September 2020 School Board Meeting Minutes

Link to recording of September 24, 2020 Board of Education Meeting: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1uPXD1BMHUGi1bFxDYhkYzy2ulBflNfho/view?usp=sharing

MINUTES OF THE REGULAR SCHEDULED MEETING OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION CARBONDALE COMMUNITY HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT 165, CARBONDALE, ILLINOIS HELD SEPTEMBER 24, 2020

The regular scheduled meeting of the Board of Education of School District 165 was held in the Carbondale Community High School Cafeteria, 1301 East Walnut Street, Carbondale, Illinois, on Thursday, September 24, 2020, at 6:00 p.m.

Upon roll call, the following members were present:

Linda Flowers                         Francis Tsung (Remotely)
Joe Hudgins                            Julie VanWinkle
Christopher Swims                 Brian Woodard

The following member was absent:   Lana Galan

Also present were:

Stephen Murphy                     Jenna Jamieson (Remotely)
Donna Fager                           Rasheeda Love (Remotely)
Ryan Thomas                          Dallas Terry (Remotely)
Mark Albertini                        Ella Lacey (Remotely)
Justin Merriman (Remotely)

President Woodard declared a quorum present and the regular scheduled meeting of September 24, 2020, was called to order.

Public Hearing: 2020-21 Proposed Budget: President Woodard opened the public hearing to receive public comments on the 2020-21 proposed Budget. Stephen Murphy reviewed the 2020-21 proposed Budget. There were no public comments.

Motion by Hudgins, seconded by Swims, to close the public hearing regarding the 2020-21 proposed budget.  Roll call: Flowers, Hudgins, Swims, Tsung, VanWinkle and Woodard voted yes. Nay, none.  Motion carried.

Francis Tsung Designee: Due to Member Tsung attending the meeting remotely, he authorized Stephen Murphy to serve as his designee to sign the adopted budget.

Approval of Minutes: Motion by VanWinkle, seconded by Swims, to approve the minutes of the regular scheduled meeting of August 20, 2020. Roll call: Hudgins, Swims, Tsung, VanWinkle, Woodard and Flowers voted yes.  Nay, none.  Motion carried.

Old Business—None

Public Comments: Mr. Thomas read in full the following emailed public comments:

Received from Dr. Geoffrey A. Partlow, DMD (Attachment #1):

Dear Superintendent Murphy and CCHS Board of Education Members,

I hope this letter finds you all well and safe.  Our current situation has created and new and unique challenges for everyone, unique struggles require thoughtful and unique solutions.  I am dictating this from desk in a general dental practice where I see patients four days a week and have been actively seeing patients before, during and god willing after this pandemic ends.  My point here is we have a found a way to safely see and treat large numbers of patients day in and day out with zero sickness and zero issues. I feel that the school can surely come up with a solution to safely do the same with our children and teachers in a school setting.

I’m not pushing for full time schooling right away. I see the challenges involved with an immediate reactivation of “normalcy”. However, I STRONGLY advocate for at least an option to get our kids back into classroom education. It is my position that our children are missing out on so much of the high school experience that it sickens me.  I also firmly believe that the online experience does not provide them anywhere near the quality of education that CCHS is so aptly able to provide. The online platform is anemic, frustrating, and VERY easy for the children to cheat the system so to speak.

My last point is probably the most important.  I speak from very personal experience and could not be more adamant that this isolation and constant disassociation is wreaking havoc on our children’s wellbeing and mental health. If anyone would desire more detail on this I would be happy to provide it.

I strongly urge the board to take these words in to consideration and come up with a solution to get the kids back into the school on October 9th. I’m not being melodramatic when I say that I believe this generation depends on this happening and the benefits FAR outweigh the risks.

Sincerely,

Dr. Geoffrey A. Partlow, DMD

Received from Carmen Jones (Attachment #2):   

Subject: Return to School

My name is Carmen Jones. I am the parent of a senior and a freshman at CCHS.

