Macon Reporter

Meridian Community Unit School District 15 Board met Aug. 9.

Here are 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 Monte Hogan called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. The following Members were in attendance: Monte Hogan, Chris Jones, Rebecca Kraft, Matt Roush, Adam Herbert, Clint Gorden and Kara Morey. Also in attendance were: Andy Pygott, Superintendent; Eric Hurelbrink, High School Principal; Mindy McGuire, Middle School Principal; Lori Guebert, Elementary Principal; Kaleb Renfro, Athletic Director; Michelle Miller, Recording Secretary.

Comments from Audience:

Members of the community, Scott Barr, Derrick Davison, Melissa Fitzpatrick, Mariela Babb, Dale Jackson and Daniel Noland addressed the Board in regards to their stance against the governor’s mandate for masks in schools.

Mr. Pygott recognized retirees. Mary Sue Swigert retired from teaching and Adele Meyer as cook for the district. Both employees started with the district in 2011.

He also recognized Lori Guebert who was awarded Principal of the Year for the Abe Lincoln Region last year but due to the pandemic was recognized at a banquet held on Monday.

Administrative Reports:

Elementary- after pre-k screenings, the program is at capacity with a waiting list. Currently there are 28 new students with a current enrollment of 368.

Camp Intervention was a success with over 60 students participating.

Middle School- projected enrollment is 214. Open house is set for September 1 for parents/guardians of students.

High School- Projected enrollment is 316.

All administrators expressed gratitude to the custodial/maintenance staff for their hard work on the buildings this summer.

Green & White Night will be held on August 20, 6:30, to showcase athletes for fall sports.

Superintendent Follow-Up:

The district will pursue a metal roof for the middle school gym.

Macon to Blue Mound fiber installation is complete.

Midwest Transit has picked up the activity bus.

Annual grants for the district have been approved.

New Items:

E-Rate funding will allow for increased access points installed outdoors in pressbox and concessions. The district’s e-rate consultant has applied for a grant on behalf of the district that would provide 350 chromebooks and licensing fees.

Site maps were provided to the board for the greenhouse project. Pre-bid meeting will be held the week of September 6, with bids due Sept 13. Bids will be reviewed at the September board meeting.

On a motion by Member Gorden, seconded by Member Jones, the consent agenda was approved which consists of July 19 and July 29, 2021 minutes, July financial reports and August disbursements as follows:

Education $28,367.49 Building $75,868.85

Transport $577.51 Tort $136,713.15

Life Safety $475.00 TOTAL $242,002.00 (does not include payroll)

Also included was the resignation of Colleen Veitengruber as elementary teacher. Motion carried on a roll call vote of 7 ayes.

A preliminary FY22 budget was presented. Due to ongoing negotiations, this budget will have changes in the education and retirement funds. The bond fund will also be revised once a payment schedule is presented from First Midstate. A special meeting will need to be scheduled in August for presentation of the FY22 budget.

After the second reading of the Board Policy revisions, Member Morey, seconded by Member Herbert, motioned to approve the Meridian CUSD #15 Board Policy Manual revisions as presented. Motion carried on a roll call vote 7-0.

Kohl Wholesale Foods was approved as food vendor for the 2021-2022 school year on a motion by Member Herbert, seconded by Member Gorden. Motion carried on a roll call vote 7-0.

Member Herbert, seconded by Member Roush, motioned to approve the facility use form from the Meridian JFL as presented. Motion carried on a roll call vote 7-0.

On a motion by Member Morey, seconded by Member Roush, the substitute teacher pay was approved at $112.50/day for the 2021-2022 school year. Motion carried on a roll call vote 7-0.

The district Return to School Plan committee met on August 4. District administrators, 2 board members, union representation and teacher representation for each building were present. Prior to the meeting, Governor Pritzker announced the requirement of masks in K-12 schools. This was reflected in the Return to School Plan. Mr. Pygott answered questions if the plan was not approved. State Aid could cease (approx. $3 million) and the district may not apply for ESSER III funding ($1.3 million). A letter from the current insurance carrier also notes not following these guidelines could result in additional policy exclusions. Members Roush, Herbert, Kraft, Jones and Morey expressed their thoughts on the plan. President Hogan expressed gratitude for communication from the community and Board. On a motion by Member Jones, seconded by Member Herbert, the motion to approve the 2021-2022 Return to School Plan was not approved as presented. Members Herbert, Roush, Jones and Gorden voted no.

On a motion by Member Jones, seconded by Member Roush, the Board approved the amended 2021-2022 Return to School Plan indicating compliance with the CDC guidance that masks are strongly recommended but not mandated. Motion carried on a roll call vote 7-0.

Member Gorden, seconded by Member Jones, motioned to adjourn to executive session at 8:07 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 7-0.

On a motion by Member Jones, seconded by Member Morey, the Board returned to open session at 9:00 p.m. Motion carried 7-0.

Member Gorden, seconded by Member Morey, motioned to approve Angel Noland as district cook for the 2021-2022 school year. Motion carried on a roll call vote 7-0.

On a motion by Member Morey, seconded by Member Jones, Angel Noland was approved as a bus driver for 2021-2022 school year. Motion carried on a roll call vote 7-0.

On a motion by Member Herbert, seconded by Member Jones, Sara Antal was approved as MDL/HS RTI Aide for 2021-2022 school year. Motion carried on a roll call vote 7-0.

Edward Long was approved as football assistant coach with a partial coaching stipend for the 2021-2022 school year on a motion by Member Herbert, seconded by Member Roush. Motion carried on a roll call vote 7-0.

On a motion by Member Jones, seconded by Member Morey, Christina Wherely and Chelsea Stewart were approved as co-drama club sponsors for the 2021-2022 school year. Motion carried on a roll call vote 7-0.

On a motion by Member Jones, seconded by Member Morey, Traci Friel was approved as MDL girls’ basketball coach for 2021-2022 school year. Motion carried on a roll call vote 7-0.

Member Gorden, seconded by Member Herbert, motioned to approve the following volunteer coaches for 2021-2022 school year: Eric Hurelbrink, football; Kate McLauglin, HS cheer; Chris Jones, Ponce Palmer and Kyle Woolington, MDL baseball; John Enlow, Gracie Brookens and Maggie Comerford, MDL softball; Scott Barr & Dalton Collins, MDL boys’ basketball. Motion carried on a roll call vote 7-0.

The Memorandum of Agreement with the Meridian Federation of Teachers for extra duties related to special education case management for the 21-22 school year was approved as presented on a motion by Member Jones, seconded by Member Gorden. Motion carried on a roll call vote 7-0.

The Memorandum of Agreement with the Meridian Federation of Teachers for Instructional Coaches for the 21-22 school year was approved as presented on a motion by Member Jones, seconded by Member Roush. Motion carried on a roll call vote 7-0.

Member Herbert, seconded by Member Kraft, motioned to adjourn the meeting at 9:05 p.m. The next regularly scheduled meeting will be held on September 20, 2021, 6:30 p.m.

https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/1569891/8-9-21_minutes.pdf