South West Illinois News

Chester Community Unit School District 139 Board of Education met June 20.

Here are the minutes provided by the board:

The Board of Education of Chester Community Unit School District No. 139 held a Regular Meeting on June 20, 2024, in the High School Cafeteria. Vice-President Matt Davitz called the meeting to order at 6:37 p.m.

Malley motioned Coffey seconded to enter into executive session at 6:37 p.m. for the appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific employees of the public body. Roll call vote. Ayes: Coffey, Davitz, Fricke, Krieg, Malley, Wolff. Nays: none. Motion carried.

Malley motioned, Coffey seconded to return to open session at 6:57 p.m. Roll call vote. Ayes: Coffey, Davitz, Fricke, Krieg, Malley, Wolff. Nays: none. Motion carried.

Pledge of Allegiance

Public Comment

● None

Conduct hearing on Chester School District No. 139 Amended Budget for the 2023-2024 school year.

➢ Fricke motioned, Wolff seconded to Adopt the FY24 Amended Budget of Chester School District No. 139 as presented. Roll call vote. Ayes: Coffey, Davitz, Fricke, Krieg, Malley, Wolff. Nays: none. Motion carried.

Board Correspondence

● None

Coffey motioned, Malley seconded to approve the consent agenda and items as listed. Roll call vote. Ayes: Coffey, Davitz, Fricke, Krieg, Malley, Wolff. Nays: none. Motion carried.

● Approval of Agenda

● May 15, 2024 Regular and Executive Meeting Minutes, May 23, 2024 Special Meeting Minutes, and May 25, 2024 Special Meeting Minutes

● Bills in the amount of $584,087.53 and payroll in the amount of $555,735.12

● Financial Reports

Athletic Director Report

CHS

● The Dance team will be hosting their Youth Dance Camp the week of October 1-3, 2024 and perform during the pregame October 4, 2024 football game.

● Track and Field Spring awards took place June 10th

● Girls Track and Field Awards: Jazzi Merideth MVP Track, Jessie Stumpe MVP Field, Captain Josalynn Anaya, Relay Queens Lilly Diskey and Gianna Eggemeyer, Record Breaker Long Jump Aubrey Coleman

● Boys Track and Field Awards: Gabe Coffman High Jump, Cayden Brunkhourst Triple Jump, Lannin Caron Pole Vault, 4x400 relay Gabe Coffman, Gabe Steele, Cayden Brunkhorst, Garret Hopkins

● Baseball Spring awards took place May 29th

● Baseball Co-MVP Evan Bland and Aden Runge, Academic/The General Award Lucas Thompson

● Softball Spring awards took place May 29th

● Softball Offensive Player of the Year Elaina Lutman, Co-Defensive Player of the Year Lexi Eggemeyer and Camryn Wolff, Pitcher of the Year Lexie Mott

● Summer contact days have begun for Volleyball, Boys Basketball, Girls Basketball, and Football

Other

● Fall Schedules are updated and online on the district website

Maintenance

● Samron has begun work on the new media center door, removing the existing doors and framing to replace the new and adding a canopy overhead the doorway entrance, also have started removing some of the bleacher benches in order to install the new handicap section in the gym.

● Handrails leading up to the second-floor classrooms are being replaced with new ones

● Brown Electric has been installing new pickleball/basketball court lights

● A conduit power run from the electrical panel has been added in the grade school art lobby for an outlet to power the repurposed tv that was removed from the office

● The guard post that was sheared off by a vehicle, guarding the main power pole in the parking lot of the high school was successfully removed

● Liberty Glass has repaired a window in the boys locker room at the high school that was blown in during the last storm

● Grade school classrooms have begun moving furniture out to clean and wax floors, good progress has been made on the floors at both schools

High School Principal

● 53 seniors went on a senior trip with some staff members to Holiday World

● Graduation was held in Colbert Gym on May 18th, big thanks to Mrs. Caraway and Mr. Davitz for attending the graduation and Mrs. Durbin and Mrs. Mueller for doing a great job at organizing the ceremony

