KEWANEE COMM SCHOOLS BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING OCTOBER 17, 2016
CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL FOR SPECIAL BOARD MEETING
The Regular Meeting of the Board of Kewanee Community Unit School District No. 229 was held in the Kewanee CUSD #229 Administration Office with President Nolan calling the Meeting to order at 6:15pm. Roll call showed the following Members present:Sellers,Leckey,Jagers, Steffen,Salisburyand Nolan. Member Lempke arrived at 6:20pm. Superintendent Sullens was also present for the Closed Session.
EXECUTIVE SESSION OF SPECIAL BOARD MEETING
At 6:16pmMemberJagers seconded a motion made by MemberLeckey toenter into Closed Session to consider (C)(1) 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(C) (5) the purchase or lease of real property for the use of the public body(C)(8) Security Procedures (C) (9) Student Disciplinary Cases (C)(11) Litigation, * 5ILCS 120/2 Open Meetings The School Code of Illinois/2016. Voice roll vote showed all Members voting aye except Member Lempke, who arrived at 6:20pm. No Board Members voted nay. The motion carried.
CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL FOR OPEN SESSION MEETING
President Nolan called the Regular Meeting to order at 7:35pm. This Open Session continued in the Staff Development Room of the Administration Office. Roll call showed the following Board Members present: Lempke, Sellers,Leckey, Steffen, Salisbury, Jagersand Nolan. The audience included staff members J Anderson, J Bryan, D Hodge-Bates, T Atwell. KEA President R Kapacinskas arrived at 7:39pm. Reporter M. Berryof the Star Courier,Ford Brown from the Committee of Ten, Mr. Komnick, J Salisbury, D. Stevens, L. Christiansen and Auditor S Ramsey of Gorenz & Assoc. Recording SecretaryD Simaytis and Superintendent C Sullens were in attendance as well.
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
2016 KCUD#229 Audit-Gorenz and Associates: Stephanie Ramsey, CPA of Peoria, IL
Stephanie Ramsey of Gorenz and Associates was introduced and reported on the 2015-2016 Audit of the District’s finances which was performed this summer. Ms. Ramsey distributed a handout and proceeded to summarize Kewanee School District’s financial information. Ms. Ramsey said the District had $16.7 million in revenues during this fiscal year that ended June 30, 2016 and 16.3 million in expenditures. Ramsey said receipts exceeded expenditures for the 2015-2016 school year in Kewanee, which is not the case in many of the State’s other school districts. Kewanee school officials “should be commended” for the District’s financial performance.
The revenues were down $452,356 from F/15, due mostly to a drop in the State of Illinois funding – General State Aid, Special Education and Transportation. The Ed Fund revenue received was $14,175,312 and expenditures were $14,031,108. The Operation and Maintenance Fund revenue was $1,885,416 with expenditures of $1,864,403 and the Transportation revenue received was $632,656 with $666,864 in expenditures.
As of June 30, she stated, Unencumbered Equity in the operating funds only were $10,199,509, meaning the District hadenough cash on hand to operate for about seven months, even if no other revenue was received for those seven months.
Spending was down from the year before by about $330,000, due mostly to a decline in expenditures for your support services, Ramsey said.
With a number of Illinois school districts struggling in an era of declining State school support, Ramsey said, Kewanee is doing very well. The District received a 3.90 for a Financial Profile, giving the District Financial Recognition for the third straight year. She said next year’s audit might be even more positive, as it appears the State is committed to increasing education spending. This is good news for the Kewanee District, which gets about two-thirds of its funding from the State.
Ms. Ramsey stated that the District spent $8,992 per student with an Average Daily Attendance for the 2015-2016 School Year of 1,692, which is down from its peak in 2011 of 1,700. She also stated the Audit went smoothly, due to the support of the Administration secretaries. She asked the Board if there were any questions and there were no questions were heard. Dr Sullens thanked Stephanie and the Gorenz staff for their great auditing support over the years and especially for the extra help during the year, answering our random financial questions in regard to constant “book keeping” changes by the State of Illinois and the Feds.
