Macon Reporter

Decatur School District 61 Board met Sept. 13.

Here are the minutes provided by the board:

PRESENT: Andrew Taylor, President

Alana Banks

Kevin Collins-Brown

Jason Dion (arrived 3:05pm)

Regan Lewis

Al Scheider

STAFF: Superintendent Dr. Rochelle Clark, Board Secretary Melissa Bradford, Attorney Brian Braun and others

President Taylor called the meeting to order at 3:00 PM.

President Taylor called the meeting to order and moved into Closed Executive Session to interview and discuss the appointment of a person to fill the vacant Board of Education seat to serve the remainder of the unexpired term and to conduct a student discipline/expulsion hearing, seconded by Dr. Collins-Brown.

President Taylor called for a Roll Call Vote:

Aye: Banks, Lewis, Collins-Brown, Taylor, Scheider

Nay: None

Absent: Dion (arrived at 3:05pm)

Roll Call Vote: 5 Aye, 0 Nay, 1 Absent

For the record, Jason Dion arrived at 3:05pm.

President Taylor moved to return to Open Session to take-action on a student discipline hearing, seconded by Dr. Collins-Brown. All were in favor.

Superintendent Clark recommended that the Board of Education authorize the issuance of a decision in the expulsion case for Student #2223-0001 consistent with the findings from the Hearing Officer’s Report, and that Student #2223-0001 be expelled from the Decatur Public School District, all events, property and activities of the District for the remainder of the 2022-2023 school year, with a stay for alternative education.

Ms. Banks moved to approve the recommendation, seconded by Mr. Dion. Hearing no questions,

President Taylor called for a Roll Call Vote:

Aye: Scheider, Banks, Taylor, Dion, Lewis, Collins-Brown

Nay: None

Roll Call Vote: 6 Aye, 0 Nay, 0 Absent

President Taylor moved to return into Closed Executive Session to discuss the appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance or dismissal of specific employees of the public body, seconded by Dr. Collins-Brown.

President Taylor called for a Roll Call Vote:

Aye: Banks, Taylor, Scheider, Collins-Brown, Dion, Lewis

Nay: None

Roll Call Vote: 6 Aye, 0 Nay, 0 Absent

President Taylor moved to return to Open Session, seconded by Ms. Banks. All were in favor.

President Taylor noted that the Board of Education had been in Closed Executive Session to interview and discuss the appointment of a person to fill the vacant Board of Education seat to serve the remainder of the unexpired term, to conduct a student discipline/expulsion hearing and to discuss the appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance or dismissal of specific employees of the public body. No action was taken during Closed Executive Session.

President Taylor led the Pledge of Allegiance.

Superintendent Clark recommended the Board approve the September 13, 2022 Open Session Board Meeting Agenda as presented.

Ms. Banks moved to approve the recommendation, seconded by Mr. Dion. All were in favor.

Maria Robertson, Director of Community Engagement, introduced staff and a student from Garfield Learning Academy. They currently have first, second and high school classes. They discussed and presented their accomplishments (see attached). The Decatur Rotary Club provided supplies to the students and staff at Garfield Learning Academy.

Jeff Dase, Assistant Superintendent of P12 Teaching and Learning, presented the “DPS 61 Family Videos on YouTube” (see attached). These videos will be on the DPS 61 YouTube channel by searching DecaturPublicSchools61. This would help close the gap between home and school connection and reinforce activities, skills and parental involvement at home.

Mrs. Robertson shared information regarding the DPS Elementary (grades 3-6) Cross County Meet that will begin at 4:30pm. The glow run is September 22, 2022 at Stephen Decatur Middle School at 7:30pm. Millikin University volunteers helped last year and we were hoping to see them again this year.

President Taylor noted that during Public Participation, the Board of Education asked for the following:

• Identify oneself and be brief.

• Any public comments received will be added to the record.

• Comments should be limited to 3 minutes.

