Minutes of Regular Meeting
February 21, 2017
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Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Board of Education
Galena Unit School District #120
Date/Time: Tuesday, February 21, 2017, at 6:00 p.m.
Location: Galena Middle School Library, 1230 N. Franklin St., Galena, IL 61036
1. Welcome
1.1 Call to Order; Pledge of Allegiance – The Board of Education of Galena Unit School District #120 met in regular session
at the Galena Middle School Library on Tuesday, February 21, 2017. The meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m. VicePresident Long led the audience in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance.
1.2 Roll Call –
A roll call was taken and a quorum was established. The following members were present: Member Hyland, Member
Long, Member McIntyre and Member Wienen. President Korte, Member Edmonds and Member Roddick were absent.
1.3 Approval of Agenda – Member Hyland moved and Member McIntyre seconded to approve the Agenda as
presented. Voice vote, all present voted aye. Motion carried 4-0.
Member Wienen moved and Member Hyland seconded appointing Tom Long as President Pro Tem. Voice vote, all
present voted aye. Motion carried 4-0.
Member Hyland moved and Member McIntyre seconded appointing Katie Wienen as Secretary Pro Tem. Voice vote,
all present voted aye. Motion carried 4-0.
1.4 Public Comments – none
2. Presentations
2.1 Student Recognition – None.
2.2 Ag Presentation - Parliamentary Procedure Team - The Ag team placed 4th in the Parliamentary Procedure contest
and showcased their skills regarding the parliamentary procedure process.
To listen to full discussion, audio can be found on BoardDocs via the district website (www.gusd120.k12.il.us).
3. Superintendent/Administrative Reports
3.1 Superintendent Report – The Superintendent report can be found on BoardDocs, via the District website
(www.gusd120.k12.il.us).
Mr. Herbst reported:
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GFT Executive Group - Beginning in January, he started meeting monthly with the GFT Executive Group. The intended
purpose of this and future meetings is to have open communication between himself and the GFT and to ensure a smooth
transition when they have their transition of leadership at the end of this year.
Post-Graduate and 5-Year Post Graduate Surveys - As discussed at the Committee of the Whole meeting earlier this month
when reviewing goals, one of the Board's goals is to implement post-graduation and 5-year-post-graduation surveys. If they
contract with a third party, they will collect students' email addresses and charge us a fee. Mrs. Sue Hillinger, GHS counselor,
is collecting students' email addresses and will implement our own post-graduation surveys. He told the Board if they have
any questions they would like included in the surveys, please submit them via the Post-Graduate Surveys on Google Drive.
Facilities/Referendum Presentation – He provided the Board with a calendar showing dates he will be making presentations
regarding the upcoming facilities referendum.
To listen to full discussion, audio can be found on BoardDocs via the district website (www.gusd120.k12.il.us).
3.2 Building Administrator Curriculum, School Improvement, and Professional Development Reports –
Mrs. Murphy reported:
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WYSE Results - The Galena High School team place 3rd overall and will be competing at NIU on March 2.
Results from February 2, 2017 at Highland Community College:
o Biology - Adam Swisher - 1st; Lisi Ludwig - 3rd
o Engineering Graphics - Julian Butts - 2nd
o Math - Stephanie Hyde - 2nd
o Physics - Stephanie Hyde - 3rd
o English - Emma Eaton - 2nd
Minutes of Regular Meeting
February 21, 2017
Page 2 of 7
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Art News - Freshmen Jennifer Hernandez’s artwork was selected for the 2017 Festival poster. This is the first year that
student artwork has been included in the Festival. Jenni Ackerman and Tara Anderson who are members of the board of the
Galena Festival of the Performing Arts, presented Jennifer with a gift certificate to Ink & Stamp with Sue.
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8th Grade Orientation - The 8th grade orientation that was held on February 6 was well attended. The high school teachers
were present either giving tours or giving their infomercial on the courses that are available. This orientation is just the
beginning of transitioning the 8th grade to the high school. This past week, Mrs. Hillinger has been meeting with each student
and their parent(s) individually, to create their 9th grade class schedule.