.. I feel that I speak for many as I express my concern about not being able to return to school. Our kids are struggling with not only remote learning, but emotionally as well. They have been at home since March. They need to socialize, they need to communicate in person with their teachers. They need to go to school just like every other high school in Southern Illinois.  Covid isn’t going anywhere, we can no longer continue like this. We have to try and return or at least be given the choice. I know what is best for my kids and this is not it. It has been brought to my attention that returning to school is not even on the agenda for the board meeting. How could this be possible? I sure hope I am wrong. Many people who feel the same as I may be afraid to speak or feel that their opinion doesn’t matter. Some simply don’t know where to begin with their  frustration. I was encouraged to come forward. I hope my opinion matters to you when deciding what is best for my kids. Please Superintendent  Murphy and members of the board,  let the kids return to school. For those of you who oppose, let your children continue remotely, but mine need to return to class. Thank you so much for your consideration. I will be awaiting your decision and praying for a change.

Received from Sara Grasher (Attachment #3):

Subject: Return to School

Mr. Murphy,

I have a daughter in her junior year at CCHS.  Luckily, she is doing well with remote learning but I have heard so many others that are not.  I would love for the students to return to in person learning as soon as possible, even if it is only a few days per week.  I know most other high schools in the area are attending at least two days per week with no major outbreaks of Covid 19.  My understanding is that Marion High School will be attending four days per week beginning next month.  Marion is also a fairly large school so if they can be successful I believe we can also.  These kids need to see their peers and socialize even if it is six feet apart or in passing periods.  I have a college freshman this year at U of I. She lives in a dorm.  She has to wear a mask to class and disinfect her desk before and after class and be tested twice per week. She also attended CCHS and was one of the 2020 seniors that missed out on so much.  Our students are still going to miss band, sports, clubs, homecoming, and so many other opportunities but  I want these kids to have a little bit of normal!   I feel confident that the CCHS faculty and staff can return to in person learning with safety guidelines in place.  Thank you for all you do for CCHS.

Sara Grasher

Received from Cheryl Jones (Attachment #4):

Subject: Return to School

This is a short and simple request.  Please allow our children to return to school. My son, Tim Jones is a senior. He has never really liked having to attend school but said he actually wishes he was physically back in school. He is failing 3 classes and says it is really difficult doing this on line.  Many other schools are open with minimal issues. I know CCHS can do this as well.

Please don’t let the teacher’s union ruin these kids. They NEED TO BE BACK IN SCHOOL for many reasons.

Cheryl Jones

Received from Christine Chance (Attachment #5):

Subject: Return to school only if you commit to keeping them there

Good morning,

The routine is so critical for their best performance.  Everyone needs structure and a committed plan for each day.   If you bring them back in and then send them back to remote learning, it will lay on them more burdens than they already have doing this.  Mine are finally hitting stride with remote learning, the platforms, what is expected of them and when, etc.  Please don’t bring them back until you are completely committed to keeping them there.  Don’t bounce them between the two environments.

Thank you for your consideration of my thoughts.

Christine Chance

Received from Lindsey F (Attachment #6):

Subject: School Learning

Hi Mr. Murphy,

I would like my children back in school.  I'm not fearful about sicknesses going around. I am fearful that my children are not getting the help/education they need while remote learning. They are missing out on making high school memories, having the teacher in person and meeting new peers. Please let them return to normal in school learning. Germs have and will always be there. Flu, pneumonia, strep to name a few, increase when school begins. You almost expect it. Why they need to be home for COVID doesn't make sense. My children need school in person! 

Lindsey F

Dr. Linda Flowers Named 2020 Master School Board Member: Dr. Linda Flowers was named a 2020 Master School Board Member by the Illinois Association of School Boards.

2020-21 FOIA Requests: The Board received a listing of the 2020-21 FOIA requests for their review.

Racial Justice Coalition Correspond.: The Board received correspondence from the Racial Justice Coalition requesting the school district discontinue the use of a school resource officer at the end of the current contract with the Carbondale Police Department.

