Carmi White County Community Unit School District 5 Board of Education met April 15.
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 on Monday, April 15, 2019, at Jefferson Attendance Center (new building). The meeting was called to order by President Kelli M. Chapman at 7:00 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, and Mitchell. Others present were Superintendent Brad Lee; Amy Atteberry, Washington Attendance Center principal; Dr. Amy Dixon, Jefferson and Lincoln Attendance Centers principal; Bart King, junior high school principal; Jarrod Newell, high school principal; Kathy Price, Brownsville Attendance Center principal; Barbara McArthy, CWCEA Vice President; Paul Lunsford, Lunsford Architects Inc.; Garrett Lunsford, Lunsford Architects Inc.; Tom Crabtree, director with Stifel, Nicolaus and Company Inc.; Rachel Blazier, unit secretary; Scott Mareing, reporter at Carmi Broadcasting Co.; and Jeff Skaggs, editor at The Carmi Chronicle.
CONSENT AGENDA APPROVED
Consent agenda items were presented to the board for its approval as follows:
1. Minutes of the March 18, 2019 regular board meeting.
2. Student Accident Insurance
The district continues to be pleased with services of Gerber Life Insurance Co. and has received very few complaints again this year regarding either its Voluntary Student Accident and Dental Insurance Plans or its Blanket and Catastrophic Student Accident Plans through Gerber Life Insurance Co.
The information received from Gerber Life Insurance Co. on Voluntary Student Accident and Dental Insurance is the same as last year. A comparison of the costs from last year to this year is as follows:
| OPTIONS | 2018-2019 | 2019-2020 | ||
| PLAN A | PLAN B | PLAN A | PLAN B | |
| EXTENSION TO SCHOOL TIME
Grades Prekindergarten-8 Grades 9-12 | $120.00 $150.00 | $ 65.00 $85.00 | $120.00 $150.00 | $65.00 $85.00 |
| DENTAL | $ 15.00 | $15.00 | $ 15.00 | $15.00 |
In addition, the district received renewal information from Gerber Life Insurance Co. to provide catastrophic student accident insurance coverage for all students associated with Regularly Scheduled Activity of the School at a minimal cost per student for a total of $2,068.00, which is higher than last year because it includes all students PK-Grade 12.
It was recommended that the board retain Voluntary Student Accident and Dental Insurance coverage through Gerber Life Insurance Co., as well as blanket and catastrophic student accident coverage for all students at a cost of $6,904.00 (including off-season conditioning coverage). In addition, retain catastrophic student accident insurance through Gerber Life Insurance Co., at a total premium of $2,068.00.
3. Final Action on Changes in Board Policies 2:20, 4:100, 4:110, 4:150, 4:160, 5:330 and 6:15
For board policy adoptions to become effective, they must be acted on at two (2) meetings. This was the second and final action on adoption of board policies: 2:20 Powers and Duties of the Board of Education; Indemnification, 4:100 Insurance Management, 4:110 Transportation, 4:150 Facility Management and Building Programs, 4:160 Environmental Quality of Buildings and Grounds, 5:330 Sick Days, Vacation, Holidays and Leaves and 6:15 School Accountability.
It was recommended that the board of education give final approval to adoption of board policies, as amended.
4. Consumable Supplies Bid
The district sought bids on consumable supplies for the board’s consideration. Those bids are summarized and attached for the board’s review.
It was recommended that the board accept the best bid on each item being bid.
5. Depository for School Funds
In school year 2017-2018, the board discussed the benefits of extending the amount of time a bank is the Depository for School Funds. It was voted on and approved at the February 20, 2018 board of education meeting that First Bank be named the permanent depository for school funds beginning July 1, 2018. Annually, the board needs to consider and take action to remain with First Bank as the permanent depository for school funds.
It was recommended that First Bank remain the permanent depository for school funds.
6. Resignations
Karissa Rushing has submitted a letter of resignation as a Special Education Teacher at Brownsville Attendance Center effective at the end of the 2018-2019 school year.
Karen Stull has submitted a letter of resignation as the dishwasher at Jefferson Attendance Center effective April 1, 2019.
Kelsey Rankin has submitted a letter of resignation as a Special Education Individual Aide at Washington Attendance Center effective April 26, 2019.
