APPROVED 6/9/2015
Board of Education
Orland School District 135
Regular Meeting
Monday, May 4, 2015, 7:00 p.m.
Center School, Gym
9407 W. 151st St., Orland Park, Illinois
MINUTES
The regular meeting of the Board of Education, Orland School District 135, was held on
Monday, May 4, 2015, at 7:00 p.m. at Center School, 9407 W. 151st St., Orland Park,
Illinois. Notice of the meeting, along with copies of the complete agenda, was delivered
to members of the Board and emailed to news media on Friday, May 1, 2015.
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order at 7:12 p.m. by President Joseph La Margo.
ROLL CALL, followed by recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance.
Present: Dr. Laura Berry, Michael Carroll, Sandra Kulak, Joseph LaMargo,
Michael Maratea, Greg Okon, Tina Zekich
Absent:
Also present were the following:
Sue Banks, Prairie School
Connor Begley, High Point student
Ellen Belotti, Dir., Special Education
Laura Bingham, High Point School
Kevin Brown, Asst. Principal, Jerling Jr. High
Eve Bukowski, President, Orland Council of
Educators
Tim Carroll, parent
Michelle Carollo, parent
Dana DeVries, Prairie School
Dan Doogan, Dir., Technology
Vita Falco, Prairie School
Lisa Faulds, parent
Cheryl Foertsch, Principal, High Point School
Brian Fogarty, Asst. Dir. of Curriculum
Carl Forn., Dir. of Finance
Colleen Gavin, Orland Council of Educators
Pat Guinane, TribLocal
Katharine Hannigan, High Point School
Rick Hansen, Assoc. Dir., Facilities, Operations &
Maintenance
Brian Horn, Principal, Century Jr. High
Jerry Hughes, Dir., Risk Management & Safety
Karen Janettas, citizen
Colleen Joyce, Asst. Principal, High Point School
David Kennedy, Principal, Jerling Jr. High
Connie Koehler, Jerling Jr. High
Sue Kuligoski, Principal, Park School
Lauren Long, Prairie School
Camden McElligott, Meadow Ridge student
Kelly McElligott, parent
Lauren Musielewicz, Meadow Ridge School
The Negley Family
Steve Neuhaus, Illinois News
Orland School District 135
Board of Education
Jeff Nightingale, Principal, Prairie School
Nancy Noga, Prairie School
Ken Nork, parent
Kristen Noto, Prairie School
Sharon O’Laughlin, Prairie School
Julie Oberwise, Dir., Human Resources
Ami Porte-Lewis, Asst. Director, Special Education
Jan Prieto-McCarthy, Board Treasurer
Daniel Prorok, Principal, Liberty School
Kathy Pustz, Prairie School
Shannon Roedel, Principal, Meadow Ridge School
Ginger Schroers, parent
Angie Sexton, newly elected D135 Board member
Minutes • Page 2
Board & Organizational Meeting
May 4, 2015
David Snyder, Dir. of Curriculum
Margaret Stoklosa, parent
Mia Strolia, CJH student
Janet Stutz, Superintendent
Erica Such, CJH student
Lee Topf, Orland Council of Educators
Zahra Vasi, CJH student
Molly Vazquez, parent
Dennis Walsh, Board Attorney, KTJ, ltd.
Dan Werfelman, Director of Facilities, Operations
& Maintenance
Lynn Zeder, Asst. Supt., Teaching & Learning
SELECT BOARD MOTIONS – TABLED
Ms. Kulak moved (Mr. Carroll seconded) that the Board of Education table agenda
items I (Salary – At-Will Staff), J (Employment – At-Will Staff), and K (Employment –
Administrative Staff) under Section 15: Board Motions, for further discussion in closed
session. Roll Call: Ayes: Dr. Berry, Mr. Carroll, Ms. Kulak, Mr. La Margo, Mr. Maratea,
Mr. Okon, Ms. Zekich. Nays: None. Motions TABLED.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Mr. La Margo moved (Mr. Carroll seconded) that the Board of Education approve the
minutes for the following Board meetings:
April 13, 2015, Committee of the Whole Meeting
April 13, 2015, Regular Board of Education Meeting
April 13, 2015, Closed Session
Roll Call: Ayes: Dr. Berry, Mr. Carroll, Ms. Kulak, Mr. La Margo, Mr. Maratea,
Ms. Zekich. Nays: None. Abstain: Mr. Okon. Motion carried.
