Morris Community Schools
Shared Services Committee
Meeting Notes
July 25, 2012
1) The meeting was called to order at 5:05pm by Superintendent Teri Shaw.
Members in attendance were: Superintendent Teri Shaw, District 54 board
members Scott Hastings and Lou Klusak, Morris High School Superintendent Pat
Halloran, Morris High School board member Karen Meucci, Saratoga School
Superintendent Kathy Perry, Saratoga School board member Tracy Lawyer, and
MATCC members Tom Talarico, Amy Shannon and JD Morrison.
3a) Mrs. Shaw gave a presentation on the Classrooms First Commission report.
She highlighted the executive summary which states that Illinois is near the top of
the list when it comes to the number of school districts in a state, while the state is
at the bottom in terms of the state’s contribution to school funding. The
committee’s research found that bigger is not always better. The largest school
districts often outspend, but do not always outperform small and medium sized
districts. The committee also concluded that there is no “one size fits all” model for
district consolidation.
The committee also found that merging separate elementary and high school
districts into unit or P-12 districts (reducing 868 current districts into a maximum
of 300 districts) would cost the state of Illinois at least $3 billion under current law.
This figure is more than half of the state’s annual education budget.
Mrs. Shaw also discussed the legislative action items most likely to result in
operational savings that could be redirected toward educational investment. Short
term items include a step down tax inequity for dual-to-unit conversions (SB3252
which is awaiting the Governor’s signature). Superintendent Perry raised a
question on the rationale of the item. Mrs. Shaw explained that the tax inequity
would allow the new unit district to initially tax at the same rate as the combined
dual district rate. This combined rate would then gradually lower by $0.60 each
year until the rate has reached the maximum unit district rate of 4% or below.
Medium term items include launching an online resource management software
that would allow similar districts to compare operational expenditures and identify
cost savings in instruction, transportation, food services, administration and facility
management.
Long term items include amending the state Constitution to allow for a two-year
state budget cycle. This would help state-funded school districts better project
revenues, make efficient budget decisions, and avoid costly practices of unnecessary
layoffs.
Mrs. Shaw then posed the question of what consolidation would look like in the
Morris schools. It was suggested that a feasibility study be undertaken which would
look at how to achieve efficiencies in areas such as salaries, transportation,
curriculum, and buildings. The school boards of each Morris district would need to
vote on whether or not to participate in the study.
The Committee is in agreement on participating in the study and will bring the issue
before each of the respective school boards. Possible sources for funding the study
could come from the city of Morris or be splint among the participating districts.
3b) Transportation was the next item discussed. Kathy Perry gave a historical
perspective of transportation at Saratoga School. She discussed the current
Intergovernmental Agreement that is in place between Saratoga and District 54 for
special education bussing.
Superintendent Perry then proposed the idea of sharing regular education bussing
among all the Morris districts. The buses would be housed at Saratoga and
dispatched by Saratoga. She suggested that a cost analysis be performed. The buses
would be leased for five years and would be depreciable for five years. An annual
savings of $350-400,000 is estimated. Benefits to the plan include cost savings and
more local control through the use of internal employees. Challenges include how to
staff for extra curricular activities, start and end times of school days, and having K12 students on the same buses at the same time. A fulltime dispatcher and part time
mechanic would need to be hired. Estimates are that 45 vehicles would be needed.
Mr. Hastings posed a question regarding pending state legislation that would
eliminate the mandate for forced bussing. He asked if the districts would be able to
terminate the bus leases early if necessary.
Superintendent Perry suggested presenting initial information to the individual
school boards at their September board meetings, with board voting to follow in
October or November.
3c) Technology was the next item discussed. The MATCC group is working on
professional development opportunities regarding technology for teachers. A Wiki
space has been developed that will allow sharing of documents. Should a teacher
not be able to make a meeting/workshop, the sessions would be videotaped and
also accessible via podcast. A flyer outlining the program will go out on Teacher
Institute day. A website listing a calendar of events, sign up information, etc. has
been implemented. The address is www.mcssc.wikipaces.com
3d) Joint Board Meeting-was discussed. The meeting would include all four school
boards. The Shared Services Committee will collaborate and suggest potential
agenda items for the meeting. It is felt that this meeting will allow the districts to
get ideas and an overview of what other districts are doing. Discussion will take
place at each board to help determine what type of information the boards want to
see at the meeting. A tentative date of January 9, 2013 was suggested.
4) Public Comment-Mr. Arthur Hornsby presented each committee and audience
member with a handout suggesting the implementation of a five year financial plan
based on economic forecasts during recession, depression and correction. He stated
that he believes the economy is now in a correction and will never return to
previous normal states due to significant lifestyle changes in the world economy.
He thanked the Shared Services Committee for their efforts.
Mr. Klusak raised a question on the technology organizational chart/model item
that was on the agenda but not discussed. The idea of the districts sharing a
Technology Coordinator was suggested. Superintendent Shaw will be putting
together a formal organizational model along with MATCC members JD Morrison
and Amy Shannon. A review of the three technology plans already in existence in
the districts was suggested. The respective school boards will be asked to take a
look at using a common infrastructure. A 2-5 year plan was suggested that would
empower MATCC to direct the technology vision for all Morris schools.
Conversations with individual boards regarding a shared technology plan were
suggested.
5) Next Meeting Dates-September 5, 2012 at 5pm at District 54 and October 3,
2012 at 5pm at District 54.
6) Topics for next meeting7) Meeting adjourned at 6:58pm