It was recommended that the board accept the letter of resignation of Karissa Rushing as a Special Education Teacher at Brownsville Attendance Center effective at the end of the 2018-2019 school year, the letter of resignation of Karen Stull as the dishwasher at Jefferson Attendance Center effective April 1, 2019 and the letter of resignation of Kelsey Rankin as a Special Education Individual Aide at Washington Attendance Center effective April 26, 2019.
7. Donations
Carmi-White County C.U.S.D. #5 has been the recipient of the following donation in support of the Carmi-White County High School STEM program:
Barbara O’Daniel........................................................$5,000.00
Carmi-White County C.U.S.D. #5 has been the recipient of the following donations for classroom grants for Kim Owen and Rachel Attebury:
Carmi-White County Schools Foundation.................$3,000.00
Carmi-White County Schools Foundation.................$3,000.00
Brownsville Attendance Center has been the recipient of the following donations in memory of Paula French and in support of its programs:
Jim and Patty Pretzsch..................................................$20.00
Nancy Files.$10.00
Jim and Patty Mills and Tim and Cathy Sneed.............$80.00
Paul and Diane Sellers..................................................$20.00
Brenda and Arnold Dutcher........................................$100.00
Maunie Methodist Church..........................................$100.00
Janet Woolsey.$25.00
TOTAL DONATIONS..............................................$11,355.00
Motion by Mitchell, second by Hoskins, that recommendations for consent agenda items as follows:
1. Minutes of March 18, 2019 regular board meeting
2. Student Accident Insurance
3. Final Action on Changes in Board Policies: 2:20 Powers and Duties of the Board
of Education; Indemnification, 4:100 Insurance Management, 4:110 Transportation, 4:150 Facility Management and Building Programs, 4:160 Environmental Quality of Buildings and Grounds, 5:330 Sick Days, Vacation, Holidays and Leaves and 6:15 School Accountability
4. Consumable Supply Bids
5. Consideration and Action to continue with a permanent depository for school funds
6. Resignations
7. Donations
be approved. Roll call vote: Fulkerson, yes; Hammell, yes; Hoskins, yes; Mitchell, yes; Acord, yes; Chapman, yes. Motion carried.
BILLS APPROVED
An additional listing of bills that came in late was presented to the board for its review and approval. Superintendent Lee told the board that after Sheila Napier, district bookkeeper, and he reviewed the fund balances, an additional $1.5 million was invested. Investments now mature every three months, so the district has access to money if needed.
Motion by Hammell, second by Acord, that the bills for the month of March 2019 be approved as listed. Roll call vote: Hammell, yes; Hoskins, yes; Mitchell, yes; Acord, yes; Fulkerson, yes; Chapman, yes. Motion carried.
TREASURER’S REPORT
The treasurer’s report for the month of March 2019 was read as follows: Education Fund, $2,205,157; Building Fund, $246,395; Transportation Fund, $427,472; Municipal Retirement Fund, $64,561; Imprest Fund, $7,563; Tort Fund, $631,803; Debt Service Fund, $551,791; Working Cash Fund, $28,056; Fire Prevention and Safety Fund, $147,967; and Capital Projects, $151,457. 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.
Fund receipts for March 2019 are as follows: Education Fund, $653,847; 1% Sales Tax, $58,344; and Corporate Replacement Tax, $16,110 – for a total of $728,301.
Motion by Fulkerson, second by Hammell, that the treasurer’s report for the month of March 2019 be approved as read. Roll call vote: Hoskins, yes; Mitchell, yes; Acord, yes; Fulkerson, yes; Hammell, yes; Chapman, yes. Motion carried.
SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT TO THE BOARD
Superintendent Lee reported the following items to the board:
1. DISTRICT-WIDE END OF YEAR COMPLETION CEREMONIES
The annual high school baccalaureate sponsored by the Ministerial Alliance will be held on Sunday, May 5, 2019, at 6:00 p.m. in the high school auditorium. High school graduation is scheduled for Tuesday, May 14, 2019, at 7:00 p.m. in the high school gymnasium. The junior high completion ceremony is scheduled for Friday, May 16, 2019, at 1:00 p.m. in the high school gymnasium.
