May 2024 School Board Meeting Minutes

MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION CARBONDALE COMMUNITY HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT 165, CARBONDALE, ILLINOIS HELD MAY 23, 2024

The regular meeting of the Board of Education of Carbondale Community High School District 165 was held in the Cafeteria of Carbondale Community High School, 1301 East Walnut Street, Carbondale, Illinois, on Thursday, May 23, 2024, at 6:10 p.m.

Upon roll call, the following members were present:

Rania Dababneh                     Christopher Swims 
Wendell Pohlman                   Julie VanWinkle

The following members were absent:

Linda Flowers                         Francis Tsung 
Lana Galan

Also present:

Daniel Booth                           Ryan Thomas  
Ray Toliver, Jr.                      

President VanWinkle declared a quorum present and the regular meeting of May 23, 2024, was called to order.

Public Hearing: 2023-24 Amended Budget: President VanWinkle opened the public hearing to receive public comments on the 2023-24 Amended Budget. There were no comments. Motion by Pohlman, seconded by Swims, to close the public hearing on the 2023-24 Amended Budget. Roll call: Dababneh, Pohlman, Swims and VanWinkle voted yes. Nay, none. Motion carried.

Approval of Minutes: Motion by Swims, seconded by Pohlman, to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of April 18, 2024. Roll call: Pohlman, Swims, VanWinkle and Dababneh voted yes. Nay, none. Motion carried.

Old Business—None

2024 CCHSEA Teacher of the Year: The CCHS Education Association selected C.J. Buss as the 2024 CCHSEA Teacher of the Year. Mr. Booth will send a letter on behalf of the Board to congratulate Mr. Buss.

FOIA Requests: The Board received a listing of the 2023-24 FOIA requests received to date in their Board packet.

2024 Scholarship and Award Recipients: The Board received the 2024 Scholarship and Award Recipients listing in their Board packets.

Payment of Bills: Motion by Pohlman, seconded by Swims, to pay the remaining bills for the month of April 2024; and, those available for payment for the month of May 2024. Roll call: Swims, VanWinkle, Dababneh and Pohlman voted yes.  Nay, none. Motion carried.

ESSER III Grant Expenditures: The Board received an update on the ESSER III Grant expenditures in their Board packet.

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Certificate of Appreciation Presentation: Members of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority were present at the Board meeting to present the Board of Education with a Certificate of Appreciation for the district’s assistance in helping them with their Alpha Kappa Alpha Thelma Gibbs Walker Award Scholarship. Member Neophansya Robinson said they were able to award $4,900.00 to seven students and hoped to award more in the future.  Mr. Booth thanked them for the scholarships and the service they provide to the students. He also thanked sorority member, Carla Childs, for the Naomi Ariel Catering, LLC Scholarship she created that awarded a $4,000.00 scholarship to a student. 

Principal’s Report: Mr. Thomas reviewed his Principal’s Report for the Board.

CCHS Graduation 2024 
-- 110 Students attending a four-year college (55.28%) 
-- 45 Student attending a two-year college (22.61%) 
-- 5 Students attending a trade school 
-- 6 Students are going into the National Guard 
-- 17 Students are entering the workforce 
-- 46 Students are attending SIU-C

2024 Retirees  
-- Laurie Rendleman, Attendance Secretary – 31 years of service. 
-- Arnold Taylor, World Languages Teacher – 19 years of service. 
-- Kim Wheeler, Health-Driver Ed. Teacher and Head Softball Coach – 20 years of service. 
-- Terri Goodin, 50, SLP, Testing, Title – 22 years of service. 
-- Mike Dollins, Science Teacher – 24 years of service. 
-- Sandy Stanley, Math Teacher – 34 years of service.

Superintendent’s Report: Mr. Booth reported on the following:

Construction Updates 
The CTE Addition Project: Berry Concrete continues to work on the foundation footings. Once the foundation work is completed, plumbing and steel work will begin.

Solar Panels Project: GRP is working with Ameren to ensure the connection inverters can handle the amount of energy produced by the number of solar panels that this project estimates using. If the current inverters cannot handle the amount of energy produced, there will be a need to decrease the number of panels or purchase higher capacity inverters that can handle the energy board. Ameren is working on pricing for new inverters, and GRP has agreed to pay up to $200,000 of the cost of new inverters if this is the route that is taken.

State Superintendent Visit 
Illinois State Superintendent of Education, Dr. Tony Sanders, visited CCHS unexpectedly on May 7 while he was in town speaking with local superintendents in Carterville. While at the meeting he asked if he could tour CCHS. Mr. Booth said that he enjoyed walking in the halls without the fanfare of preparation, and he spoke highly of the CTE addition plans and the community health care access through Terrier Care.

