West Central Reporter

Calhoun Community Unit School District 40 Board of Education met May 20.

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, May 20, 2025 at 5:30 p.m. in the Calhoun Elementary School Library.

Upon roll being called the following board members were present: Jackie Baalman, Luke Fraley, Amanda Gress, Nate Sagez and Angie Tepen. Adam Gerson arrived at 6:21 p.m.

Others in attendance were: LeaAnn Klaas, Lori Young, Jean Heil, Christie Lorsbach, Megan Murphy, Dylan Ringhausen, Dave & Amy Hurley and Bill Henke.

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 Math Curriculum Committee

VI. Consent Items

a. Adoption of Consent Agenda

b. Previous Board Minutes

i. Regular Meeting – April 15, 2025

ii. Reorganizational Meeting – April 15, 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. First Reading Press Policy Update 118

a. 2:260 Uniform Grievance Procedure

b. 2:265 Title IX Grievance Procedure

c. 4:15 Identity Protection

d. 4:80 Accounting & Audits

e. 5:10 Equal Employment Opportunity & Minority Recruitment

f. 5:20 Workplace Harassment Prohibited

g. 5:60 Expenses

h. 5:60-E1 Exhibit – Employee Expense Reimbursement Form

i. 5:60-E2 Exhibit – Employee Estimated Expense Approval Form

j. 5:100 Staff Development Program

k. 6:150 Home & Hospital Instruction

l. 6:235 Access to Electronic Networks

m. 7:10 Equal Educational Opportunities

n. 7:20 Harassment of Students Prohibited

o. 7:60 Residence

p. 7:70 Attendance & Truancy

q. 7:180 Prevention of & Response to Bullying, Intimidation & Harassment

r. 7:185 Teen Dating Violence Prohibited

s. 7:190 Student Behavior

t. 7:200 Suspension Procedures

u. 7:210 Expulsion Procedures

v. 7:250 Student Support Services

w. 7:255 Students Who Are Parents, Expectant Parents, or Victims of Domestic or Sexual Violence x. 7:270 Administering Medicines to Students

y. 7:310 Restrictions on Publications; Elementary Schools

z. 7:315 Restrictions on Publications; High Schools

aa. 7:340 Student Records

IX. Action Items Prior to Executive Session

a. Consider Approval of

i. Online Vendor Elevate – Spanish I & II

ii. Adoption of New K-8 Elementary Math Program

iii. Adoption of New 6-8 Science Curriculum

iv. School Fees for the 2025-26 School Year

v. Consolidated District Plan for 2025-26 School Year

vi. Quote from Eilerman Construction LLC for Field House Roof

vii. Golf Coop with Brussels CUSD 42

viii. Permanent Fund Transfers

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 Posting for Elem. Math Interventionist / Math Implementation Coach

b. Consider Approving Personnel Recommendations

i. Long Term Substitutes

ii. Certified Teacher

iii. Bus Driver Coaching/Sponsor

iv. Retirements

XII. Other Business

XIII. Communication and Announcements

a. May 22 – 8th Grade Promotion

b. May 24 – CHS Graduation

c. May 26 – Memorial Day Honoring Anthony Gilman

d. June 19 – Juneteenth Holiday

e. June 26 – School Board Meeting at 5:30 pm

f. Correspondence

XIV. Adjourn

Board Polled:

Baalman – yes      Gress – yes

Fraley – yes          Sagez – yes

Gerson – absent   Tepen – yes

Motion carried.

A motion was made by Amanda Gress, seconded by Nate Sagez that the Board of Education approves the consent agenda:

XV. Consent Items

a. Adoption of Consent Agenda

b. Previous Board Minutes

i. Regular Meeting – April 15, 2025

ii. Reorganizational Meeting – April 15, 2025

c. Expenditures

d. Financial Reports

e. Activity Accounts Report

f. Transportation Report

Board polled:

Baalman – yes      Gress – yes

Fraley – yes          Sagez – yes

Gerson – absent   Tepen – yes

Motion carried.

Reception of Visitors / Public Comment:

Megan Murphy was present to represent the Math Curriculum Committee. The committee met throughout the school year reviewing different curriculums to implement in the 2025-26 school year. Dave and Amy Hurley addressed the board regarding weighted classes taken by sophomore students.

Principals Report:

Calhoun Elementary School Principal Jean Heil Report

May's Character trait was Integrity. The following students were recognized as Students of the Month: Blaize R., Madison M., Max K., Riggs W., George A., Lauren P., Jase W., Lola G., Leah G., Paige E., Natalie O., Maverick K. I wanted to specially recognize Riggs Wallendorf: his teacher explained that he took a test and when he got it returned to him, he noticed that he had missed 2 questions that weren't marked incorrect on the test so he brought it to his teacher's attention. His grade went down, but he was OK with it because he knew he did the right thing. SO Awesome!!

