April 2023 School Board Meeting Minutes

MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL MEETING OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION CARBONDALE COMMUNITY HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT 165, CARBONDALE, ILLINOIS HELD APRIL 13, 2023

The special 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, April 13, 2023, at 6:00 p.m. Upon roll call, the following members were present:

Rania Dababneh                 Christopher Swims 
Linda Flowers (Virtual)        Francis Tsung 
Wendell Pohlman               Julie VanWinkle

The following member was absent: Lana Galan

Also present were:

Daniel Booth                     Ray Toliver, Jr.

President VanWinkle declared a quorum present and the special meeting of April 13, 2023, was called to order.

Public Comments—None

Rescheduling of May Board of Education Meeting: Motion by Dababneh, seconded by Swims, to reschedule the May 25, 2023, regular Board of Education meeting to Tuesday, May 16, 2023, at 6:00 p. in the Carbondale Community High School Cafeteria.  Roll call:  Dababneh, Pohlman, Swims, Tsung, VanWinkle and Flowers voted yes. Nay, none. Motion carried.  

Presentation of 2022-23 Amended Budget for Public Display: Ray Toliver reviewed the 2022-23 Amended Budget for the Board.

Motion by Pohlman, seconded by Tsung, to receive the amended budget for the 2022-23 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 Tuesday, May 16, 2023, at 6:00 p.m. in the high school cafeteria. Roll call: Flowers, Pohlman, Swims, Tsung, VanWinkle and Dababneh voted yes. Nay, none. Motion carried.

Employment of 2023-24 Extra-Duty Personnel: Motion by Swims, seconded by Tsung, to employ the following 2023-24 extra-duty personnel as presented:  Head Boys Basketball Coach: Jim Miller $9,924.00 Roll call: Pohlman, Swims, Tsung, VanWinkle, Dababneh and Flowers voted yes. Nay, none. Motion carried.            

Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at 6:19 p.m.

APPROVED: April 27, 2023

*************************************************************************

MINUTES OF THE REGULAR RESCHEDULED MEETING OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION OF CARBONDALE COMMUNITY HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT 165, CARBONDALE, ILLINOIS HELD APRIL 27, 2023

The regular rescheduled 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, April 27, 2023, at 6:00 p.m.

Upon roll call, the following members were present:

Rania Dababneh                      Christopher Swims (Virtual) 
Linda Flowers (Virtual)             Francis Tsung 
Lana Galan                             Julie VanWinkle 
Wendell Pohlman

Also present:

Daniel Booth                           Ethan Graham
Ray Toliver, Jr.                         Michelle Buchheit
Ryan Thomas                         

President VanWinkle declared a quorum present and the regular rescheduled meeting of April 27, 2023 was called to order.

Canvass of Votes for April 4, 2023 Election: The Board received the Canvass of Votes for the April 4, 2023, election. The canvass of votes represents official notification to the District of the election of Board of Education members, Linda Flowers, Lana Galan and Christopher Swims, to serve four-year terms (2023-2027).

Adjourn Current Board of Education Sine Die: Motion by Pohlman, seconded by Tsung, to adjourn the current Board of Education sine die.  Roll call: Dababneh, Flowers, Galan, Pohlman, Swims, Tsung and VanWinkle voted yes.  Nay, none. Motion carried.

Reorganization of Board of Education and Election of Officers:

Call to Order and Roll Call: Resigning President VanWinkle called the meeting to order and requested a roll call of the members of the Board of Education.

Upon roll call, the following members were present:

Rania Dababneh                      Christopher Swims (Virtual) 
Linda Flowers (Virtual)             Francis Tsung 
Lana Galan                             Julie VanWinkle 
Wendell Pohlman

Oath of Office: Superintendent Booth administered the Oath of Office to the re-elected Board of Education Members Linda Flowers, Lana Galan and Christopher Swims.

Seating of Re-elected Board of Ed. Members: The re-elected Board of Education members Linda Flowers, Lana Galan and Christopher Swims were officially seated and took office.

