South Central Reporter

Aviston Elementary School District 21 Board of Education met June 19.

Here are the minutes provided by the board:

1. Call to Order—7:01 pm

a. Roll Call

a. Members present: Thole, Voss, Strubhart, Kohnen, Arentsen, Holtmann Members absent: Kapp

b. Non-Members present: Superintendent Hamil, Principal Niemeyer, Sarah O’Brien, Lisa Hamil, Shelly Albers, Tammy Kuper

2. Public Comment/Recognition of Visitors/Good News Report

a. Public Comment: None

b. Good News Report: Eighth Grade Graduation was well-received with positive feedback. 4th-7th grades enjoyed “Fun Day” at Whispering Pines. The PTA hosted the annual “Fun Day” at AGS for grades K-3 and a thank you to the organization was given for their support of students and school. Mr. Scheibel and Mrs. Zurliene are hosting a science camp for approximately 45 students. Mrs. Netemeyer and the band held band camp at the park in preparation for the American Legion Memorial Day parade. Girls basketball has participated in open gyms and are participating in the Okawville tournament. A participation report for Cross Country, Softball and Baseball was given by Athletic Director Kuper.

3. Motion to Amend the Agenda:

a. None

4. Approval of Consent Agenda:

a. Approve Minutes of May 15, 2024 regular meeting.

b. Approve Payment of Bills

c. Treasurer’s Report

a. Motion by Voss, second by Kohnen to approve the consent agenda items.

b. Roll Call: Thole, aye; Voss, aye; Strubhart, aye; Kohnen, aye; Arentsen, aye; Holtmann, aye. None opposed. Kapp absent.

5. Public Hearing: Amended Budget Approval

a. Presentation of FY24 Amended Budget - The amended budget was reviewed and presented to the Board and Public.

b. Open Forum for Public Hearing of FY24 Amended Budget - No comments were given.

c. Motion by Holtmann, second by Strubhart to accept the FY24 Amended Budget as presented.

d. Roll Call: Thole, aye; Voss, aye; Strubhart, aye; Kohnen, aye; Arentsen, aye; Holtmann, aye. None opposed. Kapp absent.

6. Superintendent’s Report

a. Summer Maintenance Progress - Summer work is on schedule with the primary wing and gym/locker rooms being completely deep-cleaned. The gym floor is scheduled for touch-ups and surface screening in July. New desks are being ordered for the 8th grade room.

b. District Academic Progress - Illinois Assessment of Readiness Score Results - Unofficial IAR Test results were shared, showing an average increase in both English/Language Arts and Math scores since 2023.

7. Old Business

a. Building Addition – Weekly construction updates are received by board members and administration. Construction progress continues to remain on schedule.

8. New Business

a. Property/Casualty and Worker’s Compensation Premium for FY25 

a. Motion by Kohnen, second by Holtmann to accept the proposal from Prairie State Insurance Cooperative to provide Property/Casualty and Worker’s Compensation coverage for FY25.

b. Roll Call: Thole, aye; Voss, aye; Strubhart, aye; Kohnen, aye; Arentsen, aye; Holtmann, aye. None opposed. Kapp absent.

b. PRESS Policy Issue #115 - First Reading - No Action

c. Resignations of Certified Personnel

a. Motion by Strubhart, second by Voss to accept the resignations of Matt Scheibel as 7th Grade Teacher/Science Instructor and Rachel Poettker, Special Education Teacher.

b. All in favor. None opposed. Kapp absent.

d. Resignations of Non-Certified Personnel

a. Motion by Kohnen, second by Strubhart to accept the resignation of Carol Rapp, School Secretary.

b. All in favor. None opposed. Kapp absent.

e. Consideration to Hire Certified Personnel

a. Motion by Arentsen, second by Kohnen to hire Jennifer Kozan as a Kindergarten Teacher for the 2024-2025 school year.

b. Roll Call: Thole, aye; Voss, aye; Strubhart, aye; Kohnen, aye; Arentsen, aye; Holtmann, aye. None opposed. Kapp absent.

f. Consideration to Hire Non-Certified Personnel

a. Motion by Holtmann, second by Voss to hire Sabrina White as a Paraprofessional Aide and Danielle Williams as School Secretary for the 2024-2025 school year.

b. Roll Call: Thole, aye; Voss, aye; Strubhart, aye; Kohnen, aye; Arentsen, aye; Holtmann, aye. None opposed. Kapp absent.

g. Consideration to Hire Extracurricular Staff

a. Motion by Kohnen, second by Arentsen to hire Clayton Renth as Assistant Bowling Coach and Brandon Weathers as Assistant Softball Coach.

b. Roll Call: Thole, aye; Voss, aye; Strubhart, aye; Kohnen, aye; Arentsen, aye; Holtmann, aye. None opposed. Kapp absent.

h. Non-Certified Personnel and Administration Compensation

a. Tabled - No Action

9. **Closed Session - Closed session may be used to discuss contract negotiations, employee issues and other items as deemed necessary by the board and as approved in 5 ILCS 120/2 of the Open Meetings Act.

a. Motion by Strubhart, second by Holtmann to enter closed session 7:48 pm.

b. Motion by Voss, second by Kohnen to enter open session at 8:52 pm.

10. Adjournment

a. Motion by Kohnen, second by Holtmann to adjourn the June 19, 2024 meeting at 8:54 pm.

b. All in favor. None opposed. Kapp absent.

https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4622/avistonelem/4619108/June_19__2024_Minutes.docx.pdf