Carbondale Reporter

Carbondale Elementary School District #95 Board of Education met Aug. 25.

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. Carlee Coplea

Mr. Corey Cawthon

Ms. Markida Roper

Administrators present:

Ms. Janice Pavelonis, Superintendent

Ms. Janiece Blake, Chief School Business Official

Dr. LaTonya Mouzon, Director of Student Services

Ms. Brooke Kensler, Director of Special Education

2. EXECUTIVE SESSION 6:03 PM

Roll Call:

Ms. Catherine Field, President

Mr. John Major, Vice President

Ms. Angela Secretary (arrived at 6:05pm)

Ms. Carlee Coplea

Mr. Corey Cawthon

Ms. Markida Roper

Cawthon moved, seconded by Coplea to enter Executive Session at 6:03 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, Major, Watters, Coplea, Cawthon, Roper

No votes: None

Absent: Green

Motion carried.

Executive Session adjourned at 7:28 PM.

Voice Vote:

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

No: None

Absent: Green

Motion carried.

3. Public Comments

Michelle Boyce addressed the Board with the following comment:

I would like to share with the community, parents, and all board members for the purpose of transparency. Our CEA members have been working tirelessly to get us a good contract. The last negotiations meeting however their time was not respected. We came ready to present with a clear proposal. We explained our proposal clearly and got no conversation time with the board team. We waited patiently for 3 hours, still no conversation was had and no counter proposal was delivered. Our teachers could have been planning for their classrooms, spending time with family, or practicing self care. I ask that you please respect their time and help us in getting a fair and equitable contract quickly. Thank you

4. Approval of Agenda

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

Roll Call Vote:

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

No votes: None

Abstain: Coplea

Absent: Green

Motion carried.

5. Consent Agenda Items

Coplea moved, seconded by Cawthon, Recommend approving Consent Agenda Items, 5.1 Minutes, 5.2-Financial Reports and 5.3-Communications

Roll Call Vote

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

No votes: None

Abstain: None

Absent: Green

Motion carried.

5.1 Minutes

5.11 Regular – July 28, 2022

5.12 Executive – July 28, 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,

Thanks for coming out tonight. It’s good to have the band back together.

I don’t have to tell you it’s been some busy weeks since our last board meeting. It’s been busy for me, and I don’t even work here. According to my calendar, I’ve attended all the meetings and all the breakfasts and all the open houses in the world, and it’s not even September yet

So knowing that everyone here has crowded calendars too, I won’t bore you with all the details. I just want to mention one event.

This coming Monday, I’ve been invited to address the Kiwanis Club, to talk about Carbondale Elementary. I like doing stuff like that because I like to talk. They didn’t even have to locate the invitation at Bandana’s Bar-B-Q, but I’m glad they did. I especially like talking to people at this time of year because their property taxes are due, and I want to tell them, “Thank you for paying your taxes.”

I’m not trying to be funny here. We really do need to stop from time to time and appreciate the support we get from the people of Carbondale for the education of children. Even people who don’t own the property they live in are putting money into our public schools, and even people who don’t have kids pay their fair share. We respect that, and we respect them.

Carbondale taxpayers care, and it shows. They are proud when our students achieve. They let us know when there are problems, and they let us work out solutions. They elect the members of this board, and they trust us to use their resources well. We hope they will be proud of us as well.

6.2 Committee Reports

6.21 Behavioral Interventions Committee – None

6.22 Building and Transportation Committee – Markida Roper

• The committee met August 15, 2022 at 5:00pm

• Overview of Construction Updates at CMS, on the HVAC systems, and upcoming move of District Office.

• Solar Panel Grant - Still waiting on application to be released.

• Short Term Lease of Lakeland Center - Will be discussed more during action item 8.6 on the agenda.

6.23 Parent-Teacher Advisory Committee – None

6.24 Policy Committee – None

6.25 Public Relations Committee - None

6.26 Fundraising Development Committee - None

6.3 Administrative Staff Reports

6.31 Director’s Report

• La Tonya Mouzon - Director of Student Services

Dr. Mouzon reported on the following:

In the Student Services Department, I have been working to accomplish the goals of the strategic plan in the areas of meeting the needs of the whole child, community engagement, and strengthening family relationships.

