Minutes of the Regular Meeting of April 16, 2014
The Board of Education of Community Unit School District No. 1, Coles and Cumberland Counties,
Illinois met in regular session on Wednesday, April 16, 2014 at the Administration Building – 410 West
Polk Avenue, Charleston, Illinois 61920
At 6:30pm, President Miller called the meeting to order and asked for roll call.
The following members were present:
Ron Miller, President
Jason Coe, Vice President
Brenda Coffey, Secretary
Kelly Miller, Treasurer
Scott Clarke
Charles Jarrell
The following member was absent:
Susan Daniels
The following staff members were present:
Jim Littleford, Superintendent
Todd Vilardo, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum & Instruction
David Kuetemeyer, Financial Consultant
Visitors 60 and 1 Member of the Press
Mr. Littleford reviewed addendum items in the board members information which included:
Revised Board Agenda
AGENDA ITEM VIII. Consent Employment
A recommendation to grant a intermittent Family Medical Leave to a school psychologist at Mark
Twain Elementary School and Charleston Middle School.
AGENDA ITEM XI. J New Business
Establish Central Office Salary Schedule for 2014-15
Correction to salary schedule to add an employee, inadvertently left off the schedule.
AGENDA ITEM XI. K New Business
Employment/Assistant Principal for Carl Sandburg & Jefferson Elementary Schools
Correction to employment contract.
Mr. Littleford announced that at 3:00pm today, (April 16) Ameren began work on an orphan gas well
located by Ashmore Elementary School. Due to potential danger, Mr. Littleford closed Ashmore School
on Thursday, April 17, 2014. Students attending Ashmore School would not be in attendance, however,
all other Charleston CUSD #1 students will be in attendance on Thursday, April 17.
Under Focus on Students and Good News reports, Mr. Littleford acknowledged the art work display
provided by Jefferson Elementary School students. Penny Hess is the art teacher.
Jefferson & Ashmore Elementary School Students
The Character Education students from Jefferson and Ashmore Elementary Schools were chosen by their
teachers for representing the trait of Perseverance. Roxanne Cornebise, Counselor is in charge of the
program. Perseverance is staying on task and not giving up. Perseverance is when you show
commitment, pride, and a positive attitude when completing tasks.
RegularMeetingMinutesof4/16/2014
Page1
4th GradeChelsea Grayling
Mason Peterson
Stacey Zerbst
Molly Smith
Jake Coffey (Ashmore)
Bryant Parker
Vincent DiNaso
Charlise Turner
Ally Thompson
5th GradeLucas Overstreet
Dawson Barringer
Brylie Taylor-Lutz
Shae Littleford
Darcy Johnson
Ethan Humphreys
Sam Cornebise
6th GradeCaleb Pforr
Dylan Harrison
Josh Hoh
Tim Ratliff
Aaliyah Lopez
Ethan Fischer
Emma Keefer
Katie Lancaster – first grade teacher at Carl Sandburg Elementary School. Katie’s research project
titled, ‘An Examination of Using Graphic Organizers to Teacher Writing: A case study’ has been
selected to receive the 2014 King-Mertz Award of Excellence in the College of Education and
Professional Studies at Eastern Illinois University. The award of Excellence is given to the author of the
best research/creative activity project emerging from the college during the past year and reflects a
significant contribution to the discipline. It is the second highest form of recognition for a
research/creative activity project at EIU. Katie will also be featured in the EIU Graduate Journal of
Scholarship published in conjunction with the Graduate Expo.
Mr. Paul Yoder – Account Manager of Pioneer Seed Company has provided all of the popcorn and
popcorn bags at Charleston Middle School for its basketball and volleyball games for the past 2 years.
Mr. Yoder delivers the popcorn and bags whenever they call and ask. His kindness and generosity is
greatly appreciated by the administration and staff at CMS. This has saved a great deal of money which
can be directed to programs to benefit our students. Mr. Yoder also provides the popcorn to the Trojan
Booster Club.
Mrs. Lori Bumpus – for her significant donation of $2,926.90 to the GATE (Gifted and Talented
Education) program for next year. Her donation will allow Jodi Cline, GATE program instructor, to
purchase Lego robotics equipment and programming software to be used at the primary and upper
elementary grade levels. Lego WeDo Robots and Lego Mindstorm EVA robots along with the site
licenses for the software will allow up to eight students at a time at each school to participate in robotics
instruction.
