Grundy Reporter

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

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

BUDGET HEARING: Mrs. Avery presented the FY26 District Budget. She reviewed the process: projected numbers and prepared for our Audit. Mrs. Avery shared a balanced budget and disclosed the cash reserves.

PUBLIC COMMENT: No public comment on the Budget Hearing.

PUBLIC COMMENT: Mrs. Jillian Wills (Social Worker, Librarian & Union Secretary) was present to bring positive information to the meeting. She let the board members know that because we are such a small school district that we are able to give individual services to students. GSW can do more than larger schools when it comes to student support. She gave examples of how herself and other staff members have impacted student life at GSW.

Gregg Pfaff from Helm Construction was present to discuss the HVAC system in the gym. Our two air units in the gym behind the stage area are beyond their age. This equipment would be removed from the steam units. They would add all new high-efficient, easy to maintain equipment. The area is already set up, so they would be able to add both heat and air-conditioning. The controls are simple and user-friendly. The maintenance staff could easily learn the program. The overall cost for a whole new system would be approximately $640,000 to $650,000.00

PRINCIPAL’S REPORT: Mr. Andrew Johnson, Principal, submitted his report to board members on-line and highlighted a few items:

● Student attendance – our students are coming to school, and attendance is good at the start of the year.

● Teachers are aligning curriculum

● MAP testing – Grades 9, 10 and 11 completed MAP testing the week of Sept 8 – 12

● Interventions are under way – our School Improvement Team has met and are coming up with new ideas to help students.

● Autumn Ball is Saturday – October 4 at GSW HS from 7 to 9 PM

● Pep Assembly and Volleyball game (students vs. staff) will be held on Friday, Oct. 3rd

● Volleyball season is underway and our teams are working hard

● NHS Students had Adopt-A-Highway Day on Wed, Sept. 10th and filled up 8 bags of garbage.

● Freshman had their Class Ring Assembly with Jostens on Wed, Sept. 3rd

● Senior had their Graduation Cap & Gown Assembly with Jostens on Thurs, Sept. 11th

● Safety Week – we have held one fire drill and one tornado drill and are holding our Lockdown/Intruder Drill on Fri, Sept. 19th

● Student Pubs Class / Yearbook – we have created a new space for this class in our Library

● Trees & Bushes have been trimmed around the school building

● Parent/Teacher Conferences are being held on Oct 8 and 9.

DIRECTORS’ REPORTS:

Mrs.Chris Ruddy, Director of Student Services, was present at tonight’s meeting to discuss:

● The Raptor System – our visitor sign-in system – has the capability to enter Orders of Protection – so that it will alert GSW staff when someone is signing in as a visitor at the school.

● Fifth hour overload – we will be adding an additional Health Class for the 2nd semester only. We will have a teacher instructing approximately 10 students.

Mrs. Crystal Aukland – Athletic Director – submitted her report on-line to board members:

● Fall Sports Seasons are going well.

● Golf Senior Night is being held on Monday, Sept. 22 at 4:00 pm at Dwight Country Club. GSW has two Senior Golfers being honored – Bella Dinelli and Owen Vitko.

● Sports websites are being shared to watch away games.

● Shot-clock – to be used for the upcoming basketball season. It has arrived and will connect to our existing equipment.

● GoFan – will be used to accept credit cards for Entry Gate and Concession Stand during home sporting events.

● Press Boxes for Softball and Baseball fields. Our Athletic Boosters are looking at costs associated with saving money for future development.

BUILDING AND GROUNDS REPORT: Mrs. Avery reported on:

● HVAC – already discussed in Public Comment – plans are to install new air-conditioning and heating units in the gym area summer 2026.

● Snow Removal – we will need to review and approve our snow removal bids – currently we have one bid and are waiting on an additional one.

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

● Triple I Conference in Chicago – discussed rooms and dinner reservations

● New GSW Website – apptegy app – we are looking at moving our current website over to this app. It will send out one message to all social media – Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, website, text, phone, etc.

● GAVC update – Mrs. Avery and board president, Terry Schultz, attended the monthly GAVC board meeting. They discuss their Flock camera system and the audit.

● Audit – our auditor will be at our October meeting to discuss and review our GSW HS annual audit.

● Spiritline assistant – Coaches have asked for approval to add an assistant – Ava Brassard – to help the team when Coach Holly Swisher is out on maternity leave.

● Cellphone stipend – Mrs. Avery asked the board to approve a $40 monthly cellphone stipend for our Athletic Director, Crystal Aukland with backpay to her start date on July 1, 2025.

● Workout room – after hours: We are discussing paying a teacher to supervise the new weight room two or three days a week after school for students.

● Student Request: Mrs. Avery was approached by a student asking her to supervise a Ghost Hunt at GSW HS. Due to the age of our building and the many ghost stories and occurrences at GSW, students have an interest in contacting spirits. Mrs. Avery asked the board for their approval. She will meet with the student and pick a date and time. They will keep the group small and controlled.

BOE MEMBERS REPORTS:

Mrs. Monferdini-Wilkey asked if MAP test scores were sent home with students. Mrs. Ruddy informed her that she can print a one-page summary to send home with each student.

ACTION ITEMS:

● Approve the Fiscal Year 2026 District Budget

● Approve the Fiscal Year 2025 Teacher / Administration Compensation Report

● Approve the Second Reading of Board Policy 119

● Approve the Union MOU for Internal Subbing, as presented

● Approve to get GoFan for Sporting Events

● Approve the HR Consulting Contract for Buschue

OTHERS:

Ellie Monferdini-Wilkey asked if board members receive keys to the building. Mrs. Avery stated that if any board member wanted a key / key fob that they could have one.

https://www.gswhs73.org/vimages/shared/vnews/stories/53b4271773d6c/September%2017,%202025%20Board%20Briefs.pdf