Macon Reporter

Blue Ridge Community Unified School District 18 Board of Education met Nov. 17.

Here are the minutes provided by the board:

A Regular Meeting of the Board of Education of Blue Ridge CUSD #18 was held Wednesday, November 17, 2021, 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 p.m.

II. Roll Call

Board Members in attendance were Carlos Burton, Kenna Dunlap Johnson, Rusty Woliung, Chelsie Leffelman, Franci Miller, Jason Nolan and Dale Schneman.

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

Robert Duke Annie Bowns Ashlyn Voyles Krista Voyles Ginger Danner Duncan

Rob Duke, BRFT president, spoke on behalf of the Schneider teachers and the concern of large class sizes for 2nd and 3rd.

A. Ginger Danner Duncan-Clarification of Student Opportunities Ginger inquired about the opportunities her home schooled children could benefit from Blue Ridge. They are able to enroll in sports but due to state mandates and restrictions, they were not allowed to attend dances. No outside guests were allowed. Ginger is seeking further clarification and the Board of Education will communicate with her before the end of the year.

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 Joshua Scott (K), Ava Meier (1st), Lexi Popejoy (2nd), Korra Ellis (3rd), Piper Teubel (4th), Ellie Clark (5th), Nalaynah Slade (6th) Addison Browning (7th), Jaxon Berkler (8th), Ashlyn Voyles and Hank Mitchell (Sr.). Staff receiving the awards were Sandy Kline (BRSE), Dawn Stout (BRIJHS), Ken Seneca (BRHS).

V. Communication

A. FOIA Request-Smart Procure

Smart Procure requested personnel records, including work email, phone numbers and addresses.

VI. Committee Reports

No committees met this month. The finance committee was postponed to December 15 at 6pm.

VII. Administrative Reports

A. Superintendent

Dr. Stanifer presented her report and highlighted a few areas. She publicly thanked Greg Builta for his years of service to the district and welcomed Doug Berkman to the O & M team. The SHIELD Test to Stay program is close to being available. Waiting on supplies to be delivered and a few additional questions to be answered and then it will kick off. She wanted to stress the importance of mask wearing and also the supplying of your own masks is very helpful.

1.Tentative Tax Levy

The tentative tax levy was presented to the Board of Education and audience members.

2.Strategic Planning Update

The Strategic Planning event held last month was well attended and informative to the Board of Education and community members.

B. Principals

1.Mr. Ryan Peyton, Schneider Elementary

Mr. Peyton presented his report and highlighted a few areas. Another successful pumpkin drop was performed by the 1st graders. The PBIS reward for students that had fewer than 3 referrals was the Pumpkin Olympics, which involved activites like pumpkin bowling, pumpkin relays and pumpkin toss. He also highlighted that the K/1st Christmas program is back in person this year.

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

Mrs. Nichols presented her report and highlighted a few areas. The Read-A-Thon was very successful and the PBIS program will benefit from the proceeds. The 4th 6th grade holiday program will be held on December 9. She also highlighted that special events were held for students like the JH dance and high honor roll field trip.

3.Mr. Brian Easter, Blue Ridge High School

Mr. Easter presented his report and highlighted an addition to his report. The STEM club will be hosting a Christmas themed event on December 3.

C. Curriculum

D. Technology

E. Operations and Maintenance

F. Transportation

G. Food Services

VIII. Approval of Consent Items

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

Roll call vote 7 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. Approval of Blue Ridge Educational Foundation Officers

F. BRHS, BRIJHS and BRSE SIPs

G. Approval of Emergency Operations Plan

H. BRHS Student Drop Letter

I. Ratification of Suspensions

J. Student Code of Conduct Letter

K. Approval of Technology Assistant Job Description

IX. New Business

A. Approval of MOU - Teacher Evaluation 2021-2022

Motion by Franci Miller 2nd by Dale Schneman to approve the 2021-2022 Teacher Evaluation Memorandum of Understanding, as presented.

Roll call vote 6 ayes 1 nays Motion carried.

B. Consideration of Substitute Teacher Pay

Motion by Carlos Burton 2nd by Kenna Dunlap Johnson to approve the rate of $120/day for Blue Ridge CUSD#18 substitute teachers effective December 1, 2021, as presented contingent upon MOU with BRFT, as needed.

Roll call vote 6 ayes 1 nays Motion carried.

X. Closed Session

Motion by Carlos Burton 2nd by Rusty Woliung to move from open session to closed session at 8:02 p.m.

Roll call vote 7 ayes 0 nays Motion carried.

A. The appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific employees of the district, or legal counsel for the District, including hearing testimony on a complaint lodged against an employee or against legal counsel for the District to determine its validity. 5ILCS 120./2(c) (1).

1. Appointment, Volunteer Boys Basketball Coach, BRHS

2. Employment, Student Council Sponsor, BRHS

3. Employment, District Treasurer

4. Employment, Scholastic Bowl Coach, BRIJHS

5. Employment, Consideration of BRIJHS Administrative Support

6. Performance, Superintendent Progress Towards 21-22 Goals

XI. Open Session

Motion by Carlos Burton 2nd by Rusty Woliung to move from closed session to open session at 8:47 p.m.

Voice vote 7 ayes 0 nays Motion carried.

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

∙ Hunter Williamson, Volunteer Boys Basketball Coach, BRHS

for the 2021-2022 school term, as presented.

Voice vote. 7 ayes 0 nays Motion carried.

Motion by Franci Miller 2nd by Rusty Woliung to approve the employment of

∙ Jill Hardesty, Student Council Sponsor, BRHS

∙ Lois Dowling, District Treasurer

∙ Meghan James, Scholastic Bowl Coach, BRIJHS

for the 2021-2022 school term, as presented.

Voice vote. 6 ayes 0 nays 1 abstain Motion carried.

Motion by Jason Nolan 2nd by Carlos Burton to give the Superintendent permission to hire for any open positions prior to the December Board of Education meeting.

Voice Vote. 7 ayes 0 nays Motion carried.

XII. Good of the Cause Discussion

A. School Board Member Appreciation Day

School Board Appreciation Day was November 15. Dr. Stanifer thanked the board for their time, service and dedication.

B. Transportation

The transportation department, superintendent and school board are exploring ideas to make the transportation building run smoothly with the current driver shortage.

C. Sapphire Sky Update

The Sapphire Sky Wind Project is moving forward and the revenue from the wind farm that Blue Ridge could receive is estimated nearly $1.8 million in tax year 2023.

XIII. Adjournment

Motion by Rusty Woliung 2nd by Carlos Burton to adjourn the meeting at 9:13 p.m.

Roll call vote. 7 ayes 0 nays Motion carried.

https://meetings.boardbook.org/Documents/CustomMinutesForMeeting/1708?meeting=501460