Central Parents-IESA Reps: J. R. Salisbury & D. Stevens of Kewanee, IL
J.R. Salisbury and Duane Stevens addressed the Board of Education as a continuation of a discussion from the September 2016 Board Meeting concerning IESA Softball. Dr. Sullens began by reviewing the previous month’s conversation. Dr. Sullens noted that after conversations between himself and softball proponents during the past month, it will not be the District official’s recommendation to participate in IESA Softball for the next school year. A survey was taken since the last Meeting to determine the student’s Softball interest. The results were handed out to the Board of Education and discussed. President Nolan asked if anyone had any questions, as there are a lot of “moving parts” to the issue that would effect a lot of seasons/sports. Member Jagers asked what schools Kewanee would be currently playing, that will be switching over to IESA. Superintendent Sullens stated all of Lincoln Trail Conference Schools are switching to IESA and President Nolan stated that Mercer Co., Rockridgeand Sherrard may be switching. Mr. Anderson noted that the Junior High School will not have any problems scheduling games, even if these schools change over. President Nolan stated most of the IESA enrollment membership is in southern Illinois. Dr. Sullens reported that neither CJH, nor KHS Coaches are in favor of going to a lower volleyball net, which is required by the IESA. Dr. Sullens stated that the issue will be on the agenda for action next month.
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, & VII. Member Leckey seconded the motion made by Member Steffen to approve Items V, VI, & VI. The roll showed Members Sellers, Leckey, Steffen, Salisbury, Jagers, Lempke and Nolan all voting aye. There were no nay votes. The motion carried.
COMMENTS FROM AUDIENCE
None
REPORT FROM ADMINISRATION
Recognition of Honorary Boilermakers: Ron Fulton and Edwin & Pat Peterson
Dr. Sullens reported that Ron Fulton and Mr. Edwin and Mrs. Pat Peterson (Martin Engineering) were named Honorary Boilermakers for the Kewanee Homecoming this year. Dr. Sullens stated that he appreciates all the support to the Kewanee/Neponset Districts that these individuals have contributed over the years.
Status of State of Illinois FY17 Budget and FY18 General State Aid
Dr. Sullens stated that the GSA should be up about $300,000 next year. It is hoped that Republicans and Democrats will be able to come together after the upcoming election and be able to address the deficits in the Illinois State Budget. It is believed that the State tax rates will have to be increased, at some point, in order to generate revenue. Dr. Sullens stated that they are already working on the F/Y18 GSA Formulas in Springfield. It is anticipated, no matter which Formula is chosen, the Kewanee District looks to gain in GSA.
County Sales Tax Update (Enrollment Numbers for 2017)
Dr. Sullens informed the Board of Education that September 2016 Enrollment was 1,898, up from 1,838 in 2015. The County Sales Tax is calculated from enrollment numbers. 75% of our County Sales Tax revenue has went towards Bonds that were issued for the KHS renovations, Lyle restrooms, Central Steamer Gym & Foyer and leaves approximately $225,000 left for other building projects, such as the parking lots at Irving and Central Schools.
KHS Class Tours (Classes of 1966 & 1976)
Dr. Sullens reported that he gave tours of KHS to the Classes of 1966and 1976. He noted that it takes approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes for the tours. Most who visit are impressed with all the expansions and improvements that have been done.
Mr. Anderson – Central JR. High School Principal
PARCC Testing 2016 Results
No results available at this time.
Mr. Bryan-KHS Principal
PSAE/ACT Results
None
KHS Dual Credit Support from the Foundation
Mr. Bryan reported that the Kewanee Schools Foundation has $6,000 that will be divided among 77 Scholarships to KHS students who will be taking Dual Credit Classes this year.
Mr. Atwell – KHS Athletic Director
Football, Volleyball, Golf, Tennis, Soccer and Cross Country Updates
Coach Atwell reported on the Fall sports. Boys’ Golf finished 8th this year in Conference with no Sectional qualifiers. Riley Hansen won the Girls’ Conference and won the Girls’ IHSA Regional, placed 6th at the IHSA Sectional and qualified for the IHSA State Tournament, placing 8th. She is Kewanee’s “first” female golfer medalist.
Kewanee hosted the Three Rivers Conference meet for Cross County in September. Regionals will be at Rock Falls on October 22.
Kewanee had no one advance at the IHSA Tennis Sectional.
Volleyball Regionals will be Monday, Oct. 24 with Kewanee facing Geneseo at 5:30pm in Rock Falls.
KHS Football will finish its Regular Season on October 21st at Home vs. Rockridge. The Team is currently 5-3 and is on the playoff bubble.
