Carmi White County Community Unit School District 5 Board of Education met July 20.
Here is the minutes provided by the board:
The regular meeting of the board of education of Carmi-White County Community Unit District No. 5 was held at Carmi-White County Junior/Senior High School cafeteria. The meeting was called to order by President Andy Acord at 7:05 p.m.
RECITAL OF PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by all present.
Those present were board members Acord, Chapman, Fulkerson, Hammell, Hoskins, Mitchell and Scates. Others present were Superintendent Brad Lee, Dr. Amy Dixon, Jefferson and Lincoln Attendance Centers principal; Bart King, junior high school principal; Jarrod Newell, high school principal; Kathy Price, Brownsville principal; Lacey Moore, elementary dean of students; Todd Haley, junior/senior high school dean of students; Corey Ackerman, CWCEA president; Joy McCully, District Office administrative assistant; Rachel Blazier, unit secretary; Scott Mareing, reporter at Carmi Broadcasting Co.; Len Wells, reporter at The Carmi Chronicle; Kathy Sands, editor at The Villager’s Voice; and Robert Beskow; reporter at The Carmi Times. Others present were Officer David Agee, Cherie Barbre, April Benham, Michelle Burzynski, Debbie Bunting, Amber Carter, Jason Carter, Carmi Chief of Police; Bill Chapman, Keri Clark, Angela Cole, Cindy Colman, Adam Cross, Melissa Dartt, Emily Driscoll, Landon Driscoll, Maan Haywood, Pam Haywood, Jeremy Jordan, Alex Jovanovic, Brittany Jovanovic, Mike Rowe, Valinda Rowe, Kurt Simon, Stacy Simon, Randy Warrick, Melissa Williams, Adam Winkleman, Liam Woodham, Sheryl Woodham, and Eric Zieren,
CONSENT AGENDA APPROVED
Consent agenda item was presented to the board for its approval as follows:
1. Minutes of the June 15, 2020 regular board meeting
Motion by Hoskins, second by Fulkerson, that recommendations for consent agenda item as follows:
1. Minutes of the June 15, 2020 regular board meeting
be approved. Roll call vote: Fulkerson, yes; Hammell, yes; Hoskins, yes; Mitchell, yes; Scates, yes; Chapman, yes; Acord, yes. Motion carried.
BILLS APPROVED
An additional listing of bills that came in late was presented to the board for its review and approval.
Motion by Hammell, second by Mitchell, that the bills for the month of June 2020 be approved as listed. Roll call vote: Hammell, yes; Hoskins, yes; Mitchell, yes; Scates, yes; Chapman, yes; Fulkerson, yes; Acord, yes. Motion carried.
TREASURER’S REPORT
The treasurer’s report for the month of June 2020 was read as follows: Education Fund, $3,334,974; Building Fund, $189,803; Transportation Fund, $519,508; Municipal Retirement Fund, $1,211; Imprest Fund, $7,500; Tort Fund, $609,331; Debt Service Fund, $494,350; Working Cash Fund, $99,700; Fire Prevention and Safety Fund, $190,694; and Capital Projects, $755,378. Investments by Fund: Education Fund, $4,000,000; Building Fund, $600,000; Municipal Retirement Fund, $475,000; Working Cash Fund, $425,000; and Capital Projects, $1,000,000.
Superintendent Lee provided board members with a breakdown of receipts for the month of June 2020. The Education Fund received $641,921. June is the last month of the school year that the district receives money for Evidence Based Funding. Transportation received $78,761. The district received $50,000 from the School Maintenance Grant. The 1% Sales Tax received $44,138. Total receipts for the month were $814,820.
Motion by Mitchell, second by Chapman, that the treasurer’s report for the month of June 2020 be approved as read. Roll call vote: Hoskins, yes; Mitchell, yes; Scates, yes; Chapman, yes; Fulkerson, yes; Hammell, yes; Acord, yes. Motion carried.
PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS WITH THE BOARD
Board President Acord reviewed public communication guidelines for individuals to follow when appearing before the Board: 1. Address the Board only at the appropriate time as indicated on the agenda and when recognized by the Board President, 2. Identify oneself and be brief. Ordinarily, comments shall be limited to 5 minutes, 3. Observe the Board President’s decision to shorten public comment to conserve time and give the maximum number of individuals an opportunity to speak, 5. Observe the Board President’s decision to determine procedural matters regarding public participation not otherwise covered in Board Policy, 6. Conduct oneself with respect and civility toward others and otherwise abide by Board policy, 8:30, Visitors to and Conduct on School Property, and public comments concerning personnel of the district should be made in closed session of the Board meeting.
