West Central Reporter

Calhoun Community Unit School District 40 Board of Education met June 26.

Here are the minutes provided by the board:

A budget hearing, 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, Thursday, June 26, 2025 at 5:33 p.m. in the Calhoun Elementary School Library.

Upon roll being called the following board members were present: Jackie Baalman, Luke Fraley, Adam Gerson and Nate Sagez. Amanda Gress and Angie Tepen were absent.

Others in attendance were: LeaAnn Klaas, Lori Young, Christie Lorsbach, and Pam Friedel.

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

I. Call to Order

II. Roll Call of Members

III. Pledge of Allegiance

IV. Approval of Agenda

V. Presentation of Budget and Discussion

VI. Reception of Visitors, Petitions and Communications

VII. Action Items

a. Consider Approval of

i. Amended 2025 Budget

VIII. Adjourn Budget Amendment Hearing

Board Polled:

Baalman – yes Gress – absent

Fraley – yes Sagez – yes

Gerson – yes Tepen – absent

Motion carried.

A motion was made by Jackie Baalman, seconded by Nate Sagez that the Board of Education adopts the Amended 2025 Budget as presented.

Board polled:

Baalman – yes Gress – absent

Fraley – yes Sagez – yes

Gerson – yes Tepen – absent

Motion carried.

A motion was made by Nate Sagez, seconded by Adam Gerson that the Board of Education adjourns the Budget Hearing and continues to the Regular Meeting.

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, Thursday, June 26, 2025 at 5:42 p.m. in the Calhoun Elementary School Library.

Upon roll being called the following board members were present: Jackie Baalman, Luke Fraley, Adam Gerson and Nate Sagez. Amanda Gress and Angie Tepen were absent.

Others in attendance were: LeaAnn Klaas, Lori Young, Christie Lorsbach, and Pam Friedel.

A motion was made by Adam Gerson, 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. 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.

V. Consent Items

a. Adoption of Consent Agenda

b. Previous Board Minutes

i. Regular Meeting – May 20, 2025

c. Expenditures

d. Financial Reports

e. Activity Accounts Report

f. Transportation Report

VI. Committee and Administrative Reports

a. Calhoun Elementary School

b. Calhoun High School

c. Athletic Director

d. District Services/Maintenance Report

e. Superintendent

VII. First Reading of Press Policies

a. 2:70

b. 2:125-E2

VIII. Second & Final 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. Approve Pre-Employment Career Training (PECT) Program FY26 Contract

ii. Close Class of 2025 Activity Fund

iii. Open Class of 2029 Activity Fund

iv. Approve School Fees for the 2025-26 School Year

v. MissVIC Intergovernmental Agreement

vi. Appoint MissVIC Voting Members

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. Seat Appointed Board Member to fill Board Vacancy

i. Oath of Office to Newly Appointed Board Member

b. Consider Approving Administrator Contracts

i. Principals

ii. Asst. Principal

c. Consider Approving Director of District Services Contract

d. Metro Computer Solutions Vendor Contract

e. Consider Approving Personnel Recommendations

i. Coaches/Sponsors

ii. Resignation

XII. Other Business

XIII. Communication and Announcements

a. July 4 - Holiday

b. July 15 – School Board Meeting

c. Correspondence

XIV. Adjourn

Board polled:

Baalman – yes Gress – absent

Fraley – yes Sagez – yes

Gerson – yes Tepen – absent

Motion carried.

Executive Session:

A motion was made at 5:43 p.m. by Nate Sagez, seconded by Jackie Baalman 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 – absent

Fraley – yes Sagez – yes

Gerson – yes Tepen – absent

Motion carried.

A motion was made by Jackie Baalman, seconded by Nate Sagez that the Board of Education return to Open Session at 5:50 p.m. to continue meeting and take any appropriate action.

Board polled:

Baalman – yes Gress – absent

Fraley – yes Sagez – yes

Gerson – yes Tepen – absent

Motion carried.

