Southwestern Community Unit School District 9 Board of Education met Oct. 18.
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, Jenny Hanks, Donna Loy, Jason Oertel, Jacob Reno, Nicholas Strohbeck, Dr. Kevin Bowman, Superintendent, and Kim Albert, Recording Secretary. Andrew Bagley, President, led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Public Comment: Alena Beilsmith addressed the board regarding mental health issues. She graduated from Southwestern in 2021. Ms. Beilsmith discussed how important mental health is and that physical education classes are mandatory for the 12 years of school but there is no mental health curriculum. She asked the board to consider offering a mental health class at Southwestern and to start it at the elementary level.
Correspondence and Recognition:
Dr. Bowman discussed the Wellness Policy and thanked the employees of the School Wellness Committee for updating the policy recently. The main objective is to offer healthy foods and encourage physical activity.
Superintendent Bowman also discussed the 2022 facility improvements that have taken place including but not limited to: Shipman roof being completed today, yellow rolls for fence around track arrived today & will be placed soon, HS MPR & boys’ locker room roof project, MS locker room & gym entrance roof project, updated landscaping, HS/MS gates updated, new basketball hoops at Shipman playground as well as new swings, banners in HS gym, classrooms painted, mulch to playgrounds, interactive projectors, building lettering, LCD lighting in HS & Medora gyms, door repairs, walk-in freezer repairs, & a new freezer at Shipman, etc.
Administrators Reports:
Mrs. Renken, Special Education Director, reported on the Pupils Attitudes to Self & School program including a recent set-up meeting, staff training, and the implementation of screener surveys for students which can be done up to three times per year. She also reported that there are about the same number of students with IEP’s this year as there were last year. Mrs. Renken has been adjusting staff according to the needs and placements of students.
Mark Bearley, High School Principal, reported that Homecoming week was great. He thanked the townspeople of Medora for such a great parade and festivities. He reported that many students participated in the dress-up days. Southwestern won the homecoming football game and the dance was a success as well.
Mr. Bearley reported that the high school does have a social/emotional check-in and check-out program in place. Students who participate meet with counselors/teachers/social workers for help. Those students are then followed in the program for up to 20 days. Students are also assigned to a counselor if needed or requested. Board member, Jason Oertel, asked how the district stands regarding obtaining another psychologist/social worker/counselor. Dr. Bowman reported that he knows of a person that might be applying for a position soon.
Middle School Principal, Shannon Bowman, congratulated the Middle School students of the month and mentioned that they were awarded with Dairy Queen lunches today. Mrs. Bowman stated that Parent/Teacher Conferences will be held next week, and Mrs. Harrop is busy scheduling those. She also reported that there will be some new academic services provided soon as well as the After School program again this year. Principal Bowman mentioned that Mrs. Moore, School Counselor, is exploring having some group sessions in the Middle School for students that would want to participate in. Mrs. Walden, Art Teacher, and Principal Bowman will be attending an Art seminar to explore possibly adding social emotional support through art. The Chestnut drug program is going very well per Mrs. Bowman; she stated that the students are enjoying it every Monday. Also, the MS Pep Club will be starting soon with H. Campbell, A. Edwards, and Mrs. Bowman sponsoring the club.
Rhonda Wooldridge, Shipman Elementary Principal, indicated that 1st quarter is over and the students are pretty much acclimated to the building and procedures now. She reported that the third- grade class recently went on their first ever field trip to the St. Louis Zoo. They had never been on a field trip due to Covid restrictions. Ms. Wooldridge reported that the PBIS monthly reward program is going super; they had over 500-star tickets redeemed. Ms. Wooldridge, Mrs. Campbell (Art Teacher), and Mrs. Zerwas (Retired Art Teacher) will be traveling to the State Art Show reception next month to see J. Edwards art exhibit. J. Edwards was in fourth grade last year when her art project was chosen. Also, the State Art show will start traveling and will be at our school in May 2023, with J. Edwards exhibit on display. Principal Wooldridge thanked the Shipman Fire Department for recently being at the school during Fire Prevention Week and speaking with the students. Ms. Wooldridge also thanked the district’s bus drivers for doing such a good job picking up and delivering the students.
