Minutes of the Regular Meeting of May 16, 2012
The Board of Education of Community Unit School District No. 1, Coles and Cumberland Counties,
Illinois met in regular session on Wednesday, May 16, 2012 at the Administration Office – 410 West Polk
Avenue, Charleston, Illinois 61920
At 6:30pm, President Coe called the meeting to order and asked for roll call.
The following members were present:
Jason Coe, President
Tim Hutti, Secretary
Kelly Miller, Treasurer
Scott Clarke
Brenda Coffey
Susan Daniels
The following member was absent:
Ron Miller, Vice President
The following staff members were present:
Jim Littleford, Superintendent
Todd Vilardo, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum & Instruction
David Kuetemeyer, Financial Consultant
Visitors 82 and 2 Members of the Press
The Board of Education received an addendum to their board packets which included:
- Revised Board Agenda
- Resignation: CHS 3rd shift custodian
- Transfer paraprofessionals for the 2012-13 school year: Charleston High School,
Charleston Middle School, Carl Sandburg Elementary School, and Jefferson
Elementary School
- Employment for the 2012-13 school year:
CHS Agriculture Teacher
CHS Athletic Director
Under Superintendent’s Report
- Presentation/Mark Twain Elementary School - Positive Behavioral Supports
New Business
- Accept Donation of a Lawn Tractor
- Revised/Proposed Board Policy, Administrative Procedure & Exhibits on first reading
6:235 Access to Information and Communication Technologies,
6:235-AP1 Acceptable Use Procedure for Information and Communication Technologies
Access
6:235-EI Student Authorization
6:235-E2 Staff Authorization
Closed Session: The purchase or lease of real property for the use of the public body, including
meetings held for the purpose of discussion whether a particular parcel should be acquired.
5 ILCS 120/2(c)(5)
Under Public, Staff Comments or Questions, Written Communications, President Coe asked if there were
any requests or written communications to the Board of Education. There were no requests received.
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Under Focus on Students and Good News Reports, Mr. Littleford recognized the following students.
Jefferson and Ashmore Elementary Schools Students
Character Education students that were chosen by their teachers representing the trait of Integrity.
Roxanne Cornebise is the instructor.
4th Grade
Anna Sipes
Lexie Madlem
Rachel Thomas
Lydia Madlem
Faith Beever
Shayla Taylor
Brandon Turner
Wyatt Madlem (Ashmore)
5th Grade
Ethan Dow
Sydnie Littleford
Jewel Kodavatikanti
Matthew Hendrix
Dalton Haworth
Joharra Maulden
Olivia Bommelje
Bailey Crites
6th Grade
Sandy Garcia
Marvin Abernathy
Michael Kuznicki
Samantha Shaw
Kristyn Haworth
McKennah Miller
Janelle Parish
Peyton West
Jefferson School students that have earned over 1,000 Reading Counts Points
Timothy Cho
Adrienne Gullion
Brando Socarras
Mira Harvey
June Baumann
Anna Sipes
CHS Chorus students were in attendance and sang two songs for the Board of Education. Choral
students: Ciara Southworth, Kira Monahan, Hannah Drake, Courtney Carver, Missa Borah, Brook
Robison, Mary Jackson, Elijah Magee, Blake Warman, Caleb Bertrand, Danny Hudson, Ross Kitchen,
and Evan Bower. Julianne Sharp is the Choral Director.
President Coe asked the Board of Education if there were any requests to remove 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.
Consent Agenda: Standard Items
 Approve the minutes of the following meetings: Regular and Organizational Meeting of April
18, 2012, Special Meeting of May 2, 2012, and Special Meeting of May 9, 2012.
 Approve the bills and payrolls for the month of May 2012.
 Approve the Activity Fund Accounts for the CUSD #1 attendance centers, period ending May
2012.
Consent Agenda: New Business
 Approve the Student/Parent handbooks for Charleston High School, Charleston Middle School,
Jefferson Elementary School, and Ashmore, Carl Sandburg and Mark Twain Elementary Schools
to be published for the 2012-13 school year. Further, approve the changes to the School Behavior
Pamphlet to reflect current district policies.
 Approve a change in the adult lunch fee to $2.50 for the 2012-2013 school year.
 Approve the overnight/out of state trip request from the Charleston High School Choral
Department to travel to New York City, March 7 – 11, 2013.
 Declare referenced inventory from the Charleston Middle School Media Center as surplus and
available for sale or disposal.
 Declare the referenced John Deere riding mower used by the Maintenance Department as surplus
and available for sale or disposal.
