South West Illinois News

Addison School District 4 Board of Education met Jan. 15.

Here are the minutes provided by the board:

President Williams called the regular meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.

Roll call showed the following individuals:

PRESENT: Bollig, Castillo, Frangidakis, Lange, Ruffolo, Triantafillos, Williams

ABSENT: None

A quorum was declared present.

Dr. Lohse led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Motion #1: Approval of Minutes

Motion by Mr. Lange, second by Ms. Bollig to approve the Minutes of the Closed & Regular Session Meetings of December 18, 2024, as presented?

ROLL CALL VOTE: AYE: Bollig, Castillo, Frangidakis, Lange, Ruffolo, Triantafillos, Williams

ABSENT: None

NAY: None…Motion #1 Carried.

Motion #2: Approval of Accounts Payable for the Month of January 2025

Motion by Mr. Ruffolo, second by Mr. Frangidakis to approve the Accounts Payable for January 2025, as follows:

Educational Fund $ 1,010,115.63

Operations & Maintenance Fund $ 375,734.86

Debt Fund $ 0.00

Transportation Fund $ 206,149.99

Capital Projects Fund $ 36,820.04

Working Cash Fund $ 0.00

Student Activity $ 25,392.97

Total $ 1,654,213.49

ROLL CALL VOTE: AYE: Castillo, Frangidakis, Lange, Ruffolo, Triantafillos, Williams, Bollig

ABSENT: None

NAY: None…Motion #2 Carried.

Motion #3: Approval of Payroll for the Month of December 2024

Motion by Mr. Lange, second by Mr. Ruffolo to approve the Payroll for December 2024, as follows:

Education Fund $ 4,351,259.55

Building Fund $ 64,744.98

Transportation Fund $ 13,361.23

IMRF/SS Fund $ 47,234.84

Total $ 4,476,600.60

ROLL CALL VOTE: AYE: Frangidakis, Lange, Ruffolo, Triantafillos, Williams, Bollig

ABSENT: None

NAY: None…Motion #3 Carried.

Presentation: Optional Busing & School Registration Fees for 25-26 - Mrs. Melissa Morgese & Dr. Nick Sutton

• Enrollment has been declining in recent years, with projections indicating a continued decrease.

• Bussing is mandated for students over 1.5 miles from school, for special education purposes, or near hazardous crossings as determined by the state.

• Optional bussing is provided at certain schools, but costs significantly exceed the amount collected from families.

• Breaking even on walker busing would require families to pay a much higher fee per student.

• Enhanced before and after care options are available through Right at School.

• Adjustments to registration fees for the 2025-2026 school year were proposed to address these challenges- music and athletic fees to be waived entirely with District wide decrease in PreK-8th registration fees.

• A comparison was made with other districts’ bussing policies for students living less than 1.5 miles from school.

• Board members were invited to ask questions and discuss the presented options.

Ms. Bollig acknowledged the potential impact on families but emphasized the board's responsibility to ensure the district's overall financial security. She noted it is inequitable to allocate such a large amount of money per student for bussing when those funds could be distributed more broadly to benefit all students. Eliminating buses could avoid the need for increased bus times, which would otherwise average two hours. Additionally, the overall reduction in student fees, such as band and orchestra support fees, is less significant to the budget than bus fees.

Mr. Frangidakis inquired about reimbursement for bussing costs. Ms. Morgese clarified that bussing reimbursement would amount to approximately $50,000–$60,000. Mr. Frangidakis raised concerns about working families who rely on bussing and asked whether Right at School could provide discounts to families losing bussing. Dr. Sutton agreed that this was worth exploring but noted that cost savings from eliminating bussing could be offset by enrolling these students in Right at School. He emphasized the importance of planning for summer and fall.

Mr. Lange suggested considering the placement of crossing guards and determining where they would be most needed. Dr. Sutton stated that there is no reimbursement for crossing guards but noted that they are more affordable than buses. Ms. Morgese estimated the annual cost of crossing guards to be $15,000–$16,000. Mr. Castillo asked about the definition of hazardous crossings. Dr. Sutton explained that hazardous crossings are determined based on a state-defined rubric.

Communications/Public Participation on Agenda Items: Eight public comments were submitted.

