Carmi White County Community Unit School District 5 Board of Education met May 18.
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 7:00 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 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; Lacey Moore, elementary dean of students; Todd Haley, junior/senior dean of students; Rachel Blazier, unit secretary; Scott Mareing, reporter at Carmi Broadcasting Co.; and Len Wells, reporter at The Carmi Chronicle.
BOARD PRESIDENT’S ADDRESS TO PARENTS AND STUDENTS
Andy Acord, Board President, provided the following address to parents and students of Carmi-White County Unit District #5 to the media present and asked to be reported to the public.
“To the Parents and Students of Carmi-White County Unit District #5:
The School Board, administration, faculty, and support staff all want to say “Thank You” to students and their families for their patience with us during the past two months as we chartered an unfamiliar educational course in completing our 2019-2020 school year.
We were never alone in these unusual and difficult days, knowing that parents and our community supported us and that together we would find ways to complete learning experiences necessary to move our students on to the next level of education.
This is not the time to pat ourselves on the back, as we must now continue to explore options available for our 2020-2021 school year. We understand that Covid-19 poses issues and concerns daily regarding whether or not Illinois schools will open in August. We also understand that the thought of no school in August is a very deep concern to many parents, students, and others within our community.
Know that your School Board and the employees of Carmi-White County Unit District #5 have already taken a proactive approach in beginning the review of various school opening plans, avenues for classroom teaching and/or continued eLearning, and options available for extracurricular activities, including clubs, organizations, and sports activities. We pride ourselves in providing a well-rounded education for all students and hope that the 2020-2021 school year will be no different.
As the Board weighs different options, know that any final decisions made will always consider the health, social well-being, and academic needs of our students. They are the reason Carmi- White County Unit District #5 exists.
Together, in the weeks ahead with the continuing support of students, their families, and our community, we are confident that we will implement a viable educational plan for a successful 2020-2021 school year.
Thank you.”
SCHOOL BOARD OFFICERS APPROVED FOR 2020-2021
The President Pro Tempore and Secretary Pro Tempore for the purposes of electing officers will be the retiring President or, in his/her absence, the retiring Vice President and retiring Secretary. The board needs to elect its slate of officers for the next year. Traditionally, officers have been nominated by motion with a second for the office of President, Vice President, and Secretary.
PRESIDENT NOMINATION
Andy Acord was nominated to serve as Board President.
NOMINATIONS FOR PRESIDENT CLOSED AND BOARD PRESIDENT APPOINTED
Motion by Fulkerson, second by Hammell, that nominations for President be closed. Motion carried by unanimous voice vote.
Motion by Mitchell, second by Chapman, that Andy Acord be appointed to serve as President of the Board of Education for the next school year. Roll call vote: Fulkerson, yes; Hammell, yes; Hoskins, yes; Mitchell, yes; Scates, yes; Chapman, yes; Acord, yes. Motion carried.
VICE PRESIDENT NOMINATION
Brent Hammell was nominated to serve as Vice President.
NOMINATIONS FOR VICE PRESIDENT CLOSED AND VICE PRESIDENT APPOINTED
Motion by Scates, second by Acord, that nominations for Vice President be closed. Motion carried by unanimous voice vote.
Motion by Hoskins, second by Fulkerson, that Brent Hammell be appointed to serve as Vice President of the Board of Education for the next school year. Roll call vote: Hammell, yes; Hoskins, yes; Mitchell, yes; Scates, yes; Chapman, yes; Fulkerson, yes; Acord, yes. Motion carried.
SECRETARY NOMINATION
Marcie Hoskins was nominated to serve as Secretary.
NOMINATIONS FOR SECRETARY CLOSED AND SECRETARY APPOINTED
Motion by Scates, second by Acord, that nominations for Secretary be closed. Motion carried by unanimous voice vote.
Motion by Chapman, second by Mitchell, that Marcie Hoskins be appointed to serve as Secretary of the Board of Education for the next school year. Roll call vote: Mitchell, yes; Scates, yes; Chapman, yes; Fulkerson, yes; Hammell, yes; Hoskins, yes; Acord, yes. Motion carried.
