East Central Reporter

Charleston Community Unit School District No. 1 Board Education met Oct. 20.

Here are the minutes provided by the board:

The Board of Education of Community Unit School District No. 1, Coles and Cumberland Counties, Illinois met in regular session at the Administration Building – 410 West Polk Avenue, Charleston, Illinois 61920

At 6:30pm, President Coe called the meeting to order and asked Secretary Daniels for roll call.

The following members were present:

Jason Coe, President

Scott Clarke, Vice President

Susan Daniels, Secretary

Brian Gough

Brandon Wright

The following members were absent:

Charles Jarrell, Treasurer

Eva Ritchey

The following staff members were present:

Todd J. Vilardo, Superintendent of Schools

Chad Burgett, Assistant Superintendent for Business Services

Kristen Holly, Assistant Superintendent of Student Services

Genia Lang, Recording Secretary

Visitors _23_ and _1_ Member of the Press

Under recognition, Artwork Display provided by Carl Sandburg Elementary School students in grades 1-3. Art teacher – Heather Bryan

National Principals Month

National Principals Month in October, with Principals Week celebrated October 24-30, and Principals Day celebrated Friday, October 29. School leadership matters, and it matters more now than perhaps ever before. Our principals are not only responsible for the regular day-to-day operations of their respective schools, they must provide leadership for keeping their schools safe to learn during pandemic circumstances, which includes keeping spirts elevated while responding to compounding crises. The Board of Education recognized the CUSD #1 principals and assistant principals.

Illinois Bus Driver Appreciation Day

October 22 is Illinois Bus Driver Appreciation Day. Illinois Central School Bus provides CUSD #1 with student transportation. Their drivers and monitors are the first and lasting impression of each school day for many of our students. While their first focus is on the safety of students and everyone on our roads, their care for our students is noteworthy. The Board of Education recognized our bus drivers, represented at the meeting by Leann Jones, Illinois Central School Bus Site Manager.

IASB Holly Jack Outstanding Service Award Nominee

Dr. Vilardo, Jason Coe, Chad Burgett, and Kristen Holly nominated Genia Lang as a recipient of the IASB Holly Jack Outstanding Service Award to recognize her exemplary service as Charleston CUSD #1 Board of Education Recording Secretary. The Board of Education recognized Mrs. Lang for her nomination and service.

Under Public, Staff Comments or Questions, Written Communications, President Coe announced that a request to address the Board of Education was received from Ryan Strange. At that time, President Coe invited Mr. Strange to address the Board of Education.

Mr. Strange stated that he was addressing the Board as a concerned parent and community member. He wanted to talk about the materials he received in his Freedom of Information request to the district and how the ESSER III grant revenues were being utilized. Following comments and discussion, Dr. Vilardo invited Mr. Strange to schedule a meeting with district officials any time in the future to provide further information and answer questions.

President Coe thanked Mr. Strange for his comments.

Dr. Vilardo reported that during the Board of Education Retreat held on July 28, facilitator Jim Burgett made the suggestion that was met favorably by our Board to address one standard or principle from the Code of Conduct at each regular Board meeting. Secretary Susan Daniels read the second principle and definition from the Code of Conduct.

Under Consent Agenda, Mr. 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 September 15, 2021 and Special Meeting of October 12, 2021.

• Approve the bills and payrolls for the month of September 2021.

• Approve the Activity Fund Reports for the attendance centers, period ending September 2021.

• Approve the summary of revenues and expenditures year to date as presented by Assistant Superintendent Chad Burgett.

VI. Consent Agenda: New Business

• 2021 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 October 5, 2020 memorandum from Principal Aaron Lock as early graduates from Charleston High School, effective at the end of the first semester of the 2020-21 school year.

• CHS/Establish Activity Fund Accounts

Approve the establishment of two activity fund accounts at Charleston High School entitle: CHS Bass Fishing Team and CHS Industries. These account will be subject to the state guidelines regarding the use of activity fund accounts.

• School Library Per Capita Grant Application

Approve submission of the School Library Per Capita Grant Program application to the Office of the Secretary of State.

VII. Consent Agenda: Appointment/Employment

• Grant an unpaid leave of absence to Natica Wilson, a 3rd grade teacher at Carl Sandburg Elementary School.

