Charleston Community Unit School District No. 1 Board Education Met March 10.
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 on Wednesday, February 17, 2021 at the Administration Building – 410 West Polk Avenue, Charleston, Illinois 61920.
At 6:35 p.m., President Coe called the meeting to order and asked Secretary Daniels for roll call.
Superintendent Vilardo requested that the record show that this meeting was also 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. Requests to address the Board were to be submitted by email by 6:00pm.
Dr. Vilardo apologized for the delay as there was a typo in the number to dial into the meeting.
The following board members were physically present in the board room:
Jason Coe, President
Scott Clarke, Vice President
Susan Daniels, Secretary
Charles Jarrell, Treasurer
Brian Gough
Eva Ritchey
Matt Titus
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 9 Physically Present
Visitors 98 and 0 Members of the Press Remote
Under Public, Staff Comments, Written Communication, President Coe asked if there were any requests or written communications to the Board of Education. No requests were received.
Under Consent Agenda, President Coe 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 Regular Meeting of February 17, 2021.
∙ Approve the bills and payrolls for the month of February 2021.
∙ Approve the Activity Fund Reports from CUSD #1 attendance centers, period ending February 2021.
∙ Approve the summary of revenues and expenditures year to date as presented by Assistant Superintendent Chad Burgett.
VI. Consent Agenda: New Business
Audit Services
Continue the service arrangement with the firm of Kemper CPA Group, LLP to perform the annual audit for the district and to prepare the school district’s Annual Financial Report for the Illinois State Board of Education.
Local Legal Services
Continue to use the law firm 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/Special Education/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.
Declaration of Surplus Equipment
Declare the referenced inventory from the Charleston Middle School Physical Education Department as surplus and available for sale or disposal by the District.
Request for Gifted Sick Leave Days
Grant 220 (two hundred twenty) gifted sick leave days to Kelly Bacon, Title 1 teacher at Carl Sandburg Elementary School.
Consent Agenda: Employment
∙ Accept a letter of resignation from Jessica Howell as an LBS1 teacher at Charleston High School, effective at the end of the 2020-2021 school year.
∙ Contingent upon finding a suitable replacement, accept a letter of resignation from Mandy White as a dance coach at Charleston Middle School, effective at the end of the 2020-2021 season.
∙ Accept a letter of retirement from Kelly Bacon, Title 1 teacher at Carl Sandburg Elementary School, effective at the end of the 2024-2025 school year. This retirement is subject to the provisions of district policies and state law.
∙ Grant a Family Medical Leave of Absence to Jessica Wendling, an LBS1 teacher at Jefferson Elementary School.
∙ Grant a Family Medical Leave of Absence to Cara Reinhart, Secretary at Charleston Middle School.
∙ Grant a Family Medical Leave of Absence to Jennifer Evans, an elementary teacher at Carl Sandburg Elementary School.
∙ Approve the employment of Trevor Barth as a full time 1:1 special education paraprofessional for student #82851 at Carl Sandburg Elementary School, effective for the remainder of the 2020-2021 school year. This employment was contingent upon the receipt of all information required for employment.
∙ Approve the employment of Morgan Biggs in in the extra-curricular assignment as an Assistant Football Coach at Charleston High School during the 2020-2021 football season. This employment was contingent upon the receipt of all information required for employment.
∙ Approve the employment of Jennifer White as a full time elementary classroom teacher at Carl Sandburg Elementary School beginning the 2021-2022 school year. This employment was contingent upon the receipt of all information required for employment.
∙ Approve the employment of Noel Young as a part-time Transitional Program of Instruction (TPI) tutor, serving the district’s English Language learners during the 2021-2022 school year.
∙ Approve the list of substitutes and volunteers for Community Unit School District #1, effective March 3, 2021.
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, Jarrell, Daniels, Coe
NAY: none Abstain: none
Motion carried
Under the Superintendent’s Report: K-12 Summer School Planning for 2021
Assistant Superintendent Kristen Holly and building principals have been planning a 2021 Summer School program for students in grades K-12. Dr. Vilardo reported for this year there will be no cost for summer school participation. District ESSER grant funds, along with the School Improvement 1003a grant funds for Carl Sandburg and Jefferson and Title 1 grant funds for all Title 1 schools, will
be allotted to pay summer school teachers and for instructional resources. Transportation will be provided for all summer school students using ESSER grant funds as well. Meals will be provided during summer school at no cost to the students in accordance with the Summer Seamless Program. More information will be released at a later date.
