Carbondale Reporter

Carbondale Elementary School District #95 Board of Education met March 23.

Here is the minutes provided by the Board:

1. Roll Call:

Upon roll call, the following members were present: 

Mr. John Major, President 

Mr. Roger Pfister, Vice President 

Mrs. Erinn Murphy, Secretary 

Ms. Michelle Connet 

Mr. Robert Gallegly

Administrators present: 

Mr. Michael Shimshak, Superintendent 

Mr. Justin M. Miller, Assistant Superintendent 

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

Ms. Zeppelyn Brewer, Director of Pupil Services

2. Executive Session 6:05 pm

Roll Call: 

Mr. John Major, President 

Mr. Roger Pfister, Vice President 

Mrs. Erinn Murphy, Secretary 

Ms. Michelle Connet 

Mr. Robert Gallegly

Gallegly moved, seconded by Connet, to enter Executive Session at 6:03 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: Pfister, Murphy, Connet, Gallegly, Major 

No votes: None 

Motion carried.

Gallegly moved, seconded by Pfister, to adjourn Executive Session at 8:05 PM.

Roll Call Vote: Yes votes: Major, Pfister, Murphy, Connet, Gallegly No: None Motion carried.

3. Public Comments – John Major

Kathy Bell, CES95 PERA Joint Committee Representative

• Has attended PERA Committee meetings as a member.

• The Committee has only met 3 times this year. Administrator members have canceled the other 5 scheduled meetings.

• Concerned that the PERA Committee is not a priority for Administrators

• Meeting 3 times per year is not enough time to attend to the duties of the Committee.

• Feels this is a disservice to members and students.

• Use of informal observations, maternity leave requests, student learning objective deadlines, speech language pathology, student growth, schedule changes, and updating PERA guidebook are issues that need to be addressed.

• Teachers are left with questions and limited training on the PERA process.

• Feels Administrators would prefer to make decisions independently and privately.

• Believes an Administrator’s removal from the Committee was a positive decision.

• Principals on the Committee do not have decision-making power. Believes Principals are not interested in meeting.

• Goal is to work with the Administration in collaboration. Does not feel Administration has the same goal.

• Mrs. Murphy asked if once a month would be an ideal time to meet. Ms. Bell responded that once a month would be wonderful and the Committee is available after school, during Summer, and during school hours.

• There is movement towards scheduling meetings, but the meetings are canceled at the last minute.

Jennifer Hartlieb, 3rd Grade Teacher

• Here as a representative of the Carbondale Education Association and President of the Faculty Council.

• There are questions and concerns on how changes will be implemented in Reading.

• Teachers were invited to participate in curriculum mapping process, but the mapping project will be over the Summer.

• $16/hour pay for working on the mapping project over the Summer is not sufficient.

• Teachers feel they won’t have input if they don’t participate.

• Best practice would be for teachers on the committee to return to others in their building for feedback, input, and advice.

• Asked if teachers who hold an educator’s license but do not have training will be allowed to write curriculum.

• Asked if teachers with only a substitute teaching license will be allowed to write curriculum

• Concerned the curriculum will not be aligned with standards when teachers are creating it.

• There are already other curriculums written by experts that are aligned to standards.

• Hopes the District considers options and keeps in mind the needs of students.

• Mrs. Murphy asked if it is possible for teachers to share input and collaborate who are not on the committee. Mrs. Hartlieb confirmed it is.

• Mrs. Murphy asked if research-based curriculums already present would be incorporated in the process. Mrs. Doyle-Parrott responded that the District does have that opportunity to look at present curriculums and tailor them. There are standards in place already that can be utilized for a smooth transition.

• Has attended the candidate forums and is concerned about the TWI program and the Latino students.

• Latino students are in a vulnerable position.

• Requests that the District not participate in any actions that may hurt Latino students.

• Has heard Latino students are told to be quite, not be visible, and not draw attention.

• Asked about the Board member election and when new Board members will be seated. Mr. Major responded that the new Board members will be sworn in and then seated at the April meeting.

• Concerned that agenda item 8.22 is too important for the four Board members who are retiring to decide on.

• Requests that the Board table agenda item 8.22 until the new Board members are seated in April.

4. Approval of Agenda

Connet moved, seconded by Gallegly, Recommend Approving the Agenda.

