East Central Reporter

The Charleston Community Unit School District No. 1 Board Education met Aug. 27 to approve teacher transfers.

Here are the meeting's minutes, as provided by the district:

"The regularly scheduled board meeting is 6:30 p.m. on the third Wednesday of each month at Central Office, 410 West Polk Street."

Minutes of the Regular Meeting of August 17, 2016

The Board of Education of Community Unit School District No. 1, Coles and Cumberland Counties, Illinois met in regular session on Wednesday, August 17, 2016 at the Administration Building – 410 West Polk Avenue, Charleston, Illinois 61920

At 6:30pm, President Miller called the regular board meeting to order and asked Secretary Daniels for roll call.

The following board members were present:

Ron Miller, President Charles Jarrell, Vice President Susan Daniels, Secretary Kelly Miller, Treasurer Scott Clarke Jason Coe Kevin Oakley

The following staff members were present:

Jim Littleford, Superintendent Todd Vilardo, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum & Instruction Dean Keller, Financial Consultant

Visitors 13 and 1 Member of the Press

Mr. Littleford reviewed Addendum items to the board book which included:

VII. Consent Employment: Resignations:

CHS Mathematics teacher, effective immediately CHS Head Football Coach, effective immediately CHS Assistant Football Coach, effective immediately Employments:

CHS Mathematics teacher CHS Head Football Coach CHS Volunteer Coaches Crossing Guard VIII. Superintendent’s Report

A. Correction to Enrollment summary as of August 10, 2016 under Special Education

anticipated enrollment number. Provided, copy of an enrollment summary as of August 17, 2016.

Under Focus on Students and Good News Reports, Mr. Littleford presented a Certificate of Recognition to the Charleston Trojan Booster Club for agreeing to finance student athletic transportation for up to $65,000 during the 2016-17 school year. Brian Schultz, Jill Callahan, and Angie Geisler were in attendance to accept the certificate. Mr. Littleford commended this organization, as once again it has greatly enhanced the educational and athletic experiences and opportunities for all of our students. The coaching staff and administration are both thankful and grateful to them for what they do for our students.

Under public comments and written communications, President Miller asked if there were any comments, questions or written communications. Michelle Lassak and Kelly Easton signed up to address the Board of Education in regard to a “Food 4 Kids’ Backpack Program.

Mrs. Lassak explained that the Charleston Joint PTA, Eastern Illinois Food Bank, and Charleston Elementary Schools have partnered up to provide snack foods and small meals for children in need to supplement weekend meals. A similar program was in place through ‘Feed America Backpack Program’, however, the grant funding

Regular Meeting Minutes of 8/17/2016 Page 1

the program expired. Mrs. Lassak stated that Food 4 Kids will be for students that qualify at Mark Twain, Carl Sandburg, and Jefferson Elementary Schools. Their goal is to serve 25 students per grade level at each site or approximately 175 students in Grades K-6. Teachers and school staff will discreetly distribute backpacks on Fridays and before school breaks. To be eligible for the program, children must be eligible for the free and reduced lunch program and parents would complete a form to be returned to the school office by September 9, 2016. Mrs. Lassak explained the process in selecting students for the program. For board members review, information on signing up for the program and how individuals can become a sponsor of the backpack program was provided. Mrs. Lassak indicated that they have a FaceBook page and a Go Fund Me Page available for the Food 4 Kids Backpack Program.

Mr. Coe asked if the program would be offered to students attending Ashmore School. Mrs. Lassak indicated that they would like to expand the program and if the Ashmore PTA would like to participate to have them contact her.

Mr. Littleford asked Mrs. Lassak to keep him up to date on how the program was progressing so he could keep the Board of Education apprised.

The Board of Education extended their appreciation.

Under Written Communication, Mr. Littleford reported that the district received two (2) Freedom of Information Act requests, which were honored by the district. 1) Bill Northam of Advanced Digital Solutions requested a copy of the signed agreement between Watts Copy Systems Inc., and Charleston CUSD #1. 2) Matthew Titus, requested a copy of the financial report presented by Financial Consultant Dean Keller at the July 20, 2016 Board of Education meeting.

