May 2026
MINUTES OF THE RESCHEDULED REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION CARBONDALE COMMUNITY HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT 165, CARBONDALE, ILLINOIS HELD MAY 28, 2026
The rescheduled regular meeting of the Board of Education of Carbondale Community High School District 165 was held in the Cafeteria of Carbondale Community High School, 1301 East Walnut Street, Carbondale, Illinois, on Thursday, May 28, 2026, at 6:00 p.m.
Upon roll call, the following members were present:
Linda Flowers (Virtual) Neophansya Robinson (Virtual)
Paul Frazier Christopher S. Swims
Lana Galan Julie Womick VanWinkle
Wendell Pohlman
Also present:
Daniel Booth Ryan Thomas
Ray Toliver, Jr.
President VanWinkle declared a quorum present and the rescheduled regular meeting of May 28, 2026, was called to order.
2025-26 Scholarship and Award Recipients List: The Board received the 2025-26 Scholarship and Award Recipients List in their Board packet.
FOIA Requests: The Board received a listing of the 2025-26 FOIA requests received to date in their Board packet.
Payment of Bills: Motion by Swims, seconded by Pohlman, to pay the remaining bills for the month of April 2026; and, those available for payment for the month of May 2026. Roll call: Galan, Pohlman, Robinson, Swims, VanWinkle, Flowers and Frazier voted yes. Nay, none. Motion carried.
Principal’s Report: Mr. Thomas reported on the current activities occurring on campus.
Superintendent’s Report: Dr. Booth reviewed his Superintendent’s Report for the Board.
Science Addition Progress: The science addition continues to move forward. The masons are actively working on both exterior block and brick. The roofing, second-floor concrete, and window installation are expected to begin in the coming weeks. Projected completion is currently expected after the start of the first quarter of the 2026-27 school year.
Future Project Planning: The administration is currently working with the architect to model and budget plans for the following future projects:
• Softball and baseball locker rooms
• Soccer locker rooms
• Baseball and softball bleachers and press boxes
• 10-year Health Life Safety projects
The estimated cost for these projects is approximately $1.4 million.
Meetings will be scheduled with coaches from the programs listed above to gather input on needs and priorities.
Boiler and HVAC Assessment
Dr. Booth advised the Board that he was becoming increasingly concerned about ongoing issues with new HVAC equipment installed over the past five years, representing an investment of several million dollars. Many of these challenges appear to stem from underlying infrastructure rather than the equipment itself.
There are issues currently with boilers that were installed in 2022. A total of four units were replaced at that time at a cost of over
$400,000, with work completed by SI Piping. One boiler is currently performing poorly and may need to be taken out of service. There are also concerns with at least one additional unit. These systems should have a lifespan well beyond four years.
The potential root cause of the boiler issues is the quality of the water circulating through the system and its impact on piping and overall performance. The proposed future projects will likely be on hold until the outcome of this matter is determined.
Evidenced-Based Funding Model Article
Dr. Booth shared an article with the Board on the Evidence-Based Funding (EBF) Model. He said that he was sharing it because it identifies CCHS as the least adequately funded school district in the state.
He said that one way to understand this is simple: a lower percent adequacy means that a district is farther from meeting adequacy targets and, therefore, requires and receives more state assistance.
A higher percent adequacy means the district is closer to meeting adequacy and, as a result, requires and receives less state assistance. School districts are placed into one of four tiers to indicate their level of adequacy, with Tier 1 being the furthest from adequacy and in need of the most state assistance. School districts below 75.6% adequacy are placed in Tier 1; CCHS has historically hovered between 60% and 70%.
If the state increases funding, it will not necessarily result in additional net revenue. Instead, there will likely be an expectation that increased state funding replaces local property tax revenue. The Governor has expressed frustration that state investment in education has increased while property taxes continue to rise. However, this perspective does not fully account for years of underinvestment by the state, and recent increases have not been sufficient to offset those earlier shortfalls.
Dr. Booth said regardless, the district must be prepared for future changes. If the state increases funding for Carbondale, it will likely come with an expectation to reduce property taxes as the state assumes a larger share of the funding responsibility. Effectively, this would result in a net-neutral (“wash”) impact.
