Carbondale Reporter

Carbondale Community High School District 165 Board of Education met March 20.

Here are the minutes provided by the board:

The regular meeting of the Board of Education of School District 165 was held in the cafeteria of Carbondale Community High School, 1301 East Walnut Street, Carbondale, Illinois, on Thursday, March 20, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. Upon roll call, the following members were present:

Rania Dababneh      Neophansya Robinson (Virtual)

Linda Flowers          Christopher E. Swims

Wendell Pohlman     Julie VanWinkle

The following member was absent: Lana Galan

Also present were:

Daniel Booth            Lena Dierks

Ray Toliver, Jr.         Gwen Poore

Ryan Thomas           Tereta Love-Rutherford

President VanWinkle declared a quorum present and the regular meeting of March 20, 2025, was called to order.

Approval of Minutes: Motion by Swims, seconded by Dababneh, to approve the minutes of the regular meeting and executive session of February 20, 2025. Roll call: Dababneh, Flowers, Pohlman, Robinson, Swims and VanWinkle voted yes. Nay, none. Motion carried.

Old Business—None

Public Comments: Mrs. Tereta Love-Rutherford addressed the Board regarding concerns she had with a coach that she felt had been bullying student-athletes, and the management of the district’s social media accounts. Mrs. Love-Rutherford read the following letter to the Board:

I’ve been blessed to raise three amazing students in this school district. I’ve enjoyed a great working relationship with most of the teachers and staff. Unfortunately, there has been a relationship with despite our best efforts, has not improved much from the beginning. There were situations that happened in which my student felt that they were being unfairly treated by the coach. Whenever it was brought up, my student was treated with disregard and disrespect. There were several incidents last year where clip boards were thrown, and other incidents where other students said the coach pushed them. Me, 2 other guardians, and 2 student athletes had a meeting with the coaches and AD and the coach stated that she may have put her hands on the student and that may have caused the student to lose her footing. This student was essentially pushed but it does not appear that the coach was ever held accountable for her actions. The student athletes who so bravely shared their truth should be commended for their bravery. They knew that there was a chance for retaliation, but they knew it was extremely important that they let their voices be heard.

This year, that coach returned to the team but some of the girls who were mistreated by this coach did not. My student athlete loves the sports that she participates in and wanted nothing more that to be able to cheer her classmates on and be the best co-captain she could be during her final season as a Carbondale Terrier. I do not believe that any clip boards were thrown this year, but the disrespect and disregard for their feelings and well-being persisted.

On senior night, the night that should have been a fond farewell to the sport that she loves so much, one of the coaches took the opportunity to whisper in her ear that she had been the biggest pain in her a**. There was another game later that week, but my student athlete did not attend that game due to a scheduling conflict. Honestly, I would not have let her attend anyway once I found out what the coach said to her.

After that final game, a picture and post were made on Instagram congratulating the team and the other co-captain on the season. Imagine my surprise when I found out that a comment I made congratulating the team, my student athlete (and co-captain), and the other co-captain on having a great season was taken down. I went back into the post and found that not only was my comment removed, but I was also blocked. I was informed that others who commented under my post congratulating my student athlete (and co-captain) were also blocked. I have since been told that post has comments turned off so no one else can comment under it.

I have asked to know why my post was removed, why was I blocked, and who oversees management of that Instagram account. If something was wrong or inappropriate about the post, I would understand why it was removed. But it is obvious there was absolutely nothing inappropriate about it. So when it is found that my post was not inappropriate, I would like a verbal and written apology from the coach who has engaged in this outrageous behavior.

So, as of this date, I still have not received an answer. So, I will ask the CCHS school board the questions. I also would like to know the districts stance on conduct regarding administration of the school’s social media pages and other pertinent info. Lastly, I would suggest that the school board consider approval and recruitment of parent advocates to be part of every sports team.

I would categorize the instances listed above as examples of how some teachers and coaches will engage in bullying and highly inappropriate behavior towards students. I would also like to point out that if the coach thinks it is okay to do that to me, then you can an imagine the things they will do and say to a student because they think they have authority over the students.

