Casey-Westfield Community Unit School District No. 4C Board of Education met Monday, Jan. 23.
Here are the minutes as provided by Casey-Westfield CUSD No. 4C:
The Casey-Westfield Board of Education met in regular session at 7:00 P.M. on Monday, January 23, 2017 at Turner Arts Hall, 306 E Edgar, Casey, IL. Upon roll call, members present were Cox, Dougherty, Gelb, Howe, Hutton, Overbeck and Tutewiler. Administrators present were Melissa Meiners, Jim Sullivan, Chris Seaton, Linda Campbell, Mike Leichty and Dee Scott.
President Dougherty recognized visitors.
Act upon approval of the following consent agenda items:
Minutes of the regular meeting of December 12, 2016;
Review of the financial and budgetary reports and approval of the current invoices for payment;
Minutes of the closed session meetings of July 20, 2015; and approval of the destruction of the verbatim record of those meetings as authorized by Board Policy 220 and 220-E1;
Intergovernmental Agreement with Cumberland CUSD #77 and Martinsville CUSD #C-3 for the 2017-2018, 2018-2019 and 2019-2020 school years’ psychologist services;
2017-2018 School Calendar
Motion by Cox and seconded by Tutewiler. Upon roll call, members voting yea were Cox, Dougherty, Gelb, Howe, Hutton, Overbeck and Tutewiler. The President declared the motion carried.
Act upon approval of bid from Midwest Transit Equipment in the amount of $97,920 for a new full size lift bus. The bus will be leased for 2 years. The annual lease payment will be $17,860.
Motion by Hutton and seconded by Gelb. Upon roll call, members voting yea were Cox, Dougherty, Gelb, Howe, Hutton, Overbeck and Tutewiler. The President declared the motion carried.
Discussion and community input regarding a potential cooperative with Martinsville School District for all extra-curricular activities. Katrina Phillips addressed the board. She felt students would have a smooth transition because many are friends already. She expressed the opinion that there are enough students in jr. high now without a co-op. President Dougherty noted that no decision has been made at this time. Aaron Janssen stated that he has heard concern about concessions that might be made, such as change in mascot. Travis Roberts asked if Martinsville had presented a plan. Bob Dougherty noted that they had but it had not been reviewed yet. Travis stated that is why everyone came is to hear what plan had been presented. Travis stated that he felt that unless they wanted to wear purple and gold he wasn’t interested. Katrina expressed concern over the costs of changing mascot/colors. Kristie Warfel expressed more concern as the band has spent the past two years raising over $40,000 for new uniforms. Pete Todd stated that Martinsville has the same concerns we do.
President Dougherty read a potential agreement shared with CW today by Martinsville. Susie Hawkins asked how many students would be coming from Martinsville? President Dougherty stated that is yet to be determined. Susie expressed concern regarding making changes in mascot and colors for only two years and then possibly someone backing out of the co-op. Rick Athey stated that usually conference affiliations relate to football. He stated that joining the LOVC might be a hard thing to do for CW as the LOVC might not allow it. Carlotta Athey asked whether this was a financial thing or a numbers thing. President Dougherty clarified that this was a numbers thing alone. Rick Athey expressed that a football program is by far the most expensive program a school runs. Marsha Lee stated that at one time we used the Westfield gym for practices but that the travel became a major issue in no longer using that gym. She also commented that we co-op golf, tennis and track for those students that want to participate, she asked if we could continue to do that. President Dougherty noted those co-ops would continue. Carlotta Athey asked if we would welcome them to come and play in other sports. Andy Tutewiler noted that is what is being considered and that the plan that was read was just a template. Katrina expressed concern about JH volleyball girls not getting to participate due to too many going out.
Marcy Shonk expressed concern about finances, utilizing our facilities, and continuing to ask for community input after a counter plan is proposed. She commended the board for seeking community input. Steve Honselman complimented the board on asking for input. He shared some retrospect from the Casey and Westfield consolidation and noted the positive outcomes that resulted. He stated that the template that was read is a starting point with lots of negotiations to come moving forward. He wished the board well on that work. More concern was expressed about how the bands would be handled. Tracy Gelb noted that band was a part of the curriculum and therefore wouldn’t be included; however, it could be another opportunity to offer to the kids of Martinsville in the form of playing with full pep band at ballgames, etc.
Mike Leichty stated that the Little Illini Conference constitution has a stipulation that a school give 2 years notice when leaving the conference. Nik Groothuis noted that the template that President Dougherty read was basically a required outline of the IHSA for co-ops. Carlotta Athey asked what sports the numbers were low in. Jim Sullivan directed attention to the handout which indicates numbers of participants in each sport. Mike Leichty commented on participation, noting that we are on the edge of having too few in all of our sports (HS).
