Carbondale Reporter

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

Here are the minutes provided by the board:

MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL MEETING OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION CARBONDALE COMMUNITY HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT 165, CARBONDALE, ILLINOIS

The special 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 Wednesday, September 10, 2025, at 6:00 p.m.

Upon roll call, the following members were present:

Linda Flowers Neophansya Robinson

Lana Galan Christopher Swims

Wendell Pohlman Julie VanWinkle

Also present were:

Daniel Booth Stacey Massie

President VanWinkle declared a quorum present and the special meeting September 10, 2025, was called to order.

Public Comments—None

Rescission of Board Prior Approval of a Construction Contract Related to the Science Wing Addition at the High School:

Value-Engineered Voluntary Alternate Combined General Contractor; Structural Steel Contractor; Plumbing Contractor, & Mechanical Contractor Provisions Contract: Motion by Swims, seconded by Robinson, to rescind its prior approval of the following construction contract related to the science wing addition at the high school that was awarded to J3 Contracting, L.L.C. of Carbondale, Illinois, for a Value Engineered amount of $1,898,000.00, following the Bid Opening that occurred on June 26, 2025. Roll call: Flowers, Galan, Pohlman, Robinson, Swims and VanWinkle voted yes. Nay, none. Motion carried.

Approval of New Construction Contracts Related to the Science Wing Addition at the High School:

General Contractor Provisions Contract: Motion by Flowers, seconded by Pohlman, to approve the following construction contract related to the science wing addition at the high school and further find that the following contractor was the lowest responsible bidder at the Bid Opening that occurred on June 26, 2025, and the Board is awarding the contract to J3 Contracting, LLC, of Carbondale, Illinois, for a base bid amount of $491,000.00. Roll call: Galan, Pohlman, Robinson, Swims, VanWinkle and Flowers voted yes. Nay, none. Motion carried.

Structural Steel Contractor Provisions Contract: Motion by Galan, seconded by Robinson, to approve the following construction contract related to the science wing addition at the high school and further find that the following contractor was the lowest responsible bidder at the Bid Opening that occurred on June 26, 2025, and the Board is awarding the contract to J3 Contracting, LLC, of Carbondale, Illinois, for the base bid amount of $452,330.00. Roll call: Pohlman, Robinson, Swims, VanWinkle, Flowers and Galan voted yes. Nay, none. Motion carried.

Plumbing Contractor Provisions Contract: Motion by Pohlman, seconded by Swims, to approve the following construction contract related to the science wing addition at the high school and further find that the following contractor was the lowest responsible bidder at the Bid Opening that occurred on June 26, 2025, and the Board is awarding the contract to Heartland Mechanical Contractors, of Murphysboro, Illinois, in the base bid amount of $397,500.00. Roll call: Robinson, Swims, VanWinkle, Flowers, Galan and Pohlman voted yes. Nay, none. Motion carried.

Mechanical Contractor Provisions Contract: Motion by Robinson, seconded by Flowers, to approve the following construction contract related to the science wing addition at the High School and further find that the following contractor was the lowest responsible bidder at the Bid Opening that occurred on June 26, 2025, and the Board is awarding the contract to Heartland Mechanical Contractors, of Murphysboro, Illinois in the base bid amount of $599,000.00. Roll call: Swims, VanWinkle, Flowers, Galan, Pohlman and Robinson voted yes. Nay, none. Motion carried.

Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at 6:08 p.m.

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MINUTES OF THE REGULAR RESCHEDULED MEETING OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION OF CARBONDALE COMMUNITY HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT 165, CARBONDALE, ILLINOIS

The regular rescheduled 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 Tuesday, September 23, 2025, at 6:00 p.m.

Upon roll call, the following members were present:

Linda Flowers (Virtual) Neophansya Robinson

Lana Galan Julie VanWinkle

Wendell Pohlman

Also present were:

Daniel Booth Ryan Thomas

Ray Toliver Lena Dierks

Public Hearing: 2025-26 Proposed Budget: President VanWinkle opened the public hearing to receive public comments on the 2025-26 proposed Budget. There were no comments.

Motion by Pohlman, seconded by Robinson, to close the public hearing on the 2025-26 proposed Budget. Roll call: Flowers, Galan, Pohlman, Robinson and VanWinkle voted yes. Nay, none. Motion carried.