CONSENT AGENDA APPROVED
Consent agenda items were presented to the board for its approval as follows:
1. Minutes of the April 20, 2020 regular board meeting
2. Bread Bids
District administration has sought bids for bread for the board’s consideration. The bid returns were summarized and submitted for the board’s review.
It was recommended that the board accept the best bid of CRS OneSource for bread products for the 2020-2021 school year.
3. Fuel Bids
The district has sought bids for gasoline and diesel fuel for a one-year period from July 2020 through June 2021 and those bid returns are summarized for the board’s review.
It was recommended that the board accept the bid of Wabash Valley Service Company for the one-year period of July 2020 through June 2021 for unleaded plus gasoline, $1.471/gallon, and bio-diesel, $1.804/gallon.
4. Final Action of Changes in Board Policies: 2:125 Board Member Compensation; Expenses; 2:160 Board Attorney; 5:60 Expenses; 5:150 Personnel Records; 5:280 Duties and Qualifications; 6:135 Accelerated Placement Program; 6:280 Grading Hours; 8:10 Connection with the Community; 8:30 Visitors to and Conduct on School Property; and 8:110 Public Suggestions and Concerns
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: 2:125 Board Member Compensation; Expenses, 2:160 Board Attorney, 5:60 Expenses, 5:150 Personnel Records, 5:280 Duties and Qualifications, 6:135 Accelerated Placement Program, 6:280 Grading and Promotion, 7:70 Attendance and Truancy, 7:90 Release During School Hours, 8:10 Connection with the Community, 8:30 Visitors to and Conduct on School Property, and 8:110 Public Suggestions and Concerns.
It was recommended that the board of education give final approval to adoption of board policies, as amended.
5. Retirement
Gina Sailer has submitted a letter of retirement as a 1st Grade Teacher at Lincoln Attendance Center effective at the end of the 2019-2020 school year.
It was recommended that the board accept the letter of retirement of Gina Sailer as a 1st Grade Teacher at Lincoln Attendance Center effective at the end of the 2019-2020 school year.
6. Resignations
Jason Craig has submitted a letter of resignation as a Business Teacher and Senior Class Sponsor at the Carmi-White County High School effective at immediately.
Will Knight has submitted a letter of resignation as the Carmi-White County Freshman/Sophomore Boys’ Basketball Coach effective immediately.
Justice Stubblefield has submitted a letter of resignation as the 7th Grade Boys’ Basketball Coach effective immediately.
Marc Stendeback has submitted a letter of resignation as a Carmi-White County High School Freshman/ Sophomore Football Coach effective immediately.
It was recommended that the board accept the letter of resignation of Jason Craig as a Business Teacher and Senior Class Sponsor at the Carmi-White County High School effective immediately, the letter of resignation of Will Knight as the Carmi-White County Freshman/Sophomore Boys’ Basketball Coach effective immediately, the letter of resignation of Justice Stubblefield as the 7th Grade Boys’ Basketball Coach effective immediately, and the letter of resignation of Marc Stendeback as a Carmi-White County High School Freshman/ Sophomore Football Coach effective immediately.
7. Donations
Carmi-White County C.U.S.D. #5 has been the recipient of the following donations in support of student payments for the breakfast/lunch program:
Maxine Hancock and
Sharon Tabor..........$500.00
Emmanuel United Methodist Church..........$1,282.50
Total Donations..........$1,782.50
Brownsville Attendance Center has been the recipient of the following donations in memory of Ron Mason (In honor of Tyler Mason) and in support of its programs:
Edwards County CUSD #1..........$30.00
Ms. Catherine Whipkey..........$100.00
Dr. Sarah Spence..........$150.00
Matthews & Sons Contractors..........$25.00
Ms. Tammie Harness..........$100.00
Total Donations..........$405.00
GRAND TOTAL DONATIONS..........$2,187.50
In line with board policy, it was recommended that the board of education accept the donations noted above.
