Prairie State Wire

Illinois State Board of Education East St. Louis Financial Oversight Panel met April 30.

Here are the minutes provided by the panel:

Chair Jackie Settles called the meeting to order at 12:03 p.m.

Members Present

Sister Julia Huiskamp, Jeffrey Collier, Jessie Granger, Jackie Settles, Debra Moore,

Members Absent

ISBE / District Staff Members / Others Present

Superintendent Arthur Culver, Chief of Schools Keisa Garrett, Chief HR Officer Valencia Hawkins, Chief of Staff Jennifer Brumback, Executive Director of Communications & Strategic Partnerships Sydney Stigge-Kaufman, Director of Finance and Federal & State Programs Kiaundra Smith

ISBE Regional Financial Consultant Anne Maidment, Attorney Garrett Hoerner participated via zoom.

Prayer

Member Collier led the prayer

Adoption of Agenda

Member Granger moved, with a second by Member Collier, for the adoption of the Agenda giving the Oversight Panel Chair discretion to take agenda items out of order. The motion carried on a roll call vote. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0

Public Comments

Public Comments by Mamie Cosey who announced her decision to retire. She spoke briefly about her years of dedication and service for the East St Louis community. She expressed her passion for advocating for students who struggle with mental health and especially those who have disabilities. She recommends more resources need to be readily available to those in need. Also, extending the opportunity to join any school club should be available to all who express interest. She has collaborated with others, who share her passion, to write a book highlighting the importance of assisting those in need. She would like to share copies with the committee members. The book is titled, “Shining the Light”

Recognitions:

Executive Director Sydney Stigge-Kaufman publicly recognized the following staff members and students on their achievements:

Poetry Slam Celebrates Student Creativity & Performance

East St. Louis Sr. High School held its 5th Annual Poetry Slam on March 27th. The students did an amazing job! Mrs. Melanie Davis, ELA Department Chair, annually hosts the event to allow students an opportunity to share students’ original spoken word pieces with their friends, peers, family members and other guests. The winners are as follows:

Individuals:

1st place (Tie)

- What are We and What Have We Done: (Un) Complicit / Maurion Johnson

- Love’s Heart Attack: Jason Staten

2nd Place - Death in His Role: Damir Stevenson

3rd Place - Diary of a Mad Black Teenager: A Letter to My Depression: Taylor Stevenson

Teams:

1st place - Boys Will Be Boys: Robyn Williams, Makeleonia Williams, Daveonna Williams and Rayne Williams

2nd Place (Tie)

- The Mask We Wear: William Cosby, Anyai Arnold, Jarvis Spearman, Quentin Rucker, Mackenzie Issac, and LeAndra Brown

- Trenches to Triumph: Raymond Otis and Jonathan Hale

3rd Place - You’re Not Grown: Carl Hill and Gihanna Blackmon

Celebrations in Indoor Track

Congratulations to East St. Louis Senior High student Shamond McClain on an outstanding indoor track season! He earned 12th place in the nation in the triple jump at the 2025 Nike Indoor Nationals - a remarkable achievement on one of the sport’s biggest stages. He also claimed 1st place in the triple jump at the 2025 Illinois Top Times Indoor Championship, solidifying his status as one of the top athletes in the state.

Honoring the Service of Outgoing Board Members

We extend sincere appreciation to Board Member Danielle P. Moore for four years of dedicated service on the Board of Education. From 2021-2025, Ms. Moore has shown a commitment to school safety and student success. We are grateful for her service, thoughtful contributions, and support of initiatives that strengthen our schools and uplift our students. Thank you, Ms. Moore, for your valued service to the district and the families of East St. Louis.

Honoring Lonzo Greenwood for 28 Years of Board Service

East St. Louis School District 189 proudly honors and celebrates Board of Education Member Lonzo Greenwood for an incredible 28 years of dedicated service to the students, staff, and families of our district.

Mr. Greenwood began his remarkable tenure on the School District 189 Board of Education in 1997 and is concluding his service in 2025. Over nearly three decades, he played a pivotal role in shaping the district’s progress, serving in multiple leadership roles and offering thoughtful, steadfast guidance through times of growth and transformation.

A devoted champion for public education, Mr. Greenwood demonstrated consistent commitment by actively participating in board and committee meetings and showing unwavering support for students and staff alike. His legacy is deeply rooted in ensuring access to quality education and advancing resources and opportunities for all students across the district.

