Minutes of the Regular Meeting of February 19, 2014
The Board of Education of Community Unit School District No. 1, Coles and Cumberland Counties,
Illinois met in regular session on Wednesday, February 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 68 and 1 Member of the Press
Under Focus on Students and Good News reports, Mr. Littleford announced that the artwork display was
provided by the students at Carl Sandburg Elementary School. Heather Bryan is the art instructor.
Mr. Littleford presented certificates of recognition to the following people:
Jefferson & Ashmore Elementary School Students
The Character Education students chosen by their teachers representing the trait of Kindness. Teachers
choose students who exemplified this trait and they were honored at Jefferson and Ashmore Schools.
Roxanne Cornebise, Counselor is in charge of the program.
Kindness is being caring, compassionate, loving, and considerate. A kind person shows concern for
the feelings of others and is helpful and generous.
4th Grade5th Grade6th GradeKaitleyn Friedman
Baley Myerscough
Shayla Taylor
Casey Fisher
Jayden Shores
Cade Lawless
Abbie Smith
Kannon Bright
Ellie Stankiewicz
Ben Eubanks
Jasmine Stacy
Lane Harrell
Miles Hernandez
Victoria Lindsey
July Baumann
Hannah Taylor
Braden Reedy
Sterling Stowell
Caiden Smith
Hayden Howell
Ben Linker
Marley Elliott
Will Cope
Hannah Larson (Ashmore)
CMS Girls’ Basketball Team & Coaches – 8th Grade Girls’ for advancing to the IESA State finals this
past season. They finished the year with a record of 19 – 1. Team members: Hope Griffin, Julia
Griffin, Miranda Cooley, Abby Logsdon, Emily Sweeney, Kaitlyn Coffey, Emily Logsdon, Brooklynne
Oliver, Paige Swango, Natalie Gordon Head Coach: Blain Mayhall Assistants not in attendance:
Emily Hecht, Hannah Dowling, and Stephanie Harper.
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Charleston High School Fitness Room Renovation Volunteers
The following individuals were being recognized for their dedication as volunteers to the CHS Fitness
Room renovation project. Each of them sacrificed time and effort toward the goal of improving the
fitness room facility at CHS: James DiNaso, Irv Huss, Sarah Daugherty, Paul Stranz, and Brian Halsey.
Ken Baker and Scott Ebinger were not in attendance.
Under Public, Staff Comments or Questions, Written Communications, President Miller announced
there were no requests to address the Board of Education.
Under the Consent Agenda, President Miller asked if there were board members who would like any of
the consent agenda items pulled for discussion in closed session. No requests were received.
Mr. Littleford reviewed the items under Consent Agenda.
IV. Consent Agenda: Standard Items
A. Approve the minutes of the Regular Board Meeting of January 15, 2014, Special
Meeting/Board/Administrative Retreat of January 22, 2014, and Special Meeting of January 29,
2014.
B. 1. Approve the bills and payrolls for the month of January 2014.
2. Approve the Activity Fund Accounts for the CUSD #1 attendance centers, period ending
January 2014.
V. Consent Agenda: Old Business
VI. Consent Agenda: New Business
Resolution/Establishing Fiscal Year and Preparation of 2014-2015 Tentative Budget
Adopt a Resolution Establishing Fiscal Year and Preparation of the Tentative Budget for the 2014-2015
school year beginning July 1, 2014.
VII. Consent Agenda: Employment
 Accept a letter of resignation from Dori Fairbanks as a 1:1 special education paraprofessional at
Mark Twain Elementary School, effective at the end of the day on 1/31/14.
 Accept a letter of resignation from Claude Magee as the Head Girls’ Track Coach at Charleston
High School, effective immediately.
 Accept a letter of resignation from Susan Babers as the Head Volleyball Coach at Charleston
High School, effective immediately.
 Grant a family medical leave to Courtney Seaman, a special education paraprofessional at Carl
Sandburg Elementary School.
 Approve the employment of Jennifer Evans as a full time 1:1 special education paraprofessional
for student #81295 in the morning and for student #25371 in the afternoon at Mark Twain
Elementary School, effective 2/20/14. This employment was contingent upon the receipt of all
information required for employment.
 Approve the list of substitutes and volunteers for Community Unit School District #1, effective
January 9, 2014 – February 10, 2014.
