Carbondale Elementary School District #95 Board of Education met March 17.
Here are the minutes provided by the board:
A regular meeting of the Carbondale Elementary School District No. 95 was held at 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:
Ms. Catherine Field, President
Mr. John Major, Vice President
Ms. Angela Watters, Secretary
Ms. Carlee Coplea
Ms. Erin Connelly
Ms. Markida Roper
Administrators present:
Ms. Janice Pavelonis, Superintendent
Dr. Eric Trimberger, District Business Manager
Ms. Michelle Martin, Director of Data Reporting and Programs
Dr. LaTonya Mouzon, Director of Student Services
Ms. Brooke Kensler, Director of Special Education
2. EXECUTIVE SESSION 6:00 PM
Roll Call:
Ms. Catherine Field, President
Mr. John Major, Vice President
Ms. Angela Watters, Secretary
Ms. Carlee Coplea
Mr. Corey Cawthon (joined via phone 6:05pm)
Ms. Erin Connelly
Ms. Markida Roper
Coplea moved, seconded by Connelly, to enter Executive Session at 6:02 PM for the purpose of discussing performance, evaluation and compensation of specific personnel matters, matters relating to student discipline, matters relating to collective bargaining, and matters relating to pending litigation. No decisions were made, and no votes were taken.
Roll Call Vote:
Yes votes: Field, Coplea, Connelly, Major, Roper, Watters
No votes: None
Absent: Cawthon
Motion carried.
Executive Session Sine die at 7:14 PM.
Voice Vote:
Yes votes: Major, Field, Coplea, Roper, Connelly, Watters, Cawthon
ROLL CALL
EXECUTIVE SESSION
No: None
Absent: None
Motion carried.
Executive Session adjourned at 7:06 PM.
Roll Call Vote
Yes votes: Major, Field, Coplea, Roper, Connelly, Watters
No: None
Absent: Cawthon
Motion carried.
3. Public Comments - None
PUBLIC COMMENTS
4. Approval of Agenda
Connelly moved, seconded by Coplea, Recommend approving the Agenda.
Roll Call Vote:
Yes votes: Field, Major, Roper, Coplea, Watters, Connelly
No votes: None
Absent: Cawthon
Motion carried.
5. Consent Agenda Items
Connelly moved, seconded by Roper, Recommend approving Consent Agenda Items, 5.1 Minutes, 5.2-Financial Reports and 5.3-Communications
Roll Call Vote
Yes votes: Field, Watters, Major, Coplea, Roper, Connelly
No votes: None
Abstain: None
Absent: Cawthon
Motion carried.
5.1 Minutes
5.11 Regular – February 10, 2022
5.12 Executive – February 10, 2022
5.13. Special - February 22, 2022
5.2 Financial Reports
5.21 Approval of Bills
5.22 Treasurer’s Report
5.23 Monthly Budget Report
5.24. Activity Fund Reports
5.3 Communications
5.31 FOIA - None
5.32 Donations – None
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS
MINUTES
FINANCIAL REPORTS COMMUNICATIONS
6. Committee Reports COMMITTEE REPORTS
6.1 6.11 Communication Report
President’s Remarks – Catherine Field
Dear Friends,
There is not much good news to report about Covid this month. Although cases have gone down both locally and nationally, there is still cause for concern. For one thing, the vaccine for babies and preschoolers has not yet been worked out, which affects some of the kids we have at Parrish School, as well as the many little sisters and brothers of all our students. We have come to rely on vaccines to stem the pandemic for good. We need the science to hurry up.
For another thing, the majority of the public, as well as our families and staff, asked us last month to make mask requirements in our schools optional, leading this board in a special meeting to make adjustments to our covid protocols. None of this was taken lightly by us. All of this means we must continue to monitor pandemic conditions, in case future adjustments are needed in the way we do things.
Out of all the ways I imagined this job before running for public office, becoming an amateur epidemiologist never made the list.
That said, however, I do want to wish everyone a happy St. Patrick’s Day, a happy Purim, happy Women’s History Month, and a happy spring. We deserve it all.
6.2 Committee Reports
6.21 Behavioral Interventions Committee – None
6.22 Building and Transportation Committee – None
6.23 Parent-Teacher Advisory Committee – Angela Watters
• On March 3, 2022 we had an online meeting of the Parent Teacher Advisory Committee.
