Minutes of the Regular Meeting of December 16, 2015
The Board of Education of Community Unit School District No. 1, Coles and Cumberland Counties, Illinois
met in regular session on Wednesday, December 16, 2015 at Charleston High School in the Swickard
Auditorium – 1615 Lincoln Avenue, Charleston, Illinois 61920
At 6:30 p.m., President Miller called the meeting to order and asked for roll call.
The following board members were present:
Jason Coe, President
Charles Jarrell, Vice President
Susan Daniels, Secretary
Kelly Miller, Treasurer
Scott Clarke
Ron Miller
Kevin Oakley
The following staff members were present:
Jim Littleford, Superintendent
Todd Vilardo, Assistant Superintendent
David Kuetemeyer, Financial Consultant
Visitors 210 and 1 Member of the Press
Mr. Littleford reviewed Addendum items to the board book which included:
Revised Board Agenda
Consent Agenda: Appointment/Employment
- Resignation – CMS 8th Grade Girls’ Track Coach, effective immediately.
- Intermittent Family Medical Leave for remainder of 2015-16 school year – Building Secretary, Carl
Sandburg Elementary School.
Under Focus on Students and Good News Reports, Mr. Littleford presented Certificates of Recognition to
the following individuals and teams.
Jefferson Elementary School - The Character Education students chosen by their teachers representing the
trait of “Be Your Best’. Roxanne Cornebise, Counselor is in charge of the program. Be Your Best = being
your best means being responsible, respectful, and kind as well as the personal goal of self-improvement
and the ability to turn stumbling blocks into stepping stones.
4th GradePaul Eckert
Taylor Bennett
Audrey Willardson
Blake Brown
Preston Phillips
Austin Fehrenbacher
Langdon King
RegularMeetingMinutesof12/16/2015
5th GradeIla Richter
Kaylie Hutton
Caleb Oakley
Madison Step
Lauren Dowland
Matthew Ebinger
Ayden Irizarry
6th GradeVanessa Willardson
Lyla Long
Vince DiNaso
EJ Bickford
Jessica Nathan
Trenton King
Ally Thompson
Caroline Keefe
Eva Plummer
Page1
Charleston Middle School - Boys’ Baseball Team qualified for the State Series this fall after defeating
Mattoon 7 to 5 in the Regionals Championship Game. The team then beat Champaign Jefferson 9 to 0 in the
Sectional Championship Game. Charleston fell to Pleasant Plains 5 to 0 in the first game of the state series.
CMS finished the year 14 – 5. Congratulations to the CMS Baseball Team on a fine season.
Team members: Zach Abernathy, Ty Coartney, Jacob Crews, Peyton Doughty, Jake Eversole, Brahm Goben,
Lane Harrell, Dane Herrington, Ben Hess, Caleb Hurst, Kam King, Cade Landrus, Cade Lawless, Austin Miller,
Rylee Porter, Sam Schuette, Cory Spour, Parker White, Zach Will
Coach: Jon Hanner
Volunteer: Chris Bily
Charleston Middle School - Girls’ Softball Team placed third in the state this year. They defeated Newton
Jasper Co. in the Regional Championship 7 – 3. Next they defeated Mt Zion 5-2 in the Sectional Championship
game. At state they defeated Mokena 8-6 and then, Bourbonnais 9-4 in the 3rd place game. The softball team
finished the season 16-5. Congratulations to the CMS Softball Team on a fine season.
Team members: Ramsey Armstrong, Faith Beever, Kennedy Cox, Amanda Davis, Makayla Davis, Kennedy
Fellers, Rainer Fuller-Moore, Hannah Harpster, Olivia Hiltebitel, Dru Howell, Olivia Lane, Mya McElravy,
Reagan McGahey, Ashlynn McPeak, Shekinah Moore, Madison Morecraft, Emily Price, Madison Shambo, Ava
Stephens Coach: Blaine Mayhall Volunteers: Tori Wilson, Amber May, and Hannah Dowling
Following recognition: Visitors 65 and 1 Member of the Press
Under Public, Staff Comments, Written Communication, President Coe asked if there were any requests or
written communications to the Board of Education. There were two requests received from Steve Pamperin and
Brian Peterlich to address the Board of Education following the financial presentation.
Under Good for the School District and Committee Reports, Mr. Littleford thanked everyone for coming to
the board meeting to provide the chance to engage in the District Financial Planning Process. In looking back,
he reported that the State of Illinois financial problems surfaced during the 2008-09 and 2009-10 school years
and at that time, the District was proactive in making approximately $2.6 million in budget reductions. Mr.
Littleford stated that the District has been proactive and fiscally responsible to provide the best education with
the monies available.
