Community High School District #71

BOARD OF EDUCATION
SPECIAL MEETING

Monday, November 6, 2017
6:00 PM

AGENDA

A special board meeting of the Board of Education of Central Community High School was held on November 6, 2017 at 6:00PM in the boardroom.

Members present were Mike Nettemeier, Dennis Meier (6:08PM), Mary Lou Voss, Sean Kennedy, Amy Kruse, and Tim Richter presided. Jeff Kampwerth was absent. Visitors included Todd Jones, Neil Hamon, Joe Lampe, Eric Chrostoski, Lisa Schulte and Kelly Ross.

Mr. Kevin Will from First Midstates was present to briefly discuss timeline of the upcoming events pertaining to the funding bonds. After a few questions a motion to approve the Consideration and action on a Resolution Authorizing General Obligation Debt Certificates (Limited Tax), Series 2017, of the District for the purpose of constructing additions and improvements to District facilities and authorizing the sale of said Certificates to the purchaser thereof was made by Richter, second by Kennedy. Roll call vote: Aye - Mike Nettemeier, Dennis Meier, Mary Lou Voss, Sean Kennedy, Amy Kruse, Tim Richter. Nay - None

Mr. Todd Jones was present to discuss more detail regarding options for the possible expansion/renovations. Todd will be meeting with the faculty members who are affected on Thursday to discuss more details.

The board adjourned at 7:52PM on a motion by Richter; second by Kruse. Roll call vote: Aye - Mike Nettemeier, Dennis Meier, Mary Lou Voss, Sean Kennedy, Amy Kruse, Tim Richter. Nay - None

Central Community High School District #71
7740 Old U.S. 50, Breese, IL 62230
BOARD OF EDUCATION
REGULAR MEETING
Monday, November 20, 2017 7:00 PM

AGENDA

The regular meeting of the Board of Education of Central Community High School was held on November 20, 2017 at 7:00PM in the boardroom.

Members present were Mike Nettemeier, Sean Kennedy, Mary Lou Voss, Amy Kruse and Jeff Kampwerth, Tim Richter. Dennis Meier was absent. Visitors included Kelly Ross.

The agenda was approved on a motion by Voss, second by Kruse. Roll call vote: Aye -Mike Nettemeier, Sean Kennedy, Mary Lou Voss, Amy Kruse, Jeff Kampwerth, Tim Richter. Nay - None

The minutes of the Special meeting on November 6, 2017 were approved on a motion by Voss ,second by Richter. Roll call vote: Aye -Mike Nettemeier, Sean Kennedy, Mary Lou Voss, Amy Kruse, Jeff Kampwerth, Tim Richter. Nay - None

The minutes of the previous meeting were approved on a motion by Kennedy, second by Kruse. Roll call vote: Aye -Mike Nettemeier, Sean Kennedy, Mary Lou Voss, Amy Kruse, Jeff Kampwerth, Tim Richter. Nay - None

The financial report was reviewed and accepted on a motion by Voss, second by Richter. Roll call vote: Aye -Mike Nettemeier, Sean Kennedy, Mary Lou Voss, Amy Kruse, Jeff Kampwerth, Tim Richter. Nay - None

Mr. Meyer reviewed some correspondence and information with the BOE.

As Technology Coordinator, Mrs. Lisa Wiegmann has again filed and been approved for E-rate funding and we have received confirmation that we will received both Category 1 Funds ($15,174) and Category 2 Funds ($9,795) this year. The Category 1 Funds can be utilized for Internet service for the school and Category 2 Funds have broader use such as hardware, firewall subscription, and other uses. Mrs. Wiegmann deserves a lot of credit for making this tedious application every year and ensuring our application is placed in the best position for qualification on these funds.

Over the past year members of the Career and Technical Education programs have been working on their segment of the Curriculum Study Cycle. Last December, they presented most of their recommendations to the Board for approval. Most of the CTE programs have developed plans for their curricular adoption and have implemented those this year. With a new instructor, the Health Occupations program is currently working on the Health Occ program and may make some changes to courses and sequence.

