The IHSA Board of Directors met for their regularly scheduled meeting at the IHSA office in Bloomington on Monday, August 20, 2018, where the Board approved the appointment of Dunlap High School Principal Scott Adreon (right) as the Board Treasurer.

Adreon previously served on the IHSA Board from 2013-2016 when he was the principal at Maroa-Forsyth High School and was elected to represent Division 5. He was the Vice-President during the 2015-16 school year and vacated the board seat when he accepted the position at Dunlap entering the 2016-17 school year.

“We feel very lucky to have a person of Scott’s integrity and experience to fill this important role,” said IHSA Executive Director Craig Anderson. “The IHSA has a history of being fiscally responsible within a model that allows it to return millions of dollars each year to its member schools. We look forward to Scott’s oversight and ideas on maintaining a healthy fiscal climate and know his past experience on the Board will help him to quickly adapt to his new responsibilities.”

Greg Bradley, first of Mt. Zion High School (2000-2012) and then of Decatur Christian High School (2012-2018), had served as the Board Treasurer since 2000 until his retirement in June. Adreon becomes the ninth individual in the Association’s history to serve in the Treasurer role.

“During my 27 years in education, working with the IHSA in different roles, as a coach, athletic director, principal, and member of the board of directors has provided some of my most rewarding and enjoyable moments,” said Adreon. “The people here are all top notch and working together to serve students and schools couldn’t be more gratifying.”

The Treasurer is a non-voting member of the IHSA Board of Directors and the only member of the 11-person Board who is not elected.

ACTION ITEMS
1. The Board voted to approve Recommendation 2 from the Classification Ad Hoc Committee for the 2019-20 school year. Recommendation 2 will change the multiplier waiver calculation process from being calculated on a four-year basis to a two-year basis. Read the entire recommendation by clicking here. *The IHSA Board had passed ad hoc committee recommendations 1 and 4 at its June, 2018 meeting, but tabled recommendations 2 and 3 until August.*

2. The Board voted to approve Recommendation 3 from the Classification Ad Hoc Committee for the 2019-20 school year. Recommendation 3 will change the success formula process from being calculated on a four-year basis to a two-year basis. Read the entire recommendation by clicking here. *The IHSA Board had passed ad hoc committee recommendations 1 and 4 at its June, 2018 meeting, but tabled recommendations 2 and 3 until August.*

IHSA Executive Director Craig Anderson:
“These four recommendations from our ad hoc committee were the result of thoughtful conversation, data review, and membership feedback, as they attempted to understand and address the various issues our diverse membership faces in regard to classifications. They represent large changes in the sense that we move from a fluid annual enrollment classification cycle to a two-year cycle. We felt that for this process and the goals of the ad hoc committee to truly work, it was important that all four of these recommendations passed so they work in unison beginning in 2019-20. Like any major change, there will be some growing pains and potential tweaks, but we like the direction we have charted and believe it will be a long-term positive for our schools.”

3. The Board approved a recommendation for the Executive Director and staff to form a Strategic Planning committee to develop future goals and direction for the Association.

4. The Board provided an interpretation of IHSA By-law 3.011 as it relates to home school student eligibility. When a member school chooses to allow home school students to participate, the member school is required to approve the academic program the student is taking as credit towards graduation at the member school. The approved academic program could come from a non-member school that does not provide any extra-curricular offerings.

APPEALS & ELIGIBILITY RULINGS
1. The Board sustained the Executive Director’s ruling on a student from Joliet (Catholic Academy). The student was ruled ineligible for non-compliance with IHSA By-law 3.040 and its sub-sections.

2. The Board modified the Executive Director’s ruling on the enrollment figure for Burbank (St. Laurence). St. Laurence is in the midst of transitioning from being an all-boys school to a coed school, but its IHSA enrollment was still being calculated under the all-boys policy. For the 2018-19, 2019-20 and 2020-21 school years, St. Laurence’s IHSA enrollment will be determined by the following formula: (actual girls enrollment x 1.33 + actual boys enrollment). For the 2018-19 school year, St. Laurence’s non-multiplied IHSA enrollment will be 685.

3. The Board did not rule on the appeal from the Illinois 8-Man Football Association, represented by Hebron (Alden-H.), regarding an exemption to IHSA by-law 5.073. The Board believes that an option already exists for the Illinois 8-Man Football Association to carry out its planned playoffs within the limits of the by-law.