Approval of Minutes: Motion by Robinson, seconded by Pohlman, to approve the minutes of the regular meeting and executive session of August 21, 2025, and special meeting of September 10, 2025. Roll call: Galan, Pohlman, Robinson, VanWinkle and Flowers voted yes. Nay, none. Motion carried.

Old Business—None

Public Comments—None

Recognition of Ryan Dai: The Board of Education recognized Ryan Dai, an outstanding student at Carbondale Community High School, for his exceptional academic and extracurricular accomplishments:

• Achieved a perfect score on the ACT in April 2025, a rare and remarkable academic feat.

• Placed 3rd in Economics at the National FBLA Leadership Conference, demonstrating excellence in business and analytical thinking.

• Selected as a Garwin Family Foundation Scholar, spending the summer at Brown University studying Political Science and Economics.

• Active participant in multiple academic teams and organizations, including FBLA, ACES, Scholar Bowl, Math Team, and many other activities that enrich the CCHS community.

• National Merit Semifinalist

Dr. Booth said Ryan exemplifies the values of scholarship, leadership, and curiosity, and we are honored to celebrate his achievements. He was presented with a Board of Education recognition glass.

2025-26 FOIA Requests: The Board received a listing of the FOIA requests received to date.

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

Principal’s Report: Mr. Thomas reported on the recent class meetings and campus activities He reviewed the RISE (Restorative Intervention and Student Empowerment) Pathway Program for the Board:

Program Overview: The RISE Pathway Program is a restorative initiative designed to support students who have engaged in major behavioral infractions. Its goal is to provide students with a structured opportunity to:

• Take responsibility for their actions

• Reflect on their behavior

• Repair harm caused

• Re-engage positively with the CCHS community

Expectations During RISE Placement: Students participating in the RISE Program will serve their disciplinary consequences in Alternative to Suspension (ASP) and/or In-School Suspension (ISS). During this time, students are expected to:

• Follow all ASP/ISS rules and expectations

• Avoid any behaviors that may lead to removal from the setting

• Complete an average of three academic assignments per day

• Complete assigned restorative project components

Restorative Activities: As part of the RISE Pathway, students will complete one or more of the following activities, depending on the nature of their infraction:

• Educational components (videos, articles, or guided learning tasks)

• Reflection essay or journal exploring causes, effects, and personal growth

• Impact statement or letter to acknowledge harm and express accountability

• CCHS community contribution to rebuild trust and restore relationships

• Restorative circle or mediation (when appropriate), facilitated by staff

Students who successfully complete all components of the program may be eligible to reduce their disciplinary consequences by up to one day of in-school suspension.

RISE Project Components by Infraction Type:

Vaping / Smoking / Drug Violations: Students will complete one of the following:

1. Reflection Essay or Journal (1–2 pages or guided prompts):

• What are the effects of teen vaping/drug use?

• What are some healthier coping mechanisms you can use?

• How do social media and peer pressure influence choices?

• Does your school do enough to educate about vaping risks?

• Do most teens understand the dangers of vaping?

2. CCHS Community Contribution:

• Create a poster board highlighting the dangers of smoking/vaping

• Assist in leading or supporting a group discussion about vaping during ISS time

Aggression / Gross Disrespect: Students will complete one of the following:

1. Reflection Essay or Journal: Title: "What Happened and Why It Matters":

• Describe the incident, your emotions, and the consequences

• What could you have done differently?

• How were others (students, staff, family) impacted?

2. Impact Statement or Letter:

• Write a letter (not necessarily sent) to the person(s) involved.

• Acknowledge your role and express understanding of the harm caused

• Offer an apology and describe a more positive outcome

3. Restorative Circle or Mediation (if appropriate):

• Participate in a facilitated conversation to repair harm

• Focus on accountability and future conflict resolution

• As a follow-up, create a poster or infographic titled "5 Positive Ways to Handle Conflict".

4. CCHS Community Contribution:

• Create a bulletin board highlighting respectful behavior and kindness

• Complete a service activity that gives back to the school

Theft / Destruction of Property: Students will complete one of the following:

1. Reflection Essay or Journal: Title: "What Happened and Why It Matters":

• Describe the event, your choices, and the outcome

• Reflect on how the incident affected others

• Discuss alternatives and personal values like honesty and respect

2. Impact Statement or Letter:

• Write a letter to the person(s) impacted by the theft or damage

• Acknowledge responsibility and reflect on the harm caused

3. Restorative Circle or Mediation (if appropriate):

• Participate in a facilitated conversation to discuss the incident

• Work toward an agreement for repairing harm and rebuilding trust

4. CCHS Community Contribution:

• Engage in a meaningful service task to give back and rebuild relationships

• Example: Helping to maintain shared spaces or creating educational content for peers

Our Commitment: The RISE Program is rooted in our belief that students can grow through reflection, accountability, and community support. By participating in this pathway, students are not only taking steps to repair harm but are also empowered to return to class with a stronger understanding of themselves and their role within the CCHS community.