Roll Call of New Board of Education: Superintendent Booth requested a roll call of the new Board of Education. The following members were present:

Rania Dababneh                      Christopher Swims (Virtual) 
Linda Flowers (Virtual)             Francis Tsung 
Lana Galan                             Julie VanWinkle 
Wendell Pohlman

President Pro Tem: Superintendent Booth served as President Pro Tem for the election of President.

Election of President: Christopher Swims nominated Julie VanWinkle President to serve a two-year term and Linda Flowers seconded the nomination.  All members said yes. and no one opposed.  Motion carried. President Julie VanWinkle took office.

Election of Vice President: Motion by Pohlman, seconded by Dababneh, to elect Christopher Swims as Vice President to serve a two-year term.  Roll call: Dababneh, Flowers, Galan, Pohlman, Swims, Tsung and VanWinkle voted yes. Nay, none. Motion carried. Vice President Christopher Swims took office.

Election of Secretary: Member Swims made a motion to elect Linda Flowers as Secretary to serve a two-year term. Member Flowers declined. 

Motion by Dababneh, seconded by VanWinkle, to elect Wendell Pohlman as Secretary to serve a two-year term.  Roll call: Flowers, Galan, Pohlman, Swims, Tsung, VanWinkle and Dababneh voted yes. Nay, none. Motion carried.  Secretary Wendell Pohlman took office.

Appointment of School Treasurer and Recording Secretary: Motion by Pohlman, seconded by Galan, to appoint Ray Toliver, Jr. as School Treasurer and Lucia Kelso as Recording Secretary. Roll call: Galan, Pohlman, Swims, Tsung, VanWinkle, Dababneh and Flowers voted yes. Nay, none. Motion carried.

Standing Policies and Existing Contracts of the Board of Education: President VanWinkle stated all standing policies and existing contracts of the Board of Education would remain in force.

Establishment of Regular Board of Education Meeting Calendar: Motion by Pohlman, seconded by Tsung, to schedule the Board of Education meetings at 6:00 p.m., in the Carbondale Community High School Cafeteria, 1301 East Walnut Street, Carbondale, Illinois, on the following dates:

Tuesday, May 16, 2023 
Thursday, June 15, 2023 
Thursday, July 20, 2023 
Thursday, August 17, 2023 
Thursday, September 21, 2023 
Thursday, October 19, 2023 
Thursday, November 9, 2023 
Thursday, December 14, 2023 
Thursday, January 18, 2024 
Thursday, February 15, 2024 
Thursday, March 21, 2024 
Thursday, April 18, 2024 
Thursday, May 23, 2024 
Thursday, June 20, 2024

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

Appointment of Committees: Committees will be appointed by the President as needed.

Approval of Minutes: Motion by Tsung, seconded by Pohlman, to approve the minutes of the rescheduled regular meeting and executive session of March 23, 2023, and the special meeting of April 13, 2023. Roll call: Swims, Tsung, VanWinkle, Dababneh, Flowers, Galan and Pohlman voted yes. Nay, none. Motion carried.

Old Business—None

New Business

Public Comments—None

FOIA Requests: The Board received a listing of the 2022-23 FOIA requests received to date.

Payment of Bills: Motion by Tsung, seconded by Pohlman, to pay the remaining bills for the month of March 2023; and, those available for payment for the month of April 2023. Roll call: Tsung, VanWinkle, Dababneh, Flowers, Galan, Pohlman and Swims voted yes. Nay, none.  Motion carried.

ESSER II and ESSER III Grant Expenditures: The Board received an update on the ESSER II Grant and ESSER III Grant expenditures.

Principal’s Report: Mr. Thomas reported on the following:

●The spring musical, James and the Giant Peach, was a success.

●The World Youth in Science and Engineering (WYSE) took 2nd place in their divisions at state competition.

●Seniors, Ryan Hawk and Nina Brown-Covington were recognized at the Principals Association banquet.

