Macon Reporter

Meridian Community Unit School District 15 Board met Aug. 10.

Here is the minutes provided by the board:

The Meridian Community Unit School District No. 15 Board of Education held a regular meeting on Monday, August 10, 2020, in the Board Room, Macon Campus. President Chris Jones called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. The following Members were in attendance: Chris Jones, Monte Hogan, Clint Gorden, Adam Herbert, Rebecca Kraft, Kara Morey and Matt Roush. Also in attendance were: Andy Pygott, Superintendent; Eric Hurelbrink, High School Principal; Lori Guebert, Elementary Principal; Mindy McGuire, Middle School Principal and Michelle Miller, Recording Secretary.

In Communications from the Audience, the Board heard from Melanie Merano, an elementary teacher who spoke to the Board on behalf of the elementary staff. She stated that the majority of elementary teachers are concerned with the safety of the students and staff as COVID19 numbers continue to rise. They would like the Board to consider starting the school year with remote learning.

Mr. Pygott presented retirement plaques to staff who retired at the end of the 2019-2020 school year. Cindy Ballance and Carolyn Wetzel were present to accept recognition. Other retirees mentioned but not present included Sally Boland, Tony Klein and Laura Klink.

ADMINISTRATOR REPORTS: Administrators were pleased with the online registration process for the upcoming school year. Mr. Hurelbrink commended Mrs. Rappe for another successful blood drive that was held at the Macon Campus on August 6. He also reported that high school students who are attending Heartland Tech will begin classes on Thursday, August 13 and dual credit courses will begin remotely on Monday, August 17. The official start of fall sports began today. Golf is the only active sport for Meridian at this time. The fall schedule ends on October 24. Winter sports will take place November 16-February 13. Winter sports include boys & girls basketball. Spring sports are scheduled for February 15-May 1. This includes volleyball, football and boys soccer. Summer sports, track, baseball, softball and girls soccer, will begin May 3 and end June 26.

Mr. Hurelbrink was contacted by a Sangamon Valley student who plays on the co-op soccer team. He is working on earning his Eagle Scout and for his project he would like to build an open pavilion over the concrete pad by the soccer field. The Board was in consensus to give him permission to present a draft of his project for final approval.

Mr. Pygott informed the Board that there was a 15% decline in sales tax revenue from Macon County. It is his recommendation to have David Pistorius present information to the Board in regards to refinancing a bond.

It is the recommendation of the district lawyer to follow the set schedule for teacher evaluations during the 2020-2021 school year.

A request for a tuition waiver for children of teachers that work for the district but do not live in-district has been suggested.

Mr. Pygott attended the City of Macon council board meeting. He was pleased to announce the city has graciously pledged the following TIF money to the district: $4,945 for the parking lot and $100,000 towards the Ag Facility.

On a motion by Member Roush, seconded by Member Morey, the consent agenda was approved which consists of July 20, 2020 minutes, July financial reports and August disbursements which are as follows:

Education $235,423.24 Building $23,921.55

Transport $12,141.24 Tort $4612.50

IMRF $8,634.07 Life Safety $8,761.76

TOTAL $293,494.36(only includes one payroll)

Also included were the resignations of Daniel Hirst as custodian and Patty Huffman as lunch supervisor. Three requests were granted for a leave of absence for the 2020-2021 school year for Suzie Bloomfield, Kristi Webster and Colleen Veitengruber.

The Board will schedule a special meeting to review the tentative FY21 budget.

There were no questions or comments in regards to the second reading of proposed Board Policies.

There was lengthy discussion in regards to proposed changes to the 2020-2021 school calendar. Mr. Pygott recommends remote learning to begin the school year. It was the consensus of the Board to delay the start of school to August 31 with teachers beginning August 24.

The Board met prior the board meeting to complete its annual tour of school buildings/grounds. They are pleased with the work John Enlow and Garth Luka have done as maintenance directors.

Middle school softball and baseball begin this Saturday after the IESA reversed its decision in regards to eliminating sports this school year.

On a motion by Member Roush, seconded by Member Morey, the Board approved the Board Policy Revisions as presented. Motion carried on a roll call vote 7-0.

On a motion by Member Hogan, seconded by Member Gorden, the Board approved the Teacher and Administrator Compensation Report for the 19-20 school year. Motion carried on a roll call vote 7-0.

Member Roush, seconded by Member Morey, approved the Memorandum of Agreement with the Federation of Teachers for Instructional Coaches for the 2020-2021 school year. Motion carried on a roll call vote 7-0.

The Board approved the amended 2020-2021 school calendar as discussed on a motion by Member Hogan, seconded by Member Kraft. Motion carried on a roll call vote 7-0.

Member Gorden, seconded by Member Herbert, approved the Memorandum of Agreement with the Meridian Ag Foundation and Ag Boosters as presented. Motion carried on a roll call vote 7-0.

On a motion by member Morey, seconded by Member Kraft, the meeting adjourned to executive session at 8:50 p.m. for the purpose of discussing matters pertaining to the employment, appointment or dismissal of specific employees or officers, purchase or sale of property, pending legal matters, student discipline, and negotiations. Motion carried 7-0.

Member Herbert, seconded by Member Hogan, motioned to return to open session at 8:53 p.m. Motion carried with 7 ayes.

Carl Jones was hired as district custodian on a motion by Member Herbert, seconded by Member Gorden. Motion carried on a roll call vote 7-0.

The meeting adjourned at 8:54 p.m. on a motion by Member Roush, seconded by Member Kraft. The next regularly scheduled meeting will be September 21, 6:30 p.m.

https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/930408/8-10-20_minutes.pdf