 Grant 291 (two hundred ninety-one) gifted sick leave days to Cindy Hager, Speech and Language
Pathologist Principal for Carl Sandburg Elementary Schools.
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
Grant 225.5 (two hundred twenty-five and one half) gifted sick leave days to Gail Schultz,
Reading Recovery Reading Teacher Leader for Carl Sandburg Elementary School.
Consent Agenda: Employment
 Accept a letter of resignation from Julie Niemerg as an Agriculture teacher and FFA
Advisor at Charleston High school, effective at the end of the 2011-12 school year.
 Accept a letter of resignation from Kiley Butler as a paraprofessional at Charleston
Middle School, effective at the end of the 2011-12 school year.
 Accept a letter of resignation from Jim Wood as Freshmen Football Coach at Charleston
High School, effective at the end of the 2011-12 school year.
 Accept a letter of retirement from Cindy Hager, effective at the end of the 2016-2017
school year.
 Accept a letter of retirement from Gail Schultz, effective at the end of the 2016-2017
school year.
 Approve the employment of the following individuals to teach in the 2012 Summer
School program:
Janice Barger – Summer School Teacher
Barbara Heitka – Driver’s Education Instructor
Jean Butler – Paraprofessional
Jeannine Giffin - Paraprofessional
 Approve the transfer of Jenny White into a third grade teaching assignment at Carl
Sandburg Elementary School, beginning with the 2012-13 school year.
 Approve the employment of Mary Isabelle Long as a full time Social Worker in the ED
program at Charleston High School for the 2012-2013 school year. Employment
contingent upon the receipt of all information required for employment.
 Approve the employment of Christel Carter as a full time teacher in the Special
Education Department at Charleston High School for the 2012-13 school year.
Employment contingent upon the receipt of all information required for employment.
 Approve the employment of Holly Pucheta as a part time teacher in the Foreign
Language Department at Charleston High School for the 2012-13 school year.
Employment contingent upon the receipt of all information required for employment.
 Approve the list of individuals to fill the extra-curricular assignments at Charleston High
School for the 2012-13 school year. Employment contingent upon the receipt of all
information required for employment.
Paul Stranz
Head Girls’ Soccer
Deb Landsaw
Assistant Golf
Scott Easterday
Freshmen Boys’ Basketball
Amy Jackson
Assistant Girls’ Basketball
Ceci Brinker
Freshmen Girls’ Basketball
Dave Dunlap
Assistant Boys’ Soccer
Kim Ferguson
Head Cheerleading Coach
Jan Spitz
JV Cheerleading Coach (Volunteer)
 Approve the employment of Jeni Huckstep in the extra-curricular assignment as the
Dance Coach at Charleston Middle School for the 2012-13 school year. Employment
contingent upon the receipt of all information required for employment.
 Approve the list of substitutes/volunteers, effective April 10 – May 4, 2012.
Addendum:
 Accept a letter of resignation from Randy Matheny as a custodian (3rd shift) at Charleston
High School, effective May 25, 2012.
 Reassign the following paraprofessionals in the positions as listed at Charleston High
School, effective for the 2012-13 school year:
Carla Spicer – LD Classroom Paraprofessional
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Kathy East – Bell to Bell Paraprofessional for student #03879
Loretta Phillips – ED Classroom Paraprofessional
Reassign the following paraprofessionals in the positions as listed at Charleston Middle
School, effective for the 2012-13 school year:
Laura Jones – Building Paraprofessional
Jason Easter – Bell to Bell Paraprofessional for student #03024
Reassign the following paraprofessionals in the positions as listed at Carl Sandburg
Elementary School, effective for the 2012-13 school year:
Amy Schultz – Bell to Bell Paraprofessional for student #08162
Scott Bennett – Bell to Bell Paraprofessional for student #06928
Reassign the following paraprofessionals in the positions as listed at Jefferson
Elementary School and Charleston Middle School, effective for the 2012-13 school year:
Beverly Coffey – Building Paraprofessional (Jefferson)
Carol Jones – Bell to Bell Paraprofessional for student #03024 (Middle School)
Approve the employment of Emily Perry as a full time Agriculture Teacher at Charleston
High School for the 2012-2013 school year. Employment contingent upon the receipt of
all information required for employment.
Approve the employment of Jim Wood as Athletic Director for Charleston High School,
effective for the 2012-13 school year.
President Coe recommended that the Board of Education approve items under III through VII inclusive
and addendum items on the Consent Agenda. Dr. Clarke moved and Mrs. Daniels seconded the motion.
