May 2021 School Board Meeting Minutes

Link to meeting recording:

https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/z0SVbZGgC8v9gLhlZhGZ09iMONdt90BCsXhpohvaGmtvIeh-pBysYLQ2_OJT4qkk.NrK1ya9qoBtKdhie

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MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION CARBONDALE COMMUNITY HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT 165, CARBONDALE, ILLINOIS HELD MAY 20, 2021

The regular meeting of the Board of Education of School District 165 was held in the Cafeteria of Carbondale Community High School, 1301 East Walnut Street, Carbondale, Illinois, on Thursday, May 20, 2021 at 6:00 p.m.

Upon roll call, the following members were present:

Linda Flowers                        Christopher Swims
Lana Galan                             Francis Tsung
Wendell Pohlman                Julie VanWinkle
Steven Sabens

Also present:

Stephen Murphy                     Ryan Thomas
Donna Fager

President Sabens declared a quorum present and the regular meeting of May 20, 2021, was called to order.

Approval of Minutes: Motion by Swims, seconded by Galan, to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of April 22, 2021. Roll call: Flowers, Galan, Pohlman, Sabens, Swims, Tsung and VanWinkle voted yes. Nay, none. Motion carried.

Old Business—None

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

Received from Lena Dierks:

Good afternoon Members of the Board of Education,  

I hope this letter finds all of you doing well.  It was my wish to attend the board meeting this evening, however, I am celebrating with my daughter, our family, and her classmates at her 8th grade graduation ceremony from St. Andrew School.  So, I wanted to send this letter in response to the New Business agenda item j: “Consideration of ISBE Rule Waiver from School Code 105 ILCS 5/10-20.12(a).” 

As some of you may know, my children would benefit from the agreeable vote of this agenda item, and that is why I come to you tonight and ask you to consider the benefits of voting on behalf of this agenda item. 

One thing I have heard throughout the years and several times this school year is the desire for faculty members to live within the district.  I respect, understand, and support the reasons why faculty residency would not only benefit the students of CCHS, but also the community.  However, due to our circumstances of owning farmland and cattle, residency was not a realistic option for my family.  I feel the next best option for my family to become a larger part of the community is through the opportunity for my children to attend CCHS.  If my children have an opportunity to attend CCHS they will be friends with our students, come to know and respect more of our families and school and community leaders, participate in school and community activities, and become a Terrier.  Thus, our family will become more a part of the school and community, and I will become an even better teacher by understanding more about the community and our students.   

Although I believe this is fundamentally the best support for an agreeable vote on this agenda item, there are many more reasons why our school could benefit from this resolution.  Some of these reasons are maximizing teacher involvement in school and community, teacher recruitment and retention during the national teacher shortage, cultivating even more CCHS spirit and pride, and alignment with similar resolutions in neighboring districts.  However, in the spirit of not making this letter a five-page essay and honoring your time, I ask and welcome the opportunity to discuss these reasons with all of you at a time that is convenient for you.  I also respect your position as speakers for the larger community and want to know and understand any concerns or reservations you may have with this potential resolution.  So, I am also asking for the time to have these discussions with all of you with an agreeable vote on tonight’s agenda item. 

Lastly, I want to sincerely thank you in advance for your time and consideration, and an opportunity to discuss this further. 

My best regards,  

Lena Dierks 

FOIA Requests: The Board received a listing of the 2020-21 FOIA requests received to date.

2021 CCHSEA Teacher of the Year: The CCHS Education Association selected Michelle Thomas as the 2021 CCHSEA Teacher of the Year. President Sabens requested Mr. Murphy send a congratulations card on behalf of the Board to Ms. Thomas.

Payment of Bills: Motion by Swims, seconded by Tsung, to pay the remaining bills for the month of April 2021; and, those available for payment for the month of May 2021. Roll call: Galan, Pohlman, Sabens, Swims, Tsung, VanWinkle and Flowers voted yes.  Nay, none. Motion carried.

Principal’s Report: Mr. Thomas reported that he had received positive feedback regarding the graduation ceremony. There were 190 students who walked across the stage and there was a total of 230 graduates.  Positive feedback was also received from the Carbondale Elementary School District and the Unity Point School District regarding their graduation ceremonies conducted on Frank Bleyer Field. 

