Board Recap

March 11, 2025 

School Board President’s Report to the Board 

President Pam Paris welcomed everyone in attendance and asked Mark Kelly to recite one of the sections of the Oath of Office to affirm the board’s commitment to faithfully discharge their duties. 

Update on Upcoming Events 

• March 14: Preschool Screening at Central Office (All Day) 

• March 14: PFA Masquerade Ball Signature Barn, 8831 W. 143rd St. Orland Park (6:30 pm) 

• March 18th Policy Committee Meeting at Central (6 pm) 

• March 24th-28th Spring Break 

• March 31st Non-Attendance Day 

• April 1st Election Day 

• April 1st Finance and Facilities Committee Meeting is Canceled 

• April 8th Regular Board of Education Meeting at Palos West (6pm)   

Recognition 

The Board of Education recognized Palos South students by distributing the Presidential Academic Excellence Awards. 

Superintendent's Update 
In his report to the board, Dr. Scarsella commended Palos West students who collected 3,708 non-perishable food donations as part of their annual Souper-bowl of Caring fundraiser. He recognized the Palos South Student Council’s Trivia Night Fundraiser which raised $1,383 for the Palos South Student Council group. He thanked the volunteers who hosted Valentine’s Day parties and two spirit lunches in February. He recognized the Palos South Environmental Club which raised $233 for an animal Shelter in Tinley Park. He thanked the Functional staff at Palos East and West for organizing an outing to see a Chicago Wolves game with students in the functional program. He thanked Palos South Social Worker Sarah Leahy and Palos East Psychologist Katie Djikas for organizing the Snowflake, a youth empowerment program that emphasizes the benefits of working together to create a positive impact in their school. He recognized Palos South which hosted Say Something Week at the beginning of March and closed the week with a parade attended by area first responders, district administrators, and members of the board of education. 

Committee Reports 

Finance Committee 

Mr. Kelly, Finance Committee Chair, reported that the Finance Committee met on March 4, 2025, and in that meeting Dr. Scarsella provided an update on the projected staffing plan for SY25-26. Mr. Veihman, Chief School Business Official, shared the 5-year financial projections with the Committee, which indicate balanced budgets through the end of the projection period. Mr. Veihman also reviewed bids received for the planned 2025 summer capital improvement projects and that all were under cost estimates. Dr. Scarsella recommended the purchase of a student data warehouse to allow the school district to better analyze the effectiveness of academic programs, track the progress of student groups and identify attendance trends. Dr. Scarsella recommended the approval of a contract to abate asbestos at Central Office. Dr. Scarsella shared with the Committee the recommended 2025-2026 school year calendar. Dr. Scarsella asked the Committee to cancel the April 1 Committee meeting date due to Election Day. Dr. Scarsella reviewed with the Committee the two proposals received by vendors for branding services. 

Parent Faculty Association (PFA) 
Mrs. Jensen, reported, on behalf of the PFA, the Masquerade Party fundraiser is on March 14th at Signature Barn in Orland Park. The PFA spring spirit wear sale is open through Monday, March 17th. Visit the PFA’s website to order. The Readathon raised over $50,000 and logged over 340,000 minutes read by students across the district. The PFA will host White Sox Family Day on Sunday, May 4th.  Palos East and West choirs will be on the field singing the national anthem before the game. Tickets are on sale now. PFA’s next board meeting is March 12th at 7:00 PM at Palos East’s Media Center.  
 

Music Parents Association (MPA) 

Mrs. Jensen, MPA liaison to the Board, reported that the MPA popcorn sale fundraiser runs until March 21. 
 

New Business 
The Board of Education voted to approve the purchase of a property at 12701 S. 104th St. 

Secretary’s Report 
Board Secretary Mrs. Susan Szafranski reported that the District received a Freedom of Information Act request from Allium Data for insurance information and that the request was completed. 

Consent Agenda 
The board approved a consent agenda that included: 

• Approval of Bid Results for 2025 Summer Projects 

• Approval of Contract for Student Data Warehouse Services 

• Approval of Asbestos Abatement Project at Central Office 

• Approval of 2025-2026 School Calendar 

• Approval of Contract with Green Closet Creative for Branding Services 

• Approval of Van Gogh Contract, East, West and South 

• Approval of Personnel Report A-Certified Staff: Resignation: Jennifer Legris, Assistant Principal, South 

• Approval of Personnel Report B- Classified Staff: Employment: Lewis Porrata, Bus Driver, Transportation; FMLA: Salam Sweis, Custodian, West; Resignation: Nicholas Crawford, Technical Support, East; Melissa Mucha, Paraprofessional, East 

• Approval of Regular Meeting Minutes dated February 11, 2025, and Special Meeting Minutes dated March 4, 2025 

• Authorize Payment of Bills Payable and Payrolls: Aggregate Total: $2,823,451.74 

Public Comments on Non-Agenda Items 

Mrs. Loren DeAngeles addressed the Board about concerns regarding the District’s response to bullying. Dr. Rasha Atallah addressed the Board on the topic of social media posts about students. Mrs. Barbara Cachey addressed the Board on the topic of paraprofessional compensation and benefits. Mrs. Erin Kelly addressed the Board on the topic of parents discussing students on social media. 

Closed session 

The Board of Education went into closed session to discuss the appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific employees, specific individuals who serve as independent contractors in a park, recreational, or educational setting, or specific volunteers of the public body or legal counsel for the public body, including hearing testimony on a complaint lodged against an employee, a specific individual who serves as an independent contractor in a park, recreational, or educational setting, or a volunteer of the public body or against legal counsel for the public body to determine its validity; collective negotiating matters between the public body and its employees or their representatives, or deliberations concerning salary schedules for one or more classes of employees; the purchase or lease of real property for the use of the public body, including meetings held for the purpose of discussing whether a particular parcel should be acquired; and student disciplinary cases and the placement of individual students in special education programs and other matters relating to individual students. 

