Charleston Community Unit School District No. 1 Board Education met March 21.
Here is the minutes provided by the Board:
The following board members were present:
Jason Coe, President
Scott Clarke, Vice President
Susan Daniels, Secretary
Brian Gough
Eva Ritchey
Matt Titus
The following board member was absent:
Kelly Miller, Treasurer
The following staff members were present:
Todd Vilardo, Superintendent
Chad Burgett, Assistant Superintendent
Visitors 36 and 1 Member of the Press
Under Focus on Students and Good News Reports, Mr. Vilardo recognized the artwork display that was provided by the students from Charleston High School. Heather Siegel is the art teacher.
Mr. Vilardo presented Certificates of Recognition to the following:
Charleston High School Winter Guard Team-
Mr. Vilardo presented a Certificate of Recognition to the 2017-18 CHS Winter Guard Team for advancing to the state finals this past season and placing 2nd in the state AA Lyrical Flag competition. Team members: Jaidyn Williams, Karly Coffey, Ravin Matheson, Ryleigh Bueker, Natalie Metzler, Makaylia Beech, Kayley Eastman, Cassidy Drumm, and Gracie Perkins were in attendance with Coach Angel Warman to accept the certificate. Allison Prater, Kendra Aungst, and Levi Thompson were not able to attend.
Charleston High School Trojet Team-
Mr. Vilardo presented a Certificate of Recognition to the 2017-18 CHS Trojet Team for advancing to the state finals this past season. Team members: Grace Braden, Whitney Minor, and Emmie O’Connor were in attendance with Coach Mary Buchar to accept the certificate. Francisca Diaz, Keana Diaz, Sandy Garcia, Kennedy Hughes, Maysa Hutton, Jayda Jensen, Kara Kieffer, Jayden Larouere, Payten Madlem- Easterday, Rebekah MaGee, Tiffany Mejdrich, Jarrett Sims, Savannah Wambach, Hannah Yamamoto, and Rachel Ashley were not able to attend.
Trey Pearcy a sophomore at CHS for advancing to the IHSA State Wrestling finals this past season. Trey and Coach John Hansen were in attendance to accept the certificate.
Under Public, Staff Comments or Questions, Written Communications, Mr. Vilardo stated that no requests had been received to address the Board of Education.
At that time, Mr. Coe asked if there were any requests from the Board of Education to remove any of the consent agenda items or addendum items for discussion. There were no requests from the Board of Education.
Mr Vilardo reviewed the items under Consent Agenda.
IV. Consent Agenda: Standard Items
Approve the minutes of the Regular Board Meeting of February 21, 2018.
Approve the bills and payrolls for the month of February 2018.
Approve the Activity Fund Accounts for the CUSD #1 attendance centers, period ending February 2018.
Approve the financial summary for the month of February 2018 as presented by Assistant Superintendent Chad Burgett.
V. Consent Agenda: Old Business
Approve a corrected recommendation presented at the February 21, 2018 meeting to accept a resignation from Lisa Smith from her position as a paraprofessional at Charleston Middle School effective January 25, 2018. The original recommendation read resignation effective at the end of the 2017-18 school year.
Approve a corrected recommendation presented at the February 21, 2018 meeting to employ Eric Selstad as the Head Girls’ Tennis coach at Charleston High School, effective for the 2018-19 school year. The original recommendation read employment effective for the 2017-18 school year.
VI. Consent Agenda: New Business
CHS/IHSA Membership Renewal-
Approve the renewal membership of Charleston High School in the Illinois High School Athletic Association for the 2018-2019 school year.
CMS/IESA Membership Renewal-
Approve the renewal membership of Charleston Middle School in the Illinois Elementary School Association for the 2018-2019 school year.
Audit Services-
Continue the service arrangement with the firm of Gilbert, Metzger and Madigan, Certified Public Accountants, to perform the annual audit for Community Unit School District No. 1. The firm will also prepare the school district’s Annual Financial Report for the Illinois State Board of Education.
Local Legal Services-
Continue to use the legal services of William J. Warmoth, Attorney at Law, to seek legal advice when determined appropriate by the Board of Education and/or the superintendent.