Superintendent’s Report: Mr. Murphy reported that the ISBE had just passed a resolution to return to in person learning. He said he would follow-up with exactly what that will mean.  He said a vaccination clinic may be held at CCHS in June pending approval of the Jackson County Health Department.

2020-21 Summer Enrichment Program: The Board received information in their Board packet regarding the 2020-21 Summer Enrichment Program.

2021-22 Employee Health, Dental and Vision Insurance Renewal:  Motion by Flowers, seconded by Swims, to approve the 2021-22 employee health, dental and vision insurance premium renewals from Blue Cross/Blue Shield and Guardian as presented.  Roll call: Pohlman, Sabens, Swims, Tsung, VanWinkle, Flowers and Galan voted yes. Nay, none. Motion carried.

ESSER Grant II: Mr. Murphy reviewed the ESSER Grant II potential project recommendations for the Board.  He said the allocation for CCHS District #165 under ESSER II is $2,195,762.00.  He said the funds must be used to address learning loss, prepare schools for reopening, and upgrading projects to improve air quality in school buildings.  ESSER II funds are available through September 30, 2023.  He said after meeting with District Architect Paul Lunsford and building personnel, they were recommending the following projects for grant approval:

Cafeteria Expansion                                                     $700,000
Replace C&D Wing Roof Top Units                         $300,000
Replace Gym 20 Ton Package Units                       $300,000
Replace (2) 200 Ton Air Cooled Chillers                $600,000
Architect fees associated with above projects   $175,000
School Social Worker                                                   $120,000

Mr. Murphy said approval of the projects grant submission did not commit the Board to spending any funds.  He said the initial grant had to be submitted by June 30, but that they could amend it if bids were not in line with Board expectations.  He said he was recommending the submission of the projects as presented, and if approved they would request Board approval to bid them.

Motion by Swims, seconded by Tsung, to approve the proposed ESSER projects for submission on the district’s ESSER Grant II as presented.  Roll call: Sabens, Swims, Tsung, VanWinkle, Flowers, Galan and Pohlman voted yes. Nay, none. Motion carried. 

2021-22 School Calendar and Return to School Plan: Motion by Galan, seconded by Swims, to approve the 2021-22 School Calendar second draft and Return to School Plan as presented.  Roll call: Swims, Tsung, VanWinkle, Flowers, Galan, Pohlman and Sabens voted yes. Nay, none. Motion carried.       

2021-22 COPE Safe Schools Program Intergovernmental Agreement: Motion by Swims, seconded by Tsung, to approve the 2021-22 Annual Intergovernmental Agreement for School Districts Jackson-Perry Regional Office of Education COPE Safe Schools Program as presented. Roll call: Tsung, VanWinkle, Flowers, Galan, Pohlman, Sabens and Swims voted yes. Nay, none. Motion carried. 

2021-22 Annual Project SOAR Alternative Educational Program Intergovernmental Agreement: Motion by Swims, seconded by Galan, to approve the 2021-22 Annual Intergovernmental Agreement for School Districts Regional Office of Education #30 Project SOAR Alternative Educational Program as presented.  Roll call: VanWinkle, Flowers, Galan, Pohlman, Sabens, Swims and Tsung voted yes. Nay, none. Motion carried.

Consideration of ISBE Rule Waiver from School Code 105 ILCS 5/10-20.12(a): A motion was made by Julie VanWinkle and seconded by Francis Tsung, to approve conducting a public hearing on Thursday, June 17, 2021, at 6:00 p.m. in the high school cafeteria, to consider an Illinois State Board of Education Rule Waiver from School Code 105 ILCS 5/10-20.12(a), allowing students of full-time employees to attend CCHS tuition-free. Before the vote was taken there was discussion by the Board.

Member VanWinkle said she shared the sentiments that Mrs. Dierks expressed in her letter.  She said that she and her family benefited from such a waiver at the school she works at and wanted others to have the same opportunity that she and her family have had. She said the insight she has gained from the experience has made her a better teacher. She said she felt it was a win-win situation for everyone.

Mr. Murphy said currently 43% of the faculty live in the school district. He said legally students who do not reside in the school district must pay out-of-district tuition to attend CCHS.  He said the Illinois State Board of Education sets the tuition rate and CCHS’s is currently around $13,000.00 per year.

