Minutes of the Regular Meeting of August 21, 2013
The Board of Education of Community Unit School District No. 1, Coles and Cumberland Counties, Illinois met
in regular session on Wednesday, August 21, 2013 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.
Board Members Present:
Ron Miller, President
Jason Coe, Vice President
Brenda Coffey, Secretary
Kelly Miller, Treasurer
Scott Clarke
Susan Daniels
Charles Jarrell
Central Office Staff Present:
Jim Littleford, Superintendent
Todd Vilardo, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum & Instruction
David Kuetemeyer, Financial Consultant
Visitors 17 and 2 Members of the Press
Mr. Littleford reviewed Addendum items to the board book which included:
Revised Board Agenda
Remove Recommendations to Employ
1:2 Paraprofessional – Mark Twain Elementary School (page 77 in board book)
District Maintenance Employee (page 79 in board book)
VI. B
Trojan Booster Club Signage Sponsors
Revised list of sponsors.
VII. Consent Agenda:
Resignations:
- Co-Head Girls’ Track Coach – Charleston High School
- Assistant Boys’ Track Coach – Charleston High School
- Paraprofessional – Jefferson Elementary School
Employments for 2013-14 School Year:
- Paraprofessionals at Mark Twain Elementary School
Title I Paraprofessional
1:2 Paraprofessional
VIII. Superintendent’s Report
A. Updated enrollment numbers as of August 21, 2013
Under public comments and written communications, President Miller asked if there were any comments,
questions or written communications. There were no requests for the Board of Education.
Under Consent Agenda, President Miller asked if there were any items under the consent agenda that the Board
of Education would like to remove for discussion. There were no requests from the Board of Education.
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Mr. Littleford reviewed the recommendations under the consent agenda.
IV. Consent Agenda: Standard Items
A.
Approve the minutes of the Regular Meeting of July 17, 2013.
B.1 Approve the bills and payrolls for the month of July 2013.
B.2 Approve the Activity Fund Reports for the CUSD #1 attendance centers, period ending July 2013.
V. Consent Agenda: Old Business
VI. Consent Agenda: New Business
A. Grant permission to establish the following activity fund accounts at Charleston Middle School
entitled:
Knights of Columbus – R. Beals
Knights of Columbus – Lynn
Knights of Columbus – Mayhall
Knights of Columbus - McMillan
These accounts are subject to the state guidelines regarding the use of activity fund accounts.
B. Approve the list of signage sponsors from Trojan Booster Club President Maureen Smith for the
month of August 2013 as follows:
Dirty’s: Sponsor the hospitality room for Holiday Tournament in exchange for donation.
WB’s: Sponsor the hospitality room for Holiday Tournament in exchange for donation.
Midas: $2,000, Red Trojan Sponsor
First Financial Bank: $400, In lieu of Holiday Tournament Sponsor
Drake Homes: Loaned equipment to mount frames for the signs on all outdoor scoreboards.
Smoky’s: Sponsor the hospitality room for Holiday Tournament in Exchange for donation.
UHotel/Brick House: Providing 4 banquet rooms for dinner/auction for free.
LD Mechanical: $300, Soccer
Charleston Appliance: $300, Softball
Aaron & Kelly Eubanks: $650, Football
C. Approve Statements of Completion for Health Life Safety Amendments #27 and #16 for upgrades
completed on the elevators at Charleston High School and Jefferson Elementary School noted in the
10-year Health Life Safety Survey.
D. Approve a contractual agreement with Jana Sweeney to provide part-time assistance in completing
preschool evaluations during the 2013-2014 school year.
E. Grant the Superintendent authorization to approve or disapprove Serious Safety Hazard Findings
applications to begin the 2013-2014 school year. The application(s) will be forwarded to the
Department of Transportation for final review and then, presented to the Board of Education at the
next regular board meeting.
VII. Consent Agenda: Employment
 Accept a letter of resignation from Sarah Dowell from her position as a paraprofessional at
Charleston High School, effective August 13, 2013.
 Accept a letter of resignation from Angela Husketh from her position as a paraprofessional at
Charleston High School, effective August 5, 2013.
 Accept a letter of resignation from Kimberly Lemmon from her position as a paraprofessional at
Charleston High School, effective July 16, 2013.
 Accept a letter of resignation from Megan Kuhn from her position as a paraprofessional for
student #18792 at Carl Sandburg Elementary School, effective August 2, 2013.
 Accept a letter of resignation from Laura Leffler from her position as a Title I paraprofessional at
Jefferson Elementary School, effective August 6, 2013.
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Accept a letter of resignation from Lisa Sweeney from her position as a Title I paraprofessional at
Mark Twain Elementary School, effective August 21, 2013.