President’s Report and Board Meeting Recap

February 11, 2025

School Board President’s Report to the Board

President Pam Paris welcomed everyone in attendance and asked Jennifer Jensen to recite one of the sections of the Oath of Office to affirm the board’s commitment to faithfully discharge their duties. Mrs. Paris acknowledged the artwork on display provided by Mrs. Augspurger’s Palos East Art Club and students in Mrs. Gallovitch’s art classes at Palos West.

Update on Upcoming Events

• February 17: No School (Presidents Day)
• February 19: South Trivia Night (6:30 pm)  
• March 3: No School (Pulaski Day) 
• March 4: Registration for 2025-26 school year opens 
• March 12: PFA Meeting at Palos East (7 pm)
• March 14: Preschool Screening at Central Office (All Day)
• March 14: PFA Masquerade Ball (6:30 pm) 

Superintendent's Update
Dr. Scarsella reported that he attended one of Palos South drama club’s performances of Newsies Jr. at the end of January at Stagg High School. He thanked all the District families who came out to support the students and faculty in the cast and crew. He noted that both nights were sold out, and it was another phenomenal show. He thanked parent volunteers in the PFA who organized another fun, successful theme lunch at Palos South at the end of January. The theme for January was Star Wars. He thanked the volunteers with the Palos 118 Educational Foundation for their efforts in organizing another successful Trivia Night Fundraiser. He also recognized IT Director Scott Fox, and his IT team of Luis Martinez and Cameron Richardson for handling the audio and video set up for the night. Dr. Scarsella closed by thanking the PFA members who hosted a free family event to kick off their annual Read-a-thon on February 7 which included family activities and games.

Committee Reports

Finance and Facilities Committee
Mr. Kelly reported that the Finance and Facilities Committee met on February 4, 2025. He reported that Mrs. Erin Deval, Director of Student Services outlined a proposal to expand the District’s Functional Special Education Program to grades 6 through 8 at Palos South following a similar expansion conducted for grades k-3 in school year 23-24, and a second expansion of the program in school year 24-25 for grades 4-5 at Palos East. The committee recommended the approval of the plan to expand the program for grades 6-8 for the 2025-26 school year. Mr. Kelly reported that Kevin Bissell, lead auditor from Cherry Bakaert LLC, presented the financial audit findings of their firm for FY24. He indicated that the District ended the 2024 financial year with a $2.18 million surplus due to the Debt Service Levy abatement. Also at the February 4 meeting, Mr. Veihman reviewed with the board the current student fees and recommended no increases or decreases for the 2025-26 school year. He shared with the committee that the District offers a waiver of student fees for the families who can demonstrate financial hardship.

Parent Faculty Association (PFA)
Mrs. Jennifer Bleskin, PFA President, reported that their annual Read-a-thon runs until February 24 and had already raised over $19,000 in donations. A spirit wear sale will begin during the first week of March. The Masquerade Party fundraiser will be held on March 14. The PFA will host theme lunches at Palos East and Palos West in February, and volunteers will organize Palos 118 Day with the White Sox on May 4.

Palos 118 Educational Foundation
Mrs. Sheila Pacholski, Palos 118 Educational Foundation President, reported that over 150 people participated in The Foundation’s largest Trivia Night fundraiser on February 1, netting approximately $14,000. She thanked the board members who supported the event and Board President Pam Paris and board member Dr. Tim Baker for serving as co-hosts for the evening. She also thanked IT Director Scott Fox and District IT staff Luis Martinez and Cameron Richardson who oversaw the setup of the audio/video equipment for the event. Mrs. Pacholski said that The Foundation plans to move ahead with assisting the District in its tech upgrades initiative at Palos South in the coming year. She announced that the next trivia night would be held on January 31, 2026.

Music Parents Association (MPA)
Mrs. Jensen, MPA liaison to the Board, reported the MPA Board met in February and set dates for March 1 for solo and March 14 for full band competitions. Its popcorn sale fundraiser will be March 5-21.

Unfinished Business
The Board voted to approve a second reading of the Press Issue Update 117 which included changes to Board of Education Policies: 2:105 Ethics and Gift Ban; 2:120 Board Member Development; 4:30 Revenue and Investments; 4:170 Safety; 5:10 Equal Employment Opportunity and Minority Recruitment; 5:20 Workplace Harassment Prohibited; 5:90 Abused and Neglected Child Reporting; 5:230 Maintaining Student Discipline; 6:60 Curriculum Content; 6:135 Accelerated Placement Program; 7:10 Equal Educational Opportunities; 7:100 Health, Eye, and Dental Examinations; Immunizations; and Exclusions of Students; 7:180 Prevention of and Response to Bullying, Intimidation, and Harassment; 7:200 Suspension Procedures; 8:10 Connection with the Community; 4:60 Purchases and Contracts; 4:150 Facility Management and Building Programs; 5:125 Personal Technology and Social Media; Usage and Conduct

Secretary’s Report
Board Secretary Mrs. Szafranski reported that the District received Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests from Smart Procure for purchase order information and the request was completed.