This is not the rantings of someone trying to make trouble. This is a parent and community member bringing a very important matter to your attention. Everything I have said can be easily verified. There are others (student athletes included) who have similar stories who welcome the opportunity to talk to you as well. I highly encourage you to have a conversation with them. It will certainly be to the benefit of the school, coaches, and student athletes.

In every situation in life, there is always an opportunity to do better. This is certainly an opportunity for the district to do better and be better for their students. Thank you for this space. I have shared my concerns with others throughout the community and they also share my concern. And I will say that all of us are looking forward to hearing the response from this board very, very soon.

President VanWinkle thanked Mrs. Love-Rutherford for bringing her concerns to the Board. She said there would be no discussion at the meeting, and the administration would follow-up with her regarding the matter.

Recognition of Student/Teacher Achievements

Chancellor’s Scholarship Recipients: The Board recognized Chancellor Scholarship recipients, Elle Banz, Lara Oues, Calla Cheatwood and Emerson Adjei. The students were among 600 applicants for the Chancellor’s Scholarship, and 4 of the 35 who were awarded the $107,000 scholarship. The Board presented students with Board of Education recognition glasses.

Award of Excellence Recipient: The Board recognized social studies teacher, C.J. Buss, who was awarded the Award of Excellence. To receive the Award of Excellence, the most prestigious of the Those Who Excel honors, educators must have demonstrated a commitment to equity and to the success of all students. The Board presented Mr. Buss with a Board of Education recognition glass.

Meeting Recessed: The meeting recessed at 6:14 p.m.

Meeting Reconvenes: The meeting reconvened at 6:17 p.m.

FOIA Requests: The Board received a listing of the 2024-25 FOIA requests received to date.

Payment of Bills: Motion by Pohlman, seconded by Swims, to pay the remaining bills for the month of February 2025; and, those available for payment for the month of March 2025. Roll call: Flowers, Pohlman, Robinson, Swims, VanWinkle and Dababneh voted yes. Nay, none. motion carried.

Principal’s Report: Mr. Thomas reported on the current activities on campus, and reviewed upcoming important calendar dates.

Superintendent’s Report: Mr. Booth reported on:

Construction Updates:

1. CTE Addition: The Open House/Ribbon Cutting date will be March 27, 2025, from 4:00-7:00 p.m.

2. Solar Panels Project: All panels are in place and power connections have been made. The tentative completion is scheduled for April.

3. Running Track Replacement Project: Work will begin in May.

4. District Architect, Paul Lunsford, is continuing to work on the Science Department bid documents.

5. The Tennis Shade proposal was signed and the work will begin once the products are received.

Athletic Conference Discussions:

The South 7 Conference (Carbondale, Cahokia, Centralia, Marion and Mt. Vernon) awaits a response from Highland on the invitation to join the conference and bring the membership to six teams.

February Board Data Update Reports: The Board received the February ADA and ADM Attendance Report and Terrier Tutoring Attendance Report in their Board packet.

CCHS Athletic Department Strategic Plan: Athletic Director, Gwen Poore, was present at the meeting and reviewed the process for the Athletic Department Strategic Plan.

Motion by Dababneh, seconded by Robinson, to approve the CCHS Athletic Department Strategic Plan as presented. Roll call: Pohlman, Robinson, Swims, VanWinkle, Dababneh and Flowers voted yes. Nay, none. Motion carried.

Janitorial Services Two-Year Contract Renewal: Motion by Pohlman, seconded by Swims, to approve the two-year contract renewal with HES Facilities Management, formerly known as ABBCO, to provide the district’s janitorial services for the 2025-26 and 2026-27 school years, as presented. Roll call: Robinson, Swims, VanWinkle, Dababneh, Flowers and Pohlman voted yes. Nay, none. Motion carried.

Facility Naming Committee Certificate of Deposit: Motion by Dababneh, seconded by Swims, to approve the use of the certificate of deposit funds, $128,514.84, received from the Facility Naming Committee donation as follows:

1. Approve a $2,500 silver sponsorship donation to the CCHS Education Foundation for the Black and White Gala in August 2025.

2. Issue a $60k check to the District, to pay for the gym floor renovations that will include the addition naming the gym floor, Bob Brewer Court.

