South Central Reporter

Mt. Olive Community Unit School District 5 Board of Education met Feb. 21.

Here are the minutes provided by the board:

The Board of Education met in regular session on February 21, 2024 in the library. The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by President Brunnworth. Present at roll call were Brunnworth, Essington, Knes, Osmoe, Remer, Rimar, and Skertich. Also present were Superintendent Kelly, Secretary Butler, Terry Swenson, Jennifer Stockstill, and Rebecca Wallner.

Motion by Remer, seconded by Rimar to adopt the agenda and approve the minutes of the special board meeting of February 7, 2024. All ayes. Motion carried.

Recognition, comments, and correspondence from employees and public:

A. Board Norms: Follow chain of command, assume positive intent, and mutual respect.

B. Board Values: Integrity, mutual respect, and excellence.

C. Board Priorities: Culture, academic performance, facilities (with a focus on safety), and finances.

D. Rebecca Wallner, high school math teacher, thanked the board for the opportunity to have taught at the district.

Nikki Garrels arrived at 7:05 p.m.

Motion by Skertich, seconded by Osmoe to approve the bills and activity accounts as presented. Roll call: 7 ayes. Motion carried.

Financial Report for January 2024:

Mrs. Kelly reported the Education Fund is sitting at $2,180,809.78. The Building Fund is at $619,433.75. The Bond and Interest Fund is at $57,474.23. The Transportation Fund balance is $492,096.65. The IMRF Fund is at $232,156.20. Site and Construction is at $219,832.73. The Working Cash Fund is at $208,764.75. Tort Immunity Fund is $239,643.30. Life Safety balance is $155,604.71. The total of all funds is $4,405,816.10 and the Operating Fund balance is at $3,501,104.93.

Budget Report: Revenues vs. Expenditures for January 2024:

Education Fund: 71% vs. 53%

Building Fund: 91% vs. 55%

Bond & Interest: 53% & 4%

Transportation Fund: 88% vs. 64%

IMRF: 102% vs. 49%

Site & Construction: 71% & 66%

Working Cash: 110% & 0%

Tort Immunity: 102% vs. 94%

Life Safety: 109% & 3%

Motion by Remer, seconded by Knes to approve the financial report and the budget report for January 2024. All ayes. Motion carried.

Principals’ Reports:

Dr. Kelly reported the following:

•  Today the Jr. High and High School went into a soft lockdown while the local police conducted a canine search. The search went smoothly and there were no findings. We found out that our PA system had some issues when announcing the lockdown so I will be looking at ways to fix our system.

•  The high school front entrance/lobby has tables, chairs, and a futon available for students to utilize. This addition has created a more welcoming area for our students.

•  Mrs. Close was selected for the teacher of the year award. She will be recognized in May. Congrats Mrs. Close!

•  Tyler Hayes was accepted at SIUE’s art exhibition. Only 50% of those who enter receive a spot in the exhibition. Congrats Tyler!

•  Eighty students attended the high school Valentine’s Dance on February 10th. 

•  Mrs. Monke hosted a FAFSA night last night. Unfortunately there was not a huge turnout, but the ones who attended received great one on one time.

•  Our school recently hosted the high school girls’ basketball regionals. I’d like to thank everyone for their help and support with regionals.

•  New student orientation will be held on February 27th. This event is to aide current 8th grade students to prepare for their upcoming freshmen school year.

•  Mrs. Swenson is holding an EF travel team meeting tomorrow night for those who are interested in traveling to Costa Rica in 2025.

•  Winter sports are complete. Track season is underway with about 7 boys and 11 girls on the team. March 1st they will have their first meet.

Superintendent’s Report:

Dr. Kelly reported the following:

A. Informational Items

a. Spring Sports

Jr. High track, volleyball, and high school track are currently in season.

b. Capital Watch – Spring 2024 Session

Over 1,500 new bills were proposed in this year’s capital watch. I will be keeping an eye on any new bills that may affect school districts.

c. School Maintenance Grant Approved

Our school maintenance grant has finally been approved.

d. HLS Amendment Approved

Our health life safety amendment has been approved. I hope to get bid requests out by early March and receive bids back by early April.

Unfinished Business:

Motion by Rimar, seconded by Knes to approve the Mt. Olive CUSD #5 Board Policy Manual as presented. All ayes. Motion carried.

New Business:

The 2024-2025 school calendar draft was presented to the board by Dr. Kelly.

Motion by Skertich, seconded by Osmoe to approve the sequence of dismissal list for the Mt. Olive certified staff. All ayes. Motion carried.

Motion by Essington, seconded by Knes to approve the non-certified staff seniority list. All ayes. Motion carried.

Motion by Remer, seconded by Rimar to hire Loy Miller Talley, PC for the 2024 audit. Roll call: 7 ayes. Motion carried.

Motion by Skertich, seconded by Osmoe to enter into closed session at 7:21 p.m. for the following purposes as allowed under the Illinois Open Meetings Act (5 ILCS 120/1 et seq.): Discussion of the appointment, employment and dismissal of employees of the public body and collective negotiating matters between the public body and its employees or their representatives. Roll call: 7 ayes. Motion carried.

Motion by Rimar, seconded by Knes to return to open session at 8:14 p.m. Roll call: 7 ayes. Motion carried.

Motion by Remer, seconded by Skertich to hire Vicky Rowe as dishwasher for Mt. Olive CUSD #5 pending a successful background check and employment history verification. All ayes. Motion carried.

Motion by Rimar, seconded by Knes to accept the resignation of Rebecca Wallner effective at the end of the 2023-2024 school year. All ayes. Motion carried.

Motion by Essington, seconded by Osmoe to approve the Superintendent contract for 2024-2027. Roll call: 7 ayes. Motion carried.

The next regular board meeting will be at 7:00 pm on Wednesday, March 20, 2024 in the school library at 804 West Main St., Mt. Olive, IL.

Motion by Rimar, seconded by Knes to adjourn at 8:17 p.m. All ayes. Motion carried.

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