Rock Island Today

Kewanee Community Unit School District 229 Board of Education met May 20.

Here is the minutes provided by the board:

I. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL FOR REGULAR SCHEDULED 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 Johnson calling the Meeting to order at 6:15pm. Roll call showed the following Members present: Padilla, DeBord, Steffen, Salisbury, Stabler and Johnson. Vice-President Christiansen was absent. Superintendent Sullens was also present.

II. EXECUTIVE SESSION OF SPECIAL BOARD MEETING

At 6:15pm 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. Voice roll vote showed all present Members voting aye. Vice-President Christiansen was absent. The motion carried.

At 7:20pm Member Steffen seconded a motion made by Member Stabler to adjourn the Closed Session meeting. A voice roll call was heard with all present Members voting aye. Vice-President Christiansen was absent. There were no nay votes. The motion carried.

CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL FOR OPEN SESSION MEETING

President Johnson called the Regular Meeting to order at 7:31pm. This Open Session continued in the Staff Development Room of the Administration Office. Roll call showed the following Board Members present: Padilla, DeBord, Steffen, Salisbury, Stabler and Johnson. Vice-President Christiansen was absent. The audience included staff members: T Brown, J Bryan, J Stabler, D Hodge-Bates, T Atwell, D Brants, R Baney, H Olade, L Nolan, and KEA President R Kapacinskas Kewanee Star Courier reporter Mike Helenthal was in attendance to report on the meeting. Community members and students attending the meeting were L Hamilton, L Dev, M Taylor, M Gustaitis, D Reynolds, K Scott, J Watson, M Romanelli, S Dev, K Witte, L Edwards, N Baney, A VanStechelman, H Hamilton, K Raes, S Heck, H Smith, G Ullinskey, C Olade, T Baney, N Woods, B Delgado, B Nolan, C Robinson, R Palos, D Nolan, M Leckey and B Leckey. Recording secretary H Leckey-Hughes and Superintendent C Sullens were in attendance as well.

III. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG

President Johnson asked the audience to stand, if able, and join the Board in saying the “Pledge of Allegiance” to the flag.

IV. INVITED GUESTS

A. Dan Nolan and Mike Leckey

Dr. Sullens recognized Past Board President, Dan Nolan and Past Board Secretary, Mike Leckey.

B. KHS Contest Play

Coach Atwell presented the KHS Contest Play Team and their coaches Marissa Romanelli, Logan Hamilton and Johnny Williams III with a resolution recognizing their accomplishments for the 2018-2019 season by placing 1st at IHSA Sectionals. Haley Hamilton and Jackson Watson also earned All-Sectional Cast recognition and Devin Randall earned All-Sectional Tech-Crew recognition. At the 2019 IHSA State competition, the KHS Group Interpretation Team earned 8th in the entire State. Haley Hamilton and Jackson Watson earned All-State recognition. The students and their coaches were congratulated by the Board of Education.

C. KHS Group-Interpretation

Principal Bryan presented the KHS Group-Interpretation Team and their coach Heather Olalde with a resolution recognizing their accomplishments for the 2018-2019 season by earning 1st at the Joliet West Invitational with every single cast member earning All-Cast recognition including Lindsay Edwards, Miles Taylor, George Ullinskey, Allisa VanStechelman, Katie Witte, Cydnie Robinson, Harrison Smith, Neva Baney, Layla Dev, Conner Bryan, Madeline Gustaitis, and Simon Heck. The 2018-2019 KHS Group-Interpretation team placed 1st at the IHSA Sectional where Lindsay Edwards, Miles Taylor, George Ullinskey, Allisa VanStechelman, Katie Witte, and Cydnie Robinson earned All-Sectional Cast recognition. The 2018-2019 Boilermaker Group Interpretation qualified for State Competition tying for 4th place in the preliminary round where Lindsay Edwards, Miles Taylor, Alissa VanStechelman, and Cydnie Robinson earned All-State Cast recognition. This is the 14th year in a row that KHS has qualified for State. The 2019 KHS Group Interpretation Team was selected from all teams in the State to earn the IHSA Sportsmanship Award. The students and their coach were congratulated by the Board of Education.

