Macon Reporter

Blue Ridge Community Unit School District #18 Board of Education met Dec. 18.

Here is the minutes provided by the board:

A Regular Meeting of the Board of Education of Blue Ridge CUSD #18 was held Wednesday, December 18, 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 p.m.

II. Roll Call

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

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

John Yeagle Steve Houser Evan Miles Bob Sutton Matt Schubert Dave Kramer Greg Builta Andrea Weedman Hillary Stanifer

*New Business Discussion for Approval of 8-Man Football Proposal was moved from Item VIII to after Public Comments*

Head football coach, Bob Sutton presented to the board the advantages, rule changes and possible opponent list on making the change to 8-Man football, as opposed to the original 11-Man football.

Motion by Carlos Burton 2nd by Franci Miller to approve the proposal for 8- man football at BRHS for the 2020 season, for Blue Ridge Community Unit School District #18 as presented.

Roll call vote. 7 ayes 0 nays Motion carried.

IV. Communication

4 FOIA requests were received this month. WCIA requested records of communication between district employees regarding the technology theft and loss.This was received on 11/21/19 and a response was sent on 12/4/19. Mr. Don Anton requested information on substitute teaching at BRIJHS. This was received on 12/3/19 and a response was sent on 12/5/19. SmartProcure requested information for all current employee/staff contact information. This was received on 12/2/19 and a reponse was sent on 12/6/19. WCIA requested information on all insurance claims filed for any theft and loss incidents in 2018 and 2019. They also requested all purchase orders for technology equipment. This was received on 12/6/19 and a response was sent on 12/13/19.

V. Committee Reports

VI. Administrative Reports

A. Superintendent

Mrs. Wilson presented her report and highlighted a few areas. The district librarian, Sylvia Allen, received the state library grant worth $750.00. The overall tax rate is down about 9 cents from last year.

1. Annual Financial Information - continuing disclosure document

A document was developed by our bond issuer that summarized our districts financial information.

2. Facility Appraisal

The facilities were appraised in the fall. We will use this for insurance purposes and Bushue will submit to our property and casualty insurer.

B. Principals

1. Ryan Peyton, Principal, Ruth M. Schneider Elementary School

Mr. Peyton presented his report and highlighted a few areas. He mentioned the goals in the 3 year School Improvement Plan and how they plan to achieve those goals. He also wanted to thank Mr. Seneca and his shop students for the great job they did on the Christmas project with Mrs. Parson’s Kindergarten class.

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

Mrs. Nichols presented her report and highlighted a few areas. She reported that the Thanksgiving lunch was a huge success, as well as the Christmas program led by Mrs. Wrestler.

3. John Lawrence, Principal, Blue Ridge High School

Mr. Lawrence presented his report and highlighted a few areas. He thanked the Board of Education for their approval of 8-Man football to allow the program to keep moving forward. He mentioned that the Alternate Education program had an early graduate already and there are 3 other students who are very close to finishing. The band and chorus concert was a nice way for everyone to get into the Christmas spirit. Also freshman Gracie Shaffer was nominated for All-Conference Team for volleyball.

C. Curriculum

Preparations for the AdvancED/Cognia visit are on schedule. Staff and administration throughout the district are working diligently to provide needed documents ahead of the planned review in January.

D. Technology

1. Update on cybersecurity issues

Tech Coordinator, Andrea Weedman and Network Administrator, Dave Kramer presented their current practices related to cybersecurity and how they’re developing for the future.

E. Operations and Maintenance

1. HVAC Issues at BRIJHS

O & M supervisor, Greg Buita presented on the ongoing HVAC issues and what the plans and goals are to finish out the project.

Mrs. Wilson also added that radon testing has been concluded at 2 of the buildings and the outcome on those. The district will pursue Health/Life Safety amendment for radon abatement at the Junior High.

