Sangamon Sun

Pleasant Plains Community Unit School District 8 Board of Education met Nov. 25.

Here is the minutes provided by the board:

The Regular Meeting of the Board of Education of Pleasant Plains Community Unit District No. 8 of Sangamon, Menard, and Morgan Counties, Illinois was held on November 25, 2019 in the Middle School Library, within the boundaries of the district. President Humphrey called the meeting to order and requested roll be called.

The following members were present: Kyle Nestler, Mari Handy, Brad Cowan, Cayla Keyes, Tracy Reiser-Weiters, and Gregg Humphrey. Absent: Rachel Jachino

Administrators present: Superintendant Matt Runge, Bill Dargert, Luke Brooks, Heather Greer, Jamie Yates, Jill Fessler and Brent Grisham

Visitors present: Members of Staff and community

The consent agenda was presented and included approval of Regular Session Minutes of 10-28-19, Agenda, Claim/Accounts, and Treasurer's Report,

Mrs. Keyes made the motion to approve the following:

1. Approval of Agenda 

2. Regular Minutes for 10-28-19 

3. Approval of Claims and Accounts 

4. Approval of Treasurer's Report

Mr. Cowan seconded the motion and roll was called.

Yea: Keyes, Cowan, Handy, Nestler, Reiser- Weiters, President Humphrey 

Nay: None 

Absent: Jachino

Motion carried: 6-0-0

Student and Teacher Focus: Laura Williams along with students Keeley Hecker and Molly Yates spoke and presented to the Board a slide show regarding Special Olympics Summit. Plains Middle School is part of the unified champion school. There are three components with the unified school. 1) inclusive sports 2) youth leaders 3) whole school engagement. It was a very informative presentation. No one is left out and everyone belongs.

Encouraging Words from the Board: Mrs. Reiser-Weiters wanted to thank Mr. Greer again for his annual food drive to provide for the Food Pantry in Plains, Mr. Greer along with five high school students made the delivery to the Food Pantry when items had gotten to be very scarce, Mrs. Keyes said thanked the

First Grade Teachers and everyone involved for putting on such a wonderful Thanksgiving for the students. She enjoyed it very much. Mr. Nestler thought it was a nice touch that Coach Hambleton sent letters that thanked his students. Mr. Cowan thanked the district for the school board conference that he attended. Mrs. Handy mentioned that she was very impressed with the high school teachers at the Parent/Teacher Conferences, She also went on to thank Mrs. Greer for continuing to have the Veteran's Day Assembly. It had to be cancelled on November 11 due to getting out early for inclement weather.

Administrative Reports: 

Mr. Runge reported to the Board that the Board Meeting will be held on December 16 starting at 6:15 with the Tax Levy Presentation Winter break starts December 20th with an early dismissal and our first day back will be January 6th, Mr. Runge concluded with wishing everyone a Happy Thanksgiving.

Mr. Dargert reported to the Board that they will have an opportunity to vote on the 2019 tax levy following the Truth in Taxation Hearing that will take place prior to the regular board meeting on December 16. Also, BLDD and he will be conducting the pre-bid meetings at the middle school for the roof work and the new HVAC system that we will be installing next summer. The bids will be due on December 12" at 2 p.m. and 2:30 respectfully. We will bring the bid tabulations to the board on December 16th

Mr. Brooks reported to the Board that final exams are December 18-20. Also on November 13th some students were able to go out for the building trades and apprenticeship day at the BOS center. He went on to say that Caroline Jachino placed 16th in state Cross Country. Beta Club held a very successful washers tournament to donate money to the Disabled American Veterans.

Mrs. Greer presented to the Board her report. The Sangamon County Junior High School Schoolmasters Association sponsored their annual Literacy Contest on November 9. The Middle School had 66 students participate with 19 firsts, 3 seconds, and 2 thirds. Also, Veterans Day Assembly was held on November 13. She went on the thank Ms. Guccione, Mr. West, Student Council, and Student Beta Club for all of their hard work organizing, setting up and making all of the Veterans feel very welcome. On November 15th the 2019 7th grade volleyball team which are now 8th grade, were recognized at the HS State Volleyball Tournament at Redbird Arena. Members of Beta Club attended the Festival of Trees.

They helped Pre-K and elementary students from area schools with serving snacks, riding the train and making a craft. On December 2nd the middle school will recognize their first set of Students of the Month. This will be an ongoing recognition of students that go above and beyond.

Mr. Yates reported to the Board students enjoyed the annual Veteran's Day Assembly. It was celebrated by reading student projects that focused on the importance of Veteran's Day and singing patriotic songs. He thanked Mrs. McGraw, Mr. Greer and Mrs. Conner for taking leadership roles in organizing this event. Also, thanking all staff. Dr. Randy Sulaver, Navy was the guest speaker. Thank youll

Mrs. Fessler reported to the Board that The 5 Essentials survey will be administered to students, staff and parents. She also reported that she, Mrs. Greer and the middle school SIP team will be attending two workshops that will enhance our objective of improving the SIP process at the middle school. She will also be meeting with counselors to analyze Panorama results and set social/emotional goals for each building,

Board Discussion and Action: 

Steve Oliver from BLDD Architects presented information regarding the MS Roof/HVAC project. He also discussed the plans and timeline for bids and construction of the HS gym project.

Mr. Cowan made the motion to approve the Board meeting dates for 2020. Mr. Nestler seconded the motion and roll was called.

*3" Monday - All other meetings are the 4' Monday of the Month All Meetings will be in the MS Library

President Humphrey asked for a motion to enter Executive Session to consider the following subjects: Personnel

Mrs. Handy made the motion to enter Executive Session. Mrs. Reiser-Weiters seconded the motion and roll was called.

Yea: Handy, Reiser-Weiters, Cowan, Keyes, Nestler, President Humphrey 

Nay: None 

Absent: Jachino

Motion carried: 6-0-0

Board entered into Executive Session at 7:25 p.m. Board returned to Open Session at 7:36 pm

Mrs. Keyes made the motion to approve the employment of Keith Johnson as high school golf coach; Cheryl Ballinger as middle school volleyball volunteer assistant coach; Madalyn Buxton, Passage student employee; Erin Schlee 7 time individual Aide at Farmingdale, Mrs. Handy seconded the motion and roll was called.

Yea: Keyes, Handy, Cowan, Nestler, Reiser-Weiters, President Humphrey 

Nay: None 

Absent: Jachino

Motion carried: 6-0-0

Mrs. Handy made the motion to approve the employment of Missy Coffey as high school softball head coach. Mr. Nestler seconded the motion and roll was called.

Yea;  Handy, Nestler, Cowan, Keyes, President Humphrey

Nay: Reiser-Weiters

Absent; Jachino

Motion carried: 5-1-0

Mrs. Reiser-Wejters made the motion to approve the resignation of middle school assistant track coach; Abbey Knox. Mrs. Handy seconded the motion and roll was called.

Yea: Reiser-Weiters, Handy, Cowan, Keyes, Nestler, President Humphrey 

Nay: None 

Absent: Jachino

Motion carried: 6-0-0

Mr. Cowan made the motion to Adjourn. Mr. Nestler seconded the motion and roll was called, Motion carried on a Voice Vote, Meeting adjourned at 7:38 p.m.

https://v3.boardbook.org/Public/PublicItemDownload.aspx?mk=50355021&fn=minutes.pdf