Mr. Littleford presented a power point presentation that was provided at the November 18 board meeting, which
reviewed best and worst case scenarios, financial planning options, and possible expenditure reductions to the
audience. In continuation of the power point presentation, Mr. Littleford reviewed suggestions/comments from
the community received by the district since the November board meeting presentation.
During the 2008-09 school year, Mr. Littleford pointed out that CUSD #1 had 366 positions and a lower student
enrollment. Since the 2008-09 school year, CUSD #1 has held steady in student enrollment and eliminated
approximately 55 positions within the school district inclusive of administrators, custodians, maintenance staff,
secretaries, paraprofessionals, coaches, sponsors and teachers.
Mr. Littleford explained how the district’s budget fund balances have been decreasing steadily and could be
gone in as little as three years. The state’s own budget situation and its problem with financing education are
mostly to blame, with another state aid decrease of $500,000 or more expected this year. He noted that “those
are huge things we cannot absorb and we are using our reserves to cover those. Further, if the state had been
taking care of its business, we wouldn’t be talking about this.” Making the situation more difficult is the lack of
agreement on a new state budget and whether there will be more pension costs for school districts or, as
proposed, a property tax freeze.
RegularMeetingMinutesof12/16/2015
Page2
Mr. Littleford reviewed possible additional reductions in staffing levels or expenditures thorough…
- Transition from a middle school to a junior high schedule
- Move Ashmore’s 4th grade to Jefferson Elementary School
-
Close Ashmore Elementary School
Reduce and/or eliminate extra-curriculars and/or transportation
Reduce paraprofessional positions
Reduce secretarial positions
Reduce a technology assistant position
Reduce a maintenance position
Reduce an administrative position
Reduce high school course electives/teaching positions(s)
Eliminate the gifted education teaching positions
Reduce elementary teaching positions
Reduce a social worker and/or a guidance counselor position
Reduce a music teaching position
Reduce physical education teaching positions(s)
Reduce a driver education position
Reduce media specialist position(s)
Refrain from textbook purchases
Mr. Littleford stated that if no new money is generated through working cash bonds or a tax rate referendum,
some tough decisions are going to have to be made over the next 1, 2, 3, 4 years. He indicated that the items on
the list could be some of the areas that could be affected.
Mr. Littleford said that the board will continue to seek public input on the district’s financial course for the next
two months. After that, the board will have to decide what course to take so it can meet deadlines for notices to
employees whose jobs might be eliminated.
Following the presentation and discussion among the Board of Education, Mr. Coe asked for comments from
the audience.
The following individuals addressed the Board of Education:
Steve Pamperin and daughter Makenzie in support of keeping the Gifted Education Program (letter included in
official board book). Mr. Pamperin stated that his daughter was in the GATE program and it has been a critical
part of her continuing educational development. Stating, the program “directly supports the district’s
educational philosophy.”
Brian Peterlich stated concerns of the school district pupil transportation service (contracted service) and lack of
security in the high school. Extra-curriculars should take the biggest hits. Parents should pay for students in
sports.
Vernon Woodley stated that the District has a job to do both, “increase revenue and make cuts”. He stated that
he was willing to pay more taxes if we can maintain the quality of programs in the schools. He noted that sports
do have a place in schools and is good for social skills. His son is in the GATE program and Mr. Woodley
hopes the District is able to keep program in place. He said that the District should market its needs and
financial problems to the community.
Stephanie Hutton acknowledged that the Board of Education cannot make everyone happy. Suggested that
teachers take a pay cut, protect the extra-curriculars/sports, consider part time elective course teachers (i.e.
Spanish), consider Ashmore School and its class sizes – is it worth it to close? Market the 1% sales tax and
don’t pay for standardized testing.
RegularMeetingMinutesof12/16/2015
Page3
Jill Callahan suggested that student registration fees and activity fees be increased. To review the contract with
First Student Transportation and have parents provide transportation to extra-curricular activities.
A suggestion from the audience received was to hold the next financial presentations prior to Recognition.
Discussion took place regarding the twice-failed referendum in Coles County on a sales tax that funds schools.
It was noted that the referendum would have passed in Charleston, but needed to be passed in Mattoon and
Oakland Districts as well. Mr. Littleford indicated that the sales tax would have been a benefit at the time, but
at this point it does not solve our financial problems.
After all questions/comments were received, Mr. Littleford asked the Board of Education for comments:
Mr. Oakley urged those in the audience to contact state lawmakers to urge them to find a solution to the budget
standoff and the problems with education funding. He also asked the audience to engage in conversations with
friends and neighbors to gain community support and receive input on options to consider.
