Macon Reporter

Blue Ridge Community Unified School District 18 Board of Education met April 15.

Here is the minutes provided by the board:

A Regular Meeting of the Board of Education of Blue Ridge CUSD #18 was held 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 7:02 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 video call.

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

III. Public Comments/Recognition of Guests

Dale Schneman, Board President, presented a statement about the current COVID-19 situation and how it’s affecting our school. He also stated how proud he is with how the staff and students are handling all of the day to day challenges and changes.

IV. Communications

No communications were presented this month.

V. Board Committee Reports

The policy committee met via email.

VI. Administrative Reports

A. Superintendent

Mrs. Wilson presented her report. She highlighted how the district is doing an incredible job during the COVID-19 school closures/remote learning.

1. Strategic Plan - Quarterly Review of Progress Toward Goals

2. Quarterly Financial Report

B. Principals

1. Ryan Peyton, Schneider Elementary

Mr. Peyton presented his report. He highlighted that the Kids Heart Challenge surpassed their highest year and this year collected over $15,000. He also stated how his staff has definitely stepped up to all of the new daily challenges during remote learning and are doing a phenomenal job.

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

Mrs. Nichols presented her report. She highlighted that the Kids Heart Challenge collected over $4000. She also stated that the IESA has canceled all spring activites.

3. John Lawrence, Blue Ridge High School

Mr. Lawrence presented his report. He highlighted that he has reached out to seniors via phone calls to talk about graduation requirements and for some casual conversation. He also stated that the staff made a video showcasing how the students are missed. The High School is also hosting a Senior Spotlight every day to highlight the seniors’ favorites and their plans for the future.

C. Curriculum Coordinator

Dr. Stanifer presented her report. She highlighted that with the Title 1, 2 and 4 grant, the district was able to purchase literacy products for grades 4-6 and also 7-8. She also mentioned that the math teachers attending conference originally scheduled for Salt Lake City will now be attending the rescheduled conference in Maryland closer to the start of the next school year.

D. Technology

E. Operations and Maintenance

F. Transportation

G. Food Services

VII. Approval of Consent Items

Motion by Maureen Gilbert 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. 2020-21 IESA Membership

E. Approve updated job descriptions F. Resignations of District Personnel

G. 2020-21 Consolidated District Application

H. FFA State Convention Approval

I. 2020 Remote Learning Day Plan

J. 2020-2021 Teacher Evaluation Plan - approve changes

K. 2020-21 Handbook Changes

L. Approve Co-op with DeLand-Weldon CUSD 57 for High School Boys & Girls Golf, Co-Ed Soccer, Girls HS Basketball and Football and Intermediate and Junior High Baseball and Softball

VIII. New Business

A. Presentation of Library Services for School Library Month

Mrs. Allen presented the board with a handout of her library presentation.

B. Appointment of District Treasurer

Motion by Kenna Dunlap Johnson 2nd by Maureen Gilbert to appoint Janell Lerche to the office of District Treasurer for the Blue Ridge Community Unit School District #18 for a one (1) year term, as presented.

Roll call vote. 7 ayes 0 nays Motion carried.

C. RESOLUTION providing for the issue of not to exceed $5,500,000 General Obligation Refunding School Bonds, Series 2020, of Blue Ridge Community Unit School District No. 18, DeWitt, Piatt and McLean Counties, Illinois, to refund certain outstanding obligations of said District, on a taxable or tax-exempt basis, and for the levy of a direct annual tax sufficient to pay the principal and interest on said bonds.

Motion by Carlos Burton 2nd Maureen Gilbert to Approve the Resolution to Authorize Advance Refunding Bonds for Blue Ridge CUSD 18 as presented.

Roll Call Vote. 7 ayes 0 nays Motion carried.

D. Transportation Proposal for GPS Tracking for District Vehicles

Motion by Kenna Dunlap Johnson 2nd by Maureen Gilbert to approve the proposal for GPS tracking for all district vehicles at Blue Ridge CUSD 18, as presented.

Roll call vote. 7 ayes 0 nays Motion carried.

E. Agreement for Architect Services to Design BRHS Track

Motion by Maureen Gilbert 2nd by Dale Schneman to engage in an architect, for no more than a $5000 contract, paid from the sale tax fund for the BRHS Track Layout for Blue Ridge CUSD 18, as presented.

Roll call vote. 7 ayes 0 nays Motion carried.

IX. Old Business

A. Agreement for Architect/Engineer Services to Design Transportation Center

Motion by Carlos Burton 2nd by Maureen Gilbert to approve the agreement for architect/engineer services to design transportation center at Blue Ridge CUSD 18, as presented.

Roll call vote. 7 ayes 0 nays Motion carried

B. Bids for VAV Box Replacement, BRHS

Motion by Franci Miller 2nd by Carlos Burton to accept and approve the base bid from Reliable Mechanical in the amount of $94,510 for VAV Box Replacement at Blue Ridge High School, as presented.

Roll call vote. 7 ayes 0 nays Motion carried.

C. BRIJHS Air Handler Replacement Bids

Motion by Dion Lathrom 2nd by Kenna Dunlap Johnson to reject all bids for Air Handler Replacement at BRIJHS for Blue Ridge CUSD 18, as presented.

Roll call vote. 7 ayes 0 nays Motion carried.

D. Review AdvancED/Cognia Accreditation Report

Dr. Stanifer presented the AdvancED/Cognia report and highlighted the areas of where the district excelled and where there is room for improvement.

**The Board of Education did not go into closed session**

X. Closed Session

Motion by ________________ 2nd by ________________ 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; ongoing, pending, or probable litigation at _______ p.m.

Roll call vote.______ ayes ______ nays

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

1. Positions, Summer Reading and Kindergarten Jumpstart, Schneider School

2. Employment, Physical Education Teacher, BRIJHS B. Discussion of pending or probable litigation

XI. Open Session

**The Board of Education did not go into closed session. No need for open session motion **

Motion by ________________ 2nd by ________________ to move from closed session to open session at _____ p.m.

Voice vote. ______ ayes ______ nays

Motion by Franci Miller 2nd by Chelsie Leffelman to approve the positions of

 Summer Reading Program Teachers (5)

 Kindergarten Jumpstart Teachers (3)

 Kindergarten Jumpstart Paraprofessionals (3)

for Blue Ridge CUSD #18 for the summer of 2020, as presented. Voice vote. 7 ayes 0 nays Motion carried.

Motion by Chelsie Leffelman 2nd by Franci Miller to approve the employment of

 Chad Acree, Physical Education Teacher, BRIJHS for Blue Ridge CUSD #18 for the 2020-2021 school year, as presented. Voice vote. 7 ayes 0 nays Motion carried.

XII. Good of the Cause Discussion

The changes and discussion for Superintendent evaluation plan has been tabled until the fall.

Fundraising will continue for the BRHS track/memorial plaza.

The board discussed how to handle social media posts and contacts made via social media.

XIII. Adjournment

Motion by Carlos Burton 2nd by Dion Lathrom to adjourn the meeting at 8:52 p.m.

Voice vote. 7 ayes 0 nays Motion carried.

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