Carbondale Reporter

Carbondale Elementary School District #95 Board of Education met April 27.

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

Mr. Edward Benyas

Mr. David Biggs

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

Mr. Edward Benyas

Mr. David Biggs

Ms. Michelle Connet

Mr. Robert Gallegly

Benyas moved, seconded by Gallegly, to enter Executive Session at 6:04 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, Benyas, Biggs, Connet, Gallegly, Major

No votes: None

Motion carried.

Benyas moved, seconded by Biggs, to adjourn Executive Session at 7:03 pm.

Roll Call Vote:

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

No: None

Motion carried.

3. Public Comments – John Major

Jennifer Hartlieb, 3rd Grade Teacher:

• Member of the Carbondale Education Association and President of the Faculty Council.

• Thanked the outgoing Board of Education members for work done on behalf of the District.

• Announced the Public Education Rallies that will take place at each of the District’s schools on Monday, May 1, 2017, a half hour before school begins.

• Concerned about the lack of trust between teachers and administrators.

• Stated teachers feel underappreciated and overwhelmed with the demands placed upon them.

• Concerned about student discipline. Stated students have little to no consequences for misbehavior.

• Stated CEA members believe that the Curriculum Mapping project seems “rushed” and concerned that not all grade levels will be represented.

• Concerned that teachers will not have input on the project due to Summer schedule conflicts and vacation time. Would like some of the project to take place during the work day to ensure greater teacher input.

• Hopes new board members will help facilitate more dialogue between the teachers and the administration. Looks forward to working with the new board.

4. Approval of Agenda

Pfister moved, seconded by Biggs, Recommend Approving the Agenda.

Roll Call Vote:

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

No votes: None

Motion carried.

5. Consent Agenda Items

Murphy moved, seconded by Biggs, Recommend approving the Consent

Agenda Items:

5.1 Pfister moved, seconded by Benyas to pull the minutes for the March 20, 2017 Executive Session and the April 10, 2017 Regular Session from agenda item 5.1 for corrections:

• Changing the arrival time for Mr. Benyas on the March 20, 2017 Executive Session minutes

• Changing the April 10, 2017 minutes to “Special Board Meeting”

Roll Call Vote:

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

No votes: None

Motion carried.

Minutes

5.11 Regular – March 23, 2017

5.12 Executive – March 23 and April 10, 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: Benyas, Biggs, Gallegly, Major, Pfister, Murphy

No votes: None

Abstained: Connet

Motion carried.

6. Committee Reports

6.1 President’s Remarks – None

6.2 Committee Reports

6.21 Parent Teacher Advisory Committee – Michael Shimshak

• The Parent Teacher Advisory Committee met on Monday, March 27, 2017 at 6:00 PM at the CES95 Administrative Center.

• The committee reviewed the Reciprocal Reporting Agreement. A recommendation for the Board to approve it will be made.

• There was feedback received calling for more outreach to parents about the committee. Attendance at the meetings has decreased.

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

6.22 Land and Building Committee – David Biggs

The Land & Building Committee met on Tuesday, March 28, 2017, at 4:15 PM at the CES95 Administrative Center.

• The committee discussed Summer maintenance plans and projects. The focus will be focused on painting, grounds work, light installations, woodchip replacement, and parking lot coating.

• Internal staff and high school workers are being recommended for hire to assist with the projects and work done over the Summer.

• Bids for two maintenance trucks were reviewed that will allow the District to snow plow. The District will go with the lowest bid of two Dodge Ram pickup trucks.

• Two quotes were solicited for replacing security cameras. Funding for the project will be sourced from either restricted health life safety funds or the recently approved sales tax proceeds.

• Performance of the solar panels installed at Carbondale Middle School was discussed. Some panels had to be replaced due to the recent weather storms. The panels are currently performing efficiently.

• 10-year health life safety plans are being reviewed. They are currently in effect until 2018.

6.23 Policy Committee – Roger Pfister

• The Policy Committee met on Wednesday, April 5, 2017, at 5:00 PM at the CES95 Administrative Center.

• The committee discussed new and updated IASB policies, updates to the Parent Student Handbook for the 2017-2018 school year, the draft of the Reciprocal Reporting Agreement, and policies undergoing a 5- year review.

• The next committee meeting has not been scheduled at this time.

• Mr. Pfister thanked all members who have served on the committee.

6.3 Administrative/Staff Reports

6.31 Assistant Superintendent’s Report – Justin M. Miller

Mr. Miller reported the following:

• Will recommend new hires for Summer work positions. Two internal staff maintenance workers, two internal staff secretaries, and two high school student workers will be recommended.

