CHESTER – The minutes of the Thursday, February 19, 2026 meeting of the Chester Community Unit School District No. 139 have been released.
CHESTER COMMUNITY UNIT SCHOOL DISTRICT NO.139
BOARD OF EDUCATION
Regular Meeting
February 19, 2026
The Board of Education of Chester Community Unit School District No. 139 held a Regular Meeting on February 19, 2026 in the Chester Early Childhood Center. Debi Caraway called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
Krieg motioned, Ebers seconded to enter into the executive meeting at 6:00 p.m for the appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific employees of the public body. Roll call vote. Ayes: Coffey, Fricke, Caraway, Krieg, Davitz, Ebers, Nays: none. Motion carried.
Shannon Wolff is absent from the executive meeting.
Principal, Rachel Marshall is present during the executive meeting.
Attorney Eugene Hanses with Guin Mundorf, LLC is present during the executive meeting.
Rachel Marshall exited the meeting at 6:10 p.m.
Rachel Marshall returned to the meeting at 6:18 p.m.
Davitz motioned, Ebers seconded to recess the executive meeting at 6:59 p.m. Roll call vote. Ayes: Coffey, Fricke, Caraway, Krieg, Davitz, Ebers, Nays: none. Motion carried.
Davitz motioned, Coffey seconded to enter into the regular session at 7:04 p.m. Roll call vote. Ayes: Coffey, Fricke, Caraway, Krieg, Davitz, Ebers, Nays: none. Motion carried. Pledge of Allegiance
Public Comment
- None
Board Correspondence
- None
Fricke motioned, Ebers seconded to approve the consent agenda and items as listed. Roll call vote. Ayes: Coffey, Fricke, Caraway, Krieg, Davitz, Ebers, Nays: none. Motion carried.
Agenda and items as listed:
- Approve January 15, 2026 Regular and Executive board meeting minutes
- Bills in the amount of $484,508.84 and payroll in the amount of $685,985.58
- Financial reports
Athletic Director Report
Dance
– Senior Night is Feb 17th
Cheer
– Cheer Camp had approximately 80 cheerleaders participating
– Senior Night is Feb 17th – no seniors
Boys Basketball
– Chester won the CIT
– Regionals begin Feb 23rd vs Pinckneyville @ Pinckneyville
– Senior Night is Feb 17th
Girls Basketball
– Regionals: Chester played West Frankfort at Herrin on Feb 16th. The girls finished the season 17-14, it is the first winning season since 2019.
– Chester is to host the girls Sectionals Feb 24th and 26th
– Senior night was Feb 5th , the girls won in OT vs Red Bud
– Scholar Bowl – Senior Night is Feb 18th
CGS
Boys Basketball
– The Jr. Jackets won Regionals by beating Red Bud @ Red Bud.
– They lost the first round of State to Norris City Omaha- Enfield, who wound up finishing second at State.
Volleyball
– The A-team placed 4th in the St. Mary’s Tournament
– Upcoming Tournaments:
– 2/20-21- RBL- B team tournament
– 2/27 RBL C team tournament
– 2/27-28- St. John’s A team tournament
Other
High School
– Outdoor Track and Field begin practices Feb 17th
High School Principal
- Rylie Myers received the SIUC Chancellor’s Scholarship award. This award comes with a full ride to SIUC valued at $108,000.
- FFA Week is scheduled for February 23rd – 27th.
- CHS Art club has been working closely with the Mississippi Valley Art Guild and have been meeting monthly performing various art projects.
- On Friday the 13th, we conducted a reunification training exercise in partnership with local law enforcement.
