East Central Reporter

Charleston Community Unit School District No. 1 Board Education met Wednesday, Nov. 16.

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

Here are the minutes as provided by Charleston CUSD No. 1:

Minutes of the Regular Meeting of November 16, 2016

The Board of Education of Community Unit School District No. 1, Coles and Cumberland Counties, Illinois met in regular session on Wednesday, November 16, 2016 at the Administration Building – 410 West Polk Avenue, Charleston, Illinois 61920

At 6:30 p.m., President Miller called the meeting to order and asked 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 (arrived at 6:32pm)

The following staff members were present:

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

Visitors 140 and 1 Member of the Press

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

Revised Board Agenda Employment: Strike through employment of District Paraprofessionals

Superintendent’s Report Change to order of items:

B. 2017-18 CUSD #1 Budget Calendar 

C. 2016 Tax Levy Information

Under Focus on Students and Good News Reports, Mr. Littleford presented Certificates of Recognition to the following:

Recognition: The artwork display was provided by the Jefferson Elementary School students. Penny Hess is the art teacher.

Charleston and Ashmore Fire Departments Mr. Littleford recognized the Charleston Fire Department and Ashmore Fire Department for their work in securing a positive learning environment in our school community. Chief Steve Bennett accepted the Certificate of Recognition on behalf of the Charleston Fire Department and Chief Clay Berner and Assistant Chief Kurt Crail accepted on behalf of the Ashmore Fire Department.

At 6:35pm, Kevin Oakley arrived at the meeting.

Charleston Music Boosters Mr. Littleford recognized the Charleston Music Booster Club. The Club has donated more than $88,000 of purchases toward the CUSD #1 Music Department this school year. This organization has gone above and beyond to enhance the educational experiences and opportunities for our students.

2016 Girls Golf Team and Coaches Deb Landsaw and Stan Adkins The Girls Golf Team advanced to the state finals this past season. The team finished undefeated in the regular season, won the Apollo Conference championship, Regional Championship, and Sectional Championship. The team advanced to the Class 1A state finals and won the State Championship for the first time in school history. Team members: Lauren Chappell, Ally O’Dell, Aislinn Parish, Haley Walker, Bailey Taylor, and Paige Chappell Lauren Chappell was the individual state champion for the 3rd time in her CHS career.

CHS Boys’ Golf Team and Coach Randy Harpster Team Member: Preston Smith – for advancing to the Boys’ 2A Golf State finals this past season.

CHS IHSA State Cross Country Team and Coaches Derrick Landrus and Brian Oakley The Cross Country Team advanced to the state finals in Peoria this past season. This was the fourth time in the last five years for the Boys’ team to qualify for state. Boys’ team members that advanced to the State Finals: Nick Oakley, Austin Ames, Ryan Chambers, Clayton Reddon, Jonathan Phillips. Luke Buescher, and Spencer Stowell

CMS Cross Country Team and Coach John McInerney The Cross Country Team competed in the IESA State Meet in Normal on October 15. The 2016 Boys Cross Country Team is the first team from CMS to participate in the state meet and finished 21st place as a team. Team members: Sam Beckford, Kevin Caltry, Jackson Carlton, Ashton Fifield, Blake Garrett, Austin Gotschail, Hunter Hargis, Nicholas Hawk, Sam Kaurin, Trenton King, Shane Ogden, Eugene Ohba, Nolan O’Neal, Mason Peterson, Mason Reeley, Trenton Roberts, Duston Sawyer, Zachary Stout, Joshua Tresslar. Megan Garrett also qualified and competed in the IESA Girls State Cross Country meet.

CMS Baseball Team and Coach Jon Hanner The Baseball team competed in the IESA State Tournament in East Peoria on September 30 and October 1 and placed second. The team finished the season 18-1. Team Members: Logan Beals, Jackson Becker, Jaksen Braun, Ty Courtney, Peyton Daugherty, Vincent DiNaso, Jacob Flight, Carter Gordon, Miles Hernandez, Dane Herrington, Ben Hess, Cade Landrus, Austin Miller, Kendal Pankey, Collin Patterson, Kobe Patton, Caydin Reed, Sam Schuette, Cory Spour, Kyler Sweeney, Jeb Vanatta, Connor Woodley.

