Carbondale Elementary School District #95 Board of Education met April 26.
Here is the minutes provided by the Board:
1. Roll Call:
Upon roll call, the following members were present:
Mr. John Major, President
Mr. Carlton Smith, Vice President
Ms. Michelle Connet
Ms. Catherine Field
Ms. Natasha Zaretsky
Mr. Gary Shepherd
Administrators present:
Dr. Elizabeth Lewin, Interim Superintendent
Mr. Daniel Booth, Incoming Superintendent
Mr. Justin M. Miller, Assistant Superintendent
2. Meeting of the CES95 Elementary Foundation began at 6:00 pm for the appointment of current CES95 Board Members to the Foundation.
Roll Call: Karen Frietag, Millie McElheny, Michael Carr, Nancy Stemper
Carr moved, seconded by Stemper, Recommend the appointment of John Major, Carlton Smith, Erinn Murphy, Michelle Connet, Catherin Field, Gary Shepherd, and Natasha Zaretsky to the CES95 Elementary Foundation.
Voice Vote:
Yes Votes: Carr, Frietag, McElheny, Stemper
No Votes: None
Motion carried.
Smith moved, seconded by Shepherd, Recommend Justin Miller as Fiscal Agent of the CES95 Elementary Foundation.
Voice Vote:
Yes votes: Shepherd, Connet, Field, Zaretsky, Major, Smith, Murphy
No votes: None
Absent: None
Motion carried.
Next meeting of the CES95 Elementary Foundation Board of Directors: TBA
Smith moved, seconded by Shepherd to adjourn at 6:05 PM.
EXECUTIVE SESSION 6:08 PM
Roll Call:
Mr. John Major, President
Mr. Carlton Smith, Vice President
Ms. Michelle Connet
Ms. Catherine Field
Mr. Gary Shepherd
Ms. Natasha Zaretsky
Field moved, seconded by Connet, to enter Executive Session at 6:08 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: Shepherd, Connet, Field, Zaretsky, Major, Smith, Murphy
No votes: None
Absent: None
Motion carried.
Executive Session adjourned at 6:58 PM.
Roll Call Vote:
Yes votes: Major, Connet, Field, Zaretsky, Smith, Shepherd, Murphy
No: None
Absent: None
Motion carried.
3. Public Comments (Audio is available on the district website)
Charlie Howe – Commented on how the upcoming changes at SIU will affect the community and District 95.
Laura Bishop – Commented on the district wide musical at the Varsity Theater that over 60 of our students are performing and the success/recent accomplishments of the Band/Jazz Band program. Her request is that another faculty member be hired in the music department since Ms. Leenig is retiring so that the music program can continue to grow and flourish.
Stephanie Rushing – Asked the Board to consider a schedule that has team grade levels incorporated in it for the middle school.
Carlton Smith asked Ms. Rushing if she had shared the copy of the schedule she is speaking of with the Teachers, Principal and Administration? Ms. Rushing replied: Yes. Mr. Smith asked for a copy and Ms. Rushing replied that she would email it to him. Dr. Lewin informed Mr. Smith that the schedule is still being worked on.
Jennifer Hartlieb – Read the following statement on behalf of the CEA: It is our hope that the board approves a calendar tonight for the 2018-2019 school year that does not include school improvement days that take place midweek. We are concerned that having them in the middle of the week will cause increased loss of instructional time due to potential increased student absenteeism.
Over the past few months, under the direction of Dr. Lewin, a Curriculum Review team was created out of conversation that took place in Faculty Council. The team was comprised of representatives from each grade level. The purpose of the team was to look at our core subjects to determine areas that are working well and areas of concern. It was abundantly clear that we are lacking resources in writing and reading instruction. The members of the team went back to their grade levels to brainstorm what was needed in order for us to best meet the needs of students next year while we look into adopting programs in these areas for the 2019-2020 school year. Teachers worked as grade levels and buildings to generate a plan for next year that is workable and to determine what materials may be needed to carry out those plans. Teachers were willing to make do with what we currently have for a year without spending unnecessarily large amounts of money. We appreciated the time that was given to us to work together as professionals. The time was well-spent, and teachers have been patient and understanding of the fact that adopting new programs will take time and require research over the next school year. We are hopeful that moving forward under the direction of a new curriculum director, we will find suitable programs that meet the needs of the students of District 95.
