Kewanee Community Unit School District 229 Board met October 16.
Here is the minutes provided by the Board:
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: Padilla, Christiansen, Leckey, Steffen, Salisbury and Nolan. Member Johnson was absent. Superintendent Sullens was also present for the Closed Session.
Executive Session Of Special Board Meeting :
At 6:16pm Member Steffen seconded a motion made by Member Leckey to enter 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 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 7:34pm. This Open Session continued in the Staff Development Room of the Administration Office. Roll call showed the following Board Members present: Padilla, Christiansen, Leckey, Steffen, Salisbury and Nolan. Member Johnson was absent. The audience included staff members J Anderson, T Brown, J Bryan, D Hodge-Bates, J Stabler, T Atwell and KEA President R Kapacinskas. Reporter Helenthal of the Star Courier, Ford Brown from the Committee of Ten, M Komnick and Auditor S Ramsey of Gorenz & Assoc. Recording C Briggs 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 2016-2017 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. Total Fund Equity as of June 30, 2017 was $44,378,865 less: Fixed Assets, Debt Service Fund, IMRF/SS, Capital Projects, Tort, Fire Prevention & Safety, and Self-Funded Dental Ins. for a Net Equity in the Operating Funds of $10,382,909. There are Unpaid Teacher’s Contracts for services already provided for July and August totaling $1,029,608 and Funds Restricted for Special purposes of $84,999. As of June 30, she stated, Unencumbered Equity in the Operating Funds only were $9,268,302. The $636,000 decrease from last year is due mostly to a transfer of restricted monies from the OM Fund to Debt Services for the Qzab bond, meaning the District has enough cash on hand to operate for about six months, even if no other revenue was received for those six months.
The revenues were up $77,253 from F/16. The Ed Fund revenue received was $14,584,902 and expenditures were $14,424,172. The Operation and Maintenance Fund revenue was $2,036,929 with expenditures of $2,840,403 and the Transportation revenue received was $560,607 with $647,185 in expenditures.
With a number of Illinois school districts struggling in an era of declining State school support, Ramsey said, Kewanee is doing well. The District received a 3.55 for a Financial Profile, giving the District Financial Recognition for the fourth straight year. She said the profile was down this year a bit from last year (3.90) due to the expenditure to revenue ratio.
Ms. Ramsey stated that the District spent $8,595 per student with an Average Daily Attendance for the 2016-2017 School Year of 1,759, which is up from its peak in 2011 of 1,700. Last year the ADA was 1,692. Ms. Ramsey stated that this is very unusual and commended the school in their efforts to keep students in school.
Revenue received in the Operating Funds was $16,806,722. Expenditures were $17,019,617 which left the Operating accounts with a deficit of $212,895.
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 “bookkeeping” changes by the State of Illinois and the Feds.
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 Christiansen seconded the motion made by Member Steffen to approve Items V, VI, & VI. The roll showed Members Christiansen, Leckey, Steffen, Salisbury, Padilla, (President Nolan asked that item V be struck from the Agenda due to there were no closed session minutes) and Nolan all voting aye. Member Johnson was absent. There were no nay votes. The motion carried.
Comments From Audience:
None
Report From Administration:
Recognition of Honorary Boilermakers: Greg Christakos & Norman Johnson-
Dr. Sullens reported that Greg Christakos and Norman Johnson were named Honorary Boilermakers for the Kewanee Homecoming this year in September. 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 FY18 General State Aid-
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.
a.FY17 Categorical & FY17 GSA = FY18 GSA
Dr. Sullens stated that the State of Illinois has combined a few more categories that used to be separate into the GSA formula beginning FY18. Special Ed Reimbursement, Special Ed. Personnel, Special Ed. Summer School (which the District is not part of, and Title II Categories will now be included. The District is receiving payments in a timely manner since the formula has passed. We are receiving our payments based on last year’s dollars.
b.27 Essential Elements
Dr. Sullens stated these are the elements that the state has decided that are important to student growth (class size, professional development, technology in the classroom, etc.
c.Local Capacity
Local Capacity is one of the lesser known elements included in the 27 Essential Elements. The state will tell the District what we should be taxing locally to get to an adequate target for each student. Dr. Sullens stated it will be interesting to see what number they come to for Kewanee CUD 229.
d.Projected Date for FY18 New GSA
Dr. Sullens stated that it is still unknown when we will find out the Date for the FY18 GSA and the amount it will be due to the legislators are still trying to “tweak” the formula to make sure it is perfect. A lot could change in Springfield after the governor’s election.
