Call to Order and Roll Call for Regular Board Meeting
KEWANEE[S1] CUSD #229 BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING APRIL 17, 2017
CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL FOR REGULAR BOARD MEETING
The regular meeting of the Board of Kewanee Community Unit School District No. 229 was held in the Kewanee CUSD #229’s Administration Office with President Nolan calling the meeting to order at 6:15pm. Roll call showed all the current Members present: Sellers, Lempke,Leckey, Steffen, Salisbury and Nolan. Superintendent Sullens was also present for the Closed Session.
EXECUTIVE SESSION OF REGULAR BOARD MEETING[S2][S3]
At 6:16pm Member Sellers seconded a motion made by Member Steffen to enter into Closed Session (C)(1)to consider the appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance or dismissal of specific employees of the District, and (C)(2)to consider collective negotiating matters between the public body and its employees or their representatives, or deliberations concerning salary schedules for one or more classes of employees, and (C)(5) the purchase or lease of real property for the use of the public body, and (C)(9) Student Disciplinary Cases,and (C)(11) Litigation * 5ILCS 120/2 Open Meetings The School Code of Illinois/2017. Voice roll vote showed all present Members voting aye. None of the Board Members voted[S4] nay. The motion carried with six ayes and zero nays. Meeting adjourned Closed Session at 7:25.
CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL FOR OPEN SESSION MEETING
President Nolan called the Regular Meeting to order at 7:33pm. This Open Session continued in the Staff Development Room of the Administration building. Roll call showed the following Board Members present: Lempke, Sellers, Leckey, Steffen, R Salisbury and Nolan. The audience included staff members T Brown, J Bryan, D. Hodge-Bates, J Stabler, T Atwell, D Brants, K Rogula, and R Kapacinskas. Others in attendance included: J Johnson, J Padilla, L Christiansen, M Komnick, F Brown, J Bennison, G Bennison, K Bennison, JR Salisbury, R LaFollette and Mike Berry from the Star Courier. Recording Secretary D Simaytis and Superintendent C Sullens were in attendance as well. Visitation Parent P Brown, his wife and daughter arrived a few minutes later.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG
President Nolan asked the audience to stand, if able and join the Board in saying the “Pledge of Allegiance” to the flag.
INVITED GUESTS
Dr. Sullens introduced Visitation parent G Bennison, who spoke, as well as read a letter from Visitation parent, J Coonz, requesting Kewanee Schools to Co-op Junior High Softball with Visitation Catholic School. Dr. Sullens explained that IESA rules would supersede. IESA does not allow a district to “pick and choose” only certain students or only students who would be graduating[S5][S6] and entering the Kewanee H. S. IESA states that they would have to include all students, (which would theoretically include Wethersfield, Galva, or other local schools) or none. Potentially opening Softball up to all local schools, would take spots away from a possible KHS student(s) and District tax payers. Vis Parent, P Brown stated that if students don’t earn their spots on a team in Junior High they often won’t be able to earn those spots in High School. Athletes usually hold their spots on a team once they are earned. Mrs. Bennison stated that she was a taxpayer as well. Brown feels that the issue should be about the students and not about where they are from or reside.
Dr. Sullens stated that the issue can be put up as an action item at the next meeting. Mrs. Bennison noted that according to IESA rules this Issue needs to be approved two months prior to the (Softball) “season”, therefore time is of the essence. The Board thanked the Visitation parents for their comments.
MINUTES, FINANCIAL, TREASURER’S REPORT AND BILLS AND PAYROLL CONSENT AGENDA
President Nolan asked for a motion for a Consent Agenda and acceptance of Agenda Items V, VI and Item VII. Member Lempke seconded the motion made by Member Leckey to approve these three Items. The roll showed Members Sellers, Leckey, Steffen, Salisbury, Lempke and Nolan all voting aye. There were no nay votes. The motion carried.
COMMENTS FROM AUDIENCE
None
REPORT FROM ADMINISRATION
State of Illinois/ISBE F/17 & F/18 Budgets
Dr. Sullens reported that the District continues to hear that there probably won’t be a Budget set in Springfield until after the Governor’s election in November (FY19 Budget). Dr. Sullens stated that our District is currently underfunded and depending on which formula is decided upon the District could potentially get between $864,000 and 3.1 million dollars in increased funding.
Senator Manaur
Supt. Sullens spoke to Senator Manaur prior to Spring Break. He reported the current selection of Education Funding Proposal Rates which would benefit the Kewanee District are: Evidence Based Funding $864,657; Senate Bill 231 for $1,462,680; Senate Bill 1 for $2,332,087; and Senate Bill 16 for $3,163,367. Manaur believes that Kewanee Schools would probably receive between $864,000 and 1.4 million dollars, based on the formulas proposed. Manaur has and will be meeting with Senator Weaver to go over funding proposals and school funding. Dr. Sullens stated that funding formulas need to be changed even if the revenue is not increased in order to support the District based on our lack of local recourses. Even if the formula is not fully funded Dr. Sullens would still like to see the formula changed. First step is to get a funding bill to pass and the second step is to get it fully funded so that it isn’t pro-rated.