EV3 Core & Expansion Set + Software 8-Student Pack ($2,118.95)
LEGO Education WeDo Intro 8-Student Classroom Pack ($807.95)
Under Public, Staff Comments, Written Communication, Mr. Littleford reported that no requests were
received for the Board of Education. However, the district did receive a Freedom of Information Act
request from Lennie Jarratt, Education Matters, for electronic copy of all emails (including attachments)
sent/received since February 13, 2014 via school district email services with the following keyword:
DILLARD (redact personal information as required by FOIA laws. This does not include district
personnel names and email addresses). Mr. Littleford indicated that the district did ask for a 5-day
extension to allow time to collect the information as requested. The FOIA request was honored by the
district.
President Miller asked if there were any requests from the Board of Education to remove any of the
consent agenda items or addendum items for discussion. There were no requests from the Board of
Education.
Mr. Littleford reviewed the items under Consent Agenda.
New Business – Organization of Board
Mr. Ron Miller moved to appoint Mr. Littleford as President Pro-Tem for the Organizational Meeting
until the President was elected. Mr. Coe seconded a motion.
RegularMeetingMinutesof4/16/2014
Page2
On roll call vote:
AYE: R. Miller, Coe, Clarke, Jarrell, K. Miller, Coffey
NAY: none
Abstain: none
Motion carried
Mr. Ron Miller moved to appoint Genia Lang as Secretary Pro-Tem for the Organizational Meeting until
the Secretary was elected. Mrs. Kelly Miller seconded a motion.
On roll call vote:
AYE: R. Miller, K. Miller, Clarke, Coe, Jarrell, Coffey
NAY: none
Abstain: none
Motion carried
President Pro-Tem Littleford asked for nominations for the office of President.
Mr. Coe nominated Mr. Miller to serve in the office of President of the Board of Education. President
Pro-Tem Littleford asked if there were any other nominations. There being no other nominations,
President Pro-Tem Littleford asked the Secretary Pro-Tem to cast a unanimous ballot and declare Mr.
Miller as President of the Board of Education. Mr. Littleford turned the gavel over to President Miller.
President Miller asked for nominations for the office of Vice President.
Dr. Clarke nominated Mr. Coe to serve in the office of Vice President of the Board of Education.
President Miller asked if there were any other nominations. There being no other nominations, President
Miller asked the Secretary Pro-Tem to cast a unanimous ballot and declare Mr. Coe as Vice President of
the Board of Education.
President Miller asked for nominations for the office of Secretary.
Mr. Jarrell nominated Mrs. Coffey to serve in the office of Secretary of the Board of Education. President
Miller asked if there were any other nominations. There being no other nominations, President Miller
asked the Secretary Pro-Tem to cast a unanimous ballot and declare Mrs. Coffey as Secretary of the
Board of Education. Mrs. Coffey assumed the duties of Secretary to the Board of Education.
President Miller asked for nominations for the office of Treasurer.
Mr. Coe nominated Mrs. Miller to serve in the office of Treasurer of the Board of Education. President
Miller asked if there were any other nominations. There being no other nominations, President Miller
asked the Secretary to cast a unanimous ballot and declare Mrs. Miller as Treasurer of the Board of
Education.
Mr. Jarrell moved to appoint Genia Lang as Recording Secretary for the Board of Education. Dr. Clarke
seconded the motion.
On roll call vote:
AYE: Jarrell, Clarke, Coe, K. Miller, Coffey, R. Miller
NAY: none
Abstain: none
Motion carried
Mr. Coe moved and Dr. Clarke seconded a motion to establish a one year term of office for the President,
Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer of the Board.
RegularMeetingMinutesof4/16/2014
Page3
On roll call vote:
AYE: Coe, Clarke, Jarrell, K. Miller, Coffey, R. Miller
NAY: none
Abstain: none
Motion carried
President Miller recommended unless otherwise determined by a quorum of the Board, meeting dates will
be the third Wednesday of each month, with the exception of the March 2015 meeting. Spring break will
be held on the third week of March, therefore, the regular Board of Education meeting will be held on the
second Wednesday, March 11, 2015. All regular meetings are open to the public and shall begin at
6:30pm.