During his years of service, the district accomplished major milestones, including the construction of three new middle schools (Younge, Mason/Clark, and Lincoln), six new elementary schools (Wright, Officer, Bush, Avant, Dunbar, and Vivian Adams), and the extensive renovation of East St. Louis Senior High School, including the addition of the Career and Technical Education building. A new maintenance facility was also completed during his tenure.

“Lonzo Greenwood has been a pillar of integrity and leadership. He is a true advocate for the success of every child in East St. Louis,” said Superintendent Culver. “His long-standing service helped guide the district to academic growth, the accreditation of all schools, and numerous school recognitions, including several campuses earning ‘Commendable’ status by the Illinois State Board of Education and Gold Circle of Quality designation for our preschool program.”

Beyond his impact on the school district, Mr. Greenwood has been a deeply engaged and highly respected leader within the greater East St. Louis community. A proud graduate of Lincoln High School, he attended Southern Illinois University - Edwardsville as a Danforth Fellow, and later earned his law degree from the St. Louis University Law School.

A lifelong resident of East St. Louis, he has consistently balanced his commitment to public service with his devotion to family - always leading with integrity, humility, and purpose. Barbara Greenwood, his spouse of 59 years, has graciously supported his dedication, allowing him to dedicate hundreds of hours of unpaid time to the district. Together, they have been steadfast advocates for public education and take great pride in the fact that both of their daughters, Tracey and Latoya, have worked for East St. Louis School District 189, with Tracey retiring in 2024 and Latoya continuing the family’s legacy of service as a valued member of the district’s Human Resources team.

The current Board of Education, Superintendent Culver, district staff, and students extend their deepest gratitude for the vision, integrity, and unwavering service that Lonzo Greenwood has provided over his 28-year tenure. His enduring commitment to the district and steadfast advocacy for our schools and community have left a lasting impact that will be felt for generations to come.

Thank you, Mr. Greenwood, for your exceptional legacy of service to East St. Louis School District 189.

Report of the Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council (SSAC)

Executive Director Sydney Stigge-Kaufman reported students’ feedback on what they valued most. Students of all ages expressed their love for the clubs in which they participate, such as: Peace Warriors, Beta Club, Student Council, orchestra, band, Spanish class and all athletic clubs. Students also acknowledged bathroom improvements. The younger students will need to be more responsible for general upkeep and tidiness after usage. Middle school and elementary school students expressed concerns of wearing school uniforms. Administration has agreed to review the policy.

Report of the Superintendent

Superintendent Culver extended an invitation to the FOP Committee Members for the Half Cap Ceremony for the students at ESLSH. The ceremony is held to honor sophomore students who have earned the necessary credits which places them on track to graduate as expected or sooner. The ceremony also serves as an incentive to increase graduation rates. The celebration is on May 1st at 12:30 in the high school auditorium. The Commencement Ceremony for the high school graduates will be held at the Clyde C. Jordan Stadium on May 20, 2025 at 7pm. The Key Communicator Network and SCC meetings will take place today at 4pm and 5pm. These quarterly meetings are held to share important information as well as gain feedback on how to be of better service for the staff and students as well as the East St Louis community. An appeal for ESSER Funds has been submitted along with additional information. The district is awaiting a response as well as reimbursements for funds that have already been spent.

•  Panel member asked if any reimbursements have been received.

Some payments have been received. Reimbursements of Title Funds and SPED expenditures are expected. No negative reports have been received.

•  Panel member asked if we have any AmeriCorps Worker

No

•  Panel member asked where we stand with HVAC expenditures

HVAC expenditures include the $19 million cut. A freeze is in place until further notice. The district has completed an expenditure report for all finished projects. No reimbursements have been received. The district is exploring other options to ensure projects are completed and the environments of the schools remain safe. A meeting with Representative Budzinski will be held at the high school auditorium on Thursday, May 29, at 5pm to discuss the ramifications of the revocation of funding.

•  Panel member requested that all important events and dates be listed on the district’s website.

District Buildings & Grounds (B&G) Report

In the absence of Director Joseph Haskell, Chief of Staff Jennifer Brumback gave a brief report on Buildings and Grounds. The ongoing work orders and the HVAC projects are progressing well. In April, the chillers were started in every building. Since WYSOE is closed for summer school, remaining upgrades and work will be completed at that time. LMS will have pumps and boilers installed. Building controls, wiring and programming will take place at PLD, KHW, MCMS and Avant. The rooftop unit has been hoisted and completed at the high school along with the installation of exhaust fans and air units. In April, landscaping, hydro ceding and cleanup had been ongoing to prepare for the upcoming ribbon cutting of the completed tennis court. The ceremony will take place Friday, May 16 with USTA. The auditorium renovation is under review. Environmental, asbestos and abatement has been scheduled to take place by September 2025. The CTE project and the parking lot projects are in pre-construction, developmental design stages with Holland Construction.

