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Kewanee Community Unit School District 229 Board met March 19.

Here is the minutes provided by the Board:

I. Call To Order And Roll Call For Regular 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, Johnson and Nolan. Superintendent Sullens was also present for the Closed Session.

II. Executive Session Of Special Board Meeting

At 6:16pm Member Steffen seconded a motion made by Member Salisbury 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/2017. A voice vote showed all Members voting aye. The motion carried.

At 7:42 Member Padilla seconded a motion made by Member Johnson to adjourn the Closed Session meeting. Voice roll call showed all Members voting aye. There were no nay votes. The motion carried.

Call To Order And Roll Call For Open Session Meeting:

President Nolan called the Regular Meeting to order at 7:45pm. 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, Johnson and Nolan. The audience included staff members: T Brown, J Anderson, J Bryan, D Hodge-Bates, J Stabler, T Atwell, R Kapacinskas, D Brants, and A Binek. Community members attending the meeting included F Brown, D Wolf, E Wolf, V Wolf and E Wolf. Recording Secretary D Simaytis and Superintendent C Sullens were in attendance as well.

III. 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.

Sine Die Conduct of Public Hearing Concerning the Intent of the Board of Education to Sell $2,700,000. General Obligation Bonds (Alternate Revenue Source)

IV. President Nolan called for a motion to go into Sine Die for the purpose to receive public comments on the Proposal to sell Bonds in the amount of $2,700,000 for the purpose of improving the sites of, building and equipping additions to, and altering, repairing and equipping school buildings and facilities of the District. Member Steffen made a motion to move into Sine Die. Member Christiansen seconded the motion. A voice vote was heard with all Members voting aye. There were no nay votes. The motion carried.

A. Roll Call by the Secretary at was taken at 7:46pm with all Members present.

B. Discussion of the Issuance of Bonds by the Superintendent and Board for the purpose to receive public comments on the Proposal to sell Bonds in the amount of $2,700,000 for the purpose of improving the sites of, building and equipping additions to, and altering, repairing and equipping school buildings and facilities of the District. Dr. Sullens stated that one Project will include the addition of three classrooms, two adult handicapped accessible restrooms, and two student handicapped accessible restrooms at Belle Alexander School. $2,700,000 is the most that the District could receive from the sale of Bonds depending upon numerous variables. Stifle Representative K Heid will be at the April 16th Board Meeting to discuss the last steps of the Bond selling process. Voting by the Board to approve the Sale of Bonds will be done at this meeting and then Bonds will then be released for sale on the 17th.

C. Public Comments

None

D. President Nolan called for a motion for adjournment of Sine Die at 7:49pm. Member Johnson made a motion to adjourn. Member Padilla seconded the motion. The roll call vote showed Members Leckey, Steffen, Salisbury, Johnson, Padilla, Christiansen and Nolan all voting aye. There were no nay votes. The motion carried.

Sine Die

V. Invited Guests Address The Board

A. Dylan Wolfe – All-State Choir

KHS Principal Bryan introduced Dylan Wolfe who was selected to the Illinois All-State Music Choir Festival. Wolfe was presented with a Resolution adopted by the Board of Education read by Mr. Bryan recognizing his achievements. Mr. Wolfe and Music Director Mr. Binek were both congratulated.

VI., VII., & VIII. Minutes, Financial, Treasurer’s Report, And Bills And Payroll Consent Agenda

President Nolan asked for a motion for a Consent Agenda and acceptance of Items VI & VII, VIII. Member Leckey seconded the motion made by Member Steffen to approve consent Items VI & VII, VIII. The roll showed Members Christiansen, Leckey, Steffen, Salisbury, Johnson, Padilla and Nolan all voting aye. There were no nay votes. The motion carried.

IX. Comments From Audience

None

X. Report From Adminisration

A. Superintendent

1. State of Illinois F/18 GSA & Categorical Payments & F/19 Budget

Dr. Sullens reported that the District is still waiting for their first increased payment from the State of Illinois for FY18 GSA, which should be coming in April. At this time, the District does not know its State Funding amount will be and how the State plans on making up what is past due. The District continues to wait for delayed Categorical Payments as well. Transportation and Special Education Transportation payments, which were due December 31st still have not been received. The F/19 Budget begins July 1st and it is hoped that the State will release how much our increased funding will be very soon.

2. Kiwanis Pancake Day – Methodist Church – Saturday, April 7, 2018

Dr. Sullens announced that the Kiwanis Pancake Day will be held on April 7th. The KHS Key Club students are very involved in this Project and it is hoped that it will be another great turn out this year.

3. Kewanee Schools Foundation Auction – Saturday, April 28, 2018

Sullens reported that the Kewanee Schools’ Foundation Auction date was changed this year to a little later in order to avoid interfering with the Parent/Teacher Conference’s long weekend. Other events also had to be worked out due to the Visitation Bizarre and the Hatzel & Nordstrom Consignment Sale (the Foundation’s Auctioneers also work the Consignment Sale).

4. Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) Summary

Dr. Sullens explained the ESSA, which replaced “No Child Left Behind”, has stricter guidelines to track students and these guidelines are required with ESSA. Testing will be done two to four times a year, rather than only once, to track student growth. Identifiers have been given to each student that is unique to them and it will track every student’s test scores. School Report Cards will then designate schools as Tier 1 thru Tier 4 for Performing Schools. ELL & IEP students will also be tracked in a separate Sub Category/Group, which will then be required to perform better than an average of the lowest Performing Schools. It is unknown, as to what the Composite Score will be. Dr. Sullens states that this is frustrating and it is very hard to track and predict this information.

B. Mr. Bryan – KHS Principal

1. KHS Testing Schedule

Mr. Bryan reported that April 10th Juniors will begin SAT Testing. PSAT Tests will be given to the Freshman on April 18th.

C. Mr. Atwell-Athletic Director

1. Spring Sports Participation

Coach Atwell reported on Spring Sport numbers. There are nineteen KHS athletes competing in Girls’ Track and twenty-one Boys competing in High School Spring Track this year. The Baseball Team consists of thirteen Varsity players and thirteen Freshman/Sophomore players. Softball is made up of twelve Varsity players and twelve Freshman/Sophomore players.

2. Atwell also noted that Senior TJ Jackson will represent Kewanee on the Boys’ Kiwanis All-Star North Basketball Team and Mitrese Smith will represent the Boiler Girls on the Girls’ Kiwanis All-Star North Team. The games will be played at Canton High School on March 24th.

Lewis Robinson was invited to take part in the Illinois vs. Indiana All-Star Duel in Springfield on March 10th. Lewis won by major-decision over his opponent.

Students named to All Conference Athletes/Activities 1st Team are: Jackson Watson-Scholastic Bowl, Lewis Robinson 152-Wrestling, Mitrese Smith-Girls’ Basketball, and Kavon Russell-Boys’ Basketball.

Mr. Atwell informed the Board of Education that the Booster Club purchased a new digital score table for Brockman Gym. Mr. Flannery has been updating the slide show program for each of the home games this winter.

Also noted, Kewanee has been competing in IHSA Group Interpretation since the 2005-2006 Season. Kewanee has been a Sectional Champion four times including the 2018 school year and a Team State Qualifier thirteen times.

XI. Superintendent Committee Reports

None

XII. Unfinished Business

A. KHS Soccer Field/Parking Lot Update

Dr. Sullens informed that Board of Education that the KHS Soccer Field/Parking Lot Project will continue as soon as the weather permits and then the bidding will begin on the rest of the Project for the Soccer Field and Parking Area.

B. Additions to Belle Alexander School

Sullens reported that core samples have been taken at Belle and it is hoped that the bidding process will begin quickly, so that the District will be able to approve contracts at the April 16th Board Meeting.

Member Salisbury asked it there would be water at the new soccer field north of KHS. Dr. Sullens stated that there is a hydrant already there and the city engineer has indicated that the District would just have to pay for a meter, tap into the water lines, and install our own system. Dr. Sullens also stated that the top soil is not the best on the new Soccer Field area. He indicated that Member Steffen offered the idea to remove an inch of top soil from acreage that the District owns, east of the Ag farm and move it to the soccer field area without deteriorating that extra acreage. Sullens also noted that he has gotten a lot of assistance and input from JR Salisbury for seeding and soil suggestions.

XIII. New Business -

A. Consideration and Approval of Kewanee Personnel for 2018-2019 School Year

1. Vote #1: Consideration and Approval of Kewanee 2018-2019 Probation and Tenure List

Superintendent Sullens recommended to approve the personnel lists for partial year to 1st year probation, 1st year probation to 2nd year probation, 2nd year probation to 3rd year probation, 3rd year to 4th year probation, and from 4th year probation to tenure beginning 2018-2019. Board Members were provided a list of names in their packets. Member Christiansen seconded a motion made by Member Steffen to approve all five categories. The roll call vote showed Members Steffen, Salisbury, Johnson, Padilla, Christiansen, Leckey, and Nolan all voting aye. There were no nay votes. The motion carried.

2. Vote #2: Consideration and Approval of Partial Year Probationary Teacher to 1st Year Probationary Teacher

Dr. Sullens recommended approving moving Madison Costenson-Segura from partial year to 1st year probation and Emily Robinson from 3rd year probation to 4th year probation. Member Padilla seconded a motion made by Johnson to approve. The roll call vote showed Members Salisbury, Johnson, Padilla, Christiansen, Steffen and Nolan all voting aye. Member Leckey abstained from the vote. There were no nay votes. The motion carried.

3. Vote #3: Consideration and Approval of Resolution Authorizing Notice of Non-Renewal and Dismissal of Probationary Teacher

Dr. Sullens recommended approving the Resolution Authorizing Notice of Non-Retention of Fourth Year Probationary Teacher/Administrator of Employee A-2018. Member Leckey made a motion to approve. Member Steffen seconded the motion. The roll call vote showed Members Johnson, Padilla, Christiansen, Leckey, Steffen, Salisbury and Nolan all voting aye. There were no nay votes. The motion carried.