• Will recommend an increase in the rate charge for the After School Program to help cover expenses by $0.25. The holding charge will be removed.

• Discussed the financial reports for March. The District is behind on revenues. Quarterly categorical payments have not been received from the State.

• Mr. Miller does not anticipate receiving the $1.1 million due from the State before June, which could lead to a potential deficit budget for the District this year.

• Next year’s budget is being reviewed and planned. Payments from General State Aid are still being received.

• There is not a waitlist for the After School Program at this time. Another staff member was hired at the beginning of the school year.

• 75 to 80 students attend the After School Program. Specific staff members are used as coordinators.

• There was a discussion of certain events that occurred on March 24, 2017. Mr. Miller stated he has not received feedback at this time.

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

Mrs. Doyle-Parrott reported the following:

• PARCC and the Illinois Science Assessment testing will be finished by the end of this week.

• Online Registration will run until May 5, 2017. Calls were made to parents to remind them tonight. Changes to the website were made to help accommodate.

• Introduced Lewis Elementary School Principal Kristine Uffelman and teachers Melanie Tate and Karen Pfeifer, to present on the PBIS program:

1. Shared a presentation on the PBIS program at Lewis School.

2. School staff organized events for the PBIS program, such as Family Bingo Night. The event had a large turnout. Donations from local businesses assisted in awarding students.

3. Discovery Days also took place to help students with career exploration. There were 22 presenters in total from various institutions. The students were able to pick 4 activities to participate in. Shared pictures from the Discovery Days.

4. Family Fun Night combined literacy learning and games. SIU and community group representatives hosted tables at the event. WSIL covered the event.

5. A team of teachers and school staff collaborate to organize the PBIS program events and activities.

6.33 Director of Pupil Services – Zeppelyn Brewer

Mrs. Zeppelyn Brewer reported the following:

• Met with the Comprehensive Intervention Coach Susan Heape to discuss professional development activities for next year.

• A survey has been developed that will be distributed to Special Education and Intervention teachers at each building to get feedback on CIP and plan for next year.

6.34 Superintendent’s Report – Michael Shimshak

Mr. Shimshak reported the following:

• Acknowledged and congratulated Carbondale Middle School Principal Marilynn Ross who was named by the Illinois Principal Association Shawnee Division as Principal of the Year.

• The Parrish School Pre-Kindergarten program will receive the Award of Excellence from the State Superintendent on May 17, 2017.

• The teacher retirement party has been scheduled for May 18, 2017 at Flame Restaurant. We have three retirees this year: Dawn Leahy, Kate Baba, and Betsy Brown.

• An all staff breakfast for the end of the year is being planned to award service certificates to teachers and staff who have reached benchmark years. Date for the event is to be determined.

6.35 Enrollment Report

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

7. Old Business

7.1 Action to Amend the School Calendar for the 2016 – 2017 school year

Murphy moved, seconded by Connet, Recommend amending the 2016 – 2017 school calendar as follows: Friday, May 26, 2017 as the last day of attendance for grades K – 7.

Roll Call Vote:

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

No votes: None

Motion carried.

7.2 Action on Parent Student Handbook

Gallegly moved, seconded by Connet, Recommend adopting the Parent Student Handbook for the 2017 – 2018 school year.

Voice Vote:

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

No votes: None

Motion carried.

7.3 Action on Reciprocal Reporting Agreement

Benyas moved, seconded by Connet, Recommend adopting the Reciprocal Reporting Agreement effective April 27, 2017.

Voice Vote:

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

No votes: None

Motion carried.

8 New Business

8.1 First Reading of IASB New and Updated Policies:

2.100 Board Member Conflict of Interest

3.70 Succession of Authority – with “no” to option 1

4.15 Identity Protection

4.130-EFree and Reduced Food Services; Meal Charge Notifications

5.120 Employee Ethics, Conduct, and Conflict of Interest

5.230 Maintaining Student Discipline

5.285 Drug and Alcohol Testing for School Bus and Commerical Vehicle Drivers

5.300 Schedules and Employment year

6.70 Teaching About Religions

7.100 Health, Eye, & Dental Examinations; Immunizations; Student Exclusions – without option 1 and 2

7.285 Food Allergy Management Program – to reapprove

No Action Required

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

First Reading of IASB Policies Undergoing 5-Year Review and Reapproval:

4.180 Pandamic Preparedness

5.70 Religious Holidays

5.80 Court Duty

5.210 Resignations

5.320 Evaluation

5.180 Temporary Illness or Temporary Incapacity

5.185 Family and Medical Leave

No Action Required

8.3 Adoption of Election Results

Biggs moved, seconded by Gallegly, Recommend adopting election results.

