Charleston Community Unit School District No. 1 Board Education met February 21.
Here is the minutes provided by the Board:
At 6:30 p.m., President Coe called the meeting to order and asked Secretary Daniels for roll call.
The following board members were present:
Jason Coe, President
Scott Clarke, Vice President
Susan Daniels, Secretary
Kelly Miller, Treasurer
Brian Gough
Matt Titus
The following board member was absent:
Eva Ritchey
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.
Under Public, Staff Comments, Written Communication, President Coe stated that two individuals had signed up to address the Board of Education. At that time, he invited John Kraft to address the Board.
Mr. Kraft read a prepared statement (abbreviated) in regard to public policy from the State of Illinois related to the Freedom of Information Act. It noted that all persons are entitled to full and complete information regarding the affairs for government and the official acts and policies of those who represent them as public officials and public employees. Mr. Kraft stated he was attending the meeting in part because of the incident which involved a substitute teacher, who was arrested in Charleston School District. He indicated that parents and voters have a right to know about any complaints received against the sub-teacher and what action was taken by district in response. Mr. Kraft stated he hoped that the district will provide all information on file in regard to the substitute teacher to the Texas authorities.
President Coe thanked Mr. Kraft for his comments.
President Coe invited Kirk Allen, co-founder of the Edgar County Watch Dogs to address the Board of Education. Mr. Allen indicated that he was a messenger of the parents afraid of bullying by staff against their students if they spoke up against a substitute teacher employed by Charleston School District and arrested on a warrant from Texas. Mr. Allen talked about previous school tragedies around the country and warning signs in place but ignored by officials. He commented on the social media posts made by parents regarding the substitute teacher arrested in the Charleston School and the Freedom of Information Act request that he had submitted to the district in an effort to receive confirmation of what parents had reported. He said that based on the response from the district, there were no complaints about the substitute teacher or records on file. Mr. Allen asked the Board for confirmation if the kids personal information collected by the substitute teacher was deleted or shredded. He added that destruction of a public record is a felony. He asked for the Board to confirm if any complaints were received.
President Coe stated that the district responded to these questions in the FOIA received.
Mr. Vilardo confirmed that any calls from a concerned parent regarding staff is always referred to the appropriate administration. Mr. Vilardo reported that in this instance, he had talked with parents who had posted their concerns on social media and those concerns had been addressed.
President Coe stated that he as well followed up with parents through social media about their concerns posted regarding the substitute teacher.
President Coe thanked Mr. Allen for his comments.
Under the Consent Agenda, President Coe asked if there were board members who would like any of the consent agenda items pulled for discussion in closed session. No requests were received.
Mr. Vilardo reviewed the items under Consent Agenda.
Consent Agenda: Standard Items
- Approve the minutes of the Regular Board Meeting of January 17, 2018.
- Approve the bills and payrolls for the month of January 2018.
- Approve the Activity Fund Accounts for the CUSD #1 attendance centers, period ending January 2018.
- Approve the summary of revenues and expenditures year to date for the period ending December 2017, as presented by Assistant Superintendent Chad Burgett.
Consent Agenda: New Business
Overnight Trip Request/Charleston High School Band-
Approve an overnight/out of state trip request for members of the Charleston High School Band to travel to Orlando, Florida on March 8 – 13, 2019.
Declaration of Surplus Inventory – Technology Department-
Declare the referenced inventory from the CUSD #1 Technology Department as surplus and available for sale or disposal.
Application/IMRF Benefit Protection Leave Request-
Certify an application for Carol Doty, a secretary at Carl Sandburg Elementary School, to make contributions to the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund to receive pension credit for a leave of absence taken in 1993.
Resolution/Establishing Fiscal Year and Preparation of 2018-19 Tentative Budget-
Adopt a Resolution Establishing Fiscal Year and Preparation of the Tentative Budget for the 2018-19 school year beginning July 1, 2018.
Consent Agenda: Employment
• Grant a Family Medical Leave of Absence to Tara Morgan, an LBS1 teacher at Jefferson Elementary School.
• Grant a Leave of Absence on an intermittent basis to Pam Huddlestun, a paraprofessional at Charleston High School.
• Grant a Leave of Absence to Kaitlyn Standerfer, a paraprofessional at Mark Twain Elementary School.
• Accept a letter of retirement from Carla Spicer, a paraprofessional at Charleston High School, effective at the end of the 2017-2018 school year.
• Accept a letter of retirement from Terri Hays, a paraprofessional at Jefferson Elementary School, effective at the end of the 2017-2018 school year.
• Accept a letter of resignation from Dawn Drake from her position as an English teacher at Charleston High School, effective February 20, 2018.
