Minutes of the Regular Meeting of July 21, 2010
The Board of Education of Community Unit School District No. 1, Coles and Cumberland Counties, Illinois met
in regular session on Wednesday, July 21, 2010 at the Administration Building – 410 West Polk Avenue,
Charleston, Illinois 61920
President Miller called the meeting to order at 6:30pm and asked for roll call.
The following board members were present:
Ron Miller, President
Jason Coe, Vice President (arrived at 7:03pm)
Kelly Miller, Secretary
Jeff Coon, Treasurer
Jerry Esker
Tim Hutti
Kevin Oakley
The following Central Office staff was present:
Jim Littleford, Superintendent
Todd Vilardo, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum & Instruction
David Kuetemeyer, Financial Consultant
Visitors 31 and 1 Member of the Press
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.
Mr. Littleford indicated the Board of Education received an Addendum to the board book which included:
• A revised board agenda
• Under Item VII. Consent: Employment Recommendations
- Resignation: Paraprofessional – Jefferson Elementary School
- Employment Reinstated: Paraprofessional – Jefferson Elementary School
- Leave of Absence: Paraprofessional – Jefferson Elementary School
• As a handout: Annual Report 2009-2010 for the CHS Agriculture Department provided by
Instructor, Julie Niemerg.
Under Focus on Students and Good News Reports, Mr. Littleford recognized the Charleston High School FFA
Chapter and Instructor, Julie Niemerg for their activities and accomplishments during the 2009-2010 school year.
• Kiersten Kasey, 2009 CHS graduate, for her position as State FFA Officer (Secretary) and for being an
American Degree Candidate. Kiersten was selected in the position as State Officer – 17,540 students
applied for the position. She gave a brief summary of her duties and travels as far as China, as a spokesperson promoting the importance of Ag Education. Kiersten introduced Ellen Reeder, State FFA officer
from Monmouth, Illinois, last year.
• Justin Thomas was recognized for winning the state Ag Mechanics Repair and Maintenance (5th ever);
State FFA Degree; Section Star in Ag Business(5th ever); Silver -Chapter President’s Award
• Cody Blagg for being in the top 10 in Illinois -Chapter Reporter’s Award, and
• Logan Burgett for being in the top 5 in Illinois - Section Reporter’s Award
Mr. Littleford recognized the FFA chapter for their accomplishments this school year to include: receiving state
recognition, “Gold” overall; for winning Section Chapter Development and Section Bankers Plaque – overall;
and for being advanced for National Placing. Accepting the Certificate of Recognition for their class: Dustin
Lowry, Jon Thomas, Zach Klingler, Ben Oakley, and Dakata Lowry.
Regular Meeting Minutes of 7/21/2010 Page 1 Julie Niemerg provided the Board of Education with a 2009-2010 Annual Report of the CHS Agriculture
Department. She also provided a power point presentation highlighting the events and students at the FFA State
Conference.
Under Consent Agenda, Mr. Littleford asked if there were any items under the consent agenda that the Board of
Education would like to remove to discuss in closed session. President Miller asked to remove the
recommendation to transfer a custodian from Jefferson Elementary School to a full time position as a second
shift custodian at Charleston High School. There were no other requests from the Board of Education.
Mr. Littleford reviewed the recommendations under the consent agenda.
IV. Consent Agenda: Standard Items
A.
Approve the minutes of the Public Hearing of June 16, 2010 and Regular Meeting of June 16,
2010.
B.1 Approve the bills and payrolls for the month of June 2010.
B.2 Approve the Activity Fund Reports for the CUSD #1 attendance centers, period ending
June 2010.
V. Consent Agenda: Old Business
VI. Consent Agenda: New Business
A. Approve the minutes of the closed session meetings held on January 20, 2010, January 27, 2010,
February 3, 2010, February 10, 2010, February 17, 2010, March 10, 2010, March 24, 2010, April 21,
2010, May 19, 2010, and June 16, 2010; and further, not to make public the minutes of the closed
sessions.
