Carbondale Elementary School District #95 Board of Education met February 22.
Here is the minutes provided by the Board:
A regular meeting of the Carbondale Elementary School District No. 95 was held on Thursday, February 22, 2018 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. Carlton Smith, Vice President
Ms. Erinn Murphy, Secretary
Ms. Michelle Connet
Ms. Catherine Field
Ms. Natasha Zaretsky
Administrators present:
Dr. Elizabeth Lewin, Interim Superintendent
Mr. Daniel Booth, Incoming Superintendent
Mr. Justin M. Miller, Assistant Superintendent
Ms. Zeppelyn Brewer, Director of Pupil Services
2.Executive Session 6:05 pm
Roll Call:
Mr. John Major, President
Mr. Carlton Smith, Vice President
Ms. Erinn Murphy, Secretary
Ms. Michelle Connet
Ms. Catherine Field
Mr. Gary Shepherd (arrived at 6:08)
Ms. Natasha Zaretsky
Smith moved, seconded by Murphy, to enter Executive Session at 6:05 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: Murphy, Connet, Field, Zaretsky, Major, Smith
No votes: None
Absent: Shepherd
Motion carried.
Executive Session adjourned at 7:37 PM.
Roll Call Vote:
Yes votes: Major, Connet, Field, Zaretsky, Murphy, Smith, Shepherd
No: None
Absent: None
Motion carried.
3. Public Comments
Thomas School Teachers – Addressed the Board to request money for upcoming field trips to the St. Louis Zoo for 2nd grade and St. Louis Science Center for 3rd grade students in May. The board received a packet detailing the cost. The teachers have raised $500 through fundraising and would like the board to approve funds for the remainder. Erinn Murphy suggested that something go out to the parents asking for a donation. John Major stated that the board would review the packet.
Jennifer Hartlieb read the following statement on behalf of the Carbondale Education Association:
CEA is appreciative of the district’s willingness to look at what instructional materials are needed for the start the 2018-2019 school year. It is evident that you have listened to our concerns and also see the need to make immediate changes in order to better prepare our students. Last Friday, we listened to Matt Buckman from Egyptian Public and Mental Health talk about adverse childhood experiences that affect many of the children we serve and how severely these experiences impact the ability of these children to be successful in school. This guest speaker provided practical information and strategies in order to better understand and help our students. He was very clear on one point that I want to share, as it reinforces what CEA has been trying to say for quite some time. Mr. Buckman made it clear that while it is crucial to understand students’ backgrounds and triggers, it is also crucial to have consequences in place. I spoke with him after most people had left Friday, and he suggested that not having consistent consequences in place only enables children. We have been enabling children for quite some
time. Are we preparing them for life in our society by not having consequences in place for misbehavior? Are they learning anything from their mistakes? It is concerning how our expectations for student conduct have decreased over the past several years. Children need structure and consistency. If you have high expectations, children will rise to meet them.
Discipline in District 95 is very inconsistent; although, we know children thrive with consistency. There are inconsistencies from building to building as well as within buildings. Children get a loud and clear message that they can do as they please. Children are learning early on from their peers that they can hit, use profanity, and be disrespectful without having a consequence; therefore, those behaviors have increased district-wide. We are sending the message that their behavior is ok. It is not ok. We must raise the bar. There must be clear expectations with clear consequences in place to encourage students to make positive choices. The presenter on Friday, told us that the trauma many of our students have experienced can be healed! I ask you if we are doing all we are capable of to assist in the healing of these students? We expect that
under the leadership of Mr. Booth, we will see higher expectations and logical consequences for student behavior. We are looking forward to a new beginning.
Carlton Smith asked Jennifer Hartlieb several questions and asked for examples about the discipline in regards to her statements. Jill Jackson was asked by Ms. Hartlieb to respond to how discipline is at Parrish and Lance Forsberg was asked by Mr. Smith regarding discipline at Thomas School and Mr. Forsberg responded that he can only speak for his class.