● Summer cleaning has started and 40% of the classrooms have already been completed including deep cleaning, moving furniture, and stripping and waxing of the floors

● Multiple construction zones have started in the high school and progress is being made. All construction is scheduled to be completed by August 5, 2024

● Our third week of summer school has begun and will be completed by the end of June

● Year 2 of the 5 year plan is in full swing, the goal is to bring all areas inside and out of the school up-to-date

● Enrollment numbers for 24-25 SY are as follows

➢ Freshman - 93

➢ Sophomores - 96

➢ Juniors - 90

➢ Seniors - 64

Total enrollment = 343

● Online registration and student schedule release is July 16, 2024

● Freshman Academy is August 12, 2024

● Locker Move In is August 15, 2024

● Teacher Institutes are August 14th and 15th

● First day of school is August 16, 2024

● Picture Day is August 16, 2024

● CHS Open House is August 19, 2024

● Homecoming Game vs. Sparta is September 20, 2024

● Homecoming Dance is September 21, 2024

Superintendent

Governance

● Summer School is in full swing

● Cleaning buildings

● We are working with the hospital to purchase Chester Clinic for a new Early Childhood Center

➢ Survey in process

● Met with Educational Leadership Solutions to assist in facilitating a Comprehensive Strategic Plan. A Strategic plan allows all stakeholders to work towards the same vision, goals, and commitment to the district

● Completed FY24 COPS Hiring Program grant to assist with a Security Resource Officer (SRO)

● Completed FY24 School Violence Prevention Program grant to assist security film on entryway areas and completed the campus keying proposal

Budget/Finance

● Continuing to amend grants

● Completing grants for 2024-25

➢ At Risk Assessment

➢ Consolidated District Plan

➢ Title I, II, and IV

➢ IDEA

Building and Grounds

● Vestibule complete. There are a few more items on the punch list

● We have been meeting about the HS projects coming up this summer

● HS renovations are in full swing

➢ New flooring in the two 3-floor classrooms

➢ Expanding handicap seating in the gym

➢ The new freezer for the kitchen is to arrive in July

➢ The stairway railings were removed so that new ones could arrive soon

● Working with a sign company for new signage around the high school to assist in identifying areas

● The new door is going into the Media center

● QNS completed the wire update they started last year

● New floor in the 5th grade hall is being fixed

● Hail damage repairs are complete

Classroom

● Positions available:

➢ Social Science Teacher at High School

➢ Social Worker

➢ Special Education Teacher at High School

➢ Special Education Teacher at Grade School

➢ Bus Aide

Athletics

● All positions filled at this time

Malley motioned, Coffey seconded to approve Board Press Policy 114 updates. Upon roll call, all members voted aye. Motion carried.

Malley motioned, Krieg seconded to approve the expiring and renewal coverages with the current Insurance Carrier, Prairie State Insurance Cooperative (PSIC), through M&M Insurance from DuQuoin, IL. Roll call vote. Ayes: Coffey, Davitz, Fricke, Krieg, Malley, Wolff. Nays: none. Motion carried.

Malley motioned, Wolff seconded to approve the Strategic Planning Process Phase 1 only with Educational Leadership Solutions. Roll call vote. Ayes: Coffey, Davitz, Fricke, Krieg, Malley, Wolff. Nays: none. Motion carried.

Krieg motioned, Malley seconded to approve a Resolution to abate the Working Cash Fund in the amount of $800,000 and to permanently transfer that abatement amount to the Capital Projects Fund in accordance with School Code Section 20-10, 105 ILCS 5/20-10. Roll call vote. Ayes: Coffey, Davitz, Fricke, Krieg, Malley, Wolff. Nays: none. Motion carried.