V., VI., VII. MINUTES, FINANCIAL, TREASURER’S REPORT, AND BILLS AND PAYROLL CONSENT AGENDA

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

VIII. COMMENTS FROM AUDIENCE

None

IX.

REPORT FROM ADMINISRATION 

A. Superintendent

Congratulations to our Retirees: Scott Michael, Sherry Moon, Angie DeVenney and Rosalie Foes

Dr. Sullens announced that Scott Michael, Sherry Moon, Angie DeVenney and Rosalie Foes are retiring this year. Dr. Sullens and the Board of Education expressed their gratitude for service and congratulations to them all.

Summer Food Program Sites: Central School, Irving School, KHS, YMCA, Lyle School, Fairview/Housing Authority, Northeast Park, Neponset Grade School & Prairie Green

Dr. Sullens noted the Summer Food Program sites listed above. The sites will be serving free breakfasts and lunches to those up to the age of 19. The District is reimbursed by the Federal Government for this program.

Review of 2018/2019 Budget – Amended Budget (will reflect recent Sale of Bonds)

Dr. Sullens reported that the District will be amending the 2018-2019 Budget which ends on June 30th. The amended Budget will be presented at the June board meeting.

Band & Choir Concerts

Superintendent Sullens reported that Director Binek and his band and choir members presented fabulous spring concerts this year. Programs from those concerts were supplied in member board packets.

Update on Legislation

Sullens reported that the State has announced plans to spend $41.5 billion on Capital Improvement for transportation, education, public health and other infrastructure projects over six years funded by doubling the State gasoline tax and increasing other taxes and fees.

KHS Life Skills Play – Seussical The Musical

Dr. Sullens reported that the KHS Life Skills Class performed in Seussical the Musical held on May 16th in the Petersen Auditorium. The students did a fabulous job! The event was well attended by area families and residents. Mr. Bryan noted that Haley Hamilton and Kennedy Raes (part of KHS Contest Play team) assisted the students with their practices and performances along with the Life Skills instructors Kim Johnson and Nicole Nelson.

Mr. Bryan – KHS Principal

KHS Graduation

Mr. Bryan noted there were 123 graduates in the KHS Class of 2019 who graduated on Sunday, May 12, 2019. Mr. Bryan reported that the Kewanee Schools Foundation awarded 50 students over $100,000 in scholarships and awards this year.

FCCLA, Key Club & FFA Banquets

Mr. Byran informed the Board of Education that the 2019 FCCLA, Key Club and FFA Banquets were held over the last couple weeks. The Key Club had a dessert banquet and the FFA held a pulled-pork banquet for their students. Mr. Bryan also reported that the FFA annual petting zoo was one of the best ever this year. Dr. Sullens stated that he had received several letters and thank-you’s expressing how much the younger students enjoyed the event. Principal Stabler commended Mrs. Callahan and the students on how well the event was coordinated.

Mr. Anderson-Central Principal

ISEA State Track

Dr. Sullens reported in Mr. Anderson’s absence that there were eight Central Junior High seventh graders who qualified for the IESA State Track Meet held on Friday May 17th, 2019. The Junior high athletes were: B Lewis, J Roginski, L Mason B Johnston, C Bretado, N Martin, C Cazares, and M Mulle. The students performed a personal best in the 4x200 Relay even though they did not place.

Central & Neponset 8th Grade Promotion

Dr. Sullens announced that Central and Neponset 8th grade promotion will be held on May 23, 2019 at 7pm in Brockman Gym.

Mr. Atwell-KHS Athletic Director

IHSA State Track

Mr. Atwell reported that the IHSA Girls State Track Meet was held on May 17 & 18 at Eastern University. KHS had one qualifier, Tristan Nolan who qualified for the High Jump and 300 Low Hurdles. Tristan broke the school’s 300 Low Hurdle record at the Sectional meet. At state she high jumped 5’1” and ran :49.63.

Baseball & Softball Update

Atwell noted that the Boys State Track Sectional meet was held in Plano on May 15th. Kewanee qualified Melcon Dejesus in the 400m Dash for the State Meet. State will be held on May 24 & 25 @ Eastern University.

IHSA Softball Regionals Semi-Finals were held on May 14th. Kewanee was defeated by Mercer Co. at Knoxville. The girls finished with a 13-13 record.