The after school tutoring program began at Parrish and Thomas schools.

• 80 students are being served

District students started attending the BGCSI Springer Street site on 8/22/22 and will start programming at Lewis and CMS in September.

I Can Read will begin after Labor Day.

I have been working to strengthen community relationships and increase collaboration with community partners. I networked with individuals from SIU, SIH, and CCHS. We are working to increase our number of volunteers and mentors who will work with District 95 students.

Just last night District 95 held its very first Parent Engagement Group. These groups are in collaboration with a community partner, Centerstone. We had 7 families attend. The parent group was very interactive. The families enjoyed the first session and asked about inviting others. The children enjoyed playing with their childcare providers, the CMS Beta Club (Mrs. Batteau – Sponsor) under the supervision of Mr. Estes and myself.

• Nurturing Parent Curriculum

• Facilitated by Family Resource Developer

• 10 monthly meetings

o 1 ½ - 2 hour sessions

o 5:00 pm

• Held at CMS

• Meals

• Childcare

• Gas cards

The next parent engagement group will be held on September 29, 2022

Finally, I have worked with The Committee for Children, the developers of the Social Emotional Learning curriculum, Second STEP and the District’s school principals to plan for professional development on the Second STEP curriculum. The professional development will take place on Tuesday, September 6th or

Wednesday, September 7th. We will have three different offerings for the staff on

• 9/6, pre-k will receive their training and on

• 9/7 we will have two different offerings,

o one for K-5 and

o one for the middle school

• Brook Kensler - Director of Special Education

Ms. Kensler reported on the following:

Beginning of the year work in Special Education

• 180 students with IEP’s

• Ensuring all IEP students have appropriate placement and services setup

• Work with case managers on caseloads, communicating with other providers, teachers, and parents

• Setting up special transportation and coordinating with our outside placements

• 26 students new and moving into the district - coordinate with previous district to setup appropriate services

Paraprofessionals

• Recruiting staff

• Supporting Principals in the hiring process

• Opportunity for Grow Your Own Program with SIU to become Special Education Teacher Health Services

• District nurse, Amy Hicks

• Ensuring coverage in buildings

• Coordinating with outside health providers

• Collaboration with community agencies

• Michelle Martin - Director of Data Reporting and Programs Ms. Martin reported on the following:

Updates

Curriculum

Student Consumable Materials

Wonders

My Math

Zaner-Bloser

Into Literature

Online Resources

Almost all the same from last year

Shared support resources with teachers

Curriculum Maps

Have been updated but had minimally changes

The are available on the website under the Parent tab

Curriculum Teams

Teams have been shared and reviewed with Principals

Will be shared with teacher next week

K-8 Science curriculum review and adoption

Continue to focus on My Math with trainings

Work with CMS to continue the implementation of Into Lit

Enrollment Report

Tonight, I want to take time to talk about our process and the enrollment report that is included in your packet each month.

At the end of the year, we rollover our current student to the new year

Online registration is used to verify those students are returning and make sure their information is up to date

We currently have 31 one students in projected status - meaning online registration was not completed but we also have not received confirmation that they have moved to another district

Let’s first look at the page by class. This report shows the numbers for Pre-K 5th grade by class section along with the numbers by grade level for CMS. It also includes the numbers for our students in outside placement. Once we get through the first part of September the numbers by section will not change much. Pre-K numbers are still low because they are still screening and filling those class openings.

The other report in your packet focuses on numbers by building and offers a five year comparison. If you look at the total enrollment K-8 in the middle, you will see our overall K-8 numbers are not much different than last year. Looking at the numbers at CMS, we expected that number to be lower this year. Based on 21-22 numbers we expected two smaller grade levels at CMS this year, but we have had a lot of new 6th graders enroll. This means classes sections for 6th grade are larger than we expected. I am working with Mr. Estes to find solutions for this.