• Accept a letter of resignation from Jennifer Schuler from her position as an LBS1 teacher at Carl Sandburg Elementary School, effective at the end of the 2017-2018 school year.
• Accept a letter of resignation from Penny Hess from her position as an Art teacher at Jefferson Elementary School, effective at the end of the 2017-2018 school year.
• Accept a letter of resignation from Lisa Smith from her position as a paraprofessional at Charleston Middle School, effective January 25, 2018.
• Contingent upon finding a suitable replacement, accept a letter of resignation from Abigail Schmitz from her extra-curricular assignment as a Cheer Sponsor at Charleston Middle School, effective at the end of the 2017-2018 school year.
• Approve the employment of Elena Yordanova as a full time special education paraprofessional at Charleston High School, effective February 22, 2018. This employment was contingent upon the receipt of all information required for employment and the continued educational needs of the students.
• Approve the employment of Amy Plummer as a full time Title 1 program paraprofessional at Jefferson Elementary School, effective February 22, 2018 through the remainder of the 2017- 2018 school year. This employment was contingent upon the receipt of all information required for employment and the continued educational needs of the students.
• Approve the employment of the following individuals in the extra-curricular assignments listed at Charleston High School during the 2017-2018 school year. These assignments are contingent upon the receipt of all information required for employment.
Eric Selstad Head Girls’ Tennis Coach
Brooke Tozer Assistant Girls’ Soccer Coach
• Approve the assignment of Devin Carver to serve as a volunteer coach for the baseball team at Charleston Highs School during the 2017-18 school year. This assignment was contingent upon the receipt of all required paperwork.
• Approve the assignment of Richard Griffin to serve as a volunteer coach for the Girls’ Soccer team at Charleston High School during the 2017-18 school year. This assignment was contingent upon the receipt of all required paperwork.
• Approve the employment of Chris Bily in the extra-curricular assignment as the 7th grade Girls’ Track Coach at Charleston Middle School during the 2017-18 school year.
• Approve the list of substitutes and volunteers for Community Unit School District #1, effective January 17 – February 12, 2018.
President Coe recommended that the Board of Education approve items under IV through VII inclusive on the Consent Agenda.
Mrs. Miller moved and Mr. Titus seconded the motion.
On roll call vote:
Aye: Miller, Titus, Clarke, Gough, Daniels, Coe
Nay: none Abstain: none
Motion carried
Under the Superintendent’s Report: Presentation: FY2018 School Library Per Capita Grant-
The FY2018 School Library per Capita Grant was submitted to the Illinois State Board of Education and funded through the Office of Secretary of State. Membership to this program makes the district eligible for resource sharing, availability of materials, networking opportunities, and additional funding for students and staff. CUSD #1 Media Directors – Holly Pantle and Laura Hawk presented information regarding the Illinois School Library Media Program, “Linking for Learning,” and how it works in our district. Media Specialist Cathy Senior was in attendance. Jacob Roskovensky was not able to attend the meeting.
Presentation: Emotional Disability Services-
Special Education Coordinator Robert Lynn and EIASE Director Tony Reeley have studied the district’s emotional disabilities served this year. Their study included data and trends, as well as a team of staff that observed another district’s program of services. Mr. Lynn and Mr. Reeley presented their findings on our current services and potential needs to the Board of Education, (power point presentation located in official board book). Mr. Lynn and Mr. Reeley reviewed the number of students being identified with emotional disabilities, services being provided currently, the trend of placement for students with emotional disabilities, the continuum of services for student with disabilities, and the cost of outside placement for students with emotional disabilities. During the 2011-12 school year, Charleston High School created a ED transition room, which has provided a continuum of services for students to return to their home school. They outlined the benefits of the program and proposed phasing in a transition room at the elementary and middle school levels along with an approximate cost to the district. A recommendation for Phase 1 of the proposal will be presented to the Board of Education at the March 21, 2018 meeting for consideration.
President Coe thanked them for their presentation.
Pre-School Round Up-
Mr. Vilardo announced that pre-school round up was scheduled to be held at the Salisbury Church on February 28 and March 1 – 2, 2018. On February 28 and March 1 screenings are scheduled from 12:30pm - 6:00pm and on March 2 from 9:00am – 2:15pm. A pre-school screening and Kindergarten pre-registration will also be held for Ashmore Elementary School on March 6 from 9:00am – 2:15pm in the Ashmore Community Center. Later in the spring, a “1st Step” Registration and Kindergarten Orientation will be held at Mark Twain Elementary School on May 10 -11, 2018. Details will be released at a later date.
