Carbondale Reporter

Carbondale Elementary School District No. 95 Board of Education met Thursday, Oct. 27.

Here are the minutes as provided by Carbondale Elementary School District No. 95:

Agenda Item 5.11

Bd. Mtg. 11/15/16

CARBONDALE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL DISTRICT #95

BOARD OF EDUCATION MINUTES

October 27, 2016

A regular meeting of the Carbondale Elementary School District No. 95 was held on Thursday, October 27, 2016, 6:00 PM at CES95 Administrative Center, 925 South Giant City Road, Carbondale, IL 62902.

1. Roll Call:

Upon roll call, the following members were present:

Mr. John Major, President

Mr. Roger Pfister, Vice President

Mrs. Erinn Murphy, Secretary

Mr. Edward Benyas

Mr. Robert Gallegly

Administrators present:

Mr. Michael Shimshak, Superintendent

Mr. Justin Miller, Assistant Superintendent

Mrs. Colleen Doyle-Parrott, Director of Curriculum/Instruction & Assessment

(Note: Mrs. Doyle-Parrott arrived at 8:11pm)

ROLL CALL

2. EXECUTIVE SESSION 6:05 PM

Roll Call:

Mr. John Major, President

Mr. Roger Pfister, Vice President

Mrs. Erinn Murphy, Secretary

Mr. Edward Benyas

Mr. David Biggs (arrived at 6:04pm)

Mr. Robert Gallegly

Benyas moved, seconded by Pfister, to enter Executive Session at 6:02 PM for the purpose of discussing performance, evaluation and compensation of specific personnel matters, matters relating to student discipline, matters relating to collective bargaining, and matters relating to pending litigation.

Roll Call Vote:

Yes votes: Major, Pfister, Murphy, Benyas, Biggs, Gallegly

No votes: None

Motion carried.

Biggs moved, seconded by Benyas, to adjourn Executive Session at 7:35 PM.

Roll Call Vote:

Yes votes: Major, Pfister, Murphy, Benyas, Biggs, Gallegly

No: None

Motion carried.

(Note: Michelle Connet arrived at 7:51 PM)

2. EXECUTIVE SESSION

3. Public Comments – John Major

Jennifer Hartlieb, Faculty Council President: “My name is Jennifer Hartlieb, and I am here speaking on behalf of the Carbondale Education Association. I also happen to be the Faculty Council President. I would like to start by thanking you for taking the time to ask a number of questions at the last board meeting about the new schedule at the middle school. Despite the positive presentation that took place at that meeting, many CEA members still seem to have serious concerns about the schedule, but are afraid to speak up for fear of retaliation. It was clear from the questions that you asked and the concerns that were expressed, that most of you share many of the same concerns of our members. Scheduling problems create a difficult start to the school year for teachers in most buildings. Some of the challenges faced in the elementary buildings include inequitable distribution of recess duties, a change in start time that was not communicated to all teachers or parents prior to the first day of student attendance, and changes in instructional minutes that occurred at the last minute.

This has a negative effect on teachers’ ability to adequately plan and prepare lessons. The greatest number of scheduling concerns and problems have taken place at the middle school. Changes continued to take place up until the middle of September, which is almost halfway through the first trimester. This inhibits teachers’ ability to write their SLOs, as is required by law, and greatly reduces the amount of time teachers have for showing student growth. Core classes are not taught every day, which continues to cause concern for many. Students were given the opportunity to choose electives last spring, but many students did not receive the electives they chose. This has led to upset and disappointed students, which sets teachers up for failure. Additionally, excessively early and late lunches cause students and teachers to spend long periods of time in class without being able to eat. Bu the number one concern with this schedule is that it was implemented with minimal input from students, parents, or teachers without a well thought out plan of implementation and little communication with anyone involved. This continues to be a common theme running throughout our district. The lack of genuine input, planning and communication is pervasive. Lastly, I think it is important you are aware that bullying behavior by some administrators continues to be a concern. Within the past week, faculty members witnessed an aggressive confrontation by an administrator aimed at a CEA member as I explained to you in closed session. This is not the first incident of this nature, and other incidents have involved other administrators as well, including an incident that occurred just last night which was witnessed by those who attended the Family and Community Town Supper. No one should have to put up with being treated that way and it is not an effective strategy for an administrator to get what he/she wants. If we all truly want progress for the betterment of our children, then immediate changes are needed—namely respect. Until sincere respect is achieved, members will still be fearful of speaking up, which hinders progress in the district. Faculty Council members were told last week that we need to be flexible with the contract. Our contract is a legally binding document. Attempts by administrators to be flexible with the contract is why there have been so many grievances filed. Until this kind of behavior changes you will continue to see many of the same problems continue to surface. Bullying behavior by administration is leading to a higher teacher turnover rate. As you are aware, it is becoming more difficult to find qualified teachers to fill vacant positions. We are very concerned about the hiring of substitute teachers instead of full time certified teachers, with teacher education training to fill vacant positions. We currently have more than one classroom in the district not being taught by a certified teacher. The Carbondale Education Association believes that every child who attends school in District 95 deserves to receive an education from a certified teacher who has had teacher education training. As always, I thank you for your time.”

