Rock Island Today

Kewanee Community Unit School District 229 Board met May 18.

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 Petersen Auditorium with President Johnson calling the Meeting to order at 6:00pm. Roll call showed the following Members present: Padilla, Christiansen, Stabler, DeBord, Steffen, Salisbury and Johnson. Superintendent Sullens was also present.

II. EXECUTIVE SESSION OF REGULAR BOARD MEETING

At 6:02 pm Member Christiansen seconded a motion made by Member Steffen 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. The motion carried.

At 7:20 pm Member Christiansen seconded a motion made by Member Steffen to adjourn the Closed Session meeting. A voice roll call was heard with all present Members voting aye. 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 7:30pm. This Open Session continued in the KHS Petersen Auditorium. Roll call showed the following Board Members present: Stabler, DeBord, Padilla, Christiansen, Salisbury, Steffen and Johnson. The audience included staff members: T Brown, D Hodge-Bates, C Eads, S Burkhart, T Behnke, and L Flannery. Members from the community included J Behnke. Mike Helenthal from the Kewanee Star Courier was in attendance to report on the meeting for the local newspaper. 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

None

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 DeBord to approve consent Items V, VI & VII. The roll showed Members Stabler, DeBord, Padilla, Christiansen, Salisbury, Steffen and Johnson all voting aye. There were no nay votes. The motion carried.

VIII. COMMENTS FROM AUDIENCE

None

IX. REPORT FROM ADMINISRATION 

A. Superintendent

1. Congratulations to our Retirees: James Cone; Kirk Fristad; Donna Havelka; Bonnie Shepherd McCommons; Christine Erickson and Tony Rodak

Dr. Sullens congratulated the 2020 retirees. This is certainly not the way that anyone had foreseen the year ending and unfortunately these retirees were not able to be congratulated with the traditional end of year ceremony. Administration staff did send out a notice to all hands with a short bio on each retiree. The District wishes them the best of luck and enjoyment in their retirements.

2. Summer Food Program Sites: Central School, KHS, Neponset Grade School, YMCA, Fairview/Housing Authority, Lakeland Terrace & Prairie Green

Sullens reported that once again the District will be serving summer meals at Central School, KHS, Neponset, YMCA, Fairview, Lakeland and Prairie Green. There will not be a summer site at the Park District this year due to the parks being closed for COVID-19. Dr. Sullens also reported on what a great job Trisha Behnke and her cafeteria staff, District Aides and Transportation have been doing by preparing and packaging and delivering meals to provide students with during the COVID- 19 pandemic.

3. Review of 2019/2020 Budget

a. Amend due to Potential Federal Stimulus Dollars

Dr. Sullens noted that when the Budget is officially amended at next month’s meeting with will reflect approximately $680,000 increase in revenue and expenses from Federal COVID-19 stimulus money. Some of those expenses will hopefully be approved by the board later in this meeting for Bids on Chromebooks and laptops.

b. Categorical Payments – Transportation/Ag Ed/Driver Ed/Etc.

Dr. Sullens stated that we have received two checks out of the four expected for transportation this year. The third payment has been vouchered and it is hoped that we will receive that. It is doubtful we will receive the fourth. Categorical payments for Ag and Driver’s Ed have been received.

4. Fall 2020 Instruction 

a. Remote?

b. In Person?

c. Hybrid?

Sullens reported that it is unknown how school will be held in the fall of 2020. Students may be learning remotely, in person or a hybrid of both with students in person a couple days of week and remotely the rest. This is all new ground for us and we will continue to follow IDPH and State guidelines.

Dr. Sullens noted that April is “Banquet” month. Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic the District was able to hold banquets. Dr. Sullens provided the Board of Education with a list of students who were inducted into the National Honor Society for 2020.

Member Debord informed that board that he is seeing many athletic teams going out on their own for competition. There are local Softball and baseball teams/athletes that have signed to play on Iowa teams or to compete in Iowa. Louisville Slugger is reopening June 1st and hosting youth baseball tournaments. The QCA Hitmen teams are planning on hosting teams beginning in June as well.

DeBord stated that The Director of Illinois programs stated that there may be some restrictions such as if a team travels out of State for tournaments that they will not be allowed to later play at State or Nationals. There will also be social distancing plans put into play such as new dugout distancing and keeping family groups together with no concession stands available.

Member Christiansen reported that OSF is opening back up for elected procedures and preventative services. The new normal is that people will be asked a set of screening questions and temped prior to entering the hospital building. Extensive cleaning is being done and telehealth care will most likely continue to grow.

Sullens stated that the graduation ceremonies will begin tomorrow with the Valedictorians and Salutatorian. Students and families will be given 20 intervals to attend. Ceremonies will be recorded. Diplomas and awards will be given out as students walk across stage. A DVD will be given out to all graduating students with the ceremony and program of the class of 2020 recorded. President Johnson asked how much in scholarship dollars will be given out this year. Dr. Sullens stated that it will be over $80,000 and an exact amount will be available for the Board next meeting.

B. Mrs. Dena Hodge-Bates – Principal, Neponset Grade School

1. Title I Annual Review Report

Mrs. Hodge-Bates gave the Consolidated 20-21 Title I Annual Review plan and goals. Preplanning for remote learning in case students remain distance learning in the fall. Transition plans have been made for 8th graders transitioning to KHS. Parent Policies are included. Mrs. Hodge-Bates reported that a survey was taken with 270 parents responding on how the District transitioned to remote learning this year. Most responses were positive with parents stating they still felt their students were receiving a high quality education.

C. Mrs. Baney- Principal, Belle Alexander School

1. Remote Learning

Mrs. Baney showed a short clip of the KHS Senior assembly video and a student made teacher appreciation video.