A motion was made by Jackie Baalman, seconded by Nate Sagez that the Board of Education approves to appoint Megan Hillen as a board member to fill the vacant position until the 2027 election.

Board polled:

Baalman – yes Gress – absent

Fraley – yes Sagez – yes

Gerson – no Tepen – absent

Motion carried.

A motion was made by Nate Sagez, seconded by Adam Gerson 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 – May 20, 2025

c. Expenditures

d. Financial Reports

e. Activity Accounts Report

f. Transportation Report

Board polled:

Baalman – yes Hillen – yes

Fraley – yes Sagez – yes

Gerson – yes Tepen – absent

Gress - absent

Motion carried.

Reception of Visitors / Public Comment: N/A

Principals Report:

Calhoun Elementary School Principal Jean Heil Report

CEJHS had the visitation for Caroline Posey Goode in our gym/cafeteria on Friday, June 20th. THANK YOU to Pam Friedel, Lisa Kallal, Linda Webster, Lance Sibley, John Jansen, Bill Henke, Mary Schmieder, Stacy Baalman and other teachers and staff for working extremely hard to get the building and grounds cleaned and set up (in the midst of summer maintenance). She will be missed and we will continue to support our #WarriorFamily through the difficult days ahead.

Plans are made to rent a dumpster and clean out the school shed and the locker rooms during the week of July 14 - 18. We are also coordinating with a tech recycling company to recycle our old tech. Mrs. Young and I hope to have the RTI room makeover done by July 4th.

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

Big thanks to all of those who helped set up, get ready for and attended our first CHS graduation in the HS gym in quite some time. The gym looked great and we are looking forward too many more graduation ceremonies hosted at CHS. (Special thanks to Brianna Sibley for the use of her ferns for the weekend) The Tony Gilman Memorial Celebration was well attended by family, friends, and the community. It honored a great man who made the ultimate sacrifice. It was a special honor to attend the event and learn about the type of man Tony was. Special thanks to Ann Gilman, Audrey Gilman, and Brian Pelletier for helping clean up after graduation and set up for the memorial.

Congratulations to the Softball and Baseball team on their outstanding seasons this year! Special shout out to the players who made WIVC First Team All-Conference: (Softball) Audrey Gilman, Lacy Pohlman, and Kiera Sievers (Baseball) Jack Zipprich and Max Toppmeyer. Second Team All-Conference: (Softball) Layla Longnecker (Baseball) Drew Wallendorf. ALL-STATE First Team: Audrey Gilman and ALL-STATE Third Team: Kiera Sievers

The new gym floor looks incredible. If you have not been to CHS to see the floor in person, please feel free to stop by, it’s a show stopper; pictures do not do it justice!

The custodial staff (Brenda Camerer has been coming in once per week to assist Brian) has been busy redoing all of the classroom floors. Last year this was not done because of all the construction, so it was definitely needed.

Ms. Mincy, the new music/band instructor, has been in multiple times to meet with Mrs. Heberling. The band room has been set up and all of the closets have been cleaned out and organized. She is ecstatic to begin her new year at Calhoun.

State year-end reports will be completed by Friday, 6/27.

Kerry Lorton has been in to work with CTE, Perkins, WBL, and CCPE grants, funding, and framework that must be submitted.

Mr. Ringhausen continues to work with scheduling and make small changes as needed for the upcoming year. This year is the highest projected enrollment CHS has seen in many years.

The handbook will be ready for approval at the July meeting. We will continue to monitor changes that the state may make and update the handbook as needed.

Data presentation will be given over ACT and MAP data for student growth.

Currently all students are on track to pass summer school credit recovery. The final exam will be given on Thursday, June 26.

The girls’ and boys’ basketball, along with volleyball have been practicing with open gyms and playing in open tournaments. Football has also been conditioning and lifting.

Superintendents Report:

There have been 2 recent FOIA request’s. One from CT Mills for administrator information. The other from Owen Wang, West Central Reporter for graduate information. That request was denied because they were asking for specific information on student records such as names and addresses.

