Macon Reporter

Blue Ridge Community Unit School District #18 Board of Education met Jan. 15.

Here is the minutes provided by the board:

A Regular Meeting of the Board of Trustees of Blue Ridge CUSD #18 was held Wednesday, January 15, 2020, 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

Ken Seneca Mayor Scott Testory Sarah Slaughter Josh Berkler Hillary Stanifer

IV. Presentations

A. Presentation of Patriot Pen Essay District Winners

Dion Lathrom, board member represented the VFW as he presented essay winners with a medal, pin and monetary award. Josh Berkler received 2nd place and Carsyn Stiger received 3rd place, both at the District level.

B. Career and Tech Education Presentation - Family and Consumer Sciences, Industrial Technology

Ken Seneca, Industrial Arts teacher presented on the many opportunities he offers in his classes for the students, whether you’re an incoming freshman or a senior. He teaches Woodworking, Metals, CAD, Carpentry, 3D and Home Maintenance, just to name a few. He also teaches about how electricity works, how plumbing works and how steam and coal work to fuel an engine.

Aimee Thacker, Family and Consumer Science teacher provided a video of a few of her students highlighting a few classes she teaches; Orientation to FCS, Clothing, Parenting and Foods.

V. Communication

VI. Committee Reports

Policy committee reviewed changes to PRESS via email.

Facilities, Grounds and Construction committee met prior to the regular Board of Education meeting at 6 p.m.

VII. Administrative Reports

A. Superintendent

Mrs. Wilson presented her report and highlighted a few areas. The AdvancED/Cognia interview of the Board of Education is set for January 29. This will be held as a special board meeting. She will also be bringing forth a slight policy change, to the next meeting, to the random drug testing to allow saliva testing as a second option.

1. 2nd Quarter Financial Report

2. Strategic Planning Goals-Progress Report 

3. LEAD/SEED Grant Summary

B. Principals

1. Mr. Ryan Peyton, Schneider Elementary

Mr. Peyton presented his report and highlighted a few areas. The BUG assembly for students that raised or maintained their grades from last semester to current will be recognized on January 17. The Pre-K monitoring visit has been completed and results should be back to the school in 6-8 weeks. Currently the Pre-K program has a “Gold” rating.

2. Mrs. Katie Nichols, BRIJHS

Mrs. Nichols presented her report and highlighted a few areas. The 8th graders will be going on their 2nd career field trip to the I-hotel. Also Lindsay Quinn, a tech prep student wanting to become a teacher, is job shadowing Paige Trimble.

3. Mr. John Lawrence, BRHS

Mr. Lawrence presented his report and highlighted a few areas. Lois Dowling has a student teacher, Chloe Lombardi, this semester and she is also volunteering with girls’ basketball. The family of Ron Crosby, former teacher and a Wall of Fame member that recently passed away, donated $500 to the athletic department. Don Anton, English teacher, was awarded the 94.5 radio show Teacher of the Month award.

C. Curriculum

Dr. Stanifer presented her report and highlighted a few areas. A lot of hard work and planning has gone into the planning for the AdvancED/Cognia accreditation visit.

D. Technology

E. Operations and Maintenance

F. Transportation

G. Food Services

VIII. Approval of Consent Items

Motion by Chelsie Leffelman 2nd by Franci Miller 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. Approval of Copier Lease with Striglos Co. Inc.

E. Resignation of District Personnel

F. Memorandum of Understanding with BRFT - Teacher Evaluation - Appeal Process for Unsatisfactory Ratings

G. Approve FFA 212 Conference

IX. Old Business 

X. New Business

A. 1st Reading - Board Policy Updates - PRESS Policy Issue 102

B. Discuss for approval Health/Life Safety Amendment - Radon Abatement

Motion by Kenna Dunlap Johnson 2nd by Dion Lathrom to approve the health/life safety amendment – radon abatement, as presented.

Roll call vote 7 ayes 0 nays Motion carried.

C. Discuss for approval Health/Life Safety Amendment - VAV Unit Replacement/Repairs, BRHS

Motion by Maureen Gilbert 2nd by Franci Miller to approve the health/life safety amendment – VAV repair/replacement at BRHS, as presented.

Roll call vote. 7 ayes 0 nays Motion carried.

D. Authorize Application for ISBE School Maintenance Project Grant in the amount of $50,000 for VAV repairs at BRHS

Motion by Carlos Burton 2nd by Muareen Gilbert to approve the applying for the ISBE School Maintenance Project Grant to cover some of the costs of the proposed VAV repair/replacement at BRHS, as presented.

Roll call vote 7 ayes 0 nays Motion carried.

XI. Closed Session

Motion by Dion Lathrom 2nd by Carlos Burton to move from open session to closed session for semi-annual review of closed minutes; destruction of verbatim recordings; appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, dismissal of specific employees of the District, at 8:13 p.m.

Roll call vote 7 ayes 0 nays Motion carried.

A. Semi-annual review of minutes of meetings lawfully closed under Illinois Open meetings Act, 5ILCS 120/2(c)(21) for June 2019- November 2019

B. 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. Personnel Plan for 2020-21

2. Superintendent Evaluation

3. Appointment, Volunteer Girls Basketball Coach, BRHS 

4. Position, Paraprofessional, BRIJHS

5. Student Discipline

XII. Open Session

Motion by Carlos Burton 2nd by Dion Lathrom to move from closed session to open session at 8:37 p.m.

Voice vote 7 ayes 0 nays Motion carried.

Motion by Franci Miller 2nd by Maureen Gilbertto Open the executive session minutes from the last six months of the Blue Ridge Board of Education because the Board finds a need for confidentiality does not exist.

Voice vote 7 ayes 0 nays Motion carried.

Motion by Carlos Burton 2nd by Maureen Gilbert to approve the appointment of

 Chloe Lombardi, Volunteer Girls Basketball Coach, BRHS For the 2019-2020 school term, as presented.

Voice vote 7 ayes 0 nays Motion carried.

Motion by Franci Miller 2nd by Kenna Dunlap Johnson to authorize the Superintendent to hire prior to the next board meeting for

 Paraprofessional, BRIJHS

For the 2019-2020 school term, as presented.

Voice vote 7 ayes 0 nays Motion carried.

XIII. Good of the Cause Discussion

A. BR CONNECT - March 9 - Discuss topics and program

Possible topics for Blue Ridge Connect were discussed, as was the location for the event. More details to come!

B. In-district training for BR Board

Patrick Allen took over for Larry Dirks, when he retired as our Board training director. A training is set for June 11 at 5:30 p.m.

XIV. Adjournment

Motion by Carlos Burton 2nd by Dion Lathrom to adjourn the meeting at 8:49 p.m.

Roll call vote. 7 ayes 0 nays Motion carried.

https://v3.boardbook.org/Public/PublicItemDownload.aspx?mk=50360077&fn=minutes.pdf