Shelley Arns, Board President | Quincy Public Schools
Shelley Arns, Board President | Quincy Public Schools
Quincy Public School District 172 Board of Education met July. 23.
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 July 23, 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, Davis, Dodd, Petty, and Whitfield; and the following members were absent: Member Brock and Member Sethaler. 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.
Arrival of Member Brock
Member Brock arrived at 6:02 p.m., which was duly noted by the board secretary.
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.
Katie Myers (Parent of Denman Student)
Raised concerns about the district’s response to alleged incidents involving Kim Kirby and Jennifer Oitker. Asserted that the administration prioritized self-preservation over student safety, failed to notify parents, and did not place staff on administrative leave during an active DCFS investigation. Claimed multiple students had their mouths taped and incidents of spanking continued after DCFS involvement. Also reported concerns about student images posted publicly on staff social media.
Adele (on behalf of Sarah Goodapple, Parent of Denman Student)
Read a written statement from Sarah Goodapple, whose daughter was reportedly among those whose mouths were taped shut. Emphasized the importance of bodily autonomy and professional boundaries. Criticized the staff's behavior and the administration’s response, calling for the removal of the staff involved or her child’s withdrawal from QPS.
Laura Shaw (Parent)
Expressed disappointment with the investigation’s outcome, noting that many students assumed spanking was “normal.” Cited QPS employee-student boundary policies and asserted the educators’ behavior was a violation of professional expectations. Requested further investigation into staff social media posts involving student photos and installation of security cameras in unmonitored school areas.
Sharadan Parks (Parent and Former QPS Employee)
Described two specific incidents involving her children witnessing birthday spankings and having tape placed on their mouths. Shared that her daughter later disclosed routine spanking by a teacher throughout the school year. Urged the Board to act on repeated and ongoing concerns.
Susan Trusley (on behalf of an Anonymous Denman Parent)
Read a statement from a parent who did not feel safe speaking publicly. Expressed concern over a culture of silence and lack of accountability. Emphasized the emotional harm to students and questioned whether district leadership was fulfilling its duty to protect children.
Crissie Duran (Longtime QPS Volunteer and PTA/PTO Member)
Detailed several inappropriate incidents reportedly witnessed or disclosed by students, including birthday spankings, favoritism with classroom gifts, and the taping of students’ mouths. Criticized the internal investigation process and the district’s public messaging, urging the Board to stand with families and staff who have spoken out.
Steve Homan (Community Member)
Defended the teachers in question, citing the DCFS investigation which found no evidence of abuse. Warned against the harm of spreading unverified allegations and emphasized the importance of due process and trust in official investigations.
Brooke Wells (Parent of Denman Student)
Stated that her six-year-old daughter was restrained and had her mouth taped after the DCFS case was reportedly closed. Condemned the district’s dismissal of her daughter’s account as “non-credible.” Emphasized the psychological harm to children who are not believed and warned of the precedent being set by the district’s actions.
Consent Agenda
It was moved by Member Davis and seconded by Member Dodd to approve the following items on the Consent Agenda:
a. Treasurer’s Report
b. Minutes –June 25, 2025
c. Check Register and JH/SH Activity Fund Reports
d. Acknowledge receipt of the Freedom of Information Log: June 21 through July 18, 2025 (Information Only)
On the call of the roll, the following members were present and answered to their names: Members Arns, Brock, Davis, Dodd, Petty, and Whitfield; and the following member was absent: Member Sethaler. Whereupon the President declared the motion carried.
Reports of the Superintendent
The Super’s 8 Highlights
Ĺ┐ Registration for the 2025–2026 school year is now available online. Each school will also offer in person registration help on designated days. Visit QPS.org for complete information. 2. Kindergarten classes will begin with a staggered start this year. This helps young students adjust in smaller groups. Each school will share their schedules with parents prior to the start of school. 3. Interested in becoming a substitute teacher? The ROE will hold monthly online trainings for short-term licenses. Visit ROE1.NET to register.
4. QHS freshmen and new students parent night will be held on August 6 at 6pm and parents can meet the teachers on August 27 from 6-8pm.
5. Early Childhood & Family Center staff attended the national Frog Street Conference. They gained new ideas and skills to better support our youngest learners.
6. Back-to-School Fairs will be held at Iles Elementary on August 2 and at the Quincy Neighborhood Federation on August 5. Both events will offer immunizations, clothing, school supplies, and more.
7. Lincoln-Douglas 5th graders selected as house leaders got a big surprise. They received personalized yard signs to celebrate their new role.
