BOARD BRIEFS REGULAR MEETING NOVEMBER 12, 2015 HUNTLEY COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT 158 BOARD OF EDUCATION CROSS COUNTRY MEDALISTS HONORED Smith, Geisler take top 20 spots at state meets The Huntley Community School District 158 Board of Education recognized Marlowe Middle School 8th grade student Ian Geisler and Huntley High School senior Keagan Smith, who recently placed at their respective state cross country meets. Geisler placed 15th at the Illinois Elementary School Association BOARD GIVES GOAHEAD TO PURSUE ALERNATIVE SCHOOL The Board approved the administration’s preliminary concept for an alternative state meet October 17 in Normal. Smith placed 20th at the Illinois school to meet the needs of High School Association state meet November 7 in Peoria. students struggling in the The accomplishment marks Smith’s third consecutive medal traditional educational setting. The proposal was presented state medal. at the Committee of the Whole November 5, with the understanding that many details would need to be determined in the future. The approval does not restrict terms of the future development of the school, nor does it mandate that the school be established by next year. Marlowe Middle School’s Ian Geisler and Coach Jason Monson pose with the Board. Rather, it reflects the Board’s philosophical support for the administration to further develop the concept, with the hopes of bringing it to fruition next year. “We are going to move forward with developing the concept,” said Superintendent John Burkey, noting that the financial, staffing, location, and other details are not fully known at this time. “The lens should get Huntley High School’s Keagan Smith and Coach Matt Kaplan. November 12, 2015 Volume 2, Issue 9 clearer by the summer.” HUNTLEY COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT 158 BOARD OF EDUCATION Board Gets Preview of New Website The Board got a tour of the District’s new website, which has been open to the public for feedback for approximately two weeks. Members appreciated the modern look, mobile responsive design, improved navigation, and special features including a centralized event calendar and interactive meal menus featuring full nutritional information. Members commented positively that the District had completed the site in-house at a total external cost of $114, in stark contrast to many other districts’ recently completed or announced projects totaling upward of $100,000. Tax Abatement Approved The Board approved a partial abatement of real estate taxes for Hiwin Corporation, a manufacturer of high tech supplies for a variety of industries, which plans to move its manufacturing and regional headquarters to Huntley from Elgin after the construction of a new facility in March 2017. The agreement, which was developed in conjunction with the Village of Huntley in an effort to increase the commercial business base of the Village, will provide a 50% abatement of real estate taxes for three years, beginning with Levy Year 2017 (given construction is complete). Once the property is fully assessed, which is not anticipated until levy year 2017, the anticipated property tax revenue that would be directed to the District approximates $243k. Donations Recognized The Board recognized two donations: • Lucas Clemetsen completed his Eagle Scout project, including materials and labor to build a bench and flower bed next to the entrance of D158’s Early Childhood Center at Chesak Elementary School, as well as flowers by the walkway of the main entrance; valued at $300. • Sun City Concert Band made a cash donation of $250 to Heineman Middle School band and choir, to aid in the development of young musicians. The District thanks the donors for their support. Additional Actions In addition, the Board approved: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Minutes and closed session minutes from the Board’s Regular Meeting October 15, 2015 HR Personnel and Addendum reports, as presented The addition of 15 new courses at Huntley High School for next year, including several additions to the Medical Academy and STEM/Engineering Academy, AP/Dual Credit Courses, and Electives First and second readings of several policy changes as recommended in the PRESS publication Purchase Orders at $14,646,098.30; Imprest checks at $390,827.68; Accounts Payable at $4,078.75; Disbursements issued at $7,598,356.56; and Supplemental Purchase Orders Report at $2,194,998.61; and the Supplemental Accounts Payable Report at $6,646.55 Setting the date for the District’s levy hearing as December 17, 2015 Three fundraising proposals from school clubs and organizations The purchase of a 2016 Dodge Caravan, at the State contract cost of $19,400 before title, tax, and delivery, for use by the Transportation Department Authorization to replace a 2006 cargo van with a new model, at a cost after trade-in of $18,085.00 Authorization of the Administration to commission Weatherproofing Technologies Inc. and Building Technologies Consultants to proceed with the field investigation and bid specification development regarding roof replacements at three schools Change order to the contract with Wm. Tonyan & Sons for work on school security upgrades Base Bid #2015-29a to Johnson Floor Company for Floor Finishing at HHS at a total cost of $95,600.00. The employment contract of the Chief Financial Officer, as discussed in closed session The Board’s final recommendations and positions for the IASB Delegate Assembly. Learn more about the Board of Education and review schedules, agendas, minutes, and live streams of meetings at www.district158.org/boe. Communications and Public Engagement HUNTLEY COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT 158 BOARD OF EDUCATION 650 Academic Drive, Algonquin, IL 60102