Bethalto Community Unit School District 8 Board of Education met Aug. 22.
Here is the minutes provided by the board:
The Board of Education of Bethalto Community Unit #8 met in Regular Session at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 22, 2019, at the Bethalto CUSD#8 Central Office located at 101 School Street, Bethalto, IL.
Presiding: Mr. Tom Beiermann
Members Present: Mr. Middleton, Mr. Meiser (6:19), Mrs. Rothe, Mr. Woelfel and Mr. Stassi.
Members Absent: Mr. Whaley.
Others Present: Dr. Jill Griffin, Superintendent; Dr. Barrett Deist, Assistant Superintendent of Finance & Operations; Dr. Kelly McClain, Director of Curriculum, Instruction & Assessment and Jennifer Weber, Special Education Coordinator.
Minutes Taken By: Mr. Middleton, Secretary and Mrs. Fitzgerald, Secretary.
CALL TO ORDER
At 6:00 P.M., the Regular Meeting of the Board of Education of Bethalto Community Unit #8 was called to order.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The Regular Meeting began with the Pledge of Allegiance to the U.S. Flag.
CONSENT ITEMS
FINANCIAL
It was moved by Rothe and seconded by Woelfel that expenditures in the amount of $2,003,917.98 be approved for payment.
Roll Call: Yeas: Middleton, Woelfel, Rothe, Stassi and Beiermann.
Nays: None. Motion carried.
MINUTES
It was moved by Stassi and seconded by Woelfel to approve the open and closed session minutes from the Regular Board Meeting held on July 25, 2019, as presented.
Roll Call: Yeas: Middleton, Woelfel, Rothe, Stassi and Beiermann.
Nays: None. Motion carried.
INFORMATIONAL ITEMS
ACCERELATION PROCEDURE FOR EARLY ENTRANCE TO KINDERGARTEN – DR. KELLY MCCLAIN
ISBE is requiring school districts to implement a procedure that will allow students to be placed in an academically appropriate instructional program earlier than what is determined by their birthdate. Dr. McClain explained the recommended process for the Bethalto School District. Students who turn five between September 2-December 1 can be assessed to determine readiness. An application would need to be filled out by a parent/guardian, data on their child’s development would be collected by the parent/guardian, and a recommendation letter from a non-family member would be turned into the district. Students would have to fall above the 95th percentile on all assessments given (including Pre-K screener, social-emotional scales, early cognitive & academic development and visual/motor assessments). If a child would qualify, a team is assembled with the parents to create a plan to support the student. This would be a probationary situation, that would could be changed if it was determined to not be the best fit for the student.
Dr. McClain also discussed a portion of the law regarding subject promotion, but for right now we are mainly discussing early entrance to kindergarten. The high school and middle school already do some sorts of subject acceleration with IMSA, honor classes and duel credit courses.
BLUE REFUGE – MARCUS CRAIG & TOM DECLUE
Blue Refuge is a safety and security company whose mission is to restore peace of mind to schools across America. Tom DeClue from GRP Mechanical Inc. was interested in speaking with our district,
hoping to align with the BCUSD8 vision and mission and see if Blue Refuge could help our district improve our safety and security in our buildings. They looked at the districts’ floor plans to locate some key challenges that we face and noted things like campus-wide alarm systems, limited funding, no current safe haven areas during an active shooter event, and limited mental health resources and training.
Blue Refuge can provide response and risk intervention training for principals and teachers. They also explained their alert and alarm mechanisms they can provide that would be worn on teachers’ lanyards that would notify police immediately of which class the alarm came from. Lastly, they informed the Board about protection in the form of new doors that Blue Refuge could provide. They invited questions from the Board of Education and had a brief question/answer period. Mr. Craig spoke about the phases available for purchase, the costs and the funding opportunities they are looking for to reduce the pricing for districts.
ADMNISTRATIVE REPORTS
Reports/Updates were provided by the following administrators:
Dr. Kelly McClain, Director of Curriculum, Instruction & Assessment
Dr. McClain informed the Board that this year, in addition to the welcome luncheon for new certified staff, we also had a luncheon for the new non-certified staff, as well. We will continue this practice moving forward.
Mrs. Jennifer Weber, Special Education Coordinator
Mrs. Weber talked a little bit about having a lot of new staff in the Special Education Department. She also informed the Board that Dr. Katie Sears is out on maternity leave, and would be back by the end of September.
Dr. Barrett Deist, Assistant Superintendent of Operations & Finance, CSBO
Dr. Deist informed the Board that tonight on the agenda will be to approve the tentative district budget for FY20. He will present on the budget at the September Board Meeting. Dr. Deist also mentioned that he will be restructuring the Risk Care Management Plan.
