Charleston Community Unit School District 1 Board met Nov. 1.
Here is the minutes provided by the board:
At 6:30 p.m., President Coe called the meeting to order and asked for roll call.
The following board members were present:
Jason Coe, President
Scott Clarke, Vice President
Susan Daniels, Secretary
Kelly Miller, Treasurer
Brian Gough
Eva Ritchey
The following board member was absent:
Matt Titus
The following staff members were present:
Todd Vilardo, Superintendent of Schools
Chad Burgett, Assistant Superintendent for Business Services
Kristen Holly, Assistant Superintendent for Student Services
Visitors 78 and 1 Member of the Press
Mr. Vilardo reported that the Board of Education received an Addendum item that included an employment recommendation for a paraprofessional position.
Under Focus on Students and Good News Reports, Mr. Vilardo presented Certificates of Recognition to the following individuals:
Recognition:
The artwork display was provided by the Carl Sandburg Elementary School students. Heather Bryan is the art teacher.
National Education Support Professionals Day
Mr. Vilardo reported that National Education Support Professionals Day was observed today, November 14. In 1987, the NEA Representative Assembly called for the creation of a special way to honor the contributions of public school support staff. National Education Support Personnel Day was established and celebrated that year. Since then, it has been observed on the Wednesday during American Education Week. He stated that Charleston CUSD #1 employs over 100 ESPs who are essential in providing the best for kids every day. In recognition of National ESP Day, the CUSD #1 Educational Support Personnel union leadership provided a treat to all support staff members.
The Board of Education recognized the following groups/individuals:
2018 CHS Boys’ Golf Team and Coaches for advancing to the IHSA State Finals this past season. Paige Chappell for advancing to the Girls’ 1A Golf State finals for the fourth time in her career.
Deb Landsaw, for serving as the Girls’ Golf Coach for the past 15 years.
Mr. Matt Piecinski for volunteering his service as the public address announcer for the CHS home football, boys’ basketball, girls’ basketball, most volleyball games, and Senior Day for both boys’ and girls’ soccer.
CHS student Matthew Mueller for being selected by the IHSA to perform the National Anthem at the Girls’ State Volleyball finals held at the Redbird Arena on the campus of Illinois State University. CHS Music teacher Juliane Sharp, for helping Matthew with the audition.
CHS student Austin Ames for advancing to the IHSA Class 2A state finals in Peoria this past season. CHS Cross Country Coaches: John McInerney and Greg Rogers
CMS – Boys’ and Girls’ golf finalists for advancing to the IESA State Finals this past season. Delaney Meister, 8th grade student, tied for 30th place. Preston Phillips, 7th grade student, finished 66th. Head CMS Golf Coach: Stan Adkins
Charleston Board of Education
Mr. Vilardo announced that November 15 of each year is designated as "School Board Members Day" in Illinois. He reported that this year's School Board Members Day theme is "Sharing the Vision." Mr. Vilardo presented Certificates of Recognition to the board members and thanked them for their dedication and service to Charleston CUSD #1.
Under Public, Staff Comments, Written Communications, President Coe asked if there were any requests or written communications to the Board of Education. No requests were received.
Moving to Consent Agenda items, President 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. Hearing none, Mr. Vilardo reviewed the items under Consent Agenda.
Consent Agenda: Standard Items
- Approve the minutes of the Regular Board Meeting of October 17, 2018.
- Approve the bills and payrolls for the month of October 2018.
- Approve the Activity Fund Accounts for the CUSD #1 attendance centers, period ending October 2018.
- Approve the summary of revenues and expenditures year to date as presented by Assistant Superintendent for Business Services Chad Burgett.
Consent Agenda: New Business 2018 CHS Early Graduates
Contingent that all graduation requirements from the State of Illinois and CUSD #1 have been met, grant permission for the students listed in the November 2, 2018 memorandum from Principal Trevor Doughty as early graduates from Charleston High School, effective at the end of the first semester of the 2018-19 school year.
CUSD #1 Maintenance Department/Disposition of District Property
Declare the 2003 GMC Sierra K3500 truck formally used in the CUSD #1 Maintenance Department as surplus inventory and available for sale or disposal.
Consent Agenda: Employment
- Accept a letter of resignation from Mel Himes as a special education program paraprofessional at Charleston High School, effective at the end of the day on October 24, 2018.
- Accept a letter of resignation from Deb Landsaw as the Girls’ Assistant Tennis coach at Charleston High School, effective at the end of the 2018-19 school year.
- Accept a letter of retirement from George McCain, a custodian (3rd shift) at Charleston High School, effective January 14, 2019.
- Approve the employment of Sharrell Stanley as a full time special education program paraprofessional working with student #81712 at Carl Sandburg Elementary School, effective November 15, 2018. This employment was contingent upon the receipt of all information required for employment.
