The Board Briefs are highlights from the most recent Board of Education meetings. The purpose of the Board Briefs is to provide a timely summary to keep our staff, parents and public informed of the key items that were discussed or acted upon. More detailed information is available under the Board Agendas, Meetings and Minutes section of the District’s website. Official minutes are not posted until approval at the following meeting.

Recognition of Outgoing Board Members

The Board of Education and Superintendent Mark Cross recognized outgoing Board of Education member Michael Ockrim, along with former members Jeff McCollian and Brad Carrino. Mr. Ockrim served on the Board of Education from 2013-2021, Mr. McCollian from 2015-2021 and Mr. Carrino from 2019-2020. We appreciate the dedicated volunteer service these three individuals brought to Cass School District 63!

At the April 6, 2021 Election, Urszula Tanouye and Steve Wyent were elected to four-year terms on the Board of Education and Rinku Patel to a two-year unexpired term he already holds after his appointment to the Board in November. At the April 27 meeting, our two newest members took their Oath of Office and after being seated. Congratulations and welcome to Mrs. Tanouye and Mr. Wyent!

Seating of New Board Members

The new Board also commenced with electing officers, which will continue to be Shelly Camden as President, Kent Absalonsen as Vice President and Alice Esposito as Secretary. Gayle Wilson was appointed as the Board’s Recording Secretary and Michael McLean as Treasurer. All terms of offices and appointments are for two years.

As part of the reorganization process, the Board approved committee membership and also approved the detailed agreements and protocols as means to memorialize successful past practices and to continue a culture of effective Board governance in Cass School District 63.

Key Discussion Items

Principal Christine Marcinkewicz discussed the 8^th grade graduation ceremonies to be held on June 3. To ensure plans for a successful and meaningful graduation, our ceremony will not be traditional but it will be much more personal and will allow for the inclusion of family and friends of up to 12 guests per student. The decision to not do a full-group graduation was based on ensuring the full participation of our students and families, avoiding a situation in which students cannot participate due to close contacts in the two weeks prior to the ceremony, and also to avoid weather-related postponements since the move indoors with a large group of people is not an option. Individual family ceremonies will be held throughout the day and evening from noon on into the evening on Thursday, June 3. In the coming days, Principal Marcinkewicz and Superintendent Cross will be providing detailed information to parents, including how to sign up for a graduation time.

Superintendent Cross updated the Board on the work taking place to find a solution for the B.A.S.E. program for the 2021-22 school year. In addition to the opportunity given to parents to share their interest in working in the program, Mr. Cross has also reached out to the Darien Park District to suggest the idea of partnering with them to continue this service, which they are unable to do at this time. He said the district is considering all options, including outsourcing the program to a third-party entity but we believe that this will come at a higher cost to families. Mr. Cross will continue to explore options and will communicate with the Board and district parents.

Superintendent Cross shared several updates with the Board regarding concerns with the district’s HVAC issues and summarized his recent meeting with district maintenance staff, architects and engineers. He asked the Board for direction regarding the district’s approach to resolving these concerns, while recommending a comprehensive, long-term planning and approach that is cost-effective and will make the best use of potential grant funding, should it be available for this purpose. After some discussion, the Board directed Mr. Cross to commence work the Facilities Committee as well as our school district architect and engineer to start the process.

In Key Action Items, the Board of Education…

Approved the employment of Shannon Wachowski, Cass English Language Arts Teacher, Quinn Csuk, Cass Special Education Teacher, Kelly Skalnik, Concord Teacher Assistant and Isabelle Sagat, Concord Teacher Assistant, effective at the start of the 2021-22 school year.

Approved a renewal of four SASED special education cooperative classroom leases for the 2021-22 school year.

Approved the Consolidated District Plan which allows the district to access federal funding.

Approved the 2021-22 Board of Education meetings dates, which will remain the third Tuesday of each month with the exception of December 2021 which will be held on the second Tuesday of the month due to winter break.

Effective with the May 2021 Board of Education meeting, all meetings will be held beginning at 7:00 p.m. at Cass Junior High School.