Remote Learning Survey Results
Recap of Prior Discussion:
As shared last month, the membership vote was 47–25 (65%–35%)
in favor of bringing a plan forward for Board consideration. Those opposed to remote learning days have expressed strong concerns about the loss of in-person instructional time.
Last month the Board reviewed the plan and held a 15-minute discussion to clarify questions and identify additional information needed. Key points included:
1. Ensuring all students have access to devices for remote learning
2. Ensuring reliable internet access for students
3. Similar concerns for faculty and staff working remotely
4. Student responsibilities at home (e.g., childcare) and potential impact on participation
5. Staff responsibilities for their own children during remote days
6. Expectations for staff during remote instruction, including concerns about limited engagement (e.g., being available only for questions while students complete assignments)
Following the discussion, the Board requested the administration to survey students and support staff regarding these concerns, and to bring the results back to the April Board meeting for further discussion.
Dr. Booth shared the results of the survey distributed to 9th–11th grade students. A summary, along with the raw data from participating students and support staff.
Summary of Remote Learning Surveys
Student Survey
• Students received the survey daily via email during Terrier Time from Monday, May 11th through Friday, May 15th.
• 312 students completed the survey
• 127 Juniors
• 92 Sophomores
• 93 Freshmen
Results of Survey Questions
Question: Reliable Internet?
• 84% - Yes to reliable internet
• 16% - No to reliable internet
Question: Device used to complete school work?
• 72% - Desktop or laptop
• 10% - Tablet or iPad
• 13% - Cell Phone
• 5% - No access to electronic device
Question: Responsible for caring for others?
• 42% - Yes
• 58% - No
Question: Additional reasons that make participation in remote learning difficult?
• 18% - Yes
• 82% - No
• Additional reasons that make participation in remote learning difficult consist of (most common to least common response):
• Work/school challenges at home
• Internet/technology issues
• Chores and family responsibilities
• Mental health, stress, and sleep
• Weather/safety concerns
• Wanting time off or snow days
• Family/work schedule conflicts
• Miscellaneous personal concerns
Question: Any additional information or insights?
• After filtering out the “no” responses, these are the additional comments (most common to least common response)
• Most students preferred in-person learning over remote learning.
• Students said they focus better and understand lessons more easily in the classroom.
• Many felt remote learning causes distractions, lower motivation, and less participation.
• Common concerns included internet/technology problems and difficulty staying engaged online.
• Most students opposed replacing snow days with virtual learning days.
• Students viewed snow days as an important break and part of the school experience.
• Some worried bad weather could make online learning difficult because of power outages or poor internet.
• A smaller number of students liked remote learning because it offers flexibility and self-paced work.
Support Staff Survey
• Support received the survey via email on Monday, May 11th and could respond until Friday, May 15th.
• 33 Support Staff completed the survey
• 17 Secretary/Office Support Staff
• 4 Instructional Aides
• 3 Hall Monitors
• 1 Cook
• 8 Rebound Instructor/Staff
Results of Survey Questions
Question: Reliable Internet?
• 88% - Yes to reliable internet
• 13% - No to reliable internet
Question: Device used to complete school work?
• 70% - Desktop or laptop
• 15% - Tablet or iPad
• 9% - Cell Phone
• 6% - No access to electronic device
Question: Responsible for caring for others?
• 16% - Yes
• 84% - No
Question: Additional barriers preventing work from home?
• 12% - Yes
• 88% - No
• Additional barriers that prevent staff from working from home:
• Work files are located at school – can’t access from home
• Distractions at home preventing work
• Second job
Following the review and discussion of the results of the surveys and raw data from the participating students and support staff the Board decided not to move forward with a public hearing on the Remote Learning Plan for the following reasons:
• There was discomfort with seeking public input when survey results indicated that not all students would have equitable access to remote learning. Specifically, 18% of students (surveyed) reported that they do not have access to an electronic device or would need to rely on a cell phone to participate.
• Additionally, 16% reported that they do not have reliable internet access at home. The Board did not feel comfortable moving forward with a plan that does not address these inequities and did not feel comfortable sharing the plan with the public without a solution to these issues.
In addition to these major concerns, the Board also discussed the following:
• 42% of surveyed students indicated they often have babysitting responsibilities on snow days, which could prevent them from fully engaging in remote learning.
