Sangamon Sun

Ball-Chatham Community Unified School District 5 Board of Education met April 23

Here are the minutes provided by the board:

2. OPEN SESSION 

2.01Call Meeting to Order President Saunders called the meeting to order at 6:35 PM 

2.02 Pledge of Allegiance  

2.03 Roll Call Present Laura Calderon, Ryan Murphy, Patrick Phipps, Andrea Rediger, Ann Strahle, and Tiffani Saunders. Dr. Becca Lamon and Jen Farnsworth also present.  

3. APPROVAL OF AGENDA 

Action: 3.01 Approval of Agenda 

It is the recommendation of the board to approve the agenda for the meeting of April 23, 2025 

Motion by Rediger, second by Strahle. 

Final Resolution: Motion Carries 

Yes: Calderon, Murphy, Phipps, Rediger, Strahle, Saunders 

Action: 3.02 Action Items from Closed Session 

It is the recommendation of the board to approve Minutes from the Closed session of March 19, 2025 as well as April 7, 2025 were approved.  Motion to approve the Closed session minutes of March 19, 2025 and April 7, 2025 by Strahle, second by Murphy. 

Final Resolution: Motion Carries 

Yes: Calderon, Murphy, Phipps, Rediger, Strahle, Saunders 

4. COMMUNICATIONS 

4.01 Student Ambassador Presentation 

Several of the Student Ambassadors presented a "Year in Review" report to the board. Major accomplishments included conducting a school-wide survey, which provided valuable insights into student concerns. One key outcome was the identification and promotion of the Safe2Help program, a resource for students to report issues anonymously. The students also introduced two upcoming initiatives: the installation of a vape/paraphernalia drop box (a secure, non-retrievable deposit box) and a revision to final exam policies—such as offering exemptions for students who meet certain grade or attendance criteria. In reviewing the survey results, the students noted that while many participants completed the multiple-choice sections, fewer provided written comments. Nevertheless, the data yielded significant insights into student needs and priorities. 

The ambassadors also offered several recommendations for future improvements: 

Allow current ambassadors to participate in the selection process for new members. 

Create a secretary role to take notes and provide recaps of meetings. 

Include a teacher recommendation as part of the application process. 

Establish attendance expectations for ambassadors throughout the year. 

4.02 Citizens- Opportunity for Visitors to Address the School Board Concerning any Agenda Topic 

Both Chatham Mayor Dave Kimsey and BCEA President Julie McAllister expressed their appreciation to the board. 

5. CONSENT ITEMS 

5.01 Adoption of Consent Agenda Items 

It is the recommendation of the board to approve the consent agenda.  

Motion by Calderon, second by Rediger. 

Final Resolution: Motion Carries 

Yes: Calderon, Murphy, Phipps, Rediger, Strahle, Saunders 

(Consent), Minutes: 5.02 Minutes of Regular Board Meeting, March 19, 2025 

(Consent), Minutes: 5.03 Minutes of Regular Board Meeting, April 14, 2025 

(Consent), Minutes: 5.04 Minutes of Facilities and Grounds Committee Meeting, April 9, 2025 

(Consent), Minutes: 5.05 Minutes of Policy Committee Meeting, April 14, 2025 

(Consent), Minutes: 5.06 Minutes of Finance Committee Meeting, April 15, 2025 

(Consent): 5.07 Treasurer/Financial Report 

(Consent): 5.08 School District Accounts Payable 

(Consent): 5.09 School Activity Account Reports 

(Consent): 5.10 FOIA Requests 

6. PERSONNEL CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS 

6.01 Adoption of Consent Personnel Agenda Items 

It is the recommendation of the board to approve the personnel consent agenda.  

Motion by Murphy, second by Calderon. 

Final Resolution: Motion Carries 

Yes: Calderon, Murphy, Phipps, Rediger, Strahle, Saunders 

(Consent): 6.02 Resignations 

(Consent): 6.03 New Hires 

(Consent): 6.04 Retirements 

(Consent): 6.05 Transfers 

(Consent): 6.06 Leaves of Absence 

(Consent): 6.07 Winter Coach Rehires 2025-26 

7. NEW BUSINESS 

7.01 Approve Desktop purchase 

Josh Mulvaney Director of Technology thanked the board for the continued support of the IT department and requested the board approve the purchase of 115 desktops from Two Trees. This is a 5-year rotation plan for all computers in the district.  

