Macon Reporter

Meridian Community Unit School District 15 Board met Feb. 25.

Here is the minutes provided by the board:

The Meridian Community Unit School District Board of Education held a regular meeting on Monday, February 25, 2019 in the Board Room. President Vicki Carr called the meeting to order at 6:31 p.m. The following Members were present: Vicki Carr, Tony Etherton, Monte Hogan, Marie Jagger-Taylor, Matt Roush, Adam Herbert and Chris Jones. Also present were: Dan Brue, Superintendent; Eric Hurelbrink, High School Principal; Andy Pygott, Middle School Principal; Lori Guebert, Elementary Principal; Mike Bender, Athletic Director; and Michelle Miller, Recording Secretary.

The district received a thank you note from Delta Kappa Gamma (International Society for Key Women Educators) with gratitude to Mrs. Warnick’s Food Class for providing sack lunches at their meeting.

Mrs. Guebert announced the Elementary School Students of the Month for February: K- Paislee Thomas, Lauren Lester, William Pistorius, Braelynn Hott

1- JT Peck, Wes Parton, Duke Cornthwaite

2- Chloe Elder, Cheyenne Mudd, Annaliese Essien

3- Payton Secker, Brooklyn Riley, Maddie Wilson

4- Taylor Kater, Carly Pritchard, Kara Jostes, Gigi Pramuk

5- Julie Meisenhelter, Peyton Lange, Alana Olinger, Eva Snow

Mr. Hurelbrink announced the Students of the Month for the High School:

Jessica Cuttill, Mikayla Dahlkamp, Tiffany Miller, Alli Hackert, Grant Meisenhelter, Madison Turner, Justin Moyer, Kolbee Grider, Derek McLaughlin, Cole Rappe, Madison Sapp, Bobby Tackett, Teagan Skelton, Robbie Sheumaker, Abby Smith, Alexis Rosenberger, Chase O’Neal, Allison Butler.

Mr. Pygott presented the new members of the Junior Honor Society:

8th Graders- Gavin Baker, Brett Brown, Courtney Evans, Emily Gillespie, Trinity Hott, Rylee O’Dear, Kolby Pagel & Roy Ralston

7th Graders- Camryn Brown, Jacob Clapp, Leilani Essien, Lauren Flack, Will Gorden, Layla Hackert, Kyndall Hamilton, Maddy Hendricks, Haylee Mayes-Pfeiler, Emma Pistorius, Maggie Pritts, Makayala Riecks, Chloe Reynolds, Tara Reynolds, Connor Ryan, Gwen Scott, Christian Sheppard, Jolie Witts.

Administrators gave their reports:

The Elementary Book Fair will be held March 12 & 14. Pre-k screenings for next school year will take place March 28-29 and Kindergarten registration/screening will be April 4.

Maggie Pritts, 7th grader, placed 7th in the County Spelling Bee held February 19 and will advance to the Regional Bee on March 16.

Freshmen Orientation will be held March 20, 6:30 p.m. in the gym.

Recognition was given to Gage Wiseman, a junior, who entered his poem “Land of the Free” in a competition and has advanced to the nationals. Also recognized was Abby Smith, a senior who wrote an essay entitled “One Wish”. She received a scholarship for her essay after being chosen as one of the top ten by NPR Illinois, the radio station at UIS.

The Academic Challenge team (formerly known as WYSE) qualified for sectional competition. Individual medalists include: Sam VonBehren-1st in English & 3rd in Math; Jesse Damery- 2nd in Biology; Andrew Krows- 2nd in Engineering Graphics & 3rd in Physics; Dylan Baker- 3rd in Engineering Graphics.

Spring sports have begun. Mr. Bender shared team numbers with the board. There was discussion on the girls’ soccer team and what will be required to fulfill a team this season.

Mr. Brue gave an update on the Ag Boosters. The last meeting was spent organizing for fundraising. The next meeting will be held March 19.

After receiving figures from Ameren, the Solar Array Project is not going to be beneficial for the district. Therefore, the project is void at this time.

Mr. Brue reviewed the budget analysis. On a motion by Member Roush, seconded by Member Jagger- Taylor, the Board approved the consent agenda which includes the January minutes, special meeting minutes February 4, January Financials and February disbursements as follows:

Education $663,160.29

Transport $44,832.03

Life Safety $4,068.00

Building $55,396.13

IMRF $21,770.16

TOTAL $789,226.61

Also included was the resignation of Ed Long as assistant football coach. The motion passed on a roll call vote 7-0.

On a motion by Member Jagger-Taylor, seconded by Member Roush, the Board adjourned to executive session at 7:14 p.m. Motion carried 7-0.

Member Roush, seconded by Member Herbert, motioned to return to open session at 9:45 p.m. All in favor.

Carol Ginder was hired as head cook for the Macon Campus on a motion by Member Herbert, seconded by Member Roush. Motion carried on a roll call vote 7-0.

Member Herbert, seconded by Member Jones, motioned to approve Jason Rowcliff as Bass Fishing Coach; George Meisenhelter, Greg Meisenhelter, Darren Gates and Jeff Hicklin as Boat Captains; and Randi Sheets as volunteer assistant girl’s middle school track coach. Motion carried on a roll call vote 7- 0.

The meeting adjourned at 9:46 p.m. on a motion by Member Jones, seconded by Member Hogan. The next regularly scheduled meeting will be March 18, 2019.

https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/322139/2-25-19_minutes.pdf