Gibson City-Melvin-Sibley Community Unified School District 5 Board met Nov. 18.
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, November 18, 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 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, GCMS Education Association President Susan Riley, Secretary to the Board Lori Kristensen and District Superintendent Jeremy Darnell.
Absent: Board members Whitehouse and Young, Middle School Principal Kyle Bielfeldt The meeting started with the Pledge of Allegiance being recited by all present.
Recognition of Visitors :
A motion to go into executive session was made by board member Tucker-Davis and seconded by board member Friday 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 Friday and seconded by board member Leonard at 6:32 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 approve the resignation of Cindy Petersen as the GCMS tennis coach effective immediately with thanks for service. Motion was made by board member Leonard seconded by board member Tucker-Davis. Motion carried by voice vote with all members present voting yes.
Motion to accept the resignation of Michelle Brennan as GCMS science teacher effective at the conclusion of the 2019-2020 school year with thanks for service. Motion was made by board member Friday seconded by board member Tucker-Davis. Motion carried by voice vote with all members present voting yes.
Motion to approve the maternity leave for Erica Kostoff for the birth of her child beginning on approximately April 20 depending on the birth of her child through the end of the 2019-2020 school year. Motion was made by board member Elder seconded by board member Leonard. Motion carried by roll call with all members present voting yes.
Motion to accept the resignation of Allison Able as a paraprofessional for the GCMS School District effective November 15, 2019 with thanks for service. Motion was made by board member Leonard seconded by board member Friday. Motion carried by voice vote with all members present voting yes.
Motion to approve the tuition reimbursement for Brittany Shreffler for classes taken to achieve a reading specialist certification per the negotiated agreement. Motion was made by board member Tucker-Davis seconded by board member Friday. Motion carried by roll call with all members present voting yes.
Motion to approve the hiring of Barb Burton as a paraprofessional for the GCMS School District on step one of the para negotiated agreement beginning November 19, 2019. Motion was made by board member Leonard seconded by board member Tucker-Davis. Motion carried by roll call with all members present voting yes.
Motion to approve Taylor Leake as a volunteer coach for the GCMS Dance Team and Caity Heap as a volunteer coach for the GCMS Cheer Squad. Motion was made by board member Friday seconded by board member Elder. Motion carried by roll call with all members present voting yes.
Additional Agenda Items :
None
Consent Agenda
GCMS Accounts Payable bills approved were $793,347.94
Education fund $447,223.30
Building fund $206,228.75
Debt Service fund $0.00
Transportation fund $82,703.58
IMRF/FICA fund $29,045.33
Capital Projects fund $0.00
W/C $0.00
TORT $27,456.98
F/HLS $690.00
GCMS Payrolls approved were $450,068.50
Education fund $393,133.90
Building fund $17,946.69
Transportation fund $1,721.30
TORT $37,266.61
FCSEC Accounts Payable bills approved were $58,138.96
Education fund $56,069.19
Building fund $138.42
IMRF/FICA Fund $1,931.35
FCSEC Payrolls approved were $41,628.52 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 April 2018.
Approve Field Trips for:
| Red Army | Josten’s Climate Forum Washington, IL | February 2, 2020 |
| Chamber Choir | CI Living - Channel 3 | December 2, 2019 |
| Foods I Class | County Market Gibson City | December 17, 2019 |
| Dance Team | Fox Theatre St. Louis | November 26, 2019 |
| Problem Solving Class | Ace Hardware | November 22, 2019 |
| Amount | From | Designation |
| $265.53 | GCMS Booster Club | Golf Team |
| $5,000 | Anonymous | MS Athletics |
Approve Facility Use Agreements or Request for Use of School Kitchen/Cafeteria
pending proof of insurance and all other district requirements for:
● Daddy Daughter Dance, use of Middle School gymnasium and cafeteria on February 15, 2020.