On roll call vote:
AYE: Clarke, Daniels, Coffey, K. Miller, Hutti, Coe
NAY: none
Abstain: none
Motion carried
Moving to New Business, Insurance Consultant Steve Bushue presented information on a renewal
package for property/casualty/liability/worker’s compensation coverage for Community Unit School
District No. 1. Mr. Bushue summarized the expiring and renewal coverage’s with the current insurance
carriers, (Indiana Insurance, FCCI & Travelers) through Dimond Brothers Insurance Agency in Mattoon.
Mr. Bushue stated the renewal reflects an increase of 3% in premium.
Based upon the information received from Mr. Bushue, the superintendent recommended that the Board
of Education accept the renewal proposal from Indiana Insurance Company for coverage of all
property/casualty/liability insurances and Worker’s Compensation insurance coverage from FCCI with
Dimond Brothers as the underwriter, effective June 1, 2012 through May 30, 2013. Mrs. Miller moved
and Mrs. Coffey seconded the motion.
On roll call vote:
AYE: K. Miller, Coffey, Clarke, Daniels, Hutti, Coe
NAY: none
Abstain: none
Motion carried
Mr. Bushue summarized the expiring and renewal coverage’s for student accident coverage with
Guarantee Trust Life and Markel Insurance through First Agency. The blanket student accident renewal
would be at the same rate as last year at $4.50 per student. Therefore, the blanket and catastrophic student
accident renewal premium will increase by $254.
Based on the recommendation of Mr. Bushue, the superintendent recommended that the Board of
Education approve the renewal coverage with Guarantee Trust Life and Markel Insurance through First
Agency for student accident coverage, effective August 1, 2012. Mrs. Miller moved and Dr. Clarke
seconded the motion.
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On roll call vote:
AYE: K. Miller, Clarke, Coffey, Daniels, Hutti, Coe
NAY: none
Abstain: none
Motion carried
Mr. Bushue presented a one year renewal proposal for a Long Term Disability Insurance Plan for district
administrators with Hacker Insurance Agency with no change in premium or benefits.
Based on the recommendation from Mr. Bushue, the superintendent recommended that the Board of
Education approve the proposal for a one year renewal of the current Long Term Disability Insurance
Plan from Hacker Insurance Agency with no change in premium or benefits, effective May 31, 2012.
Dr. Clarke moved and Mrs. Coffey seconded the motion.
On roll call vote:
AYE: Clarke, Coffey, Daniels, K. Miller, Hutti, Coe
NAY: none
Abstain: none
Motion carried
Moving to the Superintendent’s Report, Mr. Littleford announced that the Excellence in Education
Foundation hosted a reception on April 26, 2012 at the Charleston Country Club for the CUSD #1 grant
recipients. At the reception, CUSD #1 grant recipients received their awards and provided all in
attendance with a summary of their project.
Presentation/Common Core Standards Implementation
The Illinois State Board of Education adopted new math and English language arts standards (Common
Core Standards) for K-12 education. By statute, local curriculum must be aligned with the State Board
of Education’s learning standards. Through a power point presentation, Assistant Superintendent Todd
Vilardo provided an overview of the work CUSD #1 educator’s have done to implement the new
standards into our local curriculum maps and instructional practices, (presentation in official board book).
He demonstrated how they were creating an aligned system for student achievement determination and
reporting, professional development, and instructional materials. Kristen Holly shared the three phases of
the common core standards implementation plan. Phase 1, Awareness (2010-11 school year), Phase II
Professional Development and Planning (2011-12 school year), and Phase III, Implementation (2012-13
school year). In closing, Mr. Vilardo stated that the focus in implementing the plan would remain on
student progress and growth.
Response to Annual Life Safety Inspection/State Fire Marshall Inspection
Mr. Littleford reported that on March 1, 2, 5, 2012, the annual inspection of CUSD #1 building’s as
required by Section 3-14.2 of the Illinois School Code was conducted by the Regional Assistant
Superintendent of Schools Michelle Lindenmeyer. Jerry Ashby from the Office of the Illinois State Fire
Marshall also conducted an inspection. Board members received the report from the Regional Office of
Education and State Fire Marshall with the response from Director of Buildings and Grounds, Bill
Richardson.
