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Carmi White County Community Unit School District 5 Board of Education met Oct. 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 at the Carmi-White County Junior/Senior High School cafeteria. The meeting was called to order by 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, Fulkerson, Hammell, Hoskins, Mitchell and Scates. Others present were Superintendent Brad Lee; Amy Atteberry, Washington Attendance Center principal; Dr. Amy Dixon, Lincoln and Jefferson 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; Clinton Wolff, High School Guidance Counselor; Rachel Blazier, unit secretary; Scott Mareing (WROY), Len Wells (The Carmi Chronicle) and Robert Beskow, Carmi Hometown Register.

CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS APPROVED

Consent agenda items were presented to the board for its approval as follows:

1. Minutes of the September 21, 2020 regular board meeting of the board of education.

2. Final Action of Changes in Board Policies: 2:220 Board of Education Meeting Procedure, 2:260 Uniform Grievance Procedure, 4:180 Pandemic Preparedness; Management; and Recovery, 5:10 Equal Employment Opportunity and Minority Recruitment, 5:20 Workplace Harassment Prohibited, 5:100 Staff Development Program, 5:220 Substitute Teachers, 5:330 Sick Days, Vacation, Holidays, and Leaves, 7:10 Equal Educational Opportunities, 7:20 Harassment of Students Prohibited, 7:180 Prevention of and Response to Bullying, Intimidation, and Harassment, 7:185 Teen Dating Violence Prohibited, 7:190 Student Behavior, and 7:340 Student Records.

It was recommended that the board of education give final approval to adoption of board policies, as amended.

3. Final Action of Adoption of Board Policies: 2:265 Title IX Sexual Harassment Grievance Procedure and 7:345 Use of Educational Technologies; Student Data Privacy and Security.

It was recommended that the board of education give final approval to adoption of board policies.

4. Resignations

Rachel Essary has submitted a letter of resignation as the Dishwasher at Jefferson Attendance Center effective immediately.

June Rushing has submitted a letter of resignation as a Special Education Individual Aide at Brownsville Attendance Center effective June 16, 2020.

It was recommended that the board accept the letter of resignation of Rachel Essary as the Dishwasher at Jefferson Attendance Center effective immediately and the letter of resignation of June Rushing as a Special Education Individual Aide at Brownsville Attendance Center effective June 16, 2020.

5. Donation

Brownsville Attendance Center has been the recipient of the following donation in support of its programs:

Anonymous..$100.00

TOTAL DONATION.$100.00

Motion by Hoskins, second by Hammell, that the recommendations for consent agenda items as follows:

1. Minutes of September 21, 2020 regular board meeting

2. Final Action of Changes in Board Policies: 2:220 Board of Education Meeting Procedure, 2:260 Uniform Grievance Procedure, 4:180 Pandemic Preparedness; Management; and Recovery, 5:10 Equal Employment Opportunity and Minority Recruitment, 5:20 Workplace Harassment Prohibited, 5:100 Staff Development Program, 5:220 Substitute Teachers, 5:330 Sick Days, Vacation, Holidays, and Leaves, 7:10 Equal Educational Opportunities, 7:20 Harassment of Students Prohibited, 7:180 Prevention of and Response to Bullying, Intimidation, and Harassment, 7:185 Teen Dating Violence Prohibited, 7:190 Student Behavior, and 7:340 Student Records

3. Final Action of Adoption of Board Policies: 2:265 Title IX Sexual Harassment Grievance Procedure and 7:345 Use of Educational Technologies; Student Data Privacy and Security

4. Resignations 

5. Donation

be approved. Roll call votes: Fulkerson, yes; Hammell, yes; Hoskins, yes; Mitchell, yes; Scates, yes; Acord, yes. Motion carried.

BILLS APPROVED

An additional list of bills was presented to the board at the meeting for its consideration and approval.

Motion by Fulkerson, second by Mitchell, that the bills for the month of September 2020 be approved as listed. Roll call vote: Hammell, yes; Hoskins, yes; Mitchell, yes; Scates, Fulkerson, yes; Acord, yes. Motion carried.

TREASURER’S REPORT READ AND APPROVED

The treasurer’s report for the month of September 2020 was read as follows: Education Fund, $2,423,744; Building Fund, $15,649; Debt Service Fund, $552,942; Transportation Fund, $440,796; Municipal Retirement Fund, ($85,205); Capital Projects, $852,508; Working Cash Fund, $101,584; Tort Fund, $415,146; Fire Prevention and Safety Fund, $192,718; and Imprest Fund, $7,500. Investments by Fund: Education Fund, $4,000,000; Building Fund, $600,000; Municipal Retirement Fund, $475,000; Capital Projects, $1,000,000; and Working Cash Fund, $425,000.

