Gibson City-Melvin-Sibley Community Unified School District 5 Board of Education met May 20.
Here is the minutes provided by the board:
The Board of Education of Gibson City-Melvin-Sibley Community Unit School District #5 met in regular session on Monday, May 20, 2019, at 6:15 p.m. in the GCMS Board Room located at 307 N Sangamon Avenue, Gibson City. The board was called to order by Board President Josh Johnson. Roll was called with board members Whitehouse, Elder, Friday, Tucker-Davis and Leonard in attendance. Also present were: High School Principal Chris Garard, Elementary School Principal Justin Kean, Curriculum Director Erin Nuss, FCSEC Director Jesse McFarling, Ross Brown with the Ford County Record, GCMS Education Association President Susan Riley, School Board Secretary Lori Kristensen and District Superintendent Jeremy Darnell.
Absent: Board member Young, Middle School Principal Kyle Bielfeldt
The meeting started with the Pledge of Allegiance being recited by all present. Recognition of Visitors : None
A motion to go into executive session was made by board member Leonard and seconded by board member Tucker-Davis at 6:17 p.m. Motion carried by roll call with all board members present voting yes for the purpose of discussing matters pertaining to the appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific employees of the district including hearing testimony on a complaint lodged against an employee or against legal counsel for the District to determine its validity 5ILCS 120/2(c)(1). Motion was carried by roll call, with all members present voting yes.
Litigation, when an action against, affecting or on behalf of the particular District has been filed and is pending before a court or administrative tribunal, or when the District finds that an action is probable or imminent, in which case the basis for the finding shall be recorded and entered into the closed meeting minutes. 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(11).
Student disciplinary cases. 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(9).
Discussion of lawfully closed meeting minutes, whether for the purposes of approval by the body of the minutes or semi-annual review of the minutes as mandated by Section 2.06. 5ILCS 120/2(c)(21).
A motion to return to open session was made by board member Elder and seconded by board member Whitehouse at 6:26 p.m. Motion carried by voice vote, with all board members present voting yes.
Action Items to Consider From Executive Session Accept Requests for:
Motion to accept the retirement notice of Barb Bleich effective at the end of the 2018-2019 contract year with thanks for service. Motion was made by board member Whitehouse seconded by board member Leonard. Motion carried by voice vote with all members present voting yes.
Motion to accept the resignation of Stephanie Bialka as a special education teacher for GCMS. Motion was made by board member Elder and seconded by board member Tucker-Davis. Motion carried by voice vote with all members present voting yes.
Motion to hire Seeff Grauer as the GCMS High School Summer School teacher for the 2019 summer term per the negotiated agreement. Motion was made by board member Whitehouse seconded by board member Tucker-Davis. Motion carried by roll call with all members present voting yes.
Motion to hire Crystal Richard as a physical education and health teacher for GCMS School District on Step 14 Bachelors for the 2019-2020 school year. Motion was made by board member Leonard seconded by board member Friday. Motion carried by roll call with all members present voting yes.
Motion to grant Marcia Meyer an additional 120 days of sick leave. Motion was made by board member Whitehouse seconded by board member Tucker-Davis. Motion carried by roll call with all members present voting yes.
Motion to approve the following volunteers for the 2019-2020 school year as volunteer coaches. Motion was made by board member Tucker-Davis seconded by board member Whitehouse. Motion carried by voice vote with all members present voting yes.
Volleyball: Jenny Luttrell, Jennifer Jamison, Jori Maynard
Golf: Mark Spangler
Football: Colton Leake, Rob Schmitt, Jamie Sexton, Brandon Shaw
Additional Agenda Items :
None
Consent Agenda
GCMS Accounts Payable bills approved were $646,037.23
Education fund $459,839.99
Building fund $68,901.66
Debt Service fund $0.00
Transportation fund $76,766.16
IMRF/FICA fund $26,141.83
Capital Projects fund $0.00
W/C $0.00
TORT $14,387.59
F/HLS $0.00
GCMS Payrolls approved were $401,734.90
Education fund $349,486.42
Building fund $18,935.54
Transportation fund $1,282.32
TORT $32,030.62
FCSEC Accounts Payable bills approved were $41,196.36
Education fund $38,498.79
Building fund $273.39
IMRF/FICA Fund $2,424.18
FCSEC Payrolls approved were $36,556.27 all in the Education fund
Financial/treasurer's report on behalf of the GCMS District and the FCSEC, Lunch Report, the summary of investment report on behalf of the GCMS District and the FCSEC, and the destruction of executive session tapes through the end of November 2017.
