South Central Reporter

Southwestern Community Unit School District 9 Board of Education met April 23.

Here are the minutes provided by the board:

REORGANIZATIONAL BOARD MEETING MINUTES

The Southwestern Community Unit School District #9 Board of Education held their reorganizational board meeting on April 23, 2025, 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 Kim Albert, Recording Secretary, to call roll showing those members present as: Donna Loy, Jason Oertel, Jacob Reno, Nicholas Strohbeck, Brad Schuchman, and Dr. Kevin Bowman

Superintendent. Jenny Hanks and Andrew Ruyle, Board Members, were absent. Jason Oertel-President led the Pledge of Allegiance.

Public Comment: None

The board reviewed the canvass election results as presented by the County Clerk.

Jason Oertel, Board President, presided over the swearing in of the newly elected members. Members were being sworn in to serve a 4-year term on the Southwestern Board of Education. Members taking their official oath of office were:

Donna Loy

Brad Schuchman

Jenny Hanks, newly elected board member, was not present. She will take her oath of office at the May meeting.

President Oertel asked for a motion to adjourn sine die and nominated Dr. Bowman, Superintendent, to be President Pro Tem. A motion was made by Jason Oertel and seconded by Brad Schuchman to adjourn sine die.

Roll Call Vote:

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

Nays: None

MOTION CARRIED.

President Pro Tem, Dr. K. Bowman, asked for nominations for Board President. Brad Schuchman nominated Jason Oertel to be the President of the Board. There were no other nominations. Jacob Reno made the second motion for Jason Oertel to be President of the Board.

Roll Call Vote:

Ayes: Reno, Schuchman, Strohbeck, and Loy

Nays: None

JASON OERTEL ELECTED AS PRESIDENT

Jason Oertel, newly elected President, presided over the rest of the elections.

Brad Schuchman nominated Nicholas Strohbeck to be Vice President of the Board. There were no other nominations. Donna Loy seconded Nicholas Strohbeck to be Vice President of the Board.

Roll Call Vote:

Ayes: Oertel, Reno, Schuchman, and Loy

Nays: None

NICHOLAS STROHBECK ELECTED VICE PRESIDENT

Donna Loy nominated Jenny Hanks to be the Secretary of the Board. Brad Schuchman seconded the motion for Jenny Hanks to be Secretary of the Board.

Roll Call Vote:

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

Nays: None

JENNY HANKS ELECTED SECRETARY

A motion was made by Jacob Reno and seconded by Nicholas Strohbeck to set the meeting time and place for the regular Board of Education meetings as the third Tuesday of each month beginning at 7:00 PM in the Middle School Commons.

Roll Call Vote:

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

Nays: None

MOTION CARRIED.

Jacob Reno made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Donna Loy made the second motion to adjourn.

Roll Call Vote:

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

Nays: None

MOTION CARRIED.

The meeting adjourned at 7:12pm.

REGULAR BOARD MEETING MINUTES

The Southwestern Board of Education met in regular session on April 23, 2025, at 7:13 p.m. in the Middle School Commons in Piasa, Illinois, shortly after the reorganizational board meeting. Jason Oertel-President, called the meeting to order at 7:13p.m. and asked Kim Albert Recording Secretary, to call roll showing those members present as: Donna Loy, Jason Oertel, Jacob Reno, Brad Schuchman, Nicholas Strohbeck, and Dr. Kevin Bowman, Superintendent. Jenny Hanks and Andrew Ruyle were absent.

Public Comment: None

Correspondence and Recognition:

The Drama Club and their sponsors, Ms. Gustafson and Ms. Orban, were present to be recognized for the great job they had done on the spring school play, Frozen Junior. The club and sponsors also expressed their gratitude to the board for the new sound system which worked great!! Ms. Gustafson spoke regarding the club and stated that there were over 50 members this year and they had been preparing for four months. She indicated that there were two sold out shows and they sold over 850 tickets.

Principal Baumberger gave a short report as the McKinney-Vento Liaison. He reported that he had secured some funding by a grant that was offered. Nurse Burns and Nurse Baker helped him to decide what to spend the grant money on, and he wanted to thank them for their help. It was decided to make Welcome Back bags for students K-6 grades. It was also mentioned that the Life Skills class would be putting the bags together for them.

Administrator Reports:

Mrs. Nance, Assistant HS/MS Principal, was present as Dr. Bearley, HS Principal, was absent. She thanked the high school secretaries for all they do and reported that the secretaries had made cookie trays earlier in the week for the bus drivers. Mrs. Nance reported on the upcoming high school activities: 4/30/25 Senior Awards night, 4/28-5/2/25 FFA plant sale, and 5/7/25 Art show for HS/MS as well as the band concert.