Aldo Migone – Commented on his concerns regarding the upcoming changes to the TWI program that affect students from Spanish speaking homes. Mr. Migone proposed several questions to the Board that he would like to be answered. Carlton Smith addressed Mr. Migone’s comments by reiterating the intent of the program and the goal is to get the program back on track and that he will work on getting some answers to Mr. Migone’s questions.
Juran Duran – Juran stated she was there as a translator for the bilingual parents and 2 parents approached the podium (Jasmine Molinar & David Kang) that spoke regarding their concerns about the changes in the TWI program. Carlton Smith reiterated the problems with the current setup of the program and the goals for restructuring the program. Mr. Smith asked Dr. Lewin to respond, Dr. Lewin stated that she is working with all the TWI Teachers to structure how the program will work. Every child that was receiving services will continue to receive services. Natasha Zaretsky also responded regarding the intent of the program and reiterated the goals of restructuring the program. Carlton Smith suggested to the parents joining the BPAC committee.
Kevin Garthe – Spoke regarding his concerns on student passing requirements, discipline, and scheduling at the middle school. Documentation distributed to the board will be filed at the district office.
4. Approval of Agenda
Shepherd moved, seconded by Connet, Recommend approving the Agenda:
Roll Call Vote:
Yes votes: Connet, Field, Zaretsky, Major, Smith, Shepherd, Murphy
No votes: None
Absent: None
Motion carried.
Consent Agenda Items
5. Murphy moved, seconded by Smith, Recommend approving Consent Agenda
Items, 5.1-Minutes, 5.2-Financial Reports and 5.3-Communications
Yes votes: Smith, Field, Zaretsky, Major, Shepherd, Murphy
No votes: None
Abstain: Connet
Absent: None
Motion carried
5.1 5.11 Regular – March 22, 2018
5.12 Executive – March 22, 2018
5.2 Financial Reports
5.21 Approval of Bills
5.22 Treasurer’s Report
5.23 Monthly Budget Report
5.24 School Activity Fund Reports
5.3 Communications
5.31 FOIA Requests - 4/4/18 Edge Point, requesting uncashed checks/warrants 6 months or more from date of FOIA.
4/5/18 Shriver Center, requesting School Resource Officers information.
4/9/18 Roberts Law Firm, requesting documents received by Joseph Lillig or Kimberly Cantwell or any agent pertaining to their children.
5.32 Donations – The members of VFW Post 2605 donated (2) USA
National Standard Flags.
Roll Call Vote
6. Committee Reports
6.1 President’s Remarks – John Major
• IASB Shawnee Division Governing Meeting is May 8, 2018 at Bennie’s Italian Foods in Marion, IL
• The Board has purchased a table for the Eurma C. Hayes Center Restoration of Hope Benefit Banquet on Sunday, May 6, 2018 @ 4:00pm.
• Ms. Margaret Nesbitt received the Phenomenal Woman Award from the Boys and Girls Club during their Phenomenal Woman Showcase on March 29th.
6.2 Committee Reports
6.21 Public Relations Committee –
• Meeting was held April 3, 2018 at 4:00pm
• (2) New members joined – Bob Davenport and Justin Zurlinden
• Discussed candidates/priorities for the Director of Communications position. Interviews will take place on May 9th and May 10th.
• District Banner paperwork was submitted to the City of Carbondale
• Working on district t-shirts for next year.
• Amy Fox completed videos for every school and a video highlighting our Reading Recovery program. The videos are posted through the City’s YouTube channel.
• Carbondale Connections met February 20, 2018. Next Carbondale Connections meeting is May 22, 2018 at 6:00pm. Location/Topic TBA.
• Karen Stallman, SIU Director of Communication will join the PR Committee in June.
• Next Meeting June 5, 2018 at 4:00pm.
• Kudos given to Mrs. Bishop for the Seussical Jr. Musical staring the cast of District 95 students.
• District 95 had several students honored at the High School Top10 banquet.