Superintendent’s Report: Mr. Booth reviewed his report for the Board.

Construction Updates

Solar Panels Project: The federal rebate documentation has been completed. The district remains on track to receive the $1 million rebate around the beginning of the year, coinciding with the payment due date. The substation upgrades are projected for November.

Science Addition Project: A pre-construction meeting was held on September 22, and the bond proceeds were received on September 16. With funding secured, the district is ready to move forward.

Track Project: The completion date is scheduled for November.

Athletic Lighting Enhancements Project: The new lights at the football field have significantly improved visibility during football and soccer games. The district is now exploring potential lighting upgrades for the tennis, baseball and softball facilities.

CCHS Black and White Ball Update: The CCHS Black and White Ball was held on August 23, 2025, at the SIU Student Center Ballrooms, drawing nearly 300 attendees. Guests celebrated the induction of honorees into the Hall of Service and Achievement, recognizing their outstanding contributions. The final expenditures are still being calculated. The event is projected to generate approximately $30,000 in revenue.

Strategic Plan Progress

October: Board approves updated KPI’s and Targets

November: Report Card Review

January/February: Progress Update on KPI’s and Targets

June: End-of-Year Report on Strategic Plan Progress

July: Superintendent Evaluation

August Attendance Reports: The Board received the August ADA and ADM Attendance Report and Terrier Tutoring Attendance Report.

Bids/Quotes—None

CES District 95 Literacy Initiative: Communities that Read Together, Rise Together Resolution: The Carbondale Elementary School District 95 was awarded a $5 million Community Schools Grant to strengthen support for students and families through enhanced engagement, expanded learning opportunities, and strategic community partnerships. As a part of this effort, the elementary district is inviting community organizations to adopt a resolution in support of its Literacy Initiative: Communities That Read Together, Rise Together.

CES District 95 representatives, Dr. Marilyn Ross, Mrs. Stacye Saunders, and Mrs. Markida Roper were attendance at the Board meeting to present the resolution and discuss the initiative.

Motion by Pohlman, seconded by Robinson, to approval of the resolution in support of the CES District 95 Literacy Initiative: Communities that Read Together, Rise Together Resolution as presented. Roll call: VanWinkle, Flowers, Galan, Pohlman and Robinson voted yes. Nay, none.

Approval of 2025-26 Budget: Motion by Robinson, seconded by Pohlman, to approve the proposed Budget for the 2025-26 school year as presented. Roll call: Flowers, Galan, Pohlman, Robinson and VanWinkle voted yes. Nay, none. Motion carried.

Board Member Signature Designee: All Board members in attendance must sign the Budget following its adoption. Member Flowers authorized Secretary Pohlman to sign her name on the Budget and initial it, due to her attending the meeting virtually.

2025-26 Textbooks: Per Board Policy 6:210, the Board annually receives a listing of the textbooks used in the district.

2025-26 Student Handbook Update/Social Suspension Policy Revision: Dr. Booth advised the Board that following a review of the social suspension policy updates for the 2025–26 school year, the administration was recommending revising the current policy. He said these revisions will provide greater flexibility to recognize and reward students who demonstrate sustained positive behavior after a major infraction resulting in social suspension.

Motion by Pohlman, seconded by Robinson, to approve the 2025-26 Student Handbook Update/Social Suspension Policy revision as presented:

Social Suspension Policy:

Students that commit major disciplinary infractions or are chronic disciplinary problems may be placed on social suspension. This also includes students who have accumulated three referrals that result in ISS. Students will be added to the social suspension list, and it will be reviewed by Administrators at the end of the semester. Students placed on social suspension will not be allowed on campus outside of regular school hours (7:30am-3:00pm) unless they have administrative approval. Students will not be allowed to attend any extracurricular activities, dances, games, or athletic events during their time on social suspension. The administration will review the social suspension list at the end of each semester and decide as to if a student will remain or be removed from the list.