DISCUSSION ITEMS
At each meeting of the Board of Directors, there are certain items the Board discusses, but upon which no action is taken. The following is a report of those items from the August 20, 2018, agenda:
IHSA’s multiplier and success formula.

1. The Board heard a report from Assistant Executive Director Sam Knox on the 2018 IHSA Officials Conference, which was attended by over 700 officials in East Peoria on July 20-21.

2. The Board heard a report from Director of Special Programs Raye McDonald on the 2018 IHSA All-School Mailing.

3. The Board heard a report on the IADA’s New Athletic Directors Workshop co-hosted by the IHSA in July.

4. The Board heard a report on member school financial aid information.

5. The Board heard a report from the staff on its staff retreat discussion.

6. The Board heard a report on IHSA staff goals for the 2018-19 school year.

7. The Board discussed the IHSA’s Transgender Policy and suggested changes brought forth by a state representative.

8. The Board heard a report on IHSA and IESA representation at the 2018 NFHS Student Leadership Conference.

9. Nominations are currently open until September 15 for open Legislative Commission and Board of Directors positions. The following positions are currently up for election:
-Board Division 5
-Board Division 7
-Board At-Large Minority
-Commission District 1
-Commission District 4
-Commission District 5
-Commission District 10
-Commission District 11
-Commission District 15
-Commission District 16
-Commission District 17
-Commission District 21
-Commission Athletic Administrator Division 3
-Commission Athletic Administrator Division 6
-Commission At-Large Minority or Underrepresented Gender Division 1
-Commission At-Large Minority or Underrepresented Gender Division 4
-Commission At-Large Minority or Underrepresented Gender Division 6
-Commission At-Large Minority or Underrepresented Gender Division 7

10. The Board discussed creating a recognition program for students at member schools who participate in three sports/activities in one school year.

11. The Board heard a report on IHSA Assistant Executive Director Matt Troha being named to the Coach and Athletic Director Magazine’s inaugural 40 Under 40 team.

Former President Barack Obama has recorded a video supporting Democrat J.B. Pritzker for Illinois governor.

Here’s a link to the story at the Southern Illinoisan.

A new Illinois law provides more childcare for families with children at risk of entering the child welfare system.

Here’s a link to the story at Illinois News Network.

It’s been a busy month for Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner and his pen.  

Here’s a link to the story at Illinois News Network.

A series of festivals, parades, and other events will mark the 200th anniversary of Illinois adopting its state constitution.

Here’s a link to the story at the Southern Illinoisan.

Gov. Bruce Rauner has signed a law that allows Firearm Owners Identification cards to stay active even if Illinois State Police renewal isn’t completed by their expiration date.

Here’s a link to the story at the Southern Illinoisan.

SPRINGFIELD — Gov. Bruce Rauner signed today bipartisan legislation to protect taxpayers against inappropriate use of funds earmarked for nonprofit organization grants — as well as from attempts to use the grant process for political advantage in the run-up to an election.

“These are good-government, common-sense measures that protect taxpayers against the misuse of funds,” Rauner said. “I commend the Legislative Audit Commission for its work. This should go a long way toward restoring taxpayers’ faith in the grant process.

“Numerous nonprofits in Illinois are doing excellent, important work to improve our environment or improve people’s lives,” he continued. “This will help ensure that our limited grant resources are put to the best use.”

The legislation came as a result of the uncovered misuse of grant funds in the Pat Quinn Administration’s Neighborhood Recovery Initiative.

Approved unanimously by the Illinois House and Senate in the spring, Senate Bill 2540 makes several changes to the state grant process. Significantly, it places greater restrictions on fund transfers, and prohibits transferring grant funds from appropriated to non-appropriated funds. It also requires a black-out period extending from Sept. 1 of general election years through the election, barring members of the General Assembly or state constitutional officers from announcing grants within that time frame — preventing them from creating grant programs solely or primarily to boost exposure.

The bill also permits the state comptroller to stop payment on grants when serious concerns arise about a program or recipient.

“State grants help fund non-profit organizations and others that undertake important work in communities around our state,” said Sen. Barickman (R-Bloomington) who was chief sponsor of the legislation and co-chairs the Legislative Audit Commission. “The controversial NRI program diminished the credibility of those good programs by misusing millions in taxpayers’ dollars and diverting the funds to questionable activities. The Legislative Audit Commission worked together with Governor Rauner’s Office of Management and Budget and the Comptroller’s office to prevent this misuse from happening again in the future.”

