Southwestern Community Unit School District 9 Board of Education met Aug. 16.
Here are the minutes provided by the board:
The Southwestern Board of Education met in regular session at 7:00 p.m. in the Middle School Commons in Piasa, Illinois. Andrew Bagley, President, called the meeting to order at 7:00p.m. and asked Randy Gallaher, Board Secretary, to call roll showing those members present as: Andrew Bagley, Randy Gallaher, Jason Oertel, Jacob Reno, Nicholas Strohbeck, Dr. Kevin Bowman, Superintendent, and Kim Albert, Recording Secretary. Jenny Hanks and Donna Loy were absent. Andrew Bagley, President, led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Public Comment: None
Correspondence and Recognition: Several members of the Southwestern Alumni Reunion Committee were present to present the board with a monetary donation of $3,658. The money will be used for the PBIS programs in the different schools which stands for Positive Behavioral Interventions and Support Program. The Committee also made the same donation to the Pack A Sack Program which provides food for students in need over the weekend and holidays. Kevin McCarthy, a 1965 Southwestern graduate, spoke regarding the Alumni Reunion and its success as well as the success of Southwestern CUSD#9. Gary St. Cin, Cathy Kasting, and approximately 20 other alumni made up the alumni reunion committee and worked tirelessly to make a successful reunion!!
The board and visitors made their way to the High School Gym to look at the new banners that were made and hung up. Everyone was very impressed. The new additions look amazing.
Administrators Reports:
Mark Bearley, High School Principal, elaborated on the new banners in the HS gym. He reported that a lot of research was done to get all the dates and information correct. He wanted to thank the Athletic Director, B. Hanslow, the coaches, Mrs. Robinson, H. Nixon, and the Production classes for all their hard work. Mr. Bearley also thanked the custodians for their hard work over the summer as the building looks great and is shining from top to bottom.
Mr. Bearley reported that the Instructional Coaches had two new teacher trainings over the summer which was a tremendous help. The new teachers will be more prepared on the first day of school since they have been trained on different programs that the district uses.
Mrs. Robinson and several students have been busy decorating for the first day of school. Mr. Bearley also reported that every Friday will be Green/Gold Day at the HS, and he would like the community/board members/staff to also participate by wearing green/gold and post your picture(s) on the HS Facebook page.
Middle School Principal, Shannon Bowman, thanked the MS Custodian, Kim Chestney, for getting the building cleaned for the new year; and she also thanked the School Board for the new landscaping that was done recently. Mrs. Bowman mentioned that softball and baseball has started in the Middle School. Open house was held recently at the Middle School and was well attended. Mrs. Bowman stated that everyone is ready for opening day tomorrow.
Rhonda Wooldridge, Shipman Elementary Principal, thanked the custodians as well. Shipman’s Open House had a tremendous turnout per Ms. Wooldridge. She also thanked everyone that has helped her over the summer in getting her building ready. Professional Development has been happening this summer also.
Kim Reed, Brighton North Primary Principal, mentioned how well the custodians had done getting the building ready for opening day; as well as the two high school students that helped this summer. She also thanked John Baker, Sub Custodian, for all his help and his attention to detail. Brighton North kindergarten open house was held prior but first and second grade open house was held tonight. Both of the open houses were well attended. Mrs. Reed also thanked her secretary, Kari Hanold, for being so good at her job and helping her out. Brighton North’s current class numbers are K-87, 1st-81, and 2nd-77.
Special Education Coordinator, Stephanie Renken, thanked Kim Albert, Unit Secretary, for ordering all the supplies for them. The Special Education teachers are working on their schedules. Speech schedules will be made in a few weeks per Mrs. Renken. Mrs. Renken reported that there is still one teacher aide position to be filled in the Middle School. She reported that the district is having more autism students enrolled each year and possibly a new teacher with expertise may be needed.
Mr. Hopkins, Principal at Medora Intermediate, reported that Medora is bright and shiny due to the custodians and wanted to thank them for a job well done. Open House was well attended, and many compliments were received. Mr. Hopkins thanked the Maintenance crew, Bob and Kevin, for all their hard work over the summer months as they have lots to do and only two of them for the district. Principal Hopkins thanked his teachers and secretary for their help and indicates that Medora Intermediate is ready to roll on opening day tomorrow.
Superintendent Report:
Superintendent Bowman thanked all his staff for helping him get acclimated to his new position so far. He indicated that he believes the district is ready for opening day tomorrow. Dr. Bowman reported that the Pre-K bus has been arranged.
Items for Discussion or Acknowledgement:
Dr. Bowman, Superintendent, presented the tentative budget for review. He indicated that this is a very conservative budget. The budget can be amended in the spring if need be. The Financial Services Director makes the budget with a worse case scenario in mind. A few questions were fielded by the Superintendent.
Three teacher aide resignations were acknowledged: N. Derham, S. Reno, and A. Thomae. B. Kohlmiller, Bus Driver, resigned due to moving out of state.
Full-time substitute teacher, H. Gabbert, resigned and the board acknowledged this.
Items Considered for Action…
Consent Agenda:
Items discussed in the consent agenda included the following…the financial report with balances as of July 31, 2022, being: Education Fund $4,243,486.00, Operations/Maintenance $670,293.00, Transportation $878,894.00, Working Cash $3,204,492.00, with the total being $8,997,165.00, County Schools Facilities Sales Tax Revenue (which was for June/July) was $111,999.75; July bills…Imprest bills…extra and substitute pay…substitute list…regular board meeting minutes from July 20, 2022…and closed session meeting minutes from July 20, 2022.