Consent Agenda

• The board approved a consent agenda that included:
• Approval of Student Fees for School Year 2025-2026
• Approval of Bookfair Contract for Palos East with Anderson Bookfair
• Approval of Personnel Report A-Certified Staff: Resignation: Saja Jaber, EL/Bilingual Arabic, South
• Approval of Personnel Report B - Classified: Employment: Alicia Guerrero, PT Playground Supervisor, West; Corissa Thanos, Paraprofessional, East; Melissa Mucha, Paraprofessional, East; Susan Murray, Paraprofessional, West; Resignation: Tanisha Ford, Paraprofessional, East; Amanda Ayiti, Paraprofessional, East; Retirement: Patricia Perez, Custodian, West
• Approval of Regular and Special Meeting Minutes-Regular Minutes dated January 14, 2025, and Special Meeting Minutes dated February 4, 2025
• Authorize Payment of Bills Payable, Payrolls, and Aggregate Total: $2,622,552.98

President’s Report and Board Meeting Recap 

January 14, 2025

School Board President’s Report to the Board 

President Pam Paris welcomed everyone in attendance and asked Dan Cox to recite one of the sections of the Oath of Office to affirm the board’s commitment to faithfully discharge their duties. Mrs. Paris recognized Mrs. Marina Gallovitch who was present along with artwork from her students at Palos West. She also noted some important upcoming dates: 

Update on Upcoming Events 

• January 20: No School (MLK Day) 

• January 24-25: Palos South Drama Club Presents: Newsies (6 pm at Stagg High School) 

• February 1: Foundation Trivia Night 

• February 7: Half Day Teacher Inservice 

Superintendent's Update 

Dr. Scarsella congratulated the Palos South sixth and seventh grade girls’ basketball team which won the Southwest Interscholastic Conference (SWIC) Championship in December in which players Madeline Jackovac, Maeve Coffey, and Rosie Barry were named to the SWIC All-Conference team and Madeline Jackovac also earned the SWIC tournament MVP award. He also thanked coaches Scott Adams and Randy Buvala for their efforts in guiding the team this year. Dr. Scarsella recognized Principal Rob Szklanecki, and Assistant Principals Alison Grasso and Kristie Tieri who attended with a group of District 118 teachers a Professional Learning Communities conference as part of their professional development. He recognized Palos West students who collected 1,035 pairs of mittens and gloves as part of their annual mitten drive now in its 34th year. He thanked Palos West 2nd grade teacher Nicole Judd who organized the fundraiser with her students. He noted that the collected mittens and gloves were donated to Joliet School District 86. He also recognized the eighth graders at Palos South who presented their community improvement plans as part of their capstone projects. He also thanked Capstone teachers and facilitators, Brittney Kmiecik, Jeremy Mancilla, Ann Marie Ruprecht, and program coordinator Katie McDonough. He congratulated Palos East teacher Ruth Augsburger who renewed her National Board Certification from the National Board for Teaching Standards. He recognized Mrs. McNamara and Mrs. Goke for their work in organizing the ALPS classes at Palos East and West, who presented a mock trial of John Wilkes Booth in December. He concluded by thanking Palos East’s student council which assembled 100 goodie bags for Ronald McDonald House in Oak Lawn in December for families who were staying over the holidays. He also thanked Student Council advisor Mrs. Casey for organizing and Keith Rehr in Operations for delivering the donations. 

Superintendent’s State of the District Address 

Dr. Scarsella delivered his annual state of the District address which can be viewed HERE. 

 
Committee Reports 

Policy Committee 

Mrs. Szafranski reported that the Policy Committee met on December 17, 2024, when Dr. Scarsella reviewed with the members PRESS Policy Update 117 which he recommended be moved to a first reading. Dr. Scarsella and Communications Director Mr. Stein reviewed Policy 8:10 and discussed the District public relations program. The committee directed administration to explore options for a branding initiative. Dr. Scarsella reviewed Vision 2030 and asked the committee to consider adopting a resolution in support. 

Finance and Facilities Committee 

Mr. Kelly reported that the Finance and Facilities Committee met on January 7, 2025, and that Dr. Scarsella and Mr. Veihman provided an update on upcoming capital improvement projects, including the classroom renovations at Palos East and Palos West, a design-bid-build arrangement with Midwest Mechanical for the installation of new self-contained unit ventilators, and the lease-purchase of (4) 2026 72-passenger buses to replace buses with expiring leases. Mr. Veihman recommended that the Board appoint he and Dr. Scarsella to prepare the tentative FY26 budget. Dr. Scarsella reviewed the draft RFP for branding services with the Committee. 

Foundation 

Mrs. Sheila Pacholski, Palos 118 Educational Foundation President, reminded everyone in attendance that the Foundation Trivia Night Fundraiser would be held on Feb. 1. Teams can sign up through the District 118 webstore. Mrs. Pacholski also lauded the Board and administration for their work to balance the District’s budget. 

Parent Faculty Association (PFA) 

Mrs. Jensen read a report from the PFA which stated that the organization would host a spring fundraiser on Friday, March 14th at Signature Barn in Orland Park with the theme of masquerade party. She reported that ticket sales opened on January 14 and would be open until February 21st or until sold out. Visit the PFA’s website to learn more. The next spirit wear sale will be in January with additional information coming soon. Read-a-thon returns in February the theme of “Reading Roundup.” The kick-off event is on Friday, February 7th from 5:00 -7:00 PM at Palos South is free to everyone in the district. The event will include bounce houses, a mechanical bull, games, and crafts. Food will be available for purchase from Mucha Salsa Mexican Restaurant. Parents must attend with their student. This is not a drop off event. The next PFA Board meeting is on Tuesday, January 21st at 7:00 PM in Palos West’s Media Center. The opening date and time for Palos East and West’s Valentine’s Day class party sign-ups will be announced at the meeting. 