Shannon Bowman, Middle School Principal, thanked Ms. Gustafson and Ms. Orban for including the middle school students in the drama club/play. She also thanked Mr. Beilsmith and Mr. Timpe for coming to the science classes and giving an in-service on electricity. The first middle school track meet was held last week, and it went well. Thank you to the parents that helped as well as the coaches. Testing has been completed in the middle school with a few issues, but they were ironed out thanks to the teachers and the IT staff. Administrative Assistants Day was today, and Mrs. Bowman thanked Thea Lawson, MS Secretary, for all her help!! The middle school will be having a spring dance May 9th.

Ms. Wooldridge, Shipman Principal, thanked her secretary as well, Elaine Grothaus! Also, Ms. Wooldridge thanked the Piasa Team for all they do. Piasa team recently had a Music Bingo fundraiser and raised $7,941. They are donating 15% of that to Shipman Elementary for help paying for new playground equipment. Principal Wooldridge reported that Shipman Elementary attended the Olympiad contest today and the 4th grade team placed 3rd and the 3rd grade team placed 6th. She reported that summer school plans are coming together. IAR testing is done at Shipman. The book fair is also being held this week at Shipman Elementary School.

Mrs. Reed, Brighton North Primary Principal, reported on the Week of the Young Child which the theme was STEM based. There were many visitors in the building during the week. She thanked Mrs. Robinson, HS teacher, and some of her students for presenting on animation to BN students. Mrs. Reed also thanked her secretary, Kari Hanold, for all she does. Kindergarten kickoff is April 24th from 4pm-6pm.

Mrs. Renken, Sp. Education Coordinator, mentioned that the DLM assessment is done for the district. Also, she stated that special ed will have an audit in 2026-2027 school year. She reported that the MS/HS had 50 students that participated in the Virtual Career Exploration today, and they enjoyed it.

Medora Principal, Mr. Baumberger, reported that the testing is done in Medora Intermediate with a few issues, but it was successful. Principal Baumberger thanked the Piasa Team for all their help throughout the year and with the spring party. 5th & 6th grade Olympiad contest is April 24th, and Mrs. Whipps is the sponsor. Mr. Baumberger also thanked Debi Bowman, Medora Intermediate Secretary, for all her help!! He also indicated that end of the year activities will soon begin.

Superintendent Report:

Dr. Bowman reported that the current enrollment for the district is at 1155. Discipline is up slightly probably due to the long stretch of five-day school weeks for awhile with no days off.

Superintendent report:

Dr. Bowman reported on the IAR, and ACT testing held recently. He congratulated the Drama Club on their spring play, Frozen Junior, being a success! Dr. Bowman gave a short update on construction projects and summer school. Summer school will be held at Brighton North for K-8 students during the month of June. Dr. Bowman congratulated the Silver Medallion recipients from Southwestern: Ike Austin, Lanie Behrends, Reagan Beilsmith, Ian Brantley, Gracie Darr, Hailey Gula, Alexis Harrop, Ava Pulley, and Piper Voorhees!! The Senior Awards night will be held April 30th at 6pm. Prom will be May 3rd at Lewis & Clark Community College with promenade at 6:30pm. Graduation is scheduled for May 17th at 6pm.

Superintendent Bowman also reported that the new Transportation Director, Daryn Huff, obtained his bus license today. He also thanked all the secretaries in the district for all their help and all they do for the district as well as the employees in his office!! Items for Discussion or Acknowledgement:

Resignations acknowledged by the board included:

Bus Rider-Makayla McGuire

MS Basketball Coach-Jeff Bacon

Assistant Drama Director-Jamie Orban

High School Principal-Mark Bearley

Student Government Co-sponsor-Ashley Cornelius

Full-time Substitute Teacher-Tiffani Bowen

District Literacy Plan: Presented to the board for review and to be voted on for approval later in the meeting.

Quotes to fix Medora Parking lot & playground and BN playground were presented for review. There were two bids submitted: CD Sealcoating at $27,851.60 & Long Paving & Excavating at $33,955.

Items Considered for Action…

Consent Agenda:

Items discussed in the consent agenda included the following…the financial report with balances as of March 31, 2025, as follows: Education Fund $7,481,788.00, Operations/Maintenance $1,562,432.00, Transportation Fund $824,987.00, Working Cash $3,573,548.00, with the total being $13,442,755.00, County Schools Facilities Sales Tax Revenue for March was up at $66,306.88, April bills…Imprest bills…extra and substitute pay…substitute list…regular board meeting minutes from March 18, 2025…closed session minutes from March 18, 2025…Special Board Meeting minutes, March 19, 2025…Special Board Meeting minutes, April 3, 2025…Permission to seek fuel bids…Permission to seek bread, milk, and food bids…Permission to seek trash removal and pest control bids…and Southwestern Middle School Membership in the IESA for the 2025-2026 school year.