Further, that the Board of Education re-affirm Board Policies, Rules and Regulations and that all regular
meetings of the Board of Education be held in the Board Office in the Administrative Building at 410
West Polk Avenue, Charleston, Illinois except as stated by the President of the School Board and due
notice is given.
Mr. Coe moved and Dr. Clarke seconded the motion.
On roll call vote:
AYE: Coe, Clarke, Jarrell, K. Miller, Coffey, R. Miller
NAY: none
Abstain: none
Motion carried
Under Consent Agenda: Standard Items
A. Approve the minutes of the Regular Board Meeting of March 19, 2014 and Special Meeting of
March 26, 2014.
B. 1. Approve the bills and payrolls for the month of March 2014.
2. Approve the Activity Fund Accounts for the CUSD #1 attendance centers, period ending
March 2014.
Consent Agenda: Old Business
Consent Agenda: New Business
A. Approve the renewal membership of Charleston High School in the Illinois High School
Athletic Association for the 2014-2015 school year.
B. Approve the renewal membership of Charleston Middle School in the Illinois Elementary
School Association for the 2014-2015 school year.
C. Declare the referenced inventory from the Charleston High School Basketball program as
surplus and available to donate to the Trojan Booster Club.
D. Grant authorization for the district to work with Mid-State Collection Solutions, Inc. of
Champaign, Illinois to assist in the recovery of the 2013-2014 non-payment of fees.
Consent Agenda: Employment
 Accept a resignation from Melissa Smyser, paraprofessional for student #20303 at Carl
Sandburg Elementary School, effective at the end of the 2013-14 school year.
 Contingent upon finding a suitable replacement, accept a letter of resignation from Emily
Hecht as the CMS 7th grade girls basketball coach, end of the 2013-14 school year.
 Contingent upon finding a suitable replacement, accept a letter of resignation from Beth
Ann Morgan as the CMS 8th grade volleyball coach, end of the 2013-14 school year.
 Grant an intermittent family medical leave to Melissa Lahr, a paraprofessional at
Jefferson Elementary School, not to exceed 12 weeks.
 Grant an intermittent family medical leave to Rami Mayhall, a paraprofessional at
Jefferson Elementary School, not to exceed 12 weeks.
RegularMeetingMinutesof4/16/2014
Page4

Approve the recommendation for Castaran Benson to serve as a volunteer track coach at
Charleston Middle School during the 2014 season, contingent upon receipt of all required
paperwork.
 Approve the list of CUSD #1 substitutes/volunteers as of March 8 – April 7, 2014.
 Approve the employment of Renae Hernandez as a full time Science teacher at
Charleston High School beginning with the 2014-15 school year, contingent upon the
receipt of all information required for employment.
 Approve the employment of Charles Jaques as a full time Science teacher at Charleston
High School beginning with the 2014-15 school year, contingent upon the receipt of all
information required for employment.
 Approve the employment of Rebecca Hoesman as a full time Mathematics teacher at
Charleston High School beginning with the 2014-15 school year, contingent upon the
receipt of all information required for employment.
 Approve the employment of Ellen Krcik as a full time LBS1 teacher at Charleston High
School beginning with the 2014-15 school year, contingent upon the receipt of all
information required for employment.
 Approve the employment of Kayla Napue as a full time LBS1 teacher at Charleston High
School beginning with the 2014-15 school year, contingent upon the receipt of all
information required for employment.
 Approve the employment of Justin Tomaska as a full time Physical
Education/Health/Driver Education teacher and Head Volleyball Coach at Charleston
High School, and 8th grade Volleyball Coach at Charleston Middle School beginning with
the 2014-15 school year, contingent upon the receipt of all information required for
employment.
 Approve the employment of Christina Coffey as a full time classroom teacher, assigned
to 3rd grade, at Carl Sandburg Elementary School beginning with the 2014-15 school
year, contingent upon the receipt of all information required for employment.
 Approve the employment of Lauren Smith as a full time classroom teacher, assigned to
3rd grade, at Carl Sandburg Elementary School beginning with the 2014-15 school year,
contingent upon the receipt of all information required for employment.