Sudden Passing of CCHS Assistant Boys Basketball Coach Joe Hamilton: The Board received information regarding the sudden passing of CCHS Assistant Boys Basketball Coach, Joe Hamilton.  Mr. Hamilton was a CCHS All-State Player, a member of the CCHS Hall of Fame and had been an Assistant Boys Basketball Coach for the past 20 years.

Payment of Bills: Motion by Linda Flowers, seconded by Christopher Swims, to pay the remaining bills for the month of August 2020; and, those available for payment for the month of September 2020. Roll call: Swims, Tsung, VanWinkle, Woodard, Flowers and Hudgins voted yes.  Nay, none.  Motion carried.

Principal’s Report: Mr. Thomas reported on Remote Learning data and first quarter GPA data (Attachment #6).

Superintendent’s Report: Mr. Murphy reported that the health department numbers for Jackson County were improving for the second week in a row and will at least be in a "Moderate" risk level or lower starting in October. He said these numbers were usually published on Fridays. He reviewed the Jackson County health Department: School Metrics (Attachment #7) guidelines issued September 23, 2020, that were developed by the health department in conjunction with the ROE and local superintendents.

Mr. Murphy reviewed the raw data responses from the three Return to School Surveys that were emailed to students, parents and teachers. There were a wide range of responses, from "great job - thanks for keeping us safe" all the way to "we should have been back in August." Following is a summary of the results to date:

Students (426)
25%     Continue with Remote Learning through Second Quarter
47.5% Return to school if Health Department data indicate it is safe
27.5% Return to school regardless of Health Department data

Parents (472)
40% Continue with Remote Learning through Second Quarter
42% Return to school if Health Department data indicate it is safe
18% Return to school regardless of Health Department data

Teachers (60)
52% Continue with Remote Learning through Second Quarter
40% Return to school if Health Department data indicate it is safe
8%   Return to school regardless of Health Department data

Demographic data was not requested, although preliminary analysis indicates African-American students are underrepresented (21% response vs 29% population) compared to White students (62% vs 55% population.) African American students appeared to favor remote learning slightly more (around 8%) than the overall population.

Mr. Murphy said he was encouraged by the thoughtful responses from teachers, and the generally positive comments from parents and students. He said the biggest concerns mentioned with Remote Learning included navigating multiple platforms, and concerns about the workload/homework. 

Mr. Murphy said that he was meeting with the teachers tomorrow to discuss some type of return to school plan for the second quarter. He said this will not be a complete return after October 12, but it could be a transition period toward more students returning.  He said the easiest option administratively is to use the A/B Hybrid model we worked on this summer, and let students choose to attend on their respective A/B day. He said he knew there were major concerns among teachers with hybrid models not working in other districts. He said he did not want to "blow up" what we have worked so hard to get right about Remote Learning. He said whatever plan we choose, we do it so that it works for the teachers. He said if the health department numbers improve, and if we still have a significant number of students failing multiple classes (and if we get the buses running) we need to consider opportunities for students to return. He said this could be as simple as having students return with their Chromebooks and doing the same assignments in class as the students at home. He said for many students, some form of in-person routine would be very beneficial to them. He said many students have not "met" their teachers in person, and some freshman haven't been on campus, for example. 

Following a lengthy discussion, it was decided that a Special Board of Education meeting would be held the following week to decide the return to school format.

2020-21 District-Wide Goals: Mr. Murphy requested the Board’s thoughts/input in preparing the 2020-21 District-Wide Goals.  The 2020-21 District-Wide Goals will be approved at the October 15, 2020 Board meeting.

Meeting Recessed: The meeting recessed at 7:48 p.m. and reconvened at 7:52 p.m.

Athletic Director’s Report: Mark Albertini reviewed the 2020-21 CCHS Coaching Plan for the Board. 