During the month of September 2020, the district received $613,822 in the Education Fund and $50,075 in the 1% Sales Tax Fund – for a total of $663,897 in receipts for the month.

Motion by Acord, second by Hammell, that the treasurer’s report for the month of September 2020 be approved as read. Roll call vote: Hoskins, yes; Mitchell, yes; Scates, 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. RED RIBBON WEEK

Red Ribbon Week activities will begin October 26 and run through October 30, 2020 in the Carmi-White County Schools. The 2020 theme is “Vote “Yes” For Your Future – Drug and Bully Free”. This special time raises awareness concerning drugs and is coordinated by District Social Workers Leanett Lovell and Ashley Walls.

2. PRINCIPAL APPRECIATION DAY

Principal Appreciation Day will be celebrated this year on Friday, October 23, 2020. This state-endorsed occasion honors the work and commitment of principals, assistant principals, and deans in schools throughout Illinois. Superintendent Lee thanked district administrators for their dedication to their jobs and the work they do for the district.

3. CONGRA TULA TIONS

Superintendent Lee congratulated the Lady Bullpups’ Junior High Softball Team and Coach Cindy Colman. They recently placed 3rd in the Southern Illinois Junior High School Athletic Association Class L State Tournament in Centralia.

4. ANNUAL AUDIT

Kemper CPA will be at the November 16 board meeting to review the 2019-2020 audit.

5. DUAL CREDIT

Carmi-White County High School Guidance Counselor, Clinton Wolff provided information to the board concerning dual credit opportunities offered at the high school through SIC. Mr. Wolff reported that Career and Technical Education (CTE) Dual Credit classes offered at C-WCHS through SIC include: Computer Applications, Choir, Band, Varsity P.E., Student Mentor, Ag Welding, and Customer Service Skills. These CTE Dual Credit classes often do not transfer as baccalaureate classes for a Bachelor’s Degree.

Mr. Wolff provided a listing of Early College Program Dual Credit classes offered through SIC either online or on SIC’s campus for the Spring 2021 semester. These classes are also generally offered in the summer and fall semesters. High school students must meet the Early College Program requirements to enroll into these classes. These are baccalaureate transfer classes (i.e. English, math, psychology, history, etc.)

The required credentials to teach baccalaureate courses (from SIC’s board policy) states that the teacher must hold a master’s degree with graduate preparation in the content required. The required credentials to teach technical courses states that the teacher must hold an associate’s degree in the content field required. Bachelor’s Degree preferred.

6. ADMINISTRATION REPORTS AND GOOD NEWS

Building principals gave an update on the first nine weeks of school at his/her respective building(s) and provided the number of students that have signed up for face-to-face and remote instruction for the second quarter.

Mr. Newell reported that last Friday completed the first quarter of the school year. Teachers, staff members and students have been facing challenges with remote instruction and face-to-face instruction being executed at the same time. He told the board that he appreciates the remote learning Wednesdays and the two that are scheduled in October. Today was the first day of the second quarter. The high school had 57 students return to face-to-face instruction. The high school has 297 face-to-face learners (81%) and 68 remote learners (19%).

Mr. King reported that students, staff and parents have been very cooperative and have stepped up to the challenges. The junior high has 197 face-to-face learners (88%) and 12 remote learners (12%). This quarter has seen an increase of 20 students returning to face-to-face instruction.

Mrs. Atteberry said that she has appreciated everybody’s flexibility, including parents, teachers, staff and students. The 4th grade has 8 remote learners, the 5th grade has 11 remote learners, and the 6th grade has 12 remote learners. The 4th grade had 3 remote learners return to face-to-face instruction, the 5th grade had 6 remote learners return to face-to-face instruction, and the 6th grade had 7 remote learners return to face-to-face instruction.

Mrs. Price told the board that she is glad that they are still in school. The students are doing a good job wearing masks and social distancing even with the fragile condition of some of the students. Brownsville went from 47 face-to-face learners and 13 remote learners in the first quarter to 49 face-to-face learners and 11 remote learners in the second quarter.

Dr. Dixon said that teachers, students and parents have been doing an outstanding job at both Lincoln and Jefferson Attendance Centers. Face-to-face instruction at these two buildings is at 90% and remote learning is at 10%. She reported that base line testing was done in August. At Jefferson, a.25 growth was expected at 9 weeks. Some preliminary reports are showing a.6 growth and many at over a year’s growth, so the students are making ground.

She also reported on the district’s nursing staff. She said that both Dusty Brinkley and Jane Sykes have a done a phenomenal job. She said that Mr. Byrd at the health department always takes the time to work them through arising situations.