 Approve the employment of Shelby Greger as a full time classroom teacher, assigned to
4th grade, at Jefferson Elementary School beginning with the 2014-15 school year,
contingent upon the receipt of all information required for employment.
 Approve the employment of Yvonne Larson as a full time classroom teacher, assigned to
5th grade, at Jefferson Elementary School beginning with the 2014-15 school year,
contingent upon the receipt of all information required for employment.
 Approve Erin Deasonto serve as a volunteer Cheerleading Coach at Charleston High
School during the 2014 sports season and contingent upon receipt of all required
paperwork.
 Transfer Andrea Schackmann-Miller as the 7th grade Volleyball Coach to 7th grade Boys’
Track Coach at Charleston Middle School, effective for the 2014-15 school year.
Consent Agenda Addendum Items:
 Grant an intermittent family medical leave to Katie Williams, School Psychologist for
Mark Twain Elementary School and Charleston Middle School, not to exceed 12 weeks.
President Miller recommended that the Board of Education approve items under V through VIII inclusive
on the Consent Agenda and Addendum. Dr. Clarke moved and Mr. Coe seconded the motion.
On roll call vote:
AYE: Clarke, Coe, Jarrell, K. Miller, Coffey, R. Miller
NAY: none
Abstain: none
Motion carried
RegularMeetingMinutesof4/16/2014
Page5
Under the Superintendent’s Report, Mr. Littleford reported that the 2014 pre-school screening and
Kindergarten pre-registration was held at the Wesley United Methodist Church on March 4, 5, 6, 2014.
Screening and pre-registration also took place at Ashmore School on March 20 and Mark Twain School
on March 28. At the conclusion the following children were screened and/or preregistered for
Kindergarten:
Wesley Methodist Church
94 preschool age children screened
50 preregistered for K
Ashmore Elementary School
16 preschool age children screened
10 preregistered for K
Mark Twain Elementary
34 preschool age children screened
17 preregistered for K
Excellence in Education Foundation Grant Recipients
Mr. Littleford announced that the Excellence in Education Foundation will host a reception on April 17,
2014 from 5:00 – 6:30pm at the Charleston Country Club for the CUSD #1 grant recipients. If schedules
permit, he invited the Board of Education to attend the reception. Listed below are the grants that will be
awarded at the reception:
Lou Conwell
Appreciating Birds of Prey
$1,500.00
Angela Warman
Document Camera Within Special
Education Classroom
$849.00
Suzie Bosler
21st Century Classroom Tablets
$1,353.40
Michele McDaniel
Magnificent Monarchs
$2,288.65
Juliane Sharp/Megan McDevitt
Expanding the Choral/Vocal Arts
$4,994.90
Experience Through Wireless
Technology
Staff Recognition/Appreciation Reception
Mr. Littleford announced that the annual Staff Recognition and Appreciation Reception will be held on
Tuesday, May 6, 2014 from 4:00 – 5:30pm in the board room at Central Office. Staff members who have
15, 20, 25, and 30 years of service to the district as well as staff who will be retiring at the end of the
school year will be recognized. A listing of individuals that will receive appreciation gifts and
recognition is listed on the back of the invitation. If schedules permit, he invited the Board of Education
to attend the reception.
CHS Senior Week/Commencement Exercises
The last day for the CHS senior class is Wednesday, May 14, 2014. Final exams will be held May 29
and 30. Commencement will be held at 8:00pm on Friday, May 16, 2014 in Lantz Arena at Eastern
Illinois University with a required practice for Commencement being held at noon. The Board of
Education is invited to attend the 2014 Commencement. Mr. Littleford asked if board members were
interested in presenting diplomas to contact Carol Lawson at 639-5006 so the necessary arrangements can
be made.
End of the 2013-14 School Year Schedule
Looking toward the end of the 2013-14 school year, the following attendance schedule will be utilized:
May 30 – last full day of student attendance
June 2 – Institute Day, no student attendance
Update/PARCC Tests (Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers)
During the 2014-15 academic year, the Illinois State Board of Education will complete its transition
from using existing State standardized tests (ISAT and PSAE) to using PARCC tests (Partnership for
Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers). This spring, ISBE will be conducting field tests of
the PARCC test across the State. Through a powerpoint presentation, Assistant Superintendent Todd
Vilardo provided an update on early information released about the PARCC tests along with an overview
of the PARCC testing.