School Legal Services/Negotiations-
Continue to use the law firm of Miller, Tracy, Braun, Funk & Miller, Ltd. to seek legal advice when determined appropriate by the Board of Education and/or the superintendent and for the purpose of negotiations between the Board of Education, the Charleston Education Association, School Legal Services/Special Education and Charleston Educational Support Personnel Association.
Human Resources Secretary Trainer – Temporary/Part Time Service-
Authorize the employment of Judy Adair to serve as a Human Resources Secretary trainer on a part time temporary basis at $25.00 per hour.
Regular Meeting Minutes of 3/21/2018 Page 2
VII. Consent Agenda: Employment
• Retirement(s):
- Carol Lawson, a 12-month secretary at Charleston High School, effective May 25, 2018.
• Resignations:
- Bill Hall, a science teacher (50%) at Charleston High School, effective end 2017-18.
- Steve Kuchefski, an assistant football coach at Charleston High School, effective end 2017-18.
• Employment:
- Michelle Lassak, as a 12-month secretary at Jefferson Elementary School, effective March 22, 2018.
• Volunteer coaches:
- Theresa Gowin as a volunteer coach for the CHS boys’ tennis team, effective for the 2017-18 school year.
- Colton Sells as a volunteer coach for the CHS boys’ tennis team, effective for the 2017-18 school year.
- Colin McInerney as a volunteer coach for the CHS baseball team, effective for the 2017-18 school year.
• CUSD #1 Substitutes/Volunteers, effective February 21 – February 12, 2018.
President Coe recommended that the Board of Education approve items under IV through VII inclusive on the Consent Agenda. Mr. Titus moved and Mrs. Ritchey seconded the motion.
On roll call vote:
Aye: Titus, Ritchey, Clarke, Gough, Daniels, Coe
Nay: none Abstain: none
Motion carried
Under the Superintendent’s Report-
There were no items under the Superintendent’s Report.
Under New Business: Special Education Proposal – Phase 1-
Mr. Vilardo reported that during this school year, Special Education Coordinator Robert Lynn facilitated a study of the district’s continuum of appropriate alternative placements available to meet the needs of children for special education and related services. Mr. Lynn and Tony Reeley, Executive Director of EIASE made a presentation to the Board of Education at the February 21 board meeting outlining associated enrollment, placement, facilities and financial data. In planning for the 2018-19 school year, Mr. Lynn proposed that the district post two Learning Behavior Specialists (LBS1) positions to staff an Emotional Disabilities Program at Carl Sandburg Elementary School (K-3) and at Jefferson Elementary School (4-6) as part of Phase 1 of strengthening our continuum of appropriate alternative placements available. One LBS1 would serve at Carl Sandburg Elementary School, and one LBS1 would serve at Jefferson Elementary School. In addition, licensed paraprofessionals would need to be employed or assigned to provide instructional support for Emotional Disabilities Program in both schools.
Based on the recommendation of Special Education Coordinator Robert Lynn, the superintendent recommended that the Board of Education authorize the educational services of an Emotional Disabilities Program at Carl Sandburg and Jefferson Elementary Schools as outlined to be implemented beginning with the 2018-19 school year. Dr. Clarke moved and Mr. Titus seconded the motion.
On roll call vote:
Aye: Clarke, Titus, Gough, Ritchey, Daniels, Coe
Nay: none Abstain: none
Motion carried
Extra-Curricular Scheduling-
Mr. Vilardo reported that in February of 2010, the district limited the scheduling of its middle school and high school extra-curricular events as a way to reduce expenditures. At that time, the expenditure reduction was estimated at over $8,000 per year. Since then, district administrators have further studied extra-curricular scheduling costs and the effects of imposing such limitations. The rational to permit events to be scheduled at the IHSA (Illinois High School Association) and IESA (Illinois Elementary School Association) maximum level were outlined to the Board by CHS Principal Trevor Doughty, CMS Principal Tim Keefe and Athletic Directors Norman Garrett and Aaron Lock. In consideration of the revenue and expenses of “home” and “away” events (i.e. admission fees, officials, travel, etc.) by permitting events at the maximum would allow Charleston students the opportunity to receive the same game experience as our peers at the IESA and IHSA level. It would also address the disparity between girls and boys in the same sports (track and field, tennis, and swimming), which could be a Title IX issue.