School Opening Status Update
Dr. Vilardo reported that the district’s opening status planning team met on Tuesday, February 23rd to review input on 4th quarter opening status ideas and identify advantages and drawbacks of each idea. Following the meeting, he released an announcement that the district would continue with the 2-hour early dismissal schedule for 4th Quarter of the 2020-2021 school year. He said the decision was based upon the collaborative work of our opening status planning team and upon the same process by which we study the guidance and requirements provided by the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) and Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) under pandemic circumstances, as well as a review of research, data, cost analysis, constituent perspectives, and other logistics.
Dr. Vilardo stated that today, (March 9) the district received updated guidance from the ISBE and IDPH with strategies that facilitate the safe return to in-person instruction. Since this release, he said that they began the same process followed throughout the pandemic, which included communicating that new guidance has been released, carefully reading through the guidance and then asking our principals how the revised guidance and requirements can best be implemented in our schools. He stated that at no time has our district made knee-jerk reactions to the joint guidance throughout the pandemic; instead, that they have carefully considered the joint guidance against what we are capable of doing with existing resources and listened to the perspectives of all in our school community in order to arrive at decisions that are aimed at protecting the health, safety and well-being of all those in our school community so that kids’ learning needs can be met. Dr. Vilardo stated that as of now, the plan is to continue with the early dismissal schedules; however, he stated that they also have an obligation to review the new joint guidance, identify what, if any, new expectations are set for us, and find out, through the same process we have up to this point, how those new expectations can be met in our schools. He listed some of the primary changes in the joint guidance.
In closing, Dr. Vilardo indicated that work to consider any changes in our schools’ protocols, including whether to remain under early dismissal or full-day schedule is extensive and is just beginning, so our school community should not expect changes to our plan until after that work is done, which usually has taken several weeks. In the meanwhile, the sharing of perspectives has already begun. At that time, he provided the opportunity for the Board of Education to openly share its thoughts on the changes in the joint guidance and potential changes to our protocols and plans for the remainder of this school year.
Under discussion, the Board of Education talked about:
- viewpoints received from the community;
- loss of instruction and impact on the students;
- social media and pros/cons in keeping 2-hour early dismissal schedule vs full day schedule;
- input received from teaching staff pro’s/con’s in keeping 2-hour early dismissal schedule vs full day schedule;
- benefits of 2-hour early dismissal times to tutor students;
- the need to find common ground, more empathy/grace;
- possible impact of traveling during spring break and how will it affect numbers of COVID cases and students/staff being quarantined;
- concern of students missing 10-hours a week of instruction with early dismissal schedule;
- concern of the percent of students struggling and not passing to next grade level; and - what are the expectations if the District opens up to a full-day schedule for the last 9-weeks.
Dr. Vilardo shared a handout that reflected the current number of COVID-19 cases reported by CCHD in Coles County, (located in official board book).
The Board of Education directed the superintendent to conduct a survey of staff and parents with an explanation of what the day would look. Dr. Vilardo indicated that he would refer to Assistant Superintendent Kristen Holly to lead the effort.
President Coe stated that the Board of Education could schedule an emergency board meeting to decide on 4th Quarter schedule for the remainder of the 2020-2021 school year.
In another area for discussion, Dr. Vilardo stated that the school calendar had 3 remote learning days remaining. He asked the Board for their input on either using the 3 days of the school year as non student attendance days for the staff to report to work to provide time to reflect, review the e learning plan, and to plan for reopening next fall.
Under discussion, the Board of Education noted that if the district goes back to full day instruction, teachers may need the 3 remote days to plan. If the decision is to remain on the 2-hour early dismissal schedule having the 3 remote days at the end of the year would be a good idea.
The Board of Education commended the CUSD #1 administrative team and staff for their work during the pandemic and getting this school year.
Dr. Vilardo expressed appreciation to the board members for the discussion and input. Mr. Gough moved and Mr. Jarrell seconded a motion to accept the Superintendent’s Report.
