South Central Reporter

West Washington County Community Unit School District 10 Board Met Feb. 25.

Here is the minutes provided by the board:

The meeting of the West Washington County Unit Board of Education was called to Order at 7:30pm by President Kurt Heckert. The meeting began with the Pledge of Allegiance. Members present were Mrs. Cathy Cook, Mr. Daryl Frederking, Mr. Neal Hackstadt, Mr. Dennis Lintker, Mr. Brett Roe. Members absent: Mr. Paul Jansen.

The minutes of the Regular Meeting and Closed Meeting held on January 28, 2021, were presented. It was regularly moved by Roe, seconded by Hackstadt, and carried on a voice vote with all members present voting “aye” that: “The minutes of the January 28, 2021, Regular Meeting and Closed Meeting be approved”.

The bills for the month were presented by Mr. Scott Fuhrhop, as well as Wire Transfer Authorization/Inter Fund Loan. It was regularly moved by Cook, seconded by Hackstadt, and carried on a roll call vote that: “The bills for the month be approved as presented”. Members voting “aye”: Cook, Frederking, Hackstadt, Heckert, Lintker, Roe. Members voting “nay”: None. Members absent: Jansen.

Mr. Scott Fuhrhop informed the Board that he received resignation letters from Christina Sweet, First Grade Teacher, and Heather Rudy, Special Education Teacher. They have both accepted new positions at other school districts. Christina Sweet will begin her new role as Elementary Principle at Belmont Community School District, and Heather Rudy will begin her new role as Special Education Teacher at Wesclin School District, both beginning next year.

The Board heard the first reading of the Title IX Policy. Effective August 2020, Illinois adopted new Title IX regulations that will result in new responsibilities for the school district when dealing with sexual harassment claims. It is recommended to adopt the Press Policy 2:265 which outlines the regulations for legal compliance in the event there was a claim involving a student or staff member at West Washington County Community Unit School District #10. Mr. Keith Senior has been appointed as the Title IX Coordinator, and training will be conducted with all staff.

Mr. Keith Senior explained to the Board the Transitional Math Course, and reasons to opt out of the class. As part of the Postsecondary and Workforce Readiness Act, ISBE has recommended implementing a Transitional Math course in conjunction with local community colleges to reduce the remediation rates in the State of Illinois. Okawville High School offers all of its students a Business Math class their senior year, which accomplishes a very similar path for our students. Over the past five years, every senior student at OHS has taken a fourth year of Math to better prepare them for their next step. Remediation numbers for OHS have been very low in comparison to other school districts, therefore he does not feel there is a need to create another Senior Level Math course at this time. It is recommended by Mr. Senior that the School Board opt out of the implementation of a Transitional Math course in accordance with 110 ILCS 148/65. It was regularly moved by Hackstradt, seconded by Frederking, and carried on a voice vote with all members present voting “aye” that: “ The West Washington County Unit School District #10 shall opt out of implementation of a Transitional Math course in accordance with 110 ILCS 148/65”.

The Board was given a review of the TRS Supplemental Savings Plan offered to all active TRS members (State Law – 40 ILCS 5/16-204) which requires TRS to offer an optional defined contribution benefit to any active members of the System who choose to participate. It was regularly moved by Lintker, seconded by Cook, and carried on a voice vote with all members present voting “aye” that: “The Board approves the Supplemental Savings Plan Agreement”.

It was regularly moved by Cook, seconded by Frederking, and carried on a voice vote with all members present voting “aye” that: “The Board authorizes Superintendent Fuhrhop to advertise for Grass cutting bids for the 2021 season”.

During the Principles report Mr. Keith Senior stated that the School District will be able to offer approximately 69 dual credits next school year. He indicated that teachers continue to earn their master’s degrees, which makes the dual credits possible.

Mr. Senior also recognized Mr. Josh Berg, FFA Advisor, who received the Golden Owl Honorary Award. The Award is presented to the top FFA educators in each District. Mr. Berg is now a finalist for the State Award for Ag Teacher of the Year.

During the Superintendent’s report, Mr. Scott Fuhrhop:

* Gave an update on the building. Repairs to the Boiler have been completed.

* Stated that plans are being made for Prom and Graduation.

* The search for a new Principal continues. There were 19 applicants, and that list has been narrowed down.

* Mr. Fuhrhop also thanked Mr. Jon Kraus, Athletic Director, for his work during this difficult (shortened) athletic season. Mr. Kraus has been very busy with scheduling games and scheduling referees.

It was regularly moved by Hackstadt, seconded by Lintker, and carried on a roll call vote that: “The Board enter Closed Session for the Purpose of Suspensions and Personnel, the employment, placement and compensation thereof, and Student Legal Implications”. Members voting “aye”: Cook, Frederking, Hackstadt, Heckert, Lintker, Roe. Members voting “nay”: None. Members absent: Jansen.

Closed Session began at 8:16pm.

Closed Session ended at 8:28pm.

Mr. Scott Fuhrhop recommend that the Board accept, with regret, the resignation of Christina Sweet, First Grade Teacher, and Heather Rudy, Special Education Teacher. It was regularly moved by Cook, seconded by Roe, and carried on a voice vote with all members present voting “aye” that: “The Board accepts the resignations of Christine Sweet and Heather Rudy”.

It was regularly moved by Hackstadt, seconded by Cook, and carried on a roll call vote that: “The Board hire Tiffanie Schmale as Business Teacher, beginning in the 2021-22 school year”. Members voting “aye”: Cook, Frederking, Hackstadt, Heckert, Lintker, Roe. Members voting “nay”: None. Members absent: Jansen.

It was regularly moved by Hackstadt, seconded by Frederking, and carried on a voice vote with all members present voting “aye” that: “The Board Meeting be adjourned”.

The Board Meeting was adjourned at 8:30pm.

Minutes of the West Washington County

Community Unit School District #10 Board Meeting

February 25, 2021, Board Meeting Closed Session

It was regularly moved by Hackstadt, seconded by Lintker, and carried on a roll call vote that: “The Board enter Closed Session for the Purpose of Suspensions and Personnel, the employment, placement and compensation thereof, and Student Legal Implications.” Members voting “aye”: Cook, Frederking, Hackstadt, Heckert, Lintker, Roe. Members voting “nay”: None. Members absent: Jansen.

The Closed Session began at 8:16pm.

Mr. Scott Fuhrhop recommended that the Board hire Tiffanie Schmale as Business Teacher for the 2021-2022 school year.

Mr. Scott Fuhrhop recommended that the Board accept, with regret, the resignation of Christina Sweet, First Grade Teacher, and Heather Rudy, Special Education Teacher. Subsequently, there will now be a First Grade position open, and that position will posted in-house first. The middle school Special Education position will not be filled at this time due to the lack of students receiving services.

The Closed Session ended at 8:28pm.

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