- Approve the employment of Darrin Lilly as a full time special education program paraprofessional in the ED Transition program a Charleston High School, effective November 19, 2018. This employment was contingent upon the receipt of all information required for employment.
- Approve the employment of Alicia Carlson as a full time teacher (assigned to 6th grade) at Jefferson Elementary School, effective January 7, 2019. This employment was contingent upon the receipt of all information required for employment.
- Approve the employment of Devon Reyes as a full time Learning Behavior Specialist at Jefferson Elementary School, effective January 7, 2019. This employment was contingent upon the receipt of all information required for employment.
- Approve the transfer of Chelsie Doughty into the position as a Science teacher at Charleston High School, effective beginning the 2019-2020 school year.
- Approve the list of substitutes/volunteers for Community Unit School District No. 1, effective October 10 – November 6, 2018.
Addendum:
- Approve the employment of Alisha Warner as a full time special education program paraprofessional at Charleston High School, effective November 19, 2018. This employment was contingent upon the receipt of all information required for employment.
President Coe recommended that the Board of Education approve items under IV through VII inclusive on the Consent Agenda and under the Addendum. Mrs. Miller moved and Dr. Clarke seconded the motion.
On roll call vote:
AYE: Miller, Clarke Ritchey, Daniels, Coe
NAY: Gough
Abstain: none
Motion carried
Superintendent’s Report Annual Report on Student Progress
At the regular board meeting held on October 17, Assistant Superintendent for Student Services Kristen Holly provided information about the release of School Report Cards. As part of the annual report on the data received from the state report cards, Mrs. Holly reported that Carl Sandburg Elementary School and Jefferson Elementary School were designated as underperforming. At Carl Sandburg, the subgroup included IEP students. The subgroup at Jefferson School included special education and black students. She noted that Charleston Middle School was first designated as underperforming in July, but changed to commendable after more data became available. Charleston High School, Charleston Middle School, and Ashmore Elementary School were all designated as commendable. Carl Sandburg Elementary School and Jefferson Elementary School will each receive a $30,000 one time grant to strengthen their services in the areas noted. Charleston Middle School will receive a $15,000 grant for the preliminary designation.
Through a power point presentation, Mrs. Holly and the building principals, Rob Ulm(Jefferson Elementary School), Trevor Doughty(Charleston High School), Aaron Lock(Carl Sandburg Elementary School), Tim Keefe(Charleston Middle School), and Robert Lynn(Ashmore Elementary School) 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.)
Science Lab Renovation Update
Mr. Vilardo announced that the District received word from the Charleston Area Charitable Foundation Board that they will assist with partial funding of the Science Laboratories Renovation Project at Charleston High School. He reported that the Foundation pledged $750,000 of the estimated $1,400,000 cost of the renovation, toward this project payable in three installments. The Foundation will pay $375,000 of the pledge amount in May 2019. After completion of the renovation project, the Foundation will pay $187,500 in August 2019 and the remaining $187,500 in August 2020. This pledge along with revenues from the County School Facilities Tax (CSFT) will allow the district to move forward on the Science Renovation Project. Assistant Superintendent for Business Services Chad Burgett stated that he would schedule a Facilities Committee meeting after the first of the year and bids would go out for the work in February. The goal is for the project to start the day after school is out and be completed beginning with the 2019-20 school year.
2019-2020 CUSD #1 Budget Calendar
Assistant Superintendent for Business Services Chad Burgett presented the Budget Calendar for the 2019-2020 school year. This calendar is used as a guide for the District to remain in compliance.
2018-2019 Delayed Start Schedule/Snow Routes for Bus Riders
Mr. Vilardo reported that the Charleston CUSD #1 might run a 2-hour delayed start schedule for all schools on severe weather days. 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. In the event that the delayed start schedule is used, parents will be notified through a Skylert message. A copy of the 2-hour delayed start schedule will be provided to the Board and posted on the district website. In addition, Mr. Vilardo reported that prior to Thanksgiving break, parents of students that ride buses and live in rural areas outside city limits will receive information on the snow route pick up/drop off points and times. The 2018-19 snow routes will be posted on the district website as well.
April 2, 2019 School Board Election
Mr. Vilardo reported that the school board election will be held on April 2, 2019 and four (4) seats on the Charleston CUSD #1 Board of Education will be up for election. Three (3) seats will be elected from Congressional Township 12N Range 9E, and one (1) seat in the remaining Congressional Townships. The first day that candidates may file nominating papers with the Coles County Clerk is Monday, December 10 and last day is Monday, December 17.
Dr. Clarke moved and Mrs. Miller seconded a motion that the Superintendent’s Report was received by the Board of Education.
