Quincy Reporter

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

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 February 28, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. in the Board of Education Office, Room 214, 1416 Maine Street, Quincy, Illinois, in said school district.

Member Whitfield to Attend Telephonically

Member Whitfield was traveling on business and attended telephonically. 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 Ali, Arns, Brock, McNay, Petty, Sethaler, and Whitfield; and the following member was absent: None. Whereupon the President declared a quorum was present.

Moment of Silence

President Arns declared a moment of silence and reflection in memory of Dick Thompson. Pledge of Allegiance

The Pledge of Allegiance was led by President Arns.

ILMEA All-State Musicians

Twenty-six QHS All State Musicians were honored by the Board. Director of Music, Debbie Johnson announced their names and Dr. Pettit presented the honorees with certificates from the Board. QHS students honored include Donovan Briscoe, Richard Coleman, Arrow Crist, Hunter Daggett, Alyssa Daniel, Joey Engelmeyer, Gabby Hanchett, Riley Holthaus, Devon Miller, Gerald Miller, Sierra Miller, Lucas Piazza, Natalie Predmore, Kailee Ree, Ethan Rodgers, Noah Schaefer, Caroline Seaman, Kiley Shoot, Ryan Siebert, Elaina Smith, Jude Steiner Haubrich, Preston Trinh, Lily Twaddle, Robert Wealer, Olivia Williams, and Matthew Zehnle.

Open Public Hearing

President Arns opened the public hearing on repairs to pavement of playgrounds, pavement of

student drop off areas, sidewalks, and parking areas at Flinn Stadium, 4400 Maine Street, Quincy, IL, and the Junior High School, 100 S 14th Street, Quincy, IL. She said that the hearing be open for comments on the public hearing on repairs to pavement of playgrounds, pavement of student drop off areas, sidewalks, and parking areas at Flinn Stadium, 4400 Maine Street, Quincy, IL, and the Junior High School, 100 S 14th Street, Quincy, IL 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.

Jennifer Stickler-parent of two children attending QPS schools, expressed concern with the volleyball program as she has a daughter that will be playing volleyball at the high school level. She stated that according to the Five Essentials Survey, there has been a decline in supportive environment overall and student/teacher trust from 2021 to 2023.

Consent Agenda

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

a. Treasurer’s Report January 2024

b. Minutes – January 24, 2024

c. Check Register and JH/SH Activity Fund Reports

d. Acknowledge receipt of the Freedom of Information Log: January 20 through February 23, 2024 (Information Only).

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

Reports of the Superintendent

The Super’s 8 Highlights

1. Senior High students have been celebrating Black History Month with a weekly speaker series where they hear from Black leaders throughout the Quincy community. The series wrapped up this week with a panel discussion featuring QHS faculty and staff.

2. Schools across the district celebrated the second Dare to Care Week of the year. Students at Rooney Elementary participated by sending handmade Valentine’s Day cards to local nursing homes.

3. The Early Childhood and Family Center’s Explorers learned about pets this month with trips to the Quincy Humane Society and Petco. Students got to interact with dogs, cats, ferrets, and even a snake!

4. Lincoln-Douglas Elementary students participated in Books Change Our Lives Week where community members came to school to read their favorite books. Each student got to bring home a book and bookmark courtesy of the L-DE PTO.

5. Sixth graders in Mrs. Cunningham’s Medical Detectives class got some hands-on experience while dissecting a sheep’s brain.

6. The Quincy High School Boys Basketball Team has advanced to the sectional championship game after a decisive victory over Belleville West on Tuesday.

7. Fifth graders created a “wax museum” at Baldwin this month. Students dressed up as people throughout history who left their mark on the world. Some “statues” included Martin Luther King Jr. and Jimmy Carter.

8. The Music Department is gearing up for the Showcase of Excellence on March 9. This year’s showcase will feature more than 20 jazz bands and show choirs from the region.

Spotlight on Rooney

Principal Fink presented a lively music video that showcased staff dancing, singing, and having fun. This video allowed students to view their teachers and staff in a different light which helps build climate within their building. Rooney had multiple teachers attend the Ron Clark Academy in Atlanta, GA thanks to the Tracy Foundation. Staff have implemented the House System and are excited about the growth academically, the sense of involvement and belonging, and overall positive school culture.

Building Committee

The Building Committee did not meet. Chairperson McNay updated the Board with the continuing communication with vendors and architects regarding HVAC systems within the District.

District Improvement Committee

Chairperson Arns shared the committee reviewed the annual Mid-Year Student Measures of Improvement Report. The report indicated average growth and achievement. Teachers are continuing the process of piloting the K-5 Math and Literacy materials. Both pilot resources are aligned to the New Illinois Literacy Plan and recommended materials will be available for public review after the April meeting.

Finance Committee

The Finance Committee did not meet.

Discipline Committee

Co-Chairperson Petty shared that the committee reviewed 1st semester data as presented by Tracy Bugh. The 1st semester data included classroom-managed referrals, office-managed referrals, most frequent occurring incidents, ISS & OSS days served and the percentage of students receiving

office-managed referrals. Brandi Many also shared with the committee the Fall 2023 Discipline Survey results received from the Discipline Advisory Team. This survey indicated that the majority of staff feel more supported and new procedures are going well. Eryn Beswick presented procedures from the Behavior Interventions Committee and explained FBA, BIP, restrictive behavior interventions, along with protections and rights.