• There was concern that the plan did not clearly include a direct instruction model. The Board felt that a system requiring students to seek help as needed would not provide sufficient oversight, engagement, or accountability to count as a full day of instruction.
• The Board also expressed concern about the expectation that some employee groups may not be able to fully perform their duties in a remote model. Questions were raised regarding both the financial impact and the fiscal responsibility of compensating employees who may not be working fully under this model.
The Board indicated that they would be open to reconsidering this option in the future if these concerns can be adequately addressed. However, at this time, there was not sufficient confidence to move the plan forward for public input without a clear path to resolving the issues outlined above.
April Board Data Reports: The Board received the April Student Attendance Report and Terrier Tutoring Student Attendance Report in their Board packet.
2025-26 Summer Enrichment Program/Credit Recovery Program: The Board received the 2025-26 Summer Enrichment Program/Credit Recovery Program information in their Board packet.
2025-26 Amended Budget: Motion by Galan, seconded by Swims, to approve the 2025-26 Amended Budget as presented. Roll call: Pohlman, Robinson, Swims, VanWinkle, Flowers, Frazier and Galan voted yes. Nay, none. Motion carried.
Signature Designee: Due to Members Flowers and Robinson attending the meeting virtually, Secretary Pohlman was authorized by them to serve as their signature designee to sign the amended budget that night.
IASB PRESS Issue 121 Board Policy Manual Updates—Second Reading/Adoption: Motion by Pohlman, seconded by Robinson, to approve the IASB PRESS Issue 121 Board Policy Manual updates as presented. Roll call: Robinson, Swims, VanWinkle, Flowers, Frazier, Galan and Pohlman voted yes, Nay, none. Motion carried.
2026-27 Board of Education Meeting Calendar: Motion by Swims, seconded by Pohlman, to approve the 2026-27 Board of Education Meeting Calendar as presented:
Location: Carbondale Community High School Cafeteria
1301 East Walnut Street, Carbondale, IL 62901
Time: 6:00 p.m.
Dates: Thursday, July 16, 2026
Thursday, August 20, 2026
Thursday, September 24, 2026
Thursday, October 15, 2026
Thursday, November 12, 2026
Thursday, December 17, 2026
Thursday, January 21, 2027
Thursday, February 18, 2027
Thursday, March 18, 2027
Thursday, April 15, 2027
Thursday, May 20, 2027
Thursday, June 17, 2027
Roll call: Swims, VanWinkle, Flowers, Frazier, Galan, Pohlman and Robinson voted yes. Nay, none. Motion carried.
Retirements/Resignations: Motion by Pohlman, seconded by Robinson, to accept the resignation letter from Benjamin Harsy, a teacher aide, effective May 22, 2026. Roll call: VanWinkle, Flowers, Frazier, Galan, Pohlman, Robinson and Swims voted yes. Nay, none. Motion carried.
Employment of 2025-26 Summer School Personnel: Motion by Pohlman, seconded by Swims, to employ the following 2025-26 summer school personnel as presented and subject to final enrollment numbers:
Driver Education: Classroom Instruction: June 4-30, 2026 (80 Hours)--Personnel: Olivia Bradford
Driver Education: Behind-the Wheel Instruction--Personnel: Mark Albertini, Olivia Bradford, Mike Butler, Paula Clark, Jeff Hansen, Greg Storm and Kim Wheeler
Hall Monitor Personnel: June 8-26, 2026--Personnel: Marialice Jenkins and Andrew Smith
Summer Enrichment Program (June 8-18, 2026) and Credit Recovery (June 8-26, 2026) Personnel--Personnel: Brandi Jones, Josh Taylor, Robin Hughes, Jessica Clark, AJ Rice, Rasheeda Love, Levi Milliron, Katie Godinez, Brynn Rogers, Bryan Lee, LeAnne Gaydos, DaMarcus Moore, Betsy Geiselman, Teekae Kelly, Levi Biedermann, Andrew Gwinup, Kobe Lewis-Moss, Karly Williard, Justin Merriman, Sharon Lorinskas, Carlie Page, Kamen Rosado, Gus Moss, Melinda Pierson, Amy Prudencio, Linaya Germann, Chelsea Batchelor, Brenda Krutsinger
Roll call: Flowers, Frazier, Galan, Pohlman, Robinson, Swims and VanWinkle voted yes. Nay, none. Motion carried.
