2023-24 school year.
  • Accepted the resignations of Concord Elementary administrative assistant Sandy Leonard, Cass Junior High teacher assistant Joanne Groh, and Cass Junior High custodian Karen Lampl.
  • Approved a one-year contract extension with Aramark as the district’s lunch program provider.
  • Authorized public bidding for the first phase of the geothermal HVAC project
  • Approved the Facility Request and Use Agreement and updated rental fees
  • Approved the Fiscal Year 2024 consolidated plan for federal grant funding
  • Approved an Intergovernmental Agreement with the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services for reimbursement of school-based health services

Celebration of Our Retiring Staff
At the May 16 meeting, the Board of Education recognized the following staff members who will be retiring at the close of the 2022-23 school year. Their position and years of service in Cass School District 63 are shown.

Katie Fujiura, junior high special education teacher, 19 years
Theresa West, junior high science teacher, 19 years
Mary Kate Favia, 4th grade teacher, 17 years
Ginny Hirhager, junior high administrative assistant, 17 years
Sue Lyons, junior high teacher assistant, 6 years

These five first class professionals provided 78 years of service to the district, made a huge impact on the lives of countless students, and they will be greatly missed. Please join us in thanking these individuals and wishing them well as they enter this new chapter in their lives!

The Board also recognized Concord teacher assistant Becky Greenberg for 10 years of service, Concord special education teacher Jamie Tinucci, Concord 3rd grade teacher Christa Romaniszak and Cass permanent substitute teacher Terri Sasnau for 15 years of service, Cass custodian Steve Boutet, Concord reading teacher Courtney Cozzolino and prekindergarten parent coordinator Pam Worth for 20 years of service, Concord teacher assistant Cindy Becker for 25 years of service and Concord 4th grade teacher Anya Schlottmann for 35 years of service in D63. Congratulations and thank you all!

Amended Budget for Fiscal Year 2023
Superintendent Mark Cross presented an updated FY23 budget that is amended due to higher than anticipated transportation costs, as well as the addition of our capital projects fund after the successful referendum. A public hearing on the amended budget will be held on June 20, 2023 at 7:00 p.m. during the Board of Education meeting in the Community Room as Cass Junior High. The tentative amended budget is also available for viewing in the District office between now and the date of the hearing.

In Key Action Items, the Board of Education… 

• Approved Board committee membership and appointments.
• Accepted the resignations of band teacher Megan Duffy-Legan and teacher assistant Carolyn Rundell.
• Approved the employment of Daniel Murphy as the new Cass Junior High School band teacher for the 2023-24 school year.
• Approved a special education transportation contract with Sunrise to be used in the event the district drivers are fully utilized.
• Approved a contract with Finalsite for web hosting and communication services through the 2027-28 school year.

Science and STEM Presentation at Concord
This month’s Board meeting was held at Concord Elementary to allow the Board to visit the new STEM lab and hear directly from Concord students on how they are enjoying this new learning environment. STEM teacher Jessica Ruiz has worked to create this new program, which is in its first year.

In addition to this presentation, teachers Karen Hyder, Jessica Ruiz, Kristen Kaplan, and Principal Laura Anderson shared on the review and development of the K-4 science curriculum and resources recommendations, and teachers Theresa West, Tim Stangarone and Principal Christine Marcinkewicz did so for the junior high. After a full year of research and study from the staff at both schools, the Board approved an investment of just over $180,000 towards the various science curriculum, resources and material upgrades for the district.

Recognition of Outgoing Board Members
Board members and Superintendent Mark Cross recognized outgoing members Shelly Camden and Alice Esposito. Both made the decision not to run again after 16 and six years of dedicated service respectively. Mrs. Camden has served as president, and Mrs. Esposito as secretary. Both have been a tremendous asset and their contributions to the students, staff and community of Cass School District 63 are greatly appreciated.

Seating of New Board Members
At the April 4 election, Katie Marinelli and Liz Mitha were newly elected to four-year terms on the Board to replace Mrs. Camden and Mrs. Esposito, while Lana Johnson and Rinku Patel were re-elected to new four-year terms and Chris Green was re-elected to fill his own two-year unexpired seat. The Board joined our two newest members in the Oath of Office after being seated. Welcome to Mrs. Marinelli and Mrs. Mitha and congratulations to all five members on their election.