Superintendent Lee asked Mr. Newell what he has seen as his biggest challenges during these times. Mr. Newell said it is the students that they can’t see every day and be able to do all of the things that they need or provide the support for these students to be successful. Principals, counselors, district social workers, teachers and staff have been making home visits to remote learners on remote learning days. Board member Scates asked if home visits to students are documented. Mr. Newell said that the school logs all home visits. Dr. Dixon stated that this is not only a districtwide problem but a nationwide problem. Mrs. Price said that she feels that the home visits help to build relationships with the students and parents.

Superintendent Lee asked if finding substitutes has been challenging. Mrs. Atteberry says that it is only one phone call away from being multiple staff quarantined in a building because many staff also have students in the district.

TRANSPORTATION UPDATE

District Transportation Director, Mr. Bart King, gave an update of the district vehicles and the district’s current bus lease agreements. He provided the board with a district schedule of owned vehicles divided by lease to purchase vehicles and district owned vehicles. Also provided was a schedule of owned vehicles. Last year’s plan of vehicle purchases was changed due to the need to purchase a special needs bus. This year, it is planned to purchase a new driver’s education vehicle, which will probably be a minivan because it will be more versatile, and a new mini bus for the early childhood route.

STATE AND FEDERAL GRANTS

Below is a summary of FY21 state and federal curriculum-related program applications that have been submitted to the state office by the deadline date of June 30, 2020. This agenda item was merely to provide the board with information regarding the district’s state and federal program grants.

Listed beside or below each state or federal program grant is the contact person. The contact person is the administrator/staff responsible for preparing the program applications and submitting various expenditure and evaluation reports during the year in regard to these programs. The efforts of the various program administrators/staff are appreciated.

These grants totaling approximately $1,094,142 provide for significant student opportunities and programs in our district and represents a substantial portion of our district’s total projected education fund revenue. District administrative/staff personnel will work to obtain additional competitive grant funds as there are opportunities available.

FEDERALLY ALLOCATED GRANTS SUBMITTED

Title I (Improving the Academic Achievement of the Disadvantaged)

(Huggins).$380,016 Title I BCH (Huggins). $45,970 

Title II (Teacher Quality) (Huggins). $52,342 

Administrative Outreach—Medicare (Lee). $25,000 

TAMES—Support Personnel Medicare (Lee). $225,000 

Rural & Low Income (Huggins). $26,393

Perkins Equipment (Newell). $14,000 

CTEI High School Program Improvement (Newell). $32,000 

Ag Supplemental Grant (Newell). $2,000 

Program of Study Grant (Newell). $4,250 

Elementary Career Development (Newell). $950

STATE REQUEST FOR PROPROSAL (RFP) COMPETITIVE

GRANTS SUBMITTED

Early Childhood Block Grant (Atteberry). $286,221

BOARD MEMBER VACANCY

Carmi-White County CUSD #5 is accepting letters of interest to fill a board member vacancy. The individual selected will serve on the school board from the date of appointment to the seating of the new board in the spring of 2021. This position will be up for election at the April 2021 election.

Interested candidates must:

 Be a United States Citizen

 Be at least 18 years of age

 Be a resident of Illinois and the District for at least one year immediately preceding the appointment

 Be a registered voter

 Not hold another incompatible public office

 Not hold certain types of prohibited State or federal employment

 Meet all qualifications based upon the distribution of population among congressional townships in the district – THIS VACANT POSITION MUST BE FILLED BY AN INDIVIDUAL WITH RESIDENCY OUTSIDE OF CARMI TOWNSHIP

Letters of interest should be sent to the attention of Andy Acord, C-WC #5 Board President, at 211 West Robinson Street, Carmi, IL 62821. Those who wish to be considered as a potential board member are encouraged to submit their application in a timely fashion. The board will appoint an applicant to fill the vacant seat at the November 16, 2020 board meeting.

CLOSED SESSION

Motion by Fulkerson, second by Scates, that the board meet in closed session at 7:39 p.m. for purposes of discussing appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of an employee or officer. Roll call vote: Mitchell, yes; Scates, yes; Fulkerson, yes; Hammell, yes; Hoskins, yes; Acord, yes. Motion carried.

Motion by Scates, second by Mitchell, that the board return to open session at 8:33 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 September 20, 2020 regular meeting of the board of education. Roll call vote: Fulkerson, yes; Hammell, yes; Hoskins, yes; Mitchell, yes; Scates, yes; Acord, yes. Motion carried.

MELINDA NEWMAN EMPLOYED AS A SPECIAL EDUCATION INDIVIDUAL AIDE AT LINCOLN ATTENDANCE CENTER

Motion by Mitchell, second by Hammell, that Melinda Newman be employed as a Special Education Individual Aide at Lincoln Attendance Center for the 2020-2021 school year to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Vanessa Kiser. Roll call vote: Fulkerson, yes; Hammell, yes; Hoskins, yes; Mitchell, yes; Scates, yes; Acord, yes. Motion carried.