B. Authorize the destruction of all Closed Session Audio Tapes beginning July 2008 through January
2009 for regular and special meetings.
C. Approve the hazardous walking areas by resolution and reaffirm transportation from and to a
childcare provider’s residence for the 2010-2011 school year.
D. Declare the referenced inventory from the Athletic Department at Charleston Middle School as
surplus and available to donate to the Trojan Booster Club.
E. Approve the overnight/out of state trip request from the Charleston High School Marching Trojan
Band to participate in the Magic Music Days at Disney World in Orlando, Florida from March
11 – 16, 2011.
VII. Consent Agenda: Employment
Accept a letter of resignation from Jillian Benoit from her teaching position as a 60% time art instructor
at Ashmore and Mark Twain Elementary Schools, effective immediately.
Grant a family medical leave to Jennifer Schuler, a teacher at Ashmore Elementary School due to the
birth of her child.
Approve the transfer of Tara Panozzo in to a full time teaching position at Jefferson Elementary School
beginning with the 2010-2011 school year.
Approve the transfer of Robert Farris into a split assignment/second shift custodial position between
Jefferson Elementary School and Charleston High School, effective August 16, 2010.
Regular Meeting Minutes of 7/21/2010 Page 2 Reinstate the employment of following people in paraprofessional positions during the 2010 - 2011
school year. These employments were contingent upon receipt of all information required for
employment and continued educational needs of the students.
Barbara Skiff - Ashmore Elementary School
Cheryll Gilbert – Mark Twain Elementary School
Rebecca Kurzinski – Mark Twain Elementary School
Reinstate the employment of Sandy Evans in paraprofessional a position at Carl Sandburg Elementary
School during the 2010 – 2011 school year. This employment was contingent upon receipt of all
information required for employment and continued educational needs of the students.
Approve the employment of Meagan Taylor as a full time teacher at Carl Sandburg Elementary School
for the 2010-2011 school year. This employment is contingent upon the receipt of all information
required for employment.
Approve the employment of Vanessa Speer as a full time teacher at Jefferson Elementary School for the
2010-2011 school year. This employment is contingent upon the receipt of all information required for
employment.
Approve the employment of Jill Shrader as a full time LBS1 teacher at Jefferson Elementary School for
the 2010-2011 school year. This employment is contingent upon the receipt of all information required
for employment.
Approve the employment of Mike Coffman in the position as a 40% Speech and Language Pathologist at
Jefferson Elementary School for the 2010-2011 school year. This employment is contingent upon the
receipt of all information required for employment.
Accept the recommendation for the following people to serve as volunteer coaches in the extra-curricular
assignments as noted at Charleston High School during the 2010-2011 school year.
Football
Robert Black
Shad Ferguson
James Kuykendall
Clifford McBenge
John Pogue
Carl Wolff
Swimming
Brian Bower
Chelsie Hahn
Volleyball
Nick Niemerg
Accept the recommendation for the following people to serve as volunteer coaches in the extra-curricular
assignments as noted at Charleston Middle School during the 2010-2011 school year.
Blain Mayhall – Assistant Baseball Coach
Jon Hanner – Assistant Basketball Coach
Under the Addendum:
Accept a letter of resignation from Penny Hoover from her position as a paraprofessional at Jefferson
Elementary School, effective immediately.
Reinstate the employment of Jenna Myers in a paraprofessional position at Jefferson Elementary
School during the 2010 – 2011 school year. This employment is contingent upon receipt of all
information required for employment and continued educational needs of the students.
Regular Meeting Minutes of 7/21/2010 Page 3 Grant a leave of absence to Michelle Lynn, at paraprofessional at Jefferson Elementary School for the
2010-2011 school year.
At 7:03pm, Mr. Coe arrived at the meeting.
Mr. Oakley moved and Mr. Esker seconded the motion to approve items under IV through VII inclusive on the
Consent Agenda and in the addendum.
