MINUTES:

All BOE members were present.

Examples of Excellence: A scheduled presentation by the CHS band did not happen due to unforeseen circumstances. Superintendent Andrea Evers announced that CJSHS Principal was absent due to his attendance at the "Education Leaders Fall Conference" conducted by the Illinois Principals Association.

During the "Public" session, a parent addressed the BOE with her concern that there was an increase of incidents of bullying in the schools this year. Superintendent Evers assured her that the District is always trying to do better in addressing/reducing bullying. Superintendent Evers said that by tomorrow, she would put a link on the District's webpage to report incidents of bullying, and that she would look into the possibility of enabling texting for reporting. CE Principal Rose Gayle Pickett brought up school uniforms, saying that some students were complaining about having to wear uniforms because without a laundromat in town, they were having to wear dirty uniforms. Principal Pickett suggested that allowing different colored slacks might be a possibility, that they would not show dirt as badly as khaki. Superintendent Evers indicated that from the experience of another District that black was not an option...that there were too many shades of black, so many that they did not actually resemble a uniform. She did say that royal blue might be a better option. Superintendent Evers followed that up by saying that she certainly did not want some students to be bullied for wearing dirty uniforms.

All items of the "Consent Agenda" were approved in one motion with no question or comment.

Under "Report of the Superintendent"/Informational":

• Superintendent Evers announced various upcoming dates in October and November...

  ...due to my lack of hearing and speed in taking notes, I did not try to keep up. ("Board Biz" was not available to the public.)

• One item: The Regular BOE Meeting for November will be on Monday, the 16th, since the BOE will be in Chicago on the regular fourth Thursday date.

• Superintendent Evers also explained that the Regular BOE Meeting for October was held tonight rather than last Thursday because she had been invited to serve on a 12-member Educational Advisory Panel to Unites States Congressman Mike Bost. Various topics were discussed by this panel. During the discussions, Congressman Bost expressed optimism that a solution would be found to the current controversy over the Alexander County Housing Authority that would not require the people involved to leave Cairo.

• Superintendent Evers announced that any BOE member who wanted to attend the National School Board Convention in Boston this year would have to use the cheapest means of transportation...round trip airfare being $284.

The BOE voted to enter Closed Session at 6:38 p.m. The BOE voted to exit Closed Session at 8:15 p.m.

There were not resignations or hirings.

Everything else under "Requiring Action/Decisions" was approved. There was one correction: The dollar amount under Item 9.(5) - Basketball Shoes - was $1,600 instead of $1,833.75.

Under "Old Business", BOE member Gabriel Harris expressed concern about the "Parent Portal"...that it had been used frequently last year and an update might be needed.

The BOE voted to adjourn at 8:22 p.m.