Grundy Reporter

Morris Community High School District met Oct. 21.

Here is the minutes provided by the District:

Present: President Scot Hastings Mr. Tom Anderson

Vice President Lynn Vermillion Mrs. Suzy Brown

Secretary Chris Danek Mr. Jim Ringer

Absent: Mrs. Kim Puckett

Also Present: Dr. Craig Ortiz

Principal Michael Gourley

Asst. Principal Jeremiah Farrell

Director of Special Populations Lori Dite

The meeting convened at 6:30 p.m. with the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. Three of the six new teachers were introduced to the board – Derek Johnston - Special Education, Nicholas Murphy – Math, and David Marconnet – Science.

Approval of Consent Agenda

President Hastings inquired of the Board if there were any items on the consent agenda anyone would like removed. Hearing none, President Hastings asked for a motion to approve the consent agenda as presented. On a motion made by Mr. Ringer and SECONDED by Mr. Danek the following items were approved:

Minutes

September 09, 2019 - Budget Hearing

September 09, 2019 - Administrative Cost Cap Waiver Hearing

September 09, 2019- Regular Meeting

September 09, 2019 - Executive Session

September 23, 2019 - Parent Teacher Advisory Committee Meeting

October 09, 2019 - Curriculum/Technology Committee Meeting

October 15, 2019 - Building and Grounds/Finance Committee Meeting

October 23, 2017 - Destruction of Closed Meeting Audio Recording

October 24, 2017 - Destruction of Closed Meeting Audio Recording

October 27, 2017 - Destruction of Closed Meeting Audio Recording

Financials

Financial Statements – Payment of Bills – Student Activity Account

Facility Use Request(s)

1. Step by Step Childcare Christmas Program – auditorium – 12/10/2019 - 6:00-8:00 p.m.

2. American Legion Post 294 – Use of the main gym 11/11/2019 as an inclement weather site.

3. YMCA Teen Achievers – use of the LRC – 3:00 – 4:00 p.m., Tuesdays, October 29, 2019 through May 12, 2020.

4. MCHS Education Foundation – board room – 4:30 p.m. every third Wednesday beginning 10/16/19.

Personnel

Employment - Jackie Diaz as administrative assistant to the Superintendent/BOE effective January 6, 2020 – full-time $20 per hour with full benefit.

Alije Veliu as guidance secretary/registrar – full-time $19 per hour with full benefits effective January 6, 2020.

Contract - An addendum to Building & Grounds Director Mark Walker’s 2019-2020 contract for overtime ($49.53/hour) approved by the superintendent, including 10 hours for time spent the weekend of 9/27/19 to address flooding.

Assignments - Ryan Battersby – co-head girls track coach – split stipend

Brian Claypool – co-head girls track coach – split stipend

Brian Kasher – co-asst. girls track coach – split stipend

Rebecca McKee – co-asst. girls track coach – split stipend

Resignations - Housekeeper Austin Pratte’s resignation effective October 4, 2019.

Amy Waldron as volunteer bowling coach.

Donations

1. Morris Downtown Development Partnership donation of $100 to Student Council for its assistance with the Liberty 5K Run/Walk.

2. Alderson and Beth Morrison donation to the district of a 2005 Chrysler Town & Country van with an estimated value of $2600.

3. Morris Hospital & Healthcare Centers $1560 donation to the athletic program. The hospital provided $20 physicals to MCHS student-athletes this past summer and is donating the money back to the district.

4. Community Foundation of Grundy County grant in the amount of $3500 to assist in purchasing equipment for the STEM classroom.

On roll call vote those voting Aye: Mr. Anderson, Mrs. Vermillion, Mr. Ringer, Mr. Hastings, Mrs. Brown, Mr. Danek. Nay: None.

Motion Carried.

Grundy County Special Ed Cooperative – Financial Statements/Bills

A motion was made by Mrs. Brown and Seconded by Mrs. Vermillion to ratify the financial statements and bills of the Grundy County Special Education Cooperative as submitted and approved by the Grundy County Special Education Board at its meeting. On roll call vote, those voting Aye: Mrs. Vermillion, Mr. Ringer, Mr. Hastings, Mrs. Brown, Mr. Danek, Mr. Anderson. Nay: None.

Motion Carried.

Grundy County Special Ed Cooperative –staff Recommendations

A motion was made by Mr. Danek and Seconded by Mr. Ringer to ratify the employment and resignations of Grundy County Special Education staff, as submitted and approved by the Grundy County Special Education Board at its meeting. On roll call vote, those voting Aye: Mr. Ringer, Mr. Hastings, Mrs. Brown, Mr. Danek, Mr. Anderson, Mrs. Vermillion. Nay: None. Motion Carried.

District Report

Dr. Ortiz reported the county assessor is still working on the EAV’s for the tax levy computation.

Information related to E-learning days was presented and discussed. E-learning days represent an opportunity to utilize up to 5 of the mandated emergency days per year that are built into the school calendar. The ROE has approved the district’s plan for use. Once BOE approved, the use of e-learning days is not required. A public hearing will be held on November 18, 2019.

The AFR (Annual Financial Report) will be posted to the website, and the ASA (Annual Statement of Affairs) will be published in the Morris Herald News.

Dr. Ortiz had a discussion with PMA, the district’s financial firm, regarding turf for the football field and bleachers. The possibility of restructuring the Honeywell debt is being considered.

B&G Director Mark Walker reported Green Associates, the district’s architects, have done the assessment for the new seating project in the auditorium

Building Report

Mr. Gourley reviewed upcoming events including the fall play to take place this upcoming weekend.