3. Reinvest the remaining $66k with Banterra Bank in a certificate of deposit for six months with an Annual Percentage Yield of 4.11%.

Roll call: Swims, VanWinkle, Dababneh, Flowers, Pohlman and Robinson voted yes. Nay, none. Motion carried.

2024-25 Amended School Calendar: Motion by Flowers, seconded by Robinson, to approve the 2024-25 Amended School Calendar as presented. Roll call: VanWinkle, Dababneh, Flowers, Pohlman, Robinson and Swims voted yes. Nay, none. Motion carried.

2025-26 IHSA Membership Renewal: Motion by Pohlman, seconded by Dababneh, to continue membership in the Illinois High School Association for the 2025-26 school year. Roll call: Dababneh, Flowers, Pohlman, Robinson, Swims and VanWinkle voted yes. Nay, none. Motion carried.

Tri-County Special Education Joint Agreement Update: Motion by Robinson, seconded by Pohlman, to approve the updated TCSE Joint Agreement and the Resolution Authorizing Affiliation as presented. Roll call: Flowers, Pohlman, Robinson, Swims, VanWinkle and Dababneh voted yes. Nay, none. Motion carried.

Resignations/Retirements: Motion by Flowers, seconded by Dababneh, to accept the resignations/ retirements of the following personnel as presented:

1. Resignation of Mykel Gary (Hall Monitor) effective March 7, 2025.

Roll call: Pohlman, Robinson, Swims, VanWinkle, Dababneh and Flowers voted yes. Nay, none. Motion carried.

Jim Miller Retirement: Mr. Booth announced that Head Boys Basketball Coach, Jim Miller, was retiring at the end 2024-25 season, and the district will be posting the position for the 2025-26 school year.

Employment of 2024-25 Extra-Duty Personnel: Motion by Pohlman, seconded by Swims, to employ the following 2024-25 Extra-Duty Personnel as presented:

Spring Weight Room Supervisor: Kevin Stamp $2,335.00

Summer Weight Room Supervisor: Kevin Stamp $1,167.50, Phen Grant $1,167.50

Assistant Girls Soccer Coach: Daja Smith $2,335.00

Head Softball Coach: Kim Wheeler $4,426.00

Assistant Softball Coaches: Olivia Bradford $2,500.00, Haley Karayiannis $2,500.00, Karly Williard $2,500.00, Lindsey Sears $1,500.00

Assistant Baseball Coach: Tim Ward $504.00

Roll call: Robinson, Swims, VanWinkle, Dababneh, Flowers and Pohlman voted yes. Nay, none. Motion carried.

2024-25 Volunteers: Motion by Swims, seconded by Dababneh, to approve Grant Miller as a Theatre Department volunteer for the 2024-25 school year. Roll call: Swims, VanWinkle, Dababneh, Flowers, Pohlman and Robinson voted yes. Nay, none. Motion carried.

2024-25 Personnel to be Notified of Honorable Dismissal: Motion by Pohlman, seconded by Dababneh, to honorably dismiss at the end of the 2024-25 school year, or current grant period, or current contract, the following personnel as presented, due to a discontinuance of services:

Temporary Faculty: Sandy Stanley

Part-time Faculty: Maggie Biedermann, Sharon Lorinskas and Karly Williard

Rebound Grant Personnel: Chloe Baez, Stephanie Brown, Denise Diliberto, Matthew Duckworth, Jeleania Fields, Quentoria Hudson, Marissa Ivory, Danielle Jerolds, Charmonique Rogers, Penny Smith, Sandra Snowden and Katherine Valliant.

Roll call: VanWinkle, Dababneh, Flowers, Pohlman, Robinson and Swims voted yes. Nay, none. Motion carried.

