I. Call To Order - 6 p.m.

II. Roll Call - All BOE Members Present

III. Recognition of Guests/Comments From Public And Employees - None

IV. Approval of Previous Minutes - Done without comment or question.

1. Regular Minutes of October 21,2004
2. Closed Minutes of October 21, 2004

V. Approval of Agenda - Done without comment or question.

1. Regular Meeting
2. Closed Meeting

VI. Approval of Treasurer's Report - Done without comment or question.

VII. Approval of Payment of Bills/Payroll - Done without comment or question.

VIII. Informational

1. System Progress Report - Superintendent Harbin reported that he had been visiting all buildings on a regular basis and that he felt that things were progressing well. He noted that student progress reports were going out this week. Dr. Harbin reported on a meeting held on November 4th involving community leaders - that it had been a success and that he had received a lot of positive feedback. He indicated that he was meeting with building principals on Wednesday to identify students who were making D's or F's and discuss measures that could be taken to address the situation. Dr. Harbin noted that the District had reached the point where it could now focus on academics instead of financial matters. He indicated that although the District was NOT in great shape financially, it had made great progress - having a $1.5 million cash flow last month. In fact, Dr. Harbin reported to the BOE that in accordance with their directive, he had made arrangements to invest $1 million in the First National Bank tomorrow at an interest rate of 2.5% and another $250,000 at an interest rate of 1.75%. He expressed his hope that in the future, these investments would generate additional revenues that could be used for making necessary repairs in the District and pay for salary increases for employees. Dr. Harbin stated that the District could probably do slightly better in interest rates if invested in out of town financial institutions, but that it was his recommendation that the money be invested locally. The BOE agreed. Dr. Harbin noted that Capaha Bank had been afforded the opportunity of being a depository for investments, but that Capaha had been unable to secure the collateral to insure the complete deposits.

2. Cairo Community Educational Center Update - Dr. Harbin stated that the tenants of the old Cairo Junior High School building had indicated a preference for this name. He indicated that a sign would soon be erected in front of the building listing the tenants, including the Central Offices of CSD #1. Dr. Harbin reminded the BOE of earlier discussion that the monies collected in rent from the tenants would be placed in a special fund designated for use by the Center only so as NOT to require financing by CSD #1. He stated that if occupancy proceeded according to plan, the Center would definitely be self supporting. Dr. Harbin indicated to the BOE that other tenants were providing custodians to service their areas and the "common areas", but that the District needed to employ a part-time custodian for three hours each day to clean the District offices and the gymnasium following practices. The BOE authorized the superintendent to proceed in securing such services. Dr. Harbin also indicated that SIU wanted to use the District as a lab school.

3. Communications - CAT, CAESP, Local 773 - None

4. Cairo School District Employees Appreciation Day - November 17 - Dr. Harbin reminded the BOE that District employees were to be treated to a "Thanksgiving Dinner" on Wednesday. He indicated that guests from the community had been invited to visit the schools on that day between 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m.

5. Follow-Up/Community Leaders - Board of Education Luncheon - Dr. Harbin indicated that he wanted to schedule another luncheon for community leaders during the second week of January.

6. Athletic Job Descriptions - Dr. Harbin indicated that new job descriptions had been developed and had been included in the Board packets for review. The BOE voted to approve the new athletic job descriptions.

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As an "other", Dr. Harbin brought up the topic of the cottage on the grounds of Cairo Junior/Senior High School. He inquired as to the BOE's pleasure with respect that property. Dr. Harbin gave the BOE three options...including renting it out to whomever they might see fit. However, Dr. Harbin indicated that it was his recommendation that the cottage sit empty with the heat set at 50 degrees and the water turned off until the BOE met in June...at which time they could review the situation. After some discussion, the BOE accepted the Superintendent's recommendation - with the exception that the water be left on.

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7. Checks Deposited - District Account

$181,633.19 - State Aid - September - 2nd Payment
10,554.08 - Federal Lunch
5,997.59 - Federal Breakfast
1,513.00 - Title V - Innovative
16,836.99 - Spec. Ed. Transportation
70,285.00 - Title I Low Income
54,897.45 - Regular Transportation
1,252.00 - Early Childhood Block Grant
7,424.41 - SIDEZ - Community Learning Center
42,493.24 - Spec. Ed. Extraordinary
26,710.63 - Federal Lunch
15,196.15 - Federal Breakfast
38,989.00 - Title I Reading First
36,761.85 - Spec. Ed. Personnel
1,580.00 - Jr. High Reserve For Repairs - ROE
4,740.00 - Cairo Jr. High Building - Rent (Nov.) - ROE
50.00 - Rent - Laidlaw Transit

IX. Requiring Action/Decisions By Board of Education

1. Set Tax Levy Hearing -December 16,2004 - Resolution passed.

2. Employment Recommendations - Tabled until after closed session.

3. Recommendation - Maintenance Position - Cairo School District # 1 - Tabled until after closed session.

X. Closed Session - The BOE voted to enter closed session at 6:40 p.m. The BOE voted to exit closed session at 8:35 p.m.

1. Hearing - Mr. George Pomeroy- Regarding: Blayne Pomeroy Suspension/Cairo Jr/Sr High School

Following closed session, Superintendent Harbin made the following recommendations:

- Employ Vonda Williams - Assistant Girls Basketball Coach - Cairo High

- Employ Riko Nelson - Assistant Boys Basketball Coach - Cairo High

- Employ Dennis Willis - Assistant Boys Basketball Coach - Cairo Junior High

- Approve legal matter presented in closed session.

- Investigate the existence of law that would allow/require students who do not attend our schools to participate in interscholastic athletics.

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- Restructure maintenance department and approve a job description for a person who would be "on call" 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to make whatever emergency repairs that might be needed at the salary presented.

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XI. Old Business - None

XII. Adjourn - 8:42 p.m.