4. Approval of Agenda
Murphy moved, seconded by Connet, Recommend approving the Agenda:
Roll Call Vote:
Yes votes: Murphy, Connet, Field, Zaretsky, Major, Smith, Shepherd
No votes: None
Absent: None
Motion carried.
5. Consent Agenda Items
Shepherd moved, seconded by Connet, Recommend approving Consent Agenda Items, 5.2- Financial Reports and 5.3-Communications
Yes votes: Murphy, Field, Zaretsky, Major, Shepherd
No votes: Smith
Abstain: Connet
Absent: None
Motion carried
5.1Minutes – Pulled per request of Carlton Smith
5.11Regular – December 14, 2017
5.12Executive – December 14, 2017
5.13Special – December 19, 2017
5.14Executive – December 19, 2017
5.15Special – January 4, 2018
5.16Executive – January 4, 2018
5.17 Regular – January 25, 2018
5.18 Executive – January 25, 2018
5.2Financial Reports
5.21 Approval of Bills
5.22Treasurer’s Report
5.23Monthly Budget Report
5.24 School Activity Fund Reports
5.3Communications
5.31FOIA Requests – FOIA: 1/29/18 and 1/31/18, Elius LaMar Reed requested various documents about the Superintendent search and the hire of Daniel Booth as Superintendent.
FOIA: 1/31/18, Jim Tyrrell of Prairie State Wire requested CEA contract and union member data information.
FOIA: 2/6/18 Carlton Smith, requesting documents pertaining to student failure rate and teacher attendance. Dr. Lewin made available documentation regarding this request on 2/7/2018.
FOIA: 2/7/18 Angela Grimmer, CEA President, requesting contracts and goals for Justin Miller and Colleen Doyle-Parrott.
FOIA: 2/8/18, Dr. Seymour Bryson, NAACP Education Committee Chair, requesting school discipline information, student demographics and staff demographics.
FOIA: 2/12/18, Brendan Fant, Paralegal with Beard Law Firm, requesting on board bus video footage.
FOIA: 2/15/18 Stephen Chichelli, SmartProcure, requesting vendor and purchasing information.
5.32Statements of Economic Interest – mailed February 12, 2018
5.33Donations - None
6.Committee Reports
6.1 President’s Remarks – John Major
6.11•A Board Retreat was held on February 10, 2018 at the CES95 Administrative Center from 9:00 am-3:00 pm
•(5) Board members attended the Chamber of Commerce Annual Banquet on February 16, 2018 at the SIU Student Center Ballrooms
•IASB Division Dinner is March 13, 2018 at Meridian CUSD 101, Mounds, IL
6.2Committee Reports
6.21 Public Relations Committee – Erinn Murphy
•The Public Relations Committee met on February 6, 2018 at 4:00pm at the CES95 Administrative Center
•The committee reviewed old business regarding the banner timeline, discussed district t-shirts for 18-19 school year, and gave updates on the budget, school video, parent volunteers, and senior volunteer program.
•The committee’s new business discussion items were: PR/communication ideas and information from Triple 1 conference, District PR/Communication coordinator and Carbondale Connections (feedback and schedule)
•Ms. Field sent information to the PR Committee from a local relator asking for a “brag” sheet about the district.
•Mr. Booth talked about the strengths and vision for the district in an interview on Talk of the Town.
•Next Carbondale Connections meeting is May 22, 2018 at CMS from 6:00-7:30pm.
•The Public Relations next scheduled meeting is April 3, 2018 at 4:00PM at the CES95 Administrative Center
6.22 Personnel Committee – None
6.3District Reports
6.31 Director of Pupil Services, Zeppelyn Brewer – No Report
6.32 Director of Curriculum, Instruction and Assessments, Colleen Doyle-Parrott –
No Report
6.33 Assistant Superintendent, Justin Miller
• Mr. Miller presented a copy of the job description for the Director of
Communications position. Mr. Miller asked the board if the candidate’s residency is a requirement or preference. This position will be shared 60/40 with Carbondale Community High School. This will be a CES95 non-certified employee and the High School will be billed based on their usage.