It is the recommendation of the board to approve the purchase of 115 desktops from Two Trees for $89,125.00. 

Motion by Phipps, second by Calderon. 

Final Resolution: Motion Carries 

Yes: Calderon, Murphy, Phipps, Rediger, Strahle, Saunders 

7.02 Approve 50 NewLine Pro LED interactive panels 

Josh Mulvaney Director of Technology requested the board approve the purchase of 50 NewLine Pro 750Q LED interactive panels from Two Trees. Mulvaney indicated that the new panels are within the standards of the previous line BCSD has used and this comes with an excellent warranty. Calderon asked about the lack of bids and Mulvaney indicated that there are questions of value with other lines. He presented all the bids that were submitted to the board.   

It is the recommendation of the board to approve the purchase 50 NewLine Pro LED interactive panels from Two Trees for $100,200.00.  

Motion by Phipps, second by Rediger. 

Final Resolution: Motion Carries 

Yes: Calderon, Murphy, Phipps, Rediger, Strahle, Saunders 

7.03 Approve Activity Bus Bid 

Mark Daley, Director of Transportation, also thanked the board for continued support for the transportation department. He requested the board approve the bid for the Multi-Function School Activity Bus. This bid only drew one bidder and it exceeded some of the specs that were in the bid.

It is the recommendation of the board to approve the purchase of the Multi-Function School Activity Bus from Midwest Transit Equipment for $57,718.00. 

Motion by Murphy, second by Strahle. 

Final Resolution: Motion Carries 

Yes: Calderon, Murphy, Phipps, Rediger, Strahle, Saunders 

7.04 Approve Tower Lease 

Wendy Dulakis, Finance Director asked the board to approve the new Tower Lease. 

It is the recommendation of the board to approve the lease for the tower for April 1, 2025-September 30, 2034 with the US Department of Justice Federal Bureau of Investigation for a monthly fee of $2,500-$3,261.93 (increased 3% annually) over the course of the agreement.  

Motion by Calderon, second by Murphy. 

Final Resolution: Motion Carries 

Yes: Calderon, Murphy, Phipps, Rediger, Strahle, Saunders 

7.05 Approve Resurfacing Bid for CES Parking Lot 

Mike Dobbs, Facilities Director asked the board to approve bid for Chatham Elementary Parking Lot Upgrade project to Kinney Construction. Dobbs shared that this was a part of the lot that needs to be replaced due to bus traffic, but will not need to be replaced where there is lighter traffic. Murphy indicated that this is possible with money from the 1% sales tax benefit.  

It is the recommendation of the board to approve the CES Parking Lot upgrade by Kinney Construction for $989,227.00. 

Motion by Phipps, second by Strahle. 

Final Resolution: Motion Carries 

Yes: Calderon, Murphy, Phipps, Rediger, Strahle, Saunders 

7.06 Approve GHS Baseball/Softball Dugout Upgrade Project 

Mike Dobbs, Facilities Director asked the board to approve the bid for the GHS Baseball/Softball Dugout Upgrade Project to Johnco Construction Co. The dugout also received one bid. This bid will replace the dilapidated dugout and scoreboard. The current GHS scoreboard will be moved to GMS to replace their existing scoreboard. The new GHS scoreboard will allow for more innings. The dugout will have heating. Murphy indicated that this project is not a want but a need. The dugout is in poor condition.    

Motion by Calderon, second by Murphy. 

Final Resolution: Motion Carries 

Yes: Calderon, Murphy, Phipps, Rediger, Strahle, Saunders 

7.07 Approve Waste Management/Recycling Services 

Mike Dobbs, Facilities Director asked the board to approve District Wide Waste Management and Recycling Services to Green for Life Environmental. There were four bids for waste management and recycling. There have been challenges in the past with current services through Republic Services. GFE will have a schedule that will provide better services with more trash pick ups.   

Motion by Strahle, second by Rediger. 

Final Resolution: Motion Carries 

Yes: Calderon, Murphy, Phipps, Rediger, Strahle, Saunders 

Information: 7.08 Election Results from April 1, 2025, Election and Proclaim Winners 

Action: 7.09 Selection of President Pro Tem 

To Elect Superintendent Dr. Becca Lamon as President Pro Tem for the purpose of electing a new board president.  

It is the recommendation of the board to approve Dr. Lamon as President Pro Tem. 

Motion by Murphy, second by Rediger. 