8. Shout Out to Maintenance Staff —A sincere thank you to Allan Schrand and Scott Watkins for the tremendous effort and hard work they dedicated to clearing out the backroom and the technology areas at the Board Office. Your commitment and heavy lifting are truly appreciated, and the results speak volumes.
Building Committee
The Building Committee did not meet in July.
District Improvement Committee
The District Improvement Committee did not meet in July.
Finance Committee
The Finance Committee reviewed the Fall 2025 Food and Non-Food Bids. Mr. Whicker explained that the district was 100% through the fiscal year, and that the Education Fund expenditures to date were 92.31% of the budgeted amount through June 2025. He noted that all funds ended the year below budget.
Discipline Committee
The Discipline Committee did not meet in July.
Policy Committee
Chairperson Whitfield reported that the Policy Committee reviewed the revisions from IASB PRESS Service from June 2025. The following policies were laid on the table to be approved at the August Board meeting.
| 1:10 | School District Legal Status |
| 1:20 | District Organization, Operations, and Cooperative Agreements |
| 2:80 | Board Member Oath and Conduct |
| 2:130 | Board-Superintendent Relationship |
| 7:40 | Nonpublic School Students, Including Parochial and Home-Schooled Students |
| 7:90 | Release During School Hours |
| 7:130 | Student Rights and Responsibilities |
| 7:140 | Search and Seizure |
| 7:300 | Extracurricular Athletics |
| 7:325 | Student Fundraising Activities |
| 8:80 | Gifts to the District |
It was moved by Member Arns and seconded by Member Davis to approve the bid for milk from Prairie Farms at a low escalator cost of $322,910.00. (Doc. Reg. No. 3966). On the call of the roll, the following members were present and answered to their names: Members Arns, Brock, Davis, Dodd, Petty, and Whitfield; and the following member was absent: Member Sethaler. Whereupon the President declared the motion carried.
2025-2026 Bread Bid
It was moved by Member Davis and seconded by Member Arns to approve the bid for bread from Kohl Wholesale at a cost of $50,843.50 (Doc. Reg. No. 3966). On the call of the roll, the following members were present and answered to their names: Members Arns, Brock, Davis, Dodd, Petty, and Whitfield; and the following member was absent: Member Sethaler. Whereupon the President declared the motion carried.
2025-2026 Produce Bid
It was moved by Member Petty and seconded by Member Dodd to approve the bid for produce to Kohl Wholesale at a cost of $70,969.84 (Doc. Reg. No. 3966). On the call of the roll, the following members were present and answered to their names: Members Arns, Brock, Davis, Dodd, Petty, and Whitfield; and the following member was absent: Member Sethaler. Whereupon the President declared the motion carried.
2025-2026 Food/Non-Food Items Bid
It was moved by Member Brock and seconded by Member Petty to approve the lowest bids for food/ non-food items from Kohl Wholesale at a cost of $905,262.30 (Doc. Reg. No. 3966). On the call of the roll, the following members were present and answered to their names: Members Arns, Brock, Davis, Dodd, Petty, and Whitfield; and the following member was absent: Member Sethaler. Whereupon the President declared the motion carried.
Real Property Tax Assessment Settlement Agreement with KIN, Inc.
It was moved by Member Davis and seconded by Member Arns to approve the Real Property Tax Assessment Settlement Agreement with KIN, Inc. (Doc. Reg. No. 3967). On the call of the roll, the following members were present and answered to their names: Members Arns, Brock, Davis, Dodd, Petty, and Whitfield; and the following member was absent: Member Sethaler. Whereupon the President declared the motion carried.
Real Property Tax Assessment Settlement Agreement with Menard, Inc.
It was moved by Member Petty and seconded by Member Brock to approve the Real Property Tax Assessment Settlement Agreement with Menard, Inc. (Doc. Reg. No.3968). On the call of the roll, the following members were present and answered to their names: Members Arns, Brock, Davis, Dodd, Petty, and Whitfield; and the following member was absent: Member Sethaler. Whereupon the President declared the motion carried.
Real Property Tax Assessment Settlement Agreement with Home Depot #1915
It was moved by Member Arns and seconded by Member Davis to approve the Real Property Tax Assessment Settlement Agreement with Home Depot #1915 (Doc. Reg. No. 3969). On the call of the roll, the following members were present and answered to their names: Members Arns, Brock, Davis, Dodd, Petty, and Whitfield; and the following member was absent: Member Sethaler. Whereupon the President declared the motion carried.
