Blue Ridge Community Unified School District 18 Board of Education Met March 17

By Kristine Gonzales-Abella

May 7, 2021

Blue Ridge Community Unified School District 18 Board of Education Met March 17.

Here is the minutes provided by the board:

A Regular Meeting of the Board of Education of Blue Ridge CUSD #18 was held Wednesday, March 17, 2021, beginning at 7:00 PM in the Blue Ridge High School Library, 411 North John St. Farmer City, Illinois 61842.

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, Chelsie Leffelman, Dion Lathrom, Franci Miller, Maureen Gilbert and Dale Schneman. Also in attendance were Interim Director of Student Services Lois Dowling, Principal Katie Nichols, Principal Ryan Peyton, and Recording Secretary Kristi Woliung.

Superintendent Hillary Stanifer joined us virtually and Interim Principal Mary Diener was absent.

III. Public Comments/Recognition of Guests

Jeff Zogg Rachel Smith Coy May Eliana Spurlock Kristin Ellis Korra Ellis Kaehla Shaw Brandon Shaw Sandy Shaw Kamdyn Shaw Gena Lagle Derrick Fernandez Raphael Fernandez Teresa Drinkwater Joseph Drinkwater Brad Stout Mark Browning Addison Browning Josh Hawn Aidan Hawn Maeve McCloskey Greg Vander Kamp Lindsay Mattingly Jeremy Mattingly Logan Mattingly Debra Field Piper Teubel Calvin Teubel Jill Moak Erin Kennell

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 with a certificate by the Board of Education members. Those students receiving the awards were Kamdyn Shaw (K), Joseph Drinkwater (K), Logan Mattingly (1st), Raphael Fernandez (1st), Eliana Spurlock (2nd), Korra Ellis (2nd), Piper Teubel (3rd), Malia Seidelman (4th), Aiden Hawn (5th), Addison Browning (6th), Kylie Madden (7th), Clayton Evans (8th), Katie Bowns (Sr.). Staff receiving the awards were Jill Moak (BRSE), Erin Kennell (BRIJHS), Gena Lagle (BRHS).

B. Sapphire Sky Wind Project

Greg Vander Kamp presented on the proposed wind farm coming to our area. Blue Ridge CUSD #18 would receive the majority of the proceeds.

C. Steve Adams-PMA, update on bond sale

Steve Adams with PMA virtually presented the on the recent bond sale and thanked the district for working with him and putting their trust in PMA.

D. Transportation Department, vehicle purchase proposal

Debra presented on the break down of the proposed purchases and trade ins for the current vans and buses.

V. Communication

VI. Committee Reports

VII. Administrative Reports

A. Superintendent

Dr. Stanifer presented her report and highlighted a few areas. The ESSER II grant will be coming in soon and those funds are to be used on expenses due to COVID-19 and can be used through September 30, 2023. Part of that plan is to staff summer school for a few weeks. Another highlight is that the staff that chose the option to get the Moderna vaccine have had their second round. B. Principals

1.Mr. Ryan Peyton, Schneider Elementary

Mr. Peyton presented his report and highlighted a few areas. The 2nd/3rd grade spring program will have a different look to it this year, as it will be presented virtually. Kindergarten registration has been completed with a projected number of 51, but that doesn’t include summer and fall move ins.

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

Mrs. Nichols presented her report and highlighted a few areas. The Climate & Culture committee ran a campaign that involved students participating in a door decorating contest among other themed activities. Sports are in full swing and Mrs. Nichols mentioned it’s so good to see so many students staying after school to be involved in extra curriculars.

3.Mrs. Mary Diener/Mrs. Lois Dowling, Blue Ridge High School Mrs. Dowling presented her report and highlighted a few areas. Fine Arts were celebrated with a virtual expo and the drama club, band and color guard will be showcasing their talents on a virtual show as well. A new graduation requirement is that seniors must complete the FASFA form or decline by completing a waiver. Post Prom is set for May 1 and events will include games and activities, food carts and prizes. A few other areas of excitement is that the varsity scholastic bowl team won the regional title, National Honor Society has welcomed 16 new members and FFA continues to compete and thrive!

C. Curriculum

D. Technology

E. Operations and Maintenance

F. Transportation

G. Food Services

VIII. Approval of Consent Items

Motion by Chelsie Leffelman 2nd by Maureen Gilbert 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 Board of Education Meetings

B. Financial Reports

C. Bills and Payroll

D. Resignation of District Personnel

E. Ratification of Suspensions

F. 2020-2021 High School Graduation Date

G. Approval of 5 Year Contract for Athletic Trainer

H. Approval of 3 Year Skyward Contract

I. Approval of Joint Intergovernmental Agreement for Cooperative Bass Fishing Team between BRHS and Deland-Weldon High School J. Board Reorganization Meeting Date

IX. Old Business

A. MOU with BRFT-Retiree Insurance Incentive Language

Motion by Franci Miller 2nd by Kenna Dunlap Johnson to approve the MOU for the retired teacher insurance incentive between the Board of Education and Blue Ridge Federation of Teachers for Blue Ridge CUSD #18, as presented.

Roll call vote. 6 ayes 1 nays Motion carried.

X. New Business

A. 2021-2022 Handbook Changes

Motion by Chelsie Leffelman 2nd by Franci Miller to approve the revisions to the 2021-2022 Schneider Elementary, BRIJHS, and BRHS Student Handbooks, and the 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

5.2021-2022 BRHS Student Handbook

6.2021-2022 BRIJHS Student Handbook

7.2021-2022 Schneider Elementary Student Handbook

B. 2021-2022 Fees

Motion by Maureen Gilbert 2nd by Franci Miller to approve the fee changes for 2021-2022 for Blue Ridge CUSD #18, as presented.