Minutes of the Regular Meeting of March 19, 2014
The Board of Education of Community Unit School District No. 1, Coles and Cumberland Counties,
Illinois met in regular session on Wednesday, March 19, 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 board members were present:
Ron Miller, President
Jason Coe, Vice President
Brenda Coffey, Secretary
Kelly Miller, Treasurer
Scott Clarke
Susan Daniels
Charles Jarrell
The following staff members were present:
Jim Littleford, Superintendent
Todd Vilardo, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum & Instruction
David Kuetemeyer, Financial Consultant
Visitors 38 and 1 Member of the Press
The Board of Education received an addendum to their board packets which included:
Revised Board Agenda
XI.
Consider the purchase or lease of real property for the use of the public body, including
meetings held for the purpose of discussing whether a particular parcel should be acquired.
5 ILCS 120/2(c)(6).
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)
Under Focus on Students and Good News reports, Mr. Littleford announced that the artwork display
was provided by the Jefferson Elementary School Students – Penny Hess is the art instructor.
Mark Twain Elementary School – Special Education Pre-School Teacher
Mr. Littleford presented Amanda Gentry a Certificate of Recognition for being selected by the EIU
Graduate Program in Special Education to receive the Distinguished Graduate Student Award. This
award will be presented at the Distinguished Graduate Student Awards Ceremony on April 10, 2014 in
the Dvorak Concert Hall of the EIU Doudna Fine Arts Center. Mrs. Gentry will also be featured in the
2014 Graduate Journal of Scholarship and Recognition.
CHS Choral & Band Students – Illinois Music Education Association: All-State Music Participants
Mr. Littleford presented Certificates to the following students that qualified and earned recognition for
outstanding achievements in music and being selected as a member of one of the Illinois Music Educators
Association’s All-State Ensembles for 2013-2014 year: Payton Foster – All State Chorus
Keridwen McDaniel – All State Chorus
Katie Bagwell – All State Orchestra
Samantha Killough – All State Orchestra
Zara Kasey – All State Orchestra
Sam Stowell – All State Honors Chorus
Savannah Stowell – All State Honors Chorus
Michael Drake – All State Honors Chorus
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CHS State Speech Finalists
Mr. Littleford announced that twelve students competed at the IHSA Speech Individual Events
Tournament. Mr. Littleford presented certificates of recognition to Amy Daniels and Jordan Cornwell
who were both finalists in the tournament. Jordan finished 1st in Prose and 8th in Declamation
Interpretation. Amy finished 7th in Oratorical Declamation Finals and 9th in Poetry.
In addition, Mr. Littleford reported that the Performance in the Round cast finished 8th in their section at
state and included: Michael Hildebrandt, Colton Butler, Gentry Copsy, Brice Stanford, Breanne Pedigo,
Elizabeth Walters, Makena Hanner, Riley Cutright, Maddy Schoonover, and Beth Tucker. As a team,
CHS finished 15th out of 90 teams.
Amy and Jordan presented their performances to the Board of Education.
Under Public, Staff Comments or Questions, Written Communications, President Miller indicated
that there were no requests to address the Board of Education.
Mr. Littleford reported on two Freedom of Information requests received and honored by the District.
1) Joe Gisondi, EIU Professor of Journalism, requested information to include proposed and actual
costs of the FY2012 and FY2013 CUSD #1 budgets
2) Brian Anderson, Lee’s Foodservice Parts & Repairs, Inc., requested vendor/contract information
regarding the maintenance and repair of the cafeteria/foodservice equipment. Second, a request
for copies of the contract/s of the aforementioned services/products if applicable.
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.
IV. Consent Agenda: Standard Items
A. Approve the minutes of the Regular Board Meeting of February 19, 2014, Special Meeting of
February 26, 2014, and Special Meeting of March 3, 2014.
B. 1. Approve the bills and payrolls for the month of February 2014.
2. Approve the Activity Fund Accounts for the CUSD #1 attendance centers, period ending
February 2014.
V. Consent Agenda: Old Business
VI. Consent Agenda: New Business
A. Permission to close an activity fund account at Mark Twain Elementary School entitled, ‘Buddy
Program.’
