Shelley Arns, Board President | Quincy Public Schools
Shelley Arns, Board President | Quincy Public Schools
Quincy Public School District 172 Board of Education met March 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 on March 26, 2025, 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, Dodd, 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 long-time educator and administrator Bob DeVries.
Pledge of Allegiance
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by President Arns.
Legend Award
The Board recognized retired educator Jerry Douglas with the fourth annual Legend Award for his lasting impact on countless students and the community. Douglas began his career in education in 1974 as a social studies and history teacher at QHS. He taught social studies at QJHS, served as the director of education at Chaddock and then returned to QPS, serving as the history and math teacher at The Academy until his retirement from the district in 2022.
Questions and Comments
President Arns 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 Sethaler and seconded by Member Petty to approve the following items on the Consent Agenda:
a. Treasurer’s Report February 2025
b. Minutes – February 26, 2025
c. Check Register and JH/SH Activity Fund Reports
d. Acknowledge receipt of the Freedom of Information Log: February 22 through March 21, 2025 (Information Only)
e. IHSA Membership
On the call of the roll, the following members voted Aye: Members Arns, Brock, Davis, Dodd, Petty, and Sethaler, and Whitfield; and the following members voted Nay: None; and the following members were absent: None. Whereupon the President declared the motion carried.
Reports of the Superintendent
The Super’s 8 Highlights
1) The QHS Music Department will present the annual New Faces program opening Thursday evening. The four-show run will include the finest talent QHS has to offer.
2) Rooney Elementary School hosted a family fun night with their community partners at The Crossing. Students, staff and families enjoyed bingo, basket raffles, food and fun.
3) Students at the Early Childhood Family Center got a visit from Officer Hermsmeier from QPD. Officer Hermsmeier talked to students about the 9-1-1 system and what to do during an emergency.
4) The QJHS Girls Volleyball Team was commended for their sportsmanship in the IESA Good Sport Report for fostering a supportive and uplifting atmosphere during the Volleyball State Tournament. The Comets finished third in the state tournament with a 29-2 record.
5) Kindergarteners in Mrs. Kniel’s class at Denman have continued their yearslong tradition of visiting senior citizens at Sunset Home. These trips enrich the lives of everyone involved.
6) Students at Iles enjoyed Read with Masked Readers. Staff members in disguise read their favorite books while students were left to guess their true identities.
7) Six QAVTC students visited the Illinois State Capitol for their Career and Technical Education Showcase: Xander Colombo, Shane Alberts, Antonin Malard, Faith VanHecke, Landon Dickson, Jonathan Dieker. The event is held yearly and highlights educational opportunities from around the state.
8) Students at The Academy celebrated the end of the 3rd quarter this week with awards and cake recognizing those who accomplished their work completion and attendance goals.
9) Bonus Super 9: QHS Junior Lily Baker, who received a state degree for her record book. A state degree has not been accomplished since 1980. FFA students were honored at their annual banquet Tuesday evening.
Spotlight on Elementary Schools and the Ron Clark Academy
The K-5 principals shared information about their K-5 house systems. The five schools are at different stages of implementing the house systems initiated by the Ron Clark Academy. The significant aspect of this initiative is to help students form connections, friendships, and community. All fifth graders from each building will have a “House Showdown Spectacular” on Tuesday, April 29 at Flinn Stadium from 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. This event will provide opportunities to bring all of them together with activities and stations with their individual houses prior to attending QJHS.
Building Committee
Chairperson Dodd provided updates from the Building and Grounds Committee meeting. The first winter with the new HVAC system in the E-Building at QHS went well. The new copper piping installed at Lincoln-Douglas appears to be functioning effectively. Maintenance and Technology departments have moved into the Central Services building, with only a few minor items remaining to complete the project. An open house is tentatively scheduled for April for the Central Services building. The façade project for the Board of Education (BOE) has resumed, with the decision made to replace the metal with Dryvit due to previous issues with oil canning on the initially installed metal. The QHS softball and baseball fields sustained some wind damage from a recent storm, affecting the fence panels, batter’s eye, and dugouts. Repairs for this damage will take place soon. Diamond Construction generously donated their time and equipment to level the ruts and prepare the fields. The light poles were inspected and removed, with the replacement process set to begin in July. Upcoming summer projects include replacing the windows in the Flinn Stadium press box and upgrading the PA system at QJHS. District Improvement Committee
District Improvement Committee
The District Improvement Committee did not meet.
Finance Committee
The Finance Committee did not meet.
Discipline Committee
The Discipline Committee did not meet.
Policy Committee
The Policy Committee did not meet.
City of Quincy Easement Request for the Water Main at 4900 Columbus Road
It was moved by Member Davis and seconded by Member Arns to approve the City of Quincy Easement Request for the Water Main at 4900 Columbus Road (Doc. Reg. No. 3930). On the call of the roll, the following members voted Aye: Members Arns, Brock, Davis, Dodd, Petty, and Sethaler, and Whitfield; and the following members voted Nay: None; and the following members were absent: None. Whereupon the President declared the motion carried.
