Carmi White County Community Unit School District 5 Board of Education met Aug. 19.
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, August 19, 2019 at the Jefferson Attendance Center (new building). The meeting was called to order by President Andy Acord 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, Mitchell, and Scates. Others present were Superintendent Brad Lee; Amy Atteberry, Washington Attendance Principal; Dr. Amy Dixon, Lincoln and Jefferson Attendance Centers principal, Bart King, junior high school principal; Jarrod Newell, high school principal; Kathy Price, Brownsville Attendance Center Principal; Lacey Moore, elementary dean of students; Todd Haley, junior/senior high school dean of students; Robin Huggins, Director of Technology; Corey Ackerman, CWCEA President; Rachel Blazier, unit secretary; Scott Mareing (WROY); and Nicole Behnke-Bullock, Editor and Len Wells (The Carmi Chronicle).
CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS APPROVED
Consent agenda items were presented to the board for its approval as follows:
1. Minutes of the July 15, 2019 regular board meeting
2. Final Action on Changes in Board Policies: 2:110 Qualifications, Term, and Duties of Board Officers; 2:140 Communications to and From the Board; 5:180 Temporary Illness or Temporary Incapacity; 6:40 Curriculum Development and 6:340 Student Testing and Assessment Program
For board policy adoptions to become effective, they must be acted on at two (2) meetings. This will be the second and final action on adoption of board policies: 2:110 Qualifications, Term, and Duties of Board Officers; 2:140 Communications to and From the Board; 5:180 Temporary Illness or Temporary Incapacity; 6:40 Curriculum Development and 6:340 Student Testing and Assessment Program.
It was recommended that the board of education give final approval to adoption of board policies, as amended.
3. Resignations
Schotzy Allen has submitted a letter of resignation as a Special Education Individual Aide at Washington Attendance Center effective immediately.
Deanna Winter has submitted a letter of resignation as a dishwasher at Lincoln Attendance Center effective June 30, 2019.
Jeremiah Downen has submitted a letter of resignation as a building custodian at the Carmi-White County Junior/Senior High School for the 2019-2020 school year effective August 13, 2019.
It was recommended that the board accept the letter of resignation of Schotzy Allen as a Special Education Individual Aide at Washington Attendance Center effective immediately; the letter of resignation of Deanna Winter as a dishwasher at Lincoln Attendance Center effective June 30, 2019; and the letter of resignation of Jeremiah Downen as a building custodian at the Carmi-White County/Junior Senior High School for the 2019-2020 school year effective August 13, 2019.
4. Donation
Carmi-White County C.U.S.D. #5 has been the recipient of the following donation in support of the district’s security camera system:
Banterra Bank.$2,500.00
Motion by Mitchell, second by Fulkerson, that recommendations for consent agenda items as follows:
1. Minutes of the July 15, 2019 regular board meeting
2. Final Action on Changes in Board Policies: 2:110 Qualifications, Term, and Duties of Board Officers; 2:140 Communications to and From the Board; 5:180 Temporary Illness or Temporary Incapacity; 6:40 Curriculum Development and 6:340 Student Testing and Assessment Program
2. Resignations
3. Donation
be approved. Roll call vote: Fulkerson, yes; Hammell, yes; Hoskins, yes; Mitchell, yes; Scates, yes; Chapman, yes; Acord, yes. Motion carried.
BILLS APPROVED
Motion by Hoskins, second by Hammell, that the bills for the month of July 2019 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 READ AND APPROVED
The treasurer’s report for the month of July 2019 was read as follows: Education Fund, $1,994,939; Building Fund, $58,357; Transportation Fund, $351,840; Municipal Retirement
Fund, $36,644; Imprest Fund, $2,824; Tort Fund, $510,160; Debt Service Fund, $505,896; Working Cash Fund, $29,541; Fire Prevention and Safety Fund, $149,596; and Capital Projects, $293,019. Investments by Fund: Education Fund, $4,000,000; Building Fund, $600,000; Municipal Retirement Fund, $375,000; Working Cash Fund, $425,000; and Capital Projects, $1,000,000.
Superintendent Lee provided the board members with a breakdown of receipts for the month of July. He informed the board that the district does not receive Evidence Based Funding in the month of July. However, the Education Fund did receive categorical and Corporate Replacement Tax for a total of $429,722. The 1% Sales Tax fund received $47,484. Total receipts for the month of July totaled $477,206.
Motion by Fulkerson, second by Hammell, that the treasurer’s report for the month of July 2019 be approved as read. Roll call vote: Hoskins, yes; Mitchell, yes; Scates, yes; Chapman, yes; Fulkerson, yes; Hammell, yes; Acord, yes. Motion carried.
SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT TO THE BOARD
Superintendent Lee reported the following items to the board:
1. OPENING OF SCHOOL
On Monday, August 12, a breakfast for all staff and a staff meeting were conducted in the Junior/Senior High School Cafeteria. This year’s breakfast was sponsored by Banterra Bank in Carmi. After welcoming remarks by the superintendent, building principals introduced new staff members and gave building updates. Following the meeting, the staff members then returned to their respective buildings for various meetings. On Tuesday, August 13, all Unit #5 staff reported to their respective buildings. Students were dismissed 50 minutes early on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday in order for the younger students to become acclimated to school and for staff to continue beginning of the year meetings and preparations. This practice has been utilized over the past several years and has been successful during the first week of school.
