August 2021 School Board Meeting Minutes

MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION CARBONDALE COMMUNITY HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT 165, CARBONDALE, ILLINOIS HELD AUGUST 19, 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, August 19, 2021, at 6:00 p.m.

Upon roll call, the following members were present:

Linda Flowers                         Christopher Swims
Lana Galan                             Julie VanWinkle
Steven Sabens                        

The following members were absent:

Wendell Pohlman                   Francis Tsung

Also present were:     

Daniel Booth                         Paul Lunsford
Ray Toliver, Jr. (Remote)      Kathy Neely
Ryan Thomas                          Carbondale Race Unity Group Rep.
Ethan Graham                         Elius Reed

President Sabens declared a quorum present and the regular scheduled meeting of August 19, 2021, was called to order.

Approval of Minutes: A motion by Swims, seconded by Flowers, to approve the minutes of the regular scheduled meeting and executive session of July 15, 2021, and the special meeting of July 22, 2022.  Roll call: Flowers, Galan, Sabens, Swims and VanWinkle voted yes. Nay, none. Motion carried.

Old Business—None

Executive Session: The executive session was moved to the end of the meeting.

Member Answers Roll Call: Member Tsung answered roll call at 6:03 p.m.

Introduction of New 2021-22 Faculty: Mr. Thomas introduced the new 2021-22 faculty to the Board:

Troy Barton, P.E./Driver Ed. Teacher/Head Boys Basketball Coach

Garrick Haywood, Special Education Teacher
Tracy Hill, P.E. Teacher
Clyde Hurley, Math Teacher
Leslie Neitzer, Science Teacher
Lindsey Walls, School Counselor
Katrina Wood, Music Teacher

President Sabens welcomed the faculty to the district.

FOIA Requests: The Board received a listing of the 2021-22 FOIA requests for their review.

Public Comments

Carbondale Race Unity Group: Kathy Neely, of the Carbondale Race Unity Group, read the following letter (Attachment #1) at the Board meeting:

Dear CCHS School Board members,                                                                                             July 29, 2021

In unanimously approving the Resolution Affirming Carbondale Community High School District #165 Board of Education's commitment to Eliminate Racial Injustice in July 2020, this Board made a commitment to identify racial bias in the high school's culture and take specific actions to eliminate it. The resolution sets a high bar that we of the Race Unity Group of Carbondale wholeheartedly support!

We applaud the formation of a Committee to study the School Resource Officer position announced at the July board meeting, one year after the passage of the Resolution, and feel heartened and hopeful that actual steps will now be taken toward the goals of the Resolution. 

We appreciated the specific reference in July's Board meeting, to the school-to-prison pipeline and the stated intention to ensure that the SRO position, if it continues to exist, does not reinforce that process by which too many of our African American youth are interrupted in their growth to adulthood and contributing citizenship. 

We noted with some apprehension, the emphasis on “myth-busting” and would be most disappointed if the committee became simply a vehicle for explaining or justifying the SRO position. It is our hope and expectation that the Committee will engage in a deep and genuine dialogue about the pros and cons of the position, and extensively examine the national dialogue taking place about best practices for high school campus cultures that strive for racial equity and respect, and do not tolerate the racial inequity that exists in the CCHS discipline statistics. To ensure this, we ask that the Committee include community, parent, and student members. In addition, we believe it is important that the Committee reflect the racial makeup of the high school. 

Among the many topics which the Committee will need to study, we submit that it will be essential to review whatever specific incidents have already occurred in which the SRO has been involved. This will provide the clearest evidence about how the officer actually functions in the day-to-day high school milieu. 

We would like to recommend two members of our group for the Committee; Chastity Mays, with a student currently at the high school, and Kathy Neely, whose young adult children are CCHS graduates. 

Lastly, while the work of this SRO committee is vital, there are a myriad of other specific and measurable actions than can and need to be taken if the CCHS board is seriously committed to its July 2020 Resolution to Eliminate Racial Injustice.  We are eager to be of any assistance in naming those goals and bringing them to completion so that all of Carbondale’s young people receive an excellent education that includes their story, taught by teachers who look like them, and in an environment that celebrates who they are. 

Sincerely,

Carbondale Race Unity Group

Laura Basanta   Jill Berube   Fern Chappell   Ken & Vern Cline   Al Crim   Walter Green   Karen Knodt Ella Lacey Chastity Mays   Kathy Neely   Emily Stafford   Micki Weaver

Elius Reed: Elius Reed addressed the Board regarding the current status of the Local 773 Union High School Apprenticeship Program and the number of CCHS African American students enrolled in the program.  President Sabens advised Mr. Reed to contact Mr. Booth and schedule an appointment to discuss the matter.  