Carlton Smith, Carbondale, IL: “My name is Carlton Smith. On October the 3rd at your special meeting I asked a question about the recording and the board meetings. At the time, when I spoke I didn’t realize that at the previous board meeting, there had been a decision made—and I didn’t see where anybody had voted on it—but it appears as though they have stopped the recordings of the live streaming. When I went to look back to try to look up the live streamings. It’s gone. So the past board meetings-- that have valuable information in it-- because the minutes as I indicated to the Board are not always correct-- that the live streaming is gone. Is there something that I’m doing that I don’t know how to get on it to get the live streaming? Or is it Justin Miller—because it only indicates on here Justin Miller on September 22 says that ‘the district will forgo service with this company’, but I don’t see where the board voted on it, or discontinuing it. So I’m concerned about the live streaming of the board meetings gone. So is there some kind of access to it that I need to know how to do? Or is--”

Erinn Murphy, Board Secretary: “Like an archive?”

Mr. Smith: “I don’t know, I’m trying to find out how get to it, or has the Board—“

Mrs. Murphy: “Get to the past recordings?”

Mr. Smith: “Yeah the past recordings—have you deleted it? What’s happened to those past board meetings?”

Mrs. Murphy: “Are those archived?”

Michael Shimshak, Superintendent: “Yes they should be. I don’t believe that any of them have been deleted.”

E. Wilson, Board Recording Secretary: “Yes. They still should be up. The only ones that would not be up are any of the meetings after our IT director resigning, because our IT director was the person who was handling our live streaming, so after she resigned, there was nobody over that. So any board meetings after her resignation would not be posted because we didn’t have streaming after that point.”

Mr. Shimshak: “But we do have audio recordings.”

Ms. Wilson: “Yes but we do have audio.”

Mr. Smith: “Yes, we had talked about that before about the audio recording, but I tried it and I asked some other people to see if they could get on it and nobody has been able to get on the live streaming to review the past board meetings.”

Mrs. Murphy: “It’s on the website?”

Ms. Wilson: “Yes, and I can check it tonight to see what’s going on with it.”

Mr. Smith: “I appreciate it. Thank you”

Mrs. Erica Travelstead: “Hold on. It’s been taken down. When you click on the live stream link, you get a 404 error”

Mr. Smith: “It’s gone.”

Mrs. Murphy: “So can that be fixed?”

Mr. Shimshak: “Yes we’ll check and find out what happened. It’s gone through no action of the district.”

4. Approval of Agenda

Benyas moved, seconded by Gallegly, Recommend Approving the Agenda

Roll Call:

Yes votes: Murphy, Benyas, Biggs, Gallegly, Major, Pfister

No votes: None

Motion carried.

