KEWANEE COMM SCHOOLS BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING SEPTEMBER 15, 2014
CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL FOR REGULAR BOARD MEETING
The Regular Meeting of the Board of Kewanee Community Unit School District No. 229 was held in the Kewanee High
School Petersen Auditorium with President Nolan calling the Meeting to order at 6:30pm. Roll call showed the following
Members present: Lempke, Sellers, Salisbury, Leckey, Jagers, Steffen and Nolan. Superintendent Sullens was also
present.
EXECUTIVE SESSION OF REGULAR BOARD MEETING
At 6:30pm Member Jagers seconded a motion made by Member Leckey to enter into Closed Session to consider (C)(1)
the appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance or dismissal of specific employees of the District
or legal counsel for the District; (C)5 The purchase or lease of real property for the use of the public body, and (C)(9) to
consider student disciplinary cases. *5ILCS 120/2 Open Meetings The School Code of Illinois/2014. Voice roll vote
showed all members voting aye. No Board Members voted nay. The motion carried. Closed Session ended at 7:35pm.
CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL FOR OPEN SESSION MEETING
President Nolan called the Regular Meeting to order at 7:40pm. The Open Session continued in the KHS Petersen
Auditorium. Roll call showed the following Board Members present: Lempke, Sellers, Salisbury, Leckey, Jagers, Steffen
and Nolan. The audience included Principals: Anderson, Hodge-Bates, Bryan, Stabler, and Brown. Staff Members
present were Coach Atwell, K. Walters, and K. Rogula. Community Member Mike Berry of the Star Courier and Mayor
Tossell were also present in the audience. Recording Secretary Simaytis and Superintendent Sullens were also in
attendance.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG
President Nolan asked the audience to stand, if able and join the Board in saying the “Pledge of Allegiance” to the flag.
SINE DIE
BUDGET HEARING
President Nolan called for a motion at 7:41pm for Sine Die to enter the 2014-2015 Budget Hearing. Member Steffen
seconded a motion made by Member Leckey to enter the Budget Hearing. The roll call vote showed members Sellers,
Salisbury, Leckey, Jagers, Steffen, Lempke and Nolan all voting aye. There were no nay votes. The motion carried.
PESENTATION OF THE 2014-2015 BUDGET BY SUPERINTENDENT
Dr. Sullens presented the 2014-2015 Kewanee School District #229’s Budget which has been on display for the past 30
days and the legal notice was published in the Star Courier. The estimated Beginning Fund Balances reflect the Audit as
of June 30, 2014. The District has budgeted $18,741,028. in revenues and $22,156,747. in expenses, leaving some
annual deficits for some of the Funds. Dr. Sullens explained that these deficits are deceiving due to there are $200,000.
in contingencies written into various fund expense totals including the Education Fund. In the Education Fund the
revenue is projected to be $13,609,026. This projection includes the 20% ($1.2 million) loss in GSA reimbursement from
the State of Illinois. It is hoped that ISBE’s GSA Formula will be revised in the near future. Expenditures in the
Education Fund are expected to reach $13,718,441. netting a loss/deficit of $107,415., which includes the contingency
that the District does not foresee being used. In the Building or Operations and Maintenance Fund, the revenues are
expected to be $2,239,340. and disbursements will be budgeted at $2,456,793. Again this includes another $200,000. in
contingencies in the expense side of the Operations/Maintenance Budget. $259,611. of the O/M Fund revenue will be
transferred to the Capital Projects Fund, which will help pay for the Phase I Construction Projects at KHS, Central and
Lyle Schools. The Bond Fund has matching revenue/expenses which flow in and out. The new County Sales Tax, (.5%),
will reduce the Tax Levy in the Bond Fund. In December the District and the Board will make a Resolution to transfer
funds from these Sales Tax receipts into the Bond Fund. In the Transportation Fund the District expects to receive
$813,086. in revenue and have expenditures of $899,415., netting a loss of $86,329., but again, $50,000. has been
written into the Transportation Fund Budget for contingencies. The IMRF/Social Security Fund shows $698,600.
