March 2026
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION CARBONDALE COMMUNITY HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT 165, CARBONDALE, ILLINOIS HELD MARCH 19, 2026 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, March 19, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. Upon roll call, the following members were present:
Linda Flowers Neophansya Robinson (Virtual)
Paul Frazier (Virtual) Christopher E. Swims
Lana Galan (Virtual) Julie Womick VanWinkle
Wendell Pohlman
Also present were:
Daniel Booth Lena Dierks
Ray Toliver, Jr. Tyler Chance
Ryan Thomas
President VanWinkle declared a quorum present and the regular meeting of March 19, 2026, was called to order.
Member Leaves Meeting: Member Frazier left the meeting at 6:02 p.m. due to internet connection difficulties.
Approval of Minutes: Motion by Swims, seconded by Flowers, to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of February 19, 2026. Roll call: Flowers, Pohlman, Robinson, Swims and VanWinkle voted yes. Nay, none. Motion carried.
Old Business—None
Public Comments—None
Recognition of Jaxon Marlow-Evans and Dalia Roman: The Board recognized Jaxon Marlow-Evans and Dalia Roma for their successful athletic and academic careers at CCHS. The students reached the 1,000-career point mark in their basketball seasons this year. The students were presented with Board of Education recognition glasses.
FOIA Requests: The Board received a listing of the 2025-26 FOIA requests received to date.
Member Returns to Meeting: Member Frazier returned to the meeting virtually at 6:17 p.m.
Payment of Bills: Motion by Pohlman, seconded by Flowers, to pay the remaining bills for the month of February 2026; and, those available for payment for the month of March 2026. Roll call: Frazier, Pohlman, Robinson, Swims, VanWinkle and Flowers voted yes. Nay, none. motion carried.
Principal’s Report: Mr. Thomas shared the Parent Newsletter with the Board and reported on the current activities on campus, and upcoming important calendar dates.
Superintendent’s Report: Dr. Booth reviewed his Superintendent’s Report for the Board.
Construction Updates
1. Science Addition Progress: The science addition continues to move forward. Foundations and footings have been installed, rough plumbing is complete, and the masons have begun brickwork. Masons will remain on-site for the next three weeks, and ironworkers will begin erecting steel in conjunction with the Mason’s work.
2. Future Project Planning: We are currently working with the architect to model and budget plans for the following future projects:
1. Softball and Baseball Locker Rooms
2. Soccer Locker Rooms
3. Baseball and Softball Bleachers and Press Boxes
1. Expected cost for these projects will be around $1.4M.
4. 10-Year Health Life Safety Projects
Remote Learning Plan:
Dr. Booth reviewed the Remote Learning Plan (Attachment 1) developed by a committee of teachers representing each academic department at CCHS. Prior to bringing the plan to the Board for approval, the state of Illinois requires the following steps:
1. Hold a public hearing on the plan
2. Publish a notice indicating when the public hearing will be held
3. Send a notice about the plan to parents
4. Send a notice about the plan to the union
5. Obtain School Board approval of the plan
The plan must be submitted to the state for approval by September 1, and as a result, the district will likely need to conduct a public hearing in June or July in preparation for the 2026–27 school year if the Board wants to consider implementing a plan next school year.
Tentative timeline for gathering feedback on the Remote Learning Plan if the Board is interested in considering this option in the future:
February Board Meeting: Share the plan with the Board for initial review so members can prepare questions and comments.
March Board Meeting: Include the plan in the Board packet and allow time for open discussion. Gather any additional information the Board requests prior to consideration of a Remote Learning Plan.
April Board Meeting: Include the plan in the Board packet again and provide additional opportunities for Board questions or information requests. Following the meeting, distribute surveys and gather stakeholder input as requested.
May Board Meeting: Present the results of the information gathered and the feedback received.
June/July Board Meeting: Conduct the public hearing and bring the final recommendation to the Board. The specific month will be determined as the process progresses.