Annual awards days have been scheduled and are as follows:
High school awards. ................................................................................May 10, 10:15 a.m. H.S. Auditorium
Kindergarten completion ceremony.........................................................May 15, 9:00 a.m. H.S. Auditorium
Junior high school, 7th and 8th grade awards.........................................May 16, 1:00 p.m. H.S. Gymnasium
Brownsville awards and commencement................................................May 17, Awards, 12:00 p.m.; Commencement, 12:30 p.m.
Washington awards day...........................................................................May 21, 1:00 p.m.
2. TEACHER/EMPLOYEE APPRECIATION WEEK
May 6-10 is Teacher Appreciation Week. National Teacher Day is Tuesday, May 7. We appreciate the skills and dedication that teachers bring to our school district. Due to the efforts of teachers, our school district has had a very successful year and our students have benefited greatly.
In addition, we utilize this teacher appreciation week to also thank all of our district’s support personnel for helping our teachers make this a very successful school year. A strong district-wide team effort is necessary to provide for a successful educational program that will meet the needs of our young people.
3. COMMMUNITY SERVICE
On April 9, the seniors from Carmi-White County High School participated in various service projects throughout the community. While freshmen, sophomores and juniors were taking state tests, our seniors spent the morning helping with the following projects:
Wabash Christian – Landscaping, window cleaning and visiting with residents.
Carmi Compassion Center – Cleaning, organizing supplies and taking inventory.
First Bank – Landscaping and various projects.
Lincoln, Jefferson, Washington and Brownsville Schools – Helped students and staff with projects, cleaning up playgrounds, landscaping and organizing supplies.
Junior/Senior High School – Landscaping and various school projects.
4. CEO TRADE SHOW
This year’s CEO Trade Show will be held on Monday, April 29, from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at Rice Motor Company. Students will be displaying their businesses and many will have items for sale. Superintendent Lee invited the board to stop in and support this year’s CEO students.
5. FIRST BANK’S SCHOOL SPIRIT DEBIT MASTERCARD PROGRAM
In November 2013, First Bank and Carmi-White County C.U.S.D. #5 entered into an agreement allowing First Bank to be the provider of a First Bank Debit MasterCard using the school’s mascot and artwork design on the debit card. In return, First Bank agreed to pay Carmi-White County C.U.S.D. #5 one cent per swipe from qualifying transactions, with a maximum of $2,000 per calendar year. The district recently received a check for $1,557.00 to be used for students. The district appreciates First Bank’s support of its students.
6. CARMI CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 2019 TEACHER GRANTS
The Carmi Chamber of Commerce has awarded $300 grants to each of the following teachers in the Carmi-White County School District:
Amy Whitley – Washington Attendance Center (4th Grade)
Beth Hart – Brownsville Attendance Center (Junior High)
Erin Pennington – Carmi-White County High School (Special Education 9-12)
Hillary Gee and Kate Simmons – Carmi-White County Junior/Senior High School (Art Departments)
Sarah Haley – Carmi-White County High School (Chemistry and Integrated Science)
7. CARMI SCHOOLS FOUNDATION
Barbara Mitchell, representative for the Carmi Schools Foundation, reported to the board that as a result of the foundation’s recent “Trivia Night”, the foundation was able to donate $3,000.00 each to the following teachers: Rachel Attebury and Kim Owen.
SPECIAL BOARD MEETING
In order to meet time lines established by the Election Code and the School Code, the board of education will hold a special meeting at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, April 29, 2019, to review election results, seat new members, elect officers, establish a regular meeting date and place, and adopt the policies of the previous board of education.
FACILITIES AND FUNDING DISCUSSION
Paul and Garrett Lunsford from Lunsford Architects Inc. and Tom Crabtree, a director with Stifel, Nicolaus and Company Inc., was in attendance to discuss facilities, funding and to answer any questions the board may have.
Mr. Paul Lunsford updated their budgets providing repair options for the existing district facilities, which includes Washington, Jefferson and Lincoln Attendance Centers.
Facility Repair Estimates
Mr. Lunsford explained that Option #1 would meet the district’s minimal needs for approximately 5 years and Option #2 would consist of completely gutting the buildings to bring the buildings up to today’s code compliance. He also stated that if the board decided to go with Option #2 at a cost of $32,100,000, the State would step in and say it will be cheaper to build a new building.
