Quincy Reporter

Quincy Public School District 172 Board of Education met Aug. 28.

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 August 28, 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 members were absent: None. Whereupon the President declared a quorum was present.

Moment of Silence

President Ali declared a moment of silence and reflection. He asked for thoughts and prayers for the family of former QPS student Emily Flora-Hawkins who was recently killed in an ATV accident.

Pledge of Allegiance

The Pledge of Allegiance was led by President Ali.

Focus on Students – Good Things Going On!

New Public Information Officer, Bob Gough, was introduced. He recognized Denman staff members Tara Stark, Lynne Scholz, and Barb Triplett for leading the effort to sell more than 500 pieces of furniture last Saturday from the former Adams and Berrian Schools. The proceeds of the sale will benefit the PBIS Program at Denman Elementary. Bob said this is a perfect example of how our staff go above and beyond in our District.

QJHS PTA President Kathleen Taylor reported on PTA activities and fundraisers from last school year and plans for 2019-2020. She said last year $2,000 in teacher grants was awarded and $3,065 was raised for iPads and other resources for classrooms. Special events were held for staff including an appreciation dinner at the end of last year and welcome back treats were provided at the beginning of the new school year. The QJHS PTA received recognition from the National PTA Association. Principal Dan Sparrow said he is very proud of the PTA and all their hard work to receive this award of excellence.

Open Public Hearing

President Ali opened the public hearing on the 2019-2020 West Central Region Joint Agreement Budget, 2019-2020 QAVTC Budget and the 2019-2020 Special Education Association Budget at 6:05 p.m. There were no comments at this time, but the hearing remained open for comments 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 commented on a Newt Gingrich article in Newsmax regarding slavery, Constitution Day on September 17, and an article on anti-American millennials.

Consent Agenda

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

a. Treasurer’s Report – July 2019

b. Minutes –July 24, 2019

c. Check Register and JH/SH Activity Fund Reports

d. Acknowledge receipt of the Freedom of Information Log: July 20 through August 23, 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 members voted Nay: None. Whereupon the President declared the motion carried.

Reports of the Superintendent

1. Opening Day. Superintendent Webb said the new school year is off to a great start. There was less stress this year and things were calmer. Issues are being handled and solved at the building level. Hiring staff for vacancies began earlier this year and busing issues were minimal. Technology did a superb job getting the last two new schools, Baldwin and Denman, up and running. He thanked all staff members for their extra time and effort and said he is extremely proud of everyone involved.

2. School Based Health Care. Summer school data shows most students involved in the hot- spotting program had improved attendance during summer school compared to the school year. Superintendent Webb said reasons for improvement may be attributed to the smaller class sizes, more one-on-one instruction, technology available for all students, and only in session for half days. Two of the three videos have been completed and reviewed by the committee. Some revisions were suggested. The first video tells family stories, about building trust, finding solutions and helping families know that school is a safe place. The second video deals more with chronic truancy, problems at home, and referrals to agencies. Nursing Director Brandy Kirby reported on this year’s Back to School Helps Fair and upcoming Wellness Express dates. The committee heard a presentation from Chaka Batley, a pediatric certified nurse practitioner at QMG, on child poverty and the importance of teachers investing in students.

Building Committee

The Building Committee report was presented by Chairperson McNay. An update on other Health Life Safety Projects was presented. Committee members were asked to review the list of 2020 HLS projects and recommend any changes. The committee was reminded of the Denman dedication and open house on Saturday, September 7 at 9:00 a.m.

Finance Committee

Chairperson McNay presented the Financial Committee report. The committee reviewed the monthly financial update, cash flow summary, check registers, and junior high/senior high activity funds. Chuck Bevelheimer, Quincy Director of Planning and Development, reported to the committee on the city’s TIF District (Tax Increment Financing) which is due to expire in December 2021. Property owners within the TIF district pay property taxes but any growth in tax revenue from the 1998 level goes into a fund earmarked for economic development within the approximately 48-block area instead of going to the taxing bodies. The city needs support from all taxing bodies involved, to continue redevelopment efforts downtown and to boost the equalized assessed value in this area. Quincy’s Director of Planning Chuck Bevelheimer reported to the Finance Committee that there is currently about 90% occupancy on the first floor downtown and a resurgence of second floor redevelopment since the establishment of TIF. Superintendent Webb said it’s not that the school district receives zero taxes from downtown but does receive approximately $200,000 less. However, TIF has helped in the development of many projects that benefit children and families enrolled at Quincy Public Schools and contributed greatly to enhancing the quality of life in Quincy. The Finance Committee recommends approval of a resolution supporting extension of Quincy’s TIF Redevelopment Project.

