Murphysboro Community Unit School District 186 Board of Education met October 17.
Here is the minutes provided by the Board:
The regular meeting of the Board of Education was called to order by President Rick Runge at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, October 17, 2017, in the Board Room at McElvain School, 593 Ava Road, Murphysboro, Illinois.
Board Members present: Mr. Beavers, Mrs. Doerr, Mr. Green, Mrs. Jaynes, Mrs. Miller, Mr. Runge.
Board Members absent: Dr. Corley
Administrators Present: Mr. Grode, Mrs. Bush, Mr. Wilson, Mr. Keener, Mr. Huppert, Mrs. Ehlers.
Administrators Absent: None
Others present: Steve Carrington, Georgia Marshall, John Keller, Dawn Taylor, Heather Parr, Matt Todd, Melinda Pierson, Tom Crabtree (Stifel).
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mrs. Ehlers.
Mr. Beavers made the motion and Mrs. Miller gave the second to approve the agenda as presented.
A voiced vote was recorded as follows: Aye – All; Nay – None; Absent – Corley
The president declared the motion carried.
Mr. Green made the motion and Mrs. Miller gave the second to approve the consent agenda consisting of the following items:
District #186 regular board meeting minutes dated September 19, 2017
District #186 budget hearing meeting minutes dated September 19, 2017
Tri-County regular board minutes dated September 13, 2017
Tri-County Bills for October 2017
Applications
Reports
A voiced vote was recorded as follows: Aye – All; Nay – None; Absent – Corley
The president declared the motion carried.
Mr. Beavers made the motion and Mrs. Jaynes gave the second to approve the bills for October 2017 as presented.
A roll call vote was recorded as follows:
Mr. Beavers – Aye Mrs. Doerr – Aye Mr. Runge – Aye
Mrs. Jaynes – Aye Mr. Green – Aye
Dr. Corley – Absent Mrs. Miller – Aye
The president declared the motion carried.
Under Communications, Mr. Beavers made the motion and Mrs. Doerr gave the second to approve a resignation as secretary from Rebecca Korando effective December 22, 2017.
A voiced vote was recorded as follows: Aye – All; Nay – None; Absent – Corley
The president declared the motion carried.
Mrs. Jaynes made the motion and Mr. Green gave the second to approve a resignation as aide from Jance Curry-Witzman effective October 19, 2017.
A voiced vote was recorded as follows: Aye – All; Nay – None; Absent – Corley
The president declared the motion carried.
Fish Bowl items were read.
There were two requests falling under the Freedom of Information Act requests: (1) from Parent’s Foundation for Education requesting information pertaining to all staff (name, position, gender, race, salary, etc.); 2) from Kirk Allen with Illinois Leaks requesting information pertaining to debt of district, payment structures for debt, superintendent compensation, contract, and agenda/minutes showing approval of superintendent contract. Information was submitted.
In addition, an informal request came from MEA wanting itemized bills that board members requested at the last meeting for Playon sports, specialized services, Inc., Murphysboro Lawn and Garden. In addition they requested overtime worked by district maintenance staff for months of May through September 2017; activity reports; and presentation on Review of Student Scores. Information was submitted.
There were no public or employee comments presented.
Under Old Business, Mr. Grode indicated that funding numbers are not set yet. He is hoping these will be available in November. The first installment of property taxes has been received which is great news. The second installment is likely to be received middle of November.
Construction is moving along at the high school. A waterline has been moved and fiber has been removed. They have been working on a new driveway. Footings are being dug. The high school office area will be moving to a different location soon. The high school staff has been very cooperative with having to share classrooms and with the disruption of routines.
Press 95 and a 5-year review of policies have been on review since the September meeting. Under Policy 6:330 Achievements and Awards, Mr. Grode recommended removing the paragraph relating to naming a high school valedictorian and salutatorian because this is not currently being followed. Some board members disagree and think that a valedictorian and salutatorian should be designated. There was discussion on the pros and cons. Mr. Wilson supports not designating the positions. A motion was finally made by Mrs. Miller and seconded by Mr. Beavers to approve the recommendation by Mr. Grode to remove the reference of naming a high school valedictorian and salutatorian in Policy 6:330.
A roll call vote was recorded as follows:
Mrs. Miller – Aye Mr. Green – Nay Mr. Runge – Aye
Mr. Beavers – Aye Mrs. Jaynes – Nay
Mrs. Doerr – Aye Dr. Corley – Absent
The president declared the motion carried.
