Carbondale Reporter

Carbondale Elementary School District #95 Board of Education met June 27.

Here are the minutes provided by the board:

A regular meeting of the Carbondale Elementary School District No. 95 was held on Thursday, June 27, 2024, at 6:00 PM at The John Major Learning Center, 1150 E. Grand Avenue, Carbondale, IL 62901.

1. Roll Call:

Upon roll call, the following members were present:

Ms. Catherine Field, President

Ms. Markida Roper, Vice President

Mr. Corey Cawthon, Secretary

Ms. Imani McHenry

Ms. Stacye Saunders

Ms. Aimee Wigfall - absent

Ms. Tarnisha Green

Administrators present:

Ms. Janice Pavelonis, Superintendent

Ms. Janiece Blake, Chief School Business Official

Ms. Michelle Martin, Director of Data Reporting and Programs

2. EXECUTIVE SESSION 6:01 PM

Roll Call:

Ms. Catherine Field, President

Ms. Markida Roper, Vice President

Mr. Corey Cawthon, Secretary

Ms. Imani McHenry

Ms. Stacye Saunders

Ms. Tarnisha Green

McHenry moved, seconded by Saunders 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, Saunders, Roper, McHenry, Cawthon, Green

No votes: None

Absent: Wigfall

Motion carried.

Executive Session adjourned at 6:52 PM.

Voice Vote:

Yes votes: Saunders, Field, McHenry, Roper, Green, Cawthon

No: None

Absent: Wigfall

Motion carried.

Public Hearing to Adopt FY24 Amended Budget

Janiece Blake opened the public hearing at 7:03 PM to review the amended budget for FY24 that is on the agenda for board approval. There was no discussion or comments by the board. Motion by Saunders and seconded by McHenry to close the hearing at 7:06 PM.

3. Public Comments - None

4. Approval of Agenda

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

Roll Call Vote:

Yes votes: Field, Saunders, Cawthon, Green, McHenry, Roper

No votes: None

Abstain: None

Absent: Wigfall

Motion carried.

5. Consent Agenda Items

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

Roll Call Vote

Yes votes: Field, Saunders, Roper, Green, McHenry, Cawthon

No votes: None

Abstain: None

Absent: Wigfall

Motion carried.

5.1 Minutes

5.11 Regular – May 23, 2024

5.12 Executive – May 23, 2024

5.2 Financial Reports

5.21 Approval of Bills

5.22 Treasurer’s Report

5.23 Revenue Report

5.24 Expenditure Report

5.25 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

President Field commented on some remarks that were made at the Carbondale City Council meeting that she did not agree with regarding our middle school. President Field also referenced a conversation she had with a parent that had an issue with her child being bullied, but never made it know to the principal of the school so that it could be addressed. President Field reiterated that we do not tolerate bullying but nothing can be done about it if we don’t know that it is happening.

6.2 Committee Reports

6.21 Behavioral Interventions Committee – No Report

6.22 Building and Transportation Committee – No Report

6.23 Parent-Teacher Advisory Committee – No Report

6.24 Policy Committee – Stacye Saunders

• The committee met on June 17, 2024

• Press Policies 114 are on tonight’s agenda for a 1st Reading.

• Handbooks for the 2024-2025 school year are being recommended on tonight’s agenda for approval.

6.25 Public Relations Committee - No Report

6.26 Fundraising Development Committee - No Report

6.3 Administrative Staff Reports

6.31 Chief School Business Official – Janiece Blake

• Public Hearing on Amended Budget - The amended budget has been on display since May 23rd, and tonight’s hearing satisfies the necessary requirement for adoption. The amended budget has not changed since it was posted, so the budget that is included in your packet tonight, is the same as what was provided last month. Funds 40 and 60 are the only funds affected by this amended budget. An additional $325,000 of expense was added to fund 40 to account for transportation expenses that have been incurred throughout the year. An additional $35,000 was added to Fund 60 capital projects fund for the ball field work. The deficit budget summary (page 22 of the budget form) shows a budgeted surplus of $2.2 million, which is down from the $2.5 million reflected in the adopted budget. The deficit budget summary only totals revenue and expenditures in the operating funds of 10, 20, 40, and 70. I will make mention that these are budgeted, not actual numbers, since we haven’t officially closed out the fiscal year.

