Carbondale Reporter

Carbondale Community High School District 165 Board of Education met Feb. 23.

Here are the minutes provided by the board:

The rescheduled regular meeting of the Board of Education of School District 165 was held in the Carbondale Community High School Cafeteria, 1301 East Walnut Street, Carbondale, Illinois, on Thursday, February 23, 2023, at 6:00 p.m.

Upon roll call, the following members were present:

Linda Flowers    Francis Tsung

Lana Galan        Julie VanWinkle

Christopher Swims

The following member was absent:  

Wendell Pohlman

Also present were:

Daniel Booth       Ryan Thomas 

Ray Toliver, Jr.                     

President VanWinkle declared a quorum present and the regular rescheduled meeting of February 23, 2023, was called to order.

Approval of Minutes: Motion by Swims, seconded by Tsung, to approve the minutes of the regular scheduled meeting and executive session of January 19, 2023. Roll call: Flowers, Galan, Swims, Tsung and VanWinkle voted yes. Nay, none. Motion carried.

Old Business—None

Resignation of Board of Education Member: Motion by Swims, seconded by Flowers, to accept the resignation of Steven R. Sabens, a Board of Education Member and Board President effective February 3, 2023, as presented. Roll call: Galan, Swims, Tsung, VanWinkle and Flowers voted yes. Nay, none. Motion carried.

Election of Board of Education Vice President: Motion by Flowers, seconded by Tsung, to elect Christopher Swims as Board of Education Vice President to serve for the remainder of Julie VanWinkle’s vacated Vice President term (April 2023). Roll call was taken by asking all in favor and all opposed. The all-in favor roll call was unanimous. Motion carried.

Public Comments

Dr. Dolleen York-Anderson: Dr. Dolleen York-Anderson addressed the Board of Education regarding the last Board meeting and the interaction between herself and Steven Sabens at the meeting. She said the following day she sent an email to the Board expressing her concerns with her treatment at the meeting and how she perceived the interaction as rude and disrespectful. She said two minutes after she sent the email, she received a telephone call from Mr. Sabens. She said he expressed his sincere apologies to her for the way she felt she had been treated at the meeting. She said that he said that had not been his intention to do, and that he went on to explain to her the events that led up to the misunderstanding that had occurred that evening. She said she told him she understood and appreciated his call to her. She said the following day he called her again, and they had a good conversation about moving forward and that he spoke to her about her Restorative Justice Program. She told the Board that she wanted them to know that everyone has moved forward and are on a good path.

Walter Green: Walter Green said he was at the meeting on behalf of Race Unity. He said they had a very productive meeting following the last Board meeting. He said he had 16 questions for Mr. Booth (Mr. Green provided a written copy of his questions.):

1a. How many students are in special ed?

1. Have you examined the 2022 School Report Card?

2. Do you think the percentage of African American students in special education classes is a cause for concern or alarm?

3. How are students identified for placement in special education?

4. What is the process for getting students enrolled in special education?

5. Who is responsible for the final decision to place students in special education?

6. How many African American teachers work at CCHS?

7. How many are in the special education department?

8. Does CCHS receive monetary support from the state or federal governments based on special education student enrollment?

9. Do parents receive monetary benefits for children enrolled in special education?

10. What percentage of indoor/outdoor suspensions represents special education students?

11. What are the benefits for a special education student who is taken out of a small-group setting monitored by a behavioral specialist and placed in large-group setting in in-door suspension under a less qualified monitor?

12. What are the responsibilities of a special education teacher who has a student on in-door suspension?

13. Is it possible to revise an IEP to include strategies the special education teacher can use with-in the classroom to deal with behavior and otherissues to cut down on special education students being removed from their academic setting?

14. Is enforcement of student codes of conduct consistent with school board policy when applied to students on in-door suspension?

15. Is the nutritional policy for students on in-door suspension consistent with school board policy?

16. Will the School Board of District 95 request a state equity audit to determine if our special education department of CCHS is in accordance with Illinois State Board of Education regulations?

Mr. Booth said he would email Mr. Green the answers to his questions.

Vern Kline: Vern Kline said she had children who graduated from CCHS and they were very happy with their education and experience. She said that while her children had privileges it broke her heart to see others that did not get the same treatment. She asked if there were windows in the classrooms and if students are fed peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. She said she can see by the numbers things are getting better, but not for everyone. She said society needs to work on this.

FOIA Requests: The Board received a listing of the 2022-23 FOIA requests received to date.

Payment of Bills: Motion by Tsung, seconded by Swims, to pay the remaining bills for the month of January 2023; and, those available for payment for the month of February 2023. Roll call: Galan, Swims, Tsung, VanWinkle and Flowers voted yes. Nay, none. Motion carried.

