South Central Reporter

Southwestern Community Unit School District 9 Board of Education met Oct. 15.

Here are the minutes provided by the board:

The Southwestern Board of Education met in regular session on October 15, 2024, at 7:00 p.m. in the Middle School Commons in Piasa, Illinois. Jason Oertel-President, called the meeting to order at 7:00p.m. and asked Jenny Hanks, Board Secretary, to call roll showing those members present as: Jenny Hanks, Donna Loy, Jason Oertel, Jacob Reno, Andrew Ruyle, Brad Schuchman, Nicholas Strohbeck, Dr. Kevin Bowman, Superintendent, and Kim Albert, Recording Secretary.

Public Comment:

Jamie Burns, parent, spoke to the board regarding her concerns with the districts reading curriculum specifically regarding her children’s grades third and fifth. She would like the district to read more books/novels instead of using Storyworks or Treasures. She would like to see differentiation used more as she feels this would help. Mrs. Burns asked if we could do more for our students and make positive changes.

There was no other public comment. Board President, Jason Oertel, did respond to Mrs. Burns and indicated that he had reviewed Southwestern state testing scores and compared them to the state average. Southwestern is doing a good job in comparison to state average. Mr. Oertel indicated that the school continues to strive to do better regarding all curriculums. He thanked the teachers for all their work.

Mrs. Burns indicated after Mr. Oertel spoke that she just wants her kids to want to go to school and enjoy their day.

Jenny Hanks, Board Member/parent, spoke and mentioned that the staff/teachers do an excellent job and do good work.

Correspondence and Recognition:

5th grade student, Julie Eyers, was recognized for her poem being published in the Book of Poetry recently. Ms. Wooldridge, Shipman Principal, introduced Ms. Eyers; Julie then read her poem to the board and guests. Ms. Wooldridge also explained the writing wall that had been introduced last year at the Shipman building. The children found this wall to be a great addition and resource for writing.

The Wellness Policy was acknowledged, and Dr. Bowman thanked the staff that helped update this.

Dr. Bowman discussed the 2024 facility improvements as well as going over the previous improvements to the district.

Administrator Reports:

Mrs. Renken gave an update on the Special Olympics bowling team. She said five students participated. Four placed in the regional match with one silver and three golds which will proceed to sectionals on 11/3/2024. The team also had a pizza party to celebrate. Mrs. Renken wanted to thank Bowl Haven for letting the team practice and have matches at their establishment. Also, Mrs. Renken thanked the coach, Mr. Pat Keith, for all he does for the team.

Dr. Bearley, High School Principal, recognized the Education students tonight. He said their sponsor, Mrs. Robinson, does a great job. The students participate in real world situations. Dr. Bearley also mentioned that most of the education students do a better job interview than some actual job candidates when they interview with him. He also thanked the areas first responders for their help and dedication to the district. Also, Dr. Bearley mentioned how well the new teachers in the high school are doing this year. There have been several new activities since they arrived. Dr. Bearley also thanked the fall coaches for all they do as the season is coming to an end and winter sports will be starting soon. He reported that the soccer team had just won their game and will be moving on to regionals soon; as well as the volleyball team receiving third place in the Macoupin County Tournament recently.

Middle School Principal, Shannon Bowman, told the board that the Middle School is gearing up for parent/teacher conferences next week, and they have been contacting parents/guardians to schedule as many as possible. Mrs. Bowman also said that the MS is evaluating math placements currently to make sure all students are where they need to be placed. This Friday will be the middle schools first dance. Mrs. Bowman reported that the teachers are looking at the science and language arts curriculum currently as well as supplemental materials. The middle school teachers decided that this year they are going to try something new with advisory class; they will not start rotating advisories to see how that works. This will allow more time to be spent with different students. Mrs. Bowman reported that the students in the Education classes in the high school have been to the middle school and presenting to students in regard to the Safe School Helpline. They are presenting instructions on the program making it easier to understand for the MS students.

Shipman Elementary Principal, Rhonda Wooldridge, thanked Mrs. Schiller and Mrs. Norris for organizing and shopping for the AR (Accelerated Reading) store. Students will be shopping for the first time this year shortly. Students enjoy shopping as a reward for reading books. She also reported on the PBIS program where students earn star tickets. When they collect a certain number of tickets, they turn those in for a prize (23 students have turned in enough tickets to have lunch with Principal Wooldridge so far this year). Ms. Wooldridge thanked the Shipman Fire Department for their recent attendance/program for Fire Prevention Week. The Social Studies committee is currently looking at different books for possible use. She also indicated that the science mapping is almost done. The book fair will be held at Shipman Elementary 10/28/24 and Trunk or Treat will be 10/30/2024.

Brighton North Primary Principal, Kim Reed, thanked the nine teachers that are participating in the LETRS program (Lexia Learning System). The teachers must put in the hours on their own time with numerous activities/units. She also thanked the Brighton Fire Department for their time and program last week during Fire Prevention Week.

Mr. Baumberger, Medora Intermediate School Principal, thanked the teachers and parents for the recent successful book fair. He also thanked the Medora Fire Department for their demonstration regarding your bedroom door being shut at night and participation during Fire Prevention Week. Science mapping continues at Medora Intermediate. He also thanked Kaylee Develin from Purina for her recent visit.