• Property Casualty Insurance – There is an action items on tonight’s agenda to approve the 24-25 property casualty insurance and worker’s compensation policies. Property casualty increased 10.2% and workers compensation premium increased by 2%. You also have an action item to approve the renewal of the treasurer’s bond. The new premium amount is $1600 for coverage of $2 million dollars. 105 ILCS 5/8-2 amended the amount that was required for bonding from 25% of custodial cash to 10% which is why the amount is lower this year.

• ABBCO Janitorial Renewal – A recommendation for a 1 year renewal with HES for contracted custodial services is on tonight’s agenda for approval. This agreement will allow us to continue utilizing their services, until we establish our own employees to take over the cleaning of the buildings.

• Combiner Panels - Combiner panels have been installed at Thomas and Lewis which means that the installation and setup of the solar project is complete. Next steps are to have the witness test scheduled with Ameren, so that we can receive permission to operate. Once that occurs, the system will operational.

• Softball and Baseball Fields - As of June 18th, the work on the softball and baseball fields is complete. I’ve gone out and inspected the fields and they look amazing. St. Louis Ballfields did a wonderful job getting the fields done. We also received a document that contains suggestions on how to keep the field in good working order. On the viewboard there are a couple of pictures showing the completed work.

6.32 Data Reporting and Programs – Michelle Martin

• School Improvement Plans - Each year, the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) requires districts that received targeted or comprehensive designations to create school improvement plans. To comply with state regulations, these plans must be board approved and submitted to the state. Building administrators worked at the end of the school year to create their building plans to align with the district vision and strategic plan. These plans are included in your board packet and on the agenda for approval. Do you have any questions about these plans?

• Consolidated District Plan - The Illinois State Board of Education requires all districts to complete a set of planning questions to meet the requirements for all federal formula grants for the fiscal year 2025. This requirement has remained the same for several years. A copy of the plan was enclosed in your board packet to review prior to approval.

• Star Assessment Update - The Star benchmark summary was included in your board packet. This summary provides a snapshot of our Star proficiency data for the year. There will be a more extensive look at our Star data at the Board Retreat. Upon reviewing our end of year Star data, we continue to see greater achievement in reading compared to math. Overall, the district saw a 7% increase in students testing at the meeting and exceeding levels compared to our fall benchmark data in reading. Taking a deeper look at our reading data, students in grade K-2nd grade made greater gains. Overall, the district saw a decrease of 4.7% in students not meeting in Reading. As I have previously mentioned, math scores have continued to be lower and growth harder to obtain. One exception to this was our growth in 2nd grade with a 8% increase in meeting and exceeding levels compared to the fall benchmark. Although we are not yet seeing much improvement in students meeting or exceeding in math, the district did see a decrease of 9% in students not meeting in Math.

6.33 Superintendent – Janice Pavelonis

• Summer maintenance work is going on in all of the buildings.

• Community Schools Grant – The district was invited to a interview with a group called Act Now that is in charge of the grant. The decision will be made sometime in July.

• Board Member Vacancy – Dr. Tarnisha Green will be vacating the seat and the vacancy will be posted. The board has 60 days to fill the seat. Dr. Green was presented with a plaque in recognition of her service.

• Denver ISTE Conference – Superintendent Pavelonis and Julia Witges were invited to attend the International Society for Technology in Education conference to speak on the data culture in the district with people from across the country and how we use data to make Improvements in the district.

6.4 Faculty Council – No Report

7. Old Business

7.1 Action to Adopt FY24 Amended Budget

Saunders moved, seconded by McHenry, Recommend approving the Amended Budget for FY24 as presented.

