Calhoun Community Unit School District 40 Board of Education met April 25.
Here are the minutes provided by the board:
A regular meeting, of the Board of Education in Calhoun Community Unit School District #40, consisting of Calhoun and portions of Greene Counties, Illinois was called to order by Board President Luke Fraley, Tuesday, April 25, 2023 at 5:45 p.m. in the Calhoun Elementary School Library.
Upon roll being called the following board members were present: Luke Fraley, Adam Gerson, Amanda Gress, Hannah Nelson, Nate Sagez and Angie Tepen. Jackie Baalman was absent.
Others in attendance were: Andrea Lee, LeaAnn Klaas, Steven Spencer, Cheri Burris and Taylor Klaas.
A motion was made by Hannah Nelson, seconded by Angie Tepen that the Board of Education approves the agenda inclusive of:
I. Call to Order
II. Roll Call
III. Pledge of Allegiance
IV. Approve Agenda
V. Recognition of Visitors, Guests & Public Comments
- To preserve sufficient time for the Board to conduct its business, it is our public policy that each individual may speak for a maximum of 5 minutes unless prior arrangements have been made to speak longer.
o Taylor Klaas
VI. Consent Items
a. Adoption of Consent Agenda
b. Previous Board Minutes
i. Regular Meeting – March 21, 2023
ii. Special Meeting – April 18, 2023
c. Expenditures (Approved at 4/18/23 Special Meeting)
d. Financial Reports
e. Activity Accounts Report
f. Transportation Report
VII. Committee and Administrative Reports
a. Calhoun Elementary School
b. Calhoun High School
c. Superintendent
i. District Services/Maintenance Report
VIII. First Reading of Policy #111 Update
• 2:110 Qualifications, Term & Duties of Board Officers
• 4:60 Purchases & Contracts
• 5:30 Hiring Process & Criteria
• 5:90 Abused & Neglected Child Reporting
• 5:125 Personal Technology & Social Media; Usage & Conduct
• 5:150 Personnel Records
• 5:260 Student Teachers
• 6:135 Accelerated Placement Program
• 6:230 Library Media Program
• 8:20 Community Use of School Facilities
• 4:40 Incurring Debt
• 5:285 Drug & Alcohol Testing for School Bus & Commercial Vehicle Drivers
• 6:210 Instructional Materials
• 8:70 Accommodating Individuals with Disabilities
IX. Action Items Prior to Executive Session
a. Consider Approval of
i. Designation of Superintendent to Build FY24 Budget
ii. Authorization to Spend during FY24 Year Prior to Budget Adoption
iii. Amended Final 2022-23 Calendar
X. Executive Session – For the purpose of discussion regarding the appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific employee(s); legal counsel, collective negotiating matters or deliberations; board vacancies; evidence or testimony presented in a hearing where authorized by law; purchase or lease of real property; sale or purchase of securities, investments or investment contracts; security procedures; student disciplinary cases or any matter involving an individual student; litigation; self-evaluation, practices and procedures, or professional ethics; minutes of meetings lawfully closed; internal control weaknesses, potential fraud risk areas; establishment of reserves, settlement or discussion of claims, loss or risk management information, records, data, advice or communications from or with respect to any insurer of the District. 5 ILCS 120/2(c)
XI. Action Items Following Executive Session
a. Consider Resignation of
i. Custodian/Bus Driver
b. Consider Hiring of
i. Summer School Special Route Transportation Personnel
c. Approve/Renew Contracts
i. District Staff
1. Accounts Manager
2. Human Resources Administrative Assistant
3. Administrative Assistant and Board Secretary
4. District Services
5. District Maintenance
d. Personnel
XII. Other Business
XIII. Communication and Announcements
a. April 30 – Spring Band Concert
b. May 3 – Senior Banquet
c. May 4 – CES/CJHS Family Night
d. May 5 – FFA Farm Day
e. May 7 – FFA Awards Banquet
f. May 8-12 – Teacher Appreciation Week
g. May 16 – School Board Meeting
h. Correspondence
XIV. Adjourn
Board polled:
Baalman – absent Nelson – yes
Fraley – yes Sagez – yes
Gerson – yes Tepen – yes
Gress – yes
Motion carried.
