Carbondale Reporter

Carbondale Elementary School District #95 Board of Education met April 20.

Here are the minutes provided by the board:

A regular meeting of the Carbondale Elementary School District No. 95 was held on Thursday, April 20, 2023, at 6:00 PM at CES95 Lakeland 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. Markida Roper

Ms. Tarnisha Green

Administrators present:

Ms. Janice Pavelonis, Superintendent

Ms. Janiece Blake, Chief School Business Official

Ms. Michelle Martin, Director of Data Reports and Programs

Dr. La Tonya Mouzon, Director of Student Services

2. EXECUTIVE SESSION 6:01 PM

Roll Call:

Ms. Catherine Field, President

Mr. John Major, Vice President

Ms. Angela Watters, Secretary

Mr. Corey Cawthon

Ms. Carlee Coplea

Ms. Markida Roper

Ms. Tarnisha Green

Roper moved, seconded by Green to enter Executive Session at 6:01 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, Coplea. Watters, Roper, Green, Cawthon

No votes: None

Absent: None

Motion carried.

Executive Session adjourned at 7:15 PM.

Voice Vote:

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

Absent: None

Motion carried.

3. Public Comments - None

4. Approval of Agenda

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

Roll Call Vote:

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

No votes: None

Abstain: None

Absent: None

Motion carried.

5. Old Business

5.1 Update on Sale of Debt Certificates for Solar Array Project

Janice Blake updated the Board on the following:

Included in your board packet was a memo related to the issuance of debt certificates to fund the solar panel installation at Lewis and Thomas. The board passed the parameters resolution at the March meeting that set the not to exceed amounts for the financing. The district received one financing offer from First Southern Bank. The debt service offer includes an interest rate of 3.81 which is below expected rates. The debt certificates will have the first interest payment due on November 1, 2024, with principal payments of 805000 due on May 1, 2025 and the final payment of 895,000 due on May 1, 2026.

The debt certificates are set for closing on May 3rd, at which time we will begin coordinating with GRP on scheduling and logistics for the installation.

6. Seating of New Board

6.1 Adopt Election Results

Based on results from the Jackson County Board of Elections, the voters have selected, Tarnisha Green (1470 votes) and Imani Hudson-McHenry (1460 votes), to represent them on the Carbondale Elementary School District No. 95.

Cawthon moved, seconded by Roper, Recommend adopting these results. 

Voice Vote

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

No votes: None

Abstain: None

Absent: None

Motion carried.

6.2 Adjournment sine die

President Field: “We wish to thank Carlee Coplea for her 4 years of service to the District and welcome newcomer Imani Hudson-McHenry and returning member Tarnisha Green.

Presentation to retiring Board members Carlee Coplea by Catherine Field.

6.3 Reorganization of the Board

Tarnisha Green and Imani Hudson-McHenry are called to the Board table for installation.

6.31 Installation of New Board Members

The Oath will be administered by Shane Jones to Tarnisha Green and Imani Hudson-McHenry.

6.32 Roll Call: Field, Roper, Cawthon, Green, McHenry, Major, Watters 6.33 Election of Officers (TABLED)

6.33.1 Office of the President (Voice Vote) (TABLED)

6.33.2 Office of the Vice President (Voice Vote) (TABLED)

6.33.3 Office of the Secretary (Voice Vote) (TABLED)

6.4 Committee Assignments

President-elect is responsible for appointing chairpersons and members to the standing committees. There are six committees and a seven-member Board; therefore, it is necessary that each member serve on a minimum of two committees. Public notice will go out of all committee meetings and any Board member may attend.

6.5 Action on Meeting Schedule for 2022-2023 (TABLED)

7. Consent Agenda Items

Roper moved, seconded by Green, Recommend approving Consent Agenda Items, 7.1 Minutes, 7.2-Financial Reports and 7.3-Communications

Roll Call Vote

Yes votes: Field, Major, Cawthon, Green. Watters, Roper, McHenry No votes: None

Abstain: None

Absent: None

Motion carried.