Soccer finished their Season with 3-12.
Mr. Atwell also noted that Winter Sports are beginning with Competitive Dance on October 24th, Girls’ Basketball on October 31st, Boys’ Basketball and Wrestling on November 7th and Girls’ Bowling on November 14th.
Coach Atwell reported to the Board of Education that 2016 Graduate Ryan Hansen qualified for NJCAA Division II Golf Nationals while playing for Carl Sandburg College. Ryan finished in a tie, for 6th overall in the Region IV Tournament.
SUPERINTENDENT COMMITTEE REPORTS
None
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
- Central School Parking Lot
Dr. Sullens updated the Board that he met with the architects, engineers and representatives from Ratliff Bros. Construction this date. Ratliff Bros. will be responsible to stripe the new lots. It is hopeful this process will begin on October 20, 2016 and the projects will be completed this week. Dr. Sullens added that after the completion of the lots he will be petitioning the City to close off some parking spots on Central Blvd. for temporary parking.
- Irving School Parking Lot
Handicapped and temporary spots will be added at Irving School.
- Vertical Lift and Inclined Lift at Central School
Superintendent Sullens reported the incline lift at Central School has been ordered at it is hoped that it will be ready for installation late November or early December. The vertical lift has been installed and been approved by the State of Illinois. Training has been provided to staff members on how to use the lift properly.
- KHS Lower Bleachers – Delivery on October 31st
Dr. Sullens reported that the lower bleachers for KHS Brockman Gym are still set for delivery on October 31, 2016. Director Atwell has arranged for tarps to be put down in the gym to contain parts while the bleachers are being erected as to not disturb activities in the KHS foyer. It is hoped that the installation will be completed by November 18, 2016 for “Boiler Night”.
NEW BUSINESS
- Consideration and Approval of the 2016 School District Audit, Transfers, and Adjustments as Recommended by the Auditors.
Dr. Sullens recommended approving the 2016 School District Audit as presented by Gorenz and Associates. Member Sellers seconded a motion made by Member Leckey to approve. The roll call vote showed Members Leckey, Steffen, Salisbury, Jagers, Lempke, Sellers and Nolan all voting aye. There were no nay votes. The motion carried.
- Selection of Delegate and Alternate to the Joint Annual Board Conference
Member Nolan stated that Member Leckey has volunteered to be the Delegate. Member Sellers agreed to be the Alternate to the Joint Annual Conference. A voice vote was heard with all Members voting aye. There were no nay votes. The motion carried. Dr. Sullens thanked both Members.
- Consideration and Approval of KHS Graduation Date: Sunday, May 14, 2017
Dr. Sullens recommended the Boardapprove the Graduation Date for KHS as May 14, 2017. President Nolan called for a motion to approve. Member Leckey made the motion. Member Steffen seconded the motion. The roll call vote showed Members Steffen, Salisbury, Lempke, Sellers, Leckeyand Nolan all voting aye. Member Jagers voted no due to the date also being Mother’s Day. The motion carried.
- Consideration and Approval of Central Jr. High School Activity Account Changes
President Nolan called for a motion to approve the Central Jr. High School Activity Account Changes. Member Jagers seconded a motion made by Member Leckey to approve. The roll call vote showed Members Salisbury, Jagers, Lempke, Sellers, Leckey, Steffenand Nolan all voting aye. There were no nay votes. The motion carried.
- 1st Reading of New & Revised Policies
Dr. Sullens introduced the New & Revised Board Policies for 1st Reading. No Action Required.
- Consideration and Approval of Direct Deposit of Illinois State Funds to the District Operating Account at Peoples National Bank instead of the Regional Office of Education
Member Steffen seconded a motion made by Member Jagers to approve. The roll call vote showed Members Jagers, Lempke, Sellers, Leckey, Steffen, Salisbury and Nolan all voting aye. There were no nay votes. The motion carried.
- Discussion of 2015 Bonds – Payoff in Two Years-if Consolidation is approved by Kewanee’s Voters. (Bonds added .244 to the 2015 total School Tax Rate)
Dr. Sullens stated that these Bonds were sold last year. Year two will be levied in December. Dr. Sullens recommended that if the Consolidation is approved the District place the $325,000 in a Restrictive Bond Account to be used for its original purpose. When Bonds are paid off, the .244 will be removed from Kewanee’s current tax rate. He stated no action is required at this time.