APPROVAL OF AGENDA

5. Consent Agenda Items

Benyas moved, seconded by Gallegly, to approve the following Consent Agenda Items:

CONSENT AGENDA

ITEMS

5.1 Minutes

5.11 Regular – September 22 and October 3, 2016

5.12 Executive – September 22 and October 3, 2016

5.2 Financial Reports

5.21 Approval of Bills

5.22 Treasurer’s Report

5.23 Monthly Budget Report

5.24 Schools Activity Fund Reports

FINANCIAL REPORTS

5.3 Communications

5.31 Invitation to I Can Read! Program November fundraising dinner

5.32 Thank You Card from Roger Eddy, Executive Director of the IASB

5.33 Recognition of National principal’s Month for October

5.34 IASB Memo on Board Membership Renewal

5.35 Notice about School Board Members Day, November 15, 2016

Roll Call Vote:

Yes votes: Benyas, Biggs, Gallegly, Major, Pfister, Murphy

No votes: None

Motion carried.

COMMUNICATIONS

6. Committee Reports COMMITTEE REPORTS

6.1 President’s Remarks – John Major

• The district hosted the October 6, 2016 IASB Shawnee Division Meeting and Candidate Forum.

• Gary Forby, Sheila Simon, Terri Bryant, Jason Kasiar, and Brandon Phelps were in attendance at the Candidate Forum.

• The district hosted a Family and Community Town Supper on October 26, 2016. The Superintendent will report on it.

• Announced the IASB Joint Annual Conference November 18-20, 2016.

• Confirmed Board member registration and housing reservations for the November event. Nametags and corresponding information will not be received from the IASB until after the November 11 deadline.

• Thanked E. Wilson for assisting and organizing the Shawnee Division Meeting and Dinner.

• Board members will need to RSVP for the Kings Financial Dinner on Friday, November 18, 2016. Names have to be turned in for security purposes 

• The I Can Read! Fundraising event will take place November 12, 2016 at the Elks Lodge. There will be food and dancing.

6.2 Committee Reports

6.21 Public Relations Committee – Robert Gallegly

• The Public Relations Committee met on Tuesday, October 4, 2016,

4:00 PM at the CES95 Administrative Center.

• The committee discussed press about the Splash Park school events, press features for future events, and the verbiage for the Road Sign proposal.

• The criteria for the road signs will highlight all district achievements.

Banners and other visuals will be used.

• The next committee meeting has been schedule for Tuesday, November 1, 2016, 4:00 PM at the CES95 Administrative Center.

6.22 Parent Teacher Advisory Committee – Michael Shimshak

• The Parent Teacher Advisory Committee met on October 24, 2016, 6:00 PM at the CES95 Administrative Center.

• The committee continued discussion on the Reciprocal Reporting

Agreement.

• Changes to the Agreement include removing language in reference to gangs and gang affiliation, and removing a statement of commitment on prosecution from the State’s Attorney.

• The Agreement will be independent without assistance from the Carbondale High School.

• The Agreement will be sent to the Policy Committee.

• The next Parent Teacher Advisory Committee meeting has not been scheduled at this time.

6.3 Administrative/Staff Reports ADMINISTRATIVE/ STAFF REPORTS

6.31 Assistant Superintendent’s Report – Justin Miller

Mr. Miller reported the following:

• A copy of the FY17 Audit Report was given to each Board member.

• The audit was complete by CPA company Emling & Hoffman. They did not send a representative to go over the report.

• Annual financial report was also submitted as part of the audit.

• Other information submitted includes the district financial profile information of operating funds, equal accessed values, long-term debt, and the summary.

• The deficit did lower the district’s score, but the district is still in the recognition category, the highest category allocated by the IASB.

• The district received the same two findings as last year for limited segregation of duties and for not having a qualified staff member to oversee the drafting of the report.

• The 3-year contract with Emling & Hoffman is ending. Mr. Miller will provide Board members with information on alternative companies no later than February 2017.

• It’s in the contract that the Emling & Hoffman must send a representative to report on the audit. They have stated to staff they would not be in attendance this year.

• Mr. Miller answered a question from Mr. Benyas about the abatement of property taxes should the Board be left with that decision.

Abatement of taxes is in the current draft of the sales tax proposal as an option. The Board may decide to abate a portion of the tax collected.

• Every county that surrounds the district, sans Union County, has passed a sales tax for the proposed purpose.

• Mr. Shimshak will send an informational notice to parents about the sales tax. The Board cannot promote favor for the sales tax, but individual Board members can.