Kim Reed, Brighton North Primary Principal, gave a shout out and thanked Mr. M. Harlan who is associated with the Godfrey McDonalds. McDonalds had a school night for us with a portion of the proceeds being given back to Brighton North. Mrs. Reed received a check in the amount of $775. She plans to spend this on the children in some form or another. Parent/Teacher Conferences are next week at Brighton North also. You can email or call to schedule an appointment. Pre-K will also be holding their Family Night on October 25th at the High School with the Treehouse Wildlife Center presenting a program. Brighton North is currently doing a character education building project.
Mr. Hopkins, Principal at Medora Intermediate, reported that the Medora Fire Department had been to his building for Fire Prevention Week and wanted to thank them for their services. Mr. Hopkins reported that Homecoming week went well at Medora also. Students and teachers alike dressed up and had a pep assembly. Principal Hopkins reported that Medora had received a new food freezer and that he wanted to thank T. Donahue for transporting food while the freezer was not working correctly. He also reported that new lights have been placed in the gym and the new lighting is great. Medora Intermediate has had twelve new students enroll lately. The school improvement team recently met and reviewed some assessments. He also thanked 8th grade cheerleaders for coming and helping with the recent pep assembly during homecoming week.
Superintendent Report:
Superintendent Bowman reported to the board that the current enrollment is at 1204 up from 1190 last month.
District Update:
Dr. Bowman reported that the 10-year Life, Health, and Safety Survey is close to being done and then it will be submitted. He discussed the summer 2023 projects to be done and the cost of such projects. Superintendent Bowman mentioned the SCI Area Career Center information again and a short discussion was held regarding this.
Dr. Bowman thanked Donna Loy and family as well as the town of Medora for hosting such a nice Homecoming parade and festivities. He also thanked the area fire departments for participating in Fire Prevention Week at each school.
The superintendent also mentioned that it is Principal’s week and thanked each of the principals for all they do for the school and the students!
The Regional Office of Education will conduct the annual health, life, safety visit November 9, 2022. The district will also have a compliance visit in April 2023.
Dr. Bowman also mentioned to the board that IHSA is leaning towards requiring shot clocks in high school gyms in the near future. Athletic Director, B. Hanslow, is suggesting we order clocks now before the price increases with demand.
Items for Discussion or Acknowledgement:
Dr. Bowman reported on the IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) determination FY21. Southwestern’s overall percentage rate was 96.67% which is very good & meets requirements.
The board acknowledged Dwight Bonnell’s resignation as the Utility Worker/Bus Rider.
Items Considered for Action…
Consent Agenda:
Items discussed in the consent agenda included the following…the financial report with balances as of September 30, 2022, being: Education Fund $6,120,522.00, Operations/Maintenance $892,650.00, Transportation $1,049,396.00, Working Cash $3,242,254.00, with the total being $11,304,822.00, County Schools Facilities Sales Tax Revenue for September was $60,316.36; September bills…Imprest bills…extra and substitute pay…substitute list…regular board meeting minutes from September 20, 2022…Closed Session Minutes from September 20, 2022…Special Board Meeting Minutes-Budget Hearing September 20, 2022…and the Special Board Meeting Minutes-Student Disciplinary Hearing, September 13, 2022.
There were no questions raised regarding the Consent Agenda. Jacob Reno made a motion to approve the consent agenda as presented with Donna Loy seconding the motion for such.
Roll Call Vote:
Ayes: Bagley, Gallaher, Hanks, Loy, Oertel, Reno, and Strohbeck
Nays: None
MOTION CARRIED.
Jason Oertel made a motion to approve the Limitation of Administrative Costs Resolution FY2023. Randy Gallaher seconded the motion to approve such.