Board Discussion: Following Dr. Booth’s review, there were many questions and concerns discussed by the Board:
-- Chrome Books
-- Purchase cost and who pays for them; district or student; and what if they cannot afford to pay for it?
-- The maintenance cost and the personnel needed to maintain them.
-- Insurance cost and who pays for it; district or student; and what if they cannot afford to pay for it?--- Internet Access
-- What if families do not have internet access?
-- What if families have poor internet service, etc.?
-- What if faculty have poor internet service, etc.?
-- What would the cost be to provide internet access?
-- Cyber Security Concerns
-- Paper Instructional Packets vs. Online Instruction; is that an option?
-- How motivated will students be to do online learning when their parents are at work and not at home to supervise them?
-- How will students do online learning when their parents are at work, and they must babysit their siblings?
-- How will faculty do online instruction that have children at home to take care of?
-- How will the district support staff (clerical, cafeteria, aide, monitor and maintenance personnel) work from home?
Following discussion, it was decided to survey the students, families and support staff to learn their concerns and feedback on the Remote Plan.
February Board Data Update Reports: The Board received the February ADA and ADM Attendance Report and Terrier Tutoring Attendance Report in their Board packet.
Bids and Quotes—None
2025-26 Amended School Calendar: Motion by Pohlman, seconded by Flowers, to approve the 2025-26 Amended School Calendar as presented. Roll call: Pohlman, Robinson, Swims, VanWinkle, Flowers and Frazier voted yes. Nay, none. Motion carried.
2026-27 School Calendar: Motion by Flowers, seconded by Pohlman, to approve the 2026-27 School Calendar as presented. Roll call: Robinson, Swims, VanWinkle, Flowers and Frazier voted yes. Nay, none. Motion carried.
2026-27 IHSA Membership: Motion by Swims, seconded by Pohlman, to continue membership in the Illinois High School Association for the 2026-27 school year. Roll call: Swims, VanWinkle, Flowers, Frazier, Pohlman and voted yes. Nay, none. Motion carried.
Resignations/Retirements: Motion by Swims, seconded by Pohlman, to accept the following resignation and retirement letters as presented:
a. Resignation of Tres Hannah, Assistant Baseball Coach, effective March 13, 2026.
b. Resignation of Gregory Townsend, Band Teacher, effective at the end of the 2025-26 school year.
c. Retirement of Clyde Hurley, Mathematics Teacher, effective at the end of the 2025-26 summer school session.
Roll call: VanWinkle, Flowers, Frazier, Pohlman, Robinson and Swims voted yes. Nay, none. Motion carried.
Employment of 2025-26 Extra-Duty Personnel: Motion by Pohlman, seconded by Swims, to employ the following 2025-26 Extra-Duty Personnel as presented:
Assistant Baseball Coach: Alex Baughman $2,000.00
Smmer Weight Room Supervisor: Kevin Stamp $2,405.00
Roll call: Flowers, Frazier, Pohlman, Robinson, Swims and VanWinkle voted yes. Nay, none. Motion carried.
Employment of 2025-26 Rebound Liaison and Classroom Facilitator—Tabled to April 16, 2026
2025-26 Personnel to be Notified of Honorable Dismissal: Motion by Pohlman, seconded by Flowers, to honorably dismiss at the end of the 2025-26 school year, or current grant period, or current contract, the following personnel as presented, due to a discontinuance of services:
Temporary Faculty: Sandy Stanley
Rebound Grant Personnel: Chloe Baez, Stephanie Brown, Denise Diliberto, Matthew Duckworth, Jeleania Fields, Quentoria Hudson, Marissa Ivory, Danielle Jerolds, Sandra Snowden, Katherine Valliant and Kacie Williams
Roll call: Frazier, Pohlman, Robinson, Swims, VanWinkle and Flowers voted yes. Nay, none. Motion carried.
