001Let's test. Testing. Testing. 1 2 3. Justin. Okay, I want to call this meeting to order for Creek Mon School Board Committee over the whole today is Tuesday, February the 10th, 2026. So, we have 6:30 p.m. >> Can I have a roll call, please? Madam Secretary, >> Miss Wolf, >> here. >> Miss Venegas, Mr. Salish >> here, >> Dr. Hall >> here. >> Zites Sumbers is here. Mr. Gyos >> here. Mr. Brown >> here. Okay. Let us stand for the pledge of allegiance led by Janine board member and with our mission statement following by our board secretary Jamie. Alex if you can go on mute please. I pledge algiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice
002for all. >> Our mission statement is to engage and empower our students to positively impact their community and future. >> Thank you. Thank you both. We do have one public comment that was submitted electronically that is from a John Buda and his comment is as stated I just watched your November board meeting. One of the members asked if I had ever attended a board meeting. I have attended a few of the meetings firsthand to listen. For the school board awareness, I include this link which talks about the public's frustration on the amount of our property tax money goes towards 2011. I would like this link read at the next meeting. I >> I'm sorry. I know you didn't Didn't we do that one already last board meeting or is that >> I This is This
003is dated January 23rd. >> I I >> I could have sworn I could have sworn there were some comments. I think there was an email submitted and I think we >> I'm not sure. No. Well, it can't with this being dated January 23rd, right? We had a meeting before that, right? >> I think >> he's submitted >> maybe submitted this. He's already submitted a public comment and kind of started exactly the same way. >> Maybe that's what it was. >> Started the the public comment the same way. >> Okay, that's correct. >> So, he want us to read this link at our next meeting which is today. Your capital projects needs to stop unless you get our approval. John Puda. The link is this here. And our executive secretary to our superintendent clink uh clicked
004on that link and it was virtually nothing regarding that link. So it's not worthy to read out because it's nothing there. So So Mr. Patruda, if you hear us, if you want to resubmit the contents of that link, please do and I will read it out at our next board meeting. Moving on, do we have any board updates? I would The only thing I'd like to say is um Showquire held their spectacular event which was um 18 teams. I think it was seen by the most we had the highest attendance ever. Um we had some pretty fantastic schools. Our kids are completely amazing. The fact that the time that they spend during the week and then they were here Friday, they were here Saturday, they were here Sunday. Um and then their competition season starts.
005But they were wonderful. Um food service was out outstanding. security, Robin Tobias, Pam Panza, everybody, custodials, they were fantastic. So, the entire staff, you know, the that was involved, they did an outstanding job, let alone the kids were amazing. They performed at I think 620. Our Cavaliers did an outstanding job. So, I know Miss Summerris was there helping out because their son's in combo and I I think you saw the performance. >> I did. They were great. But Mr. Swallish is being far too far too like humble. He throws a fantastic gig. He's in charge of this shindig. Everything from like the food to making sure the wifi was like getting people in to like the Wi-Fi went down and the panic and he just was in there fixing everything with and and hi. And
006our friendly guy here, I forgot. Please, Don. Yeah, I know. But I was going to use your last name, not >> Bruno. Okay, Mr. Bruno did a good or I got it wrong again, but whatever. He did a fantastic job getting us up and running. And the kids were fantastic. And all of the parents that came in and supported, great job. And all of the food service people that were there, phenomenal. And I'm going to get a tattoo with Bill's mom. We got plans. But really, they he does a fantastic job. >> The kids are amaz the kids are amazing. And the two director, you know, uh Mr. Elephantis is the director and Miss My is the assistant director. And listen, those those two kids, and I call them kids because I'm 53, the amount
007of time they put in, it's it's great. It's it's amazing. And the what the kids do after school and the amount of time they put in, it's it's incredible. So, if anybody hasn't seen it, um I know tonight again, they work all weekend. and they're at eighth grade open house tonight performing. So, and we kick off the season Saturday. Mantino. >> Wow. Great. I almost want to put that in the good news, right? Great. Um, and Bill, you don't look a day over 30, right? But good, good, uh, good report. And thank you for all you do and thank you Jamie as well for attending the event. Sounds like it was nothing less than a big hit. Big hit. So, thank you. Any other board updates? Uh, I just have a couple here that we
008are doing really well with the kids initiative with Dr. Perkins leading the team there and I have attended what two meetings. Has it been two meetings since the last board meeting? two both one live and one virtue and I I am just so impressed on the progress that's being made and to hear things from the teachers that say that they have really seen so much success from our three and four year olds and they're connecting the teachers of the three and four year olds are connected with our five year five-year-old kindergarten teachers and the results are just have exceeded their expectations at this point as far as learnings is concerned. So, and one other thing that was shared in that meeting that the state is really looking at Creek Monique 2011U as an example statewide
009our district. So, I don't know if I'm going to be around, but I'm hoping to be around when that three-year-old graduate from high school at least. Not maybe definitely not a board member, but on the other side as a great-grandfather. I would love to see that the results of the initiative that's going on. So, continue to do the good work and Dr. Cognice. She has really placed placed our placed this initiative into Dr. Perkins hands and she has taken it and ran with it. So I'm excited about that. >> What was the name of that initiative? >> You can say it better than I could. >> Sorry. >> Kids >> kindergarten. We have classrooms across the state that are being looked at spotlight. >> Nice. >> Yeah. So, and our board is the only board