●Nine students qualified for the National History Fair at the University of Maryland in June. They are Clark Anderson, Connor Henry, Joycelyn Lin, Bodhi Tabor, Devin Whaley, Sam Byrd, Theodor Martin, Olivia Mathias and Daniel Pitafi.

●J.R. Jarvis received a Gold Medal in the National Scholastic Art and Writing Competition at Carnegie Hall, New York City.

●19 Students qualified for the FBLA State Competition Nationals in Atlanta, GA in June, including seven 1st place State Champions. They are Isabelle Hou, Theodor Martin, Michelle Wang, Sydney Davis, Daniel Pitafi, Sam Mathias and Zoya Chowdury. The team was 1st Place Gold Seal Chapter.

●Aiden Taylor was named to the IHSA All-State Academic Team.

Superintendent’s Report: Mr. Booth reviewed his Superintendent’s Report for the Board:

Construction Updates

Maintenance Shed: Interior work has begun.

Roof Replacement: Project completed.

Summer Projects
1. C-Wing stair replacement 
2. Exterior structural steel paint (Health Life Safety Project) 
3. Kitchen floor epoxy (Health Life Safety Project) 
4. H-Hallway sound clouds 
5. CTE addition (pending Board approval)

“Swatting” Call/Code Yellow
Mr. Booth said he was very proud of the campus response, in conjunction with the Carbondale Police Department to the hoax threatening call made on April 12, 2023. He said the coordinated response was effective and efficient. He said reflection after the event will assist the administration in continuing to train should something of this sort occur again. He said as always, response times to these events are of the most importance, and the campus reactions to this incident were immediate with Officer Dillow on campus.

Strategic Planning Progress 
The following updates will be given to the Board on the Strategic Plan: 
May: Goal Five Action Plan Update 
June: Year End Action Plan Update 
July: Superintendent Evaluation

Strategic Plan: Goal Four Action Plan Update: Mr. Booth reviewed the Strategic Plan: Goal Four Action Plan Update PowerPoint presentation for the Board.

Strategic Plan Goal Four 
--Cultivate partnerships with families and the community to support and expand learning opportunities for students. 
--Strategy 7: Strengthen relationships with families through increased education, engagement and outreach. 
--Strategy 8: Enhance life, college, and career readiness through enhanced relationships with SIU, JALC, SIH, and other community businesses and partners. 
--Champion: Daniel Booth 
--Co-Champion: Gwen Poore 
--Action Team Members: Christi McGee, Matthew Wilson, Stephanie Dillow, Dawn Taylor, Bryan Lee, Judy Major, Jessie Anderson, Jenna Jamieson and Lyndsey Walls

--Goal 4/Strategy 7 Action Plan:

Investigating (Getting Ready)

1. Investigating 21st century tools and strategies for increasing parent engagement and outreach.

August 26 Parent and Community Meet and Greet event from 4-7 p.m. 
--Vision for the event is to open the school up to parents and the community to begin the year on a positive note. 
--Parents/Guardians will have a chance to see the building and meet teachers as the year is starting. Points of best contact can be shared to start a relationship with the parent and family before there is an issue in the classroom.

Parent Teacher Conference Events on November 4-12:30-3:00 p.m. and November 7-4:00-7:00 p.m. 
--Assist with planning and organizing Parent Teacher Conferences so that parents feel welcomed and prepared for the event. Remove barriers to attendance.

Developing (Plan)

1. Develop a plan to increase parent participation at events and on the 5 Essentials survey.

2. Organize Community Meet and Greet Event.

3. Develop a plan to increase attendance at Parent Teacher Conferences and Freshman Parent Night. 
--How can these events be advertised? 
--How can we support teachers in preparing for the event? 
--How can we support parents in preparing for the event? Sample questions, FAQ, etc. 
--What kinds of activities and food should be available? 
--Transportation Options? --Prizes and Giveaways? 