Roll Call Vote

Yes votes: Field, Saunders, Roper, Cawthon, Green, McHenry

No votes: None

Abstain: None

Absent: Wigfall

Motion carried.

8. New Business

8.1 First Reading of Press Policies

114: Review and Monitoring

2:50 Board Member Term of Office

2:60 Board Member Removal from Office

2:140 Communications To and From the Board

4:20 Fund Balances

4:110 Transportation

5:35 Compliance with the Fair Labor Standards Act

5:40 Communicable and Chronic Infectious Disease

6:40 Curriculum Development

No Action Taken

8.2 First Reading of Press Policies

114: Draft Updates (New and Rewritten included)

2:40 Board Member Qualifications

2:260 Uniform Grievance Procedure

2:265 Title IX Grievance Procedure

5:10 Equal Employment Opportunity and Minority Recruitment

5:20 Workplace Harassment Prohibited

5:300 Schedules and Employment Year

7:10 Equal Educational Opportunities

7:20 Harassment of Students Prohibited

7:180 Prevention of and Response to Bullying, Intimidation, and Harassment

2:270 Discrimination and Harassment on the Basis of Race, Color, and National Origin Prohibited

5:100 Staff Development Program

No Action Taken

8.3 Action on Classified Personnel

8.31 Action on Resignations

Roper moved, seconded by Green, Recommend approving the resignation of Brandy Wiedmer, Student Supervisory Aide at Carbondale Middle School effective May 27, 2024 and Tracy Locke, Instructional Aide at Parrish School, effective June 11, 2024.

Voice Vote

Yes votes: Field, Saunders, Roper, Cawthon, Green, McHenry

No votes: None

Abstain: None

Absent: Wigfall

Motion carried.

8.32 Employment of Paraprofessionals

Saunders moved, seconded by Green, Recommend the employment of the following paraprofessionals for the 2024-2025 school year, pending a clear CBI:

LaRhonda Chick – Student Supervisory Aide at Carbondale Middle School Marjorie Densler – Instructional Aide at Parrish School

Leah Flores – Instructional Aide at Carbondale Middle School

Katrin Schurz – Instructional Aide at Carbondale Middle School

Kaitlin Weberling – Student Supervisory Aide at Parrish School

DeVonte Moore – Instructional Aide at Parrish School

Sylvia Harrington – Instructional Aide at Lewis School

Kyah Franks – Instructional Aide at Parrish School pending licensure

Roll Call Vote

Yes votes: Field, Saunders, Roper, Cawthon, Green, McHenry

No votes: None

Abstain: None

Absent: Wigfall

Motion carried.

8.33 Employment of Technology Coordinator

Saunders moved, seconded by Green, Recommend approving the employment of Blake Ryan as the Technology Coordinator retroactive effective June 5, 2024, pending a clear CBI.

Roll Call Vote

Yes votes: Field, Saunders, Roper, Cawthon, Green, McHenry

No votes: None

Abstain: None

Absent: Wigfall

Motion carried.

8.34 Employment of Summer Office Workers

Saunders moved, seconded by Roper, Recommend approving the employment of the following Summer Office Workers retroactive effective June 4, 2024.

Olivia Jones-Martin

Raushanah Davis

Courtney Adams

Roll Call Vote

Yes votes: Field, Saunders, Roper, Cawthon, Green, McHenry

No votes: None

Abstain: None

Absent: Wigfall

Motion carried.

8.35 Action on Release of Employee

McHenry moved, seconded by Roper, Recommend the release of the following employee due to “Employment at Will” during a six-month probationary period.

Madeline Knecht – Library Aide at Lewis School effective May 23, 2024.

Roll Call Vote

Yes votes: Field, Saunders, Roper, Cawthon, Green, McHenry No votes: None

Abstain: None

Absent: Wigfall

Motion carried.

8.36 Employment of Parrish School Secretary

Saunders moved, seconded by Green, Recommend the employment of Brigette Dueker as a Secretary at Parrish School effective the 2024-2025 school year, pending a clear CBI.