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Let’s Celebrate Our Teacher - Ms. O’Malley was nominated for and won the Top Shelf Teacher Award through the Chicago
Blackhawks. This award is “a program that recognizes and rewards hardworking educators in the states of Illinois, Indiana,
and Wisconsin.” Ms. O’Malley won 2 tickets to the Blackhawks game, a jersey, and a gift certificate to DonorsChoose.org. At
the Blackhawks game, her name and picture will be shown on the scoreboard during the game. Ms. O’Malley is hardworking
and one of the best in her field of math. Mrs. Murphy and the school district are truly proud of Ms. O’Malley! (Ms. O’Malley
did not want to be publicly recognized.)
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Congratulated Jamie Watson, the assistant coaches and the girls’ basketball team on their wonderful season. It was a
pleasure to be a part of this and watch the program.
Mrs. Muehleip reported:
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Winter Assessments - The following results are from the Winter Assessments. The table shows the Tier placement in all
grades in reading and in math.
Grade/Subject
Total Assessed
Tier 1
Tier 2
Tier 3
Kindergarten
Reading
63
N=51
81%
N=10
16%
N=2
3%
Kindergarten
Math
63
N=58
92%
N=3
5%
N=2
3%
1st Grade
Reading
72
N=60
84%
N=11
15%
N=1
1%
1st Grade
Math
72
N=65
91%
N=6
8%
N=1
1%
2nd Grade
Reading
52`
N=44
85%
N=3
6%
N=5
9%
2nd Grade
Math
52
N=46
88%
N=5
10%
N=1
2%
3rd Grade
Reading
59
N=44
75%
N=8
14%
N=7
11%
3rd Grade
Math
59
N=46
78%
N=10
17%
N=3
5%
4th Grade
Reading
72
N=61
85%
N=7
10%
N=4
5%
4th Grade
Math
72
N=65
90%
N=5
7%
N=2
3%
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Figge Art Museum - The fourth grade will be visiting the Figge Art Museum in March in coordination with the ARC Art in
Action Program. Special thanks to Liz Larson, ARC Art Director who received a grant for this trip.
PTK Ski Bash/Skate Bash - PTK Ski Bash was on 2/16. PTK Skate Bash will be held on March 20th and Splash Bash on April 20.
Minutes of Regular Meeting
February 21, 2017
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Mr. Soat reported:
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PARCC TESTING - Teachers & Students have done preparation work for upcoming PARCC testing. While minimal instructional
time is lost taking sample tests, their goal is to have students become familiar with the test so that they feel comfortable in
taking the test in April.
o The PARCC testing schedule they have created will attempt to have PARCC testing only interrupt 3 school days (and
part of a 4th day for 5th grade)
o This year, there is only one session of PARCC testing held in April.
o In lieu of a pancake breakfast to start the week of assessments, they will offer smaller “snack” alternatives for them
(i.e. mints, breakfast bars, etc.)
Data Wall Meetings - He recently held grade level data wall meetings with the ELA teachers and Mrs. Montag. They look at
data for all students in the building and take special time for students who will be receiving RtI (Response to Intervention)
services. These meetings will occur again after Spring MAP testing.
Lorado Taft – That had another very successful trip to Lorado Taft. This was their 30th year attending. This was an excellent
group of students that attended. It was quite muddy the first day so laundry was necessary. They received numerous
compliments from the parents that attended and from the Taft Staff. He thanked the Board of Ed for helping to fund this
tremendous opportunity for the 6th grade students.
From the Athletic Director –
o Spring sports have begun planning for the upcoming season. Weather may be cooperative this year to allow them
to play some games in March.
o He’s asked the Athletic Trainers to supply him with a concussion report thus far in the school year.
▪
They’ve had 7 concussions thus far. 5 in football, 2 in volleyball
▪
Return to play was 1 week for 3 individuals, 1.5 weeks for 2 individuals, 4 weeks for 1 individual, and 6
weeks for 1 individual.