Wolf motioned, Malley seconded to approve Resolution authorizing the issuance of general obligation alternate bonds in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $7,000,000 to alter, repair, and equip school buildings and facilities of the District and improve the sites thereof. Roll call vote. Ayes: Coffey, Davitz, Fricke, Krieg, Malley, Wolff. Nays: none. Motion carried.

Malley motioned, Wolff seconded to approve Resolution declaring the intention to issue not to exceed $7,500,000 Working Cash Fund Bonds for the purpose of increasing the Working Cash Fund of the District and directing that notice of such intention to be published in the manner provided by law. Roll call vote. Ayes: Coffey, Davitz, Fricke, Krieg, Malley, Wolff. Nays: none. Motion carried.

Conduct first reading of the Grade School 2024-25 handbook. Upon roll call, all members voted aye. Motion carried. Conduct first reading of the High School 2024-25 handbook. Upon roll call, all members voted aye. Motion carried. Conduct first reading of Board Press Policy 115 updates. Upon roll call, all members voted aye. Motion carried.

Malley motioned, Wolff seconded to approve the Consolidated District Plan for FY 24-25. Upon roll call, all members voted aye. Motion carried.

Coffey motioned, Malley seconded to approve IHSA membership and adopt bylaws for the 2024-2025 school term. Upon roll call, all members voted aye. Motion carried.

Malley motioned, Coffey seconded to approve the resolution of sale to dispose of outdated electronics and other items no longer being used within the district. Roll call vote. Ayes: Coffey, Davitz, Fricke, Krieg, Malley, Wolff. Nays: none. Motion carried.

Malley motioned, Fricke seconded to approve use of school facility form for SILEC MTU 14 to utilize the Grade School for Active Shooter Training, August 3, 2024 from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Upon roll call, all members voted aye. Motion carried.

Malley motioned, Coffey seconded to approve the 3-year Transportation Contract Renewal between Robinson Transport, Inc. DBA SWIBCO, LLC, and Chester CUSD 139 to provide transportation for the 2024-2025, 2025-2026, and 2026-2027 school years. Upon roll call, all members voted aye. Motion carried.

Krieg motioned, Malley seconded to approve Certificates of Payment for Samron Midwest Contracting pay Application #1 in the amount of $10,177.69. Roll call vote. Ayes: Coffey, Davitz, Fricke, Krieg, Malley, Wolff. Nays: none. Motion carried.

Approve use of school facility form for Kyle Landon to utilize the High School Track for training, June 21, 2024 through August 14, 2024, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. pending certification of liability insurance. Roll call vote. Tabled.

Fricke motioned, Coffey seconded to approve to employ Shannon Wolff as Grade School Volleyball Coach for the 2024-25 season. Roll call vote. Ayes: Coffey, Davitz, Fricke, Krieg, Malley. Abstained: Wolff Nays: none. Motion carried.

Fricke motioned, Wolff seconded to approve to employ Matt Davitz as Jr. High Baseball Coach for the 2024-25 season. Roll call vote. Ayes: Coffey, Fricke, Krieg, Malley, Wolff. Abstained: Davitz Nays: none. Motion carried.

Coffey motioned, Malley seconded to approve to employ Hansel Roe Penira as Special Education Teacher pending all employment requirements, effective August 14, 2024. Roll call vote. Ayes: Coffey, Davitz, Fricke, Krieg, Malley, Wolff. Nays: none. Motion carried.

Wolff motioned, Coffey seconded to approve to employ Divino Alex C. Albino as Special Education Teacher pending all employment requirements, effective August 14, 2024. Roll call vote. Ayes: Coffey, Davitz, Fricke, Krieg, Malley, Wolff. Nays: none. Motion carried.

Wolff motioned, Coffey seconded to approve to employ Sheryl Liagan as Special Education Teacher pending all employment requirements, effective August 14, 2024. Roll call vote. Ayes: Coffey, Davitz, Fricke, Krieg, Malley, Wolff. Nays: none. Motion carried.

