Michael Early and Tod Davis Join IESA Board of Directors; Drone Policy Approved

The Illinois Elementary School Association (IESA) Board of Directors held its regularly scheduled quarterly meeting on Thursday, September 10 at the IESA Office in Bloomington where two new members were seated on the IESA Board of Directors and a policy regarding the use of drones during IESA state series activities was approved.

Dr. Michael Early, Superintendent of Crest Hill Richland, was seated as the Division D representative replacing Tamela Daniels who left her position at Lockport Fairmont. In addition, Mr. Tod Davis, Principal at Springfield Franklin, was seated as the Division M representative replacing Fred Lamkey who resigned when he took the Superintendent position at Edinburg. Dr. Early will serve until the regular election for Division D is held in November while Mr. Davis will serve until the regular election for Division M which will be held in the fall of 2017.

The Board passed a drone policy effective immediately which forbids drones at IESA state series events. The policy does not address drone use at regular season contests.

In addition to approving the appointments of Dr. Early and Mr. Davis to the Board and the passing of the drone policy, the Board approved the FY 16 budget and tied up other loose ends at the meeting. The following is a summary of the meeting:

Board of Directors Meeting Dates: The Board set the dates for the remaining quarterly meetings for the 2015-16 school year. They will be January 22, 2016; April 8, 2016; and June 17, 2016.

Scholar Attitude Luncheon: The Board heard a report that the date for the 18th annual IESA Scholar Attitude Award will be Tuesday, May 3, 2016. The luncheon will be held at the Doubletree Hotel and Conference Center in Bloomington.

Treasurer's Report: The Board accepted the July, 2015 treasurer's report and received a five year comparison of income and expenditures through FY 15.

Budget: The Board approved the budget for the 2015-16 school year. Anticipated receipts are budgeted at $1,529,635. Anticipated expenses are budgeted at $1,598,890. Executive Director Steve Endsley noted that traditionally income is budgeted below what is normally received and expenses are budgeted a bit higher than actual expenses. The principal of a member school may request that a copy of the budget be mailed to the school.

Audit: The Board approved the annual audit of the Association by Striegel Knobloch & Company, LLC of Bloomington. The principal of a member school may request that a copy of the audit be mailed to the school. The Board approved an agreement with Striegel Knobloch & Company, LLC to prepare the annual audit for the next three years.

Sponsorships: The Board received an update regarding the status of different sponsorships with Sports Authority and Rawlings.

IASB Session: Members of the IESA staff will attend the Illinois Association of School Boards (IASB) Annual Conference November 19-21 in Chicago.

IPA Meeting: IESA staff will present a division meeting on Monday, October 19 at the IPA conference. They will also staff the exhibition booth the same day.

Speech Workshop: The Board received a report that the 41st annual speech workshop will be held on Friday, September 18.

A.D. Workshop: A workshop for athletic directors will be held on Friday, September 11. Board Elections: Information was shared with the Board concerning the upcoming elections. The Board members who are up for election are: Joe Buresh (Division B); Michael Early (Division D); Tony Frost (Division F); Tony Ingold (Division H); Dana Isackson (Division J)

NFHS Summer Meeting: A summary of the 2015 NFHS summer meeting was given to the Board and a list of the Board members scheduled to attend the 2016 summer meeting was distributed.

One Team Award: The Board heard a report about the speech team from Wilmington Middle School who was selected as the 2014-15 winners of the One Team Award. A ceremony to recognize the team will be held on September 17. For more information about the award, which comes with a $500 prize to the school, please go to the IESA website and click on "One Team Award" under the Sportsmanship Section heading.

Clarification of B Games: The Board approved a policy, beginning with the 2016-17 school year, regarding the playing of "B" level games or levels below varsity and how those contests should be counted toward individual and game limitations. In addition, use of and/or non-use of licensed officials at the B level was clarified.

Emerging Sport/Activity Clarification: The Board approved a slight change to the requirement a school must adhere to if they would like an emerging sport or activity to be considered as an IESA state series activity.

State Host Change: East Peoria Central will now serve as the host for the 7th grade Class 1A boys basketball tournament. Previously, Decatur Lutheran was approved as the host but they are now unable to host the tournament.

Coordinator of Officials: The Board approved a Coordinator of Officials at the basketball and volleyball state sites. The IESA administrators for the respective activities will be responsible for the selection of the coordinators.

Division Reports

At each meeting of the Board of Directors time is devoted for each board member to report on communication with and requests from the member schools in the member's division. In addition, Board members also may make observations regarding the operation of the Association. Following is a report of those from the September 12 meeting:

Division G: Mr. Lee informed the Board that a school contacted him about the playing of B games. The playing of B games was already on the agenda and was discussed later in the meeting.

Division I: Mr. Stewart informed the Board about two issues on which schools contacted him. A question was raised concerning who is eligible to serve on the IESA Board of Directors. It was explained that the IESA Constitution only allows a superintendent, assistant superintendent, principal, or assistant principal to serve on the Board. The second issue dealt with the overlapping seasons of girls cross country and girls basketball. After a brief discussion, no action was taken.