MINUTES OF THE Regularly scheduled MEETING OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION OF STAUNTON COMMUNITY UNIT DISTRICT #6, Macoupin and Madison Counties, Illinois, held in the school Libraryon Monday, May15th, 2017.

I. Call to Order

A. Welcome/Pledge of Allegiance/Roll call

President Chris Tinglecalled the Regular Meeting of the Board of Education to order at 7:00 pm in the school Library. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited. Roll was taken: Board membersStefanie Legendre,Kim Peterson,John Renner,Scott Skertich,Janice Kinder,Dave Lamore and Chris Tingle were present. No one absent. Administration in attendance were Superintendent Dan Cox, High School Principal Brett Allen andGrade School Principal Nancy Werden.

B. Approval of agenda

Lamoremade a motion to approve the regular agenda as presented. Tingleseconded the motion. On a roll call vote:Legendre, Peterson, Renner, Skertich, Kinder, Lamore and Tingle voted to approve the agenda as posted.No one absent.

II. Recognition of Public/Visitors

President Tingle acknowledged Kelly Costa, reporter from the Staunton Star Times, Analise Best, IESA Scholar Attitude Award Recipient and her parents Brad and Angela Best.

The Board formally recognized Analise for her outstanding eighth grade year, culminating in receiving the IESA Scholar Attitude Award.

III. Consent Agenda

A. Approval of Bills/Payroll/Treasurer's Report for April

B. Approval of MinutesRegular and Closed from April 2017

C. Approval of Personnel Report:

1. Recognition of Resignation(s)/Retirement(s)

  • The Board Recognizes the resignation of J.J. Kolesar as SHS Golf Coach with thanks for service.
  • The Board Recognizes the Retirement of Joeen Tallman, with thanks for service, effective June 30, 2017.

Approval of Substitute Bus Driver Recommendation for Hire – Joeen Tallman

D. Acceptance of Donations – None this month.

F.Destruction of Closed Session Recordings older than 18 months

Superintendent Cox recommended the approval of the consent agenda aspresentedSkertich made a motion to approve the consent agenda as presented.Renner seconded the motion. On a roll call vote: Legendre, Peterson, Renner,Skertich, Kinder,Lamoreand Tinglevoted to approve the agenda as presented. No one absent.

IV.Administrator Reports

A. Principals reports:

Grade School by Nancy Werden

May Events:

SIUE Triathalon, Patriot Club Program May 12, Field Day and AR End of the Year Celebrations.

CHOIR AND BAND IGSMA Competition:

The following choir students received a Division 1- Excellent rating on their solos at IGSMA State contest held Saturday, May 6th, at triad Middle School:

Olivia Black, Jonathon Baker, Maia Dothager, Brenna Jo Horton, Isabella Henning, Tori Hester, andKaylie Stahlhut.

SophieBush received a Division 2 rating on her solo.

A treble duet consisting of Isabella Henning and Whitney Weller received a Division 1S- Superior rating.

Also, the following students performed in the Spring musical "Thoroughly Modern Millie, JR." on May 5-6, 2017:

Olivia Black, Jonathon Baker, Isabella Henning, Grace Bandy, Jaden Clemons, Whitney Weller, Tori Hester, Kaylie Stahlhut, Kylee Primas, and Kaylee Garner.

The following band students participated in the IGSMA State Solo/Ensemble contest held at Triad Middle School on Saturday, May 6. There scores are:

Analise Best - piano - I

Lilly Burke - piano - I

Jacob Ury - piano - I

Victor Buehler - piano - I

Analise Best - flute - I Superior

Emily Stanton - flute - I

Caroline Goldasich - flute - I

Drake DuFrain - tenor saxophone - I

Zack Young - trombone - I

Jonathan Daugherty - trumpet - I Superior

Joseph Cisler - euphonium - I

Zach Painter - trumpet - I Superior

She congratulated all the students on the participation and accomplishments at the IGSMA state contest.

Eighth Grade Promotion

The eighth-grade promotion will be held May 18 at 9:00a.m. in the gym.

Out of School Suspensions for April include 6 for a total of 15.25 days.