CCHS Job Fair 
The third annual job fair was held on May 7. Over 25 employers attended and interviewed approximately 50 students about summer employment opportunities The Goal 4 Team plans to continue working to expand the event in the future.

SAT to ACT Change 
The procurement process for the high school accountability assessment has concluded. The State Procurement Office issued its determination for the protests that were file and denied the appeals. As the result, Illinois will transition to the ACT, beginning with the 2024-25 school year. This will be a big change in assessment and accountability but the district will work on the transition collectively as the next school year begins.

Strategic Planning Progress 
June: Year End Strategic Plan Update 
July: Superintendent Evaluation

Board Data Update Reports: The Board received the following update reports in their Board meeting packet:

April Student Attendance Report 
April Terrier Tutoring Student Attendance Report

2023-24 Summer Enrichment Program/Credit Recovery Program: The Board received the 2023-24 Summer Enrichment Program/Credit Recovery Program brochure in their Board packet.

Facilities Naming Committee Recommendation/First Reading: The Board received a recommendation for first reading from the Facilities Naming Committee to approve the request by Wesley Gibson to name the gymnasium floor and Athletic Hall of Fame area after Robert Brewer for a donation $125,000.00. The Board will review the recommendation and act on the recommendation at the June 2024 Board meeting.

2023-24 Amended Budget: Motion by Swims, seconded by Dababneh, to approve the 2023-24 Amended Budget as presented. Roll call: Swims, VanWinkle, Dababneh and Pohlman voted yes. Nay, none. Motion carried.

IASB PRESS Issue 114 Board Policy Manual Updates Second Reading/Adoption: Motion by Pohlman, seconded by Dababneh, to approve IASB PRESS Issue 114 Board Policy Manual updates as presented. Roll call VanWinkle, Dababneh, Pohlman and Swims voted yes. Nay, none. Motion carried. First reading of the updates occurred at the April 18, 2024, Board meeting.

2024-25 COPE Safe Schools Program Intergovernmental Agreement: Motion by Swims, seconded by Pohlman, to approve the 2024-25 COPE Safe Schools Program Intergovernmental Agreement as presented.  Roll call: Dababneh, Pohlman, Swims and VanWinkle voted yes. Nay, none. Motion carried.

2024-25 Annual Project SOAR Alternative Educational Program Intergovernmental Agreement: Motion by Pohlman, seconded by Swims, to approve the 2024-25 Annual Intergovernmental Agreement for School Districts Regional Office of Education #30 Project SOAR Alternative Educational Program as presented. Roll call: Pohlman, Swims, VanWinkle and Dababneh voted yes. Nay, none. Motion carried.

2024-25 Board of Education Meeting Calendar: Motion by Swims, seconded by Pohlman, to approve the 2024-25 Board of Education Meeting Calendar as presented:

Location: Carbondale Community High School Cafeteria, 1301 East Walnut Street, Carbondale, IL  62901

Time: 6:00 p.m.

Dates:  Thursday, July 18, 2024 
            Thursday, August 15, 2024 
            Thursday, September 19, 2024 
            Thursday, October 17, 2024 
            Thursday, November 14, 2024 
            Thursday, December 19, 2024 
            Thursday, January 16, 2025 
            Thursday, February 20, 2025 
            Thursday, March 20, 2025  
            Thursday, April 24, 2025 
            Thursday, May 22, 2025 
            Wednesday, June 18, 2025

Roll call: Swims, VanWinkle, Dababneh and Pohlman voted yes. Nay, none. Motion carried.

2024-25 Terrier Times MOU: Motion by Swims, seconded by Dababneh, to approve the 2024-25 Terrier Time Memorandum of Understanding between the CCHS Board of Education and the CCHSEA as presented.  Roll call: VanWinkle, Dababneh, Pohlman and Swims voted yes. Nay, none. Motion carried.

Resolution Authorizing Amendment to Tri-County Special Education Joint Agreement: Motion by Swims, seconded by Dababneh, to approve the Resolution Authorizing Amendment to Tri-County Special Education Joint Agreement as presented. Roll call: Dababneh, Pohlman, Swims and Flowers voted yes. Nay, none. Motion carried.

Retirements/Resignations: Motion by Pohlman, seconded by Swims, to approve the following retirements/resignations as presented: 

a. Resignation of Nikolas Szczepanik (Rebound employee) effective May 10, 2024. 
b. Resignation of Lisa Britt (Rebound employee) effective May 13, 2024. 
c. Resignation of Heather Hines (Head Cook) effective July 31, 2024.

Roll call: Pohlman, Swims, VanWinkle and Dababneh voted yes.   Nay, none. Motion carried.