Two years ago, athletic participation fees were raised resulting in an additional $18,000 in revenues. If the district were to add additional contests, there would be an estimated $6,000 balance from funds generated from ticket taking sports (football, volleyball, basketball and wrestling). Finally, since most schedules are set for next year, it may take a few years to get to full scheduling and some sports may never reach that allotment.
Based on the information provided, the superintendent recommends that the Board of Education authorize school administrators the opportunity to schedule sporting events to the maximum levels set by Illinois High School Association and Illinois Elementary School Association. Dr. Clarke moved and Mr. Gough seconded the motion.
On roll call vote:
Aye: Clarke, Gough, Ritchey, Titus, Daniels, Coe
Nay: none Abstain: none
Motion carried
Establish Wage Schedule for Part-Time Employees and Substitutes 2018-19-
The school district employs several people in part-time positions and also needs to employ substitutes when current employees must miss work. A compensation proposal for part-time positions was provided to the Board of Education that reflected a 2% increase for the 2018-2019 school year with the exception of the School Health Care Professional substitutes and the substitute teacher rate of pay. The rate of pay for substitute teachers reflected an increase to $130 per day after ten (10) consecutive days for the same teacher and will continue to the following teacher provided the substitute works another ten (10) consecutive days. In addition, the substitute teacher will earn one (1) emergency day after 25, 40, and 55 days. Days cannot be accumulated and would be erased each school year.
It was the recommendation of the superintendent that the Board of Education approve the proposed wage schedule for part time and substitute employees, effective July 1, 2018, which includes the authorization of an additional emergency day for substitute teachers working fifty-five (55) consecutive days.
Mr. Gough moved and Mrs. Ritchey seconded the motion.
Under discussion, the Board addressed a letter that was received in regard to the substitute teacher rate of pay in Charleston compared to area school districts. It was noted that even though some districts are paying a higher rate of pay, they are still having trouble finding good substitute teachers. Currently, Charleston substitute teacher pay is $80.00 per day and if raised to $90.00, it would be an approximate increase of $30,000 incurred to the district.
The board also discussed paying more for long term substitutes and area districts that do pay the higher rate.
Mr. Burgett noted that Mattoon and EIASE offers a higher rate of pay after 10 days. He also noted that substitute pay in Charleston was within $2 - $3.00 market average for a medium school district in this area.
A question was raised of what the cost incurred would be to the district if paid a higher rate of pay to the substitute teachers after 10 days? Mr. Burgett responded that the district incurred approximately 2,000 substitute days so far this year. He indicated that he would research the cost to the district and provide to the Board.
Discussion ensued regarding long term substitutes currently serving the district and concerns that if the substitute misses one day, then the pay would go back to the lower rate.
Mr. Vilardo stated that this is studied every year and will be continued to include input from substitute teachers and classroom teachers.
President Coe asked for vote.
On roll call vote:
Aye: Gough, Ritchey, Clarke, Titus, Daniels, Coe
Nay: none Abstain: none
Motion carried
Reduction in Force of Licensed Position-
The superintendent and CUSD #1 Administrative team have been working to plan for needed staffing for the 2018-2019 school year. Discussions with the Board of Education are ongoing. The superintendent has met with CEA President Angel Warman on upcoming Reduction in Force of positions at the March Board Meeting. Attached is a copy of the notification letter provided to the CEA.
It was the recommendation of the superintendent that the Board of Education approve the proposed Reduction in Force of a Physical Education/Health position at Charleston Middle School, effective at the end of the 2017-2018 school year. Mr. Titus moved and Mrs. Ritchey seconded the motion.
On roll call vote:
Aye: Titus, Ritchey, Clarke, Gough, Daniels, Coe
Nay: none Abstain: none
Motion carried
Action on Resolution Reference to Dismissal of Licensed Employees-
It was the recommendation of the superintendent that the Board of Education approve a Resolution Authorizing Notice of Non-Renewal of Contract to Kelby Adams, from her position as a full time Computer/Exploratory teacher at Charleston Middle School for the 2018-2019 school year. Further, that the Board of Education approve the sending of written notice of dismissal to Kelby Adams. Dr. Clarke moved and Mr. Gough seconded the motion.