2026-27 Administrative Personnel Employment Contracts: Motion by Pohlman, seconded by Swims, to approve the following 2026-27 annual administrative personnel employment contracts as presented:
Tyler Chance, Assistant Principal
Lena Dierks, Dean of Students
Terica Doyle, Assistant Principal
Marshall Hunt, Assistant Principal
Mandy McKee, Special Education Director
Ryan Thomas, Principal
Ray Toliver Jr., Chief School Business Official
Roll call: Pohlman, Robinson, Swims, VanWinkle, Flowers and Frazier voted yes. Nay, none. Motion carried.
2026-27 Re-Employment of Tenured and Non-Tenured Faculty and Educational Support, Cafeteria, Maintenance, Aide and Monitor Personnel: Motion by Flowers, seconded by Swims, to re-employ the following tenured and non-tenured faculty and educational support, cafeteria, maintenance, aide and monitor personnel for the 2026-27 school year as presented:
Tenured Faculty:
Daron Absher, Mark Albertini, Jessica Anderson, Chris Apple, Dawn Bassett, Brenda Berg, Erik Berrey, Levi Biedermann, Michelle Buchheit, Leigh Burton, Charles Buss, Michael Butler, Aimee Ellis, Alyssa Garza, Betsy Geiselman, Linaya Germann, Katie Zamora-Godinez, Kasey Paris Green, Andrew Gwinup, Scott Hankey, Jeff Hansen, Eric Hanson, Crystal Harsy, Garrick Haywood, Tracy Hill, Robin Hughes, Brandi Jones, Meredith Jones, Haley Karayiannis, Jennifer Kennedy, Krystal Kill, Caitlyn Klaybor, Brenda Krutsinger, Bryan Lee, Melisa Lopez, Rasheeda Love, Judy Major, Cara Mannczynski, Stacie Massie, Christi McGee, Justin Merriman, Donald Moberley, Carrie Mueller, Leslie Neitzer, Melanie Nelson, Matthew Peck, Melinda Pierson, Kyle Povolish, Amy Prudencio, Jessica Pyatt, Lindsey Sears, Tracie Shackles, Shannon Simmons, DeAndre Smith, Greg Storm, Dawn Taylor, Joshua Taylor, Dallas Terry, Greg Townsend, Lyndsey Walls and Katrina Wood
Non-Tenured Faculty:
Faculty Completing 4th Year towards Tenure: Kamen Rosado
Faculty Completing 3rd Year towards Tenure: None
Faculty Completing 2nd Year towards Tenure: Chelsea Batchelor, Olivia Bradford, Zachary Clark, Cheryl Drue, Nicole Feng, Levi Milliron, Angelique Moeller, Carlie Page and Fayth Smith
Faculty Completing 1st Year towards Tenure: Maggie Biederman, Joanna Blair, Phen Grant, Catherine Jerrells, Kara Lazdinis, Rachel Norton, Eugenia Tomas, Jayden Touchette and Karly Williard
Educational Support Personnel: Caleb Belcher, Jessica Broderick, Fatima Calmese, Mindy Clark, LeAnne Gaydos, Michelle Gleim, Protean Greer, Verlena Greer, Crystal Hicks, Lucia Kelso, Kelly Lannom, Michelle Lewis, Clint Mifflin, Amy Morse, Sian Person, Jarrod Ritter, Heather Taylor, Katherine Vieceli, Rena Weller and Matthew Young
Aides: Jennifer Bennett, Paul Decker, Ben Harsy, TeeKae Kelly, Austin Knoob, Jesse Krutsinger, Sharon Lorinskas, Lafiet McDade, DeAnne Miller, DeMarcus Moore, Jeremey Moss, Daja Smith and Cory Williamson
Monitors: Marialice Jenkins, Kobe Lewis-Moss, Brynn Rogers, Andrew Smith and Kevin Stamp Cafeteria Personnel: Minni Bandera, Jerry Broski, Gregory Donahue, Sabrina Gordon, Derrick Hogan, T’Neesha Jefro and Beverly Moore
Maintenance Personnel: Eric Fowler, David Fuller, Thor Hadfield, Mike Heern and Khaled Skaf Restorative Practices and Student Support Specialist Personnel: Jimi Bradley and Tommy Holder Roll call: Robinson, Swims, VanWinkle, Flowers, Frazier and Pohlman voted yes. Nay, none. Motion carried.