Voice Vote:

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

No votes: None

Motion carried.

8.4 Adjournment sine die

Gallegly moved, seconded by Benyas, Recommend adjournment sine die and the appointment of Attorney Don Prosser as President Pro-Tem.

Voice Vote:

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

No votes: None

Motion carried.

President Major announced the retirement of the 2015 – 2017 CES95 Board of Education

Presentations to retiring Board members

8.5 Reorganization of Board

8.51 Installation of New Board Members

• Oath administered by Mr. Don Prosser to Catherine Field, Gary Shepherd, Carlton Smith, and Natasha Zaretsky.

• Oath of office was taken.

8.52 Roll Call:

Upon roll call, the following members were present:

Mr. John Major

Mrs. Erinn Murphy

Ms. Michelle Connet

Ms. Catherine Field

Mr. Gary Shepherd

Mr. Carlton Smith

Ms. Natasha Zaretsky

8.53 Election of Officers

8.53.1 Office of President

Murphy moved, seconded by Connet, Nomination for Mr. John Major as President for a 2-year term.

Murphy moved, seconded by Connet, Nominations be closed.

Voice Vote:

Yes votes: Murphy, Connet, Field, Zaretsky, Major

No votes: Shepherd, Smith

Motion carried.

Mr. John Major elected.

8.53.2 Office of Vice President

Murphy moved, seconded by Major, Nomination for Ms. Michelle Connet as Vice President of the 2017 – 2019 School Board.

Voice Vote:

Yes votes: Murphy, Connet, Major

No votes: None

Abstained by default: Field, Shepherd, Smith, Zaretsky

Motion denied.

Zaretsky moved, seconded by Field, Nomination for Mr. Carlton Smith as Vice President for a 2-year term.

Voice Vote:

Yes votes: Field, Shepherd, Smith, Zaretsky

No votes: None

Abstained by default: Murphy, Connet, Major

Motion carried.

Mr. Carlton Smith elected.

8.53.3 Office of Secretary

Connet moved, seconded by Shepherd, Nomination for Mrs. Erinn Murphy as Secretary for a 2-year term.

Smith moved, seconded by Shepherd, Nominations be closed.

Voice Vote:

Yes votes: Field, Shepherd, Smith, Zaretsky, Major, Murphy, Connet

No votes: None

Motion carried.

Mrs. Erinn Murphy elected.

8.6 Committee Assignments – Major

President-elect is responsible for appointing chairpersons and members to the standing committees. There are seven committees and a seven-member Board. Board members can contact Mr. Major if interested. Public notice will go out of all committee meetings at the next Board meeting.

Information Only, No Action Required

8.7 Motion and Roll Call Vote to go into Executive Session (Closed)

Tabled

8.8 Action on Classified Personnel

8.81 Action on Classified Substitutes – None

8.82 Action on Resignations

Connet moved, seconded by Smith, Recommend accepting the resignation of Jessica Edmond, Instructional Aide at Carbondale Middle School, effective retroaction to April 14, 2017, and Shelley Mays, EOC Aide at Lewis Elementary School effective April 28, 2017.

Voice Vote:

Yes votes: Smith, Zaretsky, Major, Murphy, Connet, Field, Shepherd

No votes: None

Motion carried.

8.83 Action on Summer Work Personnel

Shepherd moved, seconded by Connet, Recommend approving the following

temporary Summer workers:

• Marquita Bailey – Painter, 400 hours, $14 per hour

• Lisa Kuersten – Painter, 400 hours, $14 per hour

• Leatreasa Lilly Madison – Central Office Secretary Worker, 150 hours, $12 per hour

• Patsy Rodgers – Central Office Secretary Worker, 150 hours, $12 per hour

• Ryan McGoy – High School Worker, 400 hours, $10 per hour

• Amiel Gould – High School Worker, 400 hours, $10 per hour

Roll Call Vote:

Yes votes: Zaretsky, Major, Murphy, Connet, Field, Shepherd, Smith

No votes: None

Motion carried.

8.9 Action on Certified Personnel

8.91 Action on Resignations

Murphy moved, seconded by Connet, Recommend accepting resignations of Pamela Chappell, 5th Grade Teacher at Lewis School, and Jamie Hogue, Assistant Principal at Parrish Elementary School, effective at the end of the 2016 – 2017 school year.

