Carbondale Elementary School District #95 Board of Education met April 14

By Angelica Saylo Pilo

Jul 12, 2022

Carbondale Elementary School District #95 Board of Education met April 14.

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

Mr. Corey Cawthon

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 6:06 PM

Roll Call:

Ms. Catherine Field, President

Mr. John Major, Vice President

Ms. Angela Watters, Secretary

Ms. Carlee Coplea

Mr. Corey Cawthon

Ms. Erin Connelly

Ms. Markida Roper

Roper moved, seconded by Connelly, to enter Executive Session at 6:06 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, Cawthon No votes: None

Absent: None

Motion carried.

Executive Session Sine die at 7:32 PM.

Voice Vote:

Yes votes: Major, Field, Coplea, Roper, Connelly, Watters, Cawthon No: None

Absent: None

Motion carried.

3. Public Comments

Nancy Bitner, Assistant Regional Superintendent of Schools explained to the Board what the Regional Office of Education does as far as helping teachers obtain licensure, endorsements, truancy support, McKinney Vento Homeless

Assistance Act, building inspections, compliance checks of personnel and student records, and alternative education programs at their COPE and SOAR schools.

4. Approval of Agenda

Cawthon moved, seconded by Connelly, Recommend approving the Agenda.

Roll Call Vote:

Yes votes: Field, Major, Cawthon, Roper, Coplea, Watters, Connelly No votes: None

Absent: None

Motion carried.

5. Consent Agenda Items

Coplea 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, Cawthon

No votes: None

Abstain: None

Absent: None

Motion carried.

5.1 Minutes

5.11 Regular – March 17, 2022

5.12 Executive – March 17, 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

6. Committee Reports

6.1 6.11 Communication Report

President’s Remarks – Catherine Field

Good evening Friends,

We have a couple of things to point to tonight. First, there is news that Pfizer may soon have a Covid booster available for healthy 5 - 11 year olds who have already gotten their first two shots. As always, we are grateful for the health professionals, and we encourage all parents to make sure their kids get these good medicines as soon as they become available.

Second, you may have noticed that in recent months the Carbondale Elementary District has been paying particular attention to Carbondale Middle School, with an eye toward making it the capstone experience it was always meant to be. We have been addressing students’ concerns for respect and security, seeking to eliminate racism where it persists, and making both long-term and short-term changes in administrative personnel that we think are necessary. Our schools should reflect the values of this board, and of the community of Carbondale. This work we are doing at the middle school will continue.

Tonight Mrs. Pavelonis will be talking about the CMS Task Force and the Cougar Questionnaire, a survey of our middle schoolers. She will tell us how we can use what the kids tell us to help them engage, innovate, love, and grow. We look forward to hearing what she’s got to say.

And finally, good wishes to all during this season of Ramadan, Passover, and Easter. It is also the Bangla new year, and the Thai new year. Our families come from Southern Illinois, and all also from all around the world, and we cherish them all.

Thank you.

6.2 Committee Reports

6.21 Behavioral Interventions Committee – None

6.22 Building and Transportation Committee – None

6.23 Parent-Teacher Advisory Committee – None

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

• Looking for community people to serve on the committee.

• The committee is still working on fundraising ideas that will continue to fund classroom projects that enhance student learning instead of resorting to a GoFundMe page.

• A DONATE button is available on the website.

• Next meeting is May 17, 2022 at 10:00am

PRESIDENT’S REMARKS

COMMITTEE REPORTS

6.3 Administrative Staff Reports

6.31 Director’s Report

• Michelle Martin - Director of Data Reporting and Programs

Assessment Update

IAR testing has been completed at Thomas and Lewis schools. CMS is working to complete make-up testing. Next week students in 5th & 8th grade will complete the Illinois Science Assessment.

The spring benchmark window opened on Monday and will continue through May 3rd. A letter was sent out to our parents sharing this information last week. Schools will review this data at the next SIP day on Friday, May 6th. I will share this assessment data with you at the May board meeting.

Summer Learning

We are currently working on plans for summer learning. Summer learning will take place during the month of June. Sessions will be held each morning Monday-Thursday for four weeks. The grant paying for summer learning is to address learning loss so our K-5 students will be selected based on academic need. At CMS, summer learning will focus on credit recovery. I am currently working with our principals to determine staffing needs based on the number of students being invited.