Bill Chapman addressed the Board. He presented board members a handout regarding the effects of children wearing masks, including the opinions of clinical psychologists. He stated that there is a 99.99% survival rate for children ages 0-19 from COVID-19 and that children are more likely to die from flu or pneumonia. In his opinion, the best practices of preventing COVID-19 are good hygiene and social distancing. He would like to see wearing masks as optional and not required. He also commented that facial expression is a key for children.
Sheryl Woodham addressed the Board. She stated that she is concerned for children in our community regarding abuse that may be happening without the knowledge that is received from mandated abuse reports. She is also concerned about the requirement of children wearing masks while at school. Many students have difficulty with communication and emotions and masks will create an anxiety for these students. She would like to see the decision of individual students wearing a mask while attending school to be given to the caregivers.
SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT
Superintendent Lee reported the following items to the board:
1. OPENING OF SCHOOL
The opening of school is less than one month away. Registration is scheduled for Thursday, August 6. The district will open up on-line registration the last week in July. August 13 and 14 will be teacher institute and work days. If the Return-to-School Plan is approved tonight, the planning team recommends August 17-19 be utilized as remote planning days for staff. Students would begin either face to face or remote instruction on Thursday, August 20. There will be no 50-minute early dismissal this year.
Superintendent Lee thanked those individuals who are serving on the planning team for transitioning back to school along with those who have been meeting and working to develop a remote plan, if and when, the district can no longer instruct face to face.
2. SUMMER MAINTENANCE UPDATE
The district’s custodial staff have been thoroughly cleaning and disinfecting school buildings in preparation for the start of school. The district has ordered extra supplies for this school year so daily cleaning and disinfecting can be increased.
3. BROWNSVILLE PLAYGROUND PROJECT
Brownsville principal, Kathy Price, gave an update on the playground project funded by the Brownsville School Foundation. She reported that the swings are up and mulch has been laid in this area. The sidewalks have been poured on both sides of the school building. Sensory equipment to go along with the swings should be delivered in two- three weeks. She thanked the Brownsville Foundation and all community members that have been involved with this project. She invited Board members to come by and see the progress of the playground.
4. SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICER
Superintendent Lee asked School Resource Officer, David Agee, to give the board an update on his second year as the district’s SRO. Officer Agee extended his appreciation to the Board and administration for their support in his role as the School Resource Officer. He says that he has confidence in the administration and students that we will make it through this. He also extended congratulations to the class of 2020 and realizes that these students did not have the opportunity to participate in normal graduation activities.
Officer Agee stated that he has been more involved in classroom participation: mock trials, safety tips, etc. He appreciates teachers reaching out to him and asking him to be involved in the classrooms. Only one drill was held in the district during 2019-2020 due to the early closure of schools due to COVID-19. The goal for the future is to annually have one drill in each school building.
PRELIMINARY BUDGET FY21 TO BE PLACED ON DISPLAY/PUBLIC HEARING SET
The FY21 preliminary budget summary, as well as the line item budget showing receipts and expenditures in all funds, were presented for the board’s review. The budget will be on display from now until final action set for the September 21 meeting in order to meet the minimum thirty (30) day display requirements. There will be revisions in this preliminary budget prior to the final adoption based on the final Evidence Based Funding, state and federal grant awards, final auditing of the FY20 budget, and placement of any changes necessary following the audit. This budget will be revised with more up-to-date figures prior to the budget hearing in September.
Motion by Scates, second by Fulkerson, that the FY21 tentative budget be accepted and placed on display for a minimum of thirty (30) days and that the public hearing and adoption of the 2020-2021 Carmi-White County Community Unit District No. 5 budget be set for the September meeting of the Board of Education. Motion carried by unanimous vote.
RETURN-TO-SCHOOL PLAN
The State is currently in Phase 4 of the Restore Illinois Plan, which allows schools to reopen for in-person instruction. Carmi-White County Unit #5 has been working on a Return-to- School Plan for reopening schools for the 2020-2021 school year. This plan is based off of guidance from the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE), Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), and the Egyptian Health Department. A Transition Team comprised of district administrators, teachers, support staff, parents, and representatives from the Egyptian Health Department and the White County Emergency Management Agency met to discuss and get feedback regarding a plan for returning to school in the fall.