B. Continue the service arrangement with the firm of Gilbert, Metzger and Madigan, Certified
Public Accountants, to perform the annual audit for Community Unit School District No. 1. The
firm will also prepare the school district’s Annual Financial Report for the Illinois State Board of
Education.
C. Continue to use the legal services of Brainard Law Offices to seek legal advice when determined
appropriate by the Board of Education and/or the superintendent.
D. Continue to use the law firm of Miller, Tracy, Braun, Funk & Miller, Ltd. to seek legal advice
when determined appropriate by the Board of Education and/or the superintendent and for the
purpose of negotiations between the Board of Education, the Charleston Education Association,
and Charleston Educational Support Personnel Association.
E. Continue to use the law firm of Hodges, Loizzi, Eisenhammer, Rodick, & Kohn, Ltd. to seek
legal advice when determined appropriate by the Board of Education and/or the superintendent.
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VII. Consent Agenda: Employment
 Grant a Family Medical Leave to Rami Mayhall, Special Education Paraprofessional at
Jefferson Elementary School.
 Accept a letter of retirement from Dan Woolever, Head Custodian at Ashmore
Elementary School, effective at the end of the day on June 2, 2014.
 Accept a letter of resignation from Jennifer Peterson as a Mathematics Teacher at
Charleston High School, effective at the end of the 2013-14 school year.
 Accept a letter of resignation from Barbara Lackey as a special education
paraprofessional at Charleston High School, effective at the end of the day on 3/28/14.
 Accept a letter of resignation from Paul Stranz as the Head Boys’ and Girls’ Soccer
Coach at Charleston High School, effective at the end of the 2014 girls’ soccer season.
 Approve the employment of Aaron Black in the extra-curricular assignment as Head
Boys’ Tennis Coach at Charleston High School during the 2014 spring sports season.
Employment contingent upon the receipt of all required paperwork.
 Accept the recommendation for the following individuals to serve as volunteer
coaches/sponsors at Charleston High School during the 2014 spring sports season:
Jordan Thompson
Baseball
Nick Niemerg
Speech
Shane Woodcock
Boys’ Tennis
Alyssa Baker
Cheerleading
 Approve the employment of Angie Buescher and Lew Hankenson in a split assignment as
the 7th grade Girls’ Track Coach during the 2014 spring sports season.
 Approve the list of CUSD #1 substitutes as of February 11 – March 7, 2014.
President Miller recommended that the Board of Education approve items under IV through VII inclusive
on the Consent Agenda. Dr. Clarke moved and Mrs. Daniels seconded the motion.
On roll call vote:
AYE: Clarke, Daniels, Coe, Jarrell, K. Miller, Coffey, R. Miller
NAY: none
Abstain: none
Motion carried
Under the Superintendent’s Report, Mr. Littleford presented an update on planning from the Crisis
Prevention Ad Hoc Committee. The District Crisis ‘Ad Hoc’ committee met on March 6, 2014, and
discussed various safety and security issues regarding the 2014-15 school term. An online review of the
IEMA Illinois School Security Grant was reviewed and the Crisis ‘Ad Hoc’ committee prioritized
potential projects within the grant as: #1 Crisis Go app, #2 Charleston Middle School parking lot
cameras/doors, #3 Carl Sandburg parking lot cameras/doors. The grant was submitted on March 7th.
The Upchurch Group researched the application of Health/Life Safety monies to the Mark Twain
Elementary School front entrance reconfiguration project with the Illinois State Board of Education and
determined that none of the current project design could utilize monies from that particular fund. The
committee will conduct a future building walk-thru to determine if the project can be adapted to meet
Health/Life Safety fund requirements.
Other items earmarked for possible completion for 2014-15 included:
1) Additional security cameras at Charleston High School
2) Technology battery back-up system and additional security cameras at Jefferson
Elementary School
3) Central Office motion sensors and technology equipment back-up generator
In addition, the Technology Department recently applied for a Video Insight Grant for schools and
colleges which, if received, would provide for an additional stand alone video camera system that could
be utilized within the District.
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Mr. Coe moved and Mr. Jarrell seconded a motion that the Superintendent’s Report was received by the
Board of Education.
