Blue Ridge Community Unit School District #18 Board of Education met May 11

By Philip Gonzales

Jun 24, 2022

Blue Ridge Community Unit School District #18 Board of Education met May 11.

Here are the minutes provided by the board:

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 7:00 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 Ryan Peyton, and Recording Secretary Kristi Woliung. Principal Katie Nichols was absent.

III. Public Comments/Recognition of Guests

Jessie Sloat Cody Sloat Lori Friel Matt Friel Dodson Jillayna Skinner Lillian Enger Melissa Ward Addie Hank Mithcell Sydney Rausch Rachel Light Huddleston Jacalyn Meisner Sandy Shelton Emily Weiler Burt Huddleston

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 Ceydee Skinner (K), Graysen Bentley (1st), Dean Sloat (2nd), Ella Yeadon (3rd), Addison Dodson (4th), RJ Coffey (5th), Lily Friedrich (6th) Kelly Weiss (7th), Presley Hardesty (8th), Payton Burns (Sr.) and Grace Coffey (Sr.). Staff receiving the awards were Melissa Ward (BRSE), April Griffen (BRIJHS), Lori Friel (BRHS)

B. FFA Officers

Retiring and returning FFA Officers and FFA Advisor, Jacalyn Meisner presented their year in review and highlighted their accomplishments and achievements throughout the year.

V. Communication

VI. Committee Reports

No committees met this month.

VII. Administrative Reports

A. Superintendent

Dr. Stanifer presented her report and highlighted a few areas. She gave a shoutout to the 4 retirees on their outstanding performance and contributions to the district in their many years of service. Dr. Stanifer also touched base on the Strategic Planning that is underway and mentioned that after a few more final details, it will be ready to be shared.

1. Review of Strategic Plan and Mission Statement

2. BR Connect Follow Up

B. Principals

1. Mr. Ryan Peyton, Schneider Elementary

Mr. Peyton presented his report and highlighted a few areas. The Pre-K team will be hosting a Pre-K parent night. Food will be the topic for the event and this was determined by a survey of Pre-K parents that have challenges with picky eaters. Mr. Peyton also mentioned that Knight Buddies are back and in full swing in his building and he thanked Ms. Clayton for her hard work on that.

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

3. Mr. Brian Easter, Blue Ridge High School

Mr. Easter presented his report and highlighted a few areas. National Honors Society and Honors Night were held to award students on their accomplishments. The High School is gearing up for a couple end of the year events, PROM and GRADUATION.

C. Curriculum

D. Technology

E. Operations and Maintenance

F. Transportation

G. Food Services

VIII. Approval of Consent Items

Motion by Chelsie Leffelman 2nd by Franci Miller 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. Ratifications of Suspensions

F. Approval of BRHS, BRIJHS and Schnedier Student Handbooks

G. Approval of FFA Officer Retreat Trip

H. Approval for Math Teacher to attend CPM Foundations of Implementation

High School Residential Conference

IX. New Business

A. Discuss for Approval the Budget Amendment

Motion by Jason Nolan 2nd by Kenna Dunlap Johnson to approve the resolution to place the tentative amended budget for 2021-2022 on display in the Office of the Superintendent, District Office, 411 North John Street, Farmer City, Illinois 61842, for 30 days for review by the public.

Roll call vote 7 ayes 0 nays Motion carried.

**TABLED**

B. Annexation Request

Motion by _________ 2nd by ________ to approve the annexation for the Rutledge family property located at Section 15 of Rutledge Township in rural Farmer City as presented.

Roll Call Vote _____ ayes _____ nays

C. Discuss for Approval Letting Bids for District Milk

X. Motion by Rusty Woliung 2nd by Franci Miller to approve letting bids for district milk products supplied to Blue Ridge Community Unit School District #18 for the 2022-2023 school term as presented.

Voice Vote. 7 ayes 0 nays Motion carried.

XI. Closed Session

Motion by Chelsie Leffelman 2nd by Franci Miller 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 7:37 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; ongoing, pending, or probable litigation. 5ILCS 120./2(c) (1).

1. Appointment, Special Education Teacher, Schneider Elementary

2. Appointment, Volunteer Scholastic Bowl Coach, Blue Ridge High School

3. Employment, Golf Coaching Request, Blue Ridge High School

4. Employment, Kindergarten Jumpstart Paraprofessional, Schneider Elementary

5. Employment, Summer School Paraprofessional, Schneider Elementary

6. Employment, Bus Aide, Transportation

7. Compensation, Additional Food Service Hours

8. Employment, Prinicpal, Blue Ridge Intermediate & Junior High

9. Permission for the Superintendent to hire for any open positions prior to the June 2022 Board of Education meeting

10. Litigation

XII. Open Session

Motion by Carlos Burton 2nd by Dale Schneman to move from closed session to open

session at 8:45 p.m.

Voice vote. 7 ayes 0 nays

Motion carried.

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

• Megan Dickman, Special Education Teacher, Schneider Elementary

• David Harris, Volunteer Scholastic Bowl Coach, Blue Ridge High School for Blue Ridge CUSD 18 for the 2022-2023 school year, as presented.