6.22 Personnel Committee – Justin Miller
• Meeting was held April 23, 2018 at 4:30pm
• Discussed the hiring of the Director of Curriculum and Instructions
• Discussed upcoming interviews/hiring for the Director of Communication
• Discussion on staffing for next year in regards to increasing the number of sections to lower the class size. This will create (4) new positions. The ideal class size is 20 students.
• Discussed the concern on needing additional space. Looking into portable buildings at Thomas and Lewis School.
Discussion: Margaret Nesbitt asked if it would be a meeting to discuss what District 95 is going to do with the evidence base funding model money that was received?
Justin Miller replied that the district will receive this year a little over $57,000. We are going to look at using that to reduce class size.
6.23 Policy Committee – Justin Miller
• Meeting held on April 23, 2018 at 6:00pm.
• The committee reviewed policies listed under 8.1 on the agenda that have minor changes due to change in legal references or word changes to a sentence.
• Discussed the Parent/Student Handbook – Dress Code was a lengthy discussion. The Dress Code Policy updated will be presented at the next board meeting for approval.
• Next meeting TBD
6.3 District Reports
6.31 Director of Pupil Services, Dr. Lewin reported for Zeppelyn Brewer
• Online registration is open for current students: April 23 – May 18, 2018
• An all call have gone out to parents and flyers were sent home with students. Flyers were in English, Spanish, and Arabic.
• Dates were given when Spanish and Arabic translators will be available at each attendance center.
• As of 4/26/18, 204 students have registered.
• All calls will continue to go out every Monday until May 14th which is the last week for returning students to do early registration.
6.32 Director of Curriculum, Instruction and Assessments, Colleen Doyle-Parrott –
No Report
6.33 Assistant Superintendent, Justin Miller
• Report was given within the Personnel Committee report.
6.34 Interim Superintendent, Dr. Elizabeth Lewin
• Monthly Suspension Report was included in Board packets.
• The District wants to encourage everyone to attend the Inspire Girls to Retire, Go further and Do more. The event is April 29th from noon until 4pm. It’s a day of events for girls age 11 to 18 to encourage them in STEM areas. This event is at John A. Logan and sponsored by Southern Illinois and SIU.
Discussion: Carlton Smith asked Dr. Lewin about the report of 218 ISS to date (# stated during Mr. Garthe’s public comments). Dr. Lewin replied that the information supplied each month in the board packets are from the monthly reports submitted from each building. She is unaware of where that total came from.
Carlton Smith asked Dr. Lewin about CMS doing another presentation regarding the block schedule. Dr. Lewin replied, after meeting with the staff the schedule proposed was not possible. With the change of principals, the incoming principal has a strong background in middles school and will be able to work with the staff through the process to get a pure middle school model back in place. Erinn Murphy asked will the Block Schedule disappear and a visual by next months meeting be available? Dr. Lewin replied, due to all the parts to consider in making a schedule, the schedule is still being worked on. Marilynn Ross was also asked about the schedule and she reiterated the schedule is still being working on like Dr. Lewin stated and hopefully in a couple weeks there will be something to show the staff.
Carlton Smith commented about (2) teachers that have resigned and his concern is why are teachers leaving? He feels the Board should take an ongoing look as to why teachers are leaving.
