Quincy Reporter

Quincy Public School District 172 Board met Oct. 24.

Here is the minutes provided by the board:

Meeting Convened

The Board of Education of School District No. 172, Adams County, Illinois, met in regular session on October 24, 2018, at 6:00 p.m. in the Board of Education Office, Room 214, 1416 Maine Street, Quincy, Illinois, in said school district.

Roll Call

The meeting was called to order by President Ali, who directed the secretary to call the roll. On the call of the roll, the following members were present and answered to their names: Members Ali, Arns, Bailey, McNay, Nichols, Troup and Whitfield; and the following member was absent: None. Whereupon the President declared a quorum was present.

Moment of Silence

President Ali declared a moment of silence and reflection.

Pledge of Allegiance

The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Superintendent Webb.

Focus on Students – Good Things Going On!

Denman PTA –PTA President Holly Elsie reported on Denman PTA. She thanked the Board and administration for their work on transitioning to the new K-5 learning communities. She said Denman PTA includes former PTA members from the previous schools and parent involvement is at an all-time high. The PTA meets monthly with great attendance. A parent newsletter is sent out monthly. Life Point Church partners with Denman and provides volunteers for many events. The year is going very well.

Good News Report – Public Information Officer Raquel Piazza reported on several upcoming Halloween events. Haunted Halls will be held at Quincy Junior High on Friday, October 26. Admission is one canned good per family or $3.00. ECFC will have their annual Pumpkin March on October 31. Madison Park Christian Church and Iles Elementary are teaming up to make Halloween night safe and fun for all trick-or-treaters in Teal Pumpkin style. The Teal Pumpkin Project raises awareness of food allergies by promoting inclusion of all trick-or-treaters with non- food treats. Friday, November 2nd from 6:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. is the 6th Annual Night to Dream Big at The Ambiance. Music Director Kathi Dooley is being honored at the event.

Open Public Hearing

President Ali opened the public hearing on whether there is a substantial, immediate, and otherwise unavoidable threat to the health, safety or welfare of pupils of the District due to disrepair of school sidewalks, playgrounds, parking lots, or school bus turnaround at school buildings, specifically including, but not limited to, the track at Flinn Stadium and whether repairs must be made thereto. There were no comments at this time, but the hearing remained opened until closed later in the meeting.

Questions and Comments

President Ali opened the meeting to questions and comments to members of the Board, by members of the public and employees of the district, in compliance with state statutes.

Jeff Kerkhoff complimented Chief of Business Operations Ryan Whicker on the 2018 audit. He also provided some information and commented on Christopher Columbus.

Consent Agenda

It was moved by Member Troup and seconded by Member Whitfield to approve the following items on the Consent Agenda:

a. Treasurer’s Report – September 2018

b. Minutes –September 26 and October 3, 2018

c. Check Register and JH/SH Activity Fund Reports

d. Acknowledge receipt of the Freedom of Information Log: September 26 through

October 19, 2018 (Information Only)

On the call of the roll, the following members voted Aye: Members Ali, Arns, Bailey, McNay, Nichols, Troup, and Whitfield; and the following member voted Nay: None. Whereupon the President declared the motion carried.

Reports of the Superintendent

1. Auctions/Special Meeting Reminders. Superintendent Webb reminded the Board and audience that the Auction for Washington School will be 9:00 a.m. on October 25 and Dewey will be at 11:00 a.m. on the same day. November 6 is the due date for sealed bids for the QAVTC house at 515 S. 17th and the Lind Street lots. Bids will be opened on November 9. A special meeting is scheduled for November 12.

2. Mandated Reporters. Superintendent Webb reminded Board Members they are mandated reporters. Information was sent to Board Members from legal.

3. QHS Wrestling Team. The QHS Wrestling Team will be participating in a tournament at Disneyworld in Florida December 26-30, 2018.

4. School Based Health Care. Member Troup said the Advisory Committee did not meet last week. QPS has been awarded the Healthy and Thriving Students Grant. This will provide funding to sustain the hot spotting effort by employing additional Community Health Workers.

Building Committee

The Building Committee report was presented by Co-Chair Troup. An update was presented on the Baldwin and Denman Elementary projects. Improvements to the Blue Devil Gym area is ahead of schedule. The QJHS roof will be completed over winter break or next Spring. Upgrading the Flinn track from six lanes to eight lanes was also discussed. The required public hearing will be held at the October Board meeting. A summary of the 2019-2020 Health Safety Work Plan was presented.

Health Life Safety Priorities

It was moved by Member Troup and seconded by Member Whitfield to approve the 2019-2020 Life Safety Plan (Doc. Reg. No. 3034). On the call of the roll, the following members voted Aye: Members Ali, Arns, Bailey, McNay, Nichols, Troup, and Whitfield; and the following member voted Nay: None. Whereupon the President declared the motion carried.

