Consent Agenda
The Board approved the consent agenda as amended. The consent agenda includes personnel, stipends, board bills, and meeting minutes. Click on the link to access the meeting agenda and then scroll down to see Consent Agenda items beginning under number 4.
Board
Board President Bill Carpenter reported that he had met with Village of Burr Ridge Trustee Zach Mottl and others to discuss the November 6 referendum. Mr. Carpenter indicated that the meeting was an attempt to listen to what the “No” group had to say about the referendum. Mr. Carpenter then asked the community to remember that while people may disagree they should be respectful of others’ opinions.
Administration
Superintendent
Superintendent’s Report
Superintendent Dr. Bruce Law notified the Board that the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) is conducting ambient air testing outside at the southwest corner of Hinsdale South High School. The results of testing at this location will also apply to the Transition Center. Testing will take approximately three months. This testing is in addition to the testing that the Village of Willowbrook is conducting inside Hinsdale South.
November 12 Special Meeting Follow Up
Dr. Law implored the community to be mindful of using divisive rhetoric when discussing the November 6 referendum and next steps as many difficult decisions will need to be made in the days ahead.
As requested, Dr. Law brought back the cost and timeline to conduct a random, stratified sample phone poll after the November 6 ballot defeat. The Board decided against commissioning a phone poll.
Dr. Law then presented to the Board the information they requested November 12 on the areas of spending that they may consider for reduction in order to increase spending on the facilities at Hinsdale Central and Hinsdale South.
While discussing the items, the Board said they wanted to meet weekly until further notice, calling Special Meetings for Monday, November 26, December 3 and Monday, December 10. December 17 is the Regular Action Meeting. Monday, December 24 is Christmas Eve, Monday, December 31 is New Year’s Eve. Monday, January 7 is the Committee of the Whole Meeting. Note that times and locations may vary from meeting-to-meeting, please check
the calendar on the District website
for the most up-to-date information.
After discussing the items listed, the Board requested more in-depth information be brought to Special Meeting December 3 so that the Board can make decisions on the areas of spending that they may consider for reduction in order to increase spending on the facilities at Hinsdale South and Hinsdale Central by $2.1 million for fiscal year 2020.
The areas for which the Board asked for more in-depth information are:
·
Average class size
·
Elective class sizes
·
Co-curricular activities
·
Department Chair structure
Academics
Final Exam Committee Proposal
Administration presented to the Board a report from the Final Exam Committee regarding the pilot that took place in the spring semester of the 2017-18 school year. In the spring semester, seniors were exempt from taking final exams but could opt to take a final exam in any or all subjects. This report follows up on last spring’s practice of allowing seniors to opt out of finals and makes a recommendation for spring 2019. The suggested change is to exempt all second seniors from taking finals. The Board requested more information before taking action on the recommendation.
Human Resources
Athletics and Activity Report
Per regular cadence, Administration presented the student participation tallies for fall 2018 athletics and activities. Administration reports to the Board student participation tallies at the end of every season. At the end of the school year, Administration presents a report that compares participation in the current year to participation in the previous year.
Business
Construction Summary Reports
Administration presented to the Board summary construction reports from projects that were completed over the summer.
DuPage West Cook (DWC), the LaGrange Area Department of Special Education (LADSE), and Hinsdale District 86 Agreement for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH) Program
The Board reviewed elements of a draft agreement with DWC, LADSE and D86 to continue the operation of the DHH program at Hinsdale South through June 30, 2029. The item will come back for a vote on December 17.
FOIA
New Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Portal
Administration unveiled the new FOIA portal that launched over the weekend. The portal can be found on the FOIA section of the District website.
The meeting adjourned at 9:17 p.m.
