001evening. This is Township High School District 113 committee of the whole meeting Tuesday, May 9th, 2023, 5 30 p.m. And it's 5 30 p.m. A roll call please. Mr Newman, Mr Shapira. Yes, please construct. Hi, Mr Barazza. Here. Dr. Elliott Schrimmer. Yeah, Mr Heineman. Hi here. Mr. Here. We're gonna switch the agenda just slightly and now we're gonna do the oath of office. So the results of the consolidated election held on April 4th have been canvassed. Dr Jody Elliott Schrimmer, Anne Newman, Dan Struck and Greg Meader were elected to four year terms. Would the elected board members please stand? Okay, everybody up. Greg, if you want to walk this way, so you don't just stay in the middle. Thanks. Okay, raise your right hand and read the oath with me. I, your name. Do solemnly
002swear that I will faithfully discharge the duties of the office, member of the Board of Education, Township High School District 113 in accordance with the Constitution of the United States, the Constitution of the state of Illinois and the laws of the state of Illinois to the best of my ability. I further swear that I shall respect taxpayer interests by serving as a faithful protector of its old district's assets. I shall encourage and respect the free expression of opinion of my fellow board members and others who seek a hearing before the board while respecting the privacy of students and employees. I shall recognize that a board member has no legal authority as an individual and the decisions can be made only by a majority vote at a public board meeting. I shall abide by majority decisions
003of the board while retaining the right to seek changes in such decisions through ethical and constructive channels. As part of the Board of Education, I shall accept the responsibility for my role in the equitable and quality education of every student in the school district. I shall offer with the board extensive participation of the community, formulate goals, define outcomes, set the course for Township High School District 113. I shall assist in establishing a structure and an environment designed to ensure all students have the opportunity to attain their maximum potential through a sound organizational framework. I shall strive to ensure continuous assessment of student achievement and all conditions affecting the education of our children in compliance with state law. I shall serve with education as key advocate on behalf of students in our community schools to advance
004the vision for Township High School District 113. I shall strive to work together with the district superintendent to lead the school district toward fulfilling the vision the board has created, fostering excellence for every student in the areas of academic skills, knowledge, citizenship, and personal development. I think you just took the oath. You're still here. How many times I've taken that? Oh, is it? Oh, nevermind. Okay. You can sit up here and look. I just read this. Oh, he's got, I'll just take Jodi's back. Jodi, have fun. Take good pictures. Greg, welcome. And this is really official. Your name tag. Name tag. Got the whole thing. And mine never leaves my bed. Take your calendar, block out Tuesday night. And Tuesday mid-afternoon. Welcome. This is great. All right. I will turn the agenda over. And you
005get the whole thing, badge. Oh, you're even official, official. I know. I got it. I got it. All right. You got the badge. You got the other badge. You got the seat. There's your laptop. There's no blood. We're not going to drop. Jodi will show you the secret handshake. All right. So I will turn the agenda over to Ann Newman. That's where you start. This is my first time doing this. The board would like to recognize our outgoing board member, Ken Fishbane. We have a short presentation, including a resolution that I will read in honor of Mr. Fishbane. Following the recognition of the retiring board member, we'll, we will adjourn the current board. That means that the current board has no scheduled date to reconvene. The newly seated board will then conduct a reorganization meeting
006and elect officers. Resolution and appreciation of Ken Fishbane. Whereas Ken Fishbane has demonstrated generous dedication for 13 years to the students, families, staff, and community members of township high school district one 13 by serving as a board member of the board of education from April 2003 until may 2011. And then again, June, 2018 until may 2023. And whereas Mr. Fishbane served as the president and vice president during his tenure. And whereas Mr. Fishbane served as a member of the finance committee, policy committee, facilities committee, human resources committee, return to school committee, equity committee, and board bargaining team. And whereas Mr. Fishbane served officially as a liaison for the EDRED council and in his role as board president to numerous local committees. Therefore, be it resolved that we members of the board of education of township
007high school district one 13 Lake County, Illinois, recognize and thank Mr. Ken Fishbane for his outstanding and dedicated service to township high school district one 13 and express our profound appreciation on behalf of the students, families, staff, and community of the district. And I think Jody has a couple of words that she would like to share. So before Ken has his words, that was the official words. But here we go, Ken, for those of you who don't know, Ken is a numbers guy who is forced to me to become a numbers girl. So Ken, by the numbers, 13 years, three elections, if I have a correct six superintendents, 17 board members, and 12,000 graduates. Almost eligible for a state count. Yeah. Number of meetings. I lost count at 75 and one global pandemic, but more
