Edwardsville Community Unit School District 7 Board of Education met Nov. 25.
Here is the minutes provided by the board:
1. OPENING ITEMS
1.1 Call to Order
Meeting called to order at 6:16 PM
1.2 Roll Call
Members present
Terri Dalla Riva, Lelan Olsen, Debra Pitts, John McDole, Katie Robberson, Jill Bertels
Members absent
Jennifer Brumback
2. EXECUTIVE SESSION 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(1)(5)(9)(21)
2.1 Adjournment from Regular Session to Closed Session
Motion by Jill Bertels, second by Lelan Olsen, to adjourn to closed Executive Session to discuss the topics presented.
2.2 Appointment, Employment, Compensation, Discipline, Performance or Dismissal of Specific Employees or Office of the Public Body
2.3 Purchase or lease of real property by the public body
2.4 Student Discipline
2.5 Closed Session Minutes
Final Resolution: Motion Carried
Ayes: Jill Bertels, Lelan Olsen, Terri DallaRiva, Debra Pitts, John McDole, Katie Robberson
2.6 Adjournment from Closed Session to Regular Session
Motion by Jill Bertels, second by Debra Pitts, to adjourn from closed Executive Session to Regular Session at 7:29 p.m.
Final Resolution: Motion Carried
Ayes: Jill Bertels, Debra Pitts, Terri Dalla Riva, Lelan Olsen, John McDole, Katie Robberson
3. WELCOME AND APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Administrators present: Beth Crumbacher, Andrew Gipson, Adam Garrett, Steve Stuart, Vince Schlueter, Matt Sidarous, Curt Schumacher, Julie Matarelli, Cathie Wright, Allen Duncan, Beth Renth, Jasen Foster, Tara Fox, Tanya Patton
Media present: Julia Biggs, Edwardsville Intelligencer; Channel 10 News
3.1 Pledge of Allegiance
3.2 Roll Call
Members present
Terri Dalla Riva, Lelan Olsen, Debra Pitts, John McDole, Katie Robberson, Jill Bertels
Members absent
Jennifer Brumback
3.3 Approval of Agenda
Motion by John McDole, second by Katie Robberson, to approve the agenda for the meeting of November 25, 2019.
Final Resolution: Motion Carried
Ayes: John McDole, Katie Robberson, Terri Dalla Riva, Lelan Olsen, Debra Pitts, Jill Bertels
3.4 Approval Executive Closed Session Minutes
Motion by Lelan Olsen, second by Debra Pitts, to approve Executive Closed Session Minutes from the November 12, 2019 meeting.
Final Resolution: Motion Carried
Ayes: Lelan Olsen, Debra Pitts, Terri Dalla Riva, John McDole, Katie Robberson, Jill Bertels
4. RECOGNITION OF VISITORS
4.1 National Blue Ribbon School Recognition
Building Principal Julie Matarelli shared with the Board that Columbus Elementary School was named a 2019 Exemplary High Performing School by United States Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos. They are one of only 25 schools in the state of Illinois to receive this honor. Ms. Matarelli, along with Cathie Wright, Director of Curriculum and Instruction, attended the National Blue Ribbon School Award ceremony in Washington D.C. on November 15, 2019. On behalf of Columbus Elementary, they received the Blue Ribbon Award. Ms. Matarelli expressed what an amazing experience the ceremony was and how inspired they were by all the presenters, including Rodney Robinson, National Teacher of the Year and Erin Gruwell, founder of Freedom Writer Foundation.
4.2 Citizens - Opportunity for Visitors to Address the School Board
none
5. APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS
5.1 Approval of Consent Agenda Items
Motion by Lelan Olsen, second by Debra Pitts, to adopt the consent agenda items (as presented) as recommended by the Superintendent
5.2 Approval of Regular Minutes
5.3 Approval of October 31, 2019 Financial Report
5.4 Approval of November 25, 2019 Bills
5.5 FOIA Requests
Final Resolution: Motion Carried
Ayes: Lelan Olsen, Debra Pitts, Terri Dalla Riva, John McDole, Katie Robberson, Jill Bertels
6. BUILDING REPORTS
6.1 Glen Carbon Elementary Board Report
Kiersten Saenz provided a written report to the Board.
6.2 Hamel Elementary Board Report
Matt Sidarous provided a written report to the Board.
6.3 LeClaire Elementary Board Report
Dr. Cornelia Smith provided a written report to the Board.
6.4 Lincoln Middle School Board Report
Dr. Steve Stuart provided a written report to the Board.
6.5 Midway Elementary Board Report
Matt Sidarous provided a written report to the Board.
6.6 Woodland Elementary Board Report
Tara Fox provided a written report to the Board.
6.7 Worden Elementary Board Report
Dr. Beth Renth provided a written report to the Board.
7. ADMINISTRATIVE, BOARD COMMITTEE, AND/OR SPECIAL COMMITTEE REPORTS
7.1 Superintendent's Report - Dr. Jason Henderson
Dr. Henderson thanked Principals for submitting building reports which receive constant positive feedback from the Board.