For our listening audience and as a friendly reminder for our listening audience, notification was sent in regards to “public comment” on June 9, 2022 as follows: During the COVID pandemic, as attendance was limited at Board of Education meetings, Decatur Public Schools modified long-standing procedures to allow public commenters to submit written comments to be read during Board meetings. Now that the majority of COVID restrictions have been lifted, DPS is returning to standard procedure and requests that anyone wishing to address the Board do so in person during the allotted Public Participation portion of Board of Education meetings. Anyone wishing to sign up in advance for public participation may do so by calling Board Secretary Melissa Bradford at 217-362-3011; otherwise, individuals may sign up upon arrival. Masks are still ENCOURAGED for all students, staff, parents, volunteers, visitors, and community members to wear when inside all DPS facilities, including during attendance at Board of Education meetings. This information is also posted on our website.

Please note that during any Board of Education meeting and public participation, Board Members do NOT respond and/or comment to public comments; ALL COMMENTS ARE REFERRED TO ADMINISTRATION. Furthermore, the Board refrains from referring to specific students or staff members by name, and requests that public commenters refrain from doing so as well. The request that you omit names was made to protect you from allegations of libel or slander or from violations of the Illinois School Student Records Act. It was not intended to shield an employee from criticism.

Mary Fromm, Special Education Parent, spoke to the Board regarding her daughter not attending in-person learning due to staffing; RN and/or LPN are required. Ms. Fromm does not have a specialty in Special Education, but she wanted to be her daughter’s one-on-one. She does not receive the full in-home nursing due to shortage of staff. The Director of Special Education told her that she could not be the one-on one due to liability.

Jackson Parrish, High School Teacher at Garfield Learning Academy, spoke to the Board regarding a school bus versus the public transit for the students. The public transit drops them off a few blocks away from the school and he was asking for a school bus specifically for the high school students.

Information only.

Lori Barrett, Community Member, spoke to the Board regarding ideas for distributing supplies and backpacks. This could be a community event. There were many organizations that would assist. She was happy to assist and help coordinate.

Mr. Scheider discussed academic remediation. There were students who were not at their grade levels. There could be RtI small groups, tutoring with Reading Specialists and more Teaching Assistants. Mr. Scheider made a motion that DPS 61 shall set a goal of placing a teaching assistant in each self-contained elementary classroom. Attorney Braun replied that you cannot make a motion as it was not on the agenda. President Taylor noted that changes to the policies should go through the Policy Committee.

The Board and the Superintendent continued discussions on processes, procedures and policies.

Ms. Banks will bring Mr. Scheider’s request to the next Policy Committee Meeting.

Attorney Braun noted that the Open Meetings Act requires that a motion be on the agenda before the Board meeting. However, discussion could take place at any time.

Mr. Scheider asked for a Volunteer Coordinator position. Volunteers can be a resource for helping students. After a few months, the District needs to check on the number of volunteers in the schools and what they were doing.

Mr. Scheider asked about other ways to receive input from District staff, other than electronically.

Mr. Scheider asked about a partnership agreement with Millikin University. If students would commit to working in District 61, we should help them financially.

President Taylor and Mr. Dion asked about school supplies. Superintendent Clark replied that the principals know their budgets for school supplies for their buildings. Administration asked them to meet with their staff regarding the process for requesting supplies. The staff needs to ask their building principal. Dr. Mike Curry, Chief Operational Officer, noted that the principals’ budgets include instructional

Mary Ann Schloz, Assistant Director of Finance, Grants and Special Projects, noted that water fountains were turned off and the District bought water bottle filling stations. There would be at least one per building.

President Taylor asked for a date to be set in the near future to discuss the next steps regarding Dennis Lab School. Superintendent Clark replied okay.

Dr. Collins-Brown asked about other building issues. Kent Metzger, Director of Buildings and Grounds, replied that he sent a very detailed list regarding the buildings. The secure entry at Garfield has been discussed and the plan was to use the outer door as the secure entry. People will be buzzed into the building and handled accordingly. There were some financial constraints.