Final Resolution: Motion Carries 

Yes: Calderon, Murphy, Phipps, Rediger, Strahle, Saunders 

Action: 7.10 Adjourn Sine Die and Recognition 

Adjourn Sine Die Before the adjournment, Strahle shared gratitude for her time on the board. She shared to the new board that they should keep an open mind, and it is a huge responsibility, but worth it. Calderon shared that the balance of work, life, and board duties is very important. She thanked Saunders for her leadership and thanked the voters. Dr. Lamon also thanked the board.  

It is the recommendation of the board to adjourn.  

Motion by Phipps, second by Rediger. 

Final Resolution: Motion Carries 

Yes: Calderon, Murphy, Phipps, Rediger, Strahle, Saunders 

8. REORGANIZING THE BOARD 

8.01 Oath of Office for Board Members 

Ellen Lueking administered the Oath of Office with each new member reciting the Oath. 

8.02 Roll Call-New Board 

In attendance Joe Bolletta, Kelvin Coburn, Carrie Jeffries, Brent Kulavic, Lisa Lipe, Ryan Murphy, and Amanda Ostermeier.  

8.03 Election of Officers- President 

Kulavic nominated Murphy for President, seconded by Bolletta. No objection, the board clerk recorded a unanimous vote in favor.  

Final Resolution: Motion Carries 

Yes: Bolletta, Coburn, Jeffries, Kulavic, Lipe, Ostermeier, and Murphy 

8.04 Election of Officers- Vice President 

Coburn nominated Kulavic for Vice President, seconded by Murphy. No objection, the board clerk recorded a unanimous vote in favor. 

Final Resolution: Motion Carries 

Yes: Bolletta, Coburn, Jeffries, Kulavic, Lipe, Ostermeier, and Murphy 

8.05 Election of Officers- Secretary  

Bolletta nominated Coburn for Secretary, seconded by Kulavic. No objection, the board clerk recorded a unanimous vote in favor. 

Final Resolution: Motion Carries 

Yes: Bolletta, Coburn, Jeffries, Kulavic, Lipe, Ostermeier, and Murphy 

8.06 Approve Board Policies and rules and regulations of preceding Board of Education 

Murphy shared that it is the recommendation that the new board take action to adopt all board policy, rules and regulations ratified in their current text until future board action.  This is in accordance with board policy 2:020 Powers and Duties of the School Board; Indemnification.  

Moved by Jeffries, seconded by Ostermeier.  

Final Resolution: Motion Carries 

Yes: Bolletta, Coburn, Jeffries, Kulavic, Lipe, Ostermeier, and Murphy 

9. NEW BUSINESS 

9.01 Future Board Meeting Dates for 2025/26 SY 

It is recommended that the board approve the Regular meeting dates for the new school year 2025-2026.  

Moved by Bolletta, seconded by Lipe.  

Final Resolution: Motion Carries 

Yes: Bolletta, Coburn, Jeffries, Kulavic, Lipe, Ostermeier, and Murphy 

10. COMMUNICATIONS 

10.01 Technology Update 

Josh Mulvaney, Director of Technology, presented to the board the technology update. Mulvaney shared that much of what their department does is for the STEAM initiatives for the district. The department is comprised of administrators, tech assistants, and teachers. Currently there are projects that are being addressed. The copier lease, rotation of desktop computers, 1-1 chrome books and the infrastructure are important projects. In addition, there are projects for server and storage improvements, cybersecurity, and the STEAM LEGO afterschool program. The tech department relies on the board, administration, teachers and support IT to incorporate tech and make it relevant. Murphy added that the BCEF has been able to support technology funding with their donations. Kulavic asked what challenges, and support may be needed moving forward. Mulvaney shared that the upcoming projects need due diligence and help with grants. As the department plans for upcoming projects, they are aware that other needs can get in the way. Jeffries thanked the teaching staff and technology department.  

10.02 Future Board Meeting Dates for 2024/25 SY 

10.03 Citizens- Opportunity for Visitors to Address the School Board Concerning Any Topic 

11. ADJOURNMENT 

11.01 Adjournment from Regular Session to Closed Session 

It is recommended that the board adjourn.  

Moved by Jeffries, seconded by Bolletta.  

Final Resolution: Motion Carries 

Yes: Bolletta, Coburn, Jeffries, Kulavic, Lipe, Ostermeier, and Murphy 

Adjourn 8:00 PM

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