2020-21 Carbondale Community High School Coaching Plan:

If due to the Covid-19 pandemic some of our seasons are not able to compete, I would like to purpose a plan to keep our Coaching Staffs paid.  The services that they provide for our student-athletes are invaluable.  We have some of the best Coaches in the State.  They care for our kids, teach life skills and are great role models for our students.  We here at CCHS believe that we are a family.  I know that during these uncertain times, I am certain our Coaches will continue to provide the resources and supports our kids need,  Listed below are some of the ways our Coaches can maintain connectivity and guidance if there is not a season. 

Grade Checks
Our Coaches will continue to monitor and give supports to their student-athletes.  Coaches (along with the Athletic Department) will continue to carry out their weekly grade checks.  Our Coaches will continue to have an open line of communication with the teachers of their student-athletes.  Our Coaches will continue to hold their student-athletes accountable in the classroom.  Coaches will also continue to find ways to provide additional supports and resources for their struggling student-athletes. 

Check-Ins
Our Coaches and their staffs will continue to do frequent check-ins with their student-athletes.  They will continue to provide food, water, clothes and anything else that their student-athlete requires.  They have done a tremendous job of doing this.  Our Coaches have been able to provide eyeglasses, shoes, clothes, rides to doctor’s appointments and job interviews.  Our Coaches will continue to provide these services and check-ins with their student-athletes.

Virtual Workouts
During this past year, our kids need to be challenged and pushed more than ever.  Our Coaches can provide workouts for their athletes to complete while away from the school, court or fields.  Coaches can create workouts for each kid or position of their team.  They can log, monitor and track their athlete’s performance and push them to keep working to get better.  Our Coaches are very creative and have some good ideas on how they can do this for each of their respective sports. 

Recruiting Services
Our Coaches and their staffs have incorporated several different platforms in order to help their student-athletes get recruited.  Our Coaches can continue to check the interest of their athletes wanting to play at the next level.  They can help monitor their grades, make sure that they are getting signed up for the ACT/SAT, getting the resources they may need in order to prepare for these standardized tests, and finding creative ways to help their athletes get recruited (Highlight films, Combine Film, Helping student-athletes create recruiting resumes and bio, and contacting College Coaches).  

Conditioning/Workouts/Community Service Projects
With the uncertainty of what limitations will be imposed on us during the Winter and Spring Sport Seasons, we hold out hope that even if there is not a season, we still will be able to meet and connect with our kids.  If we are, our Coaches will continue to schedule practices/workouts/conditioning times while following the proper screening protocols that have been established by the IDPH and IHSA.  Coaches will each set up a Community Service Project for their Sport.  They will have to submit the plan and its purpose to the Athletic Department.  This plan must be able to be carried out in a safe and effective manner. 

Submission of Plans/Documentation
Each sport is different, and each Coach would be required to submit a plan that details what will be done for their student-athletes.  They will be required to document and submit information on a weekly basis to the athletic department.  They will need to log and document all emails, phone conversations and resources they have provided for their athletes.  Workout schedules, times and plans must be submitted.  Practice times (if allowed) must be scheduled in advance with the Athletic Department. District Transportation Services Bid: Motion by Flowers, seconded by Swims, to acknowledge receipt of the one bid received for district transportation services for a three-year period (FY21, FY22 and FY23); and, to award the base bid to Robinson Transport, in the amount of $663,058.81, as presented.  Roll call: Tsung, VanWinkle, Flowers and Swims voted yes. Woodard and Hudgins voted nay.  Motion carried.

Vent Window Quote: Motion by Swims, seconded by Flowers, to approve the $31,472.00 quote received from Marion Glass and Mirror, to install vent windows in several classrooms and offices that do not currently have them; and, to use sales tax funds to pay for the windows.  Roll call: VanWinkle, Woodard, Flowers, Hudgins, Swims and Tsung voted yes.  Nay, none.  Motion carried.

Approval of 2020-21 Budget: Motion by Swims, seconded by VanWinkle, to approve the proposed budget for the 2020-21 school year as presented. Roll call: Woodard, Flowers, Hudgins, Swims, Tsung and VanWinkle voted yes. Nay, none. Motion carried.