6.32 Chief School Business Official – Janiece Blake

Ms. Blake reported on the following:

Tentative budget is set for an action item on tonight’s agenda. Once approved it will go on display for a minimum of 30 days before it’s adoption in September. The September meeting needs to be moved back a few days to meet the 30 day requirement. The preliminary figures have been updated with current projected revenues, and expenditures are mostly based on last year’s numbers rolled forward, except for new grants. There is one last grant that needs to have updated figures included in the budget, and there have been some additional items identified that need to be addressed, so expect these numbers to change when we view them again for adoption next month.

The district’s annual financial audit is set for August 31st and September 1st, and those reports will be made available to the board once they are completed.

Illinois Law was enacted in August 2021 that mandates the Teachers’ Retirement System to offer an optional 457(b) retirement plan to its eligible active members. Internal Revenue Code and the plan documents require a resolution to be board approved in order for TRS members to participate in the 457(b) plan. The adoption of this resolution will satisfy the September 30, 2022 deadline.

Similar to last year, a resolution is included to approve an interfund loan from the working cash fund to the education fund in the amount of $2 million dollars. This loan is needed to maintain positive cash flow until property tax revenue is received by the district. The loan will be repaid by fiscal year end.

6.33 Superintendent – Janice Pavelonis

• Staff Breakfast - Was and energetic kick off to start the school year. 1st time in 2 years since it was in person.

• Registrations - Working on finalizing and making sure to keep an eye on our numbers for classroom sizes.

• Bus Transportation - Working on finalizing bus timings for arriving to school and home.

• New Staff - Making sure there are mentors in place and working on getting the materials they need.

• School Buildings - Clam and orderly environments among students have been noticed when walking through the halls of each building.

• The focus remains on growth and student achievement and the social emotions learning of our children.

• Return to School Plan - each board member received a copy for review. It will also be posted on the district’s website as required.

• Construction Update - Brief overview of everything that has been completed over the last 3 years.

• District Office Move - All district offices will be moved on Wednesday, August 31st except for the Business office. The Business Office will be moved the following Wednesday due to completing an audit.

• Board Meetings - Will continue to be held at the Lakeland Center for the current year.

• September Board Meeting - Will be Monday, September 26, 2022 due to budget needing to be on display for 30 days.

• Board Retreat - October 2, 2022 from 1:00-5:00pm

6.4 Faculty Council - Stephanie Solbrig reported on the following: Good evening,

I met with Mrs. Martin on Monday, August 22. She shared that teachers have most materials in hand but that some are backordered, likely to the end of the month, including some Teacher Manuals and math manipulatives. She shared that regarding curriculum maps, K-5 Math will be revisited and may include trainings, ELA too and incorporating Letters with that, and possibly Social Studies. This year Science Curriculum will get a full review with consideration about what may need to be changed.

Asked about the plan for Viewboard training, Ms. Martin shared that, currently, help is being offered as individuals ask for it. But once the central office is moved, mini trainings may be offered at the buildings. Also, 3-4 minute videos are being considered to put in the pd folder on the website.

With regard to professional development, Ms. Martin shared that teachers can apply for it again as we did before the pandemic. Some in-district PD will be offered for both My Math and Wonders in the district.

From across the district, teachers report that discipline seems better but still some issues with students exhibiting extreme misbehaviors. Teachers report that administration is “kicking it up with targeting tardiness and absenteeism.” Teachers report that aide positions are still open and needing to be filled. These first weeks, teachers are spending much time teaching and reteaching expectations, digging in to really get to know and understand our students and families, and helping students prepare themselves, mind and body, to set personal goals to reach their highest potential over the school year.

That concludes tonight’s report, thank you.

7. Old Business OLD BUSINESS

7.1 Action on Coaches Handbook

Roper moved, seconded by Coplea, Recommend the approval of the Coaches Handbook as presented.

Roll Call Vote

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

No votes: None

Abstain: None

Absent: Green

Motion carried.

8. New Business

NEW BUSINESS

8.1 Coplea moved, seconded by Cawthon, Second Reading of IASB Policies Under 5-Year Review

3:70 Succession of Authority

5:240 Suspension

5:70 Religious Holidays

6:140 Education of Homeless Children

6:330 Achievement and Awards

6:70 Teaching About Religions

Voice Vote

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

No votes: None

Abstain: None

Absent: Green

Motion carried.

