Board Recap

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.