Blue Cross-Blue Shield of Illinois Coverage-
Dr. Sullens informed the Board that Blue cross Blue Shield will not be offering coverage through OSF as of January 1, 2018. Local Doctors would still be covered but the hospital would not. Dr. Sullens is hoping that between now and then a compromise can be reached.
Mike Leckey & Dan Nolan – Master Board Members-
Dr. Sullens congratulated Member Leckey and President Nolan for holding and maintaining their Master Board Member status. Both Members were honored last week in Galva.
Mr. Anderson – Central JR. High School Principal
PARCC Testing 2017 Results
Principal Anderson provided Members with a hand-out reflecting the 2016-2017 PARCC scores. Highlights included Neponset 4th grade increased scores from their 3rd grade year in language arts. Neponset 7th to 8th grade students increased in Math. Central 3rd to 4th grade increased scores in language arts as did 6th to 7th grade. Central 7 to 8th grade increased their scores in Math. Mr. Anderson stated that the testing process improved over last year. He believes that some of it is due to each student having access to a Chromebook every day and fewer technology issues. Dr. Sullens stated that some of the issues in 2016 were due to the testing company’s lack of server room when everyone in the state started testing at the same time.
Mr. Bryan-KHS Principal
SAT Testing
Mr. Bryan also provided the Board Members with a hand-out. Mr. Bryan stated that the high school has had used ACT previously. The hand-out he provided showed how KHS students did with the benchmarks that were provided. It is difficult to compare the testing with last year’s due to the change from ACT to SAT format. It is hoped that there will be improvements in Math College Readiness Benchmark next year. Mr. Bryan also noted that Kewanee has the highest poverty level of nine schools surveyed for SAT results. Poverty level schools/students often have more trouble meeting the benchmarks than schools with lower poverty levels.
President Nolan asked if the Freshman class was given the PSAE this year. Principal Bryan stated that they did not but the plan is to re-start the PSAE testing again next year.
Mr. Atwell – KHS Athletic Director
Football, Volleyball, Golf, Tennis, Soccer and Cross Country Updates
Coach Atwell reported on the Fall sports. Riley Hansen won the Girls’ Conference and won the Girls’ IHSA Regional for the 2nd year in a row. Riley qualified for the IHSA State Tournament after shooting an 80 at Sectionals. There she placed 2nd in the State with 2 shots behind the leader.
Cross Country Three Rivers Conference Regionals will be October 21st at Rock Falls.
Kewanee had no one advance at the IHSA Tennis Sectional.
Volleyball Regionals will be Monday, Oct. 23 with Kewanee facing Geneseo at Geneseo.
KHS Football will finish its Regular Season on October 21st at Monmouth-Roseville. The Team is currently 5-3 and is on the playoff bubble. There will be no Fresh/Soph game.
Soccer finished their Season with 8-11-1.
Mr. Atwell also noted that Winter Sports are beginning with Competitive Dance on October 23th, Girls’ Basketball on October 30st, Boys’ Basketball and Wrestling on November 6th and Girls’ Bowling on November 13th.
Mr. Atwell also explained the classification enrollment. Currently Kewanee is Class 4A for football playoffs.
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 for the 2nd year in a row.
Dr. Sullens showed the Board of Education a slide show reflecting the KHS Band at Homecoming, Volleyball at Sherrard, Lyle School play area equipment, Light improvements in Peterson Auditorium for the theater department, and the Park District Soccer Field which is now closed for the season and being airyated and over-seeded. Dr. Sullens also noted that it is hoped that the lighting project in Peterson Auditorium will be completed by November 6 for the KHS school play. The lighting board is also being upgraded for the department.