8.2 Cawthon moved, seconded by Roper, Second Reading of IASB Draft Updated Policies

2:230 Public Participation at School Board Meetings and Petitions to the Board

4:70 Resource Conservation

5:80 Court Duty

6:290 Homework

6:80 Teaching About Controversial Issues

7:15 Student and Family Privacy Rights

7:270 Administering Medicines to Students

7:285 Anaphylaxis Prevention, Response, and Management Program

Voice Vote

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

No votes: None

Abstain: None

Absent: Green

Motion carried.

8.3 Action on Classified Personnel

8.31 Action on Resignation

Coplea moved, seconded by Roper, Recommend accepting the resignation of Joseph Stacy, In School Suspension Supervisor at Carbondale Middle School effective August 8, 2022, Pennie Hawes, Library Aide at Lewis School effective August 11, 2022 and Chasity Person, LPN at Carbondale Middle School effective September 6, 2022.

Voice Vote

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

No votes: None

Abstain: None

Absent: Green

Motion carried.

8.32 Employment of Paraprofessionals

Coplea moved, seconded by Cawthon, Recommend approving the employment of the following Paraprofessionals effective the 2022-2023 school year pending a clear CBI.

Mary Rhoads - Instructional Aide at Carbondale Middle School retroactive effective August 15, 2022

Alexis Estes - EOC Aide at Carbondale Middle School retroactive effective August 18, 2022

Roll Call Vote

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

No votes: None

Abstain: None

Absent: Green

Motion carried.

8.33 Employment of Technology Paraprofessional

Cawthon moved, seconded by Roper, Recommend approving the employment of David Mosher as a Technology Paraprofessional retroactive effective August 8, 2022.

Roll Call Vote

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

No votes: None

Abstain: None

Absent: Green

Motion carried.

8.34 Employment of After School Paraprofessional

Roper moved, seconded by Coplea, Recommend approving the employment of the following paraprofessionals for the after school program for the 2022-2023 school year retroactive effective August 22, 2022.

Parrish School

Olivia Jones-Martin, Shamar Woodson, Harold Thomas and

Courtney Adams

Thomas School

Shelly Trammell, Monecia Allen, Margaret Chambers, and Maxine Lewis

Substitutes - Callie Ivy-James, Jazmyn James, Keyandra Levy, and Tina Aurand

Roll Call Vote

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

No votes: None

Abstain: None

Absent: Green

Motion carried.

8.4 Action on Certified Personnel

8.41 Action on Resignations - None

8.42 Employment of CES95 Faculty

Coplea moved, seconded by Cawthon, Recommend approving the employment of the following Faculty effective the 2022-2023 school year pending a clear CBI.

Amy Bastien - PE Teacher at Carbondale Middle School

Roll Call Vote

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

No votes: None

Abstain: None

Absent: Green

Motion carried.

8.43 Employment of Special Assignments

Coplea moved, seconded by Roper, Recommend the Employment of the following Special Assignments for the 2022-2023 school year.

Parrish School

Cecile McCarron - Conservation Kids Club

Thomas School

Amy Britt-Simpson - Conservation Kids Club

Alexa Chamberlin - Intermediate Student Council

Brooke Crombar - Intermediate Student Council

Lewis School

Megan Leonard-Holland - Intermediate Student Council

Megan Leonard-Holland - Art Club Sponsor

Carbondale Middle School

Marshall Hunt - Athletic Director

Heather Melton - Team Leader

Yvonne Windings - Team Leader

Ashley Burgener - Team Leader

Stefanie Peck - Team Leader

Jennifer Bunton - Team Leader

Courtney Rock - Team Leader

Katie Acray - Team Leader

Ashley Burgener - Mathcounts

Courtney O’Dell - Student Council

Robyn Davis - Student Counci

Megan Batteau - Art Club

Kelly Koberstein - Scholar Bowl

Kara Lovelace - Scholar Bowl

Shadi Frick - History Fair

Heather Melton - Beta Club

Megan Batteau - Beta Club

Megan Batteau - Assistant Boys Baseball Coach

Caleb Cobb - Assistant Boys Basketball Coach

Dylan Chambers - Assistant Girls Volleyball Coach

Roll Call Vote

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

No votes: None

Abstain: None

Absent: Green

Motion carried.