Member Salisbury reported that there were some problems with the condition of dugouts at Knoxville caused by individuals who reside across the street. AD Atwell stated that he will be in contact with Knoxville about the issue.

IHSA Baseball Regionals were May 13th where Kewanee defeated Bureau Valley 18-7. On May 16th the Regionals Semi Finals were held. The Boilers played Alleman and lost 9-1. The boys finished their season with an 8-14 record.

Dr. Sullens noted that Annawan was originally set to host the Boys Baseball Regionals but due to all the rain their field was not accessible. Kewanee ended up hosting all of the games. Dr. Sullens thanked JR Salisbury and the Kewanee Park District for their efforts and assistance in preparing the fields for this event.

The Brockman Invite was canceled due to the weather conditions. This year’s King was Jeremiah Israel & Queen Leilani Robleto.

Mr. Stabler – Belle Principal

Title I Annual Review Report

Principal Stabler reported on this year’s Title I Annual Review. Stabler reported that there was an increase of almost $200,000 in Title I funds this year. Our focus this year was on staffing, technology, materials and software which we are already seeing improvement in fluency with. 638 Chromebooks for K-8 were replaced and Clevertouch boards were introduced to replace older Smartboards. 5 Title Teachers have been added at Belle and Irving along with 18 paraprofessionals and a Reading Coach.

Principal Stabler thanked the Board of Education, Administration, staff and students for all their support over the past 12 years. Mr. Stabler has accepted the Superintendent position at Bureau Valley and will be resigning from KCUD #229 at the end of the school year.

Mrs. Hodge-Bates – Neponset Principal

Neponset Track

Mrs. Bates reported that the Neponset Track team did not have anyone qualify for State this year. Bates noted that there were several 7th grade students who made runner-up at the Sectional meet and the school has high hopes for next year.

Mrs. Bates also related that Neponset held their annual Athletic and 8th grade Awards Banquet. Receiving the Citizenship award was Kyle Joos and Larissa Meyer. The Nate Yepsen History Award went to Lena Miller. Five students including Larissa Meyer, Emma Crofton, Shaan Dev, Mary Miller and Lena Miller received the Dean Blake Award which requires a 4.0 grade average and participation in two or more sports.

The Neponset 8th grade class participated in numerous fundraising activities during the school year raising enough funds for their 8th grade trip and also made a donation to the Sheffield Food Pantry of $1,000 (which services Neponset residents) and another donation of $500 to the Neponset Grade School Cheerleading Squad.

Three Neponset Teachers received approx. $3,000 total from the Harry Anderson Grant Funds.

X. SUPERINTENDENT COMMITTEE REPORTS

None

XI. UNFINISHED BUSINESS

a. KHS Soccer Field/Additions (Ratliff’s)

Dr. Sullens reported due to the rain Ratliff’s have not been able to complete the dirt work around the sanitary sewer nor the leveling/grading of dirt around the new addition at KHS. It is hoped that the KHS Soccer practice field will be ready for fall practices

b. Belle Alexander School

Dr. Sullens related that just as with the KHS addition, there is some grading and dirt work that still needs to be completed as soon as weather permits.

c. Lappin Grocery Store Lot

Dr. Sullens related that the Lappin Grocery Store Contract of Sale is to be finalized tomorrow. An additional 10 parking spots will be made available through the purchase of this property for Irving School.

XII. NEW BUSINESS

(Consent Items A-E)

a. Consideration and Approval of Districtwide Parental Involvement Policy

b. Consideration and Approval of Belle Alexander Parental Involvement Policy

Consideration and Approval of Irving Parental Involvement Policy

c. Consideration and Approval of Central Title I Plan

d. Consideration and Approval of Neponset Parental Involvement Policy

e. Consideration and Approval of Districtwide Title I Plan

f. Consideration and Approval of Belle Alexander Title I Plan

g. Consideration and Approval of Irving Title I Plan

h. Consideration and Approval of Central Title I Plan

i. Consideration and Approval of Neponset Title I Plan

Dr. Sullens recommended approving Consent Items A-J. President Johnson called for a motion to approve. Member DeBord seconded a motion made by Member Salisbury to approve. The roll call vote showed Members DeBord, Padilla, Salisbury, Steffen, Stabler and Johnson all voting aye. Vice-President Christiansen was absent. There were no nay votes. The motion carried.