•Mr. Miller discussed the Evidence Based Funding Model and the amount of money the district will receive.
•Mr. Miller talked about upcoming summer projects and he will compile a list of positions to hire for which also includes plans to hire (2) high school students for summer work.
•Mr. Miller will send a email to the Policy Committee with possible meeting dates so that they can meet sometime in March.
6.34 Interim Superintendent, Dr. Elizabeth Lewin
•Monthly Suspension Report were included in Board packets
•Dr. Lewin distributed a booklet titled Illinois Constitution Position Statements to each board member
•The IASB sent an application for school board governments recognition. Dr. Lewin wanted to share requirements of the award with the board so that they can be prepared for next year to compete for the award.
•Dr. Lewin met with the CMS faculty regarding scheduling. Principal Ross gave a general overview of the schedules developed by her teachers.
Carlton Smith asked about the monthly suspension report and expressed his concern regarding the report reflecting (0) In-School Suspensions for the month after hearing the earlier remarks made by Jennifer Hartlieb. Dr. Lewin addressed his concern. John Major replied that when Jill Jackson and Lance Forsberg spoke earlier he heard them both say that their principals at Parrish and Thomas support them. Carlton Smith asked if there is In-School Suspension at each of the schools. Dr. Lewin asked the principals to respond: Marilynn Ross stated that CMS does have ISS and that Lewis School also utilized the ISS room at CMS when needed. Dr. Bonds stated that she has to obtain a sub for in-school at Thomas so depending on the availability she does have in-school suspension but it is not consistent on a daily basis. Carlton Smith again questioned about the inconsistent discipline and Dr. Bonds explained the steps that she goes through when handling discipline at her school.
7.Old Business - None
8. New Business
8.1Action on Classified Personnel
8.11 Employment of Student Supervisor Aide
Field moved, seconded by Shepherd, Recommend the employment of DreShean Payne as a Student Supervisor Aide for the 2017-2018 school year, pending a clear CBI.
Roll Call Vote
Yes votes: Field, Zaretsky, Major, Murphy, Connet, Smith, Shepherd
No votes: None
Abstained: None
Absent: None
Motion carried
8.12Action on Director of Communications Position
Murphy moved, seconded by Smith, Recommend posting for the position of Director of Communications based on the job description presented.
Discussion: Catherine Field stated that she had been thinking about what was said regarding not making residency a requirement, she feels that it is a good point and that she understands that you can’t expect someone to sell their house and move to the district for a $48,000 job, but at the same time, people that live in this district, that is a pretty good job and I would like to see it go to someone that already lives in the district and pays taxes in this community is her preference.
Roll Call Vote
Yes votes: Field, Zaretsky, Major, Murphy, Connet, Smith, Shepherd
No votes: None
Abstained: None
Absent: None
Motion carried
8.2 Action on Certified Personnel
8.21Employment of Temporary Special Education Teacher
Field moved, seconded by Connet, Recommend the employment of Andrea Martin as a Temporary Special Education Teacher for (2) Middle School Class Periods per day for the remainder of the 2017-2018 school year.
Roll Call Vote
Yes votes: Field, Zaretsky, Major, Connet, Murphy, Smith, Shepherd
No votes: None
Absent: None
Motion carried.
8.22Employment of Temporary Elementary Teacher
Field moved, seconded by Murphy, Recommend the employment of Morgan Jones as a Temporary 4th grade Elementary Teacher at Lewis School for the remainder of the 2017-2018 school year.
Roll Call Vote
Yes votes: Field, Zaretsky, Major, Connet, Murphy, Smith, Shepherd
No votes: None
Absent: None
Motion carried.