• Cynthia Barkhou commented on the bus impact for ITJHS families during cold weather.

• Michael B shared his concerns on the potential dangers students face walking to school.

• Maria Campuzano raised concerns, particularly about children walking home in frigid weather due to parents’ work schedules.

• Lisa Melone expressed concern to the board about the proposed removal of bus services for students citing safety risks & increased traffic congestion.

• Clarissa Dawson commented on the options available to families if busing is removed.

• Marta Weglarczyk expressed concern about the proposed elimination of optional bussing for Indian Trail Junior High, highlighting safety risks, traffic issues, and the need for alternative solutions to ensure safe transportation for all students.

• Jessica Blanco criticizes the optional bus service cuts for Lincoln Elementary and Indian Trail citing safety concerns and hardship for families, urging the board to reconsider.

• Kristina Orellana highlighted the difficulties and safety risks that students may face if optional bussing is eliminated.

Committee Reports

Finance Committee Meeting of January 9th 2025 – Ms. Bollig reported on the following:

• Ms. Bollig discussed the fee changes for 25-26 year. If busing is passed, the District would save $500,000 in Fund 40.

Administrative Reports

Superintendent Report – Dr. Sutton reported on the following:

• Staff returned for an Institute Day of professional development on Monday, January 6. Thank you to Dr. Purse that organized and led a great day learning.

• Addison #4 continues to plan on collaborating with the DuPage Regional Office of Education to host our second annual Artificial Intelligence Conference. The date remains June 5 with more details to come.

• The annual Shape of Addison event is quickly approaching on Wednesday, January 29 at 7pm at the Village. This is a fantastic event in which all local municipalities are given the opportunity to provide updates on their institutions while also receiving questions from the community.

• Over the last 5 years, our District enrollment has decreased by about 500 students, and it appears that this type of decrease is more likely to continue in the foreseeable future. Based upon this, the administrative team and I will be looking at cost savings endeavors as we will see decreases in revenue based upon this reality. We remain committed to financial stability and being responsible to local taxpayers. We will keep the Board apprised as we navigate this over the next couple of months preparing for the upcoming fiscal year.

• We had no FOIA requests.

Assistant Superintendent for Business – Mrs. Melissa Morgese reported on the following:

• Thanks to the Benefits and Payroll staff, all W-2’s and 1099’s are being processed and sent out in advance of this year’s deadline.

• During winter break they worked on putting up the conduit for Lincoln HVAC and they are going to start working Indian Trail electrical for the spring and summer work.

Assistant Superintendent of Teaching & Learning Report – Dr. Purse reported on the following:

• The winter institute day was successful, with mostly positive feedback. The District Leadership Team will review exit surveys later this month and recommend future PD dates. Reminder: the spring Early Release Day is Friday, February 14th, focusing on curriculum alignment and common assessments. Students will have a half-day.

• Teachers in the early adopter group (36 total) and principals will receive i-Ready training on interpreting winter diagnostic results. This data helps inform instruction and adjust lessons. The implementation of the new resource has been smooth, with full implementation recommended for next school year.

• Science Fun Night (Feb 27th): Registration is open, and Right at School will host a parent social. Visit the event website for more details.

• Addison Community Fine Arts Festival (Feb 15th): Featuring performances, artwork, and tech projects from ASD4 and community groups. Visit the event website for more details.

Motion #4: Approval of Personnel Report

Motion by Mr. Ruffolo, second by Mr. Frangidakis to approve the personnel report for the following individuals:

ESP STAFF – EMPLOYMENT

Ingrid Balbuena Effective Date: 01/9/2025

Position: Special Ed Paraeducator School: Stone

Claudia Garcia Effective Date: 01/7/2025

Position: Special Ed Paraeducator School: Wesley

Sonu Parekh Effective Date: 12/17/2024

Position: Special Ed Paraeducator School: Indian Trail

Crystal Saucedo Torres Effective Date: 01/6/2025

Position: Administrative Assistant School: Lake Park

ESP STAFF – RESIGNATION

Marisa Adamo Effective Date: 12/20/2024

Position: Paraeducator School: Early Learning Center

Yaret Benitez Effective Date: 12/20/2024

Position: Paraeducator School: Early Learning Center

Jacquanique Hampton Effective Date: 12/20/2024

Position: Paraeducator School: Army Trail

Kali Placencio Effective Date: 01/17/2025

Position: Paraeducator School: Stone

Atziri Rodriguez Salazar Effective Date: 01/10/2025

Position: Paraeducator School: Lake Park

LEAVE OF ABSENCE- LICENSED STAFF

Jacqueline Argueta Dates: 02/27/2025-05/28/2025

Position: SSP School: Indian Trail

Araceli De La Torre Dates: 03/17/2025-05/28/2025

Position: Dual Language Pre-K School: ELC

Eve Merdian Dates: 04/07/2025-05/28/2025

Position: 1st Grade School: Wesley

Sarah Merrithey Dates: 05/12/2025-05/28/2025

Position: Speech School: Ardmore

Diana Mexicano Dates: 01/06/2025-Intermittent

Position: Dual Language School: Lincoln

LEAVE OF ABSENCE- ESP STAFF

Jessica Garcia-Padua Dates: 02/21/2025-05/16/2025

Position: Executive Assistant to the Superintendent and Board of Ed.

School: District Office

ROLL CALL VOTE: AYE: Lange, Ruffolo, Triantafillos, Williams, Bollig, Castillo, Frangidakis

ABSENT: None

NAY: None…Motion #4 Carried.

Motion #5: Adoption of Licensed and Educational Support Personnel (ESP) Staff Seniority Lists Motion by Ms. Bollig, second by Mr. Lange to approve the (ESP) Staff Seniority Lists, as presented.

ROLL CALL VOTE: AYE: Ruffolo, Triantafillos, Williams, Bollig, Castillo, Frangidakis, Lange

ABSENT: None

NAY: None…Motion #5 Carried.

Motion #6: The Resolution Designating Interest Earnings for Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Motion by Mr. Lange, second by Mr. Frangidakis to approve the Resolution Designating Interest Earnings, as presented.

ROLL CALL VOTE: AYE: Triantafillos, Williams, Bollig, Castillo, Frangidakis, Lange, Ruffolo

ABSENT: None

NAY: None…Motion #6 Carried.

Motion #7: Elimination of Optional Less than 1.5 Mile Busing for 25-26

Motion by Mr. Ruffolo, second by Ms. Bollig to approve the Elimination of Optional Less than 1.5 Mile Busing for 25-26, as presented.

ROLL CALL VOTE: AYE: Williams, Bollig, Frangidakis, Lange, Ruffolo, Triantafillos

ABSENT: None

NAY: Castillo …Motion #7 Carried.

Motion #8: 25-26 Student Fees

Motion by Mr. Ruffolo, second by Mr. Frangidakis to approve the 25-26 Student Fees, as presented.

ROLL CALL VOTE: AYE: Bollig, Castillo, Frangidakis, Lange, Ruffolo, Triantafillos, Williams

ABSENT: None

NAY: None…Motion #8 Carried.

Discussion Items:

• The next regularly scheduled Board of Education meeting will be Wednesday, February 19th, 2025, and will take place at 6:00 p.m. in the Board Room of Indian Trail Junior High School.

• Dr. Sutton spoke about ASD4’s participation in the upcoming 18th Annual Shape of Addison – Wednesday, January 29th, 2025 – Addison Village Hall – 7:00 p.m.

• Dr. Lohse gave a subbing update regarding Kelly Services noting that there has been an uptick in substitutes throughout the District since onboarding with Kelly.

• There was no communication to or from the Board.

Communications/Public Participation on Non-Agenda Items: None

Miscellaneous/Unfinished Business: None

Motion #11: Motion to Adjourn

Motion by Mr. Ruffolo, second by Mr. Frangidakis to adjourn the Wednesday, January 15, 2025, Board of Education meeting.

ROLL CALL VOTE: AYE: Bollig, Castillo, Frangidakis, Lange, Ruffolo, Triantafillos, Williams

ABSENT: None

NAY: None…Motion #11 Carried.

The regular Board of Education meeting adjourned at 6:58 p.m.

https://4.files.edl.io/5e16/02/21/25/192530-07b89b9a-9066-4e69-b655-c435670fb1a9.pdf