Superintendent Report:

Dr. Bowman indicated how much PBIS helps with discipline throughout the year along with the positive reinforcement. Current enrollment for the district sets at 1149 for the end of September with six in-school suspensions.

Superintendent Bowman mentioned that he has great Administrators/Principals at Southwestern and how much he appreciates them. October 25th is Principal Appreciation Day!

Dr. Bowman indicated that curriculum is an ongoing project, and that curriculum mapping is difficult; but Southwestern is ahead of other schools in the area. He thanked the staff for all they do in this regard.

He also said that all the new buses have now arrived, and it is a good thing that Southwestern is on a rotation of trading in buses. Also, parent/teacher conferences are scheduled for 10/22 and 10/24.

Items for Discussion or Acknowledgement:

The IDEA Determination for FY23 was acknowledged tonight as well as Lindsey Bolins resignation as a Medora Lunchroom Monitor and Kristen Ross resignation as an Assistant HS Girls’ Basketball Coach.

Items Considered for Action…

Consent Agenda:

Items discussed in the consent agenda included the following…the financial report with balances as of September 30, 2024, as follows: Education Fund $7,872,409.00 Operations/Maintenance $1,624,104.00, Transportation Fund $961,186.00, Working Cash $3,448,924.00, with the total being $13,906,623.00, County Schools Facilities Sales Tax Revenue for September was down a little at $56,554.38; October bills…Imprest bills…extra and substitute pay…substitute list…regular board meeting minutes from September 17, 2024…and Special Board Meeting Minutes-Budget Hearing from September 17, 2024.

There were no questions regarding the consent agenda. Nicholas Strohbeck made a motion to accept the consent agenda as presented and Donna Loy seconded the motion to accept the consent agenda.

Roll Call Vote:

Ayes: Hanks, Loy, Oertel, Reno, Ruyle, Schuchman, and Strohbeck

Nays: None

MOTION CARRIED.

Donna Loy made a motion to approve Volunteer Assistant High School Boys’ Basketball Coach, Chris Wood. Nicholas Strohbeck made the second motion to approve.

Roll Call Vote:

Ayes: Loy, Oertel, Reno, Ruyle, Schuchman, Strohbeck, and Hanks

Nays: None

MOTION CARRIED.

Jenny Hanks made a motion to employ Josie Bouillion as the Assistant HS Girls’ Basketball Coach pending a successful background check, EHR, and credential check. Brad Schuchman seconded the said motion.

Roll Call Vote:

Ayes: Oertel, Reno, Ruyle, Schuchman, Strohbeck, Hanks, and Loy

Nays: None

MOTION CARRIED.

The FY25 School Maintenance Project Grant was presented. Nicholas Strohbeck made a motion to approve the grant as presented with Donna Loy making the second motion for such.

Roll Call Vote:

Ayes: Reno, Ruyle, Schuchman, Strohbeck, Hanks, Loy, and Oertel

Nays: None

MOTION CARRIED.

The new band room/drama production area needs a new sound system. Three quotes were obtained and presented to the board. Dr. Bowman recommended the bid from Cilcomm for $28,231. Andrew Ruyle made a motion to approve the Cilcomm quote. Donna Loy seconded the motion to accept the Cilcomm quote.

Roll Call Vote:

Ayes: Ruyle, Schuchman, Strohbeck, Hanks, Loy, Oertel, and Reno

Nays: None

MOTION CARRIED.

Dr. Bearley presented and explained the CTE Pace Framework that the State of IL is requiring by May 2025. This is for 6th through the 12th grade students. Brad Schuchman made a motion to approve the CTE Pace Framework with Donna Loy making the second motion.

Roll Call Vote:

Ayes: Schuchman, Strohbeck, Hanks, Loy, Oertel, Reno, and Ruyle

Nays: None

MOTION CARRIED.

Press Issue 116 was approved after Jason Oertel made the motion for such and Brad Schuchman made the second motion for such.

Roll Call Vote:

Ayes: Strohbeck, Hanks, Loy, Oertel, Reno, Ruyle, and Schuchman

Nays: None

MOTION CARRIED.

Pending a successful background check, EHR, and credential check, a motion was made by Jacob Reno and seconded by Jenny Hanks to hire Andrea Roach as a full-time sub bus driver.

Roll Call Vote:

Ayes: Hanks, Loy, Oertel, Reno, Ruyle, Schuchman, and Strohbeck

Nays: None

MOTION CARRIED.

Andrew Ruyle made a motion to move into closed session with Donna Loy seconding to move into closed session.

Roll Call Vote:

Ayes: Loy, Oertel, Reno, Ruyle, Schuchman, Strohbeck, and Hanks

Nays: None

MOTION CARRIED.

TIME: 7:52pm

Jacob Reno made the motion to move back into open session with Donna Loy seconding the motion.

Roll Call Vote:

Ayes: Oertel, Reno, Ruyle, Schuchman, Strohbeck, Hanks, and Loy

Nays: None

MOTION CARRIED.

TIME: 8:37pm

Jacob Reno made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Andrew Ruyle seconded to adjourn the meeting.

Roll Call Vote:

Ayes: Reno, Ruyle, Schuchman, Strohbeck, Hanks, Loy, and Oertel

Nays: None

MOTION CARRIED.

Meeting adjourned at 8:38pm

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