ESSER II and III Grant Expenditures: The Board received an update on the ESSER II and III Grant expenditures.

Principal’s Report: The Board received the following Principal’s Report for their review:

●8th Grade Day and 8th Grade Night were successful events as we prepare our future students and their families for CCHS. We will continue to make slight adjustments to the program but overall, we have received positive feedback from all stakeholders on an event we revamped beginning last school year.

●Metal detector implementation continues to run smoothly. All students are able to enter the building prior to the first hour bell with minimal wait time. Students have adapted well to the process and strong communication has assisted the implementation.

●Cafeteria opened to students last week.

●Freshman Boys Basketball Conference Champs

●Wrestling Conference Champs

●Girls Bowling Conference Champs

●Three wrestlers competed at IHSA State last weekend in Champaign: Aiden Taylor, Isaiah Duckworth, Brendan Banz

●One wrestler will compete at the first ever IHSA Girls Wrestling State Finals this weekend in Bloomington: Faith Loyd

●Varsity Scholar Bowl Team is undefeated (15-0); Conference Tournament Champs, Sectional Champs, Masonic State Academic Bowl on March 4 in Bloomington

●Speech Team had three individuals make it to finals of Sectionals: Daniel Pitafi, Josh Ramirez, Olivia Bishop—4th Place at State Speech Tournament in the Original Oratory category

Superintendent’s Report: The Board received the following Superintendent’s Report for their review:

Construction Updates:

The cafeteria project is substantially completed and the first day for use by all students was on February 13, 2023.

The pole barn, weight room/storage projects, and the stadium storage project are substantially completed.

The maintenance shed project should be completed in two to three weeks.

The roof replacement project began the first week in January and is estimated to be completed in four to six weeks.

The Walnut Street security entrance project will begin in the coming weeks. The Walnut Street entrance will be closed until the project is completed.

Education Foundation:

The CCHS Education Foundation Board of Directors approved a $10,000.00 donation towards Media Center furniture. The CCHS Board of Education approved $66,000.00 towards new tables and chairs in the Media Center at last month’s Board meeting. The Foundation’s donation will go towards soft seating in the space that costs an additional $40,000.00. The District will cover the remaining funds to complete this portion of the project.

The Hall of Service and Achievement nominations was extended through March 10, 2023. Inductees for the 2023 class will be announced in May for induction at the August 26, 2023, Foundation Gala.

Metal Detectors:

The implementation of the metal detectors has gone well, and they are in use at all entrances

Strategic Planning Progress:

The following updates will be given to the Board on the strategic plan:

March: Goal Three Action Plan Update

April: Goal Four and Five Action Plan Update

June: Year End Strategic Plan Update

2023 Love Your Heart Contest Results:

∙Contest Winner: Arnold Taylor

Strategic Plan Update: Goal Three Action Plan Update: The Strategic Plan Update: Goal Three Action Plan update will occur at the March Board meeting.

Request to Solicit School Van Bids: Motion by Swims, seconded by Flowers, to solicit bids for two new school vans as presented. Roll call: Swims, Tsung, VanWinkle, Flowers and Galan voted yes. Nay, none. Motion carried.

2022-23 Mid-Year Graduates: Motion by Tsung, seconded by Swims, to approve the February 23, 2023, mid-year graduation for the students as presented. Roll call: Tsung, VanWinkle, Flowers, Galan and Swims voted yes. Nay, none. Motion carried.

2023 Board Sponsored Activities: Motion by Swims, seconded by Flowers, to approve the following 2022-23 Board sponsored activities:

1. 2023 Top Ten Academic Student Recognition Program--The 2023 Top Ten Academic Student Recognition Program is on Wednesday, April 5, 2023, at 6:00 p.m. in the gym.

2. 2023 Board of Education Student Artwork Award--The Administration, on behalf of the Board of Education, will present a certificate/cash award ($200) at the Awards Night Ceremony on Thursday, May 4, 2023, at 6:00 p.m. at the Carbondale Civic Center.

3. 2023 Graduation Ceremony--A Board Member will receive the Class of 2023 at the Graduation Ceremony on Saturday, May 20, 2023, at the SIU Banterra Center, at 3:00 p.m. President VanWinkle asked Mr. Booth to check with Member Pohlman to see if she would like to receive the class because her child is graduating.

4. 2023 Retirement Reception--Retiree: Helen Bottje, Science Teacher--Time/Place: TBD

5. 2023 Carbondale Middle School Graduation Ceremony Representatives--Member Christopher Swims and Ryan Thomas will receive the Carbondale Middle School.

