East St. Louis School District 189 Board Meeting - 4/21/2026

Added: 2026-05-05

[00:08:46]Good afternoon.

[00:08:49]Today is regular Board of Education meeting, Tuesday, April 21st, 2026. Take the roll call, please. Remi Guy. Present. Walter Hood. Present. Timothy Lockett. Present.

[00:09:01]Roy Mckins. Roy Mckins. Latoya Mosley.

[00:09:05]Present. Willie Ray.

[00:09:07]Willie Ray. Latonya Sales. Present.

[00:09:12]Okay, we have a quorum. Um prayer.

[00:09:20]Can we bow our heads? Heavenly Father, we thank you. We love you. We glorify you for what you're doing. We ask we ask you your presence being dismissed in the name of Jesus as we make decisions for this community, for your staff, for the students. God, we thank you for good governance, and we thank you for the ability to make decisions that glorify you in Jesus Christ's name. Amen.

[00:09:41]Pledge of Allegiance. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

[00:09:55]Next, going to get adoption of the agenda, giving the board president discretion to take items out of order or in executive session.

[00:10:02]I'll make the motion.

[00:10:05]Okay, been motioned by Remy Dean, second by Latonya Sales. Roll call. Remy Dean.

[00:10:10]Yes. Latonya Sales. Walter Hood. Timothy Lockett.

[00:10:14]>> Yes. Roy Mickens. Roy Mickens.

[00:10:18]Willie Ray. Willie Ray. Latoya Mosley, yes.

[00:10:21]>> Motion passed.

[00:10:22]Presentation, recommendation, I'm sorry.

[00:10:25]Good afternoon. Good afternoon.

[00:10:28]East St. Louis School District 189 has been selected as a grand prize winner in the 31st annual Magna Awards program sponsored by the National School Boards Association and the Go Green Initiative.

[00:10:43]School District 189 was recognized for its leadership in improving indoor air quality and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. So, you'll see the photos kind of rotating up here. We had a number of representatives from the boards. We're grateful that they attended the conference.

[00:11:00]School District 189 was one of only three school systems nationwide to receive this top honor alongside districts in Washington and Maryland.

[00:11:10]The Magna Awards were presented by the American School Board Journal and recognized exemplary school district programs across the country.

[00:11:19]Our recognition reflects leadership in advancing comprehensive district-wide strategies focused on energy efficiency, environmental health, and facility modernization.

[00:11:31]These efforts include the implementation of a carbon-free schools initiative and a five-year plan to reduce the school district's carbon footprint while achieving energy savings.

[00:11:43]The national recognition highlights our district's commitment to providing safe, healthy learning environments for students and staff while demonstrating strong stewardship of resources and long-term sustainability.

[00:11:57]Superintendent Arthur Culver and the Board of Education were recognized for their leadership in advancing these efforts and positioning our district as a leader in environmental responsibility and steward I'm sorry, and student well-being.

[00:12:12]Our district representatives were honored at the National School Boards Association annual conference held earlier in April in San Antonio where a video highlighting our district's work was also [snorts] featured.

[00:12:25]As part of the conference program, Superintendent Culver participated in a fireside chat and Joe Haskell, our director of maintenance operations and risk management, delivered two presentations, including a masterclass showcasing the district's initiatives.

[00:12:40]In addition, our work was highlighted in the April issue of the American School Board Journal published online on March 31st.

[00:12:49]Our school district acknowledges the support of the Go Green Initiative as well as Ameren Illinois in advancing efforts to improve indoor air quality and progress towards becoming a carbon-free school district.

[00:13:04]In November of 2025, the district and board was informed that the newly constructed tennis courts at East St. Louis Senior High School had been selected to receive a prestigious facility award from the American Sports Builders Association. The nomination was submitted by McConnell and Associates, the project contractor.

[00:13:23]We are pleased to now share that the project has been formally recognized as a recipient of the 2025 Distinguished Outdoor Tennis Facility Award.

[00:13:33]This national honor reflects the district's continued commitment to providing high-quality athletic facilities that support student athletes and serve the broader school community.

[00:13:45]The six state-of-the-art tennis courts were completed in May of 2025 and were funded in part through grants from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, the USTA, as well as local section and district partners.

[00:14:00]Additionally, we are pleased to share that not only Leslie McCorkle, music educator at East St. Louis Senior High School, but also um Don Daggs, thank you. We're also was also selected to join one of the regional music educators to perform alongside members of the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra as part of the annual Extra Credit Concert.

[00:14:23]The special event celebrates the vital role of music teachers play in shaping the next generation and honors their artistry in a premier concert setting.

[00:14:32]So, if you would like to attend, you could come to the performance on Friday, April 24th at 7:00 p.m. at Powell Hall.

[00:14:42]Head coach Mark Chambers from our Flyers boys basketball team has been named an Illinois Basketball Coaches Association State Coach of the Year. This is the second time he has earned this distinguished honor.

