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Board Meeting Summary

May 17th, 2023

Board MeetingSummaryMay 17th, 2023

General Information

President Snider called the Regular Meeting to order at 6:33 pm. After roll call, the Board approved the May 17th, 2023 agenda. The BOE approved the consent agenda consisting of the minutes from the April meetings, bills and payroll, and designating Dr. Kashner as the fiscal agent for the district.


During Board input the BOE reviewed a first draft of proposed 2023-2024 meeting dates. Dr. Kashner shared that the district typically meets on the 3rd Wednesday of the month, but he is proposing three changes for the months of July 2023, August 2023, and June 2024. He suggested moving those three months to the last Wednesday of the month as moving the date back in those months will allow for additional time for budget allotment. President Snider asked members to review their schedules and provide input for final approval next month. Dr. Kashner shared that graduation will take place on Sunday, May 21st at 1 pm and the end of the year staff breakfast will be on Tuesday, May 30th at 8 am.


The BOE recognized guests Lonny and Rachael Nielsen. Elementary Principal King recognized kindergarten teacher Mrs. Nielsen for being selected as a teacher of distinction by the local Regional Office of Education. Principal King stated that Mrs. Nielsen is a constant supporter of kids needs and is willing to do whatever is necessary for student success in and out of the classroom. Mrs. Nielsen thanked Ms. King and her husband for support and the BOE for the recognition. Mrs. Nielsen also spoke on how she loves the kids, the district, parents, and the administration for all of their support. The BOE thanked Mrs. Nielsen for her work and congratulated her on this terrific honor and stated how well deserved it is.


During communications, Dr. Kashner shared a thank you note from the Carroll County Transit for a fundraising donation and the BOE thanked the PTO for their work in hosting a Color Run. Multiple BOE members commented on how well the event was run and how the community is looking forward to the event continuing for several years to come.


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


Meeting was adjourned at 8:32 pm.

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Old Business

In Old Business, the BOE:



  1. approved the 2023-2024 school fees. Lunches will increase by 10 cents per the recommendation from the State of Illinois, while instructional fees will remain consistent at $50.00.
  2. approved adding a graphic design course for 2023-2024 for 9-12 grade students. Dr. Kashner shared that this course will teach valuable skills in a very marketable area. Amongst other skills, this course will also incorporate concepts of the yearbook and marketing principles. Principal Burkholder commented that through an interest survey, over 14 students had expressed interest in the course. Member Dunlap and Vice President Preston asked if this would correlate with the Whiteside Graphic Design Course. Principal Burkholder stated that this would be in addition to as this will give students the opportunity to explore graphic design to determine if they want to enroll in the course at Whiteside. Member Martz asked if this would increase staffing needs. Dr. Kashner shared that through rearranging the schedule, no additional staff would be required and a staff member has already expressed interest in teaching this course.
  3. approved the food cooperative bid with Northern Illinois Independent Purchasing Cooperative as has been the case for years. Dr. Kashner commented that Mrs. McLain does a terrific job in securing best prices and is happy to be in a cooperative to assist with buying power. Member Waller asked if this effects local produce agreements. Dr. Kashner stated that this is for the main entrees and that a priority to source local produce will be kept.
  4. approved soliciting fuel bids for the 2023-2024 school year. Bids will be due by Thursday, June 1st.
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New Business

In New Business the BOE:


  1. heard a first reading on PRESS policy review recommendations for 2:110, 3:40, 4:60, 5:30, 5:90, 5:125, 5:150, 5:260, 6:135, 6:230, and 8:20.
  2. heard a first reading of the parent-student academic and athletic handbooks. Dr. Kashner thanked the committee led by Mrs. Burkholder for their efforts and highlighted a few of the proposed changes. Pending board approval, students in grades 4-12 will no longer be required to use school issued backpacks. This was based on a recommendation from the technology department as most backpacks now include protective padding for devices and this allows students the freedom of choice. Students that would like to still utilize the backpacks from the school will be able to.
  3. approved a resolution to abate working cash funds to move into Operations and Maintenance fund to pay for construction costs. Dr. Kashner stated that this is not new money and by school code, you cannot spend out of working cash and thus a transfer of money to another fund is required.
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Superintendent Report

In the Superintendent Report:


  1. Dr. Kashner shared a request from a community member regarding junior high cheerleading. He stated that Eastland used to have junior high cheerleading, but like most districts in the area, have not had the numbers or a consistent coach to continue. Through a discussion with the BOE, it was decided to determine if there is enough student interest to bring the program back as they want to provide opportunities for students. Member Heckman suggested that it is possible that a junior high program will help drive interest in the high school program. Dr. Kashner will ask his team to survey current junior high students for interest and present his findings at the June board meeting.
  2. Dr. Kashner highlighted potential staffing changes for the 2023-2024 school year. He is going to monitor class sizes to determine recommendations for specific grades on whether an additional section is needed. Additionally, he shared a proposal that would allow a staff member to retire mid-year without disrupting student learning. Dr. Kashner recognized that teacher stating that she has been terrific for kids and wants to help in the transition to make it as smooth as possible. The district will be posting for a reading teacher at the elementary level and will have two interventionists at the elementary level until mid-year when the current reading interventionist retires. Dr. Kashner stated that this will provide additional support for our students and the district will make good use of this time.

Personnel and Job Vacancies

The following personnel options were approved:


New Hires:


  1. Carson Heckman - Summer Technology
  2. Brighton Haverland - EPC Football Assistant Coach
  3. Matt Leitzen - Volunteer EPC Football Coach
  4. Kevin Howell - Volunteer EPC Junior High Football Coach
  5. Tim Pauley - Volunteer EPC Junior High Football Coach


Resignations:


  1. Devin Servin - EPC Junior High Football Coach


Postings


  1. Elementary Teacher
  2. Instructional Aide
  3. EPC Junior High Football Coach