2026-27 Curriculum Director: Motion by Pohlman, seconded by Swims, to employ Lena Dierks as the Curriculum Director, a 12-month position, for the 2026-27 school year, effective July 1, 2026-June 30, 2027. Roll call: Frazier, Galan, Pohlman, Robinson, Swims, VanWinkle and Flowers voted yes. Nay, none. Motion carried.
2026-27 Career & Technical Education Overload Section: Motion by Pohlman, seconded by Swims, to approve the 2026-27 Career & Technical Education overload section for Melanie Nelson at one-sixth her annual salary per the 2026-27 Teacher Salary Schedule. Roll call: Galan, Pohlman, Robinson, Swims, VanWinkle, Flowers and Frazier voted yes. Nay, none. Motion carried.
2026-27 Extra-Duty/Extended-Time Personnel: Motion by Swims, seconded by Frazier, to employ the following 2026-27 extra-duty/extended-time personnel as presented:
Head Boys Basketball Coach: Tommy Holder $10,222.00
Head Girls Basketball Coach: Tracy Hill $10,222.00
Boys Bowling Coach: Kevin Stamp $4,809.00
Girls Bowling Coach: Kevin Stamp $4,809.00
Cheerleading Coach: DeAnne Miller $6,615.00
Head Competition Cheerleading Coach: Alyssa Garza $4,809.00
Head Boys Cross Country Coach: Greg Storm $6,615.00
Head Girls Cross Country Coach: Greg Storm $6,615.00
Head Football Coach: Bryan Lee $10,222.00
Assistant Football Coach: Vinson Davis $2,000.00
Boys Golf Coach: Wendell Wheeler $4,809.00
Girls Golf Coach: Marialice Jenkins $4,809.00
Head Boys Soccer Coach: Jeff Hansen $6,615.00
Head Boys Tennis Coach: Mike Butler $6,615.00
Roll call: Pohlman, Robinson, VanWinkle, Flowers, Frazier and Galan voted yes. Nay, none. Motion carried.
2026-27 Summer Rebound Grant Personnel: Motion by Pohlman, seconded by Swims, to employ the following summer Rebound grant personnel for the period June 1-30, 2026, as presented:
Chloe Baez, Parent Educator Facilitator; 56 Hours @ $44.00/Hour
Stephanie Brown, PI Supervisor/Transition/ADA Facilitator; 105 Hours @ $44.00/Hour
Denise Diliberto, Social Studies Facilitator; 98 Hours @ $44.00/Hour
Matt Duckworth, Guidance Facilitator; 135 Hours @ $44.00/Hour
Jelenia Fields, Math Facilitator; 98 Hours @ $44.00/Hour
Quentoria Hudson, English Facilitator; 98 Hours @ $44.00/Hour
Marissa Ivory, Parent Educator; 105 Hours @ $44.00/Hour
Danielle Jerrolds, Restorative/Distance Facilitator; 63 Hours @ $44.00/Hour
Sandra Snowden, Rebound Director; 176 Hours @ $44.00/Hour
Katie Valliant, Parent Educator; 105 Hours @ $44.00/Hour
Kacie Williams, HSE/IET Facilitator; 56 Hours @ $44.00/Hour
Roll call: Robinson, Swims, VanWinkle, Flowers, Frazier, Galan and Pohlman voted yes. Nay, none. Motion carried.
2026-27 Volunteers: Motion by Swims, seconded by Pohlman, to approve the following 2026-27 volunteers as presented:
Jacari Henderson SIS (Sisters Inspiring Success) Scholar Mentor
Jariah Henderson SIS (Sisters Inspiring Success) Scholar Mentor
Roll call: Swims, VanWinkle, Flowers, Frazier, Galan, Pohlman and Robinson voted yes. Nay, none. Motion carried.
For Your Information Items:
Retirement Luncheon: Monday, June 1, 2026, at 1:00 p.m.
Next Board of Education Meeting: Thursday, June 18, 2026
Executive Session—None
Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at 7:39 p.m.
Approved: June 18, 2026