8.23Employment of Special Assignments
Field moved, seconded by Zaretsky, Recommend the employment of the following Special Assignments for the 2017 – 2018 school year:
Carbondale Middle School
Assistant Girls Track – Katie Acray
Roll Call Vote
Yes votes: Field, Zaretsky, Major, Connet, Murphy, Smith, Shepherd
No votes: None
Absent: None
Motion carried.
8.24Action on Curriculum and Instruction Director Contract
Recommend for approval the contract extension of the Director of Curriculum and Instruction.
Zaretsky moved to amend the Superintendent’s recommendation, seconded by Field, To authorize notice to the employee not to extend the contract and to provide notice by April 1, 2018.
Discussion: Gary Shepherd stated that he is disturbed in going against the recommendation of the Superintendent.
Roll Call Vote
Yes votes: Field, Zaretsky, Major, Connet, Murphy, Smith
No votes: Shepherd
Absent: None
Motion carried.
8.3Action on Memorandum of Understanding Agreement between Southern Illinois University Carbondale Head Start and Local Education Agencies (LEAs) in Jackson and Williamson Counties.
Murphy moved, seconded by Shepherd, Recommend approving the Memorandum of Understanding Agreement between Southern Illinois University Carbondale Head Start and Local Education Agencies (LEAs) in Jackson and Williamson Counties. The purpose of this agreement is to define roles and responsiblities of each agency to coordinate, collaborate, and maintain ongoing communication, and to exchange information on the provision of educational and non-educational services to meet the needs of children and families.
Roll Call Vote
Yes votes: Zaretsky, Major, Connet, Field, Murphy, Smith, Shepherd
No votes: None
Absent: None
Motion carried.
8.4Action on Service Agreement with ABBCO Service Corporation
Murphy moved, seconded by Field, Recommend approving the service agreement between ABBCO Service Corporation and Carbondale Elementary School District 95 under the current pricing for the period of (12) months beginning July 1, 2018 with an option for a one (1) year extention upon mutual agreeement unless written notice of termination be given by either party at least (30) days prior to the expiration of the initial or then current term to cancel in whole or in part.
Roll Call Vote
Yes votes: Zaretsky, Major, Connet, Field, Murphy, Smith, Shepherd
No votes: None
Absent: None
Motion carried.
8.5Action on Memorandum of Agreement between Carbondale Elementary School District No. 95 and The Board of Trustees of Southern Illinois University.
Connet moved, seconded by Smith, Recommend approving the Memorandum of Agreement between Carbondale Elementary School District No. 95 and The Board of Trustees of Southern Illinois University for the use of facilities to provide opportunities for graduate assistants to perform services for Carbondale Elementary School District No. 95 and obtain valuable experience from August 16, 2018 – May 15, 2019 unless earlier terminated. The University will provide (4) supervised graduate student teaching assistants to assist in the two-way Spanish/English immersion program. The cost for a (10) hour a week graduate assistanship is a monthly stipened of $719 per student per semester and a (20) hour a week monthly stipend is $1,438 in addition to a primary care fee for Fall 2018 and Spring 2019 of $120 per student per semester.
Discussion: Gary Shepherd asked does SIU pick up any of that cost? Miller replied: No, it falls all on the district. Murphy asked is this the first year of using these students…but they were also the students that did foreign language…Is this working better? Mr. Miller will do a follow-up regarding that question.
Roll Call Vote
Yes votes: Zaretsky, Major, Smith, Shepherd
No votes: Murphy, Connet, Field
Absent: None
Motion carried.
8.6Action on School Improvement Plans for Parrish, Thomas, Lewis, and Carbondale Middle School.
Murphy moved, seconded by Connet, Recommend approving the School Improvement Plans for Parrish, Thomas, Lewis, and Carbondale Middle School for the 2017-2018 school year.
Discussion: Gary Shepherd asked, The plans are created but is there a process to see if we are fulfilling the plans? Justin Miller replied: Yes and explained the processes and committees that are put in place to make revisions where necessary. Carlton Smith asked if the plans are in line with the intended changes the district is considering with the new administration? Justin Miller was unclear on what Mr. Smith was asking but stated the plans were put together at the building level for the year and when the new Superintendent starts on July 1 a meeting will take place again with the committees.
