Macon Reporter

Meridian Community Unit School District No. 15 Board of Education met April 20.

Here is the minutes provided by the board:

The Meridian Community Unit School District No. 15 Board of Education held a regular meeting via Skype. President Chris Jones called the meeting to order at 6:39 p.m. The following Members were in attendance: Chris Jones, Kara Morey, Monte Hogan, Clint Gorden, Adam Herbert, Rebecca Kraft and Matt Roush. Also in attendance via Skype were: Andy Pygott, Superintendent; Eric Hurelbrink, High School Principal; Lori Guebert, Elementary Principal; Mindy McGuire, Middle School Principal and Michelle Miller, Recording Secretary.

Administrators were available to answer questions regarding their submitted board reports. No questions from the Board. Mr. Hurelbrink did announce that IHSA would be meeting on Tuesday, April 21, to make a final decision on spring sports.

Mr. Pygott gave an update on work by Entre. They have installed upgrades for all access points in the buildings. Work will continue on the fiber optic project. These projects were approved with e-rate funding. Mr. Pygott spoke with David Pistorius from First Midstate in regards to the district’s alternative revenue bonds and the possibility of restructuring this bond.

On a motion by Member Roush, seconded by Member Herbert, the consent agenda was approved which consists of March 16, 2020 minutes, March financial reports and April disbursements as follows:

Education $363,500.12             Building $28,330.07

Transport $17,698.71                Tort $1,050.00

Life Safety $147.00                   IMRF $9,763.48

TOTAL $420,489.38                  (only 1 payroll included)

Also included was the retirement of Elaine Dust effective at the end of the 2023-2024 school year and the resignation of Kimberly Egbert as middle school cheer coach. Motion carried on a roll call vote 7-0.

Mr. Pygott presented the budget analysis. He highlighted the transportation fund and the lack of payments received from the state. The next projected payment is June. Mr. Pygott recommends a transfer from the working cash fund to the transportation fund to cover expenses until the next payment is received. Member Jones discussed the option of the transfer from the education fund vs. working cash. After discussion among all members it was the consensus to make the transfer from working cash as long as the transfer amount is deposited back into the working cash fund.

The second reading of Board Policy Updates were presented. Mr. Pygott highlighted policy 7:270 to include the school requirement to maintain a supply of undesignated Glucagon. He has spoken with the school nurses in regards to this addition.

The first reading of Board Policy Updates were presented. The policy committee will meet to discuss the policies before final approval next month.

The Buildings and Transportation Committee met on March 24. Pete Pistorius and Duane Noland from the Ag Foundation were there to present information on fundraising efforts. Kudos to Pete and Duane for their diligent work on this project.

Mr. Pygott expressed his desire to keep the existing shed in the area where the proposed Ag facility is planned. The shed is utilized for maintenance storage. It was the consensus to keep the shed.

There was a pre-bid meeting held on April 8 for the roof replacement on the district office area. This project will be paid in part by the approved maintenance grant. Mr. Pygott will also budget money in the summer fund for maintenance on the existing roofs that needs addressed.

Remote Learning Day Plans have been developed by each building and are available to view on the school’s website. Member Jones commended the staff for their work and student contact during this time. All administrators have had contact with staff and feel the remote learning is going well. All teachers are keeping track of skills that may have been missed during this time and will review those at the start of the fall semester.

On a motion by Member Roush, seconded by Member Kraft, the Board approved the procedures for the Consideration of Honorary Naming Recognition of District Facilities as presented. Motion carried on a roll call vote 7-0.

Member Morey, seconded by Member Gorden, motioned to approve the request for the honorary recognition of the district baseball field as Snitker Field. Motion carried on a roll call vote 7-0.

The Meridian CUSD #15 Board Policy Revisions were approved as presented on a motion by Member Roush, seconded by Member Morey. Motion carried with 7 ayes.

On a motion by Member Morey, seconded by Member Roush, the Board adopted the Resolution authorizing the transfer from Working Cash Fund to the Transportation Fund. Motion carried on a roll call vote 7-0.

The Board approved procuring the district office roof replacement project through the K-12 Omnia Partners Cooperative Purchasing Organization on a motion by Member Morey, seconded by Member Kraft. Motion carried on a roll call vote 7-0.

Member Roush, seconded by Member Morey, motioned to approve the roof replacement bid for the district office provided by Top Quality Roofing. Motion carried on a roll call vote 7-0.

Floyd & Associates’ audit service agreement was approved as presented on a motion by Member Morey, seconded by Member Kraft. Motion carried on a roll call vote 7-0.

The Board adjourned to executive session at 8:42 p.m. motioned by Member Morey, seconded by Member Kraft. Motion carried.

Member Kraft, seconded by Member Roush, motioned to return to open session at 9:07 p.m. Motion carried.

(At this time we lost connection with Member Clint Gorden)

Leigh Ann Miller was hired as High School Special Education teacher for 2020-2021 school year on a motion by Member Morey, seconded by Member Kraft. Motion carried on a roll call vote 6-0.

Katie Harris was hired as Elementary School Head Cook for the 2020-2021 school year on a motion by Member Roush, seconded by Member Morey. Motion carried on a roll call vote 6-0.

The Board tabled the motion for non-certified pay increases for 2020-2021 as presented.

The meeting adjourned at 9:10 p.m. on a motion by Member Roush, seconded by Member Herbert. The next regularly scheduled meeting will be May 18, 2020, 6:30 p.m.

https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/710084/4-20-20_minutes.pdf