Voice Vote:

Yes votes: Major, Murphy, Connet, Field, Shepherd, Smith, Zaretsky

No votes: None

Motion carried.

8.92 Employment of School Psychologist

Connet moved, seconded by Murphy, Recommend the employment of Katherine Ancell as a School Psychologist for the 2017 – 2018 school year, pending a clear CBI.

Roll Call Vote:

Yes votes: Murphy, Field, Shepherd, Smith, Zaretsky, Major

No votes: None

Abstained: Connet

Motion carried.

8.93 Employment of School Social Worker

Field moved, seconded by Connet, Recommend the employment of Juanita Drue as a School Social Worker assigned to Carbondale Middle School for the 2017 – 2018 school year, pending a clear CBI.

Roll Call Vote:

Yes votes: Field, Shepherd, Smith, Zaretsky, Major, Murphy

No votes: None

Motion carried.

8.94 Employment of Two-Way Immersion Teachers

Murphy moved, seconded by Connet, to table the employment of Two-Way Immersion Teachers.

Tabled

Voice Vote:

Yes votes: Field, Shepherd, Smith, Zaretsky, Major, Murphy, Connet

No votes: None

Motion tabled.

8.95 Employment of Special Education Teachers

Shephed moved, seconded by Smith, to table the employment of Special Education Teachers.

Tabled

Voice Vote:

Yes votes: Shepherd, Smith, Zaretsky, Major, Murphy, Connet, Field

No votes: None

Motion tabled.

8.96 Employment of English as a Second Language Teacher

Field moved, seconded by Connet, to table the employment of an English as a Second Language Teacher.

Tabled

Voice Vote:

Yes votes: Smith, Zaretsky, Major, Murphy, Connet, Field, Shepherd

No votes: None

Motion tabled.

8.97 Employment of Board Certified Behavior Analyst

Field moved, seconded by Connet, to table the employment of a Board Certified Behavior Analyst.

Tabled

Voice Vote:

Yes votes: Zaretsky, Major, Murphy, Connet, Field, Shepherd, Smith

No votes: None

Motion tabled.

8.10 Action on Interagency Working Agreement with Child & Family Connections #24.

Connet moved, seconded by Smtih, Recommend approving the Interagency Working Agreement between Carbondale Elementary School District No. 95 and Child & Family Connections effective April 27, 2017.

Roll Call Vote:

Yes votes: Major, Murphy, Connet, Field, Shepherd, Smith, Zaretsky

No votes: None

Motion carried.

8.10.1 Action on After School Program Rate Charge

Murphy moved, seconded by Connet, Recommend approving a $3.00 per hour rate charge for the After School Program at Parrish Elementary School effective for the 2017 – 2018 school year.

Roll Call Vote:

Yes votes: Murphy, Connet, Field, Shepherd, Smith, Zaretsky, Major

No votes: None

Motion carried.

8.10.2 Action on School Calendar for 2017 - 2018

Murphy moved, seconded by Connet, Recommend approving the School Calendar for the 2017 – 2018 school year.

Roll Call Vote:

Yes votes: Connet, Field, Shepherd, Smith, Zaretsky, Major, Murphy

No votes: None

Motion carried.

9. Next Scheduled Meetings

9.1 Thursday, May 25, 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

Tana Nikolic, Thomas School Teacher:

• Thanked the previous Board members for their support of the TWI program.

• Asked the Board to consider including people who are bilingual in Arabic or Spanish when hiring for positions within the District. Concerned on the behalf of students who may be affected.

Elis Reed, Carbondale, IL:

• Asked if the District has an at-will employment policy in place for employees where an employee can be terminated for any reason.

• Stated a teacher told Mr. Reed that she was terminated according to at-will employment policy. Mr. Shimshak answered that teachers cannot be terminated as at-will employees. The Collective Bargaining Agreement covers their employment. There is not an at-will employment policy for certified staff.

• Asked if there was an at-will employment policy for any employee. Mr. Shimshak answered that non-certified staff are technically considered at-will employees.

• Asked if the District teachers, staff, and students participate in the planned activities for the upcoming 2017 solar eclipse. Mr. Shimshak answered that the day will be non-attendance and that he’s contacted NASA to work with them to conduct activities in the school previous to the eclipse. Mrs. DoyleParrott responded that some teachers will be attending a workshop at Giant City next week to plan for solar eclipse activities next Fall.

Lisa Kuersten, 3rd Grade Teacher:

• Asked what CIM means and is abbreviated for. Mrs. Brewer answered it stands for Comprehension Intervention Model.