Lease for Server Refresh to American Capital Financial Services, Inc. for ByteSpeed
It was moved by Member Arns and seconded by Member Brock to approve the Lease for Server Refresh to American Capital Financial Services, Inc. for ByteSpeed for five annual payments of $31,380 per year at a total cost of $138,384. (Doc. Reg. No. 3931). On the call of the roll, the following members voted Aye: Members Arns, Brock, Davis, Dodd, Petty, and Sethaler, and Whitfield; and the following members voted Nay: None; and the following members were absent: None. Whereupon the President declared the motion carried.
Executive Session
At 6:46 p.m., it was moved by Member Sethaler and seconded by Member Davis 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; and j) attorney/client privilege. On the call of the roll, the following members voted Aye: Members Arns, Brock, Davis, Dodd, Petty, and Sethaler, and Whitfield; and the following members voted Nay: None; and the following members were absent: None. Whereupon the President declared the motion carried.
Resumption of Rules
It was moved by Member Brock and seconded by Member Davis to resume the conduct of the regular meeting under rules. On the call of the roll, the following members voted Aye: Members Arns, Brock, Davis, Dodd, Petty, and Sethaler, and Whitfield; and the following members voted Nay: None; and the following members were absent: None. Whereupon the President declared the motion carried.
Student Discipline
It was moved by Member Arns and seconded by Member Davis to adopt the recommendation made in executive session regarding the suspended expulsion for one student from The Academy and pre-expulsion agreements for one student from QJHS and one student from QHS and the second agreement for suspended expulsion of a student from The Academy. On the call of the roll, the following members voted Aye: Members Arns, Brock, Davis, Dodd, Petty, and Sethaler, and Whitfield; and the following members voted Nay: None; and the following members were absent: None. Whereupon the President declared the motion carried.
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 voted Aye: Members Arns, Brock, Davis, Dodd, Petty, and Sethaler, and Whitfield; and the following members voted Nay: None; and the following members were 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 MARCH 26, 2025 | ||||
| CERTIFIED | ||||
| APPOINTMENT (EFFECTIVE 2024-2025 SCHOOL YEAR) | ||||
| 1 | R | CARRA BROWN – KINDERGARTEN TEACHER – LINCOLN-DOUGLAS | 03/10/2025 | 181 DAYS, B, STEP 0, $11,719.24 (52 DAYS) |
| 2 | R | JOHN VAHLKAMP – EDGENUITY TEACHER - THE ACADEMY | 25-26 SCH YR | NO CHANGE IN SALARY |
| 3 | R | MARY GREWELL – KINDERGARTEN TEACHER - LINCOLN-DOUGLAS | 25-26 SCH YR | NO CHANGE IN SALARY |
| 4 | R | ADDIE FORD - 1ST GRADE TEACHER - LINCOLN DOUGLAS | 25-26 SCH YR | SALARY TBD |
| 5 | R | JENNA STARMAN – POSITION TBD | 25-26 SCH YR | SALARY TBD |
| 6 | R | MEGHAN GERTZ – POSITION TBD | 25-26 SCH YR | SALARY TBD |
| RESIGNATIONS | ||||
| 7 | MEGAN GRIFFORD - ACL SOCIAL STUDIES | END OF 24-25 SCH YR | (RESIGNING STIPEND POSITION ONLY) | |
| 8 | WHITNEY BAUMGARTNER – SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHER – QJHS | END OF 24-25 SCH YR | ||
| 9 | ABIGAIL STEINWAY – TEACHER – BALDWIN | 04/11/2025 | ||
| LEAVE OF ABSENCE | ||||
| 10 | DYLLAN BONK – TEACHER – LINCOLN-DOUGLAS | UPDATE | 02/10/2025 – 03/03/2025 | |
