Olympia Community Unit School District 16 Board met Jan. 11.
Here is the minutes provided by the board:
Call to Order, Roll Call, and Pledge of Allegiance
The Olympia Board of Education of the Olympia CUSD #16 was called to order by President Kevin Frazier for a regular scheduled meeting at 7:00 p.m. in the Learning Center of Olympia High School with the following Board members and Administrators present: Kevin Frazier, Steve Matter, Lynn Cross, and Mary Springer; Superintendent Dr. Laura O’Donnell and Assistant Superintendent Andy Walsh.
Board members Carolyn Hansen and Doug Maris participated virtually. Board member Shawn Hohulin was absent.
The Pledge was led by President Frazier.
Recognition of Visitors
President Frazier welcomed all visitors. Attending in person was OMHS Assistant Activities Director Jackie Litwiller. Attending virtually were OHMS Activities Director Mike Castleman; Maintenance Director Scott Thornton; Olympia teachers Rebekka Schwartz, Corbin Williams, and Becky Meissner; Tri-County Social Worker Delyn Duggins; community members Sherri Kindred and Tom Anderson; and Dewberry Architects representative Tracy Coker.
Opportunity for Public Input
There was no public input.
Approval of Consent Agenda
A motion was made by Steve Matter, seconded by Mary Springer, to approve the Consent Agenda which included:
Approval of Agenda
Approval of Minutes from the December 14, 2020 Public Levy Hearing
Approval of Minutes from the December 14, 2020 regular scheduled Board of Education meeting
Approval of Bills & Financial Reports
Approval of the following resignations:
Matt McElheny – OMS Physical Education Teacher, effective at the end of the 2020-2021 school year
Matt McElheny – OHS Freshman Girls’ Assistant Basketball Coach and OHS Assistant Football Coach (split stipend), effective December 21, 2020
Connor Stine – OHS Boys’ Assistant Track Coach, effective January 5, 2021
Khrystyne Johnson – OHS Boys’ Assistant Soccer Coach, effective January 6, 2021
Joel Brigham – OHS Yearbook Sponsor, changing from full-time Sponsor to part-time Sponsor, effective for the 2021-2022 school year
Approval of the Intent to Retire of Rosemary Rizzolo – Reading Teacher at Olympia South Elementary, effective at the end of the 2020-2021 school year
Approval of the employment of Kelsey Holt as OMS Homebound Instructional Teacher, effective for the 2020-2021 2nd semester
Approval of the employment of the following Extra-Curricular personnel:
Khrystyne Johnson – OHS Boys’ Head Soccer Coach, effective for the 2020-2021 season
Justin Slager – OHS Assistant Football Coach, effective for the 2020-2021 season
Derek Johnson – OHS Girls’ Assistant Soccer Coach, effective for the 2020-2021 season
Approval of the Mowing contract renewal between Olympia CUSD #16 and Changing Seasons, effective January 1, 2021 through December 31, 2021
Discussion. Vote: Matter (aye), Springer (aye), Hansen (aye), Maris (aye), Hohulin (absent), Cross (aye), Frazier (aye). Motion carried 6-0.
Communications
Tracy Coker of Dewberry Architects informed the Board that 3 bids were received for the Olympia South Elementary construction project. She noted that the lowest bid had been submitted by Johnco Construction, Inc. of Mackinaw, and after careful review, she recommended accepting their bid. Superintendent Dr. Laura O’Donnell thanked Mrs. Coker, as well as Maintenance Director Scott Thornton and Assistant Superintendent Andy Walsh for their assistance in this process, including working with the village of Atlanta.
Administrative Committee Reports
There were no Administrative Committee reports.
Administrative Reports
OHMS Activities Director Mike Castleman and OMHS Assistant Activities Director Jackie Litwiller shared information about an OHS Bass Fishing Club and sectional/state competition which is an IHSA-approved activity. They noted that this club would provide OHS students with a fun, yet competitive, learning experience outside of the classroom, as well as provide them with the fundamentals of fishing that they can enjoy with their families for the rest of their lives. The student participants would be supervised by volunteers (boat captains) at no cost to the District. It was noted that the boat captains would go through the District’s background check process, be Board-approved, and would be required to show proof of insurance.
Assistant Superintendent Andy Walsh thanked Tracy Coker, Brian Johns, & the team from Dewberry Architects for their assistance with the Olympia South Elementary construction bid process. He noted that the Johnco Construction bid came in under what was anticipated, allowing other District improvements to be made.
Mr. Walsh shared with Board members a financial update of 1st semester costs related to Covid and covered by the CARES grant. These costs included additional technology needs to successfully implement the online learning and personal protection products & equipment to help maintain a safe environment for staff and students. Mr. Walsh also shared 1st semester District-funded expenses for additional substitute teachers, substitute bus aides, substitute custodians, and a substitute health clerk. He noted that the Tort Fund will continue to help fund the expenses not covered by CARES.
Mr. Walsh presented the updated Risk Management Plan which includes Covid-related language. The Plan explains how offering students a remote learning option during a pandemic helps reduce the amount of students in the classrooms, allowing for social distancing. There is also a section of the Plan that details Olympia’s tools which prevent the spread of illness and disease.