7.1 Minutes

7.11 Regular – March 23, 2023

7.12 Executive – March 23, 2023

7.2 Financial Reports

7.21 Approval of Bills

7.22 Treasurer’s Report

7.23 Revenue Report

7.24 Expenditure Report

7.25 Activity Fund Reports

7.3 Communications

7.31 FOIA - None

7.32 Donations – None

8. Committee Reports

8.1 8.11 Communication Report

President’s Remarks – Catherine Field (No Remarks)

8.2 Committee Reports

8.21 Behavioral Interventions Committee – No Report

8.22 Building and Transportation Committee – No Report

8.23 Parent-Teacher Advisory Committee – No Report

8.24 Policy Committee – No Report

8.25 Public Relations Committee - No Report

8.26 Fundraising Development Committee - No Report

8.3 Administrative Staff Reports

6.31 Director’s Report

• La Tonya Mouzon, Director of Student Services

In today’s report I would like to share some of the things happening around MTSS. We continue to work diligently in the areas of behavior expectations, attendance, and community engagement. Each school continues to make behavior expectations and regular attendance part of the school culture.

At Parrish School our youngest students have narrower windows for celebrating their behavioral successes. They set weekly goals and celebrations for the students. Last week, all students participated in their big celebration which was an Egg hunt after meeting their goal focused on reducing physical aggression. This week their focus is on using kind words. Also, our very own, Juanita Drue, Social Worker at Parrish, a Carbondale native, and District 95 alum was featured in the Spring edition of Southern Illinois University’s Saluki Social Worker Newsletter where her work with our students and their families is highlighted.

At Thomas School for their most recent behavior goal, following directions, 270 students met their goal. As a result, the students were able to watch their Principal, Mr. Clark-Stokes get pied in the face. Currently the students are working toward a field trip to Ultimate Gymnastics.

At Lewis School the students participated in hungry hippo to celebrate the attainment of their positive behavior goal where 270+ students participated. In alignment with our efforts to increase community engagement this year, Mr. Walsh and the AT program hosted their Museum of Study: Australia and Oceania. Lewis School held a Discovery Day last week where retired teachers, the Director of Technology, Parents and various other community members came together to expose Lewis School students to several topic areas including archery, DNA sampling, glass mosaic making, origami, sign language, Tae Kwon Do, Technology, and many more. During this mini conference, each student was able to select five 35-minute sessions to attend. The Discovery Day could not have been successful without the large amount of community involvement, teacher effort and the leadership of the administration team at Lewis.

CMS, held a grade-level war. Each of the grade levels were in competition with one another to be the grade level with the best attendance and the lowest behavior referrals. The 7th graders won both the attendance and behavior challenges. They will enjoy a special lunch next Tuesday. This past Friday CMS held a school dance to celebrate the 408 students who met their behavior goal. Mrs. Springer-Lopez received a grant that supports making connections between individuals, community, and culture. On this past Tuesday, she was able to bring Julio Barrenzuela to the middle school to “Celebrate with Salsa”. The students and staff got to experience learning the basics of salsa, bachata, and merengue.

In addition, both Lewis School and CMS are participating in REACH SEL training through the ROE. They have completed an action plan for meeting social emotional needs at their schools. Each of their schools will receive a $2K grant to support their school-based work in SEL.

Finally, I have been working with the District’s Staff Engagement committee in fulfillment of the Strategic Plan goal to recognize and celebrate staff, students, and the overall District 95 community. One of the decisions made by the committee was to find ways to recognize individual staff members for continued service and retirement by presenting them with service pins. I would like to share with you a pin that will be provided to staff members for milestone years of service in 5-year increments.

• Brooke Kensler, Director of Special Education

I wanted to take time this evening to share the work that we are doing with one of our community partners, Shawnee Health care. We currently partnered with them to assist in hiring with school nurses, mental health counseling, as well as having access to Terrier care for staff, students and their families.

They have acquired a grant with portions dedicated specifically to our district to expand on providing health services. We are still in the planning phase of implementation, but I wanted to share some of the things we are working on.

They have added a Community Health Worker position which will be dedicated to just supporting District 95 families. This person will be an extra support to help families with scheduling of appointments, transportation to appointments, understanding and completing paperwork and accessing community resources. They can help with case management and support not only our students but the entire family. A primary role for them will be supporting families with any barriers they may be encountering whether its transportation, finding and coordinating resources or completing and understanding the paperwork and processes. In addition, with this position they have a van that is equipped with cameras, car seats and is wheelchair accessible.

They are also adding a mobile clinic for use at our schools. This is a vehicle that houses space for a clinical room, and they have a provider that is there to provide relatively quick medical care. The provider will be able to do physicals and immunizations but also see students for other acute health concerns. It will operate as a school based clinic, similar to Terrier care but will be mobile.

In expanding these supports throughout the district, we can ensure a stronger continuum of care from school to home to the healthcare provider and back. It helps with health equity for all. It supports preventative care such as physicals and immunizations but also with acute care. These services help keep students and families healthy - which keeps kids in school more. Positively impacting attendance which improves learning.