We will have close to 30 students attending summer school during the month of June. It will be a great opportunity for them to get smaller group intensive academic support to help keep their learning sharp over the summer. Thank you to our Summer School teachers, Karen Fesler, Andrea Pohlman, Emma Miller, and Tina Jones!!

And, we have a winner: iReady Math Curriculum for our K-8th grade students have been chosen and we are beginning with training tomorrow, May 21st, to help teachers be able to start planning over the summer for next year. We are very excited for this new adventure and are confident that our students will benefit greatly from it. Please review the spring iReady and MAP diagnostic assessment results that are attached. LOTS of growth for all levels! SO PROUD of our teachers and students for their hard work this year!

8th Grade Promotion ceremony will be held on Thursday, May 22, 2025 at 6:00 pm in the CEJHS gym. If you are planning to attend, please let me know and arrive by 5:45 to line up to process in. Thanks! Our school theme next year is, "Embrace the Wilderness of Learning." We are looking forward to journeying through curiosity, challenge, and growth, exploring the wild terrain of knowledge and discovering meaning in every step we take. It will be an EPIC year!

Calhoun High School Principal Christie Lorsbach Report

Congratulations to the Student of the Month recipients for April: Senior, Ashton Fester; Junior, Kiera Sievers; Sophomore, Canyon Leavell; and Freshman, Allie Franke. The students were chosen on the character trait of Perseverance.

The students nominated for demonstrating the Warrior Way for the month of April were: Elizabeth McCasland, Ethan Wickenhauser, Abby McCasland, Reagan Clendenny, Hannah Klaas, Tamara Osterman, Clare Smith, Mary Pluester, Jake Kress, Shawn Grissom, Noah Breden, Caden Hayn, Keegan Mason, Henry Barczewski, Ashton Fester, Mrs. Lorsbach, Dylan Ringhausen, and Mrs. Deffenbaugh.

The College Prep English class held their version of Hamlet on Wednesday, May 14 in the AV room. Parents, students and guests were entertained by the skills and humor of the talented students. Thank you to Mrs. Deffenbaugh for offering a variety of educational opportunities for students to learn.

The ACT test was administered on Thursday, April 10 at the Presbyterian Hall in Hardin to all Juniors. The results are in and have been given to the students. I will share an updated report of scores at the June board meeting.

The FFA held Farm Day on April 28th at the fairgrounds. It was a complete success and we would like to thank the students, families and Ms. Fiene for all their hard work to make the event a success. 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 was held on April 22nd and students did not do well. We had a school wide meeting and discussion on expectations. A second testing attempt was done on Friday, April 25 and the improvements were staggering. Scores will be shared at the June board meeting.

The Landscaping class has been busy around the front of the building mulching, planting and also helping at the fairgrounds. Great work to the students and Ms. Fiene. Things are looking fabulous!

Special thanks to Wyatt Sibley, Bo Lorsbach, Grant Kronable, Luke Brannan, and Jake Snyders, as they have single handedly taken on the responsibility to improve the memorial in the front of the building for the upcoming events.

Shout out to Mr. Grimes Building Maintenance class for repairing the benches in the front of the HS. They are now safe and functional.

The gym floor committee selected a design.

The Senior class had an amazing banquet held on May 8th. It was beautifully decorated; the food was delicious and it was a great way to recognize a very talented group of students. Special thanks to Mrs. Deffenbaugh and Mrs. Smith for all of their hard work and dedication.

The Volleyball was recognized in Springfield by CD Davidsmeyer. The girls enjoyed the trip and even learned what the “chicken” button was.

Kate Zipprich was honored in Jacksonville as Calhoun’s American Rotary Scholar Athlete. The banquet was very nice and the food was delicious. CHS is very proud of Kate and all of her accomplishments. She also had her signing day for Missouri S & T on Wednesday, May 15 in the AV room. Her future looks bright!

Teacher Appreciation week was “Wicked” Good! The CHS staff were treated to Two-Rivers Gift Cards on Monday, Hydration Station Coupons (Northside Soda coupons) on Tuesday, Wednesday was Sweet and Savory day (pizza and desserts), Thursday was the Emerald City Snack Bar and Friday was an ice cream/banana split bar. Big thanks to everyone who helped make this event special for our hard working and dedicated staff! The CHS Band Club held their Spring concert on April 27th in the gym and they sounded amazing! Kuddos to the students on working so hard and to Mr. and Mrs. Heberling for helping to keep this group together and playing. At the concert, Mary Pluester was also awarded the $500 David Johnson Memorial Scholarship. Congratulations to Mary!

