Carbondale Reporter

Carbondale Elementary School District #95 Board of Education met July. 24.

Here are the minutes provided by the board:

A regular meeting of the Carbondale Elementary School District No. 95 was held on Thursday, July 24, 2025, 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:

Mr. Corey Cawthon, President

Ms. Catherine Field, Vice President

Ms. Imani McHenry, Secretary

Dr. Renada Greer

Mr. Marshall Hunt

Mr. John Major

Ms. Tangela Oliver

Administrators present:

Ms. Janice Pavelonis, Superintendent

Ms. Janiece Blake, Chief School Business Official

Ms. Brooke Kensler, Director of Special Education

Ms. Michelle Martin, Director of Date, Reporting and Programs

2. EXECUTIVE SESSION 6:00 PM

Roll Call:

Mr. Corey Cawthon, President

Ms. Catherine Field, Vice President

Ms. Imani McHenry, Secretary

Dr. Renada Greer

Mr. Marshall Hunt

Mr. John Major

Ms. Tangela Oliver

Field moved, seconded by Greer to enter Executive Session at 6:00 PM for the purpose of discussing performance, evaluation and compensation of specific personnel matters, matters relating to student discipline, matters relating to collective bargaining, matters relating to pending litigation, and lease of property. No decisions were made, and no votes were taken.

Roll Call Vote:

Yes votes: Field, Cawthon, Greer, McHenry, Major, Oliver, Hunt

No votes: None

Absent: None

Motion carried.

Executive Session adjourned at 7:19 PM.

Voice Vote:

Yes votes: Field, Greer, McHenry, Cawthon, Major, Oliver, Hunt

No: None

Absent: None

Motion carried.

3. Public Comments - None

4. Approval of Agenda

Field moved, seconded by Greer, Recommend approving the Agenda.

Roll Call Vote:

Yes votes: Field, Greer, McHenry, Cawthon, Major, Oliver, Hunt

No votes: None

Abstain: None

Absent: None

Motion carried.

5. Consent Agenda Items

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

Roll Call Vote

Yes votes: Field, Hunt, Greer, Cawthon, McHenry, Major, Oliver

No votes: None

Abstain: None

Absent: None

Motion carried.

5.1 Minutes

5.11 Regular – June 26, 2025

5.12 Executive – June 26, 2025

5.13 Special – July 7, 2025

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 – Corey Cawthon

No Report.

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 – No Report

6.3 Administrative Staff Reports

6.31 Director of Special Education – Brooke Kensler

No Report

6.32 Chief School Business Official – Janiece Blake

Thomas Playground Updates

• Progress on Renovation - Samron started demolition of the Thomas playground on Monday, July 7th. Original estimated completion date for this work was July 25th, however there is an issue with the soil compaction and there is a meeting scheduled for Wednesday July 22nd with all parties including W&B Architects, Samron, Klingner & Associates, Hutchinson Recreation, and District 95.

• Timeline and Next Steps - As of July 2nd, the shade structure has a ship date of August 18th, and the equipment has a ship date of August 25th. I have asked the architects to keep me apprised of any potential changes with the dates. I have a meeting planned with Dr. Barton for July 23rd to discuss alternatives for recess due to the delay in shipment of the equipment and completion of the project. Our next steps are to continue progress toward the sitework being completed and ready for playground installation. I will have more information after tomorrow’s meeting. Once the playground is installed, Sesser Pave and Seal has been contracted to reseal and stripe the asphalt surface.

CMS Partial Renovation Update

Scope of work completed

• The door entry way is complete. The prep work for sink and cabinet installation is also complete.

Remaining items and schedule

• Waiting on status update on sink arrival and plumbing work to be completed, but we are still on schedule for that work to be completed before school starts.

Summer Cleaning Status Update

• Current status by building - Custodians and janitors have done a good job of staying on top of the work with this being our first summer with the in house staff. As of last week most of the classrooms and hallways have been completed. There is still the gym at Lewis, and the cafeteria at Thomas that are waiting to be finished. We have summer food going at Thomas, and the gym at Lewis is holding items that need to be moved into the modular once it arrives, but the goal is to have those complete before the start of school.

Occupancy of Temporary Space – 1501 S. Wall St.

• Progress update - 8 members of district office staff have settled into the temporary space at 1501 S. Wall St. The feedback from everyone is overwhelmingly positive, and we are continuing to work hard to keep things running as smoothly as possible.

Lewis Modular Classroom Update

• Delivery and installation status - The building is completed and sitting at the factory. Illinois Department of Public Health has not yet issued the seals that will be required to use the building as a classroom. Engineering department of the factory is pushing IDPH to issue the seals. Once they are issued, they will be ready for transport.