ACTION FROM CLOSED SESSION
PERSONNEL:
Resignations
None
Retirements
MaintenanceNed StuckeyEffective 10/14/16
Neponset Food Service WorkerLorrie LambEffective 11/30/16
Dr. Sullens recommended approving the retirement of the above staff members. Member Jagers seconded a motion made by Member Steffen to approve the retirements. The roll call vote showed Members Lempke, Sellers, Leckey, Steffen, Salisbury, Jagers and Nolan all voting aye. There were no nay votes. The motion carried.
Hires
KHS Kitchen Helper-2 hrs/dRebecca Cramer (M Morrisey)Eff Immediately
Central 21st Century Bilingual Aide (Paid by ROE)Joseline Castillo-RuizEff Immediately
Central 21st Century Student Assistant (Paid by ROE)Ethan PriceEff Immediately
Belle 21st Century Aide (Paid by ROE)Angel LutzEff Immediately
KHS Alternative AideShannon Clayes(Sue Linzy)Eff 10-3-16
Central Bilingual InterpreterMireya Miranda (Erica Marin)Eff 10-4-16
Neponset Girls’ Basketball CoachKelly Masters (Kari Kipp)Eff 2016-2017 Sch Yr
Dr. Sullens recommended to approve the above hires. MemberLeckeyseconded a motion made by Member Jagers to approve. The roll call vote showed Members Sellers, Leckey, Steffen, Salisbury, Jagers, Lempke, and Nolan all voting aye. There were no nay votes. The motion carried.
*All hires are contingent upon hires obtaining appropriate certification and qualifications prior to beginning job.
Internships
None
Leaves
Maternity Leave Belle/Irving Resource TeacherSherilynImhoffApprox. Due Date 1/8/17
Maternity Leave Lyle 1 on 1 AideSarah BullockApprox. Due Date 11/28/16
Dr. Sullens recommended approving the Maternity Leaves of Imhoff and Bullock. Member Lempke seconded a motion made by Member Sellers to approve. The roll call vote showed Members Leckey, Steffen, Salisbury, Jagers, Lempke, Sellers and Nolan all voting aye. There were no nay votes. The motion carried.
Long Term Sub
None
Transfers
Bus Aide from 3.5 to 4 hrs/dRobin HamptonEff Immediately
Bus Aide from 2.5 to 3.75 hrs/dAmanda LisenbeeEff Immediately
Bus Aide from 2.75 to 3 hrs/dShane PickeringEff Immediately
Bus Aide from 4.25 to 4.5 hrs/dHerb RicheyEff Immediately
Dr. Sullens recommended approving the above Bus Aide transfers. Member Leckey seconded a motion made by Member Steffento approve. The roll call vote showed Members Steffen, Salisbury, Jagers, Lempke, Sellers, Leckey and Nolan all voting aye. There were no nay votes. The motion carried.
Volunteers
KHS AgSue IngleEff Immediately
KHS AgMel IngleEff Immediately
Central Stepladder ProgramFrey GuerreroEff Immediately
KHS Girls’ BasketballNatalie JonmarkerEff Immediately
Central Boys’ Elementary Basketball CoachChris RoginskiEff Immediately
Central Boys’ Elementary Basketball CoachAllen HamerickEff Immediately
Central Boys’ Elementary Basketball CoachJammal WilliamsEff Immediately
Central Boys’ Elementary Basketball CoachJonathan IsraelEff Immediately
Central Boys’ Elementary Basketball CoachRhonda LewisEff Immediately
Central Boys’ Elementary Basketball CoachCourtney ConleyEff Immediately
Central Boys’ Elementary Basketball CoachTom BaneyEff Immediately
Central Boys’ Elementary Basketball CoachChad LewisEff Immediately
Central Boys’ Elementary Basketball CoachJames DavisEff Immediately
Central Boys’ Elementary basketball CoachJoe DavisEff Immediately
Belle 21st Century Student Aide (service hours)Alisa VanStechelmanEff Immediately
Volunteer for Central Lego RoboticsKHS Robotics’ Team MembersEff Immediately
Dr. Sullens recommended the above volunteers. Member Lempke seconded a motion made by Member Leckey to approve. The roll call vote showed Members Salisbury, Jagers, Lempke, Sellers, Leckey, Steffenand Nolan all voting aye. There were no nay votes. The motion carried.