Roll Call Vote: 

Yes votes: Murphy, Gallegly, Major, Pfister 

No votes: None 

Abstained: Connet 

Motion carried.

5. Consent Agenda Items

Gallegly moved, seconded by Connet, Recommend approving the following Consent Agenda Items:

5.1 Minutes

5.11 Regular – February 23, 2017 5.12 Executive – February 23, 2017

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

5.3 Communications

Roll Call Vote: 

Yes votes: Gallegly, Major, Pfister, Murphy 

No votes: None 

Abstained: Connet 

Motion carried.

6. Committee Reports

6.1 President’s Remarks – John Major

• Sent well wishes to Ms. Margaret Nesbit who is in the hospital.

• A special meeting for newly elected Board members will be held on April 10, 2017, hosted by Patrick Rice, Field Services Director of the IASB Shawnee Division.

6.2 Committee Reports

6.21 Policy Committee – Roger Pfister

• No report.

• The next Policy Committee has been scheduled for April 5, 2017, 5:00 PM, at the CES95 Administrative Center.

6.3 Administrative/Staff Reports

6.31 Assistant Superintendent’s Report – Justin M. Miller:

Mr. Miller reported the following:

• Summer projects are aligned and prepared.

• Request to hire Summer personnel to assist with the projects is up for Board approval.

• Interfund loan repayments are prepared for Board approval.

• The transportation bid process ended on March 21, 2017. Durham School Services has placed a bid to accept for the next 3 years.

• Will recommend Vanguard Energy as the natural gas provider for the District to start November 1, 2017 for 24 months for Board approval.

• There is Land and Building Committee meeting on March 28, 2017 chaired by David Biggs. Updating maintenance vehicles and building security cameras will be discussed.

• The District was contacted by SIU Professor who is interested in writing a grant to the USDA to partner school districts with local farmers. The District will assist the Professor on a pilot project this Fall focused on produce integration in the breakfast and lunch programs.

• A food service program audit has been scheduled for mid-April.

• The Community eligibility provision is being prepared.

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

Mrs. Doyle-Parrott reported the following:

• Introduced Michelle Martin, Data & Information Specialist, to present on the online school registration process.

• The online registration process will be for all families of returning students.

• Online forms will be printed and used for new family school registration. Documents were condensed down to accommodate.

• Online registration forms can be signed electronically.

• Parents who do not have Internet access will be invited to register at the school libraries. Evening hours are also set for parents to register students.

• Online registration will begin in mid-April.

• Secretaries will follow up with parents who have not completed the online registration before the May deadline.

• Ms. Martin presented on the online school registration forms using Tyler SIS.

• Ms. Martin walked through a standard online registration, how it works, and how to fill out the forms.

• Goal is to reach 100% of families of returning students.

• Online forms are available in Spanish. Mrs. Doyle-Parrott will work with Arabic Aides to get forms in that language as well.

• Building secretaries have been trained on the online registration process and how to assist families.

• Letters informing families of online registration process and instructions will be mailed.

• Families who need assistance may contact the building secretaries for assistance.

• Families may go to any school to complete online registration during the scheduled evening hours.

6.33 Director of Pupil Services – Zeppelyn Brewer:

Mrs. Zeppelyn Brewer reported the following:

• Introduced Parrish Elementary School teachers and staff who lead the Reading Recovery program for the school.

• Reading Recovery team members Susan Heape, Maria Jessup, Kathy Bell, Chrissy Young, Suzy Snider, Dawn Leahy, Patricia Biggs, and Jessica Stoklosa presented on the program.

• The program assists students in reading by building on their strengths to accelerate their learning.

• The goal of the Reading Recovery program is to dramatically reduce the amount of students who have difficulty with literacy learning and the costs associated to the educational system.

• Teachers work one-to-one with students and design lesson plans based on the students’ capability and needs.

• Reading Recovery students receive daily lessons for 12 to 20 weeks.

• Students read 3 books, compose and write a story, practice letter writing and word building, and read a new book during the lesson.

• Discussed studies and treatment group research on the Reading Recovery program, its progress, and strategies.

• Discussed the benefits and student success in the program.

• Presented a video featuring parents, students, and staff sharing their positive experiences within the program.