Mr. Metzger, noted that Baum Elementary was similar. The outer door will be used as the secure entry. People will be buzzed into the building and addressed at the office area.

Mrs. Lewis noted that discussing secure entrances in a public setting made her very uncomfortable.

The information that was previously sent to the Board of Education will be re-sent.

Dr. Mike Curry, Chief Operational Officer, presented the Decatur Public Schools 61 FY23 Tentative Budget Update

Important Points to Remember:

• This is the best estimate at a single point in time.

• We are spending reserves as part of prior planning:

o Capital Projects

o Fire/Preventions & Safety

o Fund 50

• A Reduction Plan was NOT required.

If the District need to amend the tentative budget, they will.

The Budget Hearing will be at the September 27, 2022 Board of Education meeting. Approval for the FY23 DPS 61 Budget will take place at this meeting as well.

Superintendent Clark recommended the Board approve the Consent Items as presented:

A. Minutes: Open/Closed Session Meeting August 23, 2022

B. Freedom of Information Report

C. Bills

D. Job Description: Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist (new)

Ms. Banks moved to approve the recommendation, seconded by Mr. Scheider. Hearing no questions,

President Taylor called for a Roll Call Vote:

Aye: Taylor, Dion, Lewis, Scheider, Banks, Collins-Brown

Nay: None

Roll Call Vote: 6 Aye, 0 Nay, 0 Absent

Superintendent Clark recommended the Board approve the Personnel Action Items listed in the Memo from Jason Fox, Director of Human Resources and Deanne Hillman, Interim Director of Human Resources as presented.

Dr. Collins-Brown moved to approve the recommendation, seconded by Mr. Dion.

Hearing no questions, President Taylor called for a Roll Call Vote:

Aye: Collins-Brown, Lewis, Taylor, Scheider, Banks, Dion

Nay: None

Roll Call Vote: 6 Aye, 0 Nay, 0 Absent

Superintendent Clark recommended the Board approve the Employment of Dr. Larry Gray as a Director of P12 Teaching and Learning as presented

Ms. Banks moved to approve the recommendation, seconded by Mr. Dion.

Mrs. Lewis noted that she was not in support nor comfortable with multi-year contracts and/or any that exceed one year. She noted that her “no” vote had nothing to do with Dr. Gray and/or any of his qualifications in this role. It was specifically for the term of the contract.

Hearing no questions, President Taylor called for a Roll Call Vote:

Aye: Banks, Scheider, Taylor, Dion

Nay: Lewis, Collins-Brown

Roll Call Vote: 4 Aye, 2 Nay, 0 Absent

Superintendent Clark recommended the Board approve the FY23 Amended Rate of Pay for Ancillary Employee Position as presented.

Mr. Dion moved to approve the recommendation, seconded by Mr. Scheider.

Superintendent Clark noted that this was for the police liaison hourly rates; those who supervises our games.

Hearing no questions, President Taylor called for a Roll Call Vote: Aye: Scheider, Taylor, Collins-Brown, Banks, Lewis, Dion

Nay: None

Roll Call Vote: 6 Aye, 0 Nay, 0 Absent

Superintendent Clark recommended the Board approve the Architectural Contract for the New K-8 Magnet School on the Oak Grove Site as presented.

Ms. Banks moved to approve the recommendation, seconded by Mr. Dion.

Mrs. Lewis noted that this needs to be right as we were still having issues with the completion of Johns Hill and the level of quality expected. The District will be watching this project very closely.

Hearing no questions, President Taylor called for a Roll Call Vote:

Aye: Dion, Banks, Taylor, Scheider, Lewis

Nay: Collins-Brown

Roll Call Vote: 5 Aye, 1 Nay, 0 Absent

Superintendent Clark recommended the creation of a Board Building Committee that would consist of the following:

• 2 Board Members

• 2 Community Members

• 2 Staff Members from American Dreamer

• 2 Parents from American Dreamer

• Central Office Staff

• BLDD

The purpose of the committee was to make recommendations during the phases of the project and help communicate information to the community. The committee would only serve for the duration of the new build.