On roll call vote:
Aye: Clarke, Gough, Ritchey, Titus, Daniels, Coe
Nay: none Abstain: none
Motion carried
Action on Resolution Reference to Dismissal of Licensed Employees-
Due to lack of student enrollment and course scheduling needs at Charleston Middle School, the superintendent recommended that the Board of Education approve a Resolution Authorizing Notice of Non-Renewal of Contract for Taylor Lynn, a Physical Education/Health teacher at Charleston Middle School for the 2018-2019 school year. Further, that the Board of Education approve the sending of written notice of dismissal to Taylor Lynn. Mr. Titus moved and Mrs. Ritchey seconded the motion.
On roll call vote:
Aye: Titus, Ritchey, Clarke, Gough, Daniels, Coe
Nay: none Abstain: none
Motion carried
Employment: Transitional Program of Instruction (TPI) Tutor-
It was the recommendation of the superintendent that the Board of Education employ Ulda “Merari” Mier as a part time Transitional Program of Instruction (TPI) Tutor for the 2018-2019 school year. Dr. Clarke moved and Mr. Gough seconded the motion.
On roll call vote:
Aye: Clarke, Gough, Ritchey, Titus, Daniels, Coe
Nay: none Abstain: none
Motion carried
Appointment: Head Teacher at Ashmore Elementary School-
It is the recommendation of the superintendent that the Board of Education appoint Tiffany Oakley as the Head Teacher at Ashmore Elementary School during the 2018-19 school year. Mr. Gough moved and Mr. Titus seconded the motion.
On roll call vote:
Aye: Gough, Titus, Clarke, Ritchey, Daniels, Coe
Nay: none Abstain: none
Motion carried
Renewal of Licensed Staff Contracts-
It was recommended by the superintendent that the Board of Education issue part time, second, third, fourth, and tenure employment contracts to the following licensed individuals as listed for the 2018-19 school year.
Second Year Contracts Fourth Year Contracts
Shonna Davis – Mark Twain Diane Veach – Mark Twain
Mary Lockart – Mark Twain Sarah Vester – MT/Ashmore
Jayme Niebrugge – Mark Twain Margaret Herbert- Ashmore
Jennifer Evans – Carl Sandburg Sarah Nolan – Carl Sandburg/CMS
Laura Hawk – CS/MT/Ashmore Matt Anderson - Jefferson
Jessica Huddleston – Carl Sandburg Kim Lemmon – Jefferson
Julia Beabout – Jefferson Nicole Swinford – Jefferson
Laura Deutschmann – Jefferson/Ashmore
William Standerfer – Jefferson
Molly Bickford – CMS Tenure Contracts
Jessica Krahnke – CMS Rebecca Gallo - Ashmore
Sallie Hanson – CMS Sharon Porter – Ashmore
Mandy White – CMS/MT/Ashmore Shantel Walker – Ashmore
Craig Boone – CHS Christina Coffey – Carl Sandburg
Mary Dowd – CHS Amy Gonzalez – Carl Sandburg
Jeremy Hudson – CHS Lauren Hennig – Carl Sandburg
Marlene Perkins – CHS Yvonne Larson – Carl Sandburg
Emily Pletsch – CHS Mary Bower – Jefferson
Mandy Clarkson – Jefferson/Ashmore
Third Year Contracts Tenure Contracts
Kyla Ballinger – Carl Sandburg Jodi Cline – District
Laura Decker – Carl Sandburg Gina Meister – Jefferson Cristen
Kimery – Carl Sandburg Rachel Schaub – Jefferson/CMS
Kim Shambo – Jefferson Danielle Rook – CMS
David Rickman –CS/Ash/CMS Holly Pantle – CMS
Jeff Marlo – CHS Abigail Schmitz – CMS
Jennifer Peterson – CHS Renae Hernandez - CHS
Mark Williams – CHS Charles Jaques - CHS
Justin Tomaska – CHS
Part Time
Jana Sweeney – Jefferson
Heather Siegel - CHS
Kelsie Schneck - CHS
Dr. Clarke moved and Mr. Titus seconded the motion.