Mrs. Racheal Leckrone, Principal at Bethalto East Primary
Mrs. Leckrone informed the Board that 64 students showed up for Kindergarten Kick-Off! She gave a shout-out to the Transportation Department who did a great job for drop off and pick up at the beginning of the school year. She also thanked Mr. Stemmley for getting their school back up and running after a summer of remodeling. Mrs. Leckrone also expressed her gratitude for having Brandy Hart in their building, during her Psychology Internship.
Mr. Aaron Kilpatrick, Principal at Parkside Primary
Mr. Kilpatrick thanked the Board for allowing them to hire a nurse for their building; it has made a big difference! He also thanked Dr. Deist and Mr. Stratton for the new security entrances at Parkside.
Mrs. Kimberly Wilks, Principal at Meadowbrook Intermediate
Mrs. Wilks gave a shout out to the Transportation Department for their great work on the first couple days of school. During their summer lunch program, they served over 1,190 lunches!
Mr. Adam Miller, Principal of Trimpe Middle School
Mr. Miller thanked the custodians and maintenance for all their hard work over the summer. Drop off has been smooth from day one. He invited people to come see the gym floor that was re-done over the summer. The company that did the sealing of the floor did something wrong, so they came back this year and did a $20,000 job for free. Mr. Miller thanked the Board for allowing the administration to hire Sandy Erzen as a Dean of Students for CMHS and TMS to share.
Mr. Justin Newell, Principal at Civic Memorial High School
Mr. Newell was excited to say that we have 12 kids that will be going to the CAVC this year. The
maintenance department did some new drywall and paint in the building over the summer. We’re working on getting a new sound system for the Commons. Mr. Hannaford added an update on upcoming athletic events.
Mr. Jay Stemmley, Director of Technology
Mr. Stemmley thanked Tyler Warran and the summer student workers for all their hard work over the summer.
Mr. Bill Stratton, Director of Maintenance & Transportation
Mr. Stratton attributed the success of the start of the year drop off/pick-ups to the great communication between the administration and staff. He stated that we are still in need of Bus Drivers! Mr. Stratton also thanked all the maintenance and custodial staff for their hard work over the summer.
Dr. Jill Griffin, Superintendent
Dr. Griffin thanked technology for the smoothest roll-out since we started the 1:1 eleven years ago. Purple & Gold Night is a newer tradition where the fall sports teams are introduced, and that will be tomorrow night. We’ve had a fantastic start to the school year. Dr. Griffin also reminded those in attendance of the Labor Day festivities in Bethalto. The “Bethalto Homecoming” began as a welcome home to our hometown soldiers, and so there will be quite a few military focussed events to attend. She mentioned the mobile Vietnam Wall memorial and a parade, as part of the events for Labor Day Weekend.
PUBLIC COMMENT (ACTION ITEMS)
None.
ACTION ITEMS
POST NOTICE – TENTATIVE 2019-20 BUDGET AVAILABLE FOR PUBLIC INSPECTION STARTING AUGUST 23, 2019
It was moved by Meiser and seconded by Woelfel to post notice of the Tentative Budget for 2019-20 being available for public inspection beginning August 23, 2019.
Roll Call: Yeas: Middleton, Meiser, Woelfel, Rothe, Stassi and Beiermann.
Nays: None. Motion carried.
SET PUBLIC HEARING FOR 2019-20 BUDGET – 6:00 P.M. ON SEPTEMBER 23, 2019
It was moved by Rothe and seconded by Woelfel to set the public hearing for the 2019-20 Budget for 6:00 p.m. on September 23, 2019.
Roll Call: Yeas: Middleton, Meiser, Woelfel, Rothe, Stassi and Beiermann.
Nays: None. Motion carried.
APPROVE RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING INTERVENTION IN PROCEEDINGS BEFORE THE STATE OF ILLINOIS PROPERTY TAX APPEAL BOARD
Dr. Deist expressed that the district has had several property tax appeals recently, and moving forward, the administration would like the district’s law firm to be able to intervene on behalf of the district in regards to future appeals. Mr. Woelfel made a comment that he doesn’t want the district to appear to have an adversarial approach, which could deter business owners from coming to our village. He also offered his support in Dr. Deist having the capabilities to handle these situations. Dr. Deist appreciated Mr. Woelfel’s confidence in him, but Dr. Deist recommended that the district have the option of seeking assistance from the district’s law firm. The resolution is just authorizing the option. It was moved by Meiser and seconded by Rothe to approve the resolution authorizing intervention in proceedings before the State of Illinois Property Tax Appeal Board.