Superintendent Committee Reports:
None
Unfinished Business:
a.KHS Soccer Field/Parking Lot Update
Dr. Sullens reported that the KHS Soccer Field/Parking lot received approximately 3 inches of rain this past weekend so the project is at a standstill until it dries out some. The East and West parking lot entrances/exits have been cut in. There is about a day or day and a half of excavating work left to do before we can move on to the next stage.
b.KHS Storage Building/KHS Football Storage/Peterson Auditorium
Dr. Sullens reported that KHS Storage Building/Football Storage electrical is being finished up. District maintenance staff will be studding, insulating, dry walling, and finishing the interior of the Peterson Auditorium addition. The goal is to be completed by the fall play date.
c.2nd Reading of Revised Policy 6:310
Dr. Sullens recommended to approve the P.E. Policy revision. Member Steffen seconded a motion made by Member Leckey to approve. The roll call vote showed Members Leckey, Steffen, Salisbury, Padilla, Christiansen, and Nolan all voting aye. Member Johnson was absent. There were no nay votes. The motion carried.
New Business:
a.Consideration and Approval of the 2016-2017 School District Audit, Transfers, and Adjustments as Recommended by the Auditors.
Dr. Sullens recommended approving the 2016-2017 School District Audit as presented by Gorenz and Associates. Member Christiansen seconded a motion made by Member Leckey to approve. The roll call vote showed Members Steffen, Salisbury, Padilla, Christiansen, Leckey, and Nolan all voting aye. Member Johnson was absent. There were no nay votes. The motion carried.
b.Selection of Delegate and Alternate to the Joint Annual Board Conference
Member Nolan recommended Member Leckey to be the Delegate and Member Christiansen as Alternate to the Joint Annual Board Conference. A voice vote was heard with all present Members voting aye. Member Johnson was absent. There were no nay votes heard. The motion carried. Dr. Sullens thanked both Members.
c.Consideration and Approval of KHS Graduation Date: Sunday, May 13, 2018
Dr. Sullens recommended the Board approve the Graduation Date for KHS as May 13, 2018. President Nolan called for a motion to approve. Member Steffen made the motion to approve. Member Padilla seconded the motion. A voice vote showed all present Members voting aye. Member Johnson was absent. There were no nay votes heard. The motion carried.
d.Consideration and Approval of PTO Activity Account Changes
President Nolan called for a motion to approve the PTO Activity Account Changes. Member Leckey seconded a motion made by Member Salisbury to approve. The roll call vote showed Members Salisbury, Padilla, Christiansen, Leckey, Steffen, and Nolan all voting aye. Member Johnson was absent. There were no nay votes. The motion carried.
e.1st Reading of New & Revised Policies
Dr. Sullens introduced the New & Revised Board Policies for 1st Reading. No Action Required.
f. Action From Closed Session
Personnel:
Resignations
KHS Set DesignEmily SaeyEffective Immediately
Belle Interpreter/Health AideSujey RobletoEffective 10/6/17
KHS InterpreterMaria Soto-GamboEffective 10/13/17
Dr. Sullens recommended approving the above listed resignations. Member Christiansen seconded a motion made by Member Steffen to approve. The roll call vote showed Members Padilla, Christiansen, Leckey, Steffen, Salisbury and Nolan all voting aye. Member Johnson was absent. There were no nay votes heard. The motion carried.
Retirements:
KHS Business TeacherRita BurrowsEffective End of 2020-2021 School Year
Dr. Sullens recommended approving the retirement of R Burrows. Member Padilla seconded a motion made by Member Leckey to approve the retirements. The roll call vote showed Members Christiansen, Leckey, Steffen, Salisbury, Padilla, and Nolan all voting aye. Member Johnson was absent. There were no nay votes. The motion carried.