On roll call vote:
AYE: Oakley, Esker, Coon, Hutti, K. Miller, R. Miller
NAY: none
Abstain: none
Motion carried
Under the Superintendent’s Report, Mr. Littleford reported on information he received at the EIASE Executive
Board Meeting held on July 13 regarding funding for Project H.E.L.P. during the 2009-2010 school year. The
early childhood program receives nearly $3million from three separate grants. EIASE has received less than
$60,000 for FY’10 and no monies in FY’11, through July 13, for the 2009-2010 school year program. Executive
Director of EIASE, Tony Reeley has requested that CUSD #1 confirm whether it will continue with the program
and has suggested the district explore different options to keep it in place:
1. Not providing transportation – would lower the cost of the program considerably.
2. Opening only 1 or 2 classrooms – CUSD #1 typically supports 3 Project H.E.L.P. classrooms.
3. A combination of options 1 and 2.
Currently, EIASE administers Pre-K services in 10 of the 29 member school districts. Mr. Littleford reported
that seven school districts have committed to implementing Project H.E.L.P. for the 2010-2011 school year. Mr.
Littleford would present a recommendation regarding Project H.E.L.P. to the Board of Education later in the
meeting.
Mr. Littleford announced that the 2010 Summer School was held at Jefferson Elementary School from May
26 – June 11, 2010 for students in grades 7 - 12. Brad Oakley and Diane Hutchins provided an update to the
Board, reporting this year, all course work was done via a computerized program (Novel Stars) supervised by a
certificated teacher. Mr. Oakley stated since the first session of summer school had 31 students, it was necessary
to employ a paraprofessional to help the instructor. The second session of summer school was cancelled due to
lack of attendance. Ms. Hutchins indicated that several high school students made good use of the opportunity to
catch up on credits toward graduation, which in turn, will hopefully help with the graduation rate.
As directed by the Board of Education, Charleston High School Athletic Director, Liz Watson, established a
committee to explore corporate sponsorship for continuing with the Charleston Girl’s Holiday Basketball
Tournament. The committee includes a Trojan Booster Club Member, CUSD #1 School Board Member,
Charleston High School administrator, Girl’s Basketball Coach, and Ms. Watson. The job of the committee is
to establish parameters regarding corporate sponsorship (including publicizing for corporate sponsorship),
tournament format, and budget information.
Ms. Watson reported the committee decided that the booster club should be the main sponsor of the holiday
tournament. She indicated that the committee was scheduled to meet next week, and if it agrees, it could create a
system to solicit business sponsors. She noted that the committee will have a year to plan. The Board of
Education will keep updated on the progress of the committee.
Mr. Littleford announced that Central Registration will be held in the Charleston High School cafeteria on
Friday, July 30, 2010 from 8:00am – 3:00pm and Monday, August 2, 2010 from 2:00pm – 8:00pm. As in the
past, many organizations will have informational areas for parents and students. Registration forms are available
to parents to complete on the District web site. If parents are not able to attend Central Registration, they will be
able to register their children at each school site after August 2.
Regular Meeting Minutes of 7/21/2010 Page 4 Mr. Littleford outlined plans for an all-staff institute day scheduled for August 17 to begin the start of the
2010-2011 school year. At 7:30am a continental breakfast will be served in the Charleston High School
cafeteria. Welcome and opening thoughts provided by Mr. Littleford will begin at 8:30am in the CHS
Auditorium, followed by a keynote address provided by Todd Whitaker, Professor of Department of Educational
Leadership at Indiana State University. The program should conclude by 10:15am. Staff members will then
report to their assigned buildings. The Board of Education is invited to attend these activities if schedules
permit.
Financial Consultant, David Kuetemeyer provided estimated final balances for the 2009-10 school year. In
review of the fund balances, Mr. Kuetemeyer pointed out that the education fund expenditures ended with a
deficit fund balance and the state owes the District $1,029,788 in categorical payments. He also pointed out that
the education fund included an early payment of property tax revenue. In conclusion, Mr. Kuetemeyer stated the
district did extremely well considering the financial status of the state and economy. Since future financial
projections looks worse, he stressed the need for the district to continue to find ways to cut back on spending.
Mr. Coon left the room prior to the motion to accept the Superintendent’s Report.