008importantly, Ken is the person. Where do we start? How many people would come and step back into this role, knowing what the role was like and coming back in when our district needed you as much as they did and always steps up, always steps up for each and every one of us and each and every person here. He will tell you he loves to do the work and he does because the work he does and the dedication he puts into it shows his love, his historical knowledge of this district never ends. And it is incredibly, incredibly useful to all of us. And one day he can write an incredible book with his wife, the author, but most importantly, you will be missed by all of us beyond words. I'm going, I'm going there, Ken. You've
009meant as much as you have to all of us, because that's who you are. With that, for those of you who don't know, Ken is a huge micro group fan. So we have provided Ken with some micro booze to enjoy every Tuesday night while you get to crack one open. So Ken, we can't begin to thank you enough from those of us who have sat here with you, you will be tremendously missed. It is wonderful. You got on the numbers, the pay. Yes, the pay. I should have ended with that and zero dollars. Then I go to C. Or do I do it? I'd like to remind you of three minutes for public. So Ron, if we get the timer, I'm joking. I'm joking. I'm joking. Yeah, that ain't going to happen. Thank you. Thank
010you. Thank you. All right. First, let me be clear. There will be a peaceful transition of power. So I think all my notes goes. Right? Yeah. You know, I thought it was still Jodie. These will go in my mementos. I home my secure place. It will go. It will be because I was on the board before we'll go with my memento from the first time on the board. So after I returned to the board in 2018, friends and neighbors said, are you crazy? You've already served eight years and now you're coming back. Have you lost your mind? It's a thankless job. Well, then I was humbled by the warm reception from the board, the teachers, the staff. Well, I just said, thank you. So you see, it's not a thankless job. So I leave tonight
011when that best wishes, my thanks to all of you. First up, she's going to watch the recording. First up is Ramina. Ramina has got to go first. So Ramina, you're too young to understand my radar variety of references from MASH, but Ramina is amazing. We depend on you. We trust you and especially as a board president. Thank you. So I do have stories and I do have a couple of fine stories. So I recently read a book and the author described the stories this way. And sometimes remembering will lead to a story which makes it forever. And stories are for joining the past to the future. So I've shared lots of stories over the last five years. Thank you for patiently listening to me. And it makes me think of stories as a bridge, a
012connection of how we do our work here in B113. So to the cabinet. So you guys are a key bridge. You remind me so much of the first cabinet when I came. You guys do an incredible job. Not just what Bruce asks, not just what Bruce expects, but you go the extra mile to exceed those expectations. Simply said, you guys will run through every obstacle for the boss. So thank you for your outstanding work, your commitment, giving up your Tuesday nights, and especially thankful that you guys laugh when I try to be fun. So to the board, to Bruce, three stories, three bridges, three minutes. First story, DEI. So in 2005, the superintendent initiated a diversity equity and inclusion program with training education for the staff, including the board. And in 2007 and again, in
0132010, a small, small group of people staged a cruel, anti LGBTQ campaign against the district. We stayed the course and we received incredible support from the community at large. So then we see the bridge to 2020. This superintendent leads the formal DEI program and this board starts a DEA committee. And I know you will always protect that bridge. Second story, hiring a superintendent. So you guys, it's your key, it's your key board responsibility. So in 2005, we hired George Fornaro. George checked all the right boxes, highly qualified, outstanding leader, trusting, committed to all students, including those least advantaged. So he jumped forward to 2019. We hired Bruce Klein, highly qualified, outstanding leader, trusting and committed to all students, including those least advantaged. When we interviewed Bruce in January 19, 2019, we asked him some great
014questions and he had great answers. But we forgot to ask him, Bruce, what's your strategic plan when we are under a national pandemic of COVID? Bruce, what's your strategic plan when we start school, six weeks after a mass shoot. And when we were faced with those crisis events, Bruce led the district successfully with a focus on all students and staff. And as a board, it's just an awesome responsibility to hire the right person as your superintendent. I'm so proud of this story. I think it's our strongest bridge. So for 14, 15 of the last 20 years, these two superintendents served district 113, our students, our staff, our parents, our community and our board with incredible commitment and leadership. Third story, Friday night lights. So at a recent meeting, I almost told the story about the