Approve Field Trips for:
| Functional Life Skills Class | Lee Farms | 5/14/2019 |
| Senior Class Trip | Six Flags | 5/21/2019 |
| Amount | From | Designation |
| $2,000 | Band Booster Club | GCMS High School Band |
| $2,112.84 | 2018 After Prom | Class of 2019 |
None
Approve the minutes of the GCMS Regular and Executive Session Minutes of April 22, 2019 as presented.
Motion to accept the consent agenda as presented in the board packet. Motion was made by board member Elder seconded by board member Leonard. Motion carried by roll call with all members present voting yes.
Advisory Reports:
Policy : Members - Janna Friday and Miranda Leonard
First Reading of policies: 2:20, 2:40, 2:50, 2:60, 2:250, 4:30, 4:100, 4:110, 4:150, 4:160, 4:190 (new), 5:10, 5:250, 5:330, 6:15, 6:65, 6:185, 7:185, 8:95
Building, Grounds, and Transportation: Members - Adam Elder & Tyler Young No Report
Personnel and Finance: Members - Josh Johnson and Phil Whitehouse No Report
Strategy and Enrichment: Members – Josh Johnson & Emily Tucker-Davis No Report
Building Administration Reports:
Principal's Reports:
High School Principal, Chris Garard
Enrollment - 305
Freshman: 77
Sophomores: 75
Juniors: 79
Graduated 77 Seniors (3 early)
New students: 0
Non-returning students: 0
Student of the month is Senior, Josh Bleich
All nine senior students of the month for the school year were treated to lunch at the Villas of Hollybrook and enjoyed conversing with the residents.
FFA Events
The year end banquet was held at the Gibson City Bible Church. Outgoing officers retired from their positions and new officers for next school year were installed. Awards for the year were presented and recognition of individual achievement was also recognized.
FFA provided two school events this spring with an Ag Expo including a petting zoo and farm equipment to view. Ag Safety Day was also presented to the 5th grade on May 3 at the Gibson City Bible Church.
Project Ignition Safety Day was held at the Elementary School and in a joint effort from the Marketing Class and Red Army, Scott’s Law “Slow Down & Move Over” signs were created and sold with proceeds from the signs being donated to the local Gibson City Police Department.
Spring Concerts for the Band and Choir were held on May 5 along with the Art Department’s spring show. This day is always a great way to show off the GCMS student talent in the Fine Arts Departments.
Senior In-Service
Mr. Garard thanked Board President Josh Johnson for presenting at the Senior In-Service and talking about “Plan B.” The day was a huge success and enjoyed by all students and staff who participated.
Class of 2019
Many activities were held for the Class of 2019. The Senior Scholarship committee recognized outstanding seniors in an all school assembly on May 16, Baccalaureate was a wonderful event with 69 of 77 students attending and the GC Bible Church was packed with family and friends of students. Graduation was held on Saturday, May 18 in the High School gymnasium and the senior class trip is going to Six Flags on May 21.
Spring Sports Wrap Up
● Girls Track State Qualifiers
(4x800 Relay, Delanie Dykes in the 400 and 800, Claire Retherford in Shot Put & Discus)
● Girls Softball - Regional Champions
● Boys Baseball - Co Conference Champions
HS Upcoming Events
| Date | Event | Location & Time |
| Saturday, May 18 | Graduation | HS Gym 7:00 p.m. |
| Tuesday, May 21 | Senior Trip | Six Flags |
| May 16-18 | Girls State Track | EIU |
| May 23-24 | Boys State Track | EIU |
Enrollment - 234 6th: 72
7th: 78
8th: 84
February Students of the Month
6th Grade - Cohen Kean
7th Grade - Rylie Huls
8th Grade - Dakota Duvall
Field Trips
● 6t h Grade went to Brookfield Zoo on Friday, May 10. This was part of their year long theme of “Welcome to the Jungle.”