The Board Briefs are highlights from the most recent Board of Education meetings. The purpose of the Board Briefs is to provide a timely summary to keep our staff, parents and public informed of the key items that were discussed or acted upon. More detailed information is available under the Board Agendas, Meetings and Minutes section of the District’s website. Official minutes are not posted until approval at the following meeting.

 

Key Discussion Items

Superintendent Mark Cross presented the recommendation to establish an in-district cross-categorical special education program at Cass Junior High School beginning with the 2021-22 school year. This would allow some students who are currently placed in a classroom outside the district to attend school within the district for at least the next several years. This carries several staffing implications to work through, but Mr. Cross shared that if successful, the district can save money while keeping more of our students in their home school district with their peers.

Superintendent Mark Cross presented the proposed school district fees for the 2021-22 school year. Fees were approved as presented and Mr. Cross will communicate the fees to parents prior to registration.

The Board heard a presentation from Principal Laura Anderson and teachers Courtney Cozzolino and Christie Sells giving an overview of student learning and academic growth. The presentation highlighted both strengths and areas of concern, as well as the challenges with both measuring growth and helping students attain goals while some students learn remotely. Further, they discussed interventions that will be in place to help students bridge any individual deficits. The administration has shared that there is an impact with math at the lower grade levels in particular. As a result, the district plans to reassign staff to provide direct math interventions to our younger students at Concord Elementary beginning this fall.

Mr. Cross briefly reviewed the School Reimagined 3.0 Framework which is on track for implementation beginning on Monday, March 22.

In Key Action Items, the Board of Education…

Approved registration, bus and lunch fees for the 2021-22 school year.

Approved the School Reimagined 3.0 Return to Learn Framework.

Accepted the resignations of teachers Melissa Patterson and Rebekah Weglarz, as well as teacher assistant Megan Sandrik, effective at the close of the 2020-21 school year.

Approved retirement requests for teachers Jennifer Callahan, Karen Hyder and Audrey Vaci at the close of the 2024-25 school year.

Approved the employment of Deysi Miranda, Cass Junior High School custodian and Alexandra Gula, Cass Junior High School teacher assistant effective Monday, March 22.

Authorized the establishment of an in-district multi-needs special education program. 

Key Discussion Items

Superintendent Mark Cross presented the proposed school district calendar for the 2021-22 school year. At this time the district is planning to have all students back in school full-time in the fall. Mr. Cross stated that the district will continue to carefully monitor health guidance and will be prepared to make any adjustments as necessary, but this is the calendar that is recommended at this time.

Mr. Cross reviewed the main elements of School Reimagined 3.0 Framework, the results of the recent parent survey and the key recommendations for the Board to consider. The main priority of the plan is combining the two cohorts of students into one group that is in person full days Monday through Thursday, while continuing to maintain each Friday as a remote learning day. The remote learning option will also continue for any families who prefer this option. Mr. Cross said that the proposed School Reimagined 3.0 framework as presented is strongly supported by our parents with 71.8 percent supporting a four-day in-person model, 15.1 percent supporting the current blended option, and 13.1 percent supporting full remote learning. Three key themes of concern were also discussed, including maintaining kindergarten as it is with four half days, the consideration of still offering a blended option and concerns with social distancing and what mitigation measures will be utilized when six feet of social distancing cannot be met. Mr. Cross made clear that based on the survey responses, parents need to know that six feet of social distancing cannot be ensured at all times. He stated that the district will continue to develop plans for this and he will continue to communicate openly with parents, while continuing to follow the state guidelines of social distancing as much as possible. He also stated that parents always have the full remote option available and they can choose that option at any time, but they cannot go back and forth between the two. The pros and cons of onsite, school-based testing were also discussed, and this will be investigated as well. After considerable discussion, it was agreed to maintain the current kindergarten schedule, to offer two options to parents: (1) four days of in-person and one day of remote instruction for the new model, or (2) full remote instruction for the remainder of the school year. The new plan will go into effect on March 22 and Mr. Cross and the leadership team will update the School Reimagined 3.0 Framework, which will be shared with parents within the next two weeks.