Board Officers Elected
After the new Board was seated, Lana Johnson was elected as Board President, Dr. Rinku Patel as Vice President, and Urszula Tanouye as Board Secretary.

New Collective Bargaining Agreement
The Board of Education approved a new five-year Collective Bargaining Agreement with the Cass Education Association that will go into effect July 1, 2023. Board members shared that this was a collaborative effort with open communication and the highest professionalism throughout the process. Board members thanked members Shelly Camden and Lana Johnson, Superintendent Mark Cross, Fiscal Services Director Deb Dolehide, and the teachers involved for their time and effort in getting the contract resolved amicably.

In Key Action Items, the Board of Education… 

• Approved the proposal from Heartland Business Systems for the new school district phone system.
• Approved the proposal from Larson Equipment Company for the replacement of lunchroom tables at both schools.
• Approved the proposal from Seconds Mater Safety Solutions for the installation of the video surveillance and Blue Point security systems at both schools.
• Employed Bella Dahlheimer for the position of social worker and Liz Saucedo as Spanish and English Language Learners teacher for the 2023-24 school year at Cass Junior High School.
• Accepted the resignations of bus drivers John Monahan and Tammy Kohout, and Concord teacher assistant Mary Skrzypcynski effective at the close of the 2023-24 school year and Concord teacher assistant Kayla Briant effective
  April 20.
• Approved a new Employee Assistance Program through MetLife.
• Approved a lease agreement with the SASED special education cooperative for the use of two classrooms at each school for the 2023-24 school year.
• Approved the 2023-24 Board meeting schedule.

Discussed Student Transportation Options
Mr. Cross reviewed the bids for transportation services that the district received. Two competitive bids were received and after meeting with the contractor and reviewing the proposals, the recommendation was to approve Sunrise Southwest as the provider for regular routes for the 2023-24, 2024-25, and 2025-26 school year. The total cost of the three-year contract is $795,615.

Long-Term Facility Projects
Mr. Cross updated the Board on summer 2023 facility planning for safety and security projects. Some work will likely be delayed until 2024 after more of the HVAC and geothermal projects are completed. He will continue planning work with vendors.

In Key Action Items, the Board of Education… 

• Approved the Regular Student Transportation Services Contract with Sunrise Southwest, LLC. for the 2023-24, 2024-25 and 2025-26 school years.
• Accepted the resignations of Cass Junior High social worker Kathryn Marks, 3^rd grade teacher Brynn Alexander and Cass Junior High teacher assistant Alex Gula effective at the close of the 2023-24 school year.
• Approved Bryann Poskonka for the position of 1^st grade teacher at Concord Elementary School effective at the start of the 2023-24 school year.
• Approved 2023-24 Employee Salaries.
• Approved contracts for the 2023-24 school year for Concord Elementary Assistant Principal, Katie Doyle and Cass Junior High Assistant Principal, Michelle Roberts.
• Approved three year contracts for Superintendent Mark Cross and Cass Junior High Principal Christine Marcinkewicz through the 2025-26 school years.
• Approved the DuPage Crisis Mutual Assistance Intergovernmental Agreement
• Approved the Resolution Ratifying Proposed Amendments to the SASED Articles of Joint Agreement.

Public Hearing for Potential Student Transportation Bids
At a special meeting and public hearing for this purpose, Mr. Cross reviewed the recommendation to pursue bids for contracting regular student bus services and routes beginning with the 2023-24 school year. This has been an ongoing discussion as the district develops a plan to deal with the bus driver shortage.

Mr. Cross stated that while the district would prefer to maintain our own drivers and buses, the trend has clearly shifted to outsourcing these services and the majority of school districts in the area have already made this change. He said that to ensure the continuation and continuity of this service for our families, the district must have a proactive plan as drivers retire or move on to other positions.

He emphasized that while privatizing transportation usually leads to a school district laying off drivers, that is not the plan for Cass 63. Mr. Cross emphasized the intention is to keep any drivers who wish to stay as the district intends to maintain otherwise costly special education routes in house, or current district drivers would have the option of working with the potential contractor who secures the bid. As a result, it is expected that no current drivers who wish to continue will be harmed, and the timing is also right due to the aging bus fleet that will otherwise need to be replaced in the coming years.