Dr. Henderson provided an update on the Strategic Planning Committee. The committee planning process should take approximately four months. The plan is to have three sub-committees: Academic Success, Organizational Excellence, Operation Integrity & Transparency(Operations of Schools). Information gathered from the Technology and Equity Task Force committees will be shared with the Strategic Planning Committee.
Dr. Henderson informed the Board that the Community Listening Circles held on November 14, 16 & 18 received positive feedback. Two Board members attended each meeting with approximately 50-60 in attendance from the community. Each session broke into smaller groups allowing Administration and Board members to listen to what parents and citizens had to share. Experts facilitating the meetings will compile information for Dr. Henderson to assist him in forming the Equity Task Force. Student Listening Circle sessions were offered Monday, November 25 and Tuesday, November 26 at Edwardsville High School. Dr. Henderson indicated with the positive experience so far, he is looking forward to continuing Listening Circle opportunities into the second semester.
Dr. Henderson informed the Board that the Teacher Technology Committee held their second meeting last week. Teachers were asked two questions: What do you struggle with instructionally every day that could be corrected through the use of technology? What are the struggles you have with the current technology available in your classroom? Dr. Henderson will take teacher responses and information received during the committee meeting to assist him in moving forward with an aggressive timeline. Dr. Henderson's main focus is on the training of technology and how to use what is provided.
Dr. Henderson, Board President Jill Bertels, and Board members Lelan Olsen and Jennifer Brumback attended the Joint Annual Conference held November 21-24. Dr. Henderson commented on the valuable service the Joint Annual Conference offers to Board members and Superintendents. Dr. Henderson attended sessions on School Safety and Security, TRS Pension, Strategic Planning, and School Districts Going Green. Valuable connections were made with representatives from other area school districts who have attended this conference in the past. Lelan Olsen expressed that every Board member should have the opportunity to attend a future conference. Dr. Olsen attended sessions on The Art of School Boarding and Career & Technical Training. President Jill Bertels attended several sessions and represented District 7 as a Delegate for the General Assembly. President Bertels announced the Student Safety resolution allowing teachers to carry a concealed weapon in schools was defeated, 55% to 45%.
Terri Dalla Riva commented that the Delegate General Assembly did approve a resolution recommending additional funds for School Resourse Officers and school security.
Dr. Henderson thanked the Board for allowing himself and fellow Board members to attend the Joint Annual Conference.
8. ACTION CONSIDERATIONS
8.1 Approval of Resignations and Retirements
Motion by Lelan Olsen, second by John McDole, to approve Personnel Matters related to the Resignations and Retirements of Employees as discussed earlier this evening in Executive Session.
It is recommended that the following classified resignations be accepted:
Lisa Scanzoni; 7 hour Program Assistant, Lincoln Middle School; effective December 2, 2019.
Autumn Williams; 7 hour Roving Cafeteria Worker, District 7; effective November 17, 2019.
It is recommended that the following exempt resignations be accepted:
Sami Matthews; 5.5 hour Kid Zone Site Counselor, Albert Cassens Elementary School; effective November 21, 2019.
Lakia Day; 5.5 hour Kid Zone Site Counselor, Goshen Elementary School; effective November 27, 2019.
Kelsey Hudzik; 5.5 hour Kid Zone Site Counselor, Goshen Elementary School; effective December 20, 2019.
Emma Hallberg; 5.5 hour Kid Zone Site Counselor, Glen Carbon Elementary School; effective November 20, 2019.
Allison Hebel; 5.5 hour Kid Zone Site Counselor, Nelson Elementary School; effective November 19, 2019.
Erika Dzekunskas; 5.5 hour Kid Zone Site Counselor, Nelson Elementary School; effective December 6, 2019.
Final Resolution: Motion Carried
Ayes: Lelan Olsen, John McDole, Terri Dalla Riva, Debra Pitts, Katie Robberson, Jill Bertels
8.2 Approval of Employments
Motion by Debra Pitts, second by Terri Dalla Riva, to approve Personnel Matters Related to the Appointment, Employment, Compensation, or Transfer of Employees as discussed earlier this evening in Executive Session.
It is recommended that the following classified transfers be approved:
Kimberly Best; from 2 hour Monitor, Goshen Elementary School; to 4.25 hour Monitor, Worden Elementary School; effective November 18, 2019.
Annie Jones; from 7.5 hour Cafeteria Worker, Liberty Middle School; to Head Cook, Liberty Middle School; Step 5, $13.19 per hour including stipends, effective November 13, 2019.
It is recommended that the following classified candidates be employed:
Angela Sever; 8 hour, 12 month Evening Custodian, Nelson Elementary School; Step 1, $12.15 per hour including stipend; effective November 26, 2019.
Beatrice Miller; 7 hour Program Assistant, Woodland Elementary School; PARA, Step 2, $11.59 per hour including stipend; effective November 26, 2019.
