Edwardsville Community Unit School District 7 Board of Education met Nov. 12.
Here is the minutes provided by the board:
1. OPENING ITEMS
1.1 Call to Order
Meeting called to order at 6:15 PM
1.2 Roll Call
Members present
Lelan Olsen, Debra Pitts, Jennifer Brumback, John McDole, Katie Robberson, Jill Bertels
Members absent
Terri Dalla Riva
2. EXECUTIVE SESSION 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(1)(6)(9)(21)
2.1 Adjournment from Regular Session to Closed Session
Motion by Jill Bertels, second by Jennifer Brumback, 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, Jennifer Brumback, Lelan Olsen, Debra Pitts, John McDole, Katie Robberson
2.6 Adjournment from Closed Session to Regular Session
Motion by Lelan Olsen, second by Debra Pitts, to adjourn from closed Executive Session to Regular Session at 7:29 p.m.
Final Resolution: Motion Carried
Ayes: Lelan Olsen, Debra Pitts, Jennifer Brumback, John McDole, Katie Robberson, Jill Bertels
3. WELCOME AND APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Administrators present: Anthony McNeill, Cornelia Smith, Dennis Cramsey, Vince Schlueter, Cathie Wright, Beth Jacobs, Adam Garrett, Julie Matarelli, Cindy Steele; Kiersten Saenz, Lori Compton
Media present: Julia Biggs, Edwardsville Intelligencer; Channel 10 News
3.1 Pledge of Allegiance
3.2 Approval of Agenda
Motion by John McDole, second by Jennifer Brumback, to approve the November 12, 2019 agenda as presented.
Final Resolution: Motion Carried
Ayes: John McDole, Jennifer Brumback, Lelan Olsen, Debra Pitts, Katie Robberson, Jill Bertels
3.3 Approval Executive Session Minutes
Motion by Debra Pitts, second by Katie Robberson, to approve the Executive Session Minutes from the October 28, 2019 meeting.
Final Resolution: Motion Carried
Ayes: Debra Pitts, Katie Robberson, Lelan Olsen, Jennifer Brumback, John McDole, Jill Bertels
3.4 Approval Personnel Minutes
Motion by Lelan Olsen, second by Jennifer Brumback, to approve the Personnel Minutes from the October 28, 2019 meeting.
Final Resolution: Motion Carried
Ayes: Lelan Olsen, Jennifer Brumback, Debra Pitts, John McDole, Katie Robberson, Jill Bertels
4. RECOGNITION OF VISITORS
4.1 Discussion of Community Listening Circles
Dr. Henderson addressed the visitors and parents present this evening with an apology for any miscommunication in regard to the events that occured at EHS on November 5, 2019. Dr. Henderson informed the Board and visitors that District 7 will be hosting Community Listening Circles on three separate dates. The goal of the Listening Circles is to give District 7 parents and community members an opportunity to come together to share their experiences and develop ways to improve cultural sensitivity within our schools. Dr. Kira Hudson-Banks from Saint Louis University will be facilitating the first round of meetings and will collect information that will be shared with a District 7 Equity Task Force. The Equity Task Force will use the information gathered at the Listening Circles to drive the development of systems and structures that will help our students, staff and parents become more sensitive to our diverse population. Those interested in participating were given an opportunity to register for a Listening Circle during the Board meeting. Dr. Henderson will email all District 7 parents the link to sign up on Wednesday, November 13, 2019.
4.2 Citizens - Opportunity for Visitors to Address the School Board
John Cunningham, President of Edwardsville NAACP and District 7 citizen. Mr. Cunningham commended the Board and District 7 on the approach they are taking on addressing cultural diversity in our community.
Kelly Brooks, District 7 parent and Assistant Director for Admissions at SIUE. Ms. Brooks addressed the Board with her concerns surrounding the events on November 5, 2019 at Edwardsville High School. Ms. Brooks applauded Dr. Henderson for his public apology earlier this evening. She is a parent who wants to be a part of the solution and feels all adults need to be accountable for actions at school, as well as the students.
Felicia Jackson, District 7 parent. Ms. Jackson commented on her lack of confidence in the District's ability to keep her child safe at school. She commented that Dr. Henderson's apology should have been a larger public announcement.
Ida Roundtree, District 7 parent. Ms. Roundtree expressed to the Board that three community sharing meetings is not enough, they need to continue. She suggested meetings such as Listening Circles become part of District 7's curriculum and would like to see culture sensitivity addressed in our schools. Ms. Roundtree concluded with expressing her appreciation of District 7.
Ben Dickmann, former City Administrator and former Edwardsville Chief of Police. Mr. Dickmann commended the Board and Dr. Henderson for providing the opportunity to the community to hold discussion groups. Speaking from his professional background, Mr. Dickmann expressed his knowledge that talking about crime prevention has to have community involvement. Mr. Dickmann thanked the Board, Dr. Henderson and Administration for addressing the cultural diversity situation and applauded their courage to do so.
