Quincy Reporter

Quincy Public School District 172 Board of Education met Aug. 13.

Here are the minutes provided by the board:

Meeting Convened

The Board of Education of School District No. 172, Adams County, Illinois, met in special session on August 13, 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.

Pledge of Allegiance

The Pledge of Allegiance was led by President Arns.

Comments

President Arns opened the meeting to comments to members of the Board, by members of the public.

Allison Huber (Parent)

Ms. Huber addressed the Board regarding ongoing concerns about student safety and administrative accountability at QPS. She noted ISBE’s involvement along with DCFS, criticized delayed implementation, and expressed concern over past incidents involving inappropriate staff conduct and inadequate administrative response.

Action Plan Update

President Arns shared the Action Plan Update:

• Facility Review – Camera locations and coverage have been reviewed and adjustments completed.

• Social Media Audit – District will audit QPS-associated pages, including athletics and activities, to ensure compliance with parental permissions and board policy. • Staff Climate Check-Ins – Spring 2025 5Essentials survey reviewed. Small group and individual staff check-ins to be completed by September 1, 2025.

• Complaint Process Review – District is refining current complaint procedures and workflow for staff and families; potential for Denman to assume ownership of the process.

Emergency Health Life Safety Amendment for QHS Theatre/Auditorium HVAC

Mold was discovered in the QHS Theater late Friday, 08/08/25, and mitigation efforts began immediately. Testing confirmed that air quality levels outside the theater were safe and that the issue was isolated to the theater’s HVAC system. Six contaminated HVAC compressors will be replaced, with mitigation costs covered by insurance. The theater has been cleared to reopen to students.

It was moved by Member Sethaler and seconded by Member Whitfield to approve the Emergency Health Life Safety Amendment for QHS Theatre/Auditorium HVAC Systems. (Doc. Reg. No. 3975). 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 the motion carried.

Executive Session

At 6:14 p.m., it was moved by Member Arns and seconded by Member Brock 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; 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 the motion carried.

Resumption of Rules

It was moved by Member Davis and seconded by Member Dodd 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, Sethaler, and Whitfield; and the following members were absent: None. Whereupon the President declared the motion carried.

Statement from the Board and Administration

President Arns addressed the community, staff, and students:

• Families – Acknowledged delays in communication and committed to improving transparency and responsiveness.

• Staff – Recognized that added scrutiny was due to district shortcomings, not staff performance; commended professionalism and dedication during the start of the school year.

• Students – Expressed regret to those who felt unsafe and reaffirmed the district’s commitment to providing a safe, welcoming learning environment.

Amended Employment and Separation Agreement with Dr. Todd Pettit

The Board reviewed and discussed the proposed mutual separation agreement with Superintendent Dr. Todd Pettit. The original contract, which was through June 30, 2027, carried a total payout obligation of approximately $362,589.75. Under the amended employment and separation agreement, Dr. Pettit will receive paid leave through November 1, 2025, at $40,923.08 plus benefits. The agreement also allows for an early end to the employment relationship, saving the district approximately $321,000 and providing legal protection for both parties.

It was moved by Member Davis and seconded by Member Sethaler to approve the Amended Employment and Separation agreement with Dr. Todd Pettit effective November 1, 2025 (Doc. Reg. No. 3976). 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 the motion carried.

Appointment of Interim Superintendent Dr. Calvin Lee

It was moved by Member Whitfield and seconded by Member Brock to approve the appointment of Dr. Calvin Lee as interim superintendent effective August 15, 2025 in accordance with the Letter of Employment Agreement (Doc. Reg. No. 3977). 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 the motion carried.

Adjournment

At 6:51 p.m., it was moved by Member Petty and seconded by Member Davis that the special meeting adjourn. 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 the motion carried.

https://www.qps.org/wp-content/uploads/08.13.25-specialmtgmnt.pdf