Minutes of the Regular Meeting of February 16, 2011
The Board of Education of Community Unit School District No. 1, Coles and Cumberland Counties,
Illinois met in regular session on Wednesday, February 16, 2011 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
Kelly Miller, Secretary
Jeff Coon, Treasurer
Jerry Esker
Tim Hutti
Kevin Oakley
The following staff members were present:
Jim Littleford, Superintendent
Todd Vilardo, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum & Instruction
David Kuetemeyer, Financial Consultant
Visitors 48 and 1 Member of the Press
The Board of Education received an addendum to their board packets which included:
Revised Board Agenda
- Correction to employment date to 2/17/2011 for paraprofessional at Mark Twain School.
Consent Agenda: New Business Employment
- Correction to recommendation CHS extra-curricular assignments – Girl’s Soccer
Superintendent’s Report
A. Correction to February 1 Budget Update: page 2 – CPI index of 1.5%
C. Removed: 3rd bullet noting high schools
F. Corrected times for pre-school screening: February 22 & 24 12:30pm – 6:15pm
February 23
9:00am – 2:15pm
Under Recognition, Mr. Littleford recognized the following people:
Mr. Littleford complimented the artwork display provided by the Ashmore and Mark Twain Elementary
School art students in grades K-4. Penny Hess, art instructor.
Lareasa Smith and Sarah Haynes, Eastern Illinois University pre-service teachers, for collaborating with
and writing a grant for $900 to support Jefferson Elementary School students. The grant will provide
playground equipment and implementation in arranging a time to bring EIU students to the campus to
show the students how to play the games purchased. This generous gift will allow Jefferson students
more opportunities during their activity time.
Mike Schmitz, Jim Weiss, Jim Drake, Brad Oakley, all were in attendance and accepted certificates for
leadership toward Charleston Middle School achieving the ISBE 2010 Academic Excellence Award.
There were several faculty and staff members from the middle school and accepted a certificate on behalf
of the faculty and staff for earning this award of excellence. The Board of Education extended
congratulations and appreciation for their achievement.
Regular Meeting Minutes of 2/16/2011 Page 1 Brody Walworth, staff counselor for the American Legion Premier Boys’ State camp, held each year at
Eastern Illinois University, provided a brief presentation on the program and opportunities provided to
high school students. Mr. Walworth indicated the intent of the program was a leadership camp – “a week
that shapes a life-time.” He stated six days at Boys State will earn college credit and provide for nine
$1,000 scholarships. Mr. Walworth pointed out that enrollment numbers for boys state were on the
decline, so the Alumni will be offering 10 to 15 boys from Charleston High School a chance to attend this
year, tuition free.
Discussion ensued between the Board of Education, Diane Hutchins, and Trevor Doughty. Mr. Doughty
reported that each year the VFW and American Legion award scholarships to four CHS male students to
attend the camp. Students are nominated by their teachers and school counselors. Also, each year, two
girls are chosen for Girls’ State. It was noted that Boys’ State and Girls’ State were two different
entities.
Mr. Walworth stated he would forward information to Principal, Diane Hutchins regarding the 2011
Boys’ State and opportunity for 10 to 15 boys to attend with tuition paid by the Boys’ State Alumni.
President Miller thanked Mr. Walworth for his presentation.
Under Public, Staff Comments or Questions, Written Communications, President Miller announced that
Brian Peterlich had signed up to address the Board of Education.
Mr. Peterlich introduced himself and stated that in his retirement, he drives a Kindergarten bus for First
Student. His first concern was for the safety of the kindergarten students that are dropped off at a bus
stop without parent/guardian pick-up or notification that the student got into their home safely. He asked
that the Board and Administration review school district policy to ensure safety of the students are
maintained by not letting a parent/guardian have the option to sign-off by form, which would allow their
Kindergarten student to be dropped off at the bus stop and find their way home.
Mr. Littleford indicated that he would discuss policy regarding student drop off procedures with the
administrative team.
Secondly, Mr. Peterlich voiced his concern that the parking areas at the high school were not cleared from
the ice and snow, making it very dangerous for the students. He stated the teacher’s lot was cleared. He
indicated that students must pay $50.00 to have a parking spot at the high school and with that fee; the
parking lot should be maintained.
Mrs. Hutchins stated the reason for the teacher’s lot being cleared was the high school was used by the
American Red Cross as a warming center for those without heat and electricity. Therefore, the City of
Charleston cleared the lot.