Employment of 2023-24 Summer School Personnel: Motion by Swims, seconded by Dababneh, to employ the following 2023-24 summer school personnel as presented and subject to final enrollment numbers:

Driver Education: Classroom Instruction
-- Employment Period: June 3-28, 2024 (80 Hours) 
-- Personnel:  Michael Butler and Olivia Clark-Kittleson 

Driver Education: Behind-the-Wheel Instruction 
-- Personnel: Mark Albertini, Mike Butler, Paula Clark, Jeff Hanson, Olivia Clark-Kittleson and Greg Storm

Hall Monitor Personnel 
-- Employment Period: June 3-21, 2024 
-- Personnel: Andrew Smith

Summer Enrichment Program/Credit Recovery Program 
-- Employment Period: June 3-14, 2024 
-- Personnel: Jacara Briscoe, Phen Grant, Aimee Ellis, Jane Rendon, Levi Biedermann, Robin Hughes, Dawn Taylor, Jimi Bradley, Mykel Gary, Melisa Lopez Ellen Burton, Lafiet McDade, Dana Cox-Lipe, Jason Perry, Rasheeda Love, Andrew Gwinup, Paul Decker, Erin Sagaskie, Sharon Lorinskas, Justin Merriman and Jessica Clark

Roll call: Swims, VanWinkle, Dababneh and Pohlman voted yes. Nay, none. Motion carried.

Employment of 2023-24 Extra-Duty Personnel: Motion by Pohlman, seconded by Swims, to employ the following 2023-24 extra-duty personnel as presented:

Summer Weight Room Supervisor: Mykel Gary $1,1675.00; Kevin Stamp $1,1675.00 

Roll call: VanWinkle, Dababneh, Pohlman and Swims voted yes. Nay, none. Motion carried.

Employment of 2024-25 Extra-Duty/Extended-Time Personnel: Motion by Pohlman, seconded by Dababneh, to employ the following 2024-25 extra-duty personnel as presented:

Physical Education Department Chair: Haley Karayiannis $2,334.50 
Senior Class Sponsor: Brandi Jones $184.00; Crystal Harsy; $184.00 
Extra-Curricular Events Director: Brandi Jones $2,334.66; Dallas Terry $1,167.33 
Family Career & Community Leaders of America Sponsor: Dana Lipe $542.50; Rasheeda Love $542.50 
Future Business Leaders of America Sponsor: Christi McGee $1,085.00 
Future Farmers of America Sponsor: Michelle Buchheit $2,386.00 
Model United Nations Sponsor: Dawn Bassett $2,438.00 
National Honor Society Sponsor: Tracie Shackles $584.00 
Scholar Bowl Sponsor: Sharon Lorinskas $3,890.66; Clyde Hurley $1,945.33 
Skills USA Sponsor: Dallas Terry $1,751.00; Don Moberley $875.50; Melanie Nelson $875.50 
Student Council Sponsor: Brandi Jones $2,626.00; Mike Butler $876.00 
Terrier Times Newspaper Sponsor: Chris Apples $875.00; Lindsey Sears $875.00 
Vocal Music Director: Katrina Wood $2,625.00 
Wellness Coordinator: Kyle Povolish $1,167.33; C.J. Buss $1,167.33; Stacey Massie $1,167.33 
Yearbook Sponsor: Brandi Jones $9,924.00

Club Sponsors 
African American History Club: Jacara Brisco $1,085.00 
Art Club: Jennifer Kennedy $368.00 
Aware Club: Leslie Neitzer $368.00 
Bleacher Bums Club: Brandi Jones $368.00 
Chess Club: Jesse Krutsinger $368.00 
Educators Rising Club: Rasheeda Love $368.00 
French Club: Aimee Ellis $368.00 
German Club: Chelsea McGee $368.00 
Global Initiative Organization Club: Justin Merriman $368.00 
History Club: C.J. Buss $368.00 
Imagination-in-Motion Club: Katie Godinez $368.00 
Improve (Terriers Live!) Club: Josh Taylor $368.00 
International Club: LeAnne Gaydos $368.00 
Japanese Club: Katie Vieceli $368.00 
Junior MANNERS Club: Robin Hughes $368.00 
Math Club: Kamen Rosado $368.00 
Science Club: Leslie Neitzer $368.00 
Scrapbooking & Craft Club: Cheryl Drue $368.00 
Tabletop Gaming Club: Josh Taylor $368.00 
Thespian Club: Heather Taylor $184.00; Josh Taylor $184.00 
Women in Leadership Club: Fatima Calmese $368.00 
Fellowship of Christian Athletes Club: $368.00