Mr. Meyer distributed a report that shows tax rate comparisons for many school districts in southern and central Illinois. The data shows our extremely low tax rate in comparison with all other districts. This is even with a combination of elementary levels with the Central rate. He also handed out a copy of last year's levy rates from schools in Clinton, Marion, and Washington Counties, that showed our very low tax rates and comparable figures given our large EAV and low sources of other revenue. He also distributed Per Capita Billing information from the Kaskaskia Special Education District for this school year. This provides us with the number of students that are within our district boundaries that attend Central and other private schools. Over seventy percent of the students residing in our district now currently attend school in our building while others make a different choice.
To continue our movement forward in obtaining funding for the projects, we will need to "adopt a resolution of intent to issue funding bonds" at the meeting. The Debt Certificate sale must be closed on or before this date in order for the Board to take action. Although we could utilize the funds from Debt Certificates it is suggested that they remain unspent until the entire process is closed. Following our action on Monday evening, Mr. Wills will publish a Notice of Intent to Issue Funding Bonds in the classified section of the paper and the waiting period will begin after publication date. This will last for thirty days with exception for it to not end on a weekend or legal holiday. A motion to adopt a Resolution of intent to issue funding bonds for the purpose of paying claims against the district was made by Kennedy, second by Richter. Roll call vote: Aye -Mike Nettemeier, Sean Kennedy, Mary Lou Voss, Amy Kruse, Jeff Kampwerth, Tim Richter. Nay - None

Mr. Meyer gave an update on developments in plans for the 2018-19 Renovations and Building Additions. He went into detail regarding the revisions and enhancements to plans for the various parts of the projects after our design review meetings with members of our staff since the Special Board Meeting on November 6th. Most of the information and further details on the HVAC Replacements and Outdoor Renovations will be forthcoming at our December meeting.

The Building Committee held its first annual meeting on Thursday, November 2ndin order to discuss potential projects and building issues. Obviously, the discussions were impacted greatly by the pursuit of the 18-19 Renovations and Building Additions. However, there are still matters to be accomplished within the Ten-Year Health Life Safety requirements and other non-related topics outside of those areas. We also discussed some parts of the project that may need to be accomplished outside of the scope of funding available.

A motion to approve the purchase of a Drivers Education vehicle from K&J Chevrolet for $14,885 was made by Richter, second by Kampwerth. Roll call vote: Aye -Mike Nettemeier, Sean Kennedy, Mary Lou Voss, Amy Kruse, Jeff Kampwerth, Tim Richter. Nay - None

Mr. Meyer briefly updated the BOE on the process of hiring Building Principal. The Screening Committee has an upcoming meeting to review and develop questions and procedures for the interview process as well. We will keep you posted on developments and discuss at the December meeting.

Mrs. Boeschen and I have worked to develop a preliminary tax levy for review. (The 2017 Tax Levy is for funding to be collected in 2018.) Mr. Meyer reviewed the tax levy and the process for everyone. He gave several options for this year's levy that will take into consideration our financial situation and long-term financial needs. Although at a smaller rate than in years past, our estimated assessed valuation continues to grow. As in the past, the process forces us to set our request at a higher level than will ever actually be extended to us. Unfortunately, this gives people the impression that what we will request is seen as a large actual increase in extension, while what we will actually receive is not the same level. A levy is simply a request that we make at an inflated level to ensure we access the revenue available according to the eventual assessment of property. We have always looked at trends from the past few years and see some inconsistency in assessment. Regardless, we still must maintain a goal to establish a levy request that garners our total revenue potential and, with little information on which to base this, it must be sufficient. A poor decision could mean a scenario that sets a request for funds too low and leaves potential dollars inaccessible. A decision to adopt a sufficient levy is crucial for a district such as Central because of increases in annual expenses, reliance on local revenue, and decline in General State Aid from the State of Illinois. Depending upon new Evidence Based Funding formulas, state funding levels may grow, but it is likely to be very limited growth and we will still likely grow in our dependence upon local tax revenues. A motion to approve a preliminary tax levy of 6.05% and set a Truth in Taxation hearing for December 18th at 6:45PM was made by Richter, second by Voss. Roll call vote: Aye -Mike Nettemeier, Sean Kennedy, Mary Lou Voss, Amy Kruse, Jeff Kampwerth, Tim Richter. Nay - None