8.44 Employment of After School Tutors

Watters moved, seconded by Roper, Recommend the employment of the following tutors for the after school program retroactive effective August 22, 2022 for the 2022-2023 school year.

Parrish School

Cecile McCarron and Laura Heatherly (Jinks)

Substitute - Deanna Crombar

Thomas School

Chassity Cawthon and Alexa Chamberlin

Substitutes - Michelle Boyce, Morgan Harris, Spenser Morgan, and Hannah Williams

Roll Call Vote

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

No votes: None

Abstain: Cawthon

Absent: Green

Motion carried.

8.45 Action on Maternity Leave

Coplea moved, seconded by Cawthon, Recommend approving the request for maternity leave of Morgan Harris to start on or around December 1, 2022 and to return on March 20, 2023.

Voice Vote

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

No votes: None

Abstain: None

Absent: Green

Motion carried.

8.5 Action on District Property Resolution

Coplea moved, seconded by Roper, Recommend approving the Resolution declaring the district property known as the Lakeland Administrative Building located at 925 S. Giant City Road, Carbondale, IL 62902 as unnecessary, unsuitable, and/or inconvenient for school or district uses in accordance with 105 ILCS 5/10-22.11 whereas the Board has the authority to lease said property to suitable lessees.

Roll Call Vote

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

No votes: None

Abstain: None

Absent: Green

Motion carried.

8.6 Action on Lease Agreement

Cawthon moved, seconded by Coplea, Recommend approving the Lease Agreement between the Carbondale Elementary School District No. 95 and the Carbondale Park District to lease a portion of the property located at 925 S. Giant City Road, Carbondale, IL 62902 beginning on September 12, 2022 and ending on May 31, 2023.

Roll Call Vote

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

No votes: None

Abstain: None

Absent: Green

Motion Passed.

8.7 Action to Establish Dates to Review Proposed 2022-2023 District Budget and Public Hearing

Watters moved, seconded by Cawthon, Recommend approving the dates and location for reviewing the proposed Carbondale Elementary School District #95 budget are as follows: Beginning August 25, 2022, through September 26, 2022, the budget will be on display at the CES95 Administrative Office, 1150 E. Grand Avenue, Suite 2, Carbondale, IL. 62901, and establishing September 26, 2022 to adopt the 2022-2023 budget with a Public Hearing set for 7:00 PM.

Voice Vote

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

No votes: None

Abstain: None

Absent: Green

Motion carried.

8.8 Action on TRS Supplementary Savings Resolution Coplea moved, seconded by Cawthon, Recommend approving the Teachers Retirement Systems Resolution for eligible TRS members to participate in a 457(b) Supplementary Savings Plan.

Roll Call Vote

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

No votes: None

Abstain: None

Absent: Green

Motion carried.

8.9 Action on Interfund Loan from Working Cash Fund to the Educational Fund Major moved, seconded by Cawthon, Recommend approving an interfund loan from the Working Cash Fund to the Educational Fund in the amount of $2,000,000.

Roll Call Vote

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

No votes: None

Abstain: None

Absent: Green

Motion carried.

9. Next Scheduled Meetings

9.1 Monday, September 26, 2022

Foundation Board Meeting

CES95 Lakeland Center

925 South Giant City Road

Carbondale, IL 62902

5:30 PM

Monday, September 26, 2022

Regular Board Meeting (OPEN TO THE PUBLIC)

CES95 Lakeland 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 FY23 Budget

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

Sunday, October 2, 2022

Board Retreat

CES95 Lakeland Center

925 South Giant City Road

Carbondale, IL 62902

1:00 PM

Tuesday, October 4, 2022

Parent-Teacher Advisory Committee Meeting

CES95 Lakeland Center

925 South Giant City Road

Carbondale, IL 62902

5:30 PM

10. Public Comments - None PUBLIC COMMENTS

11. Adjournment

Roper moved, seconded by Cawthon, Recommend Adjournment at 8:52 PM.

Voice Vote:

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

No votes: None

Absent: Green

Motion carried.

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1N7wHk0rA5AMIfeHzMLvSwoUZBD7cmpPa