Approve the transfer of Susan Bloomquist into a one-on-one paraprofessional for student #06993
at Jefferson Elementary School beginning with the 2013-2014 school year.
Approve the transfer of Heather Cassady into the position as a 1:2 paraprofessional for students
#03300 and #07036 at Charleston Middle School beginning with the 2013-2014 school year.
Approve the transfer of Mary Bower into the position as a Title I paraprofessional at Jefferson
Elementary School, effective August 26, 2013.
Approve the employment of Lindo Smith as a part time Spanish teacher at Charleston High
School, beginning with the 2013-2014 school year. This employment was contingent upon the
receipt of all information required for employment.
Approve the employment of the following individuals listed as full time paraprofessionals at
Charleston High School beginning with the 2013-2014 school year. Employment was contingent
upon the receipt of all information required for employment and the continued educational needs
of the students.
Lisa Doughty
One-to-One Paraprofessional Student #04940
Lori Morton
Bell-to-Bell Paraprofessional
Mark Wegener
Bell-to-Bell Paraprofessional
Approve the employment of Amanda McGuire as a full time program paraprofessional at
Charleston Middle School beginning with the 2013-2014 school year. This employment was
contingent upon the receipt of all information required for employment and the continued
educational needs of the students.
Approve the employment of Rebecca Gallo as a full time paraprofessional at Ashmore
Elementary School beginning with the 2013-2014 school year. This employment was contingent
upon the receipt of all information required for employment and the continued educational needs
of the students.
Approve the employment of the individuals listed as full time paraprofessionals at Carl Sandburg
Elementary School beginning with the 2013-2014 school year. Employment was contingent upon
the receipt of all information required for employment and the continued educational needs of the
students.
Stephanie Hutton
One-to-One Paraprofessional Student #18792
Kayla Kusterman
One-to-One Paraprofessional Student #25611
Missy Smyser
One-to-One Paraprofessional Student #20303
Approve the employment of Trisha Lampley as a full time 1:2 paraprofessional for student
#81032 and student #81325 at Mark Twain Elementary School beginning with the 2013-2014
school year. This employment was contingent upon the receipt of all information required for
employment and the continued educational needs of the students.
Approve the following listed to serve as volunteer coaches in the extra-curricular assignments at
Charleston High School during the 2013-2014 school year, contingent upon the receipt of all
required paperwork.
Tori Wilson
Softball
Braddi Reed
Softball
Amber May
Softball
Chris Bily
Baseball
Approve the employment of the individuals listed in the extra-curricular assignments as noted at
Charleston High School during the 2013-2014 school year, contingent upon the receipt of all
required paperwork.
Tim Hogan
1st Assistant Football
Tyler Hanner
Sophomore Football
Jim Kuykendall
Freshmen Football
Approve the list of substitutes/volunteers for Charleston CUSD #1 as of August 12, 2013.
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Under the Addendum:
 Accept a letter of resignation from Kim Sherwood as a Co-Head Girls’ Track Coach at
Charleston High School, effective immediately.
 Accept a letter of resignation from Rick Kingery as an Assistant Boys’ Track Coach at Charleston
High School, effective immediately.
 Accept a voluntary resignation/refusal to work letter for Colleen Drake from a paraprofessional
position at Jefferson Elementary School, effective August 19, 2013.
 Approve the employment of Shantel Walker as a full time Title I paraprofessional at Mark Twain
Elementary School beginning with the 2013-2014 school year. This employment was contingent
upon the receipt of all information required for employment and the continued educational needs
of the students.
 Approve the employment of Dori Fairbanks as a full time 1:2 paraprofessional for student #81295
and student #25371 at Mark Twain Elementary School, effective August 22, 2013. This
employment was contingent upon the receipt of all information required for employment and the
continued educational needs of the students.
 Approve the employment of Kara Wilson in the extra-curricular assignment as Dance Coach at
Charleston Middle School for the 2013-2014 school year. This employment was contingent upon
the receipt of all information required for employment.
Mr. Coe moved and Dr. Clarke seconded the motion to approve items under IV through VII inclusive on the
Consent Agenda and in the addendum.
On roll call vote:
AYE: Coe, Clarke, Daniels, Jarrell, K. Miller, Coffey, R. Miller
NAY: none
Abstain: none
Motion carried
Under the Superintendent’s Report, Mr. Littleford announced that the 2013-2014 school year officially opened
on Wednesday, August 14, 2013 with an all staff institute. The first full day of student attendance was Thursday,
August 15. Board members were provided with a copy of actual and anticipated enrollment numbers as of August
21, 2013.