▪
The trainers also identified 3 concussions for opposing teams – 2 in football & 1 in girls’ basketball.
o They will be having head coaches meeting in March. Discussion points will be the concussion protocol, athletic
training services, weight room usage, gym usage, and other coaching expectations.
To listen to full discussion, audio can be found on BoardDocs via the district website (www.gusd120.k12.il.us).
4. Board/Committees as a Whole Reports
4.1 Board Report – Member Wienen reported the 8th grade orientation was very well organized. Even though it was over
two hours long, it didn’t seem long at all and was interesting from a parent’s point of view. Also, she doesn’t feel the
district gets enough credit for the AP classes they offer, as most subjects have an AP class that people aren’t aware of.
She stated the orientation was very well done.
To listen to full discussion, audio can be found on BoardDocs via the district website (www.gusd120.k12.il.us).
4.2 Committee as a Whole Report – The Board held their Committee of the Whole meeting on February 7, 2017, and
discussed the following:
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Mr. Herbst updated the Board regarding facilities. Marty Johnson provided the Board with conceptual drawings
of the Pre-K through 6 addition at the Middle School and the 7 - 12 building. Mr. Herbst reminded the Board and
public that this is something to get excited about, however, these are merely conceptual, not what is, but what is
merely possible. He said it provides concrete images to what would otherwise be abstract.
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Mr. Herbst provided the Board with a guidance document from the Illinois Council of School Attorneys regarding
referendum activities conducted by school officials, including Board members. It is in an easy-to-understand
format and language and specifies the dos and don'ts of what different organizations can do. He is scheduling
open presentations this month and next and will make himself available to speak, however, he will not be out
soliciting groups. If they would like him to present they need to come to him.
●
The Board discussed the process for the Superintendent's Evaluation.
● Mr. Herbst gave the Board an update on Goals.
To listen to full discussion, audio can be found on BoardDocs via the district website (www.gusd120.k12.il.us).
5. Announcements and Other Information
5.1 Monthly Enrollment – This report is provided to the Board on a monthly basis. The report shows the previous
month’s enrollment, along with data showing the enrollment trend since FY 2002.
To listen to full discussion, audio can be found on BoardDocs via the district website (www.gusd120.k12.il.us).
5.2 FOIA log – 2016-2017 – This is an ongoing monthly informational report for the Board and is updated as FOIA requests
are received.
To listen to full discussion, audio can be found on BoardDocs via the district website (www.gusd120.k12.il.us).
Minutes of Regular Meeting
February 21, 2017
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6. Consent Agenda
6.1 Approval of Consent Agenda - Member Wienen moved and Member Hyland seconded to approve Consent Agenda
Items 6.1 through 6.10. Roll call vote, all present voted aye. Motion carried 4-0.
To listen to full discussion, audio can be found on BoardDocs via the district website (www.gusd120.k12.il.us).
6.2 Approval of Board Minutes - The Board approved the following Minutes:
● Regular Meeting Minutes from January 17, 2017.
● Committee of the Whole Minutes from February 7, 2017.
6.3 Approval of Bills - The Board approved the bills as presented.
6.4 Approval of Financial Report – The Board approved the Financial Report as presented.
6.5 Approval of Treasurer’s Monthly Statement – The Board approved the Treasurer’s Report as presented.
6.6 Approval of Activity Fund Accounts, Scholarship Funds, and Revolving Fund Account – The Board approved the
Activity Funds Accounts, Scholarship Fund Accounts and Revolving Fund Account, as presented.
6.7 Destruction of Closed Session Audio Recordings from May, 2015 - The Board approved
the destruction of closed session audio recordings prior to and including May, 2015.
6.8 Approval of Discipline/Suspension Report – The Board approved the Discipline/Suspension Report(s), as presented.
6.9 Approval of Contract with Galena Art and Recreation Center for the After-School Program - The Board approved the
agreement between the Galena School District and the Galena ARC for the continued operation of the ARC before-school
and after-school program for the 2017-18 school year.