• The committee’s focus was on the Re-Set at Carbondale Middle School. A guest of the committee, Dr. LaTonya Mouzon, led the discussion. The District Admin Team comprised of Superintendent Janice Pavelonis and directors: LaTonya Mouson, Brooke Kensler, and Michelle Martin moved to over CMS to implement a restructure.
• Dr. Mouzon explained that the reboot started with staff, by re-setting expectations. Staff Agreements were established during the brief adaptive pause at the middle school because of COVID. When the students returned, the new administrators were introduced to the students. The team reestablished expectations with students and held assemblies every morning for the 1st week.
• Following Dr. Mouzon’s presentation, committee members discussed the issues and asked questions. Haley Karayiannis, a CMS teacher, committee member, district parent and athletic director spoke first saying: she could not agree more, no way can all the problems be solved quickly, but having the support was key. Karayiannis remarked that it was not a good idea to go from 3 admin to 2 at CMS, it would be nice to go back to 3 admins, having the support as a teacher has been amazing, have feedback as a teacher is very helpful, mask wearing improved, hood wearing has improved, it has been a fantastic place to work again.
• Colleen Springer Lopez, committee member, middle school teacher and district parent, remarked that the support has been a great help, the focus on building relationships with children has been very important, teachers and students appreciate the support, also that the Scholar Bowl won that day.
• Michelle Martin, Central Office committee rep and Director of Data Reporting and Programs that is also in charge of curriculum, remarked that 6th grade is struggling more to meet the expectations, that they need more supervision and more support. However, seeing staff step-up to help out makes it easier.
• Brooke Kensler, Special Education Director, and the Central Office Administrator in charge of 6th grade has been digging into 6th grader’s interpersonal conflicts by hosting restorative chats between the children. Collen Springer-Lopez remarked that the restorative piece is important to improve behaviors. Just assigning consequences does not help solve the underlying problem. Dr. Mouzon remarked that restorative Chats help develop communication skills and that several members of the staff are trained in these practices. School board and committee member Corey Cawthon remarked that It was great to learn that so many are trained in these practices. If we create a culture of students that have skills to work through their emotions.
• Parent committee members asked about the possibility of restorative practices in other buildings. Dr. Mouzon remarked that, yes, these practices can be used in other buildings and that as a part of her director work, she could present on restorative practices for parents.
• The committee ended their discussion of recent CMS student achievements and notable activities. Besides the scholar bowl victory, there were many 7th and 8th grade students place at the statewide Beta Club competition. Haley Karayiannis reported about a “red rose” ceremony celebrating quarter 2 honor roll students. Colleen Springer Lopez talked about working with The Boys & Girls club on “Bridging Lessons” using art. They had a quartet visit last month. They are trying to make the Boys & Girls club a cool place to be so more students will join so they can get the academic support they need. There is another hands-on activity planned for May 3rd.
• Next meeting is Thursday, June 2nd at 6:00PM.
6.24 Policy Committee – None
6.25 Public Relations Committee - None
6.26 Fundraising Development Committee - Catherine Field
• The committee met on March 2, 2022.
• Discussed fundraising ideas.
• Working on creating a mailing list for a direct mail asking for donations.
• Discussed marketing ideas. Donation button is available on the website.
• Long term developmental gardens with benches and bricks where donors can memorialize their love ones name on the grounds of one of the district’s schools.
6.3 Administrative Staff Reports
6.31 Director’s Report
• Michelle Martin - Director of Data Reporting and Programs
IAR Testing
The IAR testing window opens next week. This assessment measures students' reading and math skills in grades 3-8. Each building sent out a letter with testing information and dates for their grade levels. Thomas and CMS will begin testing next week and Lewis the following week.
Curriculum Updates
This is the new ELA curriculum that was implemented this year at CMS. ELA teachers believe the new curriculum has contributed to the growth they saw in their students’ Star reading scores. They also have found that reluctant readers are now more engaged in reading. The ELA teachers that I spoke with say this curriculum has a lot to offer for our students and they have only scratched the surface. One teacher even had a parent reach out to share her child’s success.
K-5 Math
The K-5 Math Curriculum Team is currently reviewing four sets of sample materials. The team meets again April 4th to discuss their finds and work to determine which one will best meet the needs of our students. It is my goal to present that choice to Faculty Council in April and bring it to the May board meeting for approval. This will ensure that materials can be ordered and here in time for the start of the 22-23 school year.