Superintendent Clark recommended the Board approve the New Shelving for South Shores Elementary School Library as presented.

Mrs. Lewis moved to approve the recommendation, seconded by Mr. Dion.

Hearing no questions, President Taylor called for a Roll Call Vote:

Aye: Lewis, Banks, Collins-Brown, Taylor, Dion, Scheider

Nay: None

Roll Call Vote: 6 Aye, 0 Nay, 0 Absent

President Taylor asked for a recommendation from the School Board for an Appointment to the School Board Member Vacancy Seat.

Ms. Banks recommended the Board of Education appoint Bill Clevenger to the School Board Member Vacancy Seat. Bill Clevenger will finish the term of former School Board Member Dan Oakes, as presented.

Mrs. Lewis moved to approve the recommendation, seconded by Mr. Dion.

Dr. Collins-Brown motioned to table this item as he would like to interview other candidates who submitted their information by the original due date. He would not support this if they could not interview the other candidates.

Mr. Scheider seconded the motion.

President Taylor called for a Roll Call Vote:

Attorney Braun clarified for the Board of Education that the vote was on a motion to table; aye vote was to table and a nay vote was not to table.

Ms. Bradford, Board Secretary re-read the motion as follows:

The motion on the floor was to table the recommendation; Dr. Collins-Brown motioned, Mr. Scheider seconded.

Aye: Scheider, Collins-Brown

Nay: Banks, Dion, Taylor, Lewis

Roll Call Vote: 2 Aye, 4 Nay, 0 Absent

Attorney Braun clarified for the Board of Education that they would now go back to the original recommendation to appoint Bill Clevenger.

Ms. Bradford, Board Secretary re-read the motion as follows:

The original recommendation was motioned by Mrs. Lewis and seconded by Mr. Dion.

Aye: Lewis, Taylor, Dion, Banks

Nay: Collins-Brown, Scheider (Mr. Scheider noted that his “no” vote had nothing to do with the particular person; it was because of the process).

Roll Call Vote: 4 Aye, 2 Nay, 0 Absent

Oath of Office: Bill Clevenger was administered the “Oath of Office” (sworn in) by President Andrew Taylor and was seated with the remaining Board of Education Members.

Dr. Collins-Brown moved to elect a Vice President for the remainder of the term. President Taylor replied that it was not on this agenda.

Dr. Collins-Brown motioned to add it to the next Board of Education agenda. President Taylor replied yes, it was planned.

The Board of Education and Administration sends condolences to the family of:

Ruth L. (White) Weaver, who passed away Monday, September 05, 2022. Mrs. Weaver was the mother of Sonya Castle, School Psychologist for Macon-Piatt Special Education District.

Important Dates

September 14 Early Release Day for ALL Students

– Early release times for each school are listed on the bell times page at www.dps61.org/belltimes

16 Induction of Athletes and Coaches to Decatur Public Schools Athletic Hall of Fame

– During half time of the Eisenhower versus MacArthur High School Football Game

– Kickoff at 5:00 PM at MacArthur High School

Please Note: The banquet (09/16/22) before kickoff for the inductees is by invitation only.

Please Note: October 15th is the Deadline for Required Immunizations and Physicals for the 2022-2023 School Year

NEXT MEETING

The public portion of the next regular meeting of the Board of Education will be at 6:30 PM, Tuesday, September 27, 2022 at the Keil Administration Building.

Adjournment

President Taylor asked for a motioned to adjourn. Mr. Banks motioned, seconded by Mr. Dion. All were in favor.

Board adjourned at 7:44 PM.

https://www.dps61.org/site/handlers/filedownload.ashx?moduleinstanceid=20298&dataid=25836&FileName=September%2027%202022%20Open%20Session%20Packet3%20-%20Web.pdf