2025-26 Volunteers: Motion by Pohlman, seconded by Flowers, to approve the following volunteers for the 2025-26 school year:
Christopher Borders: Volunteer Wrestling Coach
Aaron O’Dell: Volunteer Bass Fishing Boat Captain
Ben Gallo: Volunteer Bass Fishing Boat Captain
Jordan Lopez: Volunteer Track Coach
Jason Wright: Volunteer Bass Fishing Boat Captain
Roll call: Swims, VanWinkle, Flowers, Frazier, Pohlman and Robinson voted yes. Nay, none. Motion carried.
For Your Information Items:
The 2025 Top Ten Academic Student Recognition Program is Wednesday, April 1, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. in the gymnasium.
The next Board of Education Meeting is Thursday, April 16, 2026, at 6:00 p.m.
The 2026 IASB Constitution and Position Statement were included in the Board Members’ packets.
Executive Session: Motion by Swims, seconded by Flowers, 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)); and, to adjourn the Board of Education meeting at the conclusion of the executive session. Roll call: VanWinkle, Flowers, Frazier, Pohlman, Robinson and Swims voted yes. Nay, none. Motion carried.
The meeting recessed at 7:14 p.m. The executive session convened at 7:25 p.m. The executive session adjourned at 8:43 p.m.
Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at 8:44 p.m.
Minutes Approved: April 16, 2026
Attachment 1
Carbondale Community High School District #165 Remote Learning Plan
Carbondale Community High School faculty and administration have created a plan for remote learning days in accordance with the requirements set forth by the Illinois State Board of Education. Please address questions or concerns regarding the following guidelines to Mr. Ryan Thomas, Principal. These guidelines are subject to change as remote learning may be modified or amended by the Illinois State Board of Education.
The CCHS District #165 Remote Learning Plan proposal will: 1) ensure access for all students; ensure that the specific needs of all students are met, including special education students and English learners; ensure that all mandates are still met using the e‐Learning program adopted; and 2) contain provisions designed to reasonably and practicably accomplish the following:
1. Remote Learning Guidelines:
Remote learning will allow students to continue with academic progress when school is on a modified remote schedule due to inclement weather or other emergency day. Teachers will work to create relevant, meaningful, and manageable coursework. Activities will be varied according to the course, subject, skills, and knowledge involved in the lesson. For each class period, teachers will design their material and classwork to take 50 minutes. Participation in each class period’s assignment will result in a minimum of five hours of asynchronous learning for each student.
Each classroom teacher will have the autonomy to monitor electronic and non-electronic participation as is appropriate to their curriculum and subject area. Teachers will communicate with students using their Google Classroom and any other preferred methods of communication. Coursework will be posted online; other resources may be available to assist in completion of work to continue student learning.
Teachers are aware that each student’s family may have special circumstances and that unexpected events may occur. If your family has a unique circumstance, please communicate with your teacher via email so they can work with you to solve the problem.
Students should reach out to their assigned School Counselor, Social Worker, Speech Language Pathologist, or IEP Case Manager if they have concerns to address via email. These individuals will maintain already scheduled student appointments via Zoom if it is feasible, otherwise student appointments will be rescheduled for when school is back in session. School Counselors and Social Workers will reach out to students and families via email or text with grade or attendance concerns.
Parents/Guardians, along with teachers and students, are asked to remember that remote learning is designed to be flexible: if a student struggles with a concept or assignment and is unable to complete the work that day, parents should remind students to communicate with the teacher as soon as possible on how to meet requirements.