Presentation/Mark Twain Elementary School – Positive Behavioral Supports
In order to reduce the number of disciplinary referrals and classroom disruptions at Mark Twain
Elementary School, staff members have been studying ways to improve upon the social behaviors of
students. As a result, they have expressed an interest in pursuing the implementation of a more
systemic approach to proactive, school-wide behavior, commonly referred to as Positive Behavioral
Supports (PBS). During the meeting, Cheryl McGee, Amy Jackson, Katie Williams, and Kristen
McDevitt provided a brief presentation and answered questions regarding PBS to the Board of Education,
(presentation in official board book). Key features of the PBS program include teaching behaviors early
and to focus on respect, responsibility and being safe. They reported research says that by telling the
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rules and demonstrating good behavior will reduce the number of office referrals. A matrix will be posted
in different areas throughout the school to remind students and also, to aid staff members in using the
same language when reinforcing the correct behaviors. It was noted that all staff at Mark Twain School
were in favor of implementing changes to behavioral expectations for the students beginning with the
2012-13 school year.
Mrs. Daniels moved and Mrs. Coffey seconded a motion that the Superintendent’s Report was received
by the Board of Education.
On roll call vote:
AYE: Daniels, Coffey, Clarke, K. Miller, Hutti, Coe
NAY: none
Abstain: none
Motion carried
Moving to New Business, ARAMARK Food Services submitted a renewal contract for a one-year
extension of the food service contract with the district. Financial Consultant, David Kuetemeyer reported
that the percentage of increase for the 2012-13 school year will be 2.9%. This percentage was
determined by a rate set by the Federal Government and the State of Illinois based upon restaurant CPI
Index. Janice Alexander, Director of ARAMARK Food Services was in attendance to answer any
questions from the Board.
It was the recommendation of the superintendent that the Board of Education extend the food service
contract with ARAMARK Food Services through the 2012-13 school year as outlined in the renewal
proposal and amendment. Dr. Clarke moved and Mrs. Coffey seconded the motion.
On roll call vote:
AYE: Clarke, Coffey, Daniels, K. Miller, Hutti, Coe
NAY: none
Abstain: none
Motion carried
Mr. Littleford reported that the Memorial Committee met on Friday, May 11, 2012 and approved the
donation of a John Deere 445 lawn tractor to use for summer maintenance on the ball field(s) located on
the CUSD #1 All Sports Complex from Chad Braden. Mr. Braden requested that the tractor be used to
maintain the infield and outfield grass and used to drag and maintain the infield. In exchange, Mr. Braden
would like to acquire the John Deere LX176 riding mower previously used for mowing the fields. This
mower has been declared as surplus equipment and no longer needed for maintenance purposes.
It was the recommendation of the superintendent that the Board of Education grant authorization to accept
the John Deere lawn tractor as a donation from Chad Braden. Further, the superintendent recommends
that the Board of Education grant permission to make the exchange of the surplus John Deere LX176
riding mower. Dr. Clarke moved and Mrs. Miller seconded the motion.
On roll call vote:
AYE: Clarke, K. Miller, Coffey, Daniels, Hutti, Coe
NAY: none
Abstain: none
Motion carried
Pursuant to administrative regulations promulgated by the Illinois State Board of Education (23 Illinois
Administrative Code 226.735), all school districts and other local educational entities were required to
adopt a Workload Plan for special educators. The purpose of the Workload Plan is for the District to
assign a committee to meet annually to review and specify limits on the work load of its special
educators. The Workload Plan Committee met on May 8, 2012 and did not make any changes to the
document.
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It was the recommendation of the superintendent that the Board of Education approve the Workload Plan
for Special Educators, as presented. Mrs. Daniels moved and Dr. Clarke seconded the motion.
On roll call vote:
AYE: Daniels, Clarke, Coffey, K. Miller, Hutti, Coe
NAY: none
Abstain: none
Motion carried
The Board of Education concurred that the Board committee assignments for the 2012-13 school year
would remain in place from the 2011-12 school year.
Joint Advisory Committee (JAC)
Grievance Committee
Parent Teacher Advisory Committee
Health Insurance Committee
Memorial Committee
CEA/Administrative Committee
EIASE Governing Board
Public Relations Committee
ESP/Administrative Committee
Policy Committee
Calendar Committee
Finance Committee
Jason Coe
Brenda Coffey
Kelly Miller
Scott Clarke
Ron Miller (alternate)
Kelly Miller
Jason Coe
Ron Miller (alternate)
Susan Daniels Remaining Board Members (alt)
Tim Hutti
Susan Daniels Ron Miller (alternate)
Ron Miller
Tim Hutti & Scott Clarke
Kelly Miller & Brenda Coffey
Mrs. Coffey moved and Mrs. Miller seconded the motion to establish committee membership for the
2012-13 school year.
