Sangamon Sun

Canton Union School District 66 Board of Education met Feb. 19.

Here is the minutes provided by the board:

The Regular Meeting of the Board of Education of Canton Union School District #66 was held Wednesday, February 19, 2020, beginning at 7:00 PM in the Boardroom Administration Building, 20 West Walnut Street Canton, Illinois.

1. CALL TO ORDER (Please silence cell phones)

Board Vice President Jane Lewis called the regular meeting to order at 7:00 PM in the Board Room at the Administration Building.

2. ROLL CALL

Board members present and answering roll call were Lori Coleman, Matt Kees, Jane Lewis and Tom Snowman. Board members Leonard Barnard, Ben Bishop and Mike Krulac were absent.

3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG

Board Vice President Jane Lewis led those in attendance in the Pledge of Allegiance.

4. MOMENT OF SILENCE IN MEMORY OF DR. HAROLD FORD

A moment of silence was held in memory of Dr. Harold Ford and Mel Fletcher. Board Vice President Jane Lewis spoke of both Dr. Ford and Mr. Fletcher stating that Dr. Ford, who was Assistant Superintendent, was a great person and one of the best educators. Lewis also spoke of what a great educator Mr. Fletcher was for our school district.

5. AMENDMENTS TO THE AGENDA

Board Secretary Coleman moved to amend the agenda to remove Action Item 12-D, Consider Approval of Resolution Authorizing the Decision Not to Re-Employ Non-Tenured Licensed Employee Carrie Gobert for the 2020-2021 School Year. This was seconded by Kees. Voting yes by roll call were Coleman, Kees, Lewis and Snowman. Motion carried.

6. GOOD NEWS ITEMS

A. Recognition of Stacey Murphy, Health Teacher at Canton High School, as the 2020 Canton Area Chamber of Commerce Educator of the Year

Board Vice President Jane Lewis congratulated Stacey Murphy on receiving the 2020 Canton Area Chamber of Commerce Educator of the Year Award. Lewis stated the Board of Education and Administration Staff is extremely proud of her accomplishment.

B. Recognition of Carlye Beadles, Paraprofessional at Lincoln Elementary School, as the 2020 Canton Area Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year

Board Vice President Jane Lewis congratulated Carlye Beadles on receiving the 2020 Canton Area Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year Award. Ms. Beadles was not able to be in attendance at the meeting; however, on behalf of the Board of Education and the Administration Staff, Lewis expressed gratitude in Ms. Beadles’ accomplishment.

C. Winter Clothing Donation from the Canton Church of the Brethren

Board Vice President Jane Lewis thanked the Canton Church of the Brethren for their yearly donation of winter clothing items that helps our students in need.

D. Additional Good News Items

In additional good news items, the following good news items were shared by various attendees:

Canton High School Assistant Principal Jay Valencia mentioned that Stacey Murphy and Kelsey Emberton have received the YWCA Women of Achievement Community Impact Award for their efforts in creating and maintaining the Canton Little Giant Care Closet and Food Pantry at Canton High School. Mr. Valencia also mentioned that Jamie Schoonover has received the YWCA Women of Achievement STEM Award for her continued work to implement and expand the STEM classes at Canton High School.

The Director of Curriculum and Instruction, Jason Parsons, stated that he met with employees of MidCentury Communications to talk about the new CTE Work Study Program at Canton High School. Mr. Parsons stated that MidCentury Communications is very interested in partnering with the school district for potential internships within their company.

Activities Director Brad Hulet congratulated two Canton High School Wrestlers, Jacob Waskow and Dylan Grigsby, who will be competing in the IHSA Class 1A Individual State Wrestling Tournament this weekend in Champaign.

7. RECOGNITION OF AUDIENCE REQUESTS TO ADDRESS BOARD OF EDUCATION There were no audience requests to address the Board of Education.

8. CONSENT AGENDA

Consider approval of all items noted (*) as included on the Consent Agenda

Assistant Superintendent Tad DeRenzy provided a financial update on fund accounts and mentioned that the Education Fund, Operations and Maintenance Fund and Working Cash Fund were all up while the Transportation Fund was down.

Board member Coleman moved to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. Snowman seconded. Voting yes by roll call were board members Coleman, Snowman, Kees and Lewis. Motion carried.

9. * MINUTES

A. Minutes of the Regular Board Meeting, January 22, 2020 B. Minutes of the Closed Session, January 22, 2020

The minutes of the Regular Board Meeting, January 22, 2020 and the minutes of the Closed Session, January 22, 2020 were approved as presented under the Consent Agenda.

10. * FINANCIAL ACTIVITY

A. Consider Payment of Bills and Payroll

The February bills and payroll were approved as presented under the Consent Agenda.

B. Treasurer's Report

The January Treasurer’s Report was approved as presented under the Consent Agenda.

