Macon Reporter

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

Here is the minutes provided by the board:

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, Dion Lathrom, Franci Miller, Maureen Gilbert and Dale Schneman. Chelsie Leffelman was in attendance via telephone.

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

Hillary Stanifer Matt Stiger Kelly Brown Jessi Price Hunter Foster Travis Brown

Dale Schneman, Board President, spoke and gave recognition to all of the staff in the district on their hard work that they all have put in. He said they have all gone above and beyond expectation! 

IV. Communications

A. FOIA Request

A FOIA request was received by Davis Harris requesting bidding specifications and proposals for oil and lubricants. He also requested a copy of the Board Policy 5:120. The request was received on February 19, and a response was sent on February 25. A FOIA request was received by Vince Espinoza requesting the High School grading scale. The request was received on February 27, and a response was sent on February 27. B. FFA Chapter Banquet Invite

The FFA Chapter Banquet is scheduled for April 26. 

V. Board Committee Reports

No Board committees met this month.

VI. Administrative Reports

A. Superintendent

Mrs. Wilson presented her report and highlighted a few items. The plan for COVID-19 was put into action. Plans moved from Tuesday to Monday. The tile below the Schneider library carpet will not be taken out this summer due to the unavailability of the abestos removal company but new carpet will be replaced. The board agreed with this arrangement. 

B. Principals

1. Ryan Peyton, Schneider Elementary School

Mr. Peyton presented his report and highlighted a few areas. The staff has been amazing and flexible in all areas during COVID-19 but especially in the use of technology in new ways to help students. The Pre-K/Kindergarten team applied for and received a grant to help cover the cost of the IL ASCD Conference that they attended in Schaumburg. He thanked Ms. Meisner and her FFA students for the petting zoo that his students were able to attend. He also stated that there were over 40 students that signed up for kindergarten at early registration and anticipate 5-10 more before the start of the school year. 2. Katie Nichols, Blue Ridge Intermediate & Junior High School

Mrs. Nichols presented her report and highlighted a few areas. The family reading night was well-attended and Mrs. Allen did a great job heading it up. The 7th grade volleyball team made it to the regional championship but fell short of the title. The JH dance went on as planned. She also mentioned that the staff has been tremendous through the COVID-19 adventures. 

3. John Lawrence, Blue Ridge High School Mr. Lawrence presented his report and highlighted a few areas. The staff has really come together for COVID-19. They are using different versions of technology to reach their students and give them the lessons they all need and deserve. 

C. Curriculum 

D. Technology 

E. Operations & Maintenance 

F. Transportation 

G. Food Services 

VII. New Business

A. 2020-21 Handbook Changes

Motion by Dion Lathrom 2nd by Franci Miller to approve the revisions to the 2020-21 Coaches, Substitute, Volunteer and Transportation Handbooks for Blue Ridge School District #18, as presented.

Voice vote. 7 ayes 0 nays Motion carried.

1. Coaches Handbook 

2. Substitute Teacher Handbook 

3. Volunteer Handbook 

4. Transportation Handbook 

B. Fees for 2020-2021

There are no proposed changes to student fees for the 2020-21 school year. 

Motion by Franci Miller 2nd by Maureen Gilbert to approve the fees for 2020-21 for Blue Ridge CUSD #18, as presented.

Roll call vote. 7 ayes 0 nays Motion carried.

VIII. Old Business

A. Options for Refunding Bonds

Steve Adams was not able to make the meeting. The board supports the idea of a resolution that triggers advanced refunding of the 2012 building bonds if the market makes this favorable for the school district. Mrs. Wilson will ask PMA to develop the Resolution, and present it to the Board at the April board meeting. Mrs. Wilson will ask Mr. Adams to come to the April meeting. 

