CAT Tracks for June 18, 2004 NEW SUPERINTENDENT NAMED

According to a first-hand report filed by our own DEdicated DEpendable CAT Reporter, we missed out on a fairly interesting installment of "As the District Churns"...

Prior to the Regular June Meeting of the Cairo Board of Education, a public hearing was conducted on the amended budget (2003-2004) for Cairo School District Number One. Board members present for the hearing (and the subsequent BOE meeting) were Griggs, Burris, Jones, Posey, Huff, and Goodin.

The public hearing was called to order at 6:05 p.m.

According to the amended budget, administrative costs decreased 5% for this past year. Other changes/modifications were noted. There were no questions or comments from those in attendance.

The public hearing was adjourned at 6:11 p.m.

The regular meeting was called to order at 6:13 p.m.

A motion was made and passed to approve the agendas for the regular and closed meetings.

Superintendent Isom acknowledged the presence of FOP member Sam Harbin and FOP administrator Lee Rogers. Also in attendance was one of the District's attorneys, Gene Hanses.

Under "Correspondence":

* Board member Posey was reappointed Treasurer for the coming fiscal year.
* It was noted that "Make a Difference Day" had been a successful endeavor.
* The IASB/IASA/IAASBO 72nd Joint Annual Conference will be held on Nov. 19-21, 2004. Board members were encouraged to make reservations.
* Superintendent Isom informed the BOE that some revised policies were put on reading in September but never approved. He recommended their approval. The motion was made and passed.

Next up...a surprise hearing involving Lorenzo Nelson and Delbert Irish...held in open session!?

District Attorney Gene Hanses took the podium and explained that the hearing involved allegations by Lorenzo Nelson brought to Dr. Isom on June 4, 2004. Attorney Hanses stated that Mr. Nelson had also submitted correspondence on May 3, 2004. Attorney Hanses explained that this was an informal hearing process - that both parties would present arguments. At issue was School Board Policy 830.02 - public conduct on school property. Attorney Hanses identified Mr. Nelson as a district employee - Maintenance Supervisor and indicated that a letter was issued to bring this matter to the BOE.

Attorney Hanses stated that on 5/3/04, Mr. Nelson came to Dr. Isom with two complaints of harassment by Mr. Irish. He indicated that Dr. Isom had spoken with both, but to no end. Dr. Isom referred the dispute to the BOE so that both sides could be heard and to determine whether action needed to be taken. Attorney Hanses concluded his remarks by stating that on 11/18/03 and 5/3/04, allegations were brought to Dr. Isom by Mr. Nelson.

Mr. Nelson then spoke. He stated that there had been an ongoing situation between him and Mr. Irish for some time - even as far back as when Dr. Wright was principal. Mr. Nelson stated that Mr. Irish had a serious conflict with him and that witnesses have seen Mr. Irish's behavior. Mr. Nelson alleged that Mr. Irish was seen shouting obscenities in front of children and threatening him. Mr. Nelson indicated that he was seeking the Board's help to rectify this situation - that he wants this to stop. Mr. Nelson closed his remarks by stating that a complaint had been filed with the State’s Attorney.

Attorney Hanses asked Mr. Nelson whether he had followed up with the State’s Attorney. Mr. Nelson responded: "Yes."

Mr. Irish then spoke. He stated that he knew of one incident, but didn't know about others. Mr. Irish further stated that Mr. Nelson was not on school property when the alleged incidents happened. He indicated that these were personal problems. Mr. Irish concluded his remarks by stating that the reports with the State’s Attorney have been dropped.

Attorney Hans asked Mr. Irish if he had said that the reports with the State's Attorney had been dropped. Mr. Irish responded: "Yes."

Mr. Irish then accused Dr. Isom of filing the complaint. Dr. Isom said that he did not.

Attorney Hanses told the BOE that it had three main options:

1. Adopt recommendation.
2. Not adopt recommendation.
3. Get more information and schedule a hearing at a later date.

A motion was made to let the State’s Attorney handle the matter. The motion passed. Attorney Hanses concluded the hearing by suggesting that the Superintendent contact the State’s Attorney.

(At 7:00 p.m., Attorney Hanses leaves.)

Turning to "Finance"...

* The Treasurer’s Report was presented. A motion was made and passed to accept the report.
* A motion was made and passed to pay bills and payroll.
* The Superintendent reported that the District had received a check for $5,000 from a SIDEZ grant to purchase a maintenance vehicle.
* The Superintendent informed the BOE that the law firm of Robbins, Schwartz, Nicholas, Lifton & Taylor, Ltd. had notified the District that their hourly rates for legal services were going to increase from $125 per hour to $140 per hour. Dr. Isom indicated that he felt this was reasonable and that the BOE should approve. When asked, FOP Administrator Mr. Rogers said he had no comment.
* The Superintendent informed the BOE that the Worker’s Comp premium was $31,000 last year, but that it would increase to $34,074 this year. A motion was made and passed to pay the premium.

Next up: Plant (Buildings and Grounds)...

* A motion was made and passed to adopt the Alexander County Prevailing Wage for June 2004
* Superintendent Isom recommended that the BOE have Pat Webster do repair work at CHS/CJHS for $9,500 in the kitchen. The Superintendent indicated that there was a need to replace the grease trap also - another $3,000. A motion was made and passed to do both jobs for an amount not to exceed $12,000.

Under "Curriculum"...

* Principal Williams asked the BOE to consider having some classes weighted. The Superintendent indicated a need to consider the matter further.
* Measured Progress - Illinois Alternate Assessment. Only 1 or 2 students, but did progress.
* A motion was made and passed to approve the Parent-Student Handbook for Cairo Elementary Schools.

As for "Student Matters"...

* The Superintendent reported that he had received a letter from Martin Hickman, Executive Director of IHSA. The letter indicated that the matters related to the Boys Basketball Regional Finals at Massac County were on hold until October or November.
* Superintendent Isom indicated that he had received requests from three high school students for early graduation. Principal Williams indicated that the named students had fulfilled the criteria. A motion was made and passed to allow the early graduations.

Under "New Business", Buddy Mitchell asked to speak to the BOE in closed session.

When President Joe Griggs asked if there were any "Suggestions and/or Questions from Patrons or Employees", Terri Childs asked to speak to the BOE in closed session.

The BOE voted to go into closed session at 8:12 p.m. The BOE voted to exit closed session at 9:21 p.m.

The Superintendent made the following recommendations:

* Eliminate "looping" as a transition from Montessori.
* Require a list of all potential retentions to be presented to the BOE at end of the 3rd quarter.
* Accept the resignation of Anitra Burris as of 5/30/04.
* Recall Helen Green for the 2004-05 school year at Bennett School.
* Hire additional help at the District Office for the month of July.
* Recall Tammy Terry – TAEP Grant Case Worker.
* Accept Viola Brown’s resignation as of 5/21/04.
* Recall custodian at CHS - McArthur Lyas.
* Hire Eleanor Newton for 20 days for At Risk Program.
* Extend Petrie Stanback’s contract for 24 days.
* Extend Marsha Cook’s contract through 6/30/04.
* Hire Ed Huff for Cop In School program.
* Hire Sam Harbin as consultant for 6/20-6/30.
* Hire Sam Harbin as interim Superintendent - 7/1/04-6/30/05.
* Approve amended budget for 2003-04.

The BOE voted to adjourn at 9:35 p.m.