Macon Reporter

Blue Ridge Community Unified School District 18 Board met Aug. 14.

Here is the minutes provided by the board:

A Regular Meeting of the Board of Trustees of Blue Ridge CUSD #18 was held Wednesday, August 14, 2019, beginning at 7:00 PM in the Blue Ridge High School Library, 411 North John St., Farmer City, IL 61842.

I. Call to Order

Board President, Dale Schneman called the meeting to order at 7:01 p.m.

II. Roll Call

Board Members in attendance were Carlos Burton, Franci Miller, Dale Schneman, Kenna Dunlap Johnson, Maureen Gilbert, Dion Lathrom and Chelsie Leffelman.

Also in attendance were Superintendent Susan Wilson, Principal John Lawrence, Principal Katie Nichols, Principal Ryan Peyton and Recording Secretary Kristi Woliung.

III. Public Comments/Recognition of Guests

Greg Builta Hillary Stanifer Don Anton Leslie Whitehouse Shawna Kollross Sara Wrestler Nancy Hoffman Sarah Yeagle Kasey Sedberry Stephanie Sedberry John Yeagle Phillip Lowery Gena Lagle Pam Houser Lindsay Mattingly Amber Barker

Ethan Hanson LaDawna Patrick Kim Bode Melissa Ward Melissa Schwarzlose Rob Duke Evan Miles

Dale Schneman welcomed everyone to the meeting and also opened with a statement. He thanked the staff for the work they do, time they spend doing their job and for continuing to work on an expired contract.

Don Anton, President of The Blue Ridge Federation of Teachers, spoke concerning the staff dedication and the outlook currently and in the future for the staff and students.

IV. Board Communications

V. Board Committee Reports

The Policy Committee met via email, Negotiations Committee met on August 12 and the Facility Committee met prior to the regular Board of Education meeting on August 14.

VI. Presentations

A. Blue Ridge Athletics

Mr. Evan Miles, High School Athletic Director and Mrs. Shawna Kollross, Junior High Athletic Director presented on the athletic programs at each of their schools and highlighted key areas of achievement.

VII. Administrative Reports

A. Superintendent

Mrs. Wilson presented her report and highlighted a few areas. Lara Davis, School Resource Officer has resigned from the Farmer City Police Department. She will be presented with a plaque at our annual beginning of school breakfast. New state laws were put in place for nurses to have seizure training for students that are affected. Mrs. Wilson is reconstructing the current Policy 4:55 on Procurement Cards, with guidance from attorney Jeff Funk. This will be used for Home Depot/Supply Works in the O & M Department.

B. Principals

1. Ryan Peyton, Principal, Schneider Elementary School

Mr. Peyton presented his report and highlighted a few areas. The Pre- K program is full and there are 10 students on the wait list. August 20, is Schneider’s back to school night for parents and students to visit their classrooms, meet teachers and drop off supplies. Mr. Peyton also thanked Dr. Stanifer for planning continuing education trainings and classes over the summer for the staff.

2. Katie Nichols, Principal, Blue Ridge Intermediate & Junior High School

Mrs. Nichols presented her report and highlighted a few areas. The staff has been involved in many trainings and classes over the summer to prepare for the upcoming school year. August 19, is the back to school night for parents and students to visit their classrooms, meet teachers and drop off supplies.

3. John Lawrence, Principal, Blue Ridge High School

Mr. Lawrence presented his report and highlighted a few areas. The Bridge Program is up and running and is finishing out this week. There were a total of 5 students who attended. Fall sports are up and running with practices and are prepping for games and matches to start. Fall Preview is scheduled for August 23.

C. Curriculum

Dr. Stanifer presented her report and highlighted a few areas. Teachers have attended professional development classes over the summer to gear up for the upcoming school year.

D. Technology

E. Operations and Maintenance

Greg Builta highlighted that options are being discussed for the Intermediate & Junior High School heating and cooling system. The control upgrade at the High School is about 90% finished. He also commented that he has a great O & M staff and the are of many talents.

F. Transportation

G. Food Services

Peanut butter options will now be available in the school cafeterias. Those options will be pre-packaged and no peanut butter products will be cooked within a food option. Those students affected by a peanut allegy have all been contacted and plans are put in place.

VIII. Old Business IX. New Business

A. Review for Approval Tentative 2019-2020 Budget

Motion by Maureen Gilbert 2nd by Kenna Dunlap Johnson to approve the tentative budget for Blue Ridge Community Unit School District #18 for the 2019-2020 fiscal year as presented.

