Macon Reporter

Meridian Community Unit School District 15 Board met April 19.

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. President Chris Jones called the meeting to order at 6:33 p.m. The following Members were in attendance: Chris Jones, Rebecca Kraft, Matt Roush, Clint Gorden and Kara Morey. Members Herbert and Hogan were absent. Also in attendance were: Andy Pygott, Superintendent; Eric Hurelbrink, High School Principal; Lori Guebert, Elementary Principal; Mindy McGuire, Middle School Principal; Michelle Miller, Recording Secretary.

Michelle McKinney was recognized for her work in completing the annual Library Grant application with the Secretary of State. Her effort provides extra funds for the High School/Middle School and Elementary libraries.

Administration Reports:

Elementary will hold an awards day on May 18.

The Middle School will hold a Junior Honor Society Induction Ceremony on April 23. There are 29 students being inducted.

Prom will be held on Saturday, April 24, at the high school.

Graduation is set for May 22 at the high school with Baccalaureate on May 21 at First Christian Church.

Hallie Gates & Reagan Hunt were recognized at the Macon County Regional High School Principal’s student luncheon. Lyric Greenwood & Emily Johnson will be recognized at the Central Illinois Conference student luncheon in May.

Congratulations to the Journalism students for placing 1st in IHSA Sectionals. IHSA & IESA update- low-risk outdoor sport athletes (track, softball, baseball), are no longer required to wear face coverings when actively participating in an event.

Congratulations to Graham Meisenhelter for making the 2021 Illinois Basketball Coaches Association Class 1A All State Basketball Team.

Another shout out to Gabby Bingamon and all those who have dedicated time to live stream all Meridian events.

Superintendent follow up items:

The district has received the insurance compensation for repair of the high school gym floor. Repair will be scheduled for this summer.

ESSER II grant was approved and ESSER III application will be available in July. The E-Learning Plan is completed. It will go on the May board agenda.

Tuition Waiver Request- reminder to the Board that this is a topic that still needs addressed. Digital Equity Grant was approved which provides funds for staff professional development related to technology.

New Items:

Camp Invention- Summer STEM program for grades 1-6. ESSER funds would cover the costs. Administrators will see how much interest there is for the program.

Summer School teacher jobs are posted.

274 new Chromebooks were ordered with ESSER & Title I funds. The plan is for 5th grade students to have a district issued chromebook starting next school year.

NFHS (live streaming vendor) is increasing their rate significantly. Looking at prices with other vendors.

On a motion by Member Morey, seconded by Member Roush, the consent agenda was approved which consists of March minutes, March financials and April disbursements as follows:

Education $403,692.90   Building $40,314.89

Transport $28425.65       IMRF $10,527.55

Tort $158.00                     Life Safety $526.00

TOTAL $483,644.99 (one payroll)

Also included is the resignation of Jordan Griglin as elementary special education teacher and middle school cheer sponsor; resignation of Tricia Campbell as middle school girl’s track coach; and retirement of Brenda Collier as elementary cook. All effective at the end of the 2020-2021 school year. Motion carried on a roll call vote 5-0.

Mr. Pygott presented the budget analysis. He will provide frequent updates to the Board as we near the end of the fiscal year.

The Board requested updated information from First Midstate in regards to refinancing bonds.

The Buildings & Transportation committee met on April 12 and discussed the following: Recommends surrender of the activity bus at the end of the lease, June 30 Proceed with repairs to high school gym floor vs. replacement of entire floor All-weather track resurfacing- next year

Macon campus Health Service Center (nurses’ office) will be relocated to the office located in the 6th grade commons area

New maintenance shed- budgetary options and timeline

Middle school gym roof- structural analysis will be completed for the possibility of metal roof Ag Greenhouse- move to Phase 1 vs. Phase 5

Member Gorden, seconded by Member Morey, motioned to approve the 2021-2022 school calendar. Motion carried on a roll call vote 5-0.

On a motion by Member Morey, seconded by Member Morey, the Board approved the IHSA Membership renewal for 2021-2022 school year. Motion carried on a roll call vote 5-0.

On a motion by Member Morey, seconded by Member Roush, the Board approved the IESA Membership renewal for 2021-2022 school year. Motion carried on a roll call vote 5-0.

The audit service agreement with Floyd & Associates was approved as presented on a motion by Member Gorden, seconded by Member Kraft. Motion carried on a roll call vote 5-0.

On a motion by Member Roush, seconded by Member Morey, the meeting adjourned at 8:12 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 9:17 p.m. on a motion by Member Roush, seconded by Member Gorden. Motion carried 5-0.

On a motion by Member Roush, seconded by Member Gorden, the Board approved Megan Pistorius as Elementary Classroom Size Reduction teacher for the 2021-2022 school year. Motion carried on a roll call vote 5-0.

On a motion by Member Roush, seconded by Member Gorden, the Board approved Morgan Wendt as Middle School Math teacher for the 2021-2022 school year. Motion carried on a roll call vote 5-0.

Member Morey, seconded by Member Kraft, motioned to approve Kelsey Pygott as Middle School Math teacher for the 2021-2022 school year. Motion carried on a roll call vote 5-0.

Tyler Clark was approved as District Band teacher for the 2021-2022 school year on a motion by Member Roush, seconded by Member Morey. Motion carried on a roll call vote 5-0.

Alex Damery was approved as Elementary Special Education teacher for the 2021-2022 school year on a motion by Member Roush, seconded by Member Gorden. Motion carried on a roll call vote 5-0.

Member Roush, seconded by Member Gorden, motioned to approve Tara Burgess as Pre-K Aide for the 2021-2022 school year. Motion carried on a roll call vote 5-0.

On a motion by Member Roush, seconded by Member Gorden, Gracie Brookens was approved as Restorative Justice Coordinator for 2021-2022 school year. Motion carried on a roll call vote 5-0.

Anna Enlow was hired for summer maintenance (2021) on a motion by Member Roush, seconded by Member Gorden. Motion carried on a roll call vote 5-0.

The meeting adjourned at 9:20 p.m. on a motion by Member Roush, seconded by Member Morey.

https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/1275389/4-19-21_minutes.pdf