Quincy Reporter

Quincy Public School District 172 Board of Education met Dec. 20.

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 on December 20, 2023, 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 Arns, 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 Arns, Brock, Petty, Sethaler, and Whitfield; and the following members were absent: Members Ali and McNay. Whereupon the President declared a quorum was present.

Moment of Silence

President Arns declared a moment of silence and reflection in honor of those who have lost loved ones. Arrival of Member Ali

Member Ali arrived at 6:02 p.m., which was duly noted by the Board Secretary. Pledge of Allegiance

The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Member Sethaler.

Open Public Hearings

President Arns opened the public hearing on the Proposed Tax Levy for 2023 and the intent of the Board of Education to sell $7,200,000 School Fire Prevention and Safety Bonds at 6:04 p.m. She said that the hearing would be open for comments on the proposed tax levy and the intent of the Board of Education to sell $7,200,000 School Fire Prevention and Safety Bonds until closed later in the meeting. There were no comments at this time.

Questions and Comments

President Arns 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. There were none.

Consent Agenda

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

a. Treasurer’s Report – November 2023

b. Minutes – November 15, 2023

c. Check Register and JH/SH Activity Fund Reports

d. Acknowledge receipt of the Freedom of Information Log: November 11 through December 17, 2023 (Information Only)

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

Reports of the Superintendent

Concussion Oversight Team. The Concussion Oversight Team met on Thursday, December 14. Members of the team include Chrissy Cox, Andy Hoskins, Brandy Kirby, Matt McClelland, Rick Owsley, Bill Sanders, Lisa Otten, Brian Trowbridge, Dr. Todd Pettit, Dr. George Crickard, and Gary Hackmann. The concussion information protocol is listed on the QPS website under the Nursing and Athletics tabs.

The Super’s 8 Highlights

1) ECFC hosted its 3rd annual Safari Dental Clinic where those who need it receive a dental health check and cleaning.

2) Through the collaboration of staff, student council, and the PTO, fifty $50 gift cards were distributed to students in need during the holiday season.

3) QJHS cookbooks are still available. Cookbooks benefit the QJHS PTO and can be purchased by contacting the PTO or the QJHS front office.

4) First graders in each QPS elementary school were treated to a visit from Santa, Mrs. Claus and the Grinch. Special thanks to the Noon Kiwanis club for organizing this opportunity which included a gift for each 1st grader.

5) The Quincy Service Club (formerly Exchange Club) continued a 60+ year tradition of hosting a Christmas party for the QPS deaf and hard of hearing program. This year students were treated to lunch, a visit with Santa and an afternoon at the Tangerine Bowl.

6) QHS music department held their annual holiday performances this year with sold-out audiences, including the traditional Vespers Concert which featured the Concert Orchestra, Concert Chorale and Madrigal Choir.

7) Blue Devil Athletics are demonstrating their signature excellence. The Quincy High Girls Basketball team is currently ten and three and the boys are eleven and zero. On the wrestling team, two QHS wrestlers are ranked in the top 10 statewide.

8) We welcome Mrs. Cox along with the House Leaders from Denman as this month’s school spotlight.

Spotlight on Denman

Principal Cox showcased students from each of the eight Houses of the Ron Clark Academy House System. These House Leaders explained what their individual House is represented by sharing the symbol, values, and the service-oriented activities they have done. The House System has been an exciting way to create a positive climate and culture for students and staff at Denman.

Building Committee

The Building Committee did not meet in December.

District Improvement Committee

Co-Chairperson Petty shared that the District Improvement Committee reviewed the Illinois School Report Card 2022-2023, the District ELL Report and feedback regarding the K-5 Math and Literacy Pilot, 1st, and 4th Grade Report Card Pilot.

Finance Committee

Mr. Whicker explained that the district was 42% through the fiscal year, and that the Education Fund expenditures to date were 36.67% of the budgeted amount through November 2023. He also noted that the Tort Fund expenditures were at 61.02% of the budgeted amount, due to the annual premium for general liability and workman’s compensation insurance being paid in July. Finally, he noted that Fire Prevention & Health Life Safety expenditures were at 495.40% of the budgeted amount, due to architect work for 2024 HLS projects having to begin earlier due to lead times with equipment. A budget amendment will be made towards the end of the fiscal year to bring the expenditures within budget.

The Building and Grounds Committee approved the next three-year cycle of Health Life Safety projects earlier this year. The district would look to sell Health Life Safety bonds not to exceed the amount of $7.2M in late January or early February in 2024. The proceeds will be used to fund the next three years of HLS projects.

Discipline Committee

The Discipline Committee did not meet in December.