Mr. Littleford stated the maintenance department was not equipped with the heavy equipment for this
type of deep freeze. They did clear and salt the parking lots and sidewalks, but what melted, refroze by
morning. Mr. Littleford said he would meet with the City of Charleston to see if they would be able to
help the District clear parking lots if severe weather conditions such as this year occur again.
President Miller thanked Mr. Peterlich for his comments.
There were no other requests received to address the Board of Education.
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.
Regular Meeting Minutes of 2/16/2011 Page 2 Mr. Littleford reviewed the items under Consent Agenda.
IV. Consent Agenda: Standard Items
A. Approve the minutes of the Regular Board Meeting of January 19, 2011.
B. 1. Approve the bills and payrolls for the month of January 2011.
2. Approve the Activity Fund Accounts for the CUSD #1 attendance centers, period ending
January 2011.
V. Consent Agenda: Old Business
VI. Consent Agenda: New Business
A. Adopt a Resolution Establishing Fiscal Year and Preparation of the Tentative Budget for the
2011-2012 school year beginning July 1, 2011.
VII. Consent Agenda: Employment
• Approve the transfer of Jill Shafer from the Diagnostic and Development Center (DDC)
into a paraprofessional position at Carl Sandburg School, effective 2/25/2011.
• Approve the employment of Mary Fafara as a full time District Speech and Language
Pathologist for the remainder of the 2010-2011 school year. This employment was
contingent upon the receipt of all information required for employment.
• Approve the employment of DruAnne Bardsley as a full time paraprofessional in the
Early Childhood Special Education classroom at Mark Twain Elementary School,
effective 2/17/2011. This employment was contingent upon the receipt of all information
required for employment.
• Approve the list of CUSD #1 substitutes as of January 11 – February 7, 2011.
• Approve the volunteer coaches/sponsors at Charleston High School for the 2011 Spring
season:
Aldo Ruffolo
Girl’s Soccer
Jacob Kimary
Girl’s Soccer
Jeff Nielsen
Girl’s Soccer
John Pogue
Baseball
Chris DeSanto
Baseball
Hannah Dowling
Softball
Jon McInnerny
Track (Boy’s & Girl’s)
President Miller recommended that the Board of Education approve items under III through VII inclusive
on the Consent Agenda and Addendum. Mr. Coe moved and Dr. Hutti seconded the motion.
On roll call vote:
AYE: Coe, Hutti, Coon, Esker, Oakley, K. Miller, R. Miller
NAY: none
Abstain: none
Motion carried
Under the Superintendent’s Report, Financial Consultant, David Kuetemeyer provided an update on the
financial status of the District as of February 1, 2011. 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, were at or near levels expected for this time of the year. 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.
Mr. Kuetemeyer reported the District utilizes a financial planning program that is data based to help make
projections on fiscal trends. This financial planning tool has 57 interactive graphs, which utilize a full
spectrum of assumptions in order to project the district’s financial position. At that time, he introduced
Howie Crouse from the PMA Financial Network. Mr. Crouse provided a power point presentation on the
Regular Meeting Minutes of 2/16/2011 Page 3 financial district’s financial position through the year 2016. He reported projections looked better for
Charleston CUSD #1 since the district enforced a reduction plan during the 2009-2010 and 2010-2011
school year.
Superintendent Littleford thanked Mr. Crouse and PMA for providing expertise to the District
Administrative team. He extended his appreciation to the Board of Education, Charleston Education
Association, Educational Support Staff Union for working with the District the past two years as CUSD
#1 has made some tough financial decisions. And, to the Board for allowing district administration to
lead through the educational reduction process.
Mr. Littleford acknowledged that due to the state of the economy, many changes could happen within the
next 3 months. However, based off the financial projections presented by PMA, Mr. Littleford reported
the administrative team would only need to look at ‘minor pruning’ of the tree. For the 2011-2012 school
year, Mr. Littleford reported the district will not have to look at moving from our current middle school
concept to an alternative middle school model or junior high school. The District will not have to ask the
Trojan Booster Club to pick up athletic funding, and does not have to look at closing Ashmore School and
moving students to Charleston.
The Board of Education commended the staff and extended their appreciation to the CEA for a smooth
negotiations process and ratifying a new contract.
President Miller thanked Mr. Crouse for his presentation.
