Quincy Public School District 172 Board of Education met June 25

Shelley Arns, Board President | Quincy Public Schools

By Philip Gonzales

Aug 5, 2025

Quincy Public School District 172 Board of Education met June 25.

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 June 25, 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, Dodd, Petty, Sethaler, and Whitfield; and the following member was absent: Member Davis. Whereupon the President declared a quorum was present.

Moment of Silence

President Arns declared a moment of silence and reflection.

Pledge of Allegiance

The Pledge of Allegiance was led by President Arns.

IHSA Spring State Qualifiers

The Board recognized the QHS IHSA Spring State Qualifiers. The Boys Tennis team is coached by Head Coach Mike Terry, with Assistant Coaches Jim Terry, Rob Hernandez, and Brian Holzgrafe. The state qualifiers in doubles were Ethan Stark, Surya Reddy, Kael Holzgrafe, and Drake Dodd.

The Girls Track & Field team is led by Head Coach Laura McClelland, with Assistant Coaches Tony Agrimonti, Ricci Dula, Tyrin Holder, Matt McClelland, and Maisha Wade. State qualifiers and their events included Peyton Kuhl in the 800 meter, Anna Venvertloh in the 400 meter, and Sasha Betz in the wheelchair 100, 200, and 400 meter races. The 4x800 relay team, which also qualified for state, consisted of Peyton Kuhl, Amick McClelland, Danielle Vargas, and Anna Venvertloh.

Open Public Hearing

President Arns opened the public hearing on the 2024-2025 Amended District Budget, 2024-2025 Amended West Central Regional Joint Agreement Budget, 2024-2025 Amended Quincy Area Vocational Technical Center Budget, and 2024-2025 Amended Special Education Budget. There were no comments at this time, but the hearing remained open for comments until closed later in the meeting.

Questions and Comments

President Arns opening the meeting to questions and comments of members of the Board, by members of the public.

Laura Shaw, a parent of two QPS students, expressed concern over the recent incidents involving Denman PE teachers, citing the DCFS report and describing the actions as inappropriate and a violation of student safety boundaries. She emphasized the importance of reinforcing safe reporting practices for students and questioned the status of the district’s investigation.

Brooke Wells, a parent of a six-year-old student, addressed the Board to express concern about a reported incident involving physical restraint and mistreatment by school staff. She raised concerns about the district’s handling of the matter and called for accountability, student support, and protection for families who speak out. She also indicated an intent to pursue further action if the situation is not addressed appropriately.

Consent Agenda

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

a. Treasurer’s Report May 2025

b. Minutes – May 19, 2025, May 21, 2025, and June 13, 2025

c. Check Register and JH/SH Activity Fund Reports

d. Statement of Agreement with Quanada (Doc. Reg. No. 3954)

e. Hazardous Busing Resolution (Doc. Reg. No. 3955)

f. Physician Indemnification Letter (Doc. Reg. No. 3956)

g. 2025-2026 School Board Meeting Resolution – calendar (Doc. Reg. No. 3957)

h. Acknowledge receipt of the Freedom of Information Log: May 17 through June 20, 2025 (Information Only)

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

Reports of the Superintendent

The Super’s 8 Highlights

1. Summer Singers Camp – Our QPS Music Department’s Summer Singers Camp had a special guest this month — Tony-nominated, Grammy Award-winning Broadway star, Elizabeth Stanley. She joined the campers via Zoom, answered their questions, shared memories of her first solo on the Quincy Community Theatre stage, and even sang for them. What an incredible experience for our students!

2. QJHS Sundial Restoration – A fantastic collaboration took place at Quincy Junior High. The 8th Grade Student Council, led by Mr. Owsley and supported by community partners, restored the school’s historic sundial, originally a gift from the Ojibwe Club in the 1930s. It had been missing for years due to vandalism, and now it’s proudly back where it belongs.

3. Personnel Department Initiatives – Our Personnel team has been busy this summer, hosting sessions for those interested in becoming teachers through our Teacher Resident Program and our Teacher Retiree Return-to-Work Program. These efforts aim to build our future workforce and support classroom stability during this time of teacher shortages.

4. Summer School Wrap-Up – This Friday marks the final day of summer school at Denman, QJHS, and QHS. Students across the district have been hard at work, striving to reach their academic goals and making the most of the summer learning opportunities. 5. QJHS Summer Fuel Academy Showcase – Tomorrow, students from the QJHS Summer Fuel Academy will be presenting slideshows summarizing their projects from this year’s exciting themes: eco explorers, game designers, young entrepreneurs, and arts alive. Their creativity and innovation have been impressive!