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High School by Brett Allen

He congratulated Mrs. Costello and the High School Choir for their very successful rendition of Thoroughly Modern Millie, Jr. that was presented in the Auditorium on May 5th & 6th. Additionally, great job to the 5th – 12th grade choir students and Mrs. Costello for the performance provided on the evening of May 10th for the annual Spring Concert.

He thanked the junior class sponsors (Mr. Stephens & Mr. Shor), Mrs. Hailstone, Mrs. Lucykow, and all the members of the Prom Committee for their hard work in hosting Prom on April 29th at the Crystal Ballroom.

He thanked the Post Prom Committee for hosting another great event for our students to attend after leaving prom. A large variety of prizes and gifts were given away to our students, and they were provided a fun and safe night of entertainment.

He also thanked the Staunton Fire Department, Staunton Police Department, Staunton Area Ambulance Service, SHS Student Council, and everyone else involved with the Operation Prom Night crash scene re-enactment to raise student awareness regarding driving while distracted or under the influence.

Mrs. Bertolino, long time English instructor, has retired from her part time job at SHS.

High School Commencement is on Friday, May 19th at 7:00 PM.

Finals will begin for Freshman – Junior Students on Tuesday, May 23rd.

May 23rd – TuesdayMay 24th– Wednesday

1st Hour Exam – 8:10 to 9:105th Hour Exam – 8:10 to 9:10

2nd Hour Exam – 9:13 to 10:136th Hour Exam – 9:13 to 10:13

3rd Hour Exam – 10:16 to 11:167th Hour Exam – 10:16 to 11:16

4th Hour Exam – 11:19 – 12:19High School Released at 11:16 AM

High School Released at 12:19 PM

9 students were suspended during the month

Summer Break begins for all students on Thursday, May 25th.

B. Superintendent Dan Cox

Mr. Cox told the Board that in the next two weeks he will issue “Letters of reasonable Assurance” to at least the top four aides and perhaps as many as seven aides. This letter will assure the top seniority aides that they will be rehired for the 2017-2018 school year.

General

ROE Compliance Audit – The Regional Office of Education completed an audit of District programs and services on April 25th. The District was found to be in full compliance and will be reported to ISBE as such. There were some minor areas found to be out of compliance that the District has until the next audit in two years to correct. A detailed report of the findings and plans for correction will be presented to the Board in June.

Section 125 & (Health Saving Accounts) Flexible Spending Accounts – The District is switching from Med Pay/AFLAC to American Fidelity to manage the Section 125 plan and HAS accounts. There are no costs to the District to use either company. Instead, the switch is a result of a quality of service and compliance issue. Med Pay has failed to properly manage the Section 125 plan, which could cause potential problems with the IRS.
All Section 125 benefits will be managed by American Fidelity in the future. Only 5 employees currently maintain these accounts. Each year they must spend out their benefits by June 30th with a 45-day grace period. This will remain the same prior to the switch. 55 employees maintain flexible spending benefits through AFLAC. These employees will be allowed to stay on AFLAC plans. All new plans in the future will be offered through American Fidelity.

Workers Compensation Insurance – The annual workers’ compensation progress meeting was held with Zennith on May 2nd. Mr. Cox told the Board that we have continued to work extremely hard at improving our safety in our buildings and promoting safe work practices for our employees. As a result, our reportable incidents have continued to decline. The District is currently on track to receive a rebate this year and if things should continue to hold or improve over the next year the District will likely see a drop in premiums of $20,000-$30,000. Mr. Cox will have Zennith come and talk to the custodians before the summer work begins for a two-hour class to continue our safety program.

Athletic Training – The District is currently exploring options to provide athletic training and concussion management for SHS student athletes. The District currently has no services in place. At the present, there are no definitive options for recommendations, although he hopes to have options to consider by the June Board meeting. It is estimated the cost for training services will range from $10,000 to $15,000.

Athletic Reductions – In building the FY18 budget it is anticipated it will be Mr. Cox’s recommendation that athletic supplies and equipment will be reduced to include only items related to safety of the athletes. Routine supplies and uniforms will be fundraised and or donated via boosters. The District will continue to pay coaching salaries, officials/umpire game checks, and entry fees. In meeting with the committee that is working toward alternate funding for extracurricular activities it was agreed that this was an appropriate step.