The current plan is intended to be a guide as the district moves forward. (The CWC Return-to-School Plan is made part of these minutes.) Changes are anticipated to the plan as guidance is subject to change. As more specific details are added, this information will be shared with students, parents, and staff. It is also realized that some requirements could change or be modified, which will affect the plan. All of the community is in this together and share a common goal of returning to school and keeping students and staff healthy while providing educational opportunities.
Dr. Dixon facilitated the Instruction portion of this plan. She addressed the Board and expressed that all staff has the passion and love for doing what is best for the district’s students. The district followed the guidelines from the IDPH, local health department and CDC in preparing the Return-to-School Plan. Instruction was also received from the assistant director of WOVSED who is a former school psychologist. The Transition Team felt it was in the best interest of all families to offer both choices of face-to-face instruction and remote instruction. Therefore, the district is asking teachers to do two jobs. All of the district’s teachers are vested in doing what is best for the students. A survey was sent to parents/guardians asking them to make a choice of instruction for the first nine weeks. The district is giving them to September 4 to change their minds. This will enable the district to build a program around the survey results.
Patricia Trout, district speech pathologist, stated that if she and her students are required to wear masks that she will be unable to instruct speech. Dr. Dixon stated that clear masks for speech teachers to wear have been ordered and that the same may also be done for students.
One parent addressed the board and asked what her child’s school day will look like. Dr. Dixon responded that while students are in the building, they will be required to wear masks. The school buildings are looking at ways to provide mask breaks for students. Grants have been applied for outside programs.
Dr. Dixon reported that the district will be liable for the children’s health if the district does not follow the five guidelines set by the IDPH.
Motion by Hoskins, second by Hammell, that the Board of Education approve the Return-To-School Plan for the 2020-2021 school year. Roll call vote: Mitchell, yes; Scates, yes; Chapman, naye; Fulkerson, yes; Hammell, yes; Hoskins, yes; Acord, yes. Motion carried.
CLOSED SESSION
Motion by Scates, second by Fulkerson, that the board meet in closed session at 8:20 p.m. for purposes of discussing appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of an employee or officer. Roll call vote: Scates, yes; Chapman, yes; Fulkerson, yes; Hammell, yes; Hoskins, yes; Mitchell, yes; Acord, yes. Motion carried.
Motion by Mitchell, second by Scates, that the board return to open session at 9:30 p.m. Motion carried by unanimous voice vote.
CLOSED SESSION MINUTES APPROVED
Motion by Scates, second by Mitchell, that the board approve closed session minutes of the June 15, 2020 regular board meeting of the board of education. Roll call vote: Fulkerson, yes; Hammell, yes; Hoskins, yes; Mitchell, yes; Scates, yes; Chapman, yes; Acord, yes. Motion carried.
CONNIE LEGGETT APPROVED AS A DISTRICT VOLUNTEER
Motion by Hoskins, second by Hammell, that Connie Leggett be approved as a District Volunteer for the 2020-2021 school year. Roll call vote: Hammell, yes; Hoskins, yes; Mitchell, yes; Scates, yes; Chapman, yes; Fulkerson, yes; Acord, yes. Motion carried.
BRITTANY MCGARRH REASSIGNED AS A RtI AIDE AT WASHINGTON ATTENDANCE CENTER
Motion by Fulkerson, second by Hammell, that Brittany McGarrh be reassigned as a RtI Aide at Washington Attendance Center for the 2020-2021 school year to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Carrie Carpenter. Roll call vote: Hoskins, yes; Mitchell, yes; Scates, yes; Chapman, yes; Fulkerson, yes; Hammell, yes; Acord, yes. Motion carried.
KELSEY RANKIN EMPLOYED AS A RtI AIDE AT WASHINGTON ATTENDANCE CENTER
Motion by Mitchell, second by Fulkerson, that Kelsey Rankin be employed as a RtI Aide at Washington Attendance Center for the 2020-2021 school year. Roll call vote: Mitchell, yes; Scates, yes; Chapman, yes; Fulkerson, yes; Hammell, yes; Hoskins, yes; Acord, yes. Motion carried.