2025-26 Re-Employment of Tenured and Non-Tenured Faculty and Educational Support, Cafeteria, Maintenance, Aide and Monitor Personnel: Motion by Pohlman, seconded by Dababneh, to re-employ the following tenured and non-tenured faculty and educational support, cafeteria, maintenance, aide and monitor personnel for the 2025-26 school year as presented:

Tenured Faculty: Daron Absher, Jessica Anderson, Chris Apple, Pamela Barr, Dawn Bassett, Brenda Berg, Erik Berrey, Michelle Buchheit, Leigh Burton, Charles Buss, Michael Butler, Aimee Ellis, Betsy Geiselman, Linaya Germann, Kasey Paris Green, Andrew Gwinup, Scott Hankey, Jeff Hansen, Eric Hanson, Crystal Harsy, Garrick Haywood, Tracy Hill, Clyde Hurley, Brandi Jones, Meredith Jones, Haley Karayiannis, Krystal Kill, Bryan Lee, Rasheeda Love, Judy Major, Stacie Massie, Christi McGee, Justin Merriman, Donald Moberley, Carrie Mueller, Susan Murphy, Melanie Nelson, Leslie Neitzer, Matthew Peck, Jason Perry, Cara Polczynski, Kyle Povolish, Amy Prudencio, Jessica Pyatt, Lindsey Sears, Tracie Shackles, Shannon Simmons, Greg Storm, Dawn Taylor, Joshua Taylor, Dallas Terry, Greg Townsend and Lyndsey Walls

Non-Tenured Faculty:

Faculty Completing 4th Year towards Tenure: None

Faculty Completing 3rd Year towards Tenure: Alyssa Garza, Dana Cox-Lipe, Melinda Pierson, Kamen Rosado, DeAndre Smith and Katrina Woods

Faculty Completing 2nd Year towards Tenure: Robin Hughes and Levi Biedermann

Faculty Completing 1st Year towards Tenure: Olivia Bradford, Zachary Clark, Cheryl Drue, Nicole Feng, Chelsea McGee, Levi Milliron, Angelique Moeller, Carlie Page, Debra Ratliff and Fayth Smith

Educational Support Personnel: Caleb Belcher, Jessica Broderick, Fatima Calmese, Mindy Clark, LeAnne Gaydos, Michelle Gleim, Protean Greer, Verlena Greer, Crystal Hicks, Lucia Kelso, Kelly Lannom, Michelle Lewis, Clint Mifflin, Amy Morse, Sian Person, Jarrod Ritter, Heather Taylor, Katherine Vieceli, Rena Weller and Matthew Young

Restorative Practices and Student Support Specialist Personnel: Jimi Bradley and Tommy Holder

Aides: Maggie Biedermann, Jacara Brisco, Braden Cummins, Paul Decker, Jesse Krutsinger, Sharon Lorinskas, Lafiet McDade, DeAnne Miller, Jessica Sergeev, Daja Smith and Eugenia Tomas

Monitors: James Austin, Jake Brantley Marialice Jenkins, Kobe Lewis-Moss, Andrew Smith and Kevin Stamp

Cafeteria Personnel: Jaqueline Acosta, Margarita Acosta, Jerry Broski, Gregory Donahue, Zipporah Gibbs, Sabrina Gordon and T’Neesha Jefro

Maintenance Personnel: Eric Fowler, Thor Hadfield, Mike Heern and Keith Keipp

Roll call: Dababneh, Flowers, Pohlman, Robinson, Swims and VanWinkle voted yes. Nay, none. Motion carried.

For Your Information Items:

The 2025 Top Ten Academic Student Recognition Program is Wednesday, April 2, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. in the gymnasium.

The next Board of Education Meeting is Thursday, April 24, 2025, at 6:00 p.m.

The 2025 IASB Constitution and Position Statement was included in the Board Members’ packets.

Executive Session: Motion by Pohlman, seconded by Swims, to go into executive session to discuss information regarding the appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance or dismissal of specific employees, collective bargaining matters, and litigation (5 ILCS 120/2(c) (1) (2) (11)); and, to adjourn the Board of Education meeting at the conclusion of the executive session. Roll call: Flowers, Pohlman, Robinson, Swims, VanWinkle and Dababneh voted yes. Nay, none. Motion carried.

The meeting recessed at 6:56 p.m. The executive session convened at 7:11 p.m. The executive session adjourned at 8:42 p.m.

Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at 8:43 p.m.

https://www.cchs165.jacksn.k12.il.us/board-of-education/march-2025