Mr. Oakley moved and Mr. Esker seconded a motion to accept the Superintendent’s Report.
On roll call vote:
AYE: Oakley, Esker, Coe, Hutti, K. Miller, R. Miller
NAY: none
Abstain: none
Under New Business, the superintendent recommended that the Board of Education approve the “Application for
Waiver or Modification of State Board Rules and/or School Code Mandates,” for the following holidays for the
2011-2012 school year and beyond:
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
the third Monday, in January, the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.,
February 12, the birthday of Abraham Lincoln,
the first Monday in March (to be known as Casmir Pulaski’s Birthday),
the second Monday in October, Columbus Day, and
November 11, Veteran’s Day.
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
Pursuant to administrative regulations promulgated by the Illinois State Board of Education (23 Illinois
Administrative Code 226.735), the superintendent recommended that the Board of Education approve the
Workload Plan for Special Educators as presented. Mr. Oakley moved and Mr. Coe seconded the motion.
On roll call vote:
AYE: Oakley, Coe, Coon, Esker, Hutti, K. Miller, R. Miller
NAY: none
Abstain: none
Motion carried
In accordance with Board Policy 6:250, Assistant Superintendent, Mr. Vilardo provided recommended changes
to the procedures in securing volunteers in the district. It was the recommendation of the superintendent that the
Board of Education adopt the Volunteer Program handbook and accompanying materials, as presented, to be
Regular Meeting Minutes of 7/21/2010 Page 5 implemented in Charleston Community Unit School District No. 1 upon approval. Mr. Oakley moved and Mr.
Esker seconded a motion.
On roll call vote:
AYE: Oakley, Esker, Coe, Coon, Hutti, K. Miller, R. Miller
NAY: none
Abstain: none
Motion carried
EIASE Executive Director and Executive Board have recommended that it was in the best interest of all EIASE
member school districts to formalize the Intergovernmental Agreement to continue administering the Pre-K
grant. It was the recommendation of the superintendent that the Board of Education adopt the Resolution
Reference Amendment to the Eastern Illinois Area of Special Education Joint Agreement and Approval of
Intergovernmental Agreement for Early Childhood Program and Services. Mr. Esker moved and Mr. Coe
seconded a motion.
On roll call vote:
AYE: Esker, Coe, Coon, Hutti, Oakley, K. Miller, R. Miller
NAY: none
Abstain: none
Motion carried
For school districts that choose to enter into the Intergovernmental Agreement for Early Education Grant
Administration and Services, EIASE will administer the Pre-K services or provide any Pre-K services to the
grant that is administered locally. The Intergovernmental Agreement states its’ intent is to have all costs and
expenses covered by the Pre-K grant. In the event EIASE does not receive sufficient funds from the State of
Illinois to cover the financial obligation of the Pre-K program, the obligation to fund the difference rests only
with the school districts that utilize the Pre-K services, not with all EIASE member school districts. These
services can be ‘opted-in’ and ‘opted-out’ of every year by providing notice to EIASE by February 1st of the
preceding year.
Following discussion with the Board of Education, the superintendent recommended that the Board of Education
approve the Intergovernmental Agreement for Early Education Grant Administration and Services between
Eastern Illinois Area of Special Education and Charleston CUSD #1 with the understanding that:
1) there is no provision for student transportation for the 2010-2011 school year,
2) the administration explore reducing classrooms based on need.
Mr. Littleford told the Board of Education that he schedule a meeting with Tony Reeley, Executive Director of
EIASE to discuss the stipulations placed in the recommendation.
Mr. Esker moved and Mr. Coe seconded the motion.
On roll call vote:
AYE: Esker, Coe, Hutti, Oakley, K. Miller, R. Miller
NAY: Coon
Abstain: none
Motion carried
Mr. Littleford reported that during the 2009-10 school year he met with Ron Miller, Todd Vilardo, David
Kuetemeyer, Chad Burgett, Trevor Doughty, and Bud McMillan met on 10 different occasions to review the
revised policies provided by the Illinois Association of School Boards (IASB). The proposed board policies,
administrative procedures and exhibits are divided into three categories: 1) new, 2) deleted, and 3) revised.
