Macon Reporter

Meridian Community Unit School District 15 Board met Dec. 9.

Here is the minutes provided by the board:

The Meridian Community Unit School District No. 15 Board of Education held a regular meeting on Monday, December 9, 2019 in the Board Room. President Chris Jones called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. The following Members were present: Chris Jones, Becca Kraft, Clint Gorden, Adam Herbert, Kara Morey, Monte Hogan and Matt Roush. Also present were: Andy Pygott, Superintendent; Mindy McGuire, Middle School Principal and Michelle Miller, Recording Secretary.

Administrators gave reports: Middle School students donated 597 pounds of food and approx. 125 pounds of cleaning supplies to the Humane Society of Decatur and Macon County. Special thanks to Mr. Bates for organizing this event. MMS earned $413 for their Texas Roadhouse gift card sales. There will be a Dine to Donate night at Texas Roadhouse to benefit the middle school on Sunday, January 12.

Congratulations to Madison Sapp, high school student, who was selected to the Illinois Music Educators Association All State Band. MHS collected over 100 toys for the Toys for Tots Campaign. The Macon County Regional High School Principal’s Association will donate $1000 to Toys for Tots during the Macon County Tournament.

Congratulations to the following All-Conference members:

Football- Aaron Sheumaker, Grant Meisenhelter, Graham Meisenhelter, Jacob Jones Lucas Clapp

Volleyball- Alex Martin, Katy Hendricks

Follow up items from Superintendent- Reminder of the Truth in Taxation Hearing, December 16, 5:30 p.m. in the board room.

On a motion by Member Roush, seconded by Member Morey, the consent agenda was approved which consist of November minutes, November financial reports and December disbursements which are as follows:

Education $326,798.63               Building $26,915.36

Transport $20,817.44                  IMRF $10,187.97

TOTAL $384,719.40 (only includes one payroll)

Also included is the resignation of Monica Shaw as district counselor effective February 1, 2020. Motion carried on a roll call vote 7-0.

Mr. Pygott reviewed the monthly budget analysis.

The 2nd reading of the Board Policy updates were presented.

Mr. Pygott, Becca Kraft and Matt Roush spoke of their experiences at the Triple I Board Conference.

Follow up discussion on the cell phone policy: Member Roush stands behind his statement last month. He would like to see the policy reviewed and changed.

Member Jones presented a power point that contained facts compiled from research in regards to technology in today’s world. He discussed the legalities of cell phone possession, the use of phones as a means of communication with students/coaches and the use of phones in classroom for curriculum. This power point is available to view on the district’s website.

The Buildings and Transportation committee met with a roofing company in regards to roof repair/replacement in the district. The committee is currently obtaining other opinions on the condition of the roofs.

The Ag Foundation continues to campaign for donations for the Ag program. They are doing an outstanding job!

The Curriculum Committee will meet again in January to continue discussion on Science Curriculum. The Technology Committee will also meet in January to review course offerings, chromebook status and director tasks.

On a motion by Member Roush, seconded by Member Morey, the Board approved the revisions and updates to the Board Policy as presented. Motion carried on a roll call vote 7-0.

Revisions to the Meridian CUSD 15 Mission, Vision and Board goals were approved on a motion by Member Kraft, seconded by Member Roush. Motion carried on a roll call vote 7-0.

Member Herbert, seconded by Member Roush, motioned to approve the facilities request for use of the elementary gym for youth volleyball. Motion carried with 7 ayes.

On a motion by Member Morey, seconded by Member Gorden, the hourly rate of pay for applicable Non-Certified Staff to $9.25 an hour effective January 1, 2020 was approved. Motion carried on a roll call vote 7-0.

The meeting adjourned to executive session at 8:07 p.m. for the purpose of discussing matters pertaining to the employment, appointment, or dismissal of specific employees or officers, purchase or sale of property, pending legal matters, student discipline, and negotiations. (per 5 ILCS120/2(c)(1)) Motion by Member Morey, seconded by Member Gorden.

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

On a motion by Member Morey, seconded by Member Gorden, Sadie Scott and Logan Scalf were approved as volunteers to help with Middle School Drama Club for 2019-2020 school year. Motion carried 7-0.

Dana Damery was approved as a school bus monitor on a motion by Member Roush, seconded by Member Morey. Motion carried 7-0.

Member Morey, seconded by Member Roush motioned to adjourn the meeting at 9:11 p.m. The next regularly scheduled meeting will be Tuesday, January 21, 2020, 6:30 p.m.

https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/568786/12-9-19_minutes.pdf