Federal TRS: 44.61% - 38%
Dr. Sullens reported that the Federal TRS rate is going from 38% to 44.61%. This is Title I funding in which the District receives. Title One teacher salaries are currently paid with these dollars.
State Categorical Payments
- Transportation – The District is entitled to $393,000 in reimbursement for Transportation for FY17.
- Special Education – The District is entitled as well to $111,000 in Special Ed Transportation reimbursements for FY17. So far this year, the District has not received any of these reimbursements from the State of Illinois. We are now being told Kewanee will only receive 25% ($125,000) of what is due, and these payments will be three months behind.
Spring Fling Volleyball (Kelli Jackson)
Dr. Sullens informed the Board of Education that there were six local Teams participating in Spring Fling Volleyball including Teams from Visitation, Wethersfield, Central (2 teams), Annawan and Neponset. The girls played at the Central Steamer Gym, rather than playing in Galesburg this year. The Central 8thGrade won the Tournament against Visitation’s 7th Grade Team. There were many compliments from area coaches on the new Steamer Gym facility.
Replacement of the Main Electrical Panel at Central (1967)
Dr. Sullens noted that the main electrical panel at Central School was replaced during the Spring Break for $22,000. Currently to replace one breaker would have been approximately $7,000. (2) Two 200 amp breakers were added and (3) three 100 amp breakers were included for possible expansion in the future. The panel was originally installed in 1967.
Mandates: 50 New Mandates in the Last 5 Years
Sullens included an article in the Board packets discussing Bills that Springfield has generated affecting education over the past five years, without additional funding being provided. Most of the Mandates are for reporting. The District is required to do additional reporting even though all of this “student” information is generated every Friday and sent to Springfield through our Skyward Software Programs.
Additional PreK Funding ($27,003.00)
Dr. Sullens stated that the District and the ROE applied for and was granted extra PreK funding. The ROE received approximately $25,000. and the Kewanee District received $27,003. These funds will be used to add additional “desperately needed” outdoor equipment at our Lyle Pre School Playground. It is hoped it will be delivered and installed this summer.
Mr. Bryan – Kewanee High School Principal
National Honor Society
Mr. Bryan reported that the National Honor Society held their 2017 Banquet on April 12th. There were “31” new members inducted and “21” Seniors that were inducted last year, who attended this year’s Banquet. Roughly 250 people were present and it was catered by Damron’s Catering. The speaker was Mr. Todd Reeser who presented each Senior with a book entitled “The Present”. Mr. Bryan congratulated all the honorees for their academic achievements.
Key Club Banquet
Mr. Bryan noted that the Key Club Banquet was held on April 5, 2017 in the Golby Student Center, where Mrs. Margaret Golby spoke about service. KHS StudentTy Jones was awarded the Kiwanis Club Scholarship this year.
Group Interpretation – Participation at State
The Group Interpretation Team qualified for the State Contest, for the “12th” year in a row and held at the University of Illinois, Springfield on March 24th and 25th. Mr. Bryan reported that KHS Group Interp students Ali Kubiak, Elizabeth Gustafson and Conner DeVilder made All-State Cast. It is hoped that these students and Coach Olade will be recognized at the Board meeting next month.
Mr. Bryan also announced that KHS now has a “Community Food Pantry” that serves approximately 63 people or 12 families. The Panty is not intended to replace the local food pantry and is an “invitation only pantry” served by Riverbend Food Pantry, out of the Quad Cities, to assist students and families in Kewanee School District.
Mr. Atwell – KHS Athletic Director
Track/Baseball/Softball
Coach Atwell reported that the IHSA Sectional for Boys’ Baseball will be held at Farmington. KHS is in the Sub Sectional B and will travel to EL Paso-Gridley or Annawan-Wethersfield for the Regional starting May 15.
The IHSA Girls’ Softball Sectional will be held at Knoxville. Kewanee is in Sub Sectional A and will travel to Brimfield or Rockridge for the Regionals on May 15th.
The Girls’ Track Class 2A Sectionals will be at Mendota on May 12th. State is May 19th and 20th at EIU.
The Boys’ Track Class 2A Sectionals will be on Friday May 19th at Plano. State will be May 26th and 27th at EIU.
KHS is hosting IHSA MusicOrganization on Friday, April 21st and Saturday, April 22nd. He stated it will be a busy two day event and hopes the public, as well as the Board attends some of the “concerts”.