Mr. Green made a motion and Mrs. Miller gave the second to approve entering into an agreement with Athletico for athletic trainer services for the remainder of the school year in the amount of $27,900.
A roll call vote was recorded as follows:
Mr. Green – Aye Mr. Beavers – Aye Mr. Runge – Aye
Mrs. Miller – Aye Dr. Corley – Absent
Mrs. Jaynes – Aye Mrs. Doerr – Aye
The president declared the motion carried.
Naming of district facilities was discussed. Pursuant to a previous discussion at the September board meeting, Mr. Grode developed a draft guideline of criteria to name a facility or area in the district. As part of this, a monetary donation is tied to the naming. There was discussion about adding how to “remove a name,” as well as, details to which one would pay off the donation. Board members were asked to contact Mr. Grode with any questions or concerns that may arise before the November board meeting.
The next item for discussion was a resolution providing for the issue of not to exceed $8,000,000 General Obligation School Bonds (Alternate Revenue Source), Series 2017, for the purpose of altering, repairing and equipping the Murphysboro High School, building and equipping a performing arts center as an addition thereto, and improving the site thereof, providing for the pledge of certain revenues and the levy of a direct annual tax sufficient to pay the principal and interest on said bonds and authorizing the sale of said bonds to Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Inc.
The resolution sets forth the parameters for the issuance of the bonds and sale by the designated officials of the district. Mr. Grode and Mrs. Bush explained the terms governing the manner of sale, length of maturity, rates of interest, purchase price, and pledged revenues and tax levy for the bonds.
Mrs. Bush provided the board with a copy of sales tax revenue study provided by PGAV planners and copy of rating from S&P Global to which all gets tied into the bond issue. Tom Crabtree with Stifel spoke to the board. Pricing of the bonds will be November 2nd. The amount to be approved is a “parameter” and is set higher than will be necessary. It is estimated that approximately $5,500,000 will be closer to the actual amount needed. He provided an example showing county sales tax revenue, debt service, abatement, excess funds. In discussing funds that will be available, the middle school elevator project was of concern and whether funding will be available. It will be available within the year. The project is estimated to take place summer 2018. The board will determine how much money will be abated and these don’t have to be set at this meeting. The resolution is a step in the process to sell the bonds. It is understood that abatement of county sales tax and upcoming projects will be factored in later.
Mr. Green made a motion and Mrs. Miller made a motion to approve the resolution as presented (and stated above).
A roll call vote was recorded as follows:
Mr. Green – Aye Mr. Beavers – Aye Mr. Runge – Aye
Mrs. Miller – Aye Dr. Corley – Absent
Mrs. Jaynes – Aye Mrs. Doerr – Aye
The president declared the motion carried.
Under New Business, a disclosure compliance policy resolution was recommended by the administration in order for the district to be in compliance with the Securities and Exchange Commission with regard to current and future bond issuances. Mrs. Jaynes made the motion and Mr. Beavers gave the second to approve a resolution adopting a disclosure compliance policy for the District and to designate the business manager (Jan Bush) as the District Disclosure Officer.
A roll call vote was recorded as follows:
Mrs. Jaynes – Aye Dr. Corley – Absent Mr. Runge – Aye
Mr. Beavers – Aye Mrs. Doerr – Aye
Mrs. Miller – Aye Mr. Green – Aye
The president declared the motion carried.
The proposed tax levy procedures were discussed first by looking at the last 10 years and what percentage was levied. The actual percentage was compared. In order to meet the requirements, if a district levies 5% or above, a hearing must be held. In the past, the district levied high in order to maximize the actual amount of levy received. Over the past 10 years only 2 years were higher than 4.9% -- one year being when Walmart was opened. The administration suggested a 4.9% levy. This would alleviate the need for a hearing and should adequately cover the district’s need. The board discussed the percentage they preferred to levy. Some felt the public hearing should be held and suggested levying 6% or 9%.
Mrs. Doerr made a motion and Mrs. Jaynes gave the second to approve a resolution determining the estimated amount of property taxes necessary to be levied (6%) for 2017.
A roll call vote was recorded as follows:
Mrs. Doerr – Aye Dr. Corley – Absent Mr. Runge – Aye
Mrs. Jaynes – Aye Mr. Green – Aye
Mr. Beavers – Nay Mrs. Miller - Aye
The president declared the motion carried.