On roll call vote:
AYE: Coffey, K. Miller, Clarke, Daniels, Hutti, Coe
NAY: none
Abstain: none
Motion carried
Mr. Littleford reported that on April 23 and 24, 2012 a committee screened applications with a rubric to
determine six candidates to be considered for the CHS Assistant Principal position. Team interviews
were held with six potential candidates on Saturday, April 28, 2012. The two finalists were interviewed
by the Board of Education on Wednesday, May 2, 2012. The closed session interviews lasted
approximately 45 minutes per candidate. Questions were specifically job-related and designed to share
leadership style with the Board of Education.
It was the recommendation of the superintendent that the Board of Education approve a one year,
10-month administrative contract with Brandon Miller to be employed as the Assistant Principal for
Charleston High School beginning July 1, 2012. Mrs. Coffey moved and Dr. Clarke seconded the
motion.
On roll call vote:
AYE: Coffey, Clarke, Daniels, K. Miller, Hutti, Coe
NAY: none
Abstain: none
Motion carried
Mr. Littleford introduced Brandon Miller and provided background information on work experience that
Brandon will bring to the position, (press release included in official board book).
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Mr. Littleford reported that on April 30 and May 1, 2012 a committee screened applications with a rubric
to determine six candidates to be considered for the Carl Sandburg/Jefferson Elementary School Assistant
Principal position. Team interviews were held with six potential candidates on Saturday, May 5, 2012.
The two finalists were interviewed by the Board of Education on Wednesday, May 9, 2012. Questions
were specifically job-related and designed to share leadership style with the Board of Education.
It was the recommendation of the superintendent that the Board of Education approve a one year,
10-month administrative contract with Kristen Holly to be employed as the Assistant Principal for Carl
Sandburg and Jefferson Elementary Schools beginning July 1, 2012. Mrs. Coffey moved and Mrs.
Daniels seconded the motion.
On roll call vote:
AYE: Coffey, Daniels, Clarke, K. Miller, Hutti, Coe
NAY: none
Abstain: none
Motion carried
Mr. Littleford introduced Kristen Holly and provided background information on work experience that
Kristen will bring to the position, (press release included in official board book).
Addendum
Board Policy 6.235 and its accompanying documents, 6:235-AP, 6:235-E1 and 6:235-E2 were recently
updated by a subcommittee of the Charleston CUSD #1 Educational Technology Committee. Beginning
July 1, 2012, the federal government requires that district acceptable use policies include a component on
educating minors about appropriate online behavior, including interacting with other individuals on social
networking websites and in chat rooms and on cyber bullying awareness and response. Several years ago,
the State of Illinois requires that Illinois school districts provide Internet Safety training to students in
Grades 3-12. The committee expanded CUSD #1 existing curriculum to include Grades K-2 and have
also included in Policy 6.235 information on this training so that Charleston CUSD #1 meets this federal
mandate. This newly updated policy, procedure and exhibits will provide the District and our users with a
clear understanding of what is expected when using information and communication technologies in our
district.
It is recommended by the superintendent that the Board of Education adopt, in tentative form revised
Board Policy 6.235 and its accompanying documents, 6:235-AP, 6:235-E1 and 6:235-E2 Board Policies,
Administrative Procedures and Exhibits as presented on first reading. The tentative policies will be
placed for public review until final adoption at the June 20, 2012 board meeting.
Mrs. Miller moved and Mrs. Coffey seconded the motion.
On roll call vote:
AYE: K. Miller, Coffey, Daniels, Clarke, Hutti, Coe
NAY: none
Abstain: none
Motion carried
At 8:14pm, President Coe 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)
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)
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The purchase or lease of real property for the use of the public body, including meetings held for the purpose
of discussion whether a particular parcel should be acquired. 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(5)
Mrs. Daniels moved and Dr. Clarke seconded the motion.
On roll call vote:
AYE: Daniels, Clarke, Coffey, K. Miller, Hutti, Coe
NAY: none
Abstain: none
Motion carried
At 9:09pm, Mrs. Coffey made a motion to reconvene from closed session. Dr. Clarke seconded the
motion.
On roll call vote:
AYE Coffey, Clarke, Daniels, K. Miller, Hutti, Coe
NAY: none
Abstain: none
Motion carried
At 9:10pm, Mrs. Coffey moved to adjourn from the board meeting. Mrs. Miller seconded the motion.
On roll call:
AYE: Coffey, K. Miller, Clarke, Daniels, Hutti, Coe
NAY: none
Motion carried
Jason Coe
President, Board of Education
Tim Hutti
Secretary, Board of Education
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