IX. Approval of Consent Items

Motion by Kenna Dunlap Johnson 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 the Board of Education Meetings 

B. Financial Reports 

C. Bills and Payroll 

D. Ratification of Suspensions 

E. 2019-20 High School Graduation Date 

F. 2020-21 IHSA Membership 

G. Resignations of District Personnel 

H. College Prep Mathematics (CPM) Residential Conference Request

I. Memorandum of Understanding - School Closure Due to Pandemic 

X. Closed Session

Motion by Carlos Burton 2nd by Dion Lathrom to move from open session to closed session for discussion of appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance or dismissal of specific employees of the school district, complaint against an employee; ongoing, pending or probable litigation at 7:23 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 or complaint against an employee; ongoing, pending or probable litigation 5ILCS 120/2(c) (1). 

1. Employment, Transportation Supervisor, District 

2. Employment, Business Teacher, BRHS 

3. Employment, Paraprofessional, BRIJHS 

4. Employment, Weightlifting Coach, BRHS 

5. Employment, Head Golf Coach, BRHS 

6. Employment, Head Girls Basketball Coach, BRIJHS 

7. Appointment, Gr. 8 ELA Teacher, BRIJHS 

8. 4th grade teacher item 

9. BRIJHS music exploratory 

10. Interim Superintendent Contract, June 8-30, 2020 

11. Position, Special Education Summer School Teacher, District 

12. Position, Summer School Special Education Paraprofessional, District 

13. Positions, Summer Help for Technology and O&M, District 

14. Positions, Summer Bridge Teachers, BRHS 

15. Employ Probationary Licensed Staff for 2020-2021 

16. Complaint against an employee 

B. Ongoing, pending, or probable litigation. 

XI. Open Session

Motion by Carlos Burton 2nd by Dion Lathrom to move from closed session to open session at 8:32 p.m.

Voice vote. 7 ayes 0 nays Motion carried.

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

• David Kramer, Weightlifting Coach, BRHS for Blue Ridge CUSD 18 for the 2019-2020 school year, as presented

Voice vote. 7 ayes 0 nays Motion carried.

Motion by Maureen Gilbert 2nd by Franci Miller to approve the employment of and to approve to pay the Transportation Supervisor for work prior to start date. 

• Debra Field, Transportation Supervisor, District

• Lauren Villwock, Business Teacher, BRHS

• ______________________, Paraprofessional, BRIJHS

• Myron Schroeder, Head Golf Coach, BRHS

• Wayne Clevenger, Head Girls Basketball Coach, BRIJHS for Blue Ridge CUSD 18 for the 2020-2021 school year, as presented. 

Voice vote. 7 ayes 0 nays Motion carried.

Motion by Franci Miller 2nd by Maureen Gilbert to approve the appointment of

• Jenny Acree, 8th grade ELA Teacher, BRIJHS for Blue Ridge CUSD 18 for the 2020-2021 school year, as presented.

Voice vote. 7 ayes 0 nays Motion carried.

Motion by Kenna Dunlap Johnson 2nd by Franci Miller to approve the positions of

• Special Education Summer School Teacher, District

• Summer School Special Education Paraprofessional, District

• Summer Help for Technology and O & M, District

• Summer Bridge Teachers, BRHS 

for Blue Ridge CUSD 18 for the 2020-2021 school year, as presented.

Voice vote. 7 ayes 0 nays Motion carried.

Motion by Franci Miller 2nd by Maureen Gilbert to approve the Interim Superintendent Contract of

• Hillary Stanifer 

for June 8-30, 2020, as presented.

Voice vote. 7 ayes 0 nays Motion carried.

Motion by Kenna Dunlap Johnson 2nd by Maureen Gilbert to approve the employment of the Probationary Certified Staff for the 2020-2021 school term, as presented.

Voice vote. 7 ayes 0 nays Motion carried.

XII. Good of the Cause Discussion

A. Review input received at Blue Ridge CONNECT

The board members discussed the feedback that was collected from those that attended the Blue Ridge Connect. 

B. Discuss how to handle social media communications 

C. Memorial Plaza and Track Project Funding

XIII. Adjournment

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

https://v3.boardbook.org/Public/PublicItemDownload.aspx?mk=50370210&fn=minutes.pdf