Sangamon Sun

Ball-Chatham Community Unified School District 5 Board of Education met Aug. 28

Here are the minutes provided by the board:

Members present

Patrick Phipps, Steven Bryant, Tiffani Saunders, Laura Calderon, Andrea Rediger, Ann Strahle, Ryan Murphy

 1. CLOSED SESSION

Meeting called to order at 5:21 PM

Action: 1.1 Adjournment from Regular Session to Closed Session

Adjourn from Regular Session to Closed Session

 Motion by Laura Calderon, second by Tiffani Saunders.

Final Resolution: Motion Carries

Yes: Patrick Phipps, Steven Bryant, Tiffani Saunders, Laura Calderon, Andrea Rediger, Ann Strahle, Ryan Murphy

Discussion: 1.2 Topics of Closed Session

Discussion: 1.3 Closed Session Minutes [5 ILCS 120/2(c)(21)]

Action: 1.4 Adjournment from Closed Session to Regular Session

To adjourn closed session to regular session.

 Motion by Patrick Phipps, second by Ann Strahle.

Final Resolution: Motion Carries

Yes: Patrick Phipps, Tiffani Saunders, Laura Calderon, Andrea Rediger, Ann Strahle, Ryan Murphy

Not Present at Vote: Steven Bryant

2. OPEN SESSION

Procedural: 2.1 Call Meeting to Order

Meeting was called to order by President Saunders at 6:40 PM.

Procedural: 2.2 Pledge of Allegiance

Action: 2.3 Roll Call

3. APPROVAL OF AGENDA

Action: 3.1 Approval of Agenda

President Saunders asked to amend the agenda and add New Business Item 9.12 New Hire Mark Zimmerman, bus driver.

To approve the agenda for the meeting of August 28, 2024.

Motion by Andrea Rediger, second by Laura Calderon.

Final Resolution: Motion Carries

Yes: Patrick Phipps, Steven Bryant, Tiffani Saunders, Laura Calderon, Andrea Rediger, Ann Strahle, Ryan Murphy

Action: 3.2 Item from Closed Session Approve Minutes

The board will approve the closed session minutes of July 24, 2024.

Motion by Ryan Murphy, second by Andrea Rediger.

Final Resolution: Motion Carries

Yes: Patrick Phipps, Steven Bryant, Tiffani Saunders, Laura Calderon, Andrea Rediger, Ann Strahle, Ryan Murphy

Action: 3.3 Item from Closed Session the Termination of Employee

To approve the termination of the employee discussed in the Closed Meeting.

Motion by Patrick Phipps, second by Andrea Rediger.

Final Resolution: Motion Carries

Yes: Patrick Phipps, Steven Bryant, Tiffani Saunders, Laura Calderon, Andrea Rediger, Ann Strahle, Ryan Murphy

4. E-LEARNING HEARING

Procedural: 4.1 BCSD eLearning Plan Hearing

Dr. Lamon presented that the 3-Year E-Learning Plan was reviewed and will be sent to ISBE. During the hearing, Phipps inquired about using emergency days in lieu of in-person days. Calderon asked about the maximum days that can be used for E-Learning and the difference of maximum for additional snow days. Once those days are used, the days become Act of God days. The discussion included the add-on days at the end of the calendar year being used and the low attendance after state testing concludes.

Action: 4.2 Approval of the BCSD eLearning Plan

To approve the BCSD three-year eLearning plan renewal as presented.

Motion by Laura Calderon, second by Ryan Murphy.

Final Resolution: Motion Carries

Yes: Tiffani Saunders, Laura Calderon, Andrea Rediger, Ann Strahle, Ryan Murphy

No: Patrick Phipps, Steven Bryant

5. COMMUNICATIONS

Recognition: 5.1 Recognition of NIETOC Speech Students and Ken Carter for the WP Sanford Award

Information: 5.2 Citizens- Opportunity for Visitors to Address the School Board Concerning any Agenda Topic

6. CONSENT ITEMS

Action: 6.1 Adoption of Consent Agenda Items

Adopt the consent agenda items (as presented) as recommended by the Superintendent.

Motion by Steven Bryant, second by Andrea Rediger.