September 15, 2014
expected revenues and $685,910. in these current budgeted expenditures. The Capital Project Funds Beginning Balance
shows a surplus from last year of $2,651,314., which will be spent on Phase I Projects in the next few months, leaving an
ending Fund Balance of $0. In the Working Cash Fund the revenues are estimated to be $38,340. for Fund Balance of
$331,182. by the end of this Fiscal Year. The Tort Fund reflects revenue of $427,860. and expenditures of $510,002. for
a loss of $82,142. The grand total of all of the Fund Balances still show $242,296. The Life Safety Fund receipts show
$36,440. and expenditures being $100,000. Life Safety is levied as needed each year and these Funds are meant to be
spent. After these expenditures the ending LS Fund Balance is expected to show $72,614. The final 2014-2015 Budget
shows an Ending Balance of $11,156,375. Dr. Sullens pointed out that the Kewanee School District is the 3rd largest
employer in the City of Kewanee.
PUBLIC & BOARD MEMBER COMMENTS
President Nolan asked if the entire Sales Tax Levy Receipts would be deposited into the Capital Project Fund. Dr. Sullens
explained that some of the Funds will go into the Operations and Maintenance Fund and some of that will be
transferred, after the Levy Resolution in November, into the Bond Account. There were no comments from the
audience.
ACCEPTANCE OF THE 2014-2015 BUDGET
Member Sellers seconded a motion made by Member Leckey to accept the 2014-2015 Budget. The roll call vote showed
Members Salisbury, Leckey, Jagers, Steffen, Lempke, Sellers and Nolan all voting aye. There were no nay votes. The
motion carried.
ADJOURNMENT OF BUDGET HEARING
Member Leckey seconded a motion made by Member Jagers to adjourn from the Budget Hearing. A voice vote was
heard with all Members voting aye. There were no nay votes heard. The motion carried to re-enter the Regular Session.
SINE DIE
INVITED GUESTS
None
MINUTES, FINANCIAL, TREASURER’S REPORT, BILLS AND PAYROLL CONSENT AGENDA
President Nolan asked for a motion and acceptance of Agenda Items VI, VII, and VIII. Member Jagers seconded the
motion made by Member Leckey to approve these items. The roll showed Members Leckey, Jagers, Steffen, Lempke,
Sellers, Salisbury and Nolan all voting aye. There were no nay votes. The motion carried.
COMMENTS FROM AUDIENCE
Mayor Tossell addressed the Board of Education concerning the consolidation of Kewanee School District and
Wethersfield School District. Mayor Tossell stated that an informational meeting was held after he called for the two
Districts to consolidate. Mayor Tossell stated that there were 48 citizens in attendance and a Committee of 10 was
formed. They will oversee the process of putting together the consolidation question for the ballot in Kewanee. Mayor
Tossell stated that it will cost $10,000 or more to conduct a Feasibility Study on consolidation. The Study would examine
all aspects of the two Districts and make recommendations on how the districts should proceed. It will also compile
what the new property tax rate would be, if the Districts combined. President Nolan read a statement that Dr. Sullens
made to News Channel 6, when Mayor Tossell made the announcement of the City’s intentions. Dr. Sullens statement
included comments that the Kewanee School Board is willing to discuss any options with neighboring districts that
would improve the education of the City of Kewanee’s students.
REPORT FROM ADMINISRATION
6th Day Enrollment
September 15, 2014
Dr. Sullens reported the District Enrollment is down approximately 23 students between grades PreK-12. Since the 6th
Day Enrollment was taken there have been more students enroll in the District. Dr. Sullens stated that with the One
Cent Sales Tax the District has been able to spend revenue and update the facilities, therefore draw students to the
Kewanee School District. It is his hope that the projects within the District continue to do what is right for its taxpayers,
students and their families.
