Macon Reporter

Blue Mound Memorial Library Board Met Feb. 17.

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.

I. Call to Order

Board Vice President, Franci Miller called the meeting to order at 7:07 p.m.

II. Roll Call

Board Members in attendance were Carlos Burton, Kenna Dunlap Johnson, Dion Lathrom, Franci Miller and Maureen Gilbert. Dale Schneman joined via zoom and Chelsie Leffelman was absent.

Also in attendance were Superintendent Hillary Stanifer; Interim Principal Mary Diener, Principal Katie Nichols, Principal Ryan Peyton, and Recording Secretary Kristi Woliung. Interim Director of Student Services Lois Dowling was absent.

III. Public Comments/Recognition of Guests

Andrea Weedman    Debby Reynolds    Paige Trimble    Dave Kramer    Meghan James    Elias Nolan    Steve Little    Reese Little    Ashley Hieronymus    Paisley Hieronymus    Matt Denny    Matt Denny    Brandy Grubaugh    Kira Dorian    Tera Martin-Roy    Paige Roy    Jennifer Meier    Olivia Meier    Ava Meier

IV. Presentations

A. Exemplary Knights

Students and staff were recognized by their teachers and principals for their exemplary actions and work. Students and staff were rewarded, both virtually and in person, with a certificate by the Board of Education members. Those students receiving the awards were Alayna Dean (K), Kira Dorain (K), Reese Little (1st), Paisley Hieronymus (2nd), Olivia Meier (3rd), Paige Roy (4th), Elias Nolan (5th), Brenna Light (6th), Karly Warner (7th), Matt Denny (8th), Jaton Shaffer (Sr). Staff receiving the awards were Rhonda Brandt (BRSE), Carrie Painter (BRIJHS) and Nancy Hoffman (BRHS).

B. BRHS Boosters-Debby Reynolds

BRHS Booster President, Debby Reynolds presented on the possibility of adding window wraps to the front of the High School. She had visuals and explained in great detail which wraps would go in which location and the thought behind the planning. She got good feedback and will take that advice and input to put the final touches on the wraps. She also mentioned that it would be done in phases and that it is all Booster funded. There is also a mural for Honoring The Past schools and mascots that made Blue Ridge who were are today.

C. Technology Presentation-Andrea Weedman and Dave Kramer Andrea and Dave presented on their goals, what was new this year, highlights and looking ahead.

V. Communication

A. FOIA Request-News Gazette and IL Retired Teachers Association B. Subpoena-Dewitt Co State's Attorney

VI. Committee Reports

No committees met this month.

VII. Administrative Reports

A. Superintendent

Dr. Stanifer presented her report and highlighted a few areas. The 5 essential survey was sent out to staff, students and parents. Gibson Hospital provided 100 doses of Moderna vaccine, in which 73 full time staff, 16 additional community members working directly with children and 11 city workers received. A survey was sent out to staff on the possibility of returning to in person learning on Mondays, starting March 15. 92 staff members replied and the outcome was 54% of the staff wanted to come back to in person learning 5 days a week.

1.Steering Committee Update

2.Social Emotional Learning and Bullying Prevention Supports at Blue Ridge 3.Fuel Consortium Pricing

B. Principals

1.Mr. Ryan Peyton, Schneider Elementary

Mr. Peyton presented his report and highlighted a few areas. Kindergarten registration is set for March 9 at 5:15 and 6:15 pm. This year it will be done in 2 segments to accommodate social distancing. He also mentioned that behavior referrals are down this month compared to last year.

2.Mrs. Katie Nichols, Blue Ridge Intermediate & Junior High School Mrs. Nichols presented her report and highlighted a few areas. A donation was received from Gibson Hospital for $1500. This will be used to purchase new PE equipment to accommodate new guidelines due to COVID restrictions and not being able to use what they currently have. She also explained that the Exemplary Knight award is a pay it forward system and that’s how it is chosen each month.

3.Mrs. Mary Diener/Mrs. Lois Dowling, Blue Ridge High School Mrs. Diener presented her report and highlighted a few areas. One of the art classes has decorated the hallways with inspirational quotes. Sports are up and running! Spirit activities have included dress up days, band music during lunch and the Knight mascot made an appearance to throw out t-shirts.