STACY EASLEY EMPLOYED AS A SPECIAL EDUCATION INDIVIDUAL AIDE
Motion by Acord, second by Fulkerson, that Stacy Easley be employed as a Special Education Individual Aide at Washington Attendance Center for the 2020-2021 school year to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Melissa Coniglione. Roll call vote: Scates, yes; Chapman, yes; Fulkerson, yes; Hammell, yes; Hoskins, yes; Mitchell, yes; Acord, yes. Motion carried.
KIM BEALS EMPLOYED AS A SPECIAL EDUCATION INDIVIDUAL AIDE
Motion by Hoskins, second by Mitchell, that Kim Beals be employed as a Special Education Individual Aide at Washington Attendance Center for the 2020-2021 school year to fill the vacancy created by the reassignment of Brittany McGarrh. Roll call vote: Chapman, yes; Fulkerson, yes; Hammell, yes; Hoskins, yes; Mitchell, yes; Scates, yes; Acord, yes. Motion carried.
KAYLEA CHAPPELLE APPROVED AS A VOLUNTEER JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL ASSISTANT SOFTBALL COACH
Motion by Mitchell, second by Chapman, that Kaylea Chappelle be approved as a Volunteer Junior High School Assistant Softball Coach for the 2020-2021 school year. Roll call vote: Fulkerson, yes; Hammell, yes; Hoskins, yes; Mitchell, yes; Scates, yes; Chapman, yes; Acord, yes. Motion carried.
JUSTICE STUBBLEFIELD EMPLOYED AS THE HIGH SCHOOL BOYS’ FRESHMAN/SOPHOMORE COACH
Motion by Fulkerson, second by Chapman, that Justice Stubblefield be employed as the High School Boys’ Freshman/Sophomore Basketball Coach for the 2020-2021 school year to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Will Knight. Roll call vote: Hammell, yes; Hoskins, yes; Mitchell, yes; Scates, yes; Chapman, yes; Fulkerson, yes; Acord, yes. Motion carried.
MATT SNEED EMPLOYED AS A HIGH SCHOOL BOYS’ FRESHMAN/SOPHOMORE ASSISTANT FOOTBALL COACH
Motion by Mitchell, second by Hammell, that Matt Sneed be employed as a High School Boys’ Freshman/Sophomore Football Coach for the 2020-2021 school year to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Marc Stendeback. Roll call vote: Hoskins, yes; Mitchell, yes; Scates, yes; Chapman, yes; Fulkerson, yes; Hammell, yes; Acord; yes. Motion carried.
CHRIS LUCAS EMPLOYED AS HIGH SCHOOL HEAD VOLLEYBALL COACH
Motion by Acord, second by Scates, that Chris Lucas be employed as the High School Head Volleyball Coach for the 2020-2021 school year to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Penny Gunter. Roll call vote: Mitchell, yes; Scates, yes; Chapman, yes; Fulkerson, yes; Hammell, yes; Hoskins, yes; Acord, yes. Motion carried.
SPUD EGBERT APPROVED AS VOLUNTEER HIGH SCHOOL ASSISTANT FOOTBALL COACH
Motion by Scates, second by Fulkerson, that Spud Egbert be approved as a Volunteer High School Assistant Football Coach for the 2020-2021 school year. Roll call vote: Scates, yes; Chapman, yes; Fulkerson, yes; Hammell, yes; Hoskins, yes; Mitchell, yes; Acord, yes. Motion carried.
THYS BAX APPROVED AS VOLUNTEER HIGH SCHOOL ASSISTANT CROSS- COUNTRY COACH
Motion by Mitchell, second by Hammell, that Thys Bax be approved as a Volunteer High School Assistant Cross-Country Coach for the 2020-2021 school year. Roll call vote: Chapman, yes; Fulkerson, yes; Hammell, yes; Hoskins, yes; Mitchell, yes; Scates, yes; Acord, yes. Motion carried.
PATRICIA TROUT APPROVED AS A VOLUNTEER HIGH SCHOOL ASSISTANT GIRLS’ TENNIS COACH
Motion by Chapman, second by Acord, that Patricia Trout be approved as a Volunteer High School Assistant Girls’ Tennis Coach for the 2020-2021 school year. Roll call vote: Fulkerson, yes; Hammell, yes; Hoskins, yes; Mitchell, yes; Scates, yes; Chapman, yes; Acord, yes. Motion carried.
ADJOURN
Motion by Scates, second by Hoskins, that the meeting be adjourned at 9:36 p.m. Motion carried by unanimous vote.
https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/812334/July_20__2020_-_Regular.pdf
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