REPORT OF THE RESULTS OF THE APRIL 7, 2015, CONSOLIDATED ELECTION
Mr. La Margo reported that the Board of Education received the results of the
April 7, 2015, School Board election, as certified by the Cook County Clerk, declaring
that Joseph La Margo, Greg Okon and Angie Sexton have each been elected to serve
a four-year term.
Orland School District 135
Board of Education
Minutes • Page 3
Board & Organizational Meeting
May 4, 2015
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF BOARD SERVICE
Mr. La Margo recited a list of achievements for retiring board member Tina Zekich, and
Michael Carroll, who will serve until his seating as Village Trustee on May 18. Plaques
were then presented to Ms. Zekich and Mr. Carroll on behalf of District 135 to
commemorate their service. Retiring Board members expressed words of thanks and
appreciation to the Board and District 135 community.
OATH OF OFFICE FOR NEWLY ELECTED BOARD MEMBERS
Interim Chair Joseph La Margo administered the oath of office to newly elected Board
members Greg Okon and Angie Sexton. Michael Carroll then administered the oath to
Mr. La Margo.
REVIEW OF POLICY 113—Board Member Code of Conduct
Temporary Secretary Sandra Kulak recited the Board Member Code of Conduct. No
further discussion was held on this policy.
ORGANIZATION OF THE BOARD—MOTIONS
Mr. La Margo presided over the meeting until the new Board Officers were elected.
Ms. Kulak served as temporary Secretary to record the nominations of and votes taken
for officers.
Election of President: Mr. Maratea nominated Mr. La Margo for Board President. Roll
Call: Ayes: Dr. Berry, Mr. Carroll, Ms. Kulak, Mr. La Margo, Mr. Maratea, Mr. Okon,
Ms. Sexton. Nays: None. Motion to elect Joseph La Margo as President was carried.
Election of Vice President: Mr. Maratea nominated Dr. Laura Berry for Board Vice
President. Roll Call: Ayes: Mr. Carroll, Ms. Kulak, Mr. La Margo, Mr. Maratea,
Mr. Okon, Ms. Sexton, Dr. Berry. Nays: None. Motion to elect Dr. Laura Berry as Vice
President was carried.
Election of Secretary: Mr. Okon nominated Angie Sexton for Board Secretary. Roll Call:
Ayes: Ms. Kulak, Mr. La Margo, Mr. Maratea, Mr. Okon, Ms. Sexton, Dr. Berry,
Mr. Carroll. Nays: None. Motion to elect Angie Sexton as Secretary was carried.
Mr. La Margo assumed the chair as Board President and presided over the remainder of
the meeting.
Orland School District 135
Board of Education
Minutes • Page 4
Board & Organizational Meeting
May 4, 2015
Appointment of Board Recording Secretary: Mr. La Margo moved (Mr. Carroll
seconded) that Jill Olson be appointed as Board Recording Secretary. Roll Call: Ayes:
Mr. La Margo, Mr. Maratea, Mr. Okon, Ms. Sexton, Dr. Berry, Mr. Carroll, Ms. Kulak.
Motion carried.
Appointment of Board Committees/Delegates: Mr. La Margo moved (Mr. Carroll
seconded) that the Board President prepare to appoint members to board committees
and to name delegates to organizations to which the board belongs, said appointments
to be made as soon as practicable, but no later than the regular meeting on June 8, 2015.
Roll Call: Ayes: Mr. Maratea, Mr. Okon, Ms. Sexton, Dr. Berry, Mr. Carroll, Ms. Kulak,
Mr. La Margo. Nays: None. Motion carried.
Meeting Dates: Mr. La Margo moved (Mr. Okon seconded) that the regular meeting
dates of the Board of Education of Orland School District 135, Cook County, Illinois, be
established as the second Monday of each month, except as presented and as approved
by this motion, with additional meetings on the fourth Monday of designated months at
the discretion of the Board; all meetings to be held at a set scheduled time determined
by the Board in the Board Room of the Administration Center of Orland School District
135 or at other designated locations, presented as attached for the 2015-16 school year.
Roll Call: Ayes: Mr. Maratea, Mr. Okon, Ms. Sexton, Dr. Berry, Mr. Carroll, Ms. Kulak,
Mr. La Margo. Nays: None. Motion carried.