Acceptance of 2019-20 Audit and Report on Shared Services or Outsourcing: Motion by Flowers, seconded by Swims, to accept the 2019-20 audit as presented; and, to acknowledge the Report on Shared Services or Outsourcing contained in the audit (on page 31) for posting on the district website. Roll call:  Flowers, Hudgins, Swims, Tsung, VanWinkle and Woodard voted yes. Nay, none. Motion carried.

Working Cash Fund Loan to Education Fund: Motion by Swims, seconded by Hudgins, to authorize a $1,000,000.00 inter-fund loan from the Working Cash Fund to the Education Fund as presented.  Roll call: Hudgins, Swims, Tsung, VanWinkle, Woodard and Flowers voted yes. Nay, none. Motion carried.

2020-21 Textbook List: The Board received the 2020-21 Textbook List for their review.

IASB PRESS Issue 105 Board of Education Policy Updates Second Reading/Adoption: Motion by Swims, seconded by Hudgins, to approve the IASB PRESS Issue 105 Board of Education Policy Updates as presented.  Roll call: Swims, Tsung, VanWinkle, Woodard, Flowers and Hudgins voted yes. Nay, none. Motion carried.  First reading of IASB PRESS Issue 105 Board of Education Policy Updates occurred at the August 20, 2020 Board of Education meeting.

Executive Session—None 

Resignations/Retirements: Motion by Swims, seconded by Hudgins, to accept the following resignations/ retirements as presented:

a. Resignation of David Little (Maintenance Technician) effective August 26, 2020.

b. Resignation of Sean McGahan (Rebound Transition Coordinator) effective August 31, 2020.

Roll call: Tsung, VanWinkle, Woodard, Flowers, Hudgins and Swims voted yes. Nay, none. Motion carried. Employment of 2020-21 Extended-Time/Extra-Duty Personnel: Motion by Swims, seconded by Hudgins, to employ the following extended-time/extra-duty personnel:

Extended-Time Personnel:
CNA Class—One Semester Overload: Melanie Nelson

Activities and Clubs Personnel:
Speech Team Advisor: Erik Berrey $4,816.50
Assistant Speech Team Advisor: Alexandria Bassett $4,669.00; Justin Dennis $1,605.50
Model U.N./Youth & Government Advisor: Dawn Bassett $2,438.00
Terrier Times Newspaper Advisor: Chris Apple $875.00; Lindsey Sears $875.00
WYSE/Math Team Advisor: Mike Dollins $812.67; Jason Perry $1,625.33
African American History Club Sponsor: Rasheeda Love $368.00
Spanish Club Sponsor: Melisa Lopez $184.00; Jane Rendon $184.00

Winter Sports Personnel:
Cheerleading Coach:  DeAnne Miller $6,422.00
Head Boys Basketball Coach: Jim Miller $9,924.00
Assistant Boys Basketball Coach:  Greg Storm $5,836.00; Scott Hankey $5,836.00; Jeff Hansen $1,918.00; Mike Butler $1,918.00; Unree Westley $1,000.00
Head Girls Basketball Coach: Brad Walker $9,924.00
Assistant Girls Basketball Coach: Skylar Miller $5,836.00; Jimi Bradley $5,836.00
Head Wrestling Coach: Jerry Richards $8,752.00
Assistant Wrestling Coach: Jared Ragan $5,255.00; Kolbi Caffey $1,750.00; Nolen Beck $1,500.00
Boys Bowling Coach: Kaylan Talley $4,669.00
Girls Bowling Coach: Kaylan Talley $4,669.00
Winter Weight Room Supervisor: Cody Pike $2,334.50