A motion was made by Amanda Gress, seconded by Hannah Nelson that the Board of Education approves items on the consent agenda which includes:
I. Consent Items
a. Adoption of Consent Agenda
b. Previous Board Minutes
i. Regular Meeting – March 21, 2023
ii. Special Meeting – April 18, 2023
c. Expenditures (Approved at 4/18/23 Special Meeting)
d. Financial Reports
e. Activity Accounts Report
f. Transportation Report
Board polled:
Baalman – absent Nelson – yes
Fraley – yes Sagez – yes
Gerson – yes Tepen – yes
Gress – yes
Motion carried.
Reception of Visitors / Public Comment:
Taylor Klaas presented an idea to the school board that would allow Seniors to paint their parking curbs for the school year. She also suggested to rearrange the class rank parking locations.
Principals Report:
Calhoun Elementary School Principal Christie Lorsbach Report
The Scholastic Bowl team is gearing up for regionals on April 26. We recognized the 8th - grade students/parents on Tuesday, April 4th.
The staff has been working, and with continue to work, with PD instructor Brandi Hempen. She is working with the staff on differentiated instruction (planning lessons/activities to meet the levels of each individual student). She worked with Jr. High staff on April 19. The K-5 group is working to identify activities that are low, medium, or high to create folders with each standard. We are currently concentrating our efforts on reading. The Jr. High staff was so successful at their last meeting, Brandy is going to finish their training the first half of the day, and the second half we will meet as a whole staff to start developing activities/folders that are standard based. After school is out, the K-8 teachers will come together for a 2-day workshop to develop the activities/supplies needed for their instruction.
The WOW award winners for the month of March for the trait of Courage were: Nick Rose, Mary Bick, and Bryant Friedel. The WOW trait for the month of March was: COURAGE “Courage, above all things, is the first quality of a WARRIOR” – Cal van Clausewitz
The cleaning of the classrooms that were impacted by the water pipe break is finished, we passed the inspection and are now ready for the crew to start putting the rooms back together.
IAR testing is underway and will be completed by April 28. This is the state testing in the areas of math and reading for grades 3-8. The ISA (Illinois Science Assessment) will be completed for grades 5 and 8. Summer Camp Classes: Sensory Summer Fun, FUNdementals of Art, Clay, So Happy to SEA You, Let’s Get Cooking, Adrenaline Rush I & II, Time Travel, Going Medieval, A Pirate’s Life for Me, Cricut Design, Acting Out, and Get Crafty. The response so far has been overwhelmingly positive.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at any time.
Calhoun High School Principal Cheri Burris Report
The Mock disaster organized by Lisa Dolan included several fire departments, Air Evac, the Ambulance, the Sheriff’s office, students and parents. Professionals did a wonderful job of sharing the sad realities of distracted and drunk driving.
The Springfest for CHS was a great success! Presentations revolved around social/mental, emotional well being.
The list of presenters was: Cassie Medling and David Moore, Bobby Jones, Meredith Ringhausen, Missy Zipprich, Bailey Jarmen, Abby Rose, Bill Henke, Adam Hickson, Jahnee Hillen, Shannan Portwood, National Guard.
Teachers from Jersey SD have been coming to Mrs. Gilman’s STEM class to learn about what is taught and how it is taught. They are planning to implement a STEM class next year.
Juniors have completed the Illinois Science Assessment and SAT. Freshmen and Sophomores completed the PSATs last week as well.
The 2023 Silver Medallion Recipients were recognized last Thursday at LCCC: Scarlett Brangenberg, Sam Gilman, Samantha Kaufman.
Prom was April 15th. After Prom picked a new venue this year to increase student interest. John Kronable is our Jacksonville Rotary Scholar-Athlete and will be recognized at a dinner on April 27th. Senior Night for Softball and Baseball is planned for May 2nd, before the games begin. The Senior Banquet is May 3rd.
Senior trip is scheduled for May 10-13 with 16 seniors participating and about 5 parents as chaperones. Senior finals will be May 15 and 16. Graduation is May 19!