STUDENT & STAFF RECOGNITIONS – Board of Education and Administration
The Board commended the following students upon their noted outstanding
achievements:
The following students placed in their schools’ annual Spelling Bee contests at Prairie &
Liberty Schools, respectively:
Layan Ibrahim (Grade 3, Prairie) – 1st place
Amal Vazquez (Grade 3, Prairie) – 2nd place
Rylee Erickson (Grade 3, Prairie) – 3rd place
Grace Carollo (Grade 5, Liberty) – 1st place
Andrew Simonek (Grade 4, Liberty) – 2nd place
Ahmed Issa (Grade 5, Liberty) – 3rd place
Orland School District 135
Board of Education
Minutes • Page 5
Board & Organizational Meeting
May 4, 2015
For the third consecutive year, the “Band of Baldies” team took 1 st place for their stellar
fundraising efforts, by raising donations for St. Baldrick’s Foundation, and shaving their
heads in support of childhood cancer research and awareness. Congratulations to the
following students:
Connor Begley – High Point
Noah Goshen – Park
Caleb Negley – High Point
Ian Schroers (future D135 student)
Matthew Schroers – High Point
Nathan Schroers – Park
Matthew Woodall – High Point
High Point 4th grade student Megan O’Sullivan was recognized for her winning poem,
which received the “Best Poem in Our School” award. Megan received her award at the
11th Annual Haiku Festival on April 25 at the Harold Washington Library.
Meadow Ridge 4th grade students Nour Ayyash, Maddy Carroll, Lily Faulds,
Camden McElligott, and Neil Shastri will be honored at Governors State University on
May 7 as winners of Econ Illinois’ economics poster contest.
Meadow Ridge 5th grade student Kaila Nork submitted a prize-winning essay on the
Peshtigo Fire to the Scholastic Storyworks essay writing contest.
Century Jr. High 7th grade students Zahra Vasi and Mia Strolia, who are both in
Mrs. Morrey’s class, were recognized for their winning submissions in this year’s
Illinois Coal Association’s 2016 Coal Calendar. Zahra’s essay took first place, while
Mia’s poster was chosen as the calendar cover. Both students will be honored on May 8
at the Executive Mansion in Springfield.
Century Jr. High 8th grade student Aris Vainikos took 1st place in the individual category
at this year’s Mathletes’ Contest. CJH’s Mathletes Team took 1st place overall.
Aris Vainikos and fellow 8th grader Erica Such took 1st place in the duet category of this
year’s Declamation Contest. In addition, 7th grade student Julia Cannelis took 1st place at
the Declamation Contest for her humorous interpretation piece. Century Jr. High’s
Declamation Team took 1st place overall in the contest.
Congratulations to Orland Jr. High’s Declamation Team for their 3rd place finish overall!
Orland School District 135
Board of Education
Minutes • Page 6
Board & Organizational Meeting
May 4, 2015
The following junior high athletic teams received accolades for their exceptional
performances this school year:
Orland Jr High:
6th/7th Grade Girls Basketball: 2nd place in division, 2nd place in SWIC tournament
8th Grade Boys Volleyball:
2nd place (3 way tie) in division, 1st place in SWIC tournament
Jerling Jr. High:
6th/7th Grade Girls Volleyball:
8th Grade Girls Volleyball:
8th Grade Boys Volleyball:
7th Grade Girls Basketball:
2nd place in division, 3rd place in SWIC tournament
2nd place in division, 3rd place in SWIC tournament
2nd place in division, 4th place in SWIC tournament
1st place in division, 1st place in SWIC tournament
(undefeated record 14-0)
Girls Cross Country:
Boys Cross Country:
2nd place in conference
1st place in conference
Century Jr. High:
6th/7th Grade Boys Basketball:
8th Grade Boys Basketball:
8th Grade Boys Volleyball:
6th/7th Grade Girls Basketball:
6th/7th Grade Girls Volleyball:
1st place in division, 3rd place in SWIC tournament
1st place in division, 4th place in SWIC tournament
2nd place (3 way tie) in division, 3rd place in SWIC tournament
4th place in division, 3rd place in SWIC tournament
1st place in division, 1st place in SWIC tournament
(undefeated record 19-0)
8th Grade Girls Volleyball:
Girls Softball:
Girls Cross Country:
Boys Cross Country:
8th grade Girls Basketball:
1st place in division, 2nd place in SWIC tournament
2nd place in division, 3rd place in SWIC tournament
1st place in conference
3rd place in conference
1st place in division, 1st place in SWIC tournament
Staff:
The following staff members have been recognized as nominated ABCDE recipients in
the following categories:
Effective
Communication: Susan Banks, 3rd Grade, Prairie (submitted by parent, Cynthia Crane)
Compassion:
Kathy Pustz, Technology Aide, Prairie (submitted by parent, Cynthia Crane)
Inspiration:
Eleni Kolliniatis, 3rd Grade, Liberty (submitted by parent, Lynn Denn)
Jeff Nightingale, Principal, Prairie (submitted by parent, Cynthia Crane)
Outstanding
Achievement:
Connie Kohler, 7th Grade, Jerling Jr. High (submitted by parent, Cynthia Crane)
Orland School District 135
Board of Education
Minutes • Page 7
Board & Organizational Meeting
May 4, 2015
Motion to Recess: At this time, Mr. La Margo moved (Mr. Carroll seconded) to take a
10-minute recess. Roll Call: Ayes: Mr. Carroll, Ms. Kulak, Mr. La Margo, Mr. Maratea,
Mr. Okon, Ms. Sexton. Nays: None. Motion carried (8:02 p.m.).