6.10 Acceptance of Donation from the Knights of Columbus – The Board accepted the $877.19 donation from the Knights
of Columbus designated for the benefit of special education students in the district.
7. Old Business
7.1 Purchase of Land Contiguous with the Galena Middle School Campus –
Mr. Herbst stated previously the Board had talked about purchasing the land north of the Middle School. He said because
we’re a landlocked district it makes sense to purchase the contiguous land. In as much as the Middle School building is
part of any plan moving forward he feels it would make sense to talk about it once again. Nothing would happen this
fiscal year, as it’s not in the budget, but he would like permission from the Board to reopen this subject next school year.
It was consensus of the Board to grant permission.
To listen to full discussion, audio can be found on BoardDocs via the district website (www.gusd120.k12.il.us).
8. New Business
8.1 Discussion Regarding 2017-2018 School Calendar Draft – Mr. Herbst provided the Board with a draft of the 20172018 school calendar and pointed out a few items:
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For the 2016-2017 school year there was only one institute day at the beginning, as there was also a county-wide
institute towards the start of the year. However, the schools in the county decided that will now be held every
other year, as they felt one day at the beginning was not enough. Therefore, there are two institute days
scheduled at the beginning of the 2017-2018 school year.
The SIP days have been staggered for students receiving special services such as OT, PT, etc. They were always
on a Friday so those students missed out. This way it will rotate.
Seven Emergency Days have been built into the calendar rather than the minimum of five, as it protects the
district. The reason for this is because of the strange weather patterns we’ve had over the years where five
emergency days aren’t enough. There may be someone who has made previous plans or bought a plane ticket
for that sixth day and aren’t able to take off due to the contract not allowing a personal day the last day of
school.
This is just the start of discussions. He will be emailing this to the GFT Co-Presidents for them to distribute to the rest of
the members. Also, he simply asked the staff “why” to certain things. One of the things thrown out to staff members was
the date of commencement being before the end of the school year. Several people sent their rationale. He will share
that with everyone moving forward and plans to have a final calendar for the Board’s approval at the March meeting.
Member Hyland said he looks at many school calendars and sees a lot of teacher stuff frontloaded prior to the start
of school and less throughout the year. Also, there was a previous superintendent who made sure school did not
start mid-week; he always made sure school started on a Monday. His last comment was that he never
understood why we do not go a full day at the beginning of the year.
To listen to full discussion, audio can be found on BoardDocs via the district website (www.gusd120.k12.il.us).
Minutes of Regular Meeting
February 21, 2017
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8.2 Consideration and Possible Action Regarding Changing the Date of the March 2017 Regular Board Meeting - The
regularly scheduled Board meeting next month falls on March 21, 2017; this is during spring break week. The purpose of
this item is to ascertain whether Board members will be able to attend the March 21 date or if calendar conflicts warrant
moving the March meeting to an alternate date. With so few members present this will be discussed in further detail at
their March 7, 2017 Committee of the Whole meeting.
To listen to full discussion, audio can be found on BoardDocs via the district website (www.gusd120.k12.il.us).
8.3 Approval of Annual Certified and Classified Employee Seniority List - The School Code no longer requires a Board of
Education to approve the annual certified employee seniority list. However, Mr. Herbst stated it remains a good practice
because it allows the Board an opportunity to review the years of service and licensure areas of all certified staff.
In case of a reduction-in-force (RIF), a document called the Honorable Dismissal List would be used to determine which
certified employee would be released. The Honorable Dismissal List is first organized by employees' performance rating.
Employees with the same performance rating are then ranked by seniority.
The classified employee seniority list is important because, if there is a reduction-in-force, the seniority list would be used
to determine who would be released, as a RIF would be based upon date of service.
