Budget hearing held; school board meeting follows
</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 September 18, 2008. Vice-President Beers called the Budget Hearing to order at 7:00 p.m.
The Board adjourned the budget hearing at 7:06 p.m.
Following the budget hearing The Board conducted their Regular Meeting and approved the amendments to the agenda.
Alex Eggers gave a presentation to The Board on planting trees at the high school as an environmental project for the Eagle Scouts.
Brenda Coop and Ashley Page gave a presentation on the High School Year Book Class.
The Board approved the minutes for the Regular Meeting and Executive Session for August 24, 2008.
Rich Clasen updated The Board on the Technology Department; Scott Bert updated The Board on the Maintenance Department; and Mr. Coffey updated The Board on the Athletic Department.
Mr. Kittell, High School Principal, reported to the Board of Education:
Mr. Kittell gave an update on the bleachers.
Cafe Terminal is working quite well.
The first Varsity home game was a huge success.
Attendance is up and tardies are down.
Mr. Lochhead, Grade School Principal, reported to the Board of Education:
A Junior High assembly was held August 22 to discuss the upcoming year and changes to the handbook.
A meeting with Jane Mueller was on August 28 to discuss the upcoming tutoring program.
A Bus Evacuation drill was held on September 9.
Candy Sales started on September 11.
Ms. Keim, District Superintendent, reported to the Board of Education:
Ms. Keim discussed the bonds sales with The Board.
Ms. Keim discussed the 403b plan.
Enrollment was discussed with The Board.
The Board approved the district bills in the amount of $741,014.50 and district payroll in the amount of $184,682.63 as presented.
The Board approved the following Consent Agenda items:
The Application for Recognition of Schools for the Chester High School.
The Application for Recognition of Schools for the Chester Grade School.
The Superintendent's vacation days for October 17-24, 2008.
The Board approved the FMLA for Mandy Kueker, elementary teacher at Chester Grade School, effective August 26, 2008. Mandy will be using her accumulated sick leave days and personal leave days in conjunction with FMLA. Commence-ment and/or termination of this leave may be adjusted depending on her baby's actual birth date or her doctor's instruction.
The Board approved the retirement of Paul Stallman, HS Science teacher, at the end of the 2009-2010 school year.
The Board approved the retirement of Sandy Colvis, HS Adult Living/Co-op teacher, at the end of the 2010-2011 school year.
The Board approved the retirement of Danny Miller, HS Dean of Students, at the end of the 2011-2012 school year.
The Board approved the retirement of Debi Caraway, GS Assistant Principal, at the end of the 2011-2012 school year.
The Board approved the retirement of Marlene Palmer, GS Reading Room teacher, at the end of the 2011-2012 school year.
The Board approved Glenn Long as High School Volleyball Volunteer.
The Board tabled the following pending proper paperwork:
Employment of Riley Welborn as JV Boys' Basketball Coach.
Employment of Mike Schwarting as Freshman Boys' Basketball Coach.
Employment of Sarah Niebruegge as Varsity Girls' Basketball Coach.
Employment of Rick Powley as JV Girls' Basketball Coach.
Employment of Karen Bert as Freshman Girls' Basketball Coach.
Employment of Jim Beers as Volunteer Assistant of Girls' Basketball.
Employment of Jenna Eggemeyer as Cheerleading Volunteer.
Employment of Haley Blechle as Cheerleading Volunteer.
Employment of Dale Rucker as 5th-6th Grade Girls' Basketball Coach.
Employment of Connie Clendenin as 8th Grade Girls' Basketball Coach.
Employment of Jennifer Stumpe as 7th Grade Girls' Basketball Coach.
The Board approved the Common Remitter and Compliance Oversight Services Engagement Agreement with CPI Qualified Plan Consultants.
The Board approved the Resolution to abate $73,637 from the Bond & Interest Fund to the Building Fund.
The Board approved the Hazardous Transportation Resolution for 2008-2009.
The Board adopted the budget for the 2008-2009 School year.
The Board approved to match $250 funds for the Eagle Scout Project.
The Board entered into Executive session to discuss the Appointment, Employ-ment, Compensation, Discipline, Performance, or Dismissal of Specific Employees of the Public Body at 9:35 p.m.
The Board entered into open session and adjourned at 11:07 p.m.
The next Regular Meeting of the Board of Education will be held on Thursday, October 16, 2008 at 7:00 p.m. in the Chester School District Unit Office, 1940 Swanwick Street, Chester, IL.