Mr. Littleford was happy to announce that the Illinois State Board of Education awarded Charleston
Middle School with an Academic Excellence Award. Across the state, CMS was one of the 439 schools
that earned this recognition. To earn this award, a school must meet the following criteria:
- Schools must have made Adequate Yearly Progress in 2009 and 2010 as required by No Child
Left Behind.
- In schools serving grades 8 and below, 90 percent of students must have met or exceeded state
standards in both reading and mathematics for the three most recent school years.
Mr. Littleford announced that pre-school screening and Kindergarten pre-registration would be held at the
CCAR building from February 22 - 24, 2011. On February 22 and 24 screenings are scheduled from
12:30pm - 6:15pm and February 23 from 9:00am – 2:15pm. This screening provides the opportunity for
parents to find out how their child is growing in the areas of speech, language, concepts and motor skills.
School nurses will be available to register Kindergarten students and Kindergarten teachers will be
present to provide information to parents on Kindergarten readiness and answer questions. Physicals,
immunization records, birth certificates and social security numbers are needed for registration.
As required by law, members of the Board of Education must annually file a Statement of Economic
Interest with the County Clerk. Mr. Littleford indicated the forms will be mailed to each individual’s
home address within the next few weeks and must be filed with the County Clerk no later than May 1,
2011.
Charleston CUSD #1 has five emergency days built into the calendar for school closings that may
occur throughout the school year. Mr. Littleford reported that due to the inclement weather conditions
and severe ice conditions on the rural roads, the District has been closed for all five of the emergency
days and for three additional days that are considered “Act of God Days.” The end of school schedule:
May 25: last full day of attendance, May 26: Teacher Institute Day - no student attendance, and May 27 –
last day, students will attend 1.5 hours.
Mr. Oakley moved and Dr. Hutti seconded a motion that the Superintendent’s Report was received by the
Board of Education.
Regular Meeting Minutes of 2/16/2011 Page 4 On roll call vote:
AYE: Oakley, Hutti, Coe, Coon, Esker, K. Miller, R. Miller
NAY: none
Abstain: none
Motion carried
At 8:12pm, 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)
Specifically, the Board of Education would review evaluations of the administrative staff, discuss
administrative assignments, ‘housekeeping’ revisions to the administrative contracts, and proposed
salaries for the 2011-2012 school year.
Mr. Coe moved and Mr. Coon seconded the motion.
On roll call vote:
AYE: Coe, Coon, Esker, Hutti, Oakley, K. Miller, R. Miller
NAY: none
Abstain: none
Motion carried
At 9:50pm, Mr. Coe made a motion to reconvene from closed session. Mr. Oakley seconded the motion.
On roll call vote:
AYE: Coe, Oakley, Coon, Esker, Hutti, K. Miller, R. Miller
NAY: none
Abstain: none
Motion carried
Under New Business, it was the recommendation of the superintendent that the Board of Education
approve the revisions presented in the administrative contract language in order to keep it in line with the
Charleston Education Association, IEA/NEA Professional Negotiations Agreement 2010 – 2013. Mr.
Oakley moved and Mr. Coon seconded the motion.
On roll call vote:
AYE: Oakley, Coon, Coe, Esker, Hutti, K. Miller, R. Miller
NAY: none
Abstain: none
Motion carried
The superintendent recommended that the Board of Education re-employ Terry Diss as Principal for
Ashmore and Mark Twain Elementary Schools for the 2011-2012 school year. Mr. Diss will be issued a
1-year, 10-month contract to include a 3% salary increase for the 2011-2012 school year. Mr. Oakley
moved and Dr. Hutti seconded the motion.
On roll call vote:
AYE: Oakley, Hutti, Coe, Coon, Esker, K. Miller, R. Miller
NAY: none
Abstain: none
Motion carried
The superintendent recommended that the Board of Education re-employ Trevor Doughty as Assistant
Principal for Charleston High School for the 2011-2012 school year. Mr. Doughty will be issued a
1-year, 10-month contract to include a 3% salary increase for the 2011-2012 school year. Mr. Oakley
moved and Dr. Hutti seconded the motion.
Regular Meeting Minutes of 2/16/2011 Page 5 On roll call vote:
AYE: Oakley, Hutti, Coe, Coon, Esker, K. Miller, R. Miller
NAY: none
Abstain: none
Motion carried
The superintendent recommended that the Board of Education re-employ Robert Ulm as Assistant
Principal for Carl Sandburg and Jefferson Elementary Schools for the 2011-2012 school year. Mr. Ulm
will be issued a 1-year, 10-month contract to include a 3% salary increase for the 2011-2012 school year.
