Unit 40 School Board Amends Cell Phone Policy

After more than a decade since its cell phone policy was adopted, the Effingham Unit 40 Board of Education Monday voted to amend the policy. The move is an attempt to make sure students have their phones back at the end of the day.

Board President Angie Byers said it's a move concerning safety. Byers said a student who might have to walk home after school and not have their phone could fall victim to dangerous situations and not have the ability to phone for help.

Until now, high school students could lose their phone for five, seven or even 10 days for violating the policy regarding use of their device. One provision designed to keep some teeth in the policy is that the student's parent or guardian will have to pick up the phone from school at the end of the day.

The decision was made to not immediately change the policy, but to wait until the affected building principals look over the policy and notify their staff members. There were changes made to the high school and junior high school policies.

The Board also reviewed the district's Fit for Duty provision, with concerns heard over how it's administered. There was also discussion of the job description written for an assistant director of transportation position, with questions from Board Member Jill Wendling over whether the assistant would be an administrator or just some help in the transportation office.

There was discussion over whether a dress code change should be considered regarding instituting school uniforms. Board member Jane Willenborg raised the idea, saying it works well at St. Anthony and Sacred Heart. Other board members were not convinced, but Willenborg said it would save families money on clothing costs.

There was also talk about video streaming of Board meetings and of school events, including sports.

The issue of school district Cabinet members was also re-visited. Byers is concerned that the meetings of all district administrators takes them out of their buildings. Videoconferencing was suggested as a possible option.

The Board voted to purchase a new fire alarm system for West Side School after Head Start officials said the Fire Marshal told them during an inspection that he would shut the program at West Side down in early October if the current system is not replaced. Barlow Lock and Security of Effingham was the low bidder at $17,885.

Board members also voted to purchase 34 IPads and cases for a price not to exceed $12,000. The Board also agreed to another purchase, once they finalize a grant to fund the purchase. The acquisition would involve 120 IPads, 120 cases and three carts for an amount not to exceed $50,000. 

Also discussed was a technology replacement plan, including re-evaluating whether to replace items rather than a routine replacement schedule.

The Board approved the budget for the new fiscal year, calling for deficit spending of $268,000 in the Education Fund, a $5,000 surplus in the Operations and Maintenance Fund, a $313,000 deficit in the Bond and Interest Fund, a $23,000 surplus in the Transportation Fund, a $27,000 surplus in the IMRF, a $486,000 surplus in the Tort Fund, and spending of more than $10 million from the Health and Life Safety Fund on the junior high building renovation.

Board members recognized EHS teacher Ty Totten as a recipent of the State school board's "Those Who Excel" award this year. Totten will receive the award at an event in Bloomington on October 19. Totten was recognized for his work in manufacturing programs including welding programs that benefit Unit 40 students and adults in the workforce alike.

The Board purchased two floor maintenance scrubbers for the junior high building for $15,000; approved the district Crisis Plan for the new fiscal year; and heard that district enrollment is down 43 students from last year.

In personnel moves, the Board hired Ruby Shupe and Dianne Donaldson as cafeteria monitors at the Early Learning Center, Lisa Campton as a bus aide, and Barbara Jamison as a paraprofessional.

The Board approved transfers of Sue Ahten as a 6-1/2 hour cook and Paula Bullard as a six-hour cook, both at the high school; appointed Jeff Tonn as high school varsity assistant softball coach; accepted the resignation of Rhonda Haythorne as a paraprofessional; and okayed leaves of absence for Kelsey Hutmacher and Dorothy Depoister.

Board members also got to meet one of the therapy dogs in use at Effingham High School. More about later Tuesday.

Board member Kathleen Smith was not present for Monday night's meeting.