• Michelle Martin, Director of Data Reporting and Programs

Assessment Update

IAR testing has been completed at Thomas and Lewis schools. CMS will complete make-up testing tomorrow. Next week students in 5th grade will complete the Illinois Science Assessment. 8th grade students complete their science assessment today with make-up testing scheduled for next week.

The Star spring benchmark window opened on Monday, April 11th and will continue through May 3rd. A letter was sent out to our parents sharing this information. Schools will review this data at the next SIP day on Friday, May 5th. I will share this assessment data with you at the May board meeting.

Summer Learning

We are currently working on plans for summer learning which will match our summer learning from last year. 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. Job postings from summer learning positions will be posted soon. I will also be sending out a flyer with information about summer learning to our families.

Curriculum Review

I continue to work with the K-8 teacher on a review of science curriculum materials. I have meetings scheduled with K-5 and CMS next week. The plan is to share our selected curriculum with Faculty Council in May and be ready to present the chosen curriculums to the board for approval at the May board meeting.

I have also been working with Mr. Estes who has been meeting with CMS math teachers to review curriculum materials for the 2023-2024 school year. This is the only remaining core subject without a curriculum resource. This review began later in the school year; however I hope to have a proposal to share with the board in May or June so these materials can be received by the start of the 2023-2024 school year.

Infinite Campus

Our Infinite Campus site has been created and data converted from Tyler. Ms. Spaulding and I have already been attending training sessions to prepare for the switch to Infinite Campus for the 2023-2024 school year. Many other training sessions are planned between now and August that will include other stakeholders. We will continue to use Tyler for the remainder of this school year and for some of the planning for 2023-2024 school year.

Kindergarten Registration

Kindergarten registration which will include kindergarten screening is scheduled for May 15th, 16th & 17th at Parrish school. This information was emailed to all of our families today and will be posted on social media tomorrow. You have been given a copy of this flyer with all the necessary information. Please share with any families you know with children that will be 5 years old by September 1, 2023.

6.32 Chief School Business Official – Janiece Blake

This Business Office is gearing up for the end of the fiscal year. With that comes final evaluation of whether or not we need to amend the district’s budget. Preliminary figures show that we will in fact have to amend the budget. There is a timeline associated with placing the budget on display and its adoption after, so the plan is to have that information during the May board meeting. As of the end of March we are three quarters of the way through the fiscal year and the budgeted financials are tracking overall at 71%.

6.33 Superintendent – Janice Pavelonis

The administration team is working on finishing strong for the end of the 2022- 2023 school year in addition to planning for the start of the 2023-2024 school year in solidifying staffing and making sure students have what they need for the summer.

Planning to do “Superintendent Shout Outs” starting in May to highlight things going on in the district.

District Wide School Resource Officer - The vision is to have an official police officer on site to assist the district in school safety. The position will start the 2023-2024 school year. Ms. Pavelonis provided the board with more detailed information in their board packet.

MTSS Framwork - The CES 95 MTSS Framework represents a large body of work in the district spanning over the last 4 years. This framework is a document that represents the district vision on how the systems and procedures work together to support students.

The CES 95 MTSS Framework provides a guide for districtwide differentiation for all learners. It offers structures and systems to support educators and leaders as they work together to ensure equitable access and opportunity for all students. It also includes a problem-solving method for decision making at each tier and the use of data to inform instruction and intervention at each tier.

As you review the framework, you will see a variety of procedures and research that you have already heard about being in place. This framework brings all the parts together in one “textbook” version for our educators to use as they navigate their part in this work. Our plan is to update and add to this framework each spring then re-release it to the staff.

MTSS Resource Center - The MTSS Resource Center at CES #95, is designed to provide guidance and resources for planning whole class, group, and individual instruction. The Center is available to all CES #95 staff for use in planning lessons to implement instruction with fidelity.

On the website, staff can click on a subject (Math, ELA or SEL) and access Pre-K through 8th grade standards with descriptions of prioritized skills within the Illinois Learning Standards. By focusing on the improvement of specific skills, students can grow rapidly bridging achievement gaps more quickly.

In April, we released this framework and resource center out to our entire district staff through a 30-minute video of me explaining the vision and implementation as most importantly, the urgency of this work and more. The rollout will continue for the next few months. This is an exciting time for the district and a huge step in serving our students more effectively!