The Pre-Employment Career Training (PECT) Program contract for FY26 will serve 22 high school students. The Grant will provide $37,000 to service the students. Tara Smith will lead the program that is through the Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS).

Updating the school fees for English 131/132 from $50 to $100.

We had a fraudulent check that was made out to Pepsi for $2302.89. Had to back to January in the Activity Account funds to adjust the concession fund.

Jason King, Executive Director of the Center for American Archeology has brought students and teachers to do aerial surveys of the grounds next to the grade school.

Spring Sports Coach Evaluations have been completed by Cheri Burris.

District Services/Maintenance Report:

Many of our summer projects have been completed since the end of the school year. Rod has been working on replacing broken floor tiles in the elementary school as well as the office in the high school where the old front counter was removed. He finished with the office floor late last week. We have also put new guttering on the crow’s nest and replaced a door on the top level. The countertops in the east wing computer lab have been removed and the walls patched for painting. John has also replaced the lights at the entrance of the elementary school. Several weren’t working and some were flickering. The janitors have been making good progress in both schools stripping and waxing floors. Once they get done with the floors they will start painting in some of the rooms and hallways. Illinois Electric came last week and removed and replaced the 4 rotten light poles around the softball field. They generously replaced them as a donation. The high school gym floor has also been sanded down and refinished this month. It looks very nice. We’re scheduled to meet with the architect on the 25th to get started on the Health Life Safety Plan. I also have Tech Electronics scheduled on the 26th for yearly fire alarm inspections.

This is the last week for summer school so we still have a couple buses running every day. All the buses have been serviced for the summer and are in the process of being cleaned inside and out. They also are due for their 6-month state inspection this month. The red van was repaired last week from a deer hit a few months ago on the Garrison route. Two of the vans are also scheduled for tires this week.

Athletic Report:

Ella Sievers sent an email requesting to be a volunteer Calhoun High Girls Basketball coach. Coach Hillen requested that she be allowed to do so.

Ryan Graner has resigned as a volunteer Calhoun High Boys Basketball coach.

I have received all the necessary approvals for the Calhoun-Brussels co-op renewal for 25-26 and 26-27 school years. I will submit all required documents to the IHSA.

I have requested a committee to discuss possible changes to the Extracurricular Code. Any possible changes will be submitted to the board for approval at the July meeting.

Update on shot clock: The plan is to purchase July 1 in order to get the current quoted price. Cost of shot clocks: $7260.00 This does not include installation. It also does not include locker room shot clocks. Money raised through Modern Woodman for shot clocks: $5228.

Both the softball and baseball teams participated in the IHSA Sectional championship. Both coaches will be having awards recognition this summer.

I have also submitted the Softball and Baseball coach evaluations to Lori Young.

Coach Caselton has requested the possibility of using activity funds to pay for his third coach. At this time, he and Coach Sievers give some of their coaching stipend to Coach Swan.

A motion was made by Nate Sagez, seconded by Adam Gerson that the Board of Education approves the Pre Employment Career Training (PECT) Program FY26 Contract.

Board polled:

Baalman – yes Hillen – yes

Fraley – yes Sagez – yes

Gerson – yes Tepen – absent

Gress - absent

Motion carried.

A motion was made by Nate Sagez, seconded by Adam Gerson that the Board of Education approves to close the Class of 2025 Activity Fund.

Board polled:

Baalman – yes Hillen – yes

Fraley – yes Sagez – yes

Gerson – yes Tepen – absent

Gress - absent

Motion carried.

A motion was made by Adam Gerson, seconded by Nate Sagez that the Board of Education approves to open the Class of 2029 Activity Fund.

Board polled:

Baalman – yes Hillen – yes

Fraley – yes Sagez – yes

Gerson – yes Tepen – absent

Gress - absent

Motion carried.

A motion was made by Nate Sagez, seconded by Adam Gerson that the Board of Education approves the updated school fees for Lewis & Clark classes English 131/132 of $100.

Board polled:

Baalman – yes Hillen – yes

Fraley – yes Sagez – yes

Gerson – yes Tepen – absent

Gress - absent

Motion carried.