Upcoming Important Dates and Events
- February 23rd – 27th: FFA Week
- March 3rd: Freshman Preview Night
Grade School Principal
- Our positive giveback for the month of February was themed “Game On, Love Abby”. Staff and students district wide participated by donating $1 to the organization, “Love Abby” and wore their favorite sports team apparel. A total of $738.74 was raised
- Badges Vs. Ballers was held on Friday, February 6th. Local law enforcement including officers from Chester PD, Randolph County Deputies and Sheriff, State Troopers as well as Conservation officers played dodgeball with our students during their PE classes
- Read Across America Week is the week of March 3rd
- All students will be participating in state required testing during the month of March
- Parent Teacher Conferences are scheduled for March 9th, 3pm-7pm and March 12th, 3pm-6:30pm. Kindergarten Pre-Registration is also scheduled for those dates and times and will be held at the Early
Childhood Center
- Kids for Christ will be held after school until 5 pm on April 7th, 14th, 28th, and May 5th
- PTS will host their school wide fundraiser event, Celebrate Fitness Day on April 23rd
Early Childhood Principal
- ISBE Compliance visit was completed on February 12th
- MRP will host our next meeting February 27th from 9-10am virtually. We will be offering many parent education events. Examples are Conscious Discipline, The Importance of Emotions, Helping Parents Recognize Sensory Issues in their Children, Trauma and its Effects with Relationships with Children and Toilet Training
Enrollment
Pre-K: 73 students, with 1 potential student starting soon EC: 16 students, with 2 new students transitioning from EI in February/March Total: 89 students
Curriculum Director
ACCESS Testing
- ACCESS testing is currently in progress. The assessment window closes on March 3rd
- Testing at the HS is nearly completed as of Feb. 13th
- Grades 6, 7, and 8 will test the week of Feb. 16th
- Grades 4 and 5 have completed testing
- Grades 2 and 3 are nearly completed
- Grade 1 will test the week of Feb. 16th
- Grade K is in progress
Winter Progress Monitoring/Intervention/Data Review Meetings
- The next round of grade-level data meetings will be held either the first or second week of March. (Purpose: to review progress monitoring data, discuss interventions, changes/updates, etc.)
NAEP Testing
- National Assessment of Educational Progress
- Our 4th Grade students have been selected to participate in NAEP testing this spring on March 17th ● Each participating student has been “assigned” to take either the Reading or the Math assessment, which lasts approximately 90 minutes
- All the necessary pre-assessment tasks have now been completed
Spring State Assessment
- All IEP, 504, and ELL accommodations have been entered for ACT and PreACT
- IEP, 504, and ELL Accommodations for IAR and ISA are in progress of being entered
- Planning for state testing is in progress 2026-2027
Renewals and Curriculum Materials
- In March, I will start working on renewals and curriculum material ordering for 26-27 SY
2026 Spring State Assessment Dates:
- ACCESS for ELLs: Assessing Comprehension and Communication in English State to State for English Language Learners — Jan 14 – Mar 3 for Grades K-12
- IAR: Illinois Assessment of Readiness — week of Mar. 23 – Mar 27 for CGS Grades 3-8 ● ISA: Illinois Science Assessment — Mar 3 – Apr 30 for Grades 5 & 8
- ACT with Writing: April 2nd for CHS Grade 11
- PreACT Secure: April 2nd for CHS Grade 9 and Grade 10
- DLM-AA: Dynamic Learning Map Alternate Assessment — Mar 12 – May 7 *We have one student at CGS and one student at CHS who will take these assessments
Maintenance
- Four lights were replaced outside of the grade school
- Thermostat covers have been replaced on both locker rooms at the grade school
- New filters in all rooftops units at both schools
Superintendent
Governance:
❖ Reunification: We completed our first Reunification training on Friday, Feb. 13. I would like to thank Deputy Coffey and Officer Jany along with all City of Chester police and Randough County offices for helping ensure the safety of our students and staff.
❖ Strategic Planning: Administration continues to establish the action plan, measures, resources, and completion dates for board approval.
❖ Worldwide Connections: Worldwide Tech Connections (WWTC) is a U.S.-based technology services company specializing in language interpretation and translation solutions for organizations facing communication barriers caused by multiple languages and dialects. Budget/Finance:
❖ Bonds
❖ TaIntent for Title III ❖ Maintenance Grant ❖ Health Life Safety Amendment Building and Grounds ❖ Projects:
- Windows & Tuckpointing: Phase I is complete, and the final payment is included on the agenda. Phase II is now being initiated.
- Media Center: Work is nearing completion. The remaining items on the punch list are currently being addressed.
- Roof: A punch list remains outstanding for this project. At this time, no confirmed completion dates have been provided.
- Early Childhood Center (CECC): Over winter break and continuing this week, contractors completed the installation of ceiling sound blocks and new glass on the multipurpose room doors. Work on the expansion joint has also continued during this time and is nearing completion.
- Football Lights: Project is complete. They are working on the adder.
- Elevators: We are waiting on parts. I am working with Samron and Mr. Paulus to complete areas identified by the elevator company for the district to complete.