010that represent that initiative. The only one. Our board. So, kudos to everyone. All right. Up next. >> Wait, one more thing, too. If you guys read the FYI, >> um I know Jason, Mr. Focusi put in there pictures of the update at the middle school. If you notice, it's really good that we're able to do that construction while we're in school, so we're not slamming that and trying to rush it through the summer. So, I appreciate the updates and the pictures, uh, Mr. Okinsi to let everybody know here. At least whether you're in touch with it or not, at least we can you guys can monitor the work because we're progressing pretty quickly, I think. I mean, I think it's going >> everything's on time. >> Yeah. I mean, like I said, at least we're
011maintaining that schedule and that timeline >> instead of delaying everything. >> Yeah. I'm encouraged with the with the progress we're making and I couldn't imagine doing it, like you said, over a summer slam project. So, I'm glad we had the uh foresight to get it started last year with the demolition during the summer and then obviously being able to work on it during the school year. >> Yeah. And the cooperation with the middle school to make sure we haven't interrupted any part of their day is really, you know, really important. and we've that's happening. So, that's great. >> Yeah, Miss Kakona and her staff have been amazing. >> Great. Keep up the good work. We're coming to the finish line with all these big gun projects. So, let's keep it going. Great job. All right.
012If there's no other board days, I'm turn it over to you, Dr. Kenise, with your administrative updates. >> Thank you, Mr. Brown. I just want to remind everybody in the community that our um district newsletter did go out. I do understand that there are probably some residents that may not have gotten it for maybe some delays in their their postal services. So, if you did not get this, please come to our district office. We have extra copies. It is actually packed full of a lot of really good things that are going on in the district. So, we're really proud. So, we want to make sure that everybody in the community is getting a chance to read all the good things that are going on. >> That was really good. There's a lot of information in
013there. >> Who's that guy at the bottom on that first? >> Yes, I'm sorry. That would be you. >> So, anyway, uh definitely take a look. We've got these at the district office as extras as well. >> Um some other kind of good news. I was going to talk a little bit about the middle school. Everything is going along really well and weather permitting the exterior work for the final two remaining classrooms will be begin over spring break. So, we're kind of moving along there. Um Dr. Dr. Hall, you'll be happy about some of the other good news I'm going to be sharing. This is athletics. So, we have bo uh four boy wrestlers that qualified for sectionals which will compete this Saturday. >> Pardon me. >> Uh where is that going to be? >>
014I'll get you that information. I I'm confused between them and the girls, but I'll get you the information. I'll send it to you. >> So, when they have sectional wrestling, is it just wrestling that's the only event or they have other sports going on? uh at that point at the sectional point. Um right now I believe the girls regional is Saturday. Girls wrestling regional is Saturday. >> And do you guys know when we're are we're hosting a a boys and girls um tournament, right? Basketball. >> I saw that. >> Yes. Basketball will be um on February 17th and 19th. >> Yeah. If anybody if >> it's going to be a busy weekend. I mean I think that's conference, right? >> Regionals is after conference. So girls is the 17th and 19th and then boys is
015what? The 23rd >> 25th and 27th, right? >> So it's a it's the regionals. >> Yes. Okay. >> So anyway, lots of good things that are going on. >> So that those are some of my highlights, sir. >> Okay, that's for good news. >> Yes. >> Okay, you can carry on. Number eight, alpha number two. >> So this is just a quick one and um this is our press plus for 120. This is the all the um the press updates. Um Mrs. I Stumbush was helpful in going through and reading all of these and basically what we saw these are all footnotes and things like that. No substantial changes. Is that correct? >> Correct. It was like note um changes to footnotes mainly like dates or last accessed information. So there wasn't really anything substantive
016in there that was being changed. >> Yes. And I'm I'm sure you can tell me what's on page 8, paragraph 3, the second. >> No, because they all kind of look the same after a while, but please know that you are welcome to after I go through them, you are welcome to borrow it. It is a good sleep aid. It is. >> We trust you. >> Okay. So, thank you. >> And then this is just going to be on for next week. Uh it's that time of year. We reviewed the close session meeting minutes for July of 25 through December 20, 2025. So, uh that'll be on for um approval for um next week. And that's it for my >> Does that constitute 18 months? Is that what that is here? >> 18 months. >>
017Yeah, I believe so. Yeah, we do this every year. >> Every year. Okay. >> And then that goes to business. >> Business. I >> did you have a presentation this evening? >> Yes. >> So, we've asked Mr. Okazinski to just give a brief update um to keep you involved on um some things that we might be coming up with um in the next few months life safety bond sale. Mr. Okazinski. >> Thank you Dr. Koganise. Uh President Brown, distinguished members of the board of education, uh good evening. Thank you. I'm here to speak uh hold a presentation on a discussion of a possible sale of life safety bonds. Um life safety bonds. So the district has the ability to address 10-year life safety issues. Every 10 years the buildings in the district um go through
018a comprehensive assessment of the physical state of the buildings. Uh most recently we've had this completed at six of our eight buildings. all the buildings excluding Mooney Elementary and Creek Mooney High School. um if a item is identified or if something comes up an addend addendum can be made to that life safety survey if it's approved by the regional office of education and also ISBY uh that will allow the district to sell additional life safety bonds to address those specific issues and it that debt will not be subject to the debt service extension base but it will count against the debt limit. Um, in order to do this, a bond hearing is required and there must be issued evidence of the life safety approvals granted by ISBY, which would first go to the regional office