Final Resolution: Motion Carries

Yes: Patrick Phipps, Steven Bryant, Tiffani Saunders, Laura Calderon, Andrea Rediger, Ann Strahle, Ryan Murphy

Action (Consent), Minutes: 6.2 Minutes of Regular Board Meeting, July 24, 2024

Action, Minutes: 6.3 Minutes of Special Board Meeting, August 8, 2024

Action (Consent), Minutes: 6.4 Minutes of Facilities and Grounds Committee Meeting, August 14, 2024

Action (Consent), Minutes: 6.5 Minutes of Finance Committee Meeting, August 20, 2024

Action (Consent): 6.6 Treasurer/Financial Report

Action (Consent): 6.7 School District Accounts Payable

Action (Consent): 6.8 School Activity Account Reports

Action (Consent): 6.9 FOIA Requests

7. PERSONNEL CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS

Action: 7.1 Adoption of Consent Personnel Agenda Items

Adopt the personnel consent agenda items (as presented) as recommended by the Superintendent.

Motion by Andrea Rediger, second by Ann Strahle.

Final Resolution: Motion Carries

Yes: Patrick Phipps, Steven Bryant, Tiffani Saunders, Laura Calderon, Andrea Rediger, Ann Strahle, Ryan Murphy

Action (Consent): 7.2 Resignations

Action (Consent): 7.3 New Hires

Action (Consent): 7.4 Retirements

Action (Consent): 7.5 Transfers

Action (Consent): 7.6 Compensation Adjustment for Nicholas Sloman

Action (Consent): 7.7 Leaves of Absence

Action (Consent): 7.8 Non-Union ESP Raises

Action (Consent): 7.9 Administration Raises

8. FINANCE

Information: 8.1 FY25 Tentative Budget Presentation

Finance Director, Wendy Dulakis presented the key components of the FY25 Budget to the Board. There will be a Budget Hearing during the September BOE Regular Meeting.

Information: 8.2 Set Hearing Date for Budget FY25

9. NEW BUSINESS

Action: 9.1 Health Life Safety District-Wide Camera Purchase/RFP

It is recommended that a Health Lef Safety Project be initiated to install/replace cameras at GES, GIS, CES, BES, and GMS.

Motion by Steven Bryant, second by Andrea Rediger.

Final Resolution: Motion Carries

Yes: Patrick Phipps, Steven Bryant, Tiffani Saunders, Laura Calderon, Andrea Rediger, Ann Strahle, Ryan Murphy

Action: 9.2 Approve Diesel Bid

The Transportation Department requests the Board approve the Diesel Bid.

Motion by Steven Bryant, second by Laura Calderon.

Action: 9.3 Approve Gasoline Bid

It is the recommendation from the Transportation Department to award the Unleaded Gasoline Bid to Growmark. 

Motion by Laura Calderon, second by Steven Bryant.

Final Resolution: Motion Carries

Yes: Patrick Phipps, Steven Bryant, Tiffani Saunders, Laura Calderon, Andrea Rediger, Ann Strahle, Ryan Murphy

Action: 9.4 Award the CES HVAC Renovation Project

To approve the CES HVAC Renovation project to RD Lawrence Construction CO from Springfield, IL. The overall cost is estimated at $3,556,861.00.

Motion by Ann Strahle, second by Andrea Rediger.

Final Resolution: Motion Carries

Yes: Patrick Phipps, Steven Bryant, Tiffani Saunders, Laura Calderon, Andrea Rediger, Ann Strahle, Ryan Murphy

Action: 9.5 Out-of-State Travel approvals

To approve the following out-of-state travel for GHS students for the 24-25 school year.

Motion by Ann Strahle, second by Laura Calderon.

Final Resolution: Motion Carries

Yes: Patrick Phipps, Steven Bryant, Tiffani Saunders, Laura Calderon, Andrea Rediger, Ann Strahle, Ryan Murphy

Action: 9.6 MOUs with BCEA and BCESPA (not specified) 

Motion by Steven Bryant, second by Ann Strahle.

Final Resolution: Motion Carries

Yes: Patrick Phipps, Steven Bryant, Tiffani Saunders, Laura Calderon, Andrea Rediger, Ann Strahle, Ryan Murphy

Action: 9.7 GHS Oven Purchase

To approve the purchase of an Eloma combi oven for GHS

Motion by Laura Calderon, second by Andrea Rediger.

Final Resolution: Motion Carries

Yes: Patrick Phipps, Steven Bryant, Tiffani Saunders, Laura Calderon, Andrea Rediger, Ann Strahle, Ryan Murphy

Action: 9.8 Disposal of Groen Oven at GHS

To approve the disposal of a Groen Oven at GHS

Motion by Steven Bryant, second by Ryan Murphy.

