Carbondale Reporter

Unity Point Community Consolidated School District 140 Board met Nov. 14.

Here are the minutes provided by the board:

The regular meeting of the Unity Point Board of Education was called to order at 6:00 p.m. by the President, Amanda Pangrazio, with the following members present: Morteza Daneshdoost, Elizabeth Mackenbach, Lisa DiBiase, Amanda Pangrazio, Courtney O’Dell, Sylvia Thoms and Robin Warne. Others present were: Dr. Lori James-Gross, Michelle Brown, Leslie Varble and Mary Beth Goff.

Amanda Pangrazio made the motion, seconded by Morteza Daneshdoost to approve the Agenda as amended to strike Executive Session from the Agenda. Motion carried 7-0 with all voting yea.

Morteza Daneshdoost made the motion, seconded by Sylvia Thoms to approve the minutes of the October 19, 2023 Regular Meeting Minutes as amended, copy attached. Motion carried 7-0 with all voting yea.

Morteza Daneshdoost made the motion, seconded by Courtney O’Dell to approve the following Consent Agenda items:

- Approval of Bills

- Presentation of Financial Reports

- Jackson County SFST November Distribution

- Updated Food Service Job Descriptions

- Approval of FY24 School Maintenance Grant Application

- Correspondence

Motion carried 7-0 with all voting yea.

Amanda Pangrazio recognized guests and visitors that were present.

Public Comments:

Becky Borowitz – Stated Jennifer is working on a “stay survey.” The District is in crisis mode and we need to figure out how to get teachers to stay at Unity Point.

Unity Point joined with other Illinois district to thank the seven members of our School Board for their educational leadership. School Board Members Day was on November 15th.

Nathan Fretz, Vice President, Stifel provided an update regarding financing options for the District’s future maintenance projects.

Elizabeth Mackenbach made the motion, seconded by Robin Warne to approve the Resolution to Issue Working Cash Fund Bonds. The resolution is declaring the intention to issue not to exceed $825,000 Working Cash Fund Bonds and directing that notice of such intention be published in the manner provided by law. Motion carried 7- 0 with all voting yea.

The Board discussed the IASB Delegate Assembly Resolutions Review. Courtney O’Dell served as the voting delegate.

The Board discussed the following Board Committee Updates:

1. Policy, October 17 (Exit Survey Demonstration)

2. Curriculum, October 26

3. Finance, TBD

Michelle Brown presented the preliminary tax levy to the Board. The Truth in Taxation Law requires that the district determine the estimated amounts of taxes necessary to be levied for 2023 not less than 20 days prior to the official adoption of the aggregate tax levy. Since the estimated tax levy for 2023 will exceed the prior year’s extension by greater than 5%, the District is required to conduct a Truth in Taxation Public Hearing in December.

Sylvia Thoms made the motion, seconded by Morteza Daneshdoost to move the December Board meeting previously scheduled for December 21st to December 19th at 5:30 p.m. to ensure a timely filing of our tax levy with the County Clerk’s Office. Motion carried 7-0 with all voting yea.

Morteza Daneshdoost made the motion, seconded by Lisa DiBiase to Adopt the Resolution for a Truth in Taxation Hearing. The Truth in Taxation Public Hearing will be held on December 19th at 5:30 p.m. in the Unity Point Library. Motion carried 7-0 with all voting yea.

Morteza Daneshdoost made the motion, seconded by Elizabeth Mackenbach to approve the Resolution Concerning Serious Safety Hazard Finding. Motion carried 7-0 with all voting yea.

IASB Press Plus Policy Services has provided the October 2023, Issue 113 of PRESS Plus with the most recent policy updates. The policy updates will be on review until the time of the second reading and approval at the December Board meeting.

Dr. James-Gross reported no additional hires at this time.

Dr. Lori James-Gross, Superintendent, Leslie Varble, Principal for Instruction, and Mary Beth Goff, Dean of Students, provided the following Administrative Updates:

1. Current Enrollment/Registration Figures

2. Journey12 Public Relations Proposal

3. Technology Update/Hardware Proposal

4. Monthly Behavior Data

5. Continuous School Improvement Update

Board Remarks – Courtney O’Dell reported that Beta Club helped by volunteering with the Boy Scout Food Drive.

Administrative Remarks – Search for a new Superintendent will be put on next month’s agenda. Matilda the Musical was great! Great job to all of kids! Veterans Day Parade was great! Thanks to everyone who helped put that together!

Robin Warne made the motion, seconded by Sylvia Thoms to adjourn the meeting at 8:39 p.m. Motion carried 7- 0 with all voting yea.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1_qKjTLPpnJ2t-m67fe_uVO2whN0eZdkq/view