j. Consideration and Approval of Chromebooks Bid

Dr. Sullens recommended approving the bid from Firefly, Saint Paul, MN for 638 Chromebooks at $188 per unit for a

total of $119,944.00. Member Steffen made a motion to approve. Member DeBord seconded the motion. The roll call vote showed Members Padilla, Salisbury, Steffen, Stabler, DeBord and Johnson all voting aye. Vice-President Christiansen was absent. There were no nay votes. The motion carried.

k. Consideration and Approval of Purchase of Real Estate

Dr. Sullens recommended to approve the purchase of property commonly known as Swans/Sullivan Door/Bryner building located at 315 W 6th Street for $107,500. Member Salisbury seconded a motion made by Member Steffen to approve. The roll call vote showed Members Salisbury, Steffen, Stabler, DeBord, Padilla, and Johnson all voting aye. Vice-President Christiansen was absent. There were no nay votes. The motion carried.

XIII. ACTION FROM CLOSED SESSION

PERSONNEL:

Resignations

Belle Principal Jason Stabler Effective End of 2018-2019 School Year

KHS Counselor Melissa Vail-Frakes Effective End of 2018-2019 School Year

Central Counselor Sydney Wright Effective End of 2018-2019 School Year

Elementary Music Teacher Christian Wilkey Effective End of 2018-2019 School Year

Central 4th Grade Teacher Morgan Mahnesmith Effective End of 2018-2019 School Year

Central 4th Grade Teacher Sarah Thompson Effective End of 2018-2019 School Year

Central 6th Grade Teacher & KHS Asst. Track Coach Kyle Dennison Effective End of 2018-2019 School Year

KHS Junior Class Advisor Jennifer Purdy Effective End of 2018-2019 School Year

Central Jr. High Girls Basketball Coach Kirk Fristad Effective End of 2018-2019 School Year

Neponset 8th Grade Class Sponsor Jacque Haage Effective End of 2018-2019 School Year

Central 1 on 1 Aide Vickie Christion Effective 5/15/19

Technology Assistant Renee Crabtree Effective 6/12/19

Dr. Sullens recommended approving the resignations of the above listed employees. Member Padilla seconded a motion made by Member DeBord to approve. The roll call vote showed Members Steffen, Stabler, DeBord, Padilla, Salisbury, Johnson all voting aye. Vice-President Christiansen was absent. There were no nay votes heard. The motion carried.

Retirements

None

Hires

KHS Secretary Maria Fragoso Effective 2019-2020 School Year

Central 6th Grade Teacher Megan Sundeen Effective 2019-2020 School Year

KHS Fall Weights Charlie Eads Effective 2019-2020 School Year

KHS Assistant Girls Basketball Coach Brett Sellers Effective 2019-2020 School Year

KHS Assistant Football Coach Cody Butler Effective 2019-2020 School Year

KHS Assistant Football Coach Jeff Little Effective 2019-2020 School Year

KHS Assistant Football Coach Vincent Miles Effective 2019-2020 School Year

KHS Assistant Football Coach Stephen McGough Effective 2019-2020 School Year

KHS Assistant Football Coach Nick Christakos Effective 2019-2020 School Year

KHS 2nd Shift Summer Custodian Carl Rohrig $12.00/hour

Central Summer School Secretary Edith Corral

Summer Food Service Worker Ladosha Bystry June 2019

Summer Custodial Worker Chloe Sullens

Summer Custodial Worker Blaine Pickering

Dr. Sullens recommended approving the above listed hires. Member DeBord made a motion to approve. Member Padilla seconded that motion. The roll call vote showed Members Stabler, DeBord, Padilla, Salisbury, Steffen and Johnson all voting aye. Vice-President Christiansen 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.