Curriculum Committee

The Curriculum Committee report was presented by Chairperson Bailey. The District Improvement Team Report was presented to the committee.

Finance Committee

Chairperson McNay reported that the 2017-18 District Audit was presented to the committee by Valerie Flynn, a partner with Zumbahlen, Eyth, Surratt, Foote and Flynn, the district’s auditing firm. The audit shows the district’s financial situation is improving. The ranking is 3.25, review status, compared to last year’s 2.45, which is in the watch category. Three of the five fund categories have improved. Chief of Business Operations, Ryan Whicker, explained that the District's cost reduction plan and additional categorical payments from the state have led to the improvements. The amount of cash on hand is one month which is still very tight. It is recommended to have 6-12 months of cash reserves. As long as the District continues to receive state funding on time and as the building projects are completed, the financial picture will continue to improve.

Policy Committee

The Policy Committee did not meet in October.

Discipline Committee

The Discipline Committee did not meet in October.

Human Relations Committee

The Human Relations Committee report was presented by Chairperson Nichols. The committee reviewed staff attendance data and discussed some incentives and options to improve attendance.

Close Public Hearing

President Ali asked if there were any questions regarding repairing and upgrading the track at Flinn Stadium. Mr. Jeff Kerkhoff asked some questions regarding the cost of the project. Hearing no further questions or comments, President Ali closed the public hearing at 6:35 p.m.

Approval to Authorize Use of School Fire Prevention and Safety Bonds for Repair of Flinn Stadium

It was moved by Member Troup and seconded by Member Whitfield to approve the Resolution Authorizing using School Fire Prevention and Safety Bonds for repair of Flinn Stadium Track (Doc. Reg. No. 3043). On the call of the roll, the following members voted Aye: Members Ali, Arns, Bailey, McNay, Nichols, Troup, and Whitfield; and the following member voted Nay: None. Whereupon the President declared the motion carried.

Administration of Sam Storby Scholarship Fund

It was moved by Member Nichols and seconded by Member Bailey to approve the Resolution Amending Terms of Administration of the Sam Storby Scholarship Fund (Doc. Reg. No. 3036). On the call of the roll, the following members voted Aye: Members Ali, Arns, Bailey, McNay, Nichols, Troup, and Whitfield; and the following member voted Nay: None. Whereupon the President declared the motion carried.

Executive Session

At 6:42 p.m., it was moved by Member Ali and seconded by Member Arns that the Board suspend the rules and go into executive session to discuss: a) the appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific employees of the School District; b) collective negotiating matters between the School District and its employees or their representatives, or deliberations concerning salary schedules for one or more classes of employees; d) the sale or lease of property owned by the District; g) student disciplinary cases; i) pending, probable, or imminent litigation; and j) attorney/client privilege. On the call of the roll, the following members voted Aye: Members Ali, Arns, Bailey, McNay, Nichols, Troup, and Whitfield; and the following member voted Nay: None. Whereupon the President declared the motion carried.

Resumption of Rules

At 7:45 p.m., it was moved by Member Troup and seconded by Member Ali to resume the conduct of the regular meeting under rules. On the call of the roll, the following members voted Aye: Members Ali, Arns, Bailey, McNay, Nichols, Troup, and Whitfield; and the following member voted Nay: None. Whereupon the President declared the motion carried.

Executive Session Minutes

It was moved by Member Ali and seconded by Member Arns to approve the Resolution Authorizing Executive Session Minutes for Public Release from April 25, 2018 through October 3, 2018 and Authorizing Destruction of Records Closed Session more than Eighteen Months Prior to October 3, 2018 (Doc. Reg. No. 3037). On the call of the roll, the following members voted Aye: Members Ali, Arns, Bailey, McNay, Nichols, Troup, and Whitfield; and the following member voted Nay: None. Whereupon the President declared the motion carried.

Student Discipline

It was moved by Member Bailey and seconded by Member Troup to adopt the recommendation made in executive session regarding pre-expulsion agreements for two QHS. On the call of the roll, the following members voted Aye: Members Ali, Arns, Bailey, McNay, Nichols, Troup, and Whitfield; and the following member voted Nay: None. Whereupon the President declared the motion carried.

Personnel Addendum

It was moved by Member Troup and seconded by Member McNay to approve the Revised Personnel Addendum. On the call of the roll, the following members voted Aye: Members Ali, Arns, Bailey, McNay, Nichols, Troup, and Whitfield; and the following member voted Nay: None. Whereupon the President declared the motion carried.

Adjournment

At 7:50 p.m., it was moved by Member McNay and seconded by Member Whitfield that the regular meeting adjourn. On the call of the roll, the following members voted Aye: Members Ali, Arns, Bailey, McNay, Nichols, Troup, and Whitfield; and the following member voted Nay: None. Whereupon the President declared the motion carried.

https://www.qps.org/wp-content/uploads/102418regmnt.pdf