After reviewing the Invitation to Bid and Bidding Requirements, holding discussion on the topic and with no questions from the public, the Board ended the hearing and later took action at the regular monthly meeting to move forward with publicly accepting bids for regular student transportation services. 

Safety and Security Planning
Mr. Cross reviewed recommended bids for geotechnical test boring and topographical site surveys which must be completed in order for the district to install the new geothermal system in the summer of 2024. Additionally, he and Principal Christine Marcinkewicz updated the Board on progress with safety and security planning. How and when some of this work will be completed could be impacted by the HVAC work, although the Board agreed it was best to pursue implementing as many of the security measures as possible this summer. A status update will be provided at the March meeting.

Food Service Program Review
Mr. Cross shared an update on the food service program and said it is critical that the district offer the highest quality food at the most reasonable price for our students and families. He said there is no question that the quality of food served could be significantly improved, but that is not the fault of the workers in the program. Cass 63 maintains a cooperative food service arrangement with neighboring Center Cass District 66 and he said the two school districts are talking about plans and the next steps for possible vendors.

In Other Action Items, the Board of Education… 

• Approved the 2023-24 school district calendar, noting that the school year will start and end earlier next year.
• Approved the 2023-24 school year fees, with no increase in registration fees, transportation costs or preschool tuition. Registration dates will be announced soon.
• Approved Jaclyn Stachorek for the position of special education teacher at Cass Junior High School effective at the start of the 2023-24 school year.
• Approved Melissa Rivera for the position of teacher assistant at Concord Elementary School effective February 21, 2023.
• Approved Kelly Iovinelli for the position of teacher assistant at Concord Elementary School effective at the start of the 2023-24 school year.
• Authorized the District to accept bids for regular student transportation services.
• Approved the recommended proposal of $35,950.00 from QC Geothermal, Inc. geotechnical test boring services.
• Approved the recommended proposal of $22,870.00 from Civil & Environmental Consultants, Inc. for topographical site surveys.

Presentation Regarding Student Learning and Academic Growth
To provide the Board with an overview of our academic progress, several teachers and administrators shared details regarding the academic growth of our students, as well as some of our interventions and efforts to support our students in the areas of math and reading.

Concord Assistant Principal Katie Doyle shared an overview of student growth on the NWEA Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) assessment compared to national norms. At every grade level, our students are above national norms, and almost always significantly so. The most important use of the data is to identify areas of need, target professional development, use the discussions to inform instruction, establish student growth goals, and analyze the patterns to improve student achievement.

Concord math interventionist Karen Mosquera presented on Response to Intervention (commonly referred to as RtI or Multi-Tiered Systems of Support) interventions and growth in the area of math. This included a deeper dive into data from the district’s IXL program, as well as NWEA MAP scores. Reading specialists Christy Sells and Courtney Cozzolino presented RtI data in the area of reading. This included more information on what RtI is, the five essential components of reading and how each of these components are assessed. They shared samples of assessment data for letter sounds at kindergarten and informal decoding for grades 1 through 4.

Over the course of the coming spring and going forward, the district will provide some additional background information for these kinds of test scores to parents so that they can better understand what is provided in these individual reports, as well as who to reach out to in the district with questions.

Public Hearing for Bidding Transportation Services
The Board of Education continued its discussion related to the challenges with providing student transportation services and the inability to secure new drivers, a problem facing school districts across the country. As the school district struggles to replace drivers who retire or move on, Superintendent Mark Cross has shared with the Board the concept of contracting our regular routes with a private entity, while utilizing our current drivers for special routes.

He stated that there are several advantages to flipping the current model, including retaining our own drivers, avoiding having to replace equipment that is becoming more expensive to maintain, and tapping into the potential services of private contractors since they are utilized among most districts in the area. Contracted special transportation services are also very expensive, and using our current drivers for this service could be a safer and more cost-effective model. Mr. Cross also noted that going through the public bidding process does not obligate the district to outsource transportation, but it will help determine the best course forward.

While the Board had previously authorized Mr. Cross to pursue the bidding process to determine the next steps and make recommendations, the Board also established a special meeting and public hearing to be held on Tuesday, February 21 at 6:30 p.m. in the District Community Room at Cass Junior High School. This will be held immediately prior to the regular monthly meeting scheduled in the same room that evening at 7:00 p.m.