C. Curriculum

D. Technology

E. Operations and Maintenance

F. Transportation

G. Food Services

VIII. Approval of Consent Items

Motion by Kenna Dunlap Johnson 2nd by Maureen Gilbert to approve the consent agenda items listed on attachment A as presented.

Roll call vote 6ayes 0 nays Motion carried.

A. Minutes from Regular and Special Board of Education Meetings B. Financial Reports

C. Bills and Payroll

D. Ratification of Suspensions

E. Resignation of District Personnel

F. Approve 2021-2022 Student Accident Form

G. Approve 2021-2022 Technology Plan

H. Approve 2021-2022 School Calendar

I. Approve 2021-2022 Laptop Usage Agreement

J. Child Ride Along Program

K. 2021-2022 Acceptable Use Form

L. 2021-2022 Chromebook Usage Agreement

M. Potential Funding of Pre-K Program

IX. Old Business

A. Approve PRESS Policy 106

Motion by Maureen Gilbert and 2nd by Kenna Dunlap Johnson to approve PRESS policy 106.

Roll call vote. 6 ayes 0 nays Motion carried.

B. Approve To Secure the District Architect to Draw Up Plans for Transportation Center Office Building

Motion by Carlos Burton and 2nd by Dion Lathrom to approve the Superintendent to have plans drawn up by the district architect for the construction of an office building for the transportation department.

Roll call vote. 6 ayes 0 nays Motion carried.

X. Closed Session

Motion by Carlos Burton 2nd by Dale Schneman to move from open session to closed session for appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, dismissal of specific employees of the District, and ongoing, pending, or probable litigation at 8:30 p.m.

Roll call vote 6 ayes 0 nays Motion carried.

A. The appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific employees of the district, and ongoing, pending, or probable litigation 5ILCS 120./2(c) (1) (11).

1.Superintendent Evaluation

2.Compensation for Non-Union Personnel

3.BRHS Principal Salary range

4.Employment, Head Volleyball Coach, BRIJHS

5.Employment, Assistant Volleyball Coach, BRIJHS

6.Employment, Assistant Boys Basketball Coach, BRIJHS

7.Retired Teacher Insurance Incentive

8.Request permission for Superintendent to hire for any open positions prior to the March Board of Education meeting.

B. Pending or Probable Litigation

1.Theft Claim Update

XI. Open Session

Motion by Carlos Burton 2nd by Maureen Gilbert to move from closed session to open session at 9:08 p.m.

Voice vote. 6 ayes 0 nays Motion carried.

Motion by Carlos Burton 2nd by Dion Lathrom to approve the employment of

∙ Nyssa Kramer, Head Volleyball Coach, BRIJHS

∙ Erin Kennell, Assistant Volleyball Coach, BRIJHS

∙ Clay Stephens, Assistant Boys Basketball Coach, BRIJHS

for Blue Ridge CUSD 18 for the 2020-2021 school year, as presented. Voice vote. 6 ayes 0nays Motion carried.

Motion by Dale Schneman 2nd by Maureen Gilbert to approve the compensation for Non-Union Personnel, as presented.

Voice vote. 6 ayes 0 nays Motion carried.

Motion by Kenna Dunlap Johnson 2nd by Dale Schneman to approve the retired teacher insurance incentive for Jill Moak, as presented. She is eligible to receive up to $1250 per year for retirement years 2-5, not to exceed $5000.

Voice vote. 5 ayes 1 nays Motion carried.

Motion by Maureen Gilbert 2nd by Carlos Burton to authorize the

Superintendent to hire for any open positions prior to the next board meeting

Voice vote 6 ayes 0 nays Motion carried.

XII. Good of the Cause Discussion

A. Behavior Oversight Committee

B. SRO

C. IASB Division Virtual Meeting

XIII. Adjournment

Motion by Dion Lathrom 2nd by Carlos Burton to adjourn the meeting at 9:16 p.m. Roll call vote. 6 ayes 0 nays Motion carried.

https://meetings.boardbook.org/Documents/CustomMinutesForMeeting/1708?meeting=452307