Policy Committee

Co-Chairperson Whitfield presented the Policy Committee report. The committee reviewed a proposal from Quincy High School to update and simplify the student dress code. Students would be allowed to wear hats in the building, but each teacher would have discretion as to whether to allow hats in the classroom. The committee also looked over the June 2019 IASB Policy Service changes which will be laid on the table until the August 2019 Board meeting. The Policy Committee did not have a quorum.

QHS Handbook Changes

It was moved by Member Whitfield and seconded by Member Ali to approve the changes to the QHS Student Handbook as presented. On the call of the roll, the following members voted Aye: Members Ali, Arns, Bailey, McNay, Nichols, Troup, and Whitfield; and the following members voted Nay: None. Whereupon the President declared the motion carried.

Close Public Hearing

President Ali asked if there were any questions regarding the 2019-2020 West Central Region Joint Agreement Budget, 2019-2020 QAVTC Budget and the 2019-2020 Special Education Association Budget. There were no questions or comments.

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

2019-2020 Special Education Association Budget

It was moved by Member Bailey and seconded by Member McNay to approve 2019-2020 Special Education Association Budget (Doc. Reg. No. 3097). On the call of the roll, the following members voted Aye: Members Ali, Arns, Bailey, McNay, Nichols, Troup and Whitfield; and the following members voted Nay: None. Whereupon the President declared the motion carried.

2019-2020 Quincy Area Vocational Technical Center Budget

It was moved by Member McNay and seconded by Member Whitfield to approve 2019-2020 Quincy Area Vocational Technical Center Budget (Doc. Reg. No. 3087). On the call of the roll, the following members voted Aye: Members Ali, Arns, Bailey, McNay, Nichols, Troup and Whitfield; and the following members voted Nay: None. Whereupon the President declared the motion carried.

2019-2020 West Central Region Budget

It was moved by Member Nichols and seconded by Member Ali to approve 2019-2020 West Central Region Joint Agreement Budget (Doc. Reg. No. 3088). On the call of the roll, the following members voted Aye: Members Ali, Arns, Bailey, McNay, Nichols, Troup and Whitfield; and the following members voted Nay: None. Whereupon the President declared the motion carried.

Resolution Supporting City of Quincy’s Extension TIF Redevelopment Project

It was moved by Member McNay and seconded by Member Nichols to approve the Resolution Stating Board of Education Support of Extending City of Quincy’s Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Redevelopment Project (Doc. Reg. No. 3100). On the call of the roll, the following members voted Aye: Members Ali, Arns, Bailey, McNay, Nichols, Troup, and Whitfield; and the following members voted Nay: None. Whereupon the President declared the motion carried.

Collective Bargaining Agreement with SEIU

It was moved by Member McNay and seconded by Member Nichols to approve the Collective Bargaining Agreement with Service Employees’ International Union (Doc. Reg. No. 3101). On the call of the roll, the following members voted Aye: Members Ali, Arns, Bailey, McNay, Nichols, Troup, and Whitfield; and the following members voted Nay: None. Whereupon the President declared the motion carried.

Memorandum of Understanding with IBEW

It was moved by Member Troup and seconded by Member Ali to approve the Memorandum of Understanding #3 with IBEW (Doc. Reg. No. 3102). On the call of the roll, the following members voted Aye: Members Ali, Arns, Bailey, McNay, Nichols, Troup, and Whitfield; and the following members voted Nay: None. Whereupon the President declared the motion carried.

Executive Session

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 members voted Nay: None. Whereupon the President declared the motion carried.

Resumption of Rules

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 members voted Nay: None. Whereupon the President declared the motion carried.

Student Discipline

It was moved by Member Nichols and seconded by Member McNay to adopt the recommendation regarding pre-expulsion agreement for one ABC Academy 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.

Resolution for Sale of Property

It was moved by Member Troup and seconded by Member McNay to approve the Resolution Providing for Sale of Real Property and Buildings Thereon Commonly Known as Berrian Elementary School, Berrian vacant lot, Adams Elementary School, Ellington Elementary School, and Madison Elementary School (Doc. Reg. No. 3103). Minimum bids are as follows: Berrian School $15,000, Berrian Lot $10,000, Adams School $200,000, Ellington Elementary School $10,000, and Madison School $200,000, 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.

A special meeting will be scheduled for September 30, 2019 at 8:00 a.m. to approve the sales. Closing will be held by October 28, 2019.

Personnel Addendum

It was moved by Member Bailey and seconded by Member Arns 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 Nichols 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 members voted Nay: None. Whereupon the President declared the motion carried and the regular meeting was duly adjourned.

https://www.qps.org/wp-content/uploads/082819regmnt.pdf