Columbia Community Unit District No. 4 Board of Education met Nov. 18.
Here is the minutes provided by the board:
I. Call to Order/ Roll Call 7:01 p.m.
President Middelkamp called the regular meeting to order at 7:01 p.m. in the Parkview Library. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic this meeting was held in accordance with social distancing guidelines and was live streamed via YouTube for community viewing.
Visitor(s) present: Mark Janssen, Jim Schmersahl, John Wagner, Becky Alexander, Carla Wantuck.
II. Welcome Visitors/ Public Comments
Lori Camp addressed the Board via telephone with concerns about the school changing the learning setting to full remote following the Thanksgiving break.
Mark Janssen addressed the Board in person with concerns about the school changing the learning setting to full remote following the Thanksgiving break.
III. Correspondence
none.
APPROVE CONSENT AGENDA (Items IV. and v.)
IV. Minutes and Finance
Motion to approve the following consent agenda items (Item IV. Minutes and Finance and Item V. Personnel Items), as presented, by Superintendent Grode:
A. Approve Board Minutes
1. Open Session(s)
a. Regular Meeting - October 15, 2020 b. Special Meeting - October 28, 2020
2. Executive Session(s)
b. Regular Meeting - October 15, 2020 Bookkeeper's Financial Position/Treasurer's Reports c. Budget Report - October 31, 2020 D. Approve Expenditures - November 2020 E. Approve Activity Fund Report - October 31, 2020
V. Personnel Items
Accept Resignation(s)
a. Maricela Ebers, Bus Driver (effective 10/14/20)
b. Gloria Ealy, Paraprofessional (effective 12/22/20)
Employ Educational Support Personnel
a. Ed Mueller, Bus Driver
b. Frank Weber, Bus Driver
c. Randy Beare, Bus Monitor
e. Michele Puntriano, School Health Provider Employ Certificated
Personnel
a. Megan Anvender, Long-term Substitute at CMS
b. Stacey Halteman, Long-term Substitute at CMS
c. Misty LeBlanc, Long-term Substitute at Eagleview
Approve Leave of Absence
a. Lisa Vecchio, Paraprofessional at Eagleview (Oct. 26-Nov. 13)
b. Brooks Demijan, Health Teacher at CHS (5 consecutive teaching days in early February 2021)
c. Michelle Spivey, 5th grade at CMS (until January 4, 2021) Approve Extra-Curricular Assignments Approve Non-Certified Class Advancements Declare Vacancy (s)
Motion To Approve Consent Agenda
Motion to approve consent agenda (Item IV. Minutes and Finance and Item V. Personnel Items), as presented, by Karen Anderson, seconded by Lisa Schumacher.
On a roll call vote: Hines-Aye, Long-Aye, Meyer-Aye, Middelkamp-Aye, O'Connor-Aye, Schumacher-Aye, Anderson-Aye. The motion carried, 7-Aye, 0-Absent, 0-Nay
VI. Communications
A. Reports and Presentations
Presentations 2020 Annual Financial Report and Audit from Schorb & Schmersahl, LLC was presented by Jim Schmersahl.
B. Reports
1. Enrollment - 1912
2. Principal's Report
Mr. David Ackerman, Columbia Middle School Assistant Principal, was in attendance and reported on the following:
• The schools are feeling the pressures from the growing numbers of COVID cases in the area. There is a high demand for substitute teachers due to wing numbers of coval teases in the area. There staff isolations. Students are being effected by having to isolate and attend remotely when there is a possible exposure to the virus, Nevertheless, the teachers and the students are making the best of this situation and proving to be flexible and understanding. Many teachers have been reaching out to their student and recognizing them for their adaption to this year and encouraging them to keep up the hard work. Mr. Ackerman wanted to spotlight the outstand job their School Health Care Provider, Nurse Bonnie Garner, has been doing tracking all the isolations and following the guidelines of the local health department. Mr. Ackerman also wanted to recognize the guidance counselor, Rosemary Leingang, for creating and running a remote learning lab for students who need a little extra help.
Finally, he mentioned the Beta Club is hosting a food drive and there will be a virtual Family Reading Night in November.
3. Assistant Superintendent's Report -
Dr. Castelli, Assistant Superintendent, reported on the following:
a. Survey of Full Remote Families, Dr. Castelli shared a survey that was sent to 270 families who elected to be full remote for this school year. Results are being collected through Friday. No Final Exams. The administration has decided to cancel final exams for students at CHS and CMS unless it is required for dual enrollment.
4. Superintendent's Report -
FOIA Requests. None Strategic Planning. Mr. Grode shared his plan for strategic planning and goal setting for the district. He is forming a committee of current, future, and recently past board members; city officials; district administration; and teachers (approximately 25-30) to work together in setting 3-5 goals and action steps for the next 5-10 years, They will gather in June, July, and August to conduct a SWOT analysis, develop a vision, and set goals. COVID Update. The number of cases in the area are growing and have had a very noticeable effect on the district. The kitchen staff were hit and staff from 3 of the 4 kitchens were isolated leaving food service tasks to be completed by all hands on deck (administration, directors and other staff). The level of in-person education is being effective because of the lack of substitutes available to cover isolated staff. We have been forced to move RTI teachers into general education classes and the kids in the program are going without and struggling.