Update/ESP Negotiations-
Mr. Vilardo reported that the Professional Negotiations Agreement between the Charleston Educational Support Personnel Association, IEA/NEA (CESPA) and Board of Education 2015-2018 will end June 30, 2018. Board President Jason Coe received a formal demand to begin negotiations on a successor agreement from CESPA President Curt Schaefer. The negotiating team for the Board of Education includes: Jason Coe, Kristen Holly, Robert Lynn, Chad Burgett, Todd Vilardo, and School Attorney Chris Miller. Scott Clarke will serve as an alternate. The ESP negotiating team includes: Curt Schaefer, Marilyn Ferguson, Laura Jones, Eva Higgins, Michelle Lassak, and Cathy Stewart, UniServ Director, Region 7, IEA/NEA. Melissa Brown, Justin Pletsch, and Loran Finny will serve as alternates. Commissioner David McIntosh of the Federal Mediation & Conciliation Service will train the negotiating teams on the “Interest Based” bargaining model and will facilitate implementation of the process. A first meeting is scheduled to develop negotiations processes at 8:00am – 4:00pm on Wednesday, February 28, 2018.
Dr. Clarke moved and Mr. Gough seconded a motion that the Superintendent’s Report was received by the Board of Education.
On roll call vote:
Aye: Clarke, Gough, Miller, Titus, Daniels, Coe
Nay: none Abstain: none
Motion carried
Recommended Action New Business:
2018 Summer School Program – Establish Courses/Fees – Establish Schedule-
The 2018 Summer School program for CUSD #1 students in grades 7 – 12 will begin on May 29th and end on June 22nd. As in the past the APEX computerized curriculum will be utilized for the program. It was the recommendation of the superintendent that the Board of Education approve the course offerings as presented for the 2018 Summer School program. Mr. Titus moved and Dr. Clarke seconded the motion.
On roll call vote:
Aye: Titus, Clarke, Gough, Miller, Daniels, Coe
Nay: none Abstain: none
Motion carried
Memorial Request/CUSD #1 Track-
The Memorial Committee met on February 8, 2018 and approved a request to name the CUSD #1 track and place an engraved granite bench by the entrance in honor of former Lady Trojans’ Head Track Coach, Sharon Brinkmeyer. On behalf of the Memorial Committee, the superintendent recommended that the Board of Education grant authorization to accept the memorial request to name the CUSD #1 track and place an engraved granite bench by the entrance in honor of former Lady Trojans’ Head Track Coach, Sharon Brinkmeyer. Dr. Clarke moved and Mrs. Miller seconded the motion.
On roll call vote:
Aye: Clarke, Miller, Gough, Titus, Daniels, Coe
Nay: none Abstain: none
Motion carried
Facilities Upgrades – Jefferson Elementary School Roof/Thermal Roof Scanning-
Assistant Superintendent Chad Burgett and the Facilities Committee met on January 10 and February 6, 2018 to create a list of recommendations to be presented to the Board of Education. Mr. Burgett outlined the recommendation of the Facilities Committee.
Based upon the recommendation of Assistant Superintendent Burgett and the Facilities Committee, it is the recommendation of the superintendent that the Board of Education authorize the replacement of the 1926 portion of the roof on Jefferson Elementary School at an estimated cost of $250.000; the completion of a Thermal Scan of the remaining roofs at each of our District’s schools at an estimated cost of $25,000; and if funds permit, to pursue the additional projects as listed. Mr. Titus moved and Dr. Clarke seconded the motion.
On roll call vote:
Aye: Titus, Clarke, Gough, Miller, Daniels, Coe
Nay: none Abstain: none
Motion carried
Establish 2018-19 Wage Rates for Central Office Employees-
It was the recommendation of the superintendent that the Board of Education approve the wage rates for Central Office employees in secretarial and technology positions for the 2018-2019 school year. Dr. Clarke moved and Mrs. Miller seconded the motion.
On roll call vote:
Aye: Clarke, Miller, Gough, Titus, Daniels, Coe
Nay: none Abstain: none
Motion carried
2017-18 Administrative Evaluations-
It was the recommendation of the superintendent that the Board of Education approve the 2017-2018 evaluations for the CUSD #1 Administrative Team. Mrs. Miller moved and Mr. Gough seconded the motion.
On roll call vote:
Aye: Miller, Gough, Clarke, Titus, Daniels, Coe
Nay: none Abstain: none
Motion carried
Transfer of Administrative Duties – effective July 1, 2018-
The superintendent has met with the Board of Education and Assistant Superintendent Chad Burgett, and the CUSD #1 Administrative team to discuss plans for the transfer of administrative assignments, effective July 1, 2018. The following transfers are being recommended to the Board of Education.