Discussion of City of Kewanee Proposed “Downtown TIF”
Dr. Sullens reported that he has been in contact with the City Manager over the City of Kewanee proposed “Downtown
TIF”. When there is a TIF in place it can take away property taxes from the School District. However for every million in
EAV that gets taken away, the State of Illinois reimburses the School approximately $30,000. Our Tax Levy for every
Million of EAV generates $45,552. (for a Tax Rate of $4.52), which is a difference of $15,000. Dr. Sullens stated that he
has been working with Wethersfield School District’s Superintendent, Mr. Kazubowski, on how the two Districts can be
protected against a possible loss of revenue, if Kewanee’s proposed Downtown TIF is approved. Dr. Sullens stated that
communities such as Cambridge have agreements in place with the TIF District that reimburse the School District for any
TIF losses. Dr. Sullens stated that he would continue to work with City Manager Kip Speer and update the Board
accordingly.
Hog Days Parade
Dr. Sullens reported that the Hog Days Parade was very nice this year and appreciates the assistance of everyone who
helped out. Both the KHS and Central School Bands performed in the Parade.
Dual Credit Classes
Dr. Sullens reported KHS currently offers 27 Dual Credit classes to its students and will supply the Board of Education
with a list of the subjects offered for the next meeting. Dr. Sullens thanked the Kewanee Schools Foundation for their
efforts in underwriting some of the costs for Kewanee’s KHS students.
Mayor Tossell’s Comments Regarding Consolidation of Kewanee and Wethersfield Schools
Dr. Sullens reiterated that he is a servant of the Board of Education and will assist the Mayor in providing any
information that is requested concerning the possible consolidation of Kewanee and Wethersfield School Districts.
Board Election Changes
Dr. Sullens informed the Board that Official Election Petition Packets are available at the Administrative Office, but the
Packets must be returned and filed at the Cambridge County Court House. Sullens noted that this is a recent change
which was handed down by the Illinois General Assembly.
Mr. Anderson
Anderson reported on the current number of students who are currently out for Jr. High Football and Volleyball.
Mr. Anderson stated that there are 37 students on the undefeated 5th Grade Football Team. There are twenty 6th Grade
students, nineteen 7th Graders and seventeen 8th Graders out for Football as well. The 7th Grade Girls’ Volleyball Team
has 21 students involved and the 8th Grade Volleyball Team currently has eighteen girls.
Mr. Atwell
Atwell, Kewanee’s Athletic Director, reported that discussions have been held between the Park District and parent Mr.
M. Jonmarker on the various possibilities available to the Park District in resurfacing the Tennis Courts. The Park’s
Tennis Courts are in much need of repair and Dr. Sullens will keep the Board up to date on any progress.
SUPERINTENDENT’S COMMITTEE REPORTS
None
September 15, 2014
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Building Project Updates including: Lyle Restrooms, KHS Art/Science Addition and Central Gym Addition
Dr. Sullens stated that Electrician Hayden Motley is finishing his electrical work for the Lyle Restroom Project and should
be completed next week. A punch list is being gone through for the KHS Art/Science Addition and touch ups will be
completed next week. No payments will be made to the Contractors until the Architects have signed off. Dr. Sullens
supplied the Board with a map of the Central School Gym Addition. There are some flooring/slab issues that need to be
addressed. He reported that there is a 2” to a 2 1/2” slope that must be corrected and Dr. Sullens will keep the Board
abreast of the problem.
NEW BUSINESS
Consideration and Approval of Annual Recognition of Schools
President Nolan called for a motion to approve the Annual Recognition of Schools Applications. Member Leckey
seconded a motion made by member Steffen to approve each of the Building’s individual Applications.
The roll call vote showed Members Jagers, Steffen, Lempke, Sellers, Salisbury, Leckey and Nolan all voting aye. There
were no nay votes heard. The motion carried.
Consideration and Approval of Salary Compensation Report for 2013/2014
Superintendent Sullens recommended approving the Salary Compensation Report for 2013/2014. As required by the
State of Illinois, it will be published on the District’s Website and also made available at the District’s Administration
Office. Member Sellers seconded a motion made by Member Salisbury to approve. The roll call vote showed Members
Steffen, Lempke, Sellers, Salisbury, Leckey, Jagers and Nolan all voting aye. There were no nay votes. The motion
carried.