11. * PERSONNEL

A. Retirements/Leaves/Resignations

1. Medical Leave of Absence, Certified Staff Member, Effective Beginning Approximately February 26, 2020 for Six Weeks

2. Resignation of Cassondra Juliusson, Kindergarten Teacher, Eastview Elementary School, Effective at the End of the 2019-2020 School Year

3. Resignation of Bailey Fisch, Special Education Teacher, Lincoln Elementary School, Effective May 21, 2020

4. Resignation of Amanda Havens, Kindergarten Teacher, Westview Elementary School, Effective at the End of the 2019-2020 School Year

5. Resignation of Kristy Hobby, Special Education Teacher, Ingersoll Middle School, Effective at the End of the 2019-2020 School Year

The Medical Leave of Absence of a Certified Staff Member, Effective Beginning Approximately February 26, 2020 for Six Weeks; Resignation of Cassondra Juliusson, Kindergarten Teacher, Eastview Elementary School, Effective at the End of the 2019-2020 School Year; Resignation of Bailey Fisch, Special Education Teacher, Lincoln Elementary School, Effective May 21, 2020; Resignation of Amanda Havens, Kindergarten Teacher, Westview Elementary School, Effective at the End of the 2019-2020 School Year and the Resignation of Kristy Hobby, Special Education Teacher, Ingersoll Middle School, Effective at the End of the 2019-2020 School Year were approved as presented under the Consent Agenda.

B. Employment

1. Employment of Hanna Hardin, Custodian/Runner Part Time, District, Effective Beginning on January 27, 2020 (Pending Background Check and Required Paperwork)

2. Employment of Tiffany Cox, Paraprofessional, Canton High School, Effective Beginning February 18, 2020 (Pending Background Check and Required Paperwork)

3. Employment of Rebecca Glenn, Paraprofessional, Ingersoll Middle School, Effective Beginning February 24, 2020 (Pending Background Check and Required Paperwork)

4. Employment of Melissa Scott, Kindergarten Teacher, Eastview Elementary School, Effective Beginning August 12, 2020 (Pending Background Check and Required Paperwork)

The employment of Hanna Hardin, Custodian/Runner Part Time, District, Effective Beginning on January 27, 2020 (Pending Background Check and Required Paperwork); Employment of Tiffany Cox, Paraprofessional, Canton High School, Effective Beginning February 18, 2020 (Pending Background Check and Required Paperwork); Employment of Rebecca Glenn, Paraprofessional, Ingersoll Middle School, Effective Beginning February 24, 2020 (Pending Background Check and Required Paperwork) and the Employment of Melissa Scott,

Kindergarten Teacher, Eastview Elementary School, Effective Beginning August 12, 2020 (Pending Background Check and Required Paperwork) were approved as presented under the Consent Agenda.

C. Transfers

1. Transfer of Taylor Snowman from Fifth Grade Teacher at Ingersoll Middle School to Art Teacher at Ingersoll Middle School, Effective Beginning of the 2020-2021 School Year

2. Transfer of Mark Gregory from Seventh Grade Science at Ingersoll Middle School to Eighth Grade Science at Ingersoll Middle School, Effective Beginning of the 2020-2021 School Year

The Transfer of Taylor Snowman from Fifth Grade Teacher at Ingersoll Middle School to Art Teacher at Ingersoll Middle School, Effective Beginning of the 2020-2021 School Year and the Transfer of Mark Gregory from Seventh Grade Science at Ingersoll Middle School to Eighth Grade Science at Ingersoll Middle School, Effective Beginning of the 2020-2021 School Year were approved as presented under the Consent Agenda.

D. Extracurricular

1. Resignation of John Wilcoxen, Assistant Wrestling Coach, Ingersoll Middle School, Effective as of January 31, 2020

2. Employment of Melanie Turgeon, Varsity Girls Soccer Head Coach, Canton High School, Effective Immediately

3. Employment of Carl Fisher, Assistant Middle School Track Coach, Ingersoll Middle School, Effective for the 2019-2020 Season

4. Employment of Tricia Diers, Dance Team Coach, Canton High School, Effective Immediately

5. Employment of Jessica Bequeaith, Cheer Coach, Ingersoll Middle School, Effective Immediately

6. Employment of Jeff Anderson, Bass Fishing Coach, Canton High School, Effective Immediately

The Resignation of John Wilcoxen, Assistant Wrestling Coach, Ingersoll Middle School, Effective as of January 31, 2020; Employment of Melanie Turgeon, Varsity Girls Soccer Head Coach, Canton High School, Effective Immediately; Employment of Carl Fisher, Assistant Middle School Track Coach, Ingersoll Middle School, Effective for the 2019-2020 Season; Employment of Tricia Diers, Dance Team Coach, Canton High School, Effective Immediately; Employment of Jessica Bequeaith, Cheer Coach, Ingersoll Middle School, Effective Immediately and the Employment of Jeff Anderson, Bass Fishing Coach, Canton High School, Effective Immediately were approved as presented under the Consent Agenda.

12. ACTION ITEMS

A. *Consider Approval of Destruction of Audio Recording of Board Meeting Closed Session Held on July 16, 2018

The board approved the destruction of audio recording of the board meeting closed session held on July 16, 2018 as presented under the Consent Agenda.