CMS Boys’ Golf Team and Coach Stan Adkins Team Members: Pierson Smith and Josh Will competed in the IESA State Golf Tournament in Peoria on September 17. Pierson (8th grade student) placed 25th with a score of 87. Josh (7th grade student) placed 54th with a score of 95.

Under Public, Staff Comments, Written Communications, President Miller asked if there were any requests or written communications to the Board of Education. No requests were received.

Mr. Littleford reported that the district received two Freedom of Information requests that were honored by the District.

1) Ms. Kyle McKinney requested information, specifically for the 2016-17 school year, concerning class size and class composition for those classes in which a student with an IEP is placed in a high school general education classroom. 2) Mr. Jim Myers requested a copy of the current mowing bid received from Pro-Mow Lawn Care.

Moving to Consent Agenda items, President Miller asked if there were any requests from the Board of Education to remove any of the consent agenda items or addendum items for discussion. Hearing none, Mr. Littleford reviewed the items under Consent Agenda.

IV. Consent Agenda: Standard Items

A. Approve the minutes of the Regular Board Meeting of October 19, 2016. B. Approve the bills and payrolls for the month of October 2016. C. Approve the Activity Fund Accounts for the CUSD #1 attendance centers, period ending October 2016. D. Approve the summary of revenues and expenditures year to date as presented by Financial Consultant Dean Keller.

VI. Consent Agenda: New Business

A. Grant permission to establish an activity fund account for the Scholastic Bowl team at Charleston High School in order to deposit donations for transportation costs. This account will be subject to the state guidelines regarding the use of activity fund accounts. B. Grant 278 (two hundred seventy eighty) gifted sick leave days to Vicki Martinez, an LBS1 teacher at Jefferson Elementary School.

VII. Consent Agenda: Employment

Accept a letter of retirement from Vicki Martinez, an LBS1 teacher at Jefferson Elementary School, effective at the end of the 2020-21 school year. This retirement is subject to the provisions of district policies and state law.

Accept a letter of retirement from Robert Atteberry, a half time custodian at the Lerna School facility, effective March 31, 2017. This retirement is subject to the provisions of district policies and state law.

Consistent with board policies, grant a Family Medical Leave of Absence to Dana Hunter, an LBS1 teacher at Carl Sandburg Elementary School.

Consistent with board policies, grant a Leave of Absence to Shelly Romack, a paraprofessional at Mark Twain Elementary School.

Accept a letter of resignation from Courtney Seaman, from her position as a paraprofessional at Carl Sandburg Elementary School, effective at the end of the day on December 20, 2016.

Accept a letter of resignation from Trina Oetting, from her extra-curricular assignment as a track coach at Charleston Middle School, effective immediately.

Accept the letter of resignation from Charla Robinson, from her position as a crossing guard, effective November 2, 2016.

Approve the employment of Tony Meza in the extra-curricular assignment as the Head Girls’ Soccer Coach at 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 Kristen Gisondi in the extra-curricular assignment as an Assistant Girls’ Soccer Coach at Charleston High School during the 2016-17 school year. This employment was contingent upon the receipt of all information required for employment.

Approve the following individuals to serve as volunteer coaches at Charleston High School during the 2016-17 school year. These assignments were contingent upon the receipt of all information required for employment.Megan O’Dell Girls’ Basketball Taylor Wiechec Cheerleading Jake Bays Wrestling Ralph McCausland Wrestling

Approve the following individuals to serve as volunteer coaches at Charleston High School during the 2016-17 school year. These assignments were contingent upon the receipt of all information required for employment.

Tevin Brookins Boys’ Basketball Jeff Schuette Boys’ Basketball Larry Sigler Boys’ Basketball

Approve the list of substitutes/volunteers for Community Unit School District No. 1, effective October 12 – November 4, 2016.