4. Vote #4: Other – Additional Individual Names as requested by Board Members

None

B. Consideration and Approval of Jr. High Promotion Date: Monday May 21, 2018 in Brockman Gym at 7:00pm

Dr. Sullens recommended to approve the Jr. High Promotion Date as presented. Member Leckey seconded a motion may by Member Steffen to approve. A voice vote showed all Members voting aye. There were no nay votes heard. The motion carried.

C. 1st Reading of New & Revised Policies

No Action at this time. Vote will be next month.

XIV. Action From Closed Session

Personnel:

A. Resignations

KHS Assistant Girls’ Basketball Coach Jessica Shipley Effective Immediately

KHS Cafeteria Substitute Eva Duarte Corral Effective 1/1/18

Dr. Sullens recommended approving the resignations of J Shipley and E Duarte Corral. Member Christiansen seconded a motion made by Member Leckey to approve. The roll call vote showed Members Padilla, Christiansen, Leckey, Steffen, Salisbury, Johnson and Nolan all voting aye. There were no nay votes heard. The motion carried with all seven Members voting aye.

B. Retirements

None

C. Hires

Substitute Playground/Cafe Supv at Central Carson Prescott Eff 2/26/18

Substitute Paraprofessional Sue Ahlgren Eff 3/3/18

Substitute Bilingual Interpreter at Central Ericka Marin Unknown

P/T Cafeteria Worker at KHS Brooke Daniels Eff 3/20/18 – 5.5 hrs/day

Dr. Sullens recommended to approve the above hires. Member Steffen seconded a motion made by Member Johnson to approve. The roll call vote showed Members Christiansen, Leckey, Steffen, Salisbury, Johnson, Padilla and Nolan all voting aye. There were no nay votes. The motion carried.

*All hires are contingent upon hires obtaining appropriate certification and qualifications prior to beginning job.

D. Leaves

Maternity Leave Alexandria Philhower Approx. due date of 5/24/18

Superintendent Sullens recommended approving maternity leave for A Philhower. Member Leckey made a motion to approve and Member Christiansen seconded the motion. The roll call vote showed Members Leckey, Steffen, Salisbury, Johnson, Padilla, Christiansen and Nolan all voting aye. There were no nay votes. The motion carried.

E. Long Term Sub

None

F. Transfers

None

G. Volunteers I

KHS Track Coach Morgan Mahnesmith

KHS Track Coach Rebecca Henkins

KHS Baseball Nathan Gilbraith

Central Elementary Volleyball Amy Busboom

Central Elementary Volleyball Kristine Sullens

Central Elementary Volleyball Linda Duytschaver

Central Elementary Volleyball Ashley Pickering

Central Elementary Volleyball David Bishop

KHS & Central Piano Accompanist Abbie Hamilton

KHS & Central Piano Accompanist Kayla Kuffel

KHS & Central Piano Accompanist Karleigh Moon

Dr. Sullens recommended to approve the above volunteers. Member Johnson seconded a motion made by Member Salisbury to approve. The roll call vote showed Members Steffen, Salisbury, Johnson, Padilla, Christiansen, Leckey and Nolan all voting aye. There were no nay votes. The motion carried.

H. Renewal/Non-Renewal of Stipend Positions

None

I. Other Action From Closed Session

KHS Agriculture Teacher Kindra Callihan 2018-2019 School Year

Dr. Sullens recommended to approve the employment of K Callihan as KHS Agriculture Teacher for the 2018-2019 School Year. Member Padilla seconded a motion made by Member Leckey to approve. The roll call vote showed Members Salisbury, Johnson, Padilla, Christiansen, Leckey, Steffen and Nolan all voting aye. There were no nay votes. The motion carried.

XV. Comments From Visitors

Principal Anderson informed the Board of Education that Central JH had two Wrestlers that qualified for State this year. Jake Conner ended up losing to the over-all Champion. Anderson noted that there were a lot of good Wrestlers this year.

XVI. Comments From Board And Administration

Dr. Sullens stated that the Concert held by the Band/Music Department who performed music by John Williams on Feb. 24th was very well attended and a very nice event. The students did a very good job.

Sullens also noted that the GI Team will be performing in Peoria this year instead of U of I in Springfield.

Mr. Anderson noted that Central Steamer Success will be holding a Parent Evening and presenting Social Media Safety tomorrow evening at Central School from 6:00pm-7:30pm.

Member Steffen asked if there had been any solutions to the radio broadcasts problems from Brockman Gym. Mr. Atwell stated that he spoke to the telephone company and Technology Director Mr. Perva. It is believed that the issue has been resolved.

A Moment of Silence was held for Catherine Chmielowski (retired KHS Cafeteria Worker).

XVII. Adjournment

Member Leckey seconded a motion made by Member Johnson to adjourn the open meeting. A voice vote from Members Padilla, Christiansen, Leckey, Steffen, Salisbury, Johnson and Nolan was heard all voting aye. There were no nay votes heard. The motion carried.

The open meeting was adjourned at 8:19 pm.

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