• Accept a letter of retirement from Curt Schaefer, Head Custodian at Carl Sandburg Elementary School, effective October 31, 2021.

• Accept a letter of resignation from Sydney Ramsey as a 4th grade teacher at Jefferson Elementary School, effective October 9, 2021.

• Accept a letter of resignation from Christi Taylor as a paraprofessional at Charleston High School, effective October 12, 2021.

• Accept a letter of resignation from Riley Trotter as a paraprofessional at Charleston High School, effective October 19, 2021.

• Accept a letter of resignation from Max Miller as the 8th grade girls’ basketball coach at Charleston Middle School, October 7, 2021.

• Approve the voluntary transfer of Mitch Sims into the position as Head Custodian at Carl Sandburg Elementary School, effective October 29, 2021.

• Approve the employment of Laura Walsh as a full time School Social Worker at Ashmore Elementary School and Charleston Middle School for the remainder of the 2021-22 schoolyear. This employment was contingent upon the receipt of all information required for employment.

• Approve the employment of Michelle Barnes as a full time elementary teacher (assigned to 2nd grade) Carl Sandburg Elementary School effective for the remainder of the 2021-22 school year. This employment was contingent upon the receipt of all information required for employment.

• Approve the employment of Brittany Schwenke in the temporary position as a school health care professional to support the ongoing COVID-19 response efforts with Charleston CUSD #1. This employment was contingent upon the receipt of all information required for employment and funding through ESSER III grant funds.

• Approve the employment of Alexa Hernandez in the temporary position as a school health care professional to support the ongoing COVID-19 response efforts with Charleston CUSD #1. This employment was contingent upon the receipt of all information required for employment and funding through ESSER III grant funds.

• Approve the employment of Sarah Carr in the temporary position as a school health care services clerical assistant to support the ongoing COVID-19 response efforts with Charleston CUSD #1. This employment was contingent upon the receipt of all information required for employment and funding through ESSER III grant funds.

• Approve the employment of Justin Schwab in the temporary position as a district custodian to support the ongoing COVID-19 response efforts with Charleston CUSD #1. This employment was contingent upon the receipt of all information required for employment and funding through ESSER III grant funds.

• Approve the employment of the following individuals in the extra-curricular assignments at Charleston High School during the 2021-22 school year:

Daniel Bennett Head Boys’ Baseball Coach

Ali Gowin Head Girls’ Soccer Coach

Justin Gunther Freshmen Girls’ Basketball Coach

Angel Warman Winter Guard Coach

Ben Zuber Yearbook Sponsor

• Approve the following individuals to serve as volunteer coaches in the extra-curricular assignments at Charleston High School during the 2021-22 school year:

Andy Mersman Assistant Boys’ Baseball Coach

David Keefer Bass Fishing Coach

• Approve the employment of Doug Kanouse in the extra-curricular assignment as the 8th grade girls’ basketball coach at Charleston Middle School, effective for the remainder of the 2021-22 basketball season. The stipend will be pro-rated at 70% of the scheduled amount in the CEA Professional Negotiations Agreement.

• Approve the list of substitutes and volunteers, effective October 20, 2021.

Dr. Clarke moved and Mr. Wright seconded the motion to approve items under IV through VII inclusive on the Consent Agenda.

On roll call vote:

AYE: Clarke, Wright, Gough, Coe, Daniels

NAY: none Abstain: none

Motion carried

Under the Superintendent’s Report: Coles Wind Update

Dr. Vilardo reported that Apex Clean Energy continues to work with local landowners, community leaders, and various stakeholders to explore the feasibility of constructing Coles Wind, a wind energy project located north of Charleston. Expecting to consist of up to 70 wind turbines, the endeavor projects a significant investment in our local economy, including over $42.6 million in total school district revenue over the life of the project, as well as the creation of hundreds of temporary construction jobs and up to ten local permanent jobs. Apex Clean Energy’s Josh Hartke, Illinois Field Manager, and David Reis, Public Engagement Organizer, were in attendance to share information about this project and field questions from our Board of Education.