Resolutions on Tentative 2025-2026 QAVTC, West Central Regional and Special Education Association Budgets
It was moved by Member Dodd and seconded by Member Arns to approve the Resolutions on Presentation of Tentative 2025-2026 Quincy Area Vocational Technical Center , West Central Regional and Special Education Budgets and set hearing date as August 20, 2025 (Doc. Reg. No. 3970). On the call of the roll, the following members were present and answered to their names: Members Arns, Brock, Davis, Dodd, Petty, and Whitfield; and the following member was absent: Member Sethaler. Whereupon the President declared the motion carried.
Charge for Community Engagement
Superintendent Pettit shared that the Charge for Community Engagement is designed to support gathering and understanding the community’s educational values, priorities, and expectations. This process will help build a broad-based consensus on district goals and establish consistent, representative information to guide decision-making. Upon completion, the initiative aims to produce a long-range vision for Quincy Public Schools, outline steps for implementation, and foster ongoing collaboration between the district and the community.
It was moved by Member Davis and seconded by Member Whitfield to approve the Charge for Community Engagement (Doc. Reg. No. 3971). On the call of the roll, the following members were present and answered to their names: Members Arns, Brock, Davis, Dodd, Petty, and Whitfield; and the following member was absent: Member Sethaler. Whereupon the President declared the motion carried.
IBEW Local 34 Contract July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2027
It was moved by Member Dodd and seconded by Member Whitfield to approve the IBEW Local 34 Contract for July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2027 as presented (Doc. Reg. No. 3972). On the call of the roll, the following members were present and answered to their names: Members Arns, Brock, Davis, Dodd, Petty, and Whitfield; and the following member was absent: Member Sethaler. Whereupon the President declared the motion carried.
Executive Session
At 6:53 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; 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, and Whitfield; and the following member was absent: Member Sethaler. Whereupon the President declared the motion carried.
Resumption of Rules
It was moved by Member Petty and seconded by Member Arns 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, Brock, Davis, Dodd, Petty, and Whitfield; and the following member was absent: Member Sethaler. Whereupon the President declared the motion carried.
Personnel Addendum
It was moved by Member Brock and seconded by Member Davis to approve the Revised Personnel Addendum As Amended. On the call of the roll, the following members were present and answered to their names: Members Arns, Brock, Davis, Dodd, Petty, and Whitfield; and the following member was absent: Member Sethaler. 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 *REVISED PERSONNEL ADDENDUM **AS AMENDED PR - Replacement for Project Fund position R - Replacement for vacant Operating Fund Position QUINCY BOARD OF EDUCATIONS - Summer School JULY 23, 2025 | ||||
| CERTIFIED | ||||
| APPOINTMENT | ||||
| 1 | $ | BRIAN MCINTYRE - STUDENT COUNCIL CO-SPONSOR – QHS | 25-26 SCH YR | DISTRICT PAID – 12.14%, STEP 0, $4,286.51 STIPEND |
| 2 | R | ALISON TALCOTT– MUSIC - ROONEY | 25-26 SCH YR | SALARY TBD |
| 3 | R | HILLARY MARKS – 2ND GRADE - ROONEY | 25-26 SCH YR | SALARY TBD |