Leaves

None

Long Term Sub

None

Transfers (1)

Summer Custodial From 20 hrs to 40 hrs per week Molly Welgat

Summer Custodial From 20 hrs to 40 hrs per week Cullen Marshall

Summer Custodial From 20 hrs to 40 hrs per week Griffin Tondreau

Summer Custodial From 20 hrs to 40 hrs per week Tanner Arzola

Neponset Aide from part-time to full-time Coessa Rusk Effective 2019-2020 School Year

Neponset Aide from part-time to full-time Emali Porter Effective 2019-2020 School Year

KHS Library Clerk from part-time to full-time Amber Gruszeczka Effective 2019-2020 School Year

From Neponset JH Lang. Arts & Lit Teacher to Neponset JH Hath & Lit Teacher Jackie Haage Effective 2019-2020 School Year

From Neponset 3rd Grade Teacher to Neponset JH Lang Arts & Science Teacher Alicia Conner Effective 2019-2020

From Irving/Neponset Resource to Central 6th Grade Teacher Lacey Jackson Effective 2019-2020 School Year

From Central 5th Grade Teacher to Central 4thGrade Teacher Peggy Costenson Effective 2019-2020 School Year

From Central Secretary to Technology Assistant Maria Grajeda Effective 2019-2020 School Year

KHS Cafeteria Worker from part-time to full-time Mandy Girkin

From Neponset Kindergarten Teacher to Belle Kindergarten Teacher Wendy Goodrum Effective 2019-2020 School Year.

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

Transfers (2)

Dr. Sullens recommended to approve the transfer of Angela Salisbury from KHS Office/Library Clark to KHS Office effective 2019-2020. President Johnson called for a motion to approve. Member Padilla seconded a motion made by Member DeBord to approve. The roll call vote showed Members Padilla, Steffen, Stabler, DeBord and Johnson all voting aye. Member Salisbury abstained from the vote. Member Christiansen was absent. There were no nay votes. The motion carried.

Student Teachers/Internship/Practicum

None

Volunteers I

Central Stepladder/AmeriCorps Samantha Culver

Central Stepladder/AmeriCorps Zoey Murphy

Central Elem & Jr. High Football Coach Thomas Baney

Central Elem & Jr. High Football Coach Luke Hawkins

Central Elem & Jr. High Football Coach Walter Hamrick

Central Elem Football Coach Joe Hicks

Central Elem Jr. High Football Coach Troy Sheets

KHS Volleyball Coach Megan Eble

KHS Football Coach Casey Miller

KHS Football Coach Ryan Hicks

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

Renewal/Non-Renewal of Stipend Positions

None

Internships

Matt Costenson – Internship with Ian Swindler (KHS Summer Strength & Conditioning Program)

Dr. Sullens recommended to approve the internship for M Costenson. President Johnson called for a motion. Member DeBord seconded a motion made by Member Steffen to approve. The roll call vote showed Members Steffen, Stabler, DeBord, Padilla, Salisbury and Johnson all voting aye. Member Christiansen was absent. There were no nay votes. The motion carried.

OTHER ACTION FROM CLOSED SESSION

Dr. Sullens recommended to approve the transfer of Gaylene Gilbert from Sub Summer Bus Driver to Regular Route Summer Bus Driver. President Johnson called for a motion. Member Padilla seconded a motion made by Member Salisbury to approve. The roll call vote showed Members Stabler, DeBord, Padilla, Salisbury, Steffen and Johnson all voting aye. Member Christiansen was absent. There were no nay votes. The motion carried.

XIV. COMMENTS FROM VISITORS

Coach Atwell noted that Coach Butler had informed him that Willie Terry and Griffin Tondreau will be playing in the McDonalds All-Star game to be held on June 11th at 5pm at Dozer park.

Dr. Sullens noted that KHS graduate Colton Johnson (ISU) will be pitching in the Missouri Valley Conference Baseball Tournament to be held at ISU this week. Principal Bryan stated that ISU is ranked in the top 25 teams in the country this year and it is hoped that they will make it to the Regional Tournament. Dr. Sullens wished Colton the best of luck and noted that the games will be broadcast on ESPN+.

XV. COMMENTS FROM BOARD AND ADMINISTRATION

KEA President Ruth Kapacinskas introduced herself to the new board members and invited them to visit the buildings and offered her assistance if needed.

XVI. ADJOURNMENT

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

The open meeting was adjourned at 8:38pm.

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