SB 2540 is effective immediately.

Backers of term limits for Chicago’s mayor say they have more than enough signatures to get the question on the November ballot, but it still may not end up there.

Here’s a link to the story at Illinois News Network.

Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner on Sunday vetoed legislation to expand benefit rights for paramedics and emergency medical technicians by defining them as firefighters in municipal collective bargaining agreements.

Here’s a link to the story at the Chicago Tribune.

 

8-10-18 at 1:03 pm Deputies responded to a hit and run crash that occurred on Old Marion Road just south of Rains Road. A 2011 Ford F150 Pick-Up Truck driven by Lyle D. Fitch age 51 of West Frankfort was north bound on Old Marion Road, lost control, running off the roadway on the west side and through a fence. The driver then fled the scene of the crash. West Frankfort Police located the vehicle and driver in West Frankfort and detained the driver until Deputies arrived. There were no injuries and Fitch was arrested for leaving the scene of a property damage crash.

8-10-18 at 9:25 pm Deputies were notified of a threat made to a Circuit Court Judge posted on a social networking site. The investigation resulted in the arrest of Bobby Joe Owen age 40 of West Frankfort. Owen is charged with threatening a public official, a class 3 felony, and is being held in the Franklin County Jail in lieu of $30,000.00 bond.

8-11-18 at 4:17 am Deputies responded to a reported disturbance at a residence in rural Thompsonville. The investigation resulted in the arrest of Benjamin A. Arview age 33 of West Frankfort for an outstanding Franklin County warrant for failure to appear on traffic charges.

8-11-18 at 2:47 pm Deputies responded to a burglary at a residence in Orient. The investigation has led to the arrest of Paul E. Ray age 35 of Benton and Rachel D. Ray age 32 of Benton and the recovery of some of the missing property. The Rays are charged with residential burglary and felony theft. The investigation is continuing and more arrests are anticipated.

8-11-18 Deputies arrested Dalton M. Thompson age 24 of West Frankfort for violating the Illinois Sex Offender Act. Thompson is being held in the Franklin County Jail in lieu of $20,000.00 bond.

8-13-18 Deputies responded to a burglary of the Rt. 149 bar in Royalton at 10:42 am. The burglary had occurred during the early morning hours and was apparently linked to a vehicle theft that had also occurred during the early morning hours a short distance from the bar. The investigation led to the arrest of Jason L. Stacy age 29 of Herrin and the recovery of most of the stolen property including the stolen car. Stacy has been charged with burglary and felony theft.

8-13-18 at 12:39 pm Deputies responded to a two vehicle traffic crash on Il. State Highway Rt. 37 at Commerce Lane. A 1995 GMC 1500 Pick-Up Truck driven by James L. Southwood age 49 of West Frankfort, was turning onto Rt. 37 from Commerce Lane and pulled into the path of a 2004 GMC Yukon, driven by Annette M. Mccoy age 59 of Benton. There were no injuries and Southwood was ticketed for failure to yield right of way and for operating an uninsured motor vehicle.

8-13-18 at 10:42 pm Deputies were called to Franklin Hospital to investigate a vehicle pedestrian crash. The investigation indicated that Cassandra A. Alexander age 31 of Salt Rock, West Virginia, was walking north bound along the fog line on Rt. 37, approximately one mile north of West Frankfort. A 2003 Mitsubishi Montero driven by Britney L. Barreiro age 29 of Benton, was north bound and failed to see the pedestrian. The driver stated she heard something hit the passenger side of her vehicle and heard the glass break of her passenger side mirror. Barreiro turned around and found the pedestrian lying on the side of the roadway. Barreiro transported the pedestrian to the hospital emergency room. Alexander said she suffered non-life threatening injuries and agreed with the driver’s version of the event. Barreiro was not injured and was ticketed for no valid driver’s license.

WARRANT ARRESTS

8-10-18 Logan C. Busby age 19 of Ewing. Battery, exploitation and aggravated criminal sexual abuse

8-10-18 Lucas D. Parrott age 36 of Mounds. Failure to appear on traffic charges

8-11-18 Jenna N. Moore age 31 of Cottage Hills. Failure to appear for theft

8-15-18 Guy W. Rasor Jr. age 48 of West Frankfort. Failure to appear for domestic battery

8-16-18 Cody W. Newton age 26 of Woodlawn. Failure to appear on traffic charges

The public is reminded that all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Sheriff Don Jones