Just a quick update on LETRS training. The Unit 3 training day is scheduled for Monday, March 28th at Central Office. This means this year’s cohort is ¾ of the way through part 1 of the training. They will continue their work next school year by completing Units 5-8. We are also in the planning stage for our 2nd cohort that will begin part 1 (Units 1-4) of the training next school year. I am excited that there are already teachers interested in being a part of this 2nd cohort.
Navigate 95 Score Card
Goal 1 & 2 of the scorecard has been updated. As we review Goal 1 you will notice there is not any data for IAR growth. This is due to there still not being enough IAR data to include to set growth targets. However, the percent of students making typical growth is above our end of year targets for all three Star assessments. Looking at Goal 2, chronically absent is students that miss 10% or more of the school year for any reason. Chronically truant are those students that miss for unexcused reasons. The other goals have annual measures so they will be updated at the end of the school year.
6.32 District Business Manager – Eric Trimberger
• 1% sales tax received for the month of March was $127,964.00
• Change order for GRP is on the agenda for approval in the amount around $315,000 that will be funded by the 1% sales tax received this year.
• A Tentative Amended Budget will be presented at the April board meeting and put on 30-day display for an approval in May.
• Melody Spaulding received an E-rate grant in the amount of $461,000 for the district.
6.33 Superintendent – Janice Pavelonis
• Working on testing schedules for upcoming State testing for Thomas, Lewis, and CMS (as discussed in Mrs. Martins report) and making sure students that need accommodations are taken care of and that everyone has a learning environment is ideal for students to take their state test.
• Mrs. Pavelonis and the Directors are continuing to pull double duty at the Middle School in a commitment to finish strong this year. Kudos to their willingness to take of this task and be a great support to CMS in addition to keeping up with their director assignments.
• Mrs. Pavelonis reported that over the last 4 years, 3 schools in the district have been transformed, Parrish, Thomas, and Lewis. Now it is time for the middle school and they are dedicated to making that school a fun learning environment that is engaging and a place where our kids and staff want to be.
• Kudos to the leaders are Parrish, Thomas, and Lewis for the Fabolous job they are doing while navigating through this crazy year.
• May Board Meeting - Mrs. Pavelonis was invited to be on an National Advisory Board through Renaissance Learning and there is a national meeting that she has to attend in person during the same time as the May 12, 2022 regular scheduled board meeting. Due to the schedule conflict, the board agreed to move the board meeting to May 19, 2022.
6.4 Faculty Council - Stephanie Solbrig
I met with Michelle Martin on Monday, March 14. She shared that she would soon be meeting with the CMS ELA team to hear how the implementation of the Into Lit series is going. She also shared that the Math Curriculum Team will be convening on April 4 to make a recommendation about which Math Curriculum we will be choosing next year. Faculty Council looks forward to hearing this proposal.
Across the district, teachers are very busy preparing for IAR testing, finalizing report cards for 3rd quarter, and scheduling parent-teacher conferences over the next two weeks.
That concludes tonight’s report. Thank you.
FACULTY COUNCIL
7. Old Business OLD BUSINESS
7.1 Action on Contract Amendment with GRP/WEGMA
Roper moved, seconded by Coplea, The Carbondale Elementary SD #95 agrees to amend the original contract with GRP/WEGMAN for Scope Change Request #7 in the amount of $315,435 pursuant to the original contract signed on January 23, 2020.
Roll Call Vote
Yes votes: Field, Major, Roper, Connelly, Coplea, Watters
No votes: None
Abstain: None
Absent: Cawthon
Motion carried.
8. New Business NEW BUSINESS 8.1 Action on Classified Personnel
8.11 Action on Resignation
Connelly moved, seconded by Coplea, Recommend accepting the resignation of Nicholas Nigro, Technology Paraprofessional effective March 29, 2022.
Voice Vote
Yes votes: Field, Major, Roper, Connelly, Coplea, Watters
No votes: None
Abstain: None
Absent: Cawthon
Motion carried.
8.12 Employment of Paraprofessionals
Coplea moved, seconded by Connelly, Recommend the employment of the following Paraprofessional for the 2021-2022 school year pending licensure and a clear CBI.
Delora Bell - Instructional Aide at Thomas School retroactive effective February 22, 2022.
Roll Call Vote
Yes votes: Field, Major, Roper, Connelly, Coplea, Watters
No votes: None
Abstain: None
Absent: Cawthon
Motion carried.
