Quincy Reporter

Quincy Public School District 172 Board of Education met Dec. 18.

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 18, 2024, 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, Davis, Petty, Sethaler, and Whitfield; and the following members were 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 Baldwin teacher Laurie Meulemans.

Pledge of Allegiance 

The Pledge of Allegiance was led by President Arns.

Open Public Hearings 

President Arns opened the public hearing on the Proposed Tax Levy for 2024 at 6:06 p.m. She said that the hearing would be open for comments on the proposed tax levy 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.

New Board Member Damion Dodd  

President Arns announced the recommendation to appoint Damion Dodd to fill the Board vacancy created by the resignation of Richard McNay. It was moved by Member Whitfield and seconded by Member Petty to appoint Damion Dodd to the Board vacancy. On the call of the roll, the following members were present and answered to their names: Members Arns, Brock, Davis, Petty, Sethaler, and Whitfield; and the following members were absent: None. Whereupon the President declared a quorum was present.

Oath of Office 

The Oath of Office, pursuant to statute, was administered to Damion Dodd by Attorney Terry. Damion Dodd signed the Oath in open session. The oath was duly filed with the Board Secretary (Doc. Reg. No. 3914). 

Consent Agenda 

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

a. Treasurer’s Report – November 2024 

b. Minutes – November 20, 2024 

c. Check Register and JH/SH Activity Fund Reports 

d. Acknowledge receipt of the Freedom of Information Log: November 16 through December 14, 2024 (Information Only) 

e. QHS Music Students ILMEA All State Convention in Peoria, IL 1/29/25-2/1/25 

f. QHS Colorguard Competitive Team – IDTA Competition Riverton, IL 1/25/25- 1/26/25 

g. QHS Colorguard – IDTA Competition, Clinton, IL 1/17/25-1/18/25 

On the call of the roll, the following members were present and answered to their names: Members Arns, Brock, Davis, Dodd, Petty, Sethaler, and Whitfield; and the following members were absent: None. Whereupon the President declared a quorum was present.

Reports of the Superintendent 

Concussion Oversight Team. The Concussion Oversight Team met on Monday, November 25. The flow chart was updated to include an additional step 6 “If the school receives a release note from an ER doctor or chiropractor, the nurse or admin will contact Gary Hackmann for final approval or for a concussion evaluation”. The concussion information protocol is listed on the QPS website under the Nursing and Athletics tabs.

The Super’s 8 Highlights

1. QJHS 8th graders toured QAVTC this month as they begin to think about what classes they will take as high schoolers. They were able to hear about the various programs offered and visit the pre-school center, auto shop and the health occupations sim lab.

2. QHS musicians continued the storied Vespers tradition on Sunday with performances from the concert orchestra, concert chorale, concert choir and madrigals.

3. ECFC families were treated to a special night at the North Pole with food, fun and a special visit from Mr. and Mrs. Claus.

4. Teachers and staff at Denman Elementary School played the Game of Games: List of Fortunes where they spun a wheel to find out what challenge they had to perform to earn points. To celebrate the end of the challenge, each Denman student received treats thanks to a donation from DOT Foods!

5. Congratulations to QHS teacher Adam Holtschlag for being named one of the Herald Whig’s 20 under 40, highlighting his contributions to the community.

6. Fretless, the QJHS string ensemble had a special performance today at the Board Office, helping to get everyone in the holiday spirit.

7. First graders across the district got a visit from Mr. and Mrs. Claus with a special appearance from the Grinch thanks to efforts of our Noon Kiwanis club. Students were read a book and got a special treat from Mr. and Mrs. Claus.

8. Students in Amistad and Isibindi Houses at Lincoln-Douglas are collecting spare change this week to donate to the Quincy Humane Society to help our furry, four-legged friends.

QAVTC Director Evie Morrison Recognition 

The Board formally recognized Evie Morrison for her dedicated service to Quincy Public Schools over the past twenty-three years. She was presented with the flag that was last flown over Quincy High School. Additionally, Dr. Pettit honored her dedication with a Spirit and Pride pin, commemorating her significant contributions to the Quincy Public Schools community from 2001 to 2024.

Building Committee 

The Building Committee did not meet in December.

District Improvement Committee 

The District Improvement Committee did not meet in December.

Finance Committee 

The Finance Committee did not meet in December.

Discipline Committee 

The Discipline Committee did not meet in December.

Policy Committee  

Chairperson Whitfield reported that the Policy Committee reviewed the revisions from IASB Policy Service from October 2024. The following policies were laid on the table to be approved at the January Board meeting.