On roll call vote:
AYE: Gough, Jarrell, Clarke, Ritchey, Titus, Coe, Daniels
NAY: none Abstain: none
Motion carried
Under Old Business: Action to Adopt – CUSD #1 e-Learning Plan
Dr. Vilardo reported that the Board of Education of Community Unit School District Number 1 has met the legal requirements leading to the adoption of the e-Learning Program Plan. The public hearing notice concerning the e-learning program plan was published in the newspaper of general circulation on February 24, 2021 at least 10-days prior to the hearing. Written notice was sent electronically to all employees and parents/guardians of all students enrolled in the district, and to the Board of Education on February 22, 2021. The public hearing on the Plan was held prior to the this meeting at 6:15pm. After adoption, the Plan will be filed with the proper authorities with the required certification. It was the recommendation of the superintendent that the Board of Education adopt the e-Learning Program Plan for Community Unit School District No. 1 as presented. Mr. Titus moved and Mrs. Ritchey seconded the motion.
On roll call vote:
AYE: Titus, Ritchey, Clarke, Gough, Jarrell, Daniels, Coe
NAY: none Abstain: none
Motion carried
Adoption - Proposed School Board Policies
The following School Board Policies and Administrative Procedures have been on file for the required layover period. It was the recommendation of the superintendent that the Board of Education adopt the revised Board Policies as listed.
3:40 General School Administration, Superintendent
4:10 Fiscal and Business Management
4:55 Use of Credit and Procurement Cards
4:80 Accounting and Audits
4:90 Student Activity and Fiduciary Funds
4:150 Facility Management and Building Programs
4:175 Convicted Child Sex Offender; Screening; Notifications
5:30 Hiring Process and Criteria
5:190 Teacher Qualifications
5:250 Leaves of Absence
5:270 Employment At-Will, Compensation, and Assignment
5:330 Sick Days, Vacation, Holidays, and Leaves
6:15 School Accountability
6:20 School Year Calendar and Day
6:40 Curriculum Development
6:280 Grading and Promotion
6:300 Graduation Requirements
6:310 High School Credit for Non-District Experiences; Course Substitutions; Re-Entering Students
6:315 High School Credit for Students in Grade 7 or 8
6:320 High School Credit for Proficiency
6:340 Student Testing and Assessment Program
7:100 Health, Eye, and Dental Examinations; Immunizations; and Exclusion of Students
7:140 Search and Seizure
7:300 Extracurricular Athletics
7:325 Student Fundraising Activities
Dr. Clarke moved and Mr. Titus seconded the motion.
On roll call vote:
AYE: Clarke, Titus, Gough, Jarrell, Ritchey, Daniels, Coe
NAY: none Abstain: none
Motion carried
Under New Business: Action to Approve Resolution - TRS Supplemental Savings Plan Mr. Burgett reported the Teachers’ Retirement System of the State of Illinois was introducing a Supplemental Savings Pan for the benefit of eligible members. The purpose of the plan is to provide eligible individuals the opportunity to save on a regular and long-term basis for their retirement by allowing participants to designate a portion of their compensation to be deferred and invested until such time as the participant may withdraw such amounts as provided under the terms of this Plan.
It was the recommendation of the superintendent that the Board of Education approve the Resolution Authorizing Employer Participation in the TRS Supplemental Savings Plan and to authorize the Superintendent or his designee to complete the TRS Supplemental Savings Plan Employer Participation Agreement. Mr. Gough moved and Mr. Titus seconded the motion.
On roll call vote:
AYE: Gough, Titus, Clarke, Jarrell, Ritchey, Daniels, Coe
NAY: none Abstain: none
Motion carried
Reduction in Force of Licensed Positions through Retirements/Resignations:
Dr. Vilardo reported that the CUSD #1 Administrative team have been looking for positions needed for student growth based on the Evidence Based Funding model and effect size, and to find additional ways to adjust budget expenditures for the 2021-2022 school year. Discussions with the Board of Education have been ongoing. Assistant Superintendent’s Chad Burgett and Kristen Holly provided notification to CEA President Angel Warman on upcoming Reduction in Force of positions through retirements and resignations as listed.