• Asked that the District consider offering intervention training to all teachers. Mrs. Brewer responded that she will discuss the training in great detail at next month’s meeting and that the coaches have been actively meeting to discuss how to offer more formulized training to teachers.

Annette Jaynes, Lewis School Teacher:

• Asked about the items for Southwest Airlines and Hotels.com in the Bills Payable List under conferences and travel. Mrs. Doyle-Parrott answered that 4 teachers from Thomas School attended a conference they won a registration scholarship for.

Margaret Nesbitt, Carbondale, IL:

• Congratulated the new Board members.

• Asked that more African American teachers be considered when hiring for positions.

• Asked if the position under Agenda Item 8.97 is new that was tabled. Mrs. Brewer answered that it is a new position.

• Asked that the new Board members be better informed of agenda items and that they study.

• Stated there is no time for discussions and arguments during meetings.

• Stated that the Board is here for the students and the parents.

• Thanked the Board for their time.

Carlton Smith, Board Vice President:

• Read section 6.244 of the Illinois School Regulations and Survey book that states the school board may not establish rules that addresses the content of speech.

• Believes that limiting comments only to items on the agenda is in conflict with section 6.244 of the book. Mr. Major responded that he would ask Attorney Don Prosser about the section. Stated he believed the policy is covered under Item 3 public comments.

• Mr. Smith pointed out that for Item 10 public comments, Mr. Major continuously indicated that only items on the agenda could be discussed and that was not correct according to the statute. Mr. Major responded he would have Mr. Prosser look into it.

• Addressed concerns about Administrators being allowed into Executive Session meetings that are closed to only Board members.

• Stated that Administrators are not Board members and that only the Board can decide to allow them in Executive Session meetings.

• Mr. Major responded that the Administrators give information the Board needs to decide on agenda items such as school programs and applicants recommended for hire. Mr. Smith responded that Administrators listen to information in the meetings that is privileged and may show conflict of interest.

• Mr. Major stated that the Board could request that only the 7 members be allowed into Executive Session meetings. Mr. Smith responded that it is a Board decision, not an individual one. Stated there may be actions taken at the meetings may directly relate to Administrators.

• Stated he would like the Board to decide if they want Administrators in Executive Session meetings.

• Ms. Zaretsky requested that the next Executive Session meeting be confined to just the 7 Board members.

• Mr. Major stated that meetings would have to be recorded. Mr. Smith responded that it was a Board decision according to his book.

• Stated that Administrators should not have been allowed to sit in Executive Session meetings regarding some actions taken in the past.

• Mrs. Murphy asked whether the Recording Secretary be allowed to attend.

• Mr. Smith responded that it should be addressed at the next Board meeting.

• Ms. Zaretsky reconfirmed that she would like the next Executive Session meeting to be confined to just Board members.

• Mrs. Murphy asked if this would start in May.

Margaret Nesbitt:

• Stated she believes that the new officers for the Board should not have been elected during General Session. Mrs. Murphy responded that new Board members are informed that is how new officers are elected and that it is Parliamentary Procedure.

• Stated she believes the meeting was a setup. Mrs. Murphy responded that she is sorry to hear that.

Carlos Cerrato, Carbondale, IL:

• Stated he believed that no meetings should be recording based on his understanding. Mrs. Murphy responded that recording the meetings is written law. The recordings have to be maintained for a certain amount of time.

• Stated that no one should be in the Executive Session meetings who are not Board members. Mrs. Murphy responded that if they are invited, they can be present.

• Stated he took a training to be a Board member and that Administrators should not be closed session meetings. Mrs. Murphy responded again that it’s based on invitation and the Board members are also trained.

John Major, Board President:

• Stated he attended Lincoln Jr. High, taught in the District for 37 years, and has been on the Board for 10 years.

• Stated his only intention is his love for the District and doing the best thing for the students.

• People responded to him negatively when asking why he ran for the Board. He answered because he loves the students and teaching.

• Stated that no matter what is said, he is willing to work with the Board in doing what is best for the students and District.

• Believes that the bad reputation the District receives is sometimes unwarranted and has nothing to do with the students.

• Stated that he believes his former students will tell others that his intention is doing what is best.

11. Adjournment

Smith moved, seconded by Connet, to adjourn at 9:17 pm.

Voice Vote:

Yes votes: Major, Murphy, Connet, Field, Shepherd, Smith, Zaretsky

No votes: None

Motion carried.

https://www.ces95.org/site/handlers/filedownload.ashx?moduleinstanceid=77&dataid=1588&FileName=Minutes_April_27_2017.pdf