Comment sheets were provided to the audience and will be addressed by the superintendent at the January 20,
2016 meeting, (see official board book). The forms are also available on the District’s website. The January 20
and February 17 Board of Education meetings will be held in the Charleston High School Swickard
Auditorium.
President Coe thanked everyone for attending the meeting.
President Coe asked if there were any requests from the Board of Education to remove any of the consent
agenda items or addendum items for discussion. Hearing none, Mr. Littleford reviewed the items under
Consent Agenda.
IV. Consent Agenda: Standard Items
A. Approve the minutes of the Special Board Meeting of November 11, 2015 and Regular Board Meeting
of November 18, 2015.
B. Approve the bills and payrolls for the month of November 2015.
C. Approve the Activity Fund Accounts for the CUSD #1 attendance centers, period ending November
2015.
VI. Consent Agenda: New Business
A. Approve the 2016-2017 Charleston High School Curriculum Guide. Following board approval, the
guide will be placed on the CHS Webpage.
B. Approve a Statement of Completion for Health Life Safety Amendment #30 for replacement of the
Charleston High School Baker Gymnasium roof and floor.
C. Grant 286.50 (two hundred eighty six and one half) gifted sick leave days to Anne Shaffer, elementary
classroom teacher at Jefferson Elementary School.
VII. Consent Agenda: Appointment/Employment
Consistent with board policies, grant a Maternity/Family Medical Leave of Absence to Jessica Cleeton
Miller, a CHS Mathematics teacher.
Accept a letter of retirement from Anne Shaffer, elementary classroom teacher at Jefferson Elementary
School, effective June 12, 2021. This retirement is subject to the provisions of district policies and state
law.
RegularMeetingMinutesof12/16/2015
Page4
Accept a letter of retirement from Ruth Gossett, secretary at Jefferson Elementary School, effective at
the end of the work day on June 30, 2016.
Accept a letter of resignation from Juliana Martin, an English teacher at Charleston High School,
effective at the end of the 2015-16 school year.
Accept a letter of resignation from Roger Paul, a special education paraprofessional at Charleston High
School, effective at the end of the work day on December 17, 2015.
Accept a letter of resignation from Chelsie Doughty from her extra-curricular assignment as the
Scholastic Bowl Coach (split assignment) at Charleston Middle School, effective immediately.
Approve the transfer of Julie Beabout into the position as a special education 1:1 paraprofessional with
student #08113 at Jefferson Elementary School, effective December 14, 2015. Approve the
employment of Kathryn Collins as a full time special education paraprofessional in the ED Transition
room at Charleston High School, effective January 5, 2016. This employment was contingent upon
receipt of all required paperwork and the continued educational needs of the students.
Approve the employment of Abigail Schmitz in the extra-curricular assignment as the Head Boys’
Track Coach at Charleston High School during the 2015-16 school year. Mrs. Schmitz will be placed
on the salary schedule according to the terms and conditions of the Professional Negotiations
Agreement.
Approve the employment of Chelsie Doughty in the extra-curricular assignment as the Head Girls’
Track Coach at Charleston Middle School during the 2015-16 school year. Mrs. Doughty will be
placed on the salary schedule according to the terms and conditions of the Professional Negotiations
Agreement.
Approve the increase of employment status to Laura Jones, from a split extra-curricular assignment into
a full assignment as the Scholastic Bowl Coach at Charleston Middle School, effective immediately.
Mrs. Jones will be placed on the salary schedule according to the terms and conditions of the
Professional Negotiations Agreement.
Approve the list of substitutes and volunteers for the district, effective November 10 – December 8,
2015.
Under Addendum Items
Accept a letter of resignation from Abigail Schmitz from her extra-curricular assignment an 8th Grade
Girls’ Track Coach at Charleston Middle School, effective immediately.
Consistent with board policies, grant a Family Medical Leave of Absence on an intermittent basis to
Andrea Doty, a secretary at Carl Sandburg Elementary School.
President Coe recommended that the Board of Education approve items under V through VIII inclusive on the
Consent Agenda. Mr. Jarrell moved and Dr. Clarke seconded the motion.
On roll call vote:
AYE: Jarrell, Clarke, K. Miller, R. Miller, Oakley, Daniels, Coe
NAY: none
Abstain: none
Motion carried
RegularMeetingMinutesof12/16/2015
Page5
Under the Superintendent’s Report: 2015 CHS Holiday Tournament Update
CHS Athletic Director Jim Wood provided an update on preparation of the Girls’ Basketball Holiday
Tournament at Charleston High School scheduled for December 28, 29, and 30, 2015. Mr. Wood passed out a
revised tournament schedule, (see official board book). He indicated that Putnam County dropped out of the
tournament, so the Charleston JV team would step in to provide adequate teams. He noted that the Holiday
Tournament is funded through the Trojan Booster Club. The basketball tournament takes a tremendous
community effort to support and sustain the needed volunteers to run the tournament.