On roll call vote:
Aye: Clarke, Titus, Gough, Miller, Daniels, Coe
Nay: none Abstain: none
Motion carried
Extra-Curricular Assignments – Charleston High School-
It was the recommendation of the superintendent that the Board of Education approve the list of people to fill the extra-curricular assignments at Charleston High School during the 2018-19 school year as indicated, contingent upon the receipt of all paperwork required for employment.
Josh Garrett – Head Boys’ Soccer
John McInerney - Boys’ & Girls’ Cross Country Coach (split salary)
Brian Oakley – Boys’ & Girls’ Cross Country Coach (split salary)
Tyler Hanner – Head Football Coach
Andrew Shick – Assistant Football Coach
Ken Ratliff - Freshmen Football Coach
Randy Harpster – Head Golf Coach
Debbie Landsaw – Assistant Golf Coach
Justin Tomaska – Head Volleyball Coach
Sallie Hanson – Assistant Volleyball Coach
Eva Higgins – Cheer Coach
Charlie Jaques – Student Council
Janice Barger – Yearbook Advisor
Mary Buchar – Dance Coach
Angie Giesler – Volunteer Dance Coach
Anne Kidwell – Scholastic Bowl Coach
Laney Cruit – Band Director
Juliane Sharp – Chorus Director
Angel Warman – Flag Corps
John Hansen – Wrestling Coach
Jeff Miller – Head Girls’ Basketball Coach
Amy Jackson – Assistant Girls’s Basketball Coach (split salary)
Haley Sparks – Assistant Girls’ Basketball Coach (split salary)
Cecilia Brinker – Freshmen Girls’ Basketball Coach
Blain Mayhall – Head Boys’ Basketball Coach
Randy Harpster – Assistant Boys’ Basketball Coach
Craig Boone – Freshmen Boys’ Basketball Coach
Dwight & Kristin Pentzien – Volunteer Girls’ Swimming Coach
Brian Bower – Volunteer Boys’ Swimming Coach
Mrs. Ritchey moved and Dr. Clarke seconded the motion.
On roll call vote:
Aye: Ritchey, Clarke, Gough, Titus, Daniels, Coe
Nay: none Abstain: none
Motion carried
Extra-Curricular Assignments – Charleston Middle School-
It was the recommendation of the superintendent that the Board of Education approve the list of people to fill the extra-curricular assignments at Charleston Middle School during the 2018-19 school year as indicated, contingent upon the receipt of all paperwork required for employment.
Blain Mayhall – Softball Coach
Bill Standerfer – 8th Grade Girls’ Basketball Coach
Chris Bily – 7th Grade Girls’ Basketball Coach
Larry Sigler – 8th Grade Boys’ Basketball Coach
Brad Oakley – 7th Grade Boys’ Basketball Coach
Brenda Foster – Newspaper Staff Sponsor
Brenda Foster – Student Council (split assignment)
Abigail Schmitz – Student Council (split assignment)
Laura Jones – Scholastic Bowl
Megan McDevitt – Chorus
Megan McDevitt – Musical
Jon Hanner – Baseball Coach
Justin Tomaska – 8th Grade Volleyball Coach
Cobi Christiansen – 7th Grade Volleyball Coach
Taylor Wiechec - Pom & Dance Squad
Laney Cruit – Band
Brad Oakley – 8th Grade Boys’ Track Coach
Sallie Hanson – 8th Grade Girls’ Track Coach
Chris Bily – 7th Grade Girls’ Track Coach
Mr. Titus moved and Mrs. Ritchey seconded the motion.
On roll call vote:
Aye: Titus, Ritchey, Clarke, Gough, Daniels, Coe
Nay: none Abstain: none
Motion carried
At 7:37pm Mr. Titus moved to adjourn from the board meeting. Mr. Gough seconded the motion.
On roll call vote:
Aye: Titus, Gough, Clarke, Ritchey, Daniels, Coe
Nay: none Abstain: none
Motion carried
http://www.charleston.k12.il.us/pdfs/bdminutes/2017-2018/3-21-2018RegularBdMtg.pdf
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