Mrs. Miller made the motion and Mr. Green gave the second to set the tax levy hearing for November 21, 2017 at 6:15 p.m. in the board room at McElvain School.
A voiced vote was recorded as follows: Aye – All; Nay – None; Absent – Corley
The president declared the motion carried.
Mr. Beavers made the motion and Mr. Green gave the second to approve an interfund loan between the Operations and Maintenance Fund and Capital Projects Fund in the amount of $2,076,171 for the unspent high school auditorium proceeds as of June 30, 2017 and to approve the repayment of said interfund loan in the amount of $2,076,171.
A voiced vote was recorded as follows: Aye – All; Nay – None; Absent – Corley
The president declared the motion carried.
Mrs. Miller made a motion and Mrs. Jaynes gave the second to approve the 2016-2017 audit report as presented.
A voiced vote was recorded as follows: Aye – All; Nay – None; Absent – Corley
The president declared the motion carried.
Mrs. Jaynes made the motion and Mr. Green gave the second to authorize the administration to repay the interfund loans in the amount of $870,000 from the Education Fund to the Working Cash Fund, $700,000 from the Education Fund to the Operations and Maintenance Fund and $100,000 from the Education Fund to the Transportation Fund.
A voiced vote was recorded as follows: Aye – All; Nay – None; Absent – Corley
The president declared the motion carried.
It is becoming increasingly difficult to find substitute teachers. The board discussed increasing the pay in hopes to draw in more individuals to sub. In regard to substitute pay, Mrs. Miller made a motion and Mr. Beavers gave the second to establish $80/day for a substitute that holds a substitute license and $100 for certified teacher; long-term substitute certificate ($120) and long-term certified teacher ($150) for first 20 days, then beginning with the 21st day, they will get the per diem (base rate) rate for an employed certified teacher.
A voiced vote was recorded as follows: Aye – All; Nay – None; Absent – Corley
The president declared the motion carried.
Mr. Green made a motion and Mrs. Jaynes gave the second to approve the review and submittal of the State Library Grant Expenditure Report and Application as presented.
A voiced vote was recorded as follows: Aye – All; Nay – None; Absent – Corley
The president declared the motion carried.
Mr. Grode presented a brief overview of each building’s focus for the school year. The high school will be working with RTI (Response to Interventions) and SAT scores and will be focusing on Freshman class. Middle School is analyzing Math data for 6th graders, using a new schedule with allows for smaller class size in Math. Carruthers is using PLCs (Professional Learning Communities), incorporating ELA and grade levels. Teachers are working more collaboratively to better monitor a student’s learning. They are also looking at English to engage better Reading data. General Logan is using Standard Based Report Cards, beginning with Kindergarten and will continue with additional grade levels each year. The ROE is assisting with this.
Mr. Beavers made the motion and Mrs. Miller gave the second to move into closed session pursuant to Section 2 of the Open Meetings Act, 5 Illinois Compiled Statutes 120/2(c), to review:
1. The appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance or dismissal of specific employees of the district including hearing testimony on a complaint lodged against an employee to determine its validity.
A roll call vote was recorded as follows:
Mr. Beavers – Aye Mrs. Doerr – Aye Mr. Runge – Aye
Mrs. Miller – Aye Mr. Green – Aye
Dr. Corley – Absent Mrs. Jaynes – Aye
The president declared the motion carried.
The board moved to closed session at 8:41 p.m. The board returned to open session at 8:59 p.m.
Mrs. Jaynes made the motion and Mrs. Doerr gave the second to approve the closed session minutes from the regular meeting dated September 19, 2017.
A voiced vote was recorded as follows: Aye – All; Nay – None; Absent – Corley
The president declared the motion carried.
Mr. Beavers made a motion and Mrs. Miller gave the second to post for an EOC aide at middle school and secretary at high school.
A roll call vote was recorded as follows:
Mrs. Doerr – Aye Mrs. Jaynes – Aye Mr. Runge – Aye
Mrs. Miller – Aye Mr. Beavers – Aye
Mr. Green – Aye Dr. Corley – Absent
The president declared the motion carried.
Mr. Beavers made the motion and Mrs. Jaynes gave the second to adjourn the meeting at 9:01 p.m.
A voiced vote was recorded as follows: Aye – All; Nay – None; Absent – Corley
The president declared the motion carried.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B2XlVvX7kb98RVNZRW13d0JfNlFCRjBMMUhuaUZjMUs3ZFo4/preview
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