IHSA has announced all athletics will not be happening to help slow the spread of the virus. No teams are allowed to practice or participate in any contests at this time. All athletics are put on pause.
Mr. Grode shared that one of the biggest frustrations is the community not following the guidelines set by the Health Department to slow the spread. The schools are safe, the guidelines are enforced and it has proven to limit exposure to the point that no cases can be traced back to school. Administration feels many of the isolations of classrooms, students, and staff could be prevented if everyone would follow the rules both inside the schools and out in the community.
Mr. Grode asked the community to please wear masks, limit travel and stay home if you have symptoms.
VII. Items for Action
A. Motion was made by Greg O'Connor and seconded by Karen Anderson to approve the Resolution to Approve the Estimated 2020 Tax Levy.
Motion to Approve the Resolution Authorizing The Estimated Aggregate Tax Levy for the Year 2020
On a roll call vote: Long-Aye, Meyer-Aye, Middelkamp-Aye, O' Connor-Aye, Schumacher-Aye, Anderson-Aye, Hines-Aye. The motion carried, 7-Aye, O-Absent, O-Nay
B. Motion to Approve the Purchase of Two New Buses
Motion was made by John Long and seconded by Lisa Schumacher to approve the purchase of a 2022 Blue Bird 71 Passenger Bus (gas) from Central States Bus Sales for $88,499.00; and a 2020 Chevy Mini Bus: 18-passenger with one wheelchair from Southern Bus Mobility for $57,916.00 plus $180.00 for a child check.
On a roll call vote: Meyer-Aye, Middelkamp-Aye, O'Connor-Aye, Schumacher-Aye, Anderson-Aye, Hines-Aye, Long-Aye. The motion carried, 7-Aye, 0-Absent, O-Nay
Motion was made by Greg Meyer and seconded by Tammy Hines to approve the architects in developing bid specs for the masonry work on schools over the summer.
C. Motion to Approve Architects in Developing Bid Specs for The Masonry Work on Schools Over the Summer
On a roll call vote: Middelkamp-Aye, O'Connor-Aye, Schumacher-Aye, Anderson-Aye, Hines-Aye, Long-Aye, Meyer-Aye. The motion carried, 7-Aye, 0-Absent, O-Nay
Motion to Approve the 2020 Years of Service Record
D. Motion was made by Tammy Hines and seconded by John Long to approve the 2020 Years of Service Record for certified and non-certified employees.
On a roll call vote: O'Connor-Aye, Schumacher-Aye, Anderson-Aye, Hines-Aye, Long-Aye, Meyer-Aye, Middelkamp-Aye.
The motion carried, 7-Aye, 0-Absent, O-Nay
E. Motion was made by Lisa Schumacher and seconded by Greg Meyer to approve the 2nd Reading and Adopt Board Policies Press Issue 105.
Motion to Approve 2nd Reading and Adopt Board Policies Press Issue 105
On a roll call vote: Schumacher-Aye, Anderson-Aye, Hines-Aye, Long-Aye, Meyer-Aye, Middelkamp-Aye, O'Connor-Aye,
The motion carried, 7-Aye, 0-Absent, O-Nay
F. Motion to Approve a Return To School Plan
Motion was made by Scott Middelkamp and seconded by Karen Anderson to approve the plan to transition students to full remote instruction effective November 30, 2020, and return to in-person learning on December 7, 2020, if there are enough faculty and staff available to provide all levels of education. In addition, the Board empowers the district administration team to transition to remote instruction prior to November 30, 2020, and/or extend remote instruction beyond December 7, 2020, if the district cannot operate and provide all levels of education due to a lack of available staff.
On a roll call vote: Anderson-Aye, Hines-Aye, Long-Aye, Meyer-Aye, Middelkamp-Aye, O'Connor-Aye, Schumacher-Nay,
The motion carried, 6-Aye, 0-Absent, 1-Nay
G. No Action Needed in Regards to the Basketball Season
IHSA has paused all athletics at this time; no practice, games, or open gyms are to be held, Therefore no action is needed in regards to the basketball season.
VIII. Discussion Items
A. IASB Resolutions, Karen Anderson provided an overview of the IASB Delegate Assembly where eight new resolutions were considered. One proposed resolution called for IASB to advocate for legislation that would strengthen gun storage laws "if a person under the age of 18 is likely to gain access to the weapon without permission." The resolutions process conversation included gun safety measures in homes and children's access, as well as consideration of the Association's role in matters outside of school venues and educational issues. The Board of Education agreed with the Resolutions Committee and recommended against adoption, and a motion to consider it before the Delegate Assembly failed on a 108-146 vote.
She also shared that a resolution supporting teacher preparation programs and scientifically proven methods of literacy and reading instruction was not considered after an appeal to hear the original submission failed 112-147. However, revised language proposed during the Resolutions Process by the Resolutions Committee was approved and adopted.
IX. Board President's Prerogative
President Middelkamp asked the community to do their part in stopping the spread of the virus so we can return to in-person instruction following the Thanksgiving break.
X. Closed Session
Closed Session was not held.
XI. Adjourn - 9:03 p.m.
https://docs.google.com/document/u/0/d/1gfHVuVLc_31qGifUKti8ldFHKWsqaCDK5mCsHUwWes4/edit?usp=sharing
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