Grundy Reporter

Minooka Community High School District 111 Board of Education met Dec. 18.

Here are the minutes provided by the board:

CALL TO ORDER 

The regular meeting was called to order at 6:15 p.m. by President Mike Brozovich. The meeting was held at  Minooka Community High School-Administration Building. A physical quorum was present with the following  board members answering roll call:  

                                              YES    NO 

• Mike Brozovich                     X  

• Laura Hrechko                      X 

• Tim Juskiewicz                      X  

• Mike Hoyt                              X  

• Jim Grzetich                          X 

• Matt Shepard                                 X 

• Terry Spivey                          X 

Additionally, present were: 

• Dr. Rob Schiffbauer              X 

• John Troy                             X 

• Dr. Phillip Pakowski             X 

• Kristi Boe                             X  

• Jamie Soliman                     X 

• Michele Williamson              X 

The Pledge of Allegiance was recited. 

COMMUNICATIONS/RECOGNITION 

The MCHS Madrigals performed for the Board of Education and Mr. Benware provided highlights of the  program.  

PUBLIC COMMENTS 

There were no public comments heard.  

PRESENTATIONS 

MCHS Report Card – Dr. Phil Pakowski 

The MCHS Report Card 2024 was provided in the board packet for review. Dr. Pakowski reported that seventy five percent of the report card are Academic Indicators and twenty-five percent consists of School Quality and Student 

Regular Meeting Page 2 of 6 Wednesday December 18, 2024 

Success Indicators. MCHS is considered as a Tier 2 commendable status with an overall index score of 83.74. The  graduation rate grew from 91% last year to 94.8% this year. Freshman on track improved from 84.1% last year to 91.6%  this year. Dr. Pakowski also reported that areas of strengths are the graduation rate at 94.8%, 9th grade on track at 94.1%  and CTE & graduation rate. Areas of growth include reducing chronic absenteeism, and increasing the climate survey  participation rate. Dr. Pakowski commended Aubrey Knight with helping increase the staff and student participation.  ACT prep programs and department goals are in place for ELA/Math/Science proficiency. Dr. Pakowski noted that the  english learner population has increased and is on the school report card. He will work with the Department Chair to  change the way the access test is given. Dr. Pakowski feels that a one-on-one approach would benefit the student.  

There was discussion on chronic absenteeism rate and working with families and encouraging school attendance as well  look into and address the possibility of a hybrid block schedule with staff.  

ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS 

Administrative reports were provided in the board packet for review.  

Dr. Schiffbauer added that on January 14th from 4-6 p.m., South Campus will host an open house for the  community to learn about the Canadian National intermodal project. Incoming freshman night will be January  22nd for the class of 2029.  

CONSENT AGENDA 

MOTION: by Hrechko, seconded by Grzetich, to approve the consent agenda as presented: 

A. Open Session Minutes 

1. November 20, 2024 Board Meeting 

B. Financial Reports 

1. Monthly Financial Reports 

2. Payment of Bills/Total 

3. Employee Payroll 

4. Imprest Fund Report/Total 

5. Activity Fund Report 

6. Treasurer’s Report (Cash/YTD – Exp/Rev) 

Voting Aye: Spivey, Juskiewicz, Hoyt, Hrechko, Grzetich and Brozovich. Motion carried. Time: 6:58 p.m. 

COMMITTEE REPORTS 

There was no Committee of the Whole held in December.  

GAVC had a routine meeting on December 17, 2024. There are ongoing discussions on the reconfiguration of  MCHS membership with GAVC. As well as a possible $6.5 million dollar health and life safety work bond  issuance with a 20-year payout. Dr. Schiffbauer will keep board members up to date as more information is  discussed.  

GCSEC meeting was held on December 18, 2024. There was discussion on the limited space for the growing  18–22-year population at the Lakewood Commons facility in Morris. There is a unit that has become available  and currently working on a purchase price for that available space to expand. Dr. Schiffbauer will give board  members an update next month. 

DISCUSSION ITEMS 

Educational Foundation Update: 

The Educational Foundation update was included in the board packet for review. Dr. Schiffbauer stated that the  Foundation has been preparing for the Denim and Diamonds event which has been moved to March 8, 2025.  This will take place at the Four Rivers Environmental Center in Channahon. The next Educational Foundation  will be January 16th 2025.  

