001Case of regular meeting. Time is 5:00. Can I get roll call, please? Remi Dane. Present. >> Watson Hood. Present. Timothy Lackey. Present. Roy Mickens. Present. Willie Ray. Present. >> Tanya Sales. Present. Dwayne Mosley. Present. We have a quorum. Prayer, please. I'll skip it one. Stand and bow your heads, please. Heavenly Father, we thank you for your mercy and your kindness for waking us up this morning to giving us the activity of our limbs. We ask that you bless us to make good sound decision for the board, the children, the parents, and everyone involved. These things we ask in Jesus' name. Amen. Amen. As Lisa's to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. And now we're
002going to I need a motion to move to executive session. What about the agenda? You did Oh, I'm sorry, go ahead. No, it's not necessary. Yeah, we're going to take All right, the closed session is in accordance with the Illinois Open Meeting Act 5 ILC S122C will be necessary to consider one or more of the following subjects: 122 C1, employee appointments, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, dismissal, dismissal of specific employees, complaints 122 C two, negotiation 122 C five, property acquisition, lease, purchase 122 C eight, emergency security procedures, um two C nine, student discipline 122 C 11, actual potential litigations 122 C 16, self-evaluation practice procedures or professional ethics when meeting with a representative of Statewide Associates with the public body and a member of 122 C 21. I got a motion, second. I motion. I second.
003It's been motioned by Remi Dane, seconded by Walter Hood. Roll call. Remi Dane? Yes. Walter Hood? >> Yes. Timothy Lockett? >> Yes. Roy Mickens? Yes. Willie Ray? Yes. LaTonya Sales? Yes. Victoria Mosley? Yes. We're now in executive session. Okay, we're going to have to ask everyone to leave except for our cabinet. Um >> Mhm. >> bonds for the purchase of increasing the working cash funds of the district is now open. Yes, uh Mr. President, I'd like to make a just a couple general remarks about the uh the reason why we need to sell working cash bonds not to exceed uh 29 million. We have some real critical projects that we are barking we want to embark on that are uh that have been needed in the district for quite some time. One is when the
004high school was renovated, uh one area uh there are a couple areas that weren't included in the most recent uh renovation, which was I guess uh several years ago. One is the auditorium, it wasn't touched, it's outdated, uh it doesn't really meet the needs of those that utilize it as far as the uh the band, choirs, uh the events that we have at the at the auditorium. It's uh a good 50 years old, it's outdated, and needs renovation, and that project is unfunded right now. We don't have money in the district's reserves to pay for that, and that cost is about 8.4 million dollars. Another area, I won't go to each talk about each school, but their parking lots, we have a lot of parking situations that about five locations that uh aren't ideal for
005staff or parents or community members, and those schools are Officer Avant, the high school especially that the area only where the CTE building is, that parking is inadequate. Um Katie Wright, as well as the early childhood center. So, the cost of the projects related to parking [snorts] for those five facilities is three approximately three million dollars. Another thing at the high school that uh wasn't uh taken care of when it was renovated is we currently do not have baseball and softball fields for our teams to practice on or play on. And so, there's a um 17 million dollar project to upgrade our athletic facilities. That includes baseball fields, two baseball fields, two softball fields, parking for those um facilities, dugouts, lighting, scoreboards, as well as um batting cages, a place to take tickets, storage, restrooms,
006and uh we also want to uh build a turf not turf, but a grass football field for practice. That's uh the reason we want to do that is turf fields aren't meant to practice on every day and then play games on. Number one, they're expensive, and when you practice on them and play games on them, you wear them out quick, and you're talking about you know, a million and a half dollars or more to replace that field. The other thing is not healthy for kids. Colleges Pardon me. Okay, colleges and universities, they don't they don't [clears throat] practice on turf fields, they practice on grass fields because it's a lot more healthy for their joints and and reduces injuries. So, that uh total athletic complex renovation, including the things I just mentioned, is 17 million.