ELIZABETH SIMS EMPLOYED AS A SPECIAL EDUCATION INDIVIDUAL AIDE AT LINCOLN ATTENDANCE CENTER

Motion by Hoskins, second by Hammell, that Elizabeth Sims be employed as a Special Education Individual Aide at Lincoln Attendance Center for the 2020-2021 school year. Roll call vote: Hammell, yes; Hoskins, yes; Mitchell, yes; Scates, yes; Fulkerson, yes; Acord, yes. Motion carried.

MELINDA NEWMAN EMPLOYED AS A BREAKFAST SUPERVISOR AT LINCOLN ATTENDANCE CENTER

Motion by Fulkerson, second by Acord, that Melinda Newman be employed as a Breakfast Supervisor at Lincoln Attendance Center for the 2020-2021 school year to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Vanessa Kiser. Roll call vote: Hoskins, yes; Mitchell, yes; Scates, yes; Fulkerson, yes; Hammell, yes; Acord, yes. Motion carried.

TANYA LITTLETON EMPLOYED AS A CROSSING GUARD AT LINCOLN ATTENDANCE CENTER

Motion by Hoskins, second by Mitchell, that Tanya Littleton be employed as a Crossing Guard at Lincoln Attendance Center for the 2020-2021 school year to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Janet Childers. Roll call vote: Mitchell, yes; Scates, yes; Fulkerson, yes; Hammell, yes; Hoskins, yes; Acord, yes. Motion carried.

TANYA LITTLETON EMPLOYED AS A NOON SUPERVISOR AT JEFFERSON ATTENDANCE CENTER

Motion by Fulkerson second by Hammell, that Tanya Littleton be employed as a Noon Supervisor at Jefferson Attendance Center for the 2020-2021 school year to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Kendra Fischer. Roll call vote: Scates, yes; Fulkerson, yes; Hammell, yes; Hoskins, yes; Mitchell, yes; Acord, yes. Motion carried.

MARCUS LYNN EMPLOYED AS 5TH GRADE BOYS’ BASKETBALL COACH

Motion by Fulkerson, second by Mitchell, that Marcus Lynn be employed as the 5th Grade Boys’ Basketball Coach for the 2020-2021 school year to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Ben Bradshaw. Roll call vote: Fulkerson, yes; Hammell, yes; Hoskins, yes; Mitchell, yes; Scates, yes; Acord, yes. Motion carried.

BEN BRADSHAW EMPLOYED AS 6TH GRADE BOYS’ BASKETBALL COACH

Motion by Fulkerson, second by Hammell, that Ben Bradshaw be employed as the 6th Grade Boys’ Basketball Coach for the 2020-2021 school year to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Josh Girten. Roll call vote: Fulkerson, yes; Hammell, yes; Hoskins, yes; Mitchell, yes; Scates, yes; Acord, yes. Motion carried.

AMANDA HUNSINGER REASSIGNED TO CLASSROOM AIDE AT CARMI-WHITE COUNTY JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL

Motion by Mitchell, second by Fulkerson, that Amanda Hunsinger be reassigned from a Special Education Individual Aide to a Special Education Classroom Aide at the Carmi-White County Junior High School for the 2020-2021 school year to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Amy Buchanan. Roll call vote: Hammell, yes; Hoskins, yes; Mitchell, yes; Scates, yes; Fulkerson, yes; Acord, yes. Motion carried.

KATHARINE STEWART EMPLOYED AS A SPECIAL EDUCATION INDIVIDAL AIDE AT CARMI-WHITE COUNTY JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL

Motion by Hoskins, second by Mitchell, that Katharine Stewart be employed as a Special Education Individual Aide at the Carmi-White County Junior High School for the 2020-2021 school year to fill the vacancy created by the reassignment of Amanda Hunsinger. Roll call vote: Hoskins, yes; Mitchell, yes; Scates, yes; Fulkerson, yes; Hammell, yes; Acord, yes. Motion carried.

BRANDON SMITH, JEREMY BELFORD, BRIAN ANDERSON, KAYLA SUTTON AND CARLIN SMOCK APPROVED AS VOLUNTEER ASSISTANT COACHES

Motion by Fulkerson, second by Scates, that Brandon Smith, Jeremy Belford, and Brian Anderson, be approved as High School Volunteer Assistant Wrestling Coaches and Kayla Sutton and Carlin Smock be approved as High School Volunteer Assistant Girls’ Basketball Coaches for the 2020-2021 school year. Roll call vote: Mitchell, yes; Scates, yes; Fulkerson, yes; Hammell, yes; Hoskins, yes; Acord, yes. Motion carried.

ADJOURN

Motion by Scates, second by Hammell, that the meeting be adjourned at 8:38 p.m. Motion carried by unanimous voice vote.

https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/978361/October_19__2020_-_Regular.pdf