Motion to Reconvene: Ms. Kulak moved (Mr. Carroll seconded) to reconvene the
meeting. Roll Call: Ayes: Mr. Carroll, Ms. Kulak, Mr. La Margo, Mr. Maratea, Mr. Okon,
Ms. Sexton. Nays: None. Motion carried (8:12 p.m.).
CITIZENS’ REMARKS—AGENDA & NON-AGENDA ITEMS – None
SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT
FOIA Request: Dr. Stutz reported that one FOIA request had been received in the past
month, and has been answered.
Consideration/Approval – Addendum to Current Fiber Optic Contract:
District 135 was recently notified of a need to immediately relocate a portion of our
underground fiber optic system, due to road work being performed in the vicinities of
151st Street and LaGrange Road. The District’s fiber optics are threaded underground in
an intricate system spanning about 10 miles of phone and internet connections between
the District’s 10 schools and Administration Center. The road construction requires
relocation of about 1,300 linear feet of the fiber optics, which would equate to a cost of
$32,500, or $25.00 per linear foot.
Dr. Stutz reported that the Maintenance and Technology Departments are coordinating
with the Village of Orland Park and contractors performing the road improvements to
plan for the relocation to take place during the weekend, since all services provided
through the fiber (phones, data/internet, radio & security cameras) will be unavailable
to all schools located west of District Office. If needed, video camera recordings could
be re-routed to their local camera storage settings in order to ensure recorded content
would not be lost.
The Administration requires Board approval in order to move forward with this
necessary relocation.
Mr. Carroll moved (Ms. Kulak seconded) that the Board approve an addendum to the
current fiber optic contract, in an amount not to exceed $35,000, effective May 4, 2015, as
presented. Roll Call: Ayes: Mr. Okon, Ms. Sexton, Dr. Berry, Mr. Carroll, Ms. Kulak,
Mr. La Margo, Mr. Maratea. Nays: None. Motion carried.
Orland School District 135
Board of Education
Minutes • Page 8
Board & Organizational Meeting
May 4, 2015
Update – Full-Day Kindergarten: Dr. Stutz reported that representatives from
Studio GC have met with Centennial and Prairie School’s principals and kindergarten
staff to present options for reorganizing classroom space in preparation for the full-day
kindergarten program in 2016-17. Full-day kindergarten will be implemented at each of
the primary buildings; however, construction will begin at Centennial and Prairie
Schools.
Staff reviewed several options that would best fit the needs of their students and
potential curricular structures. Centennial staff also considered moving current
cubbyhole storage and implementing “Learning Walls,” while Prairie focused on
restructuring the Media Center and implementing a “Genius Bar,” described as a long
counter with stools following the perimeter of the Media Center stairs as additional
space for students to read or work on classroom devices. It was noted that a majority of
the expected construction could be completed in-house by the District’s Maintenance
Team.