On roll call vote:
AYE: Coe, Jarrell, Clarke, Daniels, K. Miller, Coffey, R. Miller
NAY: none
Abstain: none
Motion carried
Under Old Business: Adopt CUSD #1 District Goals
The superintendent recommended that the Board of Education adopt the Charleston CUSD #1 District
Goals which have been on file for the required layover period. Mr. Jarrell moved and Dr. Clarke
seconded the motion.
On roll call vote:
AYE: Jarrell, Clarke, Coe, Daniels, K. Miller, Coffey, R. Miller
NAY: none
Abstain: none
Motion carried
Student Fees/Charges for 2014 – 2015 School Year
It was the recommendation of the superintendent that the Board of Education establish the 2014-15
Student Fees/Charges Schedule as presented. Mr. Coe moved and Mrs. Miller seconded the motion.
On roll call vote:
AYE: Coe, K. Miller, Clarke, Daniels, Jarrell, Coffey, R. Miller
NAY: none
Abstain: none
Motion carried
2014 Summer School Program – Establish Courses/Fees – Establish Schedule
It was the recommendation of the superintendent that the Board of Education approve the fees and course
offerings as presented for the 2014 Summer School program. Dr. Clarke moved and Mrs. Daniels
seconded the motion.
On roll call vote:
AYE: Clarke, Daniels, Coe, Jarrell, K. Miller, Coffey, R. Miller
NAY: none
Abstain: none
Motion carried
Bridges Regional Safe Schools Program Alternative Education Agreement
Consistent with past practice, the superintendent recommended that the Board of Education approve the
Bridges Regional Safe Schools Program Alternative Education Agreement between Bobbi Mattingly,
Regional Superintendent of Schools and Community Unit School District No. 1. Dr. Clarke moved and
Mrs. Miller seconded the motion.
On roll call vote:
AYE: Clarke, K. Miller, Coe, Daniels, Jarrell, Coffey, R. Miller
NAY: none
Abstain: none
Motion carried
Contract Renewal: CUSD #1 Energy Education Manager
It was the recommendation of the superintendent that the Board of Education re-employ Bill Monken as
Energy Education Manager for Charleston Community Unit School District No. 1 for the 2014-2015
school year with an annual stipend of $13,102. The stipend amount remains the same as for the previous
four years. Mrs. Miller moved and Mrs. Daniels seconded the motion.
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On roll call vote:
AYE: K. Miller, Daniels, Clarke, Coe, Jarrell, Coffey, R. Miller
NAY: none
Abstain: none
Motion carried
Employments 2014-15: Transitional Program of Instruction (TPI) Tutor
The superintendent recommended that the Board of Education re-employ Ulda “Merai” Mier as a part
time Transitional Program of Instruction (TPI) Tutor for the 2014-2015 school year. Mr. Coe moved and
Dr. Clarke seconded the motion.
On roll call vote:
AYE: Coe, Clarke, Daniels, Jarrell, K. Miller, Coffey, R. Miller
NAY: none
Abstain: none
Motion carried
District School Psychologist
The superintendent recommended that the Board of Education employ Rachel Schaub as a full time
School Psychologist for Charleston CUSD #1, beginning with the 2014-2015 school year. This
employment was contingent upon the receipt of all information required for employment. Dr. Clarke
moved and Mrs. Miller seconded the motion.
On roll call vote:
AYE: Clarke, K. Miller, Coe, Daniels, Jarrell, Coffey, R. Miller
NAY: none
Abstain: none
Motion carried
Renewal Certified Contracts for 2014-15 School year
It was the recommendation of the superintendent that the Board of Education issue employment contracts
to the following certified persons as listed for the 2014-15 school year.