Under Consent Agenda, President Miller asked if there were any items under the consent agenda that the Board of Education would like to remove to discuss in closed session. There were no requests from the Board of Education.

Mr. Littleford reviewed the recommendations under the consent agenda. IV. Consent Agenda: Standard Items

A. Approve the minutes of the Regular Meeting of July 20, 2016 and Special Meeting of July 27,

2016. B.1 Approve the bills and payrolls for the month of July 2016. B.2 Approve the Activity Fund Reports for the CUSD #1 attendance centers, period ending July 2016. B.3 Approve the summary of revenues and expenditures year to date as presented by Financial

Consultant Dean Keller.

V. Consent Agenda: Old Business

VI. Consent Agenda: New Business

A. Grant approval of Serious Safety Hazard Findings application #1-16-01 for a student attending Carl

Sandburg Elementary School, effective for the 2016-17 school year. The application will be submitted to the Department of Transportation for final review. B. Grant the Superintendent authorization to approve or disapprove Serious Safety Hazard Findings

applications to begin the 2016-17 school year. The application(s) will be forwarded to the Department of Transportation for final review and then, presented to the Board of Education at the next regular board meeting.

VII. Consent Agenda: Employment

• Accept a letter of resignation from Courtney Moffett from her position as a Mathematics teacher at Charleston Middle School, effective August 15, 2016.• Accept a letter of resignation from Shelby Eversole from her position as a 4th grade classroom teacher at Jefferson Elementary School, effective July 29, 2016.

• Accept a letter of resignation from Julie Beabout from her position as a Title 1 paraprofessional at Jefferson Elementary School, effective August 1, 2016.

• Accept a letter of resignation from Michelle Babbs from her position as a Title 1 paraprofessional at Mark Twain School, effective immediately.

• Accept a letter of resignation from Sean Hussey from his extra-curricular assignment as the Boys’ and Girls’ Head Tennis Coach at Charleston High School, effective immediately.

• Accept a letter of resignation from Cliff McBenge from his extra-curricular assignment as an Assistant Football Coach at Charleston High School, effective immediately.

• Approve the transfer of Lesley Smith into a 7th grade Math and Language Arts teaching position at Charleston Middle School, effective for the 2016-17 school year.

• Approve the transfer of Matt Anderson into a 6th grade teaching position at Jefferson Elementary School, effective for the 2016-17 school year.

• Approve the transfer of Nicole Swinford into a 4th grade teaching position at Jefferson Elementary School, effective for the 2016-17 school year.

• Approve the transfer of Kimberly Lemmon into a 4th grade teaching position at Jefferson Elementary School, effective for the 2016-17 school year.

• Approve the employment of Kyla Ballinger as a full time classroom teacher (Grade 2) at Carl Sandburg Elementary School, effective for the 2016-17 school year. This employment was contingent upon the receipt of all information required for employment.

• Approve the employment of Kaitlyn Nieft as a full time Title 1 paraprofessional at Mark Twain Elementary School, effective for the 2016-17 school year. This employment was contingent upon the receipt of all information required for employment.

• Approve the transfer of Steve Kuchesfski into a 1st Assistant Football Coaching position at Charleston High School, during the 2016-17 school year.

• Approve the employment of Brian Oakley as a Co-Head Cross Country Coach for Charleston High School during the 2016-17 school year. This employment was contingent upon the receipt of all information required for employment.

• Approve the employment of Evgeniia Vertesheva Stevens as the Head Girls’ Tennis Coach for Charleston High School during the 2016-17 school year. This employment was contingent upon the receipt of all information required for employment.

• Approve the individuals listed to serve as volunteer coaches at Charleston Middle School during the 2016-17 school year, contingent upon the receipt of all required paperwork.

Amber Miller Softball Hannah Dowling Softball Al Schuette Baseball

• Approve the list of substitutes/volunteers for Charleston CUSD #1 as of August 5, 2016.

Under the Addendum:

• Accept a letter of resignation from Joshua Shaffer from his position as a Mathematics teacher at Charleston High School, effective immediately.

• Accept a letter of resignation from Tim Hogan from his extra-curricular assignment as the Head Football Coach at Charleston High School, effective immediately.

