Calhoun Community Unit School District 40 Board of Education met Sept. 19.
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, September 19, 2023 at 6:05 p.m. in the Calhoun Elementary School Library.
Upon roll being called the following board members were present: Jackie Baalman, Luke Fraley, Adam Gerson, Amanda Gress, Nate Sagez and Angie Tepen. Hannah Nelson was absent.
Others in attendance were: Andrea Lee, LeaAnn Klaas, Cheri Burris, Christie Lorsbach, Tara Smith, Peggy Hall, Rachel Bick and Pam Friedel. Other in attendance by Zoom were: Tom Crabtree, Haley McAndrew, Laura Weber, Matt Keller and Lukus Clymer.
A motion was made by Nate Sagez, seconded by Jackie Baalman that the Board of Education approves the agenda inclusive of:
I. Call to Order
II. Roll Call of Members
III. Approve Agenda
IV. Consent Items
a. Adoption of Consent Agenda
b. Previous Board Minutes
i. Regular Meeting – August 15, 2023
c. Expenditures
d. Financial Reports
e. Activity Accounts Report
f. Transportation Report
V. Committee and Administrative Reports
a. Calhoun Elementary School
b. Calhoun High School
c. Superintendent
i. District Services/Maintenance Report
VI. Action Items Prior to Executive Session
a. Consider Approval of
i. Adopt Tuition Waiver
ii. FFA National Convention
VII. 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)
VIII. Action Items Following Executive Session
a. Consider Approving Personnel Recommendations
IX. Other Business
X. Communication and Announcements
a. October 3 & 5 – Family Conferences
b. October 6 – No School
c. October 9 – No School on Columbus Day
d. October 10 – No School for Teacher Institute
e. October 17 – School Board Meeting
f. Correspondence
XI. Adjourn
With an addition to Stifel and GRP representatives added as visitors.
Board polled:
Baalman – yes Nelson – absent
Fraley – yes Sagez – yes
Gerson – yes Tepen – yes
Gress – yes
Motion carried.
A motion was made by Amanda Gress, seconded by Jackie Baalman 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 – August 15, 2023
c. Expenditures
d. Financial Reports
e. Activity Accounts Report
f. Transportation Report
Board polled:
Baalman – yes Nelson – absent
Fraley – yes Sagez – yes
Gerson – yes Tepen – yes
Gress – yes
Motion carried.
Reception of Visitors / Public Comment:
Rachel Bick and Peggy Hall attended as representatives of the Calhoun PTO. The Fair Stand and Mums fundraiser was successful.
Tom Crabtree and Haley McAndrew with Stifel joined in via Zoom to present a debt overview and discuss outstanding bonds. They also provided examples of future bonds and repayment of projects. Laura Weber, Matt Keller and Lukus Clymer with GRP joined in via Zoom and shared a price sheet with detailed prices and projects.
Principals Report:
Calhoun Elementary School Principal Christie Lorsbach Report
Picture day was held last Friday with our new photo company, Wagner Photography. The service and attention given to our students was beyond excellent. The company listened to our needs this summer and met/delivered expectations. This coming Friday, Sept. 22, we will have our first sports pictures. We will also have Spring pictures and group class pictures will be taken at this time as well.
We have finished softball/baseball seasons and are now gearing up for 5/6 and 7/8 girls’ basketball.
All NWEA Map testing has been completed in grades K-8. The data review and analysis will begin next Wednesday at the SIP early dismissal day.
The Kindergarten classes are nearing the end of their ABC Boot camp and will celebrate with a ABC Boot camp parade on Monday, Oct. 3rd at 9:30 am in the CEJHS gym.
Teachers/staff have been working to provide DI activities throughout their lessons. The students have really enjoyed breaking into groups and doing different activities designed at their level. Teachers are proactively seeking feedback on how they improve to provide the best activities/direct lessons for the different learning styles of students in their classroom.
Teacher evaluations and walk-thrus have been going well. At the beginning of the year, the teachers being evaluated were provided with additional resources than in previous years to allow for deeper self-reflection. Mrs. Pam Friedel has been supporting students, teachers, and staff in her new role as Dean of Students. She has been doing an excellent job of managing her time, as well as providing support for special education staff.
Calhoun High School Principal Cheri Burris Report
CHS has 167 students enrolled for the Fall.
We currently have two students participating in the RISE program. We are having issues with not enough internet to allow the participation screens to work well enough for the students. They have been participating using Zoom. We are getting around 50mb but 250 mb is needed for the screens to work consistently. Mr. Ringhausen has been working diligently with STUCO to create a fun Homecoming “Warriors Got Game” which is board game related. Brussels students will be attending the parade this year as well as the Homecoming Dance! A staff member from Brussels will be coming to assist in chaperoning the dance. Concessions have been going well. The organizations have been doing their job. Parents have been signing up to work gate. We initially had an issue with getting grillers for football games but since then Aaron Baalman, BJ Swan, and a few other parents have offered to grill for the football games.
Mr. Grimes’ classes have started sanding/painting library shelves.
Skyward has a new feature where teachers can export grades from Google Classroom to Skyward grades. Metrocomp is currently working to make the connection.
FFA plans to grow and sell poinsettias for the Christmas season.
CHS will be hosting its own career fair on October 18th.
Superintendents Report:
A walk through was completed with GRP in the locker rooms. The locker rooms were made ADA compliant but still needs some touch ups.
Library work is continuing. Found that the furniture is very expensive and will purchase a little at a time. The work is completed on the flooded classrooms at CES.
Will add another night for registration for people to come in and get assistance with the process. Brussels would like to start a Golf club with Godfrey/Alton schools.
District Services/Maintenance Report:
New resources and curriculum are in place for student achievement.
Board Policy 7:180 – Prevention of and Response to Bullying, Intimidation and Harassment, has been reviewed and will be updated online.
ROE Institute will be held on Oct. 10 in Jerseyville for Calhoun and Jersey Counties. Annual Emergency meeting will be held Oct. 5.
School Board Association will provide training in district on Oct. 25.
A motion was made by Angie Tepen, seconded by Adam Gerson that the Board of Education adopts a policy to waive tuition costs for a non-resident pupil if the pupil is a child of a district employee (non-certified or certified). For purposes of this paragraph, child means a district employee’s child who is a biological child, adopted child, foster child, stepchild, or a child for which the employee serves as a legal guardian.
Board polled:
Baalman – yes Nelson – absent
Fraley – yes Sagez – yes
Gerson – yes Tepen – yes
Gress – yes
Motion carries.
A motion was made by Jackie Baalman, seconded by Nate Sagez that the Board of Education approves FFA to attend the National Convention in Indianapolis, Indiana on November 1-4, 2023.
Board polled:
Baalman – yes Nelson – absent
Fraley – yes Sagez – yes
Gerson – yes Tepen – yes
Gress – yes
Motion carries.
Closed session was not needed for this meeting.
A motion was made by Amanda Gress, seconded by Angie Tepen that the Board of Education approves personnel recommendations as presented for the 2023-24 school year.
ESP Hires: Lexi Cramsey, CES Secretary
Dave Bick, P/T Bus Route Driver (pending driver test)
Coaching/Sponsor Hires: Emily McBride, CJHS Volunteer Girls Basketball Coach
Substitutes: Certified- Debbie Eilerman, Alan Shofner, Karen Hanneken, Amy Lowis, Terese Gerson, Emily Gerson, Janet Holmes, Casey Longnecker, Greg Presley, Lucy Kallal, Logan Swan, Hattie Hillen, Terry McGregor, Ruth Johnson, Emily Gerson, Danielle Pace, Rachelle Hillen, Jan Pohlman, Jamie Ritchey, Jill Boomer Paraprofessional- Lindsey Simon, Bonnie Snyders, Brenda Camerer, Stacy Allen, Pat Raddatz
Postings: CHS Head Baseball Coach
Van Aide to Wood River
Substitutes; all positions
*All new hires are subject to completion of background check, EHR (Faith’s Law) check, fingerprinting and any other required classes and/or trainings.
Board polled:
Baalman – yes Nelson – absent
Fraley – yes Sagez – yes
Gerson – yes Tepen – yes
Gress – yes
Motion carries.
A motion was made by Jackie Baalman, seconded by Nate Sagez that the Board of Education approves the budget as presented.
Board polled:
Baalman – yes Nelson – absent
Fraley – yes Sagez – yes
Gerson – yes Tepen – yes
Gress – yes
Motion carries.
Informational Items:
October 3 & 5 – Family Conferences
October 6 – No School
October 9 – No School on Columbus Day
October 10 – No School for Teacher Institute
October 17 – School Board Meeting
Correspondence
With no further business to discuss, a motion was made by Nate Sagez, seconded by Angie Tepen that the Board of Education adjourns the meeting at 7:36 p.m.
Board polled:
Baalman – yes Nelson – absent
Fraley – yes Sagez – yes
Gerson – yes Tepen – yes
Gress – yes
Motion carries.
https://calhoun40.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/3-September-19-2023-Regular-Meeting-Mintues.pdf
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