6.4 Faculty Council - Dawn Seward

Good evening…Spring is just a crazy time of year for everyone, but I want to assure you that teachers feel it the most. I want to highlight some positive things happening in our buildings. IAR testing is wrapping up and the testing coordinators in each building deserve an extra dose of praise for their extra hard work to ensure everyone completes all the tests. Parrish School is hosting a two-week coin challenge to raise money for their MTSS End of the Year celebration.

They are also working hard to prepare for the annual Kindergarten farm field trip. Thomas School staff wants to give shout outs to their principal for winning Principal of the Year, as well as to Mrs. Barton for her support. Last week, Lewis School held a Discovery Day for students to explore a variety of hands on activities. As Mrs. Megan Tate describes “It was AMAZING!! All students enjoyed traveling the building and outside to meet with different community members and learn various topics such as sewing, bead making, archery, tae kwon do, cake decorating, painting, and much more.” Kudos to the faculty at Lewis School for giving our students this opportunity. CMS welcomed back their Special Olympics Medalists today ( I never got the official medal count).

The History Fair Team is headed to the State competition in Springfield, which is a great recognition on the state level. All this to say that there is a lot of hard work being done to allow our students to have memorable experiences and learn, especially during this time of year.

Earlier this week, Michelle Martin and I met and discussed how the Science teams would meet later in the week to further discuss the selection of next year’s K-5 and Middle School Science curriculum. We are hopeful that the new curriculum would be accessible for teachers as early as possible. We also discussed the new Communications curriculum and the scope and sequence of those standards.

Thank you!

9. New Business

9.1 Action on Classified Personnel

9.11 Action on Resignations

Action on Resignations

Cawthon moved, seconded by Roper, Recommend accepting the resignation of Tagw Almnan, Instructional Aide at Thomas School effective April 7, 2023.

Voice Vote

Yes votes: Field, Major, Cawthon, Green. Mc Henry, Watters, Roper

No votes: None

Abstain: None

Absent: None

Motion carried.

9.12 Action on Release of Employee

Green moved, seconded by Cawthon, Recommend the release of David Mosher, Technology Paraprofessional retroactive effective March 27, 2023 for cause.

Roll Call Vote

Yes votes: Field, Major, Cawthon, Green, Mc Henry, Watters, Roper

No votes: None

Abstain: None

Absent: None

Motion carried.

9.13 Employment of Paraprofessionals

Roper moved, seconded by Green, Recommend the employment of the following Paraprofessionals for the 2022-2023 school year pending a clear CBI.

Angela Jones - Student Supervisory Aide at Parrish School retroactive effective April 13, 2023.

Roll Call Vote

Yes votes: Field, Major, Cawthon, Green, Watters, Roper, McHenry No votes: None

Abstain: None

Absent: None

Motion carried.

9.14 Action on Summer Employment Positions

Cawthon moved, seconded by Green, Recommend approving the following summer work positions. Positions will be hired based upon need: ( 5 ) Summer Maintenance Assistants - Up to 400 hours, $15/hr. each ( 2 ) Summer Technology Workers - Up to 300 hours, $15/hr. each

Roll Call Vote

Yes votes: Field, Major, Coplea. Watters, Roper, Green, McHenry

No votes: None

Abstain: None

Absent: None

Motion carried.

9.2 Action on Certified Personnel

9.21 Action on Resignation

Cawthon moved, seconded by Roper, Recommend accepting the resignation of Allison Baer, 4th Grade Teacher at Lewis School effective the end of the 2022-2023 school year and Katherine Acray, ELA Academic Talented Teacher at Carbondale Middle School effective the end of the 2022-2023 school year.

Voice Vote

Yes votes: Field, Major, Cawthon. McHenry, Watters, Roper, Green

No votes: None

Abstain: None

Absent: None

Motion carried.

9.22 Employment of CES95 Faculty

Green moved, seconded by Roper, Recommend approving the employment of the following CES95 Faculty for the 2023-2024 school year, pending a clear CBI.

Summer Smith , 1st Grade Teacher at Parrish School

Alyssa Staley__, ELA Teacher at Carbondale Middle

School pending licensure.

Roll Call Vote

Yes votes: Field, Major, Cawthon. McHenry, Watters, Roper, Green

No votes: None

Abstain: None

Absent: None

Motion carried.

9.23 Employment of Special Assignments

Roper moved, seconded by Cawthon, Recommend approving the employment of the following special assignments for the 2022-2023 school year.

