Chuck Lane

The board meeting included a closed session to discuss personnel matters. A public budget hearing was held concerning the amended budget for the 2022-2023 fiscal year, which was subsequently approved. Consent agenda items approved included financial reports for the period ending May 31, 2023, and staff travel analysis. Approval was granted for a facility use request from KSED for a Governing Board meeting in August 2023. Reports were provided on summer school conclusions, upcoming registration, staff hiring status, building painting projects, and the annexation addition project which is currently awaiting EPA clearance regarding a potential protected waterway. The board discussed the proactive consideration of purchasing Open Gate system metal detectors for enhanced security. Discussions also covered a potential transition to self-provided bus transportation for the 2023-2024 school year, anticipating the withdrawal of West Bus Service, and the potential leasing of buses from Central States. Finally, several resignations for aide, supervisor, and security guard positions for the end of the 2022-2023 school year or effective July 3, 2023, were accepted, and new personnel were employed for the in-school supervisor and welding teacher roles. Board policy reviews were tabled for the next meeting.

The meeting included a closed session to discuss the purchase or lease of property, followed by a resumption of open session. Consent agenda items approved included the Treasurer's report, budget analysis, Imprest Fund expenditures, Activity Fund accounts, cafeteria report for January 2021, and bills/payroll totaling $1,014,181.12. Discussions covered upcoming student council events such as the spring blood drive and Homecoming, which will be held during the school day. Reports from the Annex Principal detailed the virtual Tri-County Institute and ALICE training. The Principal reported on the end of the third quarter, Rotary honors ceremony adjustments, and Spring Break dates. Future hiring interviews for English and Special Education positions were mentioned. The Superintendent reported on the start of basketball season, state budget negotiations impacting Evidence Based Funding (EBF), and the success of the COVID-19 testing and vaccination clinic. Upcoming activities like Prom and Mayfete are being modified to adhere to capacity protocols, including holding Prom and award ceremonies during the day and live-streaming events. The board also discussed plans with the alumni association to purchase plaques honoring coaches and retiring jerseys for former athletes. A resolution concerning TRS was approved.

The meeting began with a closed session to discuss personnel matters, student discipline, and the appointment of a new board member, followed by resuming the open session. Agenda items approved by consent included the minutes from the July 28, 2022, meeting, the Treasurer's report, Imprest Fund expenditures, activity fund accounts for July 31, 2022, bills and payroll totaling $1,440,078.05, and a staff travel analysis. Key discussions included the annex principal introducing the new annex assistant principal, the principal's report detailing upcoming events like the Shrine Football Game and Homecoming, the launch of the 24/7 online tutoring program called Paper, and updates on the school safety crisis plan. The Superintendent reported current enrollment at 875 students and provided an update on increased state funding adequacy over five years. The board reviewed a tentative budget for the 2022-2023 fiscal year, which is set for final approval in September. A motion was passed to approve the FY '23 salary schedule with a 3.25% increase for certified and non-certified employees. A disciplinary action was taken to place a student at the Alternative Learning Academy instead of expulsion for threatening staff. Lance Marcum was appointed as a new board member to replace Butch Border. Authority was granted for the Superintendent to enter into a Solar Power Purchase Agreement with AGE, provided the rate does not exceed 4 cents/kWh. The board accepted two resignations and approved the employment of several staff members for the 2022-2023 school year, including aides, a security guard, a cafeteria worker, and a coach. Doug Jack was employed as the physical education department coordinator.

Key discussions included a presentation by the CHS Performing Arts Boosters president regarding opposition to the updated academic watch list policies, which were ultimately upheld by the administration and board. The board approved a consent agenda covering financial reports and bills totaling $2,241,878.50. Reports were provided by the student council, annex principal, and superintendent. The board approved a matching school maintenance grant, authorized curriculum changes for the 2026-2027 school year (including adding Personal Finance and separating Robotics courses), approved the second reading of numerous board policies, approved a new three-year bus lease agreement, placed one student at the Alternative Learning Academy in lieu of expulsion for gross insubordination, and employed volunteer and assistant coaches contingent upon required background checks. The board also rescheduled the November and December meetings due to holiday conflicts.

The Board meeting began with a closed session to discuss personnel and student discipline matters, followed by resuming open session. Consent agenda items approved included the minutes of the previous regular meeting, the treasurer's report, budget analysis, Imprest Fund expenditures, Activity Fund accounts, cafeteria report for the period ending October 31, 2025, and bills and payroll totaling $1,931,454.88. Key reports covered annex enrollment, CPI training schedules, main building semester exam schedules, and upcoming holiday breaks. The Superintendent presented a proclamation for "Coach Dick Carpenter Day," confirmed receipt of a deed for a building trades house project, and provided updates on school funding and Illinois school accountability measures. Technology integration initiatives involving AI and emerging technologies were presented. The Board approved the 12-year extension of the Centralia's downtown tax increment financing (TIF) district. The annual tax levy presentation proposed a 4.99% increase, which does not require a truth in taxation hearing. The school improvement plan was approved, and the FY'25 audit review was tabled. The Board approved the lowest bid of $737,000 from Rooters Asphalt for track resurfacing. Disciplinary actions were taken regarding two students: one concerning weapons and a vape, resulting in placement at the Alternative Learning Academy, and another concerning drugs, resulting in enrollment at American School. Volunteer assistant bass fishing coaches and a girls' assistant basketball coach were employed, contingent upon background checks.