CMS Principal Trevor Doughty and Jefferson Elementary School Principal Rob Ulm were field test
administrators. They described their roles and how the field tests took place in their respective buildings.
Jefferson Elementary School 4th grade students took the ISAT tests on line while two -7th grade and two RegularMeetingMinutesof4/16/2014
Page6
8th grade classes will take the PARCC tests. Mr. Doughty stated that the two 7th grade classes will take
the math tests and two 8th grade classes took the Language Arts portion. He said that it entailed eight
days of testing.
Technology Director Mary Ann Pattenaude explained what technology is needed for the tests and
reported that it is addressed in the first year of the proposed technology plan. A concern is having
adequate number of computers.
Special Education Coordinator Cathy Chaplin discussed how special needs students with IEP’s would be
provided with an alternative test program, ‘Dynamic Learning Map’.
Mr. Vilardo reported the PARCC tests are being designed to be aligned with the Common Core State
Standards. The computer-based assessments will replace the current state standardized pencil and paper
tests. The tests are designed to assess each student’s level of preparation for success in college or a
career. It will not be possible to directly compare the new PARCC scores with the old state test scores. In
conclusion, because standards are more rigorous, scores on the new tests will likely be lower than ISAT
and PSAE scores.
Mr. Vilardo provided copies of an informational guide from the National PTA on ‘Parents’ Guide to New
Assessment in Illinois’. He commended Michelle Lassak and the Charleston PTA for their continued
support of the schools and students.
Mr. Vilardo and administration answered questions from the Board of Education.
Concerns from the district would be funding and having enough computers to accommodate all students
during the testing period. Mr. Littleford reported of a future grant opportunity that may be available from
the ISBE to cover the cost of new computers.
Mr. Littleford recognized the administration and staff members for their efforts and stepping up to
complete the field testing.
Workload Plan for Special Educators
Pursuant to administrative regulations promulgated by the Illinois State Board of Education, all school
districts are required to adopt a Workload Plan for special educators to be reviewed annually to ensure
that all services required under students’ IEPs can be provided at the requisite level of intensity. The
current plan was last reviewed on May 14, 2013 and revisions were approved by the Board of Education
at its regular meeting held on May 15, 2013. Mr. Littleford stated that Special Education Coordinator
Cathy Chaplin and a review team will meet on May 7 to review the current Workload Plan for Special
Educators.
Response to Annual Regional Office of Education Health Life Safety Inspection
On February 4, 5, 6, 2014, the annual inspection of CUSD #1 buildings as required by Section 3-14.2 of
the Illinois School Code was conducted by the Regional Superintendent of Schools Bobbi Mattingly and
Assistant Superintendent Kyle Thompson. Jerry Ashby from the Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshall
also conducted an inspection at Charleston High School. Board members were provided a copy of the
report from the Regional Office of Education and State Fire Marshall with the response from Director of
Buildings and Grounds Bill Richardson. No violations were found at the Ashmore and Lerna sites.
Dr. Clarke moved and Mr. Jarrell seconded a motion that the Superintendent’s Report was received by the
Board of Education.
RegularMeetingMinutesof4/16/2014
Page7
On roll call vote:
AYE: Clarke, Jarrell, Coe, K. Miller, Coffey, R. Miller
NAY: none
Abstain: none
Motion carried
Under New Business: Accept Donation/Memorial - Charleston High School Wrestling Gym
The Memorial Committee met on April 4, 2014 to review a memorial request submitted by Renny
Garshelis and Liz Watson to name the Charleston High School wrestling room in honor of retired
teacher/coach Lew Hankenson. Mr. Hankenson has been involved with the Charleston Wrestling
Program from the early developing stage of the first varsity team and has coached almost 35 years in the
wrestling gym. The Memorial Committee unanimously approved the donation request. Criteria for the
sign, font, color, size will be established by school administration/personnel to ensure uniformity
throughout the district.