6.34 Superintendent’s Report – Michael Shimshak:

Mr. Shimshak reported the following:

• Discussed the school calendar amendments for this year.

• May 26, 2017 is the proposed last day of student attendance pending no other changes. May 30, 2017 is the proposed last day for teachers. Emergency days have been accounted for.

• The CMS 8th Grade Promotion ceremony will be May 26, 2017.

• The 2017 – 2018 school calendar has been submitted. Errors were corrected. The proposed teacher return date will be August 14, 2017.

• Schools will not be in session on August 21, 2017 due to the solar eclipse.

• Last day of school for next year will depend on emergency days taken.

• The 2017 – 2018 school calendar will be up for Board approval this April.

6.35 Enrollment Report:

• Packet was made available to the public and the Board.

7. Old Business

7.1 Second Reading of IASB New and Updated Policies

Pfister moved, seconded by Gallegly, Recommend adopting the following IASB new and updated policies:

2.125-E3 Resolution to Regulate Expense Reimbursements – with the amount of $65,000 in the 4th paragraph and at the bottom and the effective date of March 23, 2017. 5.280 Duties and Qualifications 7.60 Residence 7.70 Attendance and Truancy 7.250 Student Support Services 7.260 Exemption from Physical Education 7.305 Student Athlete Concussions and Head Injuries 7.310 Restrictiion on Publications: Elementary Schools 8.30 Visitors to and Conduct on School Property 8.70 Accommodating Individuals with Disabilities

Voice Vote: 

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

No votes: None 

Motion carried.

7.2 Re-approval of IASB Policies Undergoing 5-Year Review

Pfister moved, seconded by Connet, Recommend reapproving the following IASB Policies Undergoing 5-Year Review:

4.80 Accounting and Audits 6.260-E Exhibit of Curriculum

Voice Vote: 

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

No votes: None 

Motion carried.

7.3 Action on Memorandum of Understanding between Carbondale Elementary School District No. 95 and Centerstone

Pfister moved, seconded by Gallegly, Recommend approving the Memorandum of Understanding between Carbondale Elementary School District No. 95 and Centerstone to be network partners in establishing the coordination of services.

Roll Call Vote: 

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

No votes: None 

Motion carried.

8. New Business

8.1 Action on Classified Personnel

8.11 Action on Classified Substitutes

Gallegly moved, seconded by Connet, Recommend the following be placed on the Classified Substitute list to work on an as needed basis for the 2016 – 2017 school year:

New Hire: Tiffany Nelson – Substitute Cook

Roll Call Vote: 

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

No votes: None 

Motion carried.

8.12 Action on Resignation

Pfister moved, seconded by Connet, Recommend approving the following temporary Summer workers and positions:

• Brent Jackson – Lawn Care Worker, 400 hours, $14 per hour

• Heath Laughard – Lawn Care Worker, 400 hours, $14 per hour

• Keyandra Levy – Technology Worker, 400 hours, $14 per hour

• Ashley Dietz – Painter, 400 hours, $14 per hour

• 2 Painter positions at 400 hours, $14 per hour each, open

• 2 Central Office Secretary worker positions at 150 hours, $12 per hour each, open

• 2 High School worker positions at 400 hours, $10 per hour each, open

Roll Call Vote: 

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

No votes: None 

Motion carried.

8.13 Employment of Reading Aide

Pfister moved, seconded by Gallegly, Recommend the employment of Betty Covington as a Reading Aide at Thomas Elementary School, pending a clear CBI.

Roll Call Vote: Yes votes: Connet, Gallegly, Major, Pfister, Murphy No votes: None Motion carried.

8.2 Action on Certified Personnel

8.21 Action on Resignation

Murphy moved, seconded by Connet, Recommend accepting the resignation of Aryel Williams, Special Education Teacher at Carbondale Middle School, effective at the end of the 2016 – 2017 school year.

Voice Vote: 

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

No votes: None 

Motion carried.

8.22 Action on Release of Non-Tenured Teachers

This item was moved to the end of the agenda.

8.23 Action on PERA Committee Alternates

Murphy moved, seconded by Connet, Recommend approving the assignment of Zeppelyn Brewer and Justin M. Miller to serve as alternate members of the PERA Committee effective immediately.