Motion by Hoskins, second by Scates, that recommendations for consent agenda items as follows:
1. Minutes of the April 20, 2020 regular board meeting
2. Breadbids
3. Fuelbids
4. Final Action on Revision of Board Policies: 2:125 Board Member Compensation;
Expenses; 2:160 Board Attorney; 5:60 Expenses; 5:150 Personnel Records; 5:280 Duties and Qualifications; 6:135 Accelerated Placement Program; 6:280 Grading and Promotion; 7:70 Attendance and Truancy; 7:90 Release During School Hours; 8:10 Connection with the Community; 8:30 Visitors to and Conduct on School Property; and 8:110 Public Suggestions and Concerns
5. Retirement
6. Resignations
7. Donations
be approved. Roll call vote: Mitchell, yes; Scates, yes; Chapman, yes; Fulkerson, yes; Hammell, yes; Hoskins, yes; Chapman, yes. Motion carried.
BILLS APPROVED
Additional listing of bills that came in late were presented to the board for its review and approval.
Motion by Mitchell, second by Hammell, that the bills for the month of April 2020 be approved as listed. Roll call vote: Scates, yes; Chapman, yes; Fulkerson, yes; Hammell, yes; Hoskins, yes; Mitchell, yes; Acord, yes. Motion carried.
TREASURER’S REPORT
The treasurer’s report for the month of April 2020 was read as follows: Education Fund, $3,326,157; Building Fund, $286,973; Transportation Fund, $422,678; Municipal Retirement Fund, $80,919; Imprest Fund, $7,500; Tort Fund, $669,581; Debt Service Fund, $463,285; Working Cash Fund, $99,634; Fire Prevention and Safety Fund, $190,595; and Capital Projects Fund, $643,413. 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 the board with a breakdown of receipts for the month of April 2020. He reported that the Education Fund received $697,697 and 1% Sales Tax received $64,221. He did note that the receipts from the 1% Sales Tax is a couple of months behind and reflect revenue collected from February 2020 sales. Total receipts for April 2020 totaled $761,918.
Motion by Hammell, second by Fulkerson, that the treasurer’s report for the month of April 2020 be approved as read. Roll call vote: Chapman, yes; Fulkerson, yes; Hammell, yes; Hoskins, yes; Mitchell, yes; Scates, yes; Acord, yes. Motion carried.
SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT TO THE BOARD
Superintendent Lee reported the following items to the board:
1. KIWANIS EDUCATOR OF THE YEAR
Congratulations were extended to Will Knight, 2nd Grade Teacher at Jefferson Attendance Center, for being awarded the 2020 Kiwanis Educator of the Year.
2. EMPLOYEE HEALTH INSURANCE
Member schools of the Egyptian Trust will see an average increase of 2.56% based on districts’ previous two years’ loss ratio history. Unit #5 will see a 4% increase beginning September 1, 2020.
3. FY21 BUDGET
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it is estimated that there is likely to be a $6.2 to $7.4 billion shortfall to the State budget. PK-12 education receives approximately 33% of those revenues, therefore, state schools could lose approximately $2.3 billion. This could translate to a $1 to $1.5 million loss of revenue to Unit #5 for the next school year.
Superintendent Lee has received information that the Federal Government may provide a stimulus package of approximately $6 billion to help offset the loss of State revenue. It is also anticipated that the district will receive around $350,000 through the Federal CARES ACT. This money is based off of the Title I funding that districts receive.
Superintendent Lee will continue to monitor the funding and keep the board abreast of any changes.
4. SCHOOL MAINTENANCE GRANT
Superintendent Lee received news today that the district was awarded the School Maintenance Grant. High School projects will be evaluated to see what can be accomplished this summer.
5. UNIT #5 END OF THE YEAR ACTIVITIES AND GOOD NEWS!
Mr. Newell reported that it has been a long couple of weeks for everyone in a lot of different areas. He said that he appreciates the community that we have and the support that the district gets from the community. He has watched staff members, students, families and community members step up and show positivity during the negative times through cleaning and sanitizing, virtual graduation, meals provided to students and families, etc. He said that he feels very fortunate to be part of and live in such an awesome community.