Springfest was held on April 17 and this year’s area of focus were careers in the trades/military. Thanks to Mr. Ringhausen for booking the great speakers and local unions/employers to come demonstrate and speak to the students. The students also enjoyed Pig on a Wing and a snow cone food truck!

The Class of 2026 is currently working on their proposal for their Senior Class Trip.

On May 1st, students attended the Senior Olympiad. Congratulations to Jack, Jackson, Anna, and Abby who finished in 4th place!

Also on May 1st, the Calhoun CUSD #40 held their first Art Show in many years. Thank you Mrs. Becker for hosting such a wonderful event to display the students talented work. This event was loved by many. We are looking forward to it next year.

Senior nights were held for Scholastic Bowl, Baseball, and Softball. Congratulations and best wishes to all the students on their achievements at CHS and on their future endeavors.

The Pleasant Hill/Calhoun Boys Track Team finished first at the Dick Hamann Invitational. Way to Go!!

Superintendents Report:

Budget amendment notice was sent to the local newspaper on May 5th. The notice must be sent out at least 30 days prior to the Amended Budget Hearing. The hearing will be held on June 26th prior to the regular board meeting at 5:30 p.m.

The House Bill 1237 for banned mascot has been put on hold for now.

EPA was onsite May 19 and 20 to take soil and groundwater samples. The leakage is where it should be and is good for another 30 years.

We have received two FOIA requests from Ed Ding, Data Branch and Abba Khan, CEO of Civic IQ Inc. Requesting purchase order and vendor records.

The Gym Floor Committee consisting of Christie Lorsbach, Cheri Burris, Casey Longnecker, Lance Sibley, Amanda Gress and Ann Gilman has recommended a traditional floor.

Online vendor Elevate is a virtual classroom for Spanish I & II. They provide live daily instruction for 2 class periods for $31,000.

iReady math curriculum for K-8. First implementation professional development will be held on May 21 so that the teachers have teacher manuals prior to summer break. The two-year adoption will be paid through the Title I School Improvement Grant. The initial cost is $52, 185.84. After the initial 2-year implementation the yearly cost will be $8873.10.

HMH Into Science for 6-8 curriculum will be paid through the Title I School Improvement Grant. The cost is $6420.86.

2025-26 school fees will remain the same accept for a $0.10 increase to breakfast and lunch. District insurance benefits increases: Medical Single - Medical (UHC) Total Single Monthly Premium increased from $838.00 to $854.00 ($16 increase), Employee portion increased from $83.80 to $85.40/month, District portion increased from $754.20 to $768.60/month. Medical Family - Medical (UHC) Total Family Monthly Premium increased from $1712.00 to $1,744 ($32 increase), Employee portion increased from $83.80 to $85.40/month, District portion $768.60/month, Employee portion increased from $754.20 to family $890.00. Dental (Delta Dental) - Single Policy increased from $26.16 to $26.70/month ($0.54 increase), Family Policy increased from $81.90 to $83.58/month ($1.68 increase. Vision (EyeMed) Remained the same. Single policy $6.79/month and family policy $14.59/month

Received two quotes for the field house roof from Eilerman Construction (metal roof $17,800 or shingle roof $10,00) and B&P Construction (metal roof $20,600 for shingle roof $14,000).

District Services/Maintenance Report:

Our new maintenance director has been working with Rod the last few weeks on several projects around the district. He has been on the roof of both schools working on a couple Rtu’s. Rod has been showing John where all the utilities are located. We have been working on repairing all the issues that were listed on the health life safety report. I was contacted a few weeks ago by Illinois Rural Electric that they are going to remove and replace all the rotten light poles around the softball field. They will set the new poles and we will be responsible for purchasing new lights and having them installed on the poles. The EPA arrived on Monday May 19 and started core drilling for samples on the old tank site. We should know some results of the testing in a few weeks.

Field trips are pretty well over for the year. Baseball and softball regionals are starting this week. I currently have all the summer school routes covered. We are still looking for van and substitute bus drivers. There is a bus class coming up soon if anyone is interested in getting their license.