Roll Call: Yeas: Middleton, Meiser, Woelfel, Rothe, Stassi and Beiermann.
Nays: None. Motion carried.
APPROVE AMENDED INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT WITH THE VILLAGE OF BETHALTO
The Village of Bethalto has asked to regain the responsibility of the maintenance of the sports complex, which will be a cost savings for the school district. It was moved by Meiser and seconded by Stassi to approve the amended Intergovernmental Agreement with the Village of Bethalto.
Roll Call: Yeas: Middleton, Meiser, Woelfel, Stassi and Beiermann.
Nays: Rothe. Motion carried.
APPROVE LICENSE AGREEMENT WITH THE BEA CREDIT UNION
It was moved by Woelfel and seconded by Meiser to approve the license agreement with the BEA Credit Union.
Roll Call: Yeas: Middleton, Meiser, Woelfel, Rothe, Stassi and Beiermann.
Nays: None. Motion carried.
APPROVE THE OVERNIGHT FIELD TRIP FOR THESPIAN TROUPE #5176 TO THEATREFEST JANUARY 9-11, 2020 – NORMAL, IL
Mr. Newell explained that this is an annual trip, paid for by the students. There are scholarship opportunities for students that attend. It was moved by Woelfel and seconded by Stassi to approve the overnight field trip for Thespian Troupe #5176 to Theatrefest, January 9-11, 2020 in Normal, IL.
Roll Call: Yeas: Middleton, Meiser, Woelfel, Rothe, Stassi and Beiermann.
Nays: None. Motion carried.
APPROVE THE ADDITION OF LITIGATION AS AN EXCEPTION FOR EXECUTIVE SESSION THIS EVENING
It was moved by Meiser and seconded by Rothe to approve the addition of Litigation as an exception for Executive Session this evening as provided under Section 2(c)(11) of the Open Meetings Act (5ILCS 120/2).
Roll Call: Yeas: Middleton, Meiser, Woelfel, Rothe, Stassi and Beiermann.
Nays: None. Motion carried.
CLOSED SESSION
At 7:23 P.M., it was moved by Middleton and seconded by Meiser to enter closed session to consider information regarding the appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance or dismissal of specific employees of or legal counsel for the Board of Education as provided under Section 2(c)(1) and to discuss or engage in collective negotiating matters between the Board and its employees or their representatives, or deliberations concerning salary schedules for one or more classes of employees, as provided under Section 2(c)(2), to discuss Emergency Security Procedures and the use of personnel and equipment to respond to actual danger to the safety of employees, students, staff or public property as provided under Section 2(c)(8) and to discuss litigation when an action against, affecting or on behalf of the Board has been filed and is pending in a court or administrative tribunal as provided under Section 2(c)(11) of the Open Meetings Act (5ILCS 120/2).
At 9:07 p.m. it was moved by Meiser and seconded by Stassi to return to open session. Motion carried. (6-0)
APPROVE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING WITH THE BETHALTO EDUCATION ASSOCIATION
It was moved by Meiser and seconded by Woelfel to approve the Memorandum of Understanding with the Bethalto Education Association.
Roll Call: Yeas: Middleton, Meiser, Woelfel, Rothe, Stassi and Beiermann.
Nays: None. Motion carried.
APPROVE ACCELERATION PROCEDURE FOR EARLY ENTRANCE TO KINDERGARTEN
It was moved by Woelfel and seconded by Rothe to approve Acceleration procedure for Early Entrance to Kindergarten.
Roll Call: Yeas: Middleton, Meiser, Woelfel, Rothe, Stassi and Beiermann.
Nays: None. Motion carried.
PERSONNEL
CERTIFIED RETIREMENT – JEFF OCHS – PHYSICAL EDUCATION
It was moved by Meiser and seconded by Rothe to approve the retirement of Jeff Ochs as Physical Education Teacher at Trimpe Middle School, effective end of the 2023-24 school year.
Motion carried. (6-0)
CERTIFIED RETIREMENT – UPDATED LETTER – JANET CRAIG – SOCIAL WORKER
It was moved by WOelfel and seconded by Meiser to approve the updated retirement letter from Janet Craig as Social Worker at CMHS, which reflected the new effective date of September 4, 2019.
Motion carried. (6-0)
NON-CERTIFIED LEAVE OF ABSENCE – MARY WALKER – READING AIDE
It was moved by Meiser and seconded by Woelfel to grant the non-certified leave of absence to Mary Walker, a Reading Aide at Trimpe Middle School, for the remainder of the 2019-20 school year, with the following stipulations:
1. Mary Walker shall notify the Board of Education in writing on or before March 1, 2020, of her intent to return for the 2020-21 school year. If she should fail to provide such notice, the Board will assume that the employment relationship is terminated.
