Grundy Reporter

Gardner-South Wilmington High School #73 Board of Education met April 17.

Here are the minutes provided by the board:

PUBLIC COMMENT:

Stifel Presentation – A representative, Mr. Nate Fretz, from Stifel was present at tonight’s meeting to discuss bonds. He reviewed the different options to consider and informed board members that Working Cash Bonds are the most flexible and GSW usually chooses this option. Working Cash Bonds are available to all Illinois

School Districts. Working Cash Bonds are money available to school districts for projects or operational funds for schools.

Meet the new staff = Mr. Justin Wharrie, new PE teacher, was present to meet the board members. He will be teaching PE, Health and Drivers Education.

Staff Presentation – Mrs. Christine Ruddy, new GSWHS Guidance Counselor, was present to discuss projects she has completed since being hired and plans for the remainder of the school year.

● She implemented three milestones: Student Services, Parent Communication and Teacher Satisfaction.

● On-line transcripts will now be available to our students to send to both colleges and jobs. It will be free for current students and $4.80 for all alumni. Information about this new program will be coming out soon.

● Student schedules for next school year are finished. Schedules will be sent out / given to both students and parents.

● Mrs. Ruddy has already visited Braceville Elementary School and will be visiting South Wilmington Grade School on May 22 and Gardner Grade School on May 29.

● All teachers have received their schedules and class lists for next school year.

● Mrs. Ruddy has been meeting with Seniors to complete FAFSA.

● Find Your Way Day will take place on August 7 from 11am - 1pm. This is an opportunity for all incoming Freshmen and new students to 'Find Their Way' around the school.

● August 12 at 6 pm is the official 'first day' for Freshman students. Teachers will be here that day for students to 'meet and greet'. This is a structured day for our Freshman students that will get them ready for their first full day of classes.

PRINCIPAL’S REPORT: Mr. Brian Davis, Principal, reported the following:

● GAVC Director’s Award – Hunter Purdy, Senior, Computer Graphics & Design

● April 5th – Eva Henderson signed with University of Louisiana Monroe and will be on their water ski team.

● April 6th – GSW Math Team went to State (Illinois State University) and placed 17th overall.

● April 6th – Gardner Area Band performed the National Anthem at the Peoria Rivermen Hockey Game.

● April 8 & 9 – GSW Softball Sophomore, Maddie Simms, pitched perfect games back-to-back.

● April 10 – Maddie Simms pitched a no-hitter.

● April 10 – SAT – Juniors tested – 1:00 PM early dismissal for all students. No seniors in attendance.

● April 11 – PSAT – Freshmen and Sophomores tested

● April 12 – Erin’s Law Presentations for Juniors and Seniors was held in the library with a guest speaker.

● April 19 – PROM and Prom Lock-in. NO SCHOOL for students.

● April 24 – Academic Awards Night at 5:30 PM in the gym

● April 25 & 25 – Spiritline Tryouts

● April 29 – Athletic Handbook Meeting – Mr. Davis, Mr. Simms and Ms. Eisha will review all current handbooks per coach and plan to create one standard handbook for all sports.

● Student Handbook – committee has met and finalized for FY25

● Update Curriculum

● PLC – Professional Learning Committee – Boaz, Scaccia, N. Leigh, Davis, Avery – this committee will determine vertical alignment with K-12

● May 13/14 – Senior Final Exams

DIRECTORS’ REPORTS: None.

BUILDING AND GROUNDS REPORT: Mrs. Susan Avery discussed the following:

● Gym Floors – July 30/31 – floor will be waxed and off-limits

● Parking Lot – Sealcoating Project will be in August – right after the gym floors are completed

● Summer Camps – GSWHS Coaches will be holding camps this summer for their individual sports programs

SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT: Mrs. Avery presented on the following:

● Bonds – Needed for future projects and operational costs.

● Budget Amendment – Mrs. Avery is currently working on amending our budget.

● Transportation – GSW and the three feeder grade schools have settled on a transportation agreement with Illinois Central School Bus Company. They have spread out the increase over the 3-year contract.

● Accountant Update – Our District Office Manager is working closely with The Engler Group, LLC.

● Facility Use Document – This form has been cleaned up and is now on our GSW Website under the District Forms tab. If someone from the community wants to use the facility / gym, they would need to fill out this form and submit for approval.

● Press Policy 114 Update – in the board packet for members to review and approve the First Reading.

● National Recognition Merritt Award – GSW High School and Gardner Grade School were both recognized and received the Support Music Merit Award. Mrs. Avery recognized all four schools that make up the Gardner Area Band for receiving such an honorable award. We are very proud of all our band students and Director, Mr. Michael Leone.

● Maintenance Grant – Needs to be expended by the end of FY24.

● Public Act 103-0348 – GSW is now in compliance with The Illinois Department of Public Health Public Act 103-0348 that took effect on January 1, 2024 stating that “...all public schools are now required to keep a supply of an opioid antagonist on hand in the event of an overdose.”

● There is an opening for a Building & Trades Instructor at GAVC. The Director of GAVC, Mr. Lance Copes, will keep the board members informed on when the opening is filled.

BOE MEMBERS REPORTS:

N/A

ACTION ITEMS:

● Resignation of Youth Philanthropy Sponsor – Mrs. Terese Kukman

● Resignation of National Honor Society Sponsor – Mrs. Terese Kukman

● Hire Youth Philanthropy Sponsor – Mrs. Jillian Wills

● Hire National Honor Society Sponsor – Mrs. Christine Ruddy

● Temporary Summer Building Cleaning – Ben Fatlan

● Hire Science Teacher – Ms. Samantha Johnson

● Hire PE Teacher – Mr. Justin Wharrie

● Appoint Boat Captains for Fishing Team – Greg Olsen, Ryan Olsen & Dave Schultz

● FY25 Board Meeting Dates – as presented

● First Reading of Press Policy 114

● Approve the FY25 Handbook Revisions

● Approve Non-Certification RIF – Part-Time Secretary, Holly Stellano

● Approve Illinois Central Bus Contract Renewal 3-year extension

OTHERS:

None at this time.

https://www.gswhs73.org/vimages/shared/vnews/stories/53b4271773d6c/April%2017,%202024%20Board%20Briefs.docx.pdf