A student asked if they would have a say in change of color/mascot. Jen Richards expressed that if it was just one sport, maybe we should just look at that one sport. Travis Roberts asked if we were having low numbers because we are losing, that numbers were high when we had a state championship. Alan Hutton noted that numbers were low in other sports that had never had the success of football. It was expressed that both districts needed more numbers and was it possible to co-op in football and basketball for two years and let the kids vote on mascot/colors and then revisit it in two years. Aaron Janssen stated that what it comes down to is you have less and less pool to draw from and you must play younger and younger kids which results in more injury.
Trisha Gilbert noted that we just won 7th and 8th grade boys basketball LEIC and have bigger numbers coming up. She noted that we could be pushed up to a higher division with the additional of Martinsville. Mike Leichty commented on the class ranges delineated in the handouts. Dottie Hawker asked who would determine the head boys basketball coach? She stated that if a change was made that would be four coaches in four years. Marcy Shonk suggested that students be included in the process early on. Nick Boles noted there was a lot of 50/50 in the document presented by Martinsville yet there is not a 50/50 ratio on students and that CW should be in the driver’s seat. He noted that a co-op would be good for all students but that CW should be in control.
Casey Overbeck asked how people felt about some sports being played at CW and some at Martinsville. James Gilbert stated that CW has some of the best facilities in the conference and the consideration of playing elsewhere was ludicrous. Steve Self asked if Martinsville had facilities that would even accommodate the crowds. Jared Hupp asked if another meeting would be held with the community before a decision was made. Bob Dougherty indicated another meeting would be held. Alan Hutton noted that beyond what was read tonight, the board probably has to consider another 100 items and that this is just a starting point. Terry Honselman stated that increased participation results in improved programs. He referenced a recent article in the Decatur paper with a picture of a 1986 girls basketball team with lots of students participating and lots of competition which improved the program. He noted when he was in high school there were 14 seniors on his team and that the way we’re going, we need to do something to change and this is a good thing.
Adam Cox questioned how FFA would do concessions when not all games are played here. It was noted that was one of the things that would have to be worked out. Pete Todd stated that all the time, effort and money devoted to a 2-year agreement should be directed toward consolidation. Michael Brandenburg noted that when Casey and Westfield consolidated, we were still the Warriors after and that is how we should leave it. Jen Richards stated that it would take a few years for the kids to get on board and that we could see numbers take a hit initially. Tiffany Gowin stated that her daughter stated if we change our name, “I quit”. Steve Self questioned how we could financially justify changing uniforms. Barry Howe stated that he couldn’t imagine either district going into and making all those changes for just 2 years. Jen Richards asked why mascot/colors were being considered if it was just for 2 years. It was pointed out that the Martinsville kids feel the same way.
Board and Administration Reports
Board
Administration
Buildings
Monroe-Mrs. Meiners
Monroe Faculty, Staff and Students finished out the first semester with some wonderful celebrations such as the annual Ugly Sweater Contest and the all school holiday send off. This year the 6th grade students actively lead the entire school body in the singing of holiday songs, reading The Night Before Christmas and added a new twist of dancing to this year’s gathering. Thank you 6th graders for sharing your talents and leadership skills. They did a fantastic job.
A HUGE Thank You to our PTO for bringing the Silly Safari Animal Show to Monroe on January 6, 2017 as part of the Fannie May Fundraiser.
All students enjoyed seeing the animals and learning more about these amazing creatures, while students that were top prize winners earned a chance to see the animals up close after the show!
Kindergarten through 6th grade students completed their winter benchmark testing. Results showed good growth from first semester across the board. Way to go Monroe educators! Keep up the good work!
Teachers continue to collaborate through professional learning communities both across and within grade levels. Teams have focused on implementation of the new English Language Arts materials. Thank you to Lisa Hayes for facilitating these valuable opportunities for ongoing growth of the Monroe educational staff.
Thanks to Mrs. Campbell for organizing our Tech Tip Wednesday Topics. Faculty and Staff gather for short technology related topics after dismissal on Wednesdays. This allows for faculty and staff to share what’s working well in their classroom with colleagues. Recent topics include PARCC practice information, Standards based Grade reporting using Teacher Ease and Hapara training. It’s a great way for Monroe staff to make the most of the technology available in the district.
We continue to be blessed by families and community members through recent donations. Thank you to Gary Nohren for winter coats and to Casey State Bank for a $300 donation to support family events at Monroe. Thank you all for helping with the varying needs of Monroe students and families!
Jr/Sr High School-Mr. Sullivan
Academics:
Twenty-nine senior English students went to Medieval Times in Schaumburg in December to enjoy a Medieval Style dinner, a falconer, an educational show, and a choreographed jousting match. The activities of the trip reinforce behaviors, events and concepts covered in the study of Canterbury Tales.
ELA Sophomore Students started Book Groups in Language Arts this month. They have chosen their own reading selections, made their own reading schedules, and will guide their own group discussions, vocabulary study, and book activities. The groups will meet each Friday and will present the findings of their book studies in March.
The Welding classes are progressing nicely. We have some very talented students. If anyone has anything that needs fabricated. Let us know.
