Grundy Reporter

Minooka Community High School District 111 Board of Education met July 16.

Here are the minutes provided by the board:

CALL TO ORDER

The regular meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m. by President Laura Hrechko. 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

• Laura Hrechko                   X

• Jim Grzetich                       X

• Tim Juskiewicz                   X

• Mike Brozovich                  X

• Terry Spivey                                 X

• Mike Hoyt                          X

• Bert Kooi                           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.

PUBLIC COMMENTS

Amanda Steg expressed her interest to host a foreign exchange student and requested board members to consider and approve the International Student Exchange (ISE) organization.

Adeline Margis, Regional Advisor for International Student Exchange (ISE) spoke in support of Amanda Steg and requested to approve ISE as a host organization.

PRESENTATIONS

Dr. Clyne Namuo, JJC President, recognized Minooka Community High School with the JJC Dual Credit 12x12x12 Initiative Recognition. In 2023 MCHS had the highest student participation with 524 students earning 2,265 credit hours.

ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS

Administrative reports were provided in the board packet for review.

Dr. Schiffbauer discussed the AP Exam score report. In May, MCHS had 621 students take 1,054 exams. He reported that 495 students had a score of 3 or higher which will result in potential college credit. Dr. Schiffbauer reported it is the highest number of students receiving passing scores in the past 5 years. He acknowledged that this is a direct result of the students’ hard work and the preparation and dedication by MCHS teachers.

Dr. Schiffbauer met with WGN and Village of Minooka. WGN will feature a series and focus on various communities in the area. Minooka was selected and the segment is expected to air at the end of July. Dr. Schiffbauer will keep everyone updated on the details.

In addition, the 2025-2026 School year is approaching, key dates were provided and students will start school on August 13, 2025.

CONSENT AGENDA

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

A. Open Session Minutes

1. June 18, 2025 Budget Hearing

2. June 18, 2025 Regular 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: Hoyt, Brozovich, Grzetich, Kooi, Juskiewicz and Hrechko. Motion was carried Time: 6:19 p.m.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

GAVC – A meeting was held June 26, 2025 at Morris County Club. Dr. Schiffbauer added that the Minooka Team won the Director’s Cup and the July meeting has been cancelled.

GCSEC – A meeting was held on July 16, 2025. Dr. Schiffbauer reported staffing for the upcoming year is going well and timeline was discussed preparing for the retirements of Director Neil Sandburg and Assistant Director Carol Senica. Dr. Schiffbauer also reported that the GCSEC budget increased by 7.25 % which is less than the other cooperatives budgeted in the area.

DISCUSSION ITEMS

Educational Foundation Update:

The Educational Foundation update was included in the board packet for review. Dr. Schiffbauer reported that the next meeting is scheduled for August 19th and the Denim and Diamonds fundraiser will be March 21, 2026.

Press Packet 119 – First Reading:

A draft update of Press Packet 119 was provided in the board packet for review. There were no questions or concerns discussed and it will be presented for approval and adoption at the August meeting.

Legislative Update:

There was no new update to report and Dr. Schiffbauer added that the Title II federal funding will continue to be monitored, this particularly affects funds used for professional development.

South Campus Kitchen Fryer/Steamer:

The request for proposal (RFP) for a new commercial kitchen fryer and steamer units were provided in the board book for review. Mr. Troy reported that depending on the bids received it will later be decided if the steamer will be replaced. There were minor repairs to the fryer for the start of the school year. Proposals will be brought to the August meeting for consideration.

Dump Truck:

The request for proposal (RFP) for a new dump truck was provided in the board packet review. Mr. Troy reported that proposals will be brought to the August meeting for consideration.

Van Purchase:

Quotes to replace and purchase (4) four vans was provided in the board packet for review. The vans have been deemed not worthy to be on routes any longer. Sloane Dempsey, Assistant Director of Transportation compared prices in the area. The recommendation is to proceed with Greenway Motors in Morris for the following vans:

• 2024 Chrysler Pacifica Van in the amount of $36,540.70

• 2024 Chrysler Pacifica Van in the amount of $36,540.70

• 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Van in the amount of $35,540.70

• 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Van in the amount of $35,040.70

There were no concerns and it is anticipated for approval at the end of the meeting.

Resolution Abating Working Cash Fund:

The Resolution abating Working Cash Fund was provided in the board packet for review, this entails the $15 million dollars that was taken out of the Working Cash Fund and moved to the Capital Fund to be used to pay for the projects. There were no question or concerns and it is anticipated for approval at the end of the meeting.

