CAT Tracks for November 19, 2003 CAIRO BOE REGULAR NOVEMBER MEETING

Due to heavy rains, the bathrooms were "iffy" (Use at your own risk sign in place!) and the ceiling tiles had collapsed in the alcove leading to the superintendent's office. But, the show went on...

Present for roll call...Griggs, Jones, Posey, Huff, and Gooden. (Mallory arrived at 6:14 p.m.)

Agendas and minutes were approved without discussion. Under "Correspondence", the Superintendent reported that a bill that would have required a defibrillator (and someone trained to operate same) in all schools was defeated in the General Assembly's veto session. He also reminded the Board that, beginning in January 2004, all closed sessions of the BOE must be recorded verbatim. The final comment was about "party invites" from various vendors at the annual School Board Convention to be held later this week. (That's why this meeting was moved to Tuesday from the originally scheduled Thursday.)

Director of Finance and Payroll Ilene Pierce was called upon to read the treasurer's report. The report was accepted and payment of bills/payroll was approved without question/comment.

The next item on the agenda (Audit Information - Kemper CPA Group) was delayed pending the arrival of the representative. (Later in the meeting, he gave his report and stated that no "exceptions" had been found. Superintendent Isom had indicated earlier that it had been a "clean audit".)

The superintendent reported that approval of the "Tax Levy" needed to be tabled...that after adding the expenditures for the oversight panel, the levy would exceed 105% of the previous year. By statute, a "proof of taxation hearing" was required...to be held on December 16th at 5:45 p.m.

Next up..."Sale of Prudential Stock". The superintendent reported that the District had found a mechanism to sell Prudential stock that it was not legally entitled to hold. Later in the agenda, the superintendent asked for and got the approval of the Board to sell the (already sold) stock.

Sub pay up... In response to actions taken by surrounding districts and reflecting our difficulty in getting substitute teachers, the superintendent recommended and the BOE approved raising the pay from $60 to $70, effective January 1, 2004. (After 15 consecutive days in the same position, the rate of pay will go from the current $75 to $85.)

New dishwashers for all buildings... The superintendent confirmed his earlier speculation that the dishwashers at all three attendance centers needed to be replaced...that they were "original equipment". He expressed his belief that all three could be purchased for less than $20,000...but that since the cost would exceed $10,000 that the job needed to be bid. He asked for and got the BOE's authorization to do so.

Basketball practice... The superintendent stated that the District had received tentative approval to use St. Joseph's gym as a practice facility. He also reported that the insurance company had given approval for the District to use the old CJHS gym for practice. He further reported that he had talked to Pat Webster about installing cut-off valves so that the gym could be heated without heating the main building...a concern expressed in earlier discussions.

Under "Other"... Board President Joe Griggs called upon the superintendent to do whatever was necessary to determine who was responsible for the plumbing problems in the Central Office restrooms...the District or the city...so that it could be determined what needed to be done and by whom...that the current situation was a health safety issue.

Under "Curriculum", principals reported on conditions and activities at their respective buildings. Things seemed to be relatively quiet, but both elementary principals repeated their plea for a school nurse.

Moving on to "Student Matters". A couple of parents of junior high students expressed concern about the lack of time some children had to each lunch, asking that they be given time to do so rather than having to "gulp" their food or throw it away. Principal Connie Williams indicated that the situation had been corrected, but that she would revisit the matter and do whatever was necessary to rectify any problems. She did emphasize that care needed to be taken in just announcing more time because junior high students would then take advantage of the situation...filling the void.

Another matter caused some discussion and disagreement among Board members...that being the annual letter sent to parents of non-high school (now non- Jr./Sr. High School students). Namely, that parents (or some other responsible adult) must accompany children to the games and be responsible for their actions, rather than "dropping them off" for babysitting service. Some Board members and the superintendent expressed a lack of knowledge of the letter and concern for some of its content. Finally, Board President Griggs stated that if the letter was "out there", it needed to be approved by the Board. A vote was called and the measure passed.

Next was "Personnel/Staff". The CAT had no comment and the other unions were not represented. BOE President Griggs then called upon CAT President Ron Newell to provide information...to explain "something that was handed me today"...the something being the November 18th edition of the CAT Tracks which related the continuing frustration of CSD #1 employees concerning paycheck errors. The superintendent indicated that he had no knowledge of any paycheck errors this month, but that he "had been out of the office most of the day." I indicated to President Griggs and Superintendent Isom that it was my understanding that the errors had already been reported. Stating that "this doesn't make us look good", President Griggs asked that I provide specifics to the superintendent of the paycheck errors alluded to in the Association newsletter. I indicated that I would do so (and have by letter of this morning. In that letter, I noted that evidence of errors is well documented and that if there were any doubts as to the validity of the Association's assertions, that he should feel free to talk to employees...and get a feel for the deep-seated frustration over repeated errors and the reluctance to admit/fix same.)

Under "Other", the District voted to reinstate its "Nepotism Policy" as per agreement. (Not being privy to the "agreement", I'll have to get back to you on this one. I do know that the CAESP filed a ULP against the District over the hiring of a family member to work in the Central Office...and trying to "fix" same by passing a "one time waiver" after the fact. However, I do not know if these two issues are related. So, stay tuned.)

Into "Closed Session" at 8:27 p.m. Out at 11:23 p.m.

The superintendent made the following recommendations which were approved by the BOE...

The Board voted to adjourn at 11:29 p.m.