Macon Reporter

Blue Ridge Community Unified School District 18 Board Met May 12.

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 President, Dale Schneman called the meeting to order at 7:01 p.m. 

II. Roll Call 

Board Members in attendance were Carlos Burton, Kenna Dunlap Johnson,  Chelsie Leffelman, Franci Miller and Dale Schneman. Jason Nolan arrived at  7:10. 

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

III. Public Comments/Recognition of Guests 

Jonathon Manuel Troy Hall Jeanne Hall Rusty Woliung Jerry Hawn  Judy Hawn Sara Mullen Ashlyn Mullen Rick Mullen Justin Zander  Kara Zander Melissa Ward Sara Wrestler Ralph Hammer Peggy Hammer  Jen Salmi Jacalyn Meisner Anna Place Jaton Shaffer Brenna Friel  Gracie Shaffer Morgan Drozs Sydney Rausch Beau Rick Deagan Rick  Jess Rick Shannon Bennett Jeff Lamb Ian Jessie Donald Jessie  Krissy McCall Melissa Whisman Chassidy Baker Paige Trimble 

Jerry Hawn spoke to the board with a response to the library book communication  he received. He thanked the board for the feedback he was given and specifically  for the policy he received that was requested. 

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  Deagan Rick (K), Brylee Maddox (1st), Kara Zander (2nd), Jordynn Wilson and  Cade Weedman (3rd), Ashlyn Mullen (4th), Presley Whisman (5th), Shawn Christie  (6th), Ian Jessie (7th), Marcene Salmi (8th), Sami Boogren (Jr.). Staff receiving the awards were Melissa Ward (BRSE), Sara Wrestler (BRIJHS), Elizabeth Raines  (BRHS). 

B. Jostens-Troy Hall 

Troy Hall presented the history Jostens holds and the future he hopes to  continue with Blue Ridge. His presentation included the new and updated items  they have done every year, the website store with apparel, the Renaissance  program and what they can offer with rebranding. 

C. FFA Officers 

The current 20-21 and incoming 21-22 FFA officer team highlighted their year in  review and thanked the board for their support. 

V. Communication 

The board of education received a few letters of communications this month.  Jerry Hawn requested information about library book purchases, Coach Kenny  Hanshew emailed about honoring a past coach’s accomplishments and how to  portray that within our schools and a letter was received from a parent of a FFA  member on the oustanding job the FFA advisor/Ag teacher has done with the  students and the program. 

VI. Committee Reports 

The Facility, Grounds and Construction committee met prior to the regular  meeting on May 12. 

VII. Administrative Reports 

A. Superintendent 

Dr. Stanifer presented her report and highlighted a few areas. The compliance  project through the ROE is completed every 4 years and it has helped the  administrative team review policies and to plan for upcoming school years.  Summer school plans are finishing up and will be offered, district wide, for 2  weeks in early June.  

B. Principals 

1.Mr. Ryan Peyton, Schneider Elementary 

Mr. Peyton presented his report and highlighted a few areas. The final Pre-K  screening for the 21-22 school year will be held on July 29-30. Schneider will house  the Y-Zone before and after school program for grades K-5, starting with the 2021- 2022 school year. A big thanks to PIE for celebrating the staff during Teacher  Appreciation week. 

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

Mrs. Nichols presented his report and highlighted a few areas. The 4th-6th grade  students will be part of a research project through the U of I Ag department. All school bands will be performing together at an in-person concert on May 25. A big  thanks to Boosters for celebrating the staff during Teacher Appreciation week. 

3.Mrs. Mary Diener and Mrs. Lois Dowling, Blue Ridge High School Mrs. Dowling presented her report and highlighted a few areas. Students were  inducted and recognized recently for National Honors Society and Honors night.  Homecoming and Post Prom were celebrated a week apart. May 19 is the last day  for seniors with graduation set for May 23. Mr. Miles earned his 300th career win in  volleyball. A big thanks to Student Council and Sarah Ringel for celebrating staff  during Teacher Appreciation week. 

C. Curriculum 

D. Technology 

E. Operations and Maintenance 

F. Transportation 

G. Food Services 

VIII. Approval of Consent Items 

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

Roll call vote 6 ayes 0 nays Motion carried. 

A. Minutes from Regular and Special Board of Education Meetings 

B. Financial Reports 

C. Bills and Payroll 

D. Resignation of District Personnel 

E. Approve Board of Education Meeting Dates for 2021-2022 School Year 

F. Approval of Chromebook Usage Agreement 

G. Ratification of Suspensions 

H. Adoption of IRS Standard Mileage Rate of $0.56 per mile per the District's  Collective Bargaining Agreement 

I. Approve ROE Paper Distribution Order for 2021-2022 School Year  

IX. New Business 

A. First Reading PRESS Plus 7:345AP, 7:345 AP E1, 7:345 AP E2, 7:345 AP E3 

B. Approval to Create 2 Office Spaces in the Existing BRHS Conference Room Motion by Carlos Burton 2nd by Franci Miller to approve the remodeling of the  BRHS Conference Room into two office spaces, as presented.  

Roll call vote 6 ayes 0 nays Motion carried. 

C. Discuss for Approval Letting Bids for District Milk

Motion by Franci Miller 2nd by Carlos Burton to approve letting bids for district milk  products supplied to Blue Ridge Community Unit School District #18 for the 2021- 2022 school term as presented. 