8.13 Employment of Parrish School Secretary
Connelly moved, seconded by Roper, Recommend the employment of Saundra Cawthon as the Secretary at Parrish School retroactive effective February 22, 2022.
Roll Call Vote
Yes votes: Field, Major, Roper, Connelly, Coplea, Watters
No votes: None
Abstain: None
Absent: Cawthon
Motion carried.
8.14 Employment of After School Tutoring Paraprofessionals
Roper moved, seconded by Connelly, Recommend the employment of the following After School Tutoring Paraprofessional for the 2021- 2022 school year.
Parrish School
Searcy Henry - retroactive effective 2/28/22
Thomas School
Delora Bell - Substitute (retroactive effective 2/22/22)
Roll Call Vote
Yes votes: Field, Major, Roper, Connelly, Coplea, Watters
No votes: None
Abstain: None
Absent: Cawthon
Motion carried.
8.2 Action on Certified Personnel
8.21 Action on Resignations
Coplea moved, seconded by Connelly, Recommend approving the revised resignation of Rachel Lathrop, Principal at Carbondale Middle School effective March 11, 2022, Stacey Messmer, 4th grade Teacher at Lewis School effective the end of the 2021-2022 school year, Kelsey Potter, 4th Grade Teacher at Lewis School effective the end of the 2021-2022 school year, Emily Heine, Kindergarten Teacher at Parrish School effective the end of the 2021-2022 school year, Katherine Ancell, School Psychologist effective the end of the 2021- 2022 school year, and Eric Trimberger, District Business Manager effective June 30, 2022.
Voice Vote
Yes votes: Field, Major, Watters, Roper, Connelly, Coplea
No votes: None
Abstain: None
Absent: Cawthon
Motion carried.
8.22 Action on Administrator Stipends
Major moved, seconded by Roper, Recommend approving Administrator Stipends for the following people for their additional administrative duties at Carbondale Middle School as of February 7, 2022 through the end of the 2021- 2022 school year.
Janice Pavelonis - $7,500
Michelle Martin - $7,500
La Tonya Mouzon - $7,500
Brooke Kensler - $7,500
Roll Call Vote
Yes votes: Field, Major, Watters, Roper, Connelly, Coplea
No votes: None
Abstain: None
Absent: Cawthon
Motion carried.
8.23 Employment of CES95 Faculty - None
8.24 Action on Notifications of Retirement
Connelly moved, seconded by Roper, Recommend approving the following intent to retire notifications and to be placed on the retirement compensation salary schedule determined by the CES95 and CEA Contract:
Karen Pfeifer - end of the 2021-2022 school year
Tana Nikolic - end of the 2026-2027 school year
Annette Jaynes - end of the 2026-2027 school year
Seren Conner - end of the 2026-2027 school year
Nancy Fisk - end of the 2026-2027 school year
Donna Rohlfing - end of the 2026-2027 school year
Kelli Roundtree - end of the 2026-2027 school year
Yvonne Windings - end of the 2026-2027 school year
Voice Vote
Yes votes: Field, Major, Watters, Roper, Connelly, Coplea
No votes: None
Abstain: None
Absent: Cawthon
Motion carried.
8.25 Employment of Special Assignments - None
8.26 Employment of Carbondale Middle School Principal
Major moved, seconded by Connelly, Recommend the employment of Timothy Estes as the Principal at Carbondale Middle School effective July 1, 2022.
Roll Call Vote
Yes votes: Field, Major, Watters, Roper, Connelly, Coplea
No votes: None
Abstain: None
Absent: Cawthon
Motion carried.
8.27 Action on Assistant Principal Posting
Connelly moved, seconded by Roper, Recommend approving an additional position for Assistant Principal at Carbondale Middle School as of the 2022-2023 school year.
Roll Call Vote
Yes votes: Field, Major, Watters, Roper, Connelly, Coplea
No votes: None
Abstain: None
Absent: Cawthon
Motion carried.
8.28 Action on Resolution Authorizing the Non-Renewal and/or Dismissal of Teachers at the Conclusion of the 2021-2022 school year - None
8.29 Action on Administrator Contracts
Coplea moved, seconded by Connelly, Recommend approving a contract extension for the following Building Administrators effective July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2023:
Carla Ehlers, Principal
Robby Clark-Stokes, Principal
Marilynn Ross, Principal
Sheila James, Dean of Students/ECH Coordinator
Kimberly Barton, Assistant Principal
Kari Kilquist, Assistant Principal
Michelle Martin, Director of Data Reporting and Programs
Brooke Kensler, Director of Special Education
La Tonya Mouzon, Director of Student Services
Melody Spaulding, Director of Technology
Roll Call Vote
Yes votes: Field, Major, Watters, Roper, Connelly, Coplea
No votes: None
Abstain: None
Absent: Cawthon
Motion carried.