District Finance Report

In the absence of CSBO Jason, Director Kiaundra Smith provided a brief update on the Comparative Analysis Finance Report.

•  Revenue was $103 million compared to $107 million last year.

•  Expenditures $94 million compared to $85 million last year.

Director Smith reported that all expenses are in line with the expected budget.

•  Panel member asked how training and development funds are allocated

Funds are allocated based on the needs of each department. State tests and evaluation results of each campus are used to aid in budgeting funds for the next year

•  Panel member asked if there are any plans to RIF employees

As of the date, no. A great majority of the budget is used to cover employee salaries. Other options are being reviewed

ISBE Report

No Report

Executive Session

No Executive Session.

14. A. Regular Meeting March 24, 2025

Superintendent Culver asked for a motion to approve the FOP Regular Meeting Minutes of March 24, 2025.

Member Collier moved, with a second by Member Granger, to approve the FOP Regular Meeting Minutes of March 24, 2025. The motion carried on a roll call vote. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0

15. Approval of Consent Agenda Items (April 22, 2025 Board of Education Meeting) Superintendent Culver asked for a motion to approve Consent Agenda Items 15.A. through 15.G.

Member Collier moved, with a second by Member Granger, to approve Consent Agenda Items 15.A. through 15.G. The motion carried on a roll call vote. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0

15. A. Finance Items: Part B - H - Treasurer's Report, Part B - Board Bills $4,786,164.18 Payroll $3,682,764.71, Credit Card $60,627.07, Payroll Wire Transfers $2,981,278.53, A/P EFT's $3,103.30, W/C Claims $30,315.31, Part C Miscellaneous Cash Receipts $468,392.00, Part D Athletics $17,360.25, Part E Monies Returned and Miscellaneous Payments $0.00, Part F Open A/P $0.00, and Part H Overtime $25,518.00, for Month of March

15. B. Payment of Invoices for Legal Services from Becker, Hoerner & Ysursa, P.C. for the Month of March 2025. Amount: $10,397.62

15. C. Approval of emergency quote from Collins and Hermann to repair/replace/install the wind damaged fencing at Clyde Jordan as specified in C&H BID #: 8753366068-JW Cost: $108,150 Source: District

15. D. Approval of DCEO CTE New Build-Work Order from Holland Construction Services for Preconstruction services as described under article 3 of Master Agreement and attached. Total: $92,500 Source: DCEO Grant

15. E. Approval of Use of Premises

15. F. Approval of Professional Development Requests and Addendums. Approximate Cost $233,995.16

15. G Approval of Field Trip Requests and Addendums. Approximate Cost $46,000.00

16. APPROVAL OF ACTION AGENDA ITEMS (April 22, 2025 Board of Education Meeting) Superintendent Culver asked for a motion to approve by omnibus vote Action Items 16.A, 16.B, 16.C, 17.A, 17, B.

Member Granger moved, with a second by Member Collier, to approve the Superintendent’s recommendation. The motion carried on a roll call vote. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0

Superintendent Culver asked for a motion to approve:

16. A. Approval of Personnel Report/Addendums & Contracts.

16. B. Approval of Curriculum Action Items 7.A List and Addendums. Approximate Cost: $124,337.50

16. C. Approval of agreement with Baker Tilly to conduct FY25 Audit of District accounts, Regional Vocational system and East St. Louis Area Joint Agreement. Cost: $134,710.00 Funding Source: District Funds

17. APPROVAL OF ACTION AGENDA ITEMS (April 29, 2025 Special Board of Education Meeting)

17. A. Approval of Personnel Report

17. B. Approval of Separation Agreement(s)

Member Collier moved, with a second by Member Moore, to approve the Superintendent’s recommendation. The motion carried on a roll call vote. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0

18. OLD BUSINESS

No Old Business

19. NEW BUSINESS

•  Panel member asked about the job fair advertisement in the ESL Monitor.

A very successful job fair was held last Saturday, May 26. A host of applicants showed up resulting in several recommendations

20. ANNOUNCEMENTS

Next Financial Oversight Panel Meeting: May 27, 2025 at 12:00 p.m.

21. A. ADJOURNMENT

There being no further business, Member Granger moved, with a second by Member Collier, to adjourn the meeting at 12:43 p.m. The motion carried on a roll call. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0

https://www.isbe.net/Documents_Finance_ESL/043025-Minutes.pdf