East Central Reporter

Charleston Community Unit School District No. 1 Board Education met Sept. 16.

Here is the minutes provided by the board:

The Board of Education of Community Unit School District No. 1, Coles and Cumberland Counties, Illinois conducted their regular session meeting through an online “WebEx” platform at the Administration Building – 410 West Polk Avenue, Charleston, Illinois 61920.

At 6:30 p.m., President Pro-Tem Clarke called the meeting to order and asked Secretary Daniels for roll call.

Dr. Vilardo requested that the record show that this meeting was being conducted through the use of a Webex internet audio conferencing service in accordance to Public Act 101-0640, which allows both open and closed meetings to be conducted via audio or video conference without the physical presence of a quorum of members. The general public could listen to the public meeting by phone. Comments or questions were to be submitted by email or postal mail by 6:00pm.

The following board members were physically present in the board room: Scott Clarke, Vice President

Susan Daniels, Secretary

Charles Jarrell, Treasurer (arrived at 6:38pm)

Brian Gough 

Eva Ritchey 

Matt Titus

The following board member was absent: Jason Coe, President

The following staff members were physically present in the board room: Todd Vilardo, Superintendent of Schools

Chad Burgett, Assistant Superintendent for Business Services

Kristen Holly, Assistant Superintendent for Student Services

Genia Lang, Recording Secretary

Visitors 26 Physically Present

Visitors 24 and 1 Member of the Press (via WebEx)

Under Good News Reports, Certificates of Recognition were presented to the following individuals. Excellence in Education Foundation

For providing a donation of $10,000 to provide Technology Hot Spot Devices to support CUSD #1 Remote Learning. Foundation members Gene Nance, Tim Hutti, Debbie Bough, Tory Wilson, and Phil Fanale were in attendance to accept the Certificate.

CUSD #1 Technology Department: Holly Pantle, Carrie Neese and Nicole Beals

In recognition of the time and effort in preparing CUSD #1 for Remote Learning, through training and behind the scenes work with Empower and Teams and other online resources.

Kyle Perry, Brian Doty and Andrew Polston

In recognition of the time and effort in preparing over 2000 computer devices and behind the scenes work to support CUSD #1 Remote Learning.

Under public comments, written communications: President Pro-Tem Clarke asked if there were any comments, questions or written communications. Dr. Vilardo reported that there were two (2) requests received, one from CEA President Angel Warman and CESPA President Marilyn Ferguson and one from Brandon Wright.

President Pro-Tem Clarke invited Mrs. Warman and Ms. Ferguson to address the Board of Education.

Mrs. Warman reported on steps taken to come to the decision to go to remote learning and the determination that staff would work from their classroom in a more sustainable environment conducive to what students are familiar. She said on July 6 a survey was returned from the teachers’ association with approximately 164 members and of those approximate 164 teachers there were 109 teachers who voted yes for remote learning and 9 who voted no. She stated through the collaboration of administrators, a school board member, a parent, students, both labor associations and Illinois Central Transportation, on August 6 the collaborative decision was made to go to full remote learning. She also reported that approximately 3-4 years ago some members of the labor association had brought concerns over air quality in the buildings. She stated that the district conducted an air quality test and it was determined that the air quality in Jefferson School was better than the air breathed outdoors. In conclusion, Mrs. Warman stated that everyone involved has made tough decisions and have done due diligence to protect the students and community, (script is located in official board book). Mrs. Warman and Ms. Ferguson thanked the Board of Education for hearing their concerns.

Dr. Clarke thanked Mrs. Warman and Ms. Ferguson for their comments.

Dr. Clarke invited Brandon Wright to address the Board of Education.

Mr. Wright stated that it was important that the Board hear how this attempt at remote learning is impacting local families and children. He said that forcing students to learn from home has affected their social needs and burdened families with childcare arrangements. He talked about internet connectivity issues, not having enough tablets, the financial strain put on working families and mental health issues that many children have been experiencing. He noted that Charleston and Coles County were in the phase of state reopening guidelines that says in-person school attendance is strongly encouraged. He stated that it was time to give parents the choice as to whether to stay with remote learning or in-person learning, (script located in official board book). Mr. Wright thanked the Board of Education for hearing his concerns.

Dr. Clarke thanked Mr. Wright for his comments.

Dr. Vilardo reported that the Board of Education also received three (3) emails in regard to the concerns of remote learning and impact on the children and families from Paul Kolling, Tonia Bloxom, and Bethany Vestal. The Board of Education also received an email from the Coles Progressives and Charleston Huddle to address the District’s policy requiring teachers to be present at their place of employment during this period of remote learning. Dr. Vilardo read each of the emails to the Board of Education and audience, (the emails are located in official board book).

Dr. Vilardo thanked everyone for their comments stating the input was “valuable and valued.” He stated that he did not speak for the Board, but believed there was merit in responding for the Board to several points and questions raised. He stated that the public comments were a reminder of the need to continually keep the public informed about school happenings. Now aware that only in the third week of school, rumors, misinformation and a general weariness for or displeasure of remote learning practices have prompted some to speak up. He reported the district determined that opening school under remote learning for first quarter was best for the well-being, safety and health or our students, staff and entire school community.