019of education in Will County. Life safety improvements must be re uh must replace in, but some exceptions do apply uh for security and energy energy conservation improvements. So, um kind of have to have a one-on-one swap for that. we can't add new items when we're addressing life safety because the idea behind the life safety survey and those violations is that equipment is nearing the end of its useful life. Uh most funds through the sale must be used within 3 years of the bond sale date. And for any exterior improvements such as parking lots, playgrounds, things along those lines, a public hearing is required to um include those uh violations or work to be done in those exterior areas of the school. Um so we would have to hold a public hearing uh for those items
020as well. Okay. So, some typical life safety improvements as I previously stated, parking lots, paving, concrete, HVAC, mechanical equipment, the building envelopes, which include roof, windows, tuck pointing, and ceiling to increase energy efficiency, safety, security, intercoms underneath safety and security, uh camera upgrades can be included. Uh if you guys remember when we were approved for the SVP COPS grant, uh we were able to upload I mean upgrade all of our cameras from analog to digital. So the district was proactive in syncing out additional grant funds to address those items and make sure that we have updated cameras throughout the district. Lighting is also included and the removal of any asbestous can also be considered life safety. So the district has the opportunity here you currently see our uh debt limit and the debt service chart.
021As you can see from the bar graph our bond and interest levy that is currently just under $12 million per year. And in levy year 2026 it decreases to roughly $11 million and then $10 million after that. So with the possibility of selling additional life safety bonds, the district is able to keep the bond and interest levy at its current amount. And you'll see in the following slide that additional money could be borrowed through 2031. So it' be an additional five levy years. And that by selling bonds through 2031, it will give us an additional proceeds of roughly $9 million. So the process to undertake the sale of the life safety bonds. Uh we need to identify life safety items and obtain cost estimates. We'll do that through architecture. Uh we'll amend the current 10-year
022life safety. As I said, we have that completed for six of our eight buildings. And if anything comes up on our remaining two buildings, which is Mon Elementary and Creek, uh Mon High School, those items could also be included. Um if we choose to sell the additional life safety bonds after review and approval from Isby, they do add the following cost estimates. There's a built-in 10% contingency for design, an additional 10% construction contingency contingency, I'm sorry, and a 8% uh contingency for architectural and engineering fees. Uh public hearings must be held as I previously stated on a previous slide and then we would go ahead and we would approve the resolution to sell the additional bonds and then we would proceed to bond sale. Um, in order to take advantage of this and keep the
023bond interest uh at its current amount, we would have to conclude the sale within calendar year of 2026, which is also levy year 2026. Um, that concludes the presentation and I'm open for questions and can go review any slides uh that you may have questions about. On the last previous slide, you put contingency. You seem some people may think that's a lot but if we don't spend it just explain what happens to it. >> Yes. If we don't spend it um and bill that goes back to the previous slide saying most funds need to be used within 3 years. If we don't spend send them we're able to amend the uh the report for a particular building and then we can address those funds um and you make use of those funds at the appropriate
024time after we've closed out those projects. >> All right. >> Question. when we paved um the high school um did that fall under this process? >> No, ma'am. That um those proceeds were taken out of the sale of the alternative revenue bonds. That was all included in the Sportslex project. >> Okay. Thank you. >> You're welcome. >> Yeah. I believe we never I don't to my knowledge ever had concrete or or paving considered life safety. >> So this is this is the first >> but it's evolved. I think life safety regulations have >> have have >> somewhat evolved since >> yeah since the last time. >> Yeah. Five 10 years >> and windows and roofs and things of that nature. So now this is probably a good thing. >> Mhm. >> You know >> in
025the last 5 years they're now adding what HV uh >> yeah roof and >> rooftops and window like you know stuff for >> Yeah. >> Obviously the air quality is a huge thing now since co so that's probably why they included that. >> Great. Yeah. And and Jason, we have I think the life safety survey coming up in 2028, I believe, for the high school and the Mooney Elementary. >> Yes, sir. That would be the last two. >> Last two. So, that's shortly. That's right around the corner. >> Yeah. And as Yeah. As you pointed out, you know, 2028, it kind of goes every 10 years with the opening of the building. So, you know, those two are our newest buildings, but we are seeing, you know, that they are roughly 20 years older. They're
026approaching 20 years, too. So, um we are uh experiencing some, you know, end of life issues with some equipment at those buildings. So, I'm sure that they would be included as well. >> You mean included with this next go around for life safety? >> It could possibly be. We're still at the point where we're going to go ahead and identify these issues and we're really going to prioritize those best. and just want to take a second and and recognize the board of education because um prior to me getting here um in July of 2023, I know there was a a huge huge effort to address >> life safety issues that were kicked, you know, they kicked the can down the road and you guys really addressed those. I believe in in some of the records