2. BACK-TO-SCHOOL NIGHTS
“Back-to-School Nights” continued again this year in an effort to better inform the parents/guardians of the programs that are available to students and grade level expectations. “Back-to-School Nights” for Lincoln, Jefferson, Washington and the Junior High were held last week, giving staff members the opportunity to review goals and objectives of each class and share other important information. The High School will have its “Back-to-School Night” on August 23.
3. COMPLIMENTS TO SUMMER EMPLOYEES
The building custodians have, as always, done an outstanding job in preparing district buildings for the beginning of the year. Their efforts in providing a comfortable, well-maintained teaching and learning environment are certainly appreciated.
Also, office staff members and custodians who work during the summer to process and deliver instructional materials and supplies to the various attendance centers are to be commended for their fine work. Their efforts allow us to begin the school year with the necessary supplies and materials.
4. WOVSED GOVERNING BOARD MEETING
A WOVSED Governing Board meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, August 27, at 7:00 p.m. at the WOVSED offices in Norris City. Board member Kelli M. Chapman is the district’s representative on this board.
5. DONATIONS
We would like to thank Banterra Bank for donating $2,500 to help pay for the new security system that is being installed in the Junior/Senior High School.
6. THANK YOU
We would like to recognize Carmi Township Road Commissioner, Chris McEwing, and thank him for doing some asphalt work on the driveway at Jefferson. We appreciate his donated time and materials to the district.
7. DONATED FLAGS
The local Elks Club in Carmi donated flags to be put in some classrooms throughout the district that were in need of flags. A big thanks to the Elks Club for its donation.
8. MONSANTO GRANT
The Junior/Senior High School is a recipient of the 2019 America’s Farmers Grow Rural Education Grant for $25,000. This grant is funded through Monsanto. Mrs. Zieren, a math teacher at the high school, wrote the grant and the money will be used to renovate the Junior/Senior High School Library/Media Center into a modern STEM lab. We appreciate the following individuals/farmers for nominating our school district:
Barbara Karger Kent Williams
Clint Spencer Laura Whitsitt
Jim Armstrong Martin Barbre
John Fechter Peggy Fechter
John Hubele Ralph Hubele
Kent Roser Tim Scates
9. COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT MEETING
We have a meeting set for Thursday, August 22 at 7:00 p.m. in the Junior/Senior High School cafeteria. We will be discussing our current facilities and the meeting will be facilitated by Rod Wright with UNICOM-ARC. An invitation has been sent to a group of community members that we hope will become the “Facilitating Team” for this community engagement program.
SUBSTITUTE TEACHER PAY
Superintendent Lee reiterated to the board that it is getting more and more difficult to find substitute teachers. He said that he reached out to a number of districts in our area and was informed that these districts pay anywhere from $75, $80, $90 and $100 per day. The numbers were all across the board. He said that he feels that it is probably time that the district raises its substitute teacher pay.
Even through the district increased the substitute teacher pay to $75.00 two years ago, the district is still at the low end for districts in ROE #20. He recommended that the substitute teacher’s rate of pay be increased to $90.00 per day.
Motion by Scates, second by Chapman, that the board of education increase substitute teacher rate of pay to $90.00 per day beginning with the 2019-2020 school year. Roll call vote: Mitchell, yes; Scates, yes; Chapman, yes; Fulkerson, yes; Hammell, yes; Hoskins, yes; Acord, yes. Motion carried.
SERVICE ANIMALS AND THERAPY ANIMALS
The district has received a request by a staff member to bring a therapy dog to class. The goal would be to provide emotional support to anyone suffering trauma, anxiety, fear or loss, as well as positive reinforcement to students in the classroom. Therapy dogs have proven successful in many educational settings for students with behavioral problems.
Superintendent Lee told the board that the district has had students in the past that have required a service dog. He said that he feels that it would be in the district’s best interest to have a service animal policy. He told the board that if it would like, he can research policies for both service animals and therapy animals and bring the information back for discussion and/or approval at a later meeting.
Dr. Dixon spoke to the board regarding this subject. She said that the district has more and more students that are facing trauma issues as well as needing positive reinforcement in the classroom. Superintendent Lee told the board that the district would need to look at a few factors: that it is a hypoallergenic breed, proof of vaccines, animal is fully certified properly, consent is sent to all parents in the building to be signed off on, etc. The district doesn’t want to put any students in danger. He told the board that tonight he only wanted to reach out to the members to discuss this subject.
Board President Acord said that the owner would need to provide the district with some type of liability insurance. Board Member Hammell asked what if there are some students that are petrified of dogs. Will these students be moved to another class while the service/therapy animal is present? Superintendent Lee said that the service/therapy animal would not be at the school every day and this is one reason that every parent/guardian in the building would need to sign the consent form.