Mr. King expressed his appreciation again to the kitchen staff in its phenomenal work in providing meals to the students during this pandemic. The four main cooks that have shown up are Maranda Stimson, Samantha Bugera, David Mitchell and Vicky Morrill. Mrs. Stimson came with a game plan and the other cooks helped her execute this plan. Mrs. Stimson placed food orders and had menus planned through the last day of school. He also thanked the volunteers (teachers and support staff) that showed up to help prepare the meals, distribute meals to all the locations, and handout meals to our students and families. This program helped in building relationships in our community.
Mr. King told the board that Mr. Newell has done an outstanding job in preparing for graduation and wanted to do what was best for the students. He got input from students and parents. He went above and beyond.
Mrs. Price said that the Brownsville staff had a parade in all nine counties that it presently serves. The staff have missed the students and wanted to visit with each one of them through social distancing. Students and families could see that staff care and want to do their best for the kids. It was a good way to end the school year.
Dr. Dixon shared her show and tell of items that were distributed to Lincoln students at the end of the school year – summer bucket full of items such as bubbles, popsicles, a visor along with learning activities.
She reported that the district has been busy building on-line registration for the upcoming school year. The kindergarten pre-registration was used as a sample run. One of the hardest elements was that parents/guardians are not familiar with Teacherease. However, 79 kindergarten students were pre-registered.
Mr. Will Knight, Kiwanis 2020 Teacher of the Year, received a surprise recognition for his award. Staff have come up with different ways to be creative to visit students. The district has had several retirees and staff have come up with ways to celebrate these occasions with them.
Mrs. Atteberry wanted to reiterate that custodians, office staff, and cooks have done a wonderful job during this unprecedented time. The Pre-K staff visited all 80 of its students. Staff have worked on checking in items that 4th, 5th, and 6th graders are returning and material for them to pick up. What this time has made her realize is how essential schools are to students and their families.
SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICER
The district is completing its second year’s agreement with the City of Carmi for a School Resource Officer. The district has received positive feedback on the agreement and the influence the SRO has brought to the school district. His presence and positive support to students and staff have been invaluable.
Attached are the terms of the agreement. The district’s share of the costs would increase $16.69 per day or $3,004.20 for the term of the contract.
It was recommended that the Board of Education enter into a School Resource Officer Agreement with the City of Carmi and through the City of Carmi Police Department based on the attached School Resource Officer Agreement for the 2020-2021 school year.
Motion by Chapman, second by Fulkerson, that the board of education approve a School Resource Officer Agreement with the City of Carmi, by and through the City of Carmi Police Department, 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.
FACILITIES UPDATE (BUILDING PRIDE FOR FUTURE BULLDOGS)
A conference call was recently held with Board Facilities Committee Members Andy Acord and Pete Fulkerson, along with Financial Consultant Tom Crabtree, School Architect Paul Lunsford, Rod Wright from Uni-Com ARC and Superintendent Lee.
It was decided that due to the COVID crisis and the declining economy, the district would delay further consideration of building a new elementary school. The following information will be released to the public on Tuesday, May 19, 2020:
“During the past school year considerable time and energy have been devoted to developing plans for improving our school buildings. Among the options being evaluated is the construction of a new single K-8 educational center to replace our three outdated elementary buildings – a solution many believe to be cost-effective in saving maintenance, repairs, and energy dollars in the years ahead. We were tentatively planning a series of spring/summer community meetings to consider looking further into our options when the COVID crisis hit. Those meetings have been placed on hold.
Until we can accurately determine the full impact of the COVID crisis, we are delaying further consideration of a new educational center. However, we will continue to monitor financial conditions at local, state, and national levels. Presently no one knows the status of potential state funding to assist districts in building improvements. In addition, the financial impact of the COVID crisis on the Illinois state budget is yet to be determined. Plus questions exist on what/if any additional federal responses will be stimulating the economy between now and year-end.
We do know our existing building problems will not go away, and at some point, when more is known about the full impact of the COVID crisis, we will, as a community, work together to address our building needs. Let’s hope that is sooner rather than later.”
