North Egypt News

Rome Community Consolidated School District 2 Board of Education met April 23.

Here is the minutes provided by the board:

1. The Rome Board of Education Meeting of April 23, 2019, was called to order by President Down with the roll call at 7:00 p.m.

2. Roll Call: Melynda Breeze: Absent, Amanda McKee: Present

John Burkett: Present, Wes Schumm: Present

Steve Down: Present, Kelly Tinsley: Present

Donna Fally: Present

Also in attendance were newly elected board members Michael Kroeschen and Aaron Woodrome, Teachers Julie Ohley, Krista Jackson, Meredith Fox, and Debbie Esser, Teacher Candidates Faith Gilchrist, Melina Launay, and Zachary Brookman, visitors Dwain Baldridge and Mike Moore, Principal Sarah Mellott, Superintendent Erik Estill, and Recording Secretary Mary Beth Voss.

3. Recognition from Employees and Public

Mrs. Esser thanked Donna Fally for her years of service on the Rome Board of Education and recalled many accomplishments over the years for which Donna played a large part. She reminded Donna of a book “The Magic of Our Teachers” that she personally gave to teachers many years ago and stated the book is a real treasure. Mrs. Esser extended her appreciation and that of the faculty/staff saying that Donna will truly be missed.

4. Superintendent Estill recognized out-going board members Donna Fally and Melynda Breeze. He extended his thanks and appreciation for their years (Donna, 24 and Melynda, 2) of dedicated service. He stated he enjoyed the time he worked with them and truly appreciates all the support he has been given in his new position as superintendent. Superintendent Estill presented Donna Fally with an engraved mantel clock in appreciation for her service and he reiterated Mrs. Esser’s sentiment that Donna would truly be missed. He commended Donna for her energy and drive to continue learning and growing and extended his appreciation of her support and for sharing her vast knowledge.

5. President Down recognized elected board members Michael Kroeschen, Kelly Tinsley, and Aaron Woodrome. He congratulated them on their election to the board.

A motion was made by Amanda McKee and seconded by Wes Schumm to adjourn the current Board of Education sine die.

The motion was approved. Time: 7:18 p.m.

1. Superintendent Estill stated that with the official business of the old Board now closed, he would serve as President pro tem for the nomination/election of the board president and Mary Beth Voss would serve as Secretary pro tem, to convene the new Board. He told members that the first order of business would be to select new officers.

2. The Rome School Board of Education Meeting of April 23, 2019, was called to order by Superintendent Estill at 7:20 p.m.

3. Roll Call: John Burkett: Present, Wes Schumm: Present

Steve Down: Present, Kelly Tinsley: Present

Michael Kroeschen: Present, Aaron Woodrome: Present

Amanda McKee: Present

4. Led by Superintendent Estill, Michael Kroeschen, Kelly Tinsley, and Aaron Woodrome recited the “Oath of Office” for new board members.

5. Organize the New Board of Education

a. Superintendent Estill stated that nominations were in order for the office of the President. Steve Down nominated Amanda McKee for the office of President for a two-year term. Receiving no further nominations and hearing no objection, Superintendent Estill declared Amanda McKee the President by acclamation.

Amanda McKee assumed the duty of presiding officer and conducted the remainder of the meeting.

b. President McKee stated that nominations were in order for the office of Vice President.

Steve Down nominated Kelly Tinsley and Aaron Woodrome nominated John Burkett for the office of Vice President for a two-year term. President McKee asked for a vote. Board members voted unanimously on Kelly Tinsley to serve as the vice president for a two-year term.

c. President McKee stated that nominations were in order for the office of Secretary. Kelly Tinsley nominated Wes Schumm for the office of Secretary for a two-year term. Receiving no further nominations and hearing no objection, President McKee declared Wes Schumm Secretary by acclamation.

d. Set a Time and Day for Regular Monthly Meeting

A motion was made by Michael Kroeschen and seconded by Wes Schumm to approve the Two- Year Board of Education Meeting Calendar, as amended, with meetings to begin at 6:00 p.m.