Final Resolution: Motion Carries

Yes: Patrick Phipps, Steven Bryant, Tiffani Saunders, Laura Calderon, Andrea Rediger, Ann Strahle, Ryan Murphy

Action: 9.9 Amendment to Intergovernmental Agreement with CACC

To approve an amendment to the CACC Intergovernmental Agreement

Motion by Andrea Rediger, second by Steven Bryant.

Final Resolution: Motion Carries

Yes: Patrick Phipps, Steven Bryant, Tiffani Saunders, Laura Calderon, Andrea Rediger, Ann Strahle, Ryan Murphy

Action: 9.10 Second Reading of PRESS Policies (not specified)

Motion by Steven Bryant, second by Laura Calderon.

Final Resolution: Motion Carries

Yes: Patrick Phipps, Steven Bryant, Tiffani Saunders, Laura Calderon, Andrea Rediger, Ann Strahle, Ryan Murphy

Presentation, Information: 9.11 First Reading of PRESS Policies

Action: 9.12 New Hire Mark Zimmerman

The additional New Business Item was added as an amendment to the Agenda to include the hiring of bus driver Mark Zimmerman.

The Administration recommends the hiring of bus driver Mark Zimmerman.

Motion by Ann Strahle, second by Andrea Rediger.

Final Resolution: Motion Carries

Yes: Patrick Phipps, Steven Bryant, Tiffani Saunders, Laura Calderon, Andrea Rediger, Ann Strahle, Ryan Murphy

10. COMMUNICATIONS

Presentation: 10.1 SPED Department Updates Presentation

Special Education Director, Kristy Wheeler presented to the Board accomplishments from 23-24 SY and projections for the 24-25 SY for the Special Education Department.

23-24 SY wins include 44 students who met IEP goals and were released from special education services.

Future planning allows for staffing for expected student promotions within the district, but this does not allow for move-in unplanned IEP student needs.

LuHi students are also added to the special education department's responsibility as the LuHi school is now building a permanent school within Ball-Chatham CUSD% boundaries.

Although district enrollment is in a decline, special education student enrollment is increasing. To aid in that growth, staffing has been adjusted and more Paraprofessionals and Speech Pathologists have been hired.

Presentation: 10.2 Athletics Department Update

Athletic Director, Caitlyn Moody presented the Athletic Department Update. The participation statistics based on Title IX were shown, with enrollment in all sports offered. There were significant academic achievements and numerous local and statewide successes in both GMS and GHS programs. Ineligible player reports decreased and the tutoring program was offering support needed to stay in academic eligibility for many students. Athletic equity is a priority for staffing and roster sizes. There is a challenge with IHSA changing the ball size in basketball which will become a cost to replace the balls and will require athletes to get used to the new ball size. There has been growth in the strength and conditioning program enrollment. Additionally, the new system for Arbiter will allow easier and quicker pay for officials moving forward.

Calderon asked about the student attendance at events. Murphy was encouraged about the equity in athletics and support for the coaches and added that the uniform rotation schedule should be reviewed.

Presentation: 10.3 Superintendent Update

Superintendent Dr. Lamon presented the 23-24 review highlighting her involvement with school visits, community involvement, and accomplishments. Over the past year new programs and curriculum, new staff hires, review of Policies, BCEA Contract approved, and transportation improvements have been initiated and/or completed. A review of discipline data collection led to a focus on better understanding how to address issues for example with bullying or vaping.

Presentation: 10.4 Enrollment Update

Dr. Lamon addressed the Board with current 6-Day data collection statistics. Enrollment trends are decreasing with possible causes including starting families later, fewer children in families,  and inflation.

Information: 10.5 IASB Board Governance Recognition

Information: 10.6 Future Board Meeting Dates / Dates for 2024/25 SY

Information: 10.7 Citizens - Opportunity for Visitors to Address the School Board Concerning Any Topic

Julie McAllister addressed the Board with an invitation to see the new playgrounds at CES and GIS.

11. ADJOURNMENT

Action: 11.1 Adjournment of Regular Meeting

Meeting was adjourned at 8:29 PM

Move to Adjourn Regular Board Meeting.

Motion by Patrick Phipps, second by Tiffani Saunders.

Final Resolution: Motion Carries

Yes: Patrick Phipps, Steven Bryant, Tiffani Saunders, Laura Calderon, Andrea Rediger, Ann Strahle, Ryan Murphy

https://go.boarddocs.com/il/cusd5/Board.nsf/Public