The move to a four day in-person school week will also include a significant adjustment to the bus routes that will streamline routes and limit the number of stops each day. Mr. Cross shared that these changes are important. If stops can be consolidated, this will allow for the use of larger buses and more space in most cases. Mr. Cross also shared that Cass 63 is the only elementary district in the area that provides "door to door" bus stops, and he strongly recommended a move away from this approach and toward more neighborhood stops at which a number of students board and depart from the bus. Not only could this be helpful in helping to mitigate the spread of COVID, but will also allow the district to achieve much greater efficiency with the bus routes. The administration will continue to develop this plan and will communicate with parents as we approach March 22.

Several changes to the 2021-22 school year registration process were discussed, including the requirement for proof of residency for each student each school year. This is a common practice in schools and will also be explained to parents when registration information is provided at a later date.

Mr. Cross also shared with the Board regarding several recent issues with the HVAC systems in the schools. The district's aging systems require ongoing maintenance and have been particularly problematic in the recent cold weather. Mr. Cross will review proposals and plans that were provided prior to his arrival, and this will be reviewed with the Board's architect. A proposal for several upgrades will be pursued with competitive bidding as a cost comparison to other recent work. Mr. Cross and the Facilities Committee will review this as needed and share the results with the Board later in the spring.

In Key Action Items, the Board of Education…

Approved the 2021-22 School Year Calendar.

Approved the School Reimagined 3.0 Return to Learn Framework.

Approved recommended policy updates, which were presented for first review at the January Board of Education meeting. 

Approved the employment of Speech Pathologist Jessica Andujar for the 2021-22 school year. Ms. Andujar will replace Theresa Murphy, who is retiring at the end of the current school year after 19 years of service.

 

Key Discussion Items

Superintendent Mark Cross stated that as we have welcomed students back to in-person blended learning, our staff is looking forward to the promising news that COVID-19 vaccinations are hopefully being rolled out soon. The State of Illinois and the DuPage County Health Department is preparing to allow individuals in Group 1b to begin receiving vaccinations, and this group includes our teachers and staff.

Mr. Cross shared that area school districts are working together at this time to secure immunizations for as many of their staff as possible. Should this happen, it will be one step closer to reaching the other side of what has been a very challenging year educationally for students, teachers and parents. It is expected that mitigations that the state has in place will remain largely in place until a large portion of the overall population has an opportunity to receive their immunizations, but Mr. Cross stated optimism at the progress that is being made. As more information becomes available, the school district will continue to share those changes with our parents and community.

Concord Principal Dr. Laura Anderson discussed potential interventions being discussed to assist with students who have had their learning and academic growth impacted by the pandemic. Math was reviewed as a particular area of focus, especially for the younger students. The leadership team will continue to review data and discuss potential solutions, and will share more with the Board and make any needed recommendations at a later date.

The Board reviewed a number of proposed policy changes, although most are not significant and are minor changes that are provided through the Board of Education's PRESS policy service.

Key Action Items

The Board of Education accepted the retirement request of long-time Cass Junior High School Custodian Robert Sniegowski, effective January 29, 2021.

The Board of Education approved to have previous closed session minutes of the Board remain closed as the need for confidentiality remains.

The following Board Briefs are highlights from the December 15, 2020 Board of Education meeting. 

Key Discussion Items Were as Follows…

Superintendent Mark Cross presented the Board of Education with the recommended 2020 tax levy, which was unchanged from the tentative tax levy presented last month. As with most school districts, local property taxes are the largest source of revenue in Cass School District 63. Among other things, local taxes provide resources to fund and operate educational programs, maintain facilities, provide student transportation and finance debt related to larger facility improvements.

This year’s tax levy, which will appear on tax bills in the spring of 2021 to fund school district operations for fiscal year 2022, results in an estimated increase of 3.1 percent in local revenue. Outside of any new construction or a referendum of the voters, any property tax increases are limited to the CPI-U (Consumer Price Index for Urban Consumers), which is estimated at 2.3 percent. Since the proposed increase is well below the 5 percent threshold required, there was no need for a public Truth in Taxation hearing. 

The Board was updated regarding the district’s success with blended in-person learning, as well as the current status of remote learning for the week prior as well as the two weeks following the holiday break. The blended in-person framework will continue immediately following the Martin Luther King Holiday.