Roll Call Vote:
Ayes: Gallaher, Hanks, Loy, Oertel, Reno, Strohbeck, and Bagley
Nays: None
MOTION CARRIED.
After discussing seeking bids for Summer 2023 Work earlier in the meeting, Andrew Bagley made a motion to approve Dr. Bowman to seek bids for Summer 2023 Work with Donna Loy seconding the motion.
Roll Call Vote:
Ayes: Hanks, Loy, Oertel, Reno, Strohbeck, Bagley, and Gallaher
Nays: None
MOTION CARRIED.
Mary Kroeschel was hired as a Van Rider after Donna Loy made a motion to hire and Andrew Bagley seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote:
Ayes: Loy, Oertel, Reno, Strohbeck, Bagley, Gallaher, and Hanks
Nays: None
MOTION CARRIED.
Jeff Bacon will be employed as the 7th grade boys’ basketball coach for the 2022-2023 school year. Jenny Hanks and Randy Gallaher made the motions for such.
Roll Call Vote:
Ayes: Oertel, Reno, Strohbeck, Bagley, Gallaher, Hanks, and Loy
Nays: None
MOTION CARRIED.
Donna Loy made the first motion to approve the 2nd reading of board policy updates with Randy Gallaher seconding to approve.
Roll Call Vote:
Ayes: Reno, Strohbeck, Bagley, Gallaher, Hanks, Loy, and Oertel
Nays: None
MOTION CARRIED.
Nicholas Strohbeck made the first motion to employ Rudy Cecchini as a Bus Driver. Andrew Bagley made the second motion to approve employing Mr. Cecchini.
Roll Call Vote:
Ayes: Strohbeck, Bagley, Gallaher, Hanks, Loy, Oertel, and Reno
Nays: None
MOTION CARRIED.
A memo of understanding between the board and the SEA union was approved. Jenny Hanks made a motion and Jason Oertel seconded the motion to approve. This MOU approves additional service credit.
Roll Call Vote:
Ayes: Bagley, Gallaher, Hanks, Loy, Oertel, Reno, and Strohbeck
Nays: None
MOTION CARRIED.
Another MOU to approve Productions Class payment was accepted after Andrew Bagley made a motion and Donna Loy seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote:
Ayes: Gallaher, Hanks, Loy, Oertel, Reno, Strohbeck, and Bagley
Nays: None
MOTION CARRIED.
The board approved a certified staffs leave of absence effective at Christmas break. Donna Loy made the first motion with Jason Oertel making the second motion.
Roll Call Vote:
Ayes: Oertel, Reno, Strohbeck, Bagley, Gallaher, Hanks, and Loy
Nays: None
MOTION CARRIED.
Andrew Bagley made a motion to employ T. Mitchell as a 2-hour lunch/recess monitor with Jacob Reno seconding the motion.
Roll Call Vote:
Ayes: Loy, Oertel, Reno, Strohbeck, Bagley, Gallaher, and Hanks
Nays: None
MOTION CARRIED.
The 10-Year Health, Life, and Safety Survey was approved with Randy Gallaher making the first motion to do so. Donna Loy made the second motion to approve the survey.
Roll Call Vote:
Ayes: Oertel, Reno, Strohbeck, Bagley, Gallaher, Hanks, and Loy
Nays: None
MOTION CARRIED.
Dr. Bowman presented the FY 23 Maintenance Grant and asked for approval to submit. Jason Oertel motioned to approve submission with Nicholas Strohbeck seconding the submission.
Roll Call Vote:
Ayes: Reno, Strohbeck, Bagley, Gallaher, Hanks, Loy, and Oertel
Nays: None
MOTION CARRIED.
There were no items for closed session. Being such, Jacob Reno made a motion to adjourn the meeting with Jenny Hanks seconding the motion to adjourn.
Roll Call Vote:
Ayes: Strohbeck, Bagley, Gallaher, Hanks, Loy, Oertel, and Reno
Nays: None
MOTION CARRIED.
Meeting adjourned at 8:18pm.
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