Macon Reporter

Meridian Community Unit School District 15 Board met Sept. 17.

Here is the minutes provided by the board:

The Meridian Community Unit School District Board of Education held a regular meeting on Monday, September 17, 2018 in the Board Room. Vice-President Tony Etherton called the meeting to order at 6:32 p.m. The following Members were present: Tony Etherton, Marie Jagger-Taylor, Matt Roush, Chris Jones, Adam Herbert, and Monte Hogan. Member Carr was absent. Also present were: Dan Brue, Superintendent; Eric Hurelbrink, High School Principal; Andy Pygott, Middle School Principal; Lori Guebert, Elementary Principal and Michelle Mathias, Recording Secretary.

A public hearing was held for the 2018-2019 District Budget. Mr. Brue presented the proposed budget with an explanation of each fund. There were no comments or questions from the board or visitors. The budget hearing was closed.

Jason Slattery, a representative from Gem Energy, spoke in regards to a proposed solar array project for the Meridian district. The project entails the leasing of school property then locking into a Power Purchase Agreement, which is set at a lower rate than the current rate the district pays. Overall savings would be approximately $55,000 per year. It was the consensus of the Board to have Mr. Slattery gather more information on this project before making a final decision.

Mr. Hurelbrink and Mr. Brue presented a plan for the start of Agriculture courses at the high school.

Jess Smithers was present to field questions and give information on grants available for Ag programs. It was the consensus of the Board to begin the search for an Ag teacher for the 2019-2020 school year.

Mrs. Guebert announced the Elementary Students of the Month: Kindergarten: Brylee Britton, McKenna Johnson, Charlie Patient, Behr Tippit 1st: Maxine Palmer, Bently Whitmire, Piper Canaday

2nd: Brena Descaro, Amelia Brown, Kolbi Swarms

3rd: Landan Southerland, Everett Hicks, Amelia Flack

4th: Tristan Ziemer, Madisyn Turner, Liam Dunker, Joshua Pritchard

5th: Alainnah Larson, Karleigh Crutchfield, Olivia Henderson, Grace Gorden

Mr. Pygott announced the Student Council Class Representatives

6th Grade: Colton Denny, Will Warnick, Gracie Hicks, Isabel Pistorius

7th Grade: Camryn Brown, Emma Pistorius, Cooper Greenwood, Jacob Clapp

8th Grade: Ashton Dawson, Katelyn Martin, Kaylin Moreland, Emmy Renfro, Matt Parker

Mr. Hurelbrink announced the High School Students of the Month: Jeremiah Renfro, Dylan Byrd, Hannah Craft, Mackenzie Riecks, Katie Adams, Madeline Klinger, Zeth Reed, Matthew Oakley, Brian Reed, Kole Renfro, Lexi & Laney Jones, Robert Lecates, Alexis Rosenberger, Amber Miller, Garrett Meisenhelter, Novelee Wiley, Katy Hendricks, Savannah Mendenhall, Breanna Evans, Delaney Brooks, Amy Smith

Administrators gave their reports. Homecoming week begins Monday. The parade is Wednesday, September 26 at 6:00 p.m. The all district assembly will be held Friday and the dance on Saturday. The middle school and high school both utilize the Restorative Justice Coordinator, Mrs. Greenwood, and believe it is a great asset for the campus. Mr. Guebert also expressed gratitude for Mrs. Sheppard who is playing the role of Justice Coordinator and Pre-k Coordinator at the elementary. Grandparent’s week was a success at the elementary hosting 950 grandparents.

Mr. Brue reviewed the budget analysis. On a motion by Member Roush, seconded by Member Jagger- Taylor, the consent agenda was approved which consists of August 13, 2018 minutes, August financial reports and September disbursements which are as follows:

Education        $311,283.28      Building   $42,164.03

Transport           $19,431.30     IMRF        $10,730.46

Life Safety           $4,143.97     TOTAL    $387,753.04

Also included was the resignation of Dillon Boss as assistant football coach. Motion carried on a roll call vote 6-0.

On a motion by Member Hogan, seconded by Member Herbert, the FY19 Meridian District Budget was approved. Motion carried on a roll call vote 6-0.

Member Jagger-Taylor, seconded by Member Herbert, motioned to set High School Graduation for May 18, 2019, 5:00 p.m. Motion carried with 6 ayes.

The meeting adjourned to executive session at 8:26 p.m. for the purpose of discussing matters pertaining to the employment, appointment or dismissal of specific employees, on a motion by Member Jagger-Taylor, seconded by Member Herbert.

The Board returned to open session at 9:10 p.m. on a motion by Member Roush, seconded by Member Jones.

Member Roush, seconded by Member Hogan, the Board hired Micah Sheppard as the high school boy’s track coach for 2018-2019. Motion carried on a roll call vote 6-0.

Yvonne Corrington was employed as a part time custodian on a motion by Member Roush, seconded by Member Herbert. Motion carried on a roll call vote 6-0.

The Board approved Tim White and Derrick Spellman as volunteer assistant coaches for the middle school boys’ basketball team for 2018-2019 on a motion by Member Jones, seconded by Member Herbert. Motion carried on a roll call vote 6-0.

Member Herbert, seconded by Member Roush, motioned to adjourn the meeting at 9:11 p.m. The next regularly scheduled meeting will be October 15, 2018, 6:30 p.m.

https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/245193/9-17-18_minutes.pdf