1. Call to Order - 11:00 a.m.

* Prior to roll call, FOP President Elizabeth Lewin introduced the newest member of the FOP...John Williams (who replaces Andrea Evans.) President Lewin asked Mr. Williams to give a brief bio of himself. Turns out, he has done a little bit of everything in his educational career: Teacher, Coach, Athletic Director, Principal, Assistant Superintendent, Superintendent, and bus driver!

In the "It's a small world" category, Mr. Williams' most recent position was as Assistant Superintendent in charge of finances for Carbondale Elementary District 95. Mr. Williams retired as an educator from this position effective June 30, 2012.

Yes...this is the position for which Justin Miller applied and is now employed.

2. Roll Call - Manul Goins, John Williams, Elizabeth Lewin.

3. Comments from the Public - I had nothing to say! ;-)

4. Approval of Minutes from June 25, 2012 Regular Meeting - Motion made, seconded, and passed.

5. Executive Session - The FOP voted to enter Executive Session at 11:03 a.m. (with President Lewin promising that it would be brief.) True to her word, the FOP voted to exit Executive Session at 11:15 a.m.

6. Consideration of the Actions taken by the District at the BOE's July 19, 2012 Regular Meeting: (See Agenda Below for Details.)

a. A motion was made, seconded, and passed to approve Action Items #1 and #2.

President Lewin then asked CSD Superintendent Andrea Evers to provide background for Action Items #3, #4, and #5. Superintendent Evers explained that the person being recalled to full-time status in Cairo would be shared with the Egyptian School District, with the Cairo School District receiving the services of a teacher from Egyptian for two periods in return. As for Art...this was done due to replace Music (with Mr. Davis not returning.) When President Lewin inquired: "There will be no music offered?", Superintendent Evers indicated that the 21st Century program had been offering a supplementary program during the summer and would continue to do so next year (on an after-school basis for no credit.) Superintendent Evers indicated that she knew this was not ideal, but that it was the only option available. Finally, the part-time position of secretary to the Guidance Counselor is to relieve Mr. Hamilton of clerical duties so that he can spend more time with students. The position will pay $10 per hour for an anticipated total of $3,100.

b. A motion was made, seconded, and passed to approve Action Items #3, #4, and #5.

c. Action Item #6 (the Donation of Bennett Elementary School and the Cairo Community Education Center to Hope International) was tabled pending further information.

7. A motion was made, seconded, and passed to approve the revised FOP meeting dates for FY13. (It was noted that the dates might be revisited following further consultation with "Deb" and "Carl" from ISBE.)

8. A motion was made, seconded, and passed to approve application for FOP liability insurance.

9. Status of District's Finances - Brief comments from the Financial Advisers...better than anticipated due to the receipt of additional state aid.

10. Monthly Progress Report - Brief comments from the Financial Advisers.

11. New/Other Business:

a. Superintendent Evers informed the FOP of the new District website.

b. At the request of President Lewin, Superintendent Evers gave a brief report on her first two weeks...which she characterized as "positive", that she was making connections.

c. President Lewin then (for the benefit of the new FOP member) asked that everyone introduce themselves and give a brief bio.

12. Adjournment - A motion was made, seconded, and passed to adjourn at 11:34 a.m.

CAT Tracks Editor's Note:

Now THAT is how to run a meeting!!!