6. New Teacher Mentor Training – Marilyn Smith has been leading training sessions this week for our experienced teachers participating in the New Teacher Mentor Program. These veteran educators are preparing to support incoming staff as they transition into QPS classrooms. 7. FFA State Convention – Eleven of our Quincy High School FFA students attended the 97th Annual Illinois FFA State Convention this month. They connected with peers from across the state, representing QPS with pride and enthusiasm.

8. QHS Youth Athletic Camps – Our high school athletic programs have been hosting a variety of youth camps this summer. Highlights included the football camp’s end zone dance contest and volleyball’s always-popular crazy sock day! It’s been a great way for young athletes to connect with QHS coaches and have fun while learning.

2025-2026 District Improvement Plan

Superintendent Pettit provided an update on the District Improvement Plan. He noted several key achievements, including academic growth in English Language Arts (ELA) and science, improved ninth-grade on-track rates, and stronger attendance across the district. Two elementary schools moved from Targeted to Commendable status on the Illinois School Report Card. The district also successfully rolled out restorative practices and expanded mentoring programs, including a reading mentor pilot initiative. Additionally, the QPS Foundation held a record-setting fundraising event as part of its “Big Campaign,” further strengthening community partnerships and enhancing learning opportunities districtwide.

While the district’s graduation rate is improving, it remains below the goal of 100%. Chronic absenteeism stands at 29%, highlighting the continued need for strong family and community engagement. Staffing shortages persist, particularly in key areas such as special education and early childhood. Furthermore, the district is projecting a financial deficit by fiscal year 2028, which will require ongoing fiscal oversight and stewardship.

Looking ahead, the district will continue professional development in restorative practices with an emphasis on improving school culture. The committee charged with reassessing school boundaries will resume its work in the fall. There will also be a renewed effort to engage the community in strategic planning, which will include discussions on educational priorities, financial solutions, and building continued community support. The superintendent stated that a resolution will be brought forward next month to formally reengage the community in this process.

It was moved by Member Brock and seconded by Member Arns to approve the 2025-2026 District Improvement Plan (Doc. Reg. No. 3958). On the call of the roll, the following members voted Aye: Members Arns, Brock, Dodd, Petty, Sethaler, and Whitfield; and the following members voted Nay: None; and the following member was absent: Member Davis. Whereupon the President declared the motion carried.

Building Committee

Chairperson Dodd provided an update on current building projects. Tree removal is taking place at the high school, primarily due to damage from the emerald ash borer beetle. A replacement plan is included in the budget, and new trees will be planted this fall, as the summer heat is not ideal for planting. An 11-month warranty walk-through of the QHS HVAC system is scheduled for August. This walk-through provides an opportunity to address any issues before the system’s warranty expires. An open house for Central Services was held on April 26, with approximately 50–60 people in attendance. All three departments have now settled into the new space, which has been a significant success for the district. The updated Board of Education building facade is nearing completion and has received positive feedback. Additional landscaping, including new trees, will be added in the fall. At the softball/baseball complex, replacement of the Musco lighting for the softball field is scheduled to begin in July, weather permitting. The new lights will be comparable to those currently installed at Flinn Stadium. Repairs are still needed for wind damage. The district is exploring options to complete the repairs using in-house staff to reduce costs. At Flinn Stadium, the press box windows that were previously leaking have been replaced. At Quincy Junior High School, the PA system project is approximately 70% complete. Most of the work is being performed by district staff with support from Divine Technology. Cable work was completed a few years ago, and the installation of new ceiling-mounted equipment is currently underway. Once complete, the updated PA system will improve the school’s ability to communicate effectively throughout the building for safety and security purposes.

District Improvement Committee

Chairperson Arns shared that the District Improvement Committee reviewed the 2025-26 School Improvement Plans that align to the District Improvement Plan, which are centered around three main commitment goals: student success, supportive environments, and engaging in collaborative partnerships. Each school assesses its needs in these areas, identifies how success will be measured, and reflects on who is thriving and who is not. Schools use data to identify gaps, evaluate staff support needs, and determine the level of community and business partnership engagement.

The committee also requested action on the adoption of revised standards-based report cards. Kindergarten implemented the new format in 2022–2023, and 1st and 4th grades piloted and adopted theirs during the current school year. 2nd, 3rd, and 5th grades piloted their report cards this past year and are seeking adoption for the 2025–2026 school year. These report cards provide more specific feedback aligned to grade-level standards rather than traditional letter grades.