It was recommended by the superintendent that the Board of Education grant authorization to delete the Board
Policies, Administrative Procedures and Exhibits as listed. The policies will be placed for public review until
final approval at the August 18, 2010 board meeting.
Regular Meeting Minutes of 7/21/2010 Page 6 Deleted School Board Policies/Administrative Procedures/Exhibits
6:15-E2
Notice to Parents of Children Enrolled in School that Missed AYP for Two or More
Consecutive Years
6:15-E3
Application for School Choice Transfer Option
6:15-E4
Application for Supplemental Educational Services
Ms. Miller moved and Mr. Oakley seconded the motion.
On roll call vote:
AYE: K. Miller, Oakley, Coe, Coon, Esker, Hutti, R. Miller
NAY: none
Abstain: none
Motion carried
It was recommended by the superintendent that the Board of Education adopt, in tentative form Board Policies,
Administrative Procedures and Exhibits as listed on first reading. The tentative policies will be placed for public
review until final adoption at the August 18, 2010 board meeting.
Newly Established School Board Policies/Administrative Procedures/Exhibits
2:70-E
Checklist for Filling Board Vacancies by Appointment
2:260-AP2
Nondiscrimination Coordinator and Complaint Manager
6:15-AP
School Choice and Supplemental Educational Services
6:120-AP2
Access to Classrooms and Personnel
6:120-AP2, E1 Request to Access Classroom(s) or Personnel for Special Education Evaluation and/or
Observation Purposes
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
It was recommended by the superintendent that the Board of Education adopt, in tentative form revised Board
Policies, Administrative Procedures and Exhibits as listed on first reading. The tentative policies will be placed
for public review until final adoption at the August 18, 2010 board meeting.
Revised School Board Policies/Administrative Procedures/Exhibits
2:20
Powers and Duties of the School Board
2:40
Board Member Qualifications
2:100
Board Member Conflict of Interest
2:110
Qualifications, Term, and Duties of Board Officers
2:200
Types of School Board Meetings
2:240
Board Policy Development
2:260
Uniform Grievance Procedure
3:40
Superintendent
4:30
Revenue and Investments
4:40
Incurring Debt
4:60-AP1
Purchases
4:90
Activity Funds
4:100
Insurance Management
4:110
Transportation
4:110-AP1
School Bus Post-Accident Checklist
Regular Meeting Minutes of 7/21/2010 Page 7 4:110-AP2
4:120
4:120-AP
4:130
4:140
4:150
4:160
4:170
4:170-AP1
4:170-AP2
4:170-AP3
4:170-AP4
4:170-AP5
4:170-AP6
5:10
5:20
5:30
5:90
5:100
5:120
5:120-AP2
5:180
5:220
5:250
5:330
6:15
6:15-E
6:20
6:50
6:60
6:60-AP
6:110
6:170-AP3
6:280-E1
6:280-E2
6:280-E3
6:300
6:300-E1
6:310
6:320
6:340
7:10
7:20
7:40
7:50
7:70
7:100
7:180
7:190
7:240
Pre-Trip and Post-Trip Inspection; Bus Driving Comments
Food Services
Food Services
Free and Reduced-Price Food Services
Waiver of Student Fees
Facility Management and Building Programs
Environmental Quality of Buildings and Grounds
Safety
Comprehensive Safety and Crisis Program
Criminal Offender Notification Laws
School Bus Safety Rules
Emergency Preparedness Response to Homeland Security Codes
Unsafe School Choice Option
Plan for Responding to a Medical Emergency at a Physical Fitness Facility
Equal Employment Opportunity and Minority Recruitment
Workplace Harassment Prohibited
Hiring Process and Criteria
Abused and Neglected Child Reporting
Staff Development Program
Ethics
Employee Conduct Standards
Temporary Illness or Temporary Incapacity
Substitute Teachers
Leaves of Absence
Sick Days, Vacation, Holidays, and Leaves
School Accountability
Resolution Declining Requests to Accept Non-Resident Choice Students
School Year Calendar and Day
School Wellness
Curriculum Content
Comprehensive Health Education Program
