Grundy Reporter

Morris Community High School District 101 Board met Nov. 18.

Here is the minutes provided by the board:

Present: President Scot Hastings Tom Anderson

Vice President Lynn Vermillion Kim Puckett

Secretary Chris Danek Jim Ringer

Absent: Suzy Brown (entered at 7:00 p.m.)

Also Present: Superintendent Craig Ortiz

Principal Michael Gourley

Asst. Principal Jeremiah Farrell

Athletic Director Jeff Johnson

Director of Special Populations Lori Dite

The meeting convened at 6:30 p.m. with the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.

STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE

Bryce Mahnke reported Homecoming was a success. A competition is being held all week between the classes to collect food. A tag day raised $500 for We Care. 4 children are being “adopted” for Christmas. The winter formal is scheduled for February 22nd.

BINA HEARING

President Hastings opened the Bond Issue Notification Act Hearing. The hearing was to receive public comment regarding the District’s plan to sell $2,000,000 working cash bonds for the purpose of increasing the District’s working cash fund. There were no comments, nor was public written or oral testimony given. The hearing was adjourned on a motion made by Mrs. Vermillion and SECONDED by Mr. Ringer. On roll call vote, those voting AYE: Mrs. Vermillion, Mr. Ringer, Mr. Hastings, Mrs. Puckett, Mr. Danek, Mr. Anderson. NAY: None. MOTION CARRIED.

CONSENT AGENDA APPROVAL

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. Danek and SECONDED by Mrs. Puckett the following items were approved:

MINUTES

October 21, 2019 – Regular Meeting

October 21, 2019 – Executive Session

November 7, 2017 - Destruction of (Special Meeting) Closed Meeting Audio Recording

November 9, 2017 - Destruction of (Special Meeting) Closed Meeting Audio Recording

November 13, 2017 - Destruction of (Special Meeting) Closed Meeting Audio Recording

November 13, 2017 - Destruction of (Regular Meeting Closed Meeting Audio Recording

November 28, 2017 - Destruction of (Special Meeting) Closed Meeting Audio Recording

FINANCIALS

Financial Statements – Payment of Bills – Student Activity Account

PERSONNEL Employment/Assignments

1. Austin Pratte re-employment for 2019-2020 as housekeeper.

2. Housekeeper Zack Sater hourly rate from $9/hr. to $10/hr. effective 1/1/2020 as a result of the new minimum wage law for Illinois.

3. Grace Ergo as volunteer cheerleading coach.

Resignations

1. Keith Anderson resignation as head boys tennis coach.

DONATIONS

1. Window World Grant of $1000 toward the STEM program.

2. Carnathas $200 donation to student activity account HEAL (Helping Empower American Latinos) for conference attendance.

3. Education Foundation $625 grant to Spanish 4 for a field trip to the National Museum of Mexican Art and a meal at Mago’s an authentic Mexican restaurant.

On roll call vote, those voting AYE: Mr. Ringer, Mr. Hastings, Mrs. Puckett, Mr. Danek, Mr. Anderson, Mrs. Vermillion. NAY: None. MOTION CARRIED.

GRUNDY COUNTY SPECIAL ED COOPERATIVE – FINANCIAL STATEMENTS/BILLS

A motion was made by Mrs. Vermillion and SECONDED by Mrs. Puckett 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: Mr. Hastings, Mrs. Puckett, Mr. Danek, Mr. Anderson, Mrs. Vermillion, Mr. Ringer. NAY: None. MOTION CARRIED.

GRUNDY COUNTY SPECIAL ED COOPERATIVE –STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS

A motion was made by Mrs. Puckett and SECONDED by Mrs. Vermillion to ratify the employment and resignations of staff, certified staff and program assistants of the 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: Mrs. Puckett, Mr. Danek, Mr. Anderson, Mrs. Vermillion, Mr. Ringer, Mr. Hastings. NAY: None. MOTION CARRIED.

DISTRICT REPORT

Dr. Ortiz presented 3 scenarios of the tax levy: a balloon levy, limited change levy and an assumed 10% increase levy. The balloon levy utilizes inflated rates and captures all monies. This will be the version submitted.

A financial model for a potential stadium project was shared. The project would include turf, bleachers and new scoreboards. The proposed amount for the project is $1,400,000 with the utilization of working cash bonds or debt certificates. The district has routinely paid off the school working cash bonds in 2 years, the Honeywell project will be paid off in 2024, and the projected stadium project would be paid off in 9 years at the proposed rate.

Discussion occurred on the pros and cons of turf, the moving and rearrangement of the bleachers and home and visitor sections, and use of digital scoreboards and relegation of old scoreboards to other areas in the building.

A prioritization of school needs was requested.

BUILDING REPORT

Mr. Gourley apprised the BOE of the January 6th city wide teacher institute day MCHS will be hosting. Speaker Monica Genta, teacher and author will share how to build positive relationships with students. MCHS faculty will also be presenting in breakout sessions on a number of educational trends and topics.

