NEW TRIER TOWNSHIP HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT 203 - BoardDocs

NEW TRIER TOWNSHIP HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT 203
SPECIAL MEETING OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION
October 27, 2008
New Trier Township High School
7 Happ Road – Room C234
Northfield, IL 60093
A Special Meeting of the Board of Education of New Trier Township High School District 203, Cook
County, Illinois was held at New Trier Township High School, Northfield Campus, 7 Happ Road, Room
C234, Northfield, Illinois on Monday, October 27, 2008 at 7:00 p.m.
Members Present Administrators Present
Mr. James B. Koch, President Dr. Linda L. Yonke, Superintendent
Mr. Robert Merrick, Vice President Mr. Donald R. Goers, Associate Superintendent
Ms. Carol F. Ducommun Mr. Tim Dohrer, Principal, Winnetka Campus
Mr. Stephen J. Malkin Mr. Tim Hayes, Assistant Principal,
Ms. Susan B. Noyes Northfield Campus
Ms. Wendy Serrino Mr. John Neiweem, Director of Physical Plant
Mr. S. Peter Ullman Services
Also Present
Ms. Cindy Jaskowiak, Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction; Ms. Laurel Burman, Director of
Special Education; Mr. Matt Ottaviano, Assistant Principal Winnetka Campus; Ms. Laura Blair, Director
of Communications; Mr. Larry Lobert, Director of Human Resources; Mr. Chris Johnson, Director of
Technology; Ms. Mary Lappan; Mr. Dave Conway, Physical Plant Services Northfield; Mr. Doug
Springer; Mr. Mark Jolicoeur, Principal, AIA, Perkins + Will; and members of the community.
CALL TO ORDER
Mr. Koch called the Special Meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. and welcomed members of the
community.
I. BOND ISSUES – NSSED AND LIFE SAFETY
Mr. Donald Goers reviewed the Administrative recommendation for the issuance of bonds for
NSSED (North Shore Special Education District) and Life Safety. It was agreed at the September
15, 2008 Regular Board of Education Meeting that the Districts’ portion ($2.2 million) of the
NSSED Facility Project would be paid with cash on hand. The District is also seeking to finance
approximately half ($3.84 million) of the outstanding Life Safety Amendments scheduled for the
next two years. Mr. Goers had reported at the September meeting of the financial analysis
determining the District savings of about $300,000 by issuing its own Alternate Revenue Bonds
for this work. Further savings would be achieved by selling these bonds in conjunction with the
Life Safety Bonds. Approval of the Resolutions for the Public Hearing and the Bond Sale would
allow scheduling the Public Hearing for the November 17, 2008 Regular Board of Education
Meeting and approval for the Bond Sale set for the December 15, 2008 Regular Board of
Education Meeting. Mr. Merrick moved and Mr. Malkin seconded the motion that the Board
approve the Resolution Authorizing the Issuance of General Obligation Alternate Bonds and the
Resolution Calling a Public Hearing Concerning the Intent to Sell these Bonds. Upon a roll call
vote being taken, the members voted as follows:
AYE: Ms. Ducommun, Mr. Malkin, Mr. Merrick, Ms. Noyes, Ms. Serrino, Mr. Ullman
Mr. Koch
NAY: None
The motion passed unanimously.
II. FACILITY STUDY DISCUSSION
Dr. Linda Yonke reviewed the Facilities Long Range Planning presentation. The Power Point
presentation covered previously posed questions regarding traffic patterns, Life Health Safety
issues and planning costs. Dr. Yonke also reviewed the Community Engagement process as well
as the major differences between the options under consideration. Dr. Tim Dohrer, Principal,
Winnetka Campus and Mr. Tim Hayes, Assistant Principal, Northfield Campus reviewed the
prioritization of the facilities needs by the Workshop and Facilities Steering Committees and the
criteria used. In summary, the Administrative recommendations are:
• Remove Addition/Major Renovation as an option
• Focus on Addition/Minor Renovation
Determine by next deadline:
o West side addition – size, configuration
o Music Building – demolish or build around
o Field House and Pool needs, costs, and feasibility
o Exact costs for all aspects of the project
• Expand the community engagement process; administer survey

• Requests for future expenditures related to facilities planning will be presented to the
Board in advance.
Mr. Pete Ullman, Board Member, presented a PowerPoint presentation with his thoughts for
consideration by the Board. His proposal is to look at the Facilities Long Range Planning over
30 years in three phases. Phase One is to be addressed in the areas of most obvious and critical
need: demolition and replacement of the Cafeteria Building, the Tech Arts Building and the
Music Building. Phase Two would address the center portion of the Winnetka Building over the
next 10 to 15 years. Phase Three looks at the east side of the Winnetka Campus ten to twelve
years later. Mr. Ullman asked for the project costs and details to be defined by March 2009 and
that the District plan for a capital referendum in February 2010. Mr. Ullman supported the
Addition/Minor option as it best answered many issues with the greatest flexibility for the future.
Ms. Carol Ducommun, Board Member, read a statement of her thoughts regarding the Facilities
Project to date. She proposed further expansion of the Community Engagement process and
administration of a survey of the Community about a potential project. Ms. Ducommun is in
agreement with Mr. Ullman in developing a 30 year Facilities Long Range Plan with specific
goals for both campuses. Other issues of concern voiced by the Community included the 1:3
switch, the two school model, demographic projections, and opportunities created for students.
Mr. Koch invited Board comments regarding the presentations and statement. After much
discussion, the Board agreed by general consensus that the April 2009 referendum would not be
considered. A referendum will not occur before February 2010. The Board also agreed that the
Addition/Major Renovation Facilities Plan Option will not be pursued. The Addition/Minor
Renovations Option would be further defined with design specifics and alternatives. The
Board restated its intention for more Community Engagement opportunities and survey
of community sentiment.
III. COMMUNITY COMMENTS
Mr. Koch invited members of the community to speak before the Board. Numerous members of
the community attended the meeting. Four community members, Cynthia Chase Kofkin, Sharon
Kristjanson, Catherine King, and Wes Bauman shared their thoughts on the facilities project.
Mr. Koch thanked them for their thoughts and concerns.
The next facilities study discussion will take place in November, exact time and place to be
determined.
IV. ADJOURNMENT
Mr. Koch adjourned the meeting at 10:38 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
__________________________________ _________________________________
Lou Anne Kelly, Secretary James B. Koch, President
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