027I saw that was in excess of $60 million um because they were ignored for so long. So, this is an effort to really stay on top of those repairs. So the district and the taxpayers aren't foot with a big, you know, hit with a big bill down the road. We want to address these issues proactively so there's not a large sticker shock down the road and also ensure the best facilities for our staff and students. >> Exactly. So I would say I didn't discuss this when you and I met in and Bill, but if we look to take the opportunity look at see what we have at the high school and Mooney Elementary as far as potential life safety issues that we can bundle those issu those issues now as opposed to when we have
028a survey and those issues are brought up. So if it's something that's stick out, you know, definitely bring it to our attention. I'll be sure to do that. >> We can kind of factor those things in now. We're only talking a good a good year or so, couple years from now. So, what do you think, Bill? >> It may be a great opportunity. It >> makes sense just to at least >> Yeah. So, now we know. >> Technically, two and a half school years from now, it's going to come up. >> So, if an architect looks at it and has >> kind of like a pre-walk through when you're closing on a on a house, >> right? At least if someone walks through a week or two before closing, you can see some of the
029well two and a half years, you at least have an idea. Is there any big tickets or no? Right. Because I think in this last round 2023, we I think our total for all the >> Oh, it was good. We was we was on top of things >> 3 400,000. >> Yeah, it was about 550,000 include contingencies and also architectural engineering fees. >> So it was it was low. >> It it was compared to buildings. Correct. Six of the eight. Yeah. And and let Jane and Jamie know that we had life safety issues that exceeded monetary values of $23 million at one point >> and we knocked out under Dr. Cognney's leadership to knock out these buildings and we knocked out >> a lot all of them basically. We we did a lot of work
030that was unprecedented >> to like you said not kick the can down the road. we address we got safe buildings and these life safety issues is coming about now. I'm glad we have the opportunity to go that route and address the issues that we need to address. >> We we were at the end of the rope with is is they were going to I don't know what they would have done but >> they it needed to be addressed. So, so one thing I would ask that you do Jason and and with Keith and Keith notice that if we can do, you know, look like we got a lot of big gun projects or big ticket projects that would definitely have to be contract out, but sometimes that come with these projects is little ancillary things
031that we can do in house still considered life safety. So if you have the opportunity and if our guys can do something in house, we can give that list to Keith possibly as these projects come along. Okay? Just take advantage and have a separate list where Keith guys can take care of those things. You know, if you can see things, panels or whatever, not label, whatever that we get a quote of $40,000 where things can be taken care of. I know this these are new projects coming up, but just look at the opportunities that you can partnership with Keith and address life safety issues. >> Absolutely. And um Keith, if I'm not mistaken, we've actually started to work on some of those in-house that we have from from those six of those eight bills. Yeah,
032we have been working on those inhouse to save the money and and leverage funds to the maximum of their ability. >> You know, I told Dr. Coglin the other day, she sent me something and I replied back, "Doc, you always one step ahead of me." That goes for you two guys, too. Okay. >> Thank you, sir. >> Thank you. >> Just for clarity, I think I'm understanding what you're saying is that if we identify something before 2028, we may >> for the two buildings before 2028, we may have an opportunity to fix it outside of this process. Is that what you're saying? >> Yeah. We may have an opportunity because we don't know where our finances going to stand or whatever what's going to be identified that if we can look at it and capture
033we have opportunity to borrow life safety go out and and obtain life safety bonds to sell to address the current life safety issues that we're looking at take advantage of it now if we identify things because now when the life safety survey come in 2028 >> that will not be on the list okay >> and we're going to have to address it anyway. way. >> Then you take the present value of a dollar, it probably be cheaper now than five, four, five years from now. >> Thank you. >> And it's not only what we identified as gotate that this process needs to be approved by the regional office of education and also ISB. So >> Okay. >> Thank you. >> You're welcome. >> Okay. >> Thank you everyone. >> Thanks Jason. >> Thank you. >>
034All right. Thank you. So next up is Let me see. Dr. Perkins and teaching and learning for the update on the 2026 2027 school calendar. I'm sure that has been vetted pretty well. >> It's ready to go. >> Lots of feedback on this. Good evening to uh Dr. Koglin East and to the board. Uh we are bringing um the recommendation for the 2627 uh school calendar. Uh we will be submitting that for your recommendation for next uh week when you vote. Uh we wanted to come back because we did receive some public feedback and feedback from our staff. So we wanted to public publicly share with you uh where we were with those uh results. So again, um, as always, I want to thank the 15 or so committee members, um, that, you know, dedicate
035themselves to, uh, putting together their ideas and bringing about the best calendar, um, options for the school district. So, thank you to those committee members. We did have four committee meetings this year. Uh again, quickly, we kind of went over um having flexible days uh with the the holiday selection. We received feedback from the staff, parents, um and put all of those considerations um into our conversations, including our efficiency plan and uh Chromebooks not going home with um our early learners from K to 5 next year on a daily basis. Uh we took into consideration um Wednesdays and having a balanced calendar uh for the trimesters and semesters since the high school is on semester. Um any construction concerns um which we did not have this year. Uh we will start school on time. Uh