Music Parents Association (MPA) 

Mrs. Jensen reported that the MPA would meet again in February. 

New Business 

The Board voted to approve the following new business: 

• Appoint Susan Szafranski and Dan Cox to the District Handbook Committee 

• First Reading: Press Issue Update 117 Board of Education Policies: 2:105 Ethics and Gift Ban; 2:120 Board Member Development; 4:30 Revenue and Investments; 4:170 Safety; 5:10 Equal Employment Opportunity and Minority Recruitment; 5:20 Workplace Harassment Prohibited; 5:90 Abused and Neglected Child Reporting; 5:230 Maintaining Student Discipline; 6:60 Curriculum Content; 6:135 Accelerated Placement Program; 7:10 Equal Educational Opportunities; 7:100 Health, Eye, and Dental Examinations; Immunizations; and Exclusions of Students; 7:180 Prevention of and Response to Bullying, Intimidation, and Harassment; 7:200 Suspension Procedures; 8:10 Connection with the Community; 4:60 Purchases and Contracts; 4:150 Facility Management and Building Programs; 5:125 Personal Technology and Social Media; Usage and Conduct 

• Adoption of Vision 2030 Resolution 

• Approval of Allison Grasso as Palos East Principal for the 2025-26 school year 

Secretary’s Report 
Board Secretary Mrs. Susan Szafranski reported that the District received Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests from SEIU Local 73 and from District 142 for Superintendent contract information and that both requests have been completed. 
 
Consent Agenda 
The board approved a consent agenda that included: 

• Approval of Resolution Setting the Fiscal Year and Designating Persons to Prepare Budget 

• Approval of the Purchase Agreement with Midwest Mechanical for Classroom Unit Ventilation Installation 

• Approval of the Five-Year Lease Purchase agreement with Midwest Transit for School Buses 

• Approval of Bookfair Contract for Palos South 

• Approval of Personnel Report A- Certified- Employment: Colleen MacKinnon, SPED Teacher, East, FMLA: Eric West, SPED Teacher, South; Intermittent FMLA: Saja Jaber, EL/Bilingual Arabic, South; Retirement: Deborah Satler, 6th Grade Science, South; Randy Buvala, Art/Social Studies, South 

• Approval of Personnel Report B - Classified- Employment: Tiffany Stirling, Paraprofessional, West; FMLA: Helen Hatzis, Paraprofessional; East; Resignation: Thomas Hayes, Custodian, West; Isabella Ramirez, Paraprofessional, West 

• Approval of Regular Meeting Minutes dated December 10th, 2024, and Special Meeting Minutes dated December 17, 2024, and January 7, 2025. 

• Authorize Payment of Bills Payable, Payrolls, and Aggregate Total: $2,713,277.73

December 10, 2024 

School Board President’s Report to the Board 

President Pam Paris welcomed everyone in attendance and asked Mr. Dan Cox to recite one of the sections of the Oath of Office to affirm the board’s commitment to faithfully discharge their duties. 

Update on Upcoming Events 

President Pam Paris reviewed upcoming dates for December and into 2025: 

• December 17: Policy Committee Meeting (6pm, Central) 

• December 20: Early Dismissal        

• December 23-January 3: Winter Break  

• January 7: Finance and Facilities Committee Meeting (6pm, Central) 

• January 13: Preschool Screening at Palos Central Office (All Day)  

• January 14: Regular Board of Education Meeting (6pm, Central) 

• January 20: No School (MLK Day)   

• February 1: Foundation Trivia Night 

President Paris also recognized the artwork on display as being from Mrs. Ruth Augsburger’s 5th grade art classroom representing students’ sneaker design projects. 

Public Hearing 

The board held a public hearing concerning the 2024 Tax Levy. There were no public comments. 

Superintendent's Update 
In his report, Dr. Scarsella thanked Palos 118 area seniors who attended the Senior Holiday Breakfast at Palos South on December 6. He also thanked Palos South Principal Dr. Stuart Wrzesinski, Assistant Principal Jennifer Legris for hosting, Mr. Makropoulos and Mrs. Schuller for providing the musical entertainment from our eighth-grade band and Performing Arts Ensemble, the Pace Setter Students who provided table service for the seniors in attendance, and the Central Office staff for organizing the event. He recognized Palos 118 Cardinal Choirs which hosted their winter concerts for Palos East and West families and thanked music teachers Mrs. Negley and Mrs. Zeilenga for their efforts. He thanked the Palos East student council for their work hosting a food drive in November, collecting 1,273 food items for the Palos Heights Food Pantry. He recognized Palos South’s student council which raised $1,589 for the charity Veteran’s Honor Flight. He congratulated ALPS students Elliott Anderson, Richard Lee, Claira Drapa, Hyacinth Speropoulos, Livie Scheetz, and Nate Tellone who won awards at the 2024 Young Inventor Challenge. He also thanked ALPS teachers Julie McNamara and Erin Gocke for all of their efforts on behalf of the ALPS program. He recognized Palos East which celebrated being named a National Blue-Ribbon school with a blue-ribbon carpet walk, and celebration assembly in November. He thanked everyone who participated in the celebration of American Education Week in November and also thanked the PFA for providing funds for the assembly presentation. He concluded by wishing everyone a relaxing winter break, and a happy New Year and reminded everyone of the early dismissal day on December 20, and that school buildings will be closed December 23 through January 3 with classes resuming on January 6, 2025. 