It was the recommendation of the superintendent that the Board of Education grant authorization to accept
the request to name the present wrestling room at Charleston High School, ‘Lew Hankenson Wrestling
Gym’ in honor of retired teacher/coach Lew Hankenson. Dr. Clarke moved and Mrs. Miller seconded the
motion.
On roll call vote:
AYE: Clarke, K. Miller, Coe, Jarrell, Coffey, R. Miller
NAY: none
Abstain: none
Motion carried
Accept Donation/Memorial – Charleston High School ‘C’ Club Room
The Memorial Committee meeting on April 4, 2014 also reviewed a memorial request submitted by Kim
Sherwood and the Trojan Booster Club. Through a memorial on behalf of Eleanor Double, the family
donated $1,500 to the Trojan Booster Club to use for the athletic program. It was determined by Mrs.
Sherwood and CHS Athletic Director Jim Wood that the best use of funds would be to remodel the CHS
‘C’ Club room. The TBC also received approximately $600 in addition to help with the project. The
request submitted by Mrs. Sherwood was to place a plaque dedicating the renewed CHS ‘C’ Club room
to all past/present/future athletes and coaches. The Memorial Committee unanimously approved the
donation request. Criteria for the sign, font, color, size will be established by school
administration/personnel to ensure uniformity throughout the district.
The superintendent recommended that the Board of Education grant authorization to accept the request to
dedicate the newly remodeled Charleston High School ‘C’ Club Room as a memorial from the family of
Eleanor Double to all past/present/future athletes and coaches. Mrs. Miller moved and Dr. Clarke
seconded the motion.
On roll call vote:
AYE: K. Miller, Clarke, Coe, Jarrell, Coffey, R. Miller
NAY: none
Abstain: none
Motion carried
Trojan Booster Club Proposal/All Sports Complex Concession/Restroom/Storage Project
The Board of Education received a proposal from Trojan Booster Club President Maureen Smith to build
a new concession stand, restroom, and storage facility on the CUSD #1 All Sports Complex. The facility
would be located by the CHS and CMS baseball, softball, and soccer fields. The estimated cash cost of
this project is approximately $120,000 and would be completed at no cost to the Charleston School
District. The Charleston Charitable Foundation is supporting the project with a $70,000 grant. The City
of Charleston is partnering with the Trojan Booster Club through an in-kind donation of approximately
$51,000 in labor. Once the project is to the point of ‘finish’ work, CUSD #1 will provide the man hours
necessary to keep the project on track with a scheduled completion date of January 31, 2015.
RegularMeetingMinutesof4/16/2014
Page8
It was the recommendation of the superintendent for the Board of Education to approve the proposal and
grant authorization to the Trojan Booster Club to move forward with the project. Dr. Clarke moved and
Mr. Coe seconded the motion.
On roll call vote:
AYE: Clarke, Coe, Jarrell, K. Miller, Coffey, R. Miller
NAY: none
Abstain: none
Motion carried
Purchase/Maintenance Truck & Snowplow
The Board of Education received a request from Director of Buildings and Grounds Bill Richardson for
the purchase of a 2015 Ford pickup truck with snowplow to replace a 1999 Dodge pickup with a
snowplow. The new truck would be purchased at State bid price and the new plow a negotiated price.
The 1999 Dodge truck has been determined by local mechanics to have a weak and rusted frame which
deems it unsafe for use.
It was the recommendation of the superintendent that the Board of Education to approve the purchase of a
pickup truck and snowplow at a State bid price to be used by the CUSD #1 Maintenance Department.
Mrs. Miller moved and Mr. Jarrell seconded the motion.
On roll call vote:
AYE: K. Miller, Jarrell, Clarke, Coe, Coffey, R. Miller
NAY: none
Abstain: none
Motion carried
Health Life Safety Statements of Completion
It was the recommendation of the superintendent that the Board of Education approve the Statement of
Completions for the Health Life Safety Amendments as listed for security upgrades, building repairs, and
work noted in the 10-year Health Life Safety Survey. The Statements of Completion will be submitted to
the Regional Office of Education then forwarded to the Illinois State Board of Education for final
approval.