Roll call vote. 7 ayes 0 nays Motion carried

B. Resolution to Place the Tentative Budget on Display and Set a Time and Date for a Public Hearing

Motion by Carlos Burton 2nd by Franci Miller to approve the resolution to place the tentative budget for 2019-2020 on display in the Office of the Superintendent, District Office, 411 North John Street, Farmer City, Illinois 61842, for 30 days for review by the public.

Roll call vote. 7 ayes 0 nays Motion carried

C. Review for Approval Going Out for Bids for Health Insurance

Motion by Kenna Dunlap Johnson 2nd by Maureen Gilbert to approve going out for Bids for Health Insurance for Blue Ridge Community Unit School District #18, as presented.

Roll call vote. 7 ayes 0 nays Motion carried

D. Discuss Cybersecurity Assessment

Dave Kramer attended a cybersecurity training. The plan is to use what he learned and put that into place to better serve the District.

E. 1st Reading - Review Proposed Policy Updates - PRESS Issue 101

All policies were reviewed. All changes being made are routine changes, with the exception of Policy 2:230. Mrs. Wilson is working with our attorney, Jeff Funk to work out the revised policy.

F. Review for Approval - Mechanical Work at BRIJHS

Motion by Carlos Burton 2nd by Dion Lathrom to approve the mechanical work at BRIJHS for for the 2019-2020 fiscal year as presented.

Roll call vote. 7 ayes 0 nays Motion carried

X. Approval of Consent Items

Motion by Franci Miller 2nd by Maureen Gilbert to approve the consent agenda items listed on attachment A as presented.

Roll call vote. 7 ayes 0 nays Motion carried

A. Minutes from Regular and Special Board of Education Meetings B. Financial Reports

C. Bills and Payroll

D. Accept the Resignation(s) of District Personnel

E. Substitute Teacher Handbook

F. Change Order - Energy Efficiency Project

XI. Closed Session

Motion by Carlos Burton 2nd by Kenna Dunlap Johnson to move from open session to closed session for the purpose of appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, dismissal of specific employees of the school district; collective negotiating matters between the district and its employees; and ongoing, pending, or probable litigation at 8:09 p.m.

Roll call vote. 7 ayes 0 nays Motion carried

A. The appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, dismissal of specific employees of the school district; collective negotiating matters between the district and its employees; and ongoing, pending, or probable litigation. 5ILCS 120/2(c)(1).

1. Employment, Librarian, District

2. Employment, Special Education Paraprofessional, Schneider School

3. Employment, Title I Paraprofessional, Schneider School

4. Employment, Part-time Bus Driver

5. Employment, Bus Aide

6. Employment, Girls Head Basketball Coach, BRIJHS 7. Employment, Girls Asst. Basketball Coach, BRIJHS

B. Collective Negotiations Matters

C. Ongoing, pending, or probable litigation.

XII. Open Session

Motion by Carlos Burton 2nd by Dion Lathrom to move from closed to open session at 9:18 p.m.

Voice vote. 7 ayes 0 nays Motion carried

Motion by Maureen Gilbert 2nd by Chelsie Leffelman to approve the employment of:

 Sylvia Allen, District Librarian

 Juli Patrick, Special Education Paraprofessional, Schneider

 Kevin Hawkins, Part Time Bus Driver, Transportation

 Greg Alvis, Head Girls Basketball Coach, BRIJHS

 Wayne Clevenger, Assistant Girls Basketball Coach, BRIJHS as presented, for the 2019-2020 school term.

Roll Call. 7 ayes 0 nays Motion carried

Motion by Maureen Gilbert 2nd by Chelsie Leffelman to authorize the Superintendent to employ individuals for necessary positions prior to the September board meeting for Blue Ridge CUSD 18 for the 2019-2020 school term, as presented.

Roll call vote 7 ayes 0 nays Motion carried

XIII. Good of Cause Discussion

A. Outcome of IASB Resolutions Proposal

Dale Schneman and Susan Wilson met with the IASB resolution committee to hear of the recommended changes and agreed on them. The resolution was unanimously passed and will be a part of the recommended resolutions considered at Triple I conference in November.

B. "Ask A Board Member" Planning

Board members would like to start attending various events throughout the school year at a “Ask A Board Member” table. Sign ups have already started and board members will be seen at events as early as Back to School nights.

XIV. Adjournment

Motion by Dion Lathrom 2nd by Carlos Burton to adjourn the meeting at 9:25 p.m. Roll Call Vote 7 ayes 0 nays Motion carried

https://v3.boardbook.org/Public/PublicItemDownload.aspx?mk=50335689&fn=minutes.pdf