7. Old Business - None
8 New Business
8.1 First Reading of New and Updated IASB Policies
2:260 Uniform Grievance Procedure
6:80 Teaching About Controversial Issues
6:210 Instructional Materials
7:275 Orders to Forgo Life-Sustaining Treatment
8:70 Accommodating Individuals with Disabilities
4:150 Facility Management and Building Programs
6:340 Student Testing and Assessment Program
7:10 Equal Educational Opportunities
7:340 Student Records
2:260 Uniform Grievance Procedure
4:15 Identity Protection
4:110 Transportation
5:20 Workplace Harassment Prohibited
5:90 Abused and Neglected Child Reporting
5:100 Staff Development Program
5:200 Terms and Conditions of Employment and Dismissal
5:220 Substitute Teachers
5:240 Suspension
5:290 Employment Termination and Suspensions
6:50 School Wellness
6:60 Curriculum Content
6:150 Home and Hospital Instruction
7:15 Student and Family Privacy Rights
7:20 Harassment of Students Prohibited
7:70 Attendance and Truancy
7:180 Prevention of and Response to Bullying, Intimidation, and Harassment
7:190 Student Behavior
7:250 Student Support Services
7:260 Exemption from Physical Education
7:270 Administering Medicines in Students
7:275 Orders to Forgo Life-Sustaining Treatment
7:305 Student Athlete Concussions and Head Injuries
No Action Required
8.2 First Reading of IASB Policies Undergoing 5-Year Review and Reapproval
2:210 Organizational School Board Meeting
4:70 Operational Services
6:290 Homework
6:330 Achievement and Awards
7:80 Release Time for Religious Instruction/Observance
7:160 Student Appearance
No Action Required
8.3 Action on Classified Personnel
8.31 Action on Termination Notices
Field moved, seconded by Murphy, Recommend the release of Misha Davis for cause as an as a Student Supervisor Aide at Carbondale Middle School and Angela Thomas-Frank for cause as an EOC Aide at Parrish School effective immediately.
Roll Call Vote
Yes votes: Field, Zaretsky, Major, Connet, Smith, Shepherd, Murphy
No votes: None
Abstained: None
Absent: None
Motion carried
8.32 Action on Summer Work Personnel
Field moved, seconded by Smith, Recommend approving the following temporary Summer workers:
• Marquita Bailey - Painter, 400 hours, $14 per hour
• Tiffany Nelson - Painter, 400 hours, $14 per hour
• Rebecca Schienker-Korb - Painter, 400 hours, $14 per hour
• Dre’Shaun Payne – Painter, 400 hours, $14 per hour
• Brent Jackson - Lawn Care Worker, 400 hours, $14 per hour
• Heath Laughard – Lawn Care Worker, 400 hours, $14 per hour
• Leatreasa Lilly-Madison - Central Office Secretary Worker, 80 hours, $12 per hour
• Patsy Rogers - Central Office Secretary Worker, 80 hours, $12 per hour
• Carter Morehead - High School Worker, 400 hours, $10 per hour
Roll Call Vote
Yes votes: Field, Zaretsky, Major, Connet, Smith, Shepherd, Murphy
No votes: None
Abstained: None
Absent: None
Motion carried
8.33 Action on Resignation
Field moved, seconded by Murphy, Recommend accepting the resignation of Corey Cawthon, Student Supervisor Aide effective April 13, 2018.
Voice Vote
Yes votes: Field, Zaretsky, Major, Connet, Smith, Shepherd, Murphy
No votes: None
Absent: None
Motion carried
8.34 Employment of Special Education Aides
Field moved, seconded by Zaretsky, Recommend the employment of Kevin McCarron, Jessica Broderick and Catherine Dempsey as an EOC Aides at Parrish School for the remainder of the 2017- 2018 school year, pending a clear CBI.
Roll Call Vote
Yes votes: Field, Zaretsky, Major, Connet, Smith, Murphy
No votes: None
Abstain: Shepherd
Absent: None
Motion carried
8.35 Action on Classified Substitutes
Field moved, seconded by Connet, Recommend the employment of Justin Lowery as a Substitute Cook to work on an as needed basis for the 2017-2018 school year, pending a clear CBI.
Roll Call Vote
Yes votes: Field, Zaretsky, Major, Connet, Smith, Shepherd, Murphy
No votes: None
Absent: None
Motion carried
8.4 Action on Certified Personnel
8.41 Shepherd moved, seconded by Zaretsky, Recommend the employment of Janice Pavelonis as Director of Curriculum and Instruction effective July 1, 2018 pending a clear CBI.
Roll Call Vote
Yes votes: Field, Zaretsky, Major, Connet, Smith, Shepherd, Murphy
No votes: None
Absent: None
Motion carried.
8.42 Action on Resignations
Field moved, seconded by Murphy, Recommend accepting the resignation of Christine Young as a Reading Recovery Teacher at Parrish School, Megan Minnis, ESL Teacher at Lewis School, and Juana Duran Charicata, as a Kindergarten – 5th grade Art Teacher effective the end of the 2017-2018 school year.