B. Consider Approval of Banking Resolution with MidAmerica National Bank Designating Anne Grzanich, Jacqueline Demler and Catherine Calvert as Authorized Signers for Westview Elementary School Activity Account Board member Coleman moved to approve the Banking Resolution with MidAmerica National Bank Designating Anne Grzanich, Jacqueline Demler and Catherine Calvert as Authorized Signers for Westview Elementary School Activity Account. Snowman seconded. Voting yes by roll call were Coleman, Snowman, Kees and Lewis. Motion carried.

C. Consider Approval to Adopt the 2020-2021 Public School Calendar for Canton Union School District #66

Superintendent Rolf Sivertsen mentioned that the 2020-2021 Public School Calendar for Canton Union School District #66 was also reviewed by the building principals.

Board member Coleman moved to approve and adopt the 2020-2021 Public School Calendar for Canton Union School District #66. Snowman seconded. Voting yes by roll call were Coleman, Snowman, Kees and Lewis. Motion carried.

D. Consider Approval of Resolution Authorizing the Decision Not to Re-Employ Non-Tenured Licensed Employee Carrie Gobert for the 2020-2021 School Year

The February 19, 2020 regular board meeting agenda was amended to remove Action Item 12-D.

13. REPORTS

A. District #66 Metrics Report

There were no questions or concerns regarding the District Metrics Report that was provided to the board.

B. Update on School Improvement Plans

Mid-Year School Improvement Plan Reports were provided to the board. KiLee McFerren, Chris Piper, Anne Grzanich, Margaret Segersten and Jay Valencia all provided an overview summary and spoke of their successes and progress on each of their SIP Goals in the areas of Math, ELA and SEL. Mr. Parsons stated that the district is currently piloting four different ELA tools at the elementary level with hopes of adopting one by the end of the 20-21 school year.

Board Vice President Jane Lewis spoke of how proud she was of the Administration Staff and felt this was the best report on continuous improvement she has heard in ten years. Lewis was very happy with the reports and felt all schools were doing great job with their school improvement plans. Board Member Matt Kees also praised the principals for their reports, their leadership and felt all of the reports were very good.

14. DISCUSSION ITEMS

A. Discussion on the Purchase or Lease of School Buses for FY21

Assistant Superintendent Tad DeRenzy discussed the options of purchasing or leasing school buses. A cost analysis comparison regarding the purchase vs. lease options was presented to the board. After discussing the options, board members agreed it would be best to pursue the option of leasing buses for FY21.

15. INFORMATION ITEMS

A. February 2020 Building Reports

The board reviewed the building reports and commented on how great they were.

B. IASB Western Division Dinner Meeting, March 31, 2020, Canton High School, Registration Deadline is Tuesday, March 24, 2020

Board Vice President Jane Lewis stated she spoke with Jaime Trotter to offer her help with the IASB Western Division Dinner Meeting and was hopeful that administration staff will be in attendance at the dinner meeting.

16. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

A. Yearly Planning Calendar

The yearly planning calendar was reviewed and there are no changes that need to be made at this time.

17. CLOSED SESSION

A. Discuss the Appointment, Employment, Compensation, Discipline, Performance, or Dismissal of Specific Employees of the Public Body [5 ILCS 120/2 (c) (1)]

B. Discuss Student Disciplinary Matters and/or Educational Matters Relating to Individual Students [5 ILCS 120/2(c)(9) and (10)]

Board member Snowman moved to enter closed session to Discuss the Appointment, Employment, Compensation, Discipline, Performance, or Dismissal of Specific Employees of the Public Body [5 ILCS 120/2 (c) (1)] and Discuss Student Disciplinary Matters and/or Educational Matters Relating to Individual Students [5 ILCS 120/2(c)(9) and (10)]. Coleman seconded. Voting yes by roll call were Snowman, Coleman, Kees and Lewis. Motion carried.

The board entered into closed session at 8:40 PM. The board returned to open session at 9:59 PM.

18. ACTION

A. Consider Approval of an Agreement in Lieu of Expulsion for Student #2020-H as Discussed in Closed Session

It was moved by Board Member Kees and seconded by Board Member Snowman that the Agreement in Lieu of Expulsion with the parent of Student #2020-H providing for placement in the McCall Safe School for the remainder of the 2019-2020 school year, the entire 2020-2021 school year and the fall semester of the 2021-2022 school year pursuant to 105 ILCS 5/10-22.6, be approved as discussed by the Board of Education in closed session. Voting yes by roll call were Kees, Snowman, Lewis and Coleman. Motion carried.

B. Consider the Approval of Letters of Intent as Discussed in Closed Session

Board member Kees moved to approve the letters of intent as discussed by the Board of Education in closed session. Snowman seconded. Voting yes by roll call were Kees, Snowman, Lewis and Coleman. Motion carried.

19. ADJOURN

Board member Kees moved to adjourn the regular meeting. Snowman seconded. Voting yes by roll call were Kees, Snowman, Lewis and Coleman. Motion carried.

Board Vice President Jane Lewis declared the regular meeting adjourned at 10:00 PM.

https://www.cantonusd.org/uploads/9/2/4/0/92407718/2-19-20_open_session_minutes.pdf