Staffing for 2013-2014
Mr. Littleford reported that all certified staffing positions were filled by the opening day and ready for students.
He stated that were still a few paraprofessional positions in the process of being filled. Otherwise, school was off
to a good start.
Membership/Illinois Association of School Boards for 2013-2014
Charleston CUSD #1 is an active member of the Illinois Association of School Boards. The IASB staff work
with Boards of Education and school districts with new programs and procedures to help school officials perform
their duties as smoothly and effectively as possible. Provided in the board materials, was a copy of the Certificate
of Active Membership and Code of Conduct for members of school boards.
Mr. Jarrell moved and Mrs. Daniels seconded a motion to accept the Superintendent’s Report.
On roll call vote:
AYE: Jarrell, Daniels, Clarke, Coe, K. Miller, Coffey, R. Miller
NAY: none
Abstain: none
Motion carried
New Business: Award Bid Proposal/CHS Fitness Center
Charleston CUSD #1 accepted bid proposals for the purchase of equipment/furniture/professional development
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for the Charleston High School Fitness Center at 8:30am on August 8, 2013. One company submitted a proposal:
Practical Kinesiology Company of Charleston, IL. The upgrades to the Charleston High School Weight Room
have been provided through a grant from the Charleston Charitable Foundation and donations from parents,
community members and businesses.
It was the recommendation of the superintendent that the Board of Education award the bid to Practical
Kinesiology Company in the amount of $68,798.00 for the purchase of equipment/furniture/professional
development for the Charleston High School Fitness Center, as outlined in the bid specifications. Dr. Clarke
moved and Mrs. Miller seconded a motion.
On roll call vote:
AYE: Clarke, K. Miller, Coe, Daniels, Jarrell, Coffey, R. Miller
NAY: none
Abstain: none
Motion carried
Revised/Reciprocal Reporting Agreement
Charleston CUSD #1 has long maintained a ‘reciprocal reporting agreement’ with the local law enforcement
agencies. Required by State law, the agreement sets forth provisions by which the school District and local law
enforcement agencies can share information so that the schools can remain a safe haven for youth. Assistant
Superintendent Todd Vilardo worked with school district attorney, Chris Miller of Miller, Tracy, Braun & Miller
to revise the current agreement. Representatives from local law enforcement agencies met with Mr. Vilardo to
review the agreement and have approved the revisions.
It was the recommendation of the superintendent that the Board of Education renew the Reciprocal Reporting
Agreement with the local law enforcement agencies and continue in effect from year to year thereafter unless any
party to the agreement shall notify the other in writing that such party shall desire to terminate or renegotiate the
agreement at its next annual expiration. Mr. Jarrell moved and Mr. Coe seconded a motion.
On roll call vote:
AYE: Jarrell, Coe, Clarke, Daniels, K. Miller, Coffey, R. Miller
NAY: none
Abstain: none
Motion carried
School District Tentative Budget/Establish Public Hearing Date
Mr. Kuetemeyer provided a report on the tentative 2013-2014 school budget. He also provided a recap on the
2012-2013 school budget, and fund balances for 2001 through 2013.
It was the recommendation of the superintendent that the Board of Education approve a Resolution Adopting the
2013-2014 tentative budget for Community Unit School District No. 1 in accordance with the School Code and to
place the tentative budget on file for public review for at least 30 days.
Further, the superintendent recommended that the Board of Education establish Wednesday, September 18, 2013
at 6:15 pm, as the time for the public hearing on the tentative budget.
Mr. Coe moved and Dr. Clarke seconded a 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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Retirement: Central Office Maintenance Employee, effective July 31, 2013
The superintendent recommended that the Board of Education accept the letter of retirement from Bob Moffett,
effective at the end of business on July 31, 2013. This retirement is subject to the provisions of district policies
and state law.
Further, that the Board of Education approve the Settlement Agreement and General Release dated
July 31, 2013 by and among Bob Moffett, the Charleston Educational Support Personnel Association,
IEA-NEA, and the Board of Education of Charleston Community Unit School District No. 1.
Mrs. Miller moved and Mrs. Daniels seconded a motion.
On roll call vote:
AYE: K. Miller, Daniels, Clarke, Coe, Jarrell, Coffey, R. Miller
NAY: none
Abstain: none
Motion carried
At 7:30pm, President Miller recommended that the Board of Education adjourn into closed session to 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).
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 8:19pm, Dr. Clarke made a motion to reconvene from closed session. 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 8:20pm, Mr. Coe moved to adjourn from the board meeting. Mrs. Daniels seconded the motion.
On roll call vote:
AYE: Coe, Daniels, Clarke, 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
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