In Key Action Items, the Board of Education… 

• Approved recommended Board policy updates.
• Approved the release of certain closed session minutes and the destruction of verbatim recordings of closed session meetings prior to June 30, 2021.
• Approved a leave of absence for speech pathologist Jessica Andujar.
• Approved the employment of Hajar Cummings as Concord Elementary teacher assistant.

Public Hearing for the 2022 Tax Levy
During a public truth in taxation hearing, Superintendent Mark Cross reviewed the recommended 2022 tax levy, which is unchanged from the tentative levy that was presented in November. The recommended levy of $10,360,739 excluding debt service is an increase of 5.42 percent over last year’s actual extension of $9,828,058. The average annual revenue growth from local property taxes over the previous 12 years in Cass 63 is just under two percent. Mr. Cross also provided the Questions and Answers about Local Property Taxes for anyone interested in learning more.

Issuance of $5,400,000 in General Obligation Bonds
Mr. Cross and Board Member Steve Wyent discussed work with the district’s financial advisors on how to cost effectively structure the first phase of debt following the recent successful referendum. With the Board’s approval, the district will close on the initial set of bonds and receive proceeds in early 2023. The approach taken maximizes the availability of necessary funds and will allow for the first phase of updates to safety and security to begin in the summer of 2023.

Quarterly Strategic Plan Progress Review
Mr. Cross gave an overview of the progress made to date on the Vision 2025 Strategic Plan. Adopted just over a year ago, he highlighted the significant progress the district has made in the three pillars of Academic Growth and Achievement, Student Services and Support and Student Health and Safety. More information can be found on the plan December 2022 Progress Review under the link above.

2022 School Report Cards
The Concord Elementary, Cass Junior High and Cass District 63 2022 School Report Cards have been released and Mr. Cross reviewed the report cards and provided some highlights during the meeting. He shared that the principals and staff will share more on our progress with student growth at the January Board meeting, and he will also share more information with parents and the school community.

In Key Action Items, the Board of Education… 

• • Adopted a resolution for approval of the 2022 tax levy, as well as a supplemental resolution to pay the principal and interest on outstanding bonds.
  • Adopted a resolution to issue up to $5,400,000 of general obligation bonds for the first phase of work related to the successful referendum for safety, security and HVAC improvements.
  • Authorized the superintendent to seek qualified bidders for student transportation services
  • Accepted the resignation of Olesya Leopoldo from the position of Cass Junior High School teacher assistant

New Board Member Chris Green
From a very strong applicant pool of six candidates, the Board of Education has selected and seated Mr. Chris Green as the newest member. He is replacing Kent Absalonsen, who recently moved out of the district. Mr. Green is a real estate development manager and lives in Darien with his wife Prem and two sons. We welcome Mr. Green and thank him for his willingness to serve in this volunteer role.

Board Member Appreciation and Conference
November 15 was Board Member Appreciation Day in Illinois and Superintendent Mark Cross thanked the Board for their support of our district and staff, as well as their representation of the community and taxpayers. Several members will be attending the upcoming Joint Annual Conference in Chicago, and Urszula Tanouye will represent our Board at the 2022 Delegate Assembly.

Tentative 2022 Tax Levy
Mr. Cross presented the tentative 2022 tax levy for Cass School District 63. The recommended levy of $10,360,739 excluding debt service, compared to last year’s actual extension of $9,828,058, is an increase of 5.42 percent. The final amount of taxes on an individual property could be higher or lower and will depend on any changes in assessment of the individual property, as well as what other taxing bodies levy for taxes. This levy is separate from the potential issuance of bonds as a result of the successful referendum on November 8. The final amount for that will be determined at a later date.

Last year’s total tax increase for Cass 63 was 1.8 percent, while the year prior there was a total increase of 2.9 percent. The average increase in local property tax revenues over the previous 10 years has averaged 2.01 percent. Mr. Cross also provided the Questions and Answers about Local Property Taxes for anyone interested in learning more. After some discussion, the Board approved the tentative levy. Since this year’s proposed levy exceeds 105 percent of the previous year’s extension, the Board must hold a public truth in taxation hearing. The Board approved a resolution setting the public hearing for Tuesday, December 13, 2022, at 7:00 p.m.