Board Member Acord asked if the board went with Option #1 in the amount of $10,700,000 knowing that in five years down the road that the district will need the financing of Option #2, would the district get a bond on just the $10,700,000 that it needs to do minimal repairs or does it ask for the $32,100,000? Mr. Crabtree answered by saying that there are different types of bonds and reasons that the State allows a district to seek bonds.
Voted Bond: A voted bond goes to the public during a General Referendum.
Sales Tax Bond: This type of bond can be used towards another bond. He feels that the district can get a $7.5-$8 million dollar Sales Tax Bond and then another Health Life Safety Bond.
Health Life Safety Bond: This bond does not require a public vote but the district might have to increase taxes to assure repayment.
Mr. Crabtree provided board members a handout with a chart on Voted/HLS Property Tax Supported Bonds showing no growth in EAV and showing a 1% annual growth in EAV for a 20 year and a 25 year repayment and also containing a chart on CSFT Sales Tax Supported Bonds showing no growth in CSFT and showing a 0.5% annual growth in CSFT for a 80% CSFT Used – no budget pledge and for a 100% CSFT Used – budget pledge.
Mr. Crabtree discussed the district’s debt limit. With the district’s outstanding debit, a $14,000,000 debt capacity could be issued. Sales tax bonds are outside of these calculations. With a $14,000,000 voted bond, the district could ask legislature for an override for a once in a generation bond. He said that a $14,000,000 Health Life Safety Bond and a $7,000,000- $9,000,000 Sales Tax Bond only requires board approval.
He said that the district’s dollars come from EAV. If the board is aggressive in predicting annual growth in the EAV, more money can be borrowed. If the board is conservative with the annual growth in the EAV, less money can be borrowed. If the board expects too much growth in the EAV and doesn’t get it, taxes will increase. As interest rates increase, less money can be borrowed.
Superintendent Lee reported to the board that in school years 2014-2018, the district has spent $727,342 for repairs to these buildings in a five year period. He said that utilities at Lincoln, Jefferson and Washington Attendance Centers (107,000 sq. ft.) are $498,321 annually. The Junior/Senior High School runs $426,365 (135,000 sq. ft.) annually.
Board Member Fulkerson asked if these three buildings’ utilities are $100,000 per year and the district builds a new 106,000 square foot building will the district see a decrease in utilities. Mr. Lunsford said that the existing buildings’ utilities are approximately $1.00/square foot. A new building will be approximately $.60/square foot. He predicts that the district would see a 40% saving in utilities (conservatively 30%). Part of the pledging is a savings that the district needs for the operating budget.
Board Member Fulkerson said that expenses for repairs and maintenance for the existing buildings will probably accelerate in the next years. Mr. Crabtree replied that there will be no repairs for the next 25 years with new construction and this is when the bonds would go off. Board Member Fulkerson said that this would be part of trying to educate the public and what that money could be used for (vs. money spent on repairs).
Superintendent Lee asked the board:
1. Does the board start by putting the bare minimum of $10,000,000 in these buildings and hope to get by five-eight years and then turn around and do it again.
2. Does the board renovate all three of these buildings for $32,000,000.
3. Or does the board agree to build new for $25,000,000 and use a 1% Sales Tax Bond and a Health Life Safety Bond without a voting referendum or a 1% Sales Tax Bond and a voting referendum?
He asked the board if they wanted to start the process of educating the public, getting the public’s feedback and then deciding on a voted bond or a Health Life Safety Bond. He said that there will be a capital bill before May 31, 2019. This bill may be used mainly for highways, bridges and infrastructures, but some think schools will be on it. Some schools have been on the list since 2004. It is unknown if legislature starts the list fresh and those districts that need it the most will be awarded money or if they start with the list of 2004.
Superintendent Lee said that whether the vote is put on referendum in March 2020 for a bond vote or whether the board just proceeds with a board vote, it needs to educate the public, promote, and talk to as many people as it can.
Board Member Acord asked what the cost of a PK-Grade 12 building would cost. Mr. Lunsford replied $50,000,000-$55,000,000 total. Acord said if the State comes back and says they will pay 75%, would it not be valid to build a PK-12 building.
CLOSED SESSION
Motion by Acord, second by Hammell, that the board meet in closed session at 8:04 p.m. for purposes of discussing appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of an employee or officer. Roll call vote: Mitchell, yes; Acord, yes; Fulkerson, yes; Hammell, yes; Hoskins, yes; Chapman, yes. Motion carried.