Athletic Report:

Baseball Regional Greenfield Regional BEING PLAYED AT PALMYRA NORTHWESTERN Northwestern HS - 30889 Rt. 111 Palmyra, IL 62674

Mon., May 19 Game 1 at 4:30 pm: (10) Pleasant Hill [Coop] at (8) White Hall (North Greene)

Wed., May 21 Game 2 at 4:30 pm: (2) Hardin (Calhoun) [Coop] vs. Winner Game 1

Thu., May 22 Game 3 at 4:30 pm: (3) Raymond (Lincolnwood) [Coop] vs. (5) Greenfield [Coop]

Sat., May 24 Game 4 at 11:00 am: Winner Game 2 vs. Winner Game 3

Softball Mulberry Grove Regional, Manager: Adam Haston, Phone: 618-326-8221,

E-mail: ahaston@mgschools.com

Tue., May 20 Game 1 at 4:30 pm: (2) Hardin (Calhoun) [Coop] vs. (9) Ramsey [Coop]

Wed., May 21 Game 2 at 4:30 pm: (3) Pawnee vs. (5) Mulberry Grove

Fri., May 23 Game 3 at 4:30 pm: Winner Game 1 vs. Winner Game 2

Hardin (Calhoun) Sectional 101 Calhoun Dr., Hardin, IL 62047

Tue., May 27 Game 1 at 4:30 pm: Winner Centralia (Christ Our Rock Lutheran) Regional vs. Winner Mulberry Grove Regional

Wed., May 28 Game 2 at 4:30 pm: Winner Raymond (Lincolnwood) Regional vs. Winner New Athens Regional

Fri., May 30 Game 3 at 4:30 pm: Winner Game 1 vs. Winner Game 2

A motion was made by Amanda Gress, seconded by Angie Tepen that the Board of Education approves the online vendor Elevate for Spanish I & II Virtual Classroom.

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 approves iReady Math as the new K-8 Elementary Math.

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 approves HMH into Science as the new 6-8 Science Curriculum.

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 Amanda Gress that the Board of Education approves school fees for the 2025-26 school year.

Board polled:

Baalman – yes      Gress – yes

Fraley – yes          Sagez – yes

Gerson – yes        Tepen – yes

Motion carried.

A motion was made by Nate Sagez, seconded by Adam Gerson that the Board of Education approves the consolidated district plan for the 2025-26 school year.

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 approves the quote from Eilerman Construction LLC for the replacement of the Field House roof with the metal option for $17,800.

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 Intergovernmental Cooperation Agreement for Golf with Brussels CUSD 42.

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 a permanent fund transfer from Working Cash (fund 70) to Operations & Maintenance (fund 20) in the amount of $150,000 to cover expenditure shortfall due to infrastructure improvements.

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 approves a permanent fund transfer from Working Cash (fund 70) to Transportation (fund 40) in the amount of $184,000 due to expenditure shortfall from estimation of state underfunding of transportation reimbursement and bus lease payment timeline.

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 approves a permanent fund transfer from Working Cash (fund 70) to Social Security (fund 50) in the amount of $75,000 to cover the estimated FY 24 tax levy spend down was under estimation.

Board polled:

Baalman – yes      Gress – yes

Fraley – yes          Sagez – yes

Gerson – yes        Tepen – yes

Motion carried.

Executive Session:

A motion was made at 6:38 p.m. by Angie Tepen, seconded by Adam Gerson 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      Gress – yes

Fraley – yes          Sagez – yes

Gerson – yes        Tepen – yes

Motion carried.

A motion was made by Adam Gerson, seconded by Angie Tepen that the Board of Education return to Open Session at 9:27 p.m. to continue meeting and take any appropriate action.

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 approves to post for Elementary Math Interventionist / Math Implementation Coach.

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 approved personnel recommendations as presented for the 2025-26 school year.

Resignations: Kathy Friedel, HS Aide, Retirement May 2026

Lisa Kallal – EC Instructional Coach Retirement, December 2026

Certified Staff: Lauren Eilerman – Elem. Teacher (Long Term Sub)

Bree Hickey – Elem. Sped. Teacher (Long Term Sub)

Lexi Law – HS Sped. Teacher (Long Term Sub)

Emma Miller – 6th Grade

Emma Miller – 4th/5th Summer School

Bus Drivers/Trans.: Alan Shofner, Summer School Bus Driver

Coaching/Sponsor Hires: Tara Smith – Student Council Sponsor

Informational Items:

May 22 – 8th Grade Promotion

May 24 – CHS Graduation

May 16 – Memorial Day Honoring Anthony Gilman

June 19 – Juneteenth Holiday

June 26 – School Board Meeting at 5:30 pm

Correspondence

With no further business to discuss, a motion made by Jackie Baalman, seconded by Angie Tepen that the Board of Education adjourns the meeting at 9:34 p.m.

Board polled:

Baalman – yes      Gress – yes

Fraley – yes          Sagez – yes

Gerson – yes        Tepen – yes

Motion carried.

https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/5318/CCSD/5824774/12_-_May_20_2025_Regular_Meeting.pdf