[00:14:55]The recognition reflects not only Coach Chambers' commitment and expertise, but also the dedication and hard work of the Flyers student athletes and coaching staff during a truly remarkable season.

[00:15:07]Coach Chambers led the Flyers through a historic 2025-2026 season culminating in the Illinois Class 3A boys basketball state championship.

[00:15:17]The team finished with an outstanding 33-4 overall record and earned a number one rating in the state of Illinois and number 47 nationally.

[00:15:28]This championship marks the second in program history, both under the both achieved under Coach Chambers' leadership. The previous one was in 2019.

[00:15:39]We are proud to share that the Lincoln Middle School Tiger cheer squad earned first place in the junior high middle school cheer division at the MCDA cheer and dance Justice League competition. It was held earlier in March. The achievement marks the team's second consecutive championship. The squad's success reflects a strong commitment to teamwork, discipline, and school pride.

[00:16:03]This team is sponsored by Latonya Sales.

[00:16:09]The Mason Clark Middle School Student Council has also been recognized as a 2026 Honor Council by the Illinois Association of Junior High Student Councils. This marks the 11th time the school has received this notice notable distinction.

[00:16:25]This recognition is awarded to schools that demonstrate exemplary student council programming aligned with the national mission to cultivate leadership, responsibility, and community service in its students.

[00:16:39]Also, the Mason Clark Middle School Student Council was recognized by the National Association of Student Councils as the 2026 National Gold Council of Excellence.

[00:16:49]This prestigious award reflects the highest standards of quality, leadership, innovation, and community engagement demonstrated through the council's programs, projects, and activities.

[00:17:00]This marks the third time that Mason Clark Middle School Student Council has received this national honor and underscores the continued excellence of its student leaders and the dedication of its sponsors. So, we congratulate this outstanding council for their accomplishment and for continuing to respect their school with pride and purpose.

[00:17:22]And last but not least, we congratulate the students recognized as 2026 Racial Harmony Award recipients by the Center for Racial Harmony based in Belleville, Illinois.

[00:17:33]These students were honored >> [clears throat] >> Excuse me, at the annual Racial Harmony Student Award Ceremony in February for promoting goodwill within their school communities. The awardees include Malaysia Hawkins, Officer Elementary, Chaya Reynolds at Dunbar Elementary, Destiny Riley at Wright Elementary, Janaya Barnes at the Young School of Excellence, and Willie Holmes from Gordon Bush Alternative Center.

[00:18:00]Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

[00:18:03]All right, 6A, motion to approve minutes of the March 18th, 2025 regular board meeting and March 23rd, 2026 special board meeting. Can I get a motion and a second?

[00:18:13]Motion by Walter Hood, second.

[00:18:15]>> I'll second. Second by Remy Dean, roll call. Walter Hood.

[00:18:19]>> Yes.

[00:18:20]Remy Dean. Yes.

[00:18:22]Timothy Lockett.

[00:18:23]>> Yes.

[00:18:24]Roy Mickens. Roy Mickens.

[00:18:26]Willie Ray. Willie Ray. Latonya Sales.

[00:18:29]Yes. Latoya Mosley, yes. Motion passed.

[00:18:32]Presentation reports, any? No additional presentations.

[00:18:35]>> And next will be this portion of the meeting that was reserved for comments from the public in accordance with policy 2230, public participation at Board of Education meeting and petition to the board.

[00:18:47]>> [clears throat] >> Number one is a maximum time of 30 minutes will be allotted for all public comments.

[00:18:52]Two is an individual must have submitted the public comment form 30 minutes prior to the meeting in order to address the board. Three, please limit your comments to 3 minutes or less. The board president may shorten the time for each speaker or if multiple individuals wish to speak on the same subject, the group would be required to appoint a spokesperson.

[00:19:14]Five, names of students or staff are not allowed to be discussed during public comments.

[00:19:20]Six, [snorts] neither the board nor the superintendent will respond to public comments during the board meeting. The superintendent or designee may follow up separately with the speaker and the board as appropriate.

[00:19:34]Do you all have a Teresa Lyons?

[00:19:38]>> [clears throat] >> Good evening. Good evening. Good evening, Superintendent Culver, members of the Board of Education, and other distinguished guests. I am Teresa Lyons Flanders Social Action Chairperson of the East St. Louis Alumni Chapter.

[00:19:59]I want to take this moment to acknowledge our chapter president who I believe is stuck in traffic, Sharon Crockett, and also acknowledge the members in the room who are members of the exquisite East St. Louis Alumni Chapter. If you can please stand at this time.

[00:20:16]I introduce you not to just another D9 organization, but a sisterhood of service and a force of justice. This is a movement. So, I want to take a You can be seated. Sorry.

[00:20:29]I like to take a moment to sincerely thank you, Superintendent Culver, for your continuous support of youth leadership in our community. Programs like Run the City, the Reverend Jesse Jackson Voter Registration Day, and Civic Day at East St. Louis Senior High School are more than just events. They are investments in the future of our young people.