On roll call vote:
AYE: Clarke, Miller, Gough, Ritchey, Daniels, Coe
NAY: none
Abstain: none
Motion carried
Moving to New Business: FY2018 CUSD #1 Audit Report
Mr. Vilardo invited Nick Sibenaller of Gilbert, Metzger & Madigan LLP to present the FY2018 Financial Report for Community Unit School District No. 1. The Board of Education received a copy of the audit. After introductions to the Board and audience, Mr. Sibenaller presented an overview of the financial audit of school district records and reports for the 2017-18 school year. He reviewed the audit findings, the corrective action plan for each finding and the District response to the findings.
It was recommended by the superintendent that the Board of Education accept the FY2018 Financial Audit as prepared by Gilbert, Metzger and Madigan, LLP. Dr. Clarke moved and Mrs. Ritchey seconded the motion.
On roll call vote:
AYE: Clarke, Ritchey, Gough, Miller, Daniels, Clarke
NAY: none
Abstain: Titus
Motion carried
Adoption/2018 Certificate of Tax Levy
It was the recommendation of the superintendent that the Board of Education adopt by Resolution the 2018 Certificate of Tax Levy for Charleston Community Unit School District No. 1, with a total levy amount of $13,975,896. Mrs. Ritchey moved and Dr. Clarke seconded the motion.
On roll call vote:
AYE: Ritchey, Clarke, Gough, Miller, Daniels, Coe
NAY: none
Abstain: none
Motion carried
Competency Based High School Graduation Requirements Pilot Program
Mr. Vilardo reported that as a result from the August 8, 2018 Board of Education and Administrative Retreat, the district set a goal to investigate competency based instructional options and career/vocational opportunities for high school students.
Mrs. Holly explained that the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) is seeking a third round of applications for Illinois districts to participate in the Competency-Based High School Graduation Requirements Pilot Program. Pilot schools would design their own competency-based education system with the support of other Illinois districts and the State Board. Competency-based instruction is designed around personalized learning and allows students to advance by demonstrating mastery of academic content, regardless of seat time, location, or pace. It could result in ‘ideal’ high school graduates who are not only competent in school subject matters but who also have thinking skills and are ready to work and contribute to the community. Mrs. Holly stated that they were looking to enhance some of our current offerings and simply widen the opportunities. There would be no cost for the pilot program, though she added that some staffing adjustments could be needed later. She stated that there would be collaboration with Eastern Illinois University, Lake Land College, community organizations and others. Participation in the ISBE’s pilot program requires, in part, local Board of Education support. The deadline to apply to be a school pilot is December 7, 2018. (Power point presentation provided in official board book.)
It was the recommendation of the superintendent recommended that the Board of Education support an application to the Illinois State Board of Education to participate in the Competency-Based High School Graduation Requirements Pilot Program. Dr. Clarke moved and Mr. Gough seconded the motion.
On roll call vote:
AYE: Clarke, Gough, Miller, Ritchey, Daniels, Coe
NAY: none
Abstain: none
Motion carried
Board Policy 6:300 (first reading)
It was the recommendation of the superintendent that the Board of Education adopt, in tentative form, revised school board policy 6:300, Graduation Requirements, on first reading. The revised policy will be placed for public review until final adoption at the December 19, 2018 board meeting.
Mr. Vilardo reported that the revised policy eliminated that students are required to finish seven semesters of high school. He stated that the minimum semester requirement could, in some cases, be one of the barriers the competency-based approach is designed to eliminate.
Dr. Clarke moved and Mrs. Ritchey seconded the motion.
On roll call vote:
AYE: Clarke, Ritchey, Gough, Miller, Daniels, Coe
NAY: none
Abstain: none
Motion carried
Resolution Approving Participation in the Coles County Enterprise Zone
Mr. Vilardo reported that Coles Together, the economic development organization for Coles County, is in the process of applying for an extension of the Coles County Enterprise Zone. Enterprise zones provide state and local incentives to promote economic growth of an area, reduce unemployment and encourage expansion, rehabilitation and new construction within the Enterprise Zone. Coles Together President Angela Griffin has requested that, as a taxing body, our Board of Education consider our district’s continued commitment to real property tax abatement within the Enterprise Zone in accordance with the resolution provided. Charleston CUSD #1 supported the establishment of this Enterprise Zone in 1990.
It was the recommendation of the superintendent that Board of Education adopt a resolution approving of participation in the Coles County Enterprise Zone, agreeing to real property tax abatement within the boundary of the Coles County Enterprise Zone as certified by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. Mrs. Miller moved and Mrs. Ritchey seconded the motion.
On roll call vote:
AYE: Miller, Ritchey, Clarke, Gough, Daniels, Coe
NAY: none
Abstain: none
Motion carried
At 7:55pm, Dr. Clarke made a motion to adjourn from the board meeting. Mrs. Ritchey seconded the motion.
On roll call vote:
AYE: Clarke, Ritchey, Gough, Miller, Daniels, Coe
NAY: none
Motion carried
http://www.charleston.k12.il.us/pdfs/bdminutes/2018-2019/11-14-2018RegularBdMtg.pdf
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