There were no questions regarding the consent agenda that was presented. Jacob Reno made a motion to accept the consent agenda as presented and Brad Schuchman seconded the motion to accept the consent agenda.

Roll Call Vote:

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

Nays: None

MOTION CARRIED.

A motion to approve the appointment of the individuals identified in the list marked Exhibit A to the corresponding fall and winter extra-curricular activities therein for the 25-26 school year was made by Nicholas Strohbeck and seconded by Donna Loy.

Roll Call Vote:

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

Nays: None

MOTION CARRIED.

The summer school plan was presented with no objections. Nicholas Strohbeck made a motion to approve the summer school plan as presented with Brad Schuchman seconding the approval.

Roll Call Vote:

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

Nays: None

MOTION CARRIED.

Dr. Bowman thanked all the principals for their help in developing the District Literacy Plan. Donna Loy made the first motion to approve the District Literacy Plan with Brad Schuchman making the second motion to approve.

Roll Call Vote:

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

Nays: None

MOTION CARRIED.

The Official’s Pay for the 2025-2026 school year had been proposed to increase approximately $5 per game. Brad Schuchman made a motion to approve the increase with Nicholas Strohbeck making the second motion to approve the increase.

Roll Call Vote:

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

Nays: None

MOTION CARRIED.

CD Sealcoating had the low bid for Medora work and Brighton North. Nicholas Strohbeck made a motion to approve CD Sealcoating’s bid. Brad Schuchman seconded the motion. Roll Call Vote:

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

Nays: None

MOTION CARRIED.

Donna Loy made a motion to approve a leave of absence request for a teacher aide and Nicholas Strohbeck seconded the approval motion.

Roll Call Vote:

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

Nays: None

MOTION CARRIED.

Cheryl White was recommended to fill a bus rider position after Jacob Reno and Donna Loy made the motions.

Roll Call Vote:

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

Nays: None

MOTION CARRIED.

Nicholas Strohbeck made a motion to hire Jeff Reno as a full-time custodian and Brad Schuchman seconded the motion.

Roll Call Vote:

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

Nays: None

MOTION CARRIED.

Nicholas Strohbeck made a motion to hire Jessica King as a 2-hour floating custodian. Donna Loy made the second motion to hire Ms. King.

Roll Call Vote:

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

Nays: None

MOTION CARRIED.

Jason Oertel made a motion to hire Mike Parmentier as an Assistant Football Coach pending a successful background check, EHR, and a credential check. Brad Schuchman made the second motion for such.

Roll Call Vote:

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

Nays: None

MOTION CARRIED.

Carrie Davis will be hired as a MS Special Education Teacher pending a successful background check, EHR, and credential check. Donna Loy and Brad Schuchman made the motions to hire her.

Roll Call Vote:

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

Nays: None

MOTION CARRIED.

Nicholas Strohbeck made a motion to re-assign the Assistant HS/MS Principal, Nicole Nance, to the HS Principal position. Brad Schuchman seconded the motion to re-assign Mrs. Nance.

Roll Call Vote:

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

Nays: None

MOTION CARRIED.

Jacob Reno made a motion to authorize the Superintendent to post for an Assistant HS/MS Principal. Brad Schuchman seconded the motion.

Roll Call Vote:

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

Nays: None

MOTION CARRIED.

Donna Loy made a motion to table Item 7.15 to approve the Social Studies Curriculum purchase, and Brad Schuchman seconded to table as well.

Roll Call Vote:

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

Nays: None

MOTION CARRIED.

Brad Schuchman made a motion to approve the agreement between the Southwestern Board of Education and the Southwestern ESP Association. Donna Loy made the second motion to approve the agreement.

Roll Call Vote:

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

Nays: None

MOTION CARRIED.

Jason Oertel made a motion to move into closed session with Nicholas Strohbeck seconding to move into closed session.

Roll Call Vote:

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

Nays: None

MOTION CARRIED.

TIME: 7:57pm

Jacob Reno made a motion to move back into open session with Brad Schuchman seconding to do so as well as to adjourn the meeting as there were no other issues to discuss in open session.

Roll Call Vote:

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

Nays: None

MOTION CARRIED.

TIME: 8:30pm

Meeting adjourned at 8:30pm

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