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

Principal’s Report: Mr. Thomas reported on the first week of school. He said it was a very successful with a lot of positive energy.

Superintendent’s Report: Mr. Booth reported on the latest COVID numbers and the availability of the COVID Rapid Testing in Terrier Care.

ESSER Grant II Bid Award: A motion was made by Swims, and seconded by Flowers, to acknowledge receipt of the bids received for the following ESSER Grant II projects: 1) Replacement of C & D Wing Roof Top Units, 2) Replacement of Gym 20-tonPackage Units and 3) Replacement of (2) 200-ton Air Cooled Chillers; and, to award the bid to Heartland Mechanical Contractors, Inc. of Murphysboro, Illinois, in the Value Engineered amount of $1,058,464.00, as recommend by district architect Paul Lunsford.

Prior to the vote being taken Mr. Lunsford reviewed the bid award and the project details.  Following discussion, the roll call was taken. 

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

Baseball Field Turf and Renovations Bid Award: A motion was made by Swims, and seconded by Flowers, to acknowledge receipt of the bids received for the Baseball Field Turf and Renovations; and, to award the bid to the lowest responsible bidder as presented by district architect Paul Lunsford from Byrne & Jones Sports Construction of St. Louis, MO, in the amount of $606,017.50.

Prior to the vote being taken Mr. Lunsford reviewed the bid award and the project details for the Board.  Following discussion, the roll call was taken. 

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

Approval of ESSER Grant III Projects: A motion was made by Flowers, and seconded by Tsung, to submit the following proposed ESSER Grant III projects for approval:

1. Approximately 1 million dollars in allocations to address learning loss due to lost instructional time from the pandemic.

2. Approximately 1.5 million dollars in allocations to address air quality improvements for the District.

3. Approximately 2.5 million dollars in allocations to address space and distancing capital projects.

Prior to the vote being taken Mr. Booth reviewed the ESSER Grant III and the proposed projects.  Mr. Lunsford reviewed the bid process and the project details.  Following discussion, the roll call was taken. 

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

Presentation of the 2021-22 Tentative Budget for Public Display: Financial Officer Ray Toliver Jr. reviewed the 2021-22 proposed budget for the Board from his remote location. Member Flowers commended Mr. Toliver on his presentation.

Motion by VanWinkle, seconded by Swims, to receive the tentative budget for the 2021-22 school year, place it on display for the public at the district office, the high school office, and the Carbondale Public Library, and to hold a public hearing on Thursday, September 23, 2021 at 6:00 p.m. in the high school         cafeteria.  Roll call: VanWinkle, Flowers, Galan, Sabens, Swims and Tsung voted yes.  Nay, none. Motion carried.

Approval of 2021 August Graduates: Motion by Swims, seconded by Tsung, to approve the following students for official graduation on August 19, 2021: Salah Albanna, Caitlin Ames, Kaden Buckner, Christina Clark, Amarion Durham, Ikaria Garner, Mohammad Ibrahim, Undrea Jackson, Cassidy Lauderdale, Jacob Lee, Tatyana Muzinich, Cassidy Patton, Ivy, Pelissier, Rayneisha Penn, Jacob Phillips, Priscilla Williams and Miranda Wright.  Roll call: Flowers, Galan, Sabens, Swims, Tsung and VanWinkle voted yes. Nay, none. Motion carried.

FY21 PA 96-0434/PA 97-0609 Compensation Report: The Board received a copy of the FY21 PA 96-0434/PA 97-0609 Compensation Report for their review.

FY21 Admin./Teacher/Teacher Aide Salary and Benefits Report: The Board received a copy of the of the FY21 Administrator/Teacher/Teacher Aide Salary and Benefits for their review.

IASB PRESS Issue 107 Board Policy Updates-Second Reading/Adoption: Motion by Swims, seconded by flowers, to approve the IASB PRESS Issue 107 Board Policy Updates as presented. Roll call: voted yes.  Nay, none. Motion carried.  First reading of the IASB PRESS Issue 107 Board Policy Updates occurred at the July 15, 2021 Board of Education meeting.  Roll call: Galan, Sabens, Swims, Tsung, VanWinkle and Flowers voted yes. Nay, none. Motion carried.

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

a. Resignation of Unree Westley (Hall Monitor) effective July 15, 2021.
b. Retirement of Robin Mayhugh (Cook) effective August 2, 2021.
c. Resignation of Belinda Hickam (Cook) effective August 2, 2021.
d. Resignation of Victoria Carlock (Teacher Aide) effective August 3, 2021.
e. Resignation of Brad Walker (Head Girls Basketball Coach) effective August 11, 2021. 