● Paxton Park District, use of district gymnasiums as available, December 1 - March 1, 2020
Approve the minutes of the GCMS Regular and Executive Session Minutes of October 21, 2019 meeting 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 Tucker-Davis. Motion carried by roll call with all members present voting yes.
Advisory Reports:
Policy: Members - Janna Friday and Miranda Leonard
No Report. Press issue 102 = 268 pages of review.
Building, Grounds, and Transportation: Members - Adam Elder & Tyler Young
No Report - Meeting December 3
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 - 302
Freshman: 83
Sophomore: 71
Junior: 73
Senior: 75
Student of the Month - Summer Roesch
Variety Show
Congratulations to Miss Broaddus and the students who performed in the variety show. Kids showed their talent in singing, dancing and comedy. The evening was a huge success.
IPA Fall Leadership Conference
Mr. Garard thanked the board of education for allowing the principals to attend the fall leadership conference hosted by the Illinois Principals Association.
Josten’s Conference in February
Mr. Garard reported that Ms. Riley attended a conference in Michigan hosted by Jostens where educators participated in activities where they learned to improve on school culture and climate. Josten’s will be hosting a similar conference in Champaign in February. GCMS will send a team of teachers and administrators to attend this event where they will learn how to:
● Leave Prepared and Motivated to implement tangible strategies to improve climate and culture.
● Attend dynamic sessions led by educators sharing real-life insights and proven ideas from the schoolhouse.
● Gain inspiration and learn from experts and thoughtful leaders.
● Build a lasting network of educators across your region.
Upcoming activities
November 18-22 - Girls Basketball Tournament
November 25-30 - Boys Basketball Tournament
December 5 - Wrestling
Middle School Principal, Kyle Bielfeldt
Enrollment: 224
6th Grade: 74
7th Grade: 72
8th Grade: 78
Veteran’s Day Assembly
This year's keynote speaker was Kane Farabaugh, an award winning documentarian, reporter, and news broadcaster. Mr. Bielfeldt thanked Mrs. Keefe, Ms. Broaddus, and Mr. Renchen for getting the kids ready for their performances. He also thanked Mr. Tompkins for being our faculty speaker and Mr. Willis for getting the technology set up. Great job to everyone involved!
Red Ribbon Week
The Middle School celebrated Rib Ribbon Week Oct 28th-Nov 1st. In true Middle School fashion, students and staff enjoyed the week with dress up days, prizes for proudly wearing their Red Ribbon, and working together to show awareness of the dangers of Drugs and Alcohol. The culmination of the week was each enrichment decorating their doors with their own design and theme to raise awareness of the harm Drugs and Alcohol can play in their lives. A few enrichments also created Public Service Announcements. Most of these activities were done in Enrichment.
Teacher returned
It is great to have Mrs. Schwenk back at the middle school after being gone for maternity leave. Mrs. Schwenk is back in full swing and the student engagement is great. Mr. Bielfeldt thanked Mrs. Denise Kearfott for filling in and covering Mrs. Schwenk’s maternity leave.
Athletics
The girls basketball teams played in the TCC Tournament the week of October 28. The 8th grade team won 3rd place and the 7th grade team received 2nd place to bring home a trophy. Boys basketball is underway. The first scheduled game was on Monday, November 11 at Hoopeston, which was cancelled due to winter weather. The actual first game of the season was Tuesday, November 12 at Blue Ridge. The 7th grade won and the 8th grade lost. With a large turnout of 6th and 7th graders, Coach Berry and Coach Louret elected to keep five extra practice players on the 7th grade team for this year. The first home game is Thursday, November 14.
IPA Fall Leadership Conference
Mr. Bielfeldt thanked the school board for allowing the three building principals to attend the Illinois Principals Association Conference in Peoria October 20-22. The time spent collaborating with each other and meeting and discussing new ideas with other principals is valuable and appreciated.