- Kristen Holly, currently serving as the Principal for Carl Sandburg Elementary School, to Assistant Superintendent for Student Services. It is also recommended that Mrs. Holly be granted a twelve-month, five-year performance based contract.
Aaron Lock, currently serving as the Charleston Middle School Assistant Principal/Athletic Director and Ashmore Elementary School Principal, to Principal for Carl Sandburg Elementary School. It is also recommended that Mr. Lock be granted a twelve-month, three-year performance based contract.
Robert Lynn, currently serving as the Jefferson Elementary School Assistant Principal and District Special Education Coordinator, to Ashmore Elementary School Principal and District Special Education Coordinator. It is also recommended that Mr. Lynn be granted a ten-month, one-year performance based contract.
It was the recommendation of the superintendent that the Board of Education approve the transfer of assignments to Kristen Holly, Aaron Lock and Robert Lynn as listed, effective July 1, 2018. Mr. Gough moved and Mr. Titus seconded the motion.
On roll call vote:
Aye: Gough, Titus, Clarke, Miller, Daniels, Coe
Nay: none Abstain: none
Motion carried
2018-19 Administrative Assignments/Proposed Salaries-
It was the recommendation of the superintendent that the Board of Education approve the administrative assignments and proposed salaries/employment contracts for the 2018-2019 school year. Mrs. Miller moved and Mr. Titus seconded the motion.
On roll call vote:
Aye: Miller, Titus, Clarke, Gough, Daniels, Coe
Nay: none Abstain: none
Motion carried
Establish Administrative Position/Schedule Special Board Meeting It was the recommendation of the superintendent that the Board of Education grant the authority to create the position of Charleston Middle School Assistant Principal/Athletic Director and Jefferson Elementary School Assistant Principal. The position will have a 10-month contract with an effective date of employment of July 1, 2018.
The timeline to employ the position would be as followed:
- February 22, 2018 - Brochures will be sent out announcing the vacancy for the position.
- March 9, 2018 – Application deadline
- March 20-21, 2018 – An application screening committee will be utilized to select candidates to be interviewed.
- April 7 - two interview teams will interview candidates for the position (up to 6 candidates).
- April 11 – the Board of Education will interview the final two to three candidates at a special board meeting beginning at 5:30pm
- April 18, 2018 – the Board of Education will appoint candidate for the position.
Dr. Clarke moved and Mr. Gough seconded the motion.
On roll call vote:
Aye: Clarke, Gough, Miller, Titus, Daniels, Coe
Nay: none Abstain: none
Motion carried
Further, the superintendent recommended that the Board of Education establish Wednesday, April 11, 2018 at 5:30pm for a special board meeting to interview the finalist(s) for the position of Charleston Middle School Assistant Principal/Athletic Director and Jefferson Elementary School Assistant Principal. Dr. Clarke moved and Mr. Gough seconded the motion.
On roll call vote:
Aye: Clarke, Gough, Miller, Titus, Daniels, Coe
Nay: none Abstain: none
Motion carried
At 8:07pm, President Coe recommended that the Board of Education adjourn into closed session to consider information regarding appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific employees of the District or legal counsel for the District, including hearing testimony on a complaint lodged against an employee or against legal counsel for the District 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 ILCS120/2/(c)(2)
Mr. Coe stated that action would follow closed session.
Dr. Clarke moved and Mr. Gough seconded the motion.
On roll call vote:
Aye: Clarke, Gough, Miller, Titus, Daniels, Coe
Nay: none Abstain: none
Motion carried
At 9:30pm, Dr. Clarke made a motion to reconvene from closed session. Mrs. Miller seconded the motion.
On roll call vote:
Aye: Clarke, Miller, Gough, Titus, Daniels, Coe
Nay: none Abstain: none
Motion carried
It was the recommendation of the superintendent to adopt a Resolution Authorizing Notice of Termination of Employment to Andrea Doty, a 12-month secretary at Jefferson Elementary School, effective February 21, 2018. Dr. Clarke moved and Mrs. Miller seconded the motion.
On roll call vote:
Aye: Clarke, Miller, Gough, Titus, Daniels, Coe
Nay: none Abstain: none
Motion carried
At 9:32pm, Mr. Gough moved and Mrs. Miller seconded the motion to adjourn from the Regular Board Meeting.
On roll call vote:
Aye: Gough, Miller, Clarke, Titus, Daniels, Coe
Nay: none Abstain: none
Motion carried
http://www.charleston.k12.il.us/pdfs/bdminutes/2017-2018/2-21-2018RegularBdMtg.pdf
Alerts Sign-up