Macon Reporter

Meridian Community Unit School District 15 Board met May 20.

Here is the minutes provided by the board:

The Meridian Community Unit School District Board of Education held a regular meeting on Monday, May 20, 2019 in the Board Room. President Chris Jones called the meeting to order at 6:31 p.m. The following Members were present: Chris Jones, Adam Herbert, Becca Kraft and Kara Morey. Member Hogan entered the meeting at 6:44 p.m. Also present were: Dan Brue, Superintendent; Eric Hurelbrink, High School Principal; Andy Pygott, Middle School Principal; Michelle Miller, Recording Secretary.

Mrs. Guebert was not able to attend the meeting but the following students were recognized in her monthly report as being May Students of the Month:

K- Sable Moore, Lucas Tadlock, Brooklyn McNeely, Ashlyn Koehler

1st- Kaiden Breaux, Hayden Crist, Keith Herber

2nd- Izabella Nelson, Aurora Royal, Lucas Roberts

3rd- Gabby Horve, Ally Cornthwaite, Emily Tarczan

4th- Thomas Hancock, Kenzie Miller, Grady Stock, Karter Tangney 

5th- Brooklyn Ricketts, Ted Jones, McKenzi Crawford, Lexi Norman

Mr. Pygott announced the Middle School Principal’s List:

6th- Brooks Brown, Sara Butler, Emma Childers, Abbigail Clark, Colton Denny, Peyton Gillum, Haley Hanson, Sean Hill, Gracie Hicks, Haley Leffler, Raegan Jesse, Madilyn Kapchinske, Layla Lucas, Lexi Marion, Kyle Miller, Lucas Miller, Lexy Oliver, Mason Oliver, Emma Parks, Isabel Pistorius, Paul Ralston, Gabe Rigsby, Karolyn Spain, Payton Swarms, Anna Ward, Will Warnick, Ella Woolington, Greenley Ziemer 7th- Camryn Brown, Jacob Clapp, Emma Pistorius, Maggie Pritts, Leilani Essien, Maddy Hendricks, Tara Reynolds, Gwen Scott, Jolie Witts, Connor Ryan, Anabelle Yokley, Lauren Flack

8th- Brett Brown, Katelyn Martin, Ally Meisenhelter, Gavin Baker, Dylan Hawbaker, Markus Jesse, Hailey Wilson, Matt Parker, Avril Morrell, Rylee O’Dear, Zoe Pramuk, Courtney Evans, Emmy Renfro, Kaylin Moreland, Kolby Pagel

The following retirees were recognized for their years of service at Meridian: Russ Kuhn, 33 years; Shawn Conlin, 25 years; Denna Williams, 19 years; Jeannine Rude, 33 years and John Rude, 21 years.

Administrators gave their reports: The following students were inducted into the High School National Honor Society: Hannah Reichert, Austin Clark, Breanna Evans, Hallie Gates, Lyric Greenwood, Zoey Hayes, Colin Heidemann, Reagan Hunt, Emily Johnson, Tiffany Miller, Trent Moma, Chloe Moyer, Jeremiah Renfro, Hailey Thompson, Hannah Warnick and Audrey Wise. Oscar Garcia was inducted as an honorary member.

Meridian Seniors were awarded over $40,000 in scholarship monies from local and community donors. Congratulations to Chloe Moyer who finished 5th in the 100 meter high hurdles and the 300 meter low hurdles at the girl’s state track meet.

Korey Damery will be competing in 400 meter run at the boy’s state track meet and Drew Hurelbrink in the high jump.

The Board reviewed enrollment numbers throughout the school year. Overall enrollment increased by 33 from the start of the school year.

Summer hours for the offices are as follows:

District office- Mon-Thur 7:30-2:30 and 8:00-12:00 Friday. The District office is open all summer. School offices will be open Mon-Thur 8:00-2:00 and 8:00-12:00 Friday. School offices are closed the month of July.

The monthly budget analysis was reviewed. The district received another transportation payment. On a motion by Member Morey, seconded by Member Herbert, the consent agenda was approved which consists of minutes from April 15, April 23 and May 13, 2019; April financial reports and May disbursements as follows which only includes one payroll:

Education $338,369.78

Debt $258,948.16

IMRF $11,141.27

Building $37,613.67

Transport $25,245.09

Tort $125.00

TOTAL $671,442.97

Also included are the resignations of Shiela Rambo as assistant softball coach effective the end of the 2018-2019 season; Mike Bender as Athletic Director effective June 30, 2019; and Keith Clark as Head of Maintenance effective March 13, 2020. Motion carried on a roll call vote 4-0.

Mr. Pygott gave an overview of the middle school summer school program curriculum. The program will run for 4 weeks in June from 8-12 Monday-Friday.

Summer maintenance projects were reviewed and include overseeing the bathroom project, clean out the maintenance shed to prepare for the Ag program, build shelves for the band room and pond maintenance. Annual jobs include gym floor refinishing and deep cleaning. Member Herbert would like all the new buses washed and waxed over the summer.

Ag Boosters Update: A few of the committee members met with a marketing director and she has helped with the implementation of a marketing plan.

There was discussion on pending legislation.

Mr. Brue discussed scenarios if the district has students enroll who speak a native language and would need ESL services.

The transportation department is now doing sign off sheets for all pre-k students on the bus route. This will ensure the safety of our pre-k children.

Quotes from two insurance agents were presented. On a motion by Member Hogan, seconded by Member Morey, the Board accepted the proposal from Gallagher for the property/casualty/auto/umbrella and workers compensation insurance in the amount of $101,013. Motion carried on a roll call vote 4-0.

The Meridian JFL’s facility request was approved pending proof of insurance on a motion by Member Herbert, seconded by Member Hogan. Motion carried with 4 ayes.

On a motion by Member Morey, seconded by Member Herbert, the Board approved the tuition of $50 for middle school summer school. Motion carried on a roll call vote 4-0.

There was discussion on the position of district athletic director for next school year. The Board tabled discussion until next meeting giving Mr. Brue the opportunity to come up with different plans to fill the AD position, including a temporary and permanent solution including costs.

Enrollment numbers for the first grade are anticipated to be large for next school year. The anticipated vacancy will be posted and decided after final enrollment figures presented.

There was discussion on current IEP students who attend Decatur school for services and the costs involved. The Board discussed the possibility of hiring a teacher in house for these students.

Maggie Comerford was employed as high school assistant volleyball coach for the 2019-2020 school year on a motion by Member Hogan, seconded by Member Herbert. Motion carried on a roll call vote of 3 ayes. Member Jones abstained.

On a motion by Member Hogan, seconded by Member Herbert, Heather England was employed as a summer school teacher for 2019. Motion carried on a roll call vote 4-0.

Laura Woolington was employed as the Meridian Elementary Librarian Aide for the 2019-2020 school year on a motion by Member Hogan, seconded by Member Herbert. Motion carried on a roll call vote 4- 0.

Member Hogan, seconded by Member Herbert, motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:30 p.m. The next regularly scheduled meeting will be June 17, 2019, 6:30 p.m.

https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/377905/5-20-19_minutes.pdf