Spring Sports Personnel:
Head Football Coach: Bryan Lee $9,924.00
Assistant Football Coach: Brad Walker $5,000.00; Ben Campos $4,500.00; Jimi Bradley $4,200.00; Kevin Stamp $4,500.00; DeAndre Smith $4,500.00; Obadiah Mims $4,000.00; Antonio Ragland $2,400.00; Stephen “Phen” Grant $2,516.00
Head Volleyball Coach:  Fae Ragan $8,752.00
Assistant Volleyball Coach:  Jordan Becque $5,255.00
Head Boys Soccer Coach: Jeff Hansen $6,422.00
Assistant Boys Soccer Coach: Ortez Davis $4,669.00
Spring Weight Room Supervisor: Jim Miller $2,334.50

Summer Sports Personnel:
Head Baseball Coach: Scott Hankey $6,422.00
Head Softball Coach: Kim Wheeler $6,422.00
Head Boys Track Coach: Stephen Arvanis $4,087.50
Assistant Boys Track Coach: DeAndre Smith $4,669.00; Jason Perry $2,334.50
Head Girls Track Coach: Stephen Arvanis $4,087.50
Assistant Girls Track Coach: Ashley Ziegler $4,669.00; Jason Perry $2,334.50
Head Girls Soccer Coach: Ortez Davis $6,422.00
Assistant Girls Soccer Coach: Jeff Hansen $4,669.00
Head Boys Tennis Coach: Mike Butler $6,422.00

Roll call: VanWinkle, Woodard, Tsung, Hudgins and Swims voted yes. Flowers voted no. Motion carried.

Employment of 2020-21 Asst. Basketball Coach: Motion by VanWinkle and seconded by Hudgins, to employ Blake Woodard as an Assistant Basketball Coach with an extra-duty stipend of $1,000.00.  Roll call: Woodard abstained.  Flowers, Hudgins, Swims, Tsung and VanWinkle voted yes.  Nay, none.  Motion carried. 

2020-21 Volunteers: Motion by Hudgins, seconded by Flowers, to approve the following 2020-21 volunteers as presented: Jesse Crow:  Boys Basketball; Trebor Mann: Boys Soccer; Max Keunke: Boys Tennis; Tom Brooke: Boys Tennis. Roll call: Flowers, Hudgins, Swims, Tsung, VanWinkle and Woodard voted yes. Nay, none.  Motion carried. Executive Session—None

October Board Meeting: The next Board of Education meeting will be Thursday, October 15, 2020.

Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at 9:16 p.m.

MINUTES APPROVED: October 15, 2020

                                                                                                                                                                          Attachment #1

Dear Superintendent Murphy and CCHS Board of Education Members,

I hope this letter finds you all well and safe.  Our current situation has created new and unique challenges for everyone, unique struggles require thoughtful and unique solutions.  I am dictating this from my desk in a general dental practice where I see patients four days a week and have been actively seeing patients before, during and god willing after this pandemic ends.  My point here is we have a found a way to safely see and treat large numbers of patients day in and day out with zero sickness and zero issues.  I feel that the school can surely come up with a solution to safely do the same with our children and teachers in a school setting.

I’m not pushing for full time schooling right away.  I see the challenges involved with an immediate reactivation of “normalcy”.  However, I STRONGLY advocate for at least an option to get our kids back into classroom education.  It is my position that our children are missing out on so much of the high school experience that it sickens me.  I also firmly believe that the online experience does not provide them anywhere near the quality of education that CCHS is so aptly able to provide.  The online platform is anemic, frustrating, and VERY easy for the children to cheat the system so to speak.

My last point is probably the most important.  I speak from very personal experience and could not be more adamant that this isolation and constant disassociation is wreaking havoc on our children’s wellbeing and mental health.  If anyone would desire more detail on this I would be happy to provide it.

I strongly urge the board to take these words in to consideration and come up with a solution to get the kids back into the school on October 9th.  I’m not being melodramatic when I say that I believe this generation depends on this happening and the benefits FAR outweigh the risks. 