The motion was approved.

6. A motion was made by Steve Down and seconded by John Burkett to approve the March 19, 2019, Board Meeting Minutes as written.

The motion was approved.

7. A motion was made by Wes Schumm and seconded by Steve Down to approve the Financial Report as presented.

Vote: John Burkett: Yes, Wes Schumm: Yes

Steve Down Yes, Kelly Tinsley: Yes

Michael Kroeschen: Yes, Aaron Woodrome: Yes

Amanda McKee: Yes

The motion was approved.

8. A motion was made by Kelly Tinsley and seconded by John Burkett to approve the bills in the amount of $62,449.84.

Vote: JohnBurkett: Yes, Wes Schumm: Yes

Steve Down: Yes, Kelly Tinsley: Yes

Michael Kroeschen: Yes, Aaron Woodrome: Yes

Amanda McKee: Yes

The motion was approved.

9. A motion was made by Steve Down and seconded by John Burkett to approve the repayment of the Revolving Fund in the amount of $926.38.

Vote: John Burkett: Yes, Wes Schumm: Yes

Steve Down: Yes, Kelly Tinsley: Yes

Michael Kroeschen: Yes, Aaron Woodrome: Yes

Amanda McKee: Yes

The motion was approved

10. Recognition and Comments from Employees and Public

Donna Fally extended thanks to Superintendent Erik Estill and to Mary Beth Voss for all of their hard work for the district and for their work with the board. She stated she is proud of the new board and encouraged them to work together and to attend workshops and trainings which will be a great benefit to each member. Mrs. Fally presented a book she received from her fellowship with the IASB to President McKee, stating it’s an excellent book filled with a wealth of information for board members. She respectfully requested that each member read the book. She stated it will be very helpful in informing them about their role as board members and added it would be a great benefit to each member to familiarize themselves with the Robert’s Rules of Order. She extended her appreciation for the opportunity to serve on the board for so many years and wished the current board well in all endeavors.

11. Unfinished Business

a. A motion was made by John Burkett and seconded by Steve Down to approve carpet installation by Southern Illinois Tile and Carpet Supply Inc., Mt. Vernon, IL for four classrooms at a cost of $8,423.40, using bond proceeds from the Working Cash Fund.

Vote: Wes Schumm: Yes, Michael Kroeschen: Yes

John Burkett: Yes, Aaron Woodrome: Yes

Kelly Tinsley: Yes, Amanda McKee: Yes

Steve Down: Yes

The motion was approved.

b. A motion was made by Steve Down and seconded by Kelly Tinsley to approve carpet installation by Southern Illinois Tile and Carpet Supply Inc., Mt. Vernon, IL for the gym entrance and the library entrance at a cost of $3,824.38, using bond proceeds from the Working Cash Fund.

Vote: Kelly Tinsley: Yes, John Burkett: Yes

Aaron Woodrome: Yes, Steve Down: Yes

Wes Schumm: Yes, Michael Kroeschen: Yes

Amanda McKee: Yes

The motion was approved

c. A motion was made by Wes Schumm and seconded by Steve Down to approve the permanent transfer of funds from the Working Cash Fund to the Building Fund in the amount of $12,500.00 for capital outlay expenses.

Vote: Steve Down: Yes, Amanda McKee: Yes

Michael Kroeschen: Yes, Kelly Tinsley: Yes

John Burkett: Yes, Aaron Woodrome: Yes

Wes Schumm: Yes

The motion was approved.

6. New Business

a. A motion was made by Steve Down and seconded by John Burkett to approve the asbestos removal proposal from NES Environmental, at a total cost of up to $24,999.00.