Update – Adoption of Language Arts Resources & Materials: Mr. Snyder reported that
this evening’s agenda will include a recommendation for adoption of the K-5 Language
Arts resources and materials. These materials, which align with the District’s curricular
framework and identify a primary resource in conjunction with this framework and
State standards for Language Arts, have been on public display since April 13 and were
viewed by four parents. A survey was administered to Grade K-5 Language Arts
teachers to gain feedback on implementation of the materials into their classrooms and
the current training practices. Survey results reflected an overall positive response in
support of moving forward with adoption.
The classroom resource training continues through May for K-8 teachers, and includes
particular focus in ELL components. A recommendation will be brought forth this
evening to approve Language Arts Grade 6-8 reading resources and materials for
placement on public display, with anticipated adoption at the June 8 regular meeting.
BOARD MOTIONS
Consent Agenda: Mr. La Margo read the items on the proposed consent agenda. There
being no requests for further discussion, Mr. La Margo moved (Mr. Carroll seconded)
that the Board of Education approve the following consent agenda items:
1. Accounts Payable:
4/30/15
$642,080.97
2. Petty Cash/Imprest Fund:
4/30/15
$5,912.57
3. Payroll Summary:
4/30/15
$3,494,250.50
Orland School District 135
Board of Education
Minutes • Page 9
Board & Organizational Meeting
May 4, 2015
4. Resignation—Classified Staff, effective 4/23/15
Kimberly Riordan, Night Helper, Park
5. Acknowledgement—Receipt of Retirement: Classified Staff, effective 6/30/17
Linda Cepa, Technology Aide, Park
Karen Kendall, Payroll Specialist II, District Office
Monica Kurtis, Library Media Associate, Park
Patricia Prost, Technical Support Specialist, District Office
Mari Jayne Tittle, Executive Secretary to Instructional Services, District Office
Charlotte Vasich, Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant, District
Kathleen Zeimetz, Secretary, Meadow Ridge
6. Change of Classification—Certified Staff, effective the 2015-16 school year
Julie Oberwise, from Director of Human Resources
to Math Teacher, Orland Jr. High
7. Transfer—Classified Staff, effective the 2015-16 school year
Belinda Olszewski, from Human Resources Specialist
to Executive Secretary to Student Services, District Office
8. Employment—Classified Staff, for maintenance/technology work,
Effective Summer 2015:
Scott Burns
Troy Furlong
Kyle Kamp
Matt Krygeris
Ryley Lyvers
Austin Overby
Matt Stoffle
9. Employment – Extended School Year, effective Summer 2015,
presented as attached
10. Call List - Substitute Teachers & Paraprofessional, effective 5/4/2015
as amended
Substitute Teachers
Monique Burey
Matt Hull
Jennifer McCasland
Jennifer Szalko
Substitute Paraprofessional
Marikate Zabierek
Roll call on the consent agenda: Ayes: Ms. Sexton, Dr. Berry, Mr. Carroll, Ms. Kulak,
Mr. La Margo, Mr. Maratea, Mr. Okon. Nays: None. Motion carried.
Orland School District 135
Board of Education
Minutes • Page 10
Board & Organizational Meeting
May 4, 2015
Recognition of School Community Support: Mr. Maratea moved (Dr. Berry seconded)
that the Board of Education formally recognize District 135 community members,
parents, support staff, teachers, and administrators for their dedication and support in
helping children achieve academic excellence. Roll Call: Ayes: Dr. Berry, Mr. Carroll,
Ms. Kulak, Mr. La Margo, Mr. Maratea, Mr. Okon, Ms. Sexton. Nays: None. Motion
carried.
Recognition of Local Agencies & Officials: Dr. Berry moved (Ms. Kulak seconded) that
the Board of Education adopt a ‘Resolution Honoring Local Agencies and Officials,’ as
presented.
Orland Fire Protection District
Village of Orland Park Police Department
Orland Hills Police Department
Village of Orland Park Recreation & Parks Dept.
Village of Orland Park
Village of Orland Hills
Orland Hills Recreation Department
Orland Park Public Library
Orland Park Area Chamber of Commerce
Orland Park Rotary
Orland Township
State Senator Bill Cunningham
State Senator Michael E. Hastings
State Senator Emil Jones, III
State Representative Fran Hurley
State Representative Margo McDermed
State Representative Robert Rita Roll Call: Ayes: Mr. Carroll, Ms. Kulak, Mr. La Margo,
Mr. Maratea, Mr. Okon, Ms. Sexton, Dr. Berry. Nays: None. Motion carried.