Upcoming Events
November 12 - Administrators Meeting
November 18 - Board of Education Meeting
November 20 - Team Meetings
November 21 - Title 1 Night at the Middle School
November 26 - School Improvement, early dismissal
December 3 - RACES in 8th grade social studies classes
December 6 - School Dance
December 13 & 14 - Teacher evaluation training
December 13 - End of 2nd cycle of interventions
December 16 - Board of Education meeting
Elementary Principal, Justin Kean
Enrollment: 483
ECE: 17
PreK: 38
K: 83
1st: 61
2nd: 61
3rd: 86
4th: 66
5th: 71
BUG Program
The month of November focuses on citizenship. This month’s 5th grade video includes community members and also goes along with Veteran’s Day.
Parent Teacher Conferences
Approximately 95% of ES students were represented at parent-teacher conferences in October. Teachers are still making conference dates for those families who were not able to make it in October.
Red Ribbon Week
Red Ribbon Week was busy with lots of activities. Thanks to Cathy Walker-Steidinger for organizing Grandparent visits during the week. Kindergarten hosted 132 guests for grandparent visits alone. Mr Kean also thanked the staff for parking away from the building to give grandparents the closer spots. The week ended with an assembly/concert with Jordan and Jill Greenlee.
Halloween
Students dressed up in their Halloween costumes for the day and it was a huge success.
Food Drive
The ES has collected 1300 items so far and will continue to collect through November 15.
Veteran’s Day
Mr. Kean congratulated Mrs. Keefe and all the students on their wonderful performance for Veteran’s Day. He also commented to the board what a great day this is for GCMS and how impactful it is for students to attend the ceremony rather than take the day off from school. The performance also had national recognition by airing on Inside Edition.
Title 1 Lego Night
The lego title night is set for November 14 with a large number of students and families signed up to participate. Mr. Kean will report an update on this event at the December board meeting.
Upcoming activities
December 6 - Project Linus
December 9 - Fireside Chat
December 11 - District Christmas Party
December 13 - ES Christmas Concert Preview
December 13 - Santa Shop
December 15 - Band & Choral Concert
December 18 - ES Christmas Program
Special Education Director, Jesse McFarling
Mr. McFarling reported annual reviews are being scheduled with case managers for each district. He also thanked the elementary school and middle school staff for support of the new special education teachers in each building.
The FCSEC executive committee met on Thursday, November 14 to discuss these agenda items.
● Consideration of Action on the Annual Financial Report
● Update on the start of the 2019-2020 school year
● Report on DLM assessment
● Report on Indicator 6 STate Performance Plan
● Update on HB 3586 Implementation
November Fund Balance: $467,095
Start of the year Fund Balance: $650,552
Mrs. Nuss reported on the completion of both state-mandated and local assessments at the elementary and middle schools. On behalf of Mrs. Lindelof and herself, Mrs. Nuss thanked the GCMS U Mentors who participated in mock parent-teacher conferences for the GCMS U Monthly Meeting. A description of the very successful Title I LEGO Night was provided by Mrs. Nuss with her thanks to the Title I parent coordinating team.
Superintendent’s Report
GCMS Audit
Russell Leigh with Russell Leigh & Associates of Hoopeston presented the GCMS audit report for the school year ending June 30, 2019. Darnell said the delays in receiving the annual reports were due to the firm’s workload and not to any information delays by the district office. Mr Leigh reported a clean audit with no issues, concerns or findings for GCMS School District.
Motion to approve the GCMS annual audit as presented. Motion was made by board member Elder seconded by board member Leonard. Motion carried by roll call with all members present voting yes.
FCSEC Audit
Russell Leigh also presented the FCSEC annual audit report to the Board of Education. Mr. Leigh reported a clean audit for the co-op with no issues.
Motion to approve the FCSEC annual audit as presented on behalf of the FCSEC. Motion was made by board member Tucker-Davis seconded by board member Friday. Motion carried by roll call with all members present voting yes.
