Board of Directors Meeting Minutes

IESA Board Approves State Sites for 2020-21; Acts on Activity and Athletic Committee Recommendations; Accepts Resignations of Leslie Albee and Chris Frasco; elects Pat Drees as new Treasurer

The IESA Board of Directors held its summer meeting via video conference on Friday, June 19. During a very busy meeting, the Board acted on the recommendations from the chess, music, and wrestling committees; discussed the financial implications to the Association of the COVID-19 pandemic; approved the 2020-21 state sites; elected Pat Drees, Principal at Teutopolis Jr. High School as Treasurer; was informed that both Leslie Albee and Chris Frasco have resigned to take school administrative positions; and tied up several loose ends during the final meeting of the 2019-20 school year.

The lineup of state final sites is posted on the IESA Web Site www.iesa.org. To view the 2020-21 state sites and dates, click on State Hosts and Dates under Activities on the left hand side of the home page or you can click here to view the sites and dates.

The Board discussed the financial impact the COVID-19 pandemic has had on the Association. With the loss of the volleyball, wrestling, bowling, scholastic bowl, and the track and field state finals, coupled with the corresponding loss of merchandise sold at those events, the gross revenues for the Association are down almost $430,000 from the previous years. "A financial hit of that magnitude has a devastating effect on the finances of the Association," said Steve Endsley, IESA Executive Director. "We were fortunate to apply for and receive the PPP loan but that amount is only about one-third of the revenue we lost by not being able to conduct our state series activities in late winter and the spring. Like many businesses across the country that have been financially impacted by COVID-19, we are facing a huge financial burden that will force us to make changes until we can regain our financial footing. Unfortunately, as of today we do not know if we will be able to conduct state series activities during the 2020-21 school year. If we are not able to conduct state activities during the 2020-21 school year, then the Association would have to take drastic measures which could include employee layoffs and/or a temporary suspension of Association business."

Dr. Steve Stuart, Board Member from Division O and Principal at Edwardsville Lincoln Middle School resigned his board seat as he is becoming the principal at Edwardsville High School starting July 1. Dr. Stuart served the Board as the secretary-treasurer. Mr. Pat Drees, Principal at Teutopolis Jr. High School, was elected as the new secretary-treasurer. Mr. Drees has served on the IESA Board since January, 2012. This was also the last meeting for Dr. James Mitchem, Board Member from Division D and Superintendent of the Valley View District 365U. Dr. Mitchem is retiring at the close of the school year. Mr. Endsley will work with President Ingold to secure replacements.

The Board was informed that Leslie Albee and Chris Frasco have resigned from their positions as Assistant Executive Directors effective July 31. Each will be taking administrative positions---Mrs. Albee at Clinton Jr. High School and Mr. Frasco at Metamora High School. "We wish both Leslie and Chris all the best in their new positions," said Endsley. It is so unfortunate that the COVID-19 situation has caused us to lose these outstanding administrators. Leslie was with us for five years; Chris was here for three years and during their time here they each devoted time, effort, and talent to their various activities so students in our member schools could have the opportunities to compete. They will definitely be missed." Endsley added, "Because of the uncertain status of state activities during the 2020-21 school year and the corresponding financial implications, there are no plans at this time to replace either vacancy. When we are able to move forward with filling the positions, we will notify the membership of the application process. In the meantime, Nicole Schaefbauer and I will be taking over the activities previously administered by Leslie and Chris."

In addition to the above changes, the Board also acted on recommendations from the advisory committees in Music, Wrestling, and Chess as well as tied up other loose ends. Advisory committees are composed of coaches, administrators, and officials with expertise in the respective sport or activity. Each sport/activity has an advisory committee and generally meets once a school year. The advisory committee reviews the Terms and Conditions, administrative procedures and all other aspects of the sport/activity and makes recommendations to the Board of Directors. Here are the highlights of action taken by the Board on IESA activity committee recommendations as well as other items upon which action was taken:

IESA Activity Committees

Music:

The Board approved a recommendation to add Jazz Choir as an Organization event and adjusted the deadline date for entries. Click on the following link to see the Board action on the committee recommendations and the minutes of the meeting:

https://www.iesa.org/documents/advisory/IESA-MU_Minutes.pdf

Wrestling: The Board approved a recommendation to make an exception to the NFHS rules that will allow two chairs to be placed in the corner of the mats for dual meets and tournaments. Click on the following link to see the Board action on the committee recommendations and the minutes of the meeting:

https://www.iesa.org/documents/advisory/IESA-BWR_Minutes.pdf

Chess: The Board approved a recommendation to increase the number of rounds played at the state chess tournament from seven to eight. Both the time control and tournament schedule were adjusted to accommodate the additional round of play. Click on the following link to see the Board action on the committee recommendations and the minutes of the meeting:

https://www.iesa.org/documents/advisory/IESA-CHS_Minutes.pdf

IESA Board of Director Committees

Staff Relations: The Board set salaries for the 2020-21 school year for all non-administrative employees.

Other Business:

Executive Director Report - The Board approved a recommendation that will allow the administrative staff to adjust the Terms and Conditions for a given activity without formal Board of Directors approval only while the current COVID-19 situation impacts activities. The Board was informed that Royal Publishing printed copies of the 7th grade volleyball program and wrestling program and sent them to the participating teams and individuals at no cost. The Board was informed that contact has been made with Rawlings concerning their sponsorship during COVID-19; increases to the cost of trophies and plaques starting in 2021-22; deadline dates for entries and membership dues; and the ability to attend the NFHS "virtual" summer meeting. Discussion was also held regarding the COVID-19 pandemic and how it could affect the 2020-21 school year. A staff recommendation that restricts fans from sitting on the front row during the basketball and volleyball state series was approved. Elderly fans and those with special needs would be allowed to sit in the front row.

State Series Finances – The Board received financial reports for Wrestling and Chess. They also were presented with the rebate totals from the sale of photographs and merchandise at events held throughout the year.

Treasurer's Report – The Board received and accepted the treasurer's report ending May 31, 2020; June 11, 2020; and June 18, 2020. Eligibility of Students Attending Tuition Free Through ISBE Waiver – The Board clarified the policy that allows children of district employees who live out of district but are able to attend the school where their parent or guardian is employed tuition free when the school has applied and received a waiver from ISBE. The Board approved that only children of full-time employees, certified as well as non-certified, are eligible to participate.

Softball Roster Expansion – The Board did not approve a recommendation that had been tabled regarding increasing the number of players on the state series roster from 18 to 20.

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 constituents 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 June 19 meeting:

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