Adoption – K-5 Language Arts Instructional Resources & Materials: Mr. Carroll moved
(Ms. Kulak seconded) that the Board of Education adopt the following proposed
instructional materials from SchoolWide, Inc., for Grades K-5 Language Arts resources
and materials, at an amount not to exceed $300,000 for Grades K-8, as presented:
Subjects: 1) Reading, 2) Writing, 3) Grammar, 4) E-Reader
Roll Call: Ayes: Ms. Kulak, Mr. La Margo, Mr. Maratea, Mr. Okon, Ms. Sexton,
Dr. Berry, Mr. Carroll. Nays: None. Motion carried.
Orland School District 135
Board of Education
Minutes • Page 11
Board & Organizational Meeting
May 4, 2015
Approval – Grade 6-8 Reading Instructional Materials for Public Display: Ms. Kulak
moved (Mr. Okon seconded) that the Board of Education approve SchoolWide Inc.,
Grade 6-8 Reading instructional resources and materials to be placed on display for a
30-day period. Pending adoption of said materials will be brought forth on June 8, 2015,
not to exceed the aforementioned amount for Grades K-8 resources and materials. Roll
Call: Ayes: Mr. La Margo, Mr. Maratea, Mr. Okon, Ms. Sexton, Dr. Berry, Mr. Carroll,
Ms. Kulak. Nays: None. Motion carried.
Resolution – Line Item Transfers: Mr. Okon moved (Ms. Sexton seconded) that the
Board of Education adopt a ‘Resolution Approving Line Item Transfers Within the
Current 2014-15 Budget of Orland School District Number 135, Cook County, Illinois,’
in accordance with 105 ILCS 5/17.1 of the Illinois School Code, effective May 4, 2015, as
presented. Roll Call: Ayes: Mr. Maratea, Mr. Okon, Ms. Sexton, Dr. Berry, Mr. Carroll,
Ms. Kulak, Mr. La Margo. Nays: None. Motion carried.
Employment – Classified Staff: Ms. Sexton moved (Mr. Maratea seconded) that the
Board of Education employ the following, effective as indicated:
Shawn Burke, Night Helper, Floater, effective TBD
Gina Gaughan, Transportation Clerk, District Office, effective 6/1/15
Jill Harris, Secretary, Centennial, effective 7/1/15
Laura Ispas, Night Helper, Floater, effective TBD
Roll Call: Ayes: Mr. Okon, Ms. Sexton, Dr. Berry, Mr. Carroll, Ms. Kulak, Mr. La Margo,
Mr. Maratea. Nays: None. Motion carried.
Retirement – At-Will: Mr. Maratea moved (Dr. Berry seconded) that the Board of
Education accept notice of retirement, subject to the terms of their signed agreement, for
the following, effective June 30, 2017, as amended:
Barbara Lang, Confidential Secretary for Human Resources, District Office
Andrea O’Reilly, Confidential Secretary for Business Services, District Office
Roll Call: Ayes: Ms. Sexton, Dr. Berry, Mr. Carroll, Ms. Kulak, Mr. La Margo,
Mr. Maratea, Mr. Okon. Nays: None. Motion carried.
Orland School District 135
Board of Education
Minutes • Page 12
Board & Organizational Meeting
May 4, 2015
BOARD DISCUSSION – Consideration/Possible Approval of Auditors
As Chairperson of the Finance/Facilities Committee, Mr. Carroll discussed
consideration for appointing a new firm to provide auditing services for the District, as
it is one of the Board’s primary functions. It was explained that the District has retained
its current auditors for the past 5 years, and as good governance practice for school
districts, the IRS recommends to regularly rotate audit firms every 5 years for
municipalities and other non–profit organizations in order to maintain auditor
independence and to provide an opportunity for the school district to be examined with
a fresh pair of eyes.
Board Treasurer Jan Prieto-McCarthy provided an overview of a Request For Proposal
(RFP) process conducted to determine a premier firm that would best fit the District’s
criteria. Seven potential providers responded, of which three were interviewed. Baker
Tilly Virchow Krause, LLP (BT) was determined as the certified public accounting firm
that best fit the District’s needs. BT was noted as one of the top 20 largest CPA firms in
the US, and has provided auditing services for over 100 Illinois school districts, of which
50 are K-12 grade level - including 10 local school districts.