Amendment #4
Administration Building
Entrance Security
Amendment #11
Ashmore School
Entrance Security
Amendment #9
Carl Sandburg School
Vision Panel (10-year survey)
Amendment #10
Carl Sandburg School
Entrance Security
Amendment #25
Charleston High School
Security
Amendment #26
Charleston High School
Compressor Replacement
Amendment #28
Charleston High School
Entrance Security
Amendment #15
Jefferson School
Replacing Broken Sewer Line
Amendment #18
Jefferson School
Entrance Security
Amendment #14
Mark Twain School
Entrance Security
Amendment #15
Charleston Middle School
Entrance Security
Mr. Jarrell moved and Dr. Clarke seconded the motion.
On roll call vote:
AYE: Jarrell, Clarke, Coe, K. Miller, Coffey, R. Miller
NAY: none
Abstain: none
Motion carried
Adoption/CUSD #1 School & District Improvement Plans
All Charleston Schools utilize the Illinois School Improvement Planning process throughout the year.
RegularMeetingMinutesof4/16/2014
Page9
Assistant Superintendent Todd Vilardo provided information of how the School Improvement Plans are
developed and used by the district. All of the building’s School Improvement Plans and the District
Improvement Plan for the 2013-2014 school year are provided for the board members review.
It was the recommendation of the superintendent that the Board of Education accept the 2013-2014
School Improvement Plans and the District Improvement Plan as presented. Mr. Coe moved and Mrs.
Miller seconded the motion.
On roll call vote:
AYE: Coe, K. Miller, Clarke, Jarrell, Coffey, R. Miller
NAY: none
Abstain: none
Motion carried
Adoption/2014-2017 District Technology Plan
The 2014-2017 Technology Plan was developed by a sub-committee of the Educational Technology (ET)
Committee. This committee consisted of Jacob Roskovensky, Donna Williams, Nicole Beals, Chelsie
Doughty, Amy Nice, Tara Richeson, Cathy Senior, Lou Conwell, Michele McDaniel, Elda Ueleke, and
Mary Ann Pattenaude. A draft of the technology plan was made available to all district staff on the
district shared drive. An email to administrators, board members and the entire ET committee was sent to
notify them of the draft plan. ET members and building administrators were asked to discuss the draft
plan with their staff as well.
CUSD #1 Technology Director Mary Ann Pattenaude presented the 2014-2017 District Technology Plan.
Mrs. Pattenaude outlined the Illinois State Board of Education guidelines and required format of the plan.
Funding for the three year technology plan is usually decided on a year to year basis and is determined by
the monies the district has available for the upcoming school year. If the original amount requested in the
plan is not entirely funded, items within the plan are readjusted to fit the funding amount given. It’s a
point of emphasis that the district position itself to capture any future funding available from ISBE
directed toward the PARCC assessment and/or other technology initiatives.
It was the recommendation of the superintendent that the Board of Education approve the 2014-2017
Technology Plan to be submitted to the Illinois State Board of Education for final approval. Mrs. Miller
moved and Dr. Clarke seconded the motion.
On roll call vote:
AYE: K. Miller, Clarke, Coe, Jarrell, Coffey, R. Miller
NAY: none
Abstain: none
Motion carried
Adoption/2014-2015 CUSD #1 Calendar
The Calendar Committee met on the following dates to discuss various criteria to be included in four
2014-2015 school calendar options: November 13, 2013 and January 29, 2014. Four (4) proposed
calendars were sent to staff for an initial vote representing different beginning and ending dates, semester
breaks, Thanksgiving break, teacher institutes, and placement of emergency days. The two receiving the
most votes were then sent to staff for final vote. The ballots for the final vote were due from all CUSD #1
staff members on April 4, 2014.
The two calendars for consideration were:
Calendar B - had a beginning date of August 11 (Teacher’s Institute) and August 12 (first full day of
student attendance.
Calendar D - had a beginning date of August 20 (Teacher’s Institute) and August 21 (first full day of
student attendance).
Calendar B - received 164 votes and Calendar D - received 94. Descriptions of the calendars and results
of the vote are provided on the following page.
RegularMeetingMinutesof4/16/2014
Page10
Based on the results of the staff voting, the superintendent recommends that the Board of Education adopt
Calendar B as the official school calendar for the 2014-2015 school year.
Mr. Miller moved and Mrs. Coffey seconded the motion.