Part Time
Joan Ware – 50% Ashmore
Mandy White – 60% Ashmore/Mark Twain
Second Year Contracts
Jessica Cleeton - CHS
Angel Warman - CHS
Mark Williams - CHS
Andrea Schackmann - CMS
Jessica Mahannah - MT/Ash/Jeff
Kirsty Slabach - Ashmore
Caitlin Harris - Carl Sandburg
Michele McDaniel - Carl Sandburg
Paige Nordland - Carl Sandburg
Kaj Holm - Jefferson
Amber Veach - Jefferson
Debbie Oakley - Mark Twain
Jami Goetten - Mark Twain
Third Year Contracts
Emily Perry - CHS
Jacob Roskovensky - CHS
Sarah Barger - CHS
Belle Long - CHS
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Fourth Year Contracts
Stephanie Habing - CHS/Jefferson
Jennifer Taylor - CHS
Angie Buescher - CMS
Chelsie Doughty - CMS
Emily Hecht - CMS
Courtney Moffett - CMS
Teresa Beck - CMS/Ashmore
Grace Kennedy - Carl Sandburg
Michelle Lynn - Carl Sandburg
Lisa Schertz - Carl Sandburg
Chris Bily - Jefferson
Lauren Covington - Jefferson
Tiffany Triemstra - Jefferson
Frances Poris - Jefferson
Amanda Denler - Mark Twain
Tenure Contracts
Meagan Taylor - Carl Sandburg
Jill Shrader - Jefferson
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Third Year Contracts con’t.
Regina Beals - CMS
Megan McDevitt - CMS
Kim Welch - Ashmore
Blair Dosch - Carl Sandburg
Justin Bledsaw - Jefferson
Penny Hess - Jefferson
Erin VanDeursen - Mark Twain
Danielle Bily - Mark Twain
Darlene Coffin - Mark Twain
Mrs. Daniels moved and Dr. Clarke seconded the motion.
On roll call vote:
AYE: Daniels, Clarke, Coe, Jarrell, K. Miller, Coffey, R. Miller
NAY: none
Abstain: none
Motion carried
Extra-Curricular Assignments – CHS, CMS & Jefferson School for 2014-15 School Year
CHS Head Golf Coach
It was the recommendation of the superintendent that the Board of Education employ Randy Harpster as
the Head Golf Coach at Charleston High School beginning with the 2014-15 school year. Dr. Clarke
moved and Mrs. Daniels seconded the motion.
On roll call vote:
AYE: Clarke, Daniels, Coe, Jarrell, K. Miller, Coffey, R. Miller
NAY: none
Abstain: none
Motion carried
The superintendent recommended that the Board of Education approve the list of people to fill the
extra-curricular assignments at Charleston High School, Charleston Middle School, and Jefferson
Elementary School during the 2014-15 school year as indicated.
Charleston High School
Jim Wood – Athletic Director
Jim Wood – Head Boys’ Basketball
Daniel Bennett – Asst. Boys’ Basketball
Matt Feldhake – Frsh. Boys’ Basketball
Jeff Miller – Head Girls’ Basketball
Amy Jackson – Asst. Girls’ Basketball
Cecilia Brinker – Frsh. Girls’ Basketball
Derrick Landrus – Boys’ & Girls’ Cross Country
Brian Halsey – Head Football Coach
Tyler Hanner – Sophomore Football
Tim Hogan – First Asst. Football
Jim Kuykendall – Frsh. Football
Debbie Landsaw – Asst. Golf
Amy Harrington – Girls’ Tennis
Tina Winings – Individual/Group Speech
Joshua Magee – Asst. Speech
Janice Barger – Yearbook
Nell Wiseman – Newspaper
Kim Ferguson – Cheerleading
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Charleston Middle School
Blain Mayhall – Softball Coach
Blain Mayhall – Girls’ Basketball, Gr. 8
Emily Hecht – Girls’ Basketball, Gr. 7
Randy Harpster – Boys’ Basketball, Gr. 8
Chris Bily – Boys’ Basketball, Gr. 7
Nicole Beals - Newspaper
Regina Beals – Student Council
Megan McDevitt - Chorus
Brenda Foster - Cheerleading
Chelsie Doughty/Laura Jones – Scholastic Bowl
Megan McDevitt – Chorus
Megan McDevitt - Musical
Jon Hanner - Baseball
Lisa Dallas – Pom & Dance Squad
Laney Grimes - Band
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Charleston High School con’t.