036new hire orientation uh ELC has a separate calendar for us but we uh get their input as well. uh as well as the start days, our professional development days, and again um consideration for both middle school and high school. We have our uh state holidays in session. And the um one thing that we may have and it is pending um is if we go into 2026 and there is a midterm election day, November 3rd, uh we will have to add a day to um our calendar. Uh no one has um uh put that into motion yet, but just in case uh Isby has asked that we be aware that that could be an option um that comes up, a law that comes up. Uh and then we have a combination of both school improvement days,
037which are early dismissal days when our staff learns, and uh then records day when they do their records and grading holiday waivers. So, we sent out a survey and the purpose of the waiver was for us to use a group of holidays as Chromebooks will not be going home on a daily basis with K5 next year. Um, because of that, we could get caught with that kind of snowstorm that like we had like I don't know two years ago it was October 31st and then we got hit uh with snow. I believe it was like November 6th this year. Uh so it would give us the flexibility if we could not have an e-learning day. The e-learning day means that all students have devices and have access to their teachers um at home. And so
038it was to give that flexibility that we could use that holiday instead of making it up uh at the end of the school year. And it was not um automatic. it was something that uh the superintendent would work we would work with the union and decide uh if we would use that day and so because of that feedback we sent a survey out to all 700 plus staff members. It went out on January 14th and then it was due on uh January 16th that Friday and we asked them three um questions which was uh what was your work location meaning your building if you were represented by either ACME or CMEA our unions or not and then the question asked was if a full school day closure occurs excuse me and an e-learning day can't
039be implemented I would prefer One, use emergency days in June and extend the school year. Two, attend school on a flexible holiday to avoid extending the school year with at least 30 days notice. Or three, they could check um I don't have a preference. >> And Dr. Perkins, yes, if you don't mind. I >> I get a little confused with the emergency days as opposed to the e-learning days and how they're taken. How many emergency days we have? There's 510. I get a little confused on that. And what constitute using the e-learning day? Because we use e-learning days because of inclement weather over the last several weeks, right? I think we used a couple, didn't we not? >> So, we have used a total of three e-learning days this year when we got hit with
040that snow, unexpected snow in November. >> And why were they why weren't they not considered emergency days? Because in lie of using an emergency day, an emergency day is by all calendars in the state of Illinois, you have to have put in five days at the end of your school year. And so right now, instead of um coming in kind of like when we used to have snow days um kind of back in the day when you used to have snow days, you would have to make up those days. >> Yes. E-learning day allows us to say our students are learning at home with their teachers and we do not have to make up that day because they have a device at home. They are logged in and working with their teachers. So instead of
041that um it's in lie of making that day up. >> So so for all practical purposes you can probably never use emergency days. >> You you will but we're only allowed five. >> Only five. Got it. But here's I think we're I think you're not getting I think the premise of your question. >> Mhm. >> The reason this has come up is because I think we're taking Chromebooks away from K through two. >> K through five. They're taking the Chromebooks back. Not sending them home. >> Not sending them home on a daily basis. We surveyed the staff and there was no need for them to go home on a daily basis. >> So for an e-learning day to happen, every student in the district has to have a Chromebook at home. So you can call
042an e-learning day. >> Now the district >> are pulling K through five back from going home. So now that's not an option e-learning day. Correct. >> Correct. >> So that's why this is all I think >> it would only be if they didn't have their devices. Now when we can plan and we know those cold days were ahead of us, they go home, not a problem, >> right? So, if they have to call an emergency day for something that comes up unexpectedly, if they don't have their Chromebooks, now we're back to the old school way. >> Okay. >> Hey, we're e day and then let's say we're done May 31st, >> June 1 2 3 4 and five are set up as backup emergency. >> E days. >> So, if they use two, then they
043go till June 2nd. Now, >> got it. That's the I think the premise >> they're trying to use >> some different holidays >> instead of taking off. I'm just gonna say I'm not to anybody. Casmir flask, right? Whatever. Yeah, >> they're going to use a day that we take off. They would come to school that day. Correct. >> That that would have been that would have been the option. That's the That's what we asked this day. >> So, they would use one of the days that we have off and they would come to school that day to make up so they don't go longer at the end of the year. Okay, >> that's the the whole premise of this entire calendar. Otherwise, the calendar would go as normal. >> Yes, correct. >> So, so we
044are we are going to use >> Paski day, I guess. >> No. So, I'm going to share those results. >> Okay. Go ahead. I think >> No, that was good. Trying to understand. I was trying to understand why we were talking about this. >> Yes. Yes. Sorry. No. will add for the public because there are schools around us that are in session on, you know, Palaski Day or Veterans Day and so there are some criteria that goes with that. Um, but every school that is in session on one of those five holidays had to have that same hearing that we had. And so we as a district never asked for that, but any school that is in session had to have that hearing that we had. And so here um are the staff results um