President Bertels made a public comment on behalf of the Board expressing they are prepared to move forward with recommendations made by Dr. Banks and the Community Listening Circles. President Bertels thanked those who addressed the Board and reminded the public of the sign up opportunity for the Community Listening Circles.
5. APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS
5.1 Approval of Consent Agenda Items
Motion by John McDole, second by Lelan Olsen, to adopt the consent agenda items (as presented) as recommended by the Superintendent
5.2 Approval of Regular Meeting Minutes from October 28, 2019
5.3 Approval of Paid and Unpaid Leaves for November 12, 2019
Morgan Grossardt; Program Assistant, Lincoln Middle School; Maternity/Child Care Leave beginning approximately April 24, 2020; returning at the beginning of the 2020-2021 school year.
5.4 Approval of November 12, 2019 Bills
5.5 FOIA Requests
Final Resolution: Motion Carried
Ayes: John McDole, Lelan Olsen, Debra Pitts, Jennifer Brumback, Katie Robberson, Jill Bertels
6. BUILDING REPORTS
6.1 Cassens Elementary Board Report
Dr. Tanya Patton provided a written report to the Board.
6.2 Nelson Elementary Board Report
Andrew Gipson provided a written report to the Board.
6.3 Goshen Elementary Board Report
Curt Schumacher provided a written report to the Board.
6.4 Liberty Middle School Board Report
Beth Crumbacher provided a written report to the Board.
6.5 Edwardsville High School Board Report
Dr. Dennis Cramsey provided a written report to the Board.
7. ADMINISTRATIVE, BOARD COMMITTEE, AND/OR SPECIAL COMMITTEE REPORTS
7.1 Director of Curriculum/Instruction - Cathie Wright
Cathie Wright presented a Curriculum and Instruction Fall Updates PowerPoint to the Board. Ms. Wright updated the Board on several curriculum committees, reviews and continuation plans. Ms. Wright discussed and updated the Board on Summative Designation and the 4 Step Process involved in determining the Summative Designation. All District 7 schools received a "Commendable" Summative Designation. Ms. Wright announced two new projects. First, District 7 was approached by the National Geospatial Agency to collaborate in developing a sequence of courses with a focus on geography and mapping. The NGA will support this course sequence with grants, equipment and speakers in the field. The second being Stories on the Move, a community project between Edwardsville Public Library, First Student and District 7 to place books on busses for students to read or keep. Ms. Wright thanked John Mollett, First Student, and Jill Schardt, Edwardsville Public Library, for their assistance with this project.
7.2 Asst. Superintendent of Business Operations - Dave Courtney
Dave Courtney provided an update on 2018-2019 and 2019-2020 Fiscal Year's State Funding. Mr. Courtney discussed the District's 2019 Tax Levy estimate for the 2020-2021 school year and indicated the Board will be asked to approve the 2019 Tax Levy estimate later this evening. The Board will be asked to approve the Final 2019 Tax Levy at its regular meeting on Monday, December 16, 2019. The tax levy notice will be published in the Edwardsville Intelligencer on November 15, 2019 and public hearings will be held on November 25, 2019 at 10:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. at the Board of Education Office – Hadley House.
Mr. Courtney announced that the District is proposing to sell the real property located at 223 North Kansas Street, once used as a manse by the First Presbyterian Church, but can also serve as a residential home. The District will accept sealed bids, after first giving notice of the time, place and terms of such sale by a notice published once each week for three (3) successive weeks prior to the bid acceptance date in the Edwardsville Intelligencer. The advertisement for bid in the legal section of the paper will run on the following dates: November 18, November 25, and December 2, 2019. An open house for prospective bidders to view the property will be held on Monday, December 9, 2019 between 3:00 and 4:00 p.m. The District has established a minimum bid price at $150,000.
7.3 Superintendent's Report - Dr. Jason Henderson
Dr. Henderson updated the Board on the decision to move forward with plans to allow Edwardsville High School students to attend the Collinsville Area Vocational Center during the 2020-2021 school year. The Board will be asked to approve an agreement at a future regular Board meeting. Dr. Henderson is still looking into the application process and working through details such as the number of students who will be allowed to participate.
Dr. Henderson informed the Board that District 7 has begun the implementation of the FirstView app. FirstView is an application that uses GPS to allow parents to track buses with up-to-the-minute location. Dr. Henderson announced to visitors that parents with students who ride buses should have recently received an email regarding the FirstView app. Parents were instructed to notify the Superintendent's office if you did not receive this informational email, or if they had questions.
