West Central Reporter

Calhoun Community Unit School District 40 Board of Education met April 15.

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 15, 2025 at 5:32 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, Hannah Nelson, Nate Sagez and Angie Tepen.

Others in attendance were: LeaAnn Klaas, Lori Young, Jean Heil, Pam Friedel, Christie Lorsbach, Deann Koster Fester and Tara Smith.

A motion was made by Jackie Baalman, seconded by Angie Tepen that the Board of Education approves the agenda inclusive of:

I. Call to Order

II. Roll Call of Members

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 Deann Fester – Tony Gilman Memorial Dedication May 26

o Tara Smith – Pre Employment Career Training Program Overview

VI. Consent Items

a. Adoption of Consent Agenda

b. Previous Board Minutes

i. Regular Meeting – March 18, 2025

c. Expenditures

d. Financial Reports

e. Activity Accounts Report

f. Transportation Report

VII. Committee and Administrative Reports

a. Calhoun Elementary School

b. Calhoun High School

c. Athletic Director

d. District Services/Maintenance Report

e. Superintendent

VIII. Action Items Prior to Executive Session

a. Consider Approval of

i. Designation of Superintendent to Build FY26 Budget

ii. Authorization to Spend during FY26 Year Prior to Budget Adoption

iii. Amend Final 2024-25 School Calendar

IX. 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)

X. Action Items Following Executive Session

a. Intergovernmental Cooperation Agreement for Extra Curricular Activities with Brussels CUSD 42 for 2025-27 school year

b. Approve 2025-25 School Calendar

c. Consider Approving Personnel Recommendations

i. Hiring

1. Substitute Teachers / Paraprofessional

2. Certified Staff

3. Summer School Staff

4. Maintenance Technician

ii. Resignations

1. CJHS Volleyball Coach

2. CHS Student Council

XI. Other Business

XII. Communication and Announcements

a. April 17 – 1:15 Dismissal

b. April 18-21 – Spring Break

c. May 20 – School Board Meeting at 5:30 pm

d. Correspondence

XIII. Adjourn

Board Polled:

Baalman – yes Nelson –yes

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 the consent agenda:

XIV. Consent Items

a. Adoption of Consent Agenda

b. Previous Board Minutes

i. Regular Meeting – March 18, 2025

c. Expenditures

d. Financial Reports

e. Activity Accounts Report

f. Transportation Report

Board polled:

Baalman – yes Nelson –yes

Fraley – yes Sagez – yes

Gerson – yes Tepen – yes

Gress – yes

Motion carried.

Reception of Visitors / Public Comment:

Deann Koster Fester asked the Board for permission to hold a memorial dedication for Tony Gilman at the high school gym on May 26, 2025.

Tara Smith informed the Board about a new program for the high school special education students. It is called the Pre-Employment Career Training Program.

Principals Report:

Calhoun Elementary School Principal Jean Heil Report

March’s character trait was “Courage.” Congrats to these Students of the Month: Charlotte R., Mary B., Amiah J., Zia G., Ashlynn H., Ava W., Rosie B., Nehemiah H., Cole M., RJ M., Brenden W., Katie M., Severine V., Ruthie K.

Our students really ROCKED the IAR and ISA tests!! I am excited to see the results and be able to celebrate their hard work! Very proud of them all!

Summer School lists have been determined and letters are being sent next week. We still need a couple teachers for summer school.

Our Math Curriculum Committee has narrowed down their recommendations to two programs: iReady and Reveal. On Wednesday the 2nd, teachers met with an iReady rep and dug into the program and asked lots of great questions. We will have a virtual meeting with a Reveal rep on Wednesday the 16th. The committee hopes to have a recommendation for a math curriculum to adopt by our May board meeting. Very exciting! On Wednesday, April 9th, we had two OT students from Maryville come and give a presentation on behavioral functions and strategies. They did a great job and both reinforced the great things we’re doing currently and gave us some new ideas and strategies to add to our toolboxes.