Superintendent Lee asked if the board would want him to look into a policy and get back at a later date. Board Member Scates said that he feels that the definition of a service animal needs to be looked into. Board agreed for Superintendent Lee to look into a policy of service animals and therapy animals.
CLOSED SESSION
Motion by Mitchell, second by Hoskins, that the board meet in closed session at 7:19 p.m. for purposes of discussing appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of an employee or officer and collective negotiations. Roll call vote: Scates, yes; Chapman, yes; Fulkerson, yes; Hammell, yes; Hoskins, yes; Mitchell, yes; Acord, yes. Motion carried.
Motion by Fulkerson, second by Scates, that the board return to open session at 8:28 p.m. Motion carried by unanimous voice vote.
CLOSED SESSION MINUTES APPROVED
Motion by Scates, second by Hammell, that the board approve closed session minutes of the July 15, 2019 regular board meeting. Roll call vote: Fulkerson, yes; Hammell, yes; Hoskins, yes; Mitchell, yes; Scates, yes; Chapman, yes; Acord, yes. Motion carried.
EMILY WHETSTONE EMPLOYED AS A PART-TIME DISHWASHER AT LINCOLN ATTENDANCE CENTER
Motion by Acord, second by Fulkerson, that Emily Whetstone be employed as a Part- Time Dishwasher (3 Hrs/Day) at Lincoln Attendance Center for the 2019-2020 school year to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Deanna Winter. Roll call vote: Hammell, yes; Hoskins, yes; Mitchell, yes; Scates, yes; Chapman, yes; Fulkerson, yes; Acord, yes. Motion carried.
MELISSA CONIGLIONE EMPLOYED AS A SPECIAL EDUCATION INDIVIDUAL AIDE AT WASHINGTON ATTENDANCE CENTER
Motion by Hoskins, second by Mitchell, that Melissa Coniglione be employed as a Special Education Individual Aide at Washington Attendance Center for the 2019-2020 school year to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Schotzy Allen. Roll call vote: Hoskins, yes; Mitchell, yes; Scates, yes; Chapman, yes; Fulkerson, yes; Hammell, yes; Acord, yes. Motion carried.
JONATHON CRIBBS EMPLOYED AS A BUILDING CUSTODIAN AT WASHINGTON ATTENDANCE CENTER
Motion by Fulkerson, second by Hammell, that Jonathon Cribbs be employed as a Building Custodian at Washington Attendance Center for the 2019-2020 school year to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Darrell Nelson. Roll call vote: Mitchell, yes; Scates, yes; Chapman, yes; Fulkerson, yes; Hammell, yes; Hoskins, yes; Acord, yes. Motion carried.
MATTHEW SNEED EMPLOYED AS A SPECIAL EDUCATION INDIVIDUAL AIDE AT CARMI-WHITE COUNTY JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL
Motion by Chapman, second by Acord, that Matthew Sneed be employed as a Special Education Individual Aide at the Carmi-White County Junior High School for the 2019-2020 school year. Roll call vote: Scates, yes; Chapman, yes; Fulkerson, yes; Hammell, yes; Hoskins, yes; Mitchell, yes; Acord, yes. Motion carried.
MIRANDA STIMSON EMPLOYED AS HEAD COOK AT CARMI-WHITE JUNIOR/SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL
Motion by Hoskins, second by Mitchell, that Miranda Stimson be employed as the Head Cook at the Carmi-White County Junior/Senior High School for the 2019-2020 school year to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Patricia Myers. Roll call vote: Chapman, yes; Fulkerson, yes; Hammell, yes; Hoskins, yes; Mitchell, yes; Scates, yes; Acord, yes. Motion carried.
JASON CRAIG AND LORA O’DANIEL APPROVED AS JUNIOR HIGH/SENIOR HIGH VOLUNTEER COACHES FOR THE 2019-2020 SCHOOL YEAR
Motion by Fulkerson, second by Chapman, that the following be approved as Junior High/Senior High Volunteer Coaches for the 2019-2020 school year: Jason Craig, High School Volunteer Assistant Volleyball Coach and Lora O’Daniel, Junior High School Volunteer Assistant Softball Coach. Roll call vote: Fulkerson, yes; Hammell, yes; Hoskins, yes; Mitchell, yes; Scates, yes; Chapman, yes; Acord, yes. Motion carried.
CARMI-WHITE COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION RATIFIES COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENT WITH THE CARMI-WHITE COUNTY SUPPORT STAFF ASSOCIATION
Motion by Mitchell, second by Hoskins, that the Carmi-White County Board of Education ratify the Collective Bargaining Agreement with the Carmi-White County Support Staff Association for the 2019-2020, 2020-2021, and 2021-2022 school years. Roll call vote: Hammell, yes; Hoskins, yes; Mitchell, yes; Scates, yes; Chapman, yes; Fulkerson, yes; Acord, yes. Motion carried.
ADJOURN
Motion by Chapman, second by Fulkerson, that the meeting be adjourned at 8:34 p.m. Motion carried by unanimous voice vote.
http://www.carmischools.org/images/pdf/minutes/augmin.pdf
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