Coaching Personnel 
Head Baseball: Derrick Raney $6,422.00 
Head Boys Basketball: Jim Miller $9,924.00 
Head Girls Basketball: Tracy Hill $9,924.00 
Assistant Girls Basketball: Rhett Barke $3,172.00; Jazmyne James $4,000.00; Webster McGuire $4,500.00 
Boys Bowling: Kevin Stamp $4,669.00 
Girls Bowling: Kevin Stamp $4,669.00 
Cheerleading: DeAnne Miller $6,422.00 
Boys Cross Country: Greg Storm $4,816.50; Jason Perry $1,605.50 
Girls Cross Country: Greg Storm $4,816.50; Jason Perry $1,605.50 
Dance: Gillian Prepejchal $1,085.00 
Head Football: Bryan Lee $9,924.00 
Boys Golf: Wendell Wheeler $4,669.00 
Girls Golf: Marialice Jenkins $4,669.00 
Head Boys Soccer: Jeff Hansen $6,422.00 
Assistant Boys Soccer I: Ortez Davis $4,669.00 
Head Girls Soccer: Ortez Davis $6,422.00 
Assistant Girls Soccer I: Jeff Hansen $4,669.00 
Head Softball Coach: Kim Wheeler $6,422.00 
Head Boys Tennis: Mike Butler $6,422.00 
Head Girls Tennis: Mike Butler $6,422.00 
Head Boys Track: Mykel Gary $6,422.00 
Head Girls Track: Mykel Gary $6,422.00 
Head Volleyball: Fae Ragan $8,752.00 
Assistant Volleyball: Karen Jurich $5,225.00; Karly Williard $5,225.00 
Head Wrestling: Jerry Richards $8,752.00

Extended-Time Positions 
Counseling Registration (.50 Month): Angelique Moeller, Caitlin Klaybor, Lyndsey Walls and Brenda Krutsinger

Library Media Coordinator (.50 Month): Dawn Taylor

Vocational Program Coordinator (.50 Month): Dallas Terry

Driver Education Behind-the-Wheel Instruction ($33.00/Hour): Mike Butler, Jeff Hanson, Greg Storm, Mark Albertini, Olivia Clark-Kittleson and Paula Clark

Roll call: Dababneh, Pohlman, Swims and VanWinkle voted yes. Nay, none. Motion carried.

Employment of Curriculum Director: No action was taken.

Employment of Assistant Athletic Director: Motion by Swims, seconded by Dababneh, to employ Robert C. Belcher as an Assistant Athletic Director, a 12-month, full-time position, with a salary of $40,000.00 for the 2024-25 school year. Roll call: Dababneh, Pohlman, Swims and VanWinkle voted yes. Nay, none. Motion carried.

Employment of Attendance Office Secretary: Motion by Pohlman, seconded by Dababneh, to employ Westerly Loyd as an Attendance Office Secretary, a 10-month, full-time position, effective May 18, 2024, with an hourly rate of pay of $17.00 per hour for the 2024-25 school year.  Roll call: Pohlman, Swims, VanWinkle and Dababneh voted yes. Nay, none. Motion carried.

Employment of Science Teacher: Motion by Pohlman, seconded by Dababneh, to employ Debra Ratliff pending receipt of her Illinois Professional Educator License, as a full-time Science Teacher for the 2024-25 school year. Ms. Raliff’s education and experience will place her at Line 0, Column BA/BS on the 2024-25 Teacher Salary Schedule. Roll call: Swims, VanWinkle, Dababneh and Pohlman voted yes. Nay, none. Motion carried.

2024-25 Volunteers: Motion by Swims, seconded by Pohlman, to approve the following 2024-25 volunteers as presented:

Crystal Honold, Volunteer Swimming Coach 
Chris Shelton, Volunteer Bass Fishing Coach 
Peter Huh, Volunteer Boys/Girls Golf Coach 
Faith Loyd, Volunteer Boys/Girls Wrestling Coach 
Chris Burnside, Volunteer Boys/Girls Track Coach 
Cory Crombar, FCA Sponsor 
JaJuan Blankenship, Mentoring 
Keith Marcell Honey, Mentoring 
Lenorris Hughes, Mentoring 
Michael Peterson, Mentoring 
Stephen Robinson, Jr., Mentoring 
Cyrus Tate, Mentoring

Roll call:  VanWinkle, Dababneh, Pohlman and Swims voted yes. Nay, none. Motion carried.

For Your Information Items
The 2023-24 Quill CCHS Literary Magazine was available at the Board meeting for anyone to view. 
Next Board of Education Meeting: Thursday, June 20, 2024 
2024-25 IASB Joint Annual Conference: November 22-24, 2024 
2025 School Board Election Information

Executive Session: Motion by Pohlman, seconded by Dababneh, to go into executive session to discuss the appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific employees (5 ILCS 120/2(c)(1)); and, to adjourn the Board of Education Meeting immediately following the executive session. Roll call: Dababneh, Pohlman, Swims and VanWinkle voted yes. Nay, none. Motion carried.  The meeting recessed at 6:44 p.m. The executive session convened at 6:52 p.m. The executive session adjourned at 7:53 p.m. President VanWinkle stated there was no action while in executive session.

Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at 6:53 p.m.

Minutes Approved: June 20, 2024