6.32 Director of Curriculum/Instruction & Assessment – Colleen Doyle-Parrott

Mrs. Doyle-Parrott reported the following:

• Apologized for being tardy to the meeting.

• A copy of the assessment window by grade level and by month was given to the Board members. The document will be posted on the website for families to access.

• Introduced Carbondale Middle School Principal Marilyn Ross, Assistant Principal Dr. LaTonya Mouzon, and teachers Mrs. Erica Travelstead, Mr. Adam Webb, Ms. Robin Yancy, and social worker Robyn Davis to present on discipline data, restorative practices training, science teaching, and the recent Multicultural Fair event.

1. Mrs. Travelstead and a group of 15 students auditioned for the Illinois Educators Association District 6 Fall Festival that will take place this November. Of the 15 who auditioned, 1 student made the honor orchestra, 2 students made the band, and 1 student made the choir for the event.

2. Principal Ross received many positive comments from parents and community members about the Family & Community Town Supper and the Parent Teacher conferences.

3. Dr. LaTonya Mouzon showed a presentation on discipline referral and incident data. The most predominant offense is physical aggression. All out of school suspensions referenced fights that occurred.

4. Advisory leaders have been assigned for accountability. Dr. Mouzon complimented the advisory work of Dr. Tammy Holmes and Mr. Jimi Bradley for improvements this year.

5. Mrs. Travelstead attended restorative practices training lead by Dr. Holmes and Mr. Bradley. She showed a presentation on what she learned including restorative practice history, principles, and school strategies.

6. Ms. Robin Yancy and Mr. Adam Webb spoke on implementing leadership models and increasing motivation in science achievement among the students. Strategies include increase use of labs, movement, student-lead instruction, cross-grade level collaboration, resource sharing, and assessment method variety.

7. Ms. Yancy showed pictures and a video of a recent student science project about the food chain performed in the middle school gym.

8. Ms. Robyn Davis spoke and showed pictures from the recent Multicultural Fair event that took place at CMS. 23 different cultures and student displays were showcased at the event.

6.34 Superintendent’s Report – Michael Shimshak

Mr. Shimshak reported the following:

• The Family and Community Town Supper took place on Wednesday, October 26, 2016. Very few evaluations were submitted. Results will be tallied in the future.

• Read a proclamation from Governor Bruce Rauner in recognition of October as National Principals’ Month and Friday, October 22, 2016 as Principals’ Day.

• Recognized Parrish Elementary School Principal Jerrah Henson, Parrish Assistant Principal Jamie Hogue, Thomas Elementary School Principal Dr. Carmen Williams-Bonds, Lewis Elementary School Principal Kristine Uffelman, CMS Principal Marilyn Ross, and CMS Assistant Principal Dr. LaTonya Mouzon.

• Thanked the Principals for their work and school achievements.

SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT

7. Old Business OLD BUSINESS

7.1 Second Reading and Adoption of IASB new and updated Policies Benyas moved, seconded by Connet, Recommend adopting the following

IASB new and updated policies:

• 2.70 Vacancies on the School Board

• 6.100 Using Animals in the Education Program

• 7.270 Administering Medicines to Students

• 8.90 Parent Organizations and Booster Clubs

Voice Vote:

Yes votes: Biggs, Connet, Gallegly, Major, Pfister, Murphy, Benyas

No votes: None

Motion carried.

7.2 Re-approval of IASB Policies Undergoing 5-Year Review Benyas moved, seconded by Connet, Recommend re-approval of the following IASB Policies Undergoing 5-Year Review:

• 1.10 School District Legal Status

• 1.20 District Organization, Operations, and Cooperative Agreements

• 1.30 School District Policy

• 2.10 School District Governance

• 2.130 Board-Superintendent Relationship

• 3.10 Goals and Objectives

• 3.30 Chain of Command

• 5.150 Personnel Records

• 6.255 Assemblies and Ceremonies

• 6.260 Complaints About Curriculum, Instructional Materials, & Programs

• 7.280 Communicable and Chronic Infectious Disease

• 7.285 Food Allergy Management Program

• 5.100 Staff Development Program

• 5.120 Ethics and Conduct

• 5.130 Responsibilities Concerning Internal Information

Voice Vote:

Yes votes: Connet, Gallegly, Major, Pfister, Murphy, Benyas, Biggs

No votes: None

Motion carried.

