Grundy Reporter

Gardner-South Wilmington High School #73 Board of Education met March 16.

Here are the minutes provided by the board:

PUBLIC COMMENT:

No public comment.

PRINCIPAL’S REPORT: Mr. Engelman discussed the following:

• Teacher Professional Development – we had (3) teachers recently attend conferences. Mr. Ward attached a Social Studies conference and our Science teachers, Ms. Rymsza and Mrs. Ridgway, attended a conference together that reviewed the IL Science Assessments. All three teachers were pleased with their sessions.

• The GSW Math Team won the RVC Math Contest again this year, putting them at their 9th win. They have also won the IHSA Math Regional.

DIRECTORS’ REPORTS: Mr. Engelman, Athletic Director, reported on the following:

• Spring Sports Numbers:

o We have 3 GSW students participating in Track at Dwight High School this year

o We have 12 total softball players. We only have a Varsity team for softball.

o We have 23 total baseball players. Due to low numbers, we are combining some players to form our JV and Varsity teams. There are no V & JV games played on the same day this year.

BUILDING AND GROUNDS REPORT: Mr. Josh DeLong discussed the following:

• Summer Work =

o Parking Lot

▪ Plan, tennis courts – The parking lot will be out big project this summer. We are currently waiting on final drawings and plans from our engineer. Then this project can go out to bid. The estimated cost should be $400,000 to $500,000. We will look at expanding/extending the west parking lot and putting ankle parking in. The current tennis courts can stay as is, or we can look at either splitting it up for one side to be a basketball court or taking it out completely.

o Phone system upgrade – We will be approving a 5-year contract with RIVAL5 for new phones and communication systems. The new system will have 8 lines, new safety features, and we will also be putting a phone in every room. Teachers will now have their very own voicemails.

o Room changes – We will be moving our English teacher from the 1st floor up to the 2nd floor into Room 205 (which is now the current computer lab). This lab will be converted into the new English room, and carpet squares will be installed. The STEAM room will be on the 1st floor in Room 103 by the shop area. This is a new class next school year, and will be taught by Ms. Dallio.

o Flooring updates – We will be putting in new laminate wood flooring in the main office, Principal’s office, teacher work room, small restroom and board room.

o Painting – We will start with the stairwells and 3rd floor classrooms this summer.

• How water system = This is another big project that needs to be looked at. We have been having issues with our current system. Mr. DeLong is suggesting purchasing a new commercial size hot water heater and new water softener. This would also be a great time to purchase and install a new secondary boiler. This entire project cost would be approximately $80,000 to $100,000.

SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT: Mr. DeLong presented on the following:

• David Pistorius, First Midstate, was present at tonight’s meeting to discuss working cash bonds. He explained that this process usually takes 3 to 4 months to complete and receive the money. We need to put the information in The Paper to notify the tax payers / public. Then a second notice needs to go into The Paper to announce a Public Hearing meeting. The Public Hearing would be held before the monthly Regular Board Meeting. Once approved, we would adopt a Bond Resolution.

• GAVC Director’s Award

o Peyton Carpenter received this award for the month of February in Engineering II.

• No Spring Play based on interest level – we only had 3 students interested in participating in the Spring Play. We also had to cancel the Fall Play due to the same reason.

• Updated Solar Farm information – A new company has bought out this project – Scout Clean Energy. They informed Mr. DeLong of their new time-frame and are 95% sure it is going to happen. They plan to start in October 2022, which means they would begin pumping out power in 2025 and GSW would get tax funds from this project in 2026. The estimate would be 2.8 million over 35-years ($80,000 a year for GSW High School).

• Update on Rodney Ford fishing team donations – we have received about $2,600 in donations. Thank You notes were sent out by the GSW Bass Fishing Team.

ACTION ITEMS :

• Approve Kylie Hawks as volunteer softball coach

• Approve the 2022 graduation for May 15 at 12:00 pm inside the GSW gym

• Approve contract with Morris Hospital for an athletic trainer at all home events at a cost of $20 per hour • Approve a 5-year service agreement with Rival5 for phone and communication systems

• Accept Sherri Garrett’s resignation as district bookkeeper and treasurer

• Approve the first reading of Administrative Assistant job descriptions

• Approve the hire of Patty Klingberg as district bookkeeper and treasurer

• Approve the hire of temporary summer building crew leader, Adam Leigh

• Approve the hire of temporary summer building worker, Braeden Hirsch

• Approve the hire of temporary summer building worker, Jacob Ozee

• Selection of First Midstate Inc. as Underwriter/Placement Agent and Chapman and Cutler LLP as Bond/Disclosure to the Underwriter/Placement Agent with respect to the District’s General Obligation School Bonds.

• Approve the joint committee’s plan to allow tenured staff to be evaluated formally every three years