7.4 CAC Committee
Debra Pitts, Board Representative for the CAC Committee, provided a report on the CAC meeting held on Thursday, November 7, 2019. Ms. Pitts indicated Ms. Cathie Wright, Director of Curriculum and Instruction, provided her PowerPoint presentation on Curriculum and Fall Updates as seen earlier this evening. Ms. Pitts thanked Dr. Henderson for addressing parent concerns during the meeting. Ms. Pitts reported the Socially Inclusive School District Leadership Team, through the Special Olympics Unified Champions of Schools, held their first meeting earlier in the day prior to the CAC Committee meeting. Ms. Pitts stated she looks forward to a future presentation to the Board from Adam Garrett, Director of Student Services, regarding this new Special Olympics team in our District. The CAC Committee also discussed their grant application process offered to teachers for the 2019-2020 school year.
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 was recommended that the following classified resignations be accepted:
Cameron McCrary; 8 hour, 12 month Evening Custodian, Albert Cassens Elementary School; effective October 23, 2019.
Michelle Marciniak; 7 hour Program Assistant, Lincoln Middle School; effective November 1, 2019.
Laura Lynch; 7 hour Program Assistant, LeClaire Elementary School; effective October 3, 2019.
Emily Iman; 7 hour Program Assistant, Lincoln Middle School; effective November 3, 2019.
Austin Cravens; 8 hour, 12 month Evening Custodian, Nelson Elementary School; effective November 5, 2019.
Jennifer King; 6 hour Cafeteria Worker, Albert Cassens Elementary School; effective November 12, 2019.
It was recommended that the following exempt resignations be accepted:
Kayla Boedeker; 5.5 hour Kid Zone Site Counselor, Goshen Elementary School; effective November 5, 2019.
Sarah Wiegman; 5.5 hour Kid Zone Site Counselor, Goshen Elementary School; effective November 13, 2019.
Joanna Marley; 5.5 hour Kid Zone Site Counselor, Woodland Elementary School; effective November 21, 2019.
Final Resolution: Motion Carried
Ayes: Lelan Olsen, John McDole, Debra Pitts, Jennifer Brumback, Katie Robberson, Jill Bertels
8.2 Approval of Employments
Motion by Jennifer Brumback, second by Lelan Olsen, to approve Personnel Matters Related to the Appointment, Employment, Compensation, or Transfer of Employees as discussed earlier this evening in Executive Session.
It was recommended that the following classified transfer be accepted:
Christine Liliensiek; from Head Cook, Liberty Middle School; to 6 hour Cafeteria Worker, LeClaire Elementary School; Step 4, $10.81 per hour including stipend; effective October 28, 2019.
It was recommended that the following classified candidates be employed:
Beth Klenke; 7 hour Program Assistant, Lincoln Middle School; Certified, Step 4, $12.45 per hour; effective November 13, 2019.
Tammy Siglar; 8 hour, 12 month Evening Custodian, Albert Cassens Elementary School; Step 1, $12.15 per hour, including stipend; effective November 13, 2019.
Ethan Petzing; 8 hour, 12 month Groundskeeper, District 7; Step 2, $13.74 per hour; effective November 13, 2019.
It was recommended that the following certified candidates be employed:
Gerri Smith; Special Education Teacher, LeClaire Elementary School; Annual salary to be determined; effective October 15, 2019.
It was recommended that the following person be approved for a stipend for the 2019-2020 school year as indicated:
Kathleen Curtis; Poms Dance Coach, Lincoln Middle School.
It was recommended that the following persons be approved as substitute teachers for the 2019-2020 school year:
Dan Brimer
Melody Dotdot
Elizabeth Ellingsworth
Kerri Stoltz
Final Resolution: Motion Carried
Ayes: Jennifer Brumback, Lelan Olsen, Debra Pitts, John McDole, Katie Robberson, Jill Bertels
8.3 Approval of 2019 Tax Levy Estimate
Motion by John McDole, second by Debra Pitts, to approve and sign the “Resolution Regarding Estimated Amounts Necessary to be Levied for the Year 2019”.
The Truth in Taxation Act (35 IL CS 200/18-55 et seq. created by Public Act 82-102 effective 7/29/81) requires that “…At least 20 days prior to the adoption of its aggregate levy, the local board of education shall estimate the dollar amount of the aggregate levy for the current year …”
The Act continues by stating that “Any district proposing to increase its aggregate levy (excluding debt service) more than 105 percent of its prior year’s extension, exclusive of election costs, must publish a notice, as prescribed by law, in a newspaper of general local circulation.” The Act requires that a public hearing be set no more than 14 days or less than 7 days after publication of the notice.