Roll Call Vote: 

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

No votes: None 

Motion carried.

8.24 Action on Posting of Positions

Gallegly moved, seconded by Connet, Recommend the following new positions be posted for hire for the 2017 – 2018 school year:

• Comprehensive Intervention Coach

• School Psychologist

• Behavior Analyst

• Middle School Special Education Reading Teacher

• Middle School Cross-Categorical Special Education Teacher

• Middle School Social Worker

Voice Vote: 

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

No votes: None 

Motion carried.

8.3 Action on Interfund Loan Repayment from Debt Service Fund to Working Cash Fund

Gallegly moved, seconded by Connet, Recommend approving the repayment of an interfund loan from the Debt Service Fund to the Working Cash Fund in the amount of $1,000,000 effective March 23, 2017.

Roll Call & Signature Vote: 

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

No votes: None 

Motion carried.

8.4 Action on Interfund Loan Repayment From Operations and Maintenance Fund to Working Cash Fund

Pfister moved, seconded by Gallegly, Recommend approving the repayment of an interfund loan from the Operations and Maintenance Fund to the Working Cash Fund in the amount of the $250,000 effective March 23, 2017.

Roll Call & Signature Vote: 

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

No votes: None 

Motion carried.

8.5 Action on Interfund Loan repayment from Tort Fund to Working Cash Fund

Gallegly moved, seconded by Connet, Recommend approving the repayment of an interfund loan from the Tort Fund to the Working Cash Fund in the amount of $175,000 effective March 23, 2017.

Roll Call & Signature Vote: 

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

No votes: None 

Motion carried.

8.6 Action on Interfund Loan Repayment from IMRF and Social Security Fund to Working Cash Fund

Gallegly moved, seconded by Connet, Recommend approving the repayment of an interfund loan from the IMRF and Social Security Fund to the Working Cash Fund in the amount of $125,000 effective March 23, 2017.

Roll Call & Signature Vote: 

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

No votes: None 

Motion carried.

8.7 Action on Interfund Loan Repayment from Education Fund to Working Cash Fund

Gallegly moved, seconded by Connet, Recommend approving the repayment of an interfund loan from the Education Fund to the Working Cash Fund in the amount of $2,000,000 effective March 23, 2017.

Roll Call & Signature Vote: 

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

No votes: None 

Motion carried.

8.8 Action on Student Transportation Services Contract

Pfister moved, seconded by Connet, Recommend awarding the contract for student transportation services for the 2017 – 2018, 2018 – 2019, 2019 – 2020 school years to Durham School Services. The regular and special transportation alternate bid amounts for the 3-year contract are $3,000,000, $180,000, and $791,000.79 respectively.

Roll Call Vote: 

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

No votes: None 

Motion carried.

8.9 Action on Renewal of Agreement between Carbondale Elementary School District No. 95 and the America Reads Federal Work Study Program

Pfister moved, seconded by Connet, Recommend approving the renewal of the Agreement between Carbondale Elementary School District No. 95 and the America Reads Federal Work Study Program to employ SIU students as reading tutors for CES95 students at no cost to the District, effective March 23, 2017.

Roll Call Vote: Yes votes: Connet, Gallegly, Major, Pfister, Murphy No votes: None Motion carried.

8.10 Action on Natural Gas Provider

Pfister moved, seconded by Connet, Recommend approving Vanguard Enery as the provider for Natural Gas to the District for 24 months.

Roll Call Vote: Yes votes: Gallegly, Major, Pfister, Murphy, Connet No votes: None Motion carried.

8.10.1 Action on Memorandum of Understanding between Carbondale Elementary School District No. 95 and the Illinois State Board of Education

Connet moved, seconded by Gallegly, Recommend approving the Memorandum of Understanding between Carbondale Elementary School District No. 95 and the Illinois State Board of Education to participate in the State Exchange Program employing international visiting teachers to teach bilingual education.

Roll Call Vote: 

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

No votes: None 

Motion carried.

8.10.2 Action to Establish Date for Carbondale Middle School Promotion

Pfister moved, seconded by Connet, Recommend that the Carbondale Middle School Promotion be held on Friday, May 26, 2017 at 9:00 am

Voice Vote: Yes votes: Pfister, Murphy, Connet, Gallegly, Major No votes: None Motion carried.