X. SUPERINTENDENT COMMITTEE REPORTS

None

XI. UNFINISHED BUSINESS

A. Consideration and Approval of New & Revised Policies: 2:125; 2:125-E1; 2:125-E2; 2:150-AP; 2:160; 4:60-AP4; 5:35; 5:35-AP1; 5:60; 5:60-AP; 5:60-E1; 5:60-E2; 5:90-AP; 5:120-AP1; 5:150; 5:280; 6:120-AP1; 6:135; 6:135-AP; 6:280; 7:70; 7:90; 7:190-E2; 7:325-E; 8:10; 8:30; 8:30-E1; 8:30-E2; 8:110

Member Salisbury made a motion to approve the above listed Board Policies, new and revised. Member Christiansen seconded the motion. The roll call showed Members DeBord, Padilla, Christiansen, Salisbury, Steffen, Stabler and Johnson all voting aye. There were no nay votes. The motion carried.

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 C. Consideration and Approval of Irving Parental Involvement Policy

D. Consideration and Approval of Central Parental Involvement Policy

E. Consideration and Approval of Neponset Parental Involvement Policy

President Johnson called for a motion on Consent Items A-E. Member Debord seconded a motion made by Member Steffen to approve. The roll call vote showed Members Padilla, Christiansen, Salisbury, Steffen, Stabler, DeBord and Johnson all voting aye. There were no nay votes. The motion carried.

(Consent Items F-J)

F. Consideration and Approval of Districtwide Title I Plan

G. Consideration and Approval of Belle Alexander Title I Plan H. Consideration and Approval of Irving Title I Plan

I. Consideration and Approval of Central Title I Plan

J. Consideration and Approval of Neponset Title I Plan

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

(Consent Items K-N)

K. Consideration and Approval of Central Elementary School Improvement Report

L. Consideration and Approval of Central Elementary Illinois Quality Framework School Report M. Consideration and Approval of Central Jr. High School Improvement Report

N. Consideration and Approval of Central Jr. High Illinois Quality Framework School Report

President Johnson called for a motion to approve consent items K-N. Member Christiansen seconded a motion made by Member Salisbury to approve. The roll call showed Members Salisbury, Steffen, Stabler, DeBord, Padilla, Christiansen and Johnson all voting aye. There were no nay votes. The motion carried.

O. Consideration and Approval of Chromebooks and Laptops Bids

Superintendent Sullens recommended to approve the Bids for Chromebooks from Tierney, St. Paul, MN for $366,400 for 1600 units along with licensure and from FireFly Connections for 100 Laptops for $144,900. These funds will come from the Federal stimulus COVID-19 dollars. Member Steffen seconded a motion made by Member DeBord to approve. The roll call vote showed Members Steffen, Stabler, DeBord, Padilla, Christiansen, Salisbury and Johnson all voting aye. There were no nay votes. The motion carried.

P. Consideration and Approval of Life Safety Amendment #22: Replacement of KHS Stadium Visitor Bleachers

Superintendent Sullens recommended to approve Life Safety Amendment #22 to Replace KHS Stadium Visitor Bleachers. Member Salisbury seconded a motion made by Member Steffen to approve. The roll call vote showed Member Stabler, DeBord, Padilla, Christiansen, Salisbury, Steffen and Johnson all voting aye. The motion carried.

XIII. ACTION FROM CLOSED SESSION PERSONNEL: 

A. Resignations

Central Jr. High Pom Pon Advisor Jill Peart Effective end of 2019-2020 school Year 

KHs English Teacher Logan Hamilton Effective end of 2019-2020 school Year

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

B. Retirements

None

C. Hires I

Central Jr. High Math Teacher, Brad Kehl

Central Elementary 4th Grade Teacher, Alexandra Baptiste

Central School Secretary, Jill Taylor

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

Hires II (Summer School)

Dr. Sullens recommended to hire Wendy Corral as Summer Library Clerk. Member Christiansen made a motion to approve. Member Salisbury seconded the motion. The roll call vote showed Members Christiansen, Salisbury, Steffen, Johnson, Stabler, DeBord and Johnson all voting aye. There were no nay votes. The motion carried.

Hires III (Summer School)

See attached list 6-15 of Summer School hire recommendations.

Dr. Sullens recommended to approve the above listed Summer hires. Member DeBord made a motion to approve. Member Stabler seconded the motion. The roll call vote showed Members Salisbury, Steffen, Stabler, DeBord, Padilla, Christiansen, and Johnson 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

None

E. Long Term Sub

None

F. Transfer/Hire

None

G. Volunteers

None

H. Renewal/Non-Renewal of Stipend Positions

None

XIV. OTHER ACTION FROM CLOSED SESSION

XV. COMMENTS FROM VISITORS AND BOARD OF EDUCATION

Dr. Sullens added that he truly feels for the parents and students, and seniors this year in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.

KEA President also noted that she feels for the parents and students and commends the teachers and staff on the job that they have done during these unprecedented times.

Member Salisbury thanked the teachers and staff for coming together as team and noted that he really misses the extra-curricular activities too.

Member Christiansen thanked Trisha Behnke and the cafeteria staff for all their efforts. President Johnson also recognized how difficult this has been for younger learners too.

A. Moment of Silence for Phil Ince Jr. (Father of Corry Ince – Neponset Custodian)

B. Moment of Silence Joan Pont (Grandmother of Erin Dunn – Aide)

XVI. ADJOURNMENT

At 8:31pm President Johnson called for a motion for Adjournment. Member Padilla made a motion to approve. Member Christiansen seconded the motion. A voice vote was heard with all present members voting aye. There were no nay votes heard. The motion carried.

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