He also conveyed there is continuing articulation with the feeder schools.

Pause for Applauses include:

- Congratulations to the Marching Maroon and White for taking 2nd place in Class A this weekend at the Plainfield South Marching Band Invitational! The band fought some challenging weather and delivered their best performance yet!

- Congratulations to swimmers Cherry Lee, Drew Smith, Trinity Schock, and Kylee Claypool for taking 2nd place at the LaSalle-Peru Pentathlon on Saturday (9/21.) Cherry and Drew were top 5 medalists, and Cherry set the meet record in the 100 Backstroke. Great job, ladies!

- A big Thank You and pause for applause to Mr. Lanning, Ms. Kubinski and their US History classes for collecting items for Ms. Steffes' office! You all are the best!

- Congratulations to the following golfers for medaling at yesterday's (9/29) Interstate 8 Conference Meet. Eric Peterson tied for 8th place for the varsity and Logan McGowan placed 12th for JV. Overall the boy's varsity team finished 3rd and the JV finished in 5th.

- This past weekend the Lady Redskins volleyball team went 5-0 at the Reed Custer Comet Classic Tournament to bring home the 1st place trophy. The team played some exciting volleyball and never dropped a set. The girls will return to our home court on Thursday against L-P and would appreciate your support as we look for another conference win. Congratulations girls!!

- Congratulations to Shaelee Ferrari who received all-conference honors with her 9th place finish at the Interstate 8 Conference Golf Meet yesterday (10/1.)

- The MCHS Interact Club raised $1442 in sales to send to the Yuda Bands organization to help sponsor two girls to finish their education in Guatemala.

- Great job to the Lady Redskins swimmers, who placed 2nd in the Titan Invitational at the Illinois Math and Science Academy on Saturday (10/5.) Medalists included Cherry Lee, Drew Smith, Trinity Schock, and Kylee Claypool. Great job ladies!

- Congratulations to the Freshman girls volleyball team on their 1st place finish at the Elgin tournament going 5-0 on the day!

- Congratulations to the following golfers! Eli Davy who placed 4th overall with an 78. Matt Lawton who tied for 6th with an 85, and Nathan Hock who tied for 8th with an 86. Those three will advance to Sectionals next Monday (10/14) at Whisper Creek in Huntley. Good luck boys!

- Congratulations to the varsity golfers who won 1st place in their division at the LaSallePeru Invitational over the weekend (10/5.) Eli Davy shot a 78 and placed 3rd overall, Matt Lawton and Nathan Hock both shot an 80 and tied for 5th. in which Matt won the playoff.

- Congratulations to Golfer Shaelee Ferrari who placed 7th individually at the Beecher Regional yesterday (10/10.) She advances to Sectionals at Spring Creek in Spring Valley on Monday! Good luck at sectionals Shaelee!

- Congratulations to golfer Eli Davy for shooting a 78 at the IHSA 2A Burlington Central Sectional yesterday (10/13) at Whisper Creek in Huntley. Eli’s score placed him 4th individually which advances him to the IHSA 2A State Finals this Friday and Saturday at Weibring Golf Course in Bloomington! Congratulations and Good Luck Eli!

- Congratulations to the Marching Maroon and White on a very successful competitive weekend at Illinois Wesleyan University (10/12-13.) The band came in first place in class 3A. In addition, they also won best color guard, best percussion, and best music performance. Catch us this week on Friday as we perform our full fall competitive show, titled “In the Center Ring” at halftime of the varsity football game.

- Congratulations to the marching maroon and white! Yesterday (10/19), they competed their 2019 production for the last time. The band came in 2nd place in their class. In addition, the percussion section took second place, and the guard won first place! We are so proud of the growth that you have all made this season. Even though the curtain has closed on the circus, the memories will remain. Congratulations again!

- Congratulations to Kyla Kjellesvik and Grace Lines on qualifying for the State Tennis Tournament on Thursday (10/17). Kyla and Grace finished in 2nd place at the Ottawa Sectional over the weekend. Congratulations ladies.

Discussion

FOIA – SmartProcure - Bethany Simpson – Request for all current employee/staff contact information.

Resolution of Intent to Issue Working Cash Bonds

On a motion made by Mr. Anderson and Seconded by Mr. Ringer the resolution declaring the intent to issue working cash fund bonds of the district in the amount of $2,000,000 for the purpose of increasing the working cash fund and directing that notice of such intention be published in the manner provided by law was approved. On roll call vote those voting Aye: Mr. Hastings, Mrs. Brown, Mr. Danek, Mr. Anderson, Mrs. Vermillion, Mr. Ringer. Nay: None.

Motion Carried.

Executive Discussion

A motion was made by Mr. Danek and Seconded by Mr. Ringer at 6:56 p.m. to enter executive session for the purpose of appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific employees; collective bargaining. On roll call vote, those voting Aye: Mrs. Brown, Mr. Danek, Mr. Anderson, Mrs. Vermillion, Mr. Ringer, Mr. Hastings. Nay: None. Motion Carried

Regular session resumed at 7:33 p.m. on a motion made by Mr. Danek and Seconded by Mrs. Vermillion. On voice vote, those voting Aye: All. Nay: None.

Motion Carried.

Adjournment

A motion was made by Mr. Ringer and Seconded by Mr. Anderson to adjourn the meeting.

On voice vote, those voting Aye: All. Nay: None. Motion Carried.

Meeting Adjourned at 7:33 p.m.

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