Roll Call Vote

Yes votes: Field, Saunders, Roper, Cawthon, Green, McHenry No votes: None

Abstain: None

Absent: Wigfall

Motion carried.

8.4 Action on Certified Personnel

8.41 Action on Resignation

McHenry moved, seconded by Saunders, Recommend approving the resignation of Michael Nguyen, Assistant Principal at Carbondale Middle School effective June 30, 2024.

Voice Vote

Yes votes: Field, Saunders, Roper, Cawthon, Green, McHenry No votes: None

Abstain: None

Absent: Wigfall

Motion carried.

8.42 Employment of CES95 Faculty

Saunders moved, seconded by Roper, Recommend the employment of the following certified faculty for the 2024-2025 pending a clear CBI:

Ashley Hennrich – Pre-K Teacher at Parrish School

Alexis McKinney – ELA Teacher at Carbondale Middle School

Lauren Bartlow – Science Teacher at Carbondale Middle School

Lindsey Bridgewater – 3rd Grade Teacher at Thomas School

Roll Call Vote

Yes votes: Field, Saunders, Roper, Cawthon, Green, McHenry

No votes: None

Abstain: None

Absent: Wigfall

Motion carried.

8.43 Employment of Parrish School Assistant Principal

McHenry moved, seconded by Saunders, Recommend the employment of Ericka Weston as Assistant at Parrish School effective July 1, 2024.

Roll Call Vote

Yes votes: Field, Saunders, Roper, Cawthon, Green, McHenry

No votes: None

Abstain: None

Absent: Wigfall

Motion carried.

8.44 Employment of Lewis School Assistant Principal

Roper moved, seconded by Saunders Recommend the employment of Shetara Reed as Assistant Principal at Lewis School effective July 1, 2024.

Roll Call Vote

Yes votes: Field, Saunders, Roper, Cawthon, Green, McHenry

No votes: None

Abstain: None

Absent: Wigfall

Motion carried.

8.45 Employment of Special Assignments

Green moved, seconded by Roper , Recommend approving the employment of the following special assignments for the 2024-2025:

Parrish School

Anne Kaszubski – Conservation Kids Club

Carbondale Middle School

Craig Cobb - Head Boys Baseball Coach

Lawrence Wood – Assistant Boys Basketball Coach

Megan Batteau – Art Club Sponsor

Megan Batteau – Beta Club Sponsor

Robyn Davis – Student Council

Melinda Elliott – Scholar Bowl Sponsor

Alana Joines – Scholar Bowl Sponsor

Ali Epplin – Yearbook Sponsor

Adam Webb – Special Education Team Leader

Roll Call Vote

Yes votes: Field, Saunders, Roper, Cawthon, Green, McHenry

No votes: None

Abstain: None

Absent: Wigfall

Motion carried.

8.5 Action on 2024-2025 Board Meeting Schedule

Roper moved, seconded by Saunders, Recommend approving the 2024-2025 board meetings to be held on the 4th Thursday of each month except for the months of November and December.

Voice Vote

Yes votes: Cawthon, Saunders, Roper, McHenry, Green, Field

No votes: None

Abstain: None

Absent: Wigfall

Motion carried.

8.6 Action on Parent-Student Handbook

Saunders moved, seconded by Roper, Recommend approving the Parent Student Handbook for the 2024-2025 school year as presented.

Discussion: Superintendent Pavelonis informed the board of the (2) revisions:

• Procedures for student tardies to class.

• Under Dress and Appearance – Head scarfs are allowed if female students are having a bad hair day.

Roll Call Vote

Yes votes: Field, Saunders, Roper, Cawthon, McHenry, Green

No votes: None

Abstain: None

Absent: Wigfall

Motion carried.

8.7 Action on Athletic Handbook for Students

Roper moved, seconded by Green, Recommend approving the Athletic Handbook for Students for the 2024-2025 school year as presented.

