Chester Board of Education hold regular 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 19, 2012. President Beers called the Regular meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.

The Board approved the special meeting minutes of March 8, 2012.

The Board approved the special executive session of March 8, 2012.

The Board approved the regular meeting minutes of March 18, 2012.

The Board approved the executive session minutes of March 18, 2012.

Scott Bert updated the Board on the Maintenance Department.

Mike Coffey updated the Board on the Athletic Department.

Mrs. Franklin and Mrs. Kueker updated the Board on the Curriculum Department.

Mr. Lochhead, Grade School Principal, reported to the Board of Education:

March 23rd was the Band and Chorus Organizational Contest.

March 28th was the Technology Meeting.

April 12th was the Leadership Breakfast.

Mr. Keefe, High School Principal, reported to the Board of Education:

Illinois Youth Survey.

Handbook 2012-2013.

PSAE Testing.

Mr. Diddlebock, District Superintendent, reported to the Board of Education:

Mr. Diddlebock discussed Health/Life Safety.

Mr. Diddlebock updated the Board on finances.

The Board entered into executive session at 7:47 p.m. to discuss the appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific employees of the public body.

The Board returned to open session at 8:08 p.m.

The Board approved the district bills in the amount of $686,176.38 and district payroll in the amount of $417,984.80 as presented.

The Board approved the following consent agenda items:

The Facility Use form for St. John's Lutheran to use the track.

The Board approved the Amended Calendar for 2011-2012.

The Board approved the Calendar for 2012-2013.

The Board approved the IHSA membership.

The Board approved the first reading of the Chester Grade School 2012-2013 Handbook.

The Board approved the first reading of the Chester High School 2012-2013 Handbook.

The Board approved the High School Graduation Date for 2012-2013 School Year to be May 26, 2013.

The Board discussed contracting with Integrity Energy.

The Board approved the purchase of Ipads at $68,764.80 for the middle school and high school.

The Board approved the bid for the high school band uniforms from Stanbury Uniforms at $40,204.80.

The Board approved the contract for Kyle Thompson, Grade School Dean of Students, at $54,000 salary and Board Paid TRS and $1,000 towards insurance for the 2012-2013 school year.

The Board approved Casey Peters as Grade School Cheerleading Coach.

The Board approved the intent to retire for Cookie Rathert with a 6% incentive for 2012-2013; 2013-2014; 2014-2015; 2015-2016.

The Board accepted the resignation of Gail Kordys as Grade School Beta Club Sponsor.

The Board approved the maternity leave request of Robyn Korando starting August 16, 2012 and returning approximately October 18, 2012.

The Board approved the maternity leave request of Jenny Krantz beginning August 16, 2012 and returning approximately September 20, 2012.

The Board adjourned at 8:57 p.m.

The next regular meeting of the Board of Education will be held on Thursday, May 17, 2012 at 7:00 p.m. in the Chester School District Unit Office; 1940 Swanwick Street; Chester, IL 62233.