Roll call: VanWinkle, Flowers, Galan Swims and Tsung voted yes. Nay, none. Motion carried.

Resolution for the Disposal of Surplus Property: Motion by Swims, seconded by Galan, to adopt the Resolution for the Disposal of Surplus Property (wooden shed) as presented. Roll call: Flowers, Galan, Swims, Tsung and VanWinkle voted yes. Nay, none. Motion carried.

Resolution Relating to the Transfer of Ownership of Certain District Property and Approving a Related Intergovernmental Agreement (Hickory Ridge Public Golf Course Facility Use Agreement) and Quit Claim Deed: Motion by Swims, seconded by Tsung, to approve the Resolution Relating to the Transfer of Ownership of Certain District Property and Approving a Related Intergovernmental Agreement (Hickory Ridge Public Golf Course Facility Use Agreement effective August 1, 2022-July 31, 2032) and Quit Claim Deed as presented. Roll call: Flowers, Galan, Swims, Tsung and VanWinkle voted yes. Nay, none. Motion carried.

Real Estate Purchase and Sale Agreement: Motion by Swims, seconded by Galan, to approve the Real Estate Purchase and Sale Agreement between CCHS District 165 and the Carbondale Park District as presented. Roll call: Galan, Swims, Tsung, VanWinkle and Flowers voted yes. Nay, none. Motion carried.

Reschedule March Board of Education Meeting: Motion by Swims, seconded by Flowers, to reschedule the Thursday, March 16, 2023, Board of Education meeting to Thursday, March 23, 2023, at 6:00 p.m. in the Carbondale Community High School Cafeteria. Roll call: Swims, Tsung, VanWinkle, Flowers and Galan voted yes. Nay, none. Motion carried.

Resignations/Retirements: Motion by Galan, seconded by Tsung, to accept the following resignations/ retirements as presented:

a. Resignation of Courtney Flowers (Assistant Boys Track II Coach) effective January 17, 2023.

b. Resignation of Kimberly Wright (Rebound employee) effective January 30, 2023.

c. Retirement of Rannetta Halteman (Faculty Secretary) effective June 30, 2023.

d. Retirement of Jane Rendon (Spanish Teacher) effective at the end of the 2025-26 school year.

Roll call: Tsung, VanWinkle, Flowers, Galan and Swims voted yes. Nay, none. Motion carried.

Employment of 2022-23 Extra-Duty Personnel: Motion by Galan, seconded by Tsung, to employ the following 2022-23 extra-duty personnel as presented:

Assistant Softball Coach: Lindsey Sears $3,502.00 and Karly Williard $3,502.00

Assistant Boys Track II Coach: Joshua Vogel $1,000.00

Roll call: VanWinkle, Flowers, Galan, Swims and Tsung voted yes. Nay, none. Motion carried.

Employment of 2023-24 Special Education Teachers: Motion by Flowers, seconded by Tsung, to employ the following Special Education Teachers for the 2023-24 school year as presented:

a. Mark Albertini: Employment pending receipt of his Special Education licensure. Mr. Albertini’s education and experience will place him Line 18, Column MA/MS+24 on the 2023-24 Teacher Salary Schedule.

b. Robin Hughes: Ms. Hughes’ education and experience will place her at Line 2, Column BA/BS on the 2023-24 Teacher Salary Schedule.

Roll call: Flowers, Galan, Swims, Tsung and VanWinkle voted yes. Nay, none. Motion carried.

2022-23 Volunteers: Motion by Galan, seconded by Swims, to approve the following 2022-23 volunteers as presented: Brian Chaney, Baseball Coach Volunteer and Lorie Trexler, Band Volunteer. Roll call: Galan, Swims, Tsung, VanWinkle and Flowers voted yes. Nay, none. Motion carried.

Executive Session: Motion by Swims, seconded by Galan, to go into executive session for the purpose of discussing information regarding the appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance or dismissal of specific employees, and to consider the appointment of a member to fill a vacancy on the Board of Education (5 ILCS 120/2(c)(1)(3)); and, to adjourn the Board of Education Meeting immediately following the executive session. Roll call: Swims, Tsung, VanWinkle, Flowers and Galan voted yes. Nay, none. Motion carried.

The meeting recessed at 6:30 p.m. The executive session convened at 6:41 p.m. The executive session adjourned at 8:12 p.m. President VanWinkle stated no action was taken while in executive session.

For Your Information Items

Spring Break: Spring Break is March 13-17, 2023.

March Board Meeting: The March Board of Education Meeting is Thursday, March 23, 2023, at 6:00 p.m.

Closing Comments—None

Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at 8:13 p.m.

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