F. Transportation

4 buses were returned to Midwest Bus, and they have charged approximately $17,000 to repair items on the buses. Blue Bird, on the other hand, has not charged anything for returned buses. Each time we return buses to Midwest Bus we have charges for items, and will need to take this into account when approving future leases.

G. Food Services

VII. Old Business

A. Discuss for Approval 2019 Tax Levy

Motion by Chelsie Leffelman 2nd by Maureen Gilbert to approve the 2019 tax levy for Blue Ridge Community Unit School District #18 as presented.

Roll call vote. 7 ayes 0 nays Motion carried.

B. Discuss for Approval PMA Advisory Services

Motion by Kenna Dunlap Johnson 2nd by Maureen Gilbert to approve the Financial Advisory Agreement between Blue Ridge CUSD 18 and PMA Securities, effective December 18, 2019, as presented.

Roll call vote. 7 ayes 0 nays Motion carried.

VIII. New Business

*Discussion and approval moved to after public comments*

A. Discuss for Approval 8-Man Football Proposal

Motion by ________________ 2nd by ________________ to approve the proposal for 8-man football at BRHS for the 2020 season, for Blue Ridge Community Unit School District #18 as presented.

Roll call vote.______ ayes ______ nays

IX. Approval of Consent Items

Motion by Chelsie Leffelman 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. Ratification of Suspensions

E. Payment to IMRF for Unfunded Liability for $25,000

F. Annual Considerations for Senate Bill 7/PERA Joint Committee

G. 3-Year School Improvement Plan for Schneider School X. Closed Session

Motion by ________________ 2nd by ________________ to appoint _______________________________ (one of the Board members) to preside over the student disciplinary hearings.

Roll call vote. ______ ayes ______ nays

Motion by Carlos Burton 2nd by Dion Lathrom to move from open session to closed session at 8:18 p.m.

Roll call vote. 7 ayes 0 nays Motion carried.

A. The appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific employees of the District, or legal counsel for the District, including hearing testimony on a complaint lodged against an employee or against legal counsel for the District to determine its validity. 5ILCS 120/2(c) (1).

1. Appointment, Paraprofessional, Schneider Elementary 2. Employment, Head Volleyball Coach, BRIJHS

3. Employment, Scholastic Bowl Coach, BRIJHS

4. Appointment, Volunteer Volleyball Coach, BRIJHS

B. Probable Litigation

C. Student Discipline

XI. Open Session

Motion by Carlos Burton 2nd by Dion Lathrom to move from closed session to open session at 8:40 p.m.

Voice vote 7 ayes 0 nays Motion carried.

Motion by Kenna Dunlap Johnson 2nd by Carlos Burton to approve the appointment of

 Jessie Watterson, Paraprofessional, Schneider Elementary

 Polly Reynolds, Volunteer Assistant Volleyball Coach, BRIJHS for the 2019-2020 school term, as presented. Voice vote. 7 ayes 0 nays Motion carried.

Motion by Carlos Burton 2nd by Franci Miller to approve the employment of

 Stefani Warsaw, Head Volleyball Coach, BRIJHS

 Tonya Evans, Scholastic Bowl Coach, BRIJHS For the 2019-2020 school term, as presented.

Voice vote. 7 ayes 0 nays Motion carried.

XII. Good of the Cause Discussion

A. Superintendent Evaluation Distribution

It was discussed and decided that the Board of Education members would hold a special meeting to discuss and develop a new format for superintendent evaluation. The meeting was scheduled for Feb. 5 at 6 p.m. in the district office conference room.

B. Board Group needed for AdvancED/Cognia Accreditation Visit

A date was set for Board of Education members to be interviewed by the AdvancED/Cognia accreditation team: Wednesday, January 29 at 9 a.m.

XIII. Adjournment

Motion by Carlos Burton 2nd by Dion Lathrom to adjourn the meeting at 9:11 p.m.

Voice vote: 7 ayes 0 nays Motion carried.

https://v3.boardbook.org/Public/PublicItemDownload.aspx?mk=50357334&fn=minutes.pdf