Mt Zion Community Unit School District 3 Board met March 16.
Here is the minutes provided by the board:
President Jeffrey Sams called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.
Board members present were: Kristi Niles, Jeffrey Sams, Dave Brandon, Nathan Brock, Michelle Shumaker, and Matt Beavers. John Flora was absent.
Administration present consisted of: Dr. Travis R. Roundcount, Superintendent of Schools; Brian Rhoades, Associate Superintendent; Billy Rockey, District Technology Director; Justin Johnson, Mt. Zion High School Principal; Julie Marquardt, Mt. Zion Jr. High School Principal; Randy Thacker, Mt. Zion Intermediate School Principal, Gary Gruen, Mt. Zion Grade School Principal, and Heather Ethell, McGaughey Elementary School Principal.
The Pledge of Allegiance was cited by those present and led by Jeffrey Sams.
Michelle Shumaker introduced a motion to approve the Regular Meeting minutes of February 16, 2021. Seconded: Kristi Niles. Roll Call: Kristi Niles, Jeffrey Sams, Dave Brandon, Nathan Brock, Michelle Shumaker, Matt Beavers, yea. Motion carried 6-0. (See Book of Attachments.)
Matt Beavers presented a motion to approve the Executive Meeting minutes of February 16, 2021. Seconded: Kristi Niles. Roll Call: Jeffrey Sams, Dave Brandon, Nathan Brock, Michelle Shumaker, Matt Beavers, Kristi Niles, yea. Motion carried 6-0. (See Book of Attachments.)
Board President Sams introduced James Bond who requested to speak about: bullying, harassment, intimidation, and discrimination.
1) Superintendent Roundcount introduced Mr. Randy Thacker, Mt. Zion Intermediate School Principal, who praised Intermediate School faculty and staff for all of their hard work during the pandemic. He also provided updates regarding the new science curriculum pilot program and science curriculum enhancements, including the Challenger Learning Center’s “Vacation to Space” virtual program. Mr. Thacker shared that ADM has been a key funder with the Challenger Program, donating $5,000 this year, which Mr. Billy Rockey secured. Additionally, he summarized the “No Red Ink” grammar curriculum as well as the online math and reading Star Assessments, which are administered three times per year.
2) Dr. Roundcount introduced Mr. Gary Gruen, Mt. Zion Grade School Principal, who discussed the improvements that have been made to the parent drop-off and pick-up lines in the grade school parking lot. The grade school has up to 70 cars per day, so the reorganized system (which uses handheld two-way radios and a scanner system) has vastly improved the safety and flow of traffic. Mr. Gruen introduced elementary PE teacher, Jenny Moore, who provided a hands-on demonstration of the scanner system with Board members and administration. Mr. Gruen gave kudos to Mrs. Moore for not only learning the new system herself, but also for organizing and providing training to fellow staff members. Additionally, he thanked Mrs. Holst, Mr. Demeio, and the Mt. Zion Foundation for Quality Education for funding the new two-way radios, and commended the patience of drivers and the professionalism of all staff members, which have contributed to the tremendous success of the new system. Discussion took place among the Board, Mt. Zion Grade School staff, and administration.
3) Dr. Roundcount provided updates related with COVID positive cases, optional vaccinations, and remote learning. Dr. Roundcount stated that a governor’s announcement was forthcoming regarding lesser restrictions and newly updated guidelines, which could affect the planning of graduation. He stated that the date for graduation will remain the same, on May 16, 2021, and the District is working on establishing Plans A, B, and C to determine where graduation will take place, and whether it will be an indoor or outdoor ceremony.
Matt Beavers presented a motion to approve the second reading of Policy 2:50 related to board members’ term of office. Seconded: Michelle Shumaker. Roll Call: Dave Brandon, Nathan Brock, Michelle Shumaker, Matt Beavers, Kristi Niles, Jeffrey Sams, yea. Motion carried 6-0. (See Book of Attachments.)
Kristi Niles introduced a motion to approve payment of the presented list of Fund Warrant Check Numbers: 29101-29221 and Athletic Imprest check numbers: 13263-13329 as presented. Seconded: Michelle Shumaker. Roll Call: Nathan Brock, Michelle Shumaker, Matt Beavers, Kristi Niles, Jeffrey Sams, Dave Brandon, yea. Motion carried 6-0. (See Book of Attachments.)
Matt Beavers presented a motion that the presented Financial Treasurer’s Report be accepted and filed for audit. Seconded: Kristi Niles. Roll Call: Michelle Shumaker, Matt Beavers, Kristi Niles, Jeffrey Sams, Dave Brandon, Nathan Brock, yea. Motion carried 6-0. (See Book of Attachments.)
Michelle Shumaker introduced a motion to authorize the Administration to solicit bid quotations, according to the presented specification sheets, for 2021-2022 dairy and fuel supplies. Seconded: Kristi Niles. Roll Call: Matt Beavers, Kristi Niles, Jeffrey Sams, Dave Brandon, Nathan Brock, Michelle Shumaker, yea. Motion carried: 6-0. (See Book of Attachments.)