Transportation Fuel Pump and Fluids Vendor Contract:

The Blu Petroleum proposal for fuel and lubricants was provided in the board packet for review. Mr. Troy discussed that Sloane Dempsey, Assistant Transportation Director compared prices with the current vendor, Feece Oil. Mr. Troy stated there is not a recommendation as of yet and will further investigate cost comparisons and options. The action item will be tabled and it is anticipated to bring a recommendation at the August meeting.

FCA (Fellowship Christian Athletes):

The FCA application was provided in the board packet for review. Dr. Schiffbauer reported that 79 students signed a petition to create the Fellowship of Christian Athletes club. This is a student led club and Brad Kunz has agreed to be the sponsor of the club. This would be a right to meet club for the next two years. There were no objections for action at the end of the regular meeting.

Other:

Cafeteria Price Increases:

Mr. Troy provided board members with a handout with the proposed cafeteria price increases for the 2025-2026 school year. He discussed that the last time cafeteria food service prices were raised was for the 2023-2024 school year. Due to increased labor and food costs the district ran a $135,000 deficit. To return to a revenue neutral basis, Quest provided a food price list and proposed a 9.2% price increase. Mr. Troy asked board members if there was any objection to implement the recommended price increase for the 2025-2026 school year. Mr. Juskiewicz discussed the option increase the margin due to price fluctuation. There were no objections from board members, and per direction of the board Mr. Troy will bring the recommendation of a 10% increase for approval at the August Board meeting.

ACTION ITEMS

Approval to Purchase (4) four Vans as presented.

• 2024 Chrysler Pacifica Van in the amount of $36,540.70

• 2024 Chrysler Pacifica Van in the amount of $36,540.70

• 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Van in the amount of $35,540.70

• 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Van in the amount of $35,040.70

MOTION: by Grzetich, seconded by Juskiewicz, to approve (4) four vans as presented. Voting Aye: Kooi, Juskiewicz, Hoyt, Brozovich, Grzetich, and Hrechko. Motion was carried. Time: 6:35 p.m.

Approval of the Resolution Abating Working Cash Fund in the amount of $15 million dollars to the Capital Fund as presented.

MOTION: by Hoyt, seconded by Kooi to approve the Resolution Abating Working Cash Fund in the amount of $15 million dollars to the Capital Fund as presented. Voting Aye: Brozovich, Grzetich, Kooi, Juskiewicz, Hoyt, and Hrechko. Motion was carried. Time: 6:36 p.m.

Approval to enter into a contract for the transportation fuel pump and fluids with Blu Petroleum as presented. Tabled until August Meeting.

Approval of FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes) as presented.

MOTION: by Juskiewicz, seconded by Hoyt to approve FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes). Voting Aye: Grzetich, Kooi, Juskiewicz, Hoyt, Brozovich and Hrechko. Motion was carried. Time: 6:36 p.m.

EXECUTIVE SESSION

MOTION: by Hoyt seconded by Kooi, 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. Hearing no objections. Motion was approved. Time: 6:37 p.m.

RETURN TO OPEN SESSION

MOTION: by Kooi, seconded by Hoyt, Hearing no objections. Motion was approved. Time: 7:06 p.m.

ACTIONS FOLLOWING EXECUTIVE SESSION

Closed Session Minutes

MOTION: by Juskiewicz, seconded by Grzetich, to approve the closed session minutes as presented:

• June 18, 2025, Executive Regular Meeting

Hearing no objections. Motion was approved. Time: 7:06 p.m.

MOTION: by Juskiewicz, seconded by Grzetich, to approve the closed session minutes reviewed from the time period of July 2023 through December 2023 and the summary of previous review of minutes of September 2003 through June 2023 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 2023 through December 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.

Hearing no objections. Motion was approved. Time: 7:07 p.m.

Personnel

Resignation(s):

Michael Soverino – Bus Mechanic Lead – eff. 7/11/2025

Jenna Temple – Teacher – CTE – eff. 7/3/2025

Jenna Temple – Teacher – FFA – Sponsor – eff. 7/3/2025

Arceliza Bacog – Bus Aide – eff. 7/7/2025

Karolyn Landstrom – Teacher – ELL – eff. 7/8/2025

Candace Baker – Teacher – Social Studies – eff. 7/8/2025

Lucila Conteras – Bus Driver – eff. 8/16/2025

MOTION: by Grzetich, seconded by Hoyt, to accept the following resignation as presented: Hearing no objections. Motion was approved. Time: 7:08 p.m.