CLOSED SESSION
Motion by Scates, second by Hammell, that the board meet in closed session at 7:35 p.m. for purposes of discussing appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of an employee or officer. Roll call vote: Hammell, yes; Hoskins, yes; Mitchell, yes; Scates, yes; Chapman, yes; Fulkerson, yes; Acord, yes. Motion carried.
Motion by Hoskins, second by Mitchell, that the board return to open session at 9:35 p.m. Motion carried by unanimous vote.
CLOSED SESSION MINUTES APPROVED
Motion by Scates, second by Hammell, that the board approve closed session minutes of the April 20, 2020 regular board meeting of the board of education. Roll call vote: Mitchell, yes; Scates, yes; Chapman, yes; Fulkerson, yes; Hammell, yes; Hoskins, yes; Acord, yes. Motion carried.
K. OWEN REASSIGNED AS A JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS TEACHER
Motion by Fulkerson, second by Acord, that Kim Owen be reassigned from a Junior High School Social Studies Teacher to a Junior High School English Language Arts Teacher for the 2020-2021 school year to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Laura Saunders. Roll call vote: Scates, yes; Chapman, yes; Fulkerson, yes; Hammell, yes; Hoskins, yes; Mitchell, yes; Acord, yes. Motion carried.
J. WILLIAMS EMPLOYED AS A JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL FULL-TIME MATH/ELA INTERVENTIONIST
Motion by Mitchell, second by Hoskins, that Jessica Williams be employed as a Junior High School Full-Time Math/ELA Interventionist for the 2020-2021 school year pending certification Roll call vote: Chapman, yes; Fulkerson, yes; Hammell, yes; Hoskins, yes; Mitchell, yes; Scates, yes; Acord, yes. Motion carried.
S. SANTOS EMPLOYED AS JUNIOR/SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL BAND/CHOIR TEACHER
Motion by Hammell, second by Chapman, that Storm Santos be employed as Junior/Senior High School Band/Choir Teacher for the 2020-2021 school year to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Zandrea Hafenrichter. Roll call vote: Fulkerson, yes; Hammell, yes; Hoskins, yes; Mitchell, yes; Scates, yes; Chapman, yes; Acord, yes. Motion carried.
C. SMOCK EMPLOYED AS A HIGH SCHOOL SOCIAL STUDIES TEACHER
Motion by Acord, second by Mitchell, that Carlin Smock be employed as a High School Social Studies Teacher for the 2020-2021 school year to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Tomas Brandt. Roll call vote: Hammell, yes; Hoskins, yes; Mitchell, yes; Scates, yes; Chapman, yes; Fulkerson, yes; Acord, yes. Motion carried.
W. KNIGHT EMPLOYED AS CARMI-WHITE COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL ASSISTANT BOYS’ BASKETBALL COACH
Motion by Fulkerson, second by Mitchell, that Will Knight be employed as the Carmi- White County High School Assistant Boys’ Basketball Coach for the 2020-2021 school year to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Todd Rice. Roll call vote: Hoskins, yes; Mitchell, yes; Scates, yes; Chapman, yes; Fulkerson, yes; Hammell, yes; Acord, yes. Motion carried.
M. STIMSON REASSIGNED TO DISTRICT CAFETERIA MANAGER/HEAD COOK
Motion by Mitchell, second by Chapman, that Maranda Stimson be reassigned as District Cafeteria Manager/Head Cook 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.
ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION HONORABLY DISMISSING AN EDUCATIONAL SUPPORT STAFF EMPLOYEE
Motion by Hammell, second by Scates, that the board of education adopt a Resolution Honorably Dismissing an Educational Support Staff Employee. Roll call vote: Scates, yes; Chapman, yes; Fulkerson, yes; Hammell, yes; Hoskins, yes; Mitchell, yes; Acord, yes. Motion carried.
ADJOURN
Motion by Chapman, second by Mitchell, that the meeting be adjourned at 9:43 p.m. Motion carried by unanimous vote.
https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/715034/May_18__2020_-_Regular.pdf
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