 Committee Reports 

Student Outcomes 
Committee chair Mrs. Jennifer Jensen, reported that Dr. Cozza provided an overview of how Palos 118 students performed compared to their peers statewide and informed the Committee that Palos 118 students performed in the 98th percentile in ELA, the 94th percentile in Math and the 92nd percentile in science.  Dr. Cozza also pointed out that both instructional spending per pupil and operational spending per pupil both declined year over year. Mrs. Deval, Mrs. Dodds and Dr. Hamed provided academic data on EL and special education students.  They shared that none of the subgroups were considered underperforming by ISBE.  Some of the main takeaways from the data include Palos 118 students with disabilities scoring the highest in ELA proficiency in South Cook and the District 230 feeder schools and Palos 118 EL students scoring in the top 5% statewide in ELA. 

Finance and Facilities Committee 
Mr. Kelly reported that the Finance and Facilities Committee met on December 3, and that Mr. Veihman reported that as of the end of FY24, the total audited fund balance of the school district was $17,917,990 and the three-year average total operating expenditures is $32,128,985. Mr. Veihman reviewed a proposed salary and pension payment adjustment for classified paraprofessionals filling in as certified substitutes in emergency situations. Mr. Veihman also asked the Committee for permission to apply to participate in the Clean School Bus Rebate Program. 

Foundation 
Mrs. Sheila Pacholski, Palos 118 Educational Foundation President, reminded everyone in attendance that the Foundation Trivia Night Fundraiser would be held on Feb. 1. Teams can sign up through the District 118 webstore. 

Parent Faculty Association (PFA) 
Mrs. Jensen read a report from the PFA which noted that Palos East and Palos West hosted their second spirit lunches in November. They extended a thank you to all the parent volunteers. The Charleston Wrap fundraiser ended with over $4,300 in profits. Thank you to all the families that supported our fundraising efforts. The PFA’s Read-a-thon will kick-off in early February. Please send ideas for encouraging students to read to the PFA. The PFA will host a spring fundraiser for adults on Friday, March 14th at the Signature Barn in Orland Park. The next public meeting will be held on Tuesday, January 21st at 7:00 PM at Palos West. 

Music Parents Association (MPA) 

Mrs. Jensen, MPA liaison to the Board, reported that the bands would perform on December 11 and 12 at Palos South and that the MPA was working on a fundraiser for March. 
 
New Business 

The Board voted to approve the following new business: 

• Adoption of Resolution Determining the 2024 Tax Levy 

• Adoption of the Resolution Allocating Tax Levy to Individual Funds of the District and Apply a Loss Cost Factor 

• Disclosure of Fund Balances 

• Disclosure of Operational Cash Balances and Annual Average Operating Expenditures 

• Appointment of Director of Teaching and Learning 

Consent Agenda 
The board approved a consent agenda that included: 

• Approval to Keep Closed Session Minutes for the Preceding Six-Month Period and to Destroy Audio Tapes of the Closed Session Minutes through June 2023 

• Approval of Personnel Report A-Certified Staff: FMLA: Eric West, SPED Teacher, South; Intermittent FMLA: Saja Jaber, EL/Bilingual Arabic, East 

• Approval of Personnel Report B-Support Staff: Employment: David McKrieth, Bus Driver, Transportation; Brandon Meyer, Bus Driver, Transportation; Julie Kloehn, Paraprofessional, West; Anna Majchrowicz, Paraprofessional, East; Cameron Richardson, District Network Specialist, Central; Resignation: Catherine Biggane, Paraprofessional, East; Enas Jarrar, Paraprofessional, West; Asucena Benitez, Paraprofessional, East; Retirement: Yolanda Natanek, Bus Driver, Transportation 

• Approval of Minutes Regular and Special Meetings, Regular Meeting dated November 12, 2024, and Special Meetings dated November 19, 2024, and December 3, 2024 

• Authorize Payment of Bills Payable and Payrolls and Aggregate Total Approval: $2,695,032.92 

President’s Report and Board Meeting Recap 

November 12, 2024 

School Board President’s Report to the Board 

President Pam Paris welcomed everyone in attendance and asked Mike Pizur to recite one of the sections of the Oath of Office to affirm the board’s commitment to faithfully discharge their duties. 

Update on Upcoming Events 

• November 19: Student Outcomes & Accountability Committee Meeting at Central, 6pm  

• December 3:    Finance and Facilities Committee Meeting at Central, 6pm 

• December 6:    Senior Breakfast at Palos South (8:30 am)  

• December 10:  Regular Board of Education Meeting at Central, 6pm 

• December 17:  Policy Committee Meeting at Central, 6pm 

• December 23:  Beginning of Winter Break, classes will resume on January 6, 2025 

Superintendent's Update 
Dr. Scarsella congratulated Palos East and Palos South which were both named exemplary schools on the most recent Illinois State Report Card putting them in the top 10% of all elementary and middle schools in Illinois. He thanked all our MPA volunteers who organized this year’s Harvest Fest. He thanked area first responders who visited Palos South to meet with the members of the Palos South SAVE Promise Club and the Cook County Sheriff’s Office Hostage Negotiators who conducted a training session for building administrative assistants on fielding threatening/swatting calls. He congratulated District Director of EL, Dr. Huwaida Hamed who recently completed her doctorate in educational leadership with a superintendent endorsement. He recognized the Palos South eighth graders in the Capstone program who met with Palos Park’s Mayor and Village Hall staff to talk about possible community improvement projects for 2024-25. He thanked the parent volunteers who organized the Halloween Theme lunch at Palos South and classroom parties at Palos East and West. He recognized Palos South teachers and staff who held a PBIS obstacle course to celebrate the first quarter. He recognized November 15 as School Board Members Day and thanked the Board of Education for their dedication and service to the District. He thanked Palos South teacher Randy Buvala and the students in the Palos South Art Club for creating artwork to give to the members of the Board. He concluded by noting that the District will host its senior breakfast on Dec. 6 at Palos South Middle School from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. 