Sincerely,

Dr. Geoffrey A. Partlow, DMD

Attachment #2

From: Carmen Jones <[email protected]>
Sent: Wednesday, September 23, 2020 2:19 PM
To: Board <[email protected]>
Subject: return to school

My name is Carmen Jones. I am the parent of a senior and a freshman at CCHS.

.. I feel that I speak for many as I express my concern about not being able to return to school. Our kids are struggling with not only remote learning, but emotionally as well. They have been at home since March . They need to socialize, they need to communicate in person with their teachers. They need to go to school just like every other high school in Southern Illinois.  Covid isn’t going anywhere, we can no longer continue like this. We have to try and return or at least be given the choice. I know what is best for my kids and this is not it. It has been brought to my attention that returning to school is not even on the agenda for the board meeting. How could this be possible? I sure hope I am wrong. Many people who feel the same as I may be afraid to speak or feel that their opinion doesn’t matter. Some simply don’t know where to begin with their frustration. I was encouraged to come forward. I hope my opinion matters to you when deciding what is best for my kids. Please Superintendent Murphy and members of the board,  let the kids return to school. For those of you who oppose, let your children continue remotely, but mine need to return to class. Thank you so much for your consideration. I will be awaiting your decision and praying for a change.

Attachment #3

From: Sara Grasher <[email protected]>
Sent: Wednesday, September 23, 2020 8:46 PM
To: Steve Murphy <[email protected]>
Subject: Return to School

Mr. Murphy,

I have a daughter in her junior year at CCHS.  Luckily, she is doing well with remote learning but I have heard so many others that are not.  I would love for the students to return to in person learning as soon as possible, even if it is only a few days per week.  I know most other high schools in the area are attending at least two days per week with no major outbreaks of Covid 19.  My understanding is that Marion High School will be attending four days per week beginning next month.  Marion is also a fairly large school so if they can be successful I believe we can also.  These kids need to see their peers and socialize even if it is six feet apart or in passing periods.  I have a college freshman this year at U of I. She lives in a dorm.  She has to wear a mask to class and disinfect her desk before and after class and be tested twice per week. She also attended CCHS and was one of the 2020 seniors that missed out on so much.  Our students are still going to miss band, sports, clubs, homecoming, and so many other opportunities but  I want these kids to have a little bit of normal!   I feel confident that the CCHS faculty and staff can return to in person learning with safety guidelines in place.  Thank you for all you do for CCHS.

Sara Grasher

Attachment #4

From: Cheryl Jones <[email protected]>
Sent: Wednesday, September 23, 2020 9:18 PM
To: Steve Murphy <[email protected]>
Subject: Return to school

This is a short and simple request.  Please allow our children to return to school. My son, Tim Jones is a senior. He has never really liked having to attend school but said he actually wishes he was physically back in school. He is failing 3 classes and says it it really difficult doing this on line.  Many other schools are open with minimal issues. I know CCHS can do this as well.
Please don’t let the teacher’s union ruin these kids. They NEED TO BE BACK IN SCHOOL for many reasons.
Cheryl Jones


Attachment #5

From: Christine Chance <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, September 24, 2020 7:11 AM
To: Board <[email protected]>
Subject: Return to school only if you commit to keeping them there

Good morning,

The routine is so critical for their best performance.  Everyone needs structure and a committed plan for each day.   If you bring them back in and then send them back to remote learning, it will lay on them more burdens than they already have doing this.  Mine are finally hitting stride with remote learning, the platforms, what is expected of them and when, etc.  Please don’t bring them back until you are completely committed to keeping them there.  Don’t bounce them between the two environments.

Thank you for your consideration of my thoughts.

Christine Chance

 Attachment #6

From: l3aflores <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, September 24, 2020 3:17 PM
To: Steve Murphy <[email protected]>
Subject: School Learning

Hi Mr. Murphy,

I would like my children back in school.  I'm not fearful about sicknesses going around. I am fearful that my children are not getting the help/education they need while remote learning. They are missing out on making high school memories, having the teacher in person and meeting new peers. Please let them return to normal in school learning. Germs have and will always be there. Flu, pneumonia, strep to name a few, increase when school begins. You almost expect it. 