8. New Business NEW BUSINESS

8.1 Action on Classified Personnel

8.11 Action on Classified Substitutes

Pfister moved, seconded by Benyas, Recommend the following be placed on the Classified Substitute List to work on an as needed basis for 2016-2017 school year:

New Hire:

Tracey Locke – Substitute Aide

Lisa Rice – Substitute Cook and Playground Supervisor

Roll Call Vote:

Yes votes: Gallegly, Major, Pfister, Murphy, Benyas, Biggs, Connet

No votes: None

Motion carried.

8.12 Action on Resignation

Benyas moved, seconded by Gallegly, Recommend accepting the resignation of Raquel Olive as a long-term substitute effective retroactively for October 19, 2016.

Roll Call Vote:

Yes votes: Major, Pfister, Murphy, Benyas, Biggs, Connet, Gallegly

No votes: None

Motion carried.

8.2 Action on Certified Personnel

8.21 Action on Resignation

Benyas moved, seconded by Biggs, Recommend accepting the resignation of Shadin Belal as the Principal of Parrish Elementary School effective immediately.

Voice Vote:

Yes votes: Pfister, Murphy, Benyas, Biggs, Connet, Gallegly, Major

No votes: None

Motion carried.

8.22 Employment of a First Grade Teacher

Benyas moved, seconded by Murphy, Recommend the employment of Steve Walsh as a First Grade Teacher at Parrish Elementary School effective

October 27, 2016.

Roll Call Vote:

Yes votes: Murphy, Benyas, Biggs, Connet, Gallegly, Pfister, Major

No votes: None

Motion carried.

8.23 Employment of Director of Pupil Services

Pfister moved, seconded by Biggs, Recommend the employment of Zeppelin Brewer as the Director of Pupil Services for Carbondale Elementary School District No. 95, pending a clear CBI.

Roll Call Vote:

Yes votes: Pfister, Murphy, Benyas, Biggs, Gallegly, Major

No votes: None

Abstained: Connet

Motion carried.

8.24 Action on Special Assignments

Gallegly moved, seconded by Connet, Recommended to table the employment of the following Special Assignments for the 2016-2017 school year.

TABLED

Voice Vote:

Yes votes: Murphy, Benyas, Biggs, Connet, Gallegly, Major, Pfister

No votes: None

Motion tabled.

8.3 First Reading of Proposed IASB Updated & New Policies

• 8.110 Public Suggestions and Concerns – recommended to leave as is

NO ACTION REQUIRED

8.4 Action on Delegate & Alternate for IASB/IASA/IASBO Joint Annual Conference

Benyas moved, seconded by Connet, Recommend Roger Pfster to be the Delegate for the Joint Annual Conference and David Biggs as the Alternate Delegate.

Voice Vote:

Yes votes: Benyas, Biggs, Connet, Gallegly, Major, Pfister, Murphy

No votes: None

Motion carried.

8.5 Action on FY16 Audit

Benyas moved, seconded by Connet, Recommend accepting the FY16 Audit Report.

Voice Vote:

Yes votes: Connet, Gallgely, Major, Murphy, Benyas

No votes: Biggs, Pfister

Motion carried.

8.6 Action on AT Field Trip

Pfister moved, seconded by Murphy, Recommend approving the AT field trip as a day trip only and not as an overnight trip.

Benyas moved, seconded by Gallegly, Recommend approving a Spring field trip to Shedd Aquarium for Thomas AT students including an overnight stay and funding of $2000 towards the cost of transportation.

Benyas moved, seconded by Gallegly, to ammend second motion as follows:

Recommend approving a Spring trip to Shedd Aquarian for Thomas AT students including an overnight stay.

• Murphy requested that her statement be on record: Requested the students have a parent or grandparent with them.

Benyas moved, seconded by Gallegly, to ammend the second motion as follows: Recommend approving a Spring trip to Shedd Aquarian for Thomas AT students including an overnight stay with a 1-to-1 ratio of student and either parent or grandparent.