Mr. Herbst stated employees have had several weeks to review these lists. To this end the following motion was made:
Member Wienen moved and Member McIntyre seconded approving the certified and classified
employee seniority lists. Voice vote, all present voted aye. Motion carried 4-0.
To listen to full discussion, audio can be found on BoardDocs via the district website (www.gusd120.k12.il.us).
8.4 Acceleration of the Planning and Design Phases of the GMS Additions – Mr. Herbst indicated to the Board that
Galena Middle School will be part of any facilities plan moving forward, as doing nothing is not an option. If the
referendum fails the district would have enough money through capital funds and bonding capacity to do both additions
onto the Middle School, but it would push the bonding capacity to the ceiling and the district wouldn’t want to do that.
The addition shown to the right side of the Middle School is 10,000 square feet, while the addition on the left side is 7,000
square feet. The traditional timeline is to wait until funding is secured before beginning the planning-and-design phases
of any project. Rather than wait the six weeks until after the referendum, he would like to deviate from the timeline and
take the next six weeks to accelerate the planning-and-design phase for the Middle School addition, which would include
the immediate creation of a core planning group and relevant stakeholder groups.
Member Hyland stated he felt they needed more detailed drawings of the 7-12 facility for the open house presentations
coming up, as he doesn’t want to make the same mistakes that were made with the last referendum. Mr. Herbst
responded it would not be feasible to spend $12,000 - $15,000 to have an architect draw up plans for something that may
not come to fruition. He stated they need to focus on what we know, which is one way or the other there will be an
addition put on the Middle School. However, Mr. Herbst said he would contact the architect and will let the Board know
what it would cost to do a more detailed drawing of the 7-12 facility.
It was consensus of the Board to grant permission to accelerate the planning-and-design phase for the Middle School
addition, which would include the immediate creation of a core planning group and relevant stakeholder groups.
To listen to full discussion, audio can be found on BoardDocs via the district website (www.gusd120.k12.il.us).
8.5 Lease Agreement for Busses – Mr. Herbst stated currently, the district leases the school busses from Midwest Transit
Equipment. The current 2-year lease expires at the conclusion of this school year. Rather than enter into another 2-year
lease, he feels it is prudent that the district enter into a 1-year lease agreement at this time. The rationale supporting this
recommendation is the uncertainty with whether we will have the personnel to continue bussing ourselves or whether
bussing will need to be outsourced.
He had Mr. Howard solicit bids from the bus companies, which he provided to the Board. Apparently bus companies will
offer 2-year leases with a 1-year buy-out. Midwest Transit came in with the lowest bid. We have done business with
them for eight years and have been pleased with their products and services and their prices are lower. He is
recommending the Board approve a 2-year bus lease with Midwest Transit, with a one-year buyout. He stated Midwest
has no interest in the 84 passenger bus so we may keep that around for another year and buy it out outright. As far as
the 14 passenger bus there’s not a problem in selling those. To this end the following motion was made.
Minutes of Regular Meeting
February 21, 2017
Page 6 of 7
Member Wienen moved and Member McIntyre seconded to approve the 2-year bus lease with Midwest Transit
Equipment for the 2017-18 and 2018-19 school years, as presented. Roll call vote, all present voted aye. Motion
carried 4-0.
To listen to full discussion, audio can be found on BoardDocs via the district website (www.gusd120.k12.il.us).
8.6 Public Comments - none.
9. Personnel
9.1 Notification of Maternity Leave - Tracy Lange – Mrs. Tracy Lange, 2nd grade teacher at Galena Primary School,
submitted her intent to take maternity leave beginning on or around April 10, 2017, and continuing for six weeks. This
was an informational item, as maternity leave is included in the CBA—GFT.
To listen to full discussion, audio can be found on BoardDocs via the district website (www.gusd120.k12.il.us).