Presentation of Annual Board of Education meeting calendar for 2020
The calendar of board meeting dates is listed below. The board will continue to meet on the third Monday of each month, except when the date conflicts with a school holiday.
Motion to approve the 2020 GCMS Board of Education meeting schedule as presented.
Motion was made by board member Leonard seconded by board member Tucker-Davis. Motion carried by roll call with all members present voting yes.
| Monday, January 27, 2020 | Regular Session | 6:15 p.m. |
| Monday, February 24, 2020 | Regular Session | 6:15 p.m. |
| Monday, March 16 | Regular Session | 6:15 p.m. |
| Monday, April 20 | Regular Session | 6:15 p.m. |
| Monday, May 18 | Regular Session | 6:15 p.m. |
| Monday, June 22 | Regular Session | 6:15 p.m. |
| Monday, July 20 | Regular Session | 6:15 p.m. |
| Monday, August 24 | Regular Session | 6:15 p.m. |
| Monday, September 28 | Regular Session | 6:15 p.m. |
| Monday, October 19 | Regular Session | 6:15 p.m. |
| Monday, November 23 | Regular Session | 6:15 p.m. |
| Monday, December 21 | Regular Session | 6:15 p.m. |
Unless otherwise noted or posted, all meetings will be held in the Boardroom at 307 N. Sangamon Street, Gibson City, Illinois 60936.
Adopted: November 18, 2019
ISBE Summative Designations
Superintendent Darnell shared with school board members all three of the district’s schools achieved a “commendable” summative designation, as given by the Illinois State Board of Education. There are four levels of designations given each year to differentiate school performance based on the state’s accountability system. The commendable designation is just below the top designation of “exemplary.” Commendable means the district has no subgroup performing at or below the level of all students, but whose students’ overall performance is not within the top 10 percent of schools statewide. Superintendent Jeremy Darnell said this is the first year for this type of ISBE School Report Card, and while he appreciates the commendable designation for all three school, Darnell said the district is still learning about how to report all the criteria to the Illinois State Board of Education and will continue to work hard and do what’s best for the students.
Resolution for adoption of eLearning days - First Reading
The GCMS School District adopted by resolution to utilize “e-learning days” in lieu of emergency days due to weather related events. E-learning materials were provided to parents in October during parent-teacher conferences. Expectations of learning will be dependent on grade level of the students. Darnell acknowledged the idea of e-learning could be challenging for some, therefore, the concept is a trial run for this school year and it will be re-evaluated at the end of the school year.
Motion to approve the GCMS eLearning resolution as presented. Motion was made by board member Leonard seconded by board member Tucker-Davis. Motion carried by roll call with all members present voting yes.
Unit Office Job Descriptions
New job descriptions were ratified for the GCMS Unit Office. The roles of the Unit Office staff have been streamlined to best serve the district employees. Clarification of roles are as follows; Beth Tabor (Accounts Payable / Administrative Assistant), Lori Kristensen (Human Resources), and Doris DeFries (Finance Administration Manager).
Motion to approve the GCMS Unit Office Job Descriptions as presented. Motion was made by board member Friday seconded by board member Tucker-Davis. Motion carried by roll call with all members present voting yes.
Work Comp Insurance
Superintendent Darnell shared with the board information on the expiring and renewal coverage with the current worker’s compensation insurance carrier, Illinois Public Risk Fund (IPRF) through insurance Providers Group from Champaign, Il. The renewal coverage with IPRF reflects a savings in premium in the amount of $2,351 which is 5.73% less than the 2019 expiring coverage.
Motion to approve the 2020 Workers Compensation insurance renewal as presented. Motion was made by board member Elder seconded by board member Tucker-Davis. Motion carried by roll call with all members present voting yes.
A motion to adjourn the meeting was made by board member Friday and seconded by board member Elder at 7:06 p.m. Motion carried by voice vote, with all members present voting yes.
https://www.gcmsk12.org/BoardMeetings.aspx
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