Kristi Niles presented a motion to authorize the Administration to advertise and solicit bids to remodel a bathroom at McGaughey. Seconded: Matt Beavers. Discussion took place by the Board and administration. Roll Call: Kristi Niles, Jeffrey Sams, Dave Brandon, Nathan Brock, Michelle Shumaker, Matt Beavers, yea. Motion carried: 6-0. (See Book of Attachments.)
Kristi Niles introduced a motion to go into Executive Session at 7:16 p.m. for the purpose of discussing the appointment/ employment/ compensation/ discipline/ performance and/or dismissal of a specific employee or office of the public body; and pending or probable litigation against, affecting, or on behalf of the public body. Seconded: Michelle Shumaker. Roll Call: Kristi Niles, Jeffrey Sams, Dave Brandon, Nathan Brock, Michelle Shumaker, Matt Beavers, yea. Motion carried 6-0. (See Book of Attachments.)
Matt Beavers presented a motion to return to open session at 8:15 p.m. Seconded: Dave Brandon. Roll Call: Jeffrey Sams, Dave Brandon, Nathan Brock, Michelle Shumaker, Matt Beavers, Kristi Niles, present.
Dave Brandon introduced a motion to approve a resolution to dismiss Kathleen Lassau, a probationary part-time certified employee, at the end of the 2020-2021 school year and not reemploy her for the 2021-2022 school year. Seconded: Kristi Niles. Roll Call: Dave Brandon, Nathan Brock, Michelle Shumaker, Matt Beavers, Kristi Niles, Jeffrey Sams, yea. Motion carried 6-0. (See Book of Attachments.)
Michelle Shumaker presented a motion to approve the outlined personnel-related items pending a drug test and background check for new employees.
EMPLOYMENT:
| Brianne Barrett
Mt. Zion Jr. High | Group VII - Junior High School Assistant Girls' Track Effective March 16, 2021 |
| Amy Besser
Mt. Zion Jr. High/High School | Show Choir Chaperone Volunteer
Effective March 17, 2021 |
| Traci Dyer-Townsend
Mt. Zion High School | Physical Education Teacher and Group II - High School Head Volleyball; Effective for the 2021-22 school year |
Mt. Zion Jr. High/High School
Assistant Girls' Track Volunteer Effective March 1, 2021
| Rachid Kamal El Idrissi
Mt. Zion High School | French Teacher
Effective for the 2021-22 school year |
| Ben Kovalick
Mt. Zion Jr. High School | Assistant Wrestling Volunteer
Effective April 1, 2021 |
| Ashley Miller
Mt. Zion Jr. High/High School | Assistant Girls' Track Volunteer
Effective March 1, 2021 |
| Corrin Saddoris
Mt. Zion Jr. High School | Group VII - Junior High School Assistant Girls' Track Effective March 10, 2021 |
| Crystal Tatro
Mt. Zion School District Transportation | Bus Driver, 4 hours/day, $15.00/hour
Effective March 17, 2021 |
| Allyson Bragg Dalton Collins Jennifer Power Erin Spanberger Nancy Campbell Renee Kahle Lynn Rufener Tess Spengler |
| Jennifer Stark
Mt. Zion School District Transportation | Bus Driver, resigning permanent position effective 10/1/20 to become a substitute bus driver |
| Lacey Brown
Mt. Zion High School | Library Assistant
Effective March 19, 2021 |
| Stephen Ford
Mt. Zion High School | Special Education Teaching Assistant, 5.95 hours/day; Effective at the end of the 2020-21 school year |
| Rachel Ryan (Kascewicz)
Mt. Zion School District Transportation | Bus Driver, 4 hours/day
Effective February 12, 2021 |
Secretary, Dave Brandon, shared a thank you card from Stephene Beller (Mt. Zion Intermediate School Special Education Teacher) for the sympathy planter received for the passing of her father. He also shared a thank you card from Ina Brown (Mt. Zion High School Business Teacher) for the opportunity to work in the Mt. Zion School District as she reflects and prepares for retirement at the end of the 2020-2021 school year.
President Sams announced Tuesday, April 20, 2021, 6:30 p.m. as the next regular meeting of the Board of Education, to be held at the Mt. Zion C.U.S.D. #3 District Office, 1595 W. Main St., Mt. Zion, IL 62549.
Michelle Shumaker introduced a motion to adjourn the Board of Education Meeting at 8:17 p.m. Seconded: Dave Brandon. Roll Call: Kristi Niles, Jeffrey Sams, Dave Brandon, Nathan Brock, Michelle Shumaker, Matt Beavers, yea. Motion carried 6-0. Meeting adjourned.
https://www.mtzschools.org/site/handlers/filedownload.ashx?moduleinstanceid=4751&dataid=5951&FileName=IV%20-%20Board%20Minutes%20from%20031621.pdf
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