- 1.0 FTE LBS1 Teaching Position at Carl Sandburg Elementary School
- 1.0 FTE LBS1 Teaching Position at Jefferson Elementary School
- 1.0 FTE LBS1 Teaching Position at Charleston Middle School
- 2.0 FTE LBS1 Teaching Positions at Charleston High School
It was the recommendation of the superintendent that the Board of Education approve the proposed Reduction in Force of LBS1 teaching positions as described, effective at the end of the 2020-2021 school year. Mr. Gough moved and Dr. Clarke seconded the motion.
On roll call vote:
AYE: Gough, Clarke, Ritchey, Daniels, Coe
NAY: Jarrell, Titus Abstain: none
Motion carried
Renewal of Licensed Staff for 2021-2022 School Year
It was the recommendation of the superintendent that the Board of Education employ the following licensed individuals in part time, first, second, third, fourth, and tenure positions as indicated. The individuals listed will be placed on the salary schedule according to the terms and conditions of the Professional Negotiations Agreement for the 2021-2022 school year.
Mr. Titus moved and Mrs. Ritchey seconded the motion.
On roll call vote:
AYE: Titus, Ritchey, Clarke, Gough, Jarrell, Daniels, Coe
NAY: none Abstain: none
Motion carried
Establish Wage Schedule for Part-Time Employees and Substitutes 2021-22
The school district employs several people in part-time positions and also needs to employ substitutes when current employees must miss work. Board members were provided a revised copy of the wage schedule as the amount for ticket takers, scorers, and time keepers was inadvertently left off the schedule. Mr. Burgett reported that the wage schedule reflected a 4.5% average increase for the 2021-2022 school year. Increases will meet the January 1, 2022 minimum wage requirement of $12.00 per hour. This year’s wage schedule includes ticket takers, scorers, and time keepers rate of pay at $25.00 per game. The substitute teacher rate of pay has been increased to $90.00 per day.
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, 2021. Mr. Gough moved and Mrs. Ritchey seconded the motion.
On roll call vote:
AYE: Gough, Ritchey, Clarke, Jarrell, Titus, Daniels, Coe
NAY: none Abstain: none
Motion carried
Proposed Facilities Projects
Assistant Superintendent Chad Burgett and the Facilities Committee met on March 2, 2021 to review a list of recommendations to be presented to the Board of Education. Mr. Burgett reviewed the list of projects contingent upon available funding and planned projects over the 2021-2022 calendar years if
the District moves forward with borrowing funds. In addition, he provided long-term projects planned by the committee.
Based upon the recommendation of Assistant Superintendent Burgett and the Facilities Committee, it was the recommendation of the superintendent that the Board of Education authorize pursuit of district facilities projects during the spring and summer of 2021 and summer of 2022 as presented, including an estimated $1,190,000 in total improvements affecting each of our district’s facilities. Mr. Titus moved and Dr. Clarke seconded the motion.
On roll call vote:
AYE: Titus, Clarke, Gough, Jarrell, Ritchey, Daniels, Coe
NAY: none Abstain: none
Motion carried
Establish Special Board Meeting/Organization of Board of Education
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 are up for election, one seat will be elected from Congressional Township 12N Range 9E and two seats in the remaining Congressional Townships. April 27 is the last day for the county clerk to canvass election results and proclaim winners. May 4, 2021 is the last day for the Board of Education to reorganize by seating new members, electing officers and setting a time and place for regular meetings. Before taking their seats on the board, each successful candidate must take the oath of office as prescribed in 105 ILCS 5/10-16/7. It was the recommendation of the superintendent to establish a Special Board meeting for the organizational meeting of the Board of Education for 6:00pm on Wednesday, April 28, 2021. Mrs. Ritchey moved and Mr. Gough seconded the motion.
On roll call vote:
AYE: Ritchey, Gough, Clarke, Jarrell, Titus, Daniels, Coe
NAY: none Abstain: none
Motion carried
At 8:50 pm, Mr. Gough moved and Mr. Titus seconded the motion to adjourn from the Regular Board meeting.
On roll call vote:
AYE: Gough, Titus, Clarke, Jarrell, Ritchey, Daniels, Coe
NAY: none Abstain: none
Motion carried
https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/1224017/210310_Reg_Board_Minutes.pdf
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