Chester school board hears concerns over staff health insurance
As part of its regular October meeting on Oct. 19, the Chester District 139 Board of Education heard from Chester High School teacher Jim Howie on concerns he had about the district's family plan insurance through United Healthcare.
Howie claimed that his and another family employed by the district, both of which have had multiple children attend Chester schools, were being "targeted" by having their benefits reduced by $200 a month.
He added that the two families have close to 90 combined years working in the district.
"This was a slap in the face," he said.
Howie also expressed concerns that certified staff had only received one legitimate raise in five years and later asked that he and his wife be given the same benefits as unmarried couples and "not be penalized for being married."
When asked about Howie's comments after the meeting, Superintendent Brian Pasero declined to comment.
Board member Chuck Fricke, also spoke during public comment and commended Chester Grade School Principal Tim Lochhead for how he handled an incident that occurred during the Yellow Jackets football game the previous Friday.
Fricke said a grade school student was injured during what Fricke described as "rough play" and was evaluated by an emergency medical technician.
"I appreciate the professionalism shown by Mr. Lochhead for taking the child home," said Fricke, who also praised Lochhead for his "loyalty and dedication for doing the right thing."
In other news, the board approved online coursework for a high school FFA class titled "Agriculture Science-Plant," which would be effective starting with the spring 2018 semester.
After the meeting, Pasero explained the class is an elective students can choose to take in addition to their regular coursework. He was asked if the course was a step toward a future FFA class taught at CHS.
"It's not out of the possibility," he said. "I don't think discussions have reached that point."
In his report to the board, Pasero said repairs to grade school band instruments were expected to cost $6,500, with another $8,500 to repair a ventilation unit in a storage room.
He also commented on the state's new general state aid formula, which will reportedly separate schools into four different tiers with the top tier receiving the most funding.
"(The picture) is starting to clear up a little bit, but more questions than answers," he said.
Pasero also spoke on the bond and interest levy. Last spring, one of the bonds the district typically requests to be abated from the levy, due to its use of sales tax receipts, inadvertently remained.
To correct the issue, Pasero plans to lower next spring's levy by the amount owed that is typically abated. The following year's tax levy will return to normal.
PRINCIPALS' REPORTS
Chester Grade School Principal Tim Lochhead reported on several topics, including 8th grade career day at the Career Center of Southern Illinois, a 7th/8th grade educational visit to Fort de Chartres and a visit by the Capitol Development Board, which was a big factor in the construction of the CGS gym.
He also advised that tutoring will start Nov. 2 and run through April 12 for 40 sessions at two days per week. Participating students are selected as recommended by teachers, with an expected 70 to 80 students involved.
"This is has been a wonderful addition for those who are struggling," Lochhead said.
Chester High School Principal Missy Meyer highlighted the school's recent Homecoming activities, including Pablo Rafael-Villanueva being voted as king.
"He had the best week of his life," said Meyer, who noted Rafael-Villanueva has a skin condition and has been homebound. "Very, very good for our kids."
Meyer also mentioned the success of the PSAT testing, which was held in Juergens Gymnasium with 47 students being tested.
ATHLETIC REPORT
CHS Athletic Director Jeremy Blechle noted plans are still in progress for advertisements on the back of the chairs the basketball players use as their bench during games. He indicated he hoped to start that initiative beginning with the next school year.
Blechle also noted that there will be work on the sprinklers at W.O. Smith Field in the offseason.
ROUNDUP
The following items were approved by the board:
Trevor Kelkhoff as volunteer CHS baseball coach
Chester Volleyball Club's request to use Colbert Gym on Sundays from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. from Oct. 22 to April 19
Faith Christian School's request for use of Juergens Gym on Dec. 19, Jan. 8, Jan. 30, Feb. 2 and Feb. 6.
SILVA Volleyball Club's request to use the CGS gym from Nov. 12 to April 13 on Sundays from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Application for Recognition of Schools
Resignation of Nicholas Miller as CHS custodian effective Oct. 10
Employ Patrick Thomas as 8-hour CGS custodian at $9.25 per hour
Employ John Watkins, pending background check, as 8-hour CHS custodian at $9.25 per hour
Extend work year of Kim Gross from 180 days to 200 days as CGS secretary