The FY19 School Report Card was discussed. MCHS is rated commendable.

Pause for Applause recipients include:

 Congratulations to golfer Eli Davy who competed in the IHSA 2A Boys Golf State Finals at Weibring Golf Club in Normal, IL. Eli shot a 77 to tie him for 18th after the first day of golf, which was good enough to advance to the Championship Round of the Tournament. On day two, Eli shot an 80 and finished tied for 35th out of 112 golfers. Congratulations Eli on an amazing season and MCHS golfing career!

 Congrats to the girls cross country team for winning the LaSalle-Peru Regional on Saturday, October 26th. Captain Delaney Jones, alternates Haley Aukland and Keira Kjellesvik, racers Sofia Best, Paige Thorson, and scorers Moriah Mayberry, Melanie Cunningham, Joy Dudley, Abby Cunningham, and All Regional runner Alexis Johnson won the championship by one point, securing MCHS’s second cross country regional championship in school history. With five freshmen, a sophomore, and a junior in the top eight, the future looks bright for the Runnin’ Redskins! Congrats again ladies.

 Congratulations to the cast and crew of the 2019 fall play, Clue On Stage; High School Edition. You gave our school and community three excellent performances full of genuine laughter. Great job by all involved!

 Congratulations to the Varsity Scholastic Bowl Team who began the season by going 3-0 over Interstate 8 Rivals Kaneland, Plano, and Ottawa!

 The following six students were recognized as GAVC's October Director Award Winners for outstanding achievement last month in his/her fields:

Joseph Carmona in Agriculture; Brooke Oesterle in Computer Graphics & Media Design; Rori Griffin in Criminal Justice; Grace Scott in Cosmetology; Kaylee Benson in Early Childhood Education and Olivia Doss in Health Occ. Congratulations, and keep up the hard work!

 Congratulations to swimmers Chery Lee and Drew Smith for being medalists at the Southwest Prairie Conference swim meet on Saturday(11/2). Chery finished fifth in the 200 Free and the 100 Backstroke while Smith took 6th in the 50 Free. Wonderful job ladies!

 Congratulations to swimmers Drew Smith, Chery Lee, Trinity Polick and Kylee Claypool for all being medalists at the Boiler Tune-Up at Bradley-Bourbonnais High School. Smith placed first in the 50 and 100 Free while Lee won the 200 Free. Both girls teamed with Trinity Schock and Jordan La Mont to take the 400 Free relay. Great job ladies and good luck at Sectionals.

 Congratulations to swimmers Drew Smith, Trinity Schock, Kylee Claypool and Chery Lee. All were medalists at the IHSA Lincoln-Way Central Sectional on Saturday. Lee, Claypool, Jordan La Mont, and Smith placed 5th in the 200 Freestyle Relay, with Smith, Lee, La Mont, and Trinity Schock placing 4th the 400 Freestyle Relay. Chery Lee also placed third in the 100 Backstroke with a time of 1:00.76, which set a new school record. Congratulations ladies on a great season.

TENTATIVE TAX LEVY APPROVED

On a motion made by Mr. Ringer and SECONDED by Mr. Anderson the board approved the tentative tax levy as presented by Dr. Ortiz. On roll call vote, those voting AYE: Mrs. Brown, Mr. Danek, Mr. Anderson, Mrs. Vermillion, Mr. Ringer, Mr. Hastings, Mrs. Puckett. NAY: None. MOTION CARRIED.

2018-2019 SCHOOL REPORT CARD

The 2018-2019 School Report Card was accepted on a motion made by Mrs. Puckett and SECONDED by Mr. Danek. On voice vote, those voting AYE: All. NAY: None. MOTION CARRIED.

e-LEARNING DAY PLAN APPROVED

On a motion made by Mr. Anderson and SECONDED by Mrs. Brown, the e-Learning Plan was approved. The plan allows for use of e-learning days in lieu of traditional snow days or days taken for other emergency closures then the entire day is cancelled. The plan will begin after board approval for a three year period continuing through the 2021-2022 school year. Discussion on establishing a benchmark for participation occurred. On roll call vote, those voting AYE: Mr. Danek, Mr. Anderson, Mrs. Vermillion, Mr. Ringer, Mr. Hastings, Mrs. Puckett, Mrs. Brown. NAY: None. MOTION CARRIED.

THREAT ASSESSMENT PLAN – FIRST READING

School districts must implement an initial threat assessment procedure by December 21, 2019, and must establish the required threat assessment team no later than February 19, 2020 due to new legislation signed by Governor Pritzker. The first reading of the Threat Assessment Plan was approved on a motion made by Mrs. Vermillion and SECONDED by Mr. Ringer. On roll call vote, those voting AYE: Mr. Anderson, Mrs. Vermillion, Mr. Ringer, Mr. Hastings, Mrs. Puckett, Mrs. Brown, Mr. Danek. NAY: MOTION CARRIED.