| 11 | JESSICA ABREGO – TEACHER - QJHS | 03/03/2025 – END OF 24-25 SCH YR | ||
| 12 | SAMANTHA LANDWEHR – TEACHER – BALDWIN | 04/15/2025 – END OF 24-25 SCH YR | ||
| 13 | BRETT LANDWEHR – TEACHER – ILES | 04/15/2025 – 04/28/2025 | ||
| 14 | EMILY ROSEN – TEACHER – LINCOLN-DOUGLAS | UPDATE | 01/07/2025 – 03/18/2025 | |
| RETIREMENTS | ||||
| 15 | JILL SMITH - INSTRUCTIONAL COACH – BALDWIN | END OF 24-25 SCH YR | ||
| EDUCATIONAL SUPPORT | ||||
| CLASSIFIED | ||||
| APPOINTMENT (EFFECTIVE 2024-2025 SCHOOL YEAR) | ||||
| 16 | R | KARA KOYER - PARA – BALDWIN | 02/24/2025 | 181 DAYS, LEVEL C, STEP 0, $16.07/HR |
| 17 | O | KIM DINKHELLER - ASST. VOLUNTEER POM COACH – QHS | 25-26 SCH YR | VOLUNTEER COACH |
| 18 | R | CRUZ MIXER – EARLY CHILDHOOD TRANSPORTATION SUPERVISOR – TRANSPORTATION | 02/25/2025 | 260 DAYS, STEP 0, $21.72/HR, $15,638.40 (90 DAYS) |
| 19 | R | ANJAY HEINECKE - INTERIM HEAD SOFTBALL COACH – QHS | 24-25 SCH YR | DISTRICT PAID – 19.82%, STEP 2, $7,068.86 STIPEND |
| 20 | R | MATT LONGO - ASST. SOCCER COACH (GIRLS) – QHS | 24-25 SCH YR | DISTRICT PAID – 11.53%, STEP 0, $4,071.12 STIPEND |
| 21 | R | CLAIRE KEARSE - RECEPTIONIST/ SUB COORDINATOR – QJHS | 03/11/2025 | 193 DAYS, STEP 1, $17.68/HR |
| 22 | R | LAURA MCCLELLAND - HEAD CROSS COUNTRY COACH – QHS | 24-25 SCH YR | DISTRICT PAID – 10.18%, STEP 0, $3,594.46 STIPEND |
| 23 | R | RACHEL ST. CLAIR - BOOKKEEPER – QHS | 03/18/2025 | 260 DAYS, STEP 1, $17.68/HR |
| 24 | R | ELIZABETH KOCH - PARA – QHS | 03/18/2025 | 181 DAYS, LEVEL A, STEP 0, $16.05/HR |
| 25 | R | KENDALL HERMAN - PARA – ECFC | 03/18/2025 | 181 DAYS, LEVEL C, STEP 1, $16.22/HR |
| 26 | B | LISA SCHUCKMAN - ASST. SOFTBALL COACH – QHS | 24-25 SCH YR | BOOSTER PAID – 1,500.00 STIPEND |
| RESIGNATIONS | ||||
| 27 | MARK SCHMELZLE – CUSTODIAN – ECFC | 12/31/2025 | ||
| 28 | RICHARD STEWART – ASST. SOCCER COACH (GIRLS) - QHS | 02/24/2025 | ||
| 29 | CARRIE J SMITH – CAFETERIA COOK – ROONEY | 03/07/2025 | ||
| 30 | JEREMY JACKSON – ISS SUPERVISOR – ROONEY | 03/12/2025 | ||
| 31 | LAMOR HICKMAN – ASST. FOOTBALL COACH - QHS | 03/18/2025 | ||
| 32 | LAMOR HICKMAN – ASST. WRESTLING COACH – QHS | 03/18/2025 | ||
| 33 | BUFFY BENCE – DRIVER – TRANSPORTATION | 03/19/2025 | ||
| LEAVE OF ABSENCE | ||||
| 34 | STEVEN MCNEILLY – HVAC – MAINTENANCE | 03/12/2025 – 04/22/2025 | ||
| 35 | KATHY UPPINGHOUSE – FOOD SERVICE - DENMAN | 02/02/2025 – END OF 24-25 SCH YR | ||
| 36 | RENEE PORTER – PARA – ILES | UPDATE | 10/08/2024 – 02/25/2025 | |
| 37 | GARY (GREG) VIAR - MECHANIC - TRANSPORTATION | UPDATE | 02/18/2025 – 03/03/2025 | |
| 38 | ABBY HIVELY – CAFETERIA – QJHS | UPDATE | 01/20/2025 – 03/04/2025 | |
| 39 | NANCY GALLAHER – DRIVER - TRANSPORTATION | UPDATE | 02/14/2025 – 03/27/2025 | |
| 40 | JEREMY DELAPORTE – TECHNOLOGY | UPDATE | 02/24/2025 – 03/03/2025 | |
| 41 | ERICA DIETERLE – PARA – ROONEY | 02/27/2025 – 04/25/2025 | ||
| 42 | NICOLE SMITH – PARA - ECFC | UPDATE | CANCELED, NO FMLA NEEDED | |
| 43 | CYNTHIA GOEHL – PARA -STUDY HALL - QHS | UPDATE | 10/17/2024 – 03/21/2025 | |
| 44 | ANNETTE KOETTERS – CAFETERIA COOK - QJHS | 04/07/2025 – 04/18/2025 | ||
| RETIREMENTS | ||||
| 45 | RUSSELL SMITH -MAINTENANCE | 04/30/2025 | ||
At 7:59 p.m., it was moved by Member Davis 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/03.26.25-regmnt.pdf
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