A motion was made by Jackie Baalman, seconded by Nate Sagez that the Board of Education resolves to extend the term of the MissVIC Employee Benefits Pool and the MissVIC Property Casualty Pool for the term of July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2028.

Board polled:

Baalman – yes Hillen – yes

Fraley – yes Sagez – yes

Gerson – yes Tepen – absent

Gress - absent

Motion carried.

A motion was made by Adam Gerson, seconded by Nate Sagez that the Board of Education approves to appoint Lori Young as the voting member and Meghan Klunk as the alternate to the Mississippi Valley Intergovernmental Cooperative Board of Directors beginning July 1, 2025 for the 2025-2026 fiscal year.

Board polled:

Baalman – yes Hillen – yes

Fraley – yes Sagez – yes

Gerson – yes Tepen – absent

Gress - absent

Motion carried.

Executive Session:

A motion was made at 6:16 p.m. by Nate Sagez, seconded by Jackie Baalman 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 Hillen – yes

Fraley – yes Sagez – yes

Gerson – yes Tepen – absent

Gress - absent

Motion carried.

A motion was made by Adam Gerson, seconded by Nate Sagez 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 Hillen – yes

Fraley – yes Sagez – yes

Gerson – yes Tepen – absent

Gress - absent

Motion carried.

A motion was made by Jackie Baalman, seconded by Adam Gerson that the Board of Education approves the contract of the High School Principal Christie Lorsbach for the 2025-26 school year as presented.

Board polled:

Baalman – yes Hillen – yes

Fraley – yes Sagez – yes

Gerson – yes Tepen – absent

Gress - absent

Motion carried.

A motion was made by Adam Gerson, seconded by Jackie Baalman that the Board of Education approves the contract of the Elementary Principal Jean Heil for the 2025-26 school year as presented.

Board polled:

Baalman – yes Hillen – yes

Fraley – yes Sagez – yes

Gerson – yes Tepen – absent

Gress - absent

Motion carried.

A motion was made by Jackie Baalman, seconded by Nate Sagez that the Board of Education approves the contract of the Asst. Elementary Principal Pam Friedel for the 2025-26 school year as presented.

Board polled:

Baalman – yes Hillen – yes

Fraley – yes Sagez – yes

Gerson – yes Tepen – absent

Gress - absent

Motion carried.

A motion to approve the contract of the Director of District Services Lance Sibley for the 2025-26 school year was tabled.

A motion was made by Nate Sagez, seconded by Jackie Baalman that the Board of Education approves a Service Agreement with Metro Computer Solutions, Inc. for the amount of $62,000 for the fiscal year 2025- 2026 pending language clean-up.

Board polled:

Baalman – yes Hillen – yes

Fraley – yes Sagez – yes

Gerson – yes Tepen – absent

Gress - absent

Motion carried.

A motion was made by Adam Gerson, seconded by Jackie Baalman that the Board of Education approves personnel recommendations as presented for the 2025-26 school year.

Resignations: Ryan Graner – Volunteer Assistant HS Boys Basketball Coach Reassignments: Paul Klunk – Elem. Custodian to Elem. Cook

Coaching/Sponsor Hires: Bethany Owens – Assistant Coach 7th/8th Girls Basketball Grace Stephens – Jr. High Volleyball Coach

Seth Grimes – Fresh. Class Sponsors

Ryan Graner – Fresh. Class Sponsors

Informational Items:

July 4 – Holiday

July 15 – School Board Meeting at 5:30 pm

Correspondence

With no further business to discuss, a motion made by Nate Sagez, seconded by Jackie Baalman that the Board of Education adjourns the meeting at 8:03 p.m.

Board polled:

Baalman – yes Hillen – yes

Fraley – yes Sagez – yes

Gerson – yes Tepen – absent

Gress - absent

Motion carried.

https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/5318/CCSD/5880432/13_-_June_26_2025_Budget_Hearing_and_Regular_Meeting.pdf