Implementing (Do-Study-Act)

1. Set measurements and targets for parent participation.

--Goal 4/Strategy 7 Action Plan:

Investigating (Getting Ready)

1. Investigate how to enhance our freshman orientation, induction, and mentoring systems.

Freshman Orientation Parent Night Date February 15 
--Assist parents and the CCHS school community in planning for this event. It is many parents first point of contact with the District and we need to make it count!

Developing (Plan)

1. Develop a process to communicate and assess activities. 
--How can these events be advertised? 
--How can we support teachers in preparing for the event? 
--How can we support parents in preparing for the event? Sample questions, FAQ, etc. 
--What kinds of activities and food should be available?  
--Transportation Options? 
--Prizes and Giveaways?

Implementing (Do-Study-Act)

1. Set measurements and targets for parent participation.

--Goal 4/Strategy 8 Action Plan:

Investigating (Getting Ready)

1. Investigate ways to collaborate with SIU, JALC, SIH and Trade Unions to stimulate career awareness.

2. Investigate how other school districts work with community partners to do job shadowing events for students. (This could potentially turn into a one-day event for seniors.) 
--Explore College and Career Pathway Endorsements.

Developing (Plan)

1. Document a process to help students identify career options they would be interested in learning about.

2. Create a plan/system for every student to have at least one job shadowing experience before graduation.

Implementing (Do-Study-Act)

1. Identify guest speakers to periodically come into the school to enhance career awareness.

2. Plan and execute a career exploration event for students.

--Goal 4 Key Performance Indicators:

1. 5 Essentials Family Participation 
--Percentage of parents completing the 5 Essentials Survey of Family Satisfaction. Target is 22%.   
--2019-20: 20.5% 
--2020-21: 20.4% 
--2021-22: 22.3%

2. Donations Received. Target is $100,000 
-- Dollars raised by the district’s Foundation annually. 
--2021-22: $88,800.00

--Goal 4 Accomplishments:

--Meet and Greet event in August was successful and will be continued and expanded in 2023-24.

--A baseline number was set for Parent Teacher Conference attendance which will allow a target to be set for the 2023-24 school year.

--164 Parents booked at least one appointment (16.8% of students had a parent book an appointment)

-- Parent Teacher Conference will be expanded to be held both semesters next school year.

--Increased parent participation on 5 Essentials by 5% year over year by increased advertisement.

--Goal 4 Next Steps:

--Reflect on 2022-23 school year.

--Complete an updated Action Plan for the 2023-24 school year.

--Establish team membership for the 2023-24 school year.

--Set KPI’s and targets for the 2023-24 school year.

--Implement Action Plan for the 2023-24 school year.

--Strategic Plan Next Steps:

--Goal 5 presentation at May Board of Education meeting.

--End of year recap at June Board of Education meeting.

--Recruit new goal teams for the 2023-24 school year.

--Adjust KPI’s and targets for the 2023-24 school year.

--Complete Action Plans for implementation during the 2023-24 school year.

Member Leaves Meeting: Member Swims left the meeting at 6:44 p.m.

2023 Board of Education Student Artwork Purchase Award: Motion by Tsung, seconded by Pohlman, to approve the annual student artwork purchase award ($200) as presented.  Roll call: VanWinkle, Dababneh,Flowers, Galan, Pohlman, Swims and Tsung voted yes. Nay, none. Motion carried.

2022-23 Agricultural Education Dept.: Michelle Buchheit reviewed the 2022-23 Agricultural Education Department Report for the Board.

Permission to Solicit Bids for 2023-24 Milk and Bread Products: Motion by Pohlman, seconded by Galan, to solicit bids for 2023-24 milk and bread products as presented. Roll call: Dababneh, Flowers, Galan, Pohlman, Tsung and VanWinkle voted yes. Nay, none. Motion carried.

