Quincy Reporter

Quincy Public School District 172 Board met March 27.

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 March 27, 2019, 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 former by QHS Student Mark Duker.

Focus on Students – Good Things Going On!

Retirement Announcement/Recognition – President Ali announced the retirement of long-time music and fine arts director Kathi Dooley. She will retire in June 2020. He said that no one in this District has had a more positive impact on children. She has helped shape lives and inspired many to post-high school success. Quincy’s music program is unprecedented in the state and nation under her leadership. “You've been a hero for this district for the past 39 years, and you will always be a hero to this district and to the Blue Devil family," Ali said.

QHS PTA – PTA President Stephanie Barbagiovanni reported on PTA activities at Quincy Senior High School. A welcome-back breakfast was held for QHS teachers at the start of school. The PTA provided coffee at Quincy Conference in October. Fundraisers included a bake sale, sale of Spirit Wear, and proceeds from the Shop for Schools cards. The funds support the teacher grant program that allows teacher to purchase some items not covered by other funds.

Good News Happenings

Career Fair - Public Information Officer Raquel Piazza announced that Baldwin Elementary will be holding a Career Fair on April 5.

Food Service Grant Received – Superintendent Webb announced that the District has received a grant for $7,230 to purchase a convection oven at QJHS. Congratulations to Director Jean Kinder.

QHS Blood Drive – Member Whitfield presented a certificate to Quincy Senior High School on behalf of the Red Cross for giving 108 units of blood during a recent blood drive held at the school.

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 provided copies of articles and spoke about student indoctrination and teaching LGBT history in Illinois schools. He also commented on academic fraud related to the recent scandal involving celebrities who utilized cheating and bribery to get their children admitted to the most prestigious colleges.

The following parents/community members addressed the Board regarding the QHS music theory class: Jennifer Nelson, Mark Duker, Jillian Miller, and Lisa Wigoda. Superintendent Webb said the class has been discontinued. The grade weighted course required participation in two of three performance groups, private music instruction and participating in recital or solo contests. The curriculum guide for this course will be revised if the class is reinstated.

Consent Agenda

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

a. Treasurer’s Report – February 2019

b. Minutes –February 27, 2019

c. Check Register and JH/SH Activity Fund Reports

d. IHSA Annual Membership

e. Acknowledge receipt of the Freedom of Information Log: February 23 to March 22, 2019 (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. Superintendent Evaluation/District Improvement Plan Guidance. The Board will schedule a special meeting for April 9 to conduct the superintendent’s evaluation.

2. School Based Health Care. Member Troup reported on the March meeting of the School Based Health Care Advisory Committee meeting. Two Community Healthcare Workers reported that they are currently working with 32 students and family members. Their goal is 50 by the end of May. There was an update on video storytelling that can be used to highlight the work of the Community Health Workers and provide information on the need for foster homes in this area. The Tracy Family Foundation Grant has been submitted. This grant is a possible two-year opportunity and could help to provide four Healthcare Workers for 2019- 2020.

3. Competency-Based Education (CBE). Sheldon Bailey, Curriculum Committee Chairman, said the committee reviewed the program’s progress. JWCC course options for QHS students were discussed.

Building Committee

The Building Committee report was presented by Chairperson McNay. An update was presented on the Baldwin and Denman Elementary projects. Todd Moore reported on the donated locker room/weight facility to be built at Flinn Stadium. The committee recommended extending Dave Wombles’ contract and approval of three renovation projects.

Contract Extension

It was recommended by the Building Committee and moved by Member McNay to extend Construction Rep David Wombles’ contract through September 30, 2019. He will oversee final details for Baldwin and Denman and also this summer’s Health Life Safety Projects. 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.

Flinn Track Long-Jump and Triple Jump Runway

It was recommended by the Building Committee and moved by Member McNay to approve the cost of $14,000 for a long-jump and triple jump runway at Flinn Stadium to be paid for by the athletic department and track program. 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.

QJHS Locker Room Renovation

It was recommended by the Building Committee and moved by Member McNay to approve the bid for the plumbing fixtures in the girls locker room at Quincy Junior High School as submitted by Waterkotte Construction at a cost of $198,566.00 (Doc. Reg. No. 3068). 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.

QJHS Gymnasium Floor

It was recommended by the Building Committee and moved by Member McNay to approve the bid for gym floor replacement at Quincy Junior High School as submitted by Fischer Builders at a cost of $245,800 with alternate bid B-1 Leveling $46,000 if necessary (Doc. Reg. No. 3069). 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

Chairperson Arns reported that the Curriculum Committee heard proposals for new courses at QAVTC and QHS. The District Improvement Team Winter Report was reviewed.

Course Proposals

It was recommended by the Curriculum Committee and moved by Member Arns to approve the following courses at QHS/QAVTC:

o Quantitative Literacy and Statistics

o Electronics and Robotics Technology

o SAT Preparation Online

o Online Learning and Digital Citizenship Online

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.

Finance Committee

A monthly financial update and cash summary report was presented to the Finance Committee. School bus bids were reviewed. Long-time committee member and former Board member Bill Daniels announced he will be resigning from the Finance Committee. The Board and committee thanked him for his time and contributions to Quincy Public Schools over the past two decades.

Lease of School Buses

It was recommended by the Finance Committee and moved by Member McNay to approve the bid for the lease with Central States representing the Blue Bird manufacturer of 21 school buses--seven 71-passenger buses, five 71-passenger buses with luggage, five 48-passenger buses with air conditioning and four 33-passenger buses with wheelchair capacity for two. The annual payment of $335,036 for total cost of $1,657,982. (Doc. Reg. No. 3070). 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.

Policy Committee

The Policy Committee did not meet in March.

Discipline Committee

The Discipline Committee did not meet in March.

Human Relations Committee

The Human Relations Committee discussed a survey for certified staff on job satisfaction, working conditions, pay, etc. The survey opened March 15 and results will be reviewed at the April meeting. The committee reviewed results of a survey given to new hires regarding QPS’s current processes, training, and on-boarding. On-line forms and services for new hires were discussed. Committee Member Jim Rubottom announced he is resigning. He was thanked for his time and efforts on this committee.

Executive Session

At 6:55 p.m., it was moved by Member Bailey and seconded by Member Troup 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 8:15 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.

Student Discipline

It was moved by Member Troup and seconded by Member McNay to adopt the recommendation regarding pre-expulsion agreements for two QHS students and one ACRSS student. 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 Whitfield 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

It was moved by Member Arns and seconded by Member McNay 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 and the regular meeting was duly adjourned.

https://www.qps.org/wp-content/uploads/032719regmnt.pdf