Board meeting tackles important decisions
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By Cynthia Haggitt
Calhoun CUSD #40 Board of Education had a School Board Meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 21, 2021 at 5:30 p.m. held in the Calhoun High School Cafeteria and went over some important items and recognized some special guests. The Calhoun Community High School Trap Team was invited to the board meeting to be recognized.
“Thank you to Landon Sievers, Steven Margherio and Coach Margherio for attending. Congratulations to the entire team,” Superintendent Andrea Lee said. “ The board also introduced Barney Murdorf as the new district attorney, however Murdorf couldn’t make it because he was in court. There will be another date to introduce to the board.
In other news, the committee and administrative reports were presented before the board.
Calhoun Elementary School’s Mrs. Lorsbach shared specific information about her interest in trying to build a “pep” club around the sports at CES/CJHS for next year. Mrs. Burris, who was a representative from CHS, shared informational highlights that the high school was interested in getting more community members/professions to come and speak to the junior and senior students.
“These guests would provide insight into their careers and allow students to gain more insight to what jobs are out there that may be of interest,” Burris said.
Lee also mentioned that Cheri also gave a brief rundown of homecoming activities with more information to come! Cheri and Christie led the board in creating a social contract.
They both said it should be ready and posted at the next meeting. Both also explained the main activities that are taking place in the classrooms and in the buildings.
Lee said she shared the latest updates regarding COVID-19 information with the board based on the shared documents that are kept.
“This report included the number of positive cases, quarantines, and Test to Stay students,” Lee said. “Enrollment is 487. The district is in discussions with Brussels on an athletic co-op. Two board members from each community (Nate Sagez and Jackie Baalman) are working through the original proposal that was approved by both districts. These representatives will bring back information to their prospective boards for any approvals. As of now, Calhoun would be the host school and Brussels would share in half of the costs. There also are other details to work through. If an agreement is reached, the board will need to approve.”
Lee also said the board held a discussion about the various sports in Calhoun.
“Everyone is having a difficult time finding officials for various sports. Some officials are traveling from quite a distance to Hardin for games,” Lee said.
Mr. Hillen and Lee compared fees with competing areas to make sure that CHS were competitive in the area.
“A few fees will be increased by $5-$10 dollars so that we can get crews here for games.” Lee said. The board has officially made some approvals regarding school grants. The board approved the School Maintenance Grant for 2021-2022 and this grant was originally applied for in the 2018-2019 school year for the district to make improvements to the locker room at CHS. The school board is asking CHS to submit their application for the grant. The board also submitted the title I schoolwide plan for annual approval for the Title I Grant. Lee said, “District Budget for FY22- was presented. The budget has to be submitted to ISBE by September 30th. The district does have a balanced budget and a deficit spending plan was not needed this year,” Lee said. “The annual audit will be held at the end of the month. Highlights in the budget included how helpful getting the extra federal funds will be for the next few years and also how the additional Tier funding in EBF was helpful. The working cash bond issued last school year will be applied equally in the next couple of years to support building improvements and salaries/benefits as needed.” The board also approved resignation of the following school staff
Teacher-Mark Hillen
Coach- Amber Ewen from Junior High Cheerleading
Paraprofessional- Emily McBride
Cook- Mary Eilerman
The board approved the hiring of:
Teacher
Short Term Sub-Lauren Eilerman for PE and Health (replacing Mark Hillen) Lauren holds a short-term sub certificate and Associate’s Degree. She has previously spent time in the Calhoun District as a Pre-K aide.
Substitute Teacher
Short Term Sub-Scott Kiel for the District. Due to the difficulty of finding subs already for the school year, it was decided that we would have someone specific for our District that is available every day. Scott has an Associate’s Degree and a short-term sub license. He just started subbing this month. Funds from the ESSER grant are being used to pay substitute teachers this school year.
CJHS Cheer Coach
Kim Klaas has experience in gymnastics and cheer. She has been a cheer coach previously. (replaces Amber Ewen)
Paraprofessional- Amber Weber (replace Emily McBride)
Volunteer Assistants-Stephanie Breden- Junior High Cheerleading and Cindy Klocke Junior High Girls Basketball
Approved maternity leave for Sarah Hagen
The CHS school board made some special announcements that are coming up at the end of the month and in October. They are as follows:
Sept. 22 – 1st Quarter Midterm
Oct. 5 & 7 – Family Conferences 3-7pm
Oct. 8 – No School – Homecoming
Oct. 9 – Homecoming Dance
Oct. 11 – Columbus Day
Oct.12 – Teacher Institute Correspondence