2. Students with IEP and/or Section 504 accommodations:
Students with IEP and/or Section 504 accommodations or other special needs will have assignments in
accordance with their individualized plans. Remote learning instruction may address IEP goals and some accommodations may need to be adapted from the school to home setting. Some programs/services may not be available through remote learning, such as OJT work program. Please feel free to contact your IEP Case Manager with any questions or concerns.
When a remote learning day assignment cannot completely replicate an in-session school day, efforts will be made to provide the support needed for particular students. For instance, if reading is a challenge for a student and the student has online access, the teacher may assign tasks on sites that will read text aloud. Special Education Case Managers and related service providers will partner with classroom teachers to ensure that accommodations and modifications to Individual E- Learning plans are made for each student with special needs on their caseload.
3. Attendance:
Terrier Time teachers will be utilized to take student attendance via a posted Google Form. Attendance forms will be posted by 9am and should be completed by students by 1pm. Attendance forms will include a question for each class period. (i.e. What is your 1st hour assignment? etc.) This is to ensure that students have checked all class assignments for the day and understand what they need to complete for each class. Terrier Time teachers will send a reminder email by 1:30pm to any students who have not submitted the attendance form. Teachers will post attendance no later than 3pm.
Notice for a Remote Learning Day that is necessary due to weather or other emergency will be shared with students and families through all-call/text alert, social media, email, district webpage, and news outlets by 10 pm the evening before. If notice cannot be provided by 10pm the evening before, CCHS may choose to participate in a traditional snow day. In the event of multi-day severe weather, limited Remote Attendance Days will be utilized.
For students with limited access to technology & connectivity, coursework will be due within two days of return to school. Chromebook checkout for students who need one will be available the day before.
4. Training and Access:
Training will be provided to staff during the Teacher Institute at the beginning of the school year. Students will be provided with information about Remote Learning Days during Terrier Time at the beginning of the school year, again at the beginning of the second semester, and leading up to an anticipated Remote Learning Day.
Teachers and students have access to Google Classroom, Google Slides, Google Docs, Google Forms, etc.. Online programs such as Google Classroom and Microsoft Teams, EdPuzzle, Socrative, NoRedInk, Math XL, etc. will continue to be used. All teachers shall be permitted into the building if it is a viable option per administration. Teachers and specialists will be available for support via email from 9:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M.
5. In preparation for Remote Learning, teachers have been asked to:
● Familiarize students with procedures explaining the procedures to complete assignments.
● Provide a timely plan, posting work for the school day by assigned 9am.
● Provide a curriculum that follows state E-learning standards and follows the course Roadmap.
● Plan for self-directed, independent learning with specific consideration for range and individual learning needs.
● Anticipate time requirements recognizing students learn at different paces, especially in an independent setting.
● Communicate with colleagues to ensure common expectations, communications, and protocols.
● Collaborate with case managers of diverse learners to differentiate assignments and/or expectations as needed.
● Teachers will be available 9am-2pm via email if a student is having trouble obtaining their work or needs assistance with work assigned for the course.
6. During Remote Learning, all teachers are asked to:
● Post work for the school day by 9am.
● Take attendance for their Terrier Time class and post by 3pm.
● Check for student and parent communication emails during the Remote Learning day.
● Continue your daily tasks such as grading, lesson planning, etc.
7. Student Lunch Availability: District will address this area.
8. Non-faculty employees: District will further address this area as well.
Non-faculty will work from home, unless in-person work assignments are established and it is safe to travel on an individual basis. Supervisors should offer professional development opportunities (online professional development modules, paper-based training materials, etc.) or specific offline tasks (assembling student materials, completing paperwork, etc.) to those staff members who are either unable to engage with students at home during E-Learning (a Teacher Aide without a home Internet connection, for example) or whose normal duties cannot be completed from home (Food Service staff, Hall Monitors, et al). These materials should be provided by the Supervisor prior to the E-Learning Day. All hourly staff members who meet the expectations established by their supervisors will receive their full daily compensation regardless of the actual number of hours worked. (No staff member will be required to work more than their regular number of hours without extra compensation.)