- Electricity GS: This project is complete. We are continuing to work with the insurance company regarding the related claim.
- HVAC: The RFP was sent out this week, and the Health/Life Safety Amendment process has also been initiated.
Classroom
❖ On our PD day, February 13, 2026, the staff participated in Reunification Training.
Shannon Wolff came into the regular meeting at 7:46 p.m.
Ebers motioned, Davitz seconded to approve Seniority List for Certified and Non-Certified Employees Upon roll call, all members voted aye. Motion carried.
Coffey motioned, Fricke seconded to adopt the amended 2025-2026 school calendar as presented Upon roll call, all members voted aye. Motion carried.
Fricke motioned, Ebers seconded to approve the Joint Stipulation between Chester CUSD #139 and Chester Service Professionals, IEA-NEA, to amend the bargaining unit description to include the position of Registered Behavioral Technician (RBT). Upon roll call, all members voted aye. Motion carried.
Davitz motioned, Fricke seconded to set Graduation dates for High School, Sunday, May 17, 2026; Grade School, Thursday, May 14, 2026; and Pre-K, Thursday, May 7, 2026. Upon roll call, all members voted aye. Motion carried.
Fricke motioned, Ebers seconded to approve proposal from Korando for new HVAC for high school for $16,615.00. Roll call vote. Ayes: Coffey, Fricke, Caraway, Krieg, Davitz, Ebers,Wolff, Nays: none. Motion carried.
Reviewed Board Policy 7:270 – Administering Medicines to Students.
Fricke motioned, Coffey seconded to approve the Lease Agreement (as presented) for the District to lease property commonly known as 118 S. Main Street in Red Bud, Illinois, from KNL Property LLC, for use by the District as a facility to support Birth–5 Partnership Impact Grant services and programming. Roll call vote. Ayes: Coffey, Fricke, Caraway, Krieg, Davitz, Ebers,Wolff, Nays: none. Motion carried.
Wolff motioned, Davitz seconded to approve Adrenaline Raise 365 Fundraiser for High School Boys Baseball Team 25-26SY. Roll call vote. Ayes: Coffey, Caraway, Krieg, Davitz, Ebers,Wolff, Nays: Fricke Motion carried.
Davitz motioned, Fricke seconded to approve HSA account for Grade School Baseball. Roll call vote. Ayes: Coffey, Fricke, Caraway, Krieg, Davitz, Ebers,Wolff, Nays: none. Motion carried.
Davitz motioned, Fricke seconded to approve HSA account for Grade School Softball. Roll call vote. Ayes: Coffey, Fricke, Caraway, Krieg, Davitz, Ebers,Wolff, Nays: none. Motion carried.
Davitz motioned, Fricke seconded to approve HSA account for Grade School Girls Basketball. Roll call vote. Ayes: Coffey, Fricke, Caraway, Krieg, Davitz, Ebers,Wolff, Nays: none. Motion carried.
Davitz motioned, Fricke seconded to approve HSA account for Grade School Boys Basketball. Roll call vote. Ayes: Coffey, Fricke, Caraway, Krieg, Davitz, Ebers,Wolff, Nays: none. Motion carried. Davitz motioned,
Fricke seconded to approve HSA account for Grade School Volleyball. Roll call vote. Ayes: Coffey, Fricke, Caraway, Krieg, Davitz, Ebers,Wolff, Nays: none. Motion carried.
Davitz motioned, Fricke seconded to approve HSA account for Grade School Cross Country. Roll call vote. Ayes: Coffey, Fricke, Caraway, Krieg, Davitz, Ebers,Wolff, Nays: none. Motion carried.
Davitz motioned, Fricke seconded to approve HSA account for Grade School Track. Roll call vote. Ayes: Coffey, Fricke, Caraway, Krieg, Davitz, Ebers,Wolff, Nays: none. Motion carried.
Davitz motioned, Fricke seconded to approve HSA account for Grade School Golf. Roll call vote. Ayes: Coffey, Fricke, Caraway, Krieg, Davitz, Ebers,Wolff, Nays: none. Motion carried.
Wolff motioned, Krieg seconded to approve the proposal with Worldwide Tech Connections for $7760.00. Roll call vote. Ayes: Coffey, Fricke, Caraway, Krieg, Davitz, Ebers,Wolff, Nays: none. Motion carried.