LETRS

Later in the agenda you will be asked to approve the contract to continue the LETRS professional development. I have provided many updates on this professional development. I thought you might like to hear from some of the teachers participating in this professional development. There are several teachers here tonight to share their experiences. There were a few teachers that could not be here tonight but also wanted to share their experiences with you. You will find their comments in your packet.

Presented

Ashley Dietz - Parrish

Whitney Wyatt - Parrish

Jennifer Bunton - CMS

Colleen Springer-Lopez - CMS

6.32 District Business Manager – Eric Trimberger

No Report

6.33 Superintendent – Janice Pavelonis

• Shadi Frick, History Fair Sponsor and the History Fair Students reenacted their presentation/performances for the Board. History Fair consist of (10) students that made it to the State level of competition.

• Cougar Questionnaire - Mrs. Pavelonis review the data from the student responses.

• Shrek the Musical - A District 95 program that will be held at CCHS Auditorium on April 29th at 7pm and two showings on April 30th at 2pm and 7pm. This musical was partially funded by a grant from the Education Foundation.

6.4 Faculty Council - Stephanie Solbrig

Good evening,

On March 13, I met with Michelle Martin. She shared information about the first LETRS cohort continuing next year and a second one beginning.

From across the district, teachers are busy preparing 4th quarter midterms, planning end-of-year activities and incentives to help students stay on track and maximizing learning time as students ready to advance to the next grade.

As preparations are made for the coming year, teachers ask that decision makers please bear in mind how relatively smaller class sizes can make a tremendous difference in classroom manageability and quality learning environment.

From CMS, teachers report it is great to see the newly hired principal already at CMS and appreciate having the chance to get acquainted.

That concludes tonight’s report.

Thank you!

7. Old Business

8. New Business

8.1 Action on Classified Personnel

8.11 Action on Resignation

Roper moved, seconded by Connelly, Recommend accepting the resignation of Marsha Wicoff, Instructional Aide at Thomas School effective March 22, 2022 and Kiara Cawthon, Instructional Aide at Carbondale Middle School effective April 5, 2022.

Voice Vote

Yes votes: Field, Major, Roper, Connelly, Cawthon, Coplea, Watters

No votes: None

Abstain: None

Absent: None

Motion carried.

8.12 Employment of Paraprofessionals - None

8.13 Employment of After School Tutoring Paraprofessionals - None

8.14 Action on Summer Employment Positions

Coplea moved, seconded by Connelly, Recommend approving the following summer work positions. Positions will be hired based upon need.

( 7 ) Summer Maintenance Assistants - Up to 400 hours, $15/hr. each

( 2 ) Central Office Workers - Up to 80 hours, $15/hr. each

Roll Call Vote

Yes votes: Field, Major, Roper, Connelly, Cawthon, Coplea, Watters No votes: None

Abstain: None

Absent: None

Motion carried.

8.2 Action on Certified Personnel

8.21 Action on Resignations

Cawthon moved, seconded by Roper, Recommend approving the resignation of Matthew Carey, Special Education Teacher at Carbondale Middle School effective the end of the 2021-2022 school year.

Voice Vote

Yes votes: Field, Cawthon, Major, Watters, Roper, Connelly, Coplea

No votes: None

Abstain: None

Absent: None

Motion carried.

8.22 Employment of CES95 Faculty - None

8.23 Employment of Special Assignments - None

8.24 Action on Maternity Leave

Connelly moved, seconded by Cawthon, Recommend approving the request of maternity leave for Lacey Miller, Prekindergarten Teacher at Parrish School to begin at the start of the 2022-2023 school year and return to work on November 14, 2022.

Voice Vote

Yes votes: Field, Major, Watters, Roper, Connelly, Cawthon, Coplea No votes: None

Abstain: None

Absent: None

Motion carried.

8.25 Employment of Carbondale Middle School Assistant Principals

Cawthon moved, seconded by Roper, Recommend the employment of Marshall Hunt and Dr. Khari Grant as Assistant Principals at Carbondale Middle School effective July 1, 2022.

Roll Call Vote

Yes votes: Field, Major, Watters, Cawthon, Roper, Connelly, Coplea

No votes: None

Abstain: None

Absent: None

Motion carried.

8.3 Action on Intergovernmental Agreement between COPE/Safe Schools Program and Carbondale Elementary School District #95

Roper moved, seconded by Cawthon, Recommend approving the Intergovernmental Agreement between COPE/Safe Schools Program and Carbondale Elementary School District #95. This program is an extension of regular school for students that meet the criteria as a “disruptive student”. Carbondale Elementary School 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 re-enter the regular education environment with credits/grades earned when the COPE/Safe School Program is successfully completed.