Board Approves Concord Summer HVAC Project
Separate from the recent referendum, the district had planned a small project to address the most immediate HVAC needs in three rooms at Concord. This will be done as a separate project from our geothermal plans to utilize some of our grant funds and ensure that the art, music and Ivy League Kids rooms remain functional. The Board approved the low bid of $274,000 from Kandu Construction of Skokie for the summer 2023 project.

In Other Key Action Items, the Board of Education… 

• Approved recommended Board policy updates
• Approved the employee insurance program renewal
• Approved the employment of Tamara Kohout as a bus driver
• Accepted the resignation of Concord teacher assistant Cheryl Walrath
• Approved a $50,000 school maintenance matching grant application

Strong Fiscal Year 2022 Audit   
Superintendent Mark Cross and Finance Committee members Alice Esposito and Steve Wyent reviewed the fiscal year 2022 audit. Mr. Cross said that he and Fiscal Services Director Deb Dolehide were proud to share another clean audit with no findings, auditor recommendations or questioned costs.

During FY22, the district built its fund balances, continued its practice of not issuing short-term or long-term debt and reduced existing debt by over 7 percent. Cass 63 maintains a strong “AA” rating with Standard & Poors.

Mr. Cross reported that the district is continuing with its effort to control expenditures, build adequate reserves and avoid issuing any short-term debt or leases, which the district has avoided for the last several years. The only plans for issuance of any long-term debt is subject to the approval of the November 8^th referendum for the district’s safety, security and HVAC needs.

Mr. Wyent pointed out that the district is only using about a quarter of its debt margin and even with a successful referendum, the district’s long-term debt will remain well below its legal limit. Members also referenced the district’s strong financial profile, which most recently was a 3.80 out of 4.00, or “Recognition” on the Illinois State Board of Education’s financial profile rating.

Updates Regarding Safety and Security Planning    
Superintendent Mark Cross presented several details related to safety and security plans, including pursuit of the BluePoint Security system. After considerable research, he said it is the strong recommendation of the leadership to pursue this at both schools. This is a high level, robust system that drastically reduces the wait time for law enforcement intervention in the event of an active shooter situation. Mr. Cross also explained how the system integrates with what would be a completely modernized camera system, as well as the allowance for instant communication in the event of a crisis. The system allows for quicker intervention and response time during medical emergencies as well.

The cost will be the major consideration and this system and other security plans would be addressed in the event of a successful referendum. The Board also discussed delaying the school district’s maintenance grant application until after learning the results of November 8. This will help the Board determine whether the HVAC system or security must be prioritized. The final recommendations will be made at the November 15 meeting.

Property, Casualty and Liability Insurance Renewal
Mr. Cross reviewed the insurance renewal proposal for coverage including property, casualty, liability, flood, cyber, automobile and worker compensation coverage. The total renewal of $122,966 is a 2.25 percent increase over the current year. Mr. Cross pointed out that while some areas of the insurance costs beyond the district’s control went up, the worker compensation premium has dropped due to a decrease in recent claims.

Interview of Board Member Candidates
The Board of Education held a closed session for interviewing Board member candidates, with the remaining interviews scheduled to take place at a special meeting for this purpose on October 24. It is expected that the new member will be formally seated at the regular November 15 meeting.

In Key Action Items, the Board of Education… 

• Approved the Fiscal Year 2022 Audit
• Approved the Property, Casualty and Liability Insurance Renewal
• Approved Olesya Leopoldo as Cass Junior High School Teacher Assistant

Federal Impact Aid Presentation
The district’s most recent fiscal year payment was $423,933, but if we were fully funded under the formula, we would receive $5,272,197. In other words, Cass 63 gets about 8 cents on the dollar of what we would receive if this land were taxable. The school district must advocate to maintain this funding along with other school districts who are federally impacted by having 10 percent or more of their land as federal property. For more information, please review Federal Impact Aid in Cass 63 and here is an Impact Aid Overview.

Lana Johnson Elected Vice President
Lana Johnson was elected Vice President of the Board of Education. This follows the recent resignation of Kent Absalonsen.  The deadline for applications for the current vacancy has passed and the Board will be interviewing six finalists during closed session on October 18 and October 24. The goal is to seat the new Board member at the November 15 meeting.