9. District, CCHSEA, and Parent Support, Approval, and Review: included as part of requirement of the plan, but will wait for the approval of the CCHSEA before moving forward with this plan at the district approval level.
A survey was completed by union members showing approval of creating a plan for remote learning in lieu of snow days. Each department was represented to create a plan that would then be presented to the union for approval.
The District will continue to make E- Learning Plans an agenda item at all school and District school improvement meetings. School Improvement Plan/SIP teams will review the implementation of this process to better support staff, students, and families for Remote Learning days. Feedback will be received from staff during building meetings. An email system will be created for troubleshooting Remote Learning and offering support for families. Principals will also have office hours for parents and guardians to connect via phone or email.
Parents will be able to provide feedback through a survey at the end of the year to determine effectiveness and needs for future Remote Learning days.
10. Schools may opt for e-learning days instead of traditional snow days for several reasons:
Maintaining Academic Continuity: E-learning allows students to continue their education even when physical attendance is not possible due to inclement weather, ensuring continuity in the learning process.
Preventing Disruption: Traditional snow days can disrupt the school calendar and curriculum schedule. E-learning days help minimize disruption by keeping students engaged in learning activities.
Making Up Lost Instructional Time: E-learning days enable schools to make up for lost instructional time without extending the school year or sacrificing holidays and breaks. In addition, remote learning provides an
opportunity for AP and dual-credit courses to remain on curriculum and not lose instructional days due to set AP test dates and JALC calendar. It will reduce lost instruction for seniors as well, as graduation has a set date.
Promoting Technological Proficiency: E-learning days provide an opportunity for students to develop their technological skills and familiarity with online learning platforms, which are increasingly important in today's digital world.
Flexibility: E-learning days offer flexibility in scheduling makeup days, allowing schools to tailor instruction to meet the needs of students and teachers.
Safety: E-learning days eliminate the need for students, teachers, and staff to travel in hazardous weather conditions, promoting safety and reducing the risk of accidents or injuries.
Educational Equity and Fairness: Implementing e-learning days ensures an equitable emphasis on the assessment and grading of students' academic performance across both the third and fourth quarters of the school year, promoting fairness and consistency in evaluating their progress.
11. Implementing e-learning days instead of traditional snow days can offer several benefits for students:
Continuity of Learning: E-learning days ensure that students can continue their education without interruptions caused by weather-related closures. This consistency helps students stay on track with their coursework and academic progress.
Flexibility: E-learning allows students to access educational materials and complete assignments at their own pace and according to their individual schedules. This flexibility can accommodate students' various learning styles and preferences, fostering a more personalized learning experience.
Development of Digital Skills: Engaging in e-learning activities helps students develop essential digital literacy skills, such as navigating online platforms, communicating effectively in digital environments, and critically evaluating online information. These skills are increasingly important in today's technology-driven world.
Self-Directed Learning: E-learning encourages students to take more ownership of their learning process. They learn to manage their time effectively, set goals, and take initiative in seeking out resources and information independently.
Preparation for the Future: By participating in e-learning days, students gain experience with remote learning technologies and practices, which can better prepare them for higher education and future careers. As remote work and online learning become more prevalent, these skills will be increasingly valuable.
Reduced Stress and Anxiety: Knowing that their education will not be disrupted by snow days can alleviate stress and anxiety for some students, as they can feel more confident in their ability to stay on top of their academic responsibilities.
Overall, e-learning days offer students the opportunity for continuous learning, personalized educational experiences, skill development, and preparation for the digital age, all while minimizing the impact of weather-related disruptions on their education.