Vote: John Burkett: Yes, Aaron Woodrome: Yes

Steve Down: Yes, Kelly Tinsley: Yes

Michael Kroeschen: Yes, Amanda McKee: Yes

Wes Schumm: Yes

The motion was approved

b. A motion was made by Steve Down and seconded by Aaron Woodrome to approve the air monitoring and update of our books with the State by Environmental Consultants, Collinsville, IL at a cost not to exceed $4,250.00.

Vote: Kelly Tinsley: Yes, Steve Down: Yes

Aaron Woodrome: Yes, John Burkett: Yes

Amanda McKee: Yes, Wes Schumm: Yes

Michael Kroeschen: Yes

The motion was approved.

c. A motion was made by John Burkett and seconded by Wes Schumm to authorize the superintendent to apply for the Maintenance Grant.

The motion was approved.

d. A motion was made by Wes Schumm and seconded by Steve Down to approve Tom Copple to continue the lawn maintenance of the school property for an additional two years (through June, 2021), at a cost of $200.00 per mowing.

Vote: Michael Kroeschen: Yes, Aaron Woodrome: Yes

Amanda McKee: Yes, John Burkett: Yes

Wes Schumm: Yes, Steve Down: Yes

Kelly Tinsley: Yes

The motion was approved

e. A motion was made by Kelly Tinsley and seconded by Steve Down to approve Brylie Brands, daughter of Robert and Anne Brands, as an eighth grade tuition student for the 2019- 2020 school year.

The motion was approved.

f. A motion was made by Kelly Tinsley and seconded by John Burkett to approve the refinishing of the gym floor by Doulos Floor Finishing LLC, Mt. Vernon, IL at a cost of $1,556.10.

Vote: Kelly Tinsley: Yes, John Burkett: Yes

Wes Schumm: Yes, Steve Down: Yes

Michael Kroeschen: Yes, Aaron Woodrome: Yes

Amanda McKee: Yes

The motion was approved.

g. A motion was made by Steve Down and seconded by John Burkett to approve the continuance of a subscription with Common Goal Systems Inc., Lake Forest, IL for SchoolInsight (attendance, grade reporting, and lunch) and TeacherEase (grade book) web-based programs for the 2019-2020 school year at a cost of $4,727.10.

Vote: John Burkett: Yes, Wes Schumm: Yes

Steve Down: Yes, Amanda McKee: Yes

Michael Kroeschen: Yes, Aaron Woodrome: Yes

Kelly Tinsley: Yes

The motion was approved

h. A motion was made by Wes Schumm and seconded by Kelly Tinsley to approve an increase of lunch fees for the 2019-2020 school year from $1.75 per paid student lunch to $1.85 per paid student lunch, which is required as a result of the USDA audit performed recently by Kim Nesler, ISBE auditor.

The motion was approved.

i. A motion was made by Wes Schumm and seconded by John Burkett to adjourn to closed session to consider the appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific employees, potential legal matters, or private student issues.

The motion was approved. Time: 8:06 p.m.

A motion was made by Kelly Tinsley and seconded by Wes Schumm to return to open session. The motion was approved. Time: 9:18 p.m.

A motion was made by Wes Schumm and seconded by Kelly Tinsley to approve the Principal Employment Contract for Sarah Mellott as amended.

Vote: Steve Down: Yes, John Burkett: Yes

Aaron Woodrome: Yes, Michael Kroeschen: Yes

Amanda McKee: Yes, Kelly Tinsley: Yes

Wes Schumm: Yes

The motion was approved.

j. A motion was made by John Burkett and seconded by Aaron Woodrome to adopt the resolution to employ Faith Gilchrist as a Kindergarten Teacher for the 2019-2020 school year.

Vote: John Burkett: Yes, Wes Schumm: Yes

Steve Down: Yes, Kelly Tinsley: Yes

Michael Kroeschen: Yes, Aaron Woodrome: Yes

Amanda McKee: Yes

The motion was approved.

k. A motion was made by Wes Schumm and seconded by Steve Down to adopt the resolution to employ Melina Launay as a Fifth Grade and PE Teacher for the 2019-2020 school year.