● 7t h Grade went to Museum of Science and Industry on Friday, April 26. This was part of their yearlong theme of “Think Like a Scientist.”
● 8t h Grade visited Parkland College, Staerkel Planetarium, and the U of I Campus. This was part of their yearlong theme of College and Career Readiness.
Living Wax Museum
Mrs. Allen’s 6t h grade Language Arts students all participated in the Living Wax Museum on Friday, May 3. Students completed research on a historical figure and presented a report dressed as that individual. Parents, grandparents, and community members came in and visited the event. Mrs. Allen and the 6th grade students put a lot of work into the event and each year it is a big success.
Trade Up
On May 3r d twenty of our 8t h grade students visited Parkland College as part of Parkland’s “Trade Up” Program put on by Education for Employment System #330. Students that attended spoke with members of several trade unions and were able to do some hands on work. The program is put on by former GCMS alumni Nick Elder.
Intervention Meetings
The middle school staff is currently looking to change how RtI and interventions at the middle school are managed. As a result of these changes, professional development training on implementing a successful reading and math intervention program is necessary. Mrs. Rubarts and Mrs. Jamison visited Chiddix Junior high and met with their reading interventionist and came back with some great knowledge on identifying, monitoring, and implementing the program. Mrs. Schwenk and Mrs. Thames went to Evans Junior High to meet with the math interventionist. The goal of these changes is to target the struggling students and help them become more successful in the english/language and math classes.
Study Hall Changes
As a result of our meetings in Student Advisory and school improvement meetings, the middle school is changing the way study halls will be run next year. Students will no longer go to the cafeteria in a large group setting. Students will go to classroom teacher’s classes during 9t h and 10t h hour. Students in Student Advisory felt that the larger setting was too distracting and they were not as successful as they could be in that particular setting. Students will still be able to go and see teachers for help but this will allow the students to be in a smaller, less distracting setting.
MS Upcoming Events
| Date | Event | Location & Time |
| May 20 | 5th Grade Visit | Middle School |
| May 22 | School Improvement | Middle School |
| May 29 | Falcon Fun Day | Middle School |
| May 30 | 8th Grade Promotion | MS Gym 9:30 a.m. |
Enrollment - 468
ECE: 19
Pre K: 40
K: 58
1st: 63
2nd: 81
3rd: 64
4th: 70
5th: 73
The BUG theme for May is “All Around.”
Patricia Polacco visit
Mrs. Nuss, Mrs. Steidinger, Mrs. Fredrickson and Mrs. Hohulin arranged for author Patricia Polacco to visit on April 30. She presented in two separate assemblies to K-2 grade and 3-5 grades. The students and staff enjoyed her visit immensely.
Falcon Walk
The PTA sponsored the Falcon Walk again this year on April 26. Over $12,000 was raised for the PTA, which in turn helps out the GCMS schools. The students had fun walking, running, and toilet papering Mrs. Lindelof and Mr. Kean.
Parent’s Night Out
Mr. Schwenk and Mrs. Little raised approximately $750 for the PE program by sponsoring parents night out.
School Improvement Plan
Great conversations were had with nine staff members, Mrs. Lindelof, Mrs. Nuss and Mr. Kean on May 2 to discuss improvements for the elementary school.
Kindergarten Screening
The Kindergarten staff and Mrs. Adkins screened incoming kindergarten students on May 7 and 8. Approximately 75 kindergartners are expected for the 2019-2020 school year.
Open House
The elementary school building was alive with parents, students, grandparents, and friends during the spring open house. One of the highlights of the evening was Ms. Quanstrom’s student art projects displayed in the art room and down the halls.
Teacher Appreciation Week
Mr. Kean thanked the PTA, cafeteria staff and GC Rotary for bringing delicious food throughout the week for staff. The PTA also provided a small gift in staff mailboxes daily as a thank you.
Max Dollars for Education
GCMS Elementary School was one of 5 winners for the Max Dollars for Education. County Market presented Mr. Kean with a $5,000 check for being a winner.