Mr. Anderson – Central JR. High School Principal
Track Participation
Dr. Sullens reported that there are “26” Seventh Grade girls, “26” Eighth Grade girls, “22” Seventh Grade boys and “26” Eighth Grade boys out for Track this year.
SUPERINTENDENT COMMITTEE REPORTS
None
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Dr. Sullens reported that Coach Atwell, Coach Smyth and he were invited to a Park District meeting last month. The Park District stated that the Northeast Soccer field is only to be used in the Fall, by the KHS Soccer Team and one Park League Team, in order to minimize wear and tear on the field. No practices will be held on the field. Practices will be held at the end of the Driving Range at Baker Park. The Driving Range will be closed during practice times. The Park is also looking into providing some parking areas should some of the parents want to observe practices.
KHS North Lot Improvements - Proposed Parking Area (74) and Proposed Practice Soccer Field
Dr. Sullens reported that the proposed parking area North of KHS is currently set up for “72” vehicles. Entrances/Exits would be on 3rdand 4th Street. A practice Soccer Field would be added to the property, after some clearing and dirt work, down by the current bon-fire area. On the far Eastside of the property, another parking area for “42” vehicles would also be added. It is hopeful that work can begin this Spring in order to allow grass to establish. The goal is to have the parking areas graveled this year and asphalted a year later. Dr. Sullens recommended approving the proposed Parking Areas and Practice Soccer Field Addition at KHS.
Member Steffen made a motion to approve the Projects. Member Leckey seconded the motion. The roll call vote showed Members Leckey, Steffen, Salisbury, Lempke, Sellers and Nolan all voting aye. There were no nay votes. The motion carried.
NEW BUSINESS
A.1st Reading of New & Revised Policies
No Action Required
B.Consideration and Approval of Administrative Contract Addendum
President Nolan recommended approving the Administrative Contract Addendum to extend Dr. Sullens’ Contract for “three” years, for a total of “five” years.
Member Steffen made a motion to approve. Member Leckey seconded the motion. The roll call vote showed Members Steffen, Salisbury, Lempke, Sellers, Leckey and Nolan all voting aye. There were no nay votes. The motion carried.
ACTION FROM CLOSED SESSION
PERSONNEL:
RESIGNATIONS
KHS Asst. Wrestling CoachCasey MillerEffective Immediately
KHS Co-Scholastic Bowl AdvisorRebecca BaneyEffective Immediately
Central School 2nd Shift CustodianRobert HolmesEffective 4/14/17
KHS Social Studies Tea & Asst. Football CoachPatrick SmithEffective End of 16-17 Sch Yr
Central 8th Grade Girls’ Basketball CoachCody ButlerEffective Immediately
Dr. Sullens recommended approving the above listed resignations. Member Lempke seconded a motion made by Member Salisbury to approve. The roll call vote showed Members Salisbury, Lempke, Sellers, Leckey, Steffen and Nolan all voting aye. There were no nay votes. The motion carried.
RETIREMENTS
None
HIRES (1)
Summer Maintenance Worker Pat Daniels (Café/Cust Split) 40hrs./Wk.
Summer Maintenance WorkerStella Long (Cafe/Cust Split) 40hrs./Wk.
Summer Maintenance WorkerTanner Arzola 40 hrs./wk.
Summer Maintenance WorkerJuan Contreras40 hrs./wk.
Summer Maintenance WorkerZak Brown 40 hrs./wk.
Summer Maintenance WorkerAlex Kenney40 hrs./wk.
Summer Maintenance Worker Julia King 40 hrs./wk. July-August
Summer Maintenance WorkerCole Vickrey40 hrs./wk.
Summer Maintenance WorkerDrake Charlett 20 hrs./wk.
Summer Maintenance WorkerDavid Younglove 20 hrs./wk.
Summer Maintenance WorkerAlysh Oetzel May only
Summer Maintenance WorkerNick Sheets 40 hrs./wk.
Summer Maintenance WorkerEvan Becker 20 hrs./wk.
HIRES (1) Cont.
Summer Maintenance WorkerCody Goforth 40 hrs./wk.
Summer Maintenance WorkerRyan Hansen 20 hrs./wk.
Summer Maintenance WorkerJosh Henkins 40 hrs./wk.
Summer Maintenance WorkerDonovan Oliver 20 hrs./wk.
Summer Maintenance WorkerHailee Talbot40 hrs./wk.
Summer Maintenance WorkerSavannah Hill
Summer Maintenance WorkerJordan VanMelkebecke
Dr. Sullens recommended to approve the above Summer Maintenance hires. Member Steffen seconded a motion made by Member Sellers to approve. The roll call vote showed Members Lempke, Sellers, Leckey, Steffen, Salisbury and Nolan all voting aye. There were no nay votes. The motion carried.