Carbondale Middle School

Keith Gregory - Head Boys Baseball Coach

Dawn Seward - Head Girls Softball Coach

Leah Flores-Lemcke - Assistant Girls Softball Coach

Caleb Cobb - Head Boys Basketball Coach

Webster McGuire - Head Girls Basketball Coach

Brent Jackson - Head Cross Country Track Coach

Michelle Boyce - Assistant Cross Country Track Coach

Keyandra Levy - Cheerleading Sponsor

Roll Call Vote

Yes votes: Field, Major, Cawthon. Watters, Roper, Green, McHenry

No votes: None

Abstain: None

Absent: None

Motion carried.

9.24 Action on Notification of Retirement

Cawthon moved, seconded by Green, Recommend approving the intent to retire notification from Kristine Uffelman effective the end of the 2027-2028 school year and to be placed on the retirement compensation salary schedule determined by the CES95 and CEA Contract.

Roll Call Vote

Yes votes: Field, Major, Coplea, McHenry, Green. Watters, Roper

No votes: None

Abstain: None

Absent: None

Motion carried.

9.25 Action on Maternity Leave

Green moved, seconded Cawthon, Recommend approving the maternity leave for Lacey Miller to begin on August 9, 2023 and end on December 20, 2023.

Roll Call Vote

Yes votes: Field, Major, Coplea, Green. Watters, Roper, McHenry

No votes: None

Abstain: None

Absent: None

Motion carried.

9.26 Action on Special Education Posting

Rope moved, seconded by Cawthon, Recommend approving the posting for a Special Education Teacher at Carbondale Middle School as presented for the 2023-2024 school year.

Roll Call Vote

Yes Votes: Cawthon. Field, Watters, Roper, Green, Major, McHenry

No votes: None

Abstain: None

Absent: None

Motion carried.

9.3 Action on Interagency Working Agreement between Child & Family Connections #24 and Carbondale Elementary School District #95

Roper moved, seconded by Cawthon, Recommend approving the Interagency Working Agreement between Child Family Connections #24 and Carbondale Elementary School District #95 to work collaboratively in the early detection and treatment to persons determined eligible.

Roll Call Vote

Yes Votes: Cawthon. Field, Watters, Roper, Green, Major, McHenry

No votes: None

Abstain: None

Absent: None

Motion carried.

9.4 Action on Pending Grievance filed on February 10, 2023

Major moved, seconded by Roper to NOT intervene to Review the Superintendent’s Step IV decision on the pending grievance filed on February 10, 2023 which the grievant has asked for the Board to intervene?

Roll Call Vote

Yes Votes: Cawthon. Field, McHenry, Watters, Roper, Green, Major

No votes: None

Abstain: None

Absent: None

Motion carried.

9.5 Action on Carbondale Park District Lease Extension

Roper moved, seconded by Green, Recommend approving an extension for the Carbondale Park District to lease the Lakeland Building through September 2023.

Roll Call Vote

Yes Votes: Cawthon. Field, Watters, Roper, Green, Major, McHenry

No votes: None

Abstain: None

Absent: None

Motion carried.

9.6 Action on Sealed Bid for Lakeland Building

Roper moved, seconded by Green, Recommend approving the resolution authorizing the release of the sealed bid process for the sale of the Lakeland Administrative Center.

Roll Call Vote

Yes Votes: Cawthon. Field, McHenry, Watters, Roper, Green, Major

No votes: None

Abstain: None

Absent: None

Motion carried.

10. Next Scheduled Meetings

10.1 Tuesday, May 9, 2023

Behavioral Interventions Committee Meeting

CES95 Administrative Center

1150 E. Grand Ave., Suite 2

Carbondale, IL 62901

5:00 PM

Tuesday, May 9, 2023

Special Board Meeting (Board Candidate Interviews)

CES95 Administrative Center

1150 E. Grand Ave., Suite 2

Carbondale, IL 62901

6:00 PM

Wednesday, May 10, 2023

Building and Transportation Committee Meeting

CES95 Administrative Center

1150 E. Grand Ave., Suite 2

Carbondale, IL 62901

5:30 PM

Monday, May 15, 2023

Special Board Meeting (OPEN TO THE PUBLIC)

CES95 Lakeland Center

925 S. Giant City Road

Carbondale, IL 62902

6:00 PM

Thursday, May 25, 2023

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 Reconvene Regular Board Meeting Public Session (OPEN TO THE PUBLIC)

11. Public Comments - None

12. Adjournment

Green moved, seconded by Roper, Recommend Adjournment at 8:47 PM.

Voice Vote:

Yes votes: Major, McHenry, Green, Field. Watters, Roper, Cawthon

No votes: None

Absent: None

Motion carried.

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1Hh0A4rFm9Zrao-SrZqoNwxAzXaY43py0