PRESS Packet 117 – Second Reading and adoption  

Press Packet 117 drafts were provided in the board packet for review. Dr. Schiffbauer added this draft is for  legal updates to the policies. There were no questions and it is anticipated for approval at the end of the  meeting.  

Series 2025 Funding/Working Cash Bonds:  

Series 2025 Funding and Working cash bond resolutions were in the board packet for review. Mr. Troy  reported that the resolutions are the next step to pay off the debt certificate funds. The resolutions are for the  intent to issue $40 million dollars in funding bonds as well as a resolution for the intent to issue $16.2 million  dollars in working cash fund bonds. The district has $30 million dollars in reserved balances towards the $86  million dollar project. There were no questions or concerns and both resolutions are anticipated for approval at  the end of the regular board meeting.  

Disposal of Buses and Minivan:  

The recommendation for the disposal of 5 district 111 buses and one minivan was provided in the board packet  for review. There were no objections for the disposal or donation to local fire departments as presented. It is  anticipated for approval at the end of the regular board meeting.  

Scale Data Center Proposal: 

The Scale Data Center replacement proposal was provided in the board packet for review. Dr. Schiffbauer  reported that the contract for the offsite virtual servers is ending and the new contract would for 4-years with a  total cost of $123,304 dollars that would be divided by four payments. There were no questions or concerns  and it is anticipated for approval at the regular board meeting.  

 IMRF – Rate Paydown:  

The IMRF UAAL (Unfunded Actuarial Accrued Liability) report was provided in the board packet for review.  Kathi Norman, Director of Finance presented two options to buy down the rate which will ultimately save  money. MCHS current unfunded liability is $2,076,783 dollars. The recommendation for the board’s  consideration is to contribute $750,000 to help fund IMRF UAAL. That is estimated to save $628,655.19. The  savings will allow MCHS to continue to levy less for IMRF which will keep the tax rate steady. The agenda  item is not a current action item but is for the board’s future consideration.  

ACTION ITEMS

Regular Meeting Page 4 of 6 Wednesday December 18, 2024 Approval of the 2024 Tentative Levy as presented.  

MOTION: by Grzetich, seconded by Spivey, to approve the 2024 Tentative Levy as presented.  Voting Aye: Juskiewicz, Hoyt, Hrechko, Grzetich, Spivey and Brozovich. Motion was carried. Time: 7:12 p.m.  

Approval and possible approval and adoption of PRESS Packet 117 as presented.  

MOTION: by Hrechko, seconded by Grzetich, to approve and possible and adoption of PRESS Packet 117 as  presented. Hearing no objections. Motion was approved. Time: 7:13 p.m. 

Action on a resolution setting forth and describing in detail claims heretofore authorized and allowed for proper  school purposes which are presently outstanding and unpaid, declaring the intention to issue $40,000,000 bonds  for the purpose of paying claims against the District, and directing that notice of such intention be published as  provided by law. 

MOTION: by Grzetich, seconded by Hoyt, Action on a resolution setting forth and describing in detail claims  heretofore authorized and allowed for proper school purposes which are presently outstanding and unpaid,  declaring the intention to issue $40,000,000 bonds for the purpose of paying claims against the District, and  directing that notice of such intention be published as provided by law. Voting Aye: Spivey, Juskiewicz, Hoyt,  Hrechko, Grzetich and Brozovich. Motion was carried. Time: 7:14 p.m. 

Action on a resolution declaring the intention to issue $16,200,000 Working Cash Fund Bonds for the purpose  of increasing the District’s Working Cash Fund and directing that notice of such intention be published in the  manner provided by law.  

MOTION: by Spivey, seconded by Hrechko, action on a resolution declaring the intention to issue $16,200,000  Working Cash Fund Bonds for the purpose of increasing the District’s Working Cash Fund and directing that  notice of such intention be published in the manner provided by law.  

Voting Aye: Grzetich, Spivey, Juskiewicz, Hoyt, Hrechko, and Brozovich. Motion was carried. Time: 7:14 p.m.  Approval of the disposal of five (5) District 111 buses and one (1) minivan as presented. 

MOTION: by Juskiewicz, seconded, by Hoyt, to approve the disposal of five (5) District 111 buses and one (1)  minivan as presented. Voting Aye: Hrechko, Grzetich, Spivey, Juskiewicz, and Hoyt and Brozovich. Motion  was carried. Time: 7:15 p.m. 