He listed some of the reasons behind the decision:

1) County positive COVID-19 cases increasing as of August 7.

2) Coles County moved from a “blue” to an “orange” warning level. 

3) Higher education students returning to Charleston.

4) District’s ability to adequately staff schools under on-site instruction and lack of available substitute teachers.

5) Input from administrators, re-opening planning team, both labor associations, county health officials and our Board all supported opening under remote learning for first quarter.

6) Input from constituents also supported the expectation that staff return to their work sites under remote learning to best ensure accountability that equitable services would be delivered to students.

Dr. Vilardo indicated that the plan has not changed. The district will remain under remote learning until the end of the first quarter and then, it will be determined about in-person instruction. At this time, he said schools will begin to bring small groups of students back for individual help prior to October 31 with guidance from the County Health Department. He urged the community to continue to support each other and to find answers to questions or have their concerns addressed by those in our school district who are best suited to field questions and concerns. He closed saying that the Board will be hearing more about our remote learning experiences later in the meeting.

Under Consent Agenda, Mr. Clarke asked if there were any items under the consent agenda that the Board of Education would like to remove for discussion. There were no requests from the Board of Education.

At that time, Dr. Vilardo reviewed the recommendations under the consent agenda.

IV. Consent Agenda: Standard Items

 Approve the minutes of the Public Meeting of August 19, 2020 and Regular Meeting of August 19, 2020.

 Approve the bills and payrolls for the month of August 2020.

 Approve the Activity Fund Reports for the CUSD #1 attendance centers, period ending August 2020.

 Approve the summary of revenues and expenditures year to date as presented by Assistant

Superintendent Chad Burgett. Under his report, Mr. Burgett stated that as of this date, the district had not received grant funds awarded in the amount of $719,000 from the CARES Act to cover the purchase of technology devices for all Charleston CUSD #1 students to use during remote learning.

VI. Consent Agenda: New Business

 Accept the annual administrator and teacher salary compensation report to be posted on the school district website and submitted to the Illinois State Board of Education.

 Appoint Carl Sandburg Elementary School Media Specialist Laura Hawk to serve as the District Program of Library Services Director Designee for the 2020-21 school year.

VII. Consent Agenda: Employment

 Accept a letter of resignation from Roxanne Cornebise as a Science Teacher at Charleston High school, effective August 21, 2020.

 Accept a letter of resignation from Crystal Dagerhardt as a special education program paraprofessional at Ashmore Elementary School, effective September 2, 2020.

 Grant an unpaid leave of absence to Andrea Cougill, a 3rd grade teacher at Ashmore Elementary School.

 Grant a Family Medical Leave of Absence to Kristen Hutchinson, a Speech Language Pathologist for Mark Twain and Ashmore Elementary Schools.

 Grant a Family Medical Leave of Absence to Jessica Wendling, an LBS1 teacher at Jefferson Elementary School.

 Grant an unpaid leave of absence to Ashley Drake, a special education paraprofessional at Carl Sandburg Elementary School.

 Approve the voluntary transfer of work shifts to the following custodians at Charleston High School, effective September 16, 2020: Eric Craft from 2nd shift to 1st shift and David Fulk from 3rd shift to 2nd shift.

 Approve the employment of Tamara Taylor as a full time special education program paraprofessional, (initially assigned to Ashmore Elementary School), effective September 10, 2020. This employment was contingent upon the receipt of all information required paperwork for employment.

 Approve the employment of Steven Armstrong as a full time custodian (3rd shift) at Charleston High School, effective September 21, 2020. This employment was contingent upon the receipt of all information required paperwork for employment.

Mr. Titus moved and Mr. Jarrell seconded the motion to approve items under IV through VII inclusive on the Consent Agenda.

On roll call vote:

AYE: Titus, Jarrell, Clarke, Gough, Ritchey, Daniels 

NAY: none 

Abstain: none

Motion carried

Under the Superintendent’s Report: Enrollment Projections Report

Dr. Vilardo presented enrollment projections for the school years 2020-21 through 2024-25. He reported that the projections for Kindergarten age students revealed a loss of 41 students. The 6th day enrollment summary for the 2020-21 school year revealed a decrease in enrollment of 69 students from the 2019-20 school year.

Remote Learning Update

Dr. Vilardo reported that this was the third week of our school term conducted under full remote learning – a decision of which was made through the collaborative efforts of district staff, the monitoring of local COVID-19 positive case data, and consultation with our county’s health department. He said that the Board of Education heard a report of how district staff were making many preparations for remote learning, including securing computer devices and internet connectivity for students and providing professional development for a new learning management system at last month’s meeting. He invited the administrative team to report more information about this year’s remote learning experiences.