Mr. Hartke and Mr. Reis reported that Apex has multiple projects completed, in construction, and in development throughout Illinois, (power point located in official board book). The Coles Wind project location would include Coles County, Humboldt, Seven Hickory, and Morgan Township. If all goes as planned, the project would be up and running by 2025-2026. They talked about the economic impact of the project that could create 300+ jobs during construction for Coles County, 800+ jobs during construction for the State of Illinois, and 12 new long-term operations jobs for Coles County.

They reviewed:

- community earnings during construction in Coles County and for the State of Illinois as well as annual earnings for Coles County during operations.

- other benefits could include a Community Grant Program, curricula and project visit opportunities for schools, and internships and job shadowing for local students at all levels.

- tax revenue for all taxing districts over the life of the project and Charleston School District and Lake Land College over the life of the project.

Discussion, questions, and concerns from Board of Education included:

- PTELL, EAV and increase of property values.

- Concerns of natural impact on birds, bats and on eco-system.

- 12-15 years what happens when windmills go down, no landfills can hold.

- Global warming in area.

- Want an acknowledgement of impacts.

- Clean energy is not enough to shut down fossil fuel – is it worth the other problems with wind?

Mr. Hartke and Mr. Reis reported that environmentalists are working with studies on bats/birds. They noted that the environmental concerns are important. They said the windmills are now being made to be more recyclable, stronger and smaller.

In closing Mr. Hartke said that Apex is working in partnerships with Lake Land College and Heart Land Community College to offer courses in wind technology. They have also talked with EIU President and will continue conversations. The Coles County Board will vote on permits for the project.

Dr. Vilardo asked as to whether the revenue projected for the school district is part of currently projected total revenue or is new revenue.

Mr. Hartke stated that the project will increase the County’s EAV and will see new revenue from development.

President Coe thanked Mr. Hartke and Mr. Reis for presenting.

Plan for Safe Return to In-Person Instruction and Continuity of Services Update

Dr. Vilardo announced that the first quarter of this year’s school term ended on October 7. Members of our Board of Education have expressed interest in receiving updates about school operations under the district’s Plan for Safe Return to In-Person Instruction and Continuity of Services. Dr. Vilardo said that he had gathered input from the administrators, CEA and ESP and from observing in the schools. He reported that school personal are 100% in compliance with the vaccination and weekly testing requirement. In addition, the positive COVID-19 cases and quarantines are down in the district. He reported that academics are improving and that the student parent teacher conferences held were positive.

Mr. Burgett provided an update regarding testing labs and stated that he and Dr. Vilardo had been working with Shield since September 13. It was their belief that Shield is overwhelmed with the number of district’s wanting their service. Mr. Burgett said that he has been checking into a mid-west consortium, Bettelle and reported that Bettelle would send the test kits to us to administer and then we would return them to their lab for testing. Test results will be provided to the district within a 48-hour timeframe.

Dr. Vilardo reported that the district was adding a “Test to Stay Program” as an additional return option for students identified as a close contact within the school setting. The criteria for the “Test to Stay Program” was developed using the most recent ISBE and IDPH guidance. Special Education Coordinator/Principal Kristen Brown explained the criteria and eligibility for the program. She said that students and staff members who have been masked consistently, correctly, and COVID-19 symptom free are eligible for the program. Students and staff members identified as a close contact within the school setting would not have to quarantine if consent is given for the District Healthcare Professionals to test the individual on Days 1, 3, 5 and 7. This program will help keep students in school.

2021 Illinois School Report Cards

Dr. Vilardo announced that state and federal laws require public school districts to release School Report Cards to the public each year. As in past years, the Illinois State Board of Education has scheduled the release of the School Report Card for October 31. Assistant Superintendent Kristen Holly reported that this year, many data sources are missing or marked with a warning due to COVID-19 impact and lack of spring achievement data. More information about how district staff use information in School Report Cards to plan for and implement continual school improvement measures will be provided to the Board at its regular meeting in November.

Annual Status Report of the District’s Gifted Program

In accordance with Board Policy 6:130, Mrs. Holly provided a report on the status of the District’s gifted program. She stated that a committee of teachers, administrators and parents meet annually to review the design of the district’s gifted and talented program and offerings, which were provided to the Board of Education. Mrs. Holly commended the work of Gifted Coordinator Jodi Cline and the volunteers that help in the program.