Vote: Wes Schumm: Yes, Steve Down: Yes

John Burkett: Yes, Michael Kroeschen: Yes

Aaron Woodrome: Yes, Amanda McKee: Yes

Kelly Tinsley: Yes

The motion was approved

l. A motion was made by Michael Kroeschen and seconded by John Burkett to adopt the resolution to employ Zach Brookman as a Fifth Grade and PE Teacher for the 2019-2020 school year.

Vote: Kelly Tinsley Yes, Amanda McKee: Yes

Wes Schumm: Yes, John Burkett: Yes

Steve Down: Yes, Aaron Woodrome: Yes

Michael Kroeschen: Yes

The motion was approved

10. Superintendent’s Report

a. The Art of School Boarding by Jim Burgett

Superintendent Estill presented each member with this book purchased from the Illinois Association of School Boards stating it has some great information for all board members. He encouraged members to read the book.

b. IAR Update

Superintendent Estill stated that students have completed the Illinois Assessment of Readiness testing. Test scores will be shared when available.

c. Health Fair

Superintendent Estill reminded members that the Annual Health Fair would take place at Rome on Friday, April 25, and he invited members to attend.

d. Teacher Appreciation Week

Superintendent Estill informed members that Teacher Appreciation Week takes place May 6 – May 10, and stated the district and the PTO have planned events for each day of the week. He informed members that the board would be providing a Subway lunch on Tuesday, May 7, and invited members to attend.

e. FJSPED Conference n Orlando

Superintendent Estill informed members that he would be attending the Special Education Law Conference in Orlando from May 4 through May 8. Just as last year, the majority of the cost is being paid by the Special Education District.

f. Jefferson County Junior Achievement (JA)

Superintendent Estill informed members that he attended a meeting on the Junior Achievement Program (JA) being offered through the Jefferson County Development Corporation. He stated that he has been involved in the JA Program in the past and it is an excellent program in which students learn to build useful business skills. Estill said that more information would be forthcoming.

g. Annual IASB/IASA/IASBO Joint Annual Conference (November 22-24)

Superintendent Estill stated that registration for the annual conference would open in early June. He asked members to be prepared to let him or Mary Beth Voss know if they plan to attend and whether spouses or children will attend with them. The names of all attending are needed for the registration. If possible, a reply at the May board meeting is appreciated or, at the very latest, the end of May.

h. IASB Egyptian Division Governing Meeting on Tuesday, May 7

Superintendent Estill stated the dinner meeting will take place at Bandana’s in Mt. Vernon on Tuesday, May 7, with dinner at 6:30 p.m. and the business meeting following directly after. He asked members to let Mary Beth Voss know if they plan to attend.

i. SIU Instructor Compliments Rome Faculty and Staff

Superintendent Estill shared a complimentary email he received from Ann Garrett, SIU Instructor. Ms. Garrett came to Rome School to observe a student teacher from SIUC. She complimented Martha Miller for her warm welcome, Mrs. Kirsch, cooperating teacher for being a wonderful educator and great help to her student teacher, the cafeteria staff, and our highly professional and energetic staff. She stated that Rome students are fortunate to go to school every day where the climate is so welcoming and inclusive.

j. Miscellaneous

Superintendent Estill commended Nurse April Minor for all of her work and planning for the annual Health Fair. He stated Rome is lucky to have her and that she does an amazing job. He informed members that the Chromebooks for grades K-2 have arrived and all classrooms are now equipped with Chromebooks. Estill stated the Schweinfurth Grant application was approved and the district will receive $6,000 to use toward the band drum line.

11. A motion was made by John Burkett and seconded by Wes Schumm to adjourn the meeting at 9:30 p.m.

The motion was approved.

https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/365280/April_23__2019_Board_Meeting_Minutes.pdf