For purposes of “setting” the 2019 levy, assessed valuation growth for 2019 is estimated to be 6% … 3% higher than the maximum projected assessed valuation growth of 3%. Setting the levy using the 6% assessed valuation growth rate will enable District #7 to achieve the state or voter approved tax rate for the 2020-21 school year.
The tax levy notice will be published in the Edwardsville Intelligencer on November 15, 2019 and public hearings will be held on November 25, 2019 at 10:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. at the Board of Education Office – Hadley House.
The “Resolution Regarding Estimated Amounts Necessary to be Levied for the Year 2019” is the formal document to be signed by the Board approving District #7’s estimated dollar amounts of the aggregate levy for 2019.
A request for the Board to adopt the final tax levy by resolution will be made at the December 16, 2019 board meeting.
Final Resolution: Motion Carried
Ayes: John McDole, Debra Pitts, Lelan Olsen, Jennifer Brumback, Katie Robberson, Jill Bertels
8.4 Approval of Notice of Public Sale of Interest in Real Property
Motion by Debra Pitts, second by Katie Robberson, to approve a notice of public sale authorizing the sale of interest in real property located at 223 North Kansas Street, Edwardsville, IL 62025 via sealed bid.
In April 2014, the Board of Education approved the purchase of real property formerly owned by the First Presbyterian Church and located across from Columbus Elementary School (223 and 237 North Kansas Street).
The real property located at 223 North Kansas Street was used as a manse when owned by the Church but can also serve as a residential home. The District has determined that the real property located at 223 North Kansas Street is unnecessary for the uses of the District.
The District is proposing to sell the aforesaid property and improvements by accepting sealed bids, after first giving notice of the time, place, and terms of such sale by a notice published once each week for three (3) successive weeks prior to the bid acceptance date in the Edwardsville Intelligencer. The advertisement for bid in the legal section of the paper will run on the following dates: November 18, November 25, and December 2, 2019.
An open house will be held for prospective bidders to view the property located at 223 North Kansas Street on Monday, December 9, 2019 between 3:00 and 4:00 p.m.
Bids will be opened at the office of the Asst. Superintendent-Business Operations, 708 St. Louis Street, Edwardsville, Illinois, 62025, at 2:00 p.m. Monday, December 16, 2019.
The District has established a minimum bid price at $150,000.
Final Resolution: Motion Carried
Ayes: Debra Pitts, Katie Robberson, Lelan Olsen, Jennifer Brumback, John McDole, Jill Bertels
9. DISCUSSION ITEMS
9.1 Discussion of IASB Delegate Assembly Proposals
Dr. Henderson reminded the Board that President Jill Bertels will be attending the Illinois Association of School Boards (IASB) Delegate Assembly during the National Convention as a representative of the Board. Dr. Henderson allowed the Board members the opportunity to openly discuss any of the resolution items to be presented during the Delegate Assembly.
John McDole referenced proposed resolution #1, Student Safety, where IASB shall support and advocate for legislation which provides local school boards the option to allow district employees the ability to carry a concealed firearm on district property. Mr. McDole expressed his opposition to this resolution. The Board unanimously agreed. Mr. McDole asked for clarification for proposed resolution #7, School Board Elections - Seating of New Members, which would allow newly elected candidates, who have been elected uncontested, to be sworn in at the next regularly scheduled board meeting, held at least 14 days after the Consolidated Election.
Jennifer Brumback expressed opposition to proposed resolution #13, Position Statement 5.05 Prevailing Wage Act, which would allow IASB to repeal legislation that regulates wages of laborers, mechanics and other workers employed by school district. Ms. Brumback discussed reasons why they need to keep a Prevailing Wage Act.
9.2 Discussion of Equity Task Force
Dr. Henderson commented that the Community Listening Circles will be just the beginning of District 7's commitment to developing strategies and activities to proactively educate on cultural diversity and its potential effects. Dr. Henderson proposed to the Board the idea of forming an Equity Task Force that will include members of the Board of Education, Administration, Faculty, Community Members, Parents and most importantly, Students. Interested individuals would be vetted by Dr. Banks. Dr. Henderson thanked the parents for wanting to hold the District accountable in order to effectively show progress.
John McDole recommended to the Board that the Equity Task Force be a pillar of the Strategic Planning Committee.
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
President Jill Bertels offered congratulations to several athletic teams and individuals who had competed in the last two (2) weeks since last regular Board of Education meeting.
Dr. Henderson congratulated the EHS Drama Club for their well done performances of The Little Shop of Horrors over the weekend.
12. CLOSING OF THE MEETING
12.1 Adjournment
Motion by Debra Pitts, second by Katie Robberson, to adjourn the meeting at 8:45 p.m.
Final Resolution: Motion Carried
Ayes: Debra Pitts, Katie Robberson, Lelan Olsen, Jennifer Brumback, John McDole, Jill Bertels
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