page background

Board Meeting Summary

March 16th, 2022

Board MeetingSummaryMarch 16th, 2022

General Information

On March 16th, 2022 at 6:04 pm, President Snider called a special meeting to order. During the special meeting the BOE upheld the Superintendent's recommendation to suspend a Fulton parent for one year due to inappropriate behavior at a regional basketball game. At 6:33 pm, the Regular March board meeting was called to order. During board input President Snider shared information on the NW Division dinner to be held on April 6th in Dakota. Board members were asked to let the office know if they are able to attend by March 30th, 2022.


Visitors of the meeting were welcomed and asked if they wished to address the board. Deputy DeSpain, Lindsay Petty, Sara Swart, Architect Scott Johnson, and Project Manager Brandin Keltner. No one asked to address the board at this time.


In communications, the PreK board report was shared. A parent design plan of the proposed addition at EES was shared. The parent offered suggestions for classroom locations, doorway placement, and traffic flow. Superintendent Kashner shared with the board that it is obvious the time it took to provide this feedback and it is important that it is reviewed. He stated that he will review with the administrative team and architecht to review the suggestions.


Information regarding Old Business, New Business, and the Superintendent Report is listed below.


Meeting was adjourned at 8:53 p.m.

zoom_out_map

Old Business

In Old Business, the BOE approved moving forward with the EES addition, amended the 2022-2023 calendar, approved the 2023-2024 calendar, renewed the shared transportation agreement with Chadwick-Milledgeville, and authorized the Superintendent to spend up to $45,000 for a new minivan to used for transportation.


The district heard a presentation from our architect and project manager regarding the proposed EES addition. The proposed addition would add five classrooms, four office spaces, two group restroom spaces, a remodel of the upstairs to create six classrooms from five current ones, and new LED lighting. Additionally, the plan would call for a 75 stall parking lot at EES and a new student restroom at EJSHS. A concern was shared for the timeline of the project due to materials being delayed. Originally, the plan called for the addition to be completed in August 2023, and now it will be December 2023. As a result, Superintendent Kashner shared that if the district moves forward we would not move 6th grade back to EES until the 2024-2025 school year instead of moving mid-year. A discussion was held regarding moving forward with the plan to lock in pricing concerns and ultimately the BOE decided to move forward at this time.


The 2022-2023 calendar was amended to reflect a holiday on Tuesday, November 8th to allow for voting to take place. As a result, the district will now have a half day on Friday, November 4th and no student attendance on Monday, November 7th to allow for parent-teacher conferences.


The 2023-2024 calendar was approved to model the same format at the 2022-2023 calendar. A shared transportation agreement with Chadwick-Milledgeville was approved. Superintendent Kashner shared that he is proud of the working relationship the two districts have and how we support one another with transportation needs for alternative student placements. Last month, the District went out of bids for a new minivan. Unfortunately, the district did not receive any bids due to dealers not confident they could meet the timelines. As a result, the BOE authorized the Superintendent to purchase a minivan, not to exceed $45,000 for the upcoming school year. This vehicle will replace a vehicle that has over 150,000 miles.

zoom_out_map

New Business

In New Business, Superintendent Kashner shared the first draft of the 2022-2027 Eastland strategic plan. He commented that the plan will have five primary goals in the following areas: curriculum and instruction, health and wellness, transportation, facilities, and finances. Superintendent Kashner commented that the goals embedded in the plan will be reviewed on an annual basis to continue to guide our district. Field trips for elementary students were approved and the use of school facilities for summer baseball and softball were approved.
zoom_out_map

Superintendent Report

During the Superintendent report, Illinois Assessment of Readiness and SAT results for the 2020-2021 were shared. Superintendent Kashner shared that this is only one snapshot of the learning taking place, but he was incredibly proud of our students, teachers, and administrators for our scores.

Personnel and Job Vacancies

The BOE upheld the administration recommendation regarding student discipline.


Alexis Smith was hired as a long term substitute for April 2022 - May 2022. Chris Dertz was hired as an additional Junior High track coach.


The following non-tenure teacher contracts were renewed for the upcoming 2022-2023 school year: Kim Haverland, Dillion Eich, Zachary Hook, Carly Kupersmith, Jessica Merchant, Karin Myre, Lindsay Petty, Megan Smith, Cory Walters, Logan Gibbs, Ally Owen, Brenden Schultz, Jessica Stricker, Hannah Ludwig, Cara Huber and Sara Swart.


The following teacher contracts were renewed for the upcoming 2022-2023 school year while granting tenure per school code: Keta Foltz, Patrick Foltz, Wade Zuberbuhler, Heather Blackmore, Kimberly Blair, Tonia Blair, Christopher Dertz, Whitney Paulsen, Morgan Johnson, Anna Ludwig, and Jared McNutt. Per Illinois Code (105 ILCS 5/24-11), these renewals will result in the Board granting status of "continued contractual service", otherwise known as "tenure" , effective at the beginning of next school year.


All other certified staff contracts were renewed.