Quincy Reporter

Quincy Public School District No. 172 Board of Education met Jan. 26.

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, Brock, McNay, Nichols, Petty, 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 President Ali.

Legend Awards

The Board recognized four legends—the late Bill Brothers, Bill Fessler, Dick Moore, and Charles Akright. These four men lived a life of service to our district with compassion, character, and integrity. President Ali said the Board decided to establish the Legend Award to recognize the impact they made on our schools. Plans call for presenting the award again in January 2023.

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 Whitfield to approve the following items on the Consent Agenda:

a. Treasurer’s Report

b. Minutes – December 15, 2021

c. Check Register and JH/SH Activity Fund Reports

d. Acknowledge receipt of the Freedom of Information Log: December 11, 2021 through January 21, 2022 (Information Only)

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

Reports of the Superintendent

School Update. The Omicron variant has impacted staff and students and there have been days where it has been a struggle to fill all positions. We seem to be seeing a plateau which follows the state trends. Staff in every role have reconfigured daily and managed to keep us afloat. The transportation department miracle workers have doubled up routes and every single available staff member has been driving a bus in order to get kids safely transported to and from school. QPS has an incredible team, and we appreciate all the hard work and perseverance.

Superintendent Update. The Superintendent Search Committee has narrowed it down to two finalists and the plan will be to make a decision soon which will allow for a smooth and seamless transition.

Building Committee

The Building Committee did not meet.

Approve Building Committee Members

It was moved by Member McNay and seconded by moved by Member Ali to approve Damion Dodd and Jason Allen as new members of the Building Committee. On the call of the roll, the following members voted Aye: Members Ali, Arns, Brock, McNay, Nichols, Petty, and Whitfield; and the following members voted Nay: None. Whereupon the President declared the motion carried.

District Improvement Committee

The District Improvement Committee did not meet.

Finance Committee

Chairperson McNay presented the Finance Committee report. The committee reviewed the financial reports, cash flow, and check register. The Finance Committee also recommended approval of bids for school buses, food/non-food bids, lease for new security vehicles and a new member addition to the committee.

Bids for School Buses

It was recommended by the Finance Committee to approve the following bid from Central States Bus Sales at a cost of $481,540.57 based on safety and comfort for pupils, stability of service, and overall net cost: 22 new buses (0 – 71 passenger, 11 – 48 passenger with A/C, 1 – 33 passenger plus 2 wheelchairs with A/C, and 1 – 71 passenger with A/C. Per the bid specifications, the quotes for all buses are a true lease. (Doc. Reg. No. 3723). On the call of the roll, the following members voted Aye: Members Ali, Arns, Brock, McNay, Nichols, Petty, and Whitfield; and the following members voted Nay: None. Whereupon the President declared the motion carried.

Food/Non-Food Bids

It was recommended by the Finance Committee to approve the bids for food and non-food items as submitted by Kohl’s Wholesale at a cost of $550,760.31 for Spring 2022 (Doc Reg. No. 3724). On the call of the roll, the following members voted Aye: Members Ali, Arns, Brock, McNay, Nichols, Petty, and Whitfield; and the following members voted Nay: None. Whereupon the President declared the motion carried.

Lease for New Security Vehicles

It was recommended by the Finance Committee to approve the lease for three 2022 Ford Escapes from Enterprise at a total monthly rental cost of $437.35 per vehicle for 60 months. (Doc. Reg. No. 3725). On the call of the roll, the following members voted Aye: Members Ali, Arns, Brock, McNay, Nichols, Petty, and Whitfield; and the following members voted Nay: None. Whereupon the President declared the motion carried.

Approve Finance Committee Member

It was recommended by the Finance Committee to approve William Duryea as a new member of the Finance Committee. On the call of the roll, the following members voted Aye: Members Ali, Arns, Brock, McNay, Nichols, Petty, and Whitfield; and the following members voted Nay: None. Whereupon the President declared the motion carried.

Human Resources Committee

The Human Resources Committee did not meet.

Seniority List for Licensed and Support Staff

It was moved by Member McNay and seconded by Member Arns to approve seniority lists for licensed and support staff (Doc. Reg. No. 3726). On the call of the roll, the following members voted Aye: Members Ali, Arns, Brock, McNay, Nichols, Petty, and Whitfield; and the following members voted Nay: None. Whereupon the President declared the motion carried.

QHS Student Council Overnight Field Trip to State Convention

It was moved by Member Nichols and seconded by Member Brock to approve the QHS Student Council Overnight Field Trip to State Convention in Springfield, IL May 5 – May 7. On the call of the roll, the following members voted Aye: Members Ali, Arns, Brock, McNay, Nichols, Petty, and Whitfield; and the following members voted Nay: None. Whereupon the President declared the motion carried.

Change in Meeting Days for Building/Grounds and Finance Committee

It was moved by Member Whitfield and seconded by Member Ali to approve the change in meeting days for Building/Grounds and Finance Committee. Building/Grounds Committee will meet on Tuesdays and Finance Committee will meet on Mondays starting with the February meetings. On the call of the roll, the following members voted Aye: Members Ali, Arns, Brock, McNay, Nichols, Petty, and Whitfield; and the following members voted Nay: None. Whereupon the President declared the motion carried.

Executive Session

At 6:26 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; c) the purchase or lease of real property for the use of the District; g) student disciplinary cases; i) pending, probable, or imminent litigation; j) attorney/client privilege; 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, Petty, and Whitfield; and the following members voted Nay: None. Whereupon the President declared the motion carried.

Resumption of Rules

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

Student Discipline

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

Personnel Addendum

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

Adjournment

At 8:26 p.m., it was moved by Member McNay and seconded by Member Ali that the regular meeting adjourn. On the call of the roll, the following members voted Aye: Members Ali, Arns, Brock, McNay, Nichols, Petty, 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/012622regmnt.pdf