There were no questions raised regarding the Consent Agenda. Jason Oertel made a motion to approve the consent agenda as presented with Andrew Bagley seconding the motion for such.
Roll Call Vote:
Ayes: Bagley, Gallaher, Oertel, Reno, and Strohbeck
Nays: None
MOTION CARRIED.
Randy Gallaher made a motion to approve the Agreement between the Board of Education School District #9 and the Southwestern Education Association for 2022-2024. Nicholas Strohbeck seconded the motion to approve.
Roll Call Vote:
Ayes: Gallaher, Oertel, Reno, Strohbeck, and Bagley
Nays: None
MOTION CARRIED.
The updated health insurance recommendations were presented to the board. Nicholas Strohbeck made a motion to accept the health insurance recommendation. Randy Gallaher seconded the motion to approve.
Roll Call Vote:
Ayes: Oertel, Reno, Strohbeck, Bagley, and Gallaher
Nays: None
MOTION CARRIED.
Andrew Bagley made a motion to employ Kacee Stewart as a 6th grade teacher for the 2022- 2023 School year. Jason Oertel made a motion to second her employment.
Roll Call Vote:
Ayes: Reno, Strohbeck, Bagley, Gallaher, and Oertel
Nays: None
MOTION CARRIED.
Kelee Scott was hired as a teacher aide after Jason Oertel made the first motion and Nicholas Strohbeck made the second motion to hire.
Roll Call Vote:
Ayes: Strohbeck, Bagley, Gallaher, Oertel, and Reno
Nays: None
MOTION CARRIED.
A recommendation to hire Deanna Means as a Floating Custodian was presented to the board. Andrew Bagley made a motion to employ D. Means with Randy Gallaher making a second motion to do so.
Roll Call Vote:
Ayes: Bagley, Gallaher, Oertel, Reno, and Strohbeck
Nays: None
MOTION CARRIED.
Dr. Bowman discussed the adoption of Board Policies 2:230, 5:80, and 7:285 with the board. There were no significant changes to these policies. Randy Gallaher made a motion to adopt the said policies with Nicholas Strohbeck seconding the motion.
Roll Call Vote:
Ayes: Gallaher, Oertel, Reno, Strohbeck, and Bagley
Nays: None
MOTION CARRIED.
Superintendent Bowman presented the Board of Education with three Certified Staff (C. Brown, M. Ernst, and T. Hanslow) Retirement letters effective at the conclusion of the 2026- 2027 School year. Jacob Reno made a motion to accept the three retirements as presented. Randy Gallaher made a second motion to accept the retirements.
Roll Call Vote:
Ayes: Oertel, Reno, Strohbeck, Bagley, and Gallaher
Nays: None
MOTION CARRIED.
Nicholas Strohbeck made a motion to approve C. Bunting as a Volunteer Assistant Trap Club Coach with Jason Oertel seconding the motion to approve.
Roll Call Vote:
Ayes: Reno, Strohbeck, Bagley, Gallaher, and Oertel
Nays: None
MOTION CARRIED.
Christy Barkley was hired as the Bus Secretary after Randy Gallaher and Andrew Bagley made the respective motions.
Roll Call Vote:
Ayes: Strohbeck, Bagley, Gallaher, Oertel, and Reno
Nays: None
MOTION CARRIED.
Dr. Bowman discussed the board approving the purchase of a ¾ ton van for the district. The van would be to transport a small number of students, pull the band trailer, etc. Andrew Bagley made a motion to approve the purchase and Nicholas Strohbeck made the second motion to approve the purchase.
Roll Call Vote:
Ayes: Bagley, Gallaher, Oertel, Reno, and Strohbeck
Nays: None
MOTION CARRIED.
A motion was approved to allow the District Transportation Supervisor permission to seek bids and to get on a wait list for an activity bus. Jason Oertel and Jacob Reno made the motions respectively.
Roll Call Vote:
Ayes: Gallaher, Oertel, Reno, Strohbeck, and Bagley
Nays: None
MOTION CARRIED.
The board approved compensation for Non-union and Administrative Personnel for the 2022- 2023. Jason Oertel made the first motion to approve, and Randy Gallaher made the second motion.
Roll Call Vote:
Ayes: Oertel, Reno, Strohbeck, Bagley, and Gallaher
Nays: None
MOTION CARRIED.
Andrew Bagley made a motion to employ Makayla Morgan as a bus rider and Jacob Reno made the second motion.
Roll Call Vote:
Ayes: Reno, Strohbeck, Bagley, Gallaher, and Oertel
Nays: None
MOTION CARRIED.
Jessica King was hired as a 6-hour Lunchroom Worker after Jacob Reno made the first motion for such and Jason Oertel made the second motion.
Roll Call Vote:
Ayes: Strohbeck, Bagley, Gallaher, Oertel, and Reno
Nays: None
MOTION CARRIED.
Angela Burns was hired as a Full-time Elementary Substitute Teacher. Randy Gallaher made the first motion and Jacob Reno made the second motion to employ Mrs. Burns. Roll Call Vote:
Ayes: Bagley, Gallaher, Oertel, Reno, and Strohbeck
Nays: None
MOTION CARRIED.
With no need for a closed session, Randy Gallaher made a motion to adjourn the meeting with Nicholas Strohbeck seconding the motion to adjourn.
Roll Call Vote:
Ayes: Gallaher, Oertel, Reno, Strohbeck, and Bagley
Nays: None
MOTION CARRIED.
Meeting adjourned at 8:07pm.
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