Member Flowers said she strongly disagreed with the waiver.  She said employees should live in the district if they want their children to attend CCHS or they should pay the out-of-district tuition. She said the taxpayers of Carbondale should not have to foot the bill to pay for their education. She said with SIU enrollment going down and the census numbers going down she was concerned this might change the culture even more.  She asked if this waiver would apply to all full-time employees or only teachers.  Mr. Murphy said it would apply to all full-time employees.  She asked Mr. Murphy by the next Board meeting to provide the estimated dollar amount for footing the bill for people who live elsewhere.

Following discussion, the roll was taken.  Roll call: VanWinkle, Galan, Sabens and Tsung voted yes. Members Flowers, Pohlman and Swims voted no.  Motion carried.

Executive Session: Motion by Tsung, seconded by Galan, to go into executive session to discuss the appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific employees (5 ILCS 120/2(c)(1)).  Roll call: Flowres, Galan, Pohlman, Sabens, Swims, Tsung and VanWinkle voted yes. Nay, none. Motion carried.

Meeting Recessed: The meeting recessed at 6:46 p.m.

Executive Session Convened: The executive session convened at 6:50 p.m.

Executive Session Adjourned:The executive session adjourned at 7:18 p.m.

Meeting Reconvenes: The meeting reconvened at 7:22 p.m. President Sabens stated no action was taken while in executive session.

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

a. Resignation of Lauren Hannick (Assistant Secretary to the CSBO/District Cashier) effective May 7, 2021.

b. Resignation of Rebecca Browning (part-time Chorus Teacher) effective at the conclusion of the 2020-21 school year.

Roll call: Galan, Pohlman, Sabens, Swims, Tsung, VanWinkle and Flowers voted yes.  Nay, none. Motion carried.

Employment of 2020-21 Extra-Duty Personnel: Motion by Swims, seconded by Galan, to employ the following 2020-21 extra-duty personnel as presented:  Weight Room Supervisor: DeAndre Smith $1,200.00 and Kevin Stamp $1,134.50. Roll call: Pohlman, Sabens, Swims, Tsung, VanWinkle, Flowers and Galan voted yes. Nay, none. Motion carried. 

Employment of 2020-21 Summer School Personnel: Motion by Swims, seconded by Tsung, to employ the following 2020-21 Summer School personnel as presented:

Driver’s Education Classroom Instruction
--June 7- July 2, 2021 (80 Hours)
--Personnel: Kim Wheeler

Monitor Personnel
--June 7-25, 2021
--Personnel:  Andrew Smith and Thor Hadfield       

Summer Enrichment Program:
--June 7- June 25, 2021

--Personnel: Kameilah Amaya-Allen, Katie Bachman, Ellen Burton, Betsy Geiselman, Kasey Paris, Shannon Simmons, Dawn Taylor, Paul Decker, Jelenia Fields, Andrew Gwinup, Meredith Jones, Katie Vieceli, Michelle Buchheit, Carrie Mueller, Tracie Shackles, Dawn Bassett, Emily Goins, Kyle Povolish, Dallas Terry, Stacey Massie, Suzanne Asaturian, Michael Dollins, Karen Gibson, Jennifer Hargrave, Mark Hostert, Jenna Jamieson, Dominic Johnson, Rasheeda Love, Christi McGee, Jane Rendon, DeAndre Smith, Heather Taylor, Josh Taylor, Sharon Walters and Matthew Wilson

Roll call: Sabens, Swims, Tsung, VanWinkle, Flowers, Galan and Pohlman voted yes. Nay, none. Motion carried.

Employment of 2021-22 Personnel: Motion by Flowers, seconded by VanWinkle, to employ the following 2021-22 personnel as presented: 

a. Art Teacher (4/6-time)--Levi Biedermann as a part-time (4/6-time) Art Teacher for the 2021-22 school year. Mr. Biedermann’s education and experience will place him at Line 5.5, Column BA/BS prorated     on the on the Teacher Salary Schedule.

b. Career Education Teacher (4/6-time)--Jenna Jamieson as a part-time (4/6-time) Career Education Teacher for the 2021-22 school year. Ms. Jamieson’s education and experience will place her at Line 3.5, Column MA/MS prorated on the on the Teacher Salary Schedule.