District Van Bid Award: Motion by Galan, seconded by Tsung, to acknowledge receipt of the bids received for two district seven-passenger minivans; and, to award the bid to the lowest responsible bidder, Ike Honda, in the amount of $79,046.52 as presented.  Roll call: Flowers, Galan, Pohlman, Tsung, VanWinkle and Dababneh voted yes. Nay, none. Motion carried.

C-Wing Stair Replacement Bid Award: Motion by Pohlman, seconded by Galan, to acknowledge receipt of the bids received for the C-Wing stair replacement; and, to award Lake Contracting the General Contract to complete the C-Wing stair replacement, and ESI Steel and Fabrication the bid to supply steel for the project, as presented by District Architect Paul Lunsford. Roll call: Galan, Pohlman, Tsung, VanWinkle, Dababneh and Flowers voted yes. Nay, none. Motion carried.

2022-23 Amended School Calendar: Motion by Tsung, seconded by Galan, to approve the 2022-23 Amended School Calendar as presented. Roll call: Pohlman, Tsung, VanWinkle, Dababneh, Flowers and Galan voted yes. Nay, none. Motion carried.

2023-24 Annual COPE Safe Schools Program Intergovernmental Agreement: Motion by Tsung, seconded by Galan, to approve the 2023-24 Annual Intergovernmental Agreement for School Districts Jackson-Perry Regional Office of Education COPE Safe Schools Program as presented. Roll call: Tsung, VanWinkle, Dababneh, Flowers, Galan and Pohlman voted yes.  Nay, none. Motion carried.

2023-24 Annual Project SOAR Alternative Educ. Program Intergovernmental Agreement: Motion by Galan, seconded by Tsung, to approve the 2023-24 Annual             Intergovernmental Agreement for School Districts Regional Office of Education Education #30 Project SOAR Alternative Educational Program as presented.

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

2023-24 Terrier Times Memorandum of Understanding: Motion by Pohlman, seconded by Galan, to approve the Memorandum of Understanding with the CCHSEA to implement the Terrier Time activity period for the 2023-24 school year as presented. Roll call: Dababneh, Flowers, Galan, Pohlman, Tsung and VanWinkle voted yes. Nay, none. Motion carried.

IASB PRESS Issue 111 Board Policy Manual Updates—First Reading: The Board received IASB PRESS Issue 111 Board Policy Manual updates for their review.  Final adoption of IASB PRESS Issue 111 Board Policy Manual updates will occur at the May 16, 2023, Board of Education meeting.

Carbondale Holiday Showcase 2023-24 Agreement: Mr. Booth reviewed the status of the Carbondale Holiday Tournament for the Board.  He said over the years, the Carbondale Holiday Tournament went from

one of the only tournaments in the state and the premier holiday tournament in southern Illinois to one of many tournaments in the area that local teams didn't feel like they could compete in due to their size.  After COVID and poor attendance at the event at the SIU Arena, the format changed to a shared tournament with Marion High School in the last two years. This event was called the Route 13 Classic.  

Last year COVID kept CCHS from competing but this year CCHS was able to have a decent event.  Even with this year being a decent event with sponsorship support, the Athletic Department only realized about a $5 profit.  This is better than losing money but Marion High School shared that they did not want to continue the partnership in the future, and they were planning to join a holiday tournament that was already existing. 

Not long after this news from Marion, CCHS received an invite to the Collinsville Holiday Tournament in Collinsville, Illinois.  They wanted CCHS to come to their Christmas Tournament and needed to secure our spot as soon as possible. Mrs. Poore felt that this would be a good time to make this transition so that teams who were in the Carbondale/Marion Route 13 Classic could begin the process of finding events to participate in.  There are no local teams committed to attending the Carbondale Tournament next year. Local teams are what assist CCHS in having a good profit in local events.  Due to these circumstances, next year the CCHS boys' basketball team will not be hosting a Holiday Tournament and will be attending the Collinsville Holiday Tournament. 