Mr. Oakley moved and Mr. Esker seconded the motion.
On roll call vote:
AYE: Oakley, Esker, Coe, Coon, Hutti, K. Miller, R. Miller
NAY: none
Abstain: none
Motion carried
The superintendent recommended that the Board of Education re-employ Debbie Poffinbarger as
Principal for Jefferson Elementary School for the 2011-2012 school year. Mrs. Poffinbarger will be
issued a 1-year, 12-month contract to include a 3% salary increase for the 2011-2012 school year. Mr.
Oakley moved and Mr. Coon seconded the motion.
On roll call vote:
AYE: Oakley, Coon, Esker, Hutti, K. Miller, R. Miller
NAY: Coe
Abstain: none
Motion carried
The superintendent recommended that the Board of Education re-employ Mary Ann Pattenaude as
District Educational Technology Director for the 2011-2012 school year. Mrs. Pattenaude will be issued
a 1-year, 12-month contract to include a 3% salary increase for the 2011-2012 school year. Mr. Oakley
moved and Dr. Hutti seconded the motion.
On roll call vote:
AYE: Oakley, Hutti, Coe, Coon, Esker, K. Miller, R. Miller
NAY: none
Abstain: none
Motion carried
The superintendent recommended that the Board of Education re-employ David Kuetemeyer as District
Financial Consultant for the 2011-2012 school year. Mr. Kuetemeyer will be issued a consultant 1-year
contract to include a 3% salary increase for the 2011-2012 school year. Mr. Oakley moved and Mr. Esker
seconded the motion.
On roll call vote:
AYE: Oakley, Esker, Coe, Coon, Hutti, K. Miller, R. Miller
NAY: none
Abstain: none
Motion carried
The superintendent recommended that the Board of Education issue Chad Burgett, Principal of Carl
Sandburg Elementary School a 3% salary increase for the third year (2011-2012) of a three year contract
(2009-2012). Mr. Oakley moved and Dr. Hutti seconded the motion.
On roll call vote:
AYE: Oakley, Hutti, Coe, Coon, Esker, K. Miller, R. Miller
NAY: none
Abstain: none
Motion carried
Regular Meeting Minutes of 2/16/2011 Page 6 The superintendent recommended that the Board of Education re-employ Brad Oakley as Principal
for Charleston Middle School and issue a 3-year (2011-2014), 12- month contract to include a 3% salary
increase for the 2011-2012 school year. Mr. Oakley moved and Dr. Hutti seconded the motion.
On roll call vote:
AYE: Oakley, Hutti, Coe, Coon, Esker, K. Miller, R. Miller
NAY: none
Abstain: none
Motion carried
The superintendent recommended that the Board of Education re-employ Bill Richardson as Director of
Buildings and Maintenance with a 3% salary increase for the 2011-2012 school year. Mr. Oakley moved
and Mr. Esker seconded the motion.
On roll call vote:
AYE: Oakley, Esker, Coe, Coon, Hutti, K. Miller, R. Miller
NAY: none
Abstain: none
Motion carried
President Miller moved the Board of Education recognizes that Superintendent, Jim Littleford has
accomplished the goals set forth in his performance based contract and therefore issues a 5-year,
12-month employment contract from July 1, 2011 through June 30, 2016 with a 3% salary increase for
the 2011-2012 school year. Mr. Oakley seconded the motion.
On roll call vote:
AYE: R. Miller, Oakley, Coe, Coon, Esker, Hutti, K. Miller
NAY: none
Abstain: none
Motion carried
President Miller moved the Board of Education recognizes that Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum
and Instruction, Todd Vilardo has accomplished the goals set forth in his performance based contract and
therefore issues a 5-year, 12-month employment contract from July 1, 2011 through June 30, 2016 with a
3% salary increase for the 2011-2012 school year. Mr. Oakley seconded the motion.
On roll call vote:
AYE: R. Miller, Oakley, Coe, Coon, Esker, Hutti, K. Miller
NAY: none
Abstain: none
Motion carried
At 9:58pm Mr. Oakley moved to adjourn from the board meeting. Mr. Coe seconded the motion.
On roll call:
AYE: Oakley, Coe, Coon, Esker, Hutti, K. Miller, R. Miller
NAY: none
Motion carried
Ronald L. Miller_
Ronald L. Miller, President
Kelly P. Miller_
Kelly P. Miller, Secretary
Regular Meeting Minutes of 2/16/2011 Page 7