• Utility connections and readiness - Brad Isom and I met with J&L Robinson today to discuss the site prep for the modular. We have concluded that it makes the most economical sense to set the building on piers instead of a full concrete slab. They have worked to secure electrical and plumbing contractors who are prepared to begin working at the site once the footing specifications have been finalized. Brad and I have worked closely with both JMO and J&L to make sure that all parties are on the same page in regards to the setup of the modular.

Parrish/CMS Resource Center Bids

Bid summary and recommendations

▪ Bid opening for Parrish/CMS Resource Center renovations was held today at 2 pm. 4 contractors were in attendance and submitted bids.

▪ Base bids are as follows:

• Heartland Services (Tamaroa, IL) - $292,759

• Erwin Builders (Benton, IL) - $264,450 with an additional $12,068 deduction for awning substitution.

• J&L Robinson (Carbondale, IL) - $274,250

• Evrard Company (Marion, IL) - $299,000

Next Steps for contractor selection

▪ Based on the scope of work of the project, and submitted documents that the committee reviewed, the recommendation is to award the bid to J&L Robinson Development and Construction, Inc.

Building Lease – 216 E. Main St.

• Lease terms and status - Janice and I have been collaborating for months to get the terms of the lease agreement to a place where we are comfortable with the work being proposed in a way that ensures it meets the needs of the district office as a permanent space, not only from a physical space perspective, but also from a financial one. The lease includes the base lease, buyout provisions, and renovations of the space. We landed at a place where we were comfortable with the base lease and the buyout provisions, but the extent of the renovations were unknown until recently. After meeting with Premier to go over the scope of work and breakdown of costs, we provided some feedback to them, and received a proposal that we believe makes sense for us a district. The terms of the lease call for the base lease of $7000/month for 7 years with a possible buyout after 4 years. Now included in the lease are the renovations cost of roughly $700,000 spread over 10 years. Spreading the renovations cost over 10 years allows us to continue taking a fiscally conservative approach to how we do business. Premier was also agreeable to this option so we have a tentatively have a lease agreement that is ready for board approval.

Landscaping Work

• We have secured a company, to trim trees and bushes, as well as provide mulch in curbed spaces in order to spruce up the properties for the start of school.

Debt Certificates

• As of July 8th, the debt certificates for the solar project have been completely paid off. We received $956,803 in solar renewable energy credits, $198,520 from the Ameren Rebate, and $617,219 from the federal investment tax credit.

6.33 Director of Data, Reporting, and Programs – Michelle Martin No Report

6.34 Superintendent – Janice Pavelonis

• Board Retreat – August 16, 2025 from 9:00am to 1:00pm

• Community Schools Event – July 30, 2025 from 9:00-11:00am. Board Members are invited to attend. Please RSVP.

• Opening Day Breakfast – August 13, 2025 at 8:00am. Board members are invited to join.

• Returning Student Registration – The online portal is open as of July 25, 2025

• New Student Registration – August 5, 2025 in person at all schools.

• Open House – August 14, 2025 from 4:30-6:30pm at all schools.

• First Day of School – August 15, 2025

• Social Emotional Learning – Follow up to Jennifer Hartlieb’s public comment. The board was given information on the supports that are already in place in each school. A review will be done with the staff at the beginning of the school year.

6.4 Faculty Council Report – Jennifer Burke, President

• No Report

7. Old Business 7.1 Second Reading of Press Policy 118: Draft Updates

Greer moved, seconded by Major, Recommend approving the Second Reading of Press Policy 118: Draft Updates

2:260 Uniform Grievance Procedure

4:15 Identity Protection

4:80 Accounting and Audits

5:10 Equal Employment Opportunity and Minority Recruitment

5:20 Workplace Harassment Prohibited

5:60 Expenses

5:100 Staff Development Program

6:150 Home and Hospital Instruction

6:235 Access to Electronic Networks

7:10 Equal Educational Opportunities

7:20 Harassment of Students Prohibited

7:60 Residence

7:70 Attendance and Truancy

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

7:185 Teen Dating Violence Prohibited

7:190 Student Behavior

7:200 Suspension Procedures

7:210 Expulsion Procedures

7:250 Student Support Services

7:270 Administering Medicines to Students

7:310 Restrictions on Publications: Elementary Schools

7:340 Student Records

Voice Vote

Yes votes: Field, Greer, Hunt, Oliver, Major, McHenry, Cawthon

No votes: None

Abstain: None

Absent: None

Motion carried.