Mr. Walsh recommended renewing the District’s Property & Liability Insurance with Unland Insurance. Unland works with multiple insurance companies, searching for the best quotes. Mr. Walsh noted that the lowest bid came from Utica National which will also allow the deductibles to remain the same and provide excellent coverage in all areas of the District.
Lastly, Mr. Walsh shared the 2020-2021 Support Staff Seniority List with Board members. This list will be reviewed by staff members before being Board-approved at the February 8, 2021 Board meeting.
Superintendent Dr. Laura O’Donnell shared the 2020-2021 Certified Staff Seniority Lists with Board members. These lists will also be reviewed by staff members before being Board-approved at the February 8, 2021 Board meeting.
Dr. O’Donnell presented the final Board Policy revisions for approval. Few substantive changes were made; many were either reference changes or listed for review only.
Dr. O’Donnell announced the formation of a District Equity Committee led by Olympia teachers Corbin Williams & Rebekka Schwartz and Tri-County Social Worker Delyn Duggins. Board member Mrs. Mary Springer will serve as the Board representative for this committee. Mr. Williams shared the committee’s Vision Statement which states that there should be equity for all students regardless of race, ability, socioeconomic status, & gender identification. Mrs. Schwartz said she was inspired to help form this committee due to the racial unrest in today’s world. She noted that now more than ever, students need to have more understanding of what’s happening in the world. Mrs. Duggins shared that she wants to see social justice as a result of this committee. These committee members will be reviewing Olympia’s data, looking for equity gaps, and will also be participating in professional development regarding equitable opportunities and practices within districts. Dr. O’Donnell noted that equitable practices and diverse perspectives need to be a part of the strategic plan which will be developed this spring and summer. Board member Carolyn Hansen recommended that there be student representation on the Committee, and that Committee members research both NSBA & ISBE to see what they have in place regarding equity.
Dr. O’Donnell shared results of the Remote Learning Survey. Overall, parents reported that teachers did a good job of checking in with the students, and they felt that teachers/administrators were available for support when needed. Parent comments were very diverse as some reported their children had very positive experiences, while others were dissatisfied with their children’s experiences for multiple reasons. Dr. O’Donnell noted that they will use this data to continue improving the online learning format.
Dr. O’Donnell provided Board members with a 2nd semester Enrollment Report. The number of 1st semester online learners returning to in-person learning was significant at the elementary and middle school levels, while the High School online/in-person numbers remain relatively the same.
Dr. O’Donnell presented the 2021-2022 School Calendar for Board approval. She noted that the start date for students will be August 18, 2021 with the winter/spring breaks being similar to Olympia’s traditional breaks.
Lastly, Dr. O’Donnell announced that since March 5, 2021 is an Institute Day, the March 3, 2021 early release day will be removed. March 3, 2021 will be a regular student attendance day.
In separate motions, the following actions were taken:
Other Business
There was no other business.
Action Items
A motion was made by Carolyn Hansen, seconded by Steve Matter, to approve the bid of $6,193,000 from Johnco Construction to serve as contractors for the Olympia South Elementary renovation project.
Discussion. Vote: Hansen (aye), Matter (aye), Maris (aye), Hohulin (absent), Cross (aye), Springer (aye), Frazier (aye). Motion carried 6-0.
A motion was made by Lynn Cross, seconded by Mary Springer, to approve the 2021-2022 School Calendar as presented by Superintendent Dr. Laura O’Donnell.
Discussion. Vote: Cross (aye), Springer (aye), Hansen (aye), Matter (aye), Maris (aye), Hohulin (absent), Frazier (aye). Motion carried 6-0.
A motion was made by Steve Matter, seconded by Doug Maris, to approve the following revised Board Policy revisions as presented by Superintendent Dr. Laura O’Donnell: 3:40, 4:10, 4:55, 4:80, 4:90, 4:150, 4:175, 5:30, 5:270, 6:15, 6:20, 6:40, 6:280, 6:300, 6:310, 6:315, 6:320, 6:340, 7:100, 7:140, 7:300, 7:325. Approval of these revisions keeps the Olympia School District is compliance per IASB.
Discussion. Vote: Matter (aye), Maris (aye), Hansen (aye), Hohulin (absent), Cross (aye), Springer (aye), Frazier (aye). Motion carried 6-0.
A motion was made by Mary Springer, seconded by Kevin Frazier, to approve the renewal of Property & Liability Insurance through Unland Insurance for $327,663 to be distributed in the following amounts: $96,991 Property; $1,861 Crime; $31,597 General Liability; $35,912 Auto; $132,296 Workers Compensation; $18,873 Umbrella; $3,997 Pollution; $6,136 Cyber.
Discussion. Vote: Springer (aye), Hansen (aye), Matter (aye), Maris (aye), Hohulin (aye), Cross (aye), Frazier (aye). Motion carried 6-0.
Executive Session
There was no Executive Session.
Adjournment
A motion was made by Steve Matter, seconded by Kevin Frazier, to adjourn the meeting at 8:30 p.m.
Motion carried by unanimous vote.
https://www.olympia.org/browse/191220
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