ES Upcoming Events
| Date | Event | Location & Time |
| May 17 | Beginning of Grade Level Picnics | North Park South Park |
| May 24 | 4th Grade Field Day | ES |
| May 28 | Lunch on the Lawn | ES |
| May 28 | 1st Grade Superhero Day | ES |
| May 29 | Awards Assembly | 1:30 p.m. |
| May 17 | 5th Grade Fun Night | MS |
Director McFarling reported to the board IEP annual review season is complete. CPI (Crisis Prevention Institute) training for this summer is scheduled for August 6 for all new trainees and August 7th for staff who will be recertified. The DLM (Dynamic Learning Maps) alternative assessment testing is also complete for the school year. The GCMS High School first DRS (Department of Rehabilitation Services) information day was a success. Students were able to receive valuable information on resources this State agency can provide after graduation.
Director McFarling thanked the GCMS and FCSEC staff who assisted with a recent evaluation of a student with significant disabilities. Many hours were committed by individuals on a very challenging case. The end result is a plan that both the family and school district are excited about.
McFarling also congratulated and wished Julie Audo, School Psychologist, a happy retirement and thanked her for her years of service to FCSEC and GCMS.
April Fund Balance: $590,432.33
Beginning of the year Fund Balance: $398,220.62
Curriculum Director, Erin Nuss
Mrs. Nuss informed that board that more than 100 hours worth of professional development was awarded to GCMS teachers throughout the 18-19 school year. A brief summary of the April CCC meeting was provided, highlights included discussion of changing the district grading scale and planning for alternative learning days. Brief updates on curriculum studies for SPED, foreign language, science, and agriculture were provided. Mrs. Nuss ended by offering to answer any questions about the District Consolidated Application or the SchoolWide Waiver for the High School.
GCMS and FCSEC Treasurer’s Bonds
Motion to approve the Treasurer’s Bond for Scott Shull for the 2019-2020 school year as presented. Motion was made by board member Whitehouse seconded by board member Tucker-Davis. Motion carried by roll call with all members present voting yes.
MCS Technologies Contracts
The school district will be upgrading servers and camera systems in all three buildings throughout the summer which will prepare the schools for better safety and technology advancements in the future. Darnell reported that half of the cost for network improvements will be paid by Title funds.
Motion to approve the contract for MCS Office Technologies to complete network improvements for GCMS School District. Motion was made by board member Elder seconded by board member Friday. Motion carried by roll call with all members present voting yes.
Motion to approve the contract for MCS Office Technologies to complete security improvements for GCMS Elementary, Middle and High Schools as presented. Motion was made by board member Whitehouse seconded by board member Tucker-Davis. Motion carried by roll call with all members present voting yes.
GCMS School District Title 1 plans
Superintendent Darnell thanked Mrs. Nuss, Curriculum Director, for managing and submitting the required documents to the State of Illinois for Title 1 resources. These annual documents/plans help to provide the district with classroom materials and professional development resources that the district would not otherwise receive. The plans were approved by the board and immediately submitted to the state.
Motion to approve the Consolidated District Plan for all grants as presented. Motion was made by board member Tucker-Davis seconded by board member Leonard. Motion carried by roll call with all members present voting yes.
Motion to approve the Schoolwide waiver as presented. Motion was made by board member Whitehouse seconded by board member Elder. Motion carried by roll call with all members present voting yes.
Mr. Darnell ended the meeting by expressing his appreciation for staff and students for their continued efforts during the school year. This school year has been driven by many outstanding events, performances and celebrations of hard work, investments of time and energy and positive encouragement from the community.
Current openings available
● Elementary School - Paraprofessionals (number of openings TBD)
● Middle School - Literacy (Candidate has been chosen and will be approved at the June 17 board meeting).
● High School - Boys Golf Coach, Dance Coach
A motion to adjourn the meeting was made by board member Whitehouse and seconded by board member Tucker-Davis at 6:58 p.m. Motion carried by voice vote, with all members present voting yes.
https://www.gcmsk12.org/Downloads/5_20_2019%20BOE%20meeting%20minutes.pdf
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