RESCHEDULING OF DECEMBER 9, 2019 BOARD MEETING TO DECEMBER 16, 2019

On a motion made by Mrs. Brown and SECONDED by Mr. Danek the Monday, December 9, 2019 is being rescheduled to Monday, December 16, 2019. This will allow for the district to meet the publication deadline for the Truth in Taxation notice. On voice vote, those voting AYE: All. NAY: None. MOTION CARRIED.

PRESS SCHOOL BOARD POLICIES – ADDITIONS AND REVISIONS – FIRST READING

On a motion made by Mrs. Puckett and SECONDED by Mr. Danek the first reading of school board policy additions and revisions was approved as follows:

School Board: 2:20-Powers and Duties of the School Board-Indemnification, 2:70-Vacancies on the School Board-Filling Vacancies, 2:100-Board Member Conflict of Interest, 2:105- Ethics and Gift Ban, 2:110- Qualifications, Term, and Duties of the Board Officers, 2:200- Types of School Board Meetings, 2:220- School Board Meeting Procedure, 2:250- Access to District Public Records, 2:260- Uniform Grievance Procedure; General School Administration: 3:50- Administrative Personnel Other Than the Superintendent; Operational Services: 4:15- Identity Protection, 4:30- Revenue and Investments, 4:40- Incurring Debt, 4:60- Purchases and Contracts, 4:80- Accounting and Audits, 4:110- Transportation, 4:140- Waiver of Student Fees, 4:150- Facility Management and Building Programs, 4:170- Safety, 4:190- Targeted School Violence Prevention Program; Personnel: 5:10- Equal Employment Opportunity and Minority Recruitment, 5:20- Workplace Harassment Prohibited, 5:30- Hiring Process and Criteria, 5:50- Drug- and Alcohol-Free Workplace; E-Cigarette, Tobacco, and Cannabis Prohibition, 5:90- Abused and Neglected Child Reporting, 5:100- Staff Development Program, 5:120- Employee Ethics; Conduct; and Conflict of Interest, 5:125- Personal Technology and Social Media; Usage and Conduct, 5:50- Personnel Records, 5:190- Teacher Qualifications, 5:200- Terms and Conditions of Employment and Dismissal, 5:220- Substitute Teachers, 5:250- Leaves of Absence, 5:260- Student Teachers, 5:285- Drug and Alcohol Testing for School Bus and Commercial Vehicle Drivers, 5:290- Employment Termination and Suspensions, 5:330- Sick Days, Vacation, Holidays, and Leaves; Instruction: 6:15- School Accountability, 6:20- School Year Calendar and Day, 6:60- Curriculum Content, 6:65- Student Social and Emotional Development, 6:150- Home and Hospital Instruction, 6:180- Extended Instructional Programs, 6:210- Instructional Materials, 6:270- Guidance and Counseling Program, 6:300- Graduation Requirements, 6:310- High School Credit for Non-District Experiences; Course Substitutions; Re-Entering Students, 6:320- High School Credit for Proficiency; Students: 7:20- Harassment of Students Prohibited, 7:150- Agency and Police Interviews, 7:180- Prevention of and Response to Bullying, Intimidation, and Harassment, 7:190- Student Behavior, 7:200- Suspension Procedures, 7:270- Administering Medicines to Students, 7:290- Suicide and Depression Awareness and Prevention, 7:340- Student Records; Community Relations: 8:30- Visitors to and Conduct on School Property

On voice vote, those voting AYE: All. NAY: None. MOTION CARRIED.

APPROVAL FOR DR. ORTIZ TO TEACH A JJC NIGHT CLASS SPRING OF 2020

On a motion made by Mrs. Puckett and SECONDED by Mr. Danek, Dr. Craig Ortiz was given approval to teach a JJC evening class in the spring of 2020 on the MCHS campus. On roll call vote, those voting AYE: Mrs. Vermillion, Mr. Ringer, Mr. Hastings, Mrs. Puckett, Mrs. Brown, Mr. Danek, Mr. Anderson. NAY: None. MOTION CARRIED.

EXECUTIVE SESSION

A motion was made by Mrs. Brown and SECONDED by Mr. Danek at 7:37 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: Mr. Ringer, Mr. Hastings, Mrs. Puckett, Mrs. Brown, Mr. Danek, Mr. Anderson, Mrs. Vermillion. NAY: None. MOTION CARRIED.

A motion was made by Mrs. Puckett and SECONDED by Mrs. Brown to return to regular session. On voice vote, those voting AYE: All. NAY: None. MOTION CARRIED.

Regular session resumed at 8:30 p.m.

ADJOURNMENT

A motion was made by Mr. Danek and SECONDED by Mr. Ringer to adjourn the meeting. On voice vote, those voting AYE: All. NAY: None. Motion CARRIED.

Meeting ADJOURNED at 8:31 p.m.

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