CHS Final Exam Schedule for First Semester
In looking toward the end of first semester, Charleston High School’s final exam schedule is provided
for board members review.
Wednesday, December 16
1st
9:00-10:15
2nd
10:25-11:45
Lunch
11:45-12:35
4th
12:40-1:55
6th
2:05-3:20
Thursday, December 17
EB
7:50-9:00
3rd
9:05-10:15
5th
10:20-11:30
Lunch
11:30-12:05
7th
12:10-1:20
An Institute Day is scheduled for Friday, December 18 and students will not be in attendance. Classes will
resume on January 5, 2016 to begin second semester of the 2015-16 school year.
Dr. Clarke moved and Mr. Jarrell seconded a motion that the Superintendent’s Report was received by the
Board of Education.
On roll call vote:
AYE: Clarke, Jarrell, K. Miller, R. Miller, Oakley, Daniels, Coe
NAY: none
Abstain: none
Motion carried
Adoption/2015 Certificate of Tax Levy
Financial Consultant, David Kuetemeyer reviewed information regarding the assessed valuation projection
and the proposal for the 2015 tax levy. Based upon that review, the superintendent recommended that the
Board of Education adopt by Resolution the 2015 Certificate of Tax Levy for Charleston Community Unit
School District No. 1, with a total levy amount of $13,174,507. Mr. Miller moved and Mrs. Miller seconded
the motion.
On roll call vote:
AYE: R. Miller, K. Miller, Clarke, Jarrell, Oakley, Daniels, Coe
NAY: none
Abstain: none
Motion carried
President Coe announced that this was David Kuetemeyer’s final official board meeting with the District. On
behalf of the Board of Education, he extended appreciation for Mr. Kuetemeyer’s years of service with the
District.
Mr. Kuetemeyer thanked the Board of Education, district administrators, and Central Office staff and stated that
he has enjoyed working in Charleston CUSD #1.
RegularMeetingMinutesof12/16/2015
Page6
Memorandum of Understandings between CEA and Board of Education
In reference to Article XVIII, Section C – Health Insurance and CUSD #1 Cafeteria Plan, in the negotiated
Charleston Education Association 2013-2016 contract ratified by the Charleston Board of Education mutually
agree that an employee participating in a High Deductible Health Plan from a Health Savings Account, will
have the difference between the healthcare premium and the healthcare contribution rate deposited in his/her
Health Savings Account.
Example:
The Board healthcare/dental contribution of $628.08 minus the dental contribution of $32.08 equals a
$596.00 healthcare contribution. Members electing to enroll in the High Deductible Health Plan at a
cost of $508.00 will have an $88.00 contribution available for deposit into their Health Savings
Account.
$596.00 – 508.00 = $88.00
Employee + Spouse Dental Plan
The parties to this Memorandum of Understanding mutually agree that the district may enroll
employees, with a spouse employed by the district, in an employee + spouse dental plan.
The superintendent recommended that the Board of Education adopt two (2) Memorandums of Understanding
between the Charleston Education Association, IEA/NEA and Charleston Board of Education in reference to
Article XVIII, Section C – Health Insurance and CUSD #1 Cafeteria Plan, for the period of January 1, 2016
through August 31, 2016. Dr. Clarke moved and Mr. Miller seconded the motion.
On roll call vote:
AYE: Clarke R. Miller, Jarrell, K. Miller, Oakley, Daniels, Coe
NAY: none
Abstain: none
Motion carried
Memorandums of Understanding between CESPA and Board of Education
In reference to Article XV, Section C – Health Insurance and Related Benefits, in the negotiated
Charleston Educational Support Personnel Association 2015-2018 contract ratified by the Charleston Board of
Education mutually agree that an employee participating in a High Deductible Health Plan from a Health
Savings Account, will have the difference between the healthcare premium and the healthcare contribution rate
deposited in his/her Health Savings Account.
Example:
The Board healthcare/dental contribution of $628.08 minus the dental contribution of $32.08 equals a
$596.00 healthcare contribution. Members electing to enroll in the High Deductible Health Plan at a
cost of $508.00 will have an $88.00 contribution available for deposit into their Health Savings
Account.
$596.00 – 508.00 = $88.00
Employee + Spouse Dental Plan
The parties to this Memorandum of Understanding mutually agree that the district may enroll employees, with a
spouse employed by the district, in an employee + spouse dental plan.