A student will be placed on social suspension if they meet any of the following:

• Engage in a major disciplinary infraction, including but not limited to:

• Aggression

• Fighting

• Gross disrespect

• Gross insubordination

• Drug violations

• Gang-related activity

• Possession or use of a dangerous weapon

• Physical assault

• Sexual misconduct

• Threats to the school

• Accumulate three (3) total referrals resulting in In-School Suspension (ISS).

Students placed on social suspension will remain on the list for at least one full semester. After 45 school days, they are eligible to request an administrative review to assess their progress and reconsider their status.

• Students retained from the first semester will be reevaluated at the end of Quarter 3 using the criteria below.

• Students added after November 1 will remain on social suspension for the remainder of the year.

• Students will be removed from social suspension at the end of the school year, unless school administration determines that continued placement is necessary for the following year based on ongoing behavioral concerns or the severity and timing of the infraction.

After 45 school days on social suspension, students may request an administrative review of their status. To initiate this process, students should email an assistant principal. Students who meet the criteria outlined below may be removed from social suspension in recognition of their sustained positive behavior.

To be considered for removal, a student must meet all of the following during the evaluation period:

• No more than five (5) total behavior referrals

• No major disciplinary infractions (as listed above)

• No more than two (2) ISS referrals

• No assignments to ASP (Alternative Suspension Program) or OSS (Out-of-School Suspension)

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

Retirement Rescission MOU: Motion by Pohlman, seconded by Robinson, to approve the Memorandum of Understanding between the CCHSEA and the CCHS Board of Education, allowing Melanie Nelson to rescind her retirement that was submitted on March 29, 2024. Roll call: Galan, Pohlman, Robinson, VanWinkle and Flowers voted yes. Nay, none. Motion carried.

Resignations/Retirements: Motion by Galan, seconded by Robinson, to approve the following resignations:

a. Penny Smith, Rebound Math Instructor, effective September 4, 2025.

b. Jessica Sergeev, Teacher Aide, effective September 8, 2025.

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

Employment of 2025-26 Extra-Duty Personnel: Motion by Pohlman, seconded by Galan, to employ the following 2025-26 extra-duty personnel:

Freshman Class Sponsor: Robin Hughes $379.00

Sophomore Class Sponsor: Nicole Feng $379.00

Imagination-in-Motion Sponsor: Erik Berrey $379.00

Head Girls Track Coach: Mykel Gary $6,615.00

Head Softball Coach: Haley Karayiannis $6,615.00

Assistant Girls Basketball Coach: Rhett Barke $3,522.00, Jazmyne James $4,000.00, Webster McGuire $4,500.00

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

Employment of Cook: Motion by Robinson, seconded by Pohlman, to retroactively employee Julia Howell as a Cook effective September 22, 2025, at the rate of $16.25 per hour for the 2025-26 school year. Roll call: VanWinkle, Flowers, Galan, Pohlman and Robinson voted yes. Nay, none. Motion carried.

Employment of Teacher Aide: Motion by Robinson, seconded by Pohlman, to employ Ben Harsey as a Teacher Aide at the rate of $16.25 per hour for the 2025-26 school year. Roll call: Flowers, Galan, Pohlman, Robinson and VanWinkle voted yes. Nay, none. Motion carried.

2025-26 Volunteers: Motion by Pohlman, seconded by Galan, to approve Macklen Makhloghi as a Terriers Live Improv Club Volunteer for the 2025-26 school year. Roll call: Galan, Pohlman, Robinson, VanWinkle and Flowers voted yes. Nay, none. Motion carried.

For Your Information Items

1. Next Board of Education Meeting: Thursday, October 16, 2025

2. 2025 NAACP Freedom Fund Gala: Sunday, October 26, 2025, at 4:00 p.m. at the Carbondale Civic Center

3. November Board of Education Meeting: Thursday, November 13, 2025

4. 2025 IASB Joint Annual Conference: November 21-23, 2025

Executive Session: Motion by Robinson, seconded by Galan, to go into executive session to discuss information regarding a student disciplinary matter, and the appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance or dismissal of specific employees, selection of a person to fill a vacancy on the Board, and litigation matters (5 ILCS 120/2(c) (1) (3) (11)); and, to adjourn the Board meeting following the executive session. Roll call: Pohlman, Robinson, VanWinkle, Flowers and Galan voted yes. Nay, none. Motion carried.

The meeting recessed at 7:15 p.m.

The executive session convened at 7:22 p.m.

The executive session adjourned at 8:10 p.m.

Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at 8:11 p.m.

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