Assistant Superintendent Kristen Holly stated that an important factor of remote learning was students learning the routines. She stated that at this time (day 12), students were getting to know what their teacher(s) expects. With remote learning, the routines are very different, brand new to the teachers and students as no one has ever experienced. She encouraged parents to call the school if they were in need of help or support. The social workers and counselors are working with students to ensure their needs are met. Mrs. Holly reported that 2100 technology devices have been distributed to students. She talked about problems that have occurred with Empower (Learning Management System) and Skyward (Student Information System) and the outstanding work of the technology department in trouble shooting and correction the issues. Also, in helping the teachers, students, and parents stay connected to the programs.

Assistant Superintendent Chad Burgett reported on the financial side of remote learning. He stated that hotspots have been purchased for families with poor internet service. Tech Directory Kyle Perry was working with day care centers providing hot spots so groups of students could work on school work. Mr. Burgett reported that the district was providing 500 students with meals and over 250 families with children under the age of 18. Deliveries are scheduled for Mondays and Thursdays.

CHS Principal Aaron Lock stated they were bringing small groups of students into the building for Driver’s Education, labs and planning. Principals reported that attendance was good and students were engaging. Those students that were not, the schools reached out daily to find alternatives in helping ensure those students were being helped.

Dr. Vilardo stated that he was proud of the work of the teachers and staff. With remote learning they had to redesign and rethink how to teach. Dr. Vilardo, Mr. Burgett, and Mrs. Holly talked briefly about visiting the schools and observing teachers interacting remotely with the students.

The Board of Education commended the staff and teachers for their work.

Parent/Teacher Conference Dates/Times

Parent/teacher conference dates have been scheduled for October 15 - 16, 2020. On Thursday, October 15 there will be a half day of student attendance and on Friday, October 16, no student attendance.

April 2021 School Board Election

Dr. Vilardo announced that the school board election will be held on April 6, 2021. Three seats on the Charleston CUSD #1 Board of Education will be up for election, one seat will be elected from Congressional Township 12N Range 9E and two seats in the remaining Congressional Townships. The first day that prospective candidates may circulate nominating petitions for signatures is Tuesday, September 22,

2020. Monday, December 14 is the first day that candidates may file nominating papers and Monday, December 21 is the last day to file nominating petitions with the Coles County Clerk. Information regarding the 2021 School Board Election can be obtained with the election officials in the County Clerk’s office at 348-0523 or elections@co.coles.il.us.

Following discussion, Mr. Titus moved and Mrs. Ritchey seconded a motion to accept the Superintendent’s Report.

On roll call vote:

AYE: Titus, Ritchey, Clarke, Gough, Jarrell, Daniels 

NAY: none 

Abstain: none

Motion carried

Under New Business: Pupil Transportation Services Contract Amendment

It was the recommendation of the superintendent that the Board of Education approve the Transportation Services Contract Amendment for the period of August 31, 2020 through October 30, 2020 between Charleston CUSD #1 and Illinois Central School Bus LLC. Mr. Titus moved and Mrs. Ritchey seconded a motion.

On roll call vote:

AYE: Titus, Ritchey, Clarke, Gough, Daniels Mr. Jarrell left the room

NAY: none 

ABSTAIN: none 

Motion carried

District Facilitator Contract Agreement (PT) “Leader in Me”

It was the recommendation of the superintendent that the Board of Education approve a contractual agreement with Patti Murphy to serve as a Leader in Me District Facilitator during the 2020-21 school year, not to exceed 50 days. Mr. Gough moved and Mrs. Ritchey seconded a motion.

On roll call vote:

AYE: Gough, Ritchey, Clarke, Jarrell, Titus, Daniels 

NAY: none 

ABSTAIN: none

Motion carried

School Improvement Plans for ISBE ESSA Plan/1003a Grant Requirement

It was the recommendation of the superintendent that the Board of Education approve the School Improvement Plan (SIP) for Carl Sandburg Elementary School and Jefferson Elementary School, as presented. Mr. Titus moved and Mrs. Ritchey seconded a motion.

On roll call vote:

AYE: Titus, Ritchey, Clarke, Gough, Jarrell, Daniels 

NAY: none 

ABSTAIN: none

Motion carried

Bridges Regional Safe School and Beacons Alternative Education Agreements

Consistent with past practice, the superintendent recommended that the Board of Education approve the cooperative agreement between Regional Office of Education #11 and Charleston Community Unit School District #1 for the Bridges Regional Safe School Program Alternative Education Program Agreement and the Beacons Alternative Education Agreement. Mr. Titus moved and Mrs. Ritchey seconded a motion.

On roll call vote:

AYE: Titus, Ritchey, Clarke, Gough, Jarrell, Daniels 

NAY: none 

ABSTAIN: none

Motion carried

At 9:10pm, Mr. Titus moved to adjourn from the board meeting. Mrs. Ritchey seconded the motion.

On roll call vote:

AYE: Titus, Ritchey, Clarke, Gough, Jarrell, Daniels

NAY: none

ABSTAIN: none

Motion carried

https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/977629/200916_Regular_Bd_Minutes.pdf