 Approve the employment of Julianne Sharp as the Spring Musical Director at Charleston High
School during the 2013-14 school year.
 Approve the employment of the following individuals in the extra-curricular assignments at
Charleston High School for the 2014 track season:
Phil Glosser
Head Girls’ Track Coach
Matt Feldhake
Assistant Girls’ Track Coach
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 Approve the individuals listed to serve as volunteer coaches at Charleston High School during the
Spring 2014 sports season, contingent upon the receipt of all required paperwork.
Dirk Bennett
Soccer (girls)
Josh Ruben
Soccer (girls)
Aldo Ruffalo
Soccer (girls)
John Pogue
Baseball
Daniel Bennett
Baseball
Claude Magee
Track (girls)
Amber May
Softball
 Approve the transfer of Chris Bily into the position as an 8th grade Social Studies/Language Arts
teacher at Charleston Middle School beginning with the 2014-15 school year.
 Approve the transfer of Jennifer White into the position as a Title 1 teacher at Carl Sandburg
Elementary School beginning with the 2014-15 school year.
 Approve the transfer of Patricia Ingram into the position as a 3rd grade teacher at Carl Sandburg
Elementary School beginning with the 2014-15 school year.
 Approve the employment of Jodi Cline as a full time District Gifted Education teacher beginning
with the 2014-15 school year. This employment was contingent upon the receipt of all
information required for employment.
 Approve the employment of Holly Pantle as a full time Media Specialist at Charleston Middle
School beginning with the 2014-15 school year. This employment was contingent upon the
receipt of all information required for employment.
 Approve the employment of Amy Gonzalez as a full time LBS1 teacher at Carl Sandburg
Elementary School beginning with the 2014-15 school year. This employment was contingent
upon the receipt of all information required for employment.
President Miller recommended that the Board of Education approve items under IV through VII inclusive
on the Consent Agenda. Mrs. Miller moved and Dr. Clarke seconded the motion.
On roll call vote:
AYE: K. Miller, Clarke, Coe, Daniels, Jarrell, Coffey, R. Miller
NAY: none
Abstain: none
Motion carried
February 1, 2014 Update on CUSD #1 Budget Estimates
Financial Consultant, David Kuetemeyer reported on the financial status of the District as of February 1,
2014. His report provided background information regarding income, expenditures, and budget estimates.
Mr. Kuetemeyer indicated the district has more control over the expenditures and to date, all funds were
at 58% or near levels expected for this time of the year with the exception of the Education Fund that was
at 61% expended. He noted that the district will probably need to amend the 2013-14 budget this spring.
On the revenue side, he reviewed a list of concerns the district was still facing because the State of Illinois
being behind in funding/reimbursements to the district.
Pre-School Screening/Kindergarten Pre-Registration
Mr. Littleford announced that this year, pre-school screening and Kindergarten pre-registration would be
held at the Wesley United Methodist Church from March 4 – 6, 2013. For March 4 and 6, screenings are
scheduled from 12:30pm - 6:00pm and on March 5 from 9:00am – 2:15pm. Individuals can call
639-1028 for appointments or more information between February 24 – 28. Kindergarten teachers will be
available to register Kindergarten students. Physicals, immunization records, birth certificates and social
security numbers are needed for registration.
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Proclamation/Charleston Riot Days in the State of Illinois
Mr. Littleford reported that March 28, 2014 will mark the 150th anniversary of a riot that broke out
between Union Soldiers and Illinois civilians, known as the Copperheads, in Charleston, Illinois.
Through Proclamation, Governor Quinn has formally announced that during March 28 – 30, 2014,
Charleston Riot Days will be acknowledged in the State of Illinois. Board members were provided with a
copy of the Proclamation.
Illinois Association of School Boards/Illini Division Spring Dinner Meeting
The Illinois Association of School Boards will be hosting the Illini Division Spring Dinner Meeting on
Thursday, February 27, 2014 at Heritage Junior High & Elementary School in Homer, IL. Board
members were provided with an agenda for the dinner meeting for board members review. Mr. Littleford
asked if board members were interested in attending the dinner meeting to contact Genia Lang.
Mrs. Miller moved and Dr. Clarke seconded a motion that the Superintendent’s Report was received by
the Board of Education.