045by percentage of our staff members that participated. So we had about 419 of our 700 staff members uh that um took participated in the survey and by uh union membership 64% uh was CMEA 15% was ACME and then 20% were not part of either of the unions. And then here were our results. So by two votes 42.2 two said that they would like to extend the day. 41.8 said um use the flex holiday and then 16% said that they did not have a preference. And so um again very very close. Uh but our recommendation um to the board will be to go with the traditional keep our five holidays as they have always been and then extend the school year. And so, uh, we will be presenting this for, um, your recommendation for, uh, next
046week. >> Fair enough. >> Quick question. And that was the only question they were asked, right? Yes. About the >> That's okay. >> Yes. >> Because I think the 60% At first I was a little concerned with only having two days for the survey. But if we had 419 responses out of 700, that's a 60% response rate. So I think that that's a fair amount of a sample size to say the voice of the teachers and the staff was heard. So thank you. >> You're welcome. And we did send out reminders to um you know the please return in your survey if you would like to participate. >> So so far what we have taken the e-learning days and all of that. Right now we are in a position to end the school year as
047planned. >> Correct. >> Okay. Okay. So, so if we go past for whatever reason we go past these flex holidays which is the last one is that do we have like a good Friday or do we have Palaski day coming up right? >> Yes. >> So if if something happened and we are not in position to use a flex holiday which again March somewhere in March then we would have to use an emergency day. >> Yes. So that's for that's for next year or e-learning. We have five e-learning. We have five e-learning, but we're >> and we only use two, right? >> We use three. >> Three. Two left. Okay. >> But we will not be going to any flex holidays. That's that's the recommendation that we keep our holidays as tradition. We will take
048off. >> Flex holidays. We just will extend. >> We will extend. >> We use all of our e-learning. >> They're going to recommend traditional. >> Yes. >> Okay. >> I call it traditional because that's the way >> that's what we've been doing. Yes. And can you give me a quick criteria for using e-learning days? >> I know I know it's inclement weather. Anything else? >> It's it's in l we can use it for any emergency purposes. So it could be again um not just weather but if we had to have some kind of school closure let's say >> electricity. >> I don't want to say anything negative like burst or something like that. >> Not electricity. We have reliable power. But any any reason why we would have to have any type of school closures,
049we can use that in in lie of an emergency day. >> Now what is it by school? >> I would just ask that question. >> Yeah. Like just to use your example of pipe bust or an electrical issue if it happened at one school does that institute >> does that qualify for e-learning day for that school? Is that possible? >> No, it because we're a unit district, it is we're all in. >> Wow. Okay. We're all in. >> I'm sorry. Yes, Jamie. >> How does this impact in previous years, graduation for both eighth grade and high school seniors has happened before the end of the physical school year? Like students seventh, eighth grade like are still attending school. How will that impact graduated eighth graders or seniors for those extra days? >> So, when we
050set the school calendar and graduation and make our contracts with our external vendors that we it doesn't change anything for that. uh we still um have our 176 days of attendance and because we have that small group of students that may not be in attendance because of graduation, it has no impact on that. >> I'm thinking 0% chance of seniors coming those two days. >> Well, and and that's what I was wondering like what happens if a senior who's already got their diploma is like peace I'm not coming those last two >> typ typically they're finished um their uh >> before that anyway. >> Yes. Their finals are before that anyway. So, yes. >> Perfect. I just wanted to make sure. Thank you. >> They're out. >> Just wanted to make sure. >> Jamie just
051kind of brought something up that we had issues with years ago. I'm sorry if I never brought this up because it just came to my my memories on this. a lot of many years where the kids went down state as far as track concerned >> and they rushed home got in their cap quite a few of them got in their cap and gowns to graduated rushing home from down state participating in the state track event. Did we look at that scenario? >> I for graduation. I was not aware of that, but um that is something that we surely can take into consideration. I know that >> I I know this is the 11th hour, but >> maybe take a look and see. I I you know, we're looking to approve this next week, right? But
052I don't know how we can circumvent. I don't know how we can do anything about that, but that I just feel that's a disservice to those students that's downstate participating in track and field only to come back and try to graduate that same day. >> So, Mr. Brown, I can tell you from having my children in another district, those schedules are made by the state and we don't have any. And I'm telling you some districts those kids are missing gra my kids they had people missing graduation because they had to compete and that >> but does that make it right >> but it's beyond their control is what I'm saying >> we have a certain part of control because we you know we propose a calendar we approve a calendar I don't know the answer
053I'm just saying at least can we look at that that opportunity we can't do anything with the state but what can we do on our side to offset the pain that those is >> we might not know that. >> We don't we don't know but we know we know when the state finals are. We just don't know who's going We know that date. We just don't know who's going to go. >> Sure. Depending on how far this >> No, we know we know we know the date the state is going to participate that event. We just don't know who's going to be there. Right. >> That's it. >> So, and and I don't know, Mr. Brown, when the state publishes their calendar for those events. >> They do it four years in advance. >> Yeah.