9. Next Scheduled Meetings

9.1 Tuesday, March 28, 2017

Land & Building Committee Meeting CES95 Administrative Center 925 South Giant City Road Carbondale,

Tuesday, April 4, 2017 Public Relations Committee Meeting CES95 Administrative Center 925 South Giant City Road Carbondale, IL 62902 4:00 pm

Wednesday, April 5, 2017 Policy Committee Meeting CES95 Administrative Center 925 South Giant City Road Carbondale, IL 62902 5:00 PM

Thursday, April 27, 2017 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)

10. Public Comments

Jennifer Hartlieb, 3rd Grade Teacher

• Concerned about the CMS promotion ceremony being on the same date as the last day of school.

• May have to miss a half day with students in order to attend daughter’s promotion.

• Feels that teachers who have children in the District are penalized.

• Does not feel it is fair.

• At the February 23, 2017 meeting, Mr. Reed asked if the Superintendent’s report on academic progress included the I Can Read Program students, in which Mrs. Murphy responded that the students would be included as part of the student body.

• Concerned about past shooting incidents that occurred near the Eurma Hayes Center where the I Can Read Program is located.

• Has been told some of the students and staff of the I Can Read Program witness the incidents.

• Suggested a police car be parked near the center.

• Asked what is being done to ensure the safety of students at the I Can Read Program. Mr. Shimshak responded that the District has reached out to the I Can Read Program to propose that the program be housed at one of the schools.

• Mr. Major responded the District is trying to help the I Can Read Program.

• Mrs. Murphy responded that the District supports the I Can Read Program but that it’s currently a separate entity. She asked if Mr. Reed would also take his concern to City Council. He confirmed he would.

• Responded to Mr. Reed: The shooting incident did not occur on the property of the Eurma Hayes Center.

• Ms. Lacey was in the parking lot at the time of the incident and has corrected the account with the Carbondale Police and The Southern newspaper.

• The incident did not have any connection with the Eurma Hayes Center.

• No staff has reported seeing any of the people involved in the incident at the center.

• Mr. Shimshak responded that the proposal to the I Can Read program was independent of any incident that has occurred. Partnership with the program has been ongoing.

Jennifer Hartlieb, 3rd Grade Teacher

• Requested that Parent Teacher conferences not be scheduled on the same nights at all schools for teachers who have children who attend.

• Mr. Shimshak responded that he has met with the CEA to discuss the conferences. When the school calendar is adopted, the dates for the conferences are not included.

Norman Barnes, Regional Manager of Durham School Services

• Thanked the CES95 School Board for selecting Durham Services as the bus transportation service provider.

• Hopes to meet the District’s expectations.

• Has been selected to serve other counties in the past and has had success. Looking forward to working with the District.

Erinn Murphy, Board Secretary

• Reminded the audience to vote on April 4th.

Post Executive Session:

Roll Call: John Major, President Roger Pfister, Vice President Erinn Murphy, Secretary Ed Benyas (arrived at 10:02 pm) Michelle Connet Robert Gallegly

Pfister moved, seconded by Gallegly, to re-enter Executive Session for the purpose of discussing matters relating to the performance, evaluation, and compensation of specific personnel matters relating to student discipline, matters relating to collective bargaining, and matters relating to pending litigation at 10:12 PM.

Roll Call Vote: 

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

No votes: None 

Motion carried.

Murphy moved, seconded by Connet, to adjourn Post Executive Session at 10:45 pm.

Roll Call Vote: 

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

No votes: None 

Motion carried.

8.22 Action on Release of Non-Tenured Teachers

Murphy moved, seconded by Gallegly, Recommend the following non-tenured teachers be released at the close of the 2016 – 2017 school year:

• Carlee Coplea, ESL Teacher at Lewis Elementary School

• Lisa Kuersten, 3rd Grade Teacher at Thomas Elementary School

Roll Call Vote: 

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

No votes: None 

Motion carried.

11. Adjournment

Benyas moved, seconded by Gallegly, to adjourn at 10:49 pm.

Voice Vote: 

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

No votes: None 

Motion carried.

https://docs.google.com/viewerng/viewer?url=https://www.ces95.org//cms/lib/IL01904503/Centricity/Domain/30/Minutes_23_March_2017.pdf