Mr. Cross expects that the district will continue to perform well as long as everyone continues to cooperate with self-reporting and following the protocols established in the district’s Framework. The administration is already making plans to return to full-in person learning for next school year and remains hopeful that vaccinations and health conditions will allow more in-person instruction later this school year.

In Key Action Items, the Board of Education…

Adopted a resolution approving the 2020 tax levy, as well as a resolution authorizing a supplemental levy to pay the principal and interest on outstanding bonds.

Adopted a resolution to abate certain taxes and allow for the payment of the corresponding debt service out of existing operating funds.

The following Board Briefs are highlights from the November 17, 2020 Board of Education meeting. 

Key Discussion Items Were as Follows…

The Board appointed Dr. Rinku Patel to the Board of Education to replace Brad Carrino who recently resigned after moving out of state. Please join us in welcoming Dr. Patel and thanking him for his service to the students, staff and community of Cass School District 63.

Superintendent Mark Cross recognized that this is American Education Week and thanked the staff for all they are doing to educate our students, especially during this difficult time. He added that this week includes Board Member Appreciation Day and thanked the Board for all that they do to support the students, staff and Community of Cass School District 63.

Mr. Cross and Board Secretary Alice Esposito reviewed the Facilities Committee report from a meeting that was held on November 2. The report included a preliminary outline of the maintenance items at the two schools, including a plan for replacing HVAC equipment. The Board also discussed the pros and cons of competitive bidding versus performance contracting and stated that current and future costs can be compared. Mr. Cross recommended that the Board conduct its larger facility needs as part of a long-term strategic plan.

The Board was presented with the tentative tax levy, which shows an anticipated increase in local tax revenue due in part to new commercial construction within District boundaries. The final tax levy will be presented for Board approval at the December 15^th meeting.

Mr. Cross reviewed the employee health, dental and life insurance proposals, which include an actual reduction in premium costs for the 2021 insurance year.

The Board and Mr. Cross reviewed recommendations from the administration regarding plans for in-person and remote instruction. After considerable discussion, the Board agreed with maintaining in-person blended instruction through the second week of December, changing to remote instruction for the one week prior and the two weeks after winter break. The district will then resume in-person blended instruction after the Martin Luther King Holiday. Mr. Cross will communicate the schedule details with parents and the school community.

In Key Action Items, the Board of Education…

Approved the tentative 2020 tax levy.

Approved the employee health, dental and life insurance proposals.

Approved a contract amendment with ARAMARK Food Service.

Approved the employment of Kayla Briant as a long-term substitute 4^th grade teacher and Justin Iglesias as a Cass Junior High School teacher assistant.

The following Board Briefs are highlights from the October 20, 2020 Board of Education meeting. 

Key Discussion Items Were as Follows…

Director of Fiscal Services Deb Dolehide and Superintendent Mark Cross presented the Board of Education with the Fiscal Year 2020 Audit and Annual Financial Report. The school district’s auditor recently presented the audit to the Finance Committee. The FY20 audit was completely clean with no negative findings or concerns. There were no modifications to any transactions or preliminary ending fund balances from June 30.

Mr. Cross and Finance Committee Chair Alice Esposito explained the approach Mr. Cross and the school district is taking with the goal of managing expenditures, avoiding the future issuance of tax anticipation warrants and working to build healthy fund balances that are within recommended guidelines.

The Board was presented with the proposed renewal of property, liability, commercial umbrella and worker compensation insurance. Effective November 1, the total cost for these lines of insurance is $98,845 versus $97,996 for the current year, which is an increase of slightly less than 1 percent.

The Board of Education was also presented with the updated School Reimagined – Return to Learn Framework, which has been communicated to staff, parents and the school community. The new framework has been updated to reflect the guidelines involved with the return to a blended in-person schedule while also incorporating the remote plan for those at home.

Mr. Cross reviewed the current status of the DuPage County COVID-19 data and metrics and explained in detail how the school district is using this data along with what is taking place within the community and our local schools to inform decisions in Cass School District 63.

 

In Key Action Items, the Board of Education…

Approved the FY20 audit, insurance renewal and Return to Learn Framework as presented.