015fire marshals, that our fire marshals really good thing. I always say the fire marshals come in, I guess they didn't even do it. So as you may know, in 2003, there were no lights at Wolters and Adams Field. The Boosterix College does this amazing job of fundraising, a ton of energy to convince the district to install lights. Now, remember, this is pre-Facebook. So the communications were old fashioned, but quite, quite effective. And then came the opposition. Signs popped up all over Highland Park saying, no lights at Wolters Field in the same color scheme and format as the no lights in Wrigley Field from 1984. Yes, you know how long I've been around. So the Highland Park City Council had to approve the lights. And I attended the meeting on behalf of the board. And yes,
016the crowd exceeded capacity and the fire marshals had to clear the aisles. So the lights passed the city council and it passed the district one board 113 by a rare, it might have been five, two, but I think it was a four, three vote. It was it was close. So let's just kind of take this story and let's kind of cross the bridge. And today, things in that area are a lot calmer because our most controversial and pressing issue is just the size of the scoreboard screen. So we're all good. OK, I'm circling for a link. So to the board, it's your story. So you are the board that during COVID did not hesitate to approve funding to make sure students had Chromebooks, Internet access, meals, and that all employees had paychecks and insurance during
017the shutdown. And this is the board that responded to life horse shooting and did not hesitate to approve funding for counseling and resources to support students and staff. So these stories are reminders that number one, people trust you. They appreciate your work, your judgment, and they are thankful. So the board always remember number two, when you hear that everyone says, you know, of course, it's not every. We live in a community known for people who speak out, people who can loudly state their opinions, and it's completely, totally important to hear them at the same time as a board member. You need to listen and speak for those who find it more difficult to be heard. So here are just a few facts as board members, you do know. You do know that you work on
018behalf of 3,200 students, 660 staff, 50,000 citizens, about 6,000 of whom voted to put you in office. People trust you to trust yourself, your professional, personal and parent experience. Trust each other and trust your superintendent. So one very important question, what's next for me? Two things. One, I might join a Tuesday night only. Two, I am definitely applying for the twenty four dollar an hour job as a D 113 ticket taker. So so I'll close with this and I've said it before, when people say the board doesn't have a clue, the board will have to approve it. The administration is surrounded by the board. We are so grateful for board support. Thank you. The board is made up of real people. Dan and Jodi, Ann and Jodi, Jaime and Rick and Greg, seven parents, seven
019neighbors, seven special people. Proud to call you friends. Thank you. For a motion to adjourn scene, a motion so moved. Second. Roll call. Mr. Shapiro. Yes, please. Mr. Struck. Yeah, Mr. Barazza. Yes, please. Dr. Elliot Schermer. Mr. Hyman. Yes. Ms. Newman. Yes. Mr. Fishpin. Yes. Motion carries. And select organization of twenty twenty three boards, the selection of the president pro tem and Newman will conduct the election for board president and president pro tem following the election of president. The president will preside over the election for the remaining officers and will conduct the rest of the meeting. Is there any objection to the selection of Ann as president pro tem? Seeing as there is none, Ann, please proceed. This is the Township High School District one thirteen reorganization meeting Tuesday, May 9th, two thousand twenty three
020at five fifty one p.m. A roll call, please. Mr. Struck. Here, Mr. Barazza. Here. Dr. Elliot Schermer. Mr. Hyman. Here. Mr. Neater. Here. Myself. I'm here. And Mr. Shapiro. Yes, please. Election of president for one year. The floor is now open for nominations for the office of president. Are there any nominations for the office of president? Yes, I have the pleasure and honor to nominate Dan Struck for president of the Board of Education. Dan Struck, do you accept the nomination? Yes. Are there any other nominations for office of president? Hearing no further nominations, the nominations for the office of president are now closed. Since only one member is nominated for president, I cast a unanimous ballot and declare Dan Struck elected to change that. I have to. Please, please. I mean, that that way, it
021will see you. I'll see you every week. I'm sorry, I don't think so. I don't think so. Like the best president for them. OK, we don't need seconds anymore. Moving right along, the next agenda item gets right to the point. Is the election of vice president for one year? The floor is now open for nominations for the office of vice president. Are there any nominations? I would like to nominate. It would be an honor to nominate Anne Newman as vice president. And do you accept the nomination? I do. Are there any other nominations for the office of vice president? Hearing no further nominations, the nominations for the office of vice president are closed. Since only one member is nominated for vice president, I cast a unanimous ballot and declare Anne Newman elected as vice president.