PRESS Service Updates October 2024
2:105	Ethics and Gift Ban
2:110	Qualifications, Term, and Duties of Board Officers
2:120	Board Member Development
4:30	Revenue and Investments
4:60	Purchases and Contracts
4:150	Facility Management and Building
4:170	Safety
5:10	Equal Employment Opportunity and Minority Recruitment
5:20	Workplace Harassment Prohibited
5:30	Hiring Process and Criteria
5:35	Compliance with the Fair Labor Standards Act
5:90	Abused and Neglected Child Reporting
5:120	Employee Ethics; Code of Professional Conduct; and Conflict of Interest
5:125	Personal Technology and Social Media; Usage and Conduct
5:230	Maintaining Student Discipline
6:60	Curriculum Content
6:135	Accelerated Placement Program
6:270	Guidance and Counseling Program
7:10	Equal Educational Opportunities
7:100	Health, Eye, and Dental Examinations; Immunizations; and Exclusion of Students
7:180	Prevention of and Response to Bullying, Intimidation, and Harassment
7:200	Suspension Procedures-REFORMATTED
8:10	Connection with the Community

Close Hearings 

President Arns asked if there were any further comments regarding the proposed tax levy for 2024. There were none. The public hearing was closed at 6:18 p.m.

Adopt Resolution Amount Necessary to be Levied 

It was moved by Member Sethaler and seconded by Member Davis to approve the Resolution to Establish 2024 Tax Levy (Doc. Reg. No. 3915). On the call of the roll, the following members were present and answered to their names: Members Arns, Brock, Davis, Dodd, Petty, Sethaler, and Whitfield; and the following members were absent: None. Whereupon the President declared a quorum was present.

Resolution Regarding Risk Management Program 

It was moved by Member Brock and seconded by Member Davis to approve the Resolution Regarding Risk Management Program (Doc. Reg. No. 3916). On the call of the roll, the following members were present and answered to their names: Members Arns, Brock, Davis, Dodd, Petty, Sethaler, and Whitfield; and the following members were absent: None. Whereupon the President declared a quorum was present.

HVAC Piping Replacement at Lincoln-Douglas by Thermal Mechanics Inc. 

It was moved by Member Sethaler and seconded by Member Whitfield to approve the HVAC Piping Replacement at Lincoln-Douglas by Thermal Mechanics at a cost of $166,350.00 (Doc. Reg. No. 3917). On the call of the roll, the following members were present and answered to their names: Members Arns, Brock, Davis, Dodd, Petty, Sethaler, and Whitfield; and the following members were absent: None. Whereupon the President declared a quorum was present.

Frontline Education Proposal for Location Analytics  

It was moved by Member Sethaler and seconded by Member Arns to approve the Frontline Education Proposal for Location Analytics at a cost of $19,552.50 (Doc. Reg. No. 3918). On the call of the roll, the following members were present and answered to their names: Members Arns, Brock, Davis, Dodd, Petty, Sethaler, and Whitfield; and the following members were absent: None. Whereupon the President declared a quorum was present.

Board Committee Appointments 

President Arns shared updates to the committee chairs as follows:

Building & Grounds: Damion Dodd (Chair)

It was moved by Member Sethaler and seconded by Member Davis to approve Damion Dodd as Building & Grounds Chair. Richard McNay will remain on the committee as a community member. On the call of the roll, the following members were present and answered to their names: Members Arns, Brock, Davis, Dodd, Petty, Sethaler, and Whitfield; and the following members were absent: None. Whereupon the President declared a quorum was present.

Executive Session 

At 6:29 p.m., it was moved by Member Arns and seconded by Member Petty 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; 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 were present and answered to their names: Members Arns, Brock, Davis, Dodd, Petty, Sethaler, and Whitfield; and the following members were absent: None. Whereupon the President declared a quorum was present.

Departure of Member Brock

Member Brock exited executive session at 8:23 p.m., which was duly noted by the Board Secretary.

Resumption of Rules 

It was moved by Member Whitfield and seconded by Member Davis to resume the conduct of the regular meeting under rules. On the call of the roll, the following members were present and answered to their names: Members Arns, Davis, Dodd, Petty, Sethaler, and Whitfield; and the following members was absent: Member Brock. Whereupon the President declared a quorum was present.

Student Discipline 

It was moved by Member Sethaler and seconded by Member Davis to adopt the recommendation for a pre-expulsion agreement for one QJHS student and a modification of the expulsion of one student from QHS. On the call of the roll, the following members were present and answered to their names: Members Arns, Davis, Dodd, Petty, Sethaler, and Whitfield; and the following members was absent: Member Brock. Whereupon the President declared a quorum was present.