Roll Call Vote

Yes votes: Field, Major, Cawthon, Watters, Roper, Connelly, Coplea

No votes: None

Abstain: None

Absent: None

Motion carried.

8.4 Action on Intergovernmental Agreement between SOAR Alternative Educational Program and Carbondale Elementary School District #95

Connelly moved, seconded by Coplea, Recommend approving the Intergovernmental Agreement between SOAR Alternative Educational Program and Carbondale Elementary School District #95. This program is an extension of regular school for students that meet the criteria for being at risk of academic failure. Carbondale Elementary School 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: Field, Major, Watters, Cawthon, Roper, Connelly, Coplea

No votes: None

Abstain: None

Absent: None

Motion carried.

8.5 Action on Memorandum of Agreement between Southern Illinois University and Carbondale Elementary School District No. 95

Roper moved, seconded by Connelly, Recommend approving the Memorandum of Agreement between Southern Illinois University and Carbondale Elementary School District No. 95 for graduate assistant students to participate in externship programs and perform services in order to facilitate and obtain learning experiences within our district’s facilities August 15, 2022 - August 14, 2023.

Roll Call Vote

Yes votes: Major, Watters, Roper, Connelly, Coplea, Field, Cawthon

No votes: None

Abstain: None

Absent: None

Motion Passed.

8.6 Action on Purchase of LETRS Cohorts

Coplea moved, seconded by Connelly, Recommend approving the purchase of the LETRS cohorts 1 and 2 in the total amount of $33,195 to be paid from the 2021-2022 Title II grant funds.

Roll Call Vote

Yes votes: Field, Major, Watters, Roper, Connelly, Coplea, Cawthon

No votes: None

Abstain: None

Absent: None

Motion carried.

8.7 Action to Establish Dates to Review Amended 2021-2022 District Budget and Public Hearing

Coplea moved, seconded by Roper, Recommend approving the dates and location for reviewing the proposed Carbondale Elementary School District #95 budget are as follows: Beginning April 15, 2022, through May 16, 2022, the budget will be on display at the CES95 Administrative Office, 925 S. Giant City Rd., Carbondale, IL. 62902, and establishing May 19, 2022, to adopt the 2021-2022 amended budget with a Public Hearing set for 7:00 PM.

Discussion: Dr. Trimberger reported the following:

The Amended Budget has been prepared in tentative form. Significant changes to the budget are as follows:

• Property Tax revenues were increased by $153,923

• Corporate Personal Property Replacement Taxes were increased by $263,864

• School Facility Sales Taxes were increased by $355,000

• State Transportation Reimbursements were increased by $230,000

• Transportation Expenses were increased by $275,000 due to higher fuel costs and additional routes

The Tentative Amended Budget has an operating deficit of $372,094. Approximately $400,000 in operating costs for FY-22 are being paid by Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Grants that reduced the deficit listed above. The Final Amended Budget will also contain minor grant amendments as the Administration reviews all of District’ 95’s grants this month.

Voice Vote

Yes votes: Field, Major, Watters, Roper, Connelly, Coplea, Cawthon

No votes: None

Abstain: None

Absent: None

Motion carried.

9. Next Scheduled Meetings

9.1 Tuesday, April 19, 2022

Behavioral Interventions Committee Meeting

CES95 Administrative Center

925 South Giant City Road

Carbondale, IL 62902

5:00 PM

Tuesday, May 17, 2022

Fundraising Development Committee Meeting

CES95 Administrative Center

925 South Giant City Road

Carbondale, IL 62902

10:00 AM

*Thursday, May 19, 2022

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 Public Hearing to Adopt Amended FY22 Budget

7:05 PM Reconvene Regular Board Meeting Public Session (OPEN TO THE PUBLIC)

Thursday, June 2, 2022

Parent-Teacher Advisory Committee Meeting

CES95 Administrative Center

925 South Giant City Road

Carbondale, IL 62902

6:00 PM

*Not A Second Thursday

10. Public Comments - None

11. Cawthon moved, seconded by Roper, to enter Executive Session at 9:02 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, Cawthon, Major, Roper, Watters

No votes: None

Absent: None

Motion carried.

Executive Session adjourned at 9:59 PM.

Roll Call Vote:

Yes votes: Major, Field, Coplea, Roper, Cawthon, Connelly, Watters

No: None

Absent: None

Motion carried.

12. Adjournment