In Key Action Items, the Board of Education …

• • Adopted the Fiscal Year 2023 Budget
  • Accepted the resignation of teacher assistant Justin Iglesias
  • Approved the $50,000 school maintenance matching grant application
  • Approved the District’s Concussion Oversight Team Members
  • Acknowledged the Board of Education’s role as DCFS Mandated Reporters

Board Approves Tentative FY23 Budget
Superintendent Mark Cross presented the fiscal year 2023 budget, which includes an estimated deficit of just over $375,000. He stated that inflationary increases have impacted the district just like any other business and added that while this is a significant deficit, some of it is also related to the timing of local tax payments. Mr. Cross also shared the good news that FY22 ended with a surplus, which he credited to careful and conservative management of expenditures as well as the timing of tax payments that arrived earlier than expected.

The biggest concern for the FY23 budget and beyond is related to how to manage the loss and replacement of the district's HVAC units over time. Mr. Cross emphasized that there are not funds in the budget to handle these types of costs and it would be much better to replace these as part of the long-term plan that the Board has previously developed. This relates directly to plans to upgrade the district's safety, security and HVAC systems with a successful bond referendum. He said that in the absence of approved funding to finance the Board's plan, other budgetary decisions will have to be made to get the work done, which will impact the education of our students.

Later in the meeting, the Board voted to approve the tentative FY23 budget and establish the public hearing and adoption for Tuesday, September 27, at 7:00 p.m.

Healthy Kids, Safe Schools
The Board reviewed the new Healthy Kids, Safe Schools section of the district website. This ties in with the strategic plan and will be a central resource for students, parents and families. Information includes updated school health guidance, medical, mental health, anti-bullying, suicide prevention, sexual abuse prevention and school safety information, as well resources for families who may be struggling. Resources will continue to be added and information pushed out as needed. Also included is a listing of the school district's nurse, guidance counselors, social workers and school psychologist to facilitate communication and contacts when help is needed.

Board Approves Pursuing November Referendum for Safety, Security and HVAC Needs
The Board continued its ongoing discussion to address critical safety, security and facility needs at both schools. Mr. Cross reviewed a summary of the key issues and facts regarding proposal:

• The district would issue up to $12.8 million in bonds that must be approved by a referendum of the voters at the general election on November 8, 2022.
• The primary purpose is to address specific safety, security and HVAC needs, and also refunding an existing bond. Funds can be used for no other purpose.
• The safety and security needs include replacing the old fire alarm system, updating and modernizing the video surveillance system, and purchasing an integrated intercom and communication system for extreme emergencies.
• The HVAC needs would be addressed through a geothermal system in both schools. This approach provides a permanent solution that is the most cost-effective in terms of total life-cycle costs.
• The proposed solutions will save in the range of $70,000 to $100,000 in annual utility costs, which frees up funds in the district’s operating budget.
• The last voter approved referendum was in 1990 to increase the overall tax rate by 40 cents. After 32 years, the district is still not asking for a change to the rate outside of the proposed bond from what was approved in 1990.
• If approved, the impact for an average priced home of $300,000 is estimated at $235. The estimated $0.25 increase would impact the current tax rate of school district residents by less than 4 percent.
• The refunding of the bond would immediately save over $200,000 in interest costs from the existing bond, while freeing up over $300,000 in revenue for the district’s operation and maintenance budget each year going forward.
• While the school district continues to build on its strong financial health, the vast majority of budget expenditures are committed toward the educational program. With local revenues tied to the consumer price index, school finances do not allow for a comprehensive overhaul of an infrastructure cost of this nature.
• If the referendum fails and the district is forced to replace the existing system within the existing budget over a period of year, the long-term costs will be far greater and will also come at the expense of the educational program.

The Board unanimously agreed that nothing has changed from the needs that the district has been trying to address, although now the solutions have been delayed for another year even if the November referendum is successful. Mr. Cross and the Board will continue to provide the community and taxpayers with detailed, factual information to make them aware of the needs, as well as the proposal and cost for the solutions.

After stating its full support for placing the resolution and question on the ballot for November, Mr. Cross stated that he will soon update information from the district to share with the community.