Roll Call Vote
Yes votes: Zaretsky, Major, Connet, Field, Murphy, Smith, Shepherd
No votes: None
Absent: None
Motion carried.
8.7Action on Federal Financial Internal Controls and Procedures Plan
Murphy moved, seconded by Connet, Recommend approving the Federal Internal Controls and Procedures Plan for the distict as presented.
Discussion: Mr. Miller stated this is part of the new fedral regulation under GATA on how we do internal controls. We had to put in more documentation of our internal controls. It does not change what we do but it is a more formal way of saying what we have already done to meet compliance.
Roll Call Vote
Yes votes: Zaretsky, Major, Connet, Field, Murphy, Smith, Shepherd
No votes: None
Absent: None
Motion carried.
9.Next Scheduled Meetings
9.1Thursday, March 8, 2018
Personnel Committee Meeting
CES95 Administrative Center
925 S. Giant City Road
Carbondale, IL 62901
4:30 pm
Thursday, March 22, 2018
Regular Board Meeting (Open To The Public)
CES95 Administrative Center
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 collective bargaining, and matters relating to pending litigation.
7:00 pm Reconvene Regular Board Meeting Public Session (Open To The Public)
Tuesday, April 3, 2018
Public Relations Meeting
CES95 Administrative Center
925 S. Giant City Road
Carbondale, IL 62901
4:00 pm
10Public Comments (Name & Address of Person Speaking)
Lance Forsberg – Wanted to briefly address about his relationship with Dr. Bonds and discipline. He works hard to listen to what Dr. Bonds wants. He commented that Jennifer Hartlieb comes and speaks every month and she is not making these things up and that he sits in the meetings and listen to the stories, but he does not want to name names because he is just responsible for himself and doesn’t want to speak for anyone else. But just so you know that every person that feels good about the discipline in their room and their principal, there are other teachers that are feeling frustrated. Jennifer is there to help with bridging the gap between faculty and administration. Carlton Smith thanked Lance for his comment.
Tana Nikolic – Spoke regarding the SIU student she has in her class named Maria. Ms. Nikolic went on to give accolades on how great Maria is and how she and Ms. Martinez are great assets to her and the students in her classroom.
Ellis Reed – Asked why minutes are not available. Mr. Miller replied that due to being pulled, there are not approved to be distributed. Mr. Reed asked what was the discipline for the student that brought the BB gun to school. Mr. Major replied that could not be discussed. Mr. Reed asked about employment deadlines…Can a person submit an application after the deadline and still be considered for employment? John Major replied: No, Mr. Reed went on to comment, How did Mr. Booth apply after the closing deadline of the Superintendent posting? No reply was given!
Stephanie Rushing – Asked the Board to please consider the Grade Level Schedule. It’s not just a schedule but it will help keep the building safe, students structured, and provide a minute-by-minute movement of our kids. The Grade Level Schedule also helps parents to be able to meet with all of their child’s teachers at the same time, which will help, prevent a child from slipping through the cracks. We need the schedule that will meet the needs of (3) things: Communication, Student Growth, and Behavior. Carlton Smith asked several questions to Ms. Rushing to get an understanding of her outlook on the schedule. Dr. Lewin also replied with an overall view of the concept of what it takes to develop middle school schedules. Dr. Lewin also indicated that the chosen schedule would be one that meets the needs of every student.
Laura Bishop – Ms. Bishop is the band booster president and she asked that Fine Arts continue to be incorporated in the middle school schedule. Especially, band and jazz band.
11Adjournment
Shepherd moved, seconded by Field, Recommend Adjournment at 9:08PM.
Voice Vote:
Yes votes: Major, Connet, Field, Zaretsky, Murphy, Smith, Shepherd
No votes: None
Absent: None
Motion carried.
https://www.ces95.org/Page/56
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