Programs for Students At Risk of Academic Failure and/or Dropping Out of School
and Graduation Incentives Program
No Child Left Behind Checklist
Progress Check (Kindergarten, First, Second Grades)
Progress Check (Third – Sixth Grades)
CMS Retention Scale
Graduation Requirements
Application for a Diploma for Veterans of WW II, the Korean Conflict, or the Vietnam
Conflict
Credit for Alternative Courses and Programs, and Course Substitutions
High School Credit for Proficiency
Student Testing and Assessment Program
Equal Educational Opportunities
Harassment of Students Prohibited
Nonpublic School Students, Including Parochial and Home-Schooled Students
School Admissions and Student Transfers To and From Non-District Schools
Attendance and Truancy
Health, Eye, and Dental Examinations; Immunizations; and Exclusion of Students
Preventing Bullying, Intimidation, and Harassment
Student Discipline
Conduct Code for Participants in Extracurricular Activities
Regular Meeting Minutes of 7/21/2010 Page 8 7:250-AP1
7:300
8:30
8:70
8:100
Measures to Control the Spread of Head Lice at School
Extracurricular Activities
Visitors to and Conduct on School Property
Accommodating Individuals with Disabilities
Relations with Other Organizations and Agencies
Mr. Coe moved and 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
The Board of Education reviewed committee assignments for the 2010-11 school year. Due to his work
schedule, Dr. Hutti would not able to serve on the Health Insurance Committee. It was determined that Kelly
Miller and Ron Miller would take his place on the committee as alternates. The Professional Meetings
Committee was removed from the list because it was a temporary committee for the 2008-09 school year.
Otherwise, all committee membership remained the same as the 2009-10 school year.
Mr. Oakley moved and Mr. Coe seconded a motion to accept the committee assignments for the 2010-11 school
year.
On roll call vote:
AYE: Oakley, Coe, Coon, Esker, Hutti, K. Miller, R. Miller
NAY: none
Abstain: none
Motion carried
Mr. Oakley moved and Dr. Hutti seconded a motion to authorize the superintendent to employ personnel in order
to begin the 2010-2011 school year with the appropriate staff. Employment being contingent upon the receipt of
all information required for employment and based upon Board approval at the following board meeting.
On roll call vote:
AYE: Oakley, Hutti, Coe, Coon, Esker, K. Miller, R. Miller
NAY: none
Abstain: none
Motion carried
At 8:31pm, 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)
Mr. Coon moved and Mr. Oakley seconded the motion.
On roll call vote:
AYE: Coon, Oakley, Coe, Esker, Hutti, K. Miller, R. Miller
NAY: none
Abstain: none
Motion carried
At 9:48pm, Mr. Oakley made a motion to reconvene from closed session. Mr. Coe seconded the motion.
On roll call vote:
AYE: Oakley, Coe, Coon, Esker, Hutti, K. Miller, R. Miller
NAY: none
Abstain: none
Motion carried
Regular Meeting Minutes of 7/21/2010 Page 9 It was the recommendation of the superintendent that the Board of Education approve the transfer of Don Taylor
from his full time position as a first shift custodial at Jefferson Elementary School to a full time second shift
custodial position at Charleston High School, effective August 16, 2010.
Mr. Coe moved and Mr. Esker seconded the motion.
On roll call vote:
AYE: Coe, Esker, K. Miller
NAY: Coon, Hutti, Oakley, R. Miller
Motion failed
Abstain: none
At 9:49pm Mr. Coe moved to adjourn from the board meeting. Mr. Oakley seconded the motion.
On roll call:
AYE: Coe, Oakley, Coon, Esker, Hutti, K. Miller, R. Miller
NAY: none
Motion carried
_Ronald L. Miller___
President, Board of Education
Kelly P. Miller_____
Secretary, Board of Education
Regular Meeting Minutes of 7/21/2010 Page 10