Policy Committee

It was recommended by the Policy Committee and moved by Member Whitfield to remove from the table and adopt the following October 2023 PRESS Policy revisions:

2:20	Powers and Duties of the School Board, Indemnification
2:120	Board Member Development
2:200	Types of School Board Meetings
4:10	Fiscal and Business Management
4:30	Revenues and Investments
4:60	Purchases and Contracts
4:130	Free and Reduced-Price Food Services
4:160	Environmental Quality of Buildings and Grounds
5:30	Hiring Process and Criteria
5:50	Drug-and Alcohol-Free Workplace; E-Cigarette, Tobacco, and Cannabis Prohibition
5:190	Teacher Qualifications
5:200	Terms and Conditions of Employment and Dismissal
5:210	Resignations
5:220	Substitute Teachers
5:250	Leaves of Absence
5:330	Sick Days, Vacation, Holidays, and Leaves
6:15	School Accountability
6:30	Organization of Instruction
6:50	School Wellness
6:60	Curriculum Content
6:230	Library Media Program
7:70	Attendance and Truancy
7:160	Student Appearance
7:190	Student Behavior
7:270	Administering Medicine to Students
7:285	Anaphylaxis, Prevention, Response, and Management Program
7:290	Suicide and Depression Awareness and Prevention
7:345	Use of Educational Technologies; Student Data Privacy and Security
8:30	Visitors to and Conduct on School Property

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

Remove Policy 7:60 for Further Discussion

Chairperson Whitfield stated that Policy 7:60 was removed from the table for further discussion.

7:60

Residence

Close Hearings

President Arns asked if there were any further comments regarding the proposed tax levy for 2023 or the intent of the Board of Education to sell $7,200,000 School Fire Prevention and Safety Bonds. There were none. The public hearing was closed at 6:21 p.m.

Adopt Resolution Amount Necessary to be Levied

It was moved by Member Ali and seconded by Member Sethaler to approve the Resolution to Establish 2023 Tax Levy (Doc. Reg. No. 3849). On the call of the roll, the following members voted Aye: Members Ali, Arns, Brock, Petty, Sethaler, and Whitfield; and the following members voted Nay: None; and the following member was absent: Member McNay. Whereupon the President declared the motion carried.

Approve the Sale of $7,200,000 School Fire Prevention and Safety Bonds

It was moved by Member Ali and seconded by Member Petty to approve the sale of $7,200,000 School Fire Prevention and Safety Bonds (Doc. Reg. No. 3850). On the call of the roll, the following members voted Aye: Members Ali, Arns, Brock, Petty, Sethaler, and Whitfield; and the following members voted Nay: None; and the following member was absent: Member McNay. Whereupon the President declared the motion carried.

Approve QHS Life Safety Amendment

It was moved by Member Petty and seconded by Member Arns to approve the QHS Life Safety Amendment. On the call of the roll, the following members voted Aye: Members Ali, Arns, Brock, Petty, Sethaler, and Whitfield; and the following members voted Nay: None; and the following member was absent: Member McNay. Whereupon the President declared the motion carried.

Resolution Regarding Risk Management Program

It was moved by Member Arns and seconded by Member Brock to approve the Resolution Regarding Risk Management Program (Doc. Reg. No. 3851). On the call of the roll, the following members voted Aye: Members Ali, Arns, Brock, Petty, Sethaler, and Whitfield; and the following members voted Nay: None; and the following member was absent: Member McNay. Whereupon the President declared the motion carried.

Executive Session

At 6:27 p.m., it was moved by Member Arns and seconded by Member Ali 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; 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, Petty, Sethaler, and Whitfield; and the following members voted Nay: None; and the following member was absent: Member McNay. Whereupon the President declared the motion carried.

Departure of Member Whitfield

It was duly noted by the Board Secretary that Member Whitfield departed at 6:28 p.m. prior to entering the executive session meeting.

Resumption of Rules

It was moved by Member Brock and seconded by Member Petty 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, Petty, and Sethaler; and the following members voted Nay: None; and the following members were absent: Members McNay and Whitfield. Whereupon the President declared the motion carried.

Student Discipline

It was moved by Member Petty and seconded by Member Arns to adopt the recommendation for pre-expulsion agreements for four QHS students, two QJHS students, and one student from The Academy and the expulsion of two students from QHS. The modification of an expulsion for a QHS student was tabled for further discussion. On the call of the roll, the following members voted Aye: Members Ali, Arns, Brock, Petty, and Sethaler; and the following members voted Nay: None; and the following members were absent: Members McNay and Whitfield. Whereupon the President declared the motion carried.

Personnel Addendum

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

Adjournment

At 8:04 p.m., it was moved by Member Sethaler and seconded by Member Arns that the regular meeting adjourn. The motion carried with all in favor and the regular meeting was duly adjourned.

https://www.qps.org/wp-content/uploads/122023regmnt.pdf