In regard to coaching, it is Mr. Cox’s recommendation at this time to not replace vacancies for 7th grade boys’ basketball, asst. JH baseball, and asst. golf.

Elementary Counselor – The elementary counselor position has been posted as a certified position as a counselor/social worker. The intention is to share the position half time with the Southwestern School District and Staunton serving as the administrative agent via an intergovernmental agreement.

Operations & Maintenance

Summer Projects Update – The kickoff meeting for summer projects is May 16th. Staff are currently moving out of rooms. Preparations will begin during the week of May 22nd. The project will start in full on May 30th.

Roof Wind Damage – Insurance has approved the district to receive over $150,000 for the wind damage claim. Approximately $101,000 have been received. The district will receive the remainder of the funds after sending the final invoice to the insurance company. Joiner Roofing and Sheet Metal will be complete the damaged replacement and repairs in addition to the scheduled roof work during the summer energy efficiency project.

Mine Subsidence Claim – The District has received $62,000 to close out the outstanding mine subsidence claim at A.R. Graiff grade School through Liberty Insurance.

Summer Maintenance Workers – The District has posted for three seasonal maintenance workers for the summer. Thus far there have been no applicants. Mr. Cox asked the Board to designate hiring authority to the superintendent so that hires may be made prior to the June Board meeting if and when applicants apply.

Transportation

Surplus Bus Sale – As a result of the purchase of the bus earlier this year Bus 13 is surplus. Brandon Ray requested to the end of the year to rotate buses and research options for selling the bus. It is Mr. Cox’s recommendation the bus be advertised for sale via sealed bid with a reserve of $3,500.

Finance

Mandated Categorical Payments – On May 9th the comptroller testified the school districts will receive only one of four MCAT payments for FY17. In short, this means the district does not get the money it needs for vital services such as transporting students to school and educating special needs students. The failure of the state to pay the money it owes further expands the amount of deficit spending for the district and further dilapidates fund balance that will impact our ability to offer future programs and services for students.

Title II – The Districts Title II funds will be reduced by 33% or approximately $18,000 for FY18 (we had anticipated that we would lose it all). This combined with the TRS Surcharge to spike to a staggering 45% will mean the district will no longer have any Title II funds for teacher professional development nor will the grant complete cover the salary for the one teacher paid via the classroom reduction grant.

Legislation

TRS Surcharge – SB 195 (Stadelman)/HB 656 (Gordon-Booth) – Illinois is the only state that taps federal education funds to pay teachers, their contribution rate to the Teachers’ Retirement System (TRS) will rise to 45% next fiscal year. This leaves the district with two bad choices: either relinquish to the pension fund 45 cents of every federal dollar received, or spend federal funds on things other than hiring teachers.

  • FACT: When IL school districts pay teachers using state or local funds, they pay TRS 0.58% of their salary. When school districts pay teachers with federal funds, they pay the “unfunded liability rate” (now 39% and increasing to 45% in FY18).
  • FACT: The high TRS rate for federally funded positions hits schools that serve needier student populations hardest.
  • FACT: Siphoning funds away from districts off-the-top leaves less funding to hire certified teachers who work directly with students to improve learning outcome.

THE SOLUTION: Change the TRS federal funds rate from the unfunded liability rate to the normal cost rate (currently about 7%). This will enable districts to invest more federal funds directly in classrooms to support students.

Senate Bill 436 (Stadelman/Gordon-Booth), which would have enacted this change, passed the Senate in April 2016 by a 43-1-0 vote but was not assigned to a substantive House committee.

HB 3377 (Lang)/SB 1431 (Sandoval) - HB 3377 is in second reading in the house and SB 1431 is in the Senate Transportation committee. Both bills require school buses manufactured after the effective date to have 3-point seat belts and a rooftop safety hatch. It is imperative that legislatures VOTE NO to the expensive, unfunded, and potentially dangerous mandate.