LOA:

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

Maria (Lupe) Villasenor – Custodian – from approximately 7/11/2025-8/22/2025 (Days TBD) under the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

Hearing no objections. Motion was approved. Time: 7:08 p.m.

Employment:

MOTION: by Grzetich, seconded by Hoyt to approve the employment of the following certified staff member(s) for the 2025-2026 school year as presented, pending proper paperwork and background check deemed favorable by the MCHS #111 Administration:

Christina Murry - First-year Probationary Teacher – Special Education (MA/Step 14) eff. 8/11/2025 

Ashley Tutt - First-year Probationary Teacher – Social Studies - (MA/Step 1) eff. 8/11/2025 

Jessica Carlson - First-year Probationary Teacher - CTE - (BA/Step 1) eff. 8/11/2025

Voting Aye: Kooi, Juskiewicz, Hoyt, Brozovich, Grzetich, and Hrechko. Motion carried. Time: 7:09 p.m.

MOTION: by Hoyt, seconded by Grzetich, to approve the employment of the following support staff member(s) as presented, pending proper paperwork and background check deemed favorable by the MCHS #111 Administration.

Donna Dwyer - Bus Driver - effective 7/16/2025

David Kriechbaum - Bus Aide - effective 7/16/2025

Linda McCauley - Bus Aide - effective 7/16/2025

Gerald McGuire - Bus Aide - effective 7/16/2025

Janet Palasz - Bus Aide - effective 7/16/2025

Josh Rodely - Bus Aide - effective 7/16/2025

Oriana Zargoza - Bus Driver - effective 7/16/2025

Voting Aye: Juskiewicz, Hoyt, Brozovich, Grzetich, Kooi, and Hrechko. Motion carried. Time: 7:10 p.m.

MOTION: by Juskiewicz, seconded by Kooi, to approve the extracurricular appointments of returning sponsors, coaches and volunteers for the 2025/2026 school year as presented:

Georgia Kaminski - Band Section Instructor - Returning

Mitch Lucas - Percussion Instructor Marching Band - Returning

Ashley Tutt - Cross Country - Volunteer - Returning

Voting Aye: Hoyt, Brozovich, Grzetich, Kooi, Juskiewicz and Hrechko. Motion carried. Time: 7:10 p.m.

MOTION: by Grzetich, seconded by Hoyt, to approve the following extracurricular employment/volunteer(s) for the 2025/2026 school year as presented, pending proper paperwork and background check deemed favorable by the MCHS #111 Administration:

Andres Torres - Assistant - Soccer (Boys) - Step 1

Joe Urbanski - Head - Lacrosse (Boys) - Step 3

Melanie Kunz - Assistant - Volleyball (Boys) - Step 5

Brian MacDonald - Head - Lacrosse (Girls) - Step 6

Rylie Bolsoni - Assistant - Cheerleading (Girls) - Step 1

Julie Meckley - Band - Volunteer

Hans Meckley - Soccer - Boys

Regular Meeting Page 7 of 7 Wednesday July 16, 2025

Hans Meckley - Band - Volunteer

Jackie Weiss - Band - Volunteer

Mark Epling - Choir - Volunteer

Barbara Potenza - Band Volunteer

Robert Kurns - Band - Volunteer

Katie Cassidy - Connections Crew Sponsor - Reduction in full Stipend (shared stipend 2/3)

Olivia Gerk - Connections Crew Sponsor (shared stipend 2/3)

Meghan Bednarz - Connection Crew Sponsor (shared stipend 2/3)

Voting Aye: Brozovich, Grzetich, Kooi, Juskiewicz, Hoyt, and Hrechko. Motion carried. Time: 7:11 p.m.

MOTION: Hoyt, seconded by Grzetich to approve the Contract with Minooka Transportation Association as presented:

Voting Aye: Kooi, Juskiewicz, Hoyt, Brozovich, Grzetich and Hrechko. Motion carried. Time: 7:12 p.m.

ADJOURNMENT

MOTION: by Brozovich, seconded by Grzetich to adjourn the meeting.

Hearing no objections. Motion was approved. Time: 7:12 p.m.

https://meetings.boardbook.org/Documents/CustomMinutesForMeeting/1417?meeting=697650