Roll Call Vote for 2nd motion:

Yes votes: Gallegly, Murphy, Benyas, Biggs

No votes: Connet, Major, Pfister

Motion carried.

Roll Call Vote for 1st motion:

Yes votes: Major, Pfister

No votes: Biggs, Connet, Gallegly, Murphy, Benyas

Motion denied.

8.7 Action on Distribution of Materials

Benyas moved, seconded by Gallegy, Recommend allowing the Carbondale Public Library to distribute their newsletter to all District 95 students.

WITHDRAWN

Motion withdrawn by Benyas.

9. Next Scheduled Meetings

9.1 Tuesday, November 1, 2016

Personnel Relations Committee Meeting

CES95 Administrative Center

925 South Giant City Road

Carbondale, IL 62902

4:00 PM

*Tuesday, November 15, 2016

Regular Board Meeting (OPEN TO THE PUBLIC)

CES95 Administrative Center

925 South Giant City Road

Carbondale, IL 62902

6:00 PM

6:05 PM Motion and Roll Call Vote to go into Executive Session (CLOSED) for the purpose of discussing matters relating to the performance, evaluation and compensation of specific personnel matters relating to student discipline, matters relating to collecting bargaining, and matters relating to pending litigation.

7:00 PM Reconvene Regular Board Meeting Public Session (OPEN TO THE PUBLIC)

* THIS IS NOT A FOURTH THURSDAY

10. Public Comments

Erinn Murphy, Board Secretary: “Can I just share some good news? Does that count?”

John Major, Board President: “Sure.”

Mrs. Murphy: “I just want to thank Parrish and Lewis leaders and teachers. I was an usher for the community performance of The BFG in Marion, and a lot of our classes came over to see the performance, and I heard and witnessed just awesome behavior and enthusiasm from our students, so that was awesome. And Dr. Bonds and the Thomas staff for hosting an amazing hall party on a Friday night, when-- I was like, ‘this staff is amazing for their enthusiasm on a Friday. So the kids had a great time and it was also awesome volunteers from SIU and the high school helping out with them. Good stuff. Thank you.”

Mr. Major: “And Ms. Ross had Ms. Cobin and {…inaudible…} last night helping out— isn’t that correct? They did a wonderful job helping out--”

Marilyn Ross, CMS Principal: “Ambassadors. Our CMS Ambassadors. We had 4. Thank you.”

Robert Gallegly, Board Member: “And I have a few interjections. One, on item 6.21, which was my own public relations committee report. As a reminder, the transition to the new website is December-- ”

E. Wilson, Recording Board Secretary: “January.”

Mr. Gallegly: “I’m sorry. January—that’s right January. So again to teachers if you need assistance in transferring your information over to the new website, please contact E. Wilson. And comment on 6.32—a presentation made by CMS—I am sorry I missed the Multicultural event, but from a household that is Scott-Irish and Singaporean, I heard that it was completely wonderful. Plus I understand where that little passport came from that’s on my desk. {…inaudible…} but at least I heard is was an extremely wonderful event.”

Principal Ross: “Thank you.”

Ellis Reed, Carbondale, IL: “Ellis Reed. Item 8.21 what was the name of the Parrish school principal that resigned?”

Mrs. Murphy: “Shadin Belal. Shadin. Shadin Belal, do you want me to spell it?”

Mr. Reed: “My question is item 8.2, one recommendation made by Superintendent Shimshak and motion voted for approval by the school board to accept the resignation of the school—Parrish school principal be listed in the minutes?”

Mrs. Murphy: “Yes.”

Mr. Reed: “Alright. Is a recommendation made by the Superintendent, and a motion voted for approval to proceed with the termination of an employee, such as a teacher, principal, assistant principal, listed in the minutes?”

Mrs. Murphy: “Board action is listed in the minutes.”

Mr. Shimshak: “Yes, board action is listed.”

Mr. Reed: “Alright. Thanks.”

11. Adjournment

Gallegly moved, seconded by Benyas, to adjourn at 9:36 PM.

Voice Vote:

Yes votes: Major, Pfister, Murphy, Benyas, Biggs, Connet, Gallegly

No votes: None

Motion carried.

Mr. John Major, President

Mrs. Erinn Murphy, Secretary