8.3 Action on Memorandum of Understanding between Illinois State University and District 95 Coplea moved, seconded by Connelly, Recommend approving the Memorandum of Understanding between Illinois State University (ISU) and District 95 for ISU to serve as the project coordinator and data processor of district students participating in the Illinois Tutoring Initiative Project for the 2021-2022 and 2022-2023 school year.
Roll Call Vote
Yes votes: Field, Major, Watters, Roper, Connelly, Coplea
No votes: None
Abstain: None
Absent: Cawthon
Motion carried.
8.4 Action on Amendment to the District Calendar for the 2021-2022 school year
Roper moved, seconded by Coplea, Recommend approving to amend the current district calendar due to snow days used on January 7, 2022, February 3, 2022, February 4, 2022, and February 24, 2022, for the current school year with May 31, 2022 as the last day for student attendance and June 1, 2022 as the last Teacher Institute Day for the 2021-2022 school year.
Voice Vote
Yes votes: Field, Major, Watters, Roper, Connelly, Coplea
No votes: None
Abstain: None
Absent: Cawthon
Motion carried.
8.5 Action to Establish the Date for Carbondale Middle School Promotion
Connelly moved, seconded by Roper, Recommend setting the Carbondale Middle School Promotion date on Thursday, May 26, 2022 at 9:00am at Carbondale Middle School.
Discussion: Carlee Coplea posed the question about the promotion ceremony being held on a weekend to accommodate families better. The consensus of the board agreed to change the recommendation to a weekend date. Mrs. Pavelonis will work on the details.
Voice Vote
Yes votes: Major
No votes: Watters, Roper, Connelly, Coplea, Field
Abstain: None
Absent: Cawthon
Motion Failed.
Coplea moved, seconded by Watters, Recommend setting the Carbondale Middle School Promotion date on Saturday, May 21, 2022 at 10:00am at Carbondale Middle School.
Voice Vote
Yes votes: Field, Major, Watters, Roper, Connelly, Coplea
No votes: None
Abstain: None
Absent: Cawthon
Motion carried.
8.6 Action on Interagency Working Agreement between Archway, Inc., and Carbondale District #9 Roper moved, seconded by Connelly, Recommend approving the Interagency Working Agreement between Archway, Inc and Carbondale District #95. The purpose of this agreement is to provide appropriate services based on cooperation between the two agencies in detection and treatment of persons with mental, physical, social, economic, or other difficulties.
Roll Call Vote
Yes votes: Field, Major, Watters, Roper, Connelly, Coplea
No votes: None
Abstain: None
Absent: Cawthon
Motion carried.
8.7 Action on School Calendar for 2022-2023
Roper moved, seconded Connelly, Recommend approving the School Calendar for the 2022-2023 school year.
Roll Call Vote
Yes votes: Field, Major, Watters, Roper, Connelly, Coplea
No votes: None
Abstain: None
Absent: Cawthon
Motion carried.
9. Next Scheduled Meetings
9.1 Wednesday, April 6, 2022
Fundraising and Development Committee Meeting
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 Public Hearing to Adopt Tentative Amended FY 22 Budget
7:05 PM Reconvene Regular Board Meeting Public Session (OPEN TO THE PUBLIC)
Behavioral Interventions Committee Meeting
Parent-Teacher Advisory Committee Meeting
CES95 Administrative Center
925 South Giant City Road
Carbondale, IL 62902
6:00 PM
10. Public Comments - None PUBLIC COMMENTS
11. Coplea moved, seconded by Roper, to enter Executive Session at 9:06 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. No decisions were made, and no votes were taken.
Roll Call Vote:
Yes votes: Field, Coplea, Connelly, Major, Roper, Watters
No votes: None
Absent: Cawthon
Motion carried.
12. Adjournment
Connelly moved, seconded by Roper, Recommend Adjournment at 10:20 PM.
Voice Vote:
Yes votes: Major, Field, Coplea, Watters, Connelly, Roper
No votes: None
Absent: Cawthon
Motion carried.
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1N7wHk0rA5AMIfeHzMLvSwoUZBD7cmpPa
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