BOARD ACTION – Approval of Auditors
Dr. Berry moved (Mr. Carroll seconded) that the Board of Education approve a
proposal submitted by Baker Tilly Virchow Krause, LLP, to provide auditing services to
Orland School District 135 for the fiscal years 2014-15, 2015-16 and 2016-17, at an
amount not to exceed $91,200, and to authorize the Superintendent of Schools to
execute the same upon the approval of the Board's attorney to the terms and conditions
of said agreement, effective May 4, 2015, as presented. Roll Call: Ayes: Mr. La Margo,
Mr. Maratea, Mr. Okon, Ms. Sexton, Dr. Berry, Mr. Carroll, Ms. Kulak. Nays: None.
Motion carried.
BOARD MEMBER REPORTS AND REQUESTS
Transportation Query: The Board queried if a contingency plan is established in the
event that the newly appointed service provider, Positive Connections, LLC, is unable
to determine a site for its facility. It was noted that the District is looking into the matter
with the provider, and will provide an update to the Board within the next two weeks.
Orland School District 135
Board of Education
Minutes • Page 13
Board & Organizational Meeting
May 4, 2015
Autism Speaks: Dr. Berry commended the Special Education Parent Advisory
Committee upon their recent parent night on April 30. The event, entitled, “Resources
for Supporting Your Special Education Student’s Social Interactions,” included a visit
from two District social workers and an Autism Speaks representative, and also
provided essential information to promote parental support.
Well Wishes: The Board expressed gratitude for Mr. Carroll and Ms. Zekich’s untiring
commitment during their Board service, and wished them well in their future
endeavors.
Senate Bill 1: On Monday, May 11, District 135 will participate in a public town hall
meeting hosted by District 230’s Board of Education at Carl Sandburg High School,
from 6:00 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. in the Performing Arts Center. Participants will hear from
District 230 School Board President Rick Nogal, District 135 School Board President
Joe La Margo, and EDGE Illinois Community Advocate Debbie Chafee. State Senators
and Representatives have also confirmed their attendance and will answer questions
from the community.
CLOSED SESSION
Mr. Carroll moved (Ms. Kulak seconded) that the Board of Education adjourn to closed
session to discuss the appointment, employment, compensation, discipline,
performance or dismissal of specific employees or legal counsel. Ayes: Mr. La Margo,
Mr. Maratea, Mr. Okon, Ms. Sexton, Dr. Berry, Mr. Carroll, Ms. Kulak. Nays: None.
Motion carried (8:44 p.m.).
RETURN TO OPEN SESSION
Mr. Carroll moved that the Board of Education, upon completion of its discussions in
closed session, reconvene in public session. Voice vote: all ayes, no nays. Motion carried
(11:31 p.m.).
BOARD ACTION – Select Tabled Items
Salary – At-Will Staff: Mr. Carroll moved (Mr. Maratea seconded) that the Board of
Education approve a salary increase for Dan Doogan, Director of Technology, to the
amount of $92,342, effective July 1, 2015. Roll Call: Ayes: Mr. Carroll, Mr. La Margo,
Mr. Maratea, Ms. Sexton. Nays: Dr. Berry, Ms. Kulak, Mr. Okon. Motion carried.
Orland School District 135
Board of Education
Minutes • Page 14
Board & Organizational Meeting
May 4, 2015
Employment – At-Will Staff: Mr. Carroll moved (Mr. Maratea seconded) that the Board
of Education employ Jennifer Beshansky as Director of Communications, effective
May 11, 2015, as presented. Roll Call: Ayes: Mr. Carroll, Ms. Kulak, Mr. La Margo, Mr.
Maratea, Mr. Okon, Ms. Sexton, Dr. Berry. Nays: None. Motion carried.
Employment – Administrative Staff: Mr. Carroll moved (Mr. Maratea seconded) that
the Board of Education employ Karen Cannon-Janettas as Director of Special Education,
effective July 1, 2015, as presented. Roll Call: Ayes: Ms. Kulak, Mr. La Margo, Mr.
Maratea, Mr. Okon, Ms. Sexton, Dr. Berry, Mr. Carroll. Nays: None. Motion carried.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business at this time, Mr. Carroll moved (Mr. Maratea seconded)
that the meeting be adjourned. A voice vote was called—all ayes, no nays. The
President declared the motion carried and the meeting adjourned (11:33 p.m.).
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Angie Sexton, Secretary
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Joseph S. La Margo, President
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Jill A. Olson, Recording Secretary