Quincy Reporter

Quincy Public School District 172 Board of Education met Nov. 23.

Here are the minutes provided by the board:

Meeting Convened

The Board of Education of School District No. 172, Adams County, Illinois, met in regular session 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, McNay, Nichols, and Petty; and the following members were absent: Members Brock and Whitfield. 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 President Ali.

Questions and Comments

President Ali opened the meeting to questions and comments to members of the Board, by members of the public. There were none.

Consent Agenda

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

a. Treasurer’s Report October 2021

b. Minutes – October 27, 2021

c. Check Register and JH/SH Activity Fund Reports

d. Acknowledge receipt of the Freedom of Information Log: October 23 – November 19, 2021 (Information Only)

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

Reports of the Superintendent

Superintendent Webb expressed that many in the community are looking forward to the Thanksgiving basketball tournament as it will be exciting to have the band, blue devils, pom, and cheer squad, and student section with a full crowd all back in action.

Building Committee

The Building Committee did not meet in November.

Arrival of Member Brock

Member Brock arrive at 6:04 p.m. which was duly recorded by the Board Secretary. District Improvement Committee

The District Improvement Committee report was presented by Chairperson Arns. The Illinois School Report Card information was reviewed. Student “hot rocks” are attendance, concerns with class sizes and staffing, student achievement and growth and the district’s graduation rate. The District Improvement Committee also discussed the QHS Class of 2022 proposal for a graduation requirement waiver proposal. The proposal is requesting to allow seniors this year to waive up to two elective credits. This waiver would apply to elective credits only and would not apply to core content credits or state requirements.

Finance Committee

Co-Chairperson Nichols presented the Finance Committee report. The monthly financial data, check register, and cash flow summary was reviewed. The district is 33% through the fiscal year, and the Educational Fund expenditures to date were 31.74% of the tentative budgeted amount through October 2021. Co-Chairperson Nichols shared that cash flow projections look good and there are no cash flow concerns for any fund at this point. Chief of Business Operations Ryan Whicker presented the 2021 Tax Levy. The audit report for 2020-2021 showed no findings for the third year in a row. Superintendent Webb also pointed out there were zero findings for the QAVTC and for the Special Education Co-op.

Sale of Surplus Property

It was moved by Member McNay and seconded by Member Petty to approve the Sale of Surplus Property of 350 Used Dell Latitude 3390 laptops to Teksavers at $225 per unit for a total purchase price of $78,750. On the call of the roll, the following members voted Aye: Members Ali, Arns, Brock, McNay, Nichols, and Petty; and the following members voted Nay: None. Whereupon the President declared the motion carried.

Human Relations Committee

The HR Committee did not meet in November.

Policy Committee

Co-Chairperson Petty reported that the Policy Committee reviewed revisions from the IASB Policy Service from November 2021. The following policies were laid on the table to be approved at the December Board meeting:

The Policy Committee also laid the Hate Speech Policy on the table to be approved at the December board meeting. This policy will be placed in handbooks upon approved by the board.

Hate Speech Policy

Quincy Public Schools will not tolerate words, language or actions that lessens the dignity of any individual regardless of the intent or purpose. Offensive words, language or actions can demean an individual and deteriorate an organization or school. This includes offensive words, language, or actions referring to, but not limited to, age, sex, race, physical or mental disabilities, religion, and sexual orientation.

Language & Words & Actions: If offensive or demeaning words or actions are used, they must be met with swift and caring education, learning, re-direction, and discipline. The user of such language shall be required to go through an element of restorative justice. They shall be educated on why we do not allow this type of discussion, or why these words are not allowed anywhere in our schools. It should be clear to the individual that this is a priority to eliminate this language from our schools. The person the words are directed toward shall feel supported and cared for.

Resolution Regarding Estimated Amount Necessary to be Levied

Chief of Business Operations Ryan Whicker stated that he based the tentative tax levy on a 4.99% increase in EAV. Early EAV estimates are showing growth of about 3.5%, but property value assessments are still taking place. The calculation shows a total tentative tax rate approximately 3 cents lower than in 2020. However, based on current EAV estimates, Mr. Whicker believes that the tax rate will be about the same as in 2020. The School Board will finalize the levy in December.

It was moved by Arns and seconded by Member Ali to adopt the Resolution Regarding Estimated Amount Necessary to be Levied for the Year 2021 and direct compliance with the Truth in Taxation law as necessary (Doc. Reg. No. 3717). On the call of the roll, the following members voted Aye: Members Ali, Arns, Brock, McNay, Nichols, and Petty; and the following members voted Nay: None. Whereupon the President declared the motion carried.

Bass Fishing-New IHSA Sport at Quincy Senior High

It was moved by Member Arns and seconded by Member Ali to approve Bass Fishing as a new IHSA Sport at Quincy Senior High. On the call of the roll, the following members voted Aye: Members Ali, Arns, Brock, McNay, Nichols, and Petty; and the following members voted Nay: None. Whereupon the President declared the motion carried.

Executive Session

At 6:27 p.m, it was moved by Member McNay and seconded by Member Petty that the Board suspend the rules and go into executive session to discuss: 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; c) the purchase or lease of real property for the use of the District; g) student disciplinary cases; i) pending, probable, or imminent litigation; k) approval of certain closed session minutes for distribution to the public; or other matters appropriate for a closed meeting pursuant to the Open Meetings Act. On the call of the roll, the following members voted Aye: Members Ali, Arns, Brock, McNay, Nichols, and Petty; and the following members voted Nay: None. Whereupon the President declared the motion carried.

Resumption of Rules

It was moved by Member McNay and seconded by Member Arns to resume the conduct of the regular meeting under rules. On the call of the roll, the following members voted Aye: Members Ali, Arns, Brock, McNay, Nichols, and Petty; and the following members voted Nay: None. Whereupon the President declared the motion carried.

Executive Session Minutes

It was moved by Member McNay and seconded by Member Arns to approve the Resolution Authorizing Executive Session Minutes for Public Release from April 28, 2021 through September 22, 2021 and Authorizing Destruction of Recording of Closed Session more than Eighteen Months Prior to September 22, 2021 (Doc. Reg. No. 3718). On the call of the roll, the following members voted Aye: Members Ali, Arns, Brock, McNay, Nichols, and Petty; and the following member voted Nay: None. Whereupon the President declared the motion carried.

Student Discipline

It was moved by Member McNay and seconded by Member Ali to adopt the recommendation regarding pre-expulsion agreement for one QJHS student. On the call of the roll, the following members voted Aye: Members Ali, Arns, Brock, McNay, Nichols, and Petty; and the following members voted Nay: None. Whereupon the President declared the motion carried.

Personnel Addendum

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

Parent Discipline

It was moved by Member Ali and seconded by Member Petty to adopt the recommendation regarding a parent suspension from school grounds. On the call of the roll, the following members voted Aye: Members Ali, Arns, Brock, McNay, Nichols, and Petty; and the following members voted Nay: None. Whereupon the President declared the motion carried.

Adjournment

At 7:37 p.m., it was moved by Member Ali and seconded by Member Petty that the regular meeting adjourn. On the call of the roll, the following members voted Aye: Members Ali, Arns, Brock, McNay, Nichols, and Petty; and the following members voted Nay: None. Whereupon the President declared the motion carried and the regular meeting was duly adjourned.

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