Hires:
Neponset Cheerleading CoachJackie Haage
Central K Kids AdvisorSuzanne Burkhart
KHS Assistant Softball CoachMaria Sakellaris
21st Century Teacher-CentralBonnie Shepherd McCommons
21st Century Teacher-CentralShana Hinton
21st Century Teacher-CentralKathryn Swearingen
21st Century Teacher-CentralMargaret Costenson
21st Century Teacher-CentralJill Peart
21st Century Teacher-NeponsetTatum Drury
21st Century Teacher-NeponsetAnnie Pickering
21st Century Teacher-NeponsetAlicia Conner
21st Century Teacher-NeponsetKandy Hansen
21st Century Aide-CentralLynn Heberer
21st Century Aide-CentralLaNita Brown
21st Century Aide-CentralMichelle Bolton Gomez
21st Century Aide-CentralAmy Toutantpaid by ROE
21st Century Aide-NeponsetCheryl Rohrigpaid by ROE
21st Century Aide-NeponsetAnn Croftonpaid by ROE
21st Century Student Asst.-NeponsetPaige Weida
21st Century Student Asst.-BelleBrooklyn Pickering
Central Gr. 7 Boys Basketball CoachDayton Ince
KHS Service LearningCali Tuttle
Dr. Sullens recommended to approve the above hires. Member Steffen seconded a motion made by Member Leckey to approve. The roll call vote showed Members Leckey, Steffen, Salisbury, Padilla, Christiansen, and Nolan all voting aye. Member Johnson was absent. 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:
None
Long Term Sub:
None
Transfers:
F/T 40 hr/wk custodian to F/T 32 hr/wk custodianLarry Flannery
Dr. Sullens recommended approving the transfer of Larry Flannery from 40 hrs/wk to 32 hrs/wk custodian. Member Padilla seconded a motion made by Member Christiansen to approve. The roll call vote showed Members Steffen, Salisbury, Padilla, Christiansen, Leckey and Nolan all voting aye. Member Johnson was absent. There were no nay votes. The motion carried.
Volunteers I:
LyleSister Margaret Guzzardo
Central Stepladder TutoringYadira Chavez
Neponset CheerleadingCheryl Rohrig
KHS Boys BasketballTom Miler
Central Elem. Boys BasketballDuane Johnston
Central Elem. Boys BasketballChris Roginski
Central Elem. Boys BasketballAllen Hamrick
Central Elem. Boys BasketballJammal Williams
Central Elem. Boys BasketballRhonda Lewis
Central Elem. Boys BasketballCourtney Conley
Central Elem. Boys BasketballTom Baney
Central Elem. Boys BasketballJames Davis
Central Elem. Boys BasketballJoe Hicks
Central Elem. Boys BasketballJacqui Rouse
ESL ProgramMaria Soto-Gamboa
Dr. Sullens recommended the above volunteers. Member Christiansen seconded a motion made by Member Leckey to approve. The roll call vote showed Members Salisbury, Padilla, Christiansen, Leckey, Steffen, and Nolan all voting aye. Member Johnson was absent. There were no nay votes. The motion carried.
Volunteers II:
Central Elem. Boys BasketballJR Salisbury
Dr. Sullens recommended volunteer Salisbury. Member Steffen made a motion to approve. Member Leckey seconded the motion. The roll call vote showed Members Padilla, Christiansen, Leckey, Steffen, and Nolan all voting aye. Member Salisbury abstained from the motion. Member Johnson was absent. There were no nay votes. The motion carried.
Student Teachers:
None
Renewal/Non-Renewal of Stipend Positions:
None
Other Action From Closed Session:
Expulsion of Central 6th grade student A2018
Dr. Sullens recommended the above expulsion. Member Steffen seconded a motion made by Member Leckey to approve. The roll call vote showed Members Christiansen, Leckey, Steffen, Salisbury, Padilla, and Nolan all voting aye. Member Johnson was absent. There were no nay votes. The motion carried.
Comments From Visitors:
None
Comments From Board And Administration:
Principal Hodge congratulated the Neponset volleyball team for placing 2nd in conference. Principal Anderson recognized 3 out of 4 Central Elementary Football teams made the consolation championship games and the 8th grade team placed 3rd in the conference tournament which Kewanee Hosted.
Adjournment:
Member Padilla seconded a motion made by Member Leckey to adjourn the open meeting. A voice vote from Members Padilla, Christiansen, Leckey, Steffen, Salisbury, and Nolan was heard all voting aye. Member Johnson was absent. There were no nay votes heard. The motion carried.
The open meeting was adjourned at 8:36 pm.
http://www.kcud229.org/board-of-education/2017-2018-school-board-meeting-minutes
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