Blue Ridge Community Unified School District 18 met Sept. 15

By Philip Gonzales

Nov 2, 2021

Blue Ridge Community Unified School District 18 met Sept. 15.

Here are 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, 411 North John St., Farmer City, Illinois 61842.

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, Jason Nolan and Dale Schneman. Rusty Woliung was absent.

Also in attendance were Superintendent Hillary Stanifer; Principal, Brian Easter, Principal Katie Nichols, Principal Ryan Peyton, and Recording Secretary Kristi Woliung.

III. Public Comments/Recognition of Guests

Dyke Shaffer Gracie Shaffer Tracie Paulsrud Sue McLaughlin Scott Testory Jesse Southern Karla Southern Kaleb Southern Jenny Bateman Sandy Shelton Tina Dean Shalonda Fernandez Raphael Fernandez Derrick Fernandez Melissa Norris Preston Norris Paige Trimble

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 Opal Bateman (K), Alayna Dean (1st), Raphael Fernandez (2nd), Xanden Swanstrom (3rd), Preston Norris (4th), Peyton Brown (5th), Haylee Dean (7th), Saia Dean (8th), Kaleb Southern and Gracie Shaffer (Jr.). Staff receiving the awards were Tracy Parson (BRSE), Karisa Yeagle (BRIJHS), Tracie Paulsrud and Sandy Shelton (BRHS).

V. Communication

A. FOIA Request

A FOIA request was received from Angel Tormis.

B. S Barton Email Communication

Mr. Barton communicated his thoughts and views via email on the vaccination process for employees.

VI. Committee Reports

A. Facilities, Grounds and Construction

The Facilities, Grounds and Construction committee met on August 23 to discuss the progress of the summer projects and the ongoing maintenance list.

VII. Administrative Reports

A. Superintendent

Dr. Stanifer presented her report and highlighted a few areas. We will continue to follow the health guidelines set by IDPH and the local health departments. Strategic Planning will take place on October 16, starting at 8am. A light breakfast and lunch will be provided and plans and ideas will be shared by guests from the community, staff and board members on where they would like to see the district in 5 years.

B. Principals

1.Mr. Ryan Peyton, Schneider Elementary

Mr. Peyton presented his report and highlighted a few areas. Pre-K continues to screen for students and will hold another screening day in October. There has been an increase in enrollment numbers this fall compared to last year and we are up about 20 students.

2.Mrs. Katie Nichols, Blue Ridge Intermediate & Junior High School Mrs. Nichols presented her report and highlighted a few areas. She mentioned that the JH baseball team ended their season and that the JH girls basketball season started off their season with an 8th grade win. There is also a partnership with Girl Scouts that is kicking off at the Intermediate school and that will include different types of clubs that will meet throughout the school year for 4th and 5th graders.

3.Mr. Brian Easter, Blue Ridge High School

Mr. Easter presented his report and highlighted a few areas. Mr. Scurlock and Ms. Miller have started a STEM club that plans to hold a few events in the near future.

C. Curriculum

D. Technology

E. Operations and Maintenance

F. Transportation

G. Food Services

VIII. Approval of Consent Items

Motion by Jason Nolan 2nd by Franci Miller to approve the consent agenda items listed on attachment A as presented.

Roll call vote 6ayes 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. Sixth Day Enrollment Numbers

F. Approval for Early Graduation

G. EIS Salary and Benefit Report for Teachers and Administration

H. Recognition of Organization - Class of 2025

I. Aide Duty Increase-BRSE, BRIJHS, BRHS

IX. Old Business

A. Discuss for Approval Budget for 2021-2022

Motion by Kenna Dunlap Johnson 2nd by Franci Miller to approve the budget for Blue Ridge Community Unit School District #18 for the 2021-2022 fiscal year with changes from the tentative budget presented in August, as presented.

Roll call vote 6 ayes 0 nays Motion carried.

B. Second Reading PRESS 107

Motion by Carlos Burton 2nd by Chelsie Leffelman to approve the PRESS 107 policy updates for Blue Ridge Community Unit School District #18 for the 2021- 2022 school term, as presented.

Roll call vote 6 ayes 0 nays Motion carried.

C. Consideration of Resolution to Support the Extension of Farmer City's Tax Increment Financing District #2

Motion by Dale Schneman 2nd by Carlos Burton to approve the Resolution and Intergovernmental Agreement between the City of Farmer City and Blue Ridge CUSD #18, as presented.

Roll call vote 6 ayes 0 nays Motion carried.

X. New Business

A. Technology Staffing Report

**Tabled Until October**

Motion by ________________ 2nd by ________________ to approve the request for additional staffing for the Technology Department for Blue Ridge CUSD#18, as presented.

Roll call vote._____ ayes ______ nays

XI. Closed Session

Motion by Carlos Burton 2nd by Franci Miller to move from open session to closed session for discussion of appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific employees; or ongoing, pending, or probable litigation of the District at 7:52 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, or ongoing, pending, or probable litigation. 5ILCS 120./2(c) (1).

1. Position, Paraprofessional or One to One Paraprofessional

2. Employment, 0.5 Social Studies / 0.5 Physical Education Teacher, BRHS

3. Employment, Spanish Teacher, BRHS

4. Employment, O & M Supervisor, District

5. Compensation Proposal

XII. Open Session

Motion by Carlos Burton 2nd by Jason Nolan to move from closed session to open session at 8:19 p.m.