Roll Call Vote

Yes votes: Field, Saunders, Green, Roper, Cawthon, McHenry No votes: None

Abstain: None

Absent: Wigfall

Motion carried.

8.8 Action on Coaches Handbook

Roper moved, seconded by Green, Recommend approving the Coaches Handbook for the 2024-2025 school year as presented.

Roll Call Vote

Yes votes: Field, Saunders, Roper, Cawthon, Green, McHenry No votes: None

Abstain: None

Absent: Wigfall

Motion carried.

8.9 Action on ABBCO Contract Extension

Saunders moved, seconded by Roper, Recommend approving the contract extension for ABBCO Janitorial during the 2024-2025 school year for 1 year at a cost of $598,585.

Roll Call Vote

Yes votes: Field, Saunders, Roper, Cawthon, McHenry, Green No votes: None

Abstain: None

Absent: Wigfall

Motion carried.

8.10 Action on Property/Casualty Insurance

Saunders moved, seconded by Green, Recommend approving the purchase of Property/Casualty Insurance with Prairie State Insurance Cooperative in the amount of $162,638.32 with the coverage date of 07/01/24 to 07/01/2025.

Roll Call Vote

Yes votes: Field, Saunders, Roper, Cawthon, McHenry, Green No votes: None

Abstain: None

Absent: Wigfall

Motion carried.

8.10.1 Action on Workers’ Compensation Insurance

McHenry moved, seconded by Saunders, Recommend approving the purchase of Workers’ Compensation Insurance with Prairie State Insurance Cooperative in the amount of $96,664.19.

Roll Call Vote

Yes votes: Field, Saunders, Roper, Cawthon, McHenry, Green

No votes: None

Abstain: None

Absent: Wigfall

Motion carried.

8.10.2 Action on Consolidated District Plan

Green moved, seconded by Saunders, Recommend approving the Consolidated District Plan as presented.

Roll Call Vote

Yes votes: Field, Saunders, Roper, Cawthon, McHenry, Green

No votes: None

Abstain: None

Absent: Wigfall

Motion carried.

8.10.3 Action on School Improvement Plans

Roper moved, seconded by McHenry, Recommend approving the School Improvement Plans for Parrish, Thomas, Lewis, and Carbondale Middle School as presented.

Voice Vote

Yes votes: Field, Saunders, Roper, Cawthon, McHenry, Green

No votes: None

Abstain: None

Absent: Wigfall

Motion carried.

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

Saunders moved, seconded by Green, Recommend approving the Memorandum of Agreement between Southern Illinois University Board of Trustees and Carbondale Elementary School District No. 95 for graduate assistant students to participate in externship programs in order to facilitate learning experiences within the district effective August 15, 2024 – August 14, 2025.

Roll Call Vote

Yes votes: Field, Saunders, Roper, Cawthon, McHenry, Green

No votes: None

Abstain: None

Absent: Wigfall

Motion carried.

8.10.5 Action on Treasurer’s Bond

Saunders moved, seconded by McHenry, Recommend approving the Treasurer’s Bond renewal in the amount of $2,000,000 with M&M Insurance Agency, Inc. underwritten by Ohio Casualty Insurance Company with the coverage date of 07/01/2024 to 07/01/2025 at a cost of $1,600.

Roll Call Vote

Yes votes: Field, Saunders, Roper, Cawthon, McHenry, Green

No votes: None

Abstain: None

Absent: Wigfall

Motion carried.

9. Next Scheduled Meetings:

9.1 *Monday, July 22, 2024

Regular Board Meeting (OPEN TO THE PUBLIC)

The John Major Learning Center

CES95 Administrative Center

1150 E. Grand Avenue, Suite 2

Carbondale, IL 62901

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 FY24 Amended Budget

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

10. Public Comments - None

11. Adjournment

Saunders moved, seconded by McHenry, Recommend Adjournment at 7:50 PM.

Voice Vote:

Yes votes: Saunders, McHenry, Field, Green, Roper, Cawthon

No votes: None

Absent: Wigfall

Motion carried.

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