Concerned citizens speak at Chester school board meeting
</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[The Board of Education of Chester Community Unit School District No. 139 met in the Chester School District Unit Office on April 16, 2009. President Rock called the Regular Meeting to order at 7 p.m.
Alisa Herrell spoke with the Board about the 4th grade teaching position.
Adam Gibbs spoke with the Board about district cutbacks on non-certified employees, snow days being taken away from non-certified, the stimulus money and the 4th grade teaching position.
Rosie Tindall spoke with the Board about the concerns of possibly cutting teacher aides.
Kyle Koeneman spoke with the Board about teacher aides being cut, the 4th grade and 1st grade teaching positions and the stimulus money.
The Board received an invitation to the Co-op Dinner.
Kevin Heid from First Midstate presented the Board information for the HLS and Working Cash Bond Sales.
Mr. Lochhead, Alisa Herrell, Curt Meyer, Maddison Hoffman, and Karson Colvis presented the Smart Table to the Board.
Todd Jones from Meverts discussed the Health Life Safety projects with the Board.
The Board approved the minutes for the Regular Meeting and Executive Session for March 19, 2009 and the Special Meeting and Executive Session of March 31, 2009.
Rich Clasen updated the Board on the Technology Department.
Scott Bert updated the Board on the Maintenance Department.
Mr. Coffey updated the Board on the Athletic Department.
Mr. Kittell, High School Principal, reported to the Board of Education:
The band and chorus state competition was April 3rd.
The River to River Conference meeting was April 9th.
The Black Diamond meeting was April 14th.
PSAE Testing will be April 22nd and 23rd.
Mr. Lochhead, Grade School Principal, reported to the Board of Education:
Press Conference with the State Superintendent was March 26th.
CGS hosted the Young Author's Contest on March 28th. There were approximately 600 people in attendance.
Massac County Superintendent and IT person visited CGS for Smart Table on April 1st.
Teacher institute - Curriculum meeting was April 3rd.
Ms. Keim, District Superintendent, reported to the Board of Education:
Ms. Keim spoke with the Board about the IASA Conference.
The Board approved the district bills in the amount of $276,348.31 and district payroll in the amount of $200,815.40 as presented.
The Board approved the following consent agenda items:
Facility Use Application for the First Baptist Church Baccalaureate Service.
Facility Use Application for St. Mary's Catholic School track team.
Eric Wingerter as HS Volunteer Trap Shooting coach.
The CEA to attend the May 6th Lobby Day in Springfield.
The change of staff assignment of Annette Draves from Technology Secretary to HS Library Aide.
A special Board meeting for April 30, 2009 at 8 p.m. for the reorganization of the Chester Board of Education.
Superintendent's vacation days for May 2-May 9, 2009.
Brenda Coop and Steve Colonial spoke with the Board about the Spring 2010 play.
The Board approved the employment of David Kaiser, GS PE teacher, GS head basketball coach, and GS head baseball coach for the 2009-2010 school year.
The Board accepted the resignation of Annette Draves, as HS assistant golf coach.
The Board approved the invitation to join the Black Diamond Conference as early as the 2010-2011 school year.
The Board approved the first reading of the High School student handbook.
The Board approved the HLS bid for the third phase of the 10 year health life safety projects.
The Board approved the resolution authorizing the issuance of General Obligation School Bonds.
The Board approved the resolution authorizing an Escrow Agreement in conjunction with the District's General Obligation.
The Board approved the resolution authorizing a resolution to abate $1,000 of the working cash fund.
The Board entered into Executive session to discuss the appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific employees of the public body at 9:20 p.m.
The Board entered into open session at 11:15 p.m.
The Board approved to table the employment of Robert Bell, HS driver's education teacher, HS health teacher, and HS head basketball coach for the 2009-2010 school year.
The Board approved the reduction in force of Sherri Schneier, HS secretary, effective July 1, 2009.
The Board approved the reduction in force of Jonelle Evers, HS guidance secretary, effective July 1, 2009.
The Board approved the reduction in force of Donna Clendenin, part-time assistant secretary, effective July 1, 2009.
The Board entered into Executive session to discuss the appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific employees of the public body at 11:38 p.m.
The Board entered into open session at 12:28 a.m.
The Board adjourned at 12:30 a.m.
The next Regular Meeting of the Board of Education will be held on Thursday, May 21, 2009 at 7 p.m. in the Chester School District Unit Office, 1940 Swanwick Street, Chester, IL.