On roll call vote:
AYE: K. Miller, Clarke, Coe, Daniels, Jarrell, Coffey, R. Miller
NAY: none
Abstain: none
Motion carried
Recommended Action Old Business:
Adopt New & Revised School Board Policies, Administrative Procedures, Exhibits
The superintendent recommended that the Board of Education adopt the Board Policies, Administrative
Procedures, and Exhibits as listed.
Newly Established School Board Policy Administrative Procedures/Exhibits
4:170-AP7,E1 Operational Services – Threat Assessment Decision Tree
Revised School Board Policies/Administrative Procedures/Exhibits
2:150
School Board – Committees
5:20-AP
General Personnel – Sample Questions for Conducting the Internal Sexual Harassment in
the Workplace Investigation
5:50
General Personnel – Drug-and Alcohol-Free Workplace; Tobacco Prohibition
5:260
General Personnel – Student Teachers
6:60-AP
Instruction – Comprehensive Health Education Program
6:190
Instruction – Extracurricular and Co-Curricular Activities
6:240
Instruction – Field Trips
6:310
Instruction – Credit for alternative Courses and Programs, and Course Substitutions
7:190
Students – Student Discipline
7:305
Students – Student Athlete Concussions and Head Injuries
8:20
Community Relations – Community Use of School Facilities
8:25
Community Relations – Advertising and Distributing Materials in Schools Provided by
Non-School Related Entities
8:95-AP
Community Relations – Parental Involvement
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
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Proposal - CMS Golf Club/Team
Mr. Littleford reported that Charleston Middle School Principal Trevor Doughty received a request from
Don Dawson, parent of CMS students, to start a golf club/team beginning with the 2014-2015 school
year. To ensure that students meet registration guidelines for the IESA State Golf Tournament, Mr.
Dawson asked that the Board of Education consider his proposal as early as March of this year.
Mr. Littleford referred to the budget cutbacks made by the Board of Education four years ago, which
included reductions that are still in place. Mr. Littleford reported that CMS Principal Trevor Doughty has
consulted with CMS Athletic Director Brad Oakley regarding the issue and following much discussion,
both Mr. Doughty and Mr. Oakley have recommended denying the request.
In a memorandum to Mr. Littleford and Board of Education, Mr. Doughty provided main reasons and
concerns to include administrative costs incurred to the district. In addition, by allowing this request to
the district would have a difficult time saying no to any other parent or group in the future that would like
to start a sport and cover its expenses.
Mr. Dawson, parent of CMS students, was invited to present his proposal to the Board of Education. He
stated approval now would provide enough time to meet the deadlines for the state competition, as there is
a limit on the number of players a school can send. He indicated that there is much interest in beginning
the program and that parents are willing to coach, pay for fees, travel, etc., to start the golf club/team.
However, school sponsorship is required for the state competition and that a school representative of the
participating school has to be present during a tournament.
A lengthy discussion took place among the Board of Education on the concerns about programs
eliminated in the past that have not been restored and is allowing the program would lead to similar
requests. The Board talked about other similar instances when similar requests to start a club/sport in the
district supported and funded by parent groups became a district funded sport. The Board discussed
transportation to IESA events and that due to liability issues, parents could not transport students, which
would fall back onto the school district.
Another concern brought forward by the Board was about the students that may not be able to afford the
required fees to participate in the program. How would they be provided an equal opportunity to
participate?
Mr. Vilardo stated that an IESA sponsored sport must be sponsored by the school district and they must
make the opportunity to participate open to all students.
CMS Parent, Mike Wolfe addressed the Board of Education stating that his son has raised funds for the
JFL program and would be willing to work toward raising funds for the golf program.
The Board praised the golf supporters for taking the initiative and parents were commended by stepping
up to provide opportunities to our students.
After all questions and comments were made, Mr. Coe made a motion to approve the proposal to allow
individuals to sign up with permission from the Board of Education and/or school administrator to
participate each fall (September) in the IESA State Golf Championship beginning with sign up in spring
2014. Parents will handle all the sign up for registration, transportation, and any fees associated with this
Championship. In addition, the Board of Education will review the CMS Golf Club/Sport and
participation in the IESA State Tournament annually.
Mr. Jarrell seconded the motion.