Personnel Addendum  

It was moved by Member Sethaler and seconded by Member Davis to approve the Personnel Addendum. On the call of the roll, the following members were present and answered to their names: Members Arns, Davis, Dodd, Petty, Sethaler, and Whitfield; and the following members was absent: Member Brock. Whereupon the President declared a quorum was present.

PERSONNEL CODES  $$ - New operating Fund Position (increase in FTE) B - Paid for by Booster Clubs C - Change in classification or position O - Other PERSONNEL ADDENDUM  P - New Project Fund position PR - Replacement for Project Fund position Quincy Board of Education  R - Replacement for vacant Operating Fund Position S - Summer School December 18, 2024
CERTIFIED
APPOINTMENT (EFFECTIVE 2024-2025 SCHOOL YEAR)
1	R	MONICA SCHOLZ – MS MUSIC TEACHER – QJHS	01/06/25	181 DAYS, B, STEP 19, $26,634.92 (92 DAYS)
2	R	JILL FAILOR – CLINICAL INSTRUCTOR – QAVTC	01/07/25	TIMESHEET, PART TIME, $30.00/HR
3	PR	TOM REGNER - TITLE 1 EXTENDED DAY TEACHER – LINCOLN-DOUGLAS	12/02/24	TIMESHEET, $30/HR, TITLE I ESSA GRANT FUNDS
4	PR	ERIN SAALBORN - TITLE 1 EXTENDED DAY TEACHER – LINCOLN-DOUGLAS	12/02/24	TIMESHEET, $30/HR, TITLE I ESSA GRANT FUNDS
5	PR	AMBER HOLTSCHLAG - TITLE 1 EXTENDED DAY TEACHER – LINCOLN-DOUGLAS	12/02/24	TIMESHEET, $30/HR, TITLE I ESSA GRANT FUNDS
6	PR	JOANNE CONOYER - TITLE 1 EXTENDED DAY TEACHER – LINCOLN-DOUGLAS	12/02/24	TIMESHEET, $30/HR, TITLE I ESSA GRANT FUNDS

7	PR	FRANCIS REED - TITLE 1 EXTENDED DAY TEACHER – BALDWIN	12/02/24	TIMESHEET, $30/HR, TITLE I ESSA GRANT FUNDS
8	PR	WAYNE KRUS - TITLE 1 EXTENDED DAY TEACHER – BALDWIN	12/02/24	TIMESHEET, $30/HR, TITLE I ESSA GRANT FUNDS
9	PR	SCHAENON ELBUS - TITLE 1 EXTENDED DAY TEACHER – BALDWIN	12/02/24	TIMESHEET, $30/HR, TITLE I ESSA GRANT FUNDS
10	PR	BETH JOHNSON- TITLE 1 EXTENDED DAY TEACHER – BALDWIN	12/02/24	TIMESHEET, $30/HR, TITLE I ESSA GRANT FUNDS
11	PR	PAUL LANDSOM- TITLE 1 EXTENDED DAY TEACHER – BALDWIN	12/02/24	TIMESHEET, $30/HR, TITLE I ESSA GRANT FUNDS
12	PR	SAYLOR DRAWE- TITLE 1 EXTENDED DAY TEACHER – BALDWIN	12/02/24	TIMESHEET, $30/HR, TITLE I ESSA GRANT FUNDS
13	PR	HALLE BARNES- TITLE 1 EXTENDED DAY TEACHER – BALDWIN	12/02/24	TIMESHEET, $30/HR, TITLE I ESSA GRANT FUNDS
14	PR	CHRISTINA BURTON - TITLE 1 EXTENDED DAY TEACHER – ILES	12/02/24	TIMESHEET, $30/HR, TITLE I ESSA GRANT FUNDS
15	PR	HOLLIE SHOWALTER - TITLE 1 EXTENDED DAY TEACHER – ILES	12/02/24	TIMESHEET, $30/HR, TITLE I ESSA GRANT FUNDS
16	PR	MELISSA SEALS - TITLE 1 EXTENDED DAY TEACHER – ILES	12/02/24	TIMESHEET, $30/HR, TITLE I ESSA GRANT FUNDS
17	PR	ERIN HENKENMEIER - TITLE 1 EXTENDED DAY TEACHER – ILES	12/02/24	TIMESHEET, $30/HR, TITLE I ESSA GRANT FUNDS
RESIGNATIONS
18		TOM LEPPER – DEAN – QJHS	11/21/24
19		SARA SCHMIDT – TEACHER - QJHS	12/20/24
20		ROBYN SPRENGER – OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST – DISTRICT	01/07/25
21		BARB ANCELET – SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGIST – DISTRICT	END OF 24-25 SCH YR
22		TAYLOR BRUNS – TEACHER - QJHS	01/03/25
LEAVE OF ABSENCE
23		RYAN WIEMELT – TEACHER - QHS		12/02/24 – 12/20/24
24		CRYSTAL JOHNSON – TEACHER - ECFC	UPDATE	11/07/24 – 11/25/24
25		COLLEEN PAUL – TEACHER – QHS	UPDATE	11/11/24 – 11/21/24
26		BRITTANY BLEICHNER – TEACHER – DENMAN	UPDATE	09/19/24 – 11/18/24
27		BRANDI MANY – DEAN - QJHS	UPDATE	10/29/24 – 12/03/24
28		FRANCES REINHARD – TEACHER – DENMAN	UPDATE	09/13/24 – 11/25/24
29		SAYLOR DRAWE – TEACHER – BALDWIN		02/11/25 – 04/09/25
30		LINDA GARNER – TEACHER - ILES		12/02/24 – END OF SCH YR
31		TYRIN HOLDER – TEACHER – QJHS		04/10/25 – 05/02/25
32		TABITHA SULLIVAN - TEACHER - ILES	UPDATE	10/25/24 – 11/01/24
33		SARAH SCHUCKMAN - TEACHER – LINCOLN DOUGLAS	UPDATE	10/29/24 – 11/25/24
34		STEPHANIE FROELICH - TEACHER - BALDWIN	UPDATE	12/05/24 – 01/02/25
RETIREMENTS (NONE)
EDUCATIONAL SUPPORT
CLASSIFIED
APPOINTMENT (EFFECTIVE 2024-2025 SCHOOL YEAR)
35	C	RYAN OBERT – BUS DRIVER	11/18/24	176 DAYS, STEP 0, $20.42/HR
36	$$	TRACIE JACKSON – CLASSIFIED 1:1 & FLOAT NURSE (RN) - ECFC	12/02/24	181 DAYS, $46,247.76, WORKING TOWARD CERTIFIED
37	R	BRITTNEY MYERS - PARA – ROONEY	11/25/24	181 DAYS, LEVEL A, STEP 0, $16.05/HR
38	R	KRISTINA DULA – COOK - QHS	11/25/24	173 DAYS, STEP 8, $16.49/HR
39	B	DAKOTA DOWNS – ASST. WRESTLING COACH - QJHS	24-25 SCH YEAR	$2,000 STIPEND