054It's already okay. I did not and I was not aware of that. >> And it can it can be just a snapshot to say at least maybe bring it to the board to say, "Hey, yeah, some kids are going to be impacted." >> So, >> and there's nothing you can do. >> They do it four or five years in advance and you may not be able to do it for every sport. >> Yes. Uh but because there's there may be some sports where like I don't know we might go down in baseball might but I think what the way we've been doing it in the middle of the week >> helps a lot because they don't typically start the state series in the middle of the week like a Wednesday the weekend >> right it's
055generally more weekend so like >> it would be like if they had it on the Friday or Saturday. Yes. >> More so we know on a Tuesday or Wednesday. We already know the graduation date, right? For the highest forget that that's on its calendar, right? That to be determined. >> We we usually work we work well, we do not usually, we always work with Mr. Hollyfield and his team, his administrative team, choose the date, choose the location. Okay. >> Uh and so we will do that again this year. >> Okay. And and again, apparently nothing we can do, but that just came up. I just thought about it. >> Yes. that I've seen kids they running I mean barely soon as their name is called they running putting their gown on with their track uniform
056on racing here from down state and I'm like wow what happened here maybe it's one or two kids I don't know but >> well while we may not be able to do anything but now that I know that the dates are published four years in advance that is certainly something that I can give to the committee Um, and then like uh Dr. Hall was saying, because it typically happens on the weekend, we can make sure that graduation date is, you know, kind of in that middle of the week like we normally do. >> Like this year is May 28th through the 30th. >> It's a Thursday. We graduate on the 28th. >> Yeah. Every year. >> Every year. >> So our graduation is on May 28th. >> So our graduation is May 28th. And and
057maybe again, we don't have to solve it now, but maybe on that date that if we know the kids that's participating, we can put their names at the end or something that they can because kids have missed it. Again, names being called. Again, I don't know the answer, but I just out of fairness, I think all kids, seniors should have the opportunity if they meet the qualifications and requirements should have the opportunity if they so choose to march across the stage and get their diploma. >> So, next next 26 27, it's May 27th through the 29th. 27 28 is May 25th through the 27th. 28 29 May 24th through the 26th. and 2930 May 23rd through the 25th. >> Well, look, we're we will choose we'll we'll up our date then. >> So, that's five
058years. It's a five year five years. >> Five years. >> Okay. Okay. >> Thank you. >> We will certainly take that into consideration and um make that an agenda item in our next uh committee for 2728. >> Excellent. >> Okay. >> Thank you guys. >> Oh, were we on the Thank you. Any more questions? Was there any more questions? Doc, you wasn't quite finished. Okay, you just said no, I'm just No, you No, I'm just kidding. Don't go back. But I just want to make sure. Was there any more questions? I didn't I didn't see that page up on there. Thank you. I appreciate it, Dr. Perkins. Okay. So, right now it looks like the calendar got all the hiccups out of it and and been shaped and molded and ready for our to come
059to us next week for approval. Okay. All right. Great. So, that leads us to any old business. I think I um forgive me if I may be forgetting um but whatever happened with the MEC building the sale of that? Did I miss that? Oh, so where we're at is there's um their attorney and our attorney is still working on some contract agreements. So, yes, we have been >> Yes, they're they're still working that out. And I think originally originally I think he asked for a little bit of time anyways, but now we're just I mean think they asked for a little bit extended time, but the attorneys are >> Yeah, I did speak with the the the buyer and uh he you know obviously still interested. They he said they're just working on a few
060things between the attorneys. >> Nice. Thank you. >> Okay. Thank you. Any other old business? I think this is old business if no one else have anything. >> I'm sorry. I do want to say, well, this is kind of old business. Now, the other thing to look at is that was the boys schedule that I gave you because the girls, they are typically the week before, like the 21st through the 23rd this year. Then 20th through the 22nd, 18th through the 20th. So, so on and so forth. 17, 19, 16, 18. So, >> you might not be able to avoid it, but it's >> Yeah. somebody like get like and that's just track you have baseball, softball, you got, you know, other things. So, soccer. >> I'm glad we got that out on the table.
061>> Okay. >> No, no, that was good. That was good. Thank you for that information, Dr. Hall. Okay. I just anyone else old business and I think this is old business. If no one else have any old business to state this one thing for me and I forgot to mention it as a board update. Alex, you still there? >> Yes, I am. >> Okay. Thank you. All right. Alex, I did uh I share with the board that I would go and attend a speed meeting a week or so ago. >> Can you go back on mute? >> Yeah, you can go back on mute, Alex. We hear the tires rolling. So, I did attend a speed me meeting and it was very very what's the word I'm looking for? >> Interesting. Yeah. Interesting on steroids.