007Also, the high school cafeteria is outdated, and we have four lunch periods. Lunch starts at 10:30, not too long after kids have eaten breakfast because the the lunch room is not big enough and suitable to have three lunch periods. So, in order to to renovate the cafeteria and reduce lunch periods from three from four to three as well as update the food service line and the equipment in the kitchen that's going to be a million dollars. So, that's why we want to sell the bonds the working cash bonds so we could do those projects. And just one last thing about those projects, the cost uh for the average tax pay for taxpayers with a home valued at 50,000 is $56 a year. Person with a home valued at 75,000 is $100 a year. And a
008person with a home valued at $100,000 would be $145,000 a year. So, of course if the person's home is valued at 200,000 that would be you would just double the 145. So, I just want you to know the impact on taxpayers and I want to open it up to see if board members or anyone in the audience had any comments or or thoughts that they'd like to express to the administration as well as the board. Well. No questions. >> All right. Any motion to adjourn the public hearing? I'll make the motion. A motion by Roy Makin second. I second. By Willie Ray. Roll call. Roy Makin? Yes. Willie Ray? Yes. Remi Dayne? >> Yes. Walter Hood? >> Yes. Timothy Lockett? >> Yes. It's where your motion is. Okay. Public hearing is closed. The public hearing
009concerning the proposal honorable dismissal of tenured teachers, certified staff, and non-certified staff based on upon economic necessity necessity and non-renewal of non-tenured teachers. Yes, sir. We've discussed in closed session the need for the budget reductions, but just for those in the public that weren't in closed session there's a total of about $8,500,000 worth of budget cuts and that's combined staffing as well as programming. Uh programming reductions is added up to approximately $2,300,000 and the staffing reductions add up to two six million and approximately 200,000. Uh what we did we looked at uh positions that were not were first of all that would produce a savings cuz if it's not producing a savings and you think you need the position there's no reason to cut it. But the other thing is we looked at we made
010sure that we protected classroom instruction, student learning as well as safety as well as student support services especially uh mental support uh services for our students and staff. The uh budget reductions affect um if for staffing especially for staffing rather affects central office. We didn't just cut from schools. We looked at central office too. 18% of the budget reductions related to staffing come from central office and 6% are campus based. So, the majority of the reductions come from the percentage of staffing come from central office. The other thing is the overall reductions of that 8.5 73% of that is staffing and the program programmatic reductions are 27% and that's because in school districts across the nation 80% of your cost relate to personnel. Well, that's why the the weight is much heavier with personnel than
011it is uh programs and uh programmatic changes. So, that's my overview. Valencia, did you want to say anything about the the portions related to tenured and non-tenured or you? No, but it's just Illinois school code. >> Illinois school code. Yeah, you have to >> of rather >> you're reducing teachers you have to lay off non-tenured teachers first before tenured. Yeah, and then if if you have to go into the uh area where there tenured teachers then it's just based on seniority and that has to be done uh by April 1st. >> And what we did try to do with our tenured teachers who are honorable dismissal we tried to ensure we look at all certifications to make sure that there's no other certifications where they can bump a newer teacher. So, the ones who have
012honorable dismissal they only have one certification that so there was no where else we can place them. Okay. Okay. Any questions? For the motion to adjourn? I'll make the motion. A motion by attorney Sales second. I second. Seconded by Roy Makin. Roll call. Attorney Sales? Yes. Roy Makin? >> Yes. Remi Dayne? >> Yes. Walter Hood? Yes. Timothy Lockett? >> Yes. Willie Ray? Yes. It's where your motion is. Motion passed. Any motion to adoption of agenda the board president's discretion to take items out of order or in executive session. Motion and second. I'll make the motion. Motion by Willie Ray seconded by attorney Sales. Roll call. Sorry. Willie Ray? Yes. >> Attorney Sales? >> Yes. Remi Dayne? Yes. Walter Hood? Timothy Lockett? >> Yes. Roy Makin? Yes. It's where your motion is. Motion passed. Recognition. Yes.