Approved special Board meeting dates of Tuesday, October 17 at 7:15 p.m. and Monday, November 2, 2020 at 6:30 p.m. for interviewing candidates to fill the current Board vacancy.

Approved the employment of Jessica Scharf as school psychologist.

Board Members took a moment to thank the teachers, administrators and staff who have worked tirelessly to bring our students back in the classroom while also making sure that students who are remaining remote are receiving the same level of instruction. It is not an easy job under the best of circumstances and the Board of Education wanted the teachers and staff to know that their efforts are greatly appreciated by so many people.

The following Board Briefs are highlights from the September 15, 2020 Board of Education meeting.

Key Discussion Items Were as Follows…

The Board of Education held a Public Hearing at which Mr. Cross reviewed the Fiscal Year 2021 Budget. This budget presented is balanced and revenues and expenditures are unchanged from the budget that was originally presented in June. After the hearing, the Board of Education adopted the FY21 District Budget, which can be found under the link.

Mr. Cross reviewed with Board members and guests the details regarding our plans to begin bringing students back to school under the blended Return to Learn Framework. The recommendation is to start with Prekindergarten, Kindergarten and 1^st grade students beginning on Wednesday, September 30, followed by 2^nd, 3^rd and 4^th grade students on the Tuesday, October 30. Mr. Cross and the Board, as well as principals and teachers, took questions and held a discussion with those in attendance.

Discussion was also held regarding the greater complexity with returning the Cass Junior High School students to the classroom with the schedules and the mixing of students with current health guidelines. Mr. Cross said that the District will continue to work on plans and communicate with parents in the coming days and weeks.

Mr. Cross also reviewed the preliminary 2020-21 school year enrollment report.

President Shelly Camden added that it is the hope of all of us that we can bring all District students back to in person learning. She then thanked the administration and teachers for all they are doing to ensure a great education and the work and progress toward returning students to the classroom.

 

In Key Action Items, the Board of Education…

Approved the recommended Board policy updates, which are largely tied to new Title IX regulations and requirements related to the prevention and reporting of sexual harassment. Mr. Cross informed the Board that once updated policies are posted on the District website, he will formally communicate the key updates to staff and will work with the building principals to implement the requirements of the law and new Board policy.

Approved the District’s Annual Reports on Contracts Exceeding $25,000 as well as required reports regarding salaries and benefits.

The following Board Briefs are highlights from the August 25, 2020 Board of Education meeting.

Key Discussion Items Were As Follows…

Mr. Cross reviewed with Board members and guests the recent decision to move to full remote instruction, the items in the COVID-19 health guidance from the Illinois Department of Public Health that need to be worked through, as well as the expected additional guidance and metrics that is forthcoming from the DuPage County Health Department.

Questions from the audience were welcomed and Mr. Cross addressed the importance of getting more clarity on the guidance so that the school district can make plans accordingly. His research indicated that some of the standards imposed on schools – including the elimination of staff members with a single symptom for 10 to 14 days, 24 hour requirements for vacating rooms with a known or suspected case prior to cleaning and unattainable requirements for personal protective equipment for certain staff – often exceeding what is required in medical facilities.

Mr. Cross stated that getting additional clarity on specific requirements, keeping the guidelines consistent and also getting helpful metrics from health officials will help the district move forward. Also discussed was the importance of not bouncing back and forth but making certain any decisions for students to return to school will be as permanent as possible so parents, as well as teachers and staff, can plan accordingly.

The Remote Learning Plan was also presented and discussed in detail and this will be provided to parents on Wednesday, August 26. The plan includes the necessary details so that parents know the expectations, guidelines, platforms and schedule.

President Shelly Camden thanked the parents who participated, and also commended the administrators, teachers and staff for their work in preparing for a very unusual school year.

In Key Action Items, the Board of Education… 

Approved the amended 2020-21 School Year Calendar which currently reflects full remote learning. The amended calendar may be viewed at 2020-21 School Year Calendar.

Approved a Memorandum of Understanding with the Cass Education Association.

Accepted the resignations of Katie Kafer, Alyse Lucas, Blair Thompson and Kylie Tunk.

Approved and welcomed new school district social worker Kathryn Marks.