062Okay. To say the least. And it was all of about three hours and it was very good. I thought I learned a lot there. They asked me, "Have I ever attended a speed meeting meeting before?" And I said, "Yeah, about almost 15 years ago when I first got on the board, I attended the board." Wow. Okay. So, Alex, I have to give you a binder which basically states the State of the Union for speed. It's a big 1-in binder filled with a lot of information. Okay. I owe that to you. The next meeting will be in March. I don't have the date, but they're skipping this month. >> Okay. And the next one will be in Mar March. And they also elected another person for the president. I guess the previous president and keep his
063family in prayer that he lost his life. So you have you do have a new president there. Just want to let you know. Okay. >> Okay. >> And I'll talk to you offline when you and I can get together and I'll share more information. Okay. >> So I think we represented the district well. So that's about it. I have for old business. Thanks, Alex. >> Thank you. >> You're welcome. New business. >> I have uh question for a new business. I guess this will go into new. How many people do we have that work at home? Work from home. How many employees do we have that work from home? >> Oh my god. >> I know. It's like full time. >> We have a few that work hybrid. They're here and then they have a
064few days at home now. >> Okay. Um >> so maybe just a few. Do do we is that because of still space because at what point are they going to return back to working full-time in the building? >> Well, there there's not a need for them to be here. The types of jobs such as transportation. >> Um she starts at 5:00 in the morning and she's there till she's working till 5 6 o'clock at night >> intermittently. So, you know, for her it works best for her schedule that she can work remote most of the time. >> Okay. And and anticipation of having that's not because of space. It's because of >> not No, no. I think it was just the type of the jobs that they have. It didn't necessitate them being here full-time
065in in the office space when they can do that job at home. >> Okay, that was my question. >> So, you just made me think of something. Um, and this may be for you, Jason. Um, do we track or monitor the bus routes and how late they are, how often they're late? Do they have to provide a report or uh just a call in, just a notification or anything like that? If they are late, >> we track it as much as we can. And then we also do um assess liquidated damages per the contract um for late buses without proper notification, combining of bus routes and things along those lines. because sometimes I'll get a notification that the bus route is going to be late. I get it on text message and then sometimes I
066will say most of the time I don't. Um and so it just made me wonder when you said transportation role. It just made me think of it. Um just kind of like what are our responsibilities and how do we hold accountable accountability in that and what what do we do when they're so late or is there a cut off where it's actually considered late? like do they get a 10-minute grace period every day or >> um you know generally the high school routes pretty much uh run pretty well unless there's a a call off with a combining route issue. Um and then what you kind of see since we're a multi-ter district if there's an issue at the high school and it happens to be a three tier kind of goes throughout you know arrival
067and departure. Um you know we try to work on communication as best we can. We do have a my my ride K through 12 app. Um, and actually I think I included in the FYI a couple weeks ago. We met with uh the regional manager and the customer service representative from first student. Um, they don't necessarily always switch over the GPS information. Um, and that kind of makes their the app a little null and void, but I had dis, you know, voice my displeasure with them. Um, we're actually giving them uh user access on there to see what we see on our end to try and improve those processes. So, yeah, we're always working with them and um this is the first year of a three-year contractual agreement for regular education and special education with
068First Student. But, uh yeah, I continue to advocate for the district and our families to get the best service we deserve. >> Well, if you ever need a secret shopper for a route cuz I promise you, I promise it feels like ours is late all the time and so I know that that's heightened because I'm sensitive about it, but um just let me know. No, I I I honestly ask all all all all parents who voice their displeasure and obviously, you know, you're a parent in the district, please put it in writing so I can document that as well um and address it with them. So, uh you're well within your right to do so and I do encourage it. Please. >> Thank you. And I do have just one point of clarification. Um wrestling
069sectionals will be held at Hinsdale South Friday and Saturday. Okay. So, I want to make sure I got that information for you guys, especially Dr. Hall. >> This that's that's this weekend. Yes. Friday. >> Hisdale. >> Yes, sir. >> Thank you. Thank you for that information. New business. We still on new business. Any other? Yes. >> New business? >> No other news. New new business. We do have a reason going into close session for the appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific employees. Can I have a motion to go into close session for reasons stated? >> Moved by Bill. >> Second by Jane. Any questions or comments? Roll call, please. Mr. Swallish. >> Hi. >> Miss Wolf. >> Hi. >> Dr. Hall. >> Hi. >> Zit stumbler says an I. Mr. Gagos. >>
070Hi. >> Mr. Brown. >> I. Motion carry. We are in close session. And >> minutes. >> We will be about >> 30 minutes. about a half hour 30 minutes and we would not be taking any action thereafter. So, thank you public for joining us this evening. Really appreciate you taking the time out to witness and be part of our board meeting. Thank you. Have a good evening.