CAT Tracks for April 16, 2004 BOE HOLDS REGULAR APRIL MEETING

The Cairo Board of Education held its regular monthly meeting on Thursday, April 15th...

The meeting was called to order at 6:04 p.m. with all members present. The agenda for the evening's meeting and the minutes for meetings held on March 18, March 29, and April 5 were quickly approved.

Superintendent Isom then informed the BOE of a series of workshops on "Targeting Achievement Through Governance" that were being presented by ISBE and he encouraged as many as could to attend. The superintendent also drew their attention to a "Student Discipline Law Bulletin" which presented the types of cases going to court and their outcome.

Speaking of law...

Superintendent Isom informed the BOE that IL Attorney General Lisa Madigan had issued a new policy...and expected it to be adopted by all Boards of Education by May 1, 2004. (The superintendent also informed the BOE that many Boards were placing the policy on reading and delaying adoption until after the May 1st deadline - because there is no penalty for noncompliance by said date.) The new policy calls for the BOE - for the first time in history - to adopt an "ordinance" as opposed to policy. As an "ordinance", violators can be prosecuted and fined/punished. Oh...the ordinance concerns acceptance of gifts by members of the BOE. Apparently (from comments made at the table), the ordinance also forbids political activity by BOE members. President Griggs strongly advised the members to read the proposed ordinance...so that they would not be "surprised" by its requirements. A motion was made and passed to place the "Gift Ban Ordinance" on reading.

Ilene Pierce next read the Treasurer's Report to the BOE. Payment of bills was tabled until "after closed session", apparently so that the BOE could discuss a bill concerning "Mr. Nelson". Payroll was approved without discussion. Superintendent Isom announced that the "Annual Audit of Federal and State Grants" was scheduled for April 26th.

Under "Plant (Buildings and Grounds)...Superintendent Isom recommended renewal of "Food Management Services" with Chartwell since they had submitted a proposal for a 2.3% increase - the maximum allowed by ISBE without seeking bids. The BOE approved the recommendation - at $436,606.05.

Next up: plumbing problems...apparently BIG EXPENSIVE PLUMBING PROBLEMS at CJSHS. Contrary to previous reports, repair work was not conducted during the Spring Break. Instead, a crew came in with camera equipment that could film the inside of the pipes to determine their condition and locate obstructions. By all accounts, it wasn't a pretty picture. After a brief discussion of possible solutions - none of which was easy - the consensus was that the architects needed to be contacted. They must determine what actually must be done so that bid specs can be drawn up and advertised. The initial hope was that work could begin in late May, immediately following the closing of school for the summer. After discussing the involvement of the architect and the need to bid the project, there is now concern whether the project can be completed prior to the scheduled opening of school next year. (FLASHBACK: The CHS roofing project that was supposed to be completed in the summer...that didn't start until after the opening of school...that gassed students and staff! No "deja vu"...PLEASE!!!) In a footnote to the plumbing discussions...Maintenance Supervisor Lorenzo Nelson was assigned a new task...the submission of a written report prior to each BOE meeting ("like those submitted by the principals") so that the BOE members will be better informed and prepared to ask questions.

Also under "Plant (Buildings and Grounds)" was a new policy on random drug testing for students who participate in extracurricular activities and/or drive to school. The policy was placed on reading. Also, BOE President Griggs (on behalf of Shawnee Community College) asked that SCC be allowed to use four classrooms at CJSHS during the summer for classes...as it had last year. The BOE approved. And, finally, Superintendent Isom informed the BOE that the District's Property and Casualty Insurance Policy had been renewed.

Under "Curriculum"...The principals were "on vacation", but written reports had been submitted for the BOE's review. The BOE then voted to renew its membership in IHSA for the coming school year - at no cost. There was brief discussion about the District's required response to IHSA - by May 15th - for the aftermath of the Boys Regional Basketball Tournament held at Massac County. Superintendent Isom stated that he was in the process of trying to secure a copy of the full game tape and pictures of the damage allegedly done to the locker room. The request had been made of Massac County officials, but they informed the superintendent that the requested items had been sent to IHSA. The superintendent has forwarded his request to IHSA.

Under "Personnel/Staff", the CAT was asked if it had any comments...the response was "No". Superintendent Isom then asked if the Association would be available for a "make-up meeting" on either Tuesday or Wednesday of next week for the meeting that was cancelled prior to Spring Break - the "finance meeting" consisting of bargaining team members of ALL unions. Wednesday, April 21st, was agreed upon.

Under "Suggestions and/or Questions (Patrons, Employees)", Tommy Ellis requested the opportunity to speak to the BOE in closed session. The BOE granted the request.

The BOE voted to go into closed session at 7:25 p.m. The BOE voted to exit closed session at 9:42 p.m.

Superintendent Isom made the following recommendations which were approved by the BOE:

*Re-employ all non-RIFed Certified Staff
*Re-employ all non-RIFed Educational Support Professionals
*Accept the resignation of Valerie Nance for the purposes of retirement
*To reduce in force Anitra Burris effective April 5th
*To pay bills as amended

The BOE voted to adjourn at 9:47 p.m.