Why they need to be home for COVID doesn't make sense. 

My children need school in person! 

Lindsey F

Attachment #7

Link to September 2020 Principal Report:  ../../../September%202020%20Principal's%20Report.pub

                                                                                                                                                                             Attachment #8

Jackson County Health Department: School Metrics

Jackson County Health Department (JCHD) has developed a draft version of a metric system for schools to utilize adapted from the Dupage County Health Department document. The document was designed to help us better operationalize the earlier Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) guidance on “Adaptive Pauses” where we would move to more or less restrictive learning models based on COVID metrics related to community spread in Jackson County and within our schools.

The JCHD has been working closely with the Regional Office of Education #30 (ROE) and school district administrators in Jackson County to help inform decisions about school reopening plans this fall. JCHD encourages school districts follow the health and safety protocols set forth by state and local health officials.

There are three levels of transmission that we will be monitoring: Minimal, Moderate, or Substantial community transmission. Each of these levels is defined by a variety of factors: weekly cases per 100,000 people, changes in case numbers, changes in county youth case numbers, positivity rates, and rate of community spread. As health experts learn more about COVID and community spread these metrics may be modified or changed.

As Jackson County has a very diverse group of school districts, we encourage each district to use the information provided to best fit their needs. Along with the below metrics, districts may utilize the IDPH School Metrics website as well as a weekly case county that JCHD will send the district superintendents each Monday. 

IDPH County Transmission Levels and Determining Factors

Minimal Transmission

(Blue)

Moderate Transmission

(Orange)

Substantial Transmission

(Red)

Jackson County remained BLUE at any point in the last 4 weeks on the IDPH Dashboard

 

Weekly cases <= 50 per 100,000

 

Weekly overall case numbers increase for two consecutive weeks with a >5% to <=10% increase occurring each week (Pending IDPH Dashboard)

 

Weekly youth case numbers increase for two consecutive weeks with a >5% to <=10% increase occurring each week (Pending IDPH Dashboard)

 

Weekly test positivity <=5%

Jackson County transitioned to ORANGE once in last 4 weeks on the IDPH Dashboard

 

 

Weekly cases >50 to <= 100 per 100,000

 

Weekly overall case numbers increase for two consecutive weeks with a >10% or <=20% increase occurring each week

 

Weekly youth case numbers increase for two consecutive weeks with a >10% or <=20% increase occurring each week

 

Weekly test positivity >5% but <=8%

Jackson County in ORANGE for >2 consecutive weeks on the IDPH Dashboard

 

 

Weekly cases above > 100 per 100,000

 

Weekly overall case numbers increase for two consecutive weeks with a > 20% increase occurring each week

 

 

Weekly youth case numbers increase for two consecutive weeks with a >20% increase occurring each week

 

 

Weekly test positivity >8%

encourages each district to determine the number of metrics met in each transmission level that will move them into a higher lever or a lower level. It is possible moving forward that we move to a more restrictive level or less restrictive level due to local spread of COVID within our communities or schools.

The table below is offered to give an idea of what each district can use for instruction plans. Please adapt and utilize this table and plan how best fits your needs.

Instructional Models by Transmission Level

Minimal Transmission

(Yellow)

Moderate Transmission

(Orange)

Substantial Transmission

(Red)

Encourage in-person learning with at least six feet of physical distancing between students and faculty/staff*

 

 

 

Encourage learning models that maintain at least six feet of physical distancing. Some-to-no mixing of groups of students and teachers throughout/across school days Some students participate in virtual and some participate in-person.

 

School officials should use their discretion and expertise to determine which populations of students should receive in-person instruction whose needs are less likely to be met by virtual instruction; maintain essential services in-person and/or with remote access*

Encourage remote learning

 

School officials should use their discretion and expertise to determine which populations of students should receive in person instruction whose needs are less likely to be met by virtual instruction.