A special thank you to Marathon Petroleum Co., who donated $500 to our Math and Science Departments.
Arts:
Junior High Choir has been working hard to earn the right to do another musical production this year. Auditions will be at the end of the month. The High School Choir is preparing again this year for our 2nd Exceptional Music for Exceptional Families concert (a concert geared towards an audience of students with special needs). We put on this concert together with Cumberland Choir students, which is a fun experience for the students. All grades are preparing for IESA and IHSA solo/ensemble music contest later this semester. A majority of high school students are attending and many Junior High have decided to go this year also.
LIC PEP BAND MEMBERS include: Rebecca Blanchard, Daley Robinson, Chelsea Cox, Rebecca Hensley, Julia Herrera, Noah Cummins, Taylor Williams, Becca Geffs, Briana Sanders and Dylan Kemper. The LIC Pep Band will perform January 21st at Robinson High School.
Athletics:
Nate Williams received one of the six 2017 LIC Scholarships. He will be recognized at the LIC Championship game.
The Boys JH Basketball 7th and 8th Grade teams won first place at this year’s 2017 LEIC Tournament.
The CWHS Lady Warriors placed 3rd in the Dieterich Holiday Tournament. Additionally, Chelsea Cox scored her 1000th point at that tournament.
Clubs:
A few months ago, the Jr. High Student Council started a newsletter specifically for Jr. High students. It includes recent extra-curricular and classroom news, 8 humorous awards for individual students (nominated by students), class/group shout outs from the teachers, upcoming events, and an article on one of the JH teachers. The aim is to help students feel more invested in CWJH and to ensure that each students gets at least one award/mention before the year is over.
The plans for the senior trip to Wisconsin Dells are rolling along. We currently have 45 kids signed up to go. They are getting excited. Staff members going are Mr. Eckerty, Mrs. Vineyard, and Mrs. Pierce.
District –
Mrs. Scott reviewed the receipt of state payments thus far in the year. General State Aid payments are coming in on schedule. However, NO FY17 mandated categorical payments have been received. Mandated categoricals are required expenditures for school districts and include Special Education Personnel, Funding for Children requiring Special Education, Regular and Vocational Transportation and Special Education Transportation. The district should receive quarterly payments each fiscal year totaling over $600,000.
Lead testing is now a requirement for Illinois schools. We are obtaining a proposal for the required testing as it must be completed by year end.
Addendum
Act upon approval to adjourn to closed session under c1 (employment) and c21 (discussion closed meeting minutes) of section 5 ILCS 120/1 et seq. of the Illinois Open Meetings Act at 8:21 p.m.
Motion by Howe and seconded by Hutton. Upon roll call, members voting yea were Cox, Dougherty, Gelb, Howe, Hutton, Overbeck and Tutewiler. The President declared the motion carried.
Act upon approval to reconvene to regular session at 8:36 p.m.
Motion by Cox and seconded by Gelb. Upon roll call, members voting yea were Cox, Dougherty, Gelb, Howe, Hutton, Overbeck and Tutewiler. The President declared the motion carried.
Act upon the following consent agenda items:
Act upon approval of closed session minutes of December 12, 2016.
Act upon recommendation to keep closed session minutes confidential.
Act upon approval of support staff recommendations.
1. Accept resignation from Bryan Nidey as Monroe Housekeeper effective December 30, 2016.
2. Accept resignation from Jackie Tuttle as JSHS Health Professional effective at the end of the current school year.
3. Employ Kathleen Hills as Monroe Custodian for the remainder of the 2016-2017 school year.
4. Employ Amanda Mumford as JSHS Health Professional for the 2017-2018 school year.
5. Accept resignation from Brent Cribelar as Monroe Head Custodian effective June 30, 2017.
Act upon approval of certified staff recommendations.
1. Employ Hannah Todd as Speech Language Pathologist for the 2017-2018 school year.
2. Employ Aaron Janssen as JSHS Special Education Teacher for the 2017-2018 school year.
3. Accept resignation from Daniel Nelson as JSHS Social Studies Teacher effective at the end of the 2016-2017 school year.
Act upon approval of co-curricular recommendations.
1. Add “Elementary Yearbook Advisor” as an extra-duty at a stipend of 4%.
2. Accept letter of resignation from Barry Eckerty as Junior High Girls’ Basketball Coach effective immediately.
Act upon approval of administrative staff recommendations. None.
Motion by Tutewiler and seconded by Overbeck. Upon roll call, members voting yea were Cox, Dougherty, Gelb, Howe, Hutton, Overbeck and Tutewiler. The President declared the motion carried.
Addendum—Bob Dougherty asked each board member to review the proposal from Martinsville item by item. Special board meeting on Thursday, February 9 at 6:00 p.m. to continue discussion.
Act upon approval to adjourn at 9:22 p.m.
Motion by Tutewiler and seconded by Cox. Upon roll call, members voting yea were Cox, Dougherty, Gelb, Howe, Hutton, Overbeck and Tutewiler. The President declared the motion carried.
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