  • School buses are already the safest mode of transportation in the country.
  • There is no funding included in these bills to help districts cover these significant additional costs.
  • The additional cost for 3-point seat belts on a full-size school bus ranges from $7,000 to $18,000.
  • 3-point seat belts may reduce the capacity of school buses by up to 1/3, so a small district that has 9 buses would need an additional 3 buses to transport the same number of students.
  • A National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) report concluded that requiring lap belts on large, new school buses would appear to have little, if any, benefit in reducing serious-to-fatal injuries in severe frontal crashes. The use of combination lap/shoulder belts, if used properly, could provide some benefit on both large and small school buses. Lap/shoulder belts can be misused if children put the shoulder portion behind them. NHTSA’s testing showed that serious neck injury and perhaps abdominal injury could result when lap/shoulder belts are misused.
  • To ensure proper seat belt use, school districts likely need to hire new personnel to be seat belt monitors on school buses.

These costs would fall at a time when the State is not paying its transportation reimbursement to school districts.

V. Financial Report

A. Presentation of amended FY 17 District Budget

The Board will adopt the amended budget (because of Bond revenue) in June.

VI. Unfinished Business

A. Discussion of District Strategic Plan

Mr. Cox told the Board that this committee is being chaired by staff members: Brett Allen, Brianna Bohlen, Dan Cox, Jeanne Lucykow, John Masinelli, Ryan McGowen, Steve Moore, Shayna Shinault, and Nancy Werden. Principal Brett Allen explained the goals of the technology Committee’s Strategic Plan. He told the Board that we are in the beginning stages of a process that will take between three to five years to implement. He explained the goals, current state of our technology, steps moving forward, and estimated costs to improve infrastructure upgrades, professional development, Chromebook Carts, and Technology Coach expenses.

B. Approval of updated and newly written Board of Education Policies

  • 2:100 – Board Member Conflict of Interest
  • 3:70 – Succession of Authority
  • 4:15 – Identity Protection
  • 5:120 – Employee Ethics, Conduct, and Conflict of Interest
  • 5:230 – Maintaining Student Discipline
  • 5:285 – Drug and Alcohol Testing for School Bus and Commercial Vehicle Drivers
  • 5:300 – Schedules and Employment Year
  • 6:70 – Teaching About Religions
  • 7:100 – Health, Eye and Dental Examinations, Immunizations, and Exclusion of Students
  • 8:91 – Self-Funded Athletic & Extracurricular Policy

The Superintendent recommended approval of the updated and newly written Board of Education Policies as presented.Renner make a motion to approve the updates and revisions to Board policy as presented. Peterson seconded the motion.On a roll call vote Legendre, Peterson,Renner,Skertich,Kinder, Lamore, and Tingle voted to approve the new Board of education Policies.

VII. New Business

A. Discussion of District Fees for FY18

Mr. Cox recommended a new schedule of fees that would include charges for textbooks, extracurricular activities, student fees, and consumable materials combined into one encompassing fee. He discussed possibly raising fees for the parking lot and mandated increased fees for breakfast, and lunch. The fees will be further discussed and approved at the June meeting.

  1. Discussion and Possible action on Employee Health Insurance renewal

In coordination with Cornerstone the District has sought bids for employee health, vision, and dental insurance for the 2017-2018 school year. There will be no changes to the plan benefits. The premium increase is 10% or $55,451.56 based on current employee enrollment. The superintendent recommends the approval of the insurance bid from Aetna as presented.Kinder made a motion to approve the insurance bid renewal with Aetna Insurance as presented.Skertich seconded the motion.On a roll call vote Legendre, Peterson,Renner,Skertich,Kinder, Lamore, and Tingle voted to approve the Aetna Insurance carrier for 2017-2018 school year.

VIII. Roll call to go into Closed Session of Purposes defined in:

Legendremade a motion to go into executive session at 8:47pm in the unit library. Peterson seconded

the motion. On a roll call voteLegendre, Peterson,Renner,Skertich,Kinder,Lamore, and Tingle voted to

voted togo into executive session (no oneabsent) to discuss:

A. 5ILCS 120/2(c)(1)- The appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific employees of the public body or legal counsel for the public body.