The meeting was called to order.
Mr. Cowan led us in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Recognition of Public- There were no members of the public requesting to speak.
A motion was made for the Adoption of the Consent Agenda
There were no questions from the Board about the Consent Agenda.
A. Approve Payment of Bills
B. Approve Sales Tax Revenue Report-$32,565.00
C. Approve October 16, 2024 Board Meeting Minutes
D. Approve October 16, 2024 Executive Session Meeting Minutes
E. Approve October 23, 2024 Special Board Meeting Minutes
F. Approve October 23, 2024 Executive Session Meeting Minutes
G. Approve October 24, 2024 Special Board Meeting Minutes
H. Approve October 24, 2024 Executive Session Meeting Minutes
Motion Passed
Good News!
A. November Senior of the Month-Tanner Bishop-Mrs. Fricke reported that Tanner Bishop was the Senior of the Month! Tanner was elected Senior Class President as well as Student Council President! Mrs. Fricke stated that Tanner is involved in almost everything, is smart, kind and collaborative and is fun to be around!
B. Student Athlete of the Month-Abby Jones-Activities Director Jordan shared that Abby Jones is playing basketball tonight but was awarded as Student Athlete of the Month! She was nominated by Mr. Burgard who described Abby as "a hard worker, and great leader for her younger teammates. She displays incredible character by showing respect to her peers and teachers." Congratulations Abby!
C. Spanish/Art Chicago Field Trip-Patience Woodford, Kirsten Lindzy & Zoey Awe were present to share their experiences on their Art & Spanish trip to visit Pilsen and the Art Institute. They enjoyed authentic Mexican food a La Comida. They got to see American Gothic, as well as some Picasso paintings.
D. IHSA Volleyball Recognition-IHSA volleyball has recognized the MPHS volleyball team as the #4 in the state!
Reports
A. High School Principal-The Draw Down raised almost $6000 for the athletic program. The Veterans Day program was very meaningful. COVH is upcoming this weekend, Student Council benefits from the concession sales.
B. Grade School Principal-Mrs. Lora reported that the 8th graders attended a job fair that was very enjoyable for the students & a good opportunity for our students. PK-5 had Veterans Day stations that included veterans talking to students. COVH is upcoming at MPGS as well, PASE benefits from the fundraising that happens at MPGS.
C. Curriculum Director-The Literacy Team has narrowed down their options to 2 choices and they will be having the vendors come in soon. Mrs. Smith has been working on the Preschool for All grant. The ACT in Illinois will require Science, it is not optional. The Illinois State Board of Education is working on a Numeracy Plan that will look somewhat like the Literacy Plan.
D. Activities Director-Fall sports are wrapping up. 8th graders are ranked 2nd in Regionals. Girls basketball is getting started with boys starting next week. Veterans Park may be getting asphalt, but that is still up in the air. MPGS awards have not been issued in several years, Mr. Jordan is working on a plan to recognize the student athletes for their achievements.
Sports interest survey-Boys-bass fishing, football & wrestling or bowling
Sports interest survey-Girls-badminton, competitive cheer & tennis
Mr. Jordan would like to look to add cross-country to both schools. He would also like to look at Go Fan to eliminate some of the gate money at the door.
Some officials have said that our high school officials are behind on our pay scale.
The new website and app for sports has been soft launched!
Discussion of Public Act 103-0394-New state legislation requires school districts to list their Education, Operations & Management and Transportation fund balances.
Unfinished Business
A. Tentative Tax Levy Presentation-In December, we will have our Truth in Taxation hearing because we will be levying/asking for 5% more money than we did last year. We want to maximize our tax dollars so we balloon the levy in an effort to not leave any money on the table. Over the past several years, our extension has been increasing. Mr. Martin asked if there was a 10% limit/cap on how much the EAV could change per year. Mr. Spang did not know of one, but will look into it.
B. Discussion of MPGS Color/Mascot-Mr. Jordan explained that the new track & baseball field at Veterans Park will be purple, so he would like to discuss MPGS moving to purple and gold. He proposes that everyone goes to "Toppers" and not doing "Lady" or "Junior". Mrs. Titus asked if the percentage of smaller schools like us have different colors/mascots. Mr. Spang doesn't think he knows of any unit districts that have separate logos & colors. The board agreed that it was a good idea and Mr. Martin thinks it would be important to get a plaque that commemorates Elkhart Grade School and Mt. Pulaski Grade School mascots & colors.
New Business
A. A Motion was made to Adopt Memorandum of Understanding for Fellowship of Christian Athletes Sponsor-With the addition of the FCA club, we are looking to approve the MoU. The club is not just for athletes, but for all students. All prayers must be student led. Mr. Wilham asked where it fell on the duty schedule/pay schedule. Mr. Spang said that it was comparable to Student Council.
Motion Passed
B. Discussion of Weighted Credit at MPHS-The MPHS Building Leadership Team is recommending the removal of weighted credit from classes at MPHS now that we have so many more dual credit courses at the high school, so the academic rigor is not as much in question. Colleges don't look at weighted grades as much as they have in the past. After surveying the staff, the majority of the teachers want to get rid of it. Mr. Wilham asked when implementation would take place, and Mrs. Fricke said that there would be a later discussion that will be upcoming.
C. Discussion of Topper Tees Social Media Request-Representatives from Topper Tees were not able to be present for the meeting, and since there is not board member approval needed, Mr. Spang will share information if the Board requests it.
D. Discussion of Fiber-Fiber is coming to MP. Steve Futrell, our E-Rate representative, is going to be collecting bids from various vendors, like Comcast and Rise Broadband. Mrs. Fricke stated that we already have fiber at both schools. Mr. Spang will look into this further.
E. Discussion of Logan County Board of Review Notice-Illinois National Bank is requesting a reduction in their EAV. As a taxing body, we can protest the request. It would not be a huge amount of tax dollars. The board directed Mr. Spang to protest because we do not want to set a precedent.
F. Discussion of Elkhart TIF Extension-Elkhart has requested a 10-year extension on their TIF, which they are entitled to do.
G. Approve Personnel Report
A Motion was made to Approve the Personnel Report.
Mr. Spang pointed out that there was a revision of the Personnel Report, the addition of Chris Brown as MPHS Girls Basketball Volunteer Assistant Coach.
G.1. Accept Resignation of Tiffany Kretzinger as MPHS Administrative Assistant
G.2. Approve Ashley Schneider as MPHS Administrative Assistant
G.3. Approve Angie Damm as MPGS Paraprofessional
G.4. Approve Tim Guy as MPGS Boys Basketball Assistant Coach
G.5. Approve Michele Clark as MPHS Student Council Co-Sponsor
G.6. Approve Bella Wade as MPHS Girls Basketball Assistant Coach
G.7. Approve Heidi Zenor as MPHS Girls Basketball Volunteer Assistant Coach
G.8. Approve Chris Brown as MPHS Girls Basketball Volunteer Assistant Coach
G.9. Approve Maternity Leave for MPGS Teacher Lindsey Ford
Motion Passed
Items of Information-Mr. Spang shared the plans that Kevin Handy prepared for the possible new grade school building.
Adjournment
A Motion was made to Adjourn.
Motion Passed
8:41PM