[00:20:52]Because of your leadership, students are not just learning about their communities, but they are stepping up to lead them. They are finding their voices, they're understanding their power, and realizing that they shape the world around them. That kind of impact doesn't just happen by accident. It happens because someone at the top chooses, and that is present tense, to believe in them and back the belief with actions. And I'll be honest, support like that matters now more than ever.

[00:21:23]Our young people are watching. They are deciding whether their voices count, whether their efforts matter, and whether leadership is something they can truly step into. [clears throat] Superintendent Culver, you sent a clear message. They do matter, and they are ready.

[00:21:42]So, thank you, sir. Not just for approving the programs. So, thank you.

[00:21:46]But, for standing behind a vision of empowered, engaged, and positive youth.

[00:21:51]That vision is taking root and is growing. We look forward to your continued partnership in building even more opportunities for our students to rise, lead, and succeed. So, thank you for your time and commitment today. And I have with me Ms. Katie Yokley, and she want to extend a gift on behalf of our chapter president, a small token. If you want to Can we approach, sir? Sure. Yes.

[00:22:21]>> [snorts] >> And so, we have a small token of appreciation for your commitment. Thank you. And that That concludes my comments.

[00:22:32]>> [applause] >> That's it.

[00:22:37]All right, thank you.

[00:22:39]Next, executive session.

[00:22:43]Okay. Superintendent report.

[00:22:45]Thank you, Mr. President.

[00:22:48]Looking for a motion, seeking a motion rather to approve by unanimous vote action items 12B, 12C, 12D, 12E, 12F, 13A, 14A, 15 15A, 15D, and 15C.

[00:23:06]Can I get a motion, please? I'll make the motion.

[00:23:09]Okay, it's been motioned by Remy Davis, seconded by Latonya Sales, Walker.

[00:23:13]Remy Davis? Yes. Latonya Sales? Yes.

[00:23:17]Walter Hood? Timothy Lockett? Yes. Roy Mickens? Roy Mickens? Willie Ray? Yes.

[00:23:23]Latoria Mosley? Yes. Motion passed.

[00:23:25]Thank you. Now, I need a motion to approve the following action items. 12B, reading of all resolutions by heading only. 12C, resolution number 042126-A, providing for the issuance of not to exceed $32 million in general obligation school bonds for the purpose of increasing the working cash fund of the district and refunding certain outstanding bonds of the district, providing for the levy of a direct annual tax sufficient to pay the principal and interest on those bonds, and authorizing the proposed sale of the bonds to the purchaser thereof.

[00:24:06]12D, resolution number 04 2126-B through 042126-E, authorizing notice and statement of honorable dismissal of non-certified staff.

[00:24:24]Those staff members are uh resolution [clears throat] number Rita McAfee.

[00:24:34]Resolution 042126-C, Angelique Red.

[00:24:39]Resolution 042126-D, Latoria Sales. Resolution 042126-E, Danesha Williams.

[00:24:52]12E, student discipline.

[00:24:56]To place two students in alternative school for being abusive and disrespectful, extremely disrespectful to staff. Also, weapons violations. And those students are student number 88917557 and student 88923012.

[00:25:16]Um the first student will be placed in safe schools for the remainder of the 25-26 school year as well as all of next school year, 26-27 school year.

[00:25:28]And the second student with the weapons violation will be placed in Bush Alternative School for the remainder of the school year.

[00:25:37]12F, the approval of the proposed 26-27 school calendar. 13A, financial report for the month of March 26, 2026. 14A, personnel report addendum contracts and MOUs as presented. 15A, buildings and grounds report as presented. 15B, curriculum committee report, and finally 15C, the finance committee report. Can I get a motion to approve those action items? I'll make the motion.

[00:26:10]I'll second. Been motioned by Walter Hood, seconded by Remy Davis. Questions?

[00:26:16]Roll call.

[00:26:17]Walter Hood? Remy Davis? Yes. Timothy Lockett? Yes. Roy Mickens? Roy Mickens?

[00:26:23]Willie Ray? Yes. Latonya Sales? Yes.

[00:26:26]Latoria Mosley? Yes. Motion passed.

[00:26:29]That does conclude my report. Okay, thank you.

[00:26:32]16, any old business?

[00:26:36]Any new business?

[00:26:39]18, announcing regular board meeting will be May 20th, 2026 and June 16th, 2026. Can I get a motion to adjourn?

[00:26:47]I'll make the motion. I'll second.

[00:26:48]>> Motioned by Remy Davis, seconded by Willie Ray. Willie Ray? Roll call.

[00:26:54]Remy Davis? Yes. Willie Ray? Yes.

[00:26:56]>> Latonya Sales? Yes. Walter Hood? Yes.

[00:26:59]Timothy Lockett? Yes. Roy Mickens? Roy Mickens?

[00:27:04]Latoria Mosley? Yes. Motion to adjourn.

[00:27:06]Thank you.

[00:27:07]Thank you.