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On roll call vote:
AYE: Coe, Jarrell, Clarke, Daniels, Coffey
NAY: K. Miller, R. Miller
Abstain: none
Motion carried
Revision/Trojan Booster Club Corporate Sponsorship
At the May 15, 2013 meeting, the Board of Education approved the Trojan Booster Club’s request to
implement a new signage program to help support Charleston Middle School and Charleston High School
athletes. On behalf of the Trojan Booster Club, Mrs. Smith, submitted a proposed change to the signage
program. Currently, five locations have been approved for signs: Trojan Hill, Karch Field, Baker Gym,
the soccer field, and the baseball field. The Booster Club would like to add the Charleston Middle School
John Dively Gymnasium to the program. The prices and sizes of the signage would remain the same.
Banners hung in the gym would follow the same format as in the Charleston High School Baker
Gymnasium.
It was the recommendation of the superintendent that the Board of Education authorize the change to the
Trojan Booster Club’s signage program to include the Charleston Middle School John Dively
Gymnasium. Dr. Clarke moved and Mr. Coe seconded the motion.
On roll call vote:
AYE: Clarke, Coe, Daniels, Jarrell, K. Miller, Coffey, R. Miller
NAY: none
Abstain: none
Motion carried
CUSD #1 District Goals – First Reading
Mr. Littleford reported that a Board of Education/Administrative Retreat was held on Wednesday,
January 22, 2014. Jim Burgett, retired superintendent for the Highland School District facilitated the
retreat. Mr. Burgett led the CUSD #1 Board of Education and Administrative Team through exercises to
outline priorities, goals and strategies for the District. The Board of Education and Administrative Team
updated district goals #1 – #4 while at the Retreat. Board Retreat attendees enlisted the assistance of
Mary Ann Pattenaude and the Educational Technology Committee to develop a recommendation for
District goal #5.
1. Academic Achievement
The district will incorporate an aligned system for teacher selection, induction, development,
and evaluation that is aimed at provide providing research-based, effective instructional
practices high quality educators and professional development that will enable them to utilize the
very best instructional practices available so that each student annually meets or exceeds learning
standards.
2. Community Relations and Collaborations
Charleston CUSD #1 will collaborate develop a plan with EIU, Sarah Bush Lincoln Health
Center, Chamber of Commerce and City of Charleston to strategically recruit professionals and
families into the Charleston School District. CUSD #1 will also develop the utilization of social
media to provide district fact based information.
3. District Facilities
The district will develop and implement a long-term facilities and capital improvement plan
that ensures the Health Life Safety Plan to improve safety of our school community and
supports the learning needs of our students. learning environments to maximize student
achievement.
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4. District Finances
The district will maintain viable fund balances commit to serving as responsible stewards of its
fiscal resources and seek revenue sources that fulfill the district’s needs. The Education Fund
balance will not drop below $2million and will begin increasing within five years.
5. Technology
Enabled by technology, telecommunications communications, digital resources, and training,
the CUSD #1 staff will guide prepare all students as they participate in a variety of learning
experiences which will prepare students to become productive and digitally literate citizens
through a variety of learning experiences. Looking to the future, CUSD #1 students will
utilize current and emerging technologies demonstrate an awareness which foster an optimal
learning environment.
It was the recommendation of the superintendent that the Board of Education adopt the Charleston CUSD
#1 District Goals on first reading. The District Goals will be placed for public review until final approval
at the March 19, 2014 board meeting.
Dr. Clarke moved and Mr. Jarrell seconded the motion.
On roll call vote:
AYE: Clarke, Jarrell, Coe, Daniels, K. Miller, Coffey, R. Miller
NAY: none
Abstain: none
Motion carried
Establish/District Social Worker Position, effective for 2014-15
At the January 15, 2014 meeting, the Board of Education authorized the purchase of the ‘Fee for Service’
programs from EIASE for the 2014-15 school year. Beginning with the 2014-15 school year, Charleston
CUSD #1 will provide services to the students who’s Individualized Education Plans include Emotional
Disabilities (ED) Collaborative Services. Special Education Coordinator Cathy Chaplin submitted a
recommendation to establish a District School Social Worker position beginning with the 2014-15 school
year. This position would not be specific to any building within the District, but would be available
throughout all District educational centers. The school social worker would be required to hold a Type 73
School Service Personnel Certificate to fulfill the ED collaborative services.
It was the recommendation of the superintendent that the Board of Education authorize establishing the
position of a School Social Worker to be required to hold a Type 73 School Service Personnel Certificate
beginning with the 2014-15 school year. Dr. Clarke moved and Mr. Coe seconded the motion.