| 4 | R | GRACE BEELER – SPEECH & LANGUAGE PATH - QJHS | 25-26 SCH YR | SALARY TBD |
| 5 | R | MELISSA CUNNINGHAM – 4TH GRADE - ROONEY | 25-26 SCH YR | SALARY TBD |
| *6 | R | JORDAN RAGAR – CBE- 5TH GRADE SPED CO-TEACHER - ROONEY | 25-26 SCH YR | SALARY TBD |
| RESIGNATIONS | ||||
| 7 | AMY SLOUGH – 4TH GRADE TEACHER – ROONEY | 06/20/2025 | ||
| 8 | AMANDA GRIESBAUM – ELA TEACHER – QJHS | 06/23/2025 | ||
| 9 | ABBY BOLT – PE TEACHER – QJHS | 07/31/2025 | ||
| LEAVE OF ABSENCE | ||||
| 10 | SARAH MILLER – TEACHER – ROONEY | 08/11/2025 – 11/11/2025 | ||
| 11 | HEATHER MASTON– TEACHER - QJHS | 08/11/2025 – 09/22/2025 | ||
| RETIREMENTS | ||||
| 12 | SHEILA BENZ – NURSE - DENMAN | 07/01/2026 | REQUESTING MOU1 (UPDATED DATE)/APPROVED | |
| EDUCATIONAL SUPPORT | ||||
7
| CLASSIFIED | ||||
| APPOINTMENT | ||||
| 13 | R | BLAKE CRABTREE - MECHANIC - TRANSPORTATION | 06/26/2025 | 260 DAYS, $21.75/HR |
| 14 | C/R | ELIZABETH SEALS - HEAD 8TH GRADE BASKETBALL COACH (GIRLS) – QJHS | 25-26 SCH YR | DISTRICT PAID – 8.81%, STEP 4, $3,251.95 STIPEND |
| 15 | C/R | JUSTIN TRAMMEL – DAY CUSTODIAN - QJHS | 7/11/2025 | 260 DAY, NO CHANGE IN SALARY |
| 16 | C/R | SARA NYTES – CAFETERIA COORDINATOR – LINCOLN DOUGLAS | 8/12/2025 | NO CHANGE IN SALARY |
| 17 | R | KELLEY LAWSON - JV BASKETBALL COACH (GIRLS) – QHS | 25-26 SCH YR | DISTRICT PAID – 14.01%, STEP 0, $4,946.79 STIPEND |
| 18 | R | MASON SWISHER - ASST. VARSITY FOOTBALL COACH – QHS | 25-26 SCH YR | DISTRICT PAID – 10.10%, STEP 0, $3,566.21 STIPEND |
| 19 | R | MAKAYLA MCGHEE – CERTIFIED OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY ASSISTANT - DISTRICT | 25-26 SCH YR | SALARY TBD |
| 20 | R | RITA CARPER – SECRETARY - QJHS | 25-26 SCH YR | 193 DAYS, SALARY TBD |
| 21 | R | LORI BUCKMAN – KITCHEN HELPER | 25-26 SCH YR | 173 DAYS, 2.75 HRS/DAY, SALARY TBD |
| *22 | $ | AMBER BORDEWICK – ATHLETIC SECRETARY - QJHS | 25-26 SCH YR | 203 DAYS, PART TIME, 19.5 HRS/WEEK |
| 23 | R | ANDREA FISCHER – PARA - QJHS | 25-26 SCH YR | SALARY TBD |
| 24 | R | GENAVIEVE ZENGEL – PARA - BALDWIN | 25-26 SCH YR | SALARY TBD |
| 25 | R | JUDITH MEYERS – CROSSING GUARD | 25-26 SCH YR | HOURLY TBD |
| 26 | R | BRENDA SHIRES – KITCHEN HELPER - QJHS | 25-26 SCH YR | HOURLY TBD |
| 27 | R | TIFFANY KYER – PARA - QJHS | 25-26 SCH YR | NO LONGER STARTING, RESIGNED 7/16/2025 |
| RESIGNATIONS | ||||
| 28 | CHEYENNE GRISSOM – BASKETBALL COACH (GIRLS) - QHS AND QJHS | 06/27/2025 | ||
| 29 | BROOKE NIEKAMP – ATTENDANCE SECRETARY – QJHS | 07/01/2025 | ||
| 30 | ABBY BOLT – ASST. CROSS COUNTRY COACH– QJHS | 07/31/2025 | ||
| 31 | HAILEY ALVIS – ASST. VOLLEYBALL COACH – QHS | 07/14/2025 | ||
| 32 | KENNETH DAVIS – SECURITY GUARD – DENMAN | 07/16/2025 | ||
| LEAVE OF ABSENCE | ||||
| 33 | ROGER EDWARDS – TRANSPORTATION | UPDATE | 04/26/2025 – 06/04/2025 | |
| 34 | JESSICA BRIDAL – SSFL – QJHS | INTERMITTENT, 25-26 SCH YR | ||
| 35 | HALEY BROWN – SSFL – ROONEY | 08/11/2025 – 09/22/2025 | ||
| 36 | TERESA KLINGELE – CUSTODIAN – BOE | UPDATE | 08/25/2025 – 11/14/2025 | |
| RETIREMENTS | ||||
| 37 | CHARLES WATKINS – CUSTODIAN – DENMAN | 09/01/2026 | REQUESTING RETIREMENT INCENTIVE/APPROVED | |
| **38 | CYNTHIA CARTER – PARA – ECFC | 06/25/2025 | ||
| **39 | JOHANNA SHAW – BUS DRIVER – TRANSPORTATION | END OF 25-26 SCH YR | REQUESTING RETIREMENT INCENTIVE/APPROVED | |
| **40 | TAMMY DAVIS – PARA – ECFC | 06/30/2026 | REQUESTING RETIREMENT INCENTIVE/APPROVED | |
At 7:52 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.
https://www.qps.org/wp-content/uploads/07.23.25-regmnt.pdf
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