• Accept a letter of resignation from Tyler Hanner from his extra-curricular assignment as an Assistant Football Coach at Charleston High School, effective immediately.

• Approve the employment of Jennifer Peterson as a full time Mathematics teacher at Charleston High School, effective for the 2016-17 school year. This employment was contingent upon the receipt of all information required for employment.

• Approve the employment of Tyler Hanner in an extra-curricular position as the Head Football Coach at Charleston High School, effective for the 2016-17 school year.• Approve the individuals listed to serve as volunteer coaches at Charleston High School during the 2016-17 school year, contingent upon the receipt of all required paperwork. Brandon Unruh Football John McInerney Cross Country Sean Hussey Football Aldo Rufflo Soccer Carl Wolf Football Paul Stranz Soccer Ken Ratliff Football Josh Garrett Soccer John Lidy Football Dwight Pentzien Girls’ Swimming Andrew Hart Football Kirsten Pentzien Girls’ Swimming Jim Morgan Football Ron Rardin Golf Jerry Fitzpatrick Football Stan Adkins Golf

• Approve the employment of Charla Robinson in the position as a Crossing Guard for Jefferson Elementary School during the 2016-17 school year. This employment was contingent upon the receipt of all information required for employment.

Dr. Clarke moved and Mr. Jarrell seconded the motion to approve items under IV through VII inclusive on the Consent Agenda and in the addendum.

On roll call vote:

AYE: Clarke, Jarrell, Coe, K. Miller, Oakley, Daniels, R. Miller NAY: none Abstain: none Motion carried

Under the Superintendent’s Report, Mr. Littleford announced that the 2016-17 school year officially opened on Tuesday, August 16, 2016 with an all staff institute. The first day of student attendance was today, Wednesday, August 17 with a 2-hour early dismissal scheduled. Mr. Littleford reviewed the enrollment numbers as of August 10 and as of the first day of school, which revealed a decrease in enrollment compared to the 2015-16 school year. He stated that with open enrollment into Ashmore Elementary School, as of today, 20 students have transferred into Ashmore. The 6th day enrollment will provide a more accurate count and will be presented with enrollment projections at the September board meeting.

Staffing for 2016-2017 Mr. Littleford stated that there were a few last minute resignations, therefore, not all positions were filled by the beginning of the school year. He indicated that building principals will interview for the positions with the authority to staff with final approval at the September board meeting.

Mr. Jarrell moved and Dr. Clarke seconded a motion to accept the Superintendent’s Report.

On roll call vote:

AYE: Jarrell, Clarke, Coe, K. Miller, Oakley, Daniels, R. Miller NAY: none Abstain: none Motion carried

New Business: 2016-2017 School District Tentative Budget/Establish Public Hearing Date Mr. Keller provided a report on the tentative 2016-17 school budget. He reported that the budget had projected revenues of nearly $25.8 million and expenses of just less of $25.2 million. Mr. Keller stated that the surplus was largely because of the $1.2 million in budget cuts that the Board of Education approved earlier this year. He noted that the tentative budget assumes that the district will receive all state aid payments, which has been prorated over the last several years.

The tentative budget will be on file and available for public inspection for the required 30 days prior to the public hearing scheduled for 6:15pm on Wednesday, September 21, 2016.It was the recommendation of the superintendent that the Board of Education approve a Resolution Adopting the 2016-17 tentative budget for Community Unit School District No. 1 in accordance with the School Code and to place the tentative budget on file for public review for at least 30 days.

Further, the superintendent recommended that the Board of Education establish Wednesday, September 21, 2016 at 6:15pm, as the time for the public hearing on the tentative budget.

Dr. Clarke moved and Mr. Coe seconded a motion.

On roll call vote:

AYE: Clarke, Coe, Jarrell, K. Miller, Oakley, Daniels, R. Miller NAY: none Abstain: none Motion carried

Renewal/Intergovernmental Lease Agreement for Lerna School Building The Intergovernmental Agreement between Charleston Community Unit School District No. 1, Coles and Cumberland Counties and the Regional Office of Education #11 for the Lease of Lerna School to house the ROE #11 Safe Schools Alternative Education Program, (Bridges), expired June 30, 2015. It was the recommendation of the superintendent that the Board of Education enter into a lease agreement with the Regional Office of Education #11 Safe Schools Alternative Education Program, effective July 1, 2016 – June 30, 2019. Mr. Jarrell moved and Dr. Clarke seconded a motion.