Voice Vote. 6 ayes 0 nays Motion carried. 

X. Closed Session 

Motion by Chelsie Leffelman 2nd by Carlos Burton to move from open session to  closed session for the purpose of appointment, employment, compensation,  discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific employees; ongoing, pending or  probable litigation of the District at 7:54 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; ongoing, pending, or probable  litigation. 5ILCS 120./2(c) (1). 

1. Employment, Summer School Teachers: Teachers (14), Special Education  Teachers (3), District 

2. Employment, Summer School Paraprofessionals (5), District 

3. Employment, Summer Reading Program Teachers (5), Schneider  Elementary 

4. Employment, Kindergarten Jumpstart Teachers (3), Schneider Elementary 

5. Employment, Kindergarten Jumpstart Paraprofessionals (3), Schneider  Elementary 

6. Employment, Bridge Program Teachers (2), Blue Ridge High School 

7. Employment, Interim Assistant Principal, Blue Ridge High School 

8. Employment, School Counselor, Schneider Elementary/Blue Ridge High  School 

9. Employment, English Teacher, Blue Ridge High School 

10. Employment, 7th/8th Math Teacher, Blue Ridge Intermediate & Junior High  School 

11. Employment, Key Club Sponsor, Blue Ridge High School 

12. Employment, Summer Technology Help, District 

XI. Open Session 

Motion by Carlos Burton 2nd by Franci Miller to move from closed session to open  session at 8:52 p.m.  

Voice vote. 6 ayes 0 nays Motion carried. 

Motion by Franci Miller 2nd by Kenna Dunlap Johnson to approve the employment of 

∙ April Griffen, Michelle Wills and Julie Sproat, Summer School Special Education  Teachers

∙ Jenny Acree, Anna Brutlag, Erin Kennell, Karisa Yeagle, Melissa Ward, Tracy  Parson, Merrian Tice, Melissa Schwarzlose, Megan Dickman, Kari Brackenhoff,  Angela Mitchell, Emily Weiler, Coleen Paullin and Marcus Minteer, Summer  School Teachers 

∙ Chris Wells, Debby Reynolds, Rhonda Brandt, Kaehla Shaw and Sarah  Slaughter, Summer School Paraprofessionals 

∙ Melissa Ward, Tracy Parson, Melissa Schwarzlose, Angela Mitchell and Emily  Weiler, Summer Reading Program Teachers, Schneider Elementary 

∙ Tracy Parson, Melissa Ward and Lindsay Wilkinson, Kindergarten Jumpstart  Teachers, Schneider Elementary 

∙ Rhonda Brandt, Chris Wells and Debby Reynolds, Kindergarten Jumpstart  Paraprofessional, Schneider Elementary 

∙ Leslie Hieronymus, Summer Bridge Teachers, Blue Ridge High School 

∙ Kolby Kramer and Dawson Raines, Summer Technology Help, District for Blue Ridge CUSD 18 for the summer of 2021, as presented. 

Roll call vote. 6 ayes 0 nays Motion carried. 

Motion by Franci Miller 2nd by Jason Nolan to approve the employment of 

∙ Mary Diener, Interim Assistant Principal, Blue Ridge High School 

∙ Cheyenne Clayton, School Counselor, Schneider Elementary/Blue Ridge High  School 

∙ Lauren Lacy, English Teacher, Blue Ridge High School 

∙ Leslie Hieronymus, Key Club Sponsor, Blue Ridge High School for Blue Ridge CUSD 18 for the 2021-2022 school year, as presented. 

Roll call vote. 6 ayes 0 nays Motion carried. 

Motion by Carlos Burton 2nd by Franci Miller to approve the employment of  

∙ Caryn Short, 7th/8th Grade Math Teacher, Blue Ridge Intermediate & Junior High  School for Blue Ridge CUSD 18 for the remainder of the 2020-2021 school year, as presented. Roll call vote. 6 ayes 0 nays Motion carried.

Motion by Franci Miller 2nd by Kenna Dunlap Johnson to approve the employment of  

∙ Caryn Short, 7th/8th Grade Math Teacher, Blue Ridge Intermediate & Junior High  School for Blue Ridge CUSD 18 as part of the Probationary Certified Staff for the 2021-2022  school term, as presented 

Roll call vote. 6 ayes 0 nays Motion carried. 

Motion by Franci Miller 2nd by Jason Nolan to approve the Superintendent to hire for  open positions prior to the June meeting. 

Voice vote. 6 ayes 0 nays Motion carried. 

XII. Good of the Cause Discussion 

There are 8 candidates for the last remaining seat on the Board of Education and  interviews will be held on May 26.  

Plans are being made by the district librarian to create a communication tool  between teachers and the library and also between the parents and the library. Plans for rebranding have been tabled at this time. Strategic planning will be  starting in the fall on this project. 

The District Office will be going to summer office hours, starting June 7. Those  hours are M-Th 7a-5p. 

Triple I is being held in Chicago this November for Board of Education members. The transportation department, along with the principal’s help will be looking into  conducting bus audits. 

XIII. Adjournment 

Motion by Carlos Burton 2nd by Franci Miller to adjourn the meeting at 9:23 p.m. Voice Vote 6 ayes 0 nays Motion carried. 

https://meetings.boardbook.org/Documents/CustomMinutesForMeeting/1708?meeting=466043