7.2 Second Reading of Press Policy 118: Draft Updates – Rewritten

Oliver moved, seconded by Greer, Recommend approving the Second Reading of Press Policy 118: Draft Updates – Rewritten

2:265 Title IX Grievance Procedure

Voice Vote

Yes votes: Field, Greer, Hunt, Oliver, Major, McHenry, Cawthon

No votes: None

Abstain: None

Absent: None

Motion carried.

7.3 Second Reading of Press Policy 118: Draft Updates – New

Greer moved, seconded by Field, Recommend approving the Second Reading of Press Policy 118: Draft Updates – New

7:255 Students Who are Parents, Expectant Parents, or Victims of Domestic or Sexual Violence

Voice Vote

Yes votes: Field, Greer, Hunt, Oliver, Major, McHenry, Cawthon

No votes: None

Abstain: None

Absent: None

Motion carried.

8. New Business

8.1 Action on Classified Personnel

8.11 Action on Resignations

Greer moved, seconded by Oliver, Recommend approving the resignation of Janiyah Weston, Instructional Aide at Parrish School effective July 10, 2025 and Stephanie Benefield, Head Cook at Lewis School effective July 15, 2025.

Voice Vote

Yes votes: Field, Greer, Oliver, Hunt, Major, McHenry, Cawthon

No votes: None

Abstain: None

Absent: None

Motion carried.

8.12 Employment of Paraprofessionals - None

8.13 Employment of School Nurse

Major moved, seconded by Oliver, Recommend approving the employment of Cassie Bramlett as an LPN at Thomas School effective the 2025-2026 school year and Jami Holderfield, LPN at Carbondale Middle School effective the 2025-2026 school year, pending a clear CBI.

Roll Call Vote

Yes votes: Field, Greer, Oliver, Hunt, Major, McHenry, Cawthon

No votes: None

Abstain: None

Absent: None

Motion carried.

8.14 Action on After School Paraprofessional Posting

Field moved, seconded by Greer, Recommend approving the posting for paraprofessional to work the after school program for the 2025-2026 school year as presented.

Roll Call Vote

Yes votes: Field, Greer, Oliver, Hunt, Major, McHenry, Cawthon

No votes: None

Abstain: None

Absent: None

Motion carried.

8.15 Employment of Head Cook

Greer moved, seconded by Major, Recommend approving the employment of April Giroux as the Head Cook at Lewis School effective the 2025-2026 school year.

Roll Call Vote

Yes votes: Field, Greer, Oliver, Hunt, Major, McHenry, Cawthon

No votes: None

Abstain: None

Absent: None

Motion carried.

8.2 Action on Certified Personnel

8.21 Action on Resignations

Field moved, seconded by Greer, Recommend approving the resignation of Hannah Williams, Special Education Teacher at Thomas School effective June 30, 2025, Valerie Potmas,1st Grade Teacher at Parrish School effective July 10, 2025 and Kinzee Wilson, 2nd Grade Teacher at Thomas School effective July 21, 2025.

Voice Vote

Yes votes: Field, Greer, Oliver, Hunt, Major, McHenry, Cawthon

No votes: None

Abstain: None

Absent: None

Motion carried.

8.22 Employment of CES95 Faculty

Greer moved, seconded by Oliver, Recommend the employment of the following certified staff for the 2025-2026 school year, pending a clear CBI:

Stephanie Reece – Music Teacher at Parrish School

Oylan (Patricia) Moore – 1st Grade Teacher at Parrish School

Roll Call Vote

Yes votes: Field, Greer, Oliver, Hunt, Major, McHenry, Cawthon

No votes: None

Abstain: None

Absent: None

Motion carried.

8.23 Employment of Special Assignments

Greer moved, seconded by Field, Recommend approving the following special assignments for the 2025-2026 school year.

Lewis School

Harold McGhee – Intermediate Student Council

Cassandra McGhee – Intermediate Student Council

Cassandra McGhee – Elementary Chorus

Monecia Allen – Conservation Kids Club

Carbondale Middle School

Megan Batteau – Art Club Sponsor

Megan Batteau – Beta Club Sponsor

Shadi Frick – History Fair Sponsor

Shadi Frick – Instrumental Music

Roll Call Vote

Yes votes: Field, Hunt, Greer, Oliver, Major, McHenry, Cawthon

No votes: None

Abstain: None

Absent: None

Motion carried.

8.24 Action on After School Tutors Posting

Oliver moved, seconded by Greer, Recommend approving the posting for certified tutors to work the after school program for the 2025-2026 school year as presented.