This Wednesday, April 16th, we are excited to host “The NED Show” assembly for our students. The assembly introduces a cartoon boy named NED who is on a very important mission: to find his mindset. Led by clues and memorable characters, he overcomes Mt. Everest’s toughest obstacles, uncovers inner-treasures on a Caribbean island, and grows his brain while repairing a sputtering spaceship. Throughout the performance, your students discover how to activate their growth mindset to overcome social, emotional and academic challenges. Inspiring students to:

Never give up – understand the Power of Yet

Encourage others – spark courage in other people

Do your best – always be learning and growing

This Thursday, April 17th, we are thrilled to be hosting a “Girl Tough Workshop” for all of our 5th - 8th grade girls. The workshop is run through Shaylene King and the “Mean Girl Extinction Project.” From her website: “The Mean Girl Extinction Project is a non-profit organization whose mission is to end girl on girl bullying. We strive to raise awareness and encourage girls to create a culture of kindness in girl world through hands on assemblies, workshops and service projects. In addition, we are a resource for parents and educators who are key partners in helping to support a healthy community for girls. We acknowledge girl bullying is unique, therefore we utilize our distinct voice in order to eradicate the mean girl mentality and cultivate kindness in girl world.” Each of our 5th - 8th grade girls will receive a journal that she can keep and use after the workshop is over. We have also received several community sponsorships for the event and are grateful for their support, as well as the CEJHS PTO!

Calhoun High School Principal Christie Lorsbach Report

Congratulations to the March Student of the Month recipients: Senior, Al Hillen; Junior, Marissa Fraley; Sophomore, Tanner Churchman; and Freshman, Noah Breden. The students were chosen on the character trait of Courage.

The students nominated for demonstrating the Warrior Way for the month of March were: Al, Abby, Laura, Audrey, Kate, Jake H, Jake S, Wyatt, Mr. Bayless, Jake K, Luke, Seth, Trevor, Mr. Bloodworth, Rodney, Jack G, Max, Sam, Canyon, Mr. Ringhausen, Michael, Aden, Autumn, Anna, Marissa, Gabby, Peyton, Grace, Lucy, Layla, Gage, Mrs. Deffenbaugh, Bud, Drew, Mrs. Smith, Mrs. Heberling, Mrs. Lorsbach, Mrs. Baalman, and Mr. Hagen

WARRIOR WAY: MARCH MADNESS – The Good Time Tribe teamed up with both buildings to create a monthly challenge for staff and students. Each time a student or staff member was nominated for a Warrior Way, their slip went into a drawing. Each Friday, names were pulled randomly in each building. If pulled, students or staff were able to complete in a free throw competition. If they had the highest percentage, they would advance in their bracket. At the end of the month on March 31, the buildings came together for a “tournament”. Kate Zipprich was the proud winner of the SEL March Madness Shoot Off. She won an Amazon gift card. Mr. Hagen placed second and he received a congratulation from Kate and his CHS students/colleagues.

Please join us for Prom Walk-Ins at the Fair Grounds stage on Saturday, April 12th at 5:45 pm. The students will proceed to Mt. Hope after walk-ins for the dance from 7 – 10 pm. After the dance, they will depart at 11:00 pm on school provided busses to Cottleville, for Urban Air. Students will return to CHS around 3:30 am. Great job to the Girls and Boys Basketball Teams on terrific seasons. Both teams had their awards ceremony on Tuesday April 8, to recognize the student athletes.

Congratulations to Anna Oswald, Kate Zipprich, and Audrey Gilman as they have been selected for the Silver Medallion Academic Excellence Award. This year’s banquet was held at Lewis and Clark Community College on April 10th.

The ACT test was administered on Thursday, April 10 at the Presbyterian Hall in Hardin to all Juniors. Big thanks to the Presbyterian Hall for the use of the facility to test the students. All AP testing in May will also be held off campus at the Presbyterian Hall.

The staff has discussed the Finals schedule and set that finals will be held on May 20 and 21. May 22 will be for any finals that have to be made up. May 22 is an attendance day for all students.

Spring MAP testing will be held on April 22nd, once students return from Easter break. The FFA is gearing up to hold Farm Day on April 28th at the Fair Grounds.