Competency Based Education Progress Update

Mrs. Holly reported that in the Fall of 2018, the district started to explore implementation of Competency Based Education. A group of pilot teachers and administrators traveled to Westminster, Colorado to observe their established CBE program. Following the pilot teachers trained during the summer. Mrs. Holly said that with the impact of COVID-19, the group backed off training. Mrs. Holly said that during this summer, the pilot teachers were ready to get back to work on the CBE program. Now, three short years later, we led another group back to Colorado to attend the Competency Based Education Summit. She indicated that group had an exciting experience which validated they were on the right track and our teachers could teach other teachers the structural work to implement CBE in the classrooms.

At that time, Paige Harrington, Cindy Goodchild and Jeremy Hudson shared some insights from the conference, highlights from the past few years, and plans for the future. The goal is to know what we want students to learn and how to go about it; students take ownership of their learning experiences; and, understanding where we are and what we need to do to achieve were some the comments made by the pilot teachers regarding the summit.

In closing, Mrs. Holly distributed a timeline with the goal to implement CBE in the fall of 2024 and what we need to accomplish to get to that goal, (plan located in official board book). Mrs. Holly asked the Board members to visit the classrooms and learn more about CBE.

2021 Tax Levy Information

Assistant Superintendent Chad Burgett reviewed initial information in establishing the 2021 tax levy. He explained the Levy represents a 4.99% increase above that of last year and does not require a public hearing. He indicated that even though the district was levying a 4.99% increase, the district would not receive any money above the increase in new construction and the increase in the consumer price index, which was at 1.4%. Board action on the Levy will take place at the November 17, 2021 meeting.

Dr. Clarke moved and Mr. Gough seconded a motion to accept the Superintendent’s Report.

On roll call vote:

AYE: Clarke, Gough, Wright, Coe, Daniels

NAY: none Abstain: none

Motion carried

Under New Business: Action on Student Disciplinary Hearing

On October 12, 2021, the Board of Education conducted a student disciplinary hearing in closed session. It was the recommendation of the Superintendent that the Board of Education uphold the Board’s decision that Student #17712 be found to have violated school district rules and regulations by sexually harassing a staff member and continually disrupting school, and that student #17712’s continuing presence in school would pose a threat to the safety of other students and staff members and the school community, and would substantially disrupt, impede or interfere with the operation of the school, and that student #17712 be expelled for the remainder of the 2021-2022 school year, but that the expulsion be held in abeyance for the sole purpose of allowing the student to attend the Bridges Alternative Program during the term of the expulsion, and that the Board adopt the Superintendent's written decision detailing the justification for Student #17712's expulsion.

Dr. Clarke moved and Mr. Gough seconded the motion.

On roll call vote:

AYE: Clarke, Gough, Wright, Coe, Daniels

NAY: none Abstain: none

Motion carried

FY2021 CUSD #1 Audit Report

Dr. Vilardo invited Mr. Nick Helton from Kemper CPA Group, LLP to present the FY2021 Financial Report for Community Unit School District No. 1. The Board of Education received a copy of the audit and summary report. After introductions to the Board and audience, Mr. Helton presented an overview of the financial audit of school district records and reports for the 2020-21 school year. He provided a report presentation summary to the Board that included the rating for the Financial Profile School, Long-Term Debt Margin, Estimated Operating Expense Per Pupil, Estimated Per Capita tuition Charge, (located in official board book).

The Board of Education thanked Mr. Helton for his report.

It was the recommendation of the superintendent that the Board of Education accept the financial audit as prepared by Kemper CPA Group, LLP for the 2020-2021 school year. Mr. Gough moved and Dr. Clarke seconded the motion.

On roll call vote:

AYE: Gough, Clarke, Wright, Coe, Daniels

NAY: none Abstain: none

Motion carried

At 9:40pm, Dr. Clarke moved to adjourn from the board meeting. Mr. Wright seconded the motion.

On roll call vote:

AYE: Clarke, Wright, Gough, Coe, Daniels

NAY: none ABSTAIN: none

Motion carried

https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/1691343/10.20.2021_Regular_Board_Minutes.pdf