Motion by Hammell, second by Acord, that the board return to open session at 9:07 p.m. Motion carried by unanimous vote.
CLOSED SESSION MINUTES APPROVED
Motion by Hoskins, second by Mitchell, that the board approve closed session minutes of the March 18, 2019 regular meeting of the board of education. Roll call vote: Acord, yes; Fulkerson, yes; Hammell, yes; Hoskins, yes; Mitchell, yes; Chapman, yes. Motion carried.
C. MCGARRH EMPLOYED AS A SPECIAL EDUCATION CLASSROOM AIDE FOR THE 2019-2020 SCHOOL YEAR
Motion by Fulkerson, second by Hammell, that Charlotte McGarrh be employed as a Special Education Classroom Aide for the 2019-2020 school year to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Blair Whetstone. Roll call vote: Fulkerson, yes; Hammell, yes; Hoskins, yes; Mitchell, yes; Acord, yes; Chapman, yes. Motion carried.
S. SIMON REASSIGNED TO JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS TEACHER FOR THE 2019-2020 SCHOOL YEAR
Motion by Mitchell, second by Acord, that Stacy Simon be reassigned to a Junior High School English Language Arts Teacher for the 2019-2020 school year to fill the vacancy created by the reassignment of Ariana Watts. Roll call vote: Hammell, yes; Hoskins, yes; Mitchell, yes; Acord, yes; Fulkerson, yes; Chapman, yes. Motion carried.
F. RUMSEY EMPLOYED AS A JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHER FOR THE 2019-2020 SCHOOL YEAR
Motion by Fulkerson, second by Hoskins, that Felicia Rumsey be employed as a Junior High School Special Education Teacher to fill the vacancy created by the reassignment of Cindy Francis for the 2019-2020 school year. Roll call vote: Hoskins, yes; Mitchell, yes; Acord, yes; Fulkerson, yes; Hammell, yes; Chapman, yes. Motion carried.
dismissal of an employee or officer. Roll call vote: Mitchell, yes; Acord, yes; Fulkerson, yes; Hammell, yes; Hoskins, yes; Chapman, yes. Motion carried.
Motion by Hammell, second by Acord, that the board return to open session at 9:07 p.m. Motion carried by unanimous vote.
CLOSED SESSION MINUTES APPROVED
Motion by Hoskins, second by Mitchell, that the board approve closed session minutes of the March 18, 2019 regular meeting of the board of education. Roll call vote: Acord, yes; Fulkerson, yes; Hammell, yes; Hoskins, yes; Mitchell, yes; Chapman, yes. Motion carried.
C. MCGARRH EMPLOYED AS A SPECIAL EDUCATION CLASSROOM AIDE FOR THE 2019-2020 SCHOOL YEAR
Motion by Fulkerson, second by Hammell, that Charlotte McGarrh be employed as a Special Education Classroom Aide for the 2019-2020 school year to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Blair Whetstone. Roll call vote: Fulkerson, yes; Hammell, yes; Hoskins, yes; Mitchell, yes; Acord, yes; Chapman, yes. Motion carried.
S. SIMON REASSIGNED TO JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS TEACHER FOR THE 2019-2020 SCHOOL YEAR
Motion by Mitchell, second by Acord, that Stacy Simon be reassigned to a Junior High School English Language Arts Teacher for the 2019-2020 school year to fill the vacancy created by the reassignment of Ariana Watts. Roll call vote: Hammell, yes; Hoskins, yes; Mitchell, yes; Acord, yes; Fulkerson, yes; Chapman, yes. Motion carried.
F. RUMSEY EMPLOYED AS A JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHER FOR THE 2019-2020 SCHOOL YEAR
Motion by Fulkerson, second by Hoskins, that Felicia Rumsey be employed as a Junior High School Special Education Teacher to fill the vacancy created by the reassignment of Cindy Francis for the 2019-2020 school year. Roll call vote: Hoskins, yes; Mitchell, yes; Acord, yes; Fulkerson, yes; Hammell, yes; Chapman, yes. Motion carried.
http://www.carmischools.org/images/pdf/minutes/aprmin.pdf
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