Macon Reporter

Meridian Community Unit School District 15 Board of Education met Feb. 16.

Here is the minutes provided by the board:

The Meridian Community Unit School District No. 15 Board of Education held a regular meeting in the Board Room, Macon Campus. Vice-President Monte Hogan called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. The following Members were in attendance: Monte Hogan, Rebecca Kraft, Adam Herbert, Matt Roush, Clint Gorden. Members Morey and Jones were absent. Also in attendance were: Andy Pygott, Superintendent; Eric Hurelbrink, High School Principal; Lori Guebert, Elementary Principal; Mindy McGuire, Middle School Principal; Kaleb Renfro, Athletic Director; Michelle Miller, Recording Secretary.

In communications from the audience, Heather Johnson, high school guidance counselor, addressed the board in regards to the consideration of a tuition waiver to non-residential district employees.

Member Hogan expressed his appreciation to those who present communication from the public. It is important to keep good communication between the public and the Board.

Administrative Reports:

Rosarita Rambo and Emerson Wurster from the elementary and Charlotte Pritts and Alayna Bickel from the middle school, were the top two spellers from each building and will represent the district at the Macon County Bee.

Susan Hagan, district music teacher, won a scholarship for the 4th & 5th grade students to take a distance learning class through the Center for Interactive Learning and Collaboration. Heather Johnson was named to the College Board’s National Recognition Program for the 2020- 21 school year.

NHS will hold its third blood drive on February 25.

The high school Academic Challenge team placed second in the Richland Regional and advances to the Eastern Illinois Sectional.

Administrators praised John Enlow and his crew for all the hard work they have done to ready the gyms for competition and the clean up between and after matches.

Gratitude was also given to Kaleb Renfro and all his work in rearranging all the sports schedules. The Journalism class, especially Gabby Bingaman, has worked tirelessly to ensure all Meridian events are live streamed. Their hard work is much appreciated.

Connor Ryan, high school freshman, earned All-Tournament honors at the Macon County Scholastic Bowl meet.

Up to date athletic schedules are available on 8to18 found on the Meridian website under athletics.

Mr. Pygott provided information for the refinancing of district bonds to reduce the overall debt liability for the district. He recommends a presentation to the school board in March by one of the investment banking institutions contacted for further clarification and possible action.

Mr. Pygott updated the Board on the gym floor damage found last week. Water damage caused by the testing of the sprinkler system has caused a portion of the floor by the storage area to buckle. Stalker Flooring is scheduled for repair and an insurance claimed has been filed. The District Calendar Committee has met and will present a few calendar options for next school year. After staff has voted it will be presented to the Board for approval.

On a motion by Member Herbert, seconded by Member Gorden, the consent agenda was approved which consists of January 19, 2021 minutes, February 3, 2021 minutes, January financial reports and February disbursements as follows:

Education $421,757.51 Building $39,483.44

Transport $21,055.58 IMRF $9,539.04

Life Safety $161.00 TOTAL $491,996.57 (one payroll) Also included is the resignation of Tony Hicks, band teacher, effective at the end of the 2020- 2021 school year and the FMLA request from Doug Black for the remainder of the 2020-2021 school year. Motion carried on a roll call vote 5-0.

Mr. Pygott presented the budget analysis.

The Building & Transportation Committee met February 11. Garth Luka, bus mechanic, presented the committee with his annual report of bus conditions, mileage, concerns. The committee expressed their content with Garth in this position. Garth also presented a job description for a bus maintenance position. The committee was in agreeance with the position. Member Hogan expressed his concern with the district having any kind of lease agreement. Mr. Pygott will look into the current lease that is in place with the activity bus.

On a motion by Member Roush, seconded by Member Kraft, the Board approved the agreement with Orthopedic and Rehabilitation Specialists of Central Illinois for athletic trainer services as presented. Motion carried on a roll call vote 5-0.

Central A&M District requested the use of the high school gym as a backup facility if the need would arise. Member Roush motioned to approve the request, seconded by Member Herbert. Motion carried on a roll call vote 5-0.

The Board approved the bus maintenance worker job description as presented on a motion by Member Herbert, seconded by Member Roush. Motion carried on a roll call vote 5-0.

On a motion by Member Roush, seconded by Member Herbert, the meeting adjourned to executive session at 7:15 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 5-0.

The Board returned to open session at 7:59 p.m. on a motion by Member Herbert, seconded by Member Kraft. Motion carried 5-0.

Member Roush, seconded by Member Herbert, motioned to hire Haley Ray as district cook. Motion carried on a roll call vote 5-0.

Nathan Allyn was approved as assistant football coach for 20-21 season on a motion by Member Roush, seconded by Member Kraft. Motion carried on a roll call vote 5-0.

Kelsey Knopp was hired as high school special education teacher for 2021-2022, on a motion by Member Roush, seconded by Member Gorden. Motion carried on a roll call vote 5-0.

Member Roush, seconded by Member Kraft, motioned to approve the principal contract for Lori Guebert as presented. Motion carried on a roll call vote 5-0.

Kelly Jenkins was approved as bus maintenance worker on a motion by Member Herbert, seconded by Member Roush. Motion carried on a roll call vote 5-0.

Nathan Allyn and Gary Cecil were approved as volunteer assistant high school boy’s track & field coaches for 20-21 on a motion by Member Roush, seconded by Member Kraft. Motion carried on a roll call vote 5-0.

The meeting adjourned at 8:02 on a motion by Member Roush, seconded by Member Herbert. The next regularly scheduled meeting will be March 15, 2021, 6:30 p.m.

https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/1170601/2-16-21_minutes.pdf