Superintendents Report:
There is a shortage of bus drivers for the district.
Bus radios may need to be updated.
An estimate has been given for the HVAC system.
Enrollment is still up from last year.
Wooden tables are out for bid until May 1st.
LED lighting bids have been given from Pointer Electric and Green Edison.
Veregy, GRP and Clean Energy Design Group are looking into the solar energy project. We have a new community project. There will be a district calendar available for purchase next school year that contains the dates of all the events.
A retirement and recognition luncheon for staff will be on May 22 at 1:15 in the high school. New scoreboards will ship May 11 for elementary.
Thank you to Kyle Godar and highway department for helping with changing lights at the ball diamonds. New curriculum has been ordered for next school year.
Thank you to Mrs. Mortland, Mrs. Pohlman, Mrs. Becker and Mrs. Friedel for helping with the Grow Your Own Program. Students enrolled in the program will attend class in Jerseyville 2 days a week and help in classrooms 3 days a week.
Legislative updates include the house bill $20 minimum wage has not passed. The teacher salary minimum $40K has passed. However, only the first cell of the teacher salary schedule will be affected. The CPI will be based on the July of the previous year.
Pastor Mike Logan would like to set up a scholarship for local students and raise funds for cancer patients.
District Services/Maintenance Report:
March and April have been very challenging with the Transportation. All the year-end field trips, baseball/softball games, and Prom have been quite challenging to schedule with the driver shortage. We have had a couple people start the program of getting their bus license but it is a long process. We’re losing 3 drivers at the end of the 2023 school year. Hopefully we can find a few more people that want to get their license. I have received confirmation of a bus license school starting next week if anyone knows of someone interested in getting their bus license. We’ve also been in contact with a couple radio companies in hopes of updating the 2-way bus radio’s. Coverage is very poor with our current radio system. The radios in the buses are very old and parts are no longer available.
Building maintenance has also been busy this month. Rod being out has made it very challenging to keep up with the maintenance on and around the buildings and grounds. The heating side of the HVAC system at the Elementary School has had all necessary repairs made. The last bad heat exchanger was replaced a few weeks ago on the rooftop units. When turning on the AC we discovered we have a bad first stage compressor on one of the gym units. We’re in the process of getting a bid for repairs of the compressor. The rest of the HVAC system is operating normal at this time. We’re also in the final planning stages of the locker room and library remodel. Work will be beginning soon. All the cleaning supplies for the school floors have been ordered and delivered for the summer work. Gym floors have also been scheduled to be stripped and waxed this summer.
A motion was made by Hannah Nelson, seconded by Amanda Gress that the Board of Education approves the designation of Superintendent to Build FY24 Budget.
Board polled:
Baalman – absent Nelson – yes
Fraley – yes Sagez – yes
Gerson – yes Tepen – yes
Gress – yes
Motion carries.
A motion was made by Nate Sagez, seconded by Angie Tepen that the Board of Education approves the authorization to spend during FY24 year prior to budget adoption.
Board polled:
Baalman – absent Nelson – yes
Fraley – yes Sagez – yes
Gerson – yes Tepen – yes
Gress – yes
Motion carries.
A motion was made by Nate Sagez, seconded by Amanda Gress that the Board of Education approves the Amended Final 2022-23 Calendar.
Board polled:
Baalman – absent Nelson – yes
Fraley – yes Sagez – yes
Gerson – yes Tepen – yes
Gress – yes
Motion carries.
Executive Session:
A motion was made at 6:26 p.m. by Hannah Nelson, seconded by Angie Tepen that the Board of Education enters into executive session.
For the purpose of discussion regarding the appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific employee(s); legal counsel, collective negotiating matters or deliberations; board vacancies; evidence or testimony presented in a hearing where authorized by law; purchase or lease of real property; sale or purchase of securities, investments or investment contracts; security procedures; student disciplinary cases or any matter involving an individual student; litigation; self-evaluation, practices and procedures, or professional ethics; minutes of meetings lawfully closed; internal control weaknesses, potential fraud risk areas; establishment of reserves, settlement or discussion of claims, loss or risk management information, records, data, advice or communications from or with respect to any insurer of the District. 5 ILCS 120/2(c)
Board polled:
Baalman – absent Nelson – yes
Fraley – yes Sagez – yes
Gerson – yes Tepen – yes
Gress – yes
Motion carries.
A motion was made at 7:24 p.m. by Hannah Nelson, seconded by Nate Sagez that the Board of Education returns to Open Session to continue meeting and take any appropriate action.
Board polled:
Baalman – absent Nelson – yes
Fraley – yes Sagez – yes
Gerson – yes Tepen – yes
Gress – yes
Motion carries.
A motion was made by Nate Sagez, seconded by Amanda Gress that the Board of Education approves the resignation of Tim Eilerman as Custodian and Bus Driver.
Board polled:
Baalman – absent Nelson – yes
Fraley – yes Sagez – yes
Gerson – yes Tepen – yes
Gress – yes
Motion carries.
A motion was made by Nate Sagez, seconded by Angie Tepen that the Board of Education approves to hire Personnel as presented for 2023 summer school special route transportation.
Suzie Holmes, van driver
Vicky Cox, van aide
Board polled:
Baalman – absent Nelson – yes
Fraley – yes Sagez – yes
Gerson – yes Tepen – yes
Gress – yes
Motion carries.
A motion was made by Amanda Gress, seconded by Adam Gerson that the Board of Education approves the Accounts Manager Tiara Lorsbach for the 2023-24 school year as presented.
Board polled:
Baalman – absent Nelson – yes
Fraley – yes Sagez – yes
Gerson – yes Tepen – yes
Gress – yes
Motion carries.
A motion was made by Hannah Nelson, seconded by Angie Tepen that the Board of Education approves the Human Resources Administrative Assistant Meghan Klunk for the 2023-24 school year as presented.
Board polled:
Baalman – absent Nelson – yes
Fraley – yes Sagez – yes
Gerson – yes Tepen – yes
Gress – yes
Motion carries.
A motion was made by Hannah Nelson, seconded by Jackie Baalman that the Board of Education approves the Administrative Assistant and Board Secretary LeaAnn Klaas for the 2023-24 school year as presented.
Board polled:
Baalman – absent Nelson – yes
Fraley – yes Sagez – yes
Gerson – yes Tepen – yes
Gress – yes
Motion carries.
A motion was made by Amanda Gress, seconded by Nate Sagez that the Board of Education approves the contract of District Services Lance Sibley for the 2023-24 school year as presented.
Board polled:
Baalman – absent Nelson – yes
Fraley – yes Sagez – yes
Gerson – yes Tepen – yes
Gress – yes
Motion carries.
A motion was made by Hannah Nelson, seconded by Adam Gerson that the Board of Education approves the contract of District Maintenance Rod Hart for the 2023-24 school year as presented.
Board polled:
Baalman – absent Nelson – yes
Fraley – yes Sagez – yes
Gerson – yes Tepen – yes
Gress – yes
Motion carries.
A motion was made by Angie Tepen, seconded by Hannah Nelson that the Board of Education approves the resignation of Nick Wyatt as the high school social science teacher, assistant baseball coach and student council sponsor, and Missy Schell as the special education teacher at the end of the 2022-23 school year.
Board polled:
Baalman – absent Nelson – yes
Fraley – yes Sagez – yes
Gerson – yes Tepen – yes
Gress – yes
Motion carries.
Informational Items:
a. April 30 – Spring Band Concert
b. May 3 – Senior Banquet
c. May 4 – CES/CJHS Family Night
d. May 5 – FFA Farm Day
e. May 7 – FFA Awards Banquet
f. May 8-12 – Teacher Appreciation Week
g. May 16 – School Board Meeting
h. Correspondence
With no further business to discuss, a motion was made by Nate Sagez, seconded by Amanda Gress that the Board of Education adjourns the meeting at 7:29 p.m.
Board polled:
Baalman – absent Nelson – yes
Fraley – yes Sagez – yes
Gerson – yes Tepen – yes
Gress – yes
Motion carries.
https://calhoun40.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/14-April-25-2023-Regular-Meeting-Minutes.pdf
Alerts Sign-up