Committee Reports 

Student Outcomes and Accountability 
Committee chair Jennifer Jensen, reported that the Student Outcomes and Accountability Committee met on October 22 and Dr. Ron Cozza, Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum, reviewed student outcomes data from the 2023-2024 school year and fall data from the 2024-2025 school year the highlights of which included: Palos 118 achieved its highest composite score on IAR since its inception; 90% of Palos South graduates exited the school district at or above grade level in reading; Palos South performed in the top 10% of all middle schools in Illinois and earned an Exemplary rating from ISBE; Palos East performed in the top 10% of all elementary schools in Illinois and earned both an Exemplary rating from ISBE and a national Blue Ribbon Award from the U.S. Department of Education; Palos West earned a Commendable rating from ISBE and increased the percentage of students at or above grade level in reading by 5 points and math by 10 points; Palos 118 students continue to earn high marks on the Illinois Science Assessment, with 74% of 5th graders and 84% of 8th graders scoring at or above grade level in science. Dr. Cozza also shared with the committee information regarding this year’s math pilot in grades K-5.  

Finance and Facilities Committee 
Finance Committee Chair Mr. Kelly reported that the Finance and Facilities Committee met on November 6 where Chief School Business Official Justin Veihman informed the Committee that he would be transferring approximately $1.5 million from the Education Fund to the Debt Service Fund to make the final payment on the District’s outstanding debt as promised to the community during the referendum campaign. Mr. Veihman presented the tentative levy to the Committee.  He recommended the school district continue with its long-standing practice of proposing a balloon levy to ensure it captures all new property in the district.  Mr. Veihman recommended the tentative levy be approved by the Board at its November monthly meeting and that a hearing date be set for December 10th prior to approval of the final levy. Mr. Veihman recommended the purchase of Tyler Technologies Turn by Turn System and Parent App.  The Turn-by-Turn system consists of a heavy-duty tablet mounted in each bus to provide turn by turn directions for each bus route, including the ability to automatically reroute buses due to road closures and detours.  The Parent App will allow for automated late bus notifications for parents. Mr. Veihman concluded by providing the Committee with an update on upcoming capital projects proposed for Summer 2025. 
 

Parent Faculty Association (PFA) 
Jennifer Jensen read a report on behalf of the PFA president, which noted that Boo Bingo was held on October 12th and was well attended with 250 tickets sold. She thanked the volunteers who helped organize the event. She reported that the first theme lunch was held at Palos South October 25th and was a Halloween party with music and prizes. She thanked all parents who helped. She said that the fall spirit wear sale was the largest to date. The Charleston Wrap sale is going very well with over $4,000 in profits so far. The sale closes November 15, and there is still time to order. The PFA Read-a-thon will return in February and a spring fundraiser on March 14th. Planning committees will be meeting in the coming weeks. Anyone interested in volunteering should contact the PFA. 

Music Parents Association (MPA) 
Mrs. Jensen reported that the MPA hosted another successful Harvest Fest in October. 
 
Foundation 
Sheila Pacholski, Palos 118 Educational Foundation President, reminded everyone in attendance that the Foundation Trivia Night Fundraiser would be held on Feb. 1 with Dr. Baker serving as host and trivia master. Teams can sign up through the District 118 webstore. 

New Business 
The Board voted to approve the 2024 Tentative Levy and Set Public Hearing Date. 

Unfinished Business 
The Board voted to approve Press 115 & 116 Update for Policies: 4:70 Resource Conservation; 4:80 Accounting and Audits; 2:260 Uniform Grievance Procedures; 2:265 Title IX Grievance Procedures; 5:100 Staff Development; 7:20 Harassment of Students Prohibited; 7:185 Teen Dating Violence Prohibited. 

Secretary’s Report 
Mrs. Szafranski reported that the District received Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests from Amani Rashid Abukhdeir and Joseph Kurtz for video footage and from Smart Procure for purchase order information and employee contact information. She reported that all requests have been completed. 
 
Consent Agenda 
The board approved a consent agenda that included: 

1. Approval of the Purchase of Tyler Technologies Transportation Software 

2. Personnel Report A-Certified Staff - FMLA: Bailey Zeilenga, Music, West 

3. Personnel Report B - Classified- Employment: Jeffrey Donato, Custodian, South; Victoria Bezpalko Paraprofessional, West; Constance Koehnke, Paraprofessional, West; Termination: Rita Perez, Custodian, South 

4. Approval of Regular Meeting Minutes dated October 8, 2024, and Special Meeting Minutes dated October 22, 2024, and November 6, 2024 

5. Authorize Payment of Bills Payable and Payrolls and Aggregate Total: $4,381,619.60 

Closed session 
The Board went into closed session to discuss a recommendation to terminate employment. Following the closed session, the Board voted to terminate the employee. 

President’s Report and Board Meeting Recap

October 8, 2024

School Board President’s Report to the Board

President Pam Paris welcomed everyone in attendance and recited one of the sections of the Oath of Office to affirm the board’s commitment to faithfully discharge their duties. Mrs. Paris also appointed Mike Pizur to serve as the District’s delegate to the IASB Assembly. She recognized art teacher Mrs. Gallovitch whose students created the artwork on display in the board room.