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

Employment of Personnel

2021-22 Extra-Duty Personnel: Motion by Galan, seconded by Swims, to employ the following 2021-22 extra-duty personnel as presented:

Physical Education Depart. Chair:  Scott Hankey $2,334.50
Junior Class Sponsors: Michelle Lewis $2,334.66, Rasheeda Love $2,334.66 and Shannon Simmons $2,334.66
Table Tennis Club Sponsor: Helen Bottje $368.00
Assistant Boys & Girls Track Coaches: DeAndre Smith $4,669.33, Ashley Ziegler $4,669.33 and Jason Perry $4,669.33

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

Teacher Aide: Motion by Swims, seconded by Tsung, to retroactively employ Jesse Krutsinger as a Teacher Aide effective August 12, 2021, at the rate of $13.80 per hour for the 2021-22 school year. Roll call: Tsung, VanWinkle, Flowers, Galan, Sabens and Swims voted yes. Nay, none. Motion carried.

Lead Industrial Maintenance Technician—Tabled

2021-22 Volunteers: Motion by Swims, seconded by Galan, to approve the following 2021-22 volunteer:  Micah Cherry – Volunteer Boys/Girls Cross Country Coach. Roll call: VanWinkle, Flowers, Galan, Sabens, Swims and Tsung voted yes. Nay, none.  Motion carried.

Closing Comments—None

September Board of Education Meeting: The September Board of Education meeting is Thursday, September 23, 2021 at 6:00 p.m.

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

Mr. Booth announced there would be no action following the executive session and that the public portion of the meeting would adjourn immediately following it.

The public portion of the meeting recessed at 7:19 p.m. The executive session convened at 7:27 p.m. The executive session adjourned, and the public portion of the meeting convened at 8:14 p.m. President Sabens stated no action was taken while in executive session.

Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at 8:15 p.m.

MINUTES APPROVED: September 23, 2021

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Attachment #1

Dear CCHS School Board members,                                                                  July 29, 2021

In unanimously approving the Resolution Affirming Carbondale Community High School District #165 Board of Education's commitment to Eliminate Racial Injustice in July 2020, this Board made a commitment to identify racial bias in the high school's culture and take specific actions to eliminate it. The resolution sets a high bar that we of the Race Unity Group of Carbondale wholeheartedly support!

We applaud the formation of a Committee to study the School Resource Officer position announced at the July board meeting, one year after the passage of the Resolution, and feel heartened and hopeful that actual steps will now be taken toward the goals of the Resolution. 

We appreciated the specific reference in July's Board meeting, to the school-to-prison pipeline and the stated intention to ensure that the SRO position, if it continues to exist, does not reinforce that process by which too many of our African American youth are interrupted in their growth to adulthood and contributing citizenship. 

We noted with some apprehension, the emphasis on “myth-busting” and would be most disappointed if the committee became simply a vehicle for explaining or justifying the SRO position. It is our hope and expectation that the Committee will engage in a deep and genuine dialogue about the pros and cons of the position, and extensively examine the national dialogue taking place about best practices for high school campus cultures that strive for racial equity and respect, and do not tolerate the racial inequity that exists in the CCHS discipline statistics. To ensure this, we ask that the Committee include community, parent, and student members. In addition, we believe it is important that the Committee reflect the racial makeup of the high school. 

Among the many topics which the Committee will need to study, we submit that it will be essential to review whatever specific incidents have already occurred in which the SRO has been involved. This will provide the clearest evidence about how the officer actually functions in the day-to-day high school milieu. 

We would like to recommend two members of our group for the Committee; Chastity Mays, with a student currently at the high school, and Kathy Neely, whose young adult children are CCHS graduates. 

Lastly, while the work of this SRO committee is vital, there are a myriad of other specific and measurable actions than can and need to be taken if the CCHS board is seriously committed to its July 2020 Resolution to Eliminate Racial Injustice.  We are eager to be of any assistance in naming those goals and bringing them to completion so that all of Carbondale’s young people receive an excellent education that includes their story, taught by teachers who look like them, and in an environment that celebrates who they are. 

Sincerely,

Carbondale Race Unity Group

Laura Basanta   Jill Berube   Fern Chappell   Ken & Vern Cline   Al Crim   Walter Green   Karen Knodt

Ella Lacey   Chastity Mays   Kathy Neely   Emily Stafford   Micki Weaver