Southern Illinois News

Community Unit School District #201 Board of Education met Jan. 9.

Here are the minutes provided by the board:

CALL TO ORDER 

On January 9, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. Vice-President Conover called to order the regular meeting of the Community Unit School District 201 Board of Education.

Roll Call Members Present: Jessica Radogno, Carlos Hevia, Angela Steketee, Kevin Marren, Leah Conover

Whitney Rogers arrived at 6:01 p.m.

Adina Hoover arrived at 6:16 p.m.

Members absent: None

Also present: Superintendent Jack Baldermann, Business Manager, Anthony Ruelli, the Superintendent’s Administrative Assistant, Shannon Cossairt.

Pledge of Allegiance 

Leah Conover led the Assembly in the Pledge of Allegiance.

CLOSED SESSION 

Motion by Ms. Radogno, second by Mr. Hevia, to enter closed session to discuss personnel issues, student discipline, and collective bargaining.

Ayes: Rogers, Conover, Hevia, Marren, Radogno, Steketee

Nays: None.

Motion Carries.

The Board entered closed session at 6:02 p.m.

The Board returned to open session at 7:15 p.m.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

December 19, 2023 

Motion by Ms. Conover, second by Mr. Marren, to approve the minutes of the December 19, 2023, regular meeting of the Board of Education, as presented.

Ayes: Rogers, Conover, Hevia, Marren, Radogno, Steketee, Hoover

Nays: None.

Motion Carried.

December 19, 2023 - Closed Motion by Mr. Marren, second by Ms. Steketee, to approve the minutes of the closed session of the December 19, 2023, regular meeting of the Board of Education, as presented

Ayes: Rogers, Conover, Hevia, Marren, Radogno, Steketee, Hoover

Nays: None

Motion Carried.

PUBLIC COMMENT 

No public comment at this time.

CONSENT AGENDA 

Motion by Ms. Conover, second by Ms. Radogno to approve the consent agenda as presented:

1. Personnel Recommendations

Ayes: Conover, Hevia, Marren, Radogno, Steketee, Hoover, Rogers

Nays: None.

Motion carried.

INFORMATION and DISCUSSION

Superintendent Evaluation - Review of IASB Hiring Contract

Ms. Conover reviewed with the Board the contract signed between them and the IASB for the Superintendent Search. The contract did allow for the Board to hold a workshop for them and the Superintendent. The Board took advantage of the offer and held a workshop in July of 2023. The Board would now like to look into training with the IASB on the superintendent evaluation process. The workshop would be an additional cost of $600. The Board agrees they would like to have the training, and will look into setting it up.

Budget Staffing Timeline 

Superintendent Baldermann shared with the Board the Budget Staffing Timeline.

Added Item: New Courses at WHS: AP French 4 and AP Spanish

The Board has decided to add one additional item to discussion: The addition of AP French 4 and AP Spanish 4 at Westmont High School.

Superintendent Baldermann, has shared with the Board the plans to add AP French 4 and AP Spanish 4 to the curriculum at WHS. He shares why there is a need for it and how it will fit into the curriculum maps. The courses will be presented to the Board on January 11, 2024 for any additional questions, and then for approval.

SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT

Communication 

Superintendent Baldermann is proud of the student behavior in all the schools. He is also thankful for all the hard work the staff has done in the last semester

FOIA Request 

There are no FOIA requests at this time.

BOARD REPORTS 

Kevin Marren would like to thank Mr. Landreth and Mr. Dunne from WHS. Mr. Marren joined them on the student trip downtown.

There was a large student turnout and everyone had a great time.

Angela Steketee and Leah Conover would like to remind everyone about the Illinois Reads Conference coming up on February 3, 2024. The event will need lots of volunteers.

PUBLIC COMMENT 

No public comment at this time.

FUTURE MEETINGS AND EVENTS

Special Meeting of the Board of Education - Equity Workshop 

January 11, 5:30 pm

South School

NHS Blood Drive

January 18, 8:00 am - 3:00 pm

WHS Auditorium

Preschool Screening - Contact South School to schedule an Appointment

January 18, 8:00 am - 3:00 pm

South School

PR/Strategic Plan Committee Meeting -Dual Language Road Map

January 22, 6:00 pm

South School

CUSD 201 Board Meeting

January 23, 6:00 pm

Westmont Village Hall

CLOSED SESSION 

Not needed at this time.

COMMUNICATIONS 

None at this time.

ADJOURNMENT 

Motion by Ms. Conover, second by Ms. Steketee, to adjourn the December 19, 2024, regular meeting of the Board of Education at 8:27 p.m.

Motion unanimously passed.

https://go.boarddocs.com/il/cusd201/Board.nsf/files/CZLUH67C163D/$file/1.9.2024%20Regular%20Minutes.pdf