On roll call vote:

AYE: Jarrell, Clarke, Coe, K. Miller, Oakley, Daniels, R. Miller NAY: none Abstain: none Motion carried

President Miller read Agenda Item X. C: Consideration and Board Action to Approve a Resolution Directing the Regional Superintendent for Coles County to Certify to the Coles County Clerk the Question of Imposing a One-Percent (1%) County School Facility Sales Tax to the Voters of Coles County at the November 8, 2016 General Election President Miller directed the Superintendent to present further information regarding the County School Facility Tax and answer any questions from the Board of Education.

Through a power point presentation, Superintendent Littleford reported that the State of Illinois has been unpredictable over the past several years in prorating and delaying monies to school districts. He reviewed mandates, funding cuts, and payment delays from the State of Illinois. He also talked about reductions made over the past 8 years by the District because of the financial downfall. Funds generated through the sales tax could provide for building improvements, security and safety upgrades, maintenance, and repairs, and capital projects (e.g. roofs, renovations). These monies could not be used for salaries or movement equipment.

Mr. Littleford reported that the school district continues to watch expenses very closely. Groups such as the Trojan Booster Club, Charleston Charitable Foundation, and City of Charleston have stepped up to assist the district the past few years. Also, the Charleston Education Association and Educational Support Personnel Education Association unions have worked with the district to keep salary increases down. In addition, they assisted in moving away from a self-funded insurance program.

Mr. Littleford stated that all Illinois school districts need to find ways to be less reliant on State of Illinois revenue due to the massive debt within the state. If the 1% tax is approved, he reported that Charleston CUSD #1 would receive approximately $2,000,000 per year in county sales tax revenue. The referendum was defeated in 2010 and 2014 by county voters. Mr. Littleford reported that 39 Illinois counties have passed the tax. If the 1% sales tax referendum would pass, in addition to the revenues received for Charleston Schools, he noted that Mattoon and Oakland would also benefit from this source of revenue. County visitors would account for approximately 30%of all sales tax dollars collected in Coles County. He reviewed current sales tax rates to include Champaign, Tuscola, Effingham, Springfield as compared to Charleston, Mattoon and Oakland.

Mr. Littleford reviewed exempted items and noted that if it is not currently taxed, it will not be taxed. In addition, he reviewed eligible uses and ineligible uses of the tax. He stated that if the tax is approved at the November 8, 2016 general election, the tax would go into effect July 1, 2017 and the district would begin receiving money by October 2017.

At that time, discussion among the Board of Education took place. In discussion, it was noted that currently the only way the District can complete major repairs is to issue Health Life Safety Bonds, which does not need approval by taxpayers, however, the bonds are paid by the taxpayers through property taxes. Discussion about the age and condition of school facilities, its roofs, and HVAC systems took place. Mr. Littleford provided examples of intended uses of these funds to include work on the modular building at Mark Twain Elementary School, and the 1927 section of Jefferson Elementary School.

A point made was that the 1% sales tax would give a stable revenue source to maintain district facilities with support from property owners, visitors, and renters.

Following discussion among the Board of Education, it was the recommendation of the superintendent that the Charleston CUSD #1 Board of Education approve a Resolution directing the Regional Superintendent of Schools for Coles County to certify to the County Clerk the question of imposing a retailers’ occupation tax and a service occupation tax to be used exclusively for school facility purposes for submission to the electors of the County at the general election to be held on the 8th day of November, 2016.

President Miller asked Secretary Daniels to read by title the Resolution:

RESOLUTION directing the Regional Superintendent of Schools for The County of Coles, Illinois, to certify to the County Clerk of said County the question of imposing a retailers’ occupation tax and a service occupation tax to be used exclusively for school facility purposes for submission to the electors of said County at the general election to be held on the 8th day of November, 2016.