Mr. Booth said as an alternative to the Holiday Tournament, CCHS Alum Dan Cross Jr., an Orlando, Florida resident, had been in talks with Mrs. Poore about putting together a two-day shootout in December on the CCHS campus.  He directs tournaments in Florida and shared that he would put the shootout together and take all the risk in profits if we allowed him to use our facility. This means that CCHS would allow him to use our space through our facility use process, and CCHS would assist Mr. Cross in planning the event.  He will use sponsorships and gate revenue to pay workers, and teams to attend the event. CCHS would run concessions and would be able to keep those profits. 

Mr. Booth requested that CCHS try this for one year to see how it goes.  He said the vision will be to have some sort of South 7 vs. River to River conference challenge with local competition that can bring a crowd in-house.

Motion by Galan, seconded by Tsung, to approve the Carbondale Holiday Showcase Agreement between CCHS and Dan Cross, Jr. for the 2023-24 school year as presented. Roll call: Flowers, Galan, Pohlman, Tsung, VanWinkle and Dababneh voted yes. Nay, none. Motion carried.

Resolution for the Disposal of Surplus Personal Property (Kindles/Tubs): Motion by Pohlman, seconded by Galan, to approve the Resolution for The Disposal of Surplus Personal Property (Kindles/Tubs) as presented. Roll call: Galan, Pohlman, Tsung, VanWinkle, Dababneh and Flowers voted yes. Nay, none. Motion carried.

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

a. Resignation of Zachary O’Hagan (teacher aide/hall monitor) effective April 25, 2023. 
b. Retirement of Rebecca Cissell (Secretary to the Principal) effective July 5, 2023. 
c. Resignation of Melissa Cronin (Faculty Secretary) effective September 1, 2023.

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

Position Transfer: Motion by Galan, seconded by Pohlman, to transfer Thor Hadfield from his as Assistant Athletic Director to the position of Maintenance Technician effective July 1, 2023, at the rate of $17.50 per hour for the 2023-24 school year.  Roll call: Tsung, VanWinkle, Dababneh, Flowers, Galan and Pohlman voted yes. Nay, none. Motion carried.

Employment of 2022-23 Extra-Duty Personnel: Motion by Tsung, seconded by Galan, to employ the following 2022-23 Extra-Duty Personnel as presented: Kevin Stamp-Summer Weight Room Supervisor $2,335.00. Roll call: VanWinkle, Dababneh, Flowers, Galan, Pohlman and Tsung voted yes. Nay, none. Motion carried.

Employment of 2023-24 Personnel

Assistant Principal: Motion by Tsung, seconded by Pohlman, to employ Joseph Williams, pending receipt of his Illinois Professional Educator License, as a 10.5-month Assistant Principal with a salary of $84,836.00 for the 2023-24 school year. Roll call: Dababneh, Flowers, Galan, Pohlman, Tsung and VanWinkle voted yes. Nay, none. Motion carried.

Art/CTE Teacher: Motion by Pohlman, seconded by Galan, to employ Levi Biedermann as a full-time Art/Career and Technical Education Teacher for the 2023-24 school year. Mr. Biedermann’s education and experience will place him at Line 7, Column BA/BS on the 2023-24 Teacher Salary Schedule. Roll call: Flowers, Galan, Pohlman, Tsung, VanWinkle and Dababneh voted yes. Nay, none. Motion carried.

2022-23 Volunteers—None 

Executive Session—None  

For Your Information Items

Fine Arts Night:  May 2, 2023, from 5:00-9:00 p.m. 

Awards Night Ceremony: Thursday, May 4, 2023, at 6:00 p.m., at the Carbondale Civic Center 

CCHS and Chamber of Commerce Student Job Fair: May 9, 2023. New Board of Education Meeting: Thursday, May 16, 2023, at 6:00 p.m. 

CCHS Graduation Ceremony: Saturday, May 20, 2023, at 3:00 p.m., at the SIU Banterra Center  

Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at 8:01 p.m.

MINUTES APPROVED: MAY 16, 2023