2. If she provides the notice as outlined above, she shall accept the first available position for which she is qualified.
Roll Call: Yeas: Middleton, Meiser, Woelfel, Rothe, Stassi and Beiermann.
Nays: None. Motion carried.
NON-CERTIFIED RETIREMENT – KATHY GOWN – TEACHER AIDE (ISS)
It was moved by Woelfel and seconded by Stassi to approve the retirement of Kathy Gowin as Teacher Aide (ISS) at Civic Memorial High School, effective February 14, 2020.
Motion carried. (6-0)
NON-CERTIFIED RESIGNATION – PAULA RUSHTON- BUS MONITOR
It was moved by Meiser and seconded by Woelfel to accept the resignation of Paula Rushton as Bus Monitor, effective August 15, 2019.
Motion carried. (6-0)
NON-CERTIFIED EMPLOYMENT – JENNIFER MATHENIA – BUS MONITOR
It was moved by Meiser and seconded by Woelfel to employ Jennifer Mathenia as Bus Monitor, pending successful background check and agility test.
Roll Call: Yeas: Middleton, Meiser, Woelfel, Rothe, Stassi and Beiermann.
Nays: None. Motion carried.
NON-CERTIFIED EMPLOYMENT – KRISTIE HAMPTON – PART-TIME CUSTODIAN
It was moved by Meiser and seconded by Rothe to employ Kristie Hampton as Part-Time Custodian at Bethalto East Primary, effective August 23, 2019.
Roll Call: Yeas: Middleton, Meiser, Woelfel, Rothe, Stassi and Beiermann.
Nays: None. Motion carried.
EXTRA CURRICULAR RESIGNATION – MICHAELA DAVIS – SCHOLAR BOWL CO-SPONSOR
It was moved by Meiser and seconded by Woelfel to accept the resignation of Michaela Davis as Scholar Bowl Co-Sponsor at CMHS, effective August 11, 2019.
Motion carried. (6-0)
EXTRA CURRICULAR RESIGNATION – MEGAN TROST – ASSISTANT TRACK COACH, TMS
It was moved by Meiser and seconded by Woelfel to accept the resignation of Megan Trost as Assistant Track Coach at TMS, effective August 15, 2019.
Motion carried. (6-0)
EXTRA CURRICULAR RESIGNATION – COURTNEY WESLEY - WRESTLING COACH, TMS
It was moved by Meiser and seconded by Woelfel to accept the resignation of Megan Trost as Assistant Track Coach at TMS, effective August 15, 2019.
Motion carried. (6-0)
EXTRA CURRICULAR EMPLOYMENT – KARY MORGAN – STUDENT COUNCIL CO-SPONSOR
It was moved by Meiser and seconded by Stassi to employ Kary Morgan as Student Council Co-Sponsor at Trimpe Middle School, effective 2019-20 school year.
Roll Call: Yeas: Middleton, Meiser, Woelfel, Rothe, Stassi and Beiermann.
Nays: None. Motion carried.
EXTRA CURRICULAR EMPLOYMENT – PETE MIDGLEY – STUDENT COUNCIL CO-SPONSOR
It was moved by Woelfel and seconded by Meiser to employ Pete Midgley as Student Council Co-Sponsor at Trimpe Middle School, effective 2019-20 school year.
Roll Call: Yeas: Middleton, Meiser, Woelfel, Rothe, Stassi and Beiermann.
Nays: None. Motion carried.
EXTRA CURRICULAR EMPLOYMENT – SUZE GIBSON – SCHOLAR BOWL SPONSOR
It was moved by Rothe and seconded by Woelfel to employ Suze Gibson as Scholar Bowl Sponsor at CMHS, effective 2019-20 school year.
Roll Call: Yeas: Middleton, Meiser, Woelfel, Rothe, Stassi and Beiermann.
Nays: None. Motion carried.
EXTRA CURRICULAR EMPLOYMENT – JEANETTE LOWRANCE – GIRLS’ ASSISTANT TENNIS COACH
It was moved by Woelfel and seconded by Rothe to employ Jeanette Lowrance as Girls’ Assistant Tennis Coach at CMHS, effective 2019-20 school year.
Roll Call: Yeas: Middleton, Meiser, Woelfel, Rothe, Stassi and Beiermann.
Nays: None. Motion carried.
PUBLIC COMMENT None.
ADJOURNMENT
At 9:16 P.M., it was moved by Meiser and seconded by Woelfel that the meeting adjourn.
Motion carried. (6-0)
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