Mary Buchar – Trojets (split)
Jefferson Elementary School (volunteers)
Lacey Thomason – Trojets (split)
Debbie Landsaw – 5th & 6th Girls’ Basketball
Kristin Runyon – Student Council
Justin Bledsaw - 5th & 6th Boys’ Basketball
Anne Kidwell – Scholastic Bowl
Tiffany Triemstra & Lauren Covington - Cheer
Laney Grimes – Band
Juliane Sharp – Chorus
Scott Bennett - Flags
Tyler Hanner – Wrestling
Dwight & Kirstin Pentzien – Girls’ Swimming (volunteers)
Brian Bower – Head Boys’ Swimming (volunteer)
Patrick Coulton – Chess (volunteer)
Mr. Coe moved and Mrs. Daniels seconded the motion.
On roll call vote:
AYE: Coe, Daniels, Clarke, Jarrell, K. Miller, Coffey, R. Miller
NAY: none
Abstain: K. Miller from employment of the CHS Head Girls’ Basketball
Motion carried
Coach and First Assistant Football Coach
2014-15 Budget Reduction Plan
Mr. Littleford presented the 2014-15 budget reduction plan. Discussions with the CUSD #1
Administrative team and Board of Education have been ongoing. Mr. Littleford has also met with CEA
Co-Presidents Gail Schultz and Patti Murphy and provided notification letters on upcoming the
Reductions in Force as presented. Below is an outline of the current plan that has been shared with the
CEA Co-Presidents:
 Reduction-in-Force – Teaching Positions
 2 Elementary Education positions (note that the total elementary classroom sections
would be reduced from 53 to 51. Average K-6 class size would be at 25.25 class
compared to 25.75 in 2010-11 and 24.7 during the 2013-2014)
 Early Childhood LBS1 position (according to current Illinois law, the teacher would be
transferred to an elementary position at Carl Sandburg Elementary School).
 Non-tenured part-time CHS Spanish teacher (current enrollment doesn’t necessitate a
part-time Spanish teacher)
Mr. Littleford asked the Board of Education if they had any questions regarding the plan. There were no
questions or comments from the Board of Education. Board action was not required.
Action on Transfer for the 2014-2015 School Year Due to Reduction in Force
As a result of a Reduction-in-Force and due to the uncertainty of the early childhood enrollment numbers,
the superintendent recommended that the Board of Education approve the transfer of Darlene Coffin into
the position of classroom teacher at Carl Sandburg Elementary School beginning with the 2014-2015
school year. Dr. Clarke moved and Mrs. Miller seconded the motion.
On roll call vote:
AYE: Clarke, K. Miller, Coe, Daniels, Jarrell, Coffey, R. Miller
NAY: none
Abstain: none
Motion carried
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Action on Resolution Reference the Honorable Dismissal of a Certified Employee and Reduction in
Force of a Certified Employee
As a result of the uncertainty of student enrollment and financial planning, the superintendent
recommends that the Board of Education approve a Resolution Authorizing Notice of Non-Renewal of
Contract for Lindo Smith, part time Spanish teacher at Charleston High School for the 2014-2015 school
year. Further, that the Board of Education approve the sending of written notice of dismissal to Lindo
Smith. Mr. Coe moved and Dr. Clarke seconded the motion.
On roll call vote:
AYE: Coe, Clarke, Daniels, Jarrell, K. Miller, Coffey, R. Miller
NAY: none
Abstain: none
Motion carried
At 7:36pm, 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)
The purchase or lease of real property for the use of the public body, including meetings held for the
purpose of discussing whether a particular parcel should be acquired. 5 ILCS120/2(c)(6).
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 Mrs. Daniels seconded the motion.
On roll call vote:
AYE: Clarke, Daniels, Coe, Jarrell, K. Miller, Coffey, R. Miller
NAY: none
Abstain: none
Motion carried
At 8:15pm, Mr. Jarrell made a motion to reconvene from closed session. Mrs. Daniels seconded the
motion.
On roll call vote:
AYE: Jarrell, Daniels, Coe, Clarke, K. Miller, Coffey, R. Miller
NAY: none
Abstain: none
Motion carried
At 8:16pm Dr. Clarke moved to adjourn from the board meeting. Mrs. Miller seconded the motion.
On roll call vote:
AYE: Clarke, K. Miller, Coe, Daniels, Jarrell, Coffey, R. Miller
NAY: none
Abstain: none
Motion carried
Ronald L. Miller
President, Board of Education
Brenda L. Coffey
Secretary, Board of Education
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