President Miller requested a motion and a second to approve the Resolution as read into the record by Secretary Daniels. Mrs. Miller moved and Dr. Clarke seconded the motion.

On roll call vote:

AYE: K. Miller, Clarke, Coe, Jarrell, Oakley, Daniels, R. Miller NAY: none Abstain: none Motion carried

Board Action to Approve a Resolution for Use of Potential Revenue from the County Schools Facility Sales Tax Superintendent Littleford reported that the State of Illinois has reduced funding to schools over the past six years through the proration of General State Aid, costing Charleston Schools over $3.4 million. This has resulted in deferred maintenance of district facilities. The Board of Education of Charleston Community Unit School District #1 is projected to receive approximately $2,000,000 in annual revenue from the County School Facilities Sales Tax should it be approved. State law requires the Board to use sales tax revenue for school facility improvements and paying school facility debt. CUSD #1 currently has no facility bond payments, but the Board of Education may incur future facility-related debt on facilities that it owns, including Charleston High School, Charleston Middle School, Jefferson Elementary School, Carl Sandburg Elementary School, Ashmore Elementary School, Mark Twain Elementary School, the Lerna school property, its Central Office, and storage buildings.

To clarify, Mr. Littleford reported that the district could incur future facility debt through some very costly items.Mr. Littleford provided examples that included the Mark Twain School modular building out-living its’ life expectancy and needing to be replaced. Or, Jefferson Elementary School, being a 1927 structure will need a major overhaul at some point in the future. He stated that the school district cannot afford these types of replacement or renovations without selling Health/Life Safety Bonds, which will result in a substantial increase in property taxes. He noted that selling Health/Life Safety Bonds do not need voter approval. Mr. Littleford stated that as a district and community, we owe it to our students that they be educated in a safe and clean environment.

Mr. Littleford reported though not legally binding, it is important to the taxpayers of the Charleston School District that the Board of Education reveal how it intends to use the potential revenue to control property taxes while maintaining and improving school district facilities. Therefore, the CUSD #1 Board of Education would commit to:

1. Pay off future facility debts on its properties;

2. Address the following improvements to existing or future district facility needs: Security/Safety Improvements Flooring Replacement Roof Repair/Replacement Electrical Upgrades HVAC System Updates Outdoor Lighting Facility Upgrades Window Replacement Disabled Access Plumbing Infrastructure Ceiling Tile and Lighting Replacement Parking Lot Repair Technology Infrastructure Energy Efficiency Projects

It was the recommendation of the superintendent that the Charleston CUSD #1 Board of Education approve a Resolution that commits to controlling property taxes and improving school district facilities should a county retailers’ occupation tax and a service occupation tax (1% sales tax) be passed at the general election to be held on the 8th day of November, 2016. Mr. Jarrell moved and Dr. Clarke seconded the motion.

On roll call vote:

AYE: Jarrell, Clarke, Coe, K. Miller, Oakley, Daniels, R. Miller NAY: none Abstain: none Motion carried

At 7:57pm, President Miller recommended that the Board of Education adjourn into closed session to consider information regarding appointment, employment, compensation, and discipline of specific employees of the public body, including hearing testimony on a complaint lodged against an employee to determine its validity. 5 ILCS 120/2/(c)(1)

Dr. Clarke moved and Mr. Coe seconded a motion.

On roll call vote:

AYE: Clarke, Coe, Jarrell, K. Miller, Oakley, Daniels, R. Miller NAY: none ABSTAIN: none Motion carried

At 8:36pm, Dr. Clarke moved and Mr. Jarrell seconded the motion to reconvene from closed session.

On roll call vote:

AYE: Clarke, Jarrell, Coe, K. Miller, Oakley, Daniels, R. Miller NAY: none Abstain: none Motion carriedAt 8:37pm Mr. Coe moved to adjourn from the board meeting. Dr. Clarke seconded the motion.

On roll call:

AYE: Coe, Clarke, Jarrell, K. Miller, Oakley, Daniels, R. Miller NAY: none ABSTAIN: none Motion carried

Charles Jarrell President Pro-Tem, Board of Education

Susan Daniels Secretary, Board of Education