The superintendent recommended that the Board of Education adopt the two (2) Memorandums of
Understanding between the Charleston Educational Support Personnel Association, IEA/NEA and Charleston
Board of Education in reference to Article XV, Section C – Health Insurance and CUSD #1 Cafeteria Plan.
Mr. Jarrell moved and Dr. Clarke seconded the motion.
RegularMeetingMinutesof12/16/2015
Page7
On roll call vote:
AYE: Jarrell, Clarke, K. Miller, R. Miller, Oakley, Daniels, Coe
NAY: none
Abstain: none
Motion carried
Memorandum of Understanding between CESPA and Board of Education
To address recent changes to the District Health Insurance Plan, the parties to this Memorandum of
Understanding hereby agree that Article XV, Section C, 4g – Health Insurance and Related Benefits, shall be
changed as per the Egyptian Area Schools Employee Benefit Trust enrollment period.
Establishment of an August inservice date and schedule adequate time during the inservice to
explain Insurance, the 125 Cafeteria Plan and the Health Savings Account (HSA).
The superintendent recommended that the Board of Education adopt a Memorandum of Understanding
between the Charleston Educational Support Personnel Association, IEA/NEA and Charleston Board of
Education in reference to Article XV, Section C – Health Insurance and Related Benefits. Mr. Miller moved
and Mr. Jarrell seconded the motion.
On roll call vote:
AYE: R. Miller, Jarrell, Clarke, K. Miller, Oakley, Daniels, Coe
NAY: none
Abstain: none
Motion carried
At 8:58pm, President Coe recommended that the Board of Education adjourn into closed session to consider
information regarding appointment, employment, compensation, and discipline of specific employees of the
public body, including hearing testimony on a complaint lodged against an employee to determine its validity.
5 ILCS 120/2/(c)(1)
Collective negotiating matters between the District and its employees or their representatives, or deliberations
concerning salary schedules for one or more classes of employees. 5 ILCS 120/2/(c)(2)
Dr. Clarke moved and Mr. Miller seconded the motion.
Mr. Littleford stated that board action will follow closed session to include:
- Administrative Proposed Salaries for 2015-16
- Establish Salary Schedule for Central Office Employees 2015-16
- Establish Salary Schedule for Part-Time Employees and Substitutes 2015-16
On roll call vote:
AYE: Clarke, R. Miller, Jarrell, K. Miller, Oakley, Daniels, Coe
NAY: none
Abstain: none
Motion carried
At 9:37pm, Mr. Jarrell made a motion to reconvene from closed session. Dr. Clarke seconded the motion.
On roll call vote:
AYE: Jarrell, Clarke, K. Miller, R. Miller, Oakley, Daniels, Coe
NAY: none
Abstain: none
Motion carried
Administrative Proposed Salaries for 2015-16
It was the recommendation of the superintendent that the Board of Education have no current action regarding
CUSD #1 administrative staff salaries for the 2015-16 school year. Dr. Clarke moved and Mr. Jarrell seconded
the motion.
RegularMeetingMinutesof12/16/2015
Page8
On roll call vote:
AYE: Clarke, Jarrell, K. Miller, R. Miller, Oakley, Daniels, Coe
NAY: none
Abstain: none
Motion carried
Establish Salary Schedule for Central Office Employees 2015-16
It was the recommendation of the superintendent that the Board of Education have no current action regarding
Central Office secretarial and technology position salaries for the 2015-16 school year.
Mr. Jarrell moved and Dr. Clarke seconded the motion.
On roll call vote:
AYE: Jarrell, Clarke, K. Miller, R. Miller, Oakley, Daniels, Coe
NAY: none
Abstain: none
Motion carried
Establish Salary Schedule for Part-Time Employees and Substitutes 2015-16
It was the recommendation of the superintendent that the Board of Education have no current action regarding
part-time employees and substitute salaries for the 2015-16 school year. Mr. Jarrell moved and Dr. Clarke
seconded the motion.
On roll call vote:
AYE: Jarrell, Clarke, K. Miller, R. Miller, Oakley, Daniels, Coe
NAY: none
Abstain: none
Motion carried
At 9:39pm, Mrs. Miller moved to adjourn from the board meeting. Mr. Jarrell seconded the motion.
On roll call vote:
AYE: K. Miller, Jarrell, Clarke, R. Miller, Oakley, Daniels, Coe
NAY: none
Abstain: none
Motion carried
Jason Coe
President, Board of Education
Susan Daniels
Secretary, Board of Education
RegularMeetingMinutesof12/16/2015
Page9