013All right. Good evening. Good evening. >> We'd like to let you know that ISBE has honored >> [clears throat] >> our school district staff as those who excel. Annually the Illinois State Board of Education recognizes the outstanding contributions of personnel from across the state who've made a lasting impact in their school community. This year the East St. Louis School District has four staff members who will be recognized by the Illinois State Board of Education at Those Who Excel Awards Banquet in Bloomington on Saturday, April 18th, 2026. We have numerous exceptional staff and are grateful that ISBE has recognized some of our best. For an Award of Excellence we'd like to honor educators who demonstrate an unwavering commitment to equity and the success of all students. Recipients foster positive school cultures, collaborate meaningfully with families and
014colleagues, and inspire others within and beyond their schools. We'd like to congratulate Shonda Ross, counselor at Annette Officer Elementary School who will receive an Award of Excellence. Next, the Award of Meritorious Service recognizes professionals who embrace leadership opportunities and strengthen the culture of learning within their schools and districts through their dedication and impact. We'd like to congratulate Kurt Warner, director of technology here at East St. Louis School District 189 who will be recognized for that meritorious service. The Award of Special Recognition celebrates educators who are valued for the skills, passion, and dedication they bring to their school communities each day. Meonche Houston, teacher from Annette Officer Elementary School, and Myisha Ross, the special education teacher at Dr. Katie Harper Wright Elementary School, will get that special recognition award. We'd also like to let you know
015that we have an educator um again, Ms. Meonche Houston. She is a fourth grade teacher at Officer Elementary School. She's being recognized as one of only 30 finalists statewide for a prestigious Golden Apple [snorts] Awards for Excellence in the teaching by the Golden Apple Foundation. Ms. Houston was selected from nearly 600 nominations across instructional leadership and an unwavering commitment to student achievement. During the 2024-2025 school year a strong majority of her students achieved proficiency in ELA with no students performing below the approaching proficient level. A remarkable accomplishment that reflects her high expectations and dedication to student success. We congratulate Ms. Houston on this well-deserved recognition and commend her for serving her students with excellence. We'd also like to recognize Mrs. Catrice Johnson uh social worker at Gordon Bush School and Dr. Kareem Matine, counselor at
016East St. Louis Senior High School for being honored by the Victorious Life International nonprofit at their March 2026 Evening of Victory Gala. These staff were honored for extensive leadership, dedication, and commitment to the success of students within the East St. Louis School District. We congratulate Mrs. Johnson and Dr. Matine on their honor and thank them for their ongoing support for students. We'd also like to highlight uh some winter sports. We salute all winter sports student athletes and coaches. Success highlights include East St. Louis Senior High School Unified Basketball Team for their IHSA State fourth place finish under the uh leadership of head coach Gerald Gray. We'd also like to recognize Lincoln eighth grade boys basketball team for their IESA Class 7 3A second place finish with coach Raymond Woods Sr. Mason Clark's seventh grade boys
017basketball team finished third place within IESA class 74A under their head coach Jashawn Anderson. Young School of Excellence eighth grade boys basketball team finished as regional 16 champions and section eight champions under head coach Brandon Johnson. >> [clears throat and cough] >> Lincoln seventh grade boys basketball team under IESA class 73A regional 16 champions under the leadership of their head coach Raymond Woods Sr. East St. Louis Senior High School boys wrestling team led by coach head coach Steven Doty. IHSA class 2A regional places included Lonnie Smith in second place, Corey Robinson in third place, and Jonathan McCrary in third place. East St. Louis Senior High School girls wrestling team led by head coach Steven Doty. IHSA class 2A regional place winners included Jaraiya Powell for second place. And finally, I'm sure you saw that this
018last weekend our Flyers boys basketball team earned the IHSA class 3A state championship. Under the guidance of Mark Chambers, the East St. Louis Flyers boys basketball team won the IHSA class 3A championship game against the Deerfield Warriors on Saturday, March 14th, 2026 outscoring their opponents 52 to 46. The previous state championship title was in 2019 also under the leadership of Mark Chambers. The champions celebratory parade will be held tomorrow, March 19th and begins at 12:30. 12:30. Yeah, begins at 12:30 and will march down State Street. So, we congratulate and celebrate the team for their impressive season. And then All right, lots of good news. >> [applause] >> Thank you. Motion to approve the minutes for February 17th, 2026 regular board meeting. I'll make the motion. Any motion by Willie Ray, second by Walter B. Roy