Mr. Meyer received a renewal from Scheffel and Boyle Inc. to complete our annual audit for the 2018, 2019, and 2020 fiscal year audits. They are proposing a $200 increase each year of the contract. That will mean a cost of $8,200, $8,400, and $8,600 respectively. This is a low annual increase of approximately 2.5% per year for the contract and very competitive given the size and type of our budget and financial circumstances. We have worked with the people there for the past fourteen years. A motion to renew contract with Scheffel Boyle, Inc. for their audit services 2018-2020 as presented was made by Kennedy, second by Kruse. Roll call vote: Aye -Mike Nettemeier, Sean Kennedy, Mary Lou Voss, Amy Kruse, Jeff Kampwerth, Tim Richter. Nay - None

Mr. Meyer reviewed the Interactive Illinois Report Card (IIRC) system on the website. The system is presented in a very user friendly format and can give a great deal of information for everyone in an electronic presentation.

We have budgeted this year for the purchase of a new gator for maintenance and athletic purposes. Athletic Director, Mr. Neil Hamon has been looking at an alternative to utilizing the gator for dragging and prepping the Varsity Baseball, JV Baseball, and Softball Fields. We have been looking at the possibility of a more specific piece of equipment. (It's never been an appropriate use for the gator to dig and drag fields.) We are considering a "Field Groomer" that is designed for this purpose. We have obtained a commitment from the PAWS Organization to do a joint venture with us. This will greatly extend the life of the gator we currently have and provide a piece of equipment that is truly designed for the purpose. It will be a better tool for field preparation and take less time each day. A motion to authorize and seek proposals for a field groomer was made by Voss, second by Richter. Roll call vote: Aye -Mike Nettemeier, Sean Kennedy, Mary Lou Voss, Amy Kruse, Jeff Kampwerth, Tim Richter. Nay - None

A motion to approve overnight stay for the cheerleading program on January 12 and 13 was made by Kennedy, second by Kruse. Roll call vote: Aye -Mike Nettemeier, Sean Kennedy, Mary Lou Voss, Amy Kruse, Jeff Kampwerth, Tim Richter. Nay - None

A motion to approve retirement from Mr. Dirk Garrett, Golf Coach was made by Richter, second by Kampwerth. Roll call vote: Aye -Mike Nettemeier, Sean Kennedy, Mary Lou Voss, Amy Kruse, Jeff Kampwerth, Tim Richter. Nay - None

PRINCIPAL'S REPORT:

Congratulations to the Boys Soccer team for winning our Central hosted Regional Saturday, Oct. 14 Vs. Mt. Carmel. They were defeated in the Freeburg Sectional by Alton Marquette.

The Annual Fall Athletic Banquet was held on Wednesday, November 1^st at the Albers American Legion Hall. Over 450 meals were served as we honored the athletes in golf, x-country, soccer, volleyball, football, & football cheerleaders! What a great evening of fellowship and stories told by the coaches. Thanks to A.D., Neil Hamon, for organizing the event.

Our Cougar Band Director, Eric Chrostoski and the Cougar Band scheduled a performance tour of all feeder schools beginning Mon., November 13^th and Monday, November 20^th. What great ambassadors of Central High School the Cougar Band and their Director were on these two whirlwind days. Congratulations on your great performances!

The girls Alton Tipoff basketball tournament was last week. They have changed from the O'Fallon tournament of previous years. They defeated Springfield Lanphier, Alton Sr. High, And M.D. for the championship! Way to start the season Coach Rueter and girls! Boys are in Effingham at St. Anthony High School this week. Good luck to the boys as they begin their road to Peoria and the state finals. You can find their schedule on the Cougar Athletic Web Site.

The board adjourned the meeting on a motion by Voss; second by Richter at 9:02PM. Roll call vote: Aye -Mike Nettemeier, Sean Kennedy, Mary Lou Voss, Amy Kruse, Jeff Kampwerth, Tim Richter. Nay - None