Consideration and Approval of KHS Activity Account Changes
Dr. Sullens recommended the approval of three KHS Activity Sub-Account Changes. They include closing Accounts for
the Kewanee Key Club Convention and the Class of 2012 Accounts. It also includes the addition of an Account for the
Class of 2018. Member Steffen seconded a motion to accept these KHS Activity Account Changes made by Member
Leckey to approve. The roll call vote showed Members Lempke, Sellers, Salisbury, Leckey, Jagers, Steffen and Nolan all
voting aye. There were no nay votes. The motion carried.
Consideration and Approval to Rescind Employment of Employee A-2015 Due to the Failure to Have All Mandated
Requirements to Perform the Duties of a Bus Driver as of September 15, 2014.
Dr. Sullens recommended approving the rescindment of Employee A-2015. Member Lempke seconded a motion made
by Member Leckey to approve. The roll call vote showed Members Sellers, Salisbury, Leckey, Jagers, Steffen, Lempke
and Nolan all voting aye. There were no nay votes. The motion carried.
ACTION FROM CLOSED SESSION
PERSONNEL
Resignations:
None
Retirements:
None
Hires:
KHS Assistant Track Coach
September 15, 2014
Brigid Baker (Sam Harker)
Eff 2014-2015
KHS Co-Junior Class Advisors (2)
KHS Co-Junior Class Advisors (2)
Neponset Cheerleading Coach
1 on 1 Aide at Lyle
Sara Cervantez (Diane Reeser)
Emily Bridgewater (Diane Reeser)
Chris Weir (Julie Fristad)
Sarah Bullock (New Position)
Eff 2014-2015
Eff 2014-2015
Eff 2014-2015
Eff Immediately
Dr. Sullens recommended that above hires be approved. Member Leckey seconded a motion made by Member Steffen.
The roll call vote showed Members Salisbury, Leckey, Jagers, Steffen, Lempke, Sellers and Nolan all voting aye. The
motion carried with seven ayes.
Student Teacher & Administrative Internships:
None
Leaves:
Irving 3rd Gr Teacher
Hayley Down
Maternity Leave for 6 Wks
Approx 1/2/15 to 2/16/15
Dr. Sullens recommended approving Hayley Down’s Maternity Leave. Member Steffen seconded a motion made by
Member Sellers. The roll call vote showed Members Leckey, Jagers, Steffen, Lempke, Sellers, Salisbury and Nolan all
voting aye. There were no nay votes. The motion carried.
Transfers/Other:
None
Long Term Sub:
None
Volunteers :
Neponset Volleyball Coach
Belle Alexander School
Central Jr. High School
Observation of Athletic Trainers
Central Cheerleading Coach
KHS Wrestling Coach
Keri Maes
Tracy Serna
Karyn Carton
Paige Dougherty
Stephanie Martinez
Andrew Hansen
Eff 2014-2015
Eff 2014-2015
Eff 2014-2015
Eff 2014-2015
Eff 2014-2015
Eff 2014-2015
Dr. Sullens recommended approving the above listed (6) volunteers. Member Salisbury made a motion to approve.
Member Leckey seconded the motion. The roll call vote showed Members Jagers, Steffen, Lempke, Sellers, Salisbury,
Leckey and Nolan all voting aye. There were no nay votes. The motion carried to approve the volunteers.
RENEWAL/NON-RENEWAL OF STIPEND PERSONNEL
None
OTHER ACTION FROM CLOSED SESSION
None
COMMENTS FROM VISITORS
None
COMMENTS FROM BOARD AND ADMINISTRATION
None
September 15, 2014
ADJOURNMENT
Member Leckey seconded a motion made by Member Steffen to adjourn the meeting. A voice vote from Members
Lempke, Sellers, Salisbury, Leckey, Jagers, Steffen and Nolan was heard with all present Members voting aye. There
were no nay votes heard. The motion carried. The Board Meeting adjourned at 8:34pm.
DAN NOLAN, PRESIDENT
September 15, 2014
RON SALISBURY, SECRETARY