Approval of 2nd, 3rd, and 5th Grade Report Cards

It was moved by Member Sethaler and seconded by Member Arns to approve the 2nd , 3rd & 5th Grade Report Cards as Piloted for 2025-2026. On the call of the roll, the following members voted Aye: Members Arns, Brock, Dodd, Petty, Sethaler, and Whitfield; and the following members voted Nay: None; and the following member was absent: Member Davis. Whereupon the President declared the motion carried.

Finance Committee

Mr. Whicker reported that with 92% of the fiscal year complete, every fund is tracking as expected, with most under budget, which is a positive indicator of the district’s financial status.

He noted that fuel bids were solicited, and two were received. The district has historically chosen an escalating price bid—based on the market price plus a delivery charge—over a firm bid, which locks in pricing for the year but includes a markup. The escalating option has proven more cost-effective in past years. The low bidder for the escalating option this year was Niemann Foods, with an estimated cost of $220,983 for gasoline and diesel. The recommendation was made to award the escalating fuel bid to Niemann Foods in the amount of $220,983.

Mr. Whicker also shared an update regarding student meal prices. In accordance with the School Food Authority Act, the district is required to annually evaluate the weighted average cost of meals served. Because current prices remain below the required threshold, an increase is mandated. Fortunately, there is a cap on annual increases, and the district is recommending the maximum allowable increase of $0.10. The new lunch prices will be $3.05 for Pre-K through 5th grade, $3.30 for grades 6 through 12, and $3.80 for adults. Additionally, it was recommended to increase milk and breakfast prices, which have not been adjusted in nearly 10 years. Due to rising costs, it is no longer possible to cover expenses under current pricing. The proposed changes include increasing the cost of a carton of milk from $0.35 to $0.50 and increasing the full-pay breakfast price from $1.50 to $1.75.

Motor Fuel Bids

It was moved by Member Dodd and seconded by Member Brock to approve the escalating bid for motor fuel as submitted by Niemann Foods for a total estimated market price of $220,983.00 (Doc. Reg. No. 3959.) On the call of the roll, the following members voted Aye: Members Arns, Brock, Dodd, Petty, Sethaler, and Whitfield; and the following members voted Nay: None; and the following member was absent: Member Davis. Whereupon the President declared the motion carried.

Increase Meal Prices

It was moved by Member Whitfield and seconded by Member Arns to approve increasing student lunch prices by ten cents. The 2025-2026 lunch prices will be $3.05 for pre-kindergarten through fifth grade and $3.30 for grades six through twelve. The new adult meal price for 2025-2026 will be $3.80. The price of a carton of milk will be $0.50 and full-pay breakfast will be $1.75 (Doc. Reg. No. 3960.) On the call of the roll, the following members voted Aye: Members Arns, Brock,

Dodd, Petty, Sethaler, and Whitfield; and the following members voted Nay: None; and the following member was absent: Member Davis. Whereupon the President declared the motion carried.

Discipline Committee

Chairperson Petty provided a review of second semester discipline data, which included office referrals, in-school and out-of-school suspensions, pre-expulsionary disciplinary agreements, and expulsions. Highlights of the discussion included an increase in in-school suspensions at some schools, while levels remained steady at others. The availability of an In-School Suspension Supervisor in all buildings except Lincoln-Douglas has allowed more students to remain in school rather than being sent home, contributing to the increase in in-school suspensions. The committee emphasized the importance of balancing disciplinary consequences with restorative and alternative practices. There was a focus on ensuring that students returning from suspensions are supported through restorative practices, which have been part of recent staff professional development efforts. The committee also discussed the need for an Alternative Learning Opportunities Program (ALOP) in Adams County, similar to what other Regional Offices of Education across the state offer. This program could offer students another tier of support, including options that count as in school suspensions rather than requiring removal from the school setting entirely. Spring staff survey results were reviewed. Although the response rate was lower than desired, likely due to the survey's timing in late May, the feedback received was generally positive. Teachers expressed appreciation for professional development, particularly in the areas of classroom management and restorative practices. The committee plans to move the survey timeline earlier in the spring to improve participation in the future.

Policy Committee

It was moved by Member Brock and seconded by Member Sethaler to remove from the table and adopt the following April 2025 PRESS Policy revisions:

PRESS Updates for April 2025

2:260

Uniform Grievance Procedure

2:265

Title IX Grievance Procedure