022Next item of business is the election of our secretary for one year. The floor is now open for nominations for the office of secretary. Are there any nominations? I nominate Jody Shapira. Jody, do you accept the nomination? I do happily. Are there any other nominations for the office of secretary? Hearing no further nominations, the nominations for the office of secretary are closed. Since only one member is nominated for secretary, I cast a unanimous ballot and declare Jody Shapira elected. Now move on to agenda item F, appointment of treasurer for one year. It is recommended that Ali Mahanti, assistant superintendent of finance for district 113, be nominated to serve as treasurer of the Board of Education for a one year term. Is there a motion? So moved. Is there a second? Second. Is there any discussion?
023Thank you, Ali. Thanks, Ali. Hearing no further discussion or roll call. Mr. Barraza. Aye. Dr. Elliott Schrimmer. Mr. Heinemann. Aye. Mr. Nieder. Aye. Ms. Newman. Aye. Ms. Shapira. Yes, please. Mr. Strzok. Aye. Motion carries. Agenda item G, determination of date and time of regular meetings. The school code requires that we re-adopt our schedule of board meeting dates at our reorganization meeting. It is recommended that the Board of Education approve the schedule of board of education meeting dates for the period beginning July 2023 through June 2024 as presented. Is there a motion? So moved. Is there a second? Second. Is there any discussion? Just note that there are meetings scheduled for May 30th and June. June 13th and keep all your other Tuesdays open because it happens. This is just the beginning. Is there a roll
024call? Oh, no, sorry. Yeah, a roll call. I'll take a roll call, please. Dr. Elliott Schrimmer. Mr. Heinemann. Aye. Mr. Nieder. Aye. Ms. Newman. Aye. Ms. Shapira. Yes, please. Mr. Barraza. Aye. Mr. Strzok. Aye. Motion carries. Agenda item H, assignments of board members to examine bills and salaries. It is recommended now that our new board is seated, it is time to assign board members to examine bills and salaries for the next year in accordance with our usual policy and procedure. It is recommended that the Board of Education approve the assignments of board members to examine bills and salaries for the period beginning July 2023 through June 2024 as presented. Is there a motion? So moved. Is there a second? Second. Is there any discussion? Seeing that there is no further discussion, we will hold a
025roll call. Mr. Heinemann. Aye. Mr. Nieder. Aye. Ms. Newman. Aye. Ms. Shapira. Yes, please. Mr. Barraza. Aye. Dr. Elliott Schrimmer. Mr. Strzok. Aye. Motion carries. Let's see. Item four. It is recommended that the Board of Education move into closed session to consider information regarding security procedures, school building, safety and security, and the use of personnel and equipment to respond to an actual, a threatened or a reasonably potential danger to the safety of employees, students, staff and public or public property. Litigation in an action against effecting or on behalf of the particular public body has been filed and is pending before a quarter administrative tribunal or when the public body finds that an action is probable or imminent. In which case, the basis for the finding shall be recorded and entered into the minutes of the
026closed meeting. Is there a motion? So moved. Is there a second? Second. We will have a roll call. Mr. Heinemann. Aye. Mr. Nieder. Aye. Ms. Newman. Aye. Ms. Shapira. Yes, please. Mr. Barraza. Aye. Dr. Elliott Trimmer. Mr. Strzok. Aye. Motion carries. We now will go into closed session to the next hour.