In Key Action Items, the Board of Education …

• Accepted the resignations of Quinn Csuk, Lauren Malik, Kevin O’Toole, Amber Hanke and Ernest Brown
• Approved the employment of Amy Gorzkowski, Sladjola Jemin, Tim Stangarone, Karen Lampl, Joanne Groh and long-term substitute Nancy Betker
• Approved the Behavioral Threat Assessment Procedure
• Approved the Fiscal Year 2023 Tentative Budget
• Approved September 27, 2022 at 7:00 p.m. to hold the Fiscal Year 2023 Public Budget Hearing in the District Community Room at Cass Junior High School
• Approved the Resolution Providing for and Requiring the Submission of the Proposition of Issuing $12,800,000 School Bonds to the Voters of the District at the General Election to be Held on the 8^th Day of November, 2022
• Approved the release of Closed Session Minutes from January 18, 2022
• Approved the destruction of verbatim audio records from Closed Session meetings held prior to January 1, 2021 per the Illinois Open Meetings Act, 5 ILCS 120

At its most recent meeting, the Board of Education approved several recommended policy updates, reviewed potential changes in health and safety protocols, discussed the district’s long-term facility plans and approved the recommended employment of several new staff for the 2022-23 school year.

Safety, Security and Geothermal HVAC Planning
If approved by the district’s voters on June 28, safety and security updates will be the first priority in the district’s planning to ensure a safer learning environment for our students. The next steps in plans and timelines for the replacement of the aging HVAC systems with a geothermal system will also begin if the referendum is successful. Mr. Cross stated that if the voters approve, future energy and maintenance cost savings are one of the things he is most excited about as this will be a relief to the district budget. He emphasized that passage will commence much more work with the district’s architect and engineer to take the next steps in planning. Should the referendum not pass, then the Board will review and discuss the next steps at a future meeting.

Food Service Program Update
Superintendent Mark Cross shared with the Board concerns he has had with the food service program. The school district will go through the procurement process for the 2023-24 school year to consider the possibility of a new provider.

He also shared that it appears school lunches will no longer be free for all students and only eligible students will receive free lunches. Should that be the case, the Board established the 2022-23 school year price at $3.50 per lunch.

2022-23 Health and Safety Protocols
Mr. Cross shared current recommendations for health and safety protocols beginning with the 2022-23 school year. While subject to change, Mr. Cross shared the importance of having a plan in place, particularly if future health guidance would require any adjustments.

The most obvious changes would be the elimination of contact tracing, low-risk notifications and weekly screening testing. Onsite testing options are being researched for when symptoms are present or a test is necessary. Other recommendations under consideration are as follows:

1. Parents should keep children home with symptoms, per CDC guidance.
2. Masking remains recommended for a specified period of time after symptoms or close contacts, or until a negative test result is achieved. Masking would remain welcome for any child or family who wishes to do so.
3. The district will encourage COVID testing after symptoms or close contacts.
4. The district will provide information regarding vaccinations and boosters, as appropriate and recommended under health guidance.
5. The district will maintain the use of air purifiers in certain rooms until such time it is either no longer necessary, or after possible new HVAC systems are installed.
6. The district will maintain data on known cases in the school setting.
7. The district will retain the ability to re-implement protocols if needed or required under health guidance.
8. The district will create a "Healthy Schools, Healthy Kids" section of the website dedicated to this information, as well as other health information to promote and share with parents.

In Key Action Items, the Board of Education… 

• Approved the employment of the following staff effective at the start of the 2022-23 school year:
• Caitlyn Isaacson, Concord 4^th grade teacher
• Kathy Mensik, Cass Junior High library resource assistant
• Kerri Soriano, Concord teacher assistant
• Daniel Murphy, long-term substitute Spanish and ELL teacher and long-term substitute band teacher, both at Cass Junior High

• Approved the 2022-23 school year lunch fee of $3.50
• Approved the recommended Board policy updates
• Approved the Federal ESSER III grant funding application, most of which will be used for HVAC improvements
• Approved the 2022-23 food service contract with Aramark
• Approved an intergovernmental agreement with the Darien Park District
• Approved the Illinois Student Online Personal Protection Act Addendum with Embrace Education for Use with SASED Platforms