Grundy Reporter

Minooka Community High School District #111 Board of Education met Sept. 2.

Here is the minutes provided by the board:

CALL TO ORDER

The special meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m. by President Mike Brozovich. Due to the pandemic and the closing of the school facilities, the meeting was held at Minooka Community High School-Central Campus in the PAC (Performing Arts Center). Members of the public were welcome to attend in person (with social distancing measures in place and up to capacity) or to listen via phone or to view on the MCHS YouTube channel. Public comments were accepted in person or via phone or email. A physical quorum was present with the following board members answering roll call:

                                        YES                                NO

 Mike Brozovich              X

 Laura Hrechko               X

 Patti Ruettiger               X

 Dee Crye                       X

 Cherie Barnes               X

 Wendi Arlis                    X

 Dustin Heap                  X

Additionally present were:

 Brent Edwards              X

 Janel Grzetich              X

 Bryan Zwemke             X

 Joe Pacetti                   X

 John Troy                     X

 Kenny Lee                   X

 Colleen Ward              X

The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.

PUBLIC COMMENTS

o Cara Anderson (Submitted a Statement)-MCHS Parent-communicated her desire for students to return to in-person learning.

o Robin Morris (Submitted a Statement)-MCHS Parent-communicated her desire for students to return to in-person learning.

o Jen and Nick Rayola (Submitted a Statement)-MCHS Parents-thanked the MCHS staff and administration for their hard work and dedication during these trying times.

o Robin English (Submitted a Statement)-MCHS Parent-communicated her desire for students to return to in-person learning, and thanked the staff for their work during remote learning.

o Dave Barney, MCHS PE/Health/Driver Education and MEA President spoke to the Board of Education. (In Person) Mr. Barney spoke about his concerns with accommodations for himself and other staff members, building concerns, countywide metrics, and complexity of the instructional model.

o Evelyn Maruszak, MCHS Junior spoke to the Board of Education. (In Person) Evelyn spoke about a survey she conducted for students with regard to remote learning, and a proposal for students who participate in activities and athletics.

o Jacob Pursell, MCHS Student spoke to the Board of Education. (In Person) Jacob spoke about his concerns for the health and safety of the community, and encouraged the board to continue the remote learning model.

DISCUSSION ITEMS – MCHS Return to Learn Plan 2020/2021

The Board heard an update on the Return to Learn 2020 plan presented by several MCHS administrators. Discussion points were reviewed on the instructional approach, quarantine statistics and procedures (supported by the Grundy County Health Department), staffing approach and room utilization, as well as some additional information on county and state indicators, and the necessary flexibility and autonomy for teachers. Additionally discussed were the procedure for identifying staffing needs, such as medical and child care, and working through accommodations. Also discussed was that some type of confirmation will be conveyed as to the remote/hybrid status of each student. It was noted that due to planning and logistics, students who have chosen remote will not be able to switch to hybrid until at least the semester break. Approximately 600 students have selected remote learning, meaning that the other 2,200 students are hybrid, half of which will be in school at each time. Split between the two campuses, approximately 600-700 students will be in each building at a time.

After discussion and with the most recent guidelines, board members were asked if anyone felt that the current date of September 14 to transition to hybrid should be pushed back. The board was not unanimous as opinions were expressed for both continuing with the plan to transition to hybrid as well as remaining remote at this time. Dr. Lee reported that the administrative recommendation is to approve the proposal that was presented at the August 6 meeting. The proposal stated for remote learning and to revisit with an update at the next regular board meeting on September 23. When asked if a specific date should be identified for transitioning to hybrid, it was stated that it is a moving target, and so puts undue pressure. It was noted that transportation members would continue to be paid until such time a decision was made otherwise. It was felt that it was in everyone’s best interests to keep members employed.

ACTION ITEMS – MCHS Return to Learn Plan 2020/2021

MOTION: by Ruettiger, seconded by Hrechko, to approve the MCHS 2020/2021 Return to Learn Plan as presented, to continue with remote learning and revisit at the Regular BOE meeting on September 23, 2020. Voting Aye: Hrechko, Heap, Crye, Barnes, and Brozovich. Voting No: Ruettiger, Arlis. Motion carried. Time: 7:31 p.m.

ANNOUNCEMENTS/COMMUNICATIONS

Consensus was reached that with the board meeting being moved to the 23rd, the committee meeting should also be moved from the 9th to September 16, 2020, at 5:30 p.m.

ADJOURNMENT

MOTION: by Ruettiger, seconded by Heap, to adjourn the meeting. Voting Aye: Heap, Crye, Hrechko, Ruettiger, Barnes, Arlis, and Brozovich. Motion carried. Time: 7:32 p.m.

https://meetings.boardbook.org/Documents/CustomMinutesForMeeting/1417?meeting=385845