Voice Vote
Yes votes: Field, Zaretsky, Major, Connet, Smith, Shepherd, Murphy
No votes: None
Absent: None
Motion carried.
8.43 Action on Notifications of Retirement
Field moved, seconded by Connet, Recommend approving the notification from Alfred McGowan of his intent to retire at the end of the 2021-2022 school year and Karen Pfeifer of her intent to retire at the end of the 2022-2023 school year and that they be placed on the 6% retirement compensation salary schedule determined by the CES95 and CEA contract.
Voice Vote
Yes votes: Field, Zaretsky, Major, Connet, Smith, Shepherd, Murphy
No votes: None
Absent: None
Motion carried.
8.5 Action on Intergovernmental Agreement between COPE/Safe Schools Program and Carbondale Elementary District 95.
Murphy moved, seconded by Smith, Recommend approving the Intergovernmental Agreement between COPE/Safe Schools Programs and Carbondale Elemetary District 95. This program is an extension of regular school for students that meet the criteria as a “disruptive student”. Carbondale Elementary District 95 will be responsible for student transportation, pay a fee of $12 per day of enrollment for students from the district and allow students to reenter the regular educational environment with credits/grades earned when the COPE/Safe School Program is successfully completed.
Roll Call Vote
Yes votes: Field, Zaretsky, Major, Connet, Shepherd, Smith, Murphy
No votes: None
Abstain: None
Absent: None
Motion carried.
8.6 Action on Intergovernmental Agreement between SOAR Alternative Educational Program and Carbondale Elementary District 95.
Murphy moved, seconded by Connet, Recommend approving the Intergovernmental Agreement between SOAR Alternative Educational Program and Carbondale Elementary District 95. This program is an extention of regular school for students that meet the criteria for students at risk of academic failure. Carbondale Elememtary District 95 will be responsible for student transportation and allow the student to re-enter the regular educational environment with credits/grades earned when the Project SOAR Alternative Education Program is successfully completed.
Roll Call Vote
Yes votes: Zaretsky, Major, Connet, Field, Smith, Shepherd, Murphy
No votes: None
Abstain: Connet
Absent: None
Motion carried.
8.7 Action on School Calendar for 2018-2019.
Murphy moved, seconded by Zaretsky, Recommend approving the School Calendar for the 2018-2019 school year.
Discussion: Dr. Lewin informed the Board that the S.I.P days were reduced to 6 and rotated so that students will not miss the same subjects/service each time. Zaretsky asked with S.I.P days being in the middle of the week, is absentism a concern? Dr. Lewin replied, absences were more when the S.I.P. day was on a Friday.
Roll Call Vote
Yes votes: Zaretsky, Major, Connet, Field, Smith, Shepherd, Murphy
No votes: None
Absent: None
Motion carried.
8.8 Action to Review Tentative Amended Budget for 2018-2019 – ((TABLED))
Shepherd moved, seconded by Connet, Recommend to ((TABLE)) approving the date of the Amended Budget Public Hearing for Public Hearing for June 28, 2018, and for reviewing the proposed 2017-2018 Amended Budget. The Amended Budget is on display at the CES95 Administrative Center as of April 27, 2018.
Voice Vote
Yes votes: Zaretsky, Major, Smith, Shepherd, Connet, Field, Murphy
No votes: None
Absent: None
Motion carried.
8.9 Action on Interfund Loan Repayment from the Education Fund to the Working Cash Fund.
Murphy moved, seconded by Shepherd, Recommend approving the repayment of an Interfund loan from the Education Fund back to the Working Cash Fund in the amount of $3,000,000 effective April 26, 2018.
Roll Call & Signature Vote
Yes votes: Zaretsky, Major, Connet, Field, Smith, Shepherd, Murphy
No votes: None
Absent: None
Motion carried.
8.10 Action on Interfund Loan Repayment from the Debit Service Fund to the Working Cash Fund.
Connet moved, seconded by Zaretsky, Recommend approving the repayment of an Interfund loan from the Debit Service Fund back to the Working Cash Fund in the amount of $1,200,000 effective April 26, 2018.