40	R	BARB OENNING - KITCHEN HELPER -QHS	12/09/24	173 DAYS, STEP 5, $16.33/HR
41	C	LOGAN GAINES – MID-DAY CUSTODIAN – DENMAN	12/06/24	LOCATION CHANGE, WAS BALDWIN
42	R	HEATHER ORTIZ - PARA – QHS	12/12/24	181 DAYS, LEVEL A, STEP 2, $16.12/HR
43	R	LINDA MARTIN – CAFETERIA COOK - ILES	12/9/24	173 DAYS, STEP 1 $16.07
RESIGNATIONS
44		ERIC DAVIS – HEAD CROSS COUNTRY COACH AND ASST. TRACK COACH – QHS	11/25/24
45		AMY MARTIN – CAFETERIA - ROONEY	12/12/24
LEAVE OF ABSENCE
46		PEGGY ROWSEY - CAFETERIA – ECFC	UPDATE	10/25/24 – 11/25/24
47		MIKE FLOWERREE – TRANSPORTATION	UPDATE	10/25/24 – 12/13/24
48		MIKE HOWERTON – SECURITY GUARD - QHS	UPDATE	02/14/24 – 12/12/24
49		SHAMMIE WAGNER – CAFETERIA - ROONEY	UPDATE	08/15/24 – 01/15/25
50		KRYSTIN HALTERMAN – CAFETERIA - QJHS	UPDATE	08/28/24 – 01/07/25
51		CHEYENNE GRISSOM – PARA - QJHS		01/21/25 – 04/14/25
52		HERBERT MURRY – TRANSPORTATION		12/10/24 – 01/12/25
53		ABBY HIVELY – CAFETERIA - QJHS		01/20/25 – 02/28/25
54		ALAN CANNADY – SECURITY – DENMAN		11/21/24 – 02/24/25
55		ABRA YOUNG – TRANSPORTATION		01/13/25 – 02/14/25
56		RENEE PORTER – PARA - ILES	UPDATE	10/08/24 – 01/09/25
RETIREMENTS
57		LANCE WIEMELT - TRANSPORTATION	12/31/24

Adjournment 

At 8:31 p.m., it was moved by Member Arns and seconded by Member Petty that the regular meeting adjourn. The motion carried with all in favor and the regular meeting was duly adjourned.

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