019call. Willie Ray. Yes. Walter Boyd. Yes. Remi Day. Yes. Timothy Lockett. Yes. Roy Nickens. Yes. Latanya Sales. Yes. Latosha Mosley. Yes. Motion passed. Presentations, report. Um No, sir. No other presentations or reports. All right, superintendent reports. Thank you. Mr. President Need a motion. Asking for a motion to approve by unanimous vote action items 14A, 14B, 14C, 14D, 14F, 14G, 14J, 15A, 16A, 15A, 15B, 15C, and 15D. I need a motion, please. I'll make the motion. Second. Any motion by Willie Ray, second by Latanya Sales, Roy call. Willie Ray. Yes. Latanya Sales. Yes. Remi Day. Yes. Walter Boyd. >> Yes. Timothy Lockett. Yes. Roy Nickens. Yes. Latosha Mosley. Yes. Motion passes. Now, I need a motion to approve the following items. 14A, reading of all resolutions by heading only, 14B, >> [clears throat] >> resolution number
020031826-A requesting that the county clerk of the county of Illinois I'm sorry, county of St. Clair, Illinois increase the loss factor to be applied to the bond and interest levies of school district number 189. 14C, resolution number 031826B-031826C authorizing notice and excuse me, notice and statement of honorable dismissal of certified staff. Those staff members are the first resolution 031826-B Jacob Guy. Second resolution in that particular category is 031826-C Taylor Sloan. 14D, resolutions numbers 03 1826D through 1826R authorizing notices of non-renewal and dismissal of certified staff. Those staff members are as follow. Reso I'll read the resolution and the staff members name. Resolution number 03 1826-D Gwendolyn Brown 03 1826-E Marissa Cooper 031826-F Shanice Da- Dow 031826G Angelique Douglas 031826H Dania Edwards 031826I Margaret Eastham 031826J Tony Harris >> [clears throat and cough] >> 03 1826K
021Jayla Holcomb 031826L Emmy Huggins 031826M Naim Mensah 031826N Matthew Parker 031826O Brock Paul 031826P Lenore Sanders 031826Q Maria Tessau 031826R Michelle Villalona 14F resolutions numbers 0318 26S through 031826 AAA authorizing notices of statement of honorable dismissal of non-certified staff. The resolution numbers are as follows. Valencia, you ready? Okay. >> 031826S Michael Blackburn 031826T Cortez Branch 031826U Britney Brown 031826V Zarina Brown 031826W Betrina Caldwell 031826X [clears throat] Maria Crutcher 031826Y Patrick Dennis 031826Z Trevor Dismukes 031826AA Walter Dunn 031826BB Sharice Ezel 031826CC Regina Frye 031826DD Katina Gaskew 031826EE Ashley Gaston 031826FF Katrina Haley 031826GG F- I'm sorry. FF of Katrina Haley 031826GG Talaysha Hill 031826HH Kimberly Hines 031826II Soraya Ivy 01 031826JJ Brandy Jones 031826KK Contandra Jones 031862 031826LL Ingrid Lindsey >> Okay, we're going to let someone else take over. You sure? I can continue. Yes,
022sir. Okay, okay. Go ahead. Once I see you start >> [laughter] >> I know. I saw you struggle a little bit. I thought, go ahead. No, oh, that was LL. Okay. Yeah, you just did LL. >> 031826MM Jamarie Lester 031826NN Demetrius Matthews 031826OO Laronda Mays 031826PP Barbara Montgomery 031826QQ Sharonda 031826RR Genavier Ray 031826SS 031826TT Jacqueline Rice 031826UU Laronda Sales 031826VV Johnna Stevenson 031826WW Tierra Stewart 031826XX Demarius Thomas 031826YY Barbara Warren 031826ZZ Christine White 031826AAA Madeline Young 14G resolutions number 031826BBB through 03 1826 EEE authorizing notice of non-renewal of administrative contracts and reclassifications. The resolutions are as follow. BBB Laurie Chalmers CCC Carlinda Coleman 031826 DDD Christie Roach or Roach EEE Tracy Wells 14J Workers Compensation Settlement Agreement as presented. 15A Financial Report for the month of February 2026 16A Personnel Committee Report and Addendum Contracts
023and MOUs 17A Buildings and Grounds Committee Report and Addendum 17B Curriculum Report and Addendum and finally 17C Finance Committee Report and associated Addendum. I get a motion, please. I make the motion. Aaron There's been motion by Willie Ray second by Walter Hood. Roll call. Willie Ray Yes. Walter Hood Yes. Remi Dean Yes. Timothy Lockett >> Yes. Roy Mckinns Yes. Latanya Sales >> Yes. Latoya Mosley Yes. Mr. President, that does conclude my report. All right, thank you, Mr. President. >> [clears throat and cough] >> 18 old business Any old business? 18 yep Any new business? >> [clears throat] >> Our next regular meeting would be April 21st 2026. Can I get a motion to adjourn? I make the motion. Aaron It's been motioned by Remi Remi Dean second by Walter Hood. Roll call. Remi Dean Yes.
024Walter Hood Yes. Timothy Lockett >> Yes. Roy Mckinns Yes. Willie Ray Yes. Latanya Sales Yes. Latoya Mosley Yes. Motion to adjourn. I think I want to remind the board we have a special Personnel Committee meeting at 9:00 on Monday and a special board meeting at 11:00. We can take action on the items that were