HIRE (2)
Summer Maintenance Worker Bryce Nolan40 hrs./wk.
Dr. Sullens recommended to approve Bryce Nolan as Summer Maintenance. Member Lempke seconded a motion made by Member Salisbury to approve. The roll call vote showed Members Sellers, Leckey, Steffen, Salisbury and Lempke, all voting aye. Member Nolan abstained from the vote. There were no nay votes. The motion carried with six ayes.
HIRE (3)
Summer Maintenance WorkerWilliam Dakota Brackett 40 hrs. /wk.
Summer Maintenance WorkerTJ Jackson32 hrs. /wk.
Dr. Sullen recommended to approve W Brackett and TJ Jackson as Summer Maintenance workers. Member Lackey seconded a motion made by Member Steffen to approve. The roll call vote showed Members Lackey, Steffen, Salisbury, Lempke and Nolan all voting aye. Member Sellers abstained from the vote. There were no nay votes. The motion carried.
HIRE (4)
Summer KHS Office AideJessica Crofton8.25/hr.
Title I SS Administrator Jason Anderson-CentralIncl. on Contract
Title I SS AdministratorTamara Brown-Irving21/d for $6,131.62
KHS SSRebecca Baney (English)$4,278.96 Stipend
KHS SSJennifer Grebner (Math)$4,278.96 Stipend
KHS SSMarland Rachel (Soc. Studies)$4,278.96 Stipend
KHS SSVincent Miles (Drivers Ed May-June)5/d for 7/Wks. @ $25.80/hr.
Irving SS-KindergartenLeticia Martinez$4,278.96 Stipend
Irving SS-Grade 1Amanda Minx$4,278.96 Stipend
Irving SS-Grade 2Melissa Newman$4,278.96 Stipend
Irving SS-Grade 2Jennifer Plum$4,278.96 Stipend
Irving SS-Grade 3Angie Kluever$4,278.96 Stipend
Irving SS-Grade 3Joanne Bennett$4,278.96 Stipend
Irving SS Social WorkerRobin O’Conner12/d @ $203.76/d
Irving ROE K/1Lori Bridgewater$4,278.96 Stipend
Irving ROE K/1Katie Buerk$4,278.96 Stipend
Irving ROE K/1 CounselorAshley Mikenas$4,278.96 Stipend
Central SS Grade 4Jill Peart$4,278.96 Stipend
Central SS Grade 4Heidi Abernathy$4,278.96 Stipend
Central SS Grade 4Jennifer Vickery$4,278.96 Stipend
Central SS Grade 5Nikki Kubiak10/d for $2,037.60
Central SS Grade 5Sherry Moon5/24 – 6/7 plus workday $2,461.77 Stipend
Central SS Grade 6Renee Archer$4,278.96 Stipend
Central SS Grade 6Bree Summers$4,278.96 Stipend
HIRES (4) Cont.
Central Jr. HighDonna Havelka$4,535.70 Stipend
Central Jr. High Bonnie Shepherd-McCommons$4,535.70 Stipend
ROE Jr. High Writing/GrammarGretchen Arzola$4,278.96 Stipend
ROE 7/8 (ex. Stem & WII)Jennifer Little$4,278.96 Stipend
Neponset SS K-8Kelli Maupin$4,278.96 Stipend
Neponset SS K-8Kandy Hansen$4,278.96 Stipend
Neponset SS K-8Kathryn Swearingen$4,278.96 Stipend
Lyle ROE ProgramAmelia JansenPd by Kewanee/Reimb from ROE – On Contract
Lyle ROE ProgramAmanda ClementzPd by Kewanee/Reimb from ROE – On Contract
Lyle Pre K Rachel Smyth$94.86/d
Dr. Sullen recommended the above 2017 Summer School hires. Member Lempke seconded a motion made by Member Sellers to approve. The roll call vote showed Members Steffen, Salisbury, Lempel, Sellers, Leckey and Nolan all voting aye. There were no nay votes. The motion carried.
HIRE (5)
Irving SS Grade 1Kelli Jackson$4,278.96 Stipend
Dr. Sullens recommended the employment of K Jackson for Summer School. Member Steffen made a motion to approve. Member Leckey seconded the motion. The roll call vote showed Members Salisbury, Lempke, Leckey, Steffen and Nolan all voting aye. Member Sellers abstained from the motion. There were no nay votes. The motion carried.
HIRE (6)
Central SS Grade 5Peggy Costenson$4,278.96 Stipend
Dr. Sullens recommended the employment of P Costenson for Summer School. Member Sellers made a motion to approve. Member Lempke seconded the motion. The roll call vote showed Members Lempke, Sellers, Steffen, Salisbury and Nolan all voting aye. Member Leckey abstained from the vote. There were no nay votes. The motion carried.