On roll call vote:
AYE: Coe, Daniels, Clarke, Jarrell, K. Miller, Coffey, R. Miller
NAY: none
Abstain: none
Motion carried
Establish Special Board Meeting/Interview Finalist(s) for the Position of Assistant Principal
On December 23, 2013, brochures were sent out announcing the vacancy for the position of Assistant
Principal for Carl Sandburg and Jefferson Elementary Schools. The timeline to hire the Assistant
Principal had an application deadline on January 24, 2014. A screening committee will be utilized and
will screen applications for the position on Wednesday, February 19, Thursday, February 20, and Friday,
February 21, 2014. Materials will be available to screen between 7:00am – 3:30pm. Two interview
teams will interview candidates for the position (up to 6 candidates) on Saturday, March 1 from 8:00am –
3:00pm. As in past practice, 2 (two) representatives from the Board of Education, will serve on the
application screening committee and 2 (two) representatives will serve on the Saturday interview team.
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The Charleston Education Association, Charleston Educational Support Personnel Association and CUSD
#1 Administrative Team will follow the same process. During the interviews, a continental breakfast and
lunch will be available. The Board of Education will interview the final two to three candidates at a
special board meeting to be established at 5:30pm on Wednesday, March 26, 2014.
It was the recommendation of the superintendent that the Board of Education establish Wednesday,
March 26, 2014 at 5:30pm as a Special Board meeting to interview the final candidates for the position of
Assistant Principal for Carl Sandburg and Jefferson Elementary Schools. 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
President Miller asked that the recommendation under Agenda Item X. F. 2013-14 Administrative
Evaluations/2014-15 Administrative Assignments, be held until after closed session.
At 8:28pm, President Miller recommended that the Board of Education adjourn into closed session to
consider information regarding appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or
dismissal of specific employees of the District or legal counsel for the District, including hearing
testimony on a complaint lodged against an employee or against legal counsel for the District to
determine its validity. 5 ILCS 120/2/(c)(1)
Dr. Clarke moved and Mr. Jarrell seconded the motion.
On roll call vote:
AYE: Clarke, Jarrell, Coe, Daniels, K. Miller, Coffey, R. Miller
NAY: none
Abstain: none
Motion carried
At 8:48pm, President Miller made a motion to reconvene from closed session. Mr. Jarrell seconded the
motion.
On roll call vote:
AYE: R. Miller, Jarrell, Clarke, Coe, Daniels, K. Miller, Coffey
NAY: none
Abstain: none
Motion carried
2013-14 Administrative Evaluations/2014-15 Administrative Assignments
Mr. Littleford reported that the evaluations of the district administrative staff were complete and available
for Board members review. The evaluations of the administrative staff, as well as evaluations of all other
staff are of a confidential nature and are not available to the public under “Freedom of Information.”
Mr. Littleford reviewed administrative contracts that will end June 30, 2014: Brandon Miller, Brad
Oakley, Mary Ann Pattenaude, Cathy Chaplin, and David Kuetemeyer. Multi-year administrative
contract: Diane Hutchins (7/1/10 – 8/4/14).
Multi-year administrative contracts in effect: Jim Littleford (7/1/13 – 6/30/17), Todd Vilardo
(7/1/13 – 6/30/18), Trevor Doughty (7/1/14 – 6/30/17), Chad Burgett (7/1/14 – 6/30/17),
Rob Ulm (7/1/12 – 6/30/15), Kristen Holly (7/1/14 – 6/30/17), and Terry Diss (7/1/11 – 6/30/15).
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The Board of Education was provided with a list of administrative assignments and proposed salaries for
the 2014-2015 school year with the exception of Jim Littleford and Terry Diss, (salary included in
retirement incentive). Bill Richardson, Director of Buildings and Grounds is listed on the assignment
sheet, but does not receive an administrative contract.
It was the recommendation of the superintendent that the Board of Education approve the administrative
assignments and proposed salaries for the 2014-2015 school year, (located in official board book). Dr.
Clarke moved and Mr. Jarrell seconded the motion.
On roll call vote:
AYE: Clarke, Jarrell, Coe, Daniels, K. Miller, Coffey, R. Miller
NAY: none
Abstain: none
Motion carried
At 8:50pm, Mrs. Miller moved and Mr. Coe seconded the motion to adjourn from the Regular Board
Meeting.
On roll call vote:
AYE: K. Miller, Coe, Clarke, 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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