Roll Call & Signature Vote
Yes votes: Zaretsky, Major, Connet, Field, Smith, Shepherd, Murphy
No votes: None
Absent: None
Motion carried.
8.10.1 Action on Interfund Loan Repayment from the IMRF and Social Security Fund to the Working Cash Fund.
Field moved, seconded by Shepherd, Recommend approving the repayment of an Interfund loan from the IMRF and Social Security Fund back to the Working Cash Fund in the amount of $125,000 effective April 26, 2018.
Roll Call & Signature Vote
Yes votes: Zaretsky, Major, Connet, Field, Smith, Shepherd, Murphy
No votes: None
Absent: None
Motion carried.
8.10.2 Action on Interfund Loan Repayment from the Tort Fund to the Working Cash Fund.
Smith moved, seconded Connet, Recommend approving the repayment of an Interfund loan from the Tort Fund back to the Working Cash Fund in the amount of $175,000 effective April 26, 2018.
Roll Call & Signature VoteVoice Vote
Yes votes: Zaretsky, Major, Connet, Field, Smith, Shepherd, Murphy
No votes: None
Absent: None
Motion carried.
8.10.3 Action on Interagency Working Agreement between Child & Family Connections #24 and Parrish School.
Murphy moved, seconded by Smith, Recommend approving the Interagency Working Agreement between Child & Family Connections #24 and Parrish School. The purpose of this agreement is for both agencies to work collaboratively to provide appropriate services to persons determined eligible.
Roll Call Vote
Yes votes: Zaretsky, Major, Connet, Field, Smith, Shepherd, Murphy
No votes: None
Absent: None
Motion carried.
Carlton Smith Question: An Aide that was transferred to a secretary position, Will she received secretary pay? Mr. Miller replied, Yes, she will receive a higher rate due to her fulfilling that position for the remainder of the school year. ** Off the Record Correction to this question. The person fulfilling the position is a substitute secretary not a district aide.
9. Next Scheduled Meetings
9.1 Thursday, May 24, 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)
John Major mentioned Mr. Booth was late for the board meeting tonight because he was attending an Alumni Association Meeting where he was honored as one of the Outstanding Alumni.
10 Public Comments (Name & Address of Person Speaking)
Margaret Nesbitt: Commented that when discussing new programs everyone should have a voice and be represented. Also, she wanted the new Director of Curriculum to be familiar with her and the I Can Read Program due to the program working closely with the district’s curriculum.
Leah Hooper: Commented regarding the talk of new hires, that consideration be made for the hire of more student support staff to assist with the student’s social and emotional needs of our district. As far as the schedule she is happy to hear consideration of a merge of what is currently in place along with the middle school concept.
Ellis Reed: Commented on the FOIA request he received last month. His question was, what is the highest paid teacher salary and what is the lowest? Justin Miller replied the highest is about $103,000 and the lowest is $42,000. Mr. Reed asked what is the Teacher Aide salary? Mr. Miller replied, $11.74 per hour.
Jesslyn Jobe (not sure of name) Commented on the TWI program. She is a member of the Southern Illinois Immigrants Rights Project and although she doesn’t have much knowledge on the TWI program she wants the questions that Dr. Migone to be seriously answered. Secondly, due to all the misinformation, she feels there should be a concerted effort to communicate with parents.
Tana Nikolic: Stated that one of her Spanish Speaking parents was given misinformation that the TWI program is gone. She was unable to find out who gave the misinformation. Dr. Lewin replied with and example of the verbiage that should have been used. Tana also asked about teacher placement for those in the program for the upcoming year? Dr. Lewin stated she has been to every building today (4/26/18) and spoken with teachers.
11 Adjournment
Smith moved, seconded by Connet, Recommend Adjournment at 9:20 pm.
Voice Vote:
Yes votes: Major, Connet, Field, Zaretsky, Smith, Shepherd, Murphy
No votes: None
Absent: None
Motion carried.
https://www.ces95.org/site/handlers/filedownload.ashx?moduleinstanceid=77&dataid=2086&FileName=BOE%20Minutes_%20April%2026%202018.pdf
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