The gym floor committee has met to discuss the new possibilities that could be explored for the company to paint/stain when redoing the floor this summer.

Currently the CEO program has a projected 8 students participating for the upcoming 25-26 school year. The Senior class had a great time on their trip to Florida. Huge thanks to sponsors, Mrs. Deffenbaugh and Mrs. Smith for all of their time, effort, and organization to make the trip a success.

NHS also had a successful trip to Chicago. Thanks to Mrs. Gilman and Mrs. Reed for overseeing the students and organizing the trip.

Superintendents Report:

The House Bill 1237 Banned Mascot passed the house and is moving to the senate. Senate Bill 2423 School Suspension/Expulsion of a PreK – 2nd grade students may only be suspended by the superintendent. Received 10 AI generated FOIA requests for annual expenses paid out to vendors. We do not have records available prior to 2015 due to our new accounting system. ISBE allows destruction of paper copies every two years.

AD Cheri Burris completed winter sports coach evaluations for CHS Girls Basketball, Jr. High Volleyball, 5/6 Boys Basketball and Basketball Cheer.

Open Position for 2025-26 school year are 2 Special Education Teachers, 2 Elementary Teachers, Foreign Language Teacher and 2 Cooks.

A used oscillating spindle sander will go out for bid.

District Services/Maintenance Report:

With all the spring rain we have some new leaks showing up on the roof at the elementary school. Rod has been patching the leaks as we can find them. The rubber roofing is getting very brittle and starting to deteriorate very badly from the sun. I am also in the process of getting all the janitorial supplies ordered for all the summer work. The high school gym floor refinish is scheduled to begin on June the 2nd. There was a committee formed to decide on the paint and stain colors as well as the design they would like on the floor. All the air conditioning units are up and running with the warmer temps. At this time all the units appear to be functioning properly. Tri County FS Lawn Care was also here last week applying their first of six applications to the football field for the summer. Hopefully we’ll see some good results this summer.

Transportation has been very busy with all the year-end field trips and baseball and softball in mid-season. I’m also in the process of ordering all the supplies to do the summer maintenance on all the vehicles. All the vans are also due to be state inspected this month. There is an entry level bus license class being scheduled in the near future if you know of anyone interested in getting their license.

Athletic Report:

Shot Clock information update

I have been requesting information from other ADs who have already installed shot clocks in their gym. While we have two quotes at this time, one from Game One and one from Nevco, the ADs I have spoken with went through Nevco and have been happy with their clocks.

The Game One quote is significantly cheaper, around $2400, but the equipment itself is also “cheaper”. The Nevco shot clocks are recommended for our specific scoreboards. While more expensive, they are also more reliable. The cost of the Nevco clocks does not include installation. If we go with an outside company to install, it would cost an approximate additional $3000. I have included copies of the quotes. The shot clocks do not need to be ready until 26-27 season, however, the cost may increase as well…. including tariff increases.

Calhoun will be hosting the IHSA Softball sectional!

IESA membership dues for 25-26 will be $870.00 and will be due by June 9, 2025.

IHSA Co-op renewals for Fall sports are due by Aug. 1, 2025

There will be an increase of the WIVC Football conference dues from $100 to $200.

A motion was made by Angie Tepen, seconded by Adam Gerson that the Board of Education approves the designation of Superintendent to Build FY26 Budget.

Board polled:

Baalman – yes Nelson –yes

Fraley – yes Sagez – yes

Gerson – yes Tepen – yes

Gress – yes

Motion carried.

A motion was made by Jackie Baalman, seconded by Nate Sagez that the Board of Education approves the authorization to spend during FY26 year prior to budget adoption.

Board polled:

Baalman – yes Nelson –yes

Fraley – yes Sagez – yes

Gerson – yes Tepen – yes

Gress – yes

Motion carried.

A motion was made by Amanda Gress, seconded by Angie Tepen that the Board of Education approves to amend final 2024-25 school calendar as presented.

Board polled:

Baalman – yes Nelson –yes

Fraley – yes Sagez – yes

Gerson – yes Tepen – yes

Gress – yes

Motion carried.