Roll Call Vote

Yes votes: Field, Major, Oliver, Greer, Cawthon, McHenry, Hunt

No votes: None

Abstain: None

Absent: None

Motion carried.

8.25 Action on After School Program Coordinator Posting

Field moved, seconded by Greer, Recommend approving the posting for a Program Coordinator for each attendance center to work the after school program for the 2025-2026 school year as presented.

Roll Call Vote

Yes votes: Field, Major, Greer, Cawthon, Hunt, McHenry, Oliver

No votes: None

Abstain: None

Absent: None

Motion carried.

8.26 Action on Maternity Leave

Greer moved, seconded by Field, Recommend approving the maternity leave request for Mollie Jarrett to begin on or around September 19, 2025 with a return to work date on January 5, 2025.

Voice Vote

Yes votes: Field, Hunt, Major, Greer, Cawthon, McHenry, Oliver

No votes: None

Abstain: None

Absent: None

Motion carried.

8.27 Action on Concussion Oversight Team

Greer moved, seconded by Major, Recommend approving the following members for the Concussion Oversight Team for the 2025-2026 school year.

Christopher Rutledge

Troy Barton

Josey Wyatt

Amy Hicks

Brooke Kensler

Roll Call Vote

Yes votes: Field, Major, Greer, Cawthon, McHenry, Oliver, Hunt

No votes: None

Abstain: None

Absent: None

Motion carried.

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

Greer moved, seconded by Oliver, Recommend approving the MOA between SIU Board of Trustees and Carbondale Elementary School District No. 95 to establish an Assistantship Program for graduate assistant students to participate in externship programs in order to facilitate learning experiences within the district through August 14, 2026.

Roll Call Vote

Yes votes: Field, Major, Greer, Hunt, Cawthon, McHenry, Oliver

No votes: None

Abstain: None

Absent: None

Motion carried.

10.4 Action on Memorandum of Understanding between Metropolitan Family Services and Carbondale Elementary School District #95

Field moved, seconded by Major, Recommend approving the MOU between Metropolitan Family Services and Carbondale Elementary School District #95 for the successful planning and implementation of the Full-Service Community Schools Program that will be executed by ACT Now (Afterschool for Children and Teens Now) effective July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026.

Roll Call Vote

Yes votes: Field, Major, Greer, Hunt, Cawthon, McHenry, Oliver

No votes: None

Abstain: None

Absent: None

Motion carried.

10.5 Action on Memorandum of Understanding between Centerstone and Carbondale Elementary School District #95

Major moved, seconded by Field, Recommend approving the MOU between Centerstone and Carbondale Elementary School District #95 for the purpose of collaborating on providing behavioral health services to district students for the period of August 1, 2025 through July 31, 2026.

Roll Call Vote

Yes votes: Field, Hunt, Greer, Cawthon, Major, McHenry, Oliver

No votes: None

Abstain: None

Absent: None

Motion carried.

10.6 Action on Partnership with Resilient Southern Illinois

Greer moved, seconded by Field, Recommend approving the partnership between Resilient Southern Illinois and Carbondale Elementary School District 95 to collaborate in creating trauma responsive schools that meet the academics, emotional, and physical needs of all students for the 2025-2026 school year.

Roll Call Vote

Yes votes: Field, Hunt, Greer, Cawthon, Major, McHenry, Oliver

No votes: None

Abstain: None

Absent: None

Motion carried.

10.7 Action on Bid for Family Resource Center Renovations

Greer moved, seconded by Oliver, Recommend accepting the bid submitted by J & L Robinson for building renovations to establish Community Resource Centers at Parrish School and Carbondale Middle School in the amount of $274,250.

Roll Call Vote

Yes votes: Field, Greer, Cawthon, McHenry, Hunt, Oliver, Major

No votes: None

Abstain: None

Absent: None

Motion carried.

10.8 Action on Lease of Property

Field moved, seconded by Greer, Recommend approving the lease agreement between Premier Property Management and Development, LLC and Carbondale Elementary School District No. 95 for the lease of office space at 216 E. Main Street as the permanent relocation for district office as presented.

Roll Call Vote

Yes votes: Field, Hunt, Oliver, Major, Greer, Cawthon, McHenry

No votes: None

Abstain: None

Absent: None

Motion carried.

11 Next Scheduled Meetings:

11.1 Thursday, August 28, 2025

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

12. Public Comments - None

13. Adjournment

Greer moved, seconded by Oliver, Recommend Adjournment at 8:10 PM.

Voice Vote:

Yes votes: Cawthon, Field, Greer, McHenry, Hunt, Oliver, Major

No votes: None

Absent: None

Motion carried.

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