9.2 Maternity Leave Request - Kerri Rijpma – Mrs. Kerri Rijpma, music teacher at Galena Primary School, requested an
extended unpaid maternity leave. Mr. Herbst recommend approving this request as Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
leave, as under FMLA leave, a qualifying employee is entitled to up to 12 weeks unpaid leave for a qualifying event, of
which the birth and first-year care of a child is given. To this end the following motion was made:
Member Wienen moved and Member McIntyre seconded approving Family Medical Leave for Mrs. Kerri Rijpma. This
unpaid leave will consist of the number of days necessary to extend her maternity leave from the exhaustion of her
allowable sick leave and personal days up to May 8, 2017. Roll call vote, all present voted aye. Motion carried 4-0.
To listen to full discussion, audio can be found on BoardDocs via the district website (www.gusd120.k12.il.us).
9.3 Girls' Soccer Coach Recommendation –The Cooperative Agreement between Galena and River Ridge Girls’ Soccer
Cooperative Team was agreed upon during last year and is active through this season, however, for the 2016-2017 school
year, River Ridge will not have any students participating in the Galena/River Ridge Girls’ Soccer Cooperative Team.
In the agreement, Galena (host school) supplied the Head Coach and River Ridge paid for the Assistant Coach. Since no
students from River Ridge will be involved in the team, it is Mr. Soat’s recommendation that Galena act as the host, and
only school involved; therefore, Galena would be responsible for paying an Assistant Coach stipend. However, currently
there is not a stipend indicated in the Collective Bargaining Agreement. During the Girls’ Soccer Organizational meeting
27 girls expressed interest in participating this year. Adding an Assistant Coach would create a student to coach ratio of
13:1. It is his recommendation to create an Assistant Coach stipend of $2599.89, which would be equivalent to the
Assistant Softball and Assistant Baseball positions. Currently there is budgeted for an assistant boys’ track and assistant
girls’ track position, each at $2599.89 which is not being utilized. In addition, there currently are two GHS staff members
that have expressed interest in coaching girls’ soccer for the 2016-2017 season. There being no further discussion the
following motion was made:
Member Hyland moved and Member McIntyre seconded approving the creation of an assistant coach position for the
girls’ soccer program, as presented. Roll call vote, all present voted aye. Motion carried 4-0.
To listen to full discussion, audio can be found on BoardDocs via the district website (www.gusd120.k12.il.us).
Member McIntyre then questioned Mr. Soat the athletic director, regarding the girls’ golf team. It was his understanding
that Jeff Hyde was paid as an assistant, but was actually coaching the girls’ team this past year. Mr. Soat said there is a
head golf coach and an assistant golf coach. Normally the team consists mostly of boys and three or four girls. This past
year, however, there were 16 girls that joined the team, so Mr. Hyde mostly assisted with the girls. The question arose if
there should be a stipend for a girls’ golf coach, rather than Mr. Hyde being paid as an assistant golf coach. This will be
brought up in further detail at the March Board meeting.
To listen to full discussion, audio can be found on BoardDocs via the district website (www.gusd120.k12.il.us).
10. Executive Session
10.1 Executive Session – Member Wienen moved and Member Hyland seconded to move to Executive Session at 6:59
p.m. for the purpose of: the appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific
employees of the public body or legal counsel for the public body, including hearing testimony on a complaint lodged
against an employee of the public body or against legal counsel for the public body to determine its validity, per 5 ILCS
120/2(c)(1). Roll call vote, all present voted aye. Motion carried 4-0.
Minutes of Regular Meeting
February 21, 2017
Page 7 of 7
11. Reconvene to Open Session –
11.1 Recommendations from Executive Session (if necessary) – Member McIntyre moved and Member Wienen
seconded to go back into open session at 7:30 p.m.
There was no action coming out of Executive Session.
12. Adjournment
12.1 Motion to Adjourn – Member Hyland moved and Member McIntyre seconded to adjourn the meeting at 7:31 p.m.
Voice vote, all present voted aye. Motion carried 4-0.
APPROVED: 3/21/2017
PRESIDENT_________________________________
CHUCK KORTE
SECRETARY_________________________________
LAURA EDMONDS