Approval of the Scale Data Center proposal in the total amount of $123,304 dollars with financing from  American Capital $33,284 per year over four (4) payments as presented.  

MOTION: by Hoyt, seconded Hrechko, to approve the Scale Data Center proposal in the total amount of  $123,304 dollars as presented. Voting Aye: Spivey, Juskiewicz, Hoyt, Hrechko, Grzetich, and Brozovich.  Motion was carried. Time: 7:15 p.m.  

EXECUTIVE SESSION  

MOTION: by Grzetich, seconded by Spivey, to adjourn the meeting to executive session for the purpose of  discussing matters related to minutes, the appointment, compensation, discipline, dismissal, employment and  performance of specific employees of the district, student discipline, and collective bargaining. Voting Aye:  Juskiewicz, Hoyt, Hrechko, Grzetich, Spivey and Brozovich. Motion was carried. Time: 7:16 p.m.

Regular Meeting Page 5 of 6 Wednesday December 18, 2024 

RETURN TO OPEN SESSION 

MOTION: by Hrechko, seconded by Juskiewicz. Hearing no objections. Motion was approved. Time: 8:04  p.m. 

ACTIONS FOLLOWING EXECUTIVE SESSION 

Closed Session Minutes 

MOTION: by Spivey, seconded by Hrechko, to approve the closed session minutes as presented:  November 20, 2024 Executive Regular Meeting 

Hearing no objections. Motion was approved. Time: 8:06 p.m.  

MOTION: by Juskiewicz, seconded by Spivey, to approve that all of the closed session minutes reviewed from  the time period of January 2023 through June 2023 and the summary of previous review of minutes  of September 2003 through December 2022 remain closed and not subject to public examination as there is a  need for confidentiality which still exists, and to approve that the audio recordings from July 2022 through June  2023 are no longer required by law to be maintained and can be destroyed. It is noted that 18 months have  passed since being made and the board has approved the particular minutes of those meetings. 

Voting Aye: Hearing no objections. Time: 8:07 p.m. 

Personnel 

Resignation/Retirement(s): 

MOTION: by Juskiewicz, seconded by Hrechko, to accept the following resignation/retirement(s) as presented: 

Christopher Jesionowski – Registered Nurse – eff. 12/4/2024 – resignation 

Matthew Beck – Interventionist – Behavior – eff. 12/19/2024 – resignation  

Caty Cons – Special Education Aide – eff. 1/15/2025 – resignation  

Katie Casserilla – Administrative Assistant to the Dean – eff. 1/15/2025 – resignation  

Chris Listello – Art Teacher - eff. 6/30/2029 – retirement  

Dana Becker – Art Teacher – eff. 6/30/2029 – retirement  

Hearing no objections. Motion was approved. Time: 8:08 p.m.  

LOA: 

Motion: by Hrechko, seconded by Grzetich, to approve the following leaves of absence as presented, pending  receipt of proper documentation.  

Brook Brenczewski – Administrative Assistant to the Deans – from approximately 10/22/2024 – 10/22/2025  (Days TBD) under the family Medical Leave Act (FMLA)  

Karolyn Landstrom – Teacher – World Language – from 1/6/2025 – 2/28/2025 (Days TBD) Unpaid Leave of  absence as presented. 

Melissa Caruso – Social Worker – 12/17/2024 – 2/17/2025 (Days TBD) under the Family Medical Leave Act  (FMLA) 

Hearing no objections. Motion was approved. Time: 8:08 p.m. 

Employment: 

MOTION: by Hrechko, seconded by Hoyt, to approve the employment of the following support staff member(s)  for the 2024/2025 school year as presented, pending proper paperwork and background check deemed favorable  by the MCHS #111 Administration:  

Tracy Dahlberg – Special Education Aide - $18.75 per hour  

Voting Aye: Juskiewicz, Hoyt, Hrechko, Grzetich, Shepard, Spivey and Brozovich. Time: 8:09 p.m. 

ADJOURNMENT  

MOTION: by Juskiewicz, seconded by Hrechko to adjourn the meeting.  

Hearing no objections. Motion was approved. Time: 8:09 p.m.  

https://meetings.boardbook.org/Documents/CustomMinutesForMeeting/1417?meeting=664798