I. Call to Order - 6:05 p.m.

II. Roll Call - All members present

III. Recognition and Comments from Employees and Public - None

IV. OPEN SESSION

A. Employment Recommendations

1. Sandra L. Jordan - Home Economics/High School - This was not discussed pending closed session. After closed session, a motion was made, seconded, and approved to hire.

2. Jenna Schweigert - Special Education/Bennett School - This was not discussed pending closed session. After closed session, a motion was made, seconded, and approved to hire.

3. Recall List/Tentative Assignments - This was not discussed pending closed session. After closed session, a motion was made, seconded, and approved to approve the recall list "as presented". (No list was distributed to the public, so if you are in doubt, you need to contact the District Office.)

4. Transfer of Glenda Jones From CJSHS to Emerson - Superintendent Sam Harbin explained that the transfer was being made at Ms. Jones' request. A motion was made, seconded, and approved to approve the transfer.

5. Telephone System - Dr. Harbin explained that the District's telephone system was antiquated and needed to be replaced. He informed the BOE that replacing the District's telephone system would cost $64,000, but that the E-Rate would pay all but 10%. Therefore, (along with some additional costs) the total cost to the District would be $12,451.50. A motion was made, seconded, and approved.

6. Three (3) Year Asbestos Reinspection - Dr. Harbin informed the BOE that this should have been done last year, so it had to be done this year. He said that the inspection would cost $465 per attendance center and that he felt that this was reasonable. A motion was made, seconded, and approved.

7. Other - Superintendent Harbin informed the BOE that the audit this year would have several "exceptions" - some that have been going on for three or four years. He asked the BOE for permission to address a couple of the exceptions with District personnel: (a) That time sheets would have to be turned in "in a timely manner" or the person would not get paid until the next payroll, and (b) that purchases could not be made or reimbursed without vouchers/receipts. The BOE indicated that they thought these matters had already been addressed. Dr. Harbin indicated that he understood that but that some of it was still occurring. He stated that he just wanted to inform the BOE of his intent to address the matter and emphasized that he would NOT be harsh in his approach. The BOE gave him authorization.

(NOTE: During his first month on the job, Superintendent Harbin has gone out of his way to be inclusive - to seek input from employees and unions. He has expressed his awareness that CSD #1 has a history of animosity between management and labor and has indicated that he wants to change that relationship in the future. The leadership of CAT will do all we can to assist Dr. Harbin in achieving his goal. Let us hope that THIS "honeymoon period" will produce a long-lasting marriage! Our previous "divorces" have been ugly indeed - and expensive...monetarily and educationally!!!)

V. CLOSED SESSION - Superintendent Harbin skipped to the "Informational" items below prior to the BOE's entry into closed session.

1. Consider Information Regarding Appointment, Employment, Performance or Dismissal of Individual Employees.

Informational

1. Construction Contract/Wissinger Construction Company - Dr. Harbin informed the BOE that the contractor had made excellent progress on the remodeling of the "Green Hall" area to house 7th and 8th Grade students. He stated that the Financial Advisor (Jim Bales) would have a more specific report later in the meeting. Dr. Harbin indicated that the contractor had asked to make the first draw on the money owed him for the project - specifically one-half of the total amount due. In response to questions, Dr. Harbin indicated that the original project had been $65,000, but that modifications had been made raising that sum to $87,989. He further stated that the contractor was asking for $40,000 and he recommended that the BOE approve that amount. A motion was made, seconded, and approved.

2. Crisis Room - High School/2004-05 - Superintendent Harbin informed the BOE that he had discussed the crisis room situation with Principal Williams. He indicated that he thought that having a crisis room was important, but that there had been problems in the past due to a lack of continuity. He indicated that if we were to continue to have it, it needed to be done right. He stated that it was his understanding after talking to Principal Williams that the crisis room had worked well during the latter part of last year with a permanent substitute teacher. Therefore, he was seeking permission from the BOE to employ a permanent crisis sub for the 2004-05 school year. A motion was made, seconded, and approved.

3. Surplus Property - Ed Salmon - $315 - Dr. Harbin indicated that the designated surplus property identified by the District had been claimed by Ed Salmon for a bid of $315 and that said property had been removed from the site. Dr. Harbin asked the BOE for permission to advertise a District truck and van as surplus property. Permission was granted.

4. Other - Superintendent Harbin informed the BOE that an inventory/inspection had been done of the District's lawn equipment. Based upon that review, it would be necessary to purchase two new weed eaters and make repairs to mowers - for a total cost of $750.

The BOE voted to go into closed session at 6:25 p.m. The BOE voted to exit closed session at 6:52 p.m.

VI. OPEN SESSION

1. Address Any Action Deemed Necessary By Board On Matters Considered In Executive Session - The only actions were those already reported above under "Open Session - A - 1, 2, and 3".

2. Other

a. Principal Williams gave a report to the BOE concerning the schedule for next year at CJSHS. Included in her remarks:

*Original schedule works "on paper". The counselor would begin placing students into the schedule next week and only then would we know if there were problems.

*There are very few electives for high school students.

*Still have no Spanish I or Spanish II. Had looked into distance learning, but there are problems in implementing.

*There is no Black History on the schedule. The offering of U.S. History to BOTH Sophomores and Juniors this year required an extra section. With existing personnel, there was no option but to drop Black History.

*There is no ICPB on the schedule - may not have enough students eligible.

*Need to advertise for a half-time P.E. teacher. Obtaining one would allow the teaching of more Driver's Education.

*Need something for 7th and 8th Graders...maybe try to find a half-time computer teacher. However, that creates a possible problem by putting those students back into the pod area which we tried to eliminate with the remodeling of the "Green Hall".

Dr. Harbin stated that if Principal Williams felt that we needed to hire a half-time P.E. teacher and a half-time computer teacher - and we could afford it - then we need to do it. The BOE authorized the superintendent to advertise for the positions.

Superintendent Harbin also told the BOE that he had looked at the bus routes and was considering trying to combine two routes involving a small number of high school and junior high school students so as to reduce cost. He indicated that if it were done, adequate supervision would be required and provided.

b. Financial Administrator Jim Bales gave the BOE an update on the remodeling of the "Green Hall" area. He indicated that great progress had been made by the contractor and that the contractor expected to be done by the opening of school. FA Bales indicated that the walls were already up and that drop ceilings were being installed - creating 7 good-sized classrooms. He indicated that painting should begin next week. He also stated that air conditioners were on order and, in response to questions, that the architect had indicated that they would meet state requirements. FA Bales stated that the floors would be concrete - sealed and clean. He indicated that if necessary, this could be addressed in the future.

c. Principal Williams was asked if she had heard anything from IHSA (concerning the penalties imposed as a result of the Massac County Boys Basketball Regional.) Principal Williams informed the BOE that IHSA had informed her that the District had answered their concerns. However, the IHSA official stated that they were going to hold off on making a final decision (on whether Cairo can participate in the state tournament series) until October or November. The rationale given was that they wanted to wait and see if what had been presented was more than "just on paper".

d. Dr. Harbin asked that the BOE place the District's "Mental Health Plan" on its "Second Reading". That was done.

VI. ADJOURN - The BOE voted to adjourn at 7:22 p.m.