Coffey motioned, Malley seconded to approve to employ Arnel Ebio as Special Education Teacher pending all employment requirements, effective August 14, 2024. Roll call vote. Ayes: Coffey, Davitz, Fricke, Krieg, Malley, Wolff. Nays: none. Motion carried.

Fricke motioned, Wolff seconded to approve Kevin Cartwright as High School Girls Basketball Volunteer for the 2024-25 season. Upon roll call, all members voted aye. Motion carried.

Fricke motioned, Wolff seconded to approve to employ Courtney Hecht as Jr.High Girls Basketball Coach for the 2024-25 season. Roll call vote. Ayes: Coffey, Davitz, Fricke, Krieg, Malley, Wolff. Nays: none. Motion carried.

Malley motioned, Wolff seconded to approve to employ Jennifer Beil as Grade School Paraprofessional pending certification, EHR, and background checks. Roll call vote. Ayes: Coffey, Davitz, Fricke, Krieg, Malley, Wolff. Nays: none. Motion carried.

Malley motioned, Coffey seconded to approve to employ Taylor Hensley as Pre-K Teacher. Roll call vote. Ayes: Coffey, Davitz, Fricke, Krieg, Malley, Wolff. Nays: none. Motion carried.

Malley motioned, Coffey seconded to approve to employ Boyd Miles as Grade School Assistant Baseball Coach for the 2024-25 season. Roll call vote. Ayes: Coffey, Davitz, Fricke, Krieg, Malley, Wolff. Nays: none. Motion carried.

Malley motioned, Coffey seconded to approve to employ Clayton Andrews as Jr.High Golf Coach for the 2024-25 season. Roll call vote. Ayes: Coffey, Davitz, Fricke, Krieg, Malley, Wolff. Nays: none. Motion carried.

Malley motioned, Coffey seconded to accept the resignation of Margaret Schnoeker, Jr.High Golf Coach, effective May 21, 2024. Roll call vote. Ayes: Coffey, Davitz, Fricke, Krieg, Malley, Wolff. Nays: none. Motion carried.

Malley motioned, Coffey seconded to accept the resignation of James Juenger, Social Studies Teacher, effective June 5, 2024. Roll call vote. Ayes: Coffey, Davitz, Fricke, Krieg, Malley, Wolff. Nays: none. Motion carried.

Malley motioned, Coffey seconded to accept the retirement of Lynne Gonzalez, Grade School Special Education Teacher, effective May 22, 2024. Roll call vote. Ayes: Coffey, Davitz, Fricke, Krieg, Malley, Wolff. Nays: none. Motion carried.

Coffey motioned, Malley seconded to accept the addendum for Kimberly Brigg’s Superintendent contract. Upon roll call, all members voted aye. Motion carried.

Coffey motioned, Malley seconded to accept the addendum for Tim Blair’s Principal contract. Upon roll call, all members voted aye. Motion carried.

Coffey motioned, Malley seconded to accept the addendum for Jeremy Blechle’s Principal contract. Upon roll call, all members voted aye. Motion carried.

Coffey motioned, Malley seconded to accept the addendum for Robin Barton's Assistant Principal contract. Upon roll call, all members voted aye. Motion carried.

Coffey motioned, Malley seconded to accept the addendum for Kristin Petrowske’s Assistant Principal contract. Upon roll call, all members voted aye. Motion carried.

Coffey motioned, Malley seconded to accept the addendum for Kimberly Ketterer’s Special Education Coordinator contract. Upon roll call, all members voted aye. Motion carried.

Coffey motioned, Malley seconded to accept the addendum for Shirley Stegmann’s Curriculum Director contract. Upon roll call, all members voted aye. Motion carried.

Malley motioned, Coffey seconded to adjourn the meeting at 9:00 p.m. Upon roll call, all members voted aye. Motion carried.

https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/3096/CCSD/4612643/June_20__2024_Board_Minutes.pdf