Arrival of Member Whitfield

Member Whitfield arrived at 6:45 p.m., which was duly noted by the Board Secretary. Policy Committee

It was moved by Member Whitfield and seconded by Member Brock to remove from the table and adopt the following policy:

7:60 Residence

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

Close Hearing

President Arns asked if there were any further comments regarding the public hearing on repairs to pavement of playgrounds, pavement of student drop off areas, sidewalks, and parking areas at Flinn Stadium, 4400 Maine Street, Quincy, IL and the Junior High School, 100 S 14th Street, Quincy, IL. There were none. The public hearing was closed at 6:47 p.m.

Approve Resolution Regarding Health Life Safety Amendment

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

Approve Resolution for Adams County Hazard Mitigation Plan

It was moved by Member Arns and seconded by Member McNay to approve the resolution for Adams County Hazard Mitigation Plan (Doc. Reg. No. 3859). On the call of the roll, the following members voted Aye: Members Ali, Arns, Brock, McNay, Petty, Sethaler, and Whitfield; and the following members voted Nay: None; and the following member was absent: None. Whereupon the President declared the motion carried.

Charge for Community Engagement

It was moved by Member McNay and seconded by Member Ali to approve the Charge for Community Engagement (Doc. Reg. No. 3860). On the call of the roll, the following members voted Aye: Members Ali, Arns, Brock, McNay, Petty, Sethaler, and Whitfield; and the following members voted Nay: None; and the following member was absent: None. Whereupon the President declared the motion carried.

Approve Bids for QHS Building E HVAC System

It was moved by Member Ali and seconded by Member McNay to approve the bid to Peter’s Heating and Air Conditioning, Inc. for $2,817,900.00 for the QHS Building E HVAC System (Doc. Reg. No. 3861). On the call of the roll, the following members voted Aye: Members Ali, Arns, Brock, McNay, Petty, Sethaler, and Whitfield; and the following members voted Nay: None; and the following member was absent: None. Whereupon the President declared the motion carried.

Approve Bid for the Replacement of Turf and Resurfacing the Track at Flinn Stadium

It was moved by Member Whitfield and seconded by Member Brock to approve the bid to Byrne & Jones Sports Construction for the replacement of turf at the cost of $556,775 and resurfacing the track at Flinn Stadium at the cost of $128,000 (Doc. Reg. No. 3862). On the call of the roll, the following members voted Aye: Members Ali, Arns, Brock, McNay, Petty, Sethaler, and Whitfield; and the following members voted Nay: None; and the following member was absent: None. Whereupon the President declared the motion carried.

Annual Grants and Allocations

It was moved by Member Arns and seconded by Member McNay to approve the following annual grants and/or allocations: Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) Title I, Title II, Title IV Part A, Title I Neglected, Title I Delinquent, Title IV Part D Enhancing Education through Technology, Title I School Improvement Grant 1003(a), Special Education IDEA Flow-Through, IDEA PreK, Head Start, Early Childhood Block Grant, Truants’ Alternative and Optional Education Program (TAOEP), Regional Safe Schools-Subcontract, Adult Education and Family Literacy, WCR Carl Perkins, WCR Career and Technical Education Improvement Grant, QAVTC QPS Perkins Sub-Grant, QAVTC CTEI Sub Grant, QPS CTEI Sub-Grant, Ag Incentive Grant, Ag Three Circles Grant, 21st Century Community Learning Center, Advanced Placement, School Library Per Capita Grant, Tracy Family Foundation Grants, ARP-LEA American Rescue Plan (ESSER III), ARP- IDEA American Rescue Plan (ESSER III), Afterschool Programs, and Community Foundation Grants, Ag Incentive Grant for Middle School, WCR College and Career Pathways Endorsement, and WCR CTE Education Pathway, ISBE After School Programs, COLA and Quality Improvement, and After School Grant. On the call of the roll, the following members voted Aye: Members Ali, Arns, Brock, McNay, Petty, Sethaler, and Whitfield; and the following members voted Nay: None; and the following member was absent: None. Whereupon the President declared the motion carried.

Executive Session

At 7:02 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; g) student disciplinary cases; h) the placement of individual students in special education programs and other matters relating to individual students; and j) attorney/client privilege. On the call of the roll, the following members voted Aye: Members Ali, Arns, Brock, McNay, Petty, Sethaler, and Whitfield; and the following members voted Nay: None; and the following member was absent: None. Whereupon the President declared the motion carried.

Resumption of Rules

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

Personnel Addendum

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

PERSONNEL CODES $$ - New operating Fund Position (increase in FTE) B - Paid for by Booster Clubs C - Change in classification or position O - Other P - New Project Fund position PERSONNEL ADDENDUM PR - Replacement for Project Fund position Quincy Board of Education R - Replacement for vacant Operating Fund Position S - Summer School

Student Discipline

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

Adjournment

At 8:23 p.m., it was moved by Member Arns that the regular meeting adjourn. The motion carried with all in favor and the regular meeting was duly adjourned.

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