Krieg motioned, Fricke seconded to approve Resolution providing for the issue of approximately $1,550,000 General Obligation Limited Tax School Bonds, Series 2026A, for the purpose of increasing the Working Cash Fund of the District, providing for the levy of a direct annual tax to pay the principal and interest on said bonds, and authorizing the sale of said bonds to the purchaser thereof. Roll call vote. Ayes: Coffey, Fricke, Caraway, Krieg, Davitz, Ebers,Wolff, Nays: none. Motion carried.
Fricked motioned, Ebers seconded to approve Resolution providing for the issue of approximately $5,585,000 General Obligation School Bonds, Series 2026B, and $290,000 Taxable General Obligation Refunding School Bonds, Series 2026C, for the purposes of refunding certain outstanding bonds of the District and altering and reconstructing school buildings and purchasing and installing equipment therein for fire prevention and safety, energy conservation and school security purposes, providing for the levy of a direct annual tax sufficient to pay the principal and interest on said bonds, and authorizing the sale of said bonds to the purchaser thereof. Roll call vote. Ayes: Coffey, Fricke, Caraway, Krieg, Davitz, Ebers,Wolff, Nays: none. Motion carried.
Davitz motioned, Fricke seconded to approve program cost with Country Bloomers Lawn Care in the amount of $3995.43. Roll call vote. Ayes: Coffey, Fricke, Caraway, Krieg, Davitz, Ebers,Wolff, Nays: none. Motion carried.
Davitz motioned, Wolff seconded to approve the resignation of Allison Arevalo, Grade School Special Education Teacher effective February 5, 2026. Roll call vote. Ayes: Coffey, Fricke, Caraway, Krieg, Davitz, Ebers,Wolff, Nays: none. Motion carried.
Fricke motioned, Coffey seconded to approve the resignation of Jennifer Cartwright, Grade School Athletic Director effective June 30, 2026. Roll call vote. Ayes: Coffey, Fricke, Caraway, Krieg, Davitz, Ebers,Wolff, Nays: none. Motion carried.
Fricke motioned, Coffey seconded to approve the employment of Shelby McPherson as High School Paraprofessional at $17.70/hr effective February 17, 2026. Roll call vote. Ayes: Coffey, Fricke, Caraway, Krieg, Davitz, Ebers,Wolff, Nays: none. Motion carried.
Fricke motioned, Ebers seconded to approve Logan Doll as High School Baseball volunteer for the 2025-26 sports season. Upon roll call, all members voted aye. Motion carried.
Fricke motioned, Davitz seconded to approve Wyatt Ruehling as High School Baseball volunteer for the 2025-26 sports season. Upon roll call, all members voted aye. Motion carried.
Coffey motioned, Ebers seconded to approve Emma Eggemeyer as High School Girls Track volunteer for the 2025-26 sports season. Upon roll call, all members voted aye. Motion carried.
Fricke motioned, Coffey seconded to approve Becky Thompson as Grade School Special Education teacher effective February 9, 2026. Roll call vote. Ayes: Coffey, Fricke, Caraway, Krieg, Davitz, Ebers,Wolff, Nays: none. Motion carried.
Fricke motioned, Coffey seconded to approve the resignation of Shelby McPherson, High School Paraprofessional effective February 18, 2026. Roll call vote. Ayes: Coffey, Fricke, Caraway, Krieg, Davitz, Ebers,Wolff, Nays: none. Motion carried.
Fricke motioned, Davitz seconded to return back into the executive session at 8:20 p.m. Roll call vote. Ayes: Coffey, Fricke, Caraway, Krieg, Davitz, Ebers,Wolff, Nays: none. Motion carried.
Attorney Eugene Hanses with Guin Mundorf, LLC is present during the executive meeting.
Fricke motioned, Davitz seconded to adjourn the executive meeting and return to the regular meeting at 8:29 p.m. Roll call vote. Ayes: Coffey, Fricke, Caraway, Krieg, Davitz, Ebers,Wolff, Nays: none. Motion carried.
Coffey motioned, Davitz seconded to adjourn the regular meeting at 8:29 p.m. Roll call vote. Ayes: Coffey, Fricke, Caraway, Krieg, Davitz, Ebers, Wolff Nays: none. Motion carried.
The next REGULAR MEETING of the Board of Education will be held Thursday March 19, 2026 at 7:00 p.m. in the Chester Early Childhood Center Board Room located at 2319 Old Plank Road, Chester, IL 62233.