Under discussion, board members stated concerns of taking the whole week off for Thanksgiving break.
For next year, the Board will set different parameters for the Calendar committee to follow.
On roll call vote:
AYE: R. Miller, Coffey, Clarke, Coe
NAY: Jarrell, K. Miller
Abstain: none
Motion carried
Establish Salary Schedule for Part-Time Employees and Substitutes 2014-15
The school district employs several people in part-time positions and also needs to employ substitutes
when current employees must miss work. A proposed salary schedule was provided that reflected a
2.56% increase for the 2014-2015 school year, effective July 1, 2014.
It was recommended by the superintendent that the Board of Education approve the proposed wage level
and classification for substitutes and part-time employees for the 2014-2015 school year. Mr. Jarrell
moved and Mr. Coe seconded the motion.
Under discussion, the Board raised the concern that all wages for all part time positions were increased
except for substitute teachers.
Mr. Kuetemeyer stated that the district was in line with other area districts with substitute teaching wages.
On roll call vote:
AYE: Clarke, Jarrell, K. Miller, Coffey, R. Miller
NAY: Coe
Abstain: none
Motion carried
Establish Central Office Salary Schedule for 2014-15
The salary schedule for Central Office employees in secretarial and tech positions was provided to the
Board of Education for consideration. The Central Office secretarial and tech positions are not in the
negotiated contract. The salary schedule provided reflects a 2.56% increase for the 2014-2015 school
year and will be in effect July 1, 2014.
It was the recommendation of the superintendent that the Board of Education approve the proposed salary
schedule as presented for the Central Office secretarial and tech positions for the 2014-2015 school year.
Mr. Jarrell moved and Dr. Clarke seconded the motion.
On roll call vote:
AYE: Jarrell, Clarke, Coe, K. Miller, Coffey, R. Miller
NAY: none
Abstain: none
Motion carried
Employment/Assistant Principal for Carl Sandburg & Jefferson Elementary Schools – 7/1/14
The process to hire an Assistant Principal for Carl Sandburg and Jefferson Elementary Schools was used
as in the past administrative positions. The applications were screened with a rubric by the screening
committee to determine the six finalists to be brought to the interviews. On Saturday, March 1, 2014
team interviews were held with six potential candidates for the position of Assistant Principal for Carl
Sandburg and Jefferson Elementary Schools. The three finalists were interviewed by the Board of
Education at a special board meeting held on March 26.
RegularMeetingMinutesof4/16/2014
Page11
Mr. Littleford was happy to announce that Patricia Murphy was the finalist to be presented to the
Charleston CUSD #1 Board of Education as the new Assistant Principal for Carl Sandburg and Jefferson
Elementary Schools. At that time, he read a press release that provided background information about
Mrs. Murphy to include education, experience, and family, (see official board book).
It was the recommendation of the superintendent that the Board of Education approve a one year,
10-month administrative contract with Patricia Murphy to be employed as the Assistant Principal for Carl
Sandburg and Jefferson Elementary Schools beginning July 1, 2014. Dr. Clarke moved and Mrs. Miller
seconded the motion.
On roll call vote:
AYE: Clarke, K. Miller, Coe, Jarrell, Coffey, R. Miller
NAY: none
Abstain: none
Motion carried
At 8:30pm, President Miller 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)
Mrs. Miller moved and Mr. Coe seconded the motion.
On roll call vote:
AYE: K. Miller, Coe, Clarke, Jarrell, Coffey, R. Miller
NAY: none
Abstain: none
Motion carried
At 9:35pm, Mr. Jarrell made a motion to reconvene from closed session. Dr. Clarke seconded the motion.
On roll call vote:
AYE: Jarrell, Clarke, Coe, K. Miller, Coffey, R. Miller
NAY: none
Abstain: none
Motion carried
At 9:36pm Dr. Clarke moved to adjourn from the board meeting. Mr. Coe seconded the motion.
On roll call vote:
AYE: Clarke, Coe, Jarrell, K. Miller, Coffey, R. Miller
NAY: none
Abstain: none
Motion carried
Ronald L. Miller
President, Board of Education
Brenda L. Coffey
Secretary, Board of Education
RegularMeetingMinutesof4/16/2014
Page12