Update on Upcoming Events

• October 11: No School – Teacher Institute Day
• October 12:  Boo Bingo at Palos West – 5:00pm-8:30pm
• October 14: No School – Columbus Day
• October 22: Student Outcomes and Accountability Meeting at 6pm at Central Office
• October 25: Harvest Fest 5:30 at Palos South
• November 5: No School – Election Day
• November 6: Finance and Facilities Meeting – Central at 6pm
• November 12: Regular Board of Education Meeting – Central at 6pm

Superintendent's Update
Dr. Scarsella began his report by congratulating Palos East on being named a 2024 National Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education. He also noted that ISBE will release the 2024 School Report Cards on October 30. He reported that Niche.com released its rankings of the best public schools in Illinois and that Palos South at #59, Palos East at #141, and Palos West at #169. He commended Palos South teachers Mrs. Gina Marek and Ms. Saja Jaber for attending professional development conferences this fall. He thanked the PFA parent volunteers who organized the first Spirit Lunches of the 2024-25 school year at Palos East and West in September. He noted that Palos South students celebrated Start with Hello Week with a cupcake party and game day after school in the Palos South commons in September and thanked Palos South Social Workers Jill Yerkes, Sarah Leahy, and Jill Martinez for organizing the event. He reported that Palos East first graders in Mrs. Sokolov’s and Mrs. Sprecher’s classes celebrated Johnny Appleseed Day on September 26 by learning about all the different kinds of apples and an apple tasting. He thanked the school board members, Palos South Marching Band, MPA parent volunteers, and transportation staff who participated in this year’s Palos Park Autumn in the Park Community Parade. He recognized October as Principals Appreciation Month and thanked principals Jennifer Peloquin, Rob Szklanecki, and Dr. Stuart Wrzesinski and Assistant Principals Allison Grasso, Jennifer Legris, and Kristie Tieri for their leadership at D118 schools. He offered condolences to the families of Mike Gembara and Leena Kheir-Eddin who passed away suddenly in September and October. He reported that he met with officials from ISBE, the Illinois State Police, FBI, and other law enforcement agencies to discuss the high number of threats of violence directed towards Illinois schools. He urged all District parents to read his October monthly message where he provides more details on the topic.

Committee Reports

Safety Committee

Mrs. Paris shared that Mr. Veihman gave an update during the September 17 District Safety Committee meeting on the District’s GIS Mapping plans with Palos Heights Police Department. She reported that Dr. Scarsella reviewed the District’s new Imminent Threat Phone Call protocols, and that the Committee discussed how the protocols will be implemented and first responders provided suggested edits. The Committee also discussed with first responders some of the best practices.

Finance and Facilities Committee
Finance Committee Chair Mr. Kelly reported that the Finance and Facilities Committee met on October 1 Chief School Business Official Justin Veihman, shared recap of the 2024 summer capital improvement projects and reported the projects were completed on-time and approximately $70,000 under budget. Mr. Veihman and Craig Podalak from ARCON also reviewed the proposed summer 2025 projects with the Committee. Mr. Veihman reported that the district will apply for a School Maintenance Grant from the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) and recommended that the Committee approve the disposal of surplus technology equipment.

Policy Committee
Policy Committee Chair Mrs. Susan Szafranski reported that during the meeting September 17, Dr. Scarsella and Mrs. Paris led the Committee in a review of the Board’s Governing Commitments and Communication Expectations.  The Committee also discussed best practices in school board governance. Dr. Scarsella reviewed PRESS Update 115 & 116 with the committee and recommended it be moved to a First Reading before the school board.

Parent Faculty Association (PFA)
Mrs. Jensen reported on behalf of the PFA. She noted that the PFA hosted its first spirit lunches at Palos East and Palos West on September 20^th; Boo Bingo would take place on October 12 at Palos West; Read-a-thon will return in February and spring fundraiser will be on March 14. Contact the PFA if you are interested in helping. The first theme lunch at South will be held on October 25. $25,000 worth of spirit wear was sold during the Fall Spirit Wear Sale. The PFA’s next meeting will be November 13 at 7:00 PM at Palos South.

Foundation
Sheila Pacholski, Education Foundation President reported that Laps for Literature raised a total of $4700 for school media centers. She presented checks to Principals Peloquin, Szklanecki, and Wrzesinski. She reminded everyone that The Foundation’s Trivia Night Fundraiser will be held on February 1, 2025.

Music Parents Association (MPA)
Mrs. Jensen reported that the MPA will be hosting Harvest Fest on October 25.

Unfinished Business

The Board of Education held a first reading of the following policies: Press 115 & 116 Policies: 4:70 Resource Conservation; 4:80 Accounting and Audits; 2:260 Uniform Grievance Procedures; 2:265 Title IX Grievance Procedures; 5:100 Staff Development; 7:20 Harassment of Students Prohibited; 7:185 Teen Dating Violence Prohibited

Secretary’s Report
Secretary Szafranski reported that the District received no Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests, and no correspondence was sent.

Consent Agenda
The board approved a consent agenda that included:

• Approval of the application to participate in the School Maintenance Grant Program for FY2024
• Approval of Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) 2024-3
• Approval of Disposal of Surplus Property
• Approval of Palos West Bookfair Contract
• Approval of Personnel Report A-Certified Staff: FMLA: Ananda Kuchinski, Speech Pathologist, West; Retirement: Lori Murphy, Reading Specialist, West; Linda Lowery, 1st Grade Teacher, West
• Approval of Personnel Report B-Classified Staff: Employment: Phyllis Burke, Bus Driver, Transportation; Amanda Ayiti, Paraprofessional, East; Asucena Benitez, Paraprofessional, East; Cruz Correa, PT Playground Supervisor, West; Resignations: Kristyn Schmidt, PT Playground Supervisor, West; Paul Person, Bus Driver, Transportation; Cassandra Montero, Paraprofessional, West
• Approval of Regular Meeting Minutes dated September 10, 2024, and Special Meeting Minutes dated September 17, 2024, and October 1, 2024

President’s Report and Board Meeting Recap: September 10, 2024

School Board President’s Report to the Board

President Pam Paris welcomed everyone in attendance and asked Susan Szafranski to recite one of the sections of the Oath of Office to affirm the board’s commitment to faithfully discharge their duties.