Cheryl Kowalis; 3 hour Monitor, Glen Carbon Elementary School; Step 1, $9.46 per hour; effective November 26, 2019.
It is recommended that the following exempt candidates be employed:
Makayla Kingrey; 5.5 hour Kid Zone Site Counselor, Goshen Elementary School; $10.00 per hour; effective November 13, 2019.
Sumer Dean; 5.5 hour Kid Zone Site Counselor, Goshen Elementary School; $10.00 per hour; effective December 2, 2019.
Brooke Frank; 5.5 hour Kid Zone Site Counselor, Nelson Elementary School; $10.00 per hour; effective December 3, 2019.
Halli Kirkpatrick; 5.5 hour Kid Zone Site Counselor, Goshen Elementary School; $10.00 per hour; effective December 3, 2019.
It is recommended that the following persons be approved for stipends for the 2019-2020 school year as indicated:
Mark Tschudy; Boys Head Track Coach, Lincoln Middle School.
Dennis Neese; Boys Assistant Track Coach, Lincoln Middle School.
Jacob Foster; Boys Head Track Coach, Liberty Middle School.
It is recommended that the following persons be approved as substitute teachers for the 2019-2020 school year:
Mary Cousley
Austin Ellis
Ashley Enders
Katie Robberson
Final Resolution: Motion Carried
Ayes: Debra Pitts, Terri Dalla Riva, Lelan Olsen, John McDole, Jill Bertels
Abstain: Katie Robberson
8.3 Approval of Intergovernmental Agreement with Collinsville Area Vocational Center
Motion by Lelan Olsen, second by Terri Dalla Riva, to approve the 2020-2021 Joint Agreement Resolution for the Collinsville Area Vocational Center.
Final Resolution: Motion Carried
Ayes: Lelan Olsen, Terri Dalla Riva, Debra Pitts, John McDole, Katie Robberson, Jill Bertels
8.4 Approval of Resolution Concerning Student Discipline Matter #01-111925
Motion by John McDole, second by Katie Robberson, to expel Student #01-112519 for a period of two years from November 25, 2019, through and including November 24, 2021. The Board finds that a preponderance of the evidence establishes the student engaged in egregious conduct and that the student threatened to harm other students and created substantial disruption to the educational environment. The Board finds that the student’s continued presence at school poses a threat to the safety of students and staff and would substantially disrupt the operation of the school. The Board further finds that given the severity of the student’s misconduct, there are no other appropriate disciplinary interventions available and that the presence of the student at school will foster a culture that the student’s behavior at school is acceptable or tolerated.
Final Resolution: Motion Carried
Ayes: John McDole, Katie Robberson, Terri Dalla Riva, Lelan Olsen, Debra Pitts, Jill Bertels
9. DISCUSSION ITEMS
9.1 First Reading of Policy 330: Targeted School Violence Prevention Program
Dr. Henderson indicated that even though the Board is currently working through Board Policy Manual revisions, the Illinois State Board of Education is requiring that all districts update their board policy on implementation of a Targeted School Violence Prevention Program by the end of 2019. In addition to the adoption of Policy 330: Targeted School Violence Prevention Program, school districts must have a threat assessment procedure plan with a violence prevention team in place. This update must be completed by the end of December. A draft policy modeled after the IASB "PRESS" recommendation, meeting all requirements, was provided to Board members for review and discussion. The Board will be asked to approve a final version of the policy at the December 16, 2019 meeting.
9.2 Proposed 2020-2021 School Calendar
Dr. Henderson indicated the District would like to provide the 2020-2021 school calendar to parents as soon as possible. Dr. Nancy Spina has met with the calendar committee and proposed changes have been incorporated into the proposed 2020-2021 school calendar. Recommendations will meet the required 176 days of student attendance and include time for staff training and parent-teacher conferences. The recommended calendar includes five (5) emergency days from May 24 through May 28, 2021. Dr. Henderson highlighted some changes to the proposed calendar, including two institute days at the beginning of the school year to allow additional preparation time. Due to the positive feedback received, parent teacher conferences will remain at the end of October. Dr. Henderson asked for any questions to be emailed to him over the next couple weeks. The final 2020-2021 school calendar will be presented for Board approval at the December 16, 2019 Board meeting.
10. INFORMATION ITEMS
none
11. OTHER ITEMS
11.1 Citizens - Opportunity for Visitors to Address the School Board Concerning Any Topic
none
11.2 Announcements from the School Board
Katie Robberson shared she attended a Leadership Training with EHS students sponsored by Chestnut Healthcare. The event was very informative and showcased projects providing insight on the social changes technology has had on the youth.
12. CLOSING OF THE MEETING
12.1 Adjournment
Motion by Debra Pitts, second by Lelan Olsen, to adjourn the meeting at 8:01 p.m.
Final Resolution: Motion Carried
Ayes: Debra Pitts, Lelan Olsen, Terri Dalla Riva, John McDole, Katie Robberson, Jill Bertels
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