CAT Tracks Editor's Notes:

All BOE members were (eventually) present (with Moore arriving at 6:30, Burris at 6:08, and McBride at 6:37.) Due to the initial absence of President Artie McBride, Vice President Gabriel Harris presided.

Examples of Excellence:

This section of the agenda lasted right at an hour.

Most of the time was consumed by Cairo Elementary Principal Rose Gayle Pickett...providing the BOE with MAP Testing tracking data, comparing Fall and Winter results, which showed significant growth. Principal Pickett reported that the improvement could be partially explained by the hiring and use of two paraprofessionals to assist teachers under the Guided Reading Instruction in Grades 1-5. Principal Pickett closed her presentation by saying that she hoped that the positive improvements would prompt the BOE to add a third paraprofessional next year, filling a gap that caused the Kindergarten teachers to go without any assistance.

As Principal Pickett was winding down, Gabriel Harris raised the issue of retentions at Cairo Elementary, initial projections being 20. That prompted a discussion of whether the District was doing everything necessary to reduce the number. This prompted the comment from Principal Pickett that much of the underlying problem was attendance, with one student "disappearing" for four months (leaving at Thanksgiving and just recently returning.) Some students have missed as much as 40 days of school or have been tardy (like for two hours) two and three days a week. Bottom line: You can't teach students if they are not there.

Then the discussion devolved into a concern about high school students graduating on time...especially in light of a new requirement with next year's Freshman Class requiring 4 years of math. There were questions about credit recovery opportunities. The discussion got heated and somewhat disorganized when a concern was raised about notifying the parents to make sure that they knew about the new requirement so that it would not come as a surprise when next year's Freshmen neared their expected graduation date. One of the BOE members cited her own experience with the District...that she (as a parent) had been notified repeatedly about requirements. That didn't go far in assuaging the concerns raised by another BOE member. Presiding Officer Harris finally tapped his gavel and brought the discussion to a close.

Report of the Superintendent/Informational:

1. Enrollment Figures - Total District enrollment is 518, with 216 students at Cairo Elementary and 212 at CJSHS.

2. Staff Perfect Attendance for March - There was no comment/discussion. There was probably a written report in the BOE packets.

3. Summer Lunch Program - A free breakfast/lunch program for children aged 0-18. The program will be centered at Cairo Elementary but delivery may be expanded upon need. Stay tuned for details.

4. Garrison School Building Status - Superintendent Andrea Evers and Cairo Mayor Tyrone Coleman are in discussions on how to handle the transfer of ownership and possible demolition. Tabled for further discussion.

5. Superintendent Evers read off a list of dates which I did not catch, but that included things like PSAE testing (next week on Wednesday and Thursday), Prom, High School Graduation (May 17th?), 8th Grade Promotion, Academic and Athletic Awards, and maybe something else.

The BOE voted to enter Closed Session at 7:13 p.m. The BOE voted to exit Closed Session at 7:38 p.m.

Requiring Action/Decisions By Board of Education:

The BOE approved all items listed with some clarification:

• Regarding Charlotte Loveless: The BOE voted to "deny" her request for leave of absence and "accept" her resignation.

• The Elementary Education Teacher for the 2014-2015 School Year - Dawn Seward.
• The Middle School English/Language Arts Teacher for the 2014-2015 School Year - Ruth Faith Cahill (pending IL certification.)

Under Old Business:

The District is continuing to conduct interviews to fill two positions, one being another elementary teacher, the other being a guidance counselor. (The District is still interviewing for a science teacher.)

The BOE voted to adjourn at 7:52 p.m.