Update on Upcoming Events

• September 17:             Policy Committee Meeting (6 pm at Central)
• September 17:             PFA Meeting at Palos East (7 pm)
• September 21:             Palos Park Parade (9 am – noon)
• October 8:                   Regular Board Meeting (6 pm at Central)                         
• October 15:                 Preschool Screening at Central Office (All Day)

Recognition
The board, building administrators, and Dr. Ron Cozza introduced new teachers and recognized teachers who achieved tenure status and those who earned advanced degrees.

Superintendent's Update
Dr. Scarsella reported that it has been a great start to the 2024-2025 school year and was pleased to hear that so many families came out for curriculum nights at the schools. He thanked the Palos Educational Foundation and parent volunteers who helped organize another successful Laps for Literature fundraiser on September 6. He also thanked Palos South students who handed out water to bus drivers during a particularly hot week at the beginning of the year. He closed by congratulating the District 118 School Board which was awarded the Illinois Association of School Board’s Board Governance Award for their efforts to sustain a highly effective school board. He noted that the board members were recognized for the creation of an orientation process for newly elected board members, a superintendent evaluation system, implementing board self-evaluation practices, and creating governing commitments. He also noted that the Board also voted to place an initiative before voters on the March ballot that resulted in the passage of a referendum that ensured free full-day kindergarten for all, a balanced budget, favorable class sizes, and secured $2 million per year in operating funds for yearly capital improvements to school facilities.

Committee Reports

Finance and Facilities Committee
Finance Committee Chair Mr. Kelly reported that the Finance and Facilities Committee met on September 3 and during the meeting Dr. Scarsella recommended the school district enter a one-year subscription contract with Thomson Reuters for CLEAR, a residency verification system that provides accurate and reliable annual residency checks. He reported that Mr. Veihman reviewed the final FY25 budget with the Committee and recommended it be sent to the full Board for approval. At the meeting, Mr. Veihman also informed the Committee that the school district has complied with state statute requiring the posting of compensation and share services reports. The Committee recommended Pam Paris and Jennifer Jensen serve on this year’s District Safety Committee and that Susan Szafranski serve as an alternate. At the meeting, Dr. Scarsella shared with the Committee a new sign for the front of Palos East Elementary School.

Education Foundation
Sheila Pacholski, Education Foundation President reported that Laps for Literature was a success and that there is time to still make a donation through the Palos 118 wesbstore. She congratulated the board for presenting a balanced budget. She and PFA President Jennifer Bleskin presented checks for a total of $53,000 to pay for the 22 interactive displays to upgrade the remaining classroom at both Palos East and West. The Foundation’s Trivia Night Fundraiser will be held on February 1, 2025.

Parent Faculty Association (PFA)
Jennifer Bleskin, PFA president, reported that the PFA reported that the fall spirit wear sale ends September 18, that the first spirit and theme lunches begin in September and October. Boo Bingo event will be held on October 12 at Palos West. Halloween party sign up will be at the PFA meeting on September 17 at Palos East.

Music Parents Association (MPA)
Mrs. Jensen reported that the MPA held their first meeting on September 9. Harvest Fest will take place on October 25.

New Business

• A public meeting was held on the proposed 2025 budget.
• The Board voted unanimously to adopt the proposed 2025 budget.
• The Board held a vote to nominate Susan Szafranski as the new Board Secretary to replace Dr. Baker who has stepped down.

Secretary’s Report
Secretary Susan Szafranski reported that there were no communications received or sent.

Consent Agenda

• The board approved a consent agenda that included:
• Approval Post Issuance Compliance Report
• Approval of CLEAR for Residency Verification Contract
• Approval of SY25-26 Supply Kits from School Toolbox
• Approval of Personnel Report A-Certified Staff-FMLA: Taryn Linke, Speech Pathologist, East; Sarah Bahn, PLC Math Coach, East
• Approval of Personnel Report B-Classified Staff-Employment:Hebah Alajouri, Paraprofessional, West; Isabella Ramirez, Paraprofessional, West; Kristyn Schmidt PT Playground Supervisor, West; Barbara Pierozek, Custodian, Anna Kadlub-Bukowsi, School Nurse, West; FMLA: Deborah McMahon, Paraprofessional, East; Resignation: Destiny McKinney, Paraprofessional West; Annette Washington, Bus Driver Transportation; Artemio Michel, System Administrator, Central
• Approval of Regular Meeting Minutes dated August 13, 2024, and Special Meeting Minutes dated September 3, 2024.
• Authorize Payment of Payrolls, Bills Payable and Aggregate Total: $3,100,561.88

Closed Session
The Board went into closed session for the discussion of the appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific employees, specific individuals who serve as independent contractors in a park, recreational, or educational setting, or specific volunteers of the public body or legal counsel for the public body, including hearing testimony on a complaint lodged against an employee, a specific individual who serves as an independent contractor in a park, recreational, or educational setting, or a volunteer of the public body or against legal counsel for the public body to determine its validity; collective negotiating matters between the public body and its employees or their representatives, or deliberations concerning salary schedules for one or more classes of employees and the placement of individual students in special education programs and other matters relating to individual students.