c. Social Studies Teacher (1/6-time)--Kevin Stamp as a part-time (1/6-time) Social Studies Teacher for the 2021-22 school year. Mr. Stamp’s education and experience will place him at Line 22, Column BA/BS+24 prorated on the on the Teacher Salary Schedule.

d. Music Teacher (4/6-time)--Katrina Wood as a part-time (4/6-time) Music Teacher for the 2021-22 school year. Ms. Wood’s education and experience will place her at Line 4.5, Column MA/MS prorated on the on the Teacher Salary Schedule.

e. School Counselor (full-time)--Lyndsey Walls as a full-time School Counselor for the 2021-22 school year. Ms. Wall’s education and experience will place her at Line 9.5, Column MA/MS on the on the Teacher Salary Schedule, which includes five years of private school experience.

f. Special Education Teacher (full-time)--Garrick Haywood as a full-time Special Education Teacher for the 2021-22 school year. Mr. Haywood’s education and experience will place him at Line 10, Column BA/BS on the on the Teacher Salary Schedule.

g. Physical Education/Driver Education Teacher (full-time)--James “Troy” Barton as a full-time Physical Education/Driver Education Teacher for the 2021-22 school year. Mr. Barton’s education and experience will place him at Line 7, Column BA/BS on the on the Teacher Salary Schedule.

h. Extra-Duty Personnel--Personnel as presented: Head Boys Basketball Coach:  James “Troy” Barton $9,924.00. Roll call: Swims, Tsung, VanWinkle, Flowers, Galan, Pohlman and Sabens voted yes. Nay, none. Motion carried.

2020-21 Volunteers: Motion by VanWinkle, seconded by Tsung, to approve Michael Stucky as a 2020-21 volunteer tennis coach for the 2020-21 spring season.  Roll call: Tsung voted yes. Nay, none. Motion carried.

Closing Comments: Member VanWinkle commended Brandi Jones and the DIAL Yearbook staff on the photographs they took of the Graduation ceremony.  She said they were very appreciated.

June Board Meeting; The June Board meeting will be Thursday, June 17, 2021.

Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at 7:27 p.m.

MINUTES APPROVED: JUNE 17, 2021

Attachment #1

Lena Dierks

Thu 5/20/2021 3:19 PM

Good afternoon Members of the Board of Education,  

I hope this letter finds all of you doing well.  It was my wish to attend the board meeting this evening, however, I am celebrating with my daughter, our family, and her classmates at her 8th grade graduation ceremony from St. Andrew School.  So, I wanted to send this letter in response to the New Business agenda item j: “Consideration of ISBE Rule Waiver from School Code 105 ILCS 5/10-20.12(a).” 

As some of you may know, my children would benefit from the agreeable vote of this agenda item, and that is why I come to you tonight and ask you to consider the benefits of voting on behalf of this agenda item. 

One thing I have heard throughout the years and several times this school year is the desire for faculty members to live within the district.  I respect, understand, and support the reasons why faculty residency would not only benefit the students of CCHS, but also the community.  However, due to our circumstances of owning farmland and cattle, residency was not a realistic option for my family.  I feel the next best option for my family to become a larger part of the community is through the opportunity for my children to attend CCHS.  If my children have an opportunity to attend CCHS they will be friends with our students, come to know and respect more of our families and school and community leaders, participate in school and community activities, and become a Terrier.  Thus, our family will become more a part of the school and community, and I will become an even better teacher by understanding more about the community and our students.   

Although I believe this is fundamentally the best support for an agreeable vote on this agenda item, there are many more reasons why our school could benefit from this resolution.  Some of these reasons are maximizing teacher involvement in school and community, teacher recruitment and retention during the national teacher shortage, cultivating even more CCHS spirit and pride, and alignment with similar resolutions in neighboring districts.  However, in the spirit of not making this letter a five-page essay and honoring your time, I ask and welcome the opportunity to discuss these reasons with all of you at a time that is convenient for you.  I also respect your position as speakers for the larger community and want to know and understand any concerns or reservations you may have with this potential resolution.  So, I am also asking for the time to have these discussions with all of you with an agreeable vote on tonight’s agenda item. 

Lastly, I want to sincerely thank you in advance for your time and consideration, and an opportunity to discuss this further. 

My best regards,  

Lena Dierks