President Miller recommended that the Board of Education approve items under IV through VII inclusive on the Consent Agenda. Dr. Clarke moved and Mr. Jarrell seconded the motion.

On roll call vote:

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

Superintendent’s Report Annual Report on Student Progress Assistant Superintendent Todd Vilardo provided information about the release of School Report Cards to the Board of Education at the regular board meeting held on October 19. Since then, the Illinois State Board of Education has been releasing PARCC individual student assessment reports and student achievement data from the 2016 PARCC assessments which are now available on the ISBE’s online and interactive Illinois Report Card. The CUSD #1 administrative team regularly works with school improvement teams using data from multiple sources to continually improve upon student learning.

Through a power point presentation, Assistant Superintendent Todd Vilardo and CUSD #1 building principals, Kristen Holly and Chad Burgett presented the Highlights and Positives, Challenges, and Next Steps for the CUSD #1 Elementary Schools, Middle School and High School, (power point presentation provided in official board book).

2017-2018 CUSD #1 Budget Calendar Financial Consultant Dean Keller presented the Budget Calendar for the 2017-2018 school year. The calendar is used as a guide for the District to remain in compliance.

2016 Tax Levy Information Financial Consultant Dean Keller reviewed initial information in establishing the 2016 tax levy with the Board of Education. He explained that this levy represents a 4.99% increase above that of last year and does not require a public hearing. He indicated that even though the district is levying a 4.99% increase, the district will not receive any money above the increase in new construction and the increase in the consumer price index which was 0.7%. That means in the final analysis the district will receive very limited increases. Board action is not required at this time, but will take place by the December meeting.

2016-17 Delayed Start Schedule/Snow Routes for Bus Riders Mr. Littleford announced that Charleston CUSD #1 plans to use a 2-hour delayed start schedule for all schools on some severe weather days. He stated that the delayed start schedule provides the flexibility to begin school two hours later than normal, allowing time for roads to be cleared and temperatures to rise. This alternative eliminates a situation where severe weather in the early morning leads to a decision to close schools for an entire day when it is not warranted. Board members were provided with a copy of the 2-hour delayed start schedule that will be sent to all CUSD #1 staff members and posted on the district website. A SkyLert message will be sent to all CUSD #1 parents. In addition, parents of students that ride buses and live in rural areas outside city limits will receive the attached snow route pick up/drop off points and times. The 2016-17 snow routes will be posted on the district website. Bus drivers will also be handing the information to bus students by the end of the week.

Update/District Suburban On behalf of the Board of Education, the superintendent submitted a grant application to the Charleston Charitable Foundation (CCF) to help with the purchase of a district suburban for replacement of the suburban that was destroyed by fire. Mr. Littleford reported that the CCF awarded the grant in the amount of $30,000 for the purchase of a used school suburban. However, recent information had led to a review of a mini-bus and van as possible options. Towing capabilities and passenger numbers are being studied for both types of vehicles. Mr. Littleford stated that he had been in contact with the CCF President to get permission to seek other vehicle options for the district. The CCF indicated they would approve whatever the Board of Education and Administration think is best. Mr. Littleford stated that he would keep the Board of Education up to date with the search.

Update/County School Facility Tax Mr. Littleford extended appreciation to our school community for considering the November 8th ballot question in support of the County Schools Facility Tax. Mr. Littleford updated the Board on next steps to begin the process of reviewing and prioritizing the list of needed school facility projects. He said one factor to consider in that process will be that the first monthly sales tax revenue disbursement is not expected until late October of 2017. Because disbursements will be made monthly, he reaffirmed the stance district officials gave before the election that they will utilize a ‘pay as you go’ plan. With this, he explained the district administration will consider the estimated cost of each prioritized project against the amount of monthly revenues to determine a timeline for each project’s completion. Another factor to consider was the feasibility of working on projects during the school year, because of a project’s potential for disrupting the learning environment. Therefore, many projects would need to be completed during the summer months. Mr. Littleford stated that in the coming weeks, he would be meeting with the District Buildings and Grounds committee, maintenance department, and administrative personnel to continue planning. Also, the Regional Office of Education has scheduled a January 26th meeting to discuss the responsibilities of the ROE and District as well as the distribution process.

April 4, 2017 School Board Election Mr. Littleford announced that the school board election would be held on April 4, 2017 and three (3) seats on the Charleston CUSD #1 Board of Education will be up for election. One (1) seat will be elected from Congressional Township 12N Range 9E, and two (2) seats will be elected in the remaining Congressional Townships. He stated that information regarding the 2017 School Board Election can be obtained from officials in the County Clerk’s office located in the Coles County Courthouse.

Important dates for prospective candidates:

Tuesday, September 20, 2016, first day prospective candidates may circulate nominating petitions. Monday, December 12, 2016, first day to file nominating papers with Coles County Clerk. Monday, December 19, 2016, last day to file nominating petitions with Coles County Clerk.

Mr. Jarrell moved and Dr. Clarke seconded a motion that the Superintendent’s Report was received by the Board of Education.On roll call vote:

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

Moving to New Business: New/Revised School Board Policy, Exhibits, (first reading) The Local Government Travel Expense Control Act, 50 ILCS 150/10, prohibits expense reimbursements for entertainment expenses. It also requires school boards to regulate expenses and pass a resolution regulating how travel, meals, and lodging expenses are reimbursed for their officers and employees.

2:125 Board Policy Board Member Compensation; Expenses 2:125-Exhibit 1 Board Member Expense Reimbursement Form 2:125-Exhibit 2 Board Member Estimated Expense Approval Form 2:125-Exhibit 3 Resolution to Regulate Expense Reimbursements

It was the recommendation of the superintendent that the Board of Education adopt, in tentative form Board Policy 2:125 and Exhibits as listed on first reading. The tentative policy and exhibits will be placed for public review until final adoption at the December 21, 2016 board meeting. Dr. Clarke moved and Mr. Coe seconded the motion.

On roll call vote:

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

Resolution/Transfer Funds from Transportation Fund to Working Cash Fund Over the past several years, the CUSD #1 Transportation Fund has had insufficient funds available to pay transportation charges, due to the State of Illinois not issuing reimbursement payments in a timely manner. As of this date, the Transportation Fund has borrowed through Resolution $480,000 from the Working Cash Fund. The Transportation Fund has funds available to repay a portion of the $480,000 interfund loan due to the Working Cash Fund.

It was the recommendation of the superintendent that the Board of Education adopt a Resolution to repay a portion of an Interfund Loan between the Transportation Fund and Working Cash Fund in the amount of $200,000. Mr. Coe moved and Dr. Clarke seconded the motion.

On roll call vote:

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

Resolution/Interfund Loan - Working Cash Fund to the Transportation Fund The Charleston CUSD #1 Transportation Fund has insufficient funds available to pay transportation charges, due to the State of Illinois not issuing reimbursement payments in a timely manner. It was the recommendation of the superintendent that the Board of Education adopt the attached Resolution for an Interfund Loan between the Working Cash Fund and Transportation Fund in the amount of $420,000. Mr. Jarrell moved and Mrs. Miller seconded the motion.

On roll call vote:

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

At 7:15pm, 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)

Collective negotiating matters between the District and its employees or their representatives, or deliberations concerning salary schedules for one or more classes of employees. 5 ILCS 120/2/(c)(2)

Mr. Coe moved and Mr. Jarrell seconded the motion.

On roll call vote:

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

At 9:03pm, Mr. Coe made a motion to reconvene from closed session. Mrs. Jarrell seconded the motion.

On roll call vote:

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

At 9:04pm, Mr. Jarrell made a motion to adjourn from the board meeting. Mr. Coe seconded the motion.

On roll call vote:

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

Ronald L. Miller President, Board of Education

Susan Daniels Secretary, Board of Education