Executive Session:

A motion was made at 6:15 p.m. by Nate Sagez, seconded by Nate Sagez that the Board of Education enters into executive session.

The appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific employees of the District or legal counsel for the District, including hearing testimony on a complaint lodged against an employee or against legal counsel for the District to determine its validity. 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(1). Collective negotiating matters between the District and its employees or their representatives, or deliberations concerning salary schedules for one or more classes of employees. 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(2). Student disciplinary cases. 5ILCS120/2(c)(9).

Board polled:

Baalman – yes Nelson –yes

Fraley – yes Sagez – yes

Gerson – yes Tepen – yes

Gress – yes

Motion carried.

A motion was made by Amanda Gress, seconded by Nate Sagez that the Board of Education return to Open Session at 8:17 p.m. to continue meeting and take any appropriate action.

Board polled:

Baalman – yes Nelson –yes

Fraley – yes Sagez – yes

Gerson – yes Tepen – yes

Gress – yes

Motion carried.

A motion was made by Jackie Baalman, seconded by Angie Tepen that the Board of Education approves the Intergovernmental Co-op Agreement for Extra Curricular Activities with Brussels CUSD 42 for 2025-27 school year as presented with equipment fee changes.

Board polled:

Baalman – yes Nelson –yes

Fraley – yes Sagez – yes

Gerson – yes Tepen – yes

Gress – yes

Motion carried.

A motion was made by Hannah Nelson, seconded by Jackie Baalman that the Board of Education approves the 2025-26 school calendar

Board polled:

Baalman – yes Nelson –yes

Fraley – yes Sagez – yes

Gerson – yes Tepen – yes

Gress – yes

Motion carried.

A motion was made by Nate Sagez, seconded by Hannah Nelson that the Board of Education approved personnel recommendations as presented for the 2025-26 school year.

Resignations: Donna Hurley, CJHS Volleyball Coach

Dylan Ringhausen, CHS Student Council

Certified Staff: Patrick McGlasson, High School English

Abigail Mincy, Music/Band

Karen Fessler, Summer School K-1 Teacher

Andrea Pohlman, Summer School 2-3 Teacher

Tina Jones, Summer School Jr. High Teacher

Madeleine Heberling, Summer School HS English

Rachel Maupin, Summer School HS Math

Bus Drivers/Trans.: John Jansen, Maintenance Technician

Substitutes: Ashley Brannan, Substitute Teacher

Jon Havlin, Substitute Teacher

Calie Flowers, Substitute Paraprofessional

Informational Items:

April 17 – 1:15 Dismissal

April 18-21 – Spring Break

May 20 – School Board Meeting at 5:30 pm

Correspondence

With no further business to discuss, a motion made by Angie Tepen, seconded by Amanda Gress that the Board of Education adjourns the meeting at 8:38 p.m.

Board polled:

Baalman – yes Nelson – yes

Fraley – yes Sagez – yes

Gerson – yes Tepen – yes

Gress – yes

Motion carried.

A reorganizational 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 15, 2025 at 8:39 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.

Others in attendance were: LeaAnn Klaas and Lori Young.

A motion was made by Angie Tepen, seconded by Amanda Gress that the Board of Education approves the agenda inclusive of:

I. Call to Order

II. Roll Call

III. Pledge of Allegiance

IV. Approval of Agenda

V. Certification of Election Results

VI. Reorganization of Board

A. Oath of Office to Elected Board Members

1. Luke Fraley – 4-year term

2. Amanda Gress – 4-year term

3. Nathan Sagez – 4-year term

VII. Reconvene Meeting/Roll Call

VIII. 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)

IX. Action Items Following Executive Session

A. Sine Die – Appoint Jackie Baalman as President Pro-Tempore and LeaAnn Klaas as Secretary Pro-Tempore

B. Election of Officers (2 Year Appointments)

1. President (Jackie Baalman Calls for Nominations of Board President – Newly Elected President will assume role and continue the meeting forward).

2. Motion to adjourn “Sine Die”

3. Vice President

4. Secretary

5. Appoint District Treasurer

6. Set Dates, Times, and Location for Regular Board Meetings

7. Approval of Depository

8. Appointment of Recording Secretary

X. Any Other Business

XI. Adjourn

Board polled:

Baalman – yes Gress – yes

Fraley – yes Sagez – yes

Gerson – yes Tepen – yes

Motion carried.

The Abstract of Votes was reviewed by the board members, and the Oath of Office given to those being re-elected Luke Fraley 4-year term, Amanda Gress 4-year term and Nathan Sagez 4-year term.

A motion was made by Amanda Gress, seconded by Angie Tepen that the Board of Education appoints Jackie Baalman as Board President Pro-Tempore and LeaAnn Klaas as the Board Secretary Pro-Tempore.

Board polled:

Baalman – yes Gress – yes

Fraley – yes Sagez – yes

Gerson – yes Tepen – yes

Motion carried.

A motion was made by Angie Tepen, seconded by Nate Sagez that the Board of Education nominate Luke Fraley as Board President for a two-year term, with elected President assuming role and continue the meeting forward.

Board polled:

Baalman – yes Gress – yes

Fraley – yes Sagez – yes

Gerson – yes Tepen – yes

Motion carried.

A motion was made by Angie Tepen, seconded by Adam Gerson that the Board of Education adjourn Sine Die due process and continue meeting.

Board polled:

Baalman – yes Gress – yes

Fraley – yes Sagez – yes

Gerson – yes Tepen – yes

Motion carried.

A motion was made by Amanda Gress, seconded by Nate Sagez that the Board of Education nominate Jackie Baalman as Board Vice-President for a two-year term.

Board polled:

Baalman – yes Gress – yes

Fraley – yes Sagez – yes

Gerson – yes Tepen – yes

Motion carried.

A motion was made by Jackie Baalman, seconded by Nate Sagez that the Board of Education nominate Amanda Gress as Board Secretary for a two-year term.

Board polled:

Baalman – yes Gress – yes

Fraley – yes Sagez – yes

Gerson – yes Tepen – yes

Motion carried.

A motion was made by Angie Tepen, seconded by Adam Gerson that the Board of Education appoints Samantha Eilerman as District Treasurer.

Board polled:

Baalman – yes Gress – yes

Fraley – yes Sagez – yes

Gerson – yes Tepen – yes

Motion carried.

A motion was made by Adam Gerson, seconded by Amanda Gress that the Board of Education approves the schedule of meetings as follows:

May 20, 2025

June 26, 2025 (Note date change to Thursday. Budget Hearing & Regular Meeting Immediately Following)

July 15, 2025

August 19, 2025

September 16, 2025

October 21, 2025

November 18, 2025

December 16, 2025

January 20, 2026

February 17, 2026

March 17,2026

April 21, 2026 (Reorganizational Meeting 5:30, Budget Hearing, & Regular Meeting Immediately Following)

Meetings to be held at the time of 5:30 p.m. in the Calhoun Elementary School Library unless otherwise stated as scheduled.

Board polled:

Baalman – yes Gress – yes

Fraley – yes Sagez – yes

Gerson – yes Tepen – yes

Motion carried.

A motion was made by Jackie Baalman, seconded by Amanda Gress that the Board of Education approves the Bank of Calhoun County as the Calhoun CUSD #40 depository.

Board polled:

Baalman – yes Gress – yes

Fraley – yes Sagez – yes

Gerson – yes Tepen – yes

Motion carried.

A motion was made by Angie Tepen, seconded by Jackie Baalman that the Board of Education appoints LeaAnn Klaas as the recording secretary.

Board polled:

Baalman – yes Gress – yes

Fraley – yes Sagez – yes

Gerson – yes Tepen – yes

Motion carried.

A motion was made by Amanda Gress, seconded by Angie